Crosstalk - December 2015 by Anglican Diocese of Ottawa

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BISHOP’S MESSAGE

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THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM DIOCESAN SYNOD 2015

GIFT GAZETTE

SEPTEMBER 2015 A SECTION OF THE ANGLICAN JOURNAL

ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF QUEBEC • DIOCÈSE ANGLICAN DE QUÉBEC The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa

A Section of the Anglican Journal / December 2015

Thanksgivings at Julian of Norwich The final Sunday Services at St. Michael and All Angels By Rev. Margo Whittaker On Sunday, October 25, 2015, the final Sunday services held at St. Michael and All Angels church were attended by current and former members of St. Michael and All Angels and St. Richard’s. St. Michael and All Angels recently amalgamated with St. Richard’s to become the new parish of Julian of Norwich. At both 8 and 10 o’clock, parishioners spoke with thanksgiving for the ministry of St. Michael’s since the 1950s. At 8 o’clock, Mac Lindsay, a long-time member of the parish, fondly remembered his time serving in various

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positions in the parish, and led the Prayers of the People. The 10 o’clock service, led by the Venerable Mary Ellen Berry and the Reverend Margo Whittaker, includ-

UN Climate Conference

By Karri Munn-Venn, Senior Policy Analyst, Citizens for Public Justice As you may be aware, Citizens for Public Justice has recently launched Prayers for Paris - prayers and action for climate justice. World leaders are working to forge a new international climate agreement at the UN Climate Conference (COP21) in Paris, November 30 to December 11, 2015. COP21 is a critical junction and has the potential to be a real turning point for the fate of creation. Citizens for Public Justice offers 3 ways for Anglicans across Canada to get involved in Prayers for Paris:

MICHAEL WHITTAKER

Elizabeth Morrow and Jennie Lee share the peace within a boisterous congregation!

• Use the worship materials • Participate in the crossCanada prayer chain • Sign the climate justice petition Citizens for Public Justice, along with the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, representatives of local United churches, and the Capital Region Interfaith Council are planning a brief prayer service to precede the 100% Possible March for Climate Solutions and Justice on November 29 (the first Sunday of Advent, and the day before the climate talks begin in Paris). We would very much like to have Anglican participation. See STORY, p. 7

ed parishioners’ memories and prayers of thanksgiving, along with prayers for the future. After the opening hymn and collect of the day, six recollections followed

one another, interspersed with prayer and verses of “Turn!Turn!Turn! (to everything there is a season).” [Words from the Book of Ecclesiastes, Adaptation and

Music by Pete Seeger] Parishioners’ memories began with Joan and Joe Johnson, along with Eileen Mercereau, sharing memories of the earliest days of the parish, and giving thanks for visionary and generous beginnings. Melba Hurd, who with her husband, Ken, donated the outdoor altar in memory of their son, as a place for people “to talk to God,” graciously sent some words of thanks to be shared. The whole community gave thanks for memorials to our dear departed and all who have gone before. Wanda Procyshyn, who has shared her beautiful gift of song with the parish at occasions including Good Friday prayer and song services, noted the wonderful acoustics in the space, and led us in giving thanks for music: song and voice and instrument. The Reverend See STORY, p. 9

Stronger Partnerships with Indigenous Needed Joe Clark Speaks

at Dinner Lecture BY ERICA HOWES, Com-

munications Intern at St. Alban’s Creating partnerships with Indigenous peoples of Canada must “reflect and combine significant values from each side” and be a priority for the Liberal government, said former PM Joe Clark. Clark was talking at a dinner lecture in the Great Hall of Christ Church Anglican Cathedral on Nov. 5 to an audience of about 120. He spoke as director of Canadians for a New Partnership

(CFNP), an organization that works to build partnerships between First Peoples and all Canadians. Clark recalled talking the National Chief of Assembly of First Nations where the Chief told Clark he could never understand what it was like to be raised in a reserve with a mother deprived of her right to ownership and the struggles his community endured. Clark said this story was one he won’t forget. “I said, ‘No I can’t understand that, but I understand how important it is for you that we move on from there’,” Clark said. Clark admitted he “did not know enough about the dam-

age done to our Indigenous people and their heritage,” even after growing up in Alberta a few miles away from one of the first residential schools. He said there’s “often been a folkloric view of Aboriginal people” that is stigmatizing but said this is changing with more emphasis on Indigenous issues, especially with the Truth and Reconciliation Committee (TRC) recommendations being put into action. Faith too, plays a part. Clark said the 130 Indigenous priests and 210 Indigenous congregations in Canada were some of the principal instigators and supSee STORY, p. 8

Page 2 • CROSSTALK • December 2015

FROM THE BISHOP

Greetings from Diocesan Synod

News and Updates General Synod Delegates During the 134th Session of the Synod of the Diocese of Ottawa, elections were held for members of the upcoming General Synod in 2016. Clergy • Rev. Beth Bretzlaff • Ven. David Selzer • Rev. Monique Stone • Rev. Mark Whittall

Laity • Kim Chadsey • Ron Chaplin • Audrey Laurence • John McBride

Alternate • Rev. John Wilker-Blakley

Alternate • Stephen Giles.

By The Rt. Rev. John Chapman My friends, may I welcome into our midst the Rev. Canon Dr. Isaac Kawuki Mukasa, Africa Relations Coordinator and Officer for the Anglican Church of Canada and The Episcopal Church (TEC). Ordained a priest in the Church of Uganda in 1985, Dr. Kawuki Mukasa has been exercising his ministry in Canada since 1992. He has served in the ecumenical shared ministry parishes of Lynn Lake and Snow Lake, Manitoba, in the Diocese of Brandon. He was also a member of the faculty of the Centre for Christian Studies and a consultant for ethnic ministries for the United Church of Canada. Dr. Kawuki Mukasa completed a Ph.D. in theology and interdisciplinary studies at the Toronto School of Theology in 2005. He holds a Masters degree from the University of Zimbabwe, a Master of Divinity degree from the Nairobi School of Theology, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science

from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. I have personally known Isaac for a number of years. I am a great admirer of his work and ministry. For many years now, we have worked together in what has come to be called the African Dialogue, which includes episcopal leadership predominantly from various African dioceses and the Anglican Church of Canada but also includes bishops from the USA and the UK. The fruitful result of these meetings can be credited to the knowledgeable and wise leadership Isaac provides for our gatherings. This year at Synod, we continue our work of Embracing God’s Future. Our Diocesan Council will present to you the results of their work and ask for your affirmation and support. Of the five specific priorities identified in the Strategic Roadmap approved at Synod 2014, responses to three will be presented to you: an action plan related to Priority 1 (Buildings and

At the request of Mrs. Shafeeqa and Archbishop Suheil Dawani, the 27 lay women from the Diocese of Ottawa expecting to visit Jerusalem in November 2015 are postponing their venture until 2016. A recent escalation of attacks in the region is closing some places on the group’s itinerary to outsiders, raising concerns about the safety of visitors, and making life difficult and dangerous for many people in their diocese. Mrs. Catherine Chapman, leader of the Ottawa delegation, and the planning committee are starting a prayer chain in support of our companion diocese, and planning to host more study and

networking activities in the Ottawa diocese through the months of postponement. They fully expect the trip, as planned, will proceed, likely in fall 2016. For more information contact: Heidi Danson heidi-danson@ottawa.anglican. ca Please keep our brothers and sisters of our Partner Diocese, the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, in your thoughts and prayers. A Litany for Peace in the Holy Land is available online, visit: http://bit.ly/1GQ1WUC

† John

CALENDAR Cathedral Events

December 06

All events, unless otherwise specified, take place at Christ Church Cathedral

December 13

The O Antiphons, with Night Prayer: At 4:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral. Feat. music by the Men of the Cathedral Choir.

Christ Church Cathedral 414 Sparks St

Women’s Conference with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

the shape of parish ministry); an action plan concerning Priority 2 (Engagement with the world); and a charter for a Parish Ministry Institute connected to Priority 3 (Lifelong formation). Talented, creative and insightful members of our diocese populated the task forces which worked on the actions plans and the Parish Ministry Committee which created the charter. On your behalf, may I thank them for the hours of creative work they so generously offered to this Synod and to our diocese. Similar to last year, my Charge to Synod will be presented more like a homily rather than the formal Charge typical of my earlier years in the Diocese. It has been recorded and placed on our diocesan website at www.ottawa.anglican.ca. May I encourage you to listen to it at your earliest convenience.

November 29 November 28

Lessons and Motets for Advent: At 4:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral. An exquisite service of choral music, light and movement, to mark and celebrate the beginning of Advent, feat. the choirs of Christ Church Cathedral.

December 05

Seasonal Concert: At 2pm at St. James, Manotick (1138 Bridge St). A Christmas concert feat. the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, followed by a reception. Proceeds to Choir and Manotick Refugee Sponsorship Program. Tickets: $25 Info: (613) 692-2082 (613) 692-2900

Lessons and Motets for the Mother of God: At 4:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral. Feat. music by the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys.

December 20

A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols: At 4:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral. Feat. music by the Cathedral Choirs.

January 01

The Bishop’s Levee: At noon at Christ Church Cathedral. A Choral Eucharist, featuring an address by the Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz; followed by the Bishop of Ottawa’s Levee.

CROSSTALK • December 2015 Page 3

NEWS

The Situation for Refugees in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem Our Partner Diocese, The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem serves Jordan, Palestine, Israel, Syria and Lebanon. By Archbishop Suheil Dawani The Samaritan “bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’” (Luke 10:34-35) The story of the good Samaritan is one that is a guide to Christians across the globe as to how we can be neighbours for those who need us, whoever she or he may be; and it is, I believe, relevant all the more so in our approach to how we as individuals and communities welcome and care for refugees. It is with this in mind that I write, aware of the extraordinary work that ordinary men and women in our diocese are doing in caring for refugees from Syria and Iraq. The refugee crisis is serious – very serious – and demands that we respond with compassion and care to people who have faced untold horrors, and who have had to leave their martyrs behind. As refugees seek sanctuary, we as Christians are challenged to open our doors and share what we have with strangers. Archbishop Mouneer in his article Our calling: Welcome refugees,

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MATTHEW DAVIES, EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE

Archbishop Suheil Dawani, Episcopal Dicoese of Jerusalem

support development, make peace, cites Jesus commandment that we must share what we have. If we cannot for whatever reason share our house, then we must share our gifts and our resources. Hospitality is one of the hallmarks of this diocese: for centuries we have shown hospitality to pilgrims, to people who went on their way “sometimes not knowing whither they would come”, but seeking an expression of the Kingdom of God, as Abraham did. On other occasions and throughout history the churches of the region extended hospitality to the thousands of people forced to leave their homes for an unknown destination. During the past one hundred years there were Circassian refugees from Russia, Armenians from Turkey, Jews from Europe, refugees from Palestine, Iraq, Sudan, and many other places. Now our challenge is to show hospitality to yet another traveller, refugees and migrants from Syria. At the moment Jordan

welcomes some 1.25 million Syrians, 300,000 Iraqis, 400,000 Egyptians, 100,000 Libyans and 50,000 Yemenis. In Irbid (Northern Jordan) there are 250,000 refugees; and in the refugee camp of Zaatari’s on the Syrian border there are some 120,000 people who live in tents and caravans. Places that were once desert are now large towns, which require infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, electricity and water, shops and roads, and much more. One way the Church has managed to respond is through “The Network”, which, under the supervision of the Rev’d Canon ‘Brother Andrew’ De Carpentier of the Anglican “Holy Land Institute for Deaf and Deafblind Children” in Salt, has brought together different local organizations providing essential medical and paramedical care to thousands of refugees with disabilities in need. The “Network” is a partnership between: The Dhia Society (a Jordanian charity for visually impaired children), The Raja society (a school for the education and training of those with cognitive issues), The Avicenna (Ibn Sina) society (a Jordanian organization for helping those with mobility issues); and the Palestine Hospital (A Church-affiliated specialist hospital for Trauma and Neurology). Another way the Church responded is through the work of St Paul’s church in Ashrafiyeh - Amman. The Reverend George Kopti describes how refugees have become part of the church family, with activities pro-

