My little men are 8 and 10 this year. And while the younger man still whole heartedly accepts my fibs, I got busted by my elder boy when the tooth fairy snuck in just a wee bit too soon one evening after bedtime. He didn’t let on until the next morning, but he quickly extrapolated as to what no tooth fairy meant for the rest of the magic in his holidays. I neither confirmed nor denied his assertions, but I did tell him to leave his brother out of it. I knew I’d been found out.

I did momentarily feel a little sad that some of the magic was gone, but it didn’t last. I have long said I couldn’t wait for the day that we could all share in the magic without the trickery. Santa and the bunny and the tooth fairy can all still exist (and they do!), but everyone (except Mr. 8) is in on it. It is way more fun this way. I knew it would be, even growing up, with siblings much older than myself, we never really spoke the “truth” of Santa and the others. One time I remember mentioning it to my brother when he was 15 and I was only 7, said with total sincerity, “I have no idea what you’re talking about, don’t let mom hear you say that,” when I asked him if Santa was real. So I never did, and we all played along, and still do to some extent. It is the best!

I tell you all of this, because the way I see it, the wonder of Christianity—the baby in the manger, the man on the cross, and all the miraculous things that happened in between—is so much better when we are all in on the secret. It is magical and mysterious, and open to theological interpretation and debate. That makes it even better, when everyone is welcomed into the story, to ask questions and explore. We can better appreciate the awe in it when we start to understand it. We better understand the needs of others when we meet them where they are and sit with them and learn from them. While the whole Santa thing is fun, sharing the secret and having everyone a part of it, is better, at least in my books. Merry Christmas!

The post Welcome Everyone Into The Story appeared first on Anglican Life.

Supporting the food bank in the community

The post From The Parish of Gambo appeared first on Anglican Life.

As a gift planning consultant, my job to raise awareness about the benefits of planned giving and to assist you in your prayerful consideration of leaving something in your will for your church. So here goes: “50 ways to leave your legacy;” and as Paul Simon says, “Let’s hit the road Jack.”

1. Prepare a will.
2. Prepare an estate plan.
3. Make a bequest in your will. 
4. Include a bequest for your parish
5. Or your diocese. 
6. Or your cathedral
7. Queen’s College
8. Lavrock
9. Anglican Life
10. Home Again Furniture Bank
11. PWRDF
12. Anglican Charitable Foundation for Children
13. Bishop Abraham Fund
14. Anglican Homes
15. CLB
16. Deaf Ministry
17. Hospital Chaplaincy
18. Mun Chaplaincy
19. Planned giving ministry
20. The Anglican Foundation
21. General Synod
22. Gift of cabin and/or boat
23. Anglican Appeal
24. Council of the North
25. Youth Ministry Fund
26. Scholarships for Queen’s College students
27. Consider gifts of real estate
28. How about gifts of stocks and/or bonds?
29. Why not gifts of vehicles?
30. Or jewelry?
31. What about an annual gift of appreciated securities for your parish or diocese?
32. Purchase a gift plus annuity
33. Or a gift from your RRSPs or RID account.
34. Make the church the beneficiary of an existing insurance policy
35. Transfer ownership of a policy to the church.
36. Create a new insurance policy and name the church as beneficiary.
37. Remember loved ones with a memorial gift.
38. Create a donor advised fund that supports a parish in perpetuity.
39. Think about a gift of private company shares.
40. Support your rector’s discretionary fund to assist needy families.
41. Make a bequest for your parish’s endowment fund.
42. Leave a bequest for your parish’s ministry to the Association for New Canadians.
43. Or the Single Parents’ Association.
44. Endow a Chair at Queen’s College.
45. Create a bursary Fund for young campers at Lavrock.
46. Make a bequest for the Compass Rose Society – an international ministry.
47. Be an example to others in your parish, encouraging them to leave bequests to the parish.
48. “Adopt the Church” as another child in your will.
49. A gift for ministry in Labrador
50. Talk with your family about naming your church as memorial gift recipient in your obituary.

There you have it! As Paul says, “Make a new plan, Stan.” If you need information or help in planning these legacy ideas, please contact me.

The post 50 Ways To Leave Your Legacy appeared first on Anglican Life.

Before our world was turned upside down with the coronavirus, that concept was exemplified in our Anglican Church calendar as each event was marked and celebrated in accordance with its respective time and church season throughout the year, both spiritual and temporal. 

For the last two years, time has taken on a different persona, where the movement of scheduled activities is dependent upon the current circumstances and the monitoring of active coronavirus cases. 

While being blessed with the resumption of in house Sunday morning worship, close fellowship is limited due to social distancing and mask wearing. 

