A project began in the late winter and continued until July. My crew of volunteers put in many hours of their spare time  to beautify our hall. Talent and hard work, along with their dedication to Church and community, compelled these generous and caring members of our community to give their time.

The first phase of work was completed last fall—the outside of the building. We finished the lower hall in July. Our next project will be the upper hall.

On July 13th, the first event after the  improvements was a celebrator dinner of Chinese food and wine to show appreciation to the volunteers for their hard work. This event was hosted by myself and my husband Barry, who also worked for many hours improving the hall.

Words cannot express the appreciation I feel for the co-operation and dedication of those who so willingly gave their time and energy to beautify and repair our hall. 

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St. Augustine in one of his many exhortations says: “Believe in order that you may understand; unless you believe you shall not understand,” and claims the understanding that he had in mind could be achieved only in the vision of God face-to-face in a life of blessedness; but even in life, faith could be—and had to be—intensified in the mind by seeking a deeper insight.

For Augustine, progress in understanding was part of the growth of faith itself and the belief that God is always intimately present to the mind, whether this presence is acknowledged or not. His presence pervades everything and is operative in everything that happens. The only difference between the human mind in respect to the divine presence within it is that the human mind is able to turn freely toward the light and acknowledge its presence, or to turn away from it and forget it. Whether the mind is present to the divine light or not, the light is present to the mind; on this presence is founded all the mind’s ability to know. 

St. Thomas Aquinas held that faith falls midway between opinion and scientific knowledge; it is more than opinion because it involves a firm assent to its object; and it is less than knowledge because it lacks vision. Both are intellectual acts and habits of assent: in the case of faith, a person is not sufficiently moved by the object to accept it as true; by an act of will, one inclines oneself to believe. Where objects of belief have to do with divine matters which exceed one’s natural cognitive capacity, the disposition to believe such articles of religious faith is regarded as a special gift from God. 

The naturalist Charles Darwin revolutionized much of our thinking in science, philosophy, and theology. He advanced the theory of evolution, and his findings brought about much discussion; the biological sciences of his time were given a new set of principles, and we were given a new and challenging conception of our place in nature. 

The popular reaction to Darwin’s theory focused on its religious and ideological implications. In his autobiography, he relates that his religious beliefs underwent a change from naive acceptance of Christianity to being a reluctant agnostic. Yet he experienced moods in which it seemed difficult or even impossible to conceive that “this immense and wonderful universe, with our conscious selves, arose through chance.” In the end, however, he concluded that the whole subject is beyond the scope of man’s intellect: “the mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us; and I for one must be content to remain an agnostic.”

In our time, as in the past, when major controversial events occur, subsequent understanding of what actually happened often remains unclear to many. Go back then a couple of thousand years ago in Jesus Christ’s time, where oral reports were common and written records were few, and you come to realize the colossal magnitude of discerning the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Furthermore, trying to obtain the truth from the minds of individuals who have a vested interest in a given situation, is a complex and challenging endeavour that often yields meagre results. One must be careful in not just judging and looking at others as being like this, as indeed in the main, we are all like this. It ain’t easy!

The post Reasonable and Probable Grounds to Believe appeared first on Anglican Life.

Canon Jeffrey Petten. Of course due to pandemic restrictions, we could not say farewell to Canon Paulette and welcome to Canon Jeffrey in the way we wanted to. So, on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, after one full year under the leadership of Canon Jeffrey, we finally said welcome to him and a fond farewell to Canon Paulette. The celebration was held at the home of one of our parishioners, Janet Cluett and her husband Brian. It was a beautiful day, and of course it goes without saying, in true Anglican fashion, there was enough food to feed 5,000 and have 12 baskets left over. 

As a parish we thank both Canon Paulette and Canon Jeffrey for their leadership in our parish. It was nice that we could finally do this the way we wanted to do it.

The post Hello, Goodbye…A Year Later appeared first on Anglican Life.

