Military chaplains and ACW members share a ministry of presence

By Ana Watts

A military chaplain may not be all things to all people, but must be prepared to provide faith support to people of all faiths. “Ours is an imminent ministry of presence and we have an awareness of and a respect for all faith beliefs. It is all a part of our daily walk, as it is part of yours,” Major the Rev. Canon Malcolm Berry, CD, told ACW members gathered for their annual diocesan meeting. Read the story.

Synod 2009
Latest information on the 130th Synod of the Diocese of Fredericton

Prayer for Synod
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding: be present with those who take counsel at Diocesan Synod in Saint John in June 2009 for the renewal and mission of our parishes, diocese and your Church in this place and beyond. As your disciples, teach us in all things to seek first your kingdom to your honour and glory. Guide us to what is right and grant us both the courage and patience to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Synod 2009 News and Updates
Attention Synod Members
(See definition below*)
Please complete this web form by May 30 if you have food allergies or other special dietary requirements. It will ensure your needs will be met by any provided meal during synod, including the Friday evening banquet.

A poster on the Synod Banquet is available, please print it and post it in your parish.
* Synod members are the officers of the Synod, clergy licensed and resident in the diocese, church army officers licensed and resident in the diocese, and parish elected lay delegates. Members and invited guests will be admitted to the dinner without tickets. Their name tags will indicate their member and guest status. Observers, family or friends of members of Synod and other Anglicans from around the diocese need to purchase tickets in order to attend the dinner.

Synod Banquet Friday evening, June 5, 7:30 p.m., Rothesay Netherwood School, Rothesay

Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, will speak at the 2009 Synod Banquet served in the splendid new dining room at Rothesay Netherwood School. Name tags presented to members and invited guests of synod at registration ensure their complimentary places at the dinner table. Other New Brunswick Anglicans and members of the community at large are also welcome to enjoy the outstanding meal and speaker. They may purchase tickets for $50 each, available soon at Anglican House in Saint John and at the Synod Office in Fredericton.

Visit the Synod 2009 web page

Upcoming Greater Chapter meetings

in preparation for Synod

June 4-6 in Saint John
Kingston/Kennebecasis May 12 — St. Augustine's, Quispamsis
Fredericton May 19 — St. Mary's, Devon
Moncton May 21 — St. Martin's in the Woods, Shediac Cape.
St. Andrews  May 23 — Church of the Good Shepherd, Saint John West
Chatham May 25 — St. George's, Bathurst
Woodstock May 28 —St. Luke's, Woodstock

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The Bishop's 2009 Deanery Visitation Schedule (tentative)
Fredericton/York — May
Fredericton/York — June
Kingston/Kennebecasis and Saint John — September

Appointments and Announcements
View An up-to-date list of Bishop's appointments and announcements.

Temporal Transactions

Open incumbencies

* Appointment process status:
     H - On hold with interim or particular circumstances
     P - In parish profile preparation
     E - Accepting expressions of interest
     I - In the interview process

Diocesan openings
The Nominating Committee currently invites nominations for the following diocesan positions:

• Human Resources Committee (members)
  
• Investment (sub) Committee (members)
  

Please forward nominations to Nominating Committee chair Julian Dickson <julian.dickson at anglican.nb.ca>.

See a current listing of Diocesan Roles, Elections and Appointments on the diocesan web site.

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RCL Lectionary (Year B)

Sunday, May 17

The sixth Sunday of Easter (White)
Propers 341; Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17; Preface of Easter.

Cycles of Prayer
Northern Mexico — (Mexico) the Rt. Rev. Marcelino Rivera-Delgado

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

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Atlantic School of Theology Best Practices Institute IV

This year's AST best practices study, Changing Congregational DNA , begins Sept, 17 & 18 with author, speaker and mentor Brian McLaren, author of The Church in Emerging Culture, A Generous Orthodoxy, and Everything Must Change. His books are widely recognized for their role in provoking, inspiring and equipping congregational leaders to reach out and relate the Gospel for people today. Named by Time Magazine as one of the 25 most influential evangelists, he will offer practical, tested strategies for how to effectively share our faith and values with the secular world today. Up to 20 individuals will use this presentation as a jumping off point for an ecumenical, facilitated peer learning cohort and will continue to work with this material from September through June, developing insight and practice, using on-line and face-to-face learning opportunities.
On Sept. 18, from 7 until 9:30 p.m., AST will also present the public presentation More Ready Than You Realize – Evangelism in the Emerging Culture, at St. Andrew's Church in Halifax.
All programs and the presentation are open to ordained and lay congregational leaders. Ideally congregations will consider sending teams to learn together and take their learnings home to share with others.

