Thanks to three of our PWRDF staff members, Suzanne Rumsey, Kim Umbach, and Janice Biehn, who reached out to diocesan and parish reps, board members, other staff members and interested parties to ask if this was something we’d like to try. Thus in April 2020 it began, first as a weekly gathering, and now held on a bi-weekly basis.

The format is quite simple: a guest speaker, territorial acknowledgement, lots of praying, and then a coffee/chat time.

A great benefit to me personally is the variety of speakers. I’m learning a lot about the work of PWRDF and how so many people all over the world are being touched, not only financially, but spiritually and supportively where they live.

Several of our partners have shared how PWRDF is supporting their projects.

Village Health Works in Burundi is one, and Wade Zamecheck shared some news from where he sits:

Founded in 2005, Village Health Works is a grassroots organization that provides quality, compassionate, dignified health care in rural Burundi. With funding from PWRDF, village health works has continued to operate ambulances, expand the maternal and newborn health clinic, and facilitate educational sessions which emphasize the importance of women, female youth, pregnant and lactating women, infants, and children accessing health services. The clinic saw an increase in the number of patients (especially women and children under 5) visiting the clinic, averaging over 150 per day. 94.22% of births were attended by skilled birth attendants and 99.38% of mothers and newborns received postnatal care within two days of birth. 76.85% of pregnant women attended at least four antenatal care sessions. This positive result was partly attributed to the ultrasound machines purchased by the project.

We also heard from Mark Brender with Partners in Health, Rwanda:

Since 2005 Partners in Health has been working with the Rwandan government to improve healthcare within the country. Since the end of the genocide in 1994 the country has seen its infant mortality plummet from almost 245 infant deaths per 1,000 births to now just under 40 deaths per 1,000 births in 2015, however there is still work to be done. Rwanda is in desperate need of modern medicine and healthcare, and PWRDF has collaborated with PIH to help make it a reality. PIH has worked on reducing infant malnutrition and illness, providing in-home medical support and training for volunteers and medical staff.

Another great message came from Dr. Josephine Kizza in Uganda, the founder of St. Jude’s Family Projects.

St. Jude’s focuses on teaching three main groups: women, children and youth. In Uganda, most of the farming is done by women, and many don’t have a lot of food to eat. By teaching them how to grow their own food in their gardens using simple methods, they can eat, and can also feed their families. They can also teach their children how to grow food. One program that focuses on that is the Super Women program, where local women train other women to plant and grow seedlings (baby plants), to plant and fertilize banana trees, to make soap to improve hygiene and health, to collect rainwater and use it for their gardens, and to raise piglets so they can use their manure to help their plants to grow big and strong.

Other speakers included our very own Primate and Archbishop, Linda Nichols, Simon Chambers from ACT Alliance, and so many more, all of whom have enriched my experience with this wonderful organization.

If you’re interested in joining us every second Thursday at 2:30 pm, please contact me: monacedwards@hotmail.com, or visit me on Facebook-Mona@PWRDF.

The post Praying With PWRDF appeared first on Anglican Life.

Genesis 1:1 denotes the entire creation period. God spoke the word, and things happened. \ After Genesis 1:1 the focal point of the creation story is the planet earth.

First, Day 1 (Genesis 1:1-5). In this early period the earth would have been quite hot. “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3b) refers to the appearance of light on earth. This would mean that the clouds covering the earth had now thinned enough for the light of the sun, which had been shinning all along, to penetrate to the earth’s surface.  As the earth rotated there would be periods of day and night (Genesis 1:4-5).

Second, Day 2 (Genesis 1:6-8). \The cooling process continued. Day 2 speaks of the atmosphere, the waters under the atmosphere (subterranean waters, streams, lakes, and seas), and the waters above the atmosphere (rain and snow).

On many days, God pronounces the creation “good” (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25). On Day 2, there is no such pronouncement—perhaps because the work of Day 2 (separating waters-above from waters-below) will not be fully concluded until Day 3 (with the gathering together of the waters-below).

