The Saskatchewan Anglican, June/Summer 2013

Saskatchewan The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal •

anglican

Summer 2013

‘Be strong and courageous’ The 78th Synod of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle: Venerable institution shifts from maintenance to action

By Allison Kydd

Resting after a long walk Volunteer walkers of The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist’s Walk-a-thon rest their feet and have some lunch, somewhere along the long road between Prince Albert and Saskatoon. The walk, which took place in mid-May, was a fundraiser to help the Saskatoon cathedral raise funds for its building.

For full story see page 7.

Photo – Heather Punshon

Bishop receives honorary degree

By Mary Brown PRINCE ALBERT – On May 10 Bishop Adam Halkett received an honorary doctorate from the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad in Saskatoon.

On July 28, 2012, the General Assembly of the Diocese of Saskatchewan elected Adam as its first diocesan indigenous bishop. On Oct. 12 of last year, he was consecrated bishop of Missinippi on the very site of the old residential school that he and others once attended.

This was a sign of a new beginning in healing Mamuwe isi Miywachimowin, “Together in the Gospel”.

In his citation, Bishop Michael Hawkins said, “Adam is an attentive and caring pastor, a wise and prayerful bishop and a man whose vision and dedication to his people are a clear means by which the Holy Spirit is effecting his work of healing, reconciliation and gathering in, so that, as Jesus prayed, all may be one, Mamuwe.”

The first man was of the Earth

earthy and Adam is a Christian with deep roots in the Earth and the land.

He is at home in creation, calling moose, fishing from a canoe, or telling stories of his family and people who are part of the hills and woods and lakes of Northern Saskatchewan.

God has provided a strong and capable help and mate for Adam in his wife, Theresa, and given them five children.

Bishop Hawkins went on to say that Bishop Halkett is well (See HALKETT on page 4)

College of Emmanuel and St. Chad to stay open Contributed SASKATOON – It has been announced the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad in Saskatoon will remain open for the 2013-14 academic year, with the help of the two other members of the Saskatoon Theological Union: St. Andrew’s College and the Lutheran Theological Seminary.

Emmanuel and St. Chad, which is located on the University

of Saskatchewan campus, announced last fall the 134-year old college would be closing due to major funding issues and declining enrolment.

The closure of the college will now be delayed or prevented by: cutting part-time staff and faculty; sharing office and classroom space and some administrative functions with the other members of the Theological Union; moving its library to St. Andrew’s College; reducing its annual

operating costs and budget by up to 50 per cent; and by considering changes to its syllabus to make the college more attractive to nontheological students.

These recent changes and initiatives give the college some breathing room, to both reduce overhead and to consider adding to its course offerings which, it is hoped, will attract more students and allow the college to stay open into the future.

(See COLLEGE on page 5)

church closures, as well as from low acceptances of the diocesan REGINA – The Mission Action Fair Share and overall low Plan (MAP) for 2013-15 was expectations. at the top of the agenda for the While he acknowledged the 78th Synod of the Diocese of challenges, the bishop focused on Qu’Appelle, along with several the “encouraging signs of a turnpresentations and theological around in the diocese,” with many reflections that kick-started the of them people responding to MAP into action. former bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson’s There was a feeling of four pillars (enriching worship, goodwill and good humour as Bible study, evangelism and the Synod began, which was outreach). not dimmed by a few technical He also spoke of “the glitches at the beginnings of beginning of a shift from the Friday night maintenance to Eucharist. mission”, which The is the keystone congregation of the Mission found a way to Action Plan. sing even when Among the no words were encouraging provided, an signs identified impulse that was by the bishop heartened further were the when Bishop following: “An Robert Hardwick unprecedented intoned part of number of the service. new (clergy) The focal appointments”; point for any increased giving; synod is the Bishop Rob Hardwick new outreach bishop’s charge, initiatives; and this was an upcoming certainly the case for this Synod, church plant; the Qu’Appelle held the last weekend of April at School for Mission and Ministry; Parliament Community Church in the success of the “Q Event” last Regina. fall; major building projects in the Bishop Hardwick began by diocese; and an increased number describing the series of small of people “discerning a call to miracles that had called him, ordained ministry or some form of his wife Lorraine and their son lay ministry.”

Robert from England to Swift The bishop mentioned visits to Current in September 2001. and from our companion Diocese “As Christians we are called of Lichfield as well as the Diocese to journey, to take risks and to be of Muyinga in Burundi, Africa, bold in stepping out in new ways and commended the historic for Christ,” he said. covenant and continued work with He also reminded the assembly the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of a diocese that was still of Regina. suffering from the aftermath of He also spoke of “considerable the residential schools litigation, involvement in the Truth and from a reduction in the number Reconciliation process” and gave of stipendiary clergy and several (See THE MISSION on page 4)

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

June/Summer 2013

Real prayer: taking risks of faith

By Rev. Dell Bornowsky What can we do to ensure we are praying and not just reciting a prayer?

BIG COUNTRY PARISH (Qu’A) – One response could be that reciting a prayer is praying and making a dichotomy between them is unwarranted. Reading J.R.R. Tolkien reminds me that appreciation for recitation in our individualistic culture has declined.

Ballads, poems, songs, liturgies and prayers epitomize the values and narratives of culture and make the eloquence of that tradition available to individuals, whether as poems recited by lovers or prayers recited to God. This older understanding, that something real and worthwhile happens, especially in corporate recitation, grounds our own Anglican common prayer tradition.

Whether or not it is possible to recite a prayer without actually praying, the LORD has had occasion to say “these

people draw near with their mouths and honour me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me” (Isaiah 29:13).

Have you ever had the odd realization during a phone conversation you have been disconnected and your last few sentences have not been heard? Do your prayers feel like that sometimes?

Have you been so bored by someone that you stop listening but they ramble on, not seeming to care about your inattentiveness? Do you suppose God sometimes feels that way?

The suggestion that inward sincerity of heart makes outward actions irrelevant is a Gnostic rather than Christian idea.

Surely the ideal is to honour God with both spiritual hearts and material lips, as it is written: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD” (Psalm 19:14).

The argument that God always listens still allows for great variation in my awareness of God and my whole-heartedness in prayer.

It is a mistake, however, to think we truly pray only when we feel God’s presence or our own enthusiasm.

Whole-heartedness refers to both our wills and our emotions. Praise as a sacrifice made even if we don’t feel like it is actually more truthful, since by it we declare that God’s worthiness is not dependent on our feelings.

Jesus said, “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases (vain repetitions), as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words… Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven …” (Matthew 6:5,9).

Is it ironic that Jesus’ instructions, now known as “The Lord’s Prayer,” may be repeated more like a mindless mantra than an exhortation to mindfulness of the divine/ human relationship?

Perhaps even a mantra that submits our minds to God’s word is not an “empty phrase.”

The possibility of noncognitive prayer (Romans 8:26; 1 Cor. 14:14) and a view that gestures and postures may also be forms of prayer

suggest prayer is more than just meaning what we say, or choosing between recitation or improvisation.

From Brother Lawrence we learn by “Practicing the Presence of God”, common daily tasks can also be communion with God. If prayer is to be communion, intentional participation by the parties wishing to commune is required.

Nevertheless, we are apt to be disappointed if we use our own strength or good intentions to ensure genuine prayer, since it is our own sense of self-sufficiency that eliminates heartfelt prayer.

When the disciples in the storm-tossed boat awakened Jesus they weren’t just reciting words. But our sophisticated comforts and our idolatry of security protect us so much it doesn’t really matter if Jesus is awake in our lives.

Perhaps genuine prayer occurs most when we allow Jesus to lead us through dangers in which we really need God’s help. So if we really want to really pray, let’s take some faith-risks!

Saskatchewan The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal • January 2013

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Published by the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle.

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Emotions poor indicator of authenticity of prayers

By Rev. Shawn Sanford Beck What can we do to ensure we are praying and not just reciting a prayer?

SASKATOON – It’s an interesting question and not just an academic one.

The short answer, of course, is when it comes to the spiritual world we can never truly know.

Ours is not a religion of gnosis (pure, unmediated, certain, mystical knowledge) but rather one of faith.

In prayer, as in so many other aspects of our life with God, we are called to trust in divine grace rather than look for any sure-fire proof of the reality of the relationship.

Awkward, I know. And frustrating for those of us formed by a culture which is in love with “outcome measurements” and other forms of quantification.

But the reality is that our relationship with God, as expressed in and through our prayer life, is not something which can be measured.

Sometimes we can make the

mistake of relying too strongly on our emotional state as an indicator of the health of our prayer life, thinking that if we feel good during a time of prayer or worship, then we are obviously “really” praying.

But there is not necessarily a true correlation here. In his work “God in the Dock”, C.S. Lewis comments wryly that “I didn’t go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that.”

Our emotions are complex creatures and they don’t always provide a good indication of the authenticity of our prayer.

Neither comfort nor ecstasy (nor dejection, for that matter) proves our prayer is real.

That said, many teachers of prayer do stress the importance of the heart, and the powers of deep intention, when learning how to pray.

For instance, in the hesychast tradition of Eastern Orthodoxy, there are specific teachings on how to control the breath in order to “bring the mind into the heart”, creating a deep sense of focus in one’s prayer.

Scholars of comparative

Correction The Saskatchewan Anglican mis-identified Colonel K.F. Bryski, OMM, CD, in the May issue. Colonel Bryski was pictured presenting the Queen’s

Diamond Jubilee Medal to Dr. Ivan Daunt and Steven Guliak in a ceremony in Yorkton. The Saskatchewan Anglican regrets the error.

religion have remarked on the similarity of this school of spiritual practice to certain forms of Buddhist meditation.

In the West, hesychast techniques have also been translated into various types of contemplative or “centering” prayer forms which seek the reality of God through silence.

In a similar vein, contemporary Jewish teachers note the significance of kavanah, or intention, in prayer.

Rabbi Zalman SchachterShalomi writes that “Jewish prayer begins with kavanah – intention.

To pray with kavanah means to pray with focus, intention, meaning. It means praying from the heart, rather than prayer centred solely in the mind…. Kavanah lies at the heart of Jewish devotional life.

That one word encompasses an entire body of inner work necessary to live consciously in the presence of God.” In other words, although we cannot fully “measure” the authenticity of our prayer solely by our emotional responses, it is important that our hearts and minds are engaged simultaneously in our devotional life.

Simply reciting prayers from books or memory, or praying without any sense of focus, is not likely to be of any benefit from either an intercessory or a

transformational point of view.

This is akin to Jesus’ admonition not to “heap up empty phrases” (Matthew 6:7) which have no real devotion or concentration behind them.

At the end of the day, what makes our prayer “real” or “authentic” is faith. Living faith is not simply “belief”, but rather deep trust springing from a heartfelt relationship with our Abba, the Mother, Father, and Creator of all.

“Real” prayer is first and foremost a gift of the Holy Spirit, who prays within us “with groanings too deep for words” (Romans 8:26).

There are many good teachings about prayer “techniques” to help us focus and cultivate proper intention, but none can replace the work of the Spirit in setting our hearts ablaze in prayer.

And always remember, though prayer cannot be “proven”, we can discern the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives through Her fruit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5: 22).

If we want to be assured we are really praying, and not just reciting prayers, look for the long-term deep transformations of Divine Compassion.

