Caledonia Times The
Happy New Year, Caledonia! Welcome to AD 2017!
Diocesan Section of the Anglican Journal Janaury 2017 Edition Volume 49 Issue #1
Diocesan Executive Committee met with BishopAnderson for the last time in November In mid November, the Diocesan Executive Committee came together for the Fall Meeting to deal with the Diocesan Budget, Parish Grants, property issues and to look at issues around the end of Bishop William’s Episcopacy and the transition to “Caledonia 10” (Referring to the next Bishop). The Bishop’s Report
The Bishop made his report to Executive and started with some needs that should be considered around the transition. In particular, the Metropolitan had asked to meet in January with Executive. This is necessary because he was not able to be at the Fall Meeting. Dates where proposed to Bishop William as to what would work for the rest of the Executive Committee. An extraordinary meeting of Executive Committee will take place in Terrace, with the Archbishop in mid January. Further to this, there was a discussion about a list of names of the Clergy who are not going to allow their names to stand, and who then could potentially be asked by Archbishop Privett to serve as his administrator during the vacancy of the See. The Administrator must be a priest of the Diocese who is a current member of the Executive Committee. All of the clergy indicated whether or not they would allow their names to stand if nominated for election in the New Year. Those who indicated that they would not stand for election, have had their names sent to the Archbishop as a list of potential candidates for Administrator. This appointment is to be made around December 15th so that there is a smooth transition of authority in the New Year. The Bishop then turned to financial matters and there was some discussion about the Block Grant from the Council of the North. The Bishop noted that any cuts to the Grant from the General Synod to the Council of the North, would have a corresponding cut to our grant from the Council of the North. Bishop William reminded the Executive Committee. that the grant remains the same as it has been for the past couple of years at $235,000. In the coming months, the Bishop pointed out, there are some things that the parishes can do to help out the situation: (1) be “frugal” in expenditures both at the parish level and as a Diocese; (2) work to be as self sufficient as possible in the life of every parish and as a Diocese remembering that we work to maintain our community; (3) caution people about making decisions to leave the parishes before we know who the next Bishop is going to be and what the next Episcopacy is going to be like. He went on to say that, “We need to continue to be realistic with our decisions and work and be
ready and willing to work towards the goals we have set. It is important for you to be well positioned to be ready to take on your next Bishop... there is a real need to double down on prayer and in faith and trust in God.”
The Bishop was asked to give Executive Committee a bit of a time line as to what had happen since April with the election of a Co-Adjuator Bishop and help everyone understand why the election was cancelled. The Bishop reminded the Executive Committee of the conversation and motion in April asking for the election of a Co-Adjuator Bishop. The thought was that in doing this as other Dioceses had done – such as Huron and Quebec – that we could shorten the time and the transition from one Bishop to the next. There was a new canon (1A) proposed and consented to by the Executive Committee so that it could be brought a regular meeting of Synod in the Fall. In June, Bishop William met with the Archbishop to go over the finances to demonstrate that the Diocese had the ability to take on a new Bishop. The Archbishop consented to the election and the date was set for October 15th, In August a complaint was made to the Archbishop that, in spite of the notice being given according to Canon I, enacting the Canon on the Friday night was not sufficient notice for the election of a new Bishop on Saturday. After considerable discussion with the Archbishop and the Diocesan and Provincial Chancellors, the decision was made to abandon the attempt to elect a Coadjutor Bishop on August 30th. Bishop William made the Exectuive Committee of some other issues as well. In particular, the Bishop pointed out that he went to the Archbishop with his resignation before the outcome of the motion (A051-R2) to initiate the changes in Canon XXI was known. His resignation had to do with the timing of the Canons in our Diocese to make the date of October 15th. He did not resign in protest over the vote. He also noted that there were some in the Diocese who did not want particular clergy to be nominated because of their personal origins and theologies. Bishop William pointed out that this is not only distasteful but also illegal. Every priest
and bishop in the Communion, in good standing, is eligible for nomination and election. Moreover, some people seemed to believe that the Bishop was trying to “pick the man of his choice.” The Bishop made it clear that he was going to refrain from voicing his opinion and from voting though he had every right to do so. Camp Cal Update
The Dean, as the Chair of the Camp Caledonia Advisory Board, brought the Executive Committee up to date on the life of the Camp and the work that has been done. Dean Haggstrom reported Camp had a good summer though the numbers in one of the Camps was down a little. There was a new Program Director in the person of Jo Finnie. Jo brought some new ideas to the program and routine of the Camp. In particular there were paddle boards introduced to the teen camp and that was a big hit. St. James’ Chapel roof was redone in the Spring and a lawn tractor was purchased for the mowing of the grounds. The roofs of all the cabins have been reshingled and a venting issue was attended to, so that Cabin Luke will not be so hot at night for the campers. There was also further work done to the old caretaker’s trailer so that there was a new front entrance and a venting issue was dealt with there as well. Plans are in the works now to look at making a covered picnic area and more cabin/sleeping accommodations on the site of the old cook house. This would enable the Board to rent out full time Enid’s Place to continue to raise revenue to run the Camp program. The Board is also looking to enlarge the Swim area, more toys and more dock
Want to register an opinion with the Cal Times? Letters to the Editor are welcomed and can be published, provided some simple rules are followed: (1) all letters need to be emailed to caledoniatimes@ gmail.com, (2) all letters must be addressed to the Editor, (3) all letters need to be in a Word format (.doc and docx) format. PDFs will not be accepted; (4) all letters need a name and a valid email address, and (5) All letters need to be no more than one page in length. Please note that the Caledonia Times reserves the right not to publish letters and comments made to the Editor. The letters are meant to promote healthy discussion within the life and ministry of the Diocese. All submissions are subject to editing prior to publication. - Editor.