Fast forward to the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches from the 31st August to September 8th. I was a delegate from the Anglican Church of Canada and attended the pre- Assembly entitled The Just Community of Women and Men. Prior to the Assembly, women from around the world prepared panels for what would be a waterfall of witness. Again the website describes the emotions the Brazilian artist Janine Marja Schneider brought to her project, the “Waterfall of Solidarity and Resistance” tapestry. “On one hand, she’s inspired to bring the stories of women from around the world to life on the colourful blocks that cascade downward like liquid. On the other hand, with every stitch, she more deeply absorbs what brings these women together: it’s what they’ve survived.” The tapestry was a powerful visual depiction of the stories of courage and resistance, and hope, in every part of this globe. No longer is Thursdays in Black called a campaign: now it was called a movement. It’s a movement because globally women and men are mobilizing to lift up those voices, to tell the stories and to engage in resistance to gender based violence and to work toward its elimination. It is a movement of the Spirit as it affirms the inherent dignity of every human being. A brief video about Thursdays in Black is found here:
https://www.oikoumene.org/what-we-do/thursdays-in-black. 

It’s not sometimes anymore that I remember, it’s every Thursday, and whenever it is possible, I wear black.

The post Thursdays In Black: Why it Matters appeared first on Anglican Life.

On Saturday, July 30th the vestry and parishioners of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Corner Brook held a barbecue in the Canadian Tire parking lot to bring awareness of, and provide support to, the ALS Society of Newfoundland and Labrador in honour of Ray and Valerie Pretty, following Ray’s recent diagnosis. BBQ costs were covered by generous donations from vestry members and others, allowing all funds raised to be donated directly to the ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Society of NL.

The success of this venture was obvious on September 28th, when Dean Catherine Short and the vestry presented a cheque for $3,069.28 to Cheryl Power, the Executive Director of the ALS/SLA Society of NL, which has its headquarters in Corner Brook.

The post Cathedral ALS Fundraiser appeared first on Anglican Life.

‘Take all the time you need.’ This was one of the most helpful things I could hear. As soon as we knew that I was going to need time off, the diocese told me that I could take two weeks without any questions asked. More than that would need a doctor’s note, so I set to work getting an appointment with my family doctor. I didn’t know how long it would take to get better, but I knew it was going to take time. People telling me to take whatever time I needed were giving me the reassurance that I was allowed to take this seriously.

In contrast, some other people wished that I would ‘get well soon’. On one level, I know that they were wishing that I wouldn’t be unwell any longer than I had to, but sometimes it was hard to remind myself that they weren’t telling me to hurry up and get back to work so that I could carry on in some of the bad habits that had been contributing to my problem. I can see that now, but based on my own experience, I would much rather tell people to take whatever time they need to get better, rather than encouraging them to get better as soon as possible.

‘Thank you for the strength/courage you’re showing.’ This was so important. Admitting that I needed help was one of the hardest things I’ve done, and shaking after a panic attack while your spouse starts reaching out to get you help does not feel strong at all. But as I started taking steps to work on dealing with my anxiety, I knew that I wanted to be open and honest about what I was going through. (I started thinking about writing this series on the third day of leave!)

When I spoke to my Bishop on the morning after I hit the crisis point, he told me that he would be in my parish that Sunday to break the news that I would be taking some leave. He said, ‘I can tell them whatever you’d like me to. What we’d normally say is that you’re on Administrative Leave.’ I said, ‘Please don’t say that! It makes it sound like I’ve done something wrong and I’m in trouble.’ He replied, ‘Well, we can certainly just call it medical leave, and leave it at that.’ I said, ‘If we say that, people might assume that I’ve got COVID, or worse. Let’s call it what it is: mental health leave.’

Saying those words was a big step. Admitting it puts people in a very vulnerable position. But the more people that talk about mental illness, the more others are encouraged to do so. Perhaps someone you know and care about is facing challenges of their own that they’re afraid to talk about. If so, one of the most important things you can do is give them a safe space to be honest, and tell them how proud you are of them.
Mental health struggles can seem overwhelming, but with help, they can be dealt with. One of the hardest parts is admitting that something isn’t right. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can get help by calling 811. More support and resources are available online at nl.bridgethegapp.ca.

The post Speaking of Mental Health… appeared first on Anglican Life.