That is the “proof in the pudding” of prayer!

Submissions for the October issue must be recieved by the diocesan editor no later than Friday, August 23. All pictures must be sent as a JPEG and 1 MB (megabyte) in size.

CONTACT INFORMATION Managing Editor: Jason Antonio SKAnglicanEditor@gmail.com 59 Roberts Place Regina, Sask., S4T 6K5 Phone: (306) 737-4898 Qu’Appelle: Joanne Shurvin-Martin joannesm@myaccess.ca 6927 Farrell Bay Regina, Sask., S4X 3V4 Phone: (306) 775-2629 Saskatoon: Peter Coolen ptrcoolen@sasktel.net 820 Avenue I South, Saskatoon, Sask., S7M 1Z3 Phone: (306) 244-0935, Saskatchewan: Mary Brown synod@sasktel.net 1308 Fifth Avenue East Prince Albert, Sask., S6V 2H7 Phone: (306) 763-2455

PUBLISHING DETAILS Published from 59 Roberts Place Regina, Sask., S4T 6K5 Printed and mailed by Webnews Printing Inc. 8 High Meadow Place North York, Ont. M9L 2Z5

The Saskatchewan Anglican

June/Summer 2013

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This is my Father’s world!

By Bishop Michael Hawkins PRINCE ALBERT – The line and refrain from the Hymn “This is my Father’s world” (Book of Common Praise # 600), offers us a helpful way of thinking about our stewardship, which is not that of hired servants or of slaves, but of the children of God and as such, what motivates us is not fear or guilt but love.

The author of the poem which became a hymn, Rev. Maltie Babcock, was fond of saying on his way out the door for a hike, “I’m going out to see my Father’s world.”

There is a real domestic spirituality in the hymn, which is at home in creation. The world is less a strange and hostile place and more like a family home.

The poem, which includes many other verses not normally reproduced or sung, begins in thinking of God’s goodness in creation, moves through various revelations of the Old Testament including Jacob’s dream, the burning bush and the still small voice and concludes considering the work of Christ and the consummation of all things.

There is an overarching sense

of the reign and triumph of God’s goodness and love.

There are two lines that are particularly encouraging, which remind us, “That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.”

Buried in one of the verses that did not make it into the hymn is the conclusion that since “Dear to God is the earth Christ trod”, all Earth is holy ground. The common tune for the hymn was written by a friend of Babcock after his death and is suitably titled, Terra Beata, meaning Blessed Earth.

I hope this summer we will all get some time and space to hear nature sing, while resting in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas and to hear God pass in the rustling grass.

In the gift of creation we can taste and see the goodness of

God. I also hope this summer we will all make time and space to worship together, perhaps with a different congregation, to remember that Jesus died and to catch a glimpse of the vision when Earth and heaven shall be one.

In the gift of recreation, in our own time of rest, but supremely in the Eucharist, we can taste and see the goodness of God. Out of nothing but His own goodness God made the world

by His Word and Spirit, and out of nothing but His own grace God redeemed the world by His Word and Spirit.

Both those words, ‘goodness’ and ‘grace,’ can be translated ‘generosity.’ We are created and redeemed by the generosity of God. As creatures of God, we are made to reflect the

generosity of our Maker and as children of God we are redeemed to reflect the generosity of Our Father.

For me this is the sum of our stewardship, to give as we have received and to forgive as we have been forgiven. And these are the central petitions of the prayer of the children of God. We who pray “give us and forgive us” to Our Father are transformed into givers and forgivers by His gift. Grace makes us gracious and it is that grace and graciousness which is ours in Christ.

That is stewardship, to live and love, to give and forgive as the children of God. It is to proclaim in how we care for all of creation, how we use our own days and dollars and dignity, that God is Our Father and this is Our Father’s world.

editorial

Is sin an irrelevant topic?

By Jason Antonio REGINA – When was the last time you heard the words “sin” and “repentance” emanate from the lips of your minister during one of his or her sermons?

It seems lately that concepts such as sin, repentance and heaven and hell are not popular topics in the Western Christian church, particularly in Canada/ Anglican Church of Canada.

And why is that?

Do clergy consider these topics irrelevant to non-, new and established Christians? Are we afraid we’re going to offend people by speaking out about the sinful actions taking place around us?

Even when the Scripture readings for the day talk about sin and repentance and similar concepts that may make us squirm – divorce, adultery and sexual immorality to name a few – some priests choose to skip over addressing these issues and instead discuss a possible thread or theme related to the readings, but don’t actually address the concepts or ideas directly.

The Anglican Church of

Canada is more concerned about preaching the gospel of “social justice” and similar nebulous concepts, rather than talking about repenting from sinful ways.

It talks more about a broad, social justice corporate sin, such as polluting, voting a certain way or not aiding a certain ethnic group of people, versus personal moral failure.

Supposed social justice and related actions may help others to a point, but they do not lead

to salvation through the saving power of Jesus Christ.

After all, Anglicans technically believe in justification by faith – as stated in Article XI of the 39 Articles of Religion – not in justification by works like our Roman Catholic friends.

Are we afraid to mention sin from the lectern these days because we’re scared we’ll offend someone in the pews?

Are we worried someone new to our church won’t come back because maybe an action or two in which they are engaged is seen as sinful in the Bible?

Are we only concerned about preaching that “God is love” to the exclusion of saying you need to repent of your sins first?

I’m no Bible scholar, but I’m sure it says we are to confront sin and help our brother or sister turn away from it. The words of Jesus in Matthew 18:1522 spring to mind. And then there are 2 Timothy 2:24-25, Galatians 6:1 and 2 Timothy 4:2, just to name a few.

The word sin is mentioned 447 times in the King James Version and 433 in the New International Version (NIV). So

while clergy seem to be averse to saying “sin” in their sermons, the Bible says it. Repeatedly.

We seem to be only concerned with preaching a fuzzy-wuzzy, all-is-well, Godloves-you mantra that really contains no inspirational or lifesaving depth to it.

While “God loves you” may be the case, it behooves us to say first off, people need to repent of their sin.

That is why Jesus died, for and because of our many sins. Even He Himself said we should “from now on sin no more” (John 8:11, ESV).

Granted, He was talking to the woman caught in adultery, but His message to her still stands for us.

Jesus was never afraid to tell it like it was. He offended the establishment all the time with some of His many messages.

That should be our example.

Not that we should offend everyone around us all the time, but that we should have the conviction and courage to say to others, “Hey, what you are doing is sinful and puts a barrier between yourself and God,” and then point that person to God

through Jesus Christ.

Even when talking with potential and new Christians, we should not shy away from the hard topics. We do a disservice to them if we don’t bring up sin and repentance.

It’s not antithetical as a Christian to use your brain and think about your faith, or about the life-giving things Jesus said.

We need to read, mark and inwardly digest His teachings, including about sin and repentance, because without repenting of our sins, we imply we have no need for Jesus.

The church today wants to be buddy-buddy with society. That diminishes our ability to call out sin and immorality occurring in our world. Regardless of the communication methods used, repentance of sin and turning to Jesus Christ for salvation is still relevant today as it was nearly 2,000 years ago.

We should be bold and courageous to point out some of the sins in our world. And we can do that by starting first with ourselves and then in our own homes, communities and churches. After all, we are all in this together.

Faith-sharing at Wascana Rehab

By Basil Pogue REGINA – For the past eight months, Roman Catholics and Anglicans have been working together in a monthly “faithsharing” session at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre in Regina.

Sponsored by Karen Ziegler, Roman Catholic Chaplain at

WRC and led by herself and Basil Pogue, a lay person from St. Paul’s Cathedral, the initiative is partly a response to the covenant between the two denominations to work together.

It is organized to build on the “Year of Faith” (Oct. 11, 2012 to Nov. 23, 2013), set aside by Pope Benedict XVI.

The discussions focus on the Apostles’ Creed, which the two churches hold in common, and its 12 beliefs. The plan is to continue to meet once a month and complete the cycle in October 2013. The belief to be explored in May centres on Jesus’ ascension.

The group comprises

Anglican and Roman Catholic residents and caregivers from Extended Care and the Veterans’ Unit, who have accepted an invitation to gather in these short one-hour sessions in the WRC Chapel. Six to 12 people have become regular attendees, usually with more Catholics than Anglicans, reflecting

the make-up of the WRC population. It is worthwhile and often intensely spiritual experience. This project is something that might reasonably translate to a parish setting for a small group. Maybe the Holy Spirit is calling us to look outward more often, to learn to share our faith with each other.

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

June/Summer 2013

‘The Mission Action Plan is a bold step’ for Qu’Appelle (Continued from page 1) special thanks to “First Nation priests and people during such a difficult and emotional time of remembrance.”

The bishop prepared the ground for the business of the synod when he outlined some of the foundational ideas and authorities behind the Mission Action Plan.

“The Mission Action Plan is a bold step,” he said, “and I heartily recommend it as our strategy for a number of years to come.”

Finally, he expressed his appreciation for all the leadership and “faithful ministries” in the diocese, highlighting three particular ministries by appointing “Canons in God’s Church.”

The first was Trevor Powell, diocesan registrar and archivist, to whom the bishop gave the title “Lay Canon of St. Paul the Apostle.” Trevor will continue to advise the diocese on historical matters.

The second special

appointment went to Deacon Michael Jackson, who will bear the title “Rev. Canon of St. John the Baptist” and “will be a diocesan advisor on diaconal formation and practice.”

Finally, for her role as chair of the Committee on Ordained Ministry, her ecumenical ministry at St. Michael’s Retreat Centre and her various other roles related to mission, ordination and ministry, Rev. Catherine Harper will wear the title “Rev. Canon of St. Mary the Virgin” and will advise on theological education and vocations.

Having made these announcements, Bishop Hardwick ended his charge by asking those assembled to “be strong and courageous…

“Do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go in these transforming, challenging and life-changing times.

“May God bless you all and may God bless our diocese.”

Halkett receives honorary degree Bishop Adam Halkett received an honorary doctorate from the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad on May 10. In the picture, from left, are Keewatin Halkett, Katrina Halkett, Andrea holding young Mila, Donna, Tyson Halkett, Bishop Adam Halkett and his wife Theresa. In front of the bishop are Sadie and Gage.

Photo – Contributed

Halkett a man known for his ‘irrepressible smile and laugh’ (Continued from page 1) known for his irrepressible smile and laugh.

These are the expressions of a deep humility and humour which are neither selfdeprecating nor vicious, but are grounded in creation, in the land and in a clear sense of creatureliness.

They are also grounded in redemption, in the cross and in a clear conviction of a share in Christ’s victory.

Humility and humour are not perhaps the qualifications of a manager, but may well be exactly what the church needs in our day in a bishop.

“They are both distinctly indigenous and Christian

virtues,” said Bishop Hawkins.

“Bishop Adam reminds us all to be clothed with humility, while his laughter is a foretaste and promise of our full redemption from sorrow.

“We say even now, as God works his redeeming purpose in us and through us, then was our mouth filled with laughter.”

Diocese of Saskatoon: Announcements for Summer 2013 The Great Courses at St. James’ Anglican Church, Saskatoon: The St. James’ Wednesday Morning Study Group invites you to attend The Great Courses Old Testament DVD lectures, given by Prof. Amy-Jill Levine, an engaging lecturer with excellent content.