The Caledonia Times: Informing and Inspiring the faithful in Northren BC since 1905
Praying through the Changes...
vant who will care for your people and support us in our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN. (from the Book of Alternative Services)
It is a privilege to be able to bring you greetings from the Ecclesiastical Province as you enter this time of transition as a Diocese. Along with the Provincial House of Bishops, I want to express my gratitude for the episcopal ministry of Bishop Bill Anderson – for his leadership, for his faith and deeply held convictions and for his collegiality and friendship. He has served your diocese and the Canadian Church for 15 years and I wish him and Margaret every blessing in this new chapter of their lives.
O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN. (from Evangelical Lutheran Worship)
ing years. Any church member resident in the Diocese will be able to propose the names of qualified persons to the Search Committee.
To the Beloved People of God in Caledonia,
Bishop Bill’s retirement also marks the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the diocese. According to your Canons, when there is a vacancy in the office of Bishop, the Metropolitan will have Episcopal jurisdiction and oversight of the diocese. That means that I will be available to your diocese during this time of transition and will work closely with the Diocesan Executive Committee and officers in planning for the needs of the diocese and preparing for the election of your new Bishop. My first duty, which will be completed by the time you read this, is to appoint an Administrator who will assist me in caring for the daily affairs of the diocese. Within 30 days after Bishop Bill’s retirement, the Administrator will announce the date and location for a Synod to elect Bishop Anderson’s successor. A Search Committee of 3 clerical and 3 lay members of the Diocese will be appointed. It will be the work of the Search Committee to develop a profile of the Diocese which will describe the future needs for episcopal ministry and members of the diocese will be invited to make submissions on your vision of the future. This is an opportunity to pause to consider what kind of leadership you believe is needed in the comFor a Synod Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in an electoral Synod for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honour and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BAS 1986) For the Ministry of the Church Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified, receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. (BAS, 1986) For the choice of suitable persons for the ordained ministry O God, you led your holy apostles to ordain ministers in every place. Grant that your Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may choose suitable persons for the ministry of word and sacrament, and may uphold them in their work for the extension of your kingdom; through him who is the shepherd and bishop of our souls, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Page 2
This all sounds rather formal, and indeed it is meant to be. The process is clearly laid out in your Canons and it is meant to be clear, transparent and a work of the whole diocese. The Canons, however, remind us all that more than simply an election, this time is meant to be a time of prayerful discernment as you reflect on the call of God and the needs of the diocese in calling your next Bishop. The first and foremost task is to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit that in all things God may direct and rule our hearts. Secondly, please pray for your Diocesan Executive, your Administrator and those who will be prayerfully considering whether God is calling them to the office and work of a bishop in the Church of God. Thirdly, if in your prayers you identify a person who may be called to be your next Bishop, please encourage them to consider whether they might be called to this ministry and then put their name forward to the Search Committee.
