Gerald and I are unable to attend in person,
but I was very kindly asked to write Dad's introduction for the convocation. 

Thank you, Rev. Rob Cooke, for this great honour,
and for reading in my absence.

Here's my oration. Please enjoy, and lift a prayer for Dad and for all those convocating today. May they have strength, peace, and loving hearts in their next chapter of ministry. 

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I’d like to start with a personal story from Hollis’s daughter, Allison Lynn Flemming.

“Growing up, our favourite place was our cabin at Ocean Pond. One night, Dad and I stayed up late playing a board game. I can’t remember the name of the game, but the goal was to get to know each other by asking questions. I had a great idea - I would ask Dad about becoming a priest. You see, even at a young age, I’d realized that Dad’s job wasn’t like the other Dads’ jobs. From the working-on-Sundays, to the way people reacted when he said ‘I’m a priest’ all let me know his job was somehow different.

So, in the way that only a cheeky 10-year-old could, I asked, ‘If you could start all over again, would you still be a priest?’ Dad answered with no hesitation, ‘Yes, I would.’ 

I can’t remember his next words, but it was the first time I ever heard someone explain the difference between a job and a calling. That night, I learned more about my Dad than I could fully understand in that moment. I would recall that night many times over the years, especially in the seasons where I saw Dad challenged by the work of ministry. And I was especially thankful for that conversation many years later, when I received my own calling into music ministry.” 

Hollis Robert Nathaniel Hiscock was born in Salvage, the youngest child of James and Winnifred. Hollis and his older siblings, Winston and Alicia, were good kids who caused just the right amount of trouble. Their home was defined by a curiosity for learning, a strong sense of community, and a deep faith in God. All three of these would go on to shape Hollis’s ministry and life.

Hollis pursued theology and a path to orientation through Queen’s College. Like many students, Hollis was active in amateur sports. One afternoon, he was playing soccer when a professor reprimanded him for not wearing his clerical collar. “Proper clergyman” he was informed, "always wear their collars, no matter what they’re doing!” At that moment, Hollis thought, “Well, I guess I’m not going to be a proper clergyman.” 

Hollis joined the summer staff of Killdevil boys’ camp as Padre. One Saturday, a few of the girls’ staff dropped by for a visit, including the beautiful camp nurse, Helen Ryall. Legend has it that, at the end of that day, Hollis turned to his friend and said, “I’m going to marry that girl!”

Hollis was ordained a deacon in 1964 and priested in 1965. On September 28, 1968, Hollis did indeed marry Helen, and the young couple moved to the Parish of Cow Head.

Now, that incident about the soccer game proved to be more prophetic than first imagined. Throughout their lives together, Hollis and Helen continued to challenge church rules that seemed outdated, frivolous, or discriminatory.

You see, you can’t talk about Hollis without talking about Helen, and Hollis will be the first to tell you that. Where Hollis thrives in public leadership, Helen prefers to work behind the scenes. Even in this moment, she hates that we’re talking about her in public. (Don’t worry, Helen, Allison said to blame her for this part of the intro!) Her gifts of hospitality, empathy, and proofreading have fed into every aspect of Hollis’s work. Helen has a unique ability to find people on the fringes of a party or a congregation, and bring them into the fold. She makes everyone she meets feel happier, healthier, and more loved.

Hollis’s life of ordained ministry has spanned almost 60 years, covering 4 Dioceses and 2 provinces! There are a thousand reasons for him to receive today’s honour, but I want to mention four tent-posts that have defined his ministry.

1 - COMMITMENT TO PARISH MINISTRY

Hollis’s first posting - a 30-point parish - took him to the Great Northern Peninsula. But the bulk of his career would be serving parishes as Rector, first at St. Thomas’ Church (St. John’s, NL) and St. John’s York Mills Church (Toronto, ON). 

When Hollis was rector of St. Thomas’, General Synod came to Newfoundland, and Hollis helped lead a vibrant and Spirit-filled week of events. On the final Sunday, delegates and local parishioners gathered at St. Thomas’ Church for a 1-kilometre prayer walk, ending at Memorial Stadium. 4000 worshipers, led by a mass choir, celebrated Holy Communion. Always a creative thinker, Hollis had envisioned an altar that, with a few swift movements, could morph into a boat! As the worship concluded, the transformation began. Three large sails, each representing a Newfoundland-Labrador Diocese, was brought through the crowd and mounted on the boat. 4000 voices sang “I feel the winds of God today, today my sails I lift!” 

