The diocese’s annual Clergy Conference is held each September at Villa Madonna. This year’s theme was “How are we living into the resources of the Kingdom?”

The guest speaker was the Rev. Dr. Harry Gardner, vice-president of the Baptist World Alliance and president Emeritus at Acadia Divinity College in Wolfville, N.S.

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, set aside to learn about the heartbreaking impact of residential schools on our indigenous brothers and sisters.

You can find information at this link. 

St. Mark’s Chapel of Ease at Kings Landing will host a special Harvest Service this Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m.  The Rev. Canon Walter Williams, vicar of Kings Landing, will preside. All are welcome. You do not need to pay the entrance fee to attend the service. 

Kings Landing is at 5804 Route 102, Prince William, about 20 minutes from Fredericton. All are welcome.

Join us on Tuesday mornings, 9 a.m. to noon for cards (45s) and a gathering of seniors for social fellowship.  St Margaret’s Church, 775 Forest Hill Road, Fredericton.  Fully accessible building for those with mobility issues.

Sept 8 and onward    Essential Stretching Classes at Holy Trinity 2 Hammond River Rd, Quispamsis Mondays starting Sept. 8 from 10 -10:45 am with Paulette Haines. A dynamic and fluid full-body workout that focuses on rebalancing the body by stretching and strengthening every muscle group. Cost: $60 for 12 classes or $5 drop in. Pre-register by calling 506-609-9099

Sept 8 and onward  'Tai Chi Chair' Exercise at Holy Trinity 2 Hammond River Rd, Quispamsis Mondays starting Sept. 8 from 11-11:30 am.  This wonderful form of exercise enhances balance, stress management, health and healing and is great for any fitness level, from active seniors to those recovering from an injury. Led by certified personal trainer Paulette Haines. Cost: $60 for 12 classes or $5 drop in. To register or for more information call 506-609-9099.

Sept. 10 and onward   Ballet Inspired Chair Exercise with ballet instructor Kimberly Hall. This exercise program focuses on good posture, mobility, core strength, balance and toning while bringing out musicality and artistry. This 10-week program will be held on Wednesdays from 1 -1:45 p.m. starting Sept.10 in the Holy Trinity Church Hall, 2 Hammond River Rd, Quispamsis Cost: $50 for 10 classes Pre-register by calling 506-647-8170.

September 12 and onward   Chair Yoga at Christ Church Cathedral is a gentle way to stretch and get in shape, suitable for all ages. Only $5 per session. Held Fridays 10:15  - 11:00 a.m. with instructor Monique Smith. Drop-in as you are available; no need to register for the whole term. Bring a friend and try it out! Held inside the Cathedral for ease of entry to those with mobility challenges. Christ Church Cathedral, 150 Church Street, Fredericton.

Sept. 17 and onward   The Healthy You Program at Holy Trinity 2 Hammond River Rd, Quispamsis facilitated by parish nurse Cleo Cyr, starts Sept.17 from 6- 7 p.m. This group focuses on the five basics for leading a healthier life: faith, food, fitness, focus and friends. The get-togethers are held weekly. Cost is $2 per session. Call 506-647-8170 for more information. Everyone is welcome - bring a friend!

Sept. 23 and onward   Grief, Loss And Life Transitions 7-Week Program with Grief Counselor Rick Benson will be held at Holy Trinity, 2 Hammond River Rd, Quispamsis starting Tuesday Sept. 23 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sessions will cover topics such as coping with grief and loss; how to care for yourself as a caregiver; the healing effects of nature; personal coping; living with life's transitions and much more. Call 506-647-8170 to register. There is a $50 fee to reserve a space.

Saturday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m.  Blessing of the Animals service, outside behind the former parish hall (inside if it’s raining), at St. Peter’s, 2365 Woodstock Rd., Fredericton. All are welcome to bring their pets, or ashes for blessing. The Rev. Canon Elaine Hamilton will officiate. Please tell your friends and get the word out that all are invited to share in this service. If you have a lawn chair you might want to bring it along so you can sit during the service. All dogs must be on leashes, cats must be in carriers or on leashes, birds in cages, fish in bowl.

