The Saskatchewan Anglican, Sept. 2012

Saskatchewan Ce leb rat ing 197 2 to

The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal • September 2012

40 yea rs–

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anglican

Bishop Kerr-Wilson elected bishop of Calgary

By Tim Christison (The Sower) and Jason Antonio (Saskatchewan Anglican)

Bishop Lydia Mamakwa (at right) prays over bishop-elect Adam Halkett, after Halkett was named the new – and first ever – diocesan indigenous bishop for the Diocese of Saskatchewan. Halkett’s family stands in the background. Bishop Halkett will work alongside diocesan Bishop Michael Hawkins.

Photos (this page and page 4) – Mary Brown

Saskatchewan elects first diocesan indigenous bishop

By Anglican Journal staff PRINCE ALBERT – The Diocese of Saskatchewan has made history once again.

The Ven. Adam Halkett, archdeacon of Saskatchewan and priest-in-charge at St. Joseph’s, Montreal Lake First Nation, has been elected the first diocesan indigenous bishop of Saskatchewan.

He was chosen July 28 by the diocese’s general assembly in Prince Albert.

In 1988, the diocese elected the first aboriginal bishop in Canada, Charles Arthurson, who served as suffragan bishop from 1989 to 2008. As the diocesan indigenous bishop, Bishop-elect Halkett will work in a collegial manner alongside the diocesan bishop, Michael Hawkins.

The election and consecration of a diocesan indigenous bishop is part of Mamuwe Isi Mywachimowin (“Together in the Gospel”), a proposal adopted by

the indigenous council and executive committee of Saskatchewan and approved by the metropolitan and executive committee of the province of Rupert’s Land in 2011.

“It’s wonderful to see the vision of the elders fulfilled,” said Bishop-elect Halkett. “The healing journey with the elders, the youth and the whole church continues mamuwe.”

The council of elders nominated Archdeacon Halkett along with two other candidates: Canon Park Buck and Rev. Beryl Whitecap, who withdrew her name before the assembly met. The election was held in a traditional manner, with delegates lining up behind their preferred nominees.

As a sign of the new healing and new beginnings undertaken by the diocese, the assembly took place at the Senator Allen Bird Memorial Gym – on the very site of the former Prince Albert-All Saints Indian Residential School.

“This is another example of the new and creative ways that the Spirit is leading us on our journey of healing and reconciliation in the Council of the North,” said Archbishop David Ashdown, metropolitan of the Province of Rupert’s Land.

Added Bishop Michael Hawkins of the Diocese of Saskatchewan: “This general assembly was a profound experience of gospel healing and unity. I look forward to working and walking alongside Adam, together in the gospel.”

Bishop Hawkins also acknowledged the elders who made the nominations: “The council has been a tremendous source of wisdom and encouragement to me and the diocese.”

He noted that the assembly also elected a new indigenous council. “With a new bishop, council of elders and indigenous council, we are well-equipped (Continued on page 4)

CALGARY – The selfdescribed “conservative, liberal, evangelical, charismatic catholic Anglican” Greg Kerr-Wilson was elected the ninth bishop for the Diocese of Calgary on June 16.

In the first-ever electronic Episcopal election held in the Diocese of Calgary, 48 clergy and 113 lay Synod delegates were unable to present the required 50 per cent plus one votes in both houses after seven ballots.

The first ballot of the election was declared open at 11:25 a.m.

After the first ballot, candidate Iain Luke was eliminated, as he had less than 20 per cent of the votes cast. Other candidates Gene Packwood and Richard LeSueur then withdrew. That left Ansley Tucker and Kerr-Wilson remaining on the ballot.

After the seventh ballot, chair of the electoral Synod, Archbishop David Ashdown, Metropolitan of Rupert’s Land, used the provincial canons to declare the election of Bishop Kerr-Wilson. The canons require

that if there is still a deadlock with only two on the ballot after the sixth ballot, the aggregation process takes over if there have been no successful resolutions to institute three other options.

Those options included: starting over and holding another election in six months; re-doing the ballot and starting again with the five candidates originally listed; or sending the results to the Electoral College for it to declare the next bishop.