In his “retirement,” Hollis has led over 20 parishes through interims and guest worship leadership. Wherever he goes, parishioners of all generations testify to his gentle, creative and inclusive preaching, leadership and pastoring. Perhaps it was said best by the teenage girls of St. John’s York Mills. At Hollis’s retirement celebration, they expressed their love and admiration for him by singing a song from the musical Wicked, letting Hollis know that “because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”

2 - COMMITMENT TO ANGLICAN JOURNALISM

Hollis’s passion for writing, photography, and parish life came together in his work as Editor for two Diocesan newspapers. He served 10 years with The Newfoundland Churchman (now “Anglican Life) and 8 years with The Niagara Anglican. In addition to his role as Editor, Hollis wrote hundreds of articles, interviews and editorials, sharing the Good News as lived out in local parishes. Hollis’s teacher’s-heart also led to him to mentor countless new and emerging writers and photographers for each paper, creating a legacy of storytelling across the country.

3 - COMMITMENT TO THE ARTS IN WORSHIP & AS OUTREACH

Hollis is a passionate supporter of the arts, encouraging parish choirs, bands, handbell choirs, and drama to generously share their gifts with the congregation and community. His signature phrase - “We’re carving out new ministries.” - has led to the creation of countess plays, concert series, and other creative ventures. 

Perhaps the highlight was The Real Christmas Story - A Walk Through - cowritten by Hollis and his daughter, Allison. Each December, audiences walked the churchyard of St. John’s York Mills to visit seven stages, each featuring a living scene from the nativity. 125 performers, greeters, and volunteers pooled their talents to create the production. During its 10-year run, over 5,000 people attended the live performances. A documentary of the play aired nationally for 5 seasons on Vision TV, with an estimated viewership of over 100,000 homes.

Hollis’s love of the arts and support for artists is obvious to anyone who knows him. In recognition of this, St. John’s York Mills Church created The Hiscock Fund in Hollis and Helen’s honour. This ongoing grant program continues to support and encourage a whole new generation in their own artistic expressions of worship.

4 - COMMITMENT TO THE WIDER COMMUNITY & AN INCLUSIVE CHURCH

Hollis’ ministry has never been limited by the walls of the church. He taught Religious Education at the high school level and Psychology at MUN. He was the original Co-Ordinator of Grenfell Campus Extension Services (MUN), responsible for academic, recreational, and business programs in Western and Northern Newfoundland. He has served on numerous church and local committees, including the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, the St. Christopher's Rainbow Committee, and the 1988 Olympic Torch Relay Committee.

And remember the professor who wanted Hollis to wear his collar at all times? Well, how do you think he would feel about wearing his collar with high heels?

On his 50th ordination anniversary, Hollis donned pink high heels and his clerical collar to join the community event: Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, speaking out against male violence against women. Just another creative way Hollis has let people of faith, or of no faith, know they are seen and loved by God.

Hollis’s favourite parable is The Sower and The Seed. If you recall the opening of the story, the Sower isn’t stingy with the seed. Instead, he sows it generously, trusting it will find its way to the good soil. 

Hollis, you have sowed the seed of the Gospel generously!

Because of your commitment to parish ministry, both seekers and lifelong Christians have found a church home that’s welcoming, loving, active, and compassionate. 

Because of your passion for Christian journalism, the stories of God and God’s people have been written, read, and lifted up across our country.

Because of your love of the arts, the Gospel has found new forms of expression, sharing its message of love in countless ways.

And because you dared to step outside the walls of the church, you have provided a loving and inclusive witness of faith to the wider community. 

Isaiah 6:8 inspired a great song - Here I Am, Lord -
a song that has been a touchpoint of Hollis’s life of ministry. 


Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Hollis, your love for God and God’s people, your generous and creative leadership, has sparked and supported a legacy of ongoing ministries by clergy, artists, and people of faith. You have made our Church, and our wider community, a stronger, more loving, more inclusive place. You live out the Gospel message with every breath.

We so are thankful that when asked, you responded,
“Here am I. Send me.”

PREACHING AT ST. THOMAS THIS SUNDAY!

Hollis will preach on Sunday, May 14, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. Newfoundland time (9:00 a.m. in Ontario)
 at St. Thomas' in St. John's, Newfoundland-Labrador. 

He served there over ten years as part of the clergy staff and Rector. All are welcome to join in person!  

