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These are the questions my tired brain has been asking a lot lately. Where is my motivation?

I have never been a big believer in the concept of burnout, for myself. I can completely see how it happens to other people. Single parents, in my book, are absolute superheroes. Healthcare workers in a pandemic are definitely heroes. But for me? Of course not! I have a 9-5 office job and a partner to share the load with at home. What do I have to be burned out about?

Then I find myself wondering aloud to a friend, that there must be more to life than just this grind we are in. Cook, clean, go to work, get kids to school, make sure they get their homework done, take them to the activities, clean some more, cook some more, day in and day out. Don’t forget to eat well, keep active and get enough rest. How exactly can one actually accomplish all that?

There has to be more to it right? Or less? It just doesn’t seem meaningful. What is this feeling?

Yeah, that’s burnout, they say.

Who me? Can’t be!

When you start fantasizing about having any other life than this, I figure it’s a safe bet something is amiss. Turns out even us 9 – 5’ers can get stuck, grinding away at all the daily things, and can no longer see the things that bring us joy, or even find joy in them if we can see them—and that hurts. It is exhausting. It is hard to find the motivation to get up and face yet another day of the grind. My get up and go got up and went.

Which leads me to wonder, how did the disciples do it? How did they go out day in and day out, face persecution and hate, and almost certain death if discovered by the rulers of the day? That is some kind of insanity. I can’t even bear the thought of another weekend spent doing laundry and cleaning bathrooms. No one is threatening my life. I won’t end up nailed to the cross for my convictions, or lack thereof.

Is that simply the power of the Holy Spirit? Was that the inspiration they needed to ride it out, to share the gospel—to bring God’s love to the people? And can we all have that same motivation, inspiration, and passion for our lives and what we do with them?

If we can, I haven’t found it just yet. Or it hasn’t found me. Or maybe I’m too stubborn to let it in.

The post What Keeps Us Motivated? appeared first on Anglican Life.

Now, for most people, french fries doesn’t seem like much to give up. Usually, people don’t have french fries more than once a week, and that is how often I have french fries too. But the perfect deep fried french fry is one of my favourite things to eat! I know they aren’t good for you and my favourite food should be a vegetable, but my preference is for a golden-brown crispy potato!

So, every year, beginning on Ash Wednesday, I stop eating french fries until after Good Friday. Although forty days doesn’t seem like a long time, it becomes longer in my mind as I count the days to my french fry fest on Easter weekend! I don’t know if it’s just me, but when I deny myself something I want it even more. During those forty days, it seems all the people around me choose french fries as their side for most meals. French fries seem to be everywhere, yet I can’t have them!

I realize that it’s my choice not to have french fries, but I do feel the temptation to have “just one” every time I’m around them. 

The temptation of being around something I have chosen not to have is in no way comparable to the temptations that Jesus faced while he was in the desert for forty days, but it does remind me of Jesus’ plight every time I see french fries during Lent. I can’t imagine the courage Jesus had to resist Satan’s offerings while he was in the desert. Imagine being offered everything your heart desired and having the strength to say no to it! During Jesus’ forty days, the devil offered him everything the human heart seemed to desire, yet Jesus said no three times. Jesus was being offered everything that the “human” heart desired. The devil forgot or chose to deny Jesus’ deity. Jesus is God’s son and therefore was more than human. 

Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness required him to deny his weak “human” side and to lean into his godliness. In denying the temptations offered to him we witness his strength and power! Jesus shows us how to resist earthly offerings and to instead, choose the way of God and his powerful love!

Once again, this year, I have chosen to give up my beloved french fries. Every time I chose not to have them, I remember how strong and powerful Jesus, his Father, and the Holy Spirit are in my life. Maybe this year, you can also give up something for Lent to remind you of Jesus’ sacrifice for us all!

God bless you.

The post Temptation appeared first on Anglican Life.