After declaring that Gregory Kerr-Wilson was the new bishop, Archbishop Ashdown called the bishop-elect just after 3 p.m. to ask if he would accept the decision of the Calgary Synod and become that diocese’s new bishop.

Bishop Kerr-Wilson, who was in the midst of a diocesan council meeting but had been receiving text messages and calls about the election throughout the day, accepted the position.

To see the results of the election, visit www.calgary.anglican. ca/Synod/2012-Special/ VotingResults.pdf Greg Kerr-Wilson was the (Continued on page 8)

BCP turns 350 years old!

By Trevor Grundy, ENInews/Anglican Communion News Service “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.”

“All the deceits of the world, the flesh and the devil.” “Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest.”

Shakespeare? The King James Bible? Close – the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, the liturgical and literary masterpiece that (next to the previous two sources) has helped shape the English language and marks its 350th anniversary this year.

St. Paul’s Cathedral in London celebrated the occasion in May with a special service of evensong, or evening prayer, from the 1662 volume, often shortened to the BCP or Prayer Book.

Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams attended, along with members of Prayer Book societies

in Australia, Canada and the U.K. who are dedicated to keeping the work alive.

“I hope and pray that people in Britain and around the Englishspeaking world realize the importance of this great work,” Prudence Dailey, chair of the Prayer Book Society in the U.K., told ENInews.

The service is the flagship of a nationwide series of events that includes an exhibit at Lambeth Palace Library that also acknowledges the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, looking at the relationship between the monarchy and the Prayer Book.

It includes a copy of the first Prayer Book, published in 1549, and the copy used at Queen Victoria’s wedding.

The anniversary actually refers (Continued on page 4)

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

September 2012

Being asleep to sin can be deadly Why do we need to repent of our sins?

By Rev. Shawn Sanford Beck SASKATOON – Usually, sleep is good. There are times, however, when sleeping can be deadly.

Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, I learned early on that you always have to be extra careful on the grid roads. There could be tractors, wildlife, dirt bikes, huge pothole, loose gravel, or any number of other things for which to look out. And in our case, we had to watch out for our neighbour.

I don’t know if it was just that he was up too early milking his cows, or if he had some form of sleep apnea, but it was a regular occurrence for him to fall asleep at the wheel while driving.

As you can imagine, this was a huge risk to himself and to anyone else who happened to be on the road at the time. More than once, he was saved by a shout from his wife in the passenger seat beside him: “WAKE UP!!!”

They were a good Baptist family, but I sometimes wonder if there weren’t a few more words from his wife, to go along with the wakeup call.

In many ways, this whole

dangerous dilemma is a good we DO. And to some extent that metaphor for the power of sin in is true. our lives. Sin is like my However, each act of sin, neighbour’s sleep problem. Most regardless of its moral “size”, of the time, sin springs from an just sneaks up on So yes, of course it is inner state of us, and we don’t sin. really know it is important for us to “repent Before it coming. We fall of our sins”. But the reality becomes an into sin, like fall- is that it is not such an easy action, sin is a ing asleep. thing to do. We can’t just condition. It is Once in the decide to repent, any more not something sleep of sin, we we have much than we can decide to wake power over… live in a dream world, unaware up from a deep sleep. We sort of like the have to be woken. that the real lack of control world is passing The power of repentance we experience us by. is not from the strength of in our dreams.

Like falling As modern our will, it is rather a gift of citizens of westasleep at the God. wheel, the stupor ern society, we of sin can be like to think that extremely dangerous to ourselves we have “free will”; but in many and to others. ways, our wills have been conAnd, most importantly in the ditioned by innumerable forces metaphor, we can only be woken beyond ourselves (the “powers from the sleep of sin by a voice and principalities”), and by the from outside ourselves, usually power of sin itself (see Romans shouting “Wake up!” (Sometimes 7:14-20). accompanied by a slap upside the Another of our modern head). falsehoods is that sin is primarily By now, some of you may be individual. And yes, it is true, as becoming slightly uncomfortable individuals we are indeed caught with this metaphor for sin. It is in the clutches of sin. But from a very passive. We usually think of biblical and theological sin in much more active terms, perspective, sin is also (and whereby sin is a verb, something perhaps primarily) collective and

social.

