This meal is an annual occurrence at St. Alban’s, and is planned by the Worship, Education, and Mission Committee of the church’s ACW. The event raised $570 ($285 from goodwill offerings with matching funds from the ACW).

The money raised is given to Alongside Hope (formerly PWRDF), which is the Anglican Church of Canada’s agency for sustainable development and relief. This fund makes financial and human resources available to partners around the world working to improve health, food security, and livelihoods for vulnerable people.

Chairperson of the committee, Velma Stewart, reported that it has become a successful event, and has grown over the years. “It started out as just plain rice but has evolved into a variety of different dishes including fried rice, baked rice, rice salads and rice desserts. Everyone seems to enjoy it.”

The post Supporting a Good Cause appeared first on Anglican Life.

At that time, the Diocesan Synod office was located at 19 King’s Bridge Road, having moved from 68 Queen’s Road a year or two earlier. In those days, 19 King’s Bridge Road housed the Archdeacon’s residence, the Synod Office, and the Diocesan Resource Centre. Elizabeth recalls, “There was a much bigger staff back in those days. If those walls could only talk.”

On Elizabeth’s first day of work, she sat on a small leather steno chair with a little metal table and an Olivetti typewriter in front of the radiator in the main office. When her position became full-time on 1 February 1985, she graduated to a desk in the main office space, still with her Olivetti typewriter. In 1990, the first computers were introduced to the office. There were two computers with 5 卹-inch floppy disks, a shared hard drive in one of the computers, and an inkjet printer that was later upgraded to a laser printer. Over time, technology improved, and more advanced programs were introduced. In later years, the office even acquired a colour photocopier.

Over the past forty years, Elizabeth has worked with five of the last six Bishops of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador:

• Bishop Martin Mate
• Bishop Donald Harvey
• Bishop Cyrus Pitman
• Bishop Geoffrey Peddle
• Bishop Samuel Rose

The first, Bishop Archbishop Seaborn, confirmed her.

Elizabeth has also worked under eight Executive Officers/Archdeacons

• The Ven. Fred Oake
• The Ven. Owen Coffin
• The Ven. Tom Moulton
• The Ven. Neil Kellett
• The Ven. Geoff Peddle
• The Ven. Sandra Tilley
• The Ven. Sam Rose
• Currently, The Ven. Charlene Taylor

She has also had the privilege of working alongside many great colleagues and friends over the years.

The current Executive Officer, Archdeacon Charlene Taylor, remarked, “Elizabeth is the first point of contact for all who call or visit Church House. Her patience and kindness are gifts she offers to everyone in every situation. We are blessed to have Elizabeth in our midst.”

Throughout her forty-year career, Elizabeth has attended approximately 20 diocesan synods. She has shared office space with the diocesan archives, Family Life Counselling Service, Safe Harbour Outreach Project, Home Again Furniture Bank, Coalition of Fisheries, Joint Committee, and Roots of Empathy.

Reflecting on her journey, Elizabeth says, “My work has never been boring, and I have met so many people over the years—whether through serving in the Diocesan Resource Centre, handling registrations for Diocesan Synods, or organizing registrations for Lavrock and Mint Brook Summer Camps for over 30 years.

I have witnessed many changes, such as the building and closing of the Lavrock Centre, the transition from 19 King’s Bridge Road to 22 Church Hill (which, incidentally, was the only move I have ever experienced, as I still live in my childhood home), the construction and closure of churches, and the installation of columbaria.

Over the years, my duties have gone far beyond answering phones and typing. I have worked with rotary telephones, electronic typewriters, Gestetner machines, and collating paper machines. I have made sandwiches, cleaned the office, shovelled snow, fixed toilets, shopped for summer camps—whatever needed to be done. They call me the ‘Institutional Memory.’”

Elizabeth’s role has been diverse. She has conducted research, photocopied and maintained the Newfoundland Churchman/Anglican Life database and mailing labels, and, in the early years, even typed articles for the publication. She has organized files, created databases, listened to people, assisted parishes and staff, and supervised numerous summer students—many of whom have gone on to successful careers.

