In the Gospel of Matthew, the women approach the tomb carrying grief and uncertainty. They were not expecting resurrection. They were simply showing up in love. Then the earth trembled, the stone was moved, and the angel spoke words that echo through history: “He is not here; for he has been raised.” (Matthew 28:6).

The stone was rolled away not so Jesus can get out, but so the disciples can see in. God makes space for them, for us, to witness new life. Easter asks us gentle but searching questions: what stones feel heavy in our lives and in our Church right now? Where do we feel sealed in by fear, fatigue, or doubt? Where does the future seem unclear? Resurrection does not pretend that those stones have never existed. Good Friday was real. The cross was real. The grief was real.

We are living in a season that calls for patience, humility, courage and deep trust in God. Across many parts of the Church, communities are discerning what faithfulness looks like in changing times. It can be tempting to hold tightly to what once felt strong and secure, or to become anxious about what the future may bring. In places where numbers have declined and familiar patterns have faded, hope can feel fragile.

Yet the empty tomb speaks directly into that space. The risen Christ remains faithful when we feel uncertain. He is present when energy feels low. He goes ahead of us into a future we cannot yet see clearly. Resurrection does not deny loss but proclaims that none of those realities are ultimate. God is still able to move what we cannot.

The stone rolled away is a sign of divine initiative. Before the disciples organized themselves, before they understood what had happening, God had already acted. Resurrection is not our achievement. It is God’s gift. That means we do not have to solve every problem or map out every step before God begins to move. The first Easter did not wait for clarity, consensus, or confidence. It unfolded while hearts were still confused and plans were still undone. God intervened in the middle of their uncertainty.

This Easter, we are invited simply to look into the open tomb and listen again. To hear the promise that life is stronger than death. To trust that even where we see obstacles, God sees possibility. To step forward, as the women did, with fear and great joy intertwined.

May we have the grace to see what God is opening before us. May we walk into that future together, trusting that the One who was raised from the dead is still living and leading amongst us.

The stone has been rolled away. Alleluia! Christ is risen indeed!

Mickton+

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The Rev’d Kudawashe Madzime (Rev’d Kuda), gave the message for the evening. He gave an uplifting sermon of how

we portray the image of God not by outward appearances, but by our inward selves. He said, “It is the Spirit of God that is in you and me. In the image of God we are equal.”

We celebrated the evening in song with UnCommon Praise (our St. Michael and All Angels’ guitar group) who played the congregational hymns. The Zimbabwean community delighted us with two selections of drumming, and dancing from the young children.

At the closing of the service, Ivy Danquah (from Ghana) sang an inspirational rendition of “Sanctuary”.

The festivities continued after the blessing with a tea in the hall. Many stayed to enjoy the taste of some Zimbabwean and Nigerian foods, including boiled peanuts which seemed to be a favourite with the children. As we say in Newfoundland and Labrador, “A good time was had by all!” which can be compared to an African saying that Rev’d Kuda shared, which translated it means, “I Am because We Are.” As Rev’d Mickton expressed this feeling wholeheartedly on St. Michael and All Angels’ Facebook page “…prayers rose to God in different languages, reminding us that the Church truly speaks with many voices, yet shares one Spirit.”

A very memorable night of celebration for all!

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It was wonderful to hear the voices of children and adults singing along: what a joyful sound!

In mid-December, members of the Fellowship Group, and ladies from the community, went carolling in Rocky Harbour and Norris Point. It was amazing as the night sky glistened with stars, the light snow fell, we saw trees covered with blankets of snow, and heard voices ringing in the air. How joyful it was to knock on someone’s door, to let them know the carollers were there, and see how excited they were to come outside in the night air and listen to the singing. For many people it brought back many happy memories of Christmas, loved ones, and traditions.

This is Christmas; this is what it’s all about. The Fellowship Group will have memories for ever, and it was a blessing; we look forward to doing it again next year!

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After the lighting of the first candle in the Advent wreath, and with prayers and praise, we decorated our Jesse tree with loads of knitted items, with more to be added in the coming weeks. Our prayer shawls were blessed and will be distributed to residents of Corner Brook Long Term Care.

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“For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies, For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies, Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our grateful song of praise”

In writing a few stories to be submitted to Anglican Life from The Parish of Bay St. George, we see around us God’s gift of love and beauty in every seasonal colour. At this time of the year that this is being written, the fall colours along with the Harvest Festivals help us express our thankfulness for all God’s love. In addition, as we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of St. Mary Magdalene Church in Jeffreys (1985 – 2025), we continue to express our thankfulness for the many years of our church community.

