Diocese takes first steps toward transformational change

By Ana Watts

Last June’s synod recognized an urgent need for growth — spiritual, numerical and financial — and called loudly and clearly for the transformational change in this diocese necessary to achieve that growth. Synod identified the preparation of leaders for change, our personal renewal as Christians and Anglicans, increased mission and ministry in our communities, and a major stewardship initiative as the most effective means of paving the path to change. Already at least a dozen new diocesan initiatives have supported and developed these change priorities.   Read the story.

Nov. 7, 2009 Diocesan Council News online
Council News November 2009

Speakers from Honduras
The Revs. Nelson and Kara (Thompson) Mejia and family from Honduras will be in Canada from mid-April to mid-July 2010 for deputation work and to visit with family. They will speak in Ontario and Quebec in April and are available to speak weekdays and on Sundays in churches in this diocese in May and June. To book a speaking engagement in the deaneries of Woodstock, Fredericton or York please contact the Rev. Bruce McKenna at <bruce.mckenna at anglican.nb.ca>. Interested churches in the southern part of the province contact Dwight Stuart <mdstuart at nbnet.nb.ca>. Northern parishes contact Kara's father, the Rev. Gordon Thompson, at <gordon.thompson at anglican.nb.ca>. The Mejias already have some bookings, so please make your request as soon as possible.

Anglican Foundation

Parishes considering applications to the Anglican Foundation in 2010 should notify Diocesan Council of their intentions by Dec. 31, 2009. Find the information you need to make application to the Anglican Foundation as well as a form to request an application to the Anglican Foundation on the Diocese of Fredericton website.

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Legislative Changes
For 07 November 2009 changes in Regulation 7-2 Schedule A - Minimum Stipend Scale, Regulation 7-2 Schedule B - Travel Reimbursement Chart and Regulation 7-4 - Vacation and Leave of Absence visit the Legislation and Directive Change Log.

View An up-to-date list of diocesan appointments and announcements.

Temporal Transactions

View an up-to-date list of property transactions within the diocese.

Open incumbencies

* Appointment process status:
     H - On hold
     P - In parish profile preparation
     E - Accepting expressions of interest
     I - In the interview process
     A - Awaiting appointment

Diocesan openings

The Nominating Committee currently invites nominations for the following positions:

• Diocesan / Synod Nominating Committee Chair
• Investment sub-committee (one member)
• Human Resources Committee (two lay positions)
• Nominating Committee Member (one lay and one cleric)
  
  

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RCL Lectionary (Year B)

Sunday, Nov. 15

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 33) (Green)

Propers 392; 1 Samuel 2:1-10 as canticle; Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18); Mark 13:1-8; Preface of the Lord's Day.

Cycles of Prayer
Virginia — Province III, USA) The Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee; Coadjutor the Rt. Rev. Shannon Sherwood Johnston; Suffragan the Rt. Rev. David Colin Jones.

Visit these links:
Anglican Cycle of Prayer
Provincial Prayer Care
Diocesan Intercessions

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Useful links from Youth Action Director George Porter 
Children's Spirituality

Godly Play

Advent Day of Reflection
David Goss and Jim McKenna will lead this retreat from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Dec. 2 at the Villa Madonna Retreat House in Rothesay, overlooking the Kennebecasis River. Carols and songs of Advent and Christmas will explore the season through the music that has been composed over the centuries. Jim will play the pieces, and  lead the singing, and David will offer commentary and play a few cd's. This program is based on similiar programs offered at Trinity Church, Saint John, over the past three seasons, but much expanded and open to all. The villa is a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere. If you have never enjoyed a visit to this spiritual treasure in Rothesay think about doing so as part of your walk through Advent this year. The fee is $40 for the day and includes snacks and lunch. There will be a celebration of the Eucharist at 11 a.m. for those wishing to participate and there will be time in the full day program for periods of reflection, strolling about the extensive grounds, or visiting the well stocked library. For further information, contact David Goss at gosswalk@nbnet.nb.ca.  
 
Countdown to CLAY

Canadian Lutheran and Anglican Youth Gathering

The Ultimate Worship Experience

Aug. 19-22, 2010

London Ontario

Theological Reading Circle:
"'The Way of Grace' - Richard Hooker (1554-1600) on the Christian Life"
Sermon on Pride
With the Rev. Dr. Ranall Ingalls <rtrinsj at nbnet.nb.ca>
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, at Trinity Church, Saint John
Hooker's 'Learned Discourse on Justification' read previously.
Copies of the Sermon on Pride are available from Joanne McGraw <trinsj at nbnet.nb.ca>.
The text is read out loud together. The group pauses from time to time to discuss it.
Everyone welcome.

