Newsletter

June 22nd 2003 was a memorable day for St. Brendan's Christian Fellowship and the Lindisfarne Community. Max was honored to have his father and stepmother, Robert and Betty Bishop, visiting from Michigan and present for the ceremony. Kim Moore, board member of St. Brendan's and valued friend and co-laborer in the founding of the St. Brendan's community was also present to share in the moment.

Abbot and Abbess Andy and Jane Fitz-Gibbon were consecrated as Bishops (mitred Abbot and Abbess) by the laying on of hands by Archbishop Wayne Boosahda of the CEEC, Archbishop Joseph Grenier of the Celtic Christian Church, and Archabbess Charlotte Rogers of the Benedictine Order of Louise de Marillac, Anglican Catholic Communion, USA. Also, Pastor Max of St. Brendan's, Rev. John Finn, Leader with Living Hope Fellowship, Rev. Marian Parker, Prioress of the Lindisfarne Community, and Rev. Christine Davie, Co-Leader of Connected Living and Co-Leader of Day Star Christian Fellowship were ordained priests in Apostolic Succession by laying on of hands of the several bishops present. Also, Melanie Day, Chaplain at Bridges Cornell Heights, Ithaca and Tina Post, leader of Lighthouse Ministries were ordained to the deaconate -- all in the same ceremony! Whew! And what a glorious time it was! The presence of God was very strong as the Community and guests worshipped and Bishop Wayne Boosahda delivered a stirring message on , the biblical way of being the Church, the church as family. The photos, which speak volumes, can be accessed by clicking on the thumbnails below. Blessings!

On July 9 through 11, 2004 the Congregation of St. Brendan's received a visit from Rt. Rev. Robert Hoyt, Bishop and Canon George Landry of the Diocese of St. Cuthbert of the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches. It was a get-acquainted time to find the Lord's will concerning possible affiliation. We are very happy to report that our hearts were melded with theirs. On July 10, Bishop Rob taught on the core beliefs and vision of the Diocese of St. Cuthbert and also the heritage of the ancient Celtic Church as it impacts the Church today. On July 11 Bishop Rob and Canon George dedicated our chapel and furnishings to the service of Christ. Bishop Rob preached and celebrated Holy Eucharist as we enjoyed a wonderful sense of the presence of the Lord. Afterward we all enjoyed picnicking together at Onanda State Park on beautiful Canandaigua Lake.

June 6, 2005

St. Brendan’s Kayaking Trip. The congregation of St. Brendan’s launched their curraghs (kayaks) into Irondequoit Bay. For several of us it was the first time. But, in the spirit of St. Brendan we trusted our fates to the Lord of Sea who saw us safely home after a great day of sun and adventure. We explored the estuary into which the bay drains. We witnessed beautiful plant life, swans and other bird life of all sorts, and threatening carp that were “rolling” in the shallows. We experienced a time of high drama when Jo Anne and Kim failed to return to the home base. After approximately an hour, Bill and one of the outfitters took to their boats for search and rescue. Just then the errant paddlers came around the bend into view. They explained that they had gotten sidetracked watching eagles --- right! For pictures click here.

November 5 & 6, 2005

Alpha Course Weekend Retreat. St. Brendans enjoyed a great Alpha Course experience. The weekend retreat was spent at Onanda State Park on beautiful Canandaigua Lake. The weekend teachings were focused on the Holy Spirit, and through the teachings, the fellowship, and worship on Sunday, the Spirit powerfully manifested His presence among us. Many of us were filled and refilled with the Holy Spirit. During the Sunday gathering and worship, six committed or recommitted their lives to Christ. After worship the community moved down to the shore where Mitch and LeighAnn were joined to the Church in the Sacrament of Christian Baptism. For pictures click here.

September 29-30, 2007

St. Brendan's Retreat

The Community of St. Brendan's held their annual retreat at beautiful Onanda Park on Canandaigua Lake. This year we rented two cabins and spent some chilly nights over the weekend. We also learned the safer techniques for building campfires (through trial and error!). The highlights of the event were the treasure hunt and communal dinner on Saturday and worship at the lakeside on Sunday. The treasure hunt took one team into the wilds with "trail expert," Pete Lloyd to dig up clues for the second team (in automobile). The second team finally discovered the fish with the coin in its mouth at a local supermarket. At the dinner that night the community joined together for shabbat and a communal meal. God's creation smiled upon us Sunday morning as we worshipped lakeside. It was a great time of bonding and spiritual formation. (click for pictures).

May 16-18, 2008

St. Brendan's Feast Day Weekend

The community of St. Brendan's put on their first annual St. Brendan's feast day Weekend event. The weekend included a lecture series on St. Brendan, the mutual influences of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and on Celtic spirituality -- given by Dr. Scott Caton, Dr. Elizabeth Whittingham and our own Bishop, Rob Hoyt, respectively (listen to lectures ). Then on Saturday, May 17th, the community put on a Celtic music festival at Atwater Park in Canandaigua, which later moved to All Things Art on Main Street. Featured groups were Almost Irish, Jerry Forward & Friends, and The Henry Brothers (hear audio). Finally, the St. Brendan's Community celebrated St. Brendan's feast day and Trinity Sunday with Bishop Rob celebrating. It all made for a tremendously enjoyable weekend. (click for pictures)