Interfaith Tree Planting Event By Anglican Communion News Service Anglicans from London, Ont., participated in an unusual display of interfaith solidarity on a Sunday afternoon earlier this fall: tree planting. About 160 people from 12 different faith groups representing Muslims, Jews and Christians gathered to reforest part of McCormick Park. The event was organized by

ReForest London, a nonprofit environmental group. “We all worked together to make a difference in two significant ways,” said the Rev. Lyndon Hutchison-Hounsell, rector at St. John the Evangelist. “We planted trees to help reforest and enhance the integrity of creation, and we worked side-by-side with other Christians, Muslims and Jews.” The event began with

words of blessing from three faith leaders who quoted from the Talmud, the Bible and the Qur’an to remind participants of God’s expectations that humans care for the earth, practise tolerance and build community. Over the past three years, the group has planted more than 1,400 trees in London parks. Huron Church News

vided for the children and for women, as well as a new mid-week Bible study for the Christians who have fled. As winter approaches, the congregation are gathering gas stoves to hand, and distributing food coupons. The Rev’d Canon Samir Esaid, vicar of the Virgin Mary Episcopal Church in Irbid, explained how his church is reaching out to refugees in the community with a special focus on providing education and support to parents of children who are blind or visually impaired. It helps parents cope with their children who attend the Arab Episcopal School for visually impaired and sighted children. Not only did they take in refugees as students, but in one instant also had a refugee working as a volunteer teacher in the school. He explained that for many the border between Syria and Jordan was quite arbitrary as related families were living on both sides, with many Jordanians now looking after their Syrian relatives. It is hard for those who have not experienced the need to flee their homeland to envisage what life is like.

Where is the next meal? Where will I sleep tonight? What about my children’s education? What shall I do for my child who is ill? Where shall I go with my child who is blind or deaf, who is traumatized and disturbed? Who can help me with a child that has mobility problems, suffers of epilepsy or cerebral palsy? These are real questions for real people looking for sanctuary, safety and friendship. What is heartening is that these experiences give us all faith in humanity and encourage us to go the extra mile and help those in need as Christ asks us to. If all of us, whoever and wherever we are, can reach out to those who are suffering, whether they are strangers seeking sanctuary or are well known to us, I believe our lives will be transformed and become more like the person Christ calls us to be: Good Samaritans, brothers to all whom we encounter, sharing our gifts, and ultimately grafting our lives more into Jesus when his love, compassion and generosity work in and through us. Amen.

Stronger Partnerships with Indigenous Needed - Continued from page 1 porters of the TRC. With Indigenous issues taking a role in the recent election campaigns, Clark said that “momentum must be maintained with similar institutional authority,” in the form of a national council of reconciliation. The basis of this reconciliation is about values, Clark stated. After the TRC and growing political emphasis on Indigenous issues, he said the focus now has to be on moving forward. “It’s about the values that guide a society’s behaviours,” he said, adding how we now have “the opportunity to recognize that we can all benefit in Aboriginal values in this

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ERICA HOWES

The Rt. Honourable Joe Clark, 16th Prime Minister of Canada issue with relation with the land and nature, and move from the sidelines to the mainstream of our thinking.” Clark ended his captivating speech with a quote he heard from an elder’s opening prayer at the Charlottetown Accord. “Let us lift each other up,” he said.

Page 4 • CROSSTALK • December 2015

NEWS Walking together: The Reconciliation Journey By Jane Maxwell, Chair of the PWRDF Diocesan Committee “We need to heal our wounds so we don’t limp into the next 500 years.” So began the moving and eloquent presentation by guest speaker, Bob Watts, at the Covenant Chain Link VI (CCL VI) event, held on October 16-17 at St. Paul’s University. Watts, the former Interim Executive-Director of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), and former CEO of The Assembly of First Nations, was just one of many Indigenous leaders who shared their insights on residential schools and reconciliation at the CCL event. Now in its sixth year Covenant Chain Link has become one of the “go-to” educational events on Canadian Aboriginal issues in Ottawa. It is the result of a unique collaboration of representatives of the mainline Christian churches, the Boards of Education and Aboriginal organizations here in Ottawa. This year the focus was squarely on “reconciliation - what is it and how do we do it” - in the wake of the Final Events of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission held in Ottawa this past spring. When asked why Covenant Chain Link continues to be such a success, Ed Bianchi, Director of KAIROS Ottawa and a driving force behind the CCL, said education is key to building a new relationship between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous peoples. “Canadians hear about the problems facing Indigenous people and communities, but they know almost nothing about what is at the root of those problems” says Ed. “The Covenant Chain Link events would not have happened without church support. Since the churches had a role in damaging the relationship, we also have a responsibility to work with Indigenous peoples to repair it.” Support for Covenant Chain Link has come from The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) Diocesan Committee which has been part of the CCL planning com-

Covenant Chain Link VI

Hoop Dancer: Theland Kicknosway - Potawatami/Cree Nation - Walpole Island, Southern Ontario mittee for years. The Diocese of Ottawa and the GIFT program have also provided funding to the CCL event during the past three years. PWRDF sees financial and organizational support to CCL as a concrete way the Diocese of Ottawa can respond to the Calls to Action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commissioners in their Final Report on Residential Schools. This year’s Covenant Chain Link provided ample opportunity for new learnings and meaningful exchanges between Indigenous and Non Indigenous participants. Keynote speaker, Bob Watts, urged the audience to “listen to each other, suspend judgment, get over our prejudices and talk to our children and grandchildren” about the need for reconciliation. Storytellers John Rice and his son, Ottawa CBC journalist Waubgeshig Rice, spoke about growing up on Wasauksing First Nation near Parry Sound and the important role women at one time played in Nishnaabe Society. Former Métis Nation of Ontario President, Tony Belcourt, spoke about the history of the Métis people in Ruperts’ Land. Despite a land agreement reached with John A. Macdonald’s government, their displacement by settlers from Ontario in the 1870s, led to their dispersal across the Prairies and into the United States Participants also heard from Inuit speakers from Nunavut. Peter Irniq, who was born in Naujaat-Repulse Bay, called his presentation “From Igloo to High Tech in 50 Years!”, an indication of the profound changes he had experienced over his lifetime. Irniq was a Member of the

NWT Legislative Assembly for two terms and is now an Inuit cultural teacher, consultant and accomplished speaker. He was taken by the Canadian government and the church in 1958 to residential school in Chesterfield Inlet, dressed in caribou clothing. “I left as an Inuit and became a white boy “said Irniq. Ms. Looee Okalik, from Panniqtuuq, Nunavut, introduced herself by acknowledging her grandparents, an Inuit tradition. She spoke of the caribou hunt her family participated in every August and the close connections the Inuit have to the environment. “We need to work together” said Looee. “The traditional knowledge of the Inuit, when combined with

the research of Canadian government scientists, provides for a terrific foundation for future generations.” During the Question and Answer sessions participants returned to the two key themes of this year’s event: what does “reconciliation” look like and how do we do it? Many of our Indigenous guests spoke of reconciliation as “renewed relations” based on “mutual understanding and respect.” Others spoke of the “need for forgiveness and engaging in dialogue together”. One person spoke of the need to honour Residential School Survivors in the same way we honour our war veterans. As to how to ‘do’ or work on reconciliation, all our Indigenous partners urged participants to come out to Aboriginal events in Ottawa - “Share with us, learn from our Elders, visit our Native Friendship Centres and attend our Pow Wows.” The invitation from our Indigenous friends is warm and welcoming. Now it’s up to us, Non Indigenous peoples originating from around the world, to take up their offer and begin the long journey of national reconciliation.

Workshop participants - Justice for Indigenous Women Jewelry-Making with Sylvia Smith

Crosstalk A ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa. www.ottawa.anglican.ca

Publisher:

The Rt. Rev. John Chapman, Bishop of Ottawa

Editor:

Stephanie Boyd

Crosstalk is published 10 times a year (September to June) and mailed as a section of the Anglican Journal. Printed and mailed by Webnews Printing Inc. in North York, Ontario, Crosstalk is a member of the Canadian Church Press and the Anglican Editors Association. Subscriptions: For new subscriptions or changes, please contact your parish administrator or visit: www.anglicanjournal.com Suggested annual donation: $25

Advertising: Crosstalk reserves the right to decline any advertisement. Publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement by the Diocese of Ottawa or any of its principals. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for all contents, including text, representations and illustrations, and also assume responsibility for any claims and costs arising therefrom. Editorial and advertising enquiries, as well as letters to the editor, should be directed to: ott-crosstalk@ottawa.anglican.ca

Stephanie Boyd Crosstalk 71 Bronson Ave. Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6G6 (613) 232-7124, ext. 245 Submission Deadline for the December 2015 Issue is October 25.

CROSSTALK • December 2015 Page 5

NEWS

COMMUNITY MINISTRIES

Provincial Synod By Stuart Mann Archbishop Colin Johnson has been re-elected Metropolitan, or senior bishop, of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario. Archbishop Johnson, who is the bishop of the dioceses of Toronto and Moosonee, was re-elected for a second six-year term at Provincial Synod, held at St. Paul, Bloor Street on Oct. 14-16. The theme of Provincial Synod was “Re-imagining Church in the Public Square” and a number of speakers reflected on that, including Premier Kathleen Wynne. She praised the Anglican Church for creating “communities of belonging” and advocating for the poor and marginalized. “You don’t just witness the harsh realities of marginalized peoples, whose struggles are often ignored – you take on their struggles as though they are your own,” she said. “You help them find a voice. You help them find support, and that tightens the bonds among all of us. You help them find a roof over their heads and ensure there is food on their plates, and you provide access to economic opportunities so they can build a future for themselves and their families.” Other speakers included Hugh Segal, the former Conservative senator and current master of Massey College, Archbishop Fred Hiltz and Dr. William Cavanaugh, a

PHOTO:

MICHAEL HUDSON, DIOCESE OF TORONTO

Archbishop Colin Johnson, re-elected Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario.

professor of theology at DePaul University in Chicago. Several dioceses showed videos about how they were reimagining church in the public square. Archbishop Johnson says Provincial Synod’s work over the next three years will focus on three main areas: theological education and vocations, advocacy with the provincial government, and developing cooperation between the seven dioceses that make up the ecclesiastical province (Algoma, Huron, Moosonee, Niagara, Ottawa, Ontario and Toronto.) “In terms of advocacy, we’ll continue to work in the areas of poverty and homelessness,” he says. “We are big providers of services to those who are poor. We’re significant stakeholders in the conversation, so we’ll bring

our expertise to the table with the government.” Other areas of advocacy and conversation with the government will include increased funding for palliative care, a response to the issue of physician-assisted death, and school curriculum that accurately reflects the First Nations experience, particularly in regards to the residential schools. The ecclesiastical province has worked with the government on a number of issues over the years, particularly ones that affect churches. This includes laws and regulations that govern heritage buildings, cemeteries, water use, land registration and funeral services. Much of the work is done with ecumenical partners. “It means that Anglicans, Roman Catholics and United Church members in the whole province can go together to the government on a particular issue and represent a large chunk of the electorate,” says Archbishop Johnson. More than half of all Anglicans in Canada live in the ecclesiastical province, which falls almost entirely within the geographic boundaries of the civil province. “We’re in very good shape,” says Archbishop Johnson. “The seven dioceses that comprise the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario are all strong. In a sense, it’s the engine of the Canadian church.”