I have been a member of the faith community of St. John the Evangelist for over sixty years. During that time, I have had the distinguished opportunity to collaborate with thirteen different rectors, and have witnessed inductions, duly bestowed. However, from 2011 to 2021, our spiritual situation was somewhat altered. Of the seven priests who served our congregation during that period, we were dependent upon five guest ministers. We would never discount the dedication of these very qualified priests, as each had his own special and individual gift of conveyance. 

But about a year ago, with no permanent priest for some time, we welcomed the permanency of Rev’d Noel to our parish. So after several years of hellos and goodbyes, this special induction was long anticipated and celebrated on the second Sunday of Advent. 

We were blessed with the presence of several organizations of the town of CBS, where volunteering is reflective of the healthy functioning of its people. Joining us to welcome Rev’d Josiah were representatives from the town of CBS; the Paradise and CBS food bank; the CLB, Upper Gullies company; 1st Topsail Scouts; the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 50; the CBS Chamber of Commerce; and the Society of United Fishermen No. 41, Topsail. Rev’d Josiah thanked them for the welcome and reiterated that together we can build a more secure and vibrant community. 

We were especially blessed to have in our midst Rev’d Noel’s mother who participated in the service by delivering psalm 100. 

Before the induction ceremony, Amanda Dawe graced the congregation with her solo, “You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord.” 

In compliance with protocol, the wardens and a representative of the parish approached the Bishop with the request to proceed with the induction. The licence was then read by the Bishop on behalf of the people of the parish.

In his address to Rev’d Josiah, Bishop Sam continued by asking if he would commit to this trust and responsibility—with the reply “I do.” In like manner, the bishop asked the congregation for their support of Rev’d Noel in his ministry, with the guarantee, “We do.” He concluded by asking the visitors if they would support Rev’d Noel and the parish, with the response, “We will.” 

Representatives of the congregation then presented symbols of ministry on behalf of the whole people of God.

A Bible: the story of God’s Love. A vessel of water: baptism. Oil: anointing of the Holy Spirit. Bread and Wine: the Eucharist. The Liturgical books: lead us in worship. Keys to the church: an open and welcome community. A copy of the canons of the diocese: to work with communities and organizations of the church. 

The ceremony concluded with the invitation of all present who are baptized members of their own church to participate in the Eucharist, which was followed by the retrieving of the colours and the Royal Anthem.
Then Bishop Sam, Rev’d Josiah, guests, and parishioners were ushered downstairs to the choir’s rhythm of “ To God Be The Glory,” while a delicious lunch was prepared and served by the ACW team. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart In all your ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct your path.”

Proverbs 3: 5. 

The post Induction of The Rev’d Josiah Wade Noel as Rector of St. John the Evangelist, Topsail appeared first on Anglican Life.

Copies of these brochures will be shared with Central and Western Newfoundland if they wish to adapt the contents to their particular dioceses.

The purpose of these brochures is to introduce planned giving, and to encourage our faithful parishioners to get their estates in order and to prayerfully consider leaving a bequest or some other product for their parish, to their diocese or to the national church. It explains what planned giving is and discusses the various ways to give. These include bequests in wills, life insurance, gifts of property and gifts of appreciated securities.

It suggests that writing your will and planning your estate go hand in hand. Through careful planning, you can minimize taxes on your final tax return, and increase the amount that is left for the important things that you hold dear in your life—your family and the Church’s ministry. It also points out that planned gifts can be directed to support specific programs in your parish, in the diocese, or in the national church. Examples of this would be youth ministry, Christian education, Queen’s College, an outreach ministry, or the social justice of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF).

Copies of this new brochure will be available sometime within the next few months.

“Living is giving. We live life best as we give our strengths, gifts and competencies in the service of God’s mission. We are called to serve, not survive. Our giving makes a difference in our families, our work, our community, our world and our church.”

– Kennon L. Callahan, Champion of Christian Stewardship

The post How Will You Be Remembered? appeared first on Anglican Life.