The Anglican Centre in Rome offers
The Nature of Church as communion
A course for the church leaders of tomorrow
Feb.15 – 21
Focus: the nature of Church as communion
Express your interest to the Primate's office <pfeheley at national.anglican.ca>.

Books recommended at the Clergy Conference, August 2009
The most resources related to personal and parish growth most highly recommended at the recent Clergy Conference are (or soon will be) available through the Diocesan Resouce Centre. Find them on a separate table in the Resource Centre upstairs at Anglican House in Saint John. Phone 693-2295 to find out what is available. There are multiple copies of the most popular resources.

ANGLICAN HOUSE
Church calendars in stock now
This year the Canadian Church Calendar features only Anglican churches

Christ Church in St. Stephen is featured for April.

The St. Peters calendar is also available.
Buy 1-9 copies of either calendar for $5.50 each, plus HST

Buy 10 or more copies for $4.25 each, plus HST.
Anglican House

116 Princess St.
Saint John E2L 1K4

Order by mail, phone 506-693-2295 or e-mail <angbk at nbnet.nb.ca>.

Advent workshop
Atlantic School of Theology (AST) and its Alumni Association present NO MINOR PROPHETS!, a cutting edge, ecumenical education workshop to help prepare for Advent, on Nov. 19 & 20 at Church of St. Andrew and St. David, 164 Germain St., Saint John.

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Nov. 12, 3 p.m.  Human Resources Committee, Synod Office board room.

Nov. 12, 6 p.m. Faith Forward, Round 4: The Holy Spirit in the Church, St. Mary's, York, Fredericton North. This week the Rev. Dr. Ross Hebb talks about baptism and confirmation. A weekly (Thursday) study session until Nov. 26. Each evening begins with a light supper followed by teaching and discussion and ends with Compline, guaranteed to finish by 8 p.m. St. Mary's is at 780 McEvoy St. -- turn off MacLaren Ave beside the hole in the ground where the Devon fire hall used to be.

Nov. 15, 4 p.m. Monthly Integrity Eucharist and fellowship at Unitarian Fellowship Centre, 874 York St., Fredericton.

Nov. 16. 9:30 a.m. Council Administration Team meeting, Cathedral Memorial Hall lounge.

Nov. 17, 2 p.m.  Council Parish Support and Development Team, Synod Office board room.

Nov. 17, 4:30 p.m.  Investment Committee, Synod Office board room.

Nov. 17. 7 p.m. Camp Brookwood board meeting, Trinity Church, Perth-Andover.

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Afraid and far from home November 6, 2009

Voices of Hope Pew Bulletin Story

Hong Kong:The fear of discovering that you’re HIV-positive is tough enough, but when you add the fear of losing your job and the income lifeline for your family, many migrant workers decide that testing is not worth the risk. According to Elijah Fung, manager of the St. John’s HIV Education Centre at the Hong Kong Anglican Cathedral, migrants continue to lack the knowledge and an awareness of HIV; most are unable to access AIDS related services because of language and other barriers. This is a concern, as statistics show that migrant workers are at high risk of being infected with HIV and of passing it on when they return to their home countries.

Hong Kong has a migrant-worker population of almost 250,000, of which nearly 220,000 are foreign domestic workers; 90 per cent of those are women. Every Sunday the Cathedral finds 15,000 migrant workers relegated to the streets outside their doorstep—domestic workers who are sent out from as early as 6 a.m. and told not to come back until after 10 p.m. by the families who employ them. For the last four years, to increase awareness of the dangers of HIV/AIDS, the St. John’s Centre has organized a daylong AIDS festival that brings together migrant workers from various countries. The event not only educates migrant workers about AIDS but also promotes other health issues. Church-to-church funding support for HIV/AIDS education is critical to the centre, because the government is concerned about losing face if they seek funding for HIV/AIDS.

More PWRDF links:

PWRDF New Brunswick Blog
justgeneration.ca.