The Diocesan Resource Centre at Anglican House
This is the month the Diocesan Resource Centre orders new materials (videos, DVDs, CDs, kits and books). If you have read or seen anything recently you think should be in our Resource Centre collection, if you would like something in a certain subject area, or if you have heard of a good Bible study or children's resource we do not yet have, please contact Archdeacon Patricia Drummond <patd at nb.anglican.ca> by May 22.

Missing Resource Materials
There are a number of items missing from our Diocesan Resource Centre. They have been borrowed and not returned. There are no fines, and the centre would really appreciate it if you could return what you have borrowed so that others may enjoy them. Resources returned by mail should be addressed to 116 Princess Street, Saint John, E2L 1K4.

Religious faith and environmentalism
SustainLane.com introduces user-generated Creation Care promoting both religious faith and environmentalism while providing a unique online community space with blogs, news, events and reviews.

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May 13, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Diocesan Council, Parish of Shediac.

May 14, noon – 2 p.m.  March for Life Rally at the New Brunswick Legislature. Sponsored by the NB Right to Life, Fredericton Right to Life and NB Knights of Columbus.

May 15, 7:30 p.m. Linnea Good in Concert at Grace United Church, Gagetown, sponsored by Grace United and the Parish of Gagetown. Adults $10, children $5, families $20, available from Dona King, 488-8112. Linnea is a singer-songwriter who helps individuals and churches express their souls through music. She is a leader in the fields of music in worship and all-ages worshipping together.

May 16, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Camp Brookwood work and cleaning day.

May 16, 11 a.m. Diaconate Commission, St. Luke's, Woodstock.

May 17, 4 p.m. Integrity Eucharist and Fellowship (third Sunday each month), Unitarian Fellowship Centre, 874 York St., Fredericton.

May 17, 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. 16th Annual Parish of Stanley Salmon & Fiddlehead Supper, served at St. Thomas Church Hall, Main Street, Stanley. Two sittings: 4 & 5:30. Reservations strongly recommended, call 367-2887 or 367-2099. Roast beef available for non-fish lovers. $12 for adults.

May 17, 18, 19 and 24,  8 p.m. GODSPELL, Brunswick Street Baptist Church Gym, 161 York St. Adults $10, students $7, groups of 10 or more, $5 each. Tickets available at The Lighthouse Christian Bookstore, Joanna Doak <joannadoak at yahoo.com> and at the door.

May 19, 10:30 a.m. Synod Agenda planning meeting, Synod Office board room.

May 19, 2 p.m. Synod Planning, Synod Office board room.

May 19, 7 p.m.  Fredericton Archdeaconry Greater Chapter meeting, St. Mary's, Devon.

Visit the Diocesan Web Calendar of Events

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PWRDF 50 Leaders Project

The celebration subcommittee of the 50th Anniversary Steering Committee has initiated the 50 Leaders Project to enable 50 Anglicans between the ages of 16 and 30 to discern, develop and share their leadership gifts. Participants will be given opportunities to engage with a mentor and in spiritual direction. The ultimate objective for those involved in this journey will be to live out the gospel call to bear witness to God's healing love in a broken world. 50 Leaders is an incredible opportunity for PWRDF to help young people to grow as leaders in the church, to live out their passion for justice, and to help to bring about another world, one of peace and justice," says Simon Chambers, the justgeneration.ca Facilitator and member of the 50 Leaders team.

More PWRDF links

PWRDF blog

justgeneration.ca.

Diocesan PWRDF

PWRDF National

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May 21, 7 p.m. Archdeaconry of Moncton Greater Chapter meeting on Ascension Day beginning with Evensong at St. Martin's in the Woods, Shediac Cape.

May 23 10 a.m-2 p.m. St. Andrews Archdeaconry Greater Chapter meeting in preparation for Diocesan Synod, Church of the Good Shepherd, Saint John West. Clergy, wardens, treasurers, synod delegates and alternates are encouraged to attend in order to prepare for synod in June. Lunch will be provided.