The service will also stream live on the church's Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/stthomasnl

I've already loved two Kimberly Duffy creations:

Every Word Unsaid

and

A Tapestry of Light

I'm excited anytime she releases a new book,
but when I discovered her new book takes us to the circus,
how could I resist?

The Weight of Air immerses us in the 1911 circus world, right in the midst of the modern circus's popularity. Aerialists and stunt performers were the movie stars of their day. Circuses regularly toured Europe and America, bringing dangerous feats and exotic animals to people of all ages, backgrounds, and economic levels.

Our heroine, Mabel MacGinnis, comes from a circus family. As Europe’s strongest woman, she performed beside her strongman father her entire life. But his sudden death reveals long-hidden family secrets. Mabel and her best friend, acrobat Jake Cunningham (a man with his own storied past), head off to America in pursuit of the truth. 

Meanwhile, in America, aerialist Isabella Moreau has lived a 5-star career, but age is sneaking up on her, putting her act, her future, and even her life at risk. When she sees a young strongwoman perform, Isabella's European past coming rushing back. Can she redeem her past choices, and find a future beyond her own doubts and brokenness? 

Mabel and Isabella's stories are filled with moving themes: mother-daughter bonds, the nature of depression, assumed gender roles, the power of forgiveness, and the definition of strength. Some of these themes, especially the storylines around depression, are extra poignant in this Edwardian setting, where mental health was so misunderstood.

But even with these heavy themes, this book is still filled with so much joy, love, and life!

I loved being in the world of the circus! My artist-heart loved every scene that dealt with rehearsals, audiences, and performances. Imagining the costumes, the horses, the acts, the tent ... As Anne of Green Gables would say, it gave great "scope for the imagination."

Be sure to read The Note from the Author at the end of the book, where Kimberly shares her personal inspiration, as well as her historical inspiration, for the story. Below is a photo of real-life strongwoman, Katie Sandwina. After reading the novel, it's worth spending some time reading up on Katie's story and scrolling through the amazing photos of her act!

Kimberly shares her writing and creative process on her site and Facebook page.
You can connect with her here:

www.KimberlyDuffy.com 

Please welcome my Dad - Rev. Hollis Hiscock - as today's guest blogger!

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Every Day Is Easter
By Rev. Hollis Hiscock

“Every day is a mini-Easter,” intoned the university professor, noticing the stone-faced students he hoped to impress with his stark dramatic revelation.

His words have remained with me since hearing them nearly 60 years ago. 

I recall little else about the professor or the class, but his quote became etched on my psyche because of its insightful eye opener and sustainability. 

Indeed if “every day is a mini-Easter” then the annual celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead must be our “maximum” Easter.

As we approach Easter 2023, let this be our Easter message to ourselves and every person with whom we come in contact.

Let us do it because …

We are the Easter people,
touched by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We are God’s church in the world,
namely the outward visible signs of
God’s unconditional love for all people.

We are ambassadors of Jesus,
presenting the good news of his gospel to others
and pointing them to God.

We do it because Christ is risen,
because he has overcome sin, temptation, suffering and death –
every obstacle preventing individuals from having a living relationship with God.

Jesus/God did it because of love, and we respond for the same reason. 

That is why we celebrate Easter with great joy, jubilation, hope and assurance.

That is why we share, by word and action, the marvellous news that
“Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, Alleluia!”

Happy Easter to you and yours!  

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You can read the official announcement HERE. 

Hollis is currently serving as Interim Priest-in-Charge of St. John’s Church, Burlington, Ontario. 

You can find their Easter services HERE.

 
One of the things I love about Historical Fiction is spending time in unexpected eras and places.

With Lisa See, I explore ancient China.

With Kate Quinn, I visit Bletchley Park.

And thanks to Laura Frantz,
I've just spent a week in 1715 Scotland.

The Rose and The Thistle is immersive in the best kind of way.
It opens with a map, a piece of history, and a mini-dictionary of Scottish phrases. Yes, you have a bit of a learning curve to get into this world but trust me, it's worth it.

Our heroine is Lady Blythe Hedley, daughter of an English Duke. Her father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies. When their castle is attacked in the middle of the night, she flees to the home of her godparents: Wedderburn Castle in Scotland.

Our hero is Everard Hume, eldest son of the ailing Lord Wedderburn, Lady Blythe's godfather. At the passing of his father, Everard is burdened with his estate, a political uprising, a volatile brother, and now, a refugee Lady hiding in his castle tower.

