Chaplain’s Report for BAC Talk                        

 

Although it never eliminates heartache, sometimes something good does emerge from difficult situations. The recent death of our diocesan president, Mike Chambers, is a huge loss to our Brotherhood, and a sorrow beyond measure to his family. Yet over against the backdrop of grief at Mike’s untimely passing there emerged for me a recognition of the bonds of affection which brought men from all over our diocese together to console Mike’s family, support one another, and celebrate Mike’s life. It was evident to me that we are indeed a community united in faith, hope, and love. What a gift and resource for times such as these! What tremendous opportunity and potential this holds! We are the Body of Christ, or more properly, part of it—and as such we should in the name of responsible stewardship work to realize that potential we as the BAC have in Christ.

 

Last autumn, largely at Mike’s behest, some of us gathered to re-imagine our diocesan BAC, reflecting on where we have been and where Holy Spirit might be leading us. Reams of material were forthcoming from a relatively small group, but I am not sure that any new vision emerged. Our response to Mike’s death, on the other hand, has been a revelation! Surely we are called to be a community of mutual support in Jesus, with a program and ministry devoted to building up one another in the faith, sharing consolation and encouragement.  Our established principles and purposes remain of sterling value, but our potential to minister to men in this diocese with a view to strengthening them spiritually is timely and relevant, and smacks of urgency. We are being called and equipped by Holy Spirit to build fellowship and provide something that no other men’s group could ever begin to offer: nurture of the spiritual hunger of our men. This is a unique opportunity to address a unique need with a unique resource.  Our brothers are hungry to know the grace-filled life in Christ, and need to have us share it with them. I believe we are being called to bring this vocation to bear on the level of our parish chapters, to meet the needs of the men sitting in our pews and care for them in a fellowship which functions on an interpersonal level above and beyond Sunday morning breakfasts and traditional fundraisers, as good as they admittedly are for stimulating interaction.

 

We talked about this revelation at some length at the recent diocesan council meeting. We know that there are tried and true resources out there which could be employed to help us care for one another more effectively and grow in faith more powerfully. May Holy Spirit guide us as we attempt to understand more clearly our calling, our opportunities, and the spiritual yearning of our membership—that our Father may by His divine artistry re-work this lump of clay into another vessel pleasing to Him (Jeremiah 18:4) and of transformative blessing to each of us! Pray for our BAC!

Grace & Peace

Robin Lyons+

 
 

President’s Report.

       As this is my first report to the BAC members since taking over the Diocesan Presidency I feel that I need to remember the work done by Mike Chambers.  His dedication to the BAC is without question and I will always remember his leadership.  Our prayers should go out to his family and I know we will all miss him.

       I am looking forward to working with the Diocesan Council in these next 2 years.  They are a talented group of men and have lots to offer the work of the BAC.

        Saugeens Deanery (my own Deanery) is hosting the Conference 2006 on April 21, 22, 23, 2006. I feel that it is important for me to highlight what the Conference theme is.  Our theme this year is "Spirituality in The Work Place" and will be led by Lucy Reid and Fred Evers, Anglicans from Niagara Diocese.  This is quite a relevant topic and, as such, our organizing group from the Saugeens is hoping so see lots of people attending and not just BAC members.  Lucy and Fred have published a book called WORKING WITH SPIRIT which is available from the Anglican Book Centre in Toronto.  It is a great read and one that will certainly prepare you for the Conference.

        In 2007 Huron Diocese will celebrate it's 150th birthday.  With that in mind the Diocesan Executive is proposing that we do a joint Conference with the ACW.  Our tentative theme would (obviously) be looking to the future.  I will be addressing the ACW Executive at their October Meeting to start the organizational process.  This should be quite an exciting event for all Anglicans in the Diocese.

        I would like to remind all local Chapters to forward their charitable donations (e. g. to Huron College, Huron Church Camp, St. Monica's House) to our Diocesan Treasurer who will then forward them to the designated group.  This is very important as it will show just how much the BAC supports in the Diocese.

         W.U.G.L.E.

         Alan

Saint Monica House

Bi- Annual Newsletter

January 2005 to June 2005

 

As a way of keeping in touch with our “Friends”, we offer the following.

Since our last newsletter in spring we have had three babies in our Moms’ and Babes’ Unit - Kallie, Lydia and Tyler. We also had one baby placed for adoption.

From January to June our Chaplaincy program has provided support to 53 young mothers and their children. The support has been through group sessions, pastoral visits to homes and hospital and liturgical services. The program has also supported public speaking activities in churches and schools. Bibles for Teens and Tots were donated to the young mothers in the Cambridge Community. Thank you to our benefactors who have made this possible.

