Archdeacon Francis Buckle

Remembering Archdeacon Francis Buckle 

A priest, a mentor, a friend. 

A great loss for the Church. 

A wonderful addition in the Heavenly Places. 

Rest in Peace.


Funeral Details & Obituary

March 2012 - New SSJD Associate

New SSJD Associate

Article by Mary Ann Graham

Photo by Fred Maynard

Helen Maynard, a dedicated parishioner and long-time choir member of St. Mary's Church, Corner Brook, was admitted as an Associate of the Anglican Sisterhood of St. John the Divine on 3rd Advent, Dec. 11, 2011.

The Rev. Karen Laldin, Rector and Priest Associate, was Presider. A Celebration of the Holy Eucharist followed, with two Associates - Mary Ann Graham and Edna Parsons - assisting as Liturgical Ministers. Over 127 years since the Community was started in Toronto, there have been thousands who have chosen to become Associates.

As stated in a Community circular, "Associates are men and women, lay and ordained, who are members of a Christian parish community and seek to deepen their life in Christ though following a Rule of Life in association with the Sisters....A relationship of mutual support of prayer, love and ministry exists between the Sisterhood and the Associate.

Anyone wishing more information may visit the website www.ssjd.ca or, to inquire about the process of entering into this mutual relationship, one may contact Sister Sue at 416 226 2201, ext 308.

March 2012 - 20th Anniversary of Cursillo Revista

20^th Anniversary of Cursillo Revista

By Stella Walsh

On January 20^th and 21^st, 2012, at St. Martin’s Hall in Gander, the Anglican Diocese of Central Newfoundland Cursillo held their twentieth Revista. Despite the inclement weather, it was well attended, with approximately seventy Cursillistas coming together for a time of renewal and reflection. The theme for this gathering was “Pilgrim’s Journey.”

It is fitting that the first Cursillo Revista was also held at St. Martin’s Hall in Gander on November 29^th and 30^th, 1991 with seventy people in attendance. The first Revista was initiated to provide an opportunity for Cursillistas to come together and “re-visit” what Cursillo means as a method for serving in the mission of the church, with Jesus as the head. Many who were present at the first Revista were also present at this recent event.

During this twentieth Revista there were several talks presented by experienced Cursillistas and clergy that led to open discussion and reflection on what it means to be part of Cursillo. On Friday evening, following Lay Director Fred Pafford’s opening remarks, the first talk was presented by Reverend Chuck Lockhart on “The Rule of Life.” He led an interactive talk that included good advice on how to develop and review regularly a personal rule of life. The next talk was a reflection by Reverend Larry Chatman, current Spiritual Director, during the Service of Reconciliation. He shared his thoughts on the difficulty of approaching worship in the right attitude and spirit, and the discipline required to maintain it.

Saturday morning began with a talk by Reverend Glenn Small at the Prayer Breakfast. He shared his inspiration to connect the Kris Kristofferson song “Between Heaven and Here” to the need to break down walls that prevent people from hearing God when He speaks to them. He encouraged everyone to “Go for the Glory” by coming together in Christ and remembering that with Him all things are possible. The next talk was given by Gord Shears on Methods of Prayer. He provided a wealth of information supported throughout by scripture, and illustrated with personal experience. This talk led to a generous sharing of thoughts and insights by the Cursillistas who were present.

Before lunch, the gathering shared in the Holy Eucharist with Bishop David, who, like the bishops before him, supports Cursillo with action. During his sermon he challenged those present to think about the complacency of Christians in today’s society. What are Christians willing to lay down for Christ and His message? In Bishop David’s words, “Is the roof on our church building our biggest vision?”

Following the break for a delicious potluck lunch, the witness speaker, Beryl Barnes, told of her own walk with Jesus as she strives to be His hands and feet in a world filled with pain. Beryl related her own experiences with Cursillo and her awakening to the fact that Christ is with us through everything. Many people responded to Beryl’s talk and Reverend Larry gave a spiritual echo on the subject of discipleship. The witness talk was followed by a presentation on “The Importance of Grouping,” given by Wilf and Lorraine Brushett. This was an informative talk on the importance of Group Reunion that also led to an open discussion. Wilf and Lorraine also recommended a book called the Leaders’ Manual. They encouraged all Cursillistas to read a copy, not just those in positions of leadership.