May 28, 6:30 p.m. Woodstock Archdeaconry Greater Chapter meeting, St. Luke's, Woodstock. Refreshments served at 6:30, meeting begins at 7.

May 29, 30, 31 Cursillo Revista with Cursillesta Bishop Bill Hockin at the Saint Thomas University Conference Center, Fredericton. Theme — Connecting in a Disconnecting World— Revisit the joy and inspiration of your Cursillo weekend. Registration, accommodation, & meals – $90.00 per person. For information contact Allen Gilliss at <aandh at nb.sympatico.ca>.

May 30, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. PRISM (Prevention and Responses Involving Sexual Misconduct) workshop at St. John the Baptist, Riverview. This is a presentation of critical information on the diocesan policy on Sexual Misconduct. All those employed by or in leadership positions in the Anglican Church in New Brunswick, including members of synod, are required to complete this course. Register here.

May 30, 4, 5:15 and 6:30 p.m. Salmon barbecue supper at All Saint’s Church, Crock’s Point Road in Keswick Ridge outside Fredericton — salmon, baked potatoes, fresh fiddleheads, baby carrots, dessert, coffee, tea and roast beef for those who prefer it to salmon. Reservations required and take-outs available, call Lois Poore, 363-4229 or Eugene Price 363-4463. $13 per person, half-portion for children under 12, $6. Craft and bake tables on site.

June 13 , 4:30 p.m.  Spaghetti dinner at Christ Church (Parish) Church, Charlotte & Westmorland Streets, Fredericton. Get tickets at the church office (451-0630), $6 per person, $15 per family, children under six free. Dinner includes spaghetti/sauce/cheese, salad, garlic bread, desserts, tea, coffee.

Visit the Diocesan Web Calendar of Events

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Diocese of Edmonton
The Bishop of Edmonton seeks a rector for the Parish of St. Mary in the city of Edmonton. For information and a parish profile contact Bishop Jane Alexander <bishop at edmonton.anglican.ca>. Applications, accepted until June 5, should include a response to the profile and a curriculum vitae.

Diocese of Qu'Appelle
The Bishop of Qu'Appelle seeks a full time incumbent for St. Luke's Church in Regina. A detailed parish profile will be sent upon application to Bishop Grergory Kerr-Wilson <bpgregory at sasktel.net>. Deadline for applications in June 30.

Diocese of British Columbia
The Bishop of British Columbia seeks to appoint a rector (part-time) to the Parish of St. Martin of Tours, Gabriola Island, located in the Strait of Georgia adjacent to the city of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island. Information from <isecker at bc.anglican.ca>. Application deadline June 8.

Job listings for the Canadian church.

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ACC seeks equal but ‘non-voting’ membership at primates’ meeting
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 12, 2009
Kingston, Jamaica: The Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) on May 12 approved a resolution asking the primates of the Anglican Communion to include “an equal number” of non-primatial members of the joint standing committee as non-voting participants in the primates’ meeting. Read the story.

Future shape of Anglican Communion uncertain, says Archbishop of Canterbury
Could turn into 'federation' if covenant not passed by all provinces
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 11, 2009
Kingston, Jamaica: The 14th Anglican Consultative Council has not “given evidence of any belief” that Anglicans worldwide “have no future together,” said the Archbishop of Canterbury, even as he warned that it would be “inevitable” that the Anglican Communion could turn into a “much more dispersed association” or federation if all member churches do not sign on to the proposed covenant. Read the story.

Sixth mark of mission focuses on peace and reconciliation
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 11, 2009

Kingston, Jamaica: A request by the Anglican Church of Canada and the 2009 Mutual Responsibility and Mission Consultation in Costa Rica to add a sixth mark of mission relating to peace, conflict transformation and reconciliation, has been endorsed by the 14th Anglican Consultative Council (ACC). Read the story.

Delegates reflect on 'mission encounters' with Jamaican churches
Notes 'strong' lay leadership, 'vibrant' worship, and lack of finances
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 11, 2009

Kingston, Jamaica: The “tremendous hospitality” that they received, the concern for mission to youth and children, the noticeable absence of men in congregations, the vibrancy of worship, the ministry to the poor, strong lay leadership, and the lack of finances were among the common threads that Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) delegates picked up in their “mission encounters” with Jamaican Anglicans on May 10. Read the story.

