ACW hosts annual meeting in Fredericton
Fifty ACW members and guests converged on St. Margaret’s Anglican Church in Fredericton on May 8 for the annual ACW meeting. The theme for the day was “Staying the Course.”
After registration, coffee and snacks, the day began with a service of Holy Eucharist, with Archbishop David Edwards preaching.
Bishop David illustrated the concept that things don’t always go according to plan by telling a story of his sailing a boat, only to have it capsize — not once but twice.
There are many bible stories with that same theme. Saul was one of the great Pharisees, a prominent persecutor of Christians, “yet an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus changed his course,” said David.
Peter was chosen as the rock upon which the Christian church would be built, but on the night Jesus was arrested, he flatly denied even knowing him, not once, but three times.
“’The rock upon which I will build my church’ changes to mush,” said David.
“Jesus calls us all to stay the course, to follow him wherever that leads.”
While we don’t always know where we’re going, we follow a God who can calm the storm and walk on water, he said.
We are living in trying times, “and this is not the first time we’ve been in this shemozzle. The Church gets itself into a mess every 500 years or so. It takes 100 years to sort itself out, and we’re on the front end.”
Nevertheless, we stay the course because we are told the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
The best course of action in staying the course is to listen to God the Holy Spirit, he said.
“Take time to be quiet, be still, so we can hear where we’re being called.”
BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE
ACW members who have passed on in the year prior to the meeting are always honoured in a short prayer service of remembrance.
Scriptures were read and prayers prayed for the departed. The names of the members, numbering 47, were read aloud.
FARRALINE PLACE
Administrator Judy O’Donnell spoke of the ACW-affiliated Farraline Home in downtown Fredericton. The large house next to the NB Legislature has 20 bedrooms housing seniors.
Judy spoke of the ACW activities that enrich the lives of the residents: birthday cards sent, lap quilts given, gifts at Christmas time.
“We try to make it a home for them,” she said.
Upcoming events include the annual garden party on Aug. 14, held as a summer gala that residents, family members and guests always enjoy. It is held in the yard and includes entertainment and treats. This year’s theme is the 1950s and 60s.
The annual fundraising dinner is set for Oct. 18 at the Fredericton Inn. It will include an auction and food table. Tickets are $100, with a $50 tax receipt.
The home’s current project is finding funds for new carpeting throughout the public areas. The home has no government funding and relies on rents, fundraising and donations to operate. It has a staff of 10.
“You are a very important part of our growth, and hopefully, you will be there for a long, long time,” she told the group.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer Cathy Lutes gave a report on the first quarter of 2025.
“We’re doing pretty good,” she said. “We’re holding our own. The branches that are still open are very generous. It’s amazing what branches ae doing.”
The bank balance as of March 31 was $51,113. The ACW has $214,563 in investments and use the interest to help fund projects.
There are five funds under the ACW: William & Mary Quinn Fund ($170,636 in investments); Helen Burton Fund ($15,539 in investments); General Fund ($16,437 in investments); ECD Fund ($1,268 in investments); and the Fannie Billings Fund ($10,682 in investments).
The diocese manages these investments, and the income is used to fund the operations of the ACW.
The income from the above funds allows the ACW to donate to many different agencies and causes. They include the 10 provincial transition homes, Kara & Nelson Mejia Honduras mission, Canon Paul Jeffries, Camp Brookwood, Camp Medley, Inner City Youth Ministry, Threshold Ministries, St Luke’s Loaves and Fishes, Diocesan Choir School, Council of the North, and tuition for two students at Bishop McAllister College.
Cathy noted the banks are getting picky about cheques being properly filled out. Make cheques payable to “ACW Diocese of Fredericton.”
Each branch is required to pay into the administration fund and the social action fund. Support for all other funds is optional, and of course, encouraged, she said.
Cathy outlined the steps to take when closing a branch.
“You have to send in an official letter,” she said. “If you have funds left over, we have to find out where the money is going.”
Rosemarie Kingston gave a short report on Canon Paul Jeffries, who has been the rector of Bishop McAllister College in Uganda for decades.
“Paul no longer has a paid position with the diocese, so all he gets is what the diocesan ACW and branches send him,” she said. “He has no pension from Canada.”
A motion was passed to give Paul an extra $1,000 this year, totalling $4,000. The budget for 2025 was approved, with the change to Paul’s stipend.
REPORTS
Rosemarie reported on the Pickett-Scovil Fund, which survives on the interest from its investments. It helps retired clergy and spouses with medical expenses not covered by government or insurance, usually glasses, hearing aids and dental costs.
In the past year, the fund has given out $22,534, most of which was for dental costs.
Rosemarie reported that at Bishop McAllister College, the Rev. Joseph Tusingwire is the headmaster, and is training to replace Canon Paul.
Gisele McKnight gave a report on the ACW newsletter, Launching Out. She noted she plans to retire in one year, and that change will require a new editor for the newsletter.
This year’s Quiet Day will be held in the Shediac deanery. The date is Sept. 10 at St. Mark’s church in Mount Watley near the border with Nova Scotia. Linda Fury, a former diocesan president, is helping coordinate the day.
The offering of the day, $522, was bumped up to $600 via a motion. It will be split between Farraline Place and Camp Medley’s new pool fund.
The new custodian of the Book of Remembrance and Roll of Honour is Jill Stewart, past president of the diocesan ACW. The Rev. Debbie Edmondson installed Jill in a short ceremony.
All other officers remain the same this year: president Peggy Boucher; vice-president Diane Todd; treasurer Cathy Lutes; secretary Carolyn Pellow; past-president Jill Stewart. Rosemarie Kingston is the liaison with Bishop McAllister College and the Pickett-Scovil Fund; Cathy Lutes and Peggy Boucher are the liaisons with Farraline Place.
CAMP MEDLEY
Camp director John Galbraith was the day’s guest speaker. He focused on the planned 80th anniversary celebration on May 24, and the pool project which would replace the almost 60-year-old pool.
The $2.8 million project, which includes a maintenance facility, has about $1.277 million in cash, pledges and promises.
“The intent is to build a racing pool that would accommodate synchronized teams as well,” said John. “The focus is to build not just a pool, but a destination.”
The pool would also be open to the surrounding rural community, which does not have access to a public pool.
Last year, there were 34 user groups outside the summer camp schedule, which helped boost revenue. That included weddings, school outings, water ski school and many other groups looking for a place to gather.
But the summer camp continues to welcome hundreds of children each year for a week of fun in the form of swimming, kayaking, games, sports, crafts, campfires, songs, good food and friendships, along with daily chapel.
“Ninety-nine per cent of the kids coming to camp are unchurched,” he said.
John’s talk prompted several ACW members to share their memories of Camp Medley. Debbie Edwards, honorary president, came forward to pray for the summer ministry, the staff, campers and the 80th anniversary event.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
1. This year's annual meeting of the ACW was held May 8 at St. Margaret's in Fredericton.
2. The Rev. John Galbraith, director of Camp Medley, was the guest speaker of the day. He outlined the pool project and 80th anniversary celebrations at the camp.
3. Lunch is always a popular time to catch up with old friends.
4. The Rev. Debbie Edmondson, right, officiates at the commissioning of Jill Stewart as the new custodian of the Book of Remembrance and Roll of Honour, and the renewal of executive members. From left: Treasurer Cathy Lutes, president Peggy Boucher, vice-president Diane Todd, past-president and new custodian of the Book of Remembrance and Roll of Honour Jill Stewart, and the Rev. Debbie Edmondson.
McKnight photos