In one of those wonderful coincidences that are often provided by the Holy Spirit, Gloria Robinson brought along an original copy of the article about the first Revista as it appeared in the “Newfoundland Churchman” in January, 1992. She came across it a couple of days before the Revista, while looking for something else. It was obvious from reading it that Cursillo is still true to the purpose for holding these gatherings. Through the common practices of shared meals, prayer, worship and praise, fellowship and the Holy Eucharist, it becomes a time to renew the commitment to following and living in Jesus Christ and showing His love to those in our environments.

Tell us what you think - Readership Survey

Tell us what you think

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Anglicanreadershipsurvey

Dear Reader:

This national readership survey has been developed, in partnership with the diocesan newspaper editors, so that we can measure trends and respond to your needs.

I ask that you take 10 minutes right now and share your thoughts and feelings with us. Your views and ideas help us focus on what is important to you, and I assure you that your responses will used only for the purpose of improving how we communicate with you.

On behalf of the Committee of the Anglican Journal and the Anglican Editors Association, I thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,
Kristin Jenkins
Editor, Anglican Journal

March 2012 - Anglican Life in the Parish of Forteau

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 8^th 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.  

March 2012 - Godly Play gaining momentum

Godly Play gaining momentum

Submitted by Susan Haskell 

Godly Play Certified Trainers: Donna Ronan (right) and Kathy Peddle (left), both of the Parish of the Good Shepherd in Mount Pearl, are now both certified trainers with Godly Play Canada following a trainer certification held in Toronto this past November with the Rev Dr Jerome Berryman, the founder of the Godly Play series. 

Donna and Kathy are the first such certified trainers in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Godly Play was first introduced to the Parish of the Good Shepherd in Mount Pearl in 2009. This spring they will offer three training events at the Parish of the Good Shepherd for people involved in Godly Play ministries across our province. The dates are as follows:

- Saturday, March 3 (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) One-day introductory event for storytellers ($50 including lunch and all materials)

- Saturday, March 31 (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) One-day introductory event for storytellers ($50 including lunch and all materials)

- Thursday, May 31 to Saturday, June 2 (From 3 p.m. on Thursday to 3 p.m. on Saturday) Core Training Event for Storytellers and Leaders. ($325 including all meals and materials) 

The first two events are short, one-day sessions, designed to introduce people to the Godly Play method and to equip persons to present Godly Play stories and to act as “doorkeepers” and helpers in their churches. The third event from May 31 to June 2 is intended to provide a complete, in-depth, overview of the Godly Play method, covering both theory and practice, and equip participants to be leaders in the Godly Play series and to introduce the program in their parishes. Amy Crawford and Andrew Sheldon, senior members of Godly Play Canada, will visit during the Core Training Event. To register, or for more information please contact: Archdeacon Geoff Peddle (747-1022 or geoffpeddle48@gmail.com) 

March 2012 - The Parish of Bay De Verde Still telling the old, old story

The Parish of Bay De Verde 

Still telling the old, old story

Submitted by members of the Parish

Photo was taken by Lisa Coish.

Every Sunday in the Parish of Bay De Verde devoted followers of Jesus assemble and meet together at the Church of St. Barnabas in Bay De Verde, and at the Church of St. Luke in Grate’s Cove. On major feasts and other special occasions we also assemble and meet together at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Caplin Cove. 

Whenever we assemble and meet together we do so in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of all Anglicans residing in the Parish, in communion with our Diocesan Bishop, “to render thanks for the great benefits that we have received at his hands, to set forth his most worthy praise, to hear his most holy Word, and to ask those things which are requisite and necessary, as well for the body and the soul.”

Although we face serious financial, demographical, and geographical constraints in this Parish, the mission and ministry of Christ’s Church continues here through the Proclamation of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments using both contemporary and traditional liturgies along with less formal expressions of Prayer and Praise.

There are two licensed Lay Readers in the Parish, a rota of six servers, a rota of twelve lectors, a rota of sixteen greeters, and four counting teams. At St. Barnabas there is an active ACW Group that contributes to the ministry of the Church in all imaginable ways. A Book chronicling the first one hundred years of St. Barnabas ACW has been prepared and published by Cavelle Blundon. There is also an active Sunday School with eight students and two teachers. Four candidates were confirmed on October 2, 2011at St. Barnabas by Bp. Pitman. Moreover there is a “Kids” group with 42 enrolled members and an average bi-weekly attendance of 30 members with four leaders. All leaders and teachers involved in Youth ministry are in compliance with the Diocesan protocol on Respectful Relationships. 

