Their ambition is to be a part of an association aimed at expanding outreach in the church, as well as in the community at large.

As their plan unfolded and materialized, they became affiliated with a group initially named the CEWA, or “Church of England Women’s Association.”

It is believed that this movement originated in Newfoundland back in 1876 with The Rev’d George Gardener, in the settlement of what we know today as Winterton. The title eventually changed to ACW, or “Anglican Church Women.”

The first president who was voted to lead the group in their initial ministry here at St. John the Evangelist was Mrs. Valda Berg—a prominent business woman in the community.

We don’t have a record of all the succeeding presidents who followed in her footsteps over the decades up to the present time, but because of its longevity, each must have had a strong desire to continue the venture uninterrupted.

The Anglican Church Women here at St. John the Evangelist have performed numerous outreach functions over the past seventy-five years. This has been achieved by their capacity in fundraising and fellowship—mainly through the preparation and sale of food, flea markets, fall fairs, etc.

In recent years, funds raised from the various activities have aided the group in sponsoring a foster child, the hard of hearing, the Gathering Place, and food banks.

A special priority is visiting the sick and remembering former members of the group who are no longer active.

I’m a relatively new member of the ACW family, having joined just 18 years ago. But I must salute others who have been affiliated here much longer.

During my tenure as secretary, I learned that there seemed to be very few old records preserved. However, I did come across a set of minutes recording the annual meeting and election of officers from January 1966 to January 1967, presided over by the Rev’d Sydney Bradbrook, who was rector at the time. They provided interesting and relevant information. Mrs. Alma Chaytor was re-elected president, Mrs Lydia Fowler was re-elected recording secretary, and Mrs, Stella Trickett treasurer.

Fundraising strategies that we use today were similar to their art of planning 58 years ago. Of note were their contributions to Queen’s College and the New Church Building Fund—thus recognizing the different outreach needs then, as well as the similarities today.

The church minutes recorded around 40 members 58 years ago, but due to illness and bereavement there were only around 20 active—almost coinciding with today’s attendance.

Recently, some branches have discontinued due to declining participation.

But I am proud to say that here at St. John the Evangelist, enthusiasm has never waned—despite the fact that we are all seniors, half of us are widows, and the youngest member is a grandmother.

Our Motto being: “Work, Laugh, and Pray.”

On November 3rd, we celebrated the 75th Anniversary with a Eucharist Service followed by a reception. During that special occasion, our ACW President, Betty Hiscock, delivered a detailed summary of all available activities performed by dedicated members involved in this distinguished Association throughout the 75 years.

Now before I sign off, I’d just like to point out,
We’re an eager old team, of that there’s no doubt.
Each has her own special gift, we’re so proud to pursue.
I’m so glad to be part of the A—C—W.

“Do not neglect the gift that is in you,
Which was given to you by prophecy.”
– 1 Timothy 4: 14.

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The Fellowship Group has been a part of the parish for three years and all the ladies look forward to meeting each Monday night. Our gatherings always open and end with prayers. They all enjoy playing many games, doing crafts, telling stories, singing, and doing skits.

This gathering is open to everyone, and it has provided the ladies with new friends, new learnings, and the true meaning of fellowship.

Jesus taught that friendship is important and valued, and he demonstrated this through his actions. John 15: 12 – 13: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

The post Fellowship Celebration in The Parish of Bonne Bay North appeared first on Anglican Life.

The Weather Network headline read “For the first time in its history, St. John’s has surpassed 200 mm of rainfall in June. As of June 28th, it has recorded 210.6 mm.” Despite an extremely wet spring and a shortened growing season due to the weather, Sowing Seeds—Growing Community has completed its first year with a bountiful harvest, which provided fresh produce to the plates of those who needed it.