The residential school’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been demonstrating the extent to which the church was (and remains) caught up in the social sin of racism and oppression.

We have found ourselves asleep and caught in other evil dreams over the centuries as well, participating in patterns of collective sin such as slavery, sexism, homophobia, greed and ecocide. In the midst of such nightmares, it is hard to wake up.

So yes, of course it is important for us to “repent of our sins”. But the reality is that it is not such an easy thing to do.

We can’t just decide to repent, any more than we can decide to wake up from a deep sleep. We have to be woken.

The power of repentance is not from the strength of our will, it is rather a gift of God. “Sleeper awake! Rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you!”

(Ephesians 5:14b). We awaken to the Voice of Another, and our awakening is a gift.

As it was with my neighbor, hearing his wife’s call, and being delivered from destruction, so too are we saved by the Divine Call of the Holy One. Thanks be to God!

Repentance of our sins leads to a ‘renovation of our lives’

Success-oriented society says being a failure worse than being a ‘successful’ sinner

By Rev. Dell Bornowsky BIG COUNTRY PARISH (Qu’A) – Is repenting really necessary?

Perhaps a more progressive understanding of God’s love will show that the idea of repenting from sins is an old fashioned, outmoded and legalistic notion.

Bishop J. S. Spong suggests we don’t really need to be rescued

by Jesus because our problem is not that we are sinners, but only that we are not yet mature, since evolution is not finished with us yet (Why Christianity Must Change or Die).

If sin is not the problem, then repenting is not only unnecessary but also inappropriate, because it reveals misunderstandings of God’s love and of our spiritual condition.

Even more, if popular atheists such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens are right, repentance as a religious idea is actually dangerous to the public

welfare, since religion is largely forgiveness than merely being responsible for the mess the world “accepted as we are.” God’s is in. “acceptance” doesn’t mean However, it is precisely that change is not hoped for or the mess the world is in, and expected. the recognition of human God loves us as we are, and responsibility mothers love for much of Don’t you just hate it when their babies that mess, that someone seems to want to even if their indicates the diapers are dirty. ask your forgiveness but then reality of sin But it is and our need to makes it out to be your fault precisely the for taking offence? repent. love of mothers We need to Misconceptions about and of our repent from repenting include thinking heavenly Father sin(s) for the alike who that if I have sincere and knows we need same reasons we should stop any good intentions, then I don’t to be changed self-destructive need to repent because God and delivered behaviour. understands and accepts me out of the Saying assorted messes as I am. that I’m not we have made dead yet is not in our lives. justification for Jesus said continuing to take poison or drive only those who are sick need a the wrong way down a one-way doctor (Matt 9:12). street.

The irony implied was that Don’t you just hate it when those who refuse to admit their someone seems to want to ask sin-sickness will also refuse your forgiveness but then makes treatment. it out to be your fault for taking Most of us have become adept offence? at minimizing the seriousness of Misconceptions about our sin. repenting include thinking that if I We would rather call sins have sincere and good intentions, “mistakes”, and we even avoid then I don’t need to repent the term “failure”, because in our because God understands and success-oriented culture being a accepts me as I am. failure is perhaps even worse than However, there is more to being a successful sinner.

However sin means to miss the mark, even if we are trying to hit it, and biblical repentance means more than just saying “sorry.”

Repenting means turning, not just away from sin and self-righteousness, but also turning toward God to participate in the renovation of our lives.

The idea that our salvation consists of our “enlightenment” rather than in our repentance and forgiveness has been around longer than Christianity in various Hindu, Gnostic and Buddhist forms.

It may be argued from those sources to be a valid understanding of our human predicament.

What is more difficult to argue is that this is also the “real” message of Jesus. (Here I agree with Alan Watts against Bishop Spong even though Watts went from an Anglican to a Hindu/ Taoist worldview.)

We can think of the world as an amoral place where repentance is meaningless and hope for enlightenment.

Or we can accept the evidence that our sin is hurting us and turn to receive the forgiveness and transformation that God offers in Jesus Christ.

Which option do you think will be most helpful?

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

Published monthly except for July and August.

