Is it mere happenstance, or something more that has led to the leadership of Mothers’ Union in the diocese, in Canada and in the world all based at Christ Church Cathedral?

It didn’t occur to MU Worldwide President Kathleen Snow until the Rev. Isabel Cutler mentioned it late last year.

“Isn’t it amazing that we have these three roles in our little Cathedral branch. Why is that?” asked Kathleen.

The Rev. Rick Cunningham has been appointed a deacon in the Parish of Nerepis and St. John, under the mentorship of the Rev. Mike Caines.

Additionally, Rick has been appointed Missioner for the Lower West, Saint John, (non-stip) exploring how the Church and Diocese can serve the needs of the people living there.

Both appointments became effective Jan. 15.

A World in Crisis

The world is in crisis, but it's a crisis and a worldview that many in the church don't understand, let alone recognize. Here's why: we're caught up in this crisis too. It's the very water we're swimming in.

Famed Canadian sociologist Charles Taylor calls this the Immanent Frame.

The world we live in is a world where faith is not assumed, where transcendence is optional, where the divine doesn't show up, and where religious claims must make sense within everyday experience.

Unless we (and unless our congregations) understand this shift, we risk speaking a language people no longer can hear, making the mission of the church - our embodiment and proclamation of the gospel - near impossible.

And so this year, the Conference's various speakers have been invited to share stories and engage us with practices that will help deepen our loving response to our neighbours in ways they might understand.

Participating presenters from our diocese include Archbishop David Edwards, the Revs Jasmine and Terence Chandra and Canon Shawn C. Branch.

A special session of Diocesan Synod to discuss the future of Christ Church Cathedral, given the mounting costs of necessary repairs. 

Archdeaconry Greater Chapter meetings

Please note that these Greater Chapter meetings are open to all parish members in each archdeaconry

Chatham - March 24 @ 6:00 pm, St. George's, Bathurst
Fredericton -
Kingston and the Kennebecasis - March 26 @ 7:00 pm, St. Paul's, Hampton
Moncton - March 19 @ 7:00 pm, location tba
Saint John - March 12 @ 6:00 pm, location tba
St. Andrews -
Woodstock - March 10 @ 5:00 pm, St Luke, Woodstock

For more information, please refer to the synod session page.

Saturday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m.   Snowflake Shindig Dance at St. John the Baptist Church in the Parish of Riverview. Come on out and enjoy live music for all the eras by the Gallant Family Band. All proceeds go towards church ministry. Non-perishable food items towards the Albert County Foodbank. Admission is $10. Call 506-381-6550 for more information.

Monday, Feb. 2 , 1 p.m.   Senior men's circuit facilitated by Paulette Haines, personal trainer & fitness leader. Learn how to move through a Daily Activities for Living (DAL)-inspired circuit with stations designed to strengthen your core, upper and lower body strength, and improve balance. Paulette can modify or enhance any station to match your abilities, insuring you feel supported and challenged at the right level for you. 
This program runs until March 2 at Holy Trinity Church Hall, 2 Hammond River Rd, Quispamsis, NB. Cost: $50 for 10 weeks. Pre-Register by calling 506-647-8170.

Monday, Feb. 2, 2:15 p.m.   Men's healthy aging workshop facilitated by Paulette Haines, personal trainer & fitness leader. The workshop will consist of six one-hour sessions. Each session will have education and coaching that will provide you with the tools for maintaining strength, mobility, balance and range of motion. Topics include nutrition, fall prevention, social engagement and mental health. We begin and end with a personal fitness check-in designed to highlight your achievements and keep you moving forward to healthy aging. until March 2 at Holy Trinity Church Hall, 2 Hammond River Rd, Quispamsis, NB. Cost: $50 for 10 weeks. Pre-Register by calling 506-647-8170.

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 4-6:30 p.m.  Pancake supper at St. Luke’s Church, Main Street in north-end Saint John. Adults $12, children 4 to 10 years $6, and 3 and under free. Menu: pancakes, sausages, baked beans and gingerbread with real whipped cream; tea, coffee or juice.

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 4:30- 6:30 p.m.  Shrove Tuesday Supper of beans, sausages and pancakes, including a selection of homemade desserts and hot/cold beverages. Hosted by Christ Church Parish Church, 245 Westmorland St., Fredericton. Free-will donations appreciated.

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 4:30-6:30 p.m.   Shrove Tuesday pancake supper, hosted by the ACWs of St. John’s in Salisbury and St. Andrew’s in Petitcodiac. Menu: beans, pancakes, sausages, selection of desserts, tea, coffee or juice. Price: $12 for adults; $6 for children under 10; $30 for a family. This event takes place at the Petitcodiac Legion.

Got a Shrove Tuesday supper coming up? Send in the details so they can be included in eNews. gmcknight@diofton.ca

Phone (506) 455-6443

farralinehome@rogers.com

Zoom link  |  Recordings Playlist (YouTube)

Synod staff members are pleased to begin offering the Synod Commons - a regular open forum online for clergy, parish lay officers and staff, and others who are interested.

Session topics will be announced in advance. Each session will typically include a presentation and time for questions (on the topic and if time, on any topic). Sessions will be held on the first and fourth Tuesdays from 12:10 - 12:55 pm and will be recorded. 