But this fall, in an effort to regain some sense of normalcy, we have taken a giant leap in faith in the organization and planning of some regular activities. 

However, in setting a date for their functions, timing is merely speculative. We are forever cognitive that COVID-19 flare-ups are always possible, and that they would necessitate a lockdown; this has already occurred in other areas of our province. 

Needless to say, despite any negativity, optimism has always prevailed here at St. John The Evangelist, Topsail. 

Perseverance and prevailing positive attitude guided us during the recent three-day tentative preparation period for a flea market. Our most gratifying reward was seeing this activity going forward on its scheduled date of October 23rd. 

Since our last two flea markets were cancelled due to COVID-19, we had many more items for sale, and of great variety, accumulated to offer. Most significant was one large table displaying Christmas paraphernalia exclusively. 

As each person entered the hall, interested in viewing or buying what we offered, there was no hesitation in complying with the rule of showing a vaccine passport. 

Strict health guidelines were also respected—masks on, touching and hugging off. 

So, for the time being, while there are traces of COVID-19 in our midst, we must accept the truism, that to remain safe, there is no room for complacency. 

There is a time to embrace
And a time to refrain from embracing.
Ecclesiastes 3:1

The post A Time To Embrace, And A Time To Refrain From Embracing appeared first on Anglican Life.

This is the last column written by Ronald Clarke for Anglican Life; it appeared in the December 2021 print issue of the paper.

Ronald Clarke was a columnist for Anglican Life for many years, and his column was always a favourite part of the paper for its readers. We all felt inspired by his example of faith. As he wrote in this column, we need to “block out the noise and focus on God’s Light—his son, Our Saviour, Jesus Christ.” We will all miss Ronald Clarke, and we send condolences to his family. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

All over the world, Christians begin preparing for the birth of Christ four Sundays before Christmas Eve. The four Sundays of Advent give Christians a wonderful build up to the most amazing event—the birth of Jesus Christ. Each Sunday during Advent, a candle is lit to represent the light of God coming into the world. With each passing Sunday the light expands, until finally on Christmas Eve, all four Advent candles are lit, and then the Christ candle is lit as well. So much light coming from the candles, representing the light of God coming down to earth and shining for those who believe.

As a child, candles were costly and not used often in our homes. Most light came from kerosene lamps which buzzed and gave off a black smoke when lit. The smell was chemical and not a very pleasant experience, but one that everyone came to get used to. In comparison, the candles that were lit in the church during Advent seemed to just give off a radiant light. There wasn’t a sound or a smell, just a beautiful glow. As a child I felt that glow and looked forward to the Sundays to come and the glow to get brighter. By Christmas Eve, our church seemed to be lit like the day—all from five candles. It was magical when I was a boy, and even now the lighting of the candles during Advent holds a special place in my heart, and it’s part of the Christmas joy I still have.

The light of the world came down to earth that night in the form of the Son of God. God didn’t come to the world in a bolt of lightning to frighten his believers. God sent his son as a baby—a helpless child who needed so much support and care. God’s new Light of the World was a small child, a small spark, which would go on to burn brighter than any star in the heavens. Jesus as a baby was similar to that first candle lit for Advent. Jesus began as a small light, but held within him the hopes of the world. Jesus, as we know, grew to be a man who changed our world and the lives of many millions of Christians around the world. The joy that began with Jesus’ birth spread around the world and continues to light up darkness in our world. Without the hope and joy of the birth of Jesus Christ many people would be in darkness and lost to God’s great and everlasting love.

This year, I would like Christians to think about the Light of the World, especially on Christmas Eve. Try to let go of all the trials and tribulations we have been through lately and focus on that light—which is in everyone’s life—you just need to block out the noise and focus on God’s Light—his son, Our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Happy Birthday Jesus! We are so glad you were born to lighten our world.

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you this blessed season!

The post Christmas Light appeared first on Anglican Life.

On October 13th, the Rev’d Sandra Roberts was ordained a deacon in God’s Church by Bishop John Watton in Milltown, NL.

The Rev’d Terrance Loder
Ordained Priest

On October 25th, the Rev’d Terrance Loder was ordained a priest in God’s Church by Bishop John Organ in the Parish of Cox’s Cove McIvers, NL.

The Rev’d Cynthia Haines-Turner
Ordained Priest

On October 28th, the Rev’d Cynthia Haines-Turner was ordained a priest in God’s Church by Bishop John Organ at St. Mary The Virgin Church in Corner Brook, NL.

The post Ordinations appeared first on Anglican Life.

These Prayer Quilts will be given to the sick, as needed, in the communities of Norris Point, Rocky Harbour, and Sally’s Cove. 