Whole No. 292, Vol. 41, No. 1 A Section of the Anglican Journal SUBSCRIPTIONS For change of address, undeliverable copies and subscription list updates, contact: • Your parish • e-mail: circulation @national.anglican.ca • Or send to Saskatchewan Anglican, c/o Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ont. M4Y 3G2

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SUBMISSIONS Submissions for the November issue must be recieved by the diocesan editor no later than Thursday, September 27.

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 wsmartin@accesscomm.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

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September 2012

Mission and evangelism are the ‘essence’ of the Church

(Editor’s note: Bishop Kerr-Wilson has been elected the new bishop for the Diocese of Calgary. He will be installed as that diocese’s new bishop at the end of September).

By Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson

REGINA – This will be my last column for the Saskatchewan Anglican as Bishop of Qu’Appelle.

It has truly been a privilege and a gift to serve here in Qu’Appelle and Saskatchewan and to work with and come to know many faithful Christian people, both in the diocese and beyond.

In the midst of a time of transition I am reminded of how little we truly know of what God’s plans are for each of us – or even for the future of the Church.

What lies ahead for us? What will the Church look like in Saskatchewan in the next decade or two? How will the unfolding of God’s work and will be fulfilled in our place and time?

We generally fall into the assumption that what we’ve known is what we will continue to know in our life as a church.

The particulars of God’s will are, however, often mysterious, and sometimes surprising – but always wholesome, right and good. I am also made more intensely aware of how transition times invite us to reflect upon what is most important for us; they invite us to take stock of who we are and what we are about.

Are we living into God’s declared reality that we “are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light”? (1 Peter 2:9) Can our life together be described, as Paul says, as “faith made effective through love”?

(Gal. 5:6)Is our life marked by the Great Commandment and our action by the Great Commission?

As a part of my reflection on this time of transition, I have looked back on what I wrote in my first year as bishop in the September 2006 edition of the Saskatchewan Anglican.

I offer these thoughts as a

reminder of one of the great challenges that continues to confront us: “Mission and evangelism are not, primarily, about our own survival in monetary or membership terms. They are the essence of what it means to be the Church. In the Nicene Creed we declare that we believe in ‘one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.’

“A large part of what it means to be apostolic is that we participate in the teaching and mission of the apostles – ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation’ (Mk. 16:15).

“Mission and evangelism are as central to being Christian as worship, prayer and study. But here is the really big news.

“Far from being an onerous task, mission and evangelism are a privilege and honour, a deep participation in the love of God for the world, as revealed in Jesus (for God so loved the world…).

“To engage in them is to share in God’s giving the greatest gift God has for the world, and all within it.

“We were created for this relationship of love with God in Christ; we cannot grow into the fullness of God’s image without it. To evangelize is to share with others the answer to their deepest need, and the fulfillment of their deepest longing.

“Of course, they may not know that – but then, as Paul has said, ‘How are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?’ (Rom. 10:9).”

May the presence of our risen Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit, continue to shape and transform us all as we seek to bear witness to God’s coming kingdom in the years ahead.

The Saskatchewan Anglican

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Sudanese bishop focuses on the ‘3Es’ understanding of disease transmission, mosquitos, malaria, as well as HIV. South Sudan has one of the highest rates of children dying and highest rates of women dying young.

Empowerment – Helping the people to see and undertake programs such as micro-finance.

Although they are poor, there is something they can do to affect their situation.

By Rev. Norbert Haukenfrers and Mary Brown PRINCE ALBERT – Bishop Dr. Anthony Dangasuk Poggo of Kajo Keji, South Sudan, visited the Diocese of Saskatchewan Synod Office on June 13.

Clergy and visitors from across the diocese attended the reception and talk. All of those attending the presentation would have left feeling grateful and happy to be living in such a country as Canada.

Their problems would have seemed trivial compared to the challenges for a bishop in South Sudan. The first five years of Bishop Poggo’s ministry as bishop were spent looking at infrastructure development.

There is a lack of job training and education in general. Seventy per cent of the clergy have no formal training and any training would be done with classes being taught under the trees.

Bishop Poggo is currently working on developing office space out of which to run the diocese. Half of his archdeacons do not have telephones so, of course, there is no e-mail either.