• February 3: Parish annual meetings with Chancellor David Bell
• February 24: Synod grants (new date)
• March 3: Canadian Bible Society

The Mission to Seafarers serves more than 11,500 seafarers each year across 10 Canadian ports, supporting crews from container ships to cruise vessels and everything in between.

In our present time, ongoing political conflicts and instability at sea have placed many seafarers in vulnerable and uncertain situations, often stranded far from their families, caught between global forces beyond their control. 

In moments like these, the Church has always stepped forward. Since 1836, prayer has been our greatest strength, and with God, we remain mighty.

We are writing to humbly ask our Anglican church family across Canada to join us in prayer for seafarers. On our website, we have created a Prayer Wall, where individuals and congregations can submit prayers for those working at sea. Click here to access the Prayer Wall.

We warmly invite you to share this with your parish, encourage collective prayer, or submit a prayer on behalf of your community. Your prayers offer comfort, strength, and hope to seafarers who may feel forgotten, and they remind them that they are not alone.

Thank you for standing with us in faith, compassion, and prayer.
Yours in Christ, Foin Elisabeth

HALF-DAY WORKSHOP FOR PARISHES

Angela King, MTS, ARCT(Pedagogy), is a dementia care and education specialist, a Positive Approach to Care® Certified Independent Trainer and a Positive Approach to Care® Certified Independent Consultant.  Angela is also a CASC/ACSS Certified Spiritual Care Practitioner and is based in Saint John. 

A Spirit‑Centered Approach to Dementia Care
Angela offers a fresh, compassionate perspective on dementia support, shaped by her background in clinical Spiritual Care and inspired by Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care® philosophy.

This program highlights the four core values that strengthen meaningful relationships in dementia care: authenticity, empowerment, compassion, and curiosity.

Participants will explore the essential dimensions of human spirituality:

• Relationship with Self
• Relationship with Others
• Relationship with the Natural World
• Relationship with a Higher Power or a God of one’s own understanding

Through reflection, practical tools, and skill‑building, this program helps caregivers and professionals deepen awareness, enhance communication, and transform everyday interactions.

The result is a more positive, connected, and life‑affirming dementia care culture—one rooted in dignity, presence, and genuine relationship.

Thinking about Lent? Join the diocesan Lenten book study.

We'll look at Fleming Rutledge's The Seven Last Words from the Cross.

About the book: Rutledge links the sayings from the cross with contemporary events and concerns, but also incorporates recent biblical scholarship and modern questions about the death of Christ. 

The series starts on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, and runs six sessions (until April 1, 2026) at 6:30PM for 60-90mins. Registration is required for the Zoom link. Participants will receive the reading schedule after they register.

Copies of the book can be purchased through your favourite book retailer.

• ISBN-10: ‎ 9780802827869
• ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0802827869

For more information on the study, contact Shawn C. Branch.

**Parishes and/or participants will need to purchase their own copies as the Synod Office does not have a bulk supply.

Walk, volunteer or support a walker to help the homeless and hurting in New Brunswick.  Check out this national fundraiser and/or the location nearest you at https://cnoy.org/

Teams from our diocese:

(click on the team name to support the team or a member)

Anglican Energy, the Synod office team  is walking in Fredericton to support the John Howard Society 

'Simply Loved' Kids Club, an Anglican team in Sussex, is walking in support of the Sussex Sharing Club.

All Saints St. Andrews parish team is walking in St. Stephen to support Neighbourhood Works.

Let us know about your church or deanery based team.

Join us this Lent for a day away from the rush and noise of everyday life: a gentle pause in the season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. A Quiet Day invites space for stillness, prayerful listening, and deeper attentiveness to God’s presence in our lives. In the midst of Lent’s call to slow down, to turn inward, and to turn toward Christ’s way of love, this day is an opportunity to step aside, to breathe, to reflect, and to be restored.

This year's reflections will be offered by Kathleen Snow, Worldwide President of the Mothers’ Union and longtime member of Christ Church Cathedral. 

Whether you come seeking spaciousness in prayer, a deeper sense of direction for your Lenten journey, or simply a nourishing time with God and community, this Quiet Day is designed to offer rest, reflection, and renewal.

What to expect: Quiet reflection, inspiring prompts, space to journal or pray, shared worship, and a simple lunch together.

Registration: $25/person (refreshments and lunch included). All are welcome.

For more information or questions, please contact Kurt Schmidt, Missioner for Christian Formation.

https://campmedley.ca/

Church Organist vacancy

Registration is now open for Say Yes! to Kids 2026, the Anglican Foundation of Canada’s national fundraising campaign supporting children and youth-focused ministry across the Anglican Church of Canada.

To welcome newcomers and those interested in learning more, AFC is hosting a series of ZOOM Say Yes! to Kids Info Sessions throughout February. 

These sessions are ideal for parishes, dioceses, and Anglican organizations who are curious about the campaign, unsure whether it’s a fit, or simply want more information before registering.

 The sessions take place on consecutive Wednesdays (Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25) at 1 p.m. Atlantic time
Register for a ZOOM Info Session

More information is available here:  Michelle Hauser's home office: toll-free at 1-877-354-6387 (or text 613-305-8876 | mhauser@anglicanfoundation.org   

www.anglicanfoundation.org