The post Prayer Quilts Blessed appeared first on Anglican Life.

On October 24th, St. James’s Church in Port aux Basques held a Memorial Hymn Sing at their 10:00 am Service. It was a beautiful service of music and prayers to remember our loved ones who have passed away.

123rd Anniversary of ACW

On November 1st, the ACW of Port aux Basques celebrated their 123rd anniversary. The day started with worship in the form of morning prayer, and there were approximately 25 ladies in attendance. After this, we went to the Memorial Centre and breakfast was served. It was a beautiful day of prayer and praise with our ACW. Pictured in the pulpit is the Rev’d Jane Allen.

The post News From St. James’, Port Aux Basques appeared first on Anglican Life.

When the Biblical writers talked about ‘leprosy’, they were using the word as a catch-all term for a number of disfiguring skin diseases that were chronic and contagious. Centuries before germ theory, people already realized that you could catch some diseases by coming into close contact with those who were infected. In order to protect the community, the Law of Moses ordered that someone who had been diagnosed with one of these chronic contagious diseases needed to dress distinctly, announce that they were ‘unclean’, cover their mouth, and quarantine themselves away from the rest of the community (Leviticus 13.45–46). A meme making the rounds on social media this fall pointed out that the Bible specifically orders both masks and physical distancing!

This was part of the world that Jesus lived in, and the Gospels are clear that he took these Old Testament ‘special measures orders’ seriously. He cared for lepers and did not shun them, but every single time he encountered lepers, it was somewhere outside. He never healed lepers in the synagogues, because they would not have been allowed that close to the rest of the community. He never argued that these rules were unfair or exclusive. He healed the lepers, removing the obstacle that kept them out of community, and told them to show themselves to the priests to get a clean bill of health. (Because Jewish priests in those days were expected to be experts not just in sacrificing, but also in diagnosing skin diseases!)

It’s worth pointing out that unlike us, Jesus was able to cure leprosy with a word. When he gave his disciples authority to cleanse lepers, he was telling them to reintegrate them into the community through healing and health, not by pretending that their highly contagious and sometimes life-threatening diseases did not matter. It’s also worth pointing out that unlike the lepers of biblical times, most unvaccinated adults are almost always unvaccinated by choice. People who have certified medical reason not to be vaccinated, and who have no choice in the matter, have medical exemptions and are indistinguishable from the fully-vaccinated.

Jesus didn’t welcome lepers into the synagogue, but he always cared for them and treated them as valued children of God. Perhaps if we were keen to apply his example to the members of our communities who are unvaccinated, we would take his charge to the disciples seriously. Cleanse the lepers. Help the people who cannot navigate the medical system, so that they can get their shots and help end this pandemic. Offer a ride to someone who cannot get to a clinic themselves. Reassure those who are hesitant, and sit with those who are afraid of needles. And for those who still remain unvaccinated, our churches need to continue to offer online worship and a robust sense of online community, even for those whose choices keep them from joining us in person. If we were serious about ‘What would Jesus do,’ there would be no question of what we should do.

The post What Would Jesus Do? Not What You Think appeared first on Anglican Life.

This Christmastide, we were warned well in advance that the “stuff” that we need to purchase to give life meaning, is going to be harder to get, both in physical stores and online, so “you’d better start spending early.” These voices began to strategically and loudly proclaim this message, just ahead of the quieter, spiritual, and prayerful ones, which remind us of how love is enough, and that love can still bring meaning and purpose to each life.

I am hopeful, however. I hope soon to be thankful, because it is also seems that we live in a time when a large portion of our world has started to pay attention to things we had taken for granted. For example, we are paying attention to economic inequalities, indigenous pain and suffering, difficulties and concerns around health care, and an overall awakening to the fragility of human beings.

I am reminded of St.Paul’s simple phrase in Galatians 4:4: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son…”

Many biblical commentators refer to this passage as reflecting on how the time of Jesus was perfect in relation to an amalgamation of religious views, communication, travel, and culture, which allowed the message of Jesus to evolve and spread.

That too brings me hope, because we are certainly paying attention to different things these days. How wonderful it might be if the world hears the message of Jesus being spoken into each selfish heart, each guarded nation, each capitalist venture. How wonderful if the message of love, hope, caring, sharing, and sacrifice is actually given a chance to change us, as our world re-forms its life.

Come Lord Jesus, be born among us, walk with us, and change our hearts.

I join with the Church in the Diocese of Central Newfoundland ,in wishing you the fullest blessings of the Incarnation.

The post When The Fullness of Time Had Come, God Sent Forth His Son appeared first on Anglican Life.