• Sowing Seeds—Growing Community distributed the following:
• Goulds Community Food Bank: 37 bags + carrots & turnips – approx. 1900 lbs. plus peppers, lettuce, tomato, zucchini which were delivered throughout the summer.
• Gathering Place: 11 bags + carrots & turnips – approx. 550 lbs.
• Choices for Youth: 3 bags + 1 crate of carrots – approx. 150 lbs.
• Community Food Sharing: 15 bags + 4 crates of small potato + carrots & turnips approx. 800 + lbs.

Total distribution was  approximately 3,400 lbs. of potato, turnips & carrots plus peppers, lettuce, zucchini, tomato and strawberries. Thanks be to God!

There was much to be grateful for, and there was much learned in this first year of growing. With the lessons learned we would hope to significantly increase the harvest next year. One of the lessons that we learned is the need for more partnerships and communication. As this is a diocesan endeavour, we would hope to engage other congregations, church groups and community groups to take part. The plan is to make new contacts over the winter months, offering interested groups to take ownership of one or more drills. We have 34’ x 90’ drills. Each group can plant, maintain, and harvest their own area. In the fall, they can donate the harvest to their choice of food bank or community kitchen, or combine with others for central distribution. An advantage of smaller groups is that they will be better able to communicate amongst themselves to coordinate times at the garden. Sowing Seeds—Growing Community will provide seeds and other supplies at no cost to interested groups.

Did you know that in addition to the main garden there are twelve raised gardens and two higher planting boxes for those with mobility issues? These are also available for new groups. We have obtained funding for the new year to increase the number of planter boxes and higher accessible boxes, complete the pathways through the gardens for accessibility and add a sitting area. Plans are also in the works to include educational and skills development components. Obtaining our own tractor would be on our “wish list” as this would enable us to better manage and create a larger garden.

There were many delightful moments during this season. From Bishop Sam blessing the garden, to the children of the Kilbride (Ferryland Family Resource Coalition) helping to harvest peppers and lettuce and delivering them to the food bank, to the fellowship of “digging in the garden.” Bishop Sam participated in the digging and delivery of fresh produce. Putting aching muscles aside, a good time was had by all. The most delightful moments were the “thank yous” when the produce was delivered.

God our Creator, we thank you for the world and for all of your gifts to us; for the sky above, the earth beneath our feet, and the wonderful process which provides food to sustain life. We thank you for our crops, and for the people, skills, knowledge and equipment needed to plant, grow, harvest and share. Help us to use your gifts in the spirit of the giver, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Colquhoun, Frank, Contemporary Parish Prayers, Toronto, Canada; Hodder and Stoughton; 1975)

Sowing Seeds—Growing Community is a creative way to be the Church. Excuse the pun, but it takes us back to our Christian roots. It is about being a witness for Christ by our caring for others and engagement with the wider community.

Sowing Seeds—Growing Community is a partnership of Goulds Recreation Association, Goulds Lions Club, Kilbride to Ferryland Family Resource Centre, Goulds Community Food Bank, St. Kevin’s Roman Catholic Parish and St. Paul’s Anglican Church. We welcome new partnerships and participating groups and individuals. If you are interested to learn more, please contact The Rev’d Fred Marshall at fredjmarshall@gmail.com or call 709-727-4346.

Growing Seeds-Growing Community is extremely grateful for funding from the Government of NL Community Gardens Program, Goulds Lions Club, and the Anglican Foundation of Canada, and the mentoring and tractor services of Bobby Searle (Goulds).

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In preparation for this time, a small committee was formed and from that committee, which brought the idea to parish council, a new fellowship/outreach

group was established. The purpose is to bring the parish together once a week for fellowship, and during that time, people bring along their knitting, crocheting, colouring books, word search, puzzles, crafts, and share stories/memories in a relaxed setting. The group opens with prayer, and the host church provides a light lunch. The parish choir practices immediately after. We are looking at this as a way of encouraging fellowship, being good stewards of our re

sources as each of four churches take a turn every four weeks to host. The group, now known as Friends of God, are making items for outreach to the chemo unit in Carbonear, hats and finger puppets for the Janeway, knitted goods for local families in need, and knitting hats for the Mobile Ministry Bus. It began as a result of ACW closures: the desire to continue to meet for fellowship, and a call for Carbonear chemo unit. Prior to FOG meeting, a weekly on-line devotion takes place. It is also an opportunity for those congregations who are able to have daytime vestry meetings to do so after choir. One day—lots of accomplishments; it cuts down on heating costs; brings people together within the parish; and in winter, will reduce snow-clearing costs. There is a buzz happening in this ministry!