You will be in my prayers as you seek God’s will for your diocese. Faithfully, +
John
Archbishop John Privett, Kootenay
Here are two prayers I invite you to use in your congregational worship and in your individual prayers in the coming months: Almighty God, giver of all good gifts, look on your Church with grace, and guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this diocese, that we may receive a faithful ser(BAS, 1986) For those to be ordained Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, in your divine providence you have appointed various orders in your Church. Give your grace, we humbly pray, to all who are called to any office and ministry for your people; and so fill them with the truth of your doctrine and clothe them with holiness of life, that they may faithfully serve before you, to the glory of your great name and for the benefit of your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (BAS, 1986) For the Vacancy of a See ALMIGHTY God, the giver of all good gifts:Grant thy blessing, we humbly beseech thee, to the clergy and laity about to assemble for the election of a Bishop; and give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that a chief Pastor may be chosen who shall minister before thee to the glory of thy Name, the good government of the flock committed to his charge, and the welfare of thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 1962) WE beseech thee, Almighty God, to call many to the Ministry of thy Church; and to those whom thou dost call give thy grace that they may hear and answer thy voice; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 1962)
The Caledonia Times Publication of the Diocese of Caledonia Publisher: The Diocese of Caledonia Editor: The Dean of Caledonia Associate Editor: Audrey Wagner
Published monthly, except July and August by: Diocese of Caledonia, 200 – 4th Avenue West Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1P3 (250) 635-6016 or (250) 600-7143 Address correspondence and copy to the address above. Or to caledoniatimes@gmail.com Submissions must be received by the first day of the month for the following month’s issue. Send subscription orders, address changes Diocese of Caledonia c/o Anglican Journal 80 Hayden St. Toronto, Ontario M4Y 3G2 Printed and mailed by: Webnews Inc., North York, Ont.
Caledonia Times — January, 2017 - Happy New Year , Caledonia
Skypilot Moments What does good Christian leadership look like? What does good, solid Christian leadership look like in this day and age? This is a question that is being bandied in Caledonia about as we move into 2017. We hear this question for a host of reasons. There is of course the upcoming Electoral Synod for our new Bishop. There was the surprising election of the Donald in the United States – he will be inaugurated and begin his time as President later this month. We have had a Liberal Government in power in Ottawa for about 18 months. Plus we will be going to the polls in May here in British Columbia for the Provincial Legislature. And where there are two or three gathered talking about politics, we recognize that there will be at least four or five opinions. One of the things that I have been noticing about leadership and how it connects with the local populations, is that “good” leadership is always in the eye of the follower. People like it when they think people who are similar to them in opinion and thought are in places and positions of power and authority because then things are going to be done right. The opposite is also true when people disagree with what those in authority are doing. But this brings me back to the basic question of, “What does good Christian leadership look like?” The easy way out is to point to Jesus and say that’s it. Jesus is the best of Christian leaders. Follow him and you cannot go wrong. But do folks understand what it means to follow Jesus? Can they see him? Are they able to do what Jesus does? In my earlier years, I did a course on leadership. The instructor made understanding Christian
leadership fairly simple, “How do you know you are a leader? You turn around and discover that people are following you.” (E. Stanley Ott) Every leader then, started out as a follower and learned how to lead. Then they are given the opportunity to lead. In the Church, being a follower and a leader can be much the same thing. As St. Paul put it, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1st Corinthians 11.1 ESV) If you want to lead, then you must first learn how to lead. This means one must be a follower. St. Paul became a follower and had people in his life who showed him who Jesus was and told him about Jesus. Then you do things with your leader. You learn what it’s all about. Then roles are reversed and you lead while being mentored by an experienced leader. Lastly you finally lead and take on the mentoring role and disciple someone who needs to learn. And lest I forget, leaders and teachers need to continue to have a growing edge to their faith and life. If leaders and teachers stop learning, then they need to stop teaching and leading. People in such positions never have enough wisdom and knowledge that they can stop learning and growing. What else is there? There is a need to ask about how our leaders are at giving of their time, talents, treasure, trees and tears. It needs to be seen and experienced, not just discussed. How do they give of themselves where the community is concerned? Are they giving people? Can and do they make sacrifices of themselves to help others?