Saturday, Oct. 4, 5 p.m.  Salmon dinner at Kingston parish hall. Menu:  salmon, white sauce, mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, apple crisp. $25 per person. Call for tickets: 506-769-3183, 506-650-6037 or 506-651-2187.

Thursday, Oct. 16   The annual meeting of the ACW Fredericton/York deanery will be at St. Michael's and All Angels Church in Minto beginning with registration at 9 a.m. followed by a church service with the Rev. Harley Clowater. Afternoon guest speaker. Wheelchair accessible. 

Saturday, Oct. 18   Farraline Place annual fall fundraising dinner at Fredericton Inn.  Doors and bar open at 5 p.m.; gourmet dinner served at 6 p.m. Menu:  fresh bread & butter, garden tossed salad, stuffed chicken breast with herb-buttered potatoes, corn and broccoli and chocolate cake for dessert. Barbershop quartet will entertain between courses. After dinner, the 'Your Choice Silent Auction,' followed by the much-anticipated live auction. Tickets are $100 (with $50 charitable tax receipt) available from Lynda Wood, vice-chair of the board and gala co-ordinator (506-449-2477), Judy O'Donnell, Farraline Place Administrator (506-455-6443), or any board member.  Thank you to the many Fredericton area businesses for their support of this event.

Sunday, Oct. 19, 2 p.m.  Michael Molloy will give an organ recital on Trinity Saint John’s recently installed Phoenix Digital Organ. A screen will be installed to enable the audience to see this renowned Saint John organist as he plays a one-hour program of sacred music. Cost is $20. This is a fundraiser for Trinity Saint John’s great east window.

Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Christmas Bazaar at Christ Church (Parish Church), 245 Westmorland St., Fredericton. Christmas cooking, crafts, clothing, books, new-to-you items, café. Cash only. 

Nov. 16, 2 p.m.   Happening at Trinity, Saint John: a second recital by Michael Molloy with the program based on specific panels of the seven-light Kempe window, and commentary will be offered on the music chosen to augment the Christ story Kempe so ably fashioned. Fee is $20. This is a fundraiser for Trinity Saint John’s great east window.

Sunday, Nov. 16, 2:30 p.m.  The 17th annual Sounds for Sigowet benefit concert, silent auction and reception will be held at St. Paul’s Rothesay. The concert will feature John Buckley, Alberto Duran, Kevin Langford and Rosemary Drummond. This concert is in support of orphans going to secondary school in Kenya. Tickets are $25 ($10 for students), and available by calling 506-847-1812 or 506-849-2414.

Nov. 21 & 22  Trinity Saint John’s semi-annual book sale, and the annual Christmas craft corner, will be staged in the Bennett Room. Open Friday from 4-6 and Saturday from 9:30- 12:00.

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 Tuesdays from 12:10 - 12:55 pm and will be recorded. 

For the rest of this calendar year we will begin with one session per month on the 1st Tuesday.

October 7: Overview of the Synod Website - what's there and what should be there?

November 4: Shared Ministry Budget

December 2: The Director of Mission and Ministry Role

Zoom link

Are you wondering how God might be inviting you to serve? Join us for a shared weekend of prayer, conversation, and community as we explore the many paths of our Christian vocation.

Over the course of the weekend, we’ll hear from our bishops, clergy, and lay leaders about the diverse ways people live out their callings — in lay ministry, religious orders, the diaconate, and priesthood. You’ll hear real stories of discernment, have time to reflect, ask the big questions and pray together.

The cost is $50/person. Preregistration is required, and spaces are limited. Hosted at Villa Madonna Retreat House, meals and accommodation included.

For more information or questions:

• Program: Shawn C. Branch
• Logistics: Susan Dickie