Diocesan PWRDF

PWRDF National

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Nov. 19-20 Advent workshop at the Church of St. Andrew and St. David, 164 Germain St., Saint John. Sponsored by AST and its Alumni Association, NO MINOR PROPHETS! is a cutting edge, ecumenical education workshop to help prepare for Advent. Rooms at the Delta Saint John are available at a conference rate.

Nov. 19, 6 p.m. Faith Forward, Round 4: The Holy Spirit in the Church, St. Mary's, York, Fredericton North. This week the Rev. Gerry Laskey talks about the Eucharist and proclamation. A weekly (Thursday) study session until Nov. 26. Each evening begins with a light supper followed by teaching and discussion and ends with Compline, guaranteed to finish by 8 p.m. St. Mary's is at 780 McEvoy St. -- turn off MacLaren Ave beside the hole in the ground where the Devon fire hall used to be.

Nov. 19, 7-9 p.m.  Fredericton Greater Chapter meeting, Christ Church (Parish) Church, Westmorland & Charlotte Streets, Fredericton.

Nov. 21, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Christmas Bazaar at Saint James, Lakewood , 2000 Loch Lomond Road, Saint John — crafts, home baking, new-to-you. Free admission. Sandwiches, sweets and tea available for $5.00.

Nov. 21, 4 p.m. Taize Worship at Christ Church (Parish) Church, Westmorland and Charlotte Streets, Fredericton. A time of prayer and contemplation, everyone is welcome.

Nov. 22, 1 p.m. Carleton Choristers concert at Brunswick Square, Saint John.

Nov. 22, 7 p.m.   Holy Eucharist at St. Paul's, Brown's Yard, in celebration of the restoration of the church and the 125th anniversary of the Parish of Kent. The Ven. Richard McConnell to preach. Reception to follow. Priests invited to robe, liturgical colour white. Directions from <wendy.amosbinks at anglican.nb.ca>

Nov. 25, 6 p.m. Archdeaconry of St. Andrews Greater Chapter meeting, at St. Anne's, Lepreau (Parish of Musquash). Meal begins at 6, meeting follows.

Nov. 26, 6 p.m. Faith Forward, Round 4: The Holy Spirit in the Church, St. Mary's, York, Fredericton North. This week is the final study and the Rev. Canon Jon Lownds talks about the sacraments of reconciliation and healing. The evening begins with a light supper followed by teaching and discussion and ends with Compline, guaranteed to finish by 8 p.m. St. Mary's is at 780 McEvoy St. -- turn off MacLaren Ave beside the hole in the ground where the Devon fire hall used to be.

Nov. 27, 7 p.m. UNB Campus Ministry presents Sing a New Song, and evening of worship and encouragement at Memorial Hall on the UNB Fredericton campus. For information contact George Porter <george.porter at anglican.nb.ca>

Nov. 28, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Layreaders' Retreat Day at the Ducks' Unlimited Museum and Meeting House, 752 Union St. (Next to Carleton Park), Fredericton. A presentation and workshop on "The Beauty of Worship" will be presented by the Rev. Canon John Cathcart. All Layreaders in the Deaneries of Fredericton & York are cordially invited to attend. Details from <jc8 at nbnet.nb.ca>.

Nov. 28, 1 p.m. Carleton Choristers concert at Brunswick Square, Saint John.

Dec. 1, 6:15 p.m. Taylor College Christmas Celebration at St. James the Less Church, 1760 Rothesay Rd., Rothesay. Punch and a turkey meal followed by a benefit musical concert by Stephanie Mainville. Dinner and concert tickets, $15; concert tickets only, $10. Church Army will also receive an offering in support of its local and national missional ministry. Call 506/642-2210, ext. 222. Leave a voice mail message if no answer.

Dec. 2, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Advent Day of Reflection David Goss and Jim McKenna at the Villa Madonna Retreat House in Rothesay. Carols and songs of Advent and Christmas will explore the season. The fee is $40 and includes snacks and lunch. There will be a celebration of the Eucharist at 11 a.m. for those wishing to participate and there will be time in the full day program for periods of reflection, strolling about the extensive grounds, or visiting the well stocked library. For further information, contact David Goss at gosswalk@nbnet.nb.ca  
 
Dec. 5, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Christmas bazaar and chicken casserole luncheon, St. Margaret's Church, 775 Forest Hill Road, Fredericton. Everyone welcome. Tickets at the door.

Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. Saint John Corale 16th Annual Christmas Gala. Spencer Belyea. Director. The chorale will be joined by the Loch Lomond School Choir, the 3rd Field Regiment Band, the KV Blunotes Jazz Choir, the District 8 String Ensemble as well as the Symphony Chorus. This is a delightful way to celebrate the Christmas season. Tickets $22 - $24, available at the Imperial.

Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. Carleton Choristers present Sing Fa La La for Christmas at Carleton Kirk United Church, West Saint John. Tickets $8 available from David Goss at Trinity Church, Saint John; Heather DeGrace, 632-0997. They can be set aside at the door.

Dec. 12, 1 p.m. Carleton Choristers concert at Brunswick Square, Saint John.

Dec. 15, 7 p.m. Carleton Choristers at Carleton Kirk's annual Christmas service for lodge residents. Everyone is welcome.

April 20-22, 2010, Clergy Spouse's Conference, Villa Madonna in Rothesay. Please reserve these dates.

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Job listings for the Canadian church.

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Faith leaders present 60 plans to help UN on climate change
by Trevor Grundy
Ecumenical News International
Nov. 9, 2009
Leaders of nine major faiths have presented 60 ideas to lessen carbon emissions to the United Nations after Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon singled out the religious community as key in fighting climate change. The Norwegian Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Development Plan in charge of development, Olov Kjoerven, on Nov.4 called climate change "the greatest threat that humanity has ever been up against".  Read the story.

Ecumenical Patriarch visits Washington and White House
by Adelle M. Banks
Ecumenical News International
Nov. 5, 2009

Washington DC: With his flowing black robe and long white beard, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos I is a living portrait of the 2000-year-old Orthodox Christian faith. And yet, he says, he's something of a revolutionary. "By calling Christianity revolutionary, and saying it is dedicated to change, we are not siding with progressives - just as, by conserving it, we are not siding with conservatives," he said in a lecture at Georgetown University in Washington on November 3. Read the story.

Faith groups hail US lifting entry restrictions for people with HIV
by Stephen Brown
Ecumenical News International
Nov. 4, 2009

Campaigners on HIV and AIDS have welcomed a decision by U.S. President Barack Obama to remove entry restrictions to the United States based on HIV status and have called on other nations with similar policies to follow his example. "Ending discriminatory policies and confronting stigmatising attitudes toward people living with HIV and AIDS are essential for their full inclusion in society and religious communities," said Bishop Mark S. Hanson, president of the Lutheran World Federation, a member of the Geneva-based Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance which has campaigned against the restrictions.  Read the story.

Street outreach group evicted by Victoria church
Program that helps teens, adults couldn't maintain drug-free zone
by Judith Lavoie
Times Colonist
Nov. 3, 2009
A Victoria church, citing an increasing number of problems that require calls to police, is evicting an outreach program that helps street teens and adults. StreetHope, a program run by the Canada-wide evangelistic group Church Army, has leased a cottage at 930 Mason St. from St. John the Divine Anglican church for the last decade. But with increasing drug and criminal activities in the area, StreetHope is being evicted on New Year's Eve.  Read the story.

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Old bricks, new hope in Johannesburg

Report from the recent House of Bishops

Meet the MinistryMatters columnists

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Exodus 35:21

"And they came, everyone whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and brought the Lord’s offering..."

From the Ven. John M. Robertson, National Gift Planning Officer , Department of Philanthropy

Anglican Church of Canada

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A new cleric wanted to rent a house in the country but the only one available was rumored to be haunted. That didn’t bother the cleric since he didn’t believe in such things. He went ahead and rented the place.

Soon the ghost made its appearance. The cleric told his friends about the ghost, but they didn’t believe him. They told him the only way they would believe was if he took a picture of the ghost.

He went home and called for the ghost. When it appeared, he explained the situation and asked the ghost if it would mind having its picture taken. The ghost agreed.

When the picture was developed, the ghost wasn’t visible. Feeling disappointed, the cleric called again for the ghost. When it appeared, he showed it the picture and wanted to know why the ghost wasn’t in it.

The ghost thought a minute and replied, “Well, I guess the spirit was willing, but the flash was weak.”

From Ralph Milton's RUMORS, a free Internet ‘e-zine’ for Christians with a sense of humor.
To Subscribe:
* Send an e-mail to: rumors-subscribe@joinhands.com
* Don't put anything else in that e-mail

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