Communication is a huge challenge. In terms of actual geographical size, his diocese is the smallest, with a total population of 160,000 people, with 57 parishes and 45 miles (72

Bishop Anthony Poggo of Kajo Keji, South Sudan.

Photo – Mary Brown kilometres) between the furthest two points.

He is now putting announcements on the radio so that people can know what is going on in his diocese.

The bishop is currently working on what he likes to call the “3Es”. Those include: Evangelism (Luke 4:18) – You cannot just concentrate on salvation to go to heaven. You have to find ways to help the people in their current situations and challenges.

Education – It is important and key. Women without formal education will raise children ignorant of hygiene,

Even though some of the problems identified in Bishop Poggo’s talk can be seen on a much smaller scale in our own diocese, we do not live in a country: where hundreds of refugees have to flee from bombing attacks; where there is no water except for surface water in mud puddles or worse; where people are starving and scavenging for bugs and eating wild leaves; or where there is concern of a potential cholera outbreak.

The Chakam School of the Bible in Prince Albert has five projects underway in Kajo Keji County: Lire Comprehensive Vocation School, Micro Finance Agency for Single Women in Lire, Lulu Soap Manufacturing Business in Longira, Chakam’s Sub Campus in Lire and Lire Nursery School.

See www.worldoutreach.ca for more information.

Diocese of Saskatchewan: Announcements for September 2012 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, September submissions will be in the November issue).

Detailed and longer texts of events will not be included in this section but, should space allow, could be the subject of additional articles or notices elsewhere in the Saskatchewan Anglican.

Happenings at St. James’ with the Refinery: The “Re[de] fining Church” Service: 7 p.m.

Sunday; Refining Readers: meets one Wednesday evening a month; The St. James’ Farmers’ Market and International Bazaar: Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. International Drop-ins are held on the second Sunday of every month, 2-5 p.m. Also see www stjamesrefinery.org for more information.

Centennial celebrations at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Saskatoon: The Centennial Anniversary Weekend, September 7-9, will include: a reception to welcome former parishioners and guests and to recognize donors and partners; a pancake breakfast and fun day for kids; and choral evensong to be followed by a gala banquet.

The weekend will conclude with a service to re-dedicate the

cornerstone and install a new time capsule for the next 100 years.

Primate Fred Hiltz will participate in the re-dedication ceremony and he will also be guest speaker at the banquet.

Other provincial and municipal dignitaries have also been invited.

To obtain more information and/or tickets, please contact the Cathedral and also see the detailed announcement elsewhere in this issue.

Integrity/Saskatoon: Meetings are held at St. George’s, Saskatoon, on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Tom and Rose Rogers at (306) 373-5165 or Rev. Ann Marie Nicklin at (306) 381-9780 or benjie60@gmail.com.

For further information and to view related articles, links and photographs 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 South, 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.

A Healing Service with Anointing and Laying on of Hands is held on alternating basis monthly in the two Battle River Parishes. Please contact Rev. Peter Norman at (306) 445-4155 or by e-mail at stpaulnb@sasktel.net for dates and times.

Battleford TRC Hearings: The next Saskatchewan community TRC Hearings will be held in Battleford, at the Don Ross Centre, on Sept. 10 and 11.

All are welcome to come to share their story or listen.

Please note that the Diocese of Saskatoon’s gathering entitled “Outside The Walls, A Diocesan Gathering”, announced in our July issue as taking place from September 14-16, at Manitou Beach, Sask., has been cancelled.

Another diocesan gathering for 2013 will be announced in the future.

Appointments: Rev. Scott G. Pittendrigh has been appointed as the next incumbent of St. John the Evangelist Cathedral Parish, Saskatoon. Rev. Pittendrigh currently serves as incumbent of a parish in Cobble Hill, Vancouver Island.

He and his wife Sarah will be moving to Saskatoon at the beginning of October, and Sunday, October 7, will be his first Sunday at the Cathedral.

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

September 2012

Saskatchewan’s general assembly well-attended

By Diocese of Saskatchewan staff

Bishop Michael Hawkins (left) of the Diocese of Saskatchewan and Bishop Lydia Mamakwa stand with Bishop-elect Adam Halkett and the walking stick/crozier given by people of Little Red First Nation.