Third, Day 3 (Genesis 1:9-13). God separated the oceans from the dry land. Presumably the dry land appeared as the result of volcanic eruptions and the buckling of the earth’s crust. God then created every kind of plant and tree (Genesis 1:11). These creative acts could have taken place over a long period in which grasses could have come first, followed by herbs, followed by fruit trees. All life is dependent on the presence of vegetation.

Fourth, Day 4 (Genesis 1:14-19). The skies cleared sufficiently for the heavenly bodies (created in Genesis 1:1) to become visible. In fact, light had been reaching earth since Day 1. It was through this influence that the vegetation created on Day 3 was enabled to appear and prosper.

Fifth, Day 5 (Genesis 1:20-23). God made fish, all other sea creatures, and birds.

Sixth, Day 6 (Genesis 1:24-31). God created all the animals and then humans. Human is the peak of creation.

We do not learn that the six days of creation were consecutive. Rational and orderly, yes, but not necessarily consecutive. Creation seems to be a very slow development. It is possible that the historical Adam was created over 750,000 years ago (William Lane Craig, Reasonable Faith Org, January 22, 2001). Nobody really knows the correct answer. 

Seventh, Day 7 (Genesis 2:1-3). God rested from all the work of creation. The word “rested” (Genesis 2:2) does not mean that God took a nap. The creation is still going on. We are living on Day 7 continuously, since there is no concluding evening-morning formula (Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31).

This is God’s world. We praise God for the world, not His creation.

The post Days of Creation appeared first on Anglican Life.

With the rebirth and renewal of nature every year, I am reminded of the resilience of humanity as well. This year, as you all know, has been an exhausting challenge for us all to say the least! For a year now, we have been stuck in our homes, afraid to interact with people, afraid to go too far, and afraid to catch this very deadly virus! Essentially, we have all been in hibernation, waiting for the day to come when we have gained control of this coronavirus. Finally, the vaccines are being distributed, and soon—hopefully very soon—we will be able to interact with one another the way we used to, greeting each other with a hug and a handshake instead of six feet apart. We have shown plenty of resilience with the struggle over this virus! A renewal of our relationships with distant friends is surely on the horizon!

The rebirth and renewal of nature also connects for me with the rebirth of our Lord and Saviour. Jesus’ ascension into heaven signifies a renewed assurance that we too, will follow Jesus into heaven one day! When I witness a tiny flower emerging from the soil, automatically my mind goes to the miracle of Jesus rising from the dead! He sacrificed his life for us! He chose death so that one day we could rise to be with him and our Father in heaven! He saved us all! Each Easter renews my commitment that one day we will all see our Father in heaven.

All of the rebirth and renewal of nature around me has also led me to consider the wonderful life I have lived! I turn 92 this month. I have lived a very fulfilling life thus far. In my teaching career, I made hundreds and hundreds of friends. I watched former students blossom and grow into very productive community members and I am proud of the people they have all become! I have raised four children, have six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Watching them grow and blossom has been the greatest pleasure of my life. God the Father and his son Jesus Christ have more than blessed me in my life and I thank them each and every day for such gifts!

I know that this difficult year has left many of us feeling down and hopeless but I want you to look around you and see the resilience of nature growing around you. If these little creatures can push through the harshness around, then you too, with God’s help, can push through all this uncertainty. With the coming of nature’s triumphant return, return to your faith. Remember Christ’s sacrifice for us and renew your belief in his ability to see you through the toughest of times to bring you into the light again! Have faith, my friends! God is good!

God Bless you all!

The post May Flowers appeared first on Anglican Life.

Dr. Singleton, can you give a quick sketch of your involvement with Queen’s College?

Since around 1992, a student would have had to work hard to avoid me at Queen’s College! I have been involved as an adjunct faculty member at Queen’s since 1992. I taught courses in Pastoral Studies each semester. I was also the original Director of the Diploma in Theology and Ministry Program, and I have offered courses each semester in the Associate in Theology program. 

As you look back, what are the highlights of your time as Provost?