Along with this new ministry, there was a call for food for the local food bank. Through one of the Wednesday morning devotions, a challenge was put forward to fill the box of a truck with food by Thanksgiving. A beautiful painting was donated by John Woodman as a thank you; names of those who contributed were put into a draw for the painting. The truck box and the interior were filled with food and toiletries, and a cash donation of more than $1100 was given to the local food bank.

Of the 75 blankets donated by Connie Brazil who had received them from a group in Ontario, 42 were donated to the Chemo Unit in Carbonear, while others are being given to the sick and shut-in within the parish. These blankets were blessed during the Parish Service on September 29 before being distributed.

Six Filipino families in Whitbourne, who recently moved to the area for work, were assisted with household items and clothing through the generosity of our parishioners responding to the needs of others!

The “Come-as-you-are Worship” is held once a month, on a Saturday, and is a relaxed style of worship, originally intended to be dementia friendly. A cup of tea/lunch/fellowship follows the service which is a ministry led by St. Augustine’s in New Harbour. There are dedicated youth who help regularly.

In New Harbour, St. Augustine’s Church has worked in cooperation with the Local Service District to allow the LSD to use the church property and develop it into a beautiful park like setting in which many activities take place throughout the year. Raised vegetable gardens were also established in front of the old rectory, and many families have been growing produce. Church and community working together—good news!

A full page spread in October’s issue of Anglican Life acknowledged a congregation coming together to celebrate and give thanks for the long ministry of Angus Gilbert as Lay Reader and vestry/warden for St. Martin’s Church.

The Open Door Café, which uses All Saints’ Church Hall, is made up of many volunteers who offer a lunch and fellowship every second Thursday from May to October. This group shares its donations with other charities in the area, especially the Whitbourne & Area Ministerial Christmas Hamper Fund.

St. Martin’s Church has been very busy with flea markets throughout the year! The church basement is full of goodies and people.

Replacing the furnaces at St. Barnabas and St. Augustine has been the focus for these two congregations, and in no time, good used furnaces were found and installed.

Revival didn’t just start with the September Weekend: it has been ministry in progress throughout the past several years. A gospel concert in June of 2023 was the inspiration to plan a weekend. For various reasons it was postponed until September 2024.

The parish is looking forward to Canon Debbie returning to ministry early in the new year! Prayers of thanksgiving for the dedication and support of our parishioners, from the oldest to the youngest. We are on this journey together as we continue to serve our God by putting our baptismal covenant into action—we will, with God’s help.

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So says Juliet in the Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet, which pretty much describes the message that many have been trying to convey since the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund voted to change its name in October, 2024. “The name has changed,” we say, “but the ministry remains the same.”
The new name, for those who have not heard, is Alongside Hope.
As might be expected, the responses have run the gamut to “Why would they change the name?” to “I love it.”

My own response to changing the name has gone from total opposition, to ambivalence, to acceptance, to advocating for the change. For many years, I would say, especially in children’s stories when I spoke in churches, something like, “it’s a very long name and confusing but what’s important is that it’s how we care for one another in this world.” Which may be a clue as to why we needed to change the name. One of the reasons so often cited was, “when you spend more time explaining the name than you do speaking about what you do, it’s time to change it.”