The public uses the archive for several reasons. Most people come to an archive to search for members of their family. They may want to find the birth, marriage, or death of a relative. At ABMA we have registers of birth, marriage, and death for most parishes in our diocese. These registers date back in some instances to the late 18th century. You can call the archive to ask the archivist to search for your relative’s information. Before you call it is important to have as much information about your family member to tell the archivist as the more information you give the quicker the search will be.

ABMA has other types of documents besides church registers. We also have land deeds that show lands that belong to various parishes.

We have many minutes of church organizations such as parish councils, the ACW, the GFS, and other church groups. There are many documents related to schools such as Bishop Feild College and Bishop Spencer College. ABMA has all the publications of the church such as the Diocesan Magazine, which became the Churchman, and is now Anglican Life. The SPG (Society for the Propagation of the Gospel) documents are also housed in our archive. These documents tell the history of our church in Newfoundland and Labrador.

As we are a hierarchical church, we have the papers of all the bishops of our diocese beginning with Bishop Spencer, our first bishop to our present bishop, the Rt. Rev’d Samuel Rose. Not only from bishops, but we also have papers and books written by various parish priests. We have several of the late Archdeacon Buckle’s (Archdeacon for Labrador) books about the church in Labrador.

Among our various collections, we have many hundreds of photographs of our clergy and people. Photographs of bishops, priests, church groups, church people at work in their parishes and many pictures of our various churches and communities.

At ABMA we give the care of our documents the greatest priority. As archivist, I have always preached to parish leaders how important it is to care for their documents while being used, and when they have been filled, it is mandatory to get them to the archive. There they can be preserved and catalogued. If stored incorrectly they can deteriorate quickly and then be lost forever.

The post Our Archdeacon Buckle Memorial Archive appeared first on Anglican Life.

CHRISTMAS CANTATA – St. Paul’s Church of the Grand Bay Parish presented the annual Christmas cantata on December 11th at the church. It told the Christmas story, with members of the congregation taking part as cast members. The New Wine Gospel group singers and musicians performed the musical selections. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event so special.

ECUMENICAL SERVICE IN PORT AUX BASQUES – St. Paul’s New Wine Gospel group and musicians took part in the Christmas ecumenical service held at St. James’ Anglican church in Port aux Basques, on December 2nd. The members of the Southwest coast ministerial association also performed a musical selection.

The post New Wine Gospel Group Performs at Christmas Events appeared first on Anglican Life.

Is this a risk? Yes it is. Is it scary? 100% yes; I know that I’ve lost sleep, and so have many others. But what are we, the Church, really here for? We need to prioritize our ministry to the wider community; we need to have the time to attend Bible studies and learning groups in order to increase our understanding and to grow theologically; maybe we need to put money into a music program to enhance our worship; we need to be able to spend time in the worship of God, and be at peace, not constantly fretting about oil and electric bills (or a mortgage).

Living in a constant state of heightened anxiety is draining emotionally, spiritually, and physically; those of us who have been fighting for these churches for years and years now are tired. How much time to do you take any more for the true worship of God? How much for Christian education? Is your church a place where you find peace, or one that causes you stress and worry all the time?

I sincerely hope that many of you are reading this from a parish where you are able to focus on all of the good and important things, but if you’re not, ask yourself why not.

Things are constantly changing, and God is always challenging us. The pandemic has thrown us all a huge curveball—none of us saw this coming, and it’s given us huge challenges to overcome. But these challenges can come with excitement and with new possibilities for growth. One of the truest things that I have heard in a long time about the Church is that those of us on the inside often don’t want things to change because we are the ones that things are working for. But if we really want to spread the Gospel and the love of God to the world, which is what we are all called to do, we shouldn’t waste energy maintaining things that we don’t need.

The post Taking A Risk appeared first on Anglican Life.

Maison Dorcas was created by Dr. Denis Mukwege after the startling realization that 40% to 60% of women treated at Panzi Hospital were unable to return to their homes after medical treatment, either due to the extent of their injuries, risk of ongoing violence or the deep stigma attached to victims of sexual and gender-based violence. Panzi Hospital is known as the place where women who survive sexual violence go to be treated, and Dr. Mukwege is known as the “Doctor that repairs women.” In 2018, Dr. Mukwege received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in helping victims of gender-based violence recover. “For a woman victim of sexual assault and violence, the medical care is the first step in a long road to recovery,” Dr. Mukwege told PWRDF staff on a visit to the DRC. “We can and should do better by accompanying her until she can stand on her own.”  