The most joy for me as Provost, no different than as an instructor, has been connecting with the students and being part of the Queen’s Community. Journeying with students as they explore their faith and discover new perspectives is the magnet for all people involved in theological education. And that growth and development isn’t all accomplished in the classroom. The chapel life and common room experiences are just as important as the classroom learning in nurturing the discoveries and the insights offered in a faith-based learning community.

Another couple of specific highlights are the success we had with offering courses online and expanding the diploma program to sites outside St. John’s. Queen’s is now more available and accessible than ever for people who wish to study theology and develop skills for lay or ordained ministry and leadership in the Church in NL and beyond.

Finalizing the agreement with the Diocese of Cyrus and the Gulf to offer the Discipleship and Ministry Program, and renewing the Lease Agreement with MUN were both important and worthwhile ventures for all involved.

What led you into the role as Provost of Queen’s College?

Well, that’s still a mystery to me. I was asked by representatives of the Corporation to take on the role at relatively short notice. From my familiarity with Queen’s, the Provost had always been an Anglican priest. I was asked in late June 2016 to take on the role on August 1. I agreed to take it on, and I have no regrets. An interesting thing happened on that June day. After being asked to take on the Provost role, I said I needed time to think about it. I went to my office—I was the only one in the building. I sat there thinking and praying and pondering—you know what it is like—sort of bewildered. I heard steps on the corridor and who was it but Canon Frank Cluett, a former Provost. I just felt that Frank showing up would be the source of enlightenment on the situation for me. I shared the perplexing dilemma with Frank. Well, in his inimitable way, he guided me to the decision I have never once regretted. 

What changes do you foresee for Queen’s College?

I can’t say I see any specific change, I hope to see the College continue to adjust to the needs of the Church and the role of Church in the 21st century. In my mind, the clarity for Queen’s College will come from the clarity of the mission of the Church. The sequence of questions to answered, in my way of thinking, is this:

What is the Church?

What is the mission of the Church?

How do we prepare people for leadership in the Church?

The answers to those questions will give shape to Queen’s College and any other theological school planning for the future.

Some say it would be more efficient to send students to other schools than operate Queen’s College. What do you think?

Bluntly, they don’t know what they are talking about! But I can tell you how they find out. They go and talk to many people who have been ordained in the three dioceses of NL over the past decade. They can talk to the lay people who have taken on more substantial and effective leadership roles because of the education and training they received at Queen’s College in Master, Bachelor, Associate, and Diploma Programs. They can ask them if they would have gone off to a school elsewhere to get their education and training. I know the vast majority of them would not have left this province. The Church in NL would be much worse off if these people had not been able to pursue their vocational discernment and education at Queen’s College. 

What makes Queen’s College successful?

Like most organizations, there are many factors that contribute to Queen’s success. Some that seem really clear and important to me are the following:

Clear mission. We exist to contribute to the building of the Kingdom of God by offering spiritual, theological and pastoral formation for women and men discerning leadership roles in the Church.

Broad-based support and collaboration. Governance by committed members of the Corporation, engagement of qualified and competent faculty members, participation of committed students, collaboration with other denominations, loyalty from our alumni,  friendly affiliation with Memorial University are all essential to Queen’s. And, parishioners’ prayerful and financial support are equally important. 

Continuous quality improvement. It is an industry sort of term … but essential. No matter what you are doing or how you do it, you have to always look for ways to improve. At Queen’s, it includes evaluating every course and taking the feedback seriously, it means spotting symptoms of problems and finding the real problem … not just addressing the symptom, it means good communication … explaining what you are doing and why you are doing, it means being open to revision … if you are doing something and it isn’t working out, don’t be too proud to admit there was a mistake … and as Provost you have say “It was my mistake.”

What do you expect to miss most when you retire?

I will miss the constant deadlines. My whole life, I have had long to-do lists. I think that is my nature, so I will likely generate lists of things I need to do. The deadlines won’t be as demanding. I will like that.

Do you have any plans for your retirement?

Oh yes! And others have plans for me too. I love to sail, so right away I will be getting my sailboat ready for the sailing season. I am involved with some volunteer work and I will likely step that up a bit. My wife, Donna, and I hope to do some traveling, when things open up.