New indigenous bishop (Continued from page 1) to renew the church for gospel ministry and mission in northern Saskatchewan. We are walking the dream!”

Bishop Lydia Mamakwa,

bishop of the northern Ontario region of the Diocese of Keewatin, was also gratified with the outcome.

“I’m so happy for Saskatchewan,” she said.” It’s been a long

journey and a lot of work. We give thanks to our creator for taking them this far in their journey.”

Reprinted with permission from the Anglican Journal.

Celebrate the Book of Common Prayer’s birthday on two particular dates (Continued from page 1) to the revised edition that still stands as the official doctrinal standard of the Church of England and most other churches in the worldwide Anglican Communion.

After Henry VIII’s break with the Roman Catholic Church, Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer set out to replace the Latin missal with a book of liturgical services and prayers in English that would also incorporate theological changes, such as less prominence for saints.

The Prayer Book now appears in many variants in the 85-million member Anglican Communion and has influenced the liturgical texts of other denominations.

It has proven “very adaptable over the centuries and has been used in many contexts.

“Many people do prefer the less convoluted language of modern services but the influence of the old Prayer Book permeates the new versions, with many prayers incorporated with minimal changes,” said Rev. Gordon Jeanes, a former lecturer in church history at the University of Wales, who appeared at a symposium on the BCP last March at the British Academy in London, told ENInews.

The book’s language – another phrase is “till death us do part” from the marriage service – resonates even today, said Bishop Stephen Platten of Wakefield (Yorkshire), chair of the Church of England’s Liturgical Commission.

“Even in an apparently secular world, large numbers come to have their children christened or baptized. The cadences of the Prayer Book have become part of a treasury of prayers and reflections that have helped to fashion people’s lives,” he told ENInews.

But the Prayer Book’s language, though appreciated, has been subject to revision and various Anglican churches have produced updated versions.

In the U.S., for example, the break with Britain in 1776 left church leaders feeling the need for their own Prayer Book.

“William White, the first Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, spoke of the need for ‘a church government that will contain the constituent principles of the Church of England and yet be independent of foreign jurisdiction or influence,’” noted Rev. C.K. (Chuck) Robertson, canon to the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, in an interview with ENInews.

He said that as the nation grew, so also has the church in America and three Prayer Book revisions have since emerged. The latest, the 1979 edition, reflects an appreciation of heritage while also taking into account more recent liturgical forms.

Robertson added that “it should be noted that even in England, though the 1662 book remains the official Prayer Book of the Church of England, most congregations on a regular basis

use their own revised texts, including the recently produced Common Worship.”

A couple of days in the next few months are suggested for observing the BCP’s 350th birthday. These dates include: Monday, Sept. 3: It was on this date in 1959 that the 1962 Canadian BCP was first authorized (on an experiemental basis) for use in the Canadian Church. Why is it called the 1962 BCP when it was first publshed in 1959?

It was not until the revised prayer book was passed at a second General Synod in 1962 that the BCP could be accepted by the church as a whole.

It was also on Sept. 3, 1578, when the first recorded celebration of the Eucharist took place in what is now Canada, celebrated in Frobisher Bay. The final date in the celebration cycle marking the Golden Jubilee of the 1962 Canadian BCP is the First Sunday in Advent, Dec. 2.

After the revised prayer book was approved at the 1962 General Synod, an episcopal decree was sent to the Canadian church saying the BCP would come into effect officially on the First Sunday in Advent, 1962.

Advent also fell on Dec. 2 in 1962, so this year’s anniversary date will be exactly 50 years to the day that the 1962 BCP became the official worship book of the Anglican Church of Canada.

PRINCE ALBERT – On July 28 the Diocese of Saskatchewan elected Archdeacon Adam Halkett as the first diocesan indigenous bishop of Saskatchewan.

Many people came out to witness this historic event. Written below is a rundown of who came to the event and some of the activities that took place.

The general assembly began unofficially on the evening of July 27, with a service of Holy Communion with prayers, laying on of hands and anointing for healing. More than 200 people came out for the service, which began just after 7 p.m. and last for three hours.

