Archdeaconry of Fredericton

Induction of the Rev’d Wendy Amos-Binks as rector of the Parish of Stanley
4 p.m. Sunday, September 18th at St Thomas, Stanley.

Thursday, October 6th, 7 – 9 p.m. at St John the Evangelist Parish Centre, 75, Main St., Fredericton.
This is an important meeting at which we will elect our clergy and lay diocesan council representatives and substitutes, and possibly nominate a youth representative (final vote for the latter to be taken at Synod).
We will also have the opportunity to clarify motions for debate at Synod received by this date.

Saturday, November 26th at St John the Evangelist Parish Centre, 75, Main St, Fredericton, from 9:15 – 3.
Speakers: The Rev. Nick Brotherwood, Team leader, Fresh Expressions, Canada and Archdeacon David Edwards, newly appointed Parish Development Officer, Diocese of Fredericton.
Cost $10 which includes lunch.

Greater Chapter, Archdeaconry of Fredericton

Wednesday, May25, 2011, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
St Margaret’s Church, Forest Hill Rd, Fredericton

6:30 p.m. Worship led by Canon Lownds

7:20 Approval of minutes of previous meeting

7:25 Discussion of the first 7 questions of the sheet provided, 10
Important Questions for Congregations to ask on a Regular Basis.
After each section, A, B and C, there will be an opportunity for each group
to report to the meeting.

8:25 A reminder of discussions at previous Greater Chapter meetings
which could lead to inclusion on an Archdeaconry Plan.

8:35 Discussion and feedback.

9:00 Close

ARCHDEACONRY PLAN POSSIBILITIES

Items discussed in Greater Chapter meetings which might possibly be part of an Archdeaconry Plan

1. Home or cell church

2. Invitation to Nick Brotherwood of Fresh Expressions Canada to speak at a Conference, organized jointly by the Archdeaconry of Fredericton and the Parish Support and Development Team of Diocesan Council, and open to the diocese as a whole.
3. Introduction of Messy Church

4. A Healing Room in Fredericton

5. Participation by more parishes in ‘Everybody Welcome.’

6. Archdeaconry Services

7. Churches grieving loss

See reverse for further explanation of each item. 

1. Cell Church – small groups meet each week (usually in homes) to conduct a Bible study, and share with and support one another.

2. Self explanatory

3. Messy Church – a way to connect with families who may have been to church for the baptism of their children but no longer attend because of time pressures on a Sunday, or who have never been to a church. Families are invited to come to a convenient location (could be the church hall or another central and easily accessible place) for a meal and activities, usually focussed around a Bible story. There is a very short (15 min?) time of worship, games and crafts.

Families are given an opportunity to have ‘family time’ while keeping in touch
with ‘church.’

4. Healing room – a place in the downtown where people may come to talk, be heard by understanding people, pray and be offered hope.

5. Everybody Welcome – a course for church members which helps a parish identify ways in which it can improve its ‘image,’ welcome of newcomers etc. Includes dvd’s and home study material. Parishes which have completed it have found it very enlightening.

6. Archdeaconry services, Evening Prayer. Possibility of 3 a year, held in different parishes. The host parish invites a choir(s) from another parish in the archdeaconry and a guest preacher from among the clergy. It is an opportunity to visit another parish and to hear different music, speakers etc. A reception is held after the service to help us to get to know one another.

7. Churches grieving loss. There is often great sadness when a church must close, a much loved service book is rarely used, the music is no longer the sort we love etc. How can we cope better with such changes and might we be able to help others in the diocese with similar problems. (Could be by hosting a workshop and providing ways to acknowledge the pain, for example).