Elizabeth concludes, “I have had a great 40 years and am not really planning on going anywhere in the near future. Sorry—you’re stuck with me! I’ve learned so much in my time here.”

The post Elizabeth Crisby Celebrates 40 Years! appeared first on Anglican Life.

On our March workday, some people brought along their sewing machines. We opened with prayer, and then the assembling of the mats began. We all enjoyed time together, sharing ideas, and making these mats. We hope that they will be enjoyed by those who receive them. We are so grateful for the time, resources, and talent that were so freely given to make this project possible. Thank you to all involved. May God bless you for your generosity.

The post Fidget Mats Made in Bay Roberts/Coley’s Point For Those With Alzheimer’s or Dementia appeared first on Anglican Life.

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To start with, I’d like to discard a common preconception about the relationship young people have with the church. The way it is most often put to me is: “Young people don’t want to come to the church anymore.” This is incorrect.

Young people NEVER wanted to come to the church.

The history that many older parishioners and clergy remember is a time when churches were filled with people of all ages. We long to have that again, and we grumble about the state of the world and today’s young people, wishing that the importance of church would once again arise in their hearts.

But the truth is, that perception is based on a very different societal situation. It comes from a time when the people living in a community went to church every Sunday. It was expected, and you would be looked down upon if you did not. Church was part of life, like going to work or school.

Later, this began to change. The expectation of participating in a church began to diminish for a variety of reasons. Still, many young people went—not out of obligation to their community, but out of obligation to their parents, for whom church life remained important.

After a while, even that began to change. As businesses opened and activities took place on Sundays, and as the world generally moved faith away from being one of the centre points of our lives, young people no longer felt the need to regularly attend worship or be involved in the life of the church.

We are mistaken to think these changes robbed young people of the need for church in their lives. In reality, these changes simply cut the leashes that had kept young people tethered to a church they would have long abandoned if those leashes had never been there.

It’s not a pretty truth, but there it is.

Church was what you were supposed to do on Sunday. Young people went, and quite often enjoyed doing so—but perhaps that was because there were few more appealing alternatives on a Sunday.

Now, none of this is universally the case. There are always exceptions—youth who joyously come to our churches—and we treasure them as precious.

The Anglican Church, in our context, has now found that the solid base we once depended on has started to wash away like sand. Our active parishioners are mostly those who come from a time when you always went to church. Their children and grandchildren, by and large, do not. Our numbers and resources dwindle as a result.

So it comes to us now to start playing the long game. We’ve tried to play it short, doing things more or less as we’ve always done them, trying to cling to what we have. And we’re losing ground.

It is no good asking, “How do I get young people into the church?” That’s the wrong question, and you probably wouldn’t like the answer.

The better question is: “How do I get my church out among the young people?” That is where you might actually make a difference.

Not in the short term. You’re not going to volunteer at a handful of school breakfasts and suddenly find young families sitting up front on a Sunday morning. This is not going to save your building or keep your clergy’s stipend paid.

But what it might do is show the young people in our communities that the people of the church are kind and loving. It might give them a different perspective so that, in their lives, when they read news stories about mistakes a church has made somewhere, or when they hear negative stereotypes about church people and church life, they can think for themselves: “I remember the people from the church coming and helping with this or that. They used to do nice things around town. They were nice to me.”

The church cannot simply be worshipping on Sundays and wishing there were young people there to hear. It needs to be seen getting involved in every good work, no matter who is doing it or where.

Because it’s not about saving the building or paying the bills. It’s about living the Gospel. Anything else is inauthentic—and the youth can see that.

The post Taking the Church to The “Young People” appeared first on Anglican Life.