CoGS will not ask General Synod 2010 to amend the marriage canon
by Leigh Anne Williams
Anglican Journal
May 11, 2009

Mississauga, Ont.: Council of General Synod (CoGS) wrestled with the blessing of same-sex unions and marriage when it met here May 8 to 10 and in the end decided not to ask General Synod 2010 to amend the marriage canon to allow for the marriage of same-sex couples.  Read the story.

Ecumenical partners stand firm with Anglican Communion
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 10, 2009

Kingston, Jamaica: The ecumenical representatives of the Orthodox church and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) have expressed their “firm and serious commitment” to continue their dialogues with the Anglican Communion, which have been experiencing tensions worldwide over the issue of human sexuality. Read the story.

Delegates urged to 'go jolly' as they disperse to Jamaican communities
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 10, 2009

Kingston, Jamaica: “Go jolly. Listen attentively. Receive graciously. Give enthusiastically.” With these words from a member of the organizing committee, some delegates of the 14th Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) left May 9 and others May 10 for “mission encounters,” a day of engaging with local Anglicans from the diocese of Jamaica and Cayman Islands. Read the story.

Council of General Synod gets Vision 2019 update
by Leigh Anne Williams
Anglican Journal
May 10, 2009

Mississauga, Ont.: The Vision 2019 Task Force has unveiled some of its marketing strategy for encouraging Anglicans across the country to participate in a project to “help dream, discern and decide” what the church should be by 2019. Read the story.

Council of General Synod - News in brief
Anglican Journal
May 10, 2009

CoGS elects deputy prolocutor
Anglican and United Church of Canada dialogue
Lutheran vote?
National Aboriginal Day of Prayer plans
Read the briefs.

Project aimed at helping Anglicans read Bible with ‘fresh eyes’
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 9, 2009

Kingston, Jamaica: An Anglican Communion-wide project that will examine how Anglicans worldwide read and interpret Scripture will soon be launched. The 14th Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) meeting on May 9 approved The Bible in the Life of the Church project, which was created in response to a proposal from the Windsor Report. Read the story.

ACC tones down resolution on Middle East conflict
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 9, 2009

Kingston, Jamaica: The 14th Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) averted what some delegates feared could seriously damage Anglican-Jewish dialogue by passing a toned and pared down alternative to a resolution on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.  Read the story.

New ACC chair is skilled in mediation
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 9, 2009
Kingston, Jamaica: A bishop with extensive experience in peace and justice advocacy work from the diocese of Southern Malawi, Church of the Province of Central Africa, is the new chair of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC). Read the story.

Anglican Journal captures eight awards at Associated Church Press convention
by Keith Knight, interim editor
Anglican Journal

May 9, 2009

Indianapolis, Ill.: The Anglican Journal captured eight awards at the Associated Church Press (ACP) conference on May 7.
Two of the award of merits (second place) were for design, recognizing art director Saskia Rowley, and one was given for Marites N. Sison's coverage of the Lambeth Conference in the summer of 2008. The newspaper received four honourable mentions (3rd place) and four awards of merit (second place).  Read the story.

Large bequest leaves church with surplus for 2008
by Leigh Anne Williams
Anglican Journal
May 9, 2009

Mississauga, Ont.: General Synod’s deficit for 2008 might have been higher than the approved $1.3 million, but thanks to a generous bequest, the Anglican Church of Canada ended the year with a $1.865 million surplus. Read the story.

Delegates vote to delay distribution of latest draft of covenant
by Marites Sison
Anglican Journal
May 8, 2009
Kingston, Jamaica: The Ridley-Cambridge draft of the proposed Anglican Communion Covenant will not be sent to member churches for consideration, pending consultation and possible revision of a controversial section dealing with dispute resolution and the definition of which entities can sign on to the covenant.   Read the story.

ACC rejects proposed moratorium on litigation over property
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 8, 2009
Kingston, Jamaica: The 14th Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) by a tight vote on May 8 rejected a move to add a fourth moratorium on issues related to divisions over human sexuality that would have asked for a “cessation of litigation” among member churches of the Anglican Communion involved in disputes over property.  Read the story.

PWRDF cuts budget by $700,000
by Leigh Anne Williams
Anglican Journal
May 8, 2009

The Primate’s World Development and Relief Fund has weathered the global economic storm so far, but preparing for tough times ahead, revised and cut its budget for 2009-2010 by about $700,000 when its board of directors met from April 30 to May 2 in Halifax. Read the story.