On a monthly basis there is a celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the Perlican Terrace Retirement Home in Old Perlican with attendance between 5 and 12 residents. The Holy Eucharist is also offered to shut-ins in the Parish on a monthly basis. Along with home visitation by the part time Priest in Charge, ministry to seniors is carried out by followers of Jesus in this Parish loving God and their neighbours. 

In the past few years substantial improvements have been made to the infrastructure of the Parish including the following: The oil tank at the Rectory was refurbished to meet regulatory requirements. A new basement door and two windows were installed at the Rectory. The front step at the Rectory destroyed by Hurricane Igor was replaced. Drywall damaged by water on the ceiling at the Rectory was replaced and the living room and bathroom were painted. A fresh coat of paint was put on the exterior of the basement at the Rectory; 2) a new roof, new siding, a new front step with wheelchair ramp, a new back step, and a renovated kitchen and bathroom were added to the Church Hall at Grates Cove. Three new windows have been installed and a new wheelchair ramp and new sign have been placed on St. Luke’s Church. A new furnace and a new oil tank were purchased and installed at St. Luke’s Church and a new oil tank was installed at the hall; 3) New Oil tanks were installed at St. Barnabas Church and the Church Hall. A new front step was built on the Hall.  Also, an extended parking lot with a new back step with a wheel chair ramp was added. Most recently three new windows with stained glass were installed in the chancel at St. Barnabas Church by Brendan Blackmore of Sunhound Glassworks. New siding was also put on the rear face of the exterior. 4) New funnels were installed and a new coat of paint was put on the Church of the Good Shepherd. 

Three recent events in the Parish deserve special mention. October 2011 was a special month at St. Barnabas. First, on October 2, four candidates were confirmed by Bp. Pitman. Then, on Saturday, October 22, A Church Service was followed by a Dinner and Dance held by the ACW to commemorate the 120^th anniversary of St. Barnabas Church. Former Rector the Rev’d Linda Budden was the guest preacher and Former Priest in Charge the Rev’d Howard Crane was a reader at the Service. The third notable event occurred on Christmas Eve when three stained glass windows in a cruciform design were dedicated to the Glory of God. One was donated in loving memory of son Frazer Blair Blundon by Eric and Vimy Blundon, another was donated in loving memory of departed sisters by St. Barnabas ACW, and the third was donated in memory of loved ones by a variety of donors.   

Here in the Parish of Bay De Verde we love to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

Submitted by: Ern Blundon, Nicolas Curl, Allan Coish, Lorne Riggs, Amy North, Jacob Rice, Ruth Sutton, Isaac Emberley, Clifford Barter, Sara Coish, Cavell Curl, Linda Coish, Don Coish, Gladys Roberts, Brad Coish, Brandon Coish, Christopher Coish, Dana Coish, Kassidy Coish, Juanita Emberley, Shirley Pryor, Linda Martin, Barbara Coish, Jarod Riggs, Wanda Riggs, Walter Sparkes, Ellis Hodder, Cec Meadus, Valerie Delaney, Sandra Carruthers and Rev. Michael Carruthers.

Confirmation Photo

Front row- Bishop Cyrus Pitman, Nicolas Curl, Brock Potter, Rev. M. Carruthers. Back row- Yancy Curl (LR), Ian Hyde, Kassidy Coish.

March 2012 - St. Martin’s Challenges Youth to Love Thy Global Neighbour

St. Martin’s Challenges Youth to Love Thy Global Neighbour

By Stella Walsh

In 2010-11 Reverend John Watton challenged the youth of St. Martin’s parish in Gander to become aware of the needs of their less advantaged global neighbors and share of themselves and their own good fortune. The parish was already involved with the Help A Village Effort (H.A.V.E.) group, having previously raised enough money to provide one whole well for a village in India to have clean drinking water.

Following the initial fundraising effort, Reverend John was inspired to have St. Martin’s youth look more closely at their own material blessings and come up with ways to raise funds for another well to be created in India by the H.A.V.E. group.

The fundraising project took off and the young people, with the help of adult leaders, planned and carried out a variety of activities. The events included working at a salmon dinner for the Festival of Flight, pre-teen and teen dances, a Teddy Bear Picnic with Terry Reilly, a Day Camp and a family barbeque. There was also a model well set up in the back of the church where people could place donations to support the cause.

The youth of the Parish of Grand Bank generously agreed to partner with the youth of St. Martin’s and contributed the funds that they were able to raise through their own efforts, which amounted to the cost of half a well. This was gratefully accepted and much appreciated.