This past year the federal government stepped out boldly to bring in 25,000 Syrian refugees. There was criticism and it wasn’t all easy, but overall I think that Canadians are proud of themselves for helping people who were obviously in a tight spot. The idea of helping others giving meaning to your life is the center of a book by Craig and Marc Kielberger. You may remember Craig as the boy who at the age of 12 started the charity called “Free the Children.” This nongovernmental organization went on to spread around the world and build many schools for children. Marc, his brother, is a lawyer who cofounded a group called “Leaders Today” which trains young people as leaders. Me to We: Turning Self-help On Its Head is the book these two brothers wrote. It is all about why being self-centered does not accomplish any lasting good. To quote the authors: “We need a new definition of “self” and “help,” one that inspires us to trust again, to be compassionate, and to stand together.” Marc and Craig Kielburger are two ordinary kids who have done extraordinary things. This book is not about celebrating celebrities although there are a few in it. The first well known person introduced is Mother Teresa. She is, however, called by her birth name “Agnes” and only
This means that we must find ways to preach the Gospel and proclaim Christ’s Lordship through ways and means that oour own people, in our time will, a) hear it so that they weill consider it and b) once considered will want to know more about what they have been told. Good Christian leaders often don’t know that this is what they are - much like those who are at the right hand of God at the Judgment in Matthew 25. They have to be shown who they are, first for God and then for God’s people. Good Christian leadership flows from prayer and from the life of the Spirit as people follow in Christ’s footsteps. Solid Christians exhibit the fruit of repentenace, showing that their lives have been and are being transformed. And at the same time, they displaying the fruits of the Spirit (Gal.5.23) showing that the Spirit is alive in them. As we move into this new era in the life of our Diocese, think about what good Christian leadership looks like and ask God to show it to us. Jason+ Editor, the Caledonia Times
authors and a page each on their charities.
Books on the Way By Ruby McBeth
Solid Christian leaders are people who have learned to serve others. Christian leadership is not about who is nice or who polls well among the faithful. It is not even about what perosnal theology someone holds if found incapable of giving, sharing and make sacrifices. Solid leadership is not just about having the courage and convictions of one’s personal beliefs, it is about serving others and teaching the faith as the faith has been passed down to us from the days of the Apotles.
Recommended generally. after telling her story is it disclosed that she is Mother Teresa. After each chapter, we are given a two or three page testimony by an individual who believes in the “Me to We” philosophy. Several of the writers are very well known: Oprah Winfrey, Desmond Tutu, and Dr. Jane Goodall. The stories the people tell are about change in their lives. Some change from complacency to othercentered helping. Others change from self-pity and depression to serving others. Still others remember when they have been helped and decide to pass on the favour. Whether the “me” is celebrating how great it is or wallowing in self pity the change to being other centered - the change from “me” to “we” is what this book is about. These personal stories help the book to be interesting reading. At the end of the book in a section called “Stories, Facts, and Actions” we are given notes about each of these people including suggestions on how to help them bring their vision into reality. This is followed by more biographies given in short paragraphs.
Kielburger, Craig and Kielburger, Marc. Me to We: Turning Self-Help on Its Head. John Wiley and Sons Canada Ltd., 2004.
The book moves from defining self-help and showing alternatives to explaining why the “We” approach works. Craig and Marc are not naive. They acknowledge that people need a balance between self-development and service to others. There are endnotes and an index after the main text as well as a page about the two
Caledonia Times — January 2017 - Happy New Year, Caledonia
Page 3
Budget and Grants to the Parish for Stipends
Exectuive Committee Report ... space for the water, and eventually to reclaim the old soccer field and to put up a new backstop for baseball and softball. The Board has also seen a lot of transition in terms of membership this year. Members Diane Macaulay and Sharon Fisher retired from the Board while Sharon McIntosh moved to Brockville ON. with her husband. The Board has also welcomed Fiona Robertson of Terrace and the Rev. Enid Pow of Fort St. John. There is still a real need to have another more local person on the Board. People interested in joining the Board can contact the Chair about the nomination process. Property Matters
Archdeacon Buchanan brought news from Kitimat on the renovations of the Rectory and the work that has had to be done on the basement of the Church. The ‘renos’ to the Rectory are pretty much done save the window treatments and a couple of other minor things. The money that has been given to the Parish by the Diocese will be repaid through the renting of the house over the next couple of years. When the costs of the work are recouped, then the money will be split 50/50 between maintenance of the house and the costs of having clergy come in from Terrace. Archdeacon Buchanan went on to report that Christ Church had a flood in the basement and a renter failed to report it and in trying to clean it up, turned up the heat to maximum and left it there for some time, leaving the parish with a hefty hydro bill. The work to clean up and deal with the hydro bill has taken place and things are
looking good again. Dean Haggstrom updated the Executive Committee on the work being done at the Cathedral and in particular to the roof. A small project, to replace the failing and outdated sound system was done this summer, which included the gift of a digital hymnal. The congregation and the clergy are learning to use it as their every Sunday organist and it is coming along nicely. As for the roof things have been delayed and delayed again over the past few months. The height of the building, the slope of the nave roof and weather are the main factors in getting it done. There have been precious few clam and dry days in recent weeks. The Dean and the Wardens are meeting with the contractor to work out a solution that will get the job done. A description of the situation around a new church building in Fort St. John was present by their Rector, the Rev. Enid Pow. Drawings and plans have been made and the Parish is petitioning City Council to rezone the property that was bought for the purpose. There were no properties zoned for church buildings left in the city. The Open House and time with Council happens shortly. The planned structure will be about 3600 square feet, will seat about 65 people. The new building will be multipurpose so that it can be used to reach out to the community as well as for worship. The Stuart-Nechako Lakes Regional Parish, according to the Rev. Gwen Andrews, is looking to sell the property across the road from the Prairie Dale School. This would save having to pay taxes on a piece of land that the Church will not have any use for.