Here at St. John the Evangelist, Topsail, fellowship is not confined to Sunday morning worship. Canon Jotie has offered a Bible study programme that is open to the whole congregation. Sessions are held every Thursday morning, starting at 10:30 a.m. and lasting for 1 to 1卦 hours. They include group discussions.

As I write this, Lent is stealthily creeping upon us. As in other parishes, Ash Wednesday is the starting point of worship during this holy season. It was marked by the ceremony of anointing with ashes.

We are now entering the second Wednesday of Lent. Parishioners will have an opportunity to join in fellowship as a prerequisite for the many commitments we endeavour to uphold during the forty days leading up to the celebration of Easter. As St. Paul said, “Practice and cultivate and meditate upon these duties.” (1 Timothy 4:15)

It is also a time to remember that charity is not just about giving to the food bank or providing physical help to the poor. Charity is about kindness, benevolence, generosity, empathy, and, above all, tolerance in judging others. As we embark on this holy journey, let us be ever mindful of Christ’s sacrificial death and illustrious rising from the dead.

“…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death”
– Philippians 3:10

The post Christian Values appeared first on Anglican Life.

Currently, several people are on a journey of deepening their relationship with Christ through formal theological studies, thereby actualizing a commitment to providing pastoral services in the Parish of Upper Island Cove. Robert Clarke—Sunday School coordinator, lay reader, and Ministry Team member—is currently a student at Queen’s College in the Associate of Theology programme. Mrs. Linda Barrett, also a Eucharistic Assistant, joins him at Queen’s College as a student in the Diploma of Theology programme. Mr. Armin Hackelsperger, a Eucharistic Assistant, is now officially certified as a lay reader, and Mr. Jacob Clarke recently received newly blessed vestments as a Eucharistic server.

To be clear and truthful, these are only some of the faces of embodied Christian duty in the Parish of Upper Island Cove. There are many cherished people in our parish who give the gift of their loving service in St. Andrew’s, St. Peter’s, and the newly consecrated St. John the Evangelist Chapel. Several new faces are joining our music ministry, church vestry, and supporting committees—people putting their faith into motion to create unity, prosperity, and growth in our parish and its communities.

Speaking of music ministry, the growth in this area is certainly noteworthy. St. Peter’s Church choir continues to grow, as seen on most Sunday mornings and especially on the evening of March 2nd at the “Memorial Hymns and Songs Service.” That evening, the choir was at full strength, the chancel was filled to the brim with choir members, and the large building of St. Peter’s Church itself resounded with their heavenly voices.

What is truly remarkable about the Parish of Upper Island Cove is the experience of hearing these choir voices perform a hymn like “It Is Well with My Soul,” followed by the magnificent voices of the congregation singing “How Great Thou Art.” One might be left in awe, their entire body tingling at the power and beauty of the singing from the chancel to the pews and back. I should know, as I was the organist for that service—awestruck by such stunning musical worship. Having grown up in this parish as a child, hearing all the powerful singing around me brought back many wonderful memories of this church building, filled with beloved and talented singers, now passed on and greatly missed. I am sure I was not alone that evening, thinking of them and connecting with them in spirit—quite a fitting experience for the “Memorial Hymns and Songs Service.”

To make the evening even more moving, Rev’d. Shirley and Rev’d. Aubrey shared their own solo musical gifts, as did our parish flagship band, the Anglican Church Assistance Association (ACAA) Brass Band.

The 2nd of March was indeed a busy Sunday for our parish. With a promise to learn and grow “to be of true Christian character,” #4547 Upper Island Cove CLB Company held its CLB Enrolment and Awards Service. Five new members were officially enrolled and joined the company and the Brigade, supported by their families, friends, and CLB family. Other members received the activity badges they have earned so far this training year.

In the spirit of pre-Lent, a Shrove Tuesday eat-in and take-out pancake supper was held at St. Peter’s Reverend Pierce Hall, supported by St. Peter’s Ways and Means Fundraising and Fellowship committees. The event was a great success, with the parish gathering in faith as a community.