Do you have any advice to your successor?

I know Rev’d Dr. Joanne Mercer, so I can genuinely say to her, “Be yourself!” She is competent, qualified, experienced and filled with hope. She is a person of faith and pastoral sensitivity. She will do great.

I know it is risky, but are there any individuals you wish to acknowledge as you wrap up your time at Queen’s?

Oh, there are so many!

The Leadership Team was an essential for me. The Leadership is the Provost, the Dean, the Chaplain, and the Director of Student Programs. David Bell, John Courage, and Neil Kellett before him, and Carmel Doyle bring extensive experience, broad perspectives, and numerous gifts to all discussions. 

I must note the support and advice from former provosts was very helpful to me in getting established and throughout the years. Canon Cluett and Fr. Boyd Morgan had long histories at Queen’s and they were always available to answer questions, provide background, but never interfere. The Venerable Bill Bellamy, Rev’d Alex Faseruk, and the late and beloved Bishop Geoff Peddle were likewise supportive, encouraging, and helpful as I got settled in to the position and throughout my time as Provost.

The Chairpersons (Rev’d Cynthia Haynes-Turner and Rev’d Gerald Giles) and members of the Corporation were always interested and supportive. They were open to initiatives and determined to provide for the best interests of Queen’s College. The Treasurer, Mr. Frank Janes, educated and guided me to ensure responsible financial management of the College. 

The Bishops were always interested and committed to Queen’s. Bishop Coffin, Bishop Organ, Bishop Watton, Bishop Peddle, and Bishop Rose—all alumni of Queen’s and committed to Queen’s. I found them all respectful and wholesome to work with.

And I must say, the other Bishop: Dana! Like Ms, (now Dr.) Susan Foley before her, Dana has her fingers on the pulse of Queen’s. She is the first to answer the phone or respond to an email to people making contact with Queen’s. Her skills, charisma and dedication has been essential to any success we have had at Queen’s. Who else could have come to work on Monday morning November 23 expecting to have an in-person convocation, and then, due to COVID, be ready for an online convocation on Wednesday, November 25. 

I must thank my family—my wife Donna, my daughter Chloe and my son Chris. They are always supportive and provide the joy, variety, fun and free advice (solicited or not) needed for a balanced life and a resilient spirit.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my perspective and thanks through Anglican Life.

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What excites me about taking on this new role as Provost is what excites me about every new project: possibilities. Every new role brings with it new challenges and new possibilities to use developed skills in different ways and to be challenged and stretched to meet the needs that are emerging. I am excited to return to a full-time role in theological education. I love learning and teaching, and this is an exciting time in theological education. Things are changing rapidly and there are so many possibilities ahead of us. I have had some very encouraging conversations with the Bishops and I am looking forward to working with them, the Corporation, the dioceses and our partners to develop courses and programs that can equip the leaders we need for this time. I am excited to meet the students, faculty and partners and learn from them as we begin this adventure together.

Queen’s College has a place to both raise up and equip laity for theological work, and to train people for ordained ministry. What is your vision for the College regarding the balance between these two, and how much cross-over is there between these two education streams?

As many folks may already know, I love to work with yarn: knitting, crocheting, weaving, hooking – I love them all. So, for me the metaphor is not of separate streams at all – it is of a fabric, intricately woven together. Each yarn lends strength and beauty to the other; each one helps the other to play its part; each colour adds to the other and helps it stand out and be noticed. That is the kind of vision I have for theological education. While there may be different streams/programs/degrees, they all work together to engage the leadership of our communities so that people can continue to develop the skills needed to be the body of Christ wherever they are and whatever they are doing. People want to explore theological education for all kinds of different reasons, and I think that is wonderful! And having folks together from different backgrounds with different goals creates an amazing learning community. It is going to be important that we continue to develop programs that can meet people where they are, which means theological education should be accessible, affordable and adaptable.