People 'feel they can contribute'
Meeting organizer praises indaba meeting method
Anglican Journal
May 7, 2009

At the 2008 Lambeth Conference in Canterbury, England, the buzz word was indaba, a Zulu word that means “purposeful discussion.” The conference design group elected to use a process that was starkly and historically different from past meetings that adopted Western parliamentary procedure. At an indaba, everyone is supposed to get a chance to speak and a consensus, achieved. Read the story.

Ecumenical ‘box of chocolates’ laid out for council
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 7, 2009: Kingston, Jamaica: The Anglican Communion may seek to resume its dialogue with the Oriental Orthodox Churches of the Middle East, which had been postponed in 2003, following tensions among Anglicans worldwide over the issue of sexuality.  Read the story.

Anglican provinces may be asked to increase contributions
Communion operating on ‘low reserves’
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 7, 2009
Kingston, Jamaica: The 14th Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) will consider requesting member provinces to increase their financial contributions to the Anglican Communion by 10 per cent over a three-year period to cover the cost of inflation. Read the story.

ACC commits church to new stage of listening process
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 6, 2009

Kingston, Jamaica: The 14th Anglican Consultative Council today welcomed the proposal for a “Continuing Indaba Project,” the next stage of the so-called Listening Process on the issue of human sexuality in the Anglican Communion. The process aims to listen to the experiences of homosexual persons and the response of various churches to them and the issue. Read the story.

Anglican Communion can no longer afford ‘ad-hoc’ response to crises, says official
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 6, 2009

Kingston, Jamaica: The Windsor Continuation Group’s (WCG) rationale for recommending “relational consequences” for Anglican provinces who do not heed the request for moratoria on decisions related to sexuality was the fact that responses to them have been “ad-hoc” and “unco-ordinated,” said Bishop Gregory Cameron, outgoing deputy secretary general of the Anglican Communion.  Read the story.

PWRDF responds to Journal readers’ concern for Burundian woman
by Leigh Anne Williams
Anglican Journal
May 6, 2009
A front-page story about the plight of Francine Nijimbere, a 26-year-old woman from Burundi, in the May issue of the Anglican Journal has evoked an emotional response from readers, and the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund is working on a plan to help her. Read the story.

Delegates weigh ‘tighter time frame’ for covenant approval process
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 5, 2009
Kingston, Jamaica: Bishop Gregory Cameron, former deputy secretary general of the Anglican Communion and secretary to the Covenant Design Group said he detects that many delegates to the 14th Anglican Consultative Council meeting here would like a “tighter time frame” for the approval process of the proposed Anglican Covenant rather than the recommended 2014 deadline. Read the story.

Anglican Networks gain prominence at ACC
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 5, 2009
Kingston, Jamaica: The 14th Anglican Consultative Council meeting today approved resolutions ranging from the establishment of a new Anglican Health Network to a call for the Government of Sudan to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement "without delay." Read the story.

Anglican body considers 'relational consequences' proposal for breaches of moratoria
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
May 5, 2009

Kingston, Jamaica: The 14th Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) has been asked to endorse a recommendation that not only reiterates the request for moratoria on issues related to sexuality, including the blessing of same-sex unions, but also calls for an exploration of “what relational consequences” there should be for those who don’t abide by them. Read the story.

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What's new and updated

A Word to the Church on Questions of Human Sexuality from the Council of General Synod May 2009

Council of General Synod Highlights: May 10, 2009

Council of General Synod Highlights: May 9, 2009

Council of General Synod Highlights: May 8, 2009

Vision 2019 Sunday set for June 7

Galilee Report offers insights on human relationships

Spring 2009 Council of the North Newsletter [PDF]

Vision 2019: Two new responses

ABC Publishing website updated

May Info! News from General Synod online

Updated blogs from the Anglican Consultative Council

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Did you know?

Statistics Canada reported the 2004 average household income in New Brunwick was $68,100. The 2007 average of giving per week of Anglicans in the Diocese of Fredericton, according to parish statisitics, was $25.41. Based on 2004 income figures, on average, Christian givers in the Diocese of Fredericton would be offering of $131 per household per week if they followed the biblical tithe as the Christian standard of giving.

Source: Diocesan Stewardship Committee

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An Ascension Day bulletin blunder

"The Ascension turns our thoughts to the supreme joy of everlasting immorality in Heaven."

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