Purse Project By Heidi Danson, Administrative Assistant at the Synod Oﬃce Imagine getting your period and not being able to access sanitary products or a shower? Imagine not being able to simply purchase the supplies you need? Many women in Ottawa face this reality every day! As I read a news article in September titled What It’s Like to Get Your Period When You’re Homeless*, I sat in shock realizing many women in our own city face this issue and knew something had to be done. I decided to launch a ten week campaign called the #PurseProject. I asked women to grab an old purse they no longer use, fill it up with safe, sanitary supplies for women – specifically sanitary napkins and tampons, and I would distribute

the purses to various shelters within the City of Ottawa. My initial goal was to collect 50 purses by Christmas. By the end of the fourth week I have collected over 120 completed purses! Donations have poured in from around the city including many purse donations from members of our Ottawa Police Service! With the overwhelming support I have increased the goal to 200 purses by Christmas, and am confident I will far surpass that as well! A big thank you to all those who have already donated! Anyone wishing to donate can contact Heidi at: danson.h@gmail.com To read the article that inspired the Purse Project visit: http://bit.ly/1VSOGzU

Diocese of Brandon Elects New Bishop By Rev. Sean Bengry The Diocese of Brandon gathered on October 31, at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Brandon, to elect their seventh Bishop and did so after three ballots. The Rev’d Canon William Cliff, from the diocese of Huron, was elected after a strong showing in each round. The final numbers were seventeen in the house of the clergy (with seventeen needed for a majority) and forty-one in the house of the laity (with thirty-one needed). Fr. Bill Cliff, from the Diocese of Huron is the Rector of the Collegiate Chapel of St. John the Evangelist, Huron University College. He is also the Canon Precentor

of the diocese and a member of the “Three Cantors” who sing to raise funds for the PWRDF. “I am shocked, pleased, and excited” Fr. Bill Cliff said in a telephone interview after his election. “I am willing to serve, and I am grateful that the Holy Spirit has spoken to us as a diocesan family.” He added that he wants to be a good shepherd and he is asking for our prayers “now more than ever”; that he might be empowered by the Holy Spirit to do the work set out before him and us. He certainly has a big job ahead of him as he seeks clergy to fill vacancies, strengthen ties between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal people,

and builds our diocesan family that has experienced a significant amount of hurt over the last few years. Archbishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson, who presided over the election, said that he found the synod to be “a lively and Spirit-filled occasion”. He beamed with warmth and enthusiasm throughout the event and had an easy manner that many enjoyed. His homily, during the Mass, emphasised the role of the Holy Spirit in our deliberations. “You have a strong sense of togetherness and warmth” Archbishop Gregory said following the Synod, “that will hold you in good stead as you move into the future”.

PHOTO:

HEIDI DANSON

At Time of Writing, Heidi Danson has collected over 95 purses, filled with sanitary supplies and everyday essentials for women in need.

The Church Bookroom Order your Anglican Annuals Today! The Church Bookroom 90 Johnson Street Kingston, Ontario K7L 1X7 Local: (613) 544-1013 Toll-Free: (866) 794-1013 Fax: (613) 547-3745

Page 6 • CROSSTALK • December 2015

NEWS

Highlights from the 134th Session of the Synod of the Diocese of Ottawa Embracing God’s Future: We’re on the Way!

Bishop’s Charge Saying that this Diocese is blessed with significant ministries, able ministers and priests, abundant volunteers and committed parishes, Bishop John Chapman opened the 134th session of Synod. He recalled Jesus’ words to the invalid—“Pick up your mat and walk”— and challenged the Diocese of Ottawa to answer the call to new life, alert and on its feet. Do not sit and wait for a purposeful and prayerful whole to emerge in the Diocese before making changes and doing new things, said Bishop Chapman. Focus now, right away, on the little pieces, those small holy moments that make the Diocese buzz with relevance, hope and energy. At the Synod Eucharist, Bishop John asked Dean Shane Parker to install the Rev. Rhondda MacKay to the Canon of St. Andrew, the Rev. Jim Roberts to the Canon of St. George, and Ms. Monica Patten to become a Lay Canon of the Diocese. Stephanie Boyd and Kim Chadsey were thanked by Bishop John in their new roles as Communications Officer and Lay Secretary, respectively. Refugee Working Group Don Smith, Chair, spoke of the current global refugee crisis. As a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, the Diocese is putting in place many new arrangements to respond to the crisis and to the interest of many to be involved. Sixteen of our parishes have now expressed interest in sponsoring refugees. Companion Diocese of Jerusalem Catherine Chapman and the Ven. John Bridges announced that the women’s conference scheduled for November has been postponed due to current tensions in Israel. The thirty diocesan delegates are still looking forward to the event in the future. Arnprior Deanery Panel The Ven. Mary Ellen Berry and the Rev. Karen Coxon presented a history of the Deanery rising out of a rural, itinerant ministry, to the present day network of churches embracing a ministry of hospitality, music and tradition. Members spoke about a church that accepts all people, and is a place of prayer and peace. Property and Finance Tony Maxwell, Chair of the Investment Subcommittee, spoke of the good performance this past year of

the Consolidated Trust Fund, totalling $31.8 million, and highlighted the need of our Diocese to consider more investments with a socially conscious focus (ethical, environmental, and social). Parish Ministry Committee Congregational Resource Day will be held on May 7 of next year and will feature the theme “Embracing Hospitality: Open Hearts, Open Doors.” Youth and stewardship events are also planned, with strong support for both. Diocesan Budget 2016 Peter Martin, Chair of the P&F Committee, spoke of seven ministry categories, and related expenses and revenues for each. The Parish Fair Share Task Force is working to simplify calculations and develop policies to deal with issues such as bequests, financial anomalies and parish amalgamations. The “Anchor Model” was implemented to provide smaller parishes with priestly services. With work on the priorities of the Embracing God’s Future Roadmap still currently unfolding, Synod approved a one-year budget for 2016, after which the Diocese will revert back to a three-year budget. Provincial Synod Members from the seven dioceses that

comprise the Eccesiastical Province of Ontario gathered at St. Paul’s, Bloor St., in Toronto from October 14-16 under the theme “The Church in the Public Square.” Archbishop Colin Johnson was re-elected Metropolitan of Ontario. Also elected were Laura Walton as Prolocutor, Garry Barker as Lay Secretary, the Rev. Canon Rob Towler as Clerical Secretary, and Jean Bédard as Chancellor. Funding was approved to produce videos to promote Anglican theological institutions in Ontario. Provincial Synod next meets in Ottawa in 2018. Anglican Foundation of Canada The Rev. Canon Dr. Judy Rois, Executive Director of the AFC, spoke about funding available to parishes for various proposals, including church renovations, accessibility issues, outreach projects and innovative ministry. Synod approved a motion to encourage parishes to enrol as members of the Foundation. The Diocese may submit three proposals each year, which are approved through Diocesan Council. Future Financial Development Synod voted to table for discussion until next Synod a proposal before it to approve the establishment of an annual appeal.

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Reconciliation and Healing with Indigenous Peoples Synod endorsed the Response of the Churches to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the ongoing work of General Synod, including the Primate’s Commission on Discovery, Reconciliation and Justice. Synod also directed Council to further the work of reconciliation and healing in partnership with Indigenous peoples through building and maintaining of respectful relationships, diocesan education, and action. Community Ministry Committee Sue Garvey, Chair of the Homelessness and Affordable Housing Task Force, reported on the work of this CMC task force, whose purpose is to make recommendations for achievable goals in the area of homelessness and affordable housing, as raised at Synod 2014 when it endorsed the 2013 Joint Assembly resolution on the subject. Diocesan Council Synod approved the following slate of nominees for Council: Tim Kehoe will serve a three-year term, and the Rev. Kerri Brennan, the Rev. Beth Bretzlaff and Arlene Armstrong will all begin second three-year terms.

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CROSSTALK • December 2015 Page 7

NEWS

Highlights from the 134th Session of the Synod of the Diocese of Ottawa “While they were talking... Jesus himself drew near and went with them.” (Luke 24:15) Interfaith Greeting Rabbi Emeritus Steven Garten greeted Synod. He asked us to consider gathering together despite differences in religious practice, to transform the actual into something holy that brings us together.

Acclaimed Nominees For Trinity College Corporation - The Rev. Canon David Clunie, the Rev. Canon Roger Young, David Jeanes and Jane Waterston. For the Advisory Panel on Termination of Clerical Appointments - The Rev. Canon Catherine Ascah, the Rev. Canon Pat Johnston and John McBride. Divestment of Fossil Fuel Holdings Synod approved the divestment of diocesan holdings in fossil fuel extraction companies, and approved a memorial to General Synod regarding its holdings in the same area. Embracing God’s Future Synod approved an action plan related to Priority 1 (Buildings and the shape of parish ministry); an action plan concerning Priority 2 (Engagement with the world); and a charter for a Parish

The Rev. Canon Dr. Isaac Kawuki Mukasa Guest speaker Canon Mukasa, Africa Relations Coordinator, Global Relations, for the Anglican Church of Canada and Africa Relations Officer for the Episcopal Church, gave addresses on “Custodians of the Faith in Secular Society.” He highlighted increasing levels of positive dialogue facilitated through prayerful communication between African and North American churches, despite theological differences.

Ministry Institute connected to Priority 3 (Lifelong formation). Government Relations The Rev. Laurette Glasgow, Special Advisor for Government Relations, spoke of the Anglican Church’s election guide Compassion, Justice, and Reason: An Anglican Approach to Election 2015. This non-partisan resource provided briefs on a variety of issues such as homelessness, child poverty, refugees, and reconciliation. Cathedral Hill Development David Morgan, Interim Chair of the Cathedral Hill Foundation, spoke of the new Great Hall of the Cathedral, Archives space, and future plans to refurbish the crypt space. The newly occupied condominium is located between Roper House and the Cathedral.