The Rose and The Thistle is rife with secrets, political ambitions, family intrigue, and cultural divisions. But at its heart, it's also a passionate, slow burn love story. I'm sure many may simply categorize this as a "romance", but for me, this novel is so much more: it's historical, dramatic, and epic, with romance sizzling throughout.

You can check out her many books and her beautiful writing at:

www.LauraFrantz.net

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

A few days ago, I mentioned another SuperFan Author Review was coming.
Well, here it is!

I am a SuperFan of Erin Bartels!

So far, I've read, reviewed & LOVED:

We Hope For Better Things

All That We Carried

I think she only has two other books for me to search out!

Today, I'm excited to share her latest creation:
Everything Is Just Beginning

I know what you're thinking: "Of course you wanted to read this, Allison. There's a guitar on the cover."

But let me share a secret: Reading novels about music can be very frustrating when you're a musician! So often, people get it all wrong, especially when it comes to the process of songwriting. When the author makes too many assumptions, or trivializes the process, it can become incredibly frustrating!

Fortunately for all involved, Erin knows what she's talking about! Music Creation is almost like a character in this novel, driving the plot forward, traversing relationships, and giving the human characters voice to their emotions.

Michael Sullivan is a young musician without a band, an apartment, and most of his family. In the final days of 1989, his uncle receives an invitation to the New Year's Eve party of the year, hosted by a family of music legends. Michael and his uncle share a trailer and a name, so no one will notice if he accepts the invitation, right? At that swanky, celebrity-filled party, Michael meets the girl, the musician, who will change his entire life...

I read this quickly, over a few restful days in beautiful Fergus, Ontario. We stayed in a B&B in an 1850's stone building, resting in a hand-carved four-poster bed, overlooking the Grand River. Talk about a decadent way to read a book!

The story is well paced, but never at the expense of the characters or the relationships. There's so much depth going on here, but it's all told so well and with the perfect amount of emotional detail. Most of the story takes place in either Michael's uncle's run down trailer or the Wheeler's luxe, music-filled home. The tightness of his world and the contrasting settings tell us so much about Michael's struggles and dreams.

As a special gift for readers, Erin has created a hidden webpage with recordings of the song, videos, chord charts, and all kind of other gifts! It's only accessed via a QR code and a special password you'll learn by reading the book. Check out the last page of the novel for the link. So fun!!!

I'm always happy to recommend an Erin Bartels book,
and Everything Is Just Beginning is no exception! 

Grab your copy today and enjoy ...

Erin's site has a blog, videos, book club resources, and all kinds of fun things.
You can find her here:

www.ErinBartels.com

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

 I'm guesting on the InScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship Blog!

Please check out my post HERE.

I'd read, reviewed, and LOVED: 

Whose Waves These Are

Set The Stars Alight

Amanda is a beautiful storyteller, creating decadent and tactile worlds for her characters. I was beyond excited when my review copy of All The Lost Places arrived in my mailbox.

Our story starts in California, but the true setting of this book is romantic Venice. This is literally historical fiction within historical fiction.

In 1904, we meet Daniel Goodman, a man in need of redemption. In an effort to save his mother's home and business, he takes on a challenging job: travel to Venice to procure and translate a rare "unfinished" book. Along the way, he meets Vittoria, a bookshop owner and true Venetian. As Daniel winds through the city's canals, the mysterious book - and the city's true history - come to light.

In 1807, a baby is discovered floating along the canals of Venice. Here, we meet the real-life characters of The Book of Waters. Our hero - Sebastien Trovato - wrestling with his unknown past. A guild of artisans, raising the lost boy as their own. And Mariana, a woman who washes ashore during a storm.

The challenge of writing this book was monumental! Not only is Amanda writing in two historic timelines, but she also writes huge swaths of The Book of Waters, masterfully weaving together the "novel' and the "history" of the story. (When you've read the book, that'll make sense!)

There's so much to love about All The Lost Places. It's a thick one, not so much in pages, but in mood, story, and history. It deserves to be read slowly with huge cups of tea. I didn't discover this 'til after I'd read it, but Amanda actually created a Thematic Soundtrack for the novel via Spotify, that's available on her site.

I will always be first in line to read an Amanda Dykes book!

Do yourself a favour and pick up any of her treasures today...

You can find more of Amanda's writing, as well as lots of FREE bonuses at:

www.AmandaDykes.com

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

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Snowy Lessons For Our Reflection
By Rev. Hollis Hiscock

SPECIAL REPORT:
On February 23, 2023, Eastern and Central Canada, along with many parts of the United States,
were blanketed with heavy snow and blizzard conditions.

