We have a new bishop in the diocese, the Rt. Rev. David Parsons, and his wife, Rita. David retired from his role as bishop of The Arctic on Dec. 31, 2024.

The couple has three sons, two in western Canada and one in Hampton. That’s where their four grandchildren live, so that’s where they wanted to be. Not only did they find a house there, they found one on the same street. 

So far this winter, David has been ice fishing every chance he gets with at least one grandchild. When he’s not fishing, he’s baking. Retirement is good!

Saturday, Feb. 22, 5 p.m.  Ham and potato scallop dinner and silent auction at St. Luke’s, Parish of Portland, Saint John. Doors open at 5 p.m. and supper served at 5:30. Tickets are $15. Call the church at 506-693-4152 or email lgpitman770@gmail.com to reserve tickets.

Saturday, Feb. 22, 6 pm. International dinner featuring popular Asian dishes, prepared by the NBCC culinary students and friends. Taking place at All Saints Parish Hall in St Andrews, with only 50 seats available. To reserve, contact Pam at the church office (506-529-8662) by Feb. 20. Hosted by the Youth & Family Ministry Committee.

Tuesdays, running Feb. 25 to May 20, 2-3:15 p.m.  Grief support group providing help and encouragement after the death of a loved one. This is a safe space to navigate the challenges of grief. St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Grand Harbour, Grand Manan.  Griefshare.org

Tuesday, March 4, 4 – 6:30 p.m.  Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at St. Luke’s, Parish of Portland, Saint John. Menu:  Pancakes, sausage, gingerbread, tea, coffee and juice. $12 per adult and $6 for those aged 4 – 10. 

Tuesday, March 4, 4:30-6:30 p.m.   Annual Shrove Tuesday supper at the Petitcodiac Legion. Adults: $10; kids 10 and under $5; family pass $25. Menu: pancakes, baked beans, brown bread, various desserts. Hosted by the Anglican Parish of Salisbury and Havelock. Questions: chris.hayes@anglican.nb.ca or 506-756-2296.

Tuesday, March 4, 4:30 p.m.  Pancake Supper at Christ Church Parish Church. 245 Westmorland St. Fredericton. Please join us for pancakes, sausages, beans, brown bread, beverages and desserts. Your free-will donation will be gratefully received. 

Tuesday, March 4, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at Christ Church (Anglican) Trinity Hall, 30 Prince William St., St. Stephen. Menu: pancakes, beans, sausages, pie or cake, coffee, tea and juice. Adults, $10; children under 12, $6.  Take-out available by advance order with pickup between 3:30 and 4:15. Call 506-465-8486 to pre-order and leave a message.

Tuesday, March 4, 4-6:30 p.m.  Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at the All Saints Parish Hall, 75 King St., St. Andrews. Menu: pancakes (plain or blueberry), baked beans, sausage and gingerbread with whipped cream. Free-will offering at the door.

Tuesday, March 4, 4-6 p.m.  Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at Holy Trinity, New Maryland. Menu: pancakes, sausage, brown bread and gingerbread for dessert. Cost will be $15 or $50 for a family of four.

Tuesday, March 4, 4:30-6:30 p.m.  Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at the Kingston Parish Hall. Menu: pancakes, beans, sausage and gingerbread with whipped cream. Free-will offering at the door.

Friday, March 7, 2 p.m.  World Day of Prayer 2025, held at Holy Trinity, Hammond River. This is an ecumenical service written by the World Day of Prayer Committee of the Polynesian Cook Islands. Theme: “I made you wonderful!” (Psalm 139:1-18) Refreshments after the service. Storm date of March 14. Call 506-647-8170 for details. Come and bring a friend.

Saturday, March 8, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.  Grand Manan Lenten retreat held at 16 Seaside Lane. Lunch provided. Led by Kurt Schmidt. 

The Parish of Lancaster in Saint John has a mystery. We have an altar in our chapel at the Church of the Good Shepherd that has no history that we are aware of.

Was it a memorial? Did it come from a church that closed? 

Can anyone help us solve this mystery?

We have the altar that is original to our chapel, and we would like to put it back into service as it was secured specifically for its size and design.

Therefore we are hoping to find a new home for the mystery altar. It stands 36 inches high, 64 inches wide and 31 inches deep. 