PWRDF supports Maison Dorcas in providing women with essential skills such as literacy, numeracy, and small business training which supports income-generating activities such as baking, soap-making, basket-weaving, sewing, and farming. The aim of this training is to empower victims of gender-based and sexual violence, to ensure that their livelihoods improve and they have the skills they need to re-integrate into their communities and their families.

Maison Dorcas acts as a transit and safety house for victims of violence and those needing extended medical care. Women at Maison Dorcas continue their healing journey along with other vulnerable women from their communities in a setting where they are safe and heard. They actively participate in their own decision-making, empowering them and building up their self-esteem. Many of the women that are cared for at Maison Dorcas also participated in the City of Joy Project with the goal of turning suffering into power, despair into dignity, pain into power, and fear into joy.

Jeanne, 22, was sexually abused at age 14. After receiving medical and psychosocial care at Panzi Hospital, she arrived at Maison Dorcas for vocational training and to finish her schooling. A psychologist there helped her accept the child she bore from the rape. Today Jeanne works at the Primate Conservation and Rehabilitation Project as an animal supervisor. Jeanne said, “I have become again a human person. Dr. Mukwege has rehabilitated my life, my dignity. I find myself in a team of men and women and together we discuss and plan. My voice counts in the decision-making.”
Support the work of PWRDF by visiting their webstie at: pwrdf.org

The post Maison Dorcas / City of Joy Project appeared first on Anglican Life.

The theme: Growing in Faith is rooted in the Epistle reading for February 12, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9. It speaks of growing in faith as a child grows and it also emphasizes that while it is God alone who gives the growth, there are many in the community who feed us and mentor as we grow.

Queen’s College is not just a theological college, we are a community of people committed to growing in faith together. Last year we adopted a new vision statement:
Queen’s College is an accepting, responsive, affirming, innovating, empowering community of theological learning and spiritual formation sending forth disciples to help transform society through God’s redeeming love.

We are dependent on the contributions of students, faculty, board members, and the wider community to foster our growth. We need people committed to growing in faith—people who are willing to learn new things and to be daring in their search for faith. And we need folks to mentor them and teach them—willing to one day be the teacher and the next to be the learner. We need folks who share a common vision of transforming society into the kin(g)dom of God, just as Jesus called us to do.

It is daring work and it is important work; it is sometimes difficult and painful, but it is always rewarding.

We are committed to keeping our community accessible to others and so we work diligently to keep our tuition affordable so all those who want to grow in faith have the ability to do so. And this is where you play an important role. We need your continued financial support to do this. We are not government funded—our funding comes from our supporting churches and from individual donors like you. Your contribution is vital if we are to continue this work in this place.

We are the only theological college in our province and we have students from multiple denominations and faith traditions. There is nowhere else that provides the educational and faith opportunities that we do.

People often think that we only train clergy, but actually we run a variety of programs and degrees, and the ordination stream is just one part of what we do. We train lay leaders and those who serve our communities in diverse ways. We are all called to grow in faith, and we are committed to helping you to do that.

As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:9, “We are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.” And that is who we are. Each one of us called as a servant; called to community—to work together; called to equip ourselves in whatever ways we can to be God’s field and God’s building. 