The events and activities for the Youth Challenge were generously supported by corporate sponsors from the community and the congregational community of St. Martin’s Cathedral. The children and youth demonstrated a commendable commitment and effort to this missionary work and in the end were able to raise seventy-five hundred dollars, enough to create three new wells in India through the H.A.V.E. group.

Matthew 25: 35,36 (NIV)  –  “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Caption: 

On October 16, 2011, representing the St. Martin’s Cathedral Youth Challenge, two of St. Martin’s youth and some of the adult leaders made a presentation to the H.A.V.E. group in the amount of seventy-five hundred dollars to dig wells in India

March 2012 - Church supports Kids Eat Smart Clubs

Church supports Kids Eat Smart Clubs

Submitted by Irma Moores

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is a familiar saying, and research suggests that it certainly applies to school children.  It indicates that going to school hungry can negatively impact on children’s academic performance and behaviour.  Yet many children, for a variety of reasons, do not have breakfast before they leave for school each morning.  In response to this, breakfast programs, including the Kids Eat Smart Clubs in Newfoundland and Labrador, are being implemented across Canada and in other countries as well.

Kids Eat Smart was started in Newfoundland in 1992 and has grown in size and impact to the extent that KES Clubs exist in 216 schools across all four of the province’s school districts.  Kids Eat Smart breakfasts are made available to all students in the school who wish to avail of the service, and are “supported by the Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador and the local community.”  Through their Best Practices Policy, Kids Eat Smart “works to ensure that programs serve foods that meet the nutritional needs of growing school children from Kindergarten to grade 12.... [It] also offers support in organizational structure, safe food handling practices, and standards and guidelines essential for running a quality nutrition program.  Most Kids Eat Smart Clubs serve breakfast, but some serve snacks or lunch.”

Essential to Kids Eat Smart’s success is community involvement.  Its mission cannot be met without businesses, organizations, and individuals who understand the importance of this service and support the program financially and or through volunteering for fundraisers or to serve breakfasts.   The following vignettes are examples of how we, as church organizations or individuals can, through the Kids Eat Smart Clubs/breakfast programs, help meet the very real and essential nutritional needs of children right in our own communities.

In October, 2011, at their Annual Conference at Killdevil, the Anglican Church Women of Western Newfoundland decided that, as an outreach project for Food Month, in October, they would donate food items to their local schools for Kids Eat Smart -- “the breakfast program”.  Donations would be brought to church on Thanksgiving Sunday to be collected and delivered to the school.  Primary branches across the Diocese responded with donations of juice, Cheez Whiz, and jam.

For the past several years, the Outreach Committee at St. Michael’s Church in Corner Brook, has supported Kids Eat Smart at CC Loughlin Elementary School by organizing teams of volunteers to serve breakfast every Wednesday morning starting at 7:30.  “Wednesday is egg day, so we need someone for toast, someone for eggs and someone for juice, but it is good to have four people on a team in case one can’t come” explains the parish Outreach Chairperson, Donna Manuel.  With four teams, each person has to go just once a month.  Some of the volunteers are retired people, while others go to serve breakfast before they go to work in the morning.

At Canon Richards Academy in Flower’s Cove, the school solicits volunteers at the beginning of the school year through a parent letter.  Two lead parents – this year, Crystal and Judy Genge -- follow up with telephone calls  and record when volunteers are available so they can schedule them at times that work for them.  In addition to the daily students’ breakfast of  cereal, toast, and juice or milk, once each year, a special breakfast of “egg McMuffins” is prepared and sold as a fundraiser and may be “eaten in” with the children or  “taken out” – a favourite option of people working nearby . 

Between these two schools, on average about eighty students are served nutritious breakfasts every day.  And these are just two of the more than two hundred schools in the province where Kids Eat Smart Clubs exist! What other outreach can we do where we can have such an impact on so many children in our own communities!   J. Michael Murphy, Ed.D, a school breakfast program researcher, stated, “What we find particularly exciting is that this [school breakfast] is a relatively simple intervention that can significantly improve children’s academic performance and psychological well-being.”

The people I spoke to tell me it benefits more than the students.  Volunteers agree that it makes them feel good, too!  

Photo Caption

On Thanksgiving Sunday, ACW members in Western Newfoundland Diocese brought food items to church for the Kids Eat Smart Clubs at their local schools. Children from Bear Cove and Flower's Cove are on hand when Marilyn Whalen, President of the Flower's Cove ACW delivers juice and cereal donated by members of St. Boniface ACW and St. Barnabas ACW to Canon Richards Academy in Flower's Cove.

