Information and insights shared at synod
By Ana Watts
Among the many highlights of Synod 2009 were the announcement of the successful bid in the Primate’s Fund silent auction for a painting, the establishment of a fund in support of vocational deacons , and the
information, insight and good wishes shared with New Brunswick Anglicans by synod guests.
Archbishop Fred Hiltz, the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, inspired those who attended the gala synod dinner at Rothesay Netherwood School. He also announced that a bid of $407 from Greg and Debbie Hiltz of Saint John was enough to buy them “Silence is Not the Answer” an original painting by Dale Cook, based on a photograph by the Rev. Marian Lucas Jefferies.
The silent auction of the painting, which depicts a barren scene in Ethiopia, was dubbed “The Art of Giving” because the proceeds were donated to support the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) through its partner the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFB). Because the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) matches the donation of every dollar to the CFB with four dollars, the sale of the painting is worth more than $2,000. The CFB mission is to end hunger in a world where a billion people are hungry.
Mr. and Mrs. Hiltz were not at the dinner when the winning bid was announced, so Bishop Claude Miller presented the painting to Greg the following day at synod. The Hiltz family will donate the painting to their church, All Saints (Loch Lomond) in the Parish of Simonds.
The Mary Nameia Jacob Education Trust dedicated to the education and 
formation of vocational deacons ministries was officially created at Synod 2009. Named in honour of the first deaconess in the Diocese of Fredericton, it is administered by the Vocational Deaconate Commission. It will assist individuals in this diocese to attend or participate in courses, workshops and programs.
Miss Jacob was the daughter of the principal of Kings College, the forerunner of the University of New Brunswick. In the late 19th century she collected money and clothes from women’s societies and walked from Fredericton to Miramichi distributing alms and helping to those who could not help themselves. She slept in the back of old churches because she had no place to lodge.
“She was, in our opinion, the epitome of a service deacon,” said Thomas Nesbitt on behalf of the Vocational Deaconate Commission. “We are glad to honour her with the establishment of this official fund.”
The commission will commemorate the 120th anniversary of Mary Nameria Jacob’s ordination as the first deaconess in the Diocese of Fredericton on July 26 at 3 p.m. in St. Mark’s Chapel of Ease in Kings Landing. Everyone is welcome.
The Very Rev. John Wright, executive director of the Anglican Foundation (and a former Dean of Fredericton) spoke to synod about
the more than $1.4 million in loans and grants it has given to the Diocese of Fredericton. This diocese submits the maximum number of applications allowed each year. “But the Anglican Foundation is much more than the Anglican ATM,” he said. He commended a booklet outlining its many services, including bursaries to theological students studying for ordination as well as to ordained clergy who already have M.Div. degrees or the equivalent. The foundation also offers funds to parishes to help them fulfil their hopes — like the development of ministry and training programs, the installation of ramps, elevators and washrooms.
“The Anglican Foundation is one of success stories of the church, and how we do our min as important as what we do. I urge you all to join Anglican Foundation as individual members. It has been part of God’s Grace to us over the years.”
Peter Irish of Saint John is a member of the Anglican Foundation board and provides local oversight for its work.
The Rev. Canon Eric Beresford, president of the Atlantic School of Theology (AST) spoke of the school’s excellence in teaching, education and formation.
“Students from the Diocese of Fredericton have all their fees and other expenses up to about $8,000 per year at AST,” he said. “That is one if highest levels of support available for Anglicans in the country.” AST also has the only approved distance education Master of Divinity program in country. It is supervised in home communities and there is intensive summer work. Takes five years rather than three to complete, but it is “immensely advantageous to those who can’t leave their communities.”
A course on youth work was recently added to the calendar, and the school’s 2010 best practices will focus on youth.
“I and/or another member of faculty would love to visit your parish — just let us know when. We want to support your ministry in anyway possible.”