Denise was born in London, and served during World War II with the WAAF as a radar mechanic; she came to Bell Island in 1953 as a teacher. Three years later she married Gerald Rees in whom she was a faithful companion and support for many years.

The first year she was here in Newfoundland, she marched off down to the annual meeting of the church on the Island. She related this experience to the Newfoundland Churchman in 1991:

I was sitting there in a room full of men and just as the meeting was about to begin, one man stood up and wondered aloud whether Miss Hatton knew that women do not attend church annual meetings. I replied, “Oh yes, they do. I’m here.”

Denise went on to organize the Girl’s Auxiliary (G.A.), and was also involved with the Women’s Auxiliary in the 50’s and 60’s. She was diocesan president of W.A. and was president of St. Mary’s A.C.W. for two years. She became the first woman on the vestry on Bell Island, and on the diocesan synod, and served in a number of other capacities including as a delegate to General Synod. And, she matched her activities with continuing support for her parishes, the diocese, and PWRDF. The list goes on.

The Rev’d Canon Ralph Billard wrote the following in 2013 when nominating Denise for the Bishop’s Award of Merit:

“Denise Rees has been witnessing for Jesus Christ in a great variety of ways from her role in the life of the church, to being a faithful wife and helpmate. She is a glowing example of witnessing and evangelism.”

Another former rector of Denise’s, Bishop Cyrus Pitman, had these comments:

“Denise lived her whole life based on the call of Jesus to share in His ministry; and share she did!! In my time at St. Mary’s she was an  avid Sunday worshipper as well as daily worshipper in her home. She would often want to reflect and discuss the Sunday homily. She was also very passionate about youth ministry.”

The rector of St. Mark the Evangelist, the Ven. Amanda Taylor, said that while she had only known Denise for a few months, she “was riveted by the stories of her life that were shared with me. As she advocated for Women’s Rights, and stood in solidarity with the LGBTQ2S+ community (even attending a Pride Parade in her wheelchair!), Denise took to heart the baptismal call to “seek and serve Christ in all persons” and to “respect the dignity of every human being.”

Bishop Cy has the last say about Denise: “There is much more I can say about Denise. She never wanted much said about her. She often said, “Always give God the Glory”.”

What a legacy! Thank you Denise.

The post Denise Rees: A Glowing Example of Witnessing appeared first on Anglican Life.

In Newfoundland, there’s an old adage that “when the regatta is over, the fall quickly sets in.”

Now since the warm weather this summer defied all odds, with no change as August was approaching its end, it seemed obvious that the old maxim was about to lose its credibility.

And many enthusiasts had no hesitation in making huge plans for a grand finale as the Labor Day holiday approached. Luckily, the long weekend escaped unscathed weather wise, but the climate changed with a flourish the very next day, September 6th.

For the ACW members here at St. John The Evangelist, it was merely a sign or reminder that after a long summer hiatus, it was time, and we were ready to commence preparations for the upcoming fall activities and fellowship with our team.

September, this year, also focused on a remarkable milestone for our rector, the Rev’d Jotie Noel, who celebrated the 34th, anniversary of his ordination to the diaconate. He was ordained in St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Corner Brook by Bishop Martin Mate on September 4th, 1988. Congratulations Rev’d Jotie from our ACW team.

So to borrow or steal an idiom from Rev’d Jotie’s vocabulary, and the resurrection of tasks to be undertaken, our church year really starts in September and not in January.

On September 18th, twelve ACW members met at the parish hall for the first time since April 26. The group was anxious to formalize strategies in outreach, social enterprises, and visitation to former ACW ladies now living in retirement homes. While always and ever conscious to avoid complacency due to the realization that the threat of COVID-19 has not yet exhausted itself, our first outreach to the congregation and neighbouring citizens is to aid our special committee in the sponsorship of a lasagna supper take out for October 1st.

If this effort proceeds favourably without incident, the regular flea market will follow on October 22, the Fall Fair on Nov. 12, and our traditional Christmas event, the Holly Tea on December 10th.