The lecture of the day is followed by lively group discussion. The study group meets at 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday in the library.

Newcomers and drop-ins are welcome.

Also see www. stjamesrefinery.org for more information.

Centring Prayer at the Cathedral: If you are longing for a little more quiet, solitude and an opportunity to “be still”, please join Sarah Donnelly on Sunday mornings for 20 minutes of Centring Prayer at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. This is an ancient form of prayer, grounded in the

Christian Mystical Tradition.

The group will meet in the Dean’s office at 9:45 a.m. for a 10-minute teaching/reflection on some aspect of Centring Prayer, and then 20 minutes of meditative silence will begin promptly at 9:55 a.m. and end at 10:15 a.m. All are warmly welcome!

Integrity/Saskatoon: Meetings are held at St. George’s, Saskatoon one Thursday each month at 7:30 p.m. For more information contact Tom and Rose Rogers at (306) 373-5165.

For further information and to view related articles, links and photos of Integrity events visit www.integritysaskatoon. blogspot.com.

Coffee at St. George’s, Saskatoon: All are welcome to join the Parish of St. George’s Community Coffee House on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for coffee, muffins and fellowship. The address is St. George’s Anglican

Church, Parish Hall, 624 Ave I S., Saskatoon. For information call 242-7973.

Seniors’ Lunch, St. George’s, Battleford: The Friendship Committee of St. George’s, Battleford invites all seniors to join them for lunch on the first Monday of each month (there will be no lunches in July and August).

Advance Notice: Bishop Tom and Mrs. Lillian Morgan will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 31 with a come-and-go tea at St. John’s Cathedral Parish Hall, Saskatoon, from 2-4 p.m. Bishop Morgan says, “Your attendance and good wishes would be more than generous; no other gifts please.”

The next Synod of the Diocese of Saskatoon will be held Sept. 12-15, 2013. The Synod meetings will include a series of five workshops, led by

Prof. John Bowen from Wycliffe College.

The theme of the workshops is “Re-imagining Church”.

The workshops are open to all members of the diocese (not just members of synod) and everyone is encouraged to attend.

More information regarding Synod and the workshops may be found in the notice elsewhere in this issue.

Ordination to the Priesthood: Deacons Rev. Emily Carr and Rev. Nancy Yee will be ordained to the priesthood on the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013 at 3 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Saskatoon.

We rejoice in this good news for Emily and Nancy and for our church. Please pray for Emily and Nancy as they begin to prepare for their priestly ministry.

Please note a change of date for the Diocesan Anglican

Women’s Retreat, which will be held at the Mineral Springs Resort and Mineral Spa, Little Manitou Lake, near Watrous from Sept. 27-29, 2013 (rather than Sept. 20-22). As a result of the date change, the rate charged at the Mineral Springs Resort has been reduced by 10 per cent.

The theme for the Women’s Retreat will be “Angels Amongst Us”. More information will be provided in future issues of the Saskatchewan Anglican.

In order to be included in a timely manner brief notices for events should be supplied to the associate editor by fax, e-mail or “snail mail” by the last week of the month, two months before the month in which the insertion is desired (for example, August submissions will be in the October issue). Detailed texts of events will not be included in this section but, if space allows, could make for additional articles or notices elsewhere in the Saskatchewan Anglican.

The Saskatchewan Anglican

June/Summer 2013

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Women ‘called to serve’ during annual general meeting

By Rev. John Seib SASKATOON – More than 80 people attended the spring conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) for Anglican women in the Diocese of Saskatoon, held in Saskatoon on April 12-13 at Christ Church Anglican Parish.

The conference was organized around the theme “Called to Serve”. The speaker was Heather Kuttai.

A respected leader, administrator, coach, athlete and writer, Kuttai has been in a wheelchair for over three decades due to a spinal cord injury.

Her talk focused on challenges she`s faced, as well as the power of prayer and the faith which motivates and sustains her.

In addition to the standard business of an AGM (board reports, budget presentation and election of officers) and other information presented, the conference included plenty of time for worship, education, inspiration and fellowship.

Additionally, the new board of Anglican Church Women for the Diocese of Saskatoon was elected and commissioned at the AGM on April 13.

College to remain open, but with many changes (Continued from page 1) Among ideas being considered, is the idea to develop a first-year program of foundational topics for students not seeking degrees in theology and ministry.

It is envisioned that under this revised program offering, that following the first year of foundational training at Emmanuel and St. Chad, students would transfer to the University of Saskatchewan to complete their degree programs.

New board for Diocese of Saskatoon’s ACW The new board of Anglican Church Women for the Diocese of Saskatoon was elected and commissioned at the AGM on April 13. From left to right are: Elta Fae Marlor, Jacqueline Plante, Joan Irving, Corinna Germin-Scott, Karen Whitelock, Elaine Hrycenko, Shirley Schultz, Rev. Nancy Yee, Kathy Chase, Marion Pope, Bonnie Milman, Merce Montgomery, Bev Otsuka, Barb Forsyth and Marj Kirkby.

Photo – Tim Yee

Deep thoughts and hard work during 78th Synod

By Allison Kydd REGINA – As has been the pattern for previous diocesan Synods, the working day started early, with the close of nominations to Provincial Synod, General Synod and various other diocesan committees at 8:30 a.m.

The second sitting opened with Morning Prayer, closely followed by announcements and a sheaf of diocesan reports.

These reports linked some of the diocese’s most venerable initiatives, such as the Bishop’s School for Choristers (now known as Qu’Appelle Spirit and Song) and the Churchmouse Resource Centre, with newer initiatives, such as the Qu’Appelle School for Mission and Ministry, Cross Talk Ministries and the Anglican Chaplaincy cellphone.

Yes, the diocese has its own emergency pastoral care cell phone at (306) 535-3115.

Presented together, the reports gave a sense of history as well as insights into the current direction of the diocese.

Theological reflections provided by Rev. Claude Schroeder and Dean Mike Sinclair also underlined the focus for the day, by encouraging participants to ask themselves, “Where do I fit into all of this?” and “How do I understand the mission (the power of God) in my own life?”

Reflections also reminded us that “Mission is not about what we do; mission is about God and what God does in the world.

This takes the pressure off us,” said Rev. Schroeder.

These ideas were echoed in small group discussions on the Mission Action Plan and Rev. Dale Gillman (at right with microphone) speaks about the Truth and in the words Reconciliation Commission (TRC) process, during the Diocese of Qu’Appelle’s 78th of Bishop Rob Synod. Gillman is surrounded by other clergy and lay people who also attended the Hardwick, who spoke of a TRC events.

Photo – Joanne Shurvin-Martin “new, missional attitude.” He to “keep (the reconciliation energetic outreach presentations. also encouraged listeners to ask process) in our hearts.”

Gwenda Watson spoke for direction: “Lord, we see you Others reminded the group on Cursillo; Revs. Brian and at work; what are we to do?” “healing has to go as deep as the Wilma Woods demonstrated Diocesan Elder Rev. Arthur wound.” No one can tell another the success of the “Messy Anderson added further when it’s time to move on, as Church” program at St. Mary’s thought-provoking ideas to the “it’s going to take a long time; it in Whitewood; and Dean Mike discussion, while a report on doesn’t heal until it heals.”

Sinclair spoke on “Feed My the Truth and Reconciliation Later in the afternoon, Sheep,” a new program St. process was one of the between the election of diocesan Paul’s Cathedral in Regina. highlights of the day. representatives and the passing Though brief, these talks Elders, clergy and lay people of various resolutions (see and visuals were tangible spoke of the importance of story page 9), Martha Asselin expressions of mission in action. learning to walk together as we reported on a feasibility study to After Eucharist the next attempt to build relationships be undertaken by the diocese. day, one session was left. From and trust. “(One) can’t just jump This may result in a specific the highlights, Rev. Claude in,” said Rev. Dale Gillman of fundraising initiative, in which Schroeder reported on a “church Gordon First Nation. case further information will be plant” at Pense, while Rev. She also asked delegates and forthcoming.

Malcolm French talked about a other members of the diocese There were also three new initiative: “Pub Church”.

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

June/Summer 2013

Stained glass windows in Yorkton’s Holy Trinity Anglican Church

The Good Shephard window, one of the memorial windows about which the parish has little history.

By Sheila Harris YORKTON (Qu’A) – The stained glass windows in Holy Trinity Anglican Church represent memorials to some of the British settlers who had a significant role in the development of the City of Yorkton and York Colony lands.

The first churches – Methodist, Presbyterian and Anglican – were built by these settlers in the 1890s.

The first Anglican church was built on the corner of Argyle Street and Broadway in 1898. The second Anglican church was built in 1929 on the corner of Second Avenue North and Darlington Street.

It was at this time the first three stained glass windows were purchased and installed.

They were purchased

by Mrs. Sam Wynn and the

The altar tryptych in Holy Trinity, Yorkton, was dedicated during the church’s centennial celebration.

All photos this story – Photography by MITCH: The art of life, Yorkton.

The St. Cecilia window, one of the earliest windows in Holy Trinity, Yorkton, is located in the choir room.

Women’s Auxiliary from an English gentleman in the Calder district. Not having received payment for the windows he had fabricated for a boys’ school in England, he brought them along when he immigrated to Canada.

The window featuring St. Cecilia, Patron Saint of Music, was installed in the choir room.

The other two windows were installed in the chancel of the church. It was not until 1957 that two additional stained glass windows were installed.

One was in memory of Lt. Col. J. C. deBalinhard, his wife Mrs. C. deBalinhard and son Lt. Stewart deBalinhard.

The second window was in memory of the late Judge Joseph H. Parker and his wife Bertha M. Parker.

The parish has no exact date of the installation of four memorial windows.

Morrison”.

Many of those remembered were descendants of the pioneers: Dorothy Vaughan, daughter of Dr. T.V. Simpson; Jessie Morrison, daughter of Henry Christopherson, sheriff, and granddaughter of W. P. Hopkins, one of the four men first to winter in York Colony.

The Honorable Madame Justice Nancy Morrison, great-niece of W. P. Hopkins and E. Hopkins, attended the dedication of the windows, with her actor friend Bruno Gerussi.

The Vaughan family was represented by their son Bill Jr. and daughter Jacquie Sims.

The 12 stained glass windows in Holy Trinity Church, a tourist attraction, can be viewed by phoning the Church Office at (306) 786-7131 between 2-5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday.

One is in loving memory of M. A. Eby 1863-1936, who was the first druggist in Yorkton.

The following three windows are: in loving memory of Fredrick William Hukins 18621929, and Gordon Roy Hukins 1893-1947; Anna and Fredrick Haney by their family; Mable Gilbert 1869-1915 and William Gilbert 1872-1956.

In 1973, the parish made plans to install three stained glass windows featuring “The Last Supper” for the altar triptych, in memory of Brigadier General Alexander Ross.

Unfortunately, due to financial restraints, only one window was purchased and installed in the center of the three-panel frame. The left and right panels were plain glass.

In 1986 the second church was demolished and the new church constructed was joined

to the existing parish hall. All windows were removed and installed in the new church.

Deanna Martin & Co. Yorkton, cleaned and repaired the nine large windows and John Fushtey of Regina refurbished the three Calder windows.

In 1992 the vestry accepted the offer of the Morrison and Vaughan families to place memorial windows in the left and right panels of the altar triptych.