The 12-14 storey commercial tower (Phase Two) to be built to the east of the Cathedral is still planned, pending sufficient pre-sales to begin construction in the spring of 2016. Climate Change Synod directed Diocesan Council to chart a course for complete decarbonisation of all the buildings of the Diocese that will involve measurable benchmarks and a defined set of actions. Synod directed Diocesan Council to provide education on climate change and fossil fuel divestment at the personal, parish, and diocesan levels. Refugee Work Synod endorsed the Call the Prayer and Action on Syrian refugees issued by Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of

Canada. Synod directed Diocesan Council to develop processes to allow community organisations and individuals to sponsor refugees privately, and to pursue funding to undertake operations. Prepared By Meg Stewart

For a comprehensive look at Synod, (Including Bishop John’s Charge, Synod slide presentations, the fulltext from our keynote speaker, social media activity, and more) please visit: www.ottawa.anglican.ca/Synod.html

EMBRACING GOD’S FUTURE

UN Climate Conference... - Continued from page 1

Climate Justice Worship Resources: Climate justice sermons, prayers, hymns, and activities are available for download. They’ve been designed for use in worship in the lead-up to Paris, particularly on Sunday, November 29. All are centred on faithfully supporting the flourishing of creation. www.cpj.ca/climate Prayers for Paris Prayer Chain: Around the world, people are praying for climate justice. Canadians form Victoria, Halifax, Iqaluit and places in between, are coming together for a rolling prayer vigil throughout the Paris talks. We are praying to express gratitude for the gift of creation, to lament the devastation of the Earth, and to ask for boldness for those negotiating a new climate agreement. Sign up for an hour or commit your faith community to pray for a day! www.cpj.ca/climate-prayer Climate Justice Call to Action: Canadian know that, as a country, we need ambitious action to address climate change. We are adding our voices to the call to climate action issued by interfaith leaders. Add your voice to the climate justice call to action and encourage others in your community to do the same. Church leaders going to the climate talks will be sure that Canadian negotiators get the message that Canadians want action to address climate change. www.cpj.ca/climate-call

Page 8 • CROSSTALK • December 2015

STEWARDSHIP

Living into Generosity By Jane Scanlon, Stewardship Development Oﬃcer On October 24, Rick Felton, Executive Director of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS), led a workshop called “Living into Generosity” at St. John the Evangelist in Ottawa. There were 25 workshop participants, and they benefitted from a thoughtful presentation on stewardship, with a focus on the TENS “God the Giver” annual stewardship program and resources. Rick posed the following questions for small group discussion, and they would be wonderful questions for your stewardship committee or parish council to discuss as well as being helpful for personal exploration: • What can we/I do to live more generously? • What’s keeping us/me from living more generously? • What are three examples of abundance in your congregation? Rick has found, consistently, that it is fear based in a mentality of scarcity that keeps us from being gener-

parish councils, to stop talking about budgets and to concentrate on a vision and mission that reflects accomplishing God’s work in the world. He also stated clearly that church leaders must be leaders of generosity in time, talent and treasure and they need to be able to talk openly about money, not in terms of church budget, but in terms of the role of money in their own lives PHOTO: JANE

SCANLON

Richard Felton, Executive Director, leads the Living into Generosity workshop. ous. To overcome this, he advises us to begin by accepting all we have been given by God, to resist the lie of scarcity, to pray and to begin acting generously. Stewardship is about our spiritual life. It reflects God’s call on our lives – our time, our talent and our treasure. To create a culture of generosity, he emphasized the following key points: • err on the side of abundance by acting generous • show hospitality to all and build community

Anglican GIFT GRANTS Ad:Layout 2

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• strive to thrive and make a difference beyond the walls of your church • highlight something abundant in your church every month • have monthly witness talks from people who give generously of their time, talent and treasure • let your light shine by being open about what you love about your faith and your church community During the workshop, Rick challenged parish leadership, including clergy and

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OUR IM IS TO SUPPORT VIBRANT MINISTRIES

GIFT Grants Committee is now accepting applications. It is vital that we work together to grow stronger. The Diocese of Ottawa aims to strengthen our parishes, with their partners, as they start up new projects or enhance existing ones consistent with a GIFT Case for Support. All parishes in the Diocese of Ottawa are eligible to apply for GIFT funding. Visit the GIFT website at growinginfaithtogether.ca for more information about the granting process and for the following documents: • • • •

Rick shared his passion for stewardship with us and encouraged us to embrace this ministry. As Executive Director of TENS, he practices and proclaims God’s call to generosity. TENS is made up of church leaders who believe that spiritual growth occurs when we understand holistic stewardship and turn that understanding into the daily practice of gratitude and generosity.

Grant Application Grant Committee Policies Grant Application Evaluation Sheet FAQs

Deadlines for submissions for 2015 are: • January 31 • May 31 • October 31 For more information, please reach Andy Moody, Chair, GIFT Grants Committee at gift@growinginfaithtogether.ca

PHOTO:

STEPHANIE BOYD

The Episcopal Network for Stewardship met at the Diocese of Ottawa Synod oﬃce in October. (L-R) Donald Romanik, Rev. JR Lander, Rev. Timothy Dombek, Richard Felton, Jane Scanlon, Rev. Sarah Fisher, Cathy Clement, and Glen Mitchell.

Growing In Faith Together / Anglican Diocese of Ottawa / Final Issue - November 2015

SchoolBOX Mission Trip Opens Eyes and Hearts BY ANNA AND CHRISTINA BROWN Our mission was simple enough; we were there to raise money to help rebuild “Bella Cruz School.” This facility was partially destroyed in an earthquake in April of 2014. Six classrooms were left unusable forcing them to tear them down. Temporary rooms were built, but the conditions were not anything we could possibly endure. Bella Cruz is a place of refuge for over 1200 children with grades starting from kindergarten to grade 11. Without this school the children would be on the streets begging and selling bags of water or papaya slices like many others already are. This school, and many others like it, provides hope, a purpose in life and a future to look forward to. When we arrived, a structure with a roof for six new rooms was built but not completed. Our job was to pour concrete for new floors, paint all the walls, gated doors and windows both inside and outside and to sand down the sharp edges of floor tiles. Some children come to school barefoot.

The team from St.John’s Anglican Church, South March in Managua. from left to right: Anna Brown, Christina Brown, Rev.Karen Coxon, Mike Coxon, Sam Bateman, Bruce Chick, Alexa Chick and Andrew Brown.

and they were a huge success. Frisbee was something new to them, but they caught on very quickly. If playing was not your thing, you could just sit and SchoolBOX didn’t want our talk with them…simple things mission to be only about work. like “como estas” how are you, We were also there to talk, walk “cual es tu nombre” what is your or play with the kids. So, if we name“, mi nombre es Anna” my wanted a break from work, we name is Anna or “en que grado would go out and play. At any given time, there was a basketball estas” what grade are you in. As soon as they were comfortable or soccer game in progress. Pick with you, they would start asking up a skipping rope and within you questions in Spanish and we minutes you’d have five or six would have to look for our guides kids come running up to you to join in. Our group brought street to translate. I’m sure they were amused and appreciated our chalk, Frisbees and face paint,

attempts to speak Spanish. Bella Cruz is probably one of the more fortunate of schools because it is situated in Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua. We took a drive to the outskirts of Nicaragua called Catarina. This is a very remote rural area that SchoolBOX supports. We visited two schools: “Jardines de Apoyo” meaning Garden of Support, and “Brett” named after a young girl who passed away and was very important to them. We were told that to these communities their school is not just about getting an education. With the love, support continued page 3

A financial stewardship initiative of the Diocese of Ottawa

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How your GIFT money is being spent

GIFT Committee Grants 8/31/2015 Updated Target

Total Available

Total Revenue Received to date Disbursed to Parishes Balance Available to Gift Committee Balance Available Other Initiatives

Spent

Balance Available

7,400,159 4,531,443 645,892 2,222,824

Strengthening Congregations Parish Vitality Children & Youth Focusing Ministry Outward Parish Outreach Initiatives Bishop’s Child Poverty Initiatives Educating Leaders Lay Leadership Development TOTALS

85,670 257,011

47,844 143,532

40,850 89,216

6,994 54,316

514,021 128,505

287,063 71,766

245,879 42,750

41,184 29,016

171,340

95,688

60,972

94,716

1,156,547

645,893

479,667

166,226

Diocesan Disbursed 8/31/2015 Updated Target Total Revenue Received to date Disbursed to Parishes Balance Available to Gift Committee Balance Available Other Initiatives

Total Available

Spent

Balance Available

7,400,159 4,531,443 645,892 2,222,824

Strengthening Congregations Parish Vitality Children & Youth Focusing Ministry Outward Diocesan Community Ministries Bishop’s Child Poverty Initiatives Educating Leaders Lay Leadership Development Supporting Curacies Clergy Formation Connecting with the Wider Church Ministry in the North PWRDF Endowment of the Bishop Ordinary Other Gift Initiatives Campaign Expenses Professional Services (Training & Support) Communication and Printing Administration and Supplies Contingency Costs TOTALS

300,082 180,049

167,586 100,551

158,930 104,969

8,656 (4,418)

500,000 90,025

279,233 50,276

175,610 73,280

103,623 (23,004)

120,033 450,000 150,041

67,034 251,310 83,793

46,765 277,366 55,134

20,269 (26,056) 28,659

675,000 180,000 135,000

376,965 100,524 75,393 52,150

295,500 80,200 59,500

81,465 20,324 15,893

645,000 200,000 180,000 175,000

360,211 111,693 100,524 97,732

783,273 159,212 340,163 75,046

(423,062) (47,519) (239,639) 22,686

1,156,547

645,893

479,667

166,226º

Growing In Faith Together / Anglican Diocese of Ottawa / Final Issue - November 2015

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Nicaragua trip, contined from p.1 and dedication of the mothers and teachers of the community, these children are provided with a warm meal each day. For some children, this is the only meal they will get for the day. Without SchoolBOX, these communities would be left to fend for themselves without much hope, completely isolated from any government support. School-Box made sure our trip was well rounded. We did a little site seeing and learned a little of their history. We climbed up to the Masaya Volcano that had just erupted last year. The sulphur was still smoldering making it difficult to breath. We went on a boat tour on Lake Nicaragua, where the scenery was spectacular and features a waterway that takes you around hundreds of islands with beautiful mansions or decapitated huts. There didn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason for having a home on the island. It appeared that you could be a millionaire or a pauper, and everything in between, and live on the island. On our last few days, we stopped working and just had fun. We were taken to a pottery studio in a very remote area. After a quick demonstration, we all had an opportunity to give it a try. It is not as easy as it looks! We spent an afternoon at the beach and a few hours of shopping at the local market.

Andrew, Alexa, Christina and our guide Daveed sanding down the sharp edges of the clay floor tiles.

Our ties with SchoolBOX do not end there, with many of us promising to return and to bring other family members. Others have committed to bringing more awareness into their daily lives and to making some personal changes. When we returned home, we were all invited to attend a fundraiser called, “Latin Fiesta”, held in Almonte, Ontario, at the beginning of October. The fundraiser featured snacks, lively Latin music and a silent auction of over 100 items. A group that participated in a similar mission earlier this year organized this

Sam ,Alexa and Lisa Jackson teaching the kids to throw a frisbee for the first time.

event. In attendance were Ron and Jonathan, members of SchoolBOX from Nicaragua. It was lovely to see our new friends again. Thanks to its founder, Tom Affleck, and the support of the Almonte community, SchoolBOX is making education possible by helping thousands and thousands of children go to school. SchoolBOX has vowed to continue its mission until every child in Nicaragua has access to an education. To learn more visit www.schoolbox.ca. Our adventure may be over for now but the mission carries on!

One of many mansions on an island found on Lake Nicaragua.