Whether you agree with the name change or not, it came about as a result of a lengthy process. On the advice of the Strategic Planning Working Group, the board made the decision to create a Task Team, representative of all constituencies. The Task Team met for over two years. Two creative agencies were consulted. There were many conversations and consultations. It quickly emerged that many names we might have liked were taken or otherwise copyrighted. It was also clear that there was no name that made everyone say, “Oh, why didn’t I think of that? That’s the perfect name!”

So far, I realize I have not done much to ‘sell’ the new name. Perhaps there is no real way to sell it. But there is a way to understand why the words ‘alongside’ and ‘hope’ were chosen. Alongside was chosen to speak to what emerged as the central value of the ministry we do—that of partnership. We don’t ‘do’ for others, we walk alongside in partnership. The scripture that truly spoke to us was that of Jesus walking alongside two disciples on the road to Emmaus, disciples who recognized him when he broke bread and blessed it. Jesus accompanies us as we care for one another. Hope was chosen because it is the essence of who we are called to be—people of hope. “There is one body and one Spirit. There is one hope in God’s call to us. One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (from Ephesians 4:4-5). These familiar words come from the service of baptism, a service where we affirm our covenant with God to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbour as ourselves. Which is what we do in the ministry of PWRDF, now Alongside Hope. The name has changed—the ministry has not.

The post New Name, Same Ministry appeared first on Anglican Life.

ACT Alliance comprises 143 churches and church-related organizations that work together in humanitarian assistance and development. Through our membership in ACT, Alongside Hope is able to respond to disasters and relief efforts around the world.

Though Alongside Hope is an autonomous international development agency, it remains closely linked with the membership, policies and procedures, structures of the Anglican Church of Canada, where the Fund originated.

The Anglican Alliance brings together those in the Anglican family of churches and agencies around the world to work for a world free of poverty and injustice, to be a voice for the voiceless, to reconcile those in conflict, and to safeguard the Earth.

The Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) is a non-profit umbrella organization, committed to the rights and protection of refugees in Canada and around the world, and to the settlement of refugees and immigrants in Canada.

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank was established in 1983 as a Canadian-based Christian organization that provides food and development assistance to people in need on behalf of Canadian churches, including Alongside Hope and The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. Today, Canadian Foodgrains Bank is one of the largest private food aid providers in the world. Donations made by Canadians have helped Canadian Foodgrains Bank and its members provide over 1,000,000 metric tonnes of food to people who are hungry throughout the world. These funds are matched 4 to 1 from the government of Canada.

The Canadian Ecumenical Anti-Racism Network (CEARN) is an expression of Canadian churches working together to support anti-racism programs and educators who are working in member churches of the Canadian Council of Churches, sharing resources and learning among anti-racism educators, and supporting long-term change in Canadian churches and church organizations.

Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCh) is a collaboration of over 80 organizations working to save the lives of the most vulnerable women, newborns and children in over 1000 communities globally.

The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance is an international network of churches and church-related organizations committed to campaigning together on common concerns. Current campaigns focus on HIV and AIDS and Food.

Imagine Canada is a national charitable organization which supports and strengthens charities and nonprofits by strengthening the sector’s collective voice, acting as a forum and meeting place, and creating an enabling environment in which organizations like Alongside Hope can contribute to building stronger communities.

In 2001, from a rich global heritage and a hopeful Canadian tradition, Canadian churches and religious organizations formed KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives. A faithful and decisive response to God’s call for respect for the earth and justice for its people,.

Oikocredit is a world-wide ecumenical co-operative society of churches and individuals whose purpose is to mobilize financial resources for further development of poor areas of the world. Oikocredit provides loans for small groups or individuals for whom, in our global economy, credit is often very expensive. These loans finance small projects: a sewing machine to start a new shop; poultry to provide eggs to sell; machinery for processing crops.

Alongside Hope supports the work of the World Council of Churches and has been active as a member of the Heads of Agencies (HOAN) consultative group of donor agencies.

The post Partnership Organizations appeared first on Anglican Life.