Wider Church Life: Canada in brief by Andre Forget, Journal Staff Moosonee’s new school of ministry On January 27, the diocese of Moosonee will launch its new school of ministry for local parish leaders who feel called to take on more formal roles in the church. The diocese’s theological education task force, chaired by (ret.) Assisting Bishop Tom Corston, has been working to establish the school, following concerns about increasing vacancies in parish leadership, particularly among ordained clergy. While the diocese will continue to encourage seminary-trained clergy from southern Canada to come north, the task force also concluded that many parishes already have leaders who could be raised up with some “in-house” training. The school of ministry is a year-long program that will include four long weekends throughout the year. Each weekend will include lectures led by diocesan clergy who have seminary training on topics such as sacred theology, Scripture, church history, prayer, liturgy, preaching, evangelism and pastoral care. The program will also include sessions on Indigenous teachings and priorities as well as a presentation on the church’s programs and policies. Between weekend sessions, the participants will be required to work on a field placement project with the guidance of their local minister, and to serve actively in their own parish’s ministry. At the end of the program, participants will be offered ordination. If they decide they want to be ordained, they will undergo an examination to evaluate their suitability before being presented to the Page 4
One of the main items of the day’s business was to discuss and past the Diocesan Budget for 2017. There were a number of significant issues to be looked at, starting with housing the next Bishop. The Executive Committee was asked to keep in mind that there will be moving costs for the Bishop. Would it be better to buy a house for the Bishop to live in or would it be better to pay a housing allowance to the new Bishop and have him or her find their own accommodations. A housing allowance would look something like 1% of the average price of a 4 bedroom home in the Terrace area. It was noted that the Diocese is in a long term lease at a very good rate in Terrace and that there would be financial implications for breaking it and moving elsewhere. It was also pointed out that living in Terrace reduces the wear and tear on the Bishop in terms of travel throughout the diocese – it is actually the center of the Anglican population in Northern BC. The Executive Committee chose to offer the new Bishop a housing allowance. The Secretary Treasurer, Audrey Wagner, noted that the insurance costs on buildings have gone down in the past couple of years. This is most likely due to the good claims history we have with the insurer. The Budget was pasted noting that there is an anticipated revenue stream of $470,000 while expenditures are planned to be about $461,300. Executive Committee as a last act of the meeting, approved the Parish Grants to a total of $110,000 to six parishes. Members connected to each of the parishes requesting grants described the ministry that is on going in the community. There was also with each application, a discussion held around what the parishes are doing to work towards self sufficiency, which means coming off the grants.
Comic Life
archbishop as candidates for ordination. Financing for the program, including travel and accommodation costs, will be provided by the diocese. Invitations have already been sent to every congregation in the diocese to encourage those interested in the school of ministry to apply. —Northland Outreach project in New Brunswick teaches kids to cook The kitchen and hall at St. Philip’s in Moncton are filled with the savoury smells of garlic, rosemary and chili powder as six Grade 8 students, wearing hairnets and gloves, set the table with bread, butter, cheese and water. The budding cooks and their mentors say a blessing, and then enjoy the fruits of their labour—vegetarian chili, savoury crackers and banana ice cream. This is all part of a joint project between St. Philip’s and Queen Elizabeth School, which is across the street, to help students learn to cook. Peggy Gauvin, one of the volunteers who helps run the program, says the project is an investment with the potential for a lifetime of benefits for kids. “The main purpose is to promote the use of nutritious foods in people’s lives so they can develop confidence in their skills and they can cook a meal” she said. “Food security is important—we’re hoping we can teach basic skills with simple, basic ingredients.” The church and the school have a history of working together, and the program grew out of discussions between Janice Irvine Meek, a volunteer from St. Philip’s, and the school itself about how the church could be a supportive neighbour. - the New Brunswick Anglican Caledonia Times — January, 2017 - Happy New Year , Caledonia