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West-end Anglican Churches for Hospice: Making great strides to $100,000 Goal BY PHYLLIS M. PARYAS, CHAIR, WEST-END ANGLICAN CHURCHES FOR HOSPICE In October of 2014, Bishop John Chapman presented the first phase GIFT Grant cheque of $25,000. This cheque initiated a joint campaign to raise the $100,000 necessary for a naming opportunity for the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa and participating churches for one of the two Reflection Rooms to be built in the forthcoming residential wing of the RuddyShenkman Hospice in Kanata. Since that time, known as West-end Anglican Churches for Hospice, we have made substantial progress toward our goal, and were pleased to convey to Hospice the second Diocesan GIFT Grant of $25,000 in June 2015. In addition to the generous Diocesan GIFT Grants, together we have raised over $43,000 in the first year. The joint fashion show, Clergy on the Catwalk, held in May, realized in excess of $13,000. The Springtime in Paris themed Fashion Show was attended by close to 300 parishioners of west-end Anglican churches, with six Anglican women clergy as models wearing the designs of Judy Joannou. Friends and family came out in force to support the RuddyShenkman Hospice and to enjoy an afternoon of fashion and fun.

like to express gratitude to the Diocesan Altar Guild members for their vote to direct to the Hospice project, the open offering (in excess of $550) from their Annual Eucharist and Meeting held October 17th, 2015. We are on the home stretch! Sue McIntosh, Manager Fund Development, Hospice Care Ottawa, in Fr. Craig Bowers, Fr. John Bridges, Sue McIntosh of Hospice Care Ottawa, and Phyllis Paryas – Chair, West-end Anglican Churches for Hospice at the reporting our financial results to St. Paul’s Kanata & Christ Church Ashton Spaghetti Dinner date says, “This is truly an amazing accomplishment. goes in the ground at 110 McCurdy Drive, Katimavik in the Congratulations! Please extend Spring of 2016 to bring twelve our most sincere thanks to more desperately needed Hospice everyone involved!” The latest news from Hospice includes plans beds to west-end Ottawa. Thanks to add two more patient rooms to to all for your support. the facility for a total of twelve, Please contact Phyllis Paryas, with construction to begin in the through the parish of March Office Spring of 2016. at 613-592-4747, if you have any

As Chair, West-end Anglican Churches for Hospice, my hope is to complete our goal – to raise the remaining $6,200 – early in 2016. If you have not already done so, please consider how A most welcome additional joint your church can help raise part fund raiser, by St Paul’s Kanataof the final $6,200. There are Hazeldean and Christ Church many ways to do so, such as Ashton, was launched by an enthusiastic organizing committee allocating GIFT or Outreach funds specifically to this cause; led by Danielle Mackenzie, with strong clergy support from Canon inviting Hospice personnel to present to your Council or John Bridges and the Rev. Craig congregation; publicizing and Bowers. They held a successful making available the special Spaghetti Dinner and Silent West-end Anglican Churches for Auction on Saturday, October 3rd. This wonderful effort has left Hospice private donation forms, or holding a fundraiser for us now with $6,200 to raise to Hospice. accomplish the $100,000 goal! The West-end Anglican Churches for Hospice committee would

questions or if you would like to support this effort.

GIFT GAZETTE 71 Bronson Ave. Ottawa ON K1R 6G6 www.growinginfaithtogether.ca

EDITOR Jane Scanlon

DESIGN Allegra

Then get ready to be present and celebrate when the spade

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CROSSTALK • December 2015 Page 9

PARISH NEWS

Thanksgivings at Julian of Norwich - Continued from page 1

Elizabeth December-Lovell, who has worshipped at St Michael’s with her husband Malcolm, and before that with her parents Mrs. Gladys and the dearly departed Father December, gave thanks for families of faith. Thirteen-year old Alex McGraw remembered her time in Sunday School and all the questions she still asks, before we gave thanks for the gift of youth and children in our midst. Rosa Molina recalled her welcome to the community when she was new to Canada, and reminded us that we have long been a community of welcome and hospitality. We prayed that we’d always be a welcoming community that invites all to share the Bread of Life and hear the Good News. We took full advantage of what one former rector has called “the most beautiful liturgical space in the Diocese,” to offer the Prayers of the People, spoken by a variety of voices, from locations around the sanctuary. From the font, amidst the choir, at the lectern, behind the altar, and

PHOTO:

MICHAEL WHITTAKER

Light steams down over an altar decorated for Thanksgiving! from the centre of the community, we remembered and gave thanks. This led us into an emotional and noisy sharing of the Peace: God of grace and glory,

you have gathered us here today as you gathered our ancestors in the faith. Fill our hearts as you filled theirs; hear our confessions, forgive our sins, lift our sorrows and make us glad. We praise and

thank you for the fellowship and mutual care given and received here, for the ministry and mission undertaken, and for all that you have been and will be in our life together. The peace of the Lord be always with you. Mary Ellen led us through Eucharist Prayer #3, with the Proper Preface from the service for Parish Thanksgiving (page 673 BAS). After a rousing singing of “Lift High the Cross,” led by the choir and Ed Bimm on the keyboard, Margo dismissed us to a well attended reception in the basement hall. The elevator only got stuck once! The new parish of Julian of Norwich will be worshipping on Sundays in the site of the former St. Richard’s (8 Withrow Ave). The parish will continue to envision and design a new church building on a new site still to be determined. On Monday, December 7 at 7 p.m. come join us (at 2112 Bel Air Drive) as the Right Reverend John Chapman presides over the service of deconsecration for St. Michael and All Angels.

Where in the World is Hope Bear? Take a picture with Hope Bear wherever you travel!

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www.pwrdf.org

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, It may seem unimportant but I wish to correct an historical inaccuracy in the front page report in Crosstalk, November 2015, of the recent notable Ordinations in the Diocese. It is reported that the Rev. Aigah Attagutsiak “is the first Inuk to be ordained in a Southern diocese”. Over many years I have been intimately involved with the development of her ministry which has a much greater significance. In a little book by the late Bishop of Nova Scotia, Leonard Hatfield, he tells the story of ‘Simon Gibbons First Eskimo Priest’. Simon Gibbons was born in the Labrador, raised in an orphange, educated at King’s College, N.S. and ordained in 1877. Sadly he died in his late 40s having served in several Nova Scotia communities beginning in Cape Breton. But he never returned to the Labrador. In 1960 the Rev. Armand

Tagoona was ordained by the second Bishop of the Arctic, Donald Marsh, in (if I am correct) Winnipeg. Armand returned to the Arctic to serve his people for many years on the west side of the Hudson Bay in Rankin Inlet and Baker Lake. In 1970 the Diocese of the Arctic established its own training facility in Pangnirtung, Baffin Island, called the ‘Arthur Turner Training School ‘ which has become more famously known as ‘ATTS’. The first graduates of ATTS were ordained in the south by the Bishop of the Arctic but returned to the Arctic to serve their people. I was myself ordained priest in 1961 by the Rt. Rev. Donald Marsh in St. Paul’s, Bloor Street, Toronto before heading North. It would take another letter to explain the reasons for these southern ordinations but it related to problems of communications and travel across the Arctic in that period.

The significance of the ordination of the Rev. Aigah Attagutsiak is that she is the first Inuk ordained in a southern Canadian Anglican Diocese, by a Bishop of a southern Diocese, to serve primarily the growing Inuit community here in the south and in the National Capital Region in particular. It is the recognition by the southern church that the people from isolated areas of the Arctic to whom the Gospel has been carried are now coming amongst us. They are a part of the same Body of Christ and they bring their own very special spiritual gifts and language into our midst. It is also a recognition that our Inuit and Indigenous sisters and brothers historically demand our attention and respect. Respectfully, The Very Rev. Roger E. Briggs Ottawa

Backpacks collected for the Youth Services Bureau by St. Matthew’s, Ottawa. See STORY, p. 12

Crosstalk Submission Deadlines: January - November 25 February - December 28 March - January 25

Page 10 • CROSSTALK • December 2015

REFLECTIONS

A Most Intriguing Tradition By Rev. Canon Stewart Murray One of the most intriguing traditions that surrounds the celebration of Christmas is that of Nativity scenes that are found in our homes, Churches and communities. They come in every shape, size, material and a rainbow of colours; brightly coloured ceramic sets from Mexico, handcrafted olive wood sets from the Holy Land and even hand coloured paper ones created by children in Sunday School projects. These often crowded scenes filled with images of the holy family, shepherds, wise men and assorted cows, sheep and even chickens, give the impression that the first Christmas was a busy and people filled event. This popular expression of the manger scene misrepresents the events as found in holy scripture. This incredible event, according to the scriptures, was not an earth shattering event with all the world taking notice, but an event in an obscure part of the Roman empire involving a poor couple who could not find even a simple room, but only a stable, in which to give birth to their only child. The people of Bethlehem, concerned with all the demands of everyday complicated by the influx of people coming to be registered for the tax census, were unaware. In our nativity scenes the one group that is often over looked, and who were there on that Holy night as it was unfolding, were the shepherds. The shepherds, who are often found somewhere in the background of the Nativity scenes behind the wise men, as if in a secondary

and not too important role. Yet the shepherds can give us some insight in our walk of faith and be an example to us as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. The shepherds were responsible for the care and protection of the sheep and the goats, a mainstay of the local agricultural economy. They spent their days and nights out in the areas around Bethlehem, moving their animals constantly to look for food and protecting them from harm. They had to be people of courage, who also possessed a knowledge and understanding of the local environment. They had to be constantly on watch for changes in the weather and the world around them. Their concern was not for themselves but for the animals placed in their care, and for their families and communities that depended on the animals for food and trade. If you have been fortunate to be out in the country, perhaps at a cottage or camping, and away from the bright lights of the city, you soon notice both how really dark it can be and the brilliance of the stars and moon at night. In the city we miss the glorious heavens because all the lesser lights of the city ob-

scure our vision. This is why I think only the shepherds heard and saw the heavenly hosts that first Christmas. The shepherds were focused not on themselves and their challenges and problems but they were looking out and up and they caught the heavenly vision. I have found that in the rush of planning for Christmas I often fail to stop and look up from my own needs and challenges to see the beauty in God’s creation and in the lives of the people with whom I live and work. In stopping, looking and listening to the world around us, we are opening to the possibility of seeing God’s presence in the midst of all the noise and confusion. Perhaps we need to take a moment to offer a prayer of thanksgiving in the midst of the gathering of family and friends for the gift of each one of them. Take a moment to look up at the wonder of the star filled heavens and thank God that out of love for you, the One who created the wonders of the universe became like one of us to bring us back to Him. Take time to listen with an open heart and imagination to the words of sacred scripture during Advent and the Christmas season and hear Christ speaking to you of mercy, hope and challenge. Take a moment to ask God to give us grace to see him in the midst of the round of our daily routines. Finally as we gather in our Parishes to celebrate the hope and promise of Christmas, take a moment to thank God for all who are gathered with you and to rejoice that he has called us in all our fragility to be the body of Christ in the world.

The Abrahamic Way Abraham was a man who thought for himself, one who questioned the beliefs of his parents, challenging the status quo of his society & community. He was barely 13 years of age when he bravely confronted his people with his “apostasy” from their practices. They threatened him with burning & stoning, but all that did not deter him from his newly discovered faith. No angel came to Abraham with revelations or divine inspirations. Rather, Abraham utilized the tools, bestowed upon us all, to seek the truth with one’s heart of hearts & an open vibrant mind. A true follower of the Abrahamic way Is one who will stray.. from the “popular” way.. of day to day.. declining to stay.. and say.. what is the “norm” that day.. rather, move away… from senseless word play! The truth of his way.. is neither black nor white, rather quite gray! On the surface, matters may seem out of array But once you flay Digging deeper to declay You will realize… or may… The world is quite complex; in a marvelous way The truth is not one way Rather many possibilities, so do not delay Life is short, like part of a day Therefore leave the trodden way And find your own way But whatever you chose as your way Remember not to compel others to sway To your chosen way For at the end of the day There is many a way Perhaps one day You too… will find your way! Such is… the Abrahamic way!