The windows were dedicated

by Bishop Eric Bays on July 3, 1993 during the church’s centennial celebration.

The inscriptions are: the center panel “in loving memory of Brig. Gen. Alex Ross and Mrs. Ross”; left panel “in loving memory of William and Dorothy Vaughan”; and the right panel “in loving memory of William and Jessie

Diocese of Saskatoon’s Locally Trained Clergy Program continues

By Janice Trost and Gordon Yarde

appeared in: The Epistle and The Battle River Parish News).

(Editors note: Janice, Gordon and others have been following a study course, provided by the Diocese of Saskatoon, to achieve diaconal status. They will eventually be ordained to the deaconate and roughly a year later be ordained priests.

This article has previously

BATTLEFORD (S’TOON) – From April 26-27, we attended our fourth training weekend for the Locally Trained Clergy Program. This session was held at St. Peter’s Abbey in Muenster, Sask. The weekend began with supper, followed by evensong in the wing of the

Abbey set aside for our use.

Then we got straight into the course for the weekend.

The trainer was Rev. Jessica Latshaw, diocesan hospital chaplain for the Diocese of Saskatoon. She put us through a very informative and intense weekend of teaching, discussion and role-playing to develop skills for pastoral counselling and hospital visitation.

On Saturday, it was back to work with Rev. Latshaw.

There were many laughs and a few tears as we learned how to minister to people in stressful, painful and sometimes lifethreatening situations.

After lunch, we broke for a walk on the Abbey grounds or to read or discuss study material.

In the afternoon, scholar Dr. Erwin Buck (Professor Emeritus

of New Testament at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon) led a questionand-answer session on human sexuality and the Scriptures.

This was done with sensitivity and respect for all involved. The rest of the weekend was spent: going over course work; in worship; and sharing how the training is going for each of us.

The Saskatchewan Anglican

June/Summer 2013

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The Cathedral Walk-a-thon: A successful 140-kilometre journey Contributed Editor’s note: The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist has been in need of extensive repairs and restoration for many years.

Recent work on the building has cost $1 million and much more work remains to be done.

The money for this work to date has been raised by: means of the Cathedral Capital Campaign: by the members of the cathedral parish; donations from individuals, businesses and the Cathedral Columbarium; and grants from the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation and the Anglican Foundation.

The Walk-a-thon, which was the inspiration of Bishop Tom Morgan as one more way to help in this campaign, took place May 13-18, beginning at the Diocese of Saskatchewan’s Cathedral of St. Alban’s in Prince Albert, and after many hot footsteps on the highway, ended at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Saskatoon.

SASKATOON – Well done, one and all who helped in any way, large or small, toward the great success of our Walk-a-thon. Our “Walk” was held as one of our fundraising initiatives to raise the money required to restore our cathedral.

Bishop Tom Morgan sends his heartfelt thanks to all who walked and to those who contributed in any way. It was a wonderful week of walking and camaraderie. Thank you

Day 2 of the Cathedral Walk-a-thon saw the walkers leaving MacDowell sandwiched between their accopmanying support vehicles. The week-long journey saw the group cover 140 kilometres from Prince Albert to Saskatoon.

Photo – Heather Punshon for your exceedingly generous Cathedral.

Byrt , Nancy Baltzan, Derek and response!

The walkers and supporters Heather Punshon, Joan Irving A warm expression of walked the first kilometre up and Shelley Parsons. gratitude goes out to all the the hill in Prince Albert as a Others who joined, either walkers who participated in this send-off for the first leg of the to walk or provide support, on 140-kilometre Walk-a-thon from journey. separate legs of the journey St. Alban’s Cathedral in Prince The main walkers were throughout the week were: Bob Albert to St. John’s Cathedral in Bishop Tom Morgan, Alex Halliday, Bill Lawshaw, Scott Saskatoon.

Parsons, Neil Doell, Bishop Pittendrigh, Tina and Vince On May 13, Bishop Michael David Irving from the Diocese Colistro, Heather and Derek Hawkins from the Diocese of of Saskatoon, John Wickett and Punschon, Norma Stewart, Saskatchewan commissioned Pat Loveridge, as well as Alex’s Derwyn Crozier-Smith, Donna and blessed the walkers. dog Puddles.

McLean, Olwen Stoneham, There were about 30 people Thanks also to drivers, Jarryd Skuce, Brosi Nutting, at St. Alban’s, including photographers and support Anne Doell and Amanda Irvine. supporters from St. John’s personnel, who included Don On Tuesday, lunch was

Diocese of Saskatchewan Coming Events Historic St. Mary’s Church in Prince Albert Please join us for worship on Sunday, July 28 at 3 p.m.

Evensong with refreshments to follow; and on Sunday, August 25, 3 p.m.

Harvest thanksgiving

James Settee College Camp Okema August 19-23, 2013 Clergy Family Camp Camp Okema August 29-31, 2013

Viscount thanked for generosity Contributed PRINCE ALBERT – Thanks is offered to St. Paul’s Church, Viscount, for their generosity in giving to the Diocese of Saskatchewan their well-cared for church furnishings.

The Anglican tradition of these furnishings will now live on in many places.

Some of those places include: St. Michael and All Angels, Weyakwin who now

have two pews and a lectern; St. Peter’s, Sucker River who have the Baptismal Font; and All Saints, LaRonge who received pews, altar and a pulpit.

Holy Trinity in Stanley Mission will also have music, as they were very fortunate to receive a pump organ.

Thank you also to Sam Roberts from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band for moving the furnishings up north.

supplied by the Rosthern Parish and Rev. Debbie Ramage.

Throughout the whole walk, the camper with flashing lights was used to indicated walkers ahead and as a rest place for lunch.

It was loaned by Kehoe Agencies (Pat and Eve Kehoe).

On the final leg of the journey, from Wanuskewain to St. John’s Cathedral, Saskatoon City Police provided an escort with two police cars and a police motor bike.

Our gratitude goes out to these three officers for their service.

Finally, the walkers were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd, a barbeque and cake at the cathedral.

Grateful thanks to the men of the cathedral for the barbeque and to all the congregation for turning out and giving such a loud, cheering welcome.

Pledges for the Walk-a-thon totaled over $56,000. Again, thanks to all those who donated and helped in any way. Without your support it couldn’t have been done!

Thanks go to the StarPhoenix, CTV, Prince Albert Herald, CBC and others in the media for their coverage of the event.

Two newspaper articles with further information can be viewed on the StarPhoenix website, for April 27: “Walk a kilometre, or 140, in Bishop Tom’s shoes”, and May 16:”Walk-a-thon reaches halfway point”.

Support needed for Camp Okema’s internship program

By Steve Mitchell Okema Society treasurer SASKATOON – Dear friends, we are seeking your financial support as Camp Okema enters the third year of its Youth Ministry Internship Program.

The plan for this year is to mentor a student at the camp in the role of program assistant.

The goals of the program are for the intern to develop leadership skills and to learn practical work skills that are transferable for future employment. The benefits from the Youth Ministry Internship Program will be very positive for both the intern and the camp.

We are pleased to introduce Marin McRae as Youth Ministry Intern for the 2013 camp season.

Marin has been involved with Camp Okema, both as a camper and a staff member.

During the past three summers she has volunteered several weeks of her time to serve at Camp Okema and has been a real blessing!

Marin has graduated from Grade 12 and is considering post-secondary education for the fall, with a possible goal of majoring in youth ministry.

Camp Okema’s budget does not allow us to hire for another staff position, so we are asking supporters to partner with Marin so she can serve as our Youth Ministry Intern.

Our goal is to provide $200 per week over a seven week period for a total of $1,400.

Your support will mean so much to Marin, to Camp Okema and to the campers that Marin will bless as a cabin leader and an activity leader.

Here’s how you can support Marin as a Youth Ministry

Intern this summer: a) Forward a cheque to the Okema Society, Box 140, Caronport, SK S0H 0S0. Your donation will be receipted for income tax purposes. b) On the memo line write “Internship Program”. Do not include Marin’s name on the memo line. We will not be able to accept any cheques with Marin’s name on the memo line due to Canada Revenue Agency regulations. c) Complete the pledge form below, detach it and include it with your cheque. d) Keep Marin in your thoughts and prayers this summer.

We’d be excited to have you join us in this new venture for 2013! If you have questions, please contact me at (306) 756-2541.

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

June/Summer 2013

A visit to Lichfield Cathedral

By David Saville ROSETOWN (Qu’A) – One of my long-time goals has been to visit our companion diocese of Lichfield if I ever got to England.

Like Qu’Appelle, Lichfield is a large diocese with many parishes, but I chose to visit the cathedral in Lichfield. I arrived on March 9 and spent time in the cathedral that afternoon.

The cathedral is kept open to the public with only requests for donations at the door.

The connection between the dioceses goes back to the very beginning of ours. Our first bishop, Bishop Adelbert Anson, was a son of the Earl of Lichfield. Much support for Qu’Appelle came from Lichfield over the years and a formal link was formed in 1988.

I would not be the first Qu’Appelle visitor, as many people have visited back and forth since the dioceses were linked. In fact, Rev. David Nevett organized a number of tours with people from our parish in the past. I returned on Sunday morning. I was early and the crowd was much smaller then, so I took most of my pictures before the service.

Visitors are free to photograph anything in the building, but you are asked to buy a permit for about $3 for non-commercial photographs.

There were four service that Sunday so I chose 10:30 a.m., which was a sung communion service. I counted 250 chairs, about half of which were full. I was told the attendance would be down, as they currently had over 100 members on an Easter tour of the Holy Land.

The service was sung in B flat, while the Prelude and Fugue was in E minor. It was pretty high church for a Saskatchewan boy!

Before the service started, I introduced myself to the sides’ persons. They surprised me

A view towards the high altar of Lichfield Cathedral before the congregation arrives.

Photo – David Saville by knowing we had recently installed a new bishop. One of their bishops (Mark Rylands) came to Regina to take part in the service.

They made me feel quite welcome and showed me to a good seat; just like in a Canadian church, not too close to the front but close enough to see what is going on.

I was also introduced to Rev. Anthony Moore who was to lead the service. During the announcements, he welcomed me to Lichfield and wished all of Qu’Appelle well. Everyone

made sure to invite me to coffee after the service.

The first person to bring the Christian message to the inhabitants of Mercia, and later bishop of the area, was St. Chad.

He died of the plague in 672 A.D. He was so well liked that people began to do pilgrimages to his gravesite. The first church on the site was built in 700 A.D. A Norman church was begun there in 1085 A.D. and continually improved until the 1640s, when the cathedral was almost destroyed by fighting

during the British civil war.

The centre tower was destroyed by cannon fire and the collapse destroyed most of the roof. Soldiers were billeted and horses stabled in the cathedral.

Restoration was started in 1660 and completed by 1669.

Stained glass windows from the 1500s were purchased in Belgium and installed in 1804.

These windows had deteriorated and have now been replaced by clear ones.

Once the stained glass has been restored, it will be reinstalled inside the clear

ones, so they should not need restoring again.

The last 150 years have seen a series of restoration projects up to the current one of restoring the stained glass windows.

There is a sign near the donations box saying it costs almost $9 Cdn. per minute when the cathedral is open to maintain it.

I have looked at many photos of cathedrals, but nothing prepares you for stepping in the door and looking down 371 feet of stone arches.