Please contact us at goodshep@nb.sympatico.ca if you can provide any information or are interested in acquiring our excess for your church.

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 Youth & Family Ministry from the Parish of St. Andrews, is walking in St. Stephen to support Neighbourhood Works.

Let us know about your church or deanery based team.

Thinking about Lent? Join the diocesan Lenten book study.

We'll look at John Mark Comer's Practicing the Way

About the book: We are constantly being formed by the world around us. To be formed by Jesus will require us to become his apprentice. 

To live by what the first Christian disciples called a Rule of Life—a set of practices and relational rhythms that slow us down and open up space in our daily lives for God to do what only God can do—transforms the deepest parts of us to become like him. 

About the author: John Mark Comer is the New York Times bestselling author of Practicing the Way, Live No Lies, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, God Has a Name, and three previous books. He's also the Founder and Teacher of Practicing the Way, a simple, beautiful way to integrate spiritual formation into your church or small group. Prior to starting Practicing the Way, he spent almost twenty years pastoring Bridgetown Church in Portland, OR, and working out discipleship to Jesus in the post-Christian West.

The series starts on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, and runs six sessions (until April 16, 2025) at 6:30PM for 60-90mins. Registration is required for the Zoom link. Participants will receive the reading schedule after they register.

The bishop's office has some copies available for purchase at $20, otherwise, it is available through your favourite book or ebook retailer.

• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593193822
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593193822

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

Join us for the Diocesan Lenten Retreat, March 28-29, at the Villa Madonna Retreat House. As we prepare for Holy Week and the Easter celebration, join others in taking 24 hours for teaching, reflection, and prayer.

Disciplines for a Holy Lent

Kurt Schmidt, Diocesan Director of Young Adult Formation and Cathedral Director of Christian Formation, will lead our retreat and provide teaching to help prepare us for the week ahead. All are welcome, but pre-registration is required.

Costs - Overnight: $140 | Couples: $215 | Commuter: $95 (meals included) 

Registration deadline is March 20, 2025; spaces are limited. (Some bursary funding is available.)

For more information, contact Shawn Branch: 506-459-1801 ext 1008.

Please save the date. Topics will include information on the new cemeteries policy, investments, Safe Church, diocesan website and insurance.

Parish Officers' Day is for parish wardens, treasurers and incumbents.

Save the Dates! Further details and registration coming soon!

THEME:  "Our Belovedness in Jesus"

Returning as main speaker: Kristy Short

Kristy Short is a speaker, Bible teacher, and encourager who seeks to communicate eternal perspectives for daily living. She is a Senior Advisor at Alpha Canada and is passionate about the local church and its mission to share the Gospel with a hurting world. Kristy grew up as a pastor's kid in the Maritimes, ministering in rural and suburban communities. She now lives in Fredericton with her talented husband, Ryan, and three big-hearted kids, Hazen, Wes and Maxine.

Connect with the Divine through the island's breathtaking landscapes & hospitable residents. Strengthen your bonds with fellow pilgrims through shared experiences, reflective conversations, and opportunities for prayer & worship together.

Led by Kurt Schmidt, the Rev. David Smith, and others.

Ferry travel days are slated for Friday and Monday, main pilgrimage (hiking) day on Saturday, and worship on Sunday. 

For more information, contact Kurt Schmidt.

Download the Pilgrimage Poster.

When you turn 80 years old, there ought to be a big celebration. That’s what’s planned for Camp Medley, the diocesan camp which opened in 1945 as a place for kids to get out of the cities and back to fresh air and nature. Everyone is invited, especially those with a link to the camp.

Current director John Galbraith says: “We’re hoping to see people who have had a connection to Camp Medley in the past or even now. Campers, parents, staff, volunteers — anyone who shares a love of Camp Medley.”

The day will include a worship service, live music, memorabilia, food, tours and more. Accommodations will be available for those needing or wanting to stay the night.

If readers have any memorabilia from camp — crafts, photos, t-shirts — they’d like to show off, they’re asked to contact John (director@campmedley.ca). As well, if readers have stories from camp they’d like to share, please send them to this address:  friends@campmedley.ca.

Read the eNews story here | Join the Facebook Event here