- Imam Mohamad Jebara, Chief Imam, Resident Scholar Cordova Spiritual Education Center

NEWS

$500,000 for Refugee Assistance By Anglican Communion News Service The diocese of Toronto has committed to providing $500,000 from its Ministry Allocation Fund to provide aid both for refugee sponsorship and foreign aid. “It’s important for us to make a statement that we’re willing to make a substantial commitment that will make a difference,” said Archbishop

Colin Johnson. While details of how the money will be spent have not been worked out, Johnson said the diocese would not directly sponsor refugees. Instead, he would like the money to be made available in the form of matching grants to parishes that want to sponsor refugees or work with other churches and outside groups. He suggested some of the

money could be used to support agencies in Canada and overseas that are working directly with refugees. He expressed hope that the funds will be used to assist refugees not only from the Middle East but from Africa and Asia as well. “We are doing this out of our faith commitment, that God has created all of us and that all people have dignity.

That’s part of our baptismal vows,” he said. Ian McBride, the executive director of AURA (the Anglican United Refugee Alliance), praised the diocese

for its decision. “I think it’s a very good use of resources,” he said. “It is in the best interests of all concerned and I applaud it.” The Anglican

CROSSTALK • December 2015 Page 11

LIFELONG FORMATION

Uplifted Young Adults Return from Ecumenical Retreat By Ashley Russell “Uplifting” is the one word that Hannah Bailey, from St. James United in Montreal would use to describe the Ecumenical Young Adult Retreat held on October 23-25, 2015. Throughout the weekend we explored the meaning of life. This retreat was hosted by the McGill AnglicanUnited Chaplaincy with support of the United Church of Canada Montréal-Ottawa Conference and the Anglican Diocese of Montréal and Ottawa, 40 young adults from Montreal and Ottawa gathered at the picturesque Centre Plein Air de l’Estacade retreat centre, in Île-aux-Noix, Québec. Set three hours from Ottawa, and one hour from Montreal, the location allowed young adults like Aileen Murphy, from Trinity Anglican Church in Ottawa, “to truly put aside my distractions and reconnect with myself and God through my drawings.” The retreat format was open, giving permission to participants to participate in as much or as little of the retreat as they wished. On Saturday, a Eucharist was led by Rev. Rhonda Waters, associate priest at Christ Church (Anglican) Cathedral in Montréal, followed by an intentional naming and sealing exercise to help all the young adults set aside the distractions that might keep them from fully participating in the retreat. Afternoon workshops explored finding meaning through exploring our understanding of family life (led by Leslie Giddings, the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa’s Learning Facilitator), social justice Bible study (led by Sarah Mikhaiel from Student Christian Movement, Canada), and discerning God’s call (led by Rev. Sally Meyer, pastor of Saint Lambert United Church in Québec). For Frank Iradukunda, a young adult from Church of the Ascension in Ottawa, the workshop on the discernment of God’s call was “powerful”. Frank notes that, “I got to understand that whatever situation someone might be going in, whether tough or amazing, we need to focus on the promises that God has stored in us ... God’s

PHOTO:

REV. JEAN-DANIEL WILLIAMS

(From left to right) Rev. Jean-Daniel Williams, Franck Iradukunda, Phoenix Sandrock, Kiersten Jansen, Jordan Sandrock, Elodie Lambert, Robert Pascoe, Aileen Murphy and Ashley Russell take one last photo before returning home from the Ecumenical Young Adult Retreat” favour is not seasonal but it’s for lifetime. We have to be consistent about our belief through prayers and determine how we define ourselves in all we’re doing and how we share those blessings that have been given to us to impact other’s lives to steep in their potential.” The afternoon on Saturday also provided participants with free time to play board games, socialize, read and explore the wide variety of the facility amenities (including: the 5k nature trail, indoor gym, riverfront beach, and trampoline). Hannah notes that she felt the retreat was really geared towards the needs of young adults. “I could design how to fill my time in whatever way would feed me, recharge me, fulfill me - and it left me feeling all of those things and more.” During the evening on Saturday, variety show of our communal talents amazed Frank. He noted that, “there are talents that God will reveal to us in every form and naturally to see a new growth in us and being fulfilled with a new prospective, ready to use our sense of self to be light of others.” The strong sense of community and ecumenicism could be felt throughout the weekend. On Sunday, Rev. Jean-Daniel Williams, Anglican-United Chaplain at McGill University, led the morning eucharist. The worship had Taizé chanting, United Church songs, Anglican liturgy, an opening prayer written by the Student Christian Movement. “Glutinous” and gluten-free bread, wine, and

grape juice were offered at communion. This ecumenical spirit of the weekend allowed Hannah “to meet more people from outside of my denomination, and experiencing each other’s worship styles and traditions.” Jaime Grennan, the Spiritual and Religious Life Student Outreach Assistant to the Anglican United Chaplain at McGill University, appreciated that throughout the weekend young adults engaged in “intense debates and open conversations about God, the trinity, and ways to incorporate and apply our faiths in the contemporary context.” Kiersten Jensen, from Trinity in Ottawa, noted that many of the young adults she travelled with arrived anxious and exhausted from school and personal lives; they left the retreat saying they felt loved and wanted. The opportunity for Ottawa and Montreal students to be a part of an ecumenical retreat which crosses the provincial boundaries is rare. I hope that such retreats continue in the future, embracing God’s call for churches to truly be one body, and as Jaime has noted, to do “what we as Christians are ultimately called to do - to love openly and endlessly without discrimination just as we are loved.”

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Trick or Can

By Muriel Hostettler, on behalf of the Children’s Ministry Leaders and the youth of St. Barnabas, Deep River Trinity Bank Street and Church of the Ascension shared the Trick or Eat challenge as an idea for youth groups. The youth of St. Barnabas (Deep River) and their friends went door to door collecting food for 2

hours, from 6 to 8 p.m., which allowed us to cover most areas of our small town, with teams of youth and adult drivers. In total, 19 youth collected 33 “banana boxes” of food and $53.60 in cash - an awesome haul for our Deep River Food Bank! We had advertised ahead of time in our local paper and around town, and our community was very generous.

PHOTO:

MURIEL HOSTETTLER

Participants of Trick or Can collected 33 boxes of food and just over $50 for the Deep River Food Bank

Page 12 • CROSSTALK • December 2015

PARISH NEWS

Entertaining Angels Unawares By Rev. Christina Guest, Chair of the Refugee Assistance Group at St. Luke’s A stranger is a person whom one does not know. It feels like there is distance between us – space that begs to be filled by something we both recognize and share. But the space does not start off empty – it is inhabited by fear that – for me at least - takes the form of shyness, unanswered questions and an uncomfortable wariness. As we prepared to welcome a refugee family to Canada, I realized that so much of what is needed to reduce the distance and fill the space depends on something other than language. What does that look mean? or that gesture? How do I convey my desire to understand, my willingness to help, some encouragement or reassurance? Words are simply not enough. When is it that one begins to sense that hearts and spirits are aligning, desiring the same thing – longing to

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers. For by this some have entertained angels unawares.” —Hebrews 13:2 trust, yet hesitating because, after all, the other person is a stranger? Is it when we think we know what the stranger is thinking and feeling? Is it when the stranger somehow anticipates our action or suggests something before we have a chance to suggest it to them? I know that the distance has long since disappeared. The little girls become excited when I arrive for one of my visits: they drag me into their room to show me their latest accomplishments, they sidle up and give me a nudge to come sit on my lap, we start playing finger games, which always end up with tickles and hugs.

Share Table By Lisbeth Mousseau It was a good summer. Local gardens produced well. There was a surplus. The solution at the Good Shepherd Barrhaven Anglican/Lutheran Church was the “Share Table” Stuart Gibb age 17 and Lisbeth Mousseau 87 were the main suppliers. Parishioners appreciated the super fresh organic vegetables. They also appreciated that whatever they donated in return would be used to buy a well in Cambodia to enable 3 families to get clean drink-

ing water, greatly improving their health. They will also be able to grow their own vegetables, much to the benefit of their diet. The Results of all the hard work: $300,000, enough for two wells, benefiting 6 families! What a Blessing! A great thanks to all involved, not least God who sent good weather. For more information visit: http://tabitha.ca/wells

Stuart Gibb and Lisbeth Mousseau partnered together through “Share Table” to raise funds for wells.

They have been here just a month – but it feels like half a lifetime. When have I not known them? In truth, we shared so much even before we met: the common heart of loving parents, the common hope of a better life, a common faith that humanity can rise to the challenge, a common gratitude that we can offer the little that we have in the service of others. In retrospect it is as though they weren’t actually strangers, even when we met them at the airport…or if ‘strangers’, then by a different definition. They already trusted us, even though we had done nothing to deserve it. They had faith that God had led

them halfway around the world and would somehow ‘provide’. Maybe the space diminished when they saw God’s face in ours, and we in theirs. I suspect that we were no longer strangers when, after transferring their luggage from the cars to the

apartment - their whole lives packed in nine boxes and suitcases, they insisted that we share the meal we had brought for them to eat. The question of who was doing the entertaining remains unanswered in my mind…but it seems that there were only angels sitting at the table.

PHOTO:

YVONNE TEMPLE

New St. Luke’s family attending the Halloween Party at City Hall, Saturday, October 21.

Angels with Backpacks St. Matthew’s spearheads Christmas youth project. By Joy Hitsman and Dicanne McCauley, CoChairs of the Angels with Backpacks program and serve on St. Matthew’s Outreach Committee For more than a decade, St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in the Glebe has made Christmas a happier time for many vulnerable young people in Ottawa with its hugely successful ‘Angels with Backpacks’ program. In co-operation with the city’s Youth Services Bureau, this project ensures that homeless and at-risk youth receive practical Christmas gifts to make life on cold winter streets more bearable. A team of church volunteers provides backpacks that donors stuff with clothes, food, toiletries and other items. Each December, the backpacks are handed out to vulnerable young guests of the Bureau’s Downtown Services and Drop-in’s annual party.