Lay readers gather in Prince Albert

By Mary Brown PRINCE ALBERT – On the last Saturday in April, lay readers from a number of communities in the Diocese of Saskatchewan gathered together at St. Alban’s Cathedral in Prince Albert for a day of fellowship and training.

The day began and ended with Morning and Evening Prayer and was ably led by some of our lay readers and assisted by others. Bishop Michael Hawkins began the day with us and was excited about the good turnout.

Dean Ken Davis, Dean of Saskatchewan and rector of

St. Alban’s, led the first teaching session by offering some background on the history and meaning of Morning Prayer.

Dean Davis explained how the reading of the psalms and Scripture lessons lie at the heart of Morning and Evening Prayer.

Noting the similar structure of both services, the Dean spoke briefly about the outline of the services through which God hears and receives our praises.

Incorporated into Dean Davis’ teaching on the daily offices was an emphasis on the posture of the officiant and the response from the participants.

The Dean encouraged those

present to speak in a loud, clear voice when leading a service.

Part of a worshipful posture is an attitude of enthusiasm which encourages others.

Following a very tasty lunch and time of fellowship, the gathering moved into the annual general meeting of the Lay Readers Association for the diocese. A new executive was acclaimed by those present.

Shelia Chaboyer of Cumberland House was nominated as president by out-going president Theresa Sanderson. Kathleen Stewart of Prince Albert filled the position of vice-president and Lena

Halkett of Little Red is the new secretary-treasurer.

Three Deanery reps round out the new executive: Harry Halkett from the Prince Albert Deanery, Lorette Palm from the Turtleford Deanery and Tina McMunn from Melfort Deanery.

Outgoing president Theresa Sanderson of Fort a la Corne was warmly thanked for serving as president the past few years.

During the business portion of the meeting, Art Pederson of Prince Albert shared information about the Christian radio station now available to Prince Albert and area, called the Evangelical Lutheran

Broadcast. It was suggested we hold these meetings more often and schedule them around seeding and harvesting.

The content of future meetings was discussed and several present indicated the need for practical resources for pastoral care and clear cut protocols of the scope of lay readers, especially those who serve in some of the more remote communities.

After the annual meeting finished, the warden of Lay Readers, Rev. Patricia Langlois, presented a teaching on preparing a four-page, or fourstep, sermon.

The Saskatchewan Anglican

Sept. 13-15, 2013

Friday, Sept. 13 A.M./P.M.: Brave New World? Changes in our culture and how they affect the church; What in the World is God up to? What spiritual resources do we have within Christian faith itself to enable us to respond?

Saturday, Sept. 14 A.M./P.M.: The School of Jesus: What does it mean to be a Christian today? What does it mean to

be a disciple and help others become disciples?

Changing the world, changing church: What are some models of how churches have drawn on our spiritual resources in order to respond to the changes we looked at?

Sunday, Sept. 15 A.M. Where do we go from here? Taking these ideas back to our local church.

Please note these workshops are open not just to Synod delegates but also to nondelegates who would like to take them and help their parish grow. Non-delegates must register for a space and the optional meal plan.For more details or to obtain a registration form, please call the Diocesan Office at (306) 244-5651 or by e-mail at anglicansynod@ sasktel.net.

By Allison Kydd REGINA – The following resolutions were passed during the Diocese of Qu’Appelle’s 78th Synod, held at the end of April at Parliament Community Church: •

•

Elhard speaks at prayer breakfast

By Frank Flegel (Editor`s note: This story originally appeared in the Prairie Messenger and is re-printed with permission).

REGINA — Love, a sense of purpose, and a place to go are three things that faith has done for Gordon Elhard of Calgary, this year’s guest speaker at the 42nd annual Saskatchewan Prayer Breakfast held April 17 at the Conexus Art Centre.

Elhard immediately endeared himself to the more than 800 who attended the breakfast by announcing at the beginning of his speech that “the values that have made this country great are alive and well here in Saskatchewan.”

Elhard is a well-known inspirational speaker, born and raised in Alberta with a long history as a teacher, principal and supervisor with the Calgary Board of Education.

He is also a founder of Calgary’s Centre Street Church, which attracts some 8,000 people a week to its services.

His talk was themed, What My Faith Has Done for Me, and he focused on three sub-themes: a clear understanding of love, a sense of purpose, and a place to go when family and friends are not enough.

He also spoke about the power of prayer. It was a personal story of growth interspersed with humour that had the audience several times roaring with laughter.

He told two stories about the power of prayer, one about his father and a second about himself. In the first his father, on the

verge of death, asked God to let him live until his son, Gordon, was 21. He survived and in 1952 when Gordon turned 21 he died. In the second Gordon himself was diagnosed with cancer and asked to be allowed to continue what he saw as his mission in life.

That diagnosis is now 21 years old. He emphasized, however, that God doesn’t always grant his wishes.

Turning to his three subthemes, he referred to the writings of John and Paul, who spoke of love.

“Love is not love unless you give it away,” he said.

He admitted to struggling with God’s teaching to love your enemies. “I wish he had asked me about that first. I really struggle with that especially when someone cuts me off on the Deerfoot (a major Calgary artery).

“I never know whether to give him the finger or love him. I compromise and give a thumb,” a comment which resulted in understanding laughter from the audience.

His sense of purpose has given him hope in helping others excel, something he has done throughout his life, he said. Elhard referred to his cancer diagnosis as a time when his faith gave him a place to go when family and friends were not enough.

In closing, he said everyone has been given a set of tools to use in service to others and asked, “Are you using yours?

“What keeps me alive is what I give to others as so many have given to me.”

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Resolutions from the 78th Synod of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle

Diocese of Saskatoon: “REIMAGINGING CHURCH” This year’s Synod will give us all some tools for “Reimagining Church”.

Presenter: Prof. John P. Bowen, director of the Institute of Evangelism, professor of Evangelism Wycliffe College There will be five workshops presented during the synod:

June/Summer 2013

•

•

That Synod approve the 2013– 15 Mission Action Plan, direct it to Diocesan Council and Synod staff for implementation and commend it to all members of the diocese; and approve the budget for the Mission Action Plan as set out in the Plan document.

That, notwithstanding Canon 2, section C 1 a), which states that “Regular meetings of the Synod shall be held at least every 25 months at such time and place as may be appointed by the Bishop,” the Diocese of Qu’Appelle be given leave to hold the next meeting of Synod in the fall of 2015.

That Synod encourages all those involved in preparing confirmands in this diocese attempt to ensure that those being confirmed not only know about the Christian faith, but also deliberately and fully intend to enter lifelong discipleship that includes following Jesus into active ministry in the local church and God’s mission in the world.

That Synod request the General Synod make such changes as required to ensure that the next Primate of Canada remains a diocesan bishop.

Jennifer Jacobs from St. James, Regina, (left) and Diocesan Elder Arthur Anderson reflect on some of the resolutions put forward during the Diocese of Qu’Appelle’s 78th Synod, held the last weekend of April at Parliament Community Church.

Both photos – Jason Antonio •

•

•

•

That Synod request General Synod amend the calendar of the Church Year in the Book of Alternative Services by raising the status of St. James of Jerusalem (October 23) from “Memorial” to “Holy Day.” That Synod send a message of congratulations to Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of her Coronation, and express prayerful thanks for her ministry as our Sovereign Lady for the past 61 years.

That this Synod memorialize General Synod expressing its strong support for the continued publication of the Anglican Journal in print form as a particularly important vehicle for getting news to lay people through distribution of diocesan newspapers, especially the Saskatchewan Anglican.

That the Diocese of Qu’Appelle urge

•

the Government of Saskatchewan to halt any transfer of the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration pastures and provide for thorough consultation with the Indigenous peoples of Saskatchewan.

That the existing Regulation to Canon 19: A.5 be deleted and be replaced with the following: (The new regulation deals primarily with healthy work practices and fair treatment of clergy and employees of the Diocese. There are a number of changes and clarifications to such personnel concerns as hours of work, vacations, study and education leaves, sick leaves and leaves of absences, and parental leaves. If members of the Diocese require further information on this regulation or on other resolutions, they may contact the Synod Office.)

Diocese of Saskatchewan congregations paired up

By Mary Brown PRINCE ALBERT – Bishop Michael Hawkins has twinned parishes across the diocese by asking them to pray for each other and communicate regularly, for the next two years.

He has also invited the churches of the diocese to consider ways of mutually building up one another, of encouragement, support and fellowship between twinned congregations and to try and develop specific partnerships.

The twinning of congregations is part of the diocesan vision of being Mamuwe isi Miywachimowin (Together in the Gospel).

These are the pairings: St. John’s, Nipawin with

St. Thomas’, Shoal Lake; Saskatchewan Penitentiary with St. Mary’s Chapel, Prince Albert; Good Shepherd, Cumberland House with St. Patrick’s, Hudson Bay; St. Peter’s, Deschambault with All Saints’, Melfort.

St. Alban’s Cathedral, Prince Albert with Christ Church, Big River and Holy Trinity, Prince Albert; St. Matthew’s, Tisdale with St. Bartholomew’s, Pelican Narrows; St. Joseph’s, Montreal Lake with St. George’s, Prince Albert.

St. Peter’s, Sucker River with St. David’s, Prince Albert; Holy Trinity, Stanley Mission with St. David’s, Prince Albert; St. Peter’s, Grandmother’s Bay with St. David’s, Prince Albert.

All Saints’, La Ronge

with Turtleford; St. James’, Little Red Reserve with St. Christopher’s, Christopher Lake; Parish of LeaskShellbrook with St. Simeon and St. Anna, Ahtahkakoop and St. Paul’s, Sturgeon Lake.

Parish of Birch HillsKinistino with St. James’, Muskoday; St. Stephen’s, MacDowall with St. Michael and All Angels’, Weyakwin.

Meadow Lake, Loon Lake with Sir Jeffrey Paul Chapel, Onion Lake and Fort Pitt/Deer Creek; Emmanuel, St. Louis with Archdeacon MacKay Chapel, Hall Lake; Christ Church, Spiritwood with St. Stephen’s and St. Luke’s, Fort a la Corne; St. Stephen’s, Red Earth with Ascension, Arborfield.

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

June/Summer 2013

From Prince Albert to Emmaus Rev. Alex Parsons gives his perspective on the 140-kilometre journey he travelled in support of Saskatoon’s cathedral’s renovations.

(Editor’s note: To read about the 140-kilometre journey undertaken by members and friends of the Diocese of Saskatoon as a fundraiser for that city’s cathedral, please see page 7 of this newspaper.)

The following clergy and lay members were elected at Synod: Clergy Rev. Arthur Anderson Rev. Peter Boote Rev. Malcolm French Rev. Dale Gillman Rev. Jonathan Hoskin Rev. Trish McCarthy Rev. Susan Page Rev. Susan Salo Rev. Cheryl Toth Rev. Brian Woods Laity Jason Antonio Donna Evans

Dale Flavel Susan Haacke Pat Hall Debbie Hubick Gail Ridgeway Susan Rollins Jerry Sherk Bryan Sigurdson Brian Wright In addition, Bishop Rob Hardwick and Dean Mike Sinclair are automatically members of council and Chancellor Peter Whitmore and Archivist Canon Trevor Powell are given “courtesies of council.”