March 2012 - New Rector for Bay Roberts - Coley's Point

New Rector for Bay Roberts – Coley’s Point

Submitted by Madeline Papson 

Photo by Sandra Roach

On Wednesday, January 25, 2012, the Parish of Bay Roberts-Coley's Point celebrated the Induction of their Rector, The Reverend Amanda Taylor, at St John the Evangelist Church, Coley's Point.  

This was a Parish celebration in which The Right Rev. Cyrus Pitman, Bishop of the Diocese, officiated.  Members of both congregations participated in the liturgy and choirs from both St. Matthew’s and St. John the Evangelist joined together to lead the music.  Clergy from the Conception Deanery and other parts of Diocese were also in attendance.  

Symbols of the Office of Rector were presented and we were all reminded of the responsibility that is ours for ministry as the Whole People of God.  A Covenant was signed between the Diocese, the Parish and the new Rector.  Following the service a social was held at the St. John the Evangelist Church hall where a time of food and fellowship was enjoyed by all!

March 2012 - Ministry in the Big Land

Ministry in the Big Land

Reflections of a Labrador Priest

Submitted by the Rev. Wayne Parsons

Rector, Parish of Labrador West

Christmas day past, marked the fifth Christmas that myself and my family have spent in Labrador. The first two were in the former parish of Battle Harbour and the last three have been in the Parish of Labrador West where I currently serve as its Rector. Within this span, I have been blessed in so many ways and have grown as a priest on a yearly basis. The call to ordained ministry in the Big Land can indeed be challenging, but yet rewarding for those who answer the call to ministry in one of the most beautiful parts of God's creation. 

I well remember my days in Battle Harbour (now the parish of Southeast Labrador) and the trips to the communities of Williams Harbour and Norman Bay by boat. The openness of the ocean, the splendour of watching icebergs crumble before your eyes, the feeling of freedom. In winter perhaps seeing a polar bear or two in the distance on ski-doo or watching them from the air, in the twin otter, as you fly over the vastness and beauty of God's universe. I always cherished the drives between the communities with roads and the marvelling constantly, yet quietly, about the beauty and firmament of God's hand upon this small corner of his vast vineyard. Then there are the people, the people of Labrador are one of God's greatest treasures. True, genuine, hospitable, loving, honest and hardworking, are only a few of the adjectives that describe these wonderful souls. Although there are indeed sometimes challenges around a multi-point rural parish, the people themselves far out way any difficulty that you will ever encounter. 

 Likewise, heading into the third year of ministry in Labrador West has also been equally as satisfying. Labrador West is a booming mining economic hotbed with unprecedented growth and opportunities. It is an industrial ministry. Over seventy per cent of the communities of Labrador City and Wabush work directly with the two mining companies. Most others are in support services of this. Therefore, regular parishioners who attend faithfully and are employed with the mines, as shift workers, only attend every second Sunday as the alternate weekend they work. Labrador West is also an absolutely beautiful place to live. Built on industry and thriving in nature has been used to describe our communities. It is a tremendous place to raise your family and offers many of the services of a larger urban center with much less hassle and congestion. 

From a parish standpoint, Labrador West has been often referred to as a flagship parish. I would concur with this statement. As a parish we are very blessed in many ways. From our growing Buzz children's ministry, Anglicanism course, outreach both local and abroad, family service and fellowship just to name a few. The parishioners of the parish are truly wonderful and genuine people. Also, from a ministerial standpoint, ecumenically we work extremely well with the focus on togetherness and improving ministry services for all in our communities.  I would also be remiss, if I did not mention the wonderful clergy team within the Archdeaconry of Labrador. Led by Archdeacon Taylor, we have a wonderful clerical team and I believe we all know how lucky we are and truly support and care for each other in our ministries. Ministry is indeed a truly special calling and is life changing. 

On October 18, 2001, I was ordained a deacon at the Cathedral in St. John's. Afterwards, I was very blessed and honored to have ministered in the Parish of the Ascension, Hospital Chaplaincy services and the Parish of All Saints as Visitation minister. Those experiences helped begin the shaping and perhaps preparation for ministry further abroad, which in this case has been the tremendous gift of Labrador Ministry. In closing, Labrador is not just a place for new clergy or a stepping stone. In many ways, it is a place that if you allow it, will mold and shape you not only as a clergy, but as a person and will make an indelible difference upon your life forever.  In closing, I would highly recommend ministry in Labrador to anyone who will answer the call. In fact, for me personally, many nights before I lay down to sleep… I say thank you God for making me a Labrador priest.