Last year the program contributed 250 backpacks to the Youth Services Bureau, with an estimated value of more than $25,000. Another $1,600 was given in gift certificates, as well as donations of bus tickets, cash and some other items. Support for the program comes from parishioners, their friends, students at Ashbury College and Roberta Bondar Elementary School, federal government employee groups, other community groups and some local businesses. Capital Home Hardware in the Glebe, for instance, has participated for many years with donations of backpacks, others at cost and last year a generous cash donation. “Giving our youth the tools and necessities to help achieve their goals is a project we are passionate about,” says the store’s owner Marc Clement. “It fits into our store’s values and those of our staff.” The Youth Bureau’s Downtown Services and Drop-in is a street-front ref-

uge for young people aged 16 to 20, who live on the streets or in tenuous housing situations. Counselors work with them to identify needs, set goals and help them connect with vital support systems. These include free access to phones or the Internet, showers, a food bank, clothing, laundry facilities and healthy meals. For others, the drop-in is a lifeline to housing, crisiscounseling, addiction treatments and health care. Each backpack is filled with 40 or more brand new items, such as mitts, hats, socks, and Sudoku books. “Without this backpack, I wouldn’t get a single thing for Christmas,” says one teenaged recipient. “It’s been like that for me for three years now. I was surprised the first time I received a backpack. I couldn’t believe there were such generous people in Ottawa.” For more information contact: stmatthewsanglicanchurch@ bellnet.ca

CROSSTALK • December 2015 Page 13

REFLECTIONS

Prayer Matters Does it matter if I am not “Still” when I pray? By Paul Dumbrille, Anglican Fellowship of Prayer Representative Does it matter if I am not still when I pray? I don’t think so. When we think of prayer, most often we think of being still – standing, kneeling or sitting – while connecting with God. After all, doesn’t Scripture say: “Be still and know that I am God”. (Psalm 46:10, [NRSV])? However, being still is not the only way we can pray. Some people do their best, and are most comfortable, praying while they are moving. Can I pray while I am moving? Yes. What I will call in this article “Prayer Walking” can be a wonderful gift for those who like to get up and move around while intentionally communicating with God. Prayer Walking can be done in any location at any time, sometimes alone, or with a group. Prayer Walking includes, but is not restricted to, traditional practices, such as: making a pilgrimage; walking the Stations of the Cross; and walking a labyrinth. Intercessory Prayer Walk-

area; choir area; centre of the nave; church office; kitchen; meeting hall; Rector’s office etc.) When done in a group, prayer walking is a way of saturating a particular place and people with prayer. This discipline draws us out of prayers that are limited to our immediate concerns, and into a larger circle of God’s loving attention. ing - praying for others while on the move - invites people to walk to a particular site of their concern such as: a church; an office; a school; government buildings; the neighbourhood; a residence; a hospital; and a hotel. The immediacy of the location, or the reason for going to the place, can fuel prayer and offer a way of listening more deeply to God, to what God’s concerns for this place and the people in it,might be. Once at the site, prayers are offered while moving and/ or while stopped for a short time at a particular place. For example, if Prayer Walking in a church, an individual or group might want to walk around the building, praying and stopping at specific locations to offer prayers particular to that location.(e.g. altar

Some suggestions for Prayer Walking for Adults: • Walk through your home or church in the company of Jesus. Pray for each room and what happens there. How would recognizing Jesus’ presence reorient your interaction? • Spend some time walking with other believers through your work place. Pray for your colleagues, the custodial help, the customers, the delivery people, the kitchen staff, and the management. Offer yourself to be Jesus’ hands and heart in this place. • Visit a playground and school near you. Walk through it in the company of Jesus. Pray for those who work, play and study there. How do you see the heart of

FEATURE PHOTO

God for this place? • When you are on vacation or in a natural setting, allow God to draw you into prayer for a particular place. Let your interaction with the created world lead you into prayer. Pray that the exquisite beauty of the world will not be snuffed out. • Before a neighbourhood picnic or school event, join other believers who will prayer walk for the crowds and people who will attend. Ask the Lord to give you His heart for them. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work even in this event.

place with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control...ask the children to name these “fruits of the spirit”. (Galatians 5:22-23). With each spot they will begin to remember more & more of them. • Leave time for special prayer intentions the children might have. The teacher/leader might need to do the first stop or two, but the children will soon start coming up with some; e.g. that all the children try their best in school, that there is healthy food in the hospital, etc.

Some suggestions for Prayer Walking for Children

In thinking about Prayer Walking, you might want to consider the following questions:

• Plan a route ahead of time. Make sure there are at least two adults in the group. Make a bathroom call before heading out. • If possible walk to: the school, hospital or nursing station, police station, fire station, store, nursing home, day care centre, playground, a family home and the final stop, outside the church before you head in again. • At each spot , stop, wait till the children are quiet, then ask the Holy Spirit to fill this

• What does it mean to you that God is in every place? How does this affect how you pray? • How does moving or being still affect the way you pray? • What most helps you concentrate on God? Is what helps you concentrate on God part of your regular prayer practice? • What is it like for you to pray, listening to God’s heart for what a particular prayer might be?

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Page 14 • CROSSTALK • December 2015

ANGLICAN CHURCH WOMEN

National Women’s Conference Lavrock Conference Center, Newfoundland. By Marni Crossley On Behalf of the Diocesan Anglican Church Women, I was privileged to attend the National Women's Conference in St. John's, Newfoundland, October 1-4, 2015. It was a wonderful time of connect with Presidents/Coordinators from each Diocese across Canada, to renew old friendship and to meet new friends as we journey together in serving our Lord and each other!! As we arrived at the airport, we were met in typical Newfoundland Hospitality, with lots of love and laughter! One truly has to have experienced Newfoundland, to be able to understand the breadth and depth of their caring for others! Friday morning, ( sadly it was raining ) we were taken on a bus trip to the most easterly coast of Canada. We drove through the quaint little villages and were able to share in each of their stories. We had a wonderful lunch at an old Inn that had been in Petty Harbour since the late 1800's, where we shared in a delicious bowl of clam chowder and fish and chips. The fog had settled in over Cape Spear, so that part of the trip was cancelled! On our trip back, we visited Signal Hill and had an hour for shop-

PHOTO:

MARNI CROSSLEY

The Rt. Rev. Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatchewan and Chair of the Council of the North; speaking at the National Women’s Conference.

ping!! The evening was full of entertainment with lots of "Newfy" music and laughter. After breakfast and devotions, our business meeting began with our National President, Susan Kinney, from the Diocese of Caledonia, presenting her report of her years activities! Regrets were expressed from the Primate, Marion Saunders and Joan Gibbs. Business arising: dealt with the update on the details from last year. It was announced that the National ACW guidelines/policies/ motions/ funds were all updated and in binders to be handed on to the next National President. A motion was made last year that there would be a National Gather-

ing to be held in 2017, with Marion Saunders to coordinate the planning committee! An announcement was made that the National Gathering, which is open to all women, will be June 15-18, 2017 at Redeemer College in Ancaster, Ontario, in the Diocese of Niagara. Diocese were asked for input of ideas. An update on the National ACW website was given by Susan Kinney. Treasurers report was given by Joanna Muzyka - finances are in good status. New Business: housekeeping issues were dealt with. The Diocesan Prayer Partners were chosen and the Diocese of Ottawa is praying for the Diocese of Athabaska for the year 2015-16. The 2016 National Women's Conference will be held in the Diocese of New Westminster and a request has been made for an invitation for 2018. An interesting presentation was given by the representative from the Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior, formerly the Diocese of the Caribou. There is hope that in the near future, there will be a new and reconciled form of ministry going forward. Provincial Meeting: the opportunity of sharing was taken as we met in Provincial groupings where we exchanged ideas and programs that were enjoyed! I was able

to share our several activities in assisting with the debt reduction for St. Jude's Cathedral in Iqaluit and the wonderful video "The Soul of the Arctic". The Mother's Union Representative, Margaret de Carvelho, reported on the year's activities. The conference ended with an excellent presentation from the Bishop of Saskatchewan, the Rt. Rev. MIchael Hawkins, who is chair of the Council of the North. In slide presentation, he brought us into the life of his people in the north, giving examples of the hard work they are doing to maintain their churches and communities!! He told us stories of the forest fires this past summer and how everyone cared for each

other under such stressful situations. Bishop Michael was a treasure to have among us and we pray for him, as he Ministers to the people of Council or the North and his own Diocese. The meals were fabulous and we all enjoyed more than we needed. The closing evening meal was a typical Newfoundland Sunday "Jiggs Dinner"! It was delicious!! The evening entertainment was again fabulous, ending with the "Screeching In" of all the first timers to the "Rock". We closed with devotions giving thanks for the perfect time spent together, the journeys share and the encouragement to move forward in worship, work and stewardship as we serve our Lord Jesus Christ.

Participants of the National Women’s Conference; held at the Lavrock Conference Center, Newfoundland.

NEWS

An Arctic Adventure By Frances Macdonnell and Rev. Dr. Anne Quick Many parishes in the Diocese of Ottawa are raising money to help St. Jude’s Cathedral, Iqaluit, in paying off its mortgage now that the Arctic Cathedral has been rebuilt after its terrible fire in 2005. St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Ottawa, which has been one of the most active parishes in this regard, has now decided to be the centre for an exciting trip to the Arctic. After an adult group from Ottawa went to Iqaluit with the concert pianist Angela Hewitt in 2013, some of us felt that it would be an even more wonderful thing to take young Canadians there, to

learn about their country and to interface with the young people of the north. And so, in the summer of 2016, TWO groups of people are going to Iqaluit for a week! A group of teenagers of high-school age (13 - 18) will help with the Iqaluit Music Day-Camp, which is a major activity of the town every August. These young people

will work co-operatively with the local Iqaluit teenagers in helping with meals and activities for the younger children at the day-camp. Our teenagers will thus create ongoing friendships with the Iqaluit teenagers which they can then maintain through Facebook and other social media - and perhaps we can bring some of the Arctic teenagers south to visit us in a future year! This will be a most valuable form of outreach. Meantime, as soon as the St. Stephen’s parishioners heard that we were taking teenagers north, a number of adults asked, “Can we go too?” We now have a group of twenty or so adult Anglicans, who

have always wanted to see the Arctic, who have signed up to go to Iqaluit for the same week as the day-camp. The adults will do sight-seeing during the days - there’s lots to see! - and, in addition, some of our adult travellers will help at the Iqaluit Food Bank and the Iqaluit Soup Kitchen, which are both run by volunteers of the congregation of St. Jude’s Anglican Cathedral. In this way, we will also meet local residents of Iqaluit and have a more meaningful experience than a simple tourist trip could ever be. The adults will stay at the Frobisher Inn, a very good modern hotel, and the teen-

agers will be billetted with families. The travel agent for this trip is Jean Sheikh of Executive Travel. We plan to do some fund-raising to help the teenagers with their airfare, which like everything else in the Arctic is very expensive. The trip dates are August 13 - 20, 2016. If you are interested in coming with us, or if you know a teenager who might be interested, please contact Frances Macdonnell at 613-726-7984 or at fbmacdonnell@sympatico. ca. The more the merrier on a trip like this!

CROSSTALK • December 2015 Page 15

DIOCESAN ARCHIVES

Clarendon Deanery The Building That Never Was. By Glenn J Lockwood Here we see front and side elevations for a proposed Episcopal Church at Buckingham, Quebec, as sketched by architects Arnoldi & Calderon, 29 Carleton Chambers, Ottawa, Ontario, April 1895. It was never built, and a very different house of worship with an exterior faced in boulders went up in its stead at the turn of the century. Religious services were first held in Buckingham by travelling missionaries in a sawmill cookhouse from 1823 to 1845. In 1837, the first Protestant house of worship was erected and was used by travelling missionaries of different denominations. The first official act at Buckingham by Anglican clergy was a baptism in August 1845 by the Reverend Edward G. Sutton. In 1849, the Rev. T.T. Chapman visited the village, and in 1850, Buckingham welcomed its first resident Anglican clergyman, the Reverend Richard

L. Stephenson. In 1852, the first Anglican house of worship was built of wood, and in 1860 Saint Stephen’s was consecrated. Another half century rolled by before a more permanent house of worship was put up. By 1863, the mission consisted of three townships: Buckingham, Lochaber and Templeton. In 1875, Templeton was transferred to the new Mission of Chelsea, Portland & Templeton. By 1877, Saint Stephen’s had two outstations. In 1880 the mission was reorganized and renamed Buckingham & Portland, and Christ Church,

Portland was added to it. By 1884, Portland was transferred to Chelsea, and Buckingham was raised to the status of a parish. In 1890, Buckingham profited from mining on the Lièvre River, and the parish had two outstations. By 1894, it consisted of two churches and four outstations, but two years later the number of outstations had dwindled to one. In 1899, the parish consisted of St. Stephen’s, Buckingham; St. Thomas’s, Silver Creek (Lochaber) and St. John’s, Glen Almond. There is an irony underly-

ing this very well-preserved Queen Anne Revival plan, quite apart from the fact that the church eventually was built to a very different Arts and Crafts plan, and in stone. That irony has to do with the lead architect in the firm drawing up these elevations - King Arnoldi - being responsible for the design of Saint Alban’s Church (1866) and Christ Church (1872), the two major churches built in Ottawa during the midVictorian era. Arnoldi was an apprentice working for Thomas Fuller in designing the original Centre Block of Parliament in the late 1850s and early 1860s. Fuller actually drew the original design for Saint Alban’s. Christ Church’s vestry also requested Fuller to design a church for them “harmonizing with the improvements taking place in the architecture of the city.” Fuller’s attention was drawn southward to work on a new legislature for the State of New York, and his former apprentice, Arnoldi, was asked to oversee building the two churches. Saint Alban’s was built

eighty years, and Christ Church seventy-five years, before there was a diocesan archives to safeguard architectural plans of Anglican parishes in this region. So far, no original plans for either St Alban’s or Christ Church have been located. To fill this lacuna, measured plans were created in the late twentieth century to carry out the restoration of both buildings. This is the only known Arnoldi plan for an Ottawa area church to survive to the present, even though it was never built. ___________ Clergy on Sunday morning fill out the Service Register, recording attendance, the number of communicants, and the collection. Names of infants baptized and couples married are often entered. If you would like to help the Archives preserve the records of the Diocese, why not become a Friend of the Archives? Your $20 membership brings you three issues of the Newsletter, and you will receive a tax receipt for all further donations above that amount.