SPECIAL NOTE:
Snow is mentioned some 20 times in the Bible!
Not bad for lands that rarely, if ever, experienced individually designed,
small, tongue-catching snowflakes fluttering to the ground.

Job - while enduring life-threatening struggles which drastically altered his family - called snow “an amazing thing that we cannot understand,” which falls on the earth. (Job 37:5-6)

Isaiah reflected that snow “came down” to water the earth “making it to bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater.” (Isaiah 55:10)

The writer of the Psalms stated that everything and everybody should praise God, including snow, hail, frost and stormy winds. (Psalm 148:9)

These Biblical ideas direct my attention to a book which my father used for many years.
Today - in its well-worn condition - it still occupies a prominent place in my study.

You see, as a Church Lay Leader, Dad conducted worship almost every Sunday. As was the practice back then, he was not permitted to write and deliver his own sermons or homilies. Rather, he had to read sermons from books, usually written in England, which he had to deliver verbatim in small and isolated communities in Newfoundland-Labrador.

“The Lessons of the Snow” was one such sermon.

Including his snow sermon, the Reverend H. J. Wilmot-Buxton published 23 short sermons for children (maybe long by today’s standards) which he dedicated to his children because he was “more than ever impressed with admiration for the powers of those who clothe holy teaching in language suited to the intelligence of the little ones.” His conclusion reminds me that Jesus also used simple stories and parables to explain the complexity and mystery of God.

Wilmot-Buxton never imagined my father would read his children’s sermons to people of all ages in the colonies, and that in 2023, I would be asking you to reflect on his lessons from the snow, but here we are.

Here are 4 Snowy Lessons for Our Reflection:

Firstly, we learn how wonderfully God works through the great workshop we call Nature. Moisture, drawn from the reservoirs of the earth, is condensed and returns to give new life to the earth. God is the great recycler! 

Secondly, we learn about the wonderfully quiet and irresistible way God works. The snowflake seems so fragile and weak independently, yet when one comes together with millions of others, they become powerful enough to bring a megacity or country to a standstill. “We can get more things done when we pool our resources of time, skills and treasures, than when we act alone” is fodder for our reflection and action.

Thirdly, we learn that God works in our lives in a manner similar to how snow preserves life under its protective covering. The earth may seem dead, but it is only sleeping and is ready to burst into new life. We may feel the same. At times, personal and external circumstances may cause stagnation without hope. Then suddenly, or not so suddenly, we are transformed by God’s power and newly enriched life emerges from the embers. 

Fourthly, we learn that underneath the snow each flower, plant or shrub is holding a placard declaring, “I SHALL RISE AGAIN.” It is the message of the resurrection from a loving God who promised, “I am with you always.”

In his sermon, Wilmot-Buxton suggested that when snow confines us to airports, hotels, residences, work places, traffic jams or wherever, we should take the opportunity to be safe and grasp the opportunity to learn and reflect more about nature, creation, God, others, and ourselves.

What are your reflections on our winter snow?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media... 

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And, I'm already on Book Review #2:

Where The Blue Sky Begins, by Katie Powner

I can't think of a better description of Where The Blue Sky Begins than Katie's own:

"When a shallow but charming financial advisor from Seattle and an eccentric terminally ill woman in rural Montana are thrown together for the summer, their unconventional friendship will produce surprising results. Eric and Eunice couldn’t be more different, but they each must learn lessons about themselves, what friendship really means, and how to let go. When the end of summer comes, neither of them will ever be the same."

There were a lot of things to love about this book. The characters have rich backstories, woven together in a way only found in tight knit communities. The story unfolds with a great pace, and some unexpected twists. The town and landscape become characters themselves, shaping the people who live in their midst. There are strong themes of redemption, regrets, forgiveness, connection, and purpose. 

Eunice is definitely my favourite character. Her signature personality and sharp dialogue make you feel like she's in the room with her. I really appreciated the unapologetic portrayal of Eunice's health challenges. Nothing is too graphic, but at the same time, nothing is too pretty. It's a realistic picture of this particular character's physical, emotional and spiritual struggles, mixed with her unique humour, as she faces her final days.

I didn't really know what to expect when I requested this book,
but Where The Blue Sky Begins really hooked me in.
I read it quickly, yet it will stay with me for while.

Katie's website includes a section of fun FREE resources for individuals & book clubs,
including trivia sheets and discussion questions. You can find everything here:

www.KatiePowner.com/Book-Club

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.