Qu’Appelle Notes and Events

By Rev. Alex Parsons Diocese of Saskatoon Stewardship Officer SASKATOON – The Bible is filled with references to walking, to journeys taken, to paths made known.

Walking was the way most people got around for their travels in those days.

Heading down the road on foot just seems so natural in Scripture.

Jesus, the disciples, Paul and a host of others set out again and again on foot to whatever destination beckoned them.

Easy enough to read about and imagine, but much harder to do in person when you have been spoiled with vehicles.

Walking the 140 kilometres from Prince Albert to Saskatoon to raise awareness and funds for St John’s Cathedral was quite the experience.

Having never attempted such a distance, it put a new perspective on time and motion for me, along with a delight in understanding the centrality of foot washing.

What has always been a comfortably seated trip, covering 20 or so songs on the radio mixed in with a bit of news, took on a whole new dimension.

Although I have driven this highway many times, even the scenery somehow was different when viewed step by step.

The sounds of birds, the curious and focused stares of cattle and horses, the roar of traffic, the stillness, the measurably visible growth of budding leaves, the amazing amount of broken bungee cords in the ditch and many other things are not noticeable at 100 kilometres per hour.

On top of this, the camaraderie, the exceptional lunches and the glorious weather all combined to make an unforgettable week on the road.

A 90-minute trip through such a distance cannot possibly offer what a slowed down pace can.

Such a thought occurred to

New Qu’Appelle Council members

Mary Ann Boote appointed Executive Archdeacon

Rev. Alex Parsons and Bishop Tom Morgan on the road again somewhere between Prince Albert and Saskatoon, as they take part in day 5 of the Diocese of Saskatoon’s Cathedral Capitol Campaign Walk-a-Thon.

Photo – Heather Punshon me more than once as I walked along a road rapidly becoming less about pavement and more about joy.

I felt so alive in the sun, giving thanks to God for the day and being part of creation in a way I had not experienced.

It was as if I was going to Emmaus!

Although for a good chunk of the journey the pads of my feet burned more than Scriptures in my heart, revealed faith was very much at the centre of this enterprise.

So many people had given so much time and talent in bringing Bishop Tom’s idea of this walk to reality.

So many others, believing in the value of our cathedral, had given generously to support it through the efforts of the walkers.

Who knew that such sore feet could be so rewarding.

Stewardship of the sole in action!

There was something about this walk that was very special to me.

It was not just that it was highly successful financially, or that it was my first time of participating in such a project,

or that it was on TV – for it was all this.

Rather, it was a deep feeling that this was indeed a blessed event, the ripples of which perhaps are more profound than we could ask or imagine. Who knows?

Many of those who drove by us on the road noticed something good was happening here.

Some stopped to ask questions, others offered support, while several were so engaged in viewing us they regrettably nearly caused accidents.

Yet the waves, honks and the commentary showed again and again that we were not an ignored or unwanted phenomenon.

In an age where public expressions of faith are so often frowned upon and the rush of life often seems to excuse us from reflecting anyway, it was unbelievably refreshing to see the oldest method of evangelism still reaches out.

A simple walk from town to town greeting those we meet in the name of the Lord.

Praise be to God.

Rev. Mary Ann Boote has been appointed Executive Archdeacon/Assistant to the Bishop, effective August 1.

Archdeacon Boote comes to this position as a priest whose passion is the life and growth of the church. She has served congregations in four different dioceses, some large and a single point and some small and very rural.

Her training before ordination included education and counselling. She has also worked with an organization that housed and assisted those with physical and mental disabilities.

Since coming to the Diocese of Qu’Appelle in 2012, she has worked with Palliser Parish and also in congregational development.

Archdeacon Boote is married to Peter, who is also an Anglican priest in the diocese.

When not involved in ministry, she likes anything to do with fibres: knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving, sewing.

She also loves to garden organically and cook recipes from around the world. Children and grandchildren keep her well acquainted with Skype.

She says she is delighted to have the opportunity to begin this new ministry.

Says Boote, “The Diocese of Qu’Appelle is coming into a season of growth and vitality under the Mission Action Plan.

Taking part in the prayer and visioning, the teaching and encouragement that this position will entail is a deep joy to anticipate.”

Former Chair of Fellowship of the Maple Leaf dies An English priest with strong connections to the western Canadian church died recently.

Canon John Williams was secretary, later chairman, of the Fellowship of the Maple Leaf, which provided support to mission work in Canada.

It later evolved into a grant-giving body concerned to encourage mutual exchange between the churches in Britain and Canada. He was a frequent visitor to this country, especially within the Province of Rupert’s Land and the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad.

He and his wife, Jean, spent the first six months of his retirement in Canada, and after that came every two years.

He helped the Fellowship move from general financial support of the western Canadian church to a pattern of grants in aid of special, often innovative, projects.

Estevan youth wins provincial Legion poster contest Congratulations to Rebecca Duncan, who won first place in her age category in the Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Day Poster Contest. Rebecca, 8, attends St. Giles Estevan.

Her poster will now be judged at the Dominion level.

Long-time St. Giles member and Legion member, John Gulak, was one of the presenters at the local awards ceremony.

Centennial in Avonlea St. Peter’s Anglican Church Avonlea will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 20, with a service at 11 a.m.

Bishop Rob Hardwick will officiate, while a lunch will follow in the Avonlea community hall.

All former members and clergy are invited to join the congregation for this glorious celebration.

Please contact Phyllis Ridgway at (306) 868-4811 or Judy Jordan at (306) 868-4704, or e-mail Rev. Isabella Frank at victor.frank@sasktel.net, no later than Tuesday, Oct. 1.

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St. Paul’s Catheral’s new ‘cloister’ Construction crews at St. Paul’s Catheral in Regina recently began working on the area where the cathedral’s new “cloister” is to be built. The left picture shows how the site looks now, from a west-to-east direction, while the computer-generated picture at right shows what the area will look like once construction is completed in another year or so. The computer-generated picture is shown looking east-to-west. This new “cloister” will provide a space for people to enter the church from the northwest corner, while also allow for access from the offices and hall.

Photo at left – Margaret Ball; Photo at right – Courtesy Jim Melville

Avoid generalities by getting personal, relational with God

By Jason Antonio

REGINA – As Christians we need to get personal, relational and down to earth with God in order to avoid the “devil’s tool of abstraction”, which can negatively affect our prayer life.

Abstraction takes us from a personal to generalized state and can kill life, explained Moose Jaw incumbent Rev. Dean Pinter.

When we generalize something, we are then unable to relate to it.

“The point is, God is not an idea, a cause, a feeling, something abstract. God is a person, revealed primarily in Jesus.

“But we tend to move sometimes to reducing and generalizing God. That can happen easily,” Rev. Pinter added. “And one place it happens easiest is when we pray.

“Formality in prayer can kill God’s humanity and it can kill our prayer life. We are Anglicans. We have set prayers.

But when things become so familiar, we don’t pay attention…We can use set prayers, but we have to be careful they don’t become pious clichés.

“Let’s use set prayers, but let’s keep it personal.”

Getting personal and relational with God was just one of the themes from the Gospel

of Luke discussed on March 9 at All Saints in Regina.

The one-day seminar, led by Rev. Dean Pinter, was put on by the Qu’Appelle School for Mission and Ministry.

Rev. Pinter, who holds a university doctorate, was a professor for 16 years before

becoming a priest.

As part of the session, Rev. Pinter focused on Luke 11:1-13, where Jesus instructs His disciples on how to pray. This is actually the only area in Luke where the disciples ask Jesus to teach them.

Jesus gives His disciples 38

words on how to pray. What the disciples wanted was a relationship with God just like the one they saw that Jesus had.

After telling them how to pray, Jesus connects it with a parable about a friend (11:5-8) needing help, before bringing His teaching full circle back to

the Father (11:11-13).

Thus the structure is Father in heaven/friend/Father.

“These are personal, relational addresses,” explained Rev. Pinter.

“Jesus emphasizes this aspect of prayer versus it being (something) abstract.”

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A history of the Liturgy of the Hours

By Jason Antonio LUMSDEN (Qu’A) – As part of a prayer retreat at St. Michael’s Retreat Centre, participants were taught a number of ways to prayer, including using the Liturgy of the Hours.

The following is a short history of this type of prayer.

Liturgy of the Hours has a history thousands of years in the making.

We inherited the practice of praying the Psalms from Judaism, as the Christian forefathers were of Jewish heritage and background. (1 Thess. 5:16-18; Eph. 6:18; Acts 3:1, 10:9) “It gives me a greater sense, that when I pray the Liturgy of the Hours, that it is something that has lasted over thousands of years,” Friar Gerry Clyne

said. “I am participating in an unbroken, continuous stream of prayer.”

When the Jews were in Babylonian exile and didn’t have the Temple to use, synagogues were established, which revolved around reading the Torah and singing songs.

Even when the Temple was rebuilt, synagogue worship and services continued, especially for people who lived far away.

As Christians, we also read that Jesus visited the Temple a couple times per year.

He would have been familiar with this type of worship.

Jesus is the fulfillment of the Scriptures and is the fulfillment of all the ideals, ideas, hopes and joys of the Psalms, which run the “whole gamut” of human emotion.

“Only Jesus could pray the

“Only Jesus could pray the Psalms with complete sincerity because only He could live up completely to their words.”

– Friar Gerry Clyne Psalms with complete sincerity because only He could live up completely to their words,” Klyne explained.

During the Roman Empire, Jews and Christians adopted the hours of the Roman business day and timed their prayers to those hours.

For example, when a bell rang, people prayed at 3 a.m., 6 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m. and

6 p.m. Correspondingly, these times were called Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sect, None and Vespers (Compline).

Books were soon written to contain this information.

In the Middle Ages, as parishes grew away from the Cathedrals, a more concise way of arranging the Hours was needed, so the Breviary was established.

But that too began to grow into something larger.

As the Hours further developed, they no longer became the common prayer of the people, who instead became passive listeners.

Since the Hours were in books, people needed to be able to read and understand Latin.

Then the Hours fell out of use, aside from monks, nuns and priests.

In 1552 AD, the Anglican Book of Common Prayer was published, which contained the morning and evening prayers.

It was also the first presentation of the Liturgy of the Hours in English.

The Anglican tradition further developed the Hours and restored this form of worship to the lay people in congregational worship.

The BCP combined the Hours, combining Lauds, Morning Prayer with Prime into one.

The BCP also combined Vespers and Compline into one. Scripture readings and the homily were then added.

When the Book of Alternative Services was published in 1985, it made another update to the Liturgy of the Hours.

A hundred years of history at Holy Trinity, Ogema

By Rev. Isabella Frank OGEMA (Qu’A) – Missionary work began in Ogema with the arrival of the CPR in 1911.

In August 1911, the first service was conducted by Rev. W.J.H. McLean, a member of the Prairie Brotherhood, in a tent; worship was then held on the ground floor of a store.

Lots 9 and 10, block 6, were purchased for the building of a stone church to seat 100 people, but difficulty in raising funds eventually led the congregation to erect a wooden structure which still stands today.

The church building, Holy Trinity, was opened on Oct. 27, 1912. Gust Brunstrom got the tender for building the church at the cost of $250. The lumber was hauled from Rouleau.