Please support Queen’s College in our upcoming appeal.
 – The Rev’d Dr. Joanne Mercer, Provost

THE ASSOCIATE IN THEOLOGY (ATh) program is a course of study designed for people who are interested in increasing their knowledge and appreciation of Christian belief and practice. As well as developing their pastoral skills, this program also provides a theological base for persons assuming leadership and ministry within the life of their faith community. The ATh is a great follow up for anyone who has completed the Diploma Program, and for anyone who might be discerning a call to vocational ministry within the church. Courses completed in this program may also be applied toward the Bachelor of Theology by Distance. Assignments are designed to help students reflect on their own faith journey lived out in community, and how that fits with the bigger story of the church down through the centuries. We offer a variety of courses that explore the biblical, theological, and liturgical foundations of the Christian community. In keeping with technological and social change, ATh course are increasingly exploring ways to use platforms like Google Classroom and Zoom so that students can learn together in community regardless of geographical distance. 

THE DIPLOMA IN THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY is a three-year program that is intended for individuals who are beginning their studies in the areas of theology and ministry. The program introduces participants to the language, overall content, and processes used in the various disciplines of scripture, theology, liturgy, Leadership in the Christian community and pastoral ministry. Just as important is the strong emphasis on creating a community of learners who support one another in their studies. This is accomplished through weekly prayer and student discussion throughout the presentations. 

There is no required reading outside of class, nor are there written assignments or exams. Many of those participating are already involved in a variety of roles in their faith communities. Many are also searching—some for a new understanding of their faith, some for discernment of what they are being called to in these communities, and some for personal interest. 

DEGREE PROGRAMS – Queen’s College offers a variety of degree programs to meet the needs of all those interested in studying theology. For those seeking ordination we have the traditional Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Bachelor of Theology (BTh) Programs. We also offer a Bachelor of Theology by Distance (BTh by Distance) which enables students with official church sponsorship, to build on the ATh and work toward a degree while remaining in their home communities. We also offer a Master of Theological Studies and Master of Theology programs, that focus more on the academic study of theology, both programs offer the option of writing a thesis. Queen’s College is a diverse learning community. Our students, faculty, and staff come from a wide variety of faith traditions and cultural backgrounds. Thanks to technology we also gather from across the country, as well as from other parts of the world. 

A WORD FROM SOME CURRENT STUDENTS…

“Through Queen’s Diploma Program of Theology and Ministry, I have found answers to my initial ministry questions as well as more questions. The concept of a rolling admission to the program, the knowledgeable guest professors/speakers, and the use of technology to have us in a virtual classroom are supported by Dr. Carmel Doyle’s energy, wisdom, and dedication to the program.
Although all of my classmates are in Newfoundland and I live in New Brunswick, we are together each week through Zoom. Moreover, I was delighted when Nancy H. reached out to say she was coming to New Brunswick one summer. We were able to meet face to face, and plan to do so again.
Queens Diploma Program…is the time/place where I became part of a family that offers support for one another by messaging one another between sessions, sharing information on religion/spirituality, and expressing our needs for prayer.  The program offers a safe place to question, to explore, and to share in the way.”

-Lynda

“Student life at Queens College is rich and fulfilling. The Queen’s environment is such that students develop a love and loyalty towards the college that continues long after student life has finished.
Faculty and staff are dedicated to the Christian values of loving, supportive community and all who enter are accepted for who they are and wherever they are on life’s journey. Christian values are modelled and students work together in a caring, nonjudgmental environment. They share meals, laughter, troubles, conversation, and debate. They participate in social justice activities outside the college and work to create a fairer world.
There is a personal  transformation that occurs while attending Queen’s that enriches the lives of all. Students generally leave as more loving, caring, and perceptive inhabitants of our world. What more can you ask? Queen’s College rocks! Go Queens, go!”

-Karen

FROM THE THREE BISHOPS OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR…

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT QUEEN’S COLLEGE? 

•You can look at their website at www.queenscollegenl.ca
•Like and follow their Facebook page at facebook.com/queenscollegenl

HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE WORK OF QUEEN’S COLLEGE?

•On Sunday February 12, your local Anglican church in Newfoundland and Labrador will have envelopes for the 2023 Queen’s
  College appeal for you to use
•Go to the website (see above) and make an online donation
•You can contact Queen’s directly and ask them how you can support them at (709) 753-0116

The post Queen’s College 2023 Appeal–Growing in Faith appeared first on Anglican Life.