And now to conclude, I hope you’ll agree
We’re a feisty bunch for all to see,
We do what we can with whatever we got,
Because our job is not work, when we love it a lot

The post Emerging From An Exceptionally Brilliant Summer appeared first on Anglican Life.

None of the answers to these questions are easy. Every generation since the beginning of time has faced most of these questions throughout the ages. My grandfather was born in 1904. He lived through two world wars, the Great Depression, a tsunami, a polio outbreak, and numerous other life challenges. His generation didn’t have antibiotics that saved lives; didn’t have computers; didn’t have cell phones; didn’t have grocery stores; didn’t have physical money. My grandfather’s generation was so poor that as a country, they decided to give up sovereignty to join Canada as one way of trying to survive. 

My grandfather and grandmother couldn’t afford the price of the train ticket to go to St. John’s to visit their only child when he was sick in hospital. My father spent months in hospital, all alone as a ten-year-old, away from his parents, 100 kilometres from home, to recover from a broken hip. Dad relied on the kindness of strangers to take care of him as a little boy. I can’t imagine the stress that both he and his parents went through during all those months of not knowing if he was well or being looked after properly. Yet, they had no choice! My grandparents had no money and dad had to be in hospital to survive his accident. An impossible situation that really created little choice for my grandparents, so they did the impossible and dad stayed in hospital until he was well enough to walk. As many of you may know, dad never recovered completely from his accident and had a severe limp for the rest of his life, but he lived a very successful life despite his injury.

Can you imagine not seeing your child for months?

I questioned my grandfather regarding how he managed to cope during this time of his life. His answer was said swiftly and softly. “My love, the only thing that got me through was my faith in God.” He went on to explain that he left all his loved ones in God’s capable hands. My grandfather then told me that as human beings, we had little control over the things that happen in our lives, but as Christians, through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, we had a promise from God that he would see us through all the danger, sickness, turmoil, and tragedy that the world would throw at us. Jesus died so we might be saved! Have faith and all will be revealed when we go to heaven to be with God.

So, my friends, even though the world seems very dark and dangerous these days, remember to have faith. Our Lord and Saviour died for us, and even though we may not understand in this life why things happen, our covenant with God gives us comfort in times of trouble. 

God bless you all.

The post Have Faith appeared first on Anglican Life.

In response to the hunger emergency unfolding around the world, 12 Canadian aid agencies have joined forces as the Humanitarian Coalition to raise funds and rush assistance to people on the edge of famine. One of those agencies is the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, of which PWRDF is a member, and is therefore participating. In addition to being a part of the Humanitarian Coalition, PWRDF has recently provided $360,000 ($90,000 each) to support four areas experiencing humanitarian crises:
•In Myanmar (Burma), more than 100,000 Rohingya are living in Rakhine state, confined to displacement camps which have been called open-air prisons. There are severe limitations on movement, education and healthcare. PWRDF is supporting the ongoing work of its partner, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), bringing food, healthcare and dignity to those marginalized people.
•In Iraq, internally displaced people, refugees, returnees, and their host communities are very vulnerable. Under the ACT Appeal, LWF Iraq is improving water, sanitation and hygiene services, promoting income generating activities, and working with local community groups to address sexual and gender-based violence.
•In Ethiopia, programming is supporting safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for those most vulnerable. This support will build on past work of LWF through the ACT Alliance.
•In Syria, the Middle East Council of Churches, through the ACT Alliance appeal for Syria, Jordan and Lebanon, will use PWRDF funds to train Syrian women in Jordan to run small businesses, or to become home-care workers or nurse assistants.

Why not go to pwrdf.org and check out the numerous humanitarian programs your church supports, and prayerfully consider how you might be able to help. Thank you.

Ways to give: 

To donate online go to pwrdf.org and click on the Give Today tab, you may choose “Donate Now to Where Needs are Greatest” or scroll down to find a project you would like to support. 

You may also send a cheque payable to PWRDF to 80 Hayden Street, 3rd floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 3G2; or

You can also donate by phone by calling (416) 822-9083 or leave a voicemail at 1(866) 308-7973 and they will return your call.

The post Help For Humanitarian Crises appeared first on Anglican Life.