We had had to pivot as a church over this last year, and we now need to learn from our experiences and not just rush to get back to what was “normal.” How will you be pushing Queen’s College to better prepare its graduates to meet the changing and changed expectations of today’s church?

Well, to be honest, I don’t plan to be doing any pushing! I see myself more as the midwife, encouraging and challenging our faith community (Queen’s College and beyond) as we join God in giving birth to this “new thing” in our midst. To do that, I will be listening intently to the needs of those involved with our faith community, to the scholarship that is emerging from this past year, as well as to the breadth of our tradition and then prayerfully, thoughtfully, creatively connecting these threads together. I do not think that there is a “normal” to get back to; I think we have learned so much in this past year and we have seen that we can do more than we ever thought we could. We can learn and adapt and keep our focus on the call to be faithful while we are doing it.

We will need to consider how we might equip folks for leadership in this changing time. This will involve engaging with our nostalgia for the past and how that impacts how we see the present as well as the future. It will include reflecting on our stories: personal, communal and historical. And considering whose stories have we heard, whose have we silenced and how can we listen more inclusively. I think leaders now more than ever need the ability to build solid, reciprocal partnerships. I also think it is important to foster a creative and entrepreneurial spirit, that is willing to be daring, as I think we have been in response to the pandemic.

It is going to be a challenging time because I think it is a “both/and” time. We need to be aware of the needs of our church communities as they are and to meet those needs while at the same time being attentive to the emerging needs and challenges in the community all around us. I think it is going to be an exciting time, full of hope and possibilities.

The post The New Provost of Queen’s College Answers A Few Questions for Anglican Life appeared first on Anglican Life.

This is no ordinary date on the 2021 calendar. It actually marks the first anniversary of a worldwide epidemic that has occurred just this one time in our generation; albeit, not exactly one to be celebrated: the coronavirus.

For the last twelve months, our regular church activities have been, for the most part, executed virtually, to minimize the spread of this highly contagious disease. 

When Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison patented the telephone and the light bulb in 1876 and 1878 respectively, they were, for a very long time, the world’s greatest inventions. But we had to experience the self-isolation due to a  world wide pandemic to fully realize and appreciate the value of today’s advanced social media, especially as it relates to the computer.

We greatly miss our church family, it is true. But with the availability of Facebook and related technology, Archdeacon Greg and Rev’d Lisa have provided us all with uninterrupted Sunday services online, as well as special events with the approach of Holy Week.

On February 14th, they graced us with the liturgy pertaining to Ash Wednesday, which is the antecedent, or starting point, of worship during the season of Lent. Even though we could not share in the anointing with ashes, which is a prerequisite for the many commitments which we would endeavour to uphold leading up to the celebration of Easter, Archdeacon Greg’s sermon certainly compensated for this deprivation.

Traditionally, Lent was about self-denial—about giving up something for forty days. Experiences of the past year, confined in a bubble through necessary isolation, have broadened our vision of an equally significant meaning: it’s a time when concern for other people’s struggles should be paramount. Archdeacon Greg likened our situation to the ancient Israelites who were held captive in exile and cut off from one another. He emphasized and stressed  the true meaning of Lent, with such a powerful delivery, that I am sure it will remain with us long after the forty days.

For over a month now, we have been coping with the second wave or variant. But despite its initial severity, the light at the end of the tunnel seems to be reflecting a tiny spark. Throughout this ordeal, our strength has been with Dr. Fitzgerald and her team, Archdeacon Greg, and Rev’d Lisa.

It has been a difficult twelve months. But I believe, that together, giving and receiving, we are more dynamic than we ever dreamed we could be.

“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works,
Ready to give, willing to share.”

Timothy 6:18

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They began their chat by defining estate planning as “the process of making a plan in advance of your death and identifying those whom you want to receive your assets after you die.” By doing this, you reduce uncertainty, minimize taxes, and ensure the delivery of your assets to your intended beneficiaries. 

Another point: The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is the first beneficiary of any estate plan. “CRA treats your estate as though the assets are sold, meaning taxes are due—unless the estate is inherited by the surviving spouse or common law partner where certain exceptions are possible.” Another area of taxation is when the will is being probated (validated by the courts), this process can charge probate fees which vary from province to province and are generally based on a percentage of the estate’s value.

