Anglican Life in the Parish of Forteau
Submitted by The Rev’d Norman Cutler
Over the past many months (and years), members of the Anglican Parish of Forteau have been very active in Anglican life through a continuous renewal of their baptismal vows. No where are people more active, affirming and renewing in a parish with four congregations to carry out God’s business than St. Andrew, St. John, St. Paul and St. Peter. This small parish of 300 people in the Diocese of Western Newfoundland on the Southern Coast of Labrador extends over a 60 km radius from L’Anse au Clair to Red Bay. It includes the communities of L’Anse au Clair, Forteau, L’Anse Amore, L’Anse au Loup, Capstan Island, West St. Modest, Pinware and Red Bay. The 8th question of the renewal of baptismal vows “Will you respect the dignity of every human being?” is firmly acknowledged and activated as the people spontaneously respond, “I will, with God’s help”. They proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ and continue in the Apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers. As the minister of this highly active parish I feel very privileged to be part of Anglican life in carrying out God’s business too.
God’s business in the Parish of Forteau throughout the church’s year includes four services per Sunday (and sometimes five) with an average attendance of 100 faithful members. With every service various members proclaim the Word with the reading of scripture, psalm responses, prayers and hymns. It has become custom to share the prayers and petitions of the people individually, while the whole congregation participates corporately with praying the collect, the prayer over the gifts, the prayer after communion and the doxologies. Lay-readers lead services on some Sundays and there is an abundant supply of very fine musicians helping to proclaim the Word through musical accompaniment with church organ, guitar, mouth-organ and accordion that is many times orchestrated together. God’s business through the Word is also proclaimed when members meet together for Vestry, ACW, Bible study, Parish Council, Home Communions to the sick and shut-in and social gatherings (Times) with potluck or pancakes; say, on Strove Tuesday. There is a Parish Council, four Select Vestries, four ACW organizations, a Bible Study Group, two Sunday School Groups, and Christian Education is offered when the need arises for Altar Guild, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Baptism and such. Many members also proclaim the Word to patients in hospital and Long Term Care through Hymn Sings particularly on Monday nights throughout the year. The church members work cooperatively with other church denominations and organizations such as the hospital auxiliary and the Women’s Institute. There is a local ministerial that meets approximately six times a year and plans for ecumenical gatherings such as the World Day of Prayer and the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
The youth of the parish are active in Sunday school events and never hesitate to proclaim the Word in the Christmas pageant, carol singing and the Easter story. Many of the youth offer guitar music, group singing and often solo presentations for some services. They; too, are active with reading the scripture in Sunday services and help as servers and “taking up the collection”. A young six year old youth offers his reading skills in proclaiming the gospel and presents it with excellent elocution and dignity.
Anglican Life in the Parish of Forteau is present as men and women work together with their skill and leadership for church maintenance, furnace and heating upkeep, snow-clearing, parking lot upgrading, fixing things, and offering strong financial support for the ongoing work in God’s business. The Minister’s Wardens and the People’s Wardens are excellent resources and support for the clergy and people. The churches are always heated and prepared for services by the Wardens, the ACW members and the Altar Guilds. There is excellent lay-leadership, financial accounting, and Eucharistic assisting. The parish and congregational treasurers diligently keep the financial affairs current and up-to-date very efficiently. The parish council is very supportive, active and responsive to parish needs quickly and as the need arises. The cemetery and property committees respond to repairs and care for extended needs of the parish and congregations as well.
The parish of Forteau has hosted two synods in recent years offering excellent hospitality with God’s business. In October 2011, youth (19) and adults (2) completed education through the Alpha Program and Confirmation classes for the sacrament of Holy Confirmation presided over by our bishop The Rt. Rev. P. Coffin. The confirmation service realized approximately 225 members of the parish present with other guest; Ms. Shirley Frost and Mrs. Cavelle Kerwin of the Diocese Stewardship Program present as well. Fellowship continued after the breaking of bread with a wonderful meal prepared by parents of the confirmation candidates and served by ACW members of the parish. Patron saint feast day celebrations are held when they arise and special days such as Thanksgiving Sunday, Remembrance Day and Canada Day are acknowledged through fellowship and prayer services. The proceeds from the congregational Thanksgiving Harvest Festival and sale of goods are always forwarded to support the Primates World Relief and Development. The last Thanksgiving Day realized approximately $800.00 for PWRDF. The four ACW organizations are especially active in the parish and with every meeting will pray, offer fellowship and share a lunch. Parish members young and old are present and active in the parish of Forteau . They are true to God’s call and freely offer to carry out God’s business through their baptismal vow. It is only fitting that I close this write-up for Anglican Life with the collect for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany: “Merciful Lord, grant to your faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from all our sins and serve thee with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and for ever. (Book of Alternative Services, p. 353) Thank you to each member of the parish who truly believe that Jesus Christ is Lord. “Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” Matthew 5: 16.
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