Around the same time a small vicarage was completed and the stable purchased for the sum of $30 from the Brotherhood. The first resident priest was Rev. H.E. Moxon.

Holy Trinity, Ogema, was finally dedicated by Bishop Malcolm Harding in 1916, in a service which included confirmation.

Rev. H. Creal started a Sunday School in 1916 as well as adding two more rooms to the vicarage. The Woman’s Auxiliary and the Junior Auxiliary were also organized

by Rev. Creal.

In July 1929, a bell donated by the CPR for the belfry was added to Holy Trinity Church. A special service was held in 1937 honouring the Coronation of King George VI. Beginning in 1938, the vans of the Sunday School by Post began working in the parish.

Throughout the 1930s and into the Second World War, the

prosperity of the parish suffered 30 names were dedicated. greatly from drought and then On April 29, 1944, a service from the consequences of the for the burning of the mortgage war. was held.

Through the hard work and Rev. John J. Scandrett served perseverance of successive as the incumbent from 1944 incumbents and parishioners, until 1951. the spiritual well-being of the During this time a new parish gradually lifted, which vicarage was built under the in turn led to financial and guidance of a member of the property improvements. congregation, George Howe.

Rev. William Once again Ecumenical Tingey, who the building was in charge, was all done worship is now travelled many by volunteer playing a large miles, taking workers. four or five During the part within this services on a latter part of community, with regular Sunday. the 1950s, the congregation of Nellie Cox, a As these services took St. Luke’s Lutheran well respected places, the member, died Church Canada and and left a trust attendance and enthusiasm vthe Ogema United fund to Holy continually grew.

Trinity.

Church joining An Anglican This trust Anglicans for special fund provided Young People group was worship services and money for the organized under raising of the working together to church to have the guidance of Father Tingey further the kingdom a concrete as well a Girl’s put of God within this foundation Auxiliary in under it. community.

1942.

The entrance A special was changed memorial service was held in from the west side of the Holy Trinity in memory of two building to the north side, and boys who were killed at sea extended along the width of the while on duty serving their King church to make a larger entrance and Country during the Second and a vestibule, just as it looks World War: Dunsmore Smith today. and Stanley Wood. May their In 1960, when the old pump souls rest in peace. organ began to show its age, During 1944 all the church more of the trust fund was debts were paid off by the used to purchase a Hammond hard working members of Extravoice electric organ. the congregation and their This was replaced by a incumbents.

Kawai electric piano in 2009, It was during this year that when repair parts could no an Honour Roll was dedicated longer be purchased. at Holy Trinity in memory of The interior of the church those who gave their ultimate was redone with a red velvet during the war years; a total of hanging added to the sanctuary;

pews replaced the chairs and Bengough, Dahinda, Milestone, natural gas eventually replaced Ogema and Truax. the oil burner and propane This large parish was served furnaces. by clergy living in Avonlea.

Carpet was laid throughout The parish now consists the interior and a new altar was of Avonlea and Ogema with built by John Leonard, Jr. The the parish incumbent living altar now stands out from the in Ogema; the remaining five wall rather than right against it, congregations closed their doors so that the celebrant faces the due to circumstances of the congregation. times.

Times changed This saw from strictly a the decline in It was during man-oriented the Anglican [1944] that an church to include population as Honour Roll was members grew women on the vestry, to serve dedicated at Holy older and were as wardens and not able to Trinity in to be ordained as keep their local memory of those priests. This was churches going. due to a change The churches who gave their in the Anglican of Dahinda and ultimate during the canons.

Truax are now war years; a total located in the Another change was the of 30 names were local museums Anglican Church of Deep South dedicated. was now part Pioneer Museum of the Anglican and the Avonlea Church of Canada rather Museum, respectively. St. than the Anglican Church of Boniface, Amulet, is located on England. the Weyburn Museum grounds.

During the course of its During the late 1990s, it lifetime, the congregation of was difficult to hire seminaryHoly Trinity has had various trained priests to serve in outother Anglican congregations as lying rural congregations, and a big part of its parish; namely, after much discussion within Amulet, Bengough, Dahinda the diocese, it was agreed to and Ogema, with services also set up a committee on ordained being held at Adell and Medora ministry, which resulted in local schools; villages of Viceroy and members being lifted up by their Harptree. respective congregations to train Demographics were for local ordination. changing, boundaries of Ecumenical worship is now deaneries within the diocese playing a large part within this became larger and this caused community. a decline in programs, with the The congregation of St. challenge of getting from one Luke’s Lutheran Church Canada side of the deanery to the other. and the Ogema United Church On Jan. 1, 1970, the joining Anglicans for special congregation became part of the worship services and working parish now known as the Parish together to further the kingdom of the Good Shepherd, which of God within this community. included Avonlea, Amulet,

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Talking with God involves many types of prayers

By Jason Antonio

Celebrating a successful walk At the end of the Cathedral Walk-a-thon, the walkers were met by an enthusiastic crowd at the cathedral in Saskatoon for a barbecue. As part of the celebration and to symbolize the completion of the 140-kilometre walk, Bishop Tom Morgan (retired) cut a celebratory cake.

Bishop David Irving stands to the left of Bishop Morgan, while the Walk-a-thon’s police escort stand immediately behind them.

Photo – Joan Irving

Weekend for laity retreat – a ‘bucket list’ experience

By Shirley Santo KIPLING (Qu’A) – Have you ever wanted to attend an event for about 20 years and it was finally accomplished or the time was right?

You know, one of those things on your “bucket list”?

Those two things happened for me at the Weekend for Laity at St. Michael’s Retreat, on the first weekend of April.

To be greeted at the door

by Rev. Catherine Harper was marvelous.

She was like a bright beacon after white-knuckle driving (thanks to my sister in Christ, Donna) through a dreadful Saskatchewan blizzard.

I just knew everything was going to be great.

After the orientation session on Friday evening, and hearing people say how long they had been attending this same event for 25, 20, down to one or two years, I was filled with more anticipation.

Then we were told there would be silence until after the wind-up session at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Whoa!

Could I do this, silence for that long?

Then the Holy Spirit moved; how could He not in such an absolutely beautiful place and how could one not help but feel Him? I settled in.

Never in my wildest dreams have I ever fallen into such beautiful peace and quiet.

Prayer, rest, reading and meditation were interspersed with teachings, meals and refreshments as you wished.

Then worship, Eucharist on Saturday and Sunday morning and Compline on Friday and Saturday evening.

There was time for prayers for healing after the Eucharist and the chaplain was available at other times.

The addresses on the theme, “The Parables and The Kingdom”, stirred the desire to look further and meditate on them.

Friar Gerry Clyne and Rev. Harper made you think about the parables in the here-andnow, as well as when they were written.

I could go on and on. Such spiritual and physical healing in what seemed like one short weekend.

Thank you to organizers Lorraine Hardwick and Joanne Shurvin-Martin, Chaplain

Rev. Mary Ann Boote and each and every person who was responsible for some part in this retreat.

What could one ask for more on a stormy, Saskatchewan weekend?

If you have never attended “The Weekend for Laity” you don’t know what you are missing and I highly recommend it.

I was going to cross it off my “bucket list,” but I haven’t; I am going back next year.

The next Diocese of Qu’Appelle Lay Retreat will be held March 28-30, 2014.

A wooden carving of St. Francis of Assisi stands at the entry of St. Michael’s Retreat Centre.

St. Francis holds a cross, which symbolizes life, and is held higher than the skull, which symbolizes death. Photo – Joanne Shurvin-Martin

LUMSDEN (Qu’A) – Knowing different ways to worship and pray to God can help us grow and deepen our relationship with Him, as both actions are a dialogue that involves listening and speaking with the heart.

Learning different ways to pray was the goal of a retreat entitled “Seven Ways to Pray: From Conversation to Communion.” The retreat was held at St. Michael’s Retreat Centre near Lumsden. Three types of prayer discussed included: Oratio (or-rat-zio) – which is prayer, or out-loud conversation, where we hold up our prayers to God and what we’ve learned; Lectio (lec-tee-o) – the root of the word meaning Lecturn; it is careful reading and being attentive to that small, still voice; this is combined with Meditatio (med-ih-tat-zio), which is meditation, pondering or ruminating on the words we have read in the Bible; Contemplatio (con-tem-platzio) – going beyond words and trying to have inner stillness to feel/sense God’s presence; it is resting in God’s word.

Four other forms of prayer discussed included: Liturgy of the Hours; Prayer Walk Stations; The Labyrinth; and Music/Singing/Chanting.

The Centre also has five Prayer Walk Stations, which are locations spread out in a small area near the retreat centre.

The first prayer station is the “Peace Prayer,” inspired

by St. Francis of Assisi. The second prayer station is “The Canticle of Brother Sun,” by St. Francis. Prayer station three is the “Prayer for Serenity.”

Prayer station four is the “Five Mysteries of Light.” Prayer station five is “Morning has Broken” by Eleanor Farjeon.

These five prayers can be found on the next few pages.

There are Christian, spiritual aspects to walking the Prayer Stations, as it is done with the purpose of entering into communion with God. You can apply these aspects while reading each of the prayers. To do so, it is recommended you: Find a comfortable position; read the prayer a few of times; sit with the phrase that draws your attention and allow it to speak to you; savour and store in your mind the prayers to encourage you when challenges arise.

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Prayer Stations at St. Michael’s Retreat Centre The Peace Prayer of St. Francis

The Canticle of the Sun

By Francis of Assisi

By an anonymous Norman 1915 A.D. Peace Prayer Lord make me an instrument of your peace Where there is hatred, Let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is error, truth; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, Joy. O Divine Master grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled As to console; To be understood, as to understand; To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Prayer of Serenity

Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honour, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.

Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he

Amen.

“The rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christ-centred prayer.”

– Pope John Paul II Mary lived with her eyes fixed on Christ, treasuring His every word. (Luke 2:19,57) Baptism in the Jordan Here Christ descends into the waters, the innocent One who became “sin” for our sake (2 Cor. 5:21), where a voice comes from the heavens: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

The Spirit descends on Christ to invest Him with the mission He is to carry out.

Wedding Feast at Cana Jesus changes the water into wine and the steward says, “You have saved the best till now.”

(John 2:10-11).

This, the first of His signs, opens the hearts of His

By Eleanor Farjeon

Sweet the rain’s new fall, sunlit from heaven Like the first dewfall, on the first grass Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden Sprung in completeness where His feet pass.

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning Born of the one light, Eden saw play Praise with elation, praise every morning God’s recreation of the new day.

who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.

Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them.

Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve Him with great humility.

disciples to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary, the first among believers. Christ’s glory is revealed.

Proclamation of the Reign of God Jesus proclaims the coming of the kingdom of God, calls to conversion (Mark 1:15) and forgives the sin of all who draw near to Him in humble trust (Mark 2:3-13, Luke 7:47-48); the inauguration of the ministry of many, which He continues to exercise until the end of the world (John 20:21-22).

The Transfiguration “About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.

“Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.

“Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.

“As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’

(He did not know what he was saying.) “ While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.’

“When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was

alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen” (Luke 9:28-36).

The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished apostles to ‘listen to Him’ and to prepare to experience with Him the agony of the Passion, so as to come with Him to the joy of the Resurrection and a life transfigured by the Holy Spirit.

The Sacrificial Meal Christ offers His body and blood as food under the forms of bread and wine and testifies ‘to the end’ His love for humanity.