They recommended that couples arrange for Enduring Powers of Attorney. This gives someone the power and authority to make decisions on your behalf regarding financial matters, if you become unable to act due to mental incapacity. This, they suggested, was probably more important than a will because chances are we will all go through a period of incapacity in our lifetime.

They also had a suggestion for parents with “special needs kids/adults.” If this is the case, and you wish to leave something in your will for those individuals, you can use the “Henson Trust.” This trust ensures that the disabled person is provided for financially, even in the event of the subsequent incapacity of the settlor (usually a parent) who established the trust. This allows for your dependent child/adult to benefit from government services and at the same time, receive support from your will.

A number of bullets of wisdom that came out of the presentation:

• Rule number one: do not die intestate, which means without a will. It is also essential that you consult a lawyer.
• Family law only recognizes married couples. Common law spouses do not have claim to matrimonial property. In the event of divorce, the will needs to be updated.
• The will still prevails after divorce if the former spouse is listed as a beneficiary.
• You will pay more taxes in the year of your death than any other year.
• When someone dies, it brings out the worst and/or the best in people.

Finally, they suggested that you can reduce income tax by making charitable donations. That would include a bequest in your will for your church. Such a bequest would be eligible for federal and provincial tax credits. Essentially, it is a win-win situation: By having a bequest in your will for your church or its ministry, your estate gets a tax credit and reduces the amount you would be required to pay the government. And, your church benefits from your stewardship. How good is that!

The post Lessons Learned appeared first on Anglican Life.

There are two significant challenges facing the church in an increasingly digital age, and it’s difficult to tell which is more dangerous. One is the temptation to ignore the opportunities for digital ministry, waiting until the pandemic is over and life can go ‘back to normal’. This approach conveniently overlooks the fact that the people we are called to preach and minister to and with have been living in a hybrid online/in-person life for years. Not engaging with them in a significant segment of their life means abandoning the mission of the church and slipping into irrelevance. We should be fighting that temptation with everything we’ve got.

But there’s another temptation. Some congregations have been content to let Someone Else figure out how to start the work of setting up a livestreamed liturgy, or organizing the online Bible Study or Zoom Coffee Hour. That Someone Else might be the clergy, or it might be a parishioner who’s technically savvy, or one of the youth because ‘they’re always on their phones anyway’. But this approach runs the risk of making one person completely indispensable for the church’s entire digital ministry. If that person gets sick, or needs a vacation, or moves away, everything could come crashing to a halt. What’s more, letting Someone Else do it reinforces the message that ministry is Someone Else’s responsibility, and not the work of the whole people of God. Whether it’s the clergy or a clericalized group of laity doing the work, this is a new kind of digital clericalism for the 21st century.

If the Church is going to be serious about mission and ministry, we all have to take digital ministry seriously as well. This is about communication, social media, online worship, and about how we build and nurture communities electronically. If the Church is going to make this a priority, then every parish and every congregation should have someone taking responsibility for digital ministry. Not just a Director of Digital Ministry, but someone who equips the saints, and helps keep everyone engaged and engaging with each other. There ought to be someone at the diocesan level responsible for making sure that every parish and congregation in a Diocese has people in place to take digital ministry seriously and make it a priority. They should be keeping those people connected and helping provide them with tools, knowledge, and a community that supports them.

There are those in the church who want to treat any mission, digital or otherwise, as an optional extra: something trendy and peripheral to the real business of ‘church as usual’ on Sunday. There are those who want to make it Someone Else’s responsibility, so that they don’t have to think about it. The Church’s struggles with digital ministry may be a symptom of our struggles with ministry in general. What kind of Church do we want to belong to: an irrelevant one that has abandoned our call to mission, a clericalized one that relies on Someone Else to do everything for us, or one that calls us all to ministry and gives us the tools for that ministry?

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Pictured here on the left is Rev’d Jane with her support team.

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