An equally large crowd gathered for the next day’s service, elections and feast.

On top of the 120 delegates, Council of Elders, Archbishop Ashdown, Bishop Hawkins, the diocesan chancellor and many local non-indigenous clergy and laity, the assembly was blessed by special guests from Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.

Bishop Mamakwa preached at the service of Holy Communion on July 28 and brought with her Stanley Sainnawap, chair of the Northern Ontario Working Group, and Rev. (Deacon) Ruth Kitchekeesik. Rev. Arthur Anderson, Qu’Appelle’s diocesan elder, and his wife Elaine were there to represent their diocese and support Saskatchewan.

Archdeacon Larry Beardy, and his wife Elizabeth, and Archdeacon Ken Kitchekeesik, and his wife Robina, came from Split Lake, Man., in the Diocese of Keewatin.

Smoked and fried fish, anyone?

Celia, Alfred and Quinn Mink from Easterville, Man., in the Diocese of Brandon also joined the assembly for the full meeting.

Canon Ginny Doctor, co-ordinator of Indigenous Ministries for the Anglican Church of Canada, was present as well. Greetings were also received from the primate and National indigenous bishop.

The grand chief of Prince Albert Grand Council welcomed the assembly on July 28 and several chiefs and numerous councillors were present to witness this significant event.

The weekend concluded with a spectacular traditional feast that included moose nose soup, moose stew, fried smoked fish, baked and fried bannock, berries and muskeg tea.

The hard-working cooks were all volunteers from around the diocese. Theresa Sanderson was in charge of organizing the general assembly and she was ably and joyfully assisted by a large team of enthusiastic volunteers.

The Diocese of Saskatchewan and the general assembly were able to proceed with this plan thanks to the generous support received from the Anglican Church of Canada and the Council of the North, as well as gifts from bands, congregations and individuals within the diocese. The Prince Albert Grand Council hosted the event free of charge.

Clergy and laity gather in Prince Albert before the start of the Diocese of Saskatchewan’s General Assembly, where, among other things, a new diocesan indigenous bishop was elected to work along side the current bishop. In the picture waiting for Friday’s service to begin , from left, are Rev. Ruth Ross, Joanne Beacon, Pat Langlois, Kathleen Stewart and Rev. Marj Hyman. Other guests and special visitors included Archbishop David Ashdown, Bishop Lydia Mamakwa and reps from other dioceses.

September 2012

The Saskatchewan Anglican

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Reunion gathers QDS alumnae Saskatchewan’s current lieutenantgovernor, Vaughn Solomon Schofield, was a Qu’Appelle Diocesan School alumnae from 1961-62

By Wenonah Moore REGINA – Had you been walking on the grounds of the former Qu’Appelle Diocesan School (QDS) on the morning of June 12, you would have heard the haunting strains of the school hymn, “I bind unto myself today, the strong name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One and One in Three.”

After 42 years of darkness and quiet, the doors of St. Chad’s Chapel were opened to allow some 50 “old girls” of QDS to come in and rekindle old memories and old friendships.

It was fitting that they should begin their visit to the former school property in the chapel, the very heart of the school.

It gave them an opportunity to give thanks for the many Sisters, teachers and other staff who taught them so much.

Thanks to the current owner of the property, Jacqueline Senko, they had a chance to look through the parts of the building that were available to see.

They wandered around looking for former dorm rooms and classrooms.

Looking through the former school brought back many fond memories, while the phrase “I remember when …” was spoken many times.

In the afternoon the alumnae met again at Government House for a tea hosted by the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, lieutenant-governor of Saskatchewan, who was a graduate of QDS (1961-62).

Everyone enjoyed the welcome from Her Honour, followed by tea and a short sing-song.

A tour of the historic building was also available.

The reunion began on June 11 with a gathering for lunch at the Hotel Saskatchewan, followed by time to visit and get reacquainted.

The reunion was an anniversary for the “old girls” from the graduating class of 1961-62 and also for the class of 1952. “Old girls” from Alberta, British Columbia, North Dakota, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan attended.

The alumnae of QDS/St. Chad’s hold an annual luncheon/ get together in June in Regina.