The Biscotti Girls: Saint Monica House recently received a financial gift from a group of young women and their teacher. Their donation was the profit made from a small business venture that they undertook as a school project. It was an exciting experience for the young women and we certainly appreciated being the recipients of their kind donation.

 

Another idea: Sometimes we, or a family member are celebrating a special event and invite our many friends to participate. Instead of requesting “best wishes only”, consider suggesting a donation to Saint Monica House. A thank you note and receipt will be sent out to all donors in your name.

 

Volunteering: Please consider volunteering at Saint Monica House. We have a number of positions available and would love to have you on board. Contact us at 743-0291. Thank you to everyone who spent a lovely afternoon with us at Victoria Park as we celebrated Mother’s Day together this past May. The afternoon was absolutely beautiful, the sandwiches and tea exceptional and the music was very enjoyable. Thanks to all who supported this wonderful fund raising event. We are planning next year’s tea to be held on April 30^th 2006 so watch for information as it becomes available and please join us.

Christmas is just around the comer.. keep the young women and children Monica House in your thoughts and during this very special but stressful year. Help with Christmas gifts certainly be appreciated.

 

Turkey Drive: Brady’s Meat on Phillip Street in Waterloo is having a Christmas Turkey

Drive. For every turkey purchased  Saint Monica House receives $1.00. Please consider buying your Christmas Turkey at Brady’s Meat.

 

                                               Needs List

We appreciate your support for our young expectant mothers and

their children.

Personal Items

Shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, razors, new hair combs and brushes, sanitary napkins (maxi and mini), nursing pads, q-tips, cotton balls, unused make-up, nail products, body lotions.

Baby Items

Baby shampoo, baby lotion, baby soap, Vaseline, diaper creams, baby wipes, baby wash cloths and towels, bibs, baby outfits/sleeper/undershirts/diaper shirts (new or gently used), baby bottles, bottle liners, crib sheets, crib blankets/quilts, change pads, disposable diapers (newborn to toddler sizes), baby snugglers, baby toys, toddler slippers, & PJ’s.

Miscellaneous Items

Stationary/greeting cards, postage stamps, film, towels: face clothes, hand towels, bath towels, herbal teas, canned goods, stuffed animals, small gift items, dish clothes/tea towels, clothing: nightgowns, maternity bathing suits  maternity bras, maternity clothes, socks, slippers, alarm clocks, flower vases.

 Financial Donation

A charitable donation receipt will be issued for financial donations only.

If your group would like to make a contribution towards a larger gift, such as a capital project, IE: window replacement. Please contact Saint Monica House administration for details.

 

Once again  thank  you for considering the above list.

Your donations are greatly appreciated

 

Saint Monica House

231 Herbert Street, Waterloo ON N2J 1V1

Tel: (519) 743-O291

 

Deanery Reports

 

Lambton Deanery

'm sorry that we didn't have more time to speak on Saturday. I have been amiss in not getting some report to you on BAC activities. I'm sending you a report for the next issue of BAC TALK. We have been active hear in Lambton and are able to be an active force in Lambton. We have 4 active chapters who are always doing many things in their various churches and are a real blessing in these churches. But, many of the things that happen on a bigger scale are done by or organized by The Deanery Chapter. We have between 18 and 20 men involved in the Deanery Group. The Deanery Group has organized the Deanery BAC Banquet and this year our Fall Banquet will be Friday November 4. Our guest speaker is Dr. John Bowen Director of Wycliffe College School of Evangelism. Dr. Bowen will be with us in the Sarnia area November 4, 5 and 6. He will be conducting a Seminar "Evangelism For Normal People" on Saturday November 5. We have opened this up to all churches in Lambton County who may like to attend this seminar. We are hoping for about 100 to 150 people attending. As well the Deanery Chapter will be hosting the Deanery Barbeque to be held in Petrolia on Sunday afternoon September 18. We have been investigating the possibility of bringing to Sarnia in the fall of 2006 Stephen Lewis. We keep seeking how the Lord might be leading us to be of service to His church here in Lambton Deanery and He has kept us busy.

 

Essex Deanery

 

St. Mary’s (Walkerville) is proud to announce the arrival of Father Andrew Graham as our new Rector.  Andrew began his ministry at St. Mary’s in January of this year. He also is the son of Father Bill Graham who was at one time our Chaplin.  Andrew has returned to his roots here in Windsor since he was born and grew up at St. Aidan’s.

 

 

FROM THE EDITOR

We are all aware of the of the untimely death of Mike Chambers this past spring, since then his mother has passed away and his Father Rollie is quite ill. We offer all of our thoughts and prayers to Rollie.  God Bless.

Gentlemen as the year close this is a friendly reminder to forward your membership dues to Francis Richardson and please do not forget those who we support.

On behalf of the Brotherhood of Anglican Churchmen Council I wish to extend a very safe and merry Christmas and good health in the coming year.