REFLECTIONS

Faith’s Two Faces By Imam Mohamad Jebara, Chief Imam and Resident Scholar at Cordova Spiritual Education Center We live at a time when being a person of faith is not the easiest feat. Many are disillusioned with religion and attendance at most religious institutions is on the decline. Religion seems to play a twofold role like that of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. On the one hand the involvement of many religious institutions in persecution, inquisitions, wars, slavery, and acts of aggression throughout history is undeniable. On the other hand many if not most universities, charities, soup kitchens, homeless shelters etc. were originally established by people of faith. Could it be that the “evil” which the Scriptures allude to is a mere personification of a dark force of raging scorching fire, which we allow to inhabit us, to occupy

our hearts, minds and souls? Perhaps not an external force set upon destroying us, whom we use as a scapegoat to exonerate ourselves. It boils down to the fact that humans seek to exonerate themselves by pursuing a scapegoat to carry away their sins: something or someone to blame. In the past, religions were the dominant force at tossing blame, frequently casting aspersion upon rival religions and alternate worldviews. Today, the tables have turned and many

seem to blame religion for most problems in the world. When in reality, religion had always been manipulated as a smokescreen and guise for those who sought economic, social and political gains. Perchance it is our own false pride, envy, greed, lust, rage & vindictive fire to destroy others, manifest through our own arrogant self-appointed positions of judge, jury & executioner. Many over worry about seeking “justice” for themselves by seeking out the faults of others who “offend” them. All in order to “hurt” them back, that in the entire process they in fact undermine and devastate their own selves. Rather than seek blame without, we must look deep within seeking to create harmony, balance and nurture a state of internal peace. It is not faith that has two faces rather it seems a human phenomenon. The eternal

struggle between darkness and light is that of inner forces dwelling within us, each vying for sovereignty. Our entire mortal existence revolves around keeping these raging forces at bay. It is an eternally internal struggle to do what is “right”, which itself is a matter of perspective. What is right anyway? Perhaps it is compassioninfused integrity, with a desire to see the potential good in all people, while helping them realize it. Faith comes to reassure us that we are perfectly imperfect beings, and are not meant to be perfect. We can strive for excellence in all we do, but absolute perfection is not a realistic goal. Faith plays the role of coach; giving us hope, helping us believe in ourselves and giving us the strength to persevere.

Where in the World is Hope Bear? Take a picture with Hope Bear wherever you travel!

Find out more at

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Page 16 • CROSSTALK • December 2015

CALENDAR November 29

November 27

Anniversary Celebration: At 7pm at St. Thomas, Stittsville (1619 Stittsville Main St). Celebrating their 150th year as a parish and the 25th Anniversary of the new church, built in 1990. Please join us as we “kick off” our Anniversary Celebrations with a concert of Christmas music feat. the Stairwell Carollers. Tickets: $15 Info: (613) 836-5229 Stairwell Carollers Christmas Concert: At 7:30pm at St. Thomas, Stittsville (1619 Stittsville Main St). Please join us as we “kick off” our 150th Anniversary celebrations with a concert of Christmas music with the Stairwell Carollers. Tickets: $15 Info: (613) 836-5229

November 28

Holly Tea and Bazaar: In the Great Hall at Christ Church Cathedral (414 Sparks St) from 11:30am3pm. Shop for up-scale items, attic treasures, fine china, silverware, jewelry, accessories, hand crafts, knitted clothing, Christmas items, books, and a wide variety of home baking, jams, jellies, pickles, and preserves. There will be three sittings for our delicious tea: noon, 1pm, and 2pm. Christmas music will be performed by members of our Cathedral choirs. Tickets (tea): (613) 236-9149. Christmas Bazaar: From 10am-2pm at St. Barnabas, Ottawa (70 James St). A fine tradition since 1927. We offer attic treasures, deli treats, preserves, Christmas baking, jewellery, a raffle table, books, DVDs and CDs... plus the famous Snowflake Café! All welcome. Info: www.stbarnabasottawa.ca Country Christmas Gospel Gathering: At 7pm at St. George’s, Gatineau (111 rue Broadway East). Join us for an evening of music, feat. Gospel Matters Band. Doors open 6:30pm, concert will go until 9pm. Tickets: $15 Info: http://on.fb.me/1lkgX7o

20th Annual Advent Procession with Carols: At 4pm at St. James the Apostle, Perth. St. James Liturgical Choir and the Tay River Brass Quintet. A quietly contemplative service with beautiful music. Info: (613) 267-1163 www.stjamesperth.ca Valdy Performance: At 7:30pm at St. James, Manotick (Bridge St). Performance followed by a reception to meet Valdy, the folksinger. Tickets: $25 Info: (613) 692-2900 Lessons and Motets for Advent: At 4:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral (414 Sparks St). An exquisite service of choral music, light and movement, to mark and celebrate the beginning of Advent, featuring the Choirs of Christ Church Cathedral. Open Table (uOttawa): At 5:30pm at Centre 454 (454 King Edward Ave). Serving free meals and fellowship for students and young adults. Info: info@theopentable.ca

December 05

Bazaar: At 11am at Parish of Outaouais, Gatineau (111 Broadway St East). We are holding our annual fundraising bazaar, where we will sell goodies, tickets for draws and crafts. We offer tea with sandwiches and sweets with entrance. Tickets: $5 Good Food Market: From 9-12 at Epiphany, Gloucester (1290 Ogilvie Rd). Our Good Food Market will team with the neighbourhood to provide fresh and affordable produce, Christmas bake tables, craft tables, and a Christmas Café serving complimentary coffee, tea, and goodies. Face painting and crafts for children, and a visit by Santa. Info: www.epiphanyanglican.ca Inuit Arts and Crafts Sale: Members and friends of the Inuit Congregation at St. Margaret’s are holding this Pre-Christmas Show

CALENDAR and Sale. Baked goods also available. Sales to support upcoming Christmas Events for the Inuit Congregation who hold a Traditional Feast and Games on Christmas Day. Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys: At 2pm at St. James, Manotick (1138 Bridge St). A beautiful Christmas Concert on a Saturday afternoon by our award winning Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys. A reception is included; all proceeds to the Manotick Refugee Sponsorship Program. Tickets: $15 Info: (613) 692-2082 or (613) 692-2900 Messy Church: Want to see Messy Church in action? Two opportunities on Dec. 5: Christ Church Cathedral from 10am-12pm, and Church of the Ascension from 4-6pm. Cathedral Info: teacherjessicalynn@gmail. com Ascension Info: ashley.g.russell@gmail.com

December 06

From Darkness to Light, Advent Procession with Carols: At 7pm at St. Barnabas, Ottawa (70 James St). All are welcome to our Advent Carol Service, sung by the Choir of St. Barnabas, directed by Wesley R Warren. Carols, anthems, chants, prayers, readings, candles, procession. A beautiful way to mark Advent. Christmas Carol Service: At 7pm at St. Alban’s (454 King Edward Ave). All are welcome to join us for a service of lessons and carols, both contemporary and traditional. A freewill offering will be collected on behalf of the Ottawa Mission and Centre 454; offered in partnership with the Open Table and the Ottawa Christian Reform Campus Chaplaincy. Info: www.stalbanschurch.ca

December 11

Diocesan Youth Christmas Party: From 6-8pm at Christ Church Cathedral. Bring Jr. Youth (ages 9-12) and Youth (ages 13-18) for an evening of games, food, music, and more. Info: leslie-giddings@ottawa. anglican.ca

December 12

Concert Series: At 7:30pm St. James, Carleton Place (225 Edmund St). The Stairwell Carollers. Tickets: $20 or $50 for the series (3 concerts) Info: (613) 257-3178 stjamescarletonplace.org United in Harmony, A New Home for Christmas: At 7pm at Church of the Ascension (253 Echo Dr). A Cappella singing group Harmonic Generation presents an evening of covers and Christmas Carols; funds raised will help a refugee family come to Canada. Tickets: $15 Adult $10 student Info: churchoftheascension.ca/ harmony office@ churchoftheascension.ca

December 13

Christmas Gloria: At 2pm at St. John the Evangelist (Elgin St). The Choirs of St. John and Woodroffe United Church, accompanied by the Strings of St. John, will present a concert of Christmas music by various composers. Feat. Mark Hayes’ What Sweeter Music. Tickets available at the door, the church office, and Leading Note Music. Tickets: $20 Info: (613) 232-4500 Open Table (CarletonU): At 5:30pm at Trinity, Ottawa (1230 Bank St). Serving free meals and fellowship for students and young adults. Info: info@theopentable.ca

December 17

Christmas Concert: At 7pm at St. Aidan’s (934 Hamlet Rd). A Christmas concert with Carol Singers. Refreshments to follow in Lindisfarne Hall. Everyone is welcome! Info: (613) 733-0102 staidans@bell.ca

December 19

Christmas Holly Sale: At St. Columba (24 Sandridge Rd). Presented by the Altar Guild: Fresh holly, baked goods, jams and jellies. Info: (613) 749-5103 admin@stcolumbaottawa.ca

December 20

33rd Annual Service of Nine Lessons & Carols: At 7:30pm at St. James the Apostle, Perth. The Combined Choirs of St. James and St. Paul’s United Church in Perth singing a wide range of modern and traditional carols, and a chance to join in singing your favourite Christmas hymns. Info: (613) 267-1163 www.stjamesperth.ca

January 22-23

Listen for a Change: Trinity Institute Conference: Hosted by St. Matthew’s, Glebe (130 Glebe Ave). Info: www.stmatthewsottawa.ca stmatthewanglicanchurch@ belnet.ca

Connect with the Diocese are several ways that you can connect with There the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa www.facebook.com/OttawaAnglican @OttawaAnglican www.youtube.com/AngDioOtt www.flickr.com/OttawaAnglican www.medium.com/@OttawaAnglican