Some of the “old girls” at the Qu’Appelle Diocesan School Reunion pose at Government House with Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Saskatchewan’s lieutenant-governor (in front, third from left).

Photo – Wenonah Moore

Building: An Identity?

By Rev. Alex Parsons SASKATOON – I am fascinated with buildings. Big or small, old or new, there is something about them that never tires my interest.

In fact, outside of ministry, I have spent plenty of time working on all sorts of structures, gaining various skills and knowledge about them. It is amazing how building space, form and function affect our psyche and draw us in different directions.

In spite of this, the deep connection between church buildings and faith expression has not always been apparent to me.

Visiting various churches of a number of denominations has let me see how theology was expressed in architecture from bare-bones, no-frill truck wash bay-type settings to highly ornate and gold inlayed beauty that hinted at Heaven.

But it seemed to me at the time these settings were for the benefit of the attendees, for those who already belonged; and they were empty much of the time.

The sense that this was a centre of mission or outreach was not there unless you went in and saw a notice for some event or program. I am sure I was not the only one who was ambivalent about this mission/ building connection.

Later, a course centred on stewardship intrigued me with the possibilities of what can be done to create vibrant viable parishes with enough funds to do God’s work as missioners, and keep the doors open for corporate worship and communal activity.

Taught by Archdeacon Rob Hardwick from the Diocese of

Qu’Appelle, it was the beginning of a journey for me leading to gift planning ministry.

Two sides of the same coin, mission and building, are very much connected in my mind and so necessary for creating a thriving church community.

Mission, whatever the focus may be, needs an identifiable place from which to operate, especially locally; a headquarters if you will. A headquarters without a purpose is not much use if it is just taking up space on a block and so needs a mission. But here a dilemma surfaces.

We have a rather troubled relationship with our buildings as Anglicans that goes well beyond simply their cost. On the one hand we want to say that they are not important, that it is only the people involved who matter and, indeed, the case has been made for eliminating them altogether as an outmoded model.

Spend the money on the poor or other pressing social matter and forget the stained glass booths!

There is a truth in this, and first and foremost, people will always be the focus of our loving actions proclaiming the Kingdom.

Yet we love our churches too.

Whether they are huge stained glass wonders or small dusty country parishes, perhaps sporting a slight hint of mildew, they are home to those who attend, plus a welcome spot for visitors to drop into. We deny that our buildings are our identity and yet in so many ways they are.

All of us are members of a particular parish (I know that is how we identify ourselves at any diocesan function), parishes each with their distinct ethos, culture

and social connections. The word ‘church’ brings to mind all sorts of images and I would bet that one of the first to come to mind is the building where we personally gather as a community of faith.

These buildings, these special buildings, are worship space, office space, concert space, meeting space and more – plus a reference point for the surrounding community.

They may also be ignored by that same surrounding community, but a quiet presence is maintained, proclaiming that God has not been run out of town just yet and is worshipped by those who go there. Faith is alive!

Winston Churchill noted, when arguing that the bombed out House of Commons should be rebuilt as it was, said that “we shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.”

British parliamentary heritage was at stake in his mind, and in their many varied forms the churches we worship in echo the multi-faceted heritage of God’s word and the Kingdom.

Yes, buildings are important for what they say about us and for also what we say about them.

There is a huge tension in many parishes over building funds, repairs, expansions or selling off some or all of building and land to survive or move on.

These are not easy questions to debate, as mundane as some issues may seem.

A lot of emotion often rides on simply changing a window or a plaque, let alone leaving a wellknown and beloved space that has served God’s people for many years. It is hard.

I remember well the closing

service at St Paul’s, Viscount, and how through tears and stories a sense of finality was there for what had been, yet the memories shared offered hope for the future.

Hope for a resurrected Church in a new, and yet unknown, form, serving a different generation as ably as the one which fondly recalled such love in its forefather.

So as we head into fall and begin meeting again, to think of stewardship, it is a wide-open agenda full of challenge that awaits us. Our buildings are the single most expensive item maintaining our worship community identity and, for some, a cause of as much distress as of joy.

Yet I believe they provide one of the best, and perhaps underutilised, ways of reaching out, of proclaiming the Good News and of encouraging discipleship that we have in our communities.