March 2012 - An Ecumenical Lent

An Ecumenical Lent

Denominational churches worship as one 

in Fortune, Grand Bank and Lamaline

By Beverly Buffett

During the Lenten season the local Ministerial Association, which consisted of Anglican, Salvation Army, United and Pentecostal clergy from Grand Bank and Fortune, decided to hold a series of Lenten services each Thursday at 12:00 at All Saints Anglican Church in Fortune.  The focus of these services was a series called “Watchers on the Hill.” Each service provided songs, scripture readings and a drama followed by a meditation focusing on the cross.  After the 30 minute service, all proceeded downstairs to the hall for a luncheon of soup, sandwiches and fellowship.  The Services were received by all as a great success and a very uplifting and spiritual journey through Lent.  As the weeks progressed the numbers also progressed from 60 to 130 adults in attendance at our last service.  

On one occasion the grade one class at Lake Academy was in attendance because they were learning about the Easter Story.  They were a great group and very attentive.  After the service they went to the hall for hot dogs and a treat of cookies.   

Throughout Holy Week the Ministerial decided to have a service each night, rotating churches and rotating preachers.  Again this was a large success and many were spiritually uplifted as they journeyed through Lent and Holy Week.  On Good Friday the Salvation Army provided a drama at All Saints as a final Ecumenical service and of course Easter Sunday will be celebrated in each of our own churches.  

This year our Lenten services will be held at the United Church in Grand Bank each Thursday at 12:00 followed by a luncheon.

Picture:

Clergy left to right:

Pastor Geoff England, Bethel Pentecostal Church, Grand Bank; Rev. Lewis Crewe, Grand Bank United Church; Major Lyndon Hale and Major Lisa Hale Salvation army Citadel, Grand Bank; Rev. Neal Buffett, Anglican Parish of Fortune / Lamaline; Captain Charlene Hillier, Salvation Army Citadel, Fortune  and the grade one Class at Lake Academy.

March 2012 - Bishop's Lenten Letter

Bishop's Lenten Letter

Spiritual fitness

This is the time of the year when many of us wake up to the less healthy aspects of our lives. We realise that winter weather in Newfoundland and Labrador may not always be reliable for outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, playing with our children and grandchildren, or walking our dog. Everything becomes more of a challenge during the snowy winter months. Nevertheless, keeping physically fit is something we must all, from young children to us older folks, pay attention to.

When we think of health and fitness, I wonder how we pay attention to our spiritual fitness. If Advent passed you by as an opportunity for reflection and self-discipline then maybe the season of Lent can provide the occasion for renewing your Christian journey and setting goals to strengthen and deepen your inner life. It is a season for training.

As far back as my soccer playing days in St. Lawrence, I have always understood the connections between my personal, emotional and spiritual well being. Holistic health, as it is now known, is your overall state of wellness on all levels of your being: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. It covers the health of your entire being. Ignore any one aspect and something seems to be missing. Balancing all aspects of one's life enables you to feel more fulfilled, more joyful, more complete.

I have always found my spiritual health marked by a diminished sense of fear, the daily experience of unconditional love, joy, gratitude, and a personal relationship with God. I believe that when we feel spiritually connected and fulfilled, everything in our life including physical and emotional pain are easier to deal with.

Getting in shape spiritually can sound straightforward enough — setting aside time for prayer and reflection, attending Bible study, volunteering, teaching others and sharing the message of God's love. However, getting fit spiritually is not quite so simple. It involves discipline and a commitment of time and hard work. But the rewards are worth it.

Our spiritual life is not an accessory we wear to better define who we are; our spiritual life has to do with the very core of our being. It comprises what we truly believe about God and about ourselves, and it is the foundation for our values and behaviour. Our physical and emotional health clearly impacts our spiritual life, but the significance of our inner life is not to be overlooked. As the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians, Do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16)

So if you are thinking about what you need to do to get yourself in better shape physically this winter, can I invite you to also consider getting in better shape spiritually? Lent is about recognizing that we can amend our lives, in spite of our weaknesses and short comings. It is a time for prayer, reflection, self-examination, personal adjustment and renewal — all great exercises for achieving spiritual health.

I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul. (3 John 1:2)

The Right Reverend Cyrus Pitman

Bishop of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador

March 2012