In September 2025, we began to plan for the 4th Harvest Festival of the Parish of Bay St. George to be held at the Lion’s Club on October 11th, 2025. Our four congregations met to plan to ask for donations of vegetables, baked goods, jams and pickles, berries, and salt fish products. All items were freely given including monetary donations, turkeys, hams, buckets of salt beef, riblets, and knitted goods. The local stores and surrounding grocery and business outlets also gave very generously. Many raffle sales, spin-the-wheel and tickets made the day for one of fun and laughter. The parish council of Bay St. George extends a heartfelt thank-you to all who participated in, and were part of, our 2025 Harvest Festival. Without you all, it could not be the success we experienced helping the church go forward.

In October 2025 the vestry of St. Mary Magdalene Church, Jeffreys, made special plans to celebrate their 60th anniversary on October 26th, 2025. Under the leadership of Mrs. Ida Chaffey-Keeping plans were made to have a roast beef supper on Saturday, October 25th. Rev’d Cutler organized the Anniversary Service for Sunday October 26th at 7:00 p.m. Members of the vestry met on Friday evening to peel potatoes, turnip, and carrots that were enough to serve 100 dinners. Mr. Jack Alley roasted the beef at the cooking facilities offered at the Lion’s Club.

The roast beef dinner was a delicious meal enjoyed by all. It was a beautiful social evening, and much reflection was offered surrounding the building of St. Mary Magdalene Church. There is only one church member alive now who helped to cut the logs in order to start the construction of the church. Mr. Calvin Madore, who is now 90 years old, did this 60 years ago, and continues to be a very active member at regular worship services today.

Our Diocesan Administrator, The Rev’d Mickton Phiri, was our celebrant at the Anniversary Service. The Rev’d William Matchem, and Mrs. Florence Gillis were invited to bring greetings on behalf of the United and the Roman Catholic Churches. Rev’d Matchem with Mrs. Amelia Cutler from St. Boniface Church, Ramea, and Mrs. Betty Flynn from The Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist Church, Corner Brook, provided the music. We were so delighted to be joined by Naomi Felix, a seven-year-old granddaughter of Ida’s from the United Baptist Church, Rothesay, New Brunswick, to play “The Ode to Joy” on her violin.
We were deeply moved by her presentation.

Mr. Skyeler Quilty was our cross-bearer, Mrs. Vene Curnew presented the first reading, Mrs. Shirley Hulan led the psalm, Mrs. Ida Chaffey-Keeping presented the second reading, and the Rev’d Nancy Hulan joined us as guest priest, and proclaimed the Gospel. The Rev’d Norman Cutler gave the sermon. Mrs. Shannon Alley prepared the flower arrangement and roses were donated by Deanna Coffin. Mrs. Vene Curnew presented the anniversary cake.

The Hymns for the Anniversary Service were:

• “The Church’s one Foundation”
• “We love the place O God”
• “When the sun comes up tomorrow”
• “Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah”
• “Now thank we all our God”

After the dismissal, everyone gathered around in a circle to sing Bud Davidge’s beautiful song “Music and Friends,” after which the anniversary cake was cut and shared with everyone.

A special thank you for all who joined us for the 60th Anniversary of St. Mary Magdalene Church.

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ACW Anniversary and All Saints’ Day
On November 1, 2025, the ACW Ladies of St. James’ Church in Port aux Basques started their morning with a service of Holy Communion, led by Rev’d Kuda, to celebrate their 127th Anniversary and also to keep All Saints’ Day. Following the service, they gathered at the Memorial Centre for lunch.

Cold Plate Fundraiser
On October 28th the ACW Ladies of St. James’ Church prepared cold plates for sale as a fundraiser for their Church. Great day of fellowship and hard work. A huge thank you to all the ladies who helped to make this a great success.

Advent Quiet Day in Port aux Basques
On Friday, November 28th, 2025, the ACW (Anglican Church Women) of St. James’ Church in Port aux Basques held their annual ‘Advent Quiet Day’. The event featured a beautiful worship service led by Rev. Kudawashe Madzime under the theme, “Listening/Obeying the Voice of God”. Following Communion, the ladies enjoyed a bagged lunch and then decorated the hall for Christmas. It was a wonderful morning of fellowship and worship.

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