“It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” (John 13:1).

A place to grow: St. Mary’s, Regina

Morning has broken Morning has broken, like the first morning Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird Praise for the singing, praise for the morning Praise for them springing fresh from the Word.

precious, and pure.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those

Five Mysteries of Light

By Reinhold Niebuhr God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can;and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next.

is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.

Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance.

Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and

By Sharon Pratchler “...ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you...Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being” (Job 12:8).

REGINA – Under the leadership of vestry and rector Rev. Claude Schoeder, St. Mary’s, Regina, is growing in many creative and innovative ways.

Earlier innovations have included the introduction of Godly Play and Messy Church events, as well as a culture of permission. The latest innovation is a church garden and through it, a new way to engage with community and carry out various ministries.

The garden has been on the

church property for a number of years, but has been used exclusively by the Prairie Sky School until this year.

With the school moving to a new location, the garden was made available for use by the parish. Exploring the use of the garden is part of an overall goal to use the church yard as a visible extension of ministries in the community.

The concept for the garden this year is “A Place to Grow.”

The garden is divided into four quadrants, each representing a ministry within the church: 1. For Prairie Sky School (until they move to their new location) – community engagement; 2. For community outreach – growing carrots, beets, radishes, corn, rutabaga and turnips for a

local soup kitchen; 3. For the congregation – to provide fresh herbs, lettuce, swiss chard and kale for the congregation on Sunday mornings; 4. For the children – to provide a pizza garden for the children to grow onions, basil, tomatoes, squash and oregano.

After church on Sunday, June 2, the people of St. Mary planted their church garden.

The children, with their parents, marked out the pizza garden with rocks and filled in each section with plants. They also planted beans and peas around poles, for climbing.

After the planting was complete, the congregation enjoyed a picnic on the church lawn with veggie pizza and fresh fruit and vegetables.

St. Mary’s will be conducting the children’s worship outside

for a portion of the summer, using the Sunday school unit from the A Rocha website entitled “Dig God’s Earth” at www.arocha.org/gb-en/10755DSY.html.

Planting the garden drew interest from people passing by and church neighbours, providing another avenue for interaction with them.

The sign at the front of the garden outlines what each portion of the garden is for and what is planted there.

The congregation looks forward to gathering the produce from the garden and sharing it with church members and others in the community.

They also look forward to the lessons which the garden will provide as it grows, while they value the opportunity to participate as stewards in its development and growth.

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St. Paul’s Cathedral continues 25-year tradition

By Linda Kapasky REGINA – St. Paul’s Cathedral celebrated its 25th annual Strawberry Fair on May 4, both inside and outside the cathedral.

The inside of the cathedral was creatively reconfigured to house various market stalls.

Visitors enjoyed the many wares in the market – teacup candles, jewellery, books, deli items, homemade baking, Welsh cakes, face painting and crafts (stained glass boxes, tea cosies, handmade coasters and trivets to mention a few).

Not only were the visitors able to wander through the stalls, they had time to enjoy the ambiance of the cathedral.

Several local artists generously donated pieces of art for the first Silent Art Auction.

Some of the items were stained glass window panels, water colour paintings and a hand-crafted bed quilt.

Visitors also enjoyed time in the outdoor sidewalk café, which offered beverages, strawberry muffins, chocolatedipped strawberries, hot dogs and back bacon on a bun.

Still the main attraction to the Fair was the strawberries. As usual, the lineups started early.

People arrived on foot and in cars to be loaded up with flats of farm-fresh California strawberries. The crop this year was delicious!

This year the cathedral also sold strawberries at a stall at the Regina Farmer’s Market.

It was an opportunity to send people over to the Strawberry Fair.

Photo – Linda Kapasky

Fred Stephens: A modest man whose heart beat warm for friendship

By Glen Ridgway WEYBURN (Qu’A) – Fred was born in Regina in April 1941 and passed away April 6, 2013 in the Weyburn General Hospital after a couragous battle with cancer.

At the time of his death he was surrounded by his wife of 26 years, Carmen, and his family who loved him dearly.

Fred attended Central Collegiate in Regina, followed by completing his BA at the University of Saskatchewan.

He started his adult working life with the RCAF, first stationed in Brandon, Man., and Portage la Prairie, Man., before moving back to Regina where he worked in different government positions for several years. Fred was an entrepreneur who enjoyed many different opportunities.

He and Carmen opened a successful craft store in Yellow Grass, Sask., in 1993.

He loved the years he and Carmen travelled around to many different craft shows and personal homes, meeting many people and selling their beautiful crafts that decorated many homes in the prairies.

In the 2000s they moved to Weyburn where Fred was employed by a law firm.

He was involved in many activities in Weyburn, such as the Mental Health Association, as well as strong leadership in All Saints Anglican Church, including chair of vestry, synod delegate and managing editor of the Saskatchewan Anglican.

Fred became a Master Mason in 1963, served as the Worshipful Master of King Hiram Lodge in Regina and

Fred Stephens joined the Latomia-Weyburn Lodge in 2009, where he sat as Worshipful Master in 2010–11.

At the time of his passing he was the District deputy grand master of District #6. He also spent many years volunteering with Job’s Daughters.

Fred was a man who quietly and modestly moved in the sphere of his life, who without blemish fulfilled his duties as a man, a husband and a father; whose heart beat warm for friendship and who lived respected and died regretted.

A celebration of Fred’s life was held on April 13 at All Saints in Weyburn, with Rev. Catherine Harper officiating.

Rev. Catherine Harper – former incumbent All Saints (Weyburn) Fred and his wife Carmen came to All Saints, Weyburn about eight years ago. The parish organized a special evening meal to welcome them. Several invitations were extended. Fred and Carmen accepted and as they say, the rest is history.

The Stephens had not been a regular part of a worshipping community for some time and

thought it was time to reconnect.

They came that November night and never left.

Fred developed a deep love for the church and for God. He started by attending worship and joining the Bible study. It was not long before he became part of the worship committee, the outreach committee and vestry.

Fred loved music and had a good voice, so he became part of the song leading team.

It was at All Saints that Fred made a commitment to the Anglican Church by being confirmed. He was certainly strengthened by the Spirit, for he attested to a spiritual renewal some time previous to the confirmation date. He had an encounter with the risen Lord.

It was a pleasure to have known him and a true honour to have played a part in his spiritual life, to have had the privilege of journeying with him along the path of faith.

He often said I was a blessing to him. I can truly say he was a blessing to me.

Weneen Georgeson – Music Director – All Saints (Weyburn) Fred loved to sing. He had a great voice and was a faithful member of the Worship Team for many years. He was always ways ready to help in any way.

We will miss him as part of our parish and Worship Team.

Rev. Isabella Frank – Souris Deanery Working with Fred in the southeast region was very rewarding for me. A ‘gentle’ man of knowledge, experience, understanding, compassion and wit, he was very much

appreciated in carrying on the work of the church in this large region of Qu’Appelle.

I was fortunate to get to know Fred when he became part of the group of Anglicans that met roughly four times a year, to talk about what was happening in our area of the southeast.

He was always willing to lend his support and expertise to any project or discussion. Fred was truly a dedicated member of the church and a true friend. I will miss him, but I will always remember his smiling face.

Rev. Martin Olson – Pastor, Zion Lutheran Church (Weyburn) The privilege of being a pastor at Zion Lutheran Church is enhanced by the partnership with All Saints Anglican Parish.

For the past eight years, a big part of that partnership was the joy of serving with Fred Stephens, one of her members.

He helped in so many ways.

We shared Lenten services and he would lead some of them in All Saints. He and Carmen helped with the Anglican-Lutheran Communion in nursing /care homes. When speaking with someone else, I suggested I saw Fred as a fellow pastor or minister.

Fred’s ecumenism and partnership is shown in the honour granted that he insisted the new bishop meet me.

Since All Saints does not have a resident priest, it was an honour, albeit one I would rather not have had to fulfill, to be asked to serve Fred, visiting, praying and celebrating the Eucharist, as he was in the hospital. The inspiration and friendship he gave will long be

remembered.

Debbie Hubick – Church Warden, All Saints (Weyburn) Fred was a quiet, sensitive man who had many God-given talents he freely shared with those around him. He had a way with words which he used with great skill and care as editor of the Saskatchewan Anglican, as a lay preacher and as an intercessor and vestry chair.

Fred could use words to fire you up, or calm you down, to show care and compassion for those around him. He was a true leader in every sense of the word. He didn’t do the work for any kind of glory, but because he saw a need and filled it.

He was generous with his time and talents, willing to share his insights and knowledge and to help out with tasks that needed done. Fred supported and encouraged all around him to use their gifts and talents.

He was a friend and mentor who encouraged me and vestry to ‘think outside the box’ and do our best, as the best was what we owed God and each other.

He shouldered the administrative duties of the parish with skill and devotion to the church. He truly believed God was with him and with us in all we do. Indeed, every e-mail he sent used this quote: “The task ahead of us is never as big as the power behind us...”

Whenever I think of Fred, I think of these words in Matthew 25:23 (NIV): “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”

16

The Saskatchewan Anglican

June/Summer 2013

Going up!

A crane lifts into place roof trusses that will help form the new parish hall for St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Regina, during a productive day at the worksite on June 17. The new parish hall project has been going on for more than 10 months and it is expected the new parish hall will be opened in about a year’s time.

Photo – Jason Antonio

Pentecost service celebrates Anglican-Roman Catholic Covenant

By Joanne Shurvin-Martin

Bishop Rob Hardwick (left) and Roman Catholic Archbishop Daniel Bohan chat with people after the joint service of Vespers on Pentecost Sunday. The joint Anglican-Roman Catholic service was one of the activities both dioceses pledged to do as part of the Covenant signed in 2011.

Photo – Joanne Shurvin-Martin

REGINA – A joyous Pentecost service was held May 19 in Regina between the Anglican and Roman Catholic communities.

“Amazing things happen when we pray and work together,” said Bishop Rob Hardwick, at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church.

“No one parish, no one diocese, no one denomination can do all the mission work required in the world.”

Bishop Hardwick quoted the Canadian comedian he described as “that modern evangelist, Red Green, ‘We are in this together.’”

About 150 people attended the third joint prayer service between the Diocese of Qu’Appelle and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina.

“Amazing things happen when we pray and work together. No one parish, no one diocese, no one denomination can do all the mission work required in the world.”

– Bishop Rob Hardwick The annual joint service is one of the activities and events the two dioceses pledged to do together in their Covenant, signed in January 2011.

In his concluding remarks, Roman Catholic Archbishop Daniel Bohan also spoke of the mission of the church.

“In our common baptism, we were given the mission of spreading the gospel,” he said. “We cannot carry out this mission if we are fragmented.”

Deacon Michael Jackson

read a progress report from the Anglican-Roman Catholic Covenant Implementation Committee.

He and Susan Klein, ecumenical officer for the Archdiocese of Regina, co-chair the committee.

The report highlighted exchanges and joint services held in parishes throughout southern Saskatchewan, study groups and Advent and Lenten programs.

It noted Bishop Hardwick’s ordination to the episcopate took part in Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in March.

This year’s joint prayer service was Vespers and included the chanting of psalms, canticles and the Lord’s Prayer.

Clergy and lay people from both churches read Scriptures and led the intercessions.