Finally, the Parish of Upper Island Cove’s 2nd Annual Pasta Sunday was held on March 16th at the hall, supported by the families and friends of the Sunday School programme. They donated uncooked pasta ingredients and prepared pasta and desserts in many forms, sharing a beautiful meal as a church family. All donations were given to the local Helping Hand Food Bank.

In the afterglow of the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection, I hope that sharing the good news of growth in pastoral leadership, music ministry, and children learning how to Fight the Good Fight, as well as acts of God’s love through sharing and breaking bread together, brings joy and inspiration this spring season. Let us always remember the hope God’s love gives us all and the miracles to be found in each day of this life we are gifted.

The post Growth and Community: Upper Island Cove appeared first on Anglican Life.

However, massive cuts to international aid by USAID (United States Agency for International Development) and several European governments are having devastating impacts on aid organizations worldwide, including Alongside Hope’s collaboration with local partners such as EHALE, a community health organization in Mozambique.

The sudden cuts from USAID are disproportionately affecting people who are already at risk: children and youth living with HIV/AIDS, refugees who no longer see a durable solution, and those experiencing extreme hunger who depend on food and other humanitarian aid.

To maintain as many vital programmes as possible, Alongside Hope is launching an urgent appeal to donors. Your support of the Resilience Fund will allow Alongside Hope to provide partners with additional support for refugees, HIV-related needs, and women recovering from gender-based violence.

These include:

Tanzania

• Families supported by Church World Service who were preparing for a new life in the United States and had already left the Nyarugushu Refugee camp and given away their possessions were forced to return to the camp with nothing, their dreams of resettlement shattered with the suspension of the US Refugee Resettlement Program.

Kenya

• Anglican Development Services in Kenya was forced to quickly scale back school food programs, anti-retrovirals and other wraparound care for children and youth living with HIV/AIDS. The futures of more than 160 case workers are now uncertain

• many children are no longer able to attend school.

• 42 staff at National Council of Churches Kenya who were providing youth mentorship programming and support for school fees have been laid off, affecting 8,000 youth and 8,000 orphans and vulnerable children.

Mozambique

A five-year program with partner EHALE that was improving maternal health services and access to health care for young mothers was forced to shut down.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Plans for a program with the Panzi Foundation that would have brought dignity to women recovering from gender-based violence have been shelved.

Haiti

• Medical services and referrals for community members working with Rayjon Share Care are not being provided due to cuts to hospitals that had been receiving USAID supplies.

How you can help:

• Please pray for our neighbours all over the world whose livelihoods and futures have been made uncertain.

• Contact your Member of Parliament and advocate for increased aid funding.

• Give to Alongside Hope as we respond to increased hunger and needs around the world. You can donate online at alongsidehope.org/give-today or call 1-866-308-7973, or mail your cheque to: Alongside Hope, 80 Hayden Street, 3rd floor, Toronto, Ont., M4Y 3G2

For more information:

https://alongsidehope.org/news/cuts-to-international-aid-highlight-the-need-to-keep-up-our-support/

The post Alongside Hope Launches “Resilience Fund” to Counter USAID Cuts appeared first on Anglican Life.

Sheila started volunteering at St. Hilda’s when she was just 13 years old as a member of the AYPA (Anglican Youth People’s Association), and has been involved in the church on and off ever since, whether it was with the ACW, on the vestry, or with the parish. She was the first female to be elected to the Bay L’Argent vestry.

There have been many challenging years in the parish, but Sheila has persevered, and with her hard work and dedication, St. Hilda’s in still going.

A big thank you to Sheila for all that she has done, and continues to do, for both her church and the parish

The post Thank You Sheila House appeared first on Anglican Life.

A lot of them have been delivered personally by our members. Some have been sent far and wide. Each shawl combines the power of prayer with the healing power of human touch. Some of our faithful knitters are no longer with us. We dearly miss them. The Rev’d Bill Strong blesses each of the shawls at a Sunday morning church service.

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