To open Thanksgiving Day weekend, on October 11th, St. Peter’s Church hosted an afternoon of fellowship aptly named “Soup, Songs and Fellowship,” at St. Peter’s Church, in the Reverend Pearce Hall. The hall was filled in abundance with the smell of homemade soups, sandwiches, and seasonally baked goods, all prepared and donated by members of St. Peter’s Church vestry and parish members. In addition, the hall was filled with lively music, performed by local parishioners—gifted musicians who generously share their time and talent with our community. It was a wonderful gathering space to celebrate and give thanks for the blessing of vibrant fellowship in our parish.

Food scarcity continues to pose as an issue for many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and as a faith community, the Parish of Upper Island Cove responds to help our neighbours by holding an annual food drive for the local Helping Hand Food Bank in Bay Roberts each fall season. Both St. Andrew’s Church in Bryant’s Cove, and St. Peter’s Church in Upper Island Cove, participated. Members from #4547 Upper Island Cove C.L.B. Company joined the parish vestry and ministry team as they do each year, creating an opportunity for youth members as young as 5 years old to take compassionate action as empowered community leaders by greeting and thanking the people who donated, as well as carrying and sorting the donations.

On a crisp, sunny, autumnal day, the Rev’d Aubrey Young of St. Peter’s Anglican Parish of Upper Island Cove, was officially installed as a CLB Battalion Chaplain at The Cathedral of St. John The Baptist in St. John’s. It was October 19th, a date also shared with The C.L.B. on its 132nd Anniversary Parade. Members from Upper Island Cove C.L.B. Company were on parade, celebrating the historic presence and contributions of Newfoundland and Labrador’s oldest youth organization while simultaneously celebrating this special moment for the newest minister of our parish. Let it be noted, Rev’d Aubrey doubles as a member of the Brigade, as Battalion Chaplain for Trinity Conception Battalion, and of course is a former youth member and commanding officer of Upper Island Cove Company itself. It was fitting on many levels that  Rev’d Young provided the sermon for this service as he stood in the pulpit, looking down on so many familiar comrades. Amid the festivity and warm autumn sunshine, Rev’d Young poignantly chose to share his message about following the light of God along one’s life path. First, inviting us to reflect in hindsight, and look at the present, for those glimmers of light from God’s call to us; then to accept the light and call of God in our lives. Finally, and perhaps most resonantly, a message of validation of the oft non-linear path of following the light. At times, Rev’d Young advised, it may feel as though we walk in darkness, but it is through remaining steadfast in hope and faith that a light will re-appear for us to follow, clearing our way.

That same evening of Rev’d Young’s installation, St. Peter’s Church held a Healing Eucharist Ceremony, officiated at by Rev’d Noseworthy. Blessed and authorized by Bishop Rose, a holy oil was used to anoint parishioners seeking healing. Followed with a healing prayer, the laying of hands, and receiving Holy Communion, this sacrament encourages individuals to bring their burdens of all kinds to Jesus—the great physician— for healing or, as the beloved hymn goes, “bring it to the Lord in prayer.” The point being, as Rev’d Shirley movingly stated in her sermon that evening, we do not have to carry our pain alone. As we look toward the twilight seasons of the year, we can lean into faith, surrender our fears and pains, and receive spiritual healing from God.

To close out the month of October, a memorial service to remember loved ones who died during the COVID-19 pandemic took place at St. Peter’s Church officiated at by Rev’d Noseworthy. A deeply moving service saw St. Peter’s Church filled with families who’d lost loved ones during this difficult time, and whose grieving process was undoubtedly disrupted by the necessary restrictions at hospitals, funeral homes, and churches across the province. This service clearly filled a communal need as numbers were underestimated for the service, and more bulletins needed to be printed for the attending families, revealing that communities benefit from not just celebrating together, but also from grieving together in a sacred space. In addition to benefiting family members who were able to attend, this memorial service was live streamed on the parish social media account for those who could not be there in person. Two memorial tables at the foot of the altar steps were lined with photos of the fallen, some with personal memorabilia (like an old A.C.A.A. sash of one devoted member). One special feature of the service was the candle lighting ceremony. As each fallen family member’s name was spoken, a memorial candle sitting in front of their photograph was lit, until at the end, a long line of twinkling candlelight shone on the smiling faces of so many dearly departed looking back at the congregation. It was a touching moment for all sitting in the pews and chancel to share. St. Peter’s choir struck up with the choir anthem, “Where the Roses Never Fade,” and moments one could describe as healing continued. Families and friends, who in these small, tight-knit communities of Bryant’s Cove, Bishop’s Cove and Upper Island Cove, grieved and honoured those who passed into the darkness of such a dark time, together.

A community that shares life together lives in faith together. For over two centuries, the Parish of Upper Island Cove and its communities has co-created a sense of living faith by sharing life—both the light and the dark aspects—coming together to support one another and celebrate one another. By sharing the joyous and celebratory, the sorrowful and challenging, we follow together, in our own non-linear fashion, the light of Jesus and the unconditional, eternal love of God.

The post Following The Light—Updates From The Parish of Upper Island Cove appeared first on Anglican Life.

And if we did, we’d probably lose it down the couch cushions.

So, I decided to solve the problem. I bought device that will ensure that I never lose a remote again. I just attach a little tag to each remote, and at the push of button a tag will beep, letting me know where to find it. Now I just have to make sure that I don’t lose the remote that has all the tag buttons.

It seems we lose a lot of things in life. Remotes, keys, money, memories, health, friends and loved ones. We gather all these things to ourselves, but we blink, and suddenly something is gone. What happened? It was just here a minute ago. I swear, I’d lose my own head if it weren’t nailed on.

It’s a hard fact of life. Something that none of us are able to avoid. We lose things. Sometimes, if we’re lucky, or we search hard enough, we are able to find some of them again. But some things seem lost forever.

We even manage to lose faith.

Why is that? Faith, you’d think, would be the one thing that can be counted on never to disappear. It’s not something you absently kick under the bedside table. It’s there, in your heart and your head. It is supposed to be a fundamental part of how we interact with the world. And yet, time and time again, it just fails to be there when you need it. You reach into yourself and find the faith you once knew has fallen through a hole you didn’t know was there. You might even see it pouring away, and scramble to try and catch as much as you can before it’s too late.

A lot of things can cause the loss. Perhaps an unanswered prayer snatched faith away. It could be some confusion about scripture or doctrine that robs you of it. Maybe some scandal or wrongdoing by the Church leaders or members makes you intentionally toss your faith aside, and it gets lost in the weeds on the side of the road.

Whatever the reason, it can be so very hard to find your faith again. There is no convenient device that can locate missing faith simply by pushing a button. Going back to where you last saw it often doesn’t work. It’s like trying to find Waldo in a mass of chaos, and after awhile you swear he’s just not there.

But, I think, as I consider the ups and downs of my own faith life, and all the times that I seem to have misplaced my faith somewhere, it is the search that is important. To persevere in seeking, reaching out to God to guide you: that’s what is needed. Because that is hope. And hope is the seed of faith. As long as we hold onto hope, faith is never far away (it’s got to be in the house somewhere; it will turn up).

As we begin a new year, I know that there are many who have lost faith. The past half-decade or more has not been easy, and faith has been hard to hold sometimes. But there is still hope. Hope for better days ahead. Hope for a light to pierce the darkness. Hope that, one day, tired and despairing, we will collapse, exhausted, onto the couch, and find faith, pure and bright, poking us in the back from between the couch cushions.

It’s always in the last place that you look.

The post Lost and Found: The Search for What Matters appeared first on Anglican Life.

The ladies of St. James’ (Gillams) spent the year knitting and crocheting prayer shawls, and on November 26th, they were graciously received at Western Health chemo unit and dialysis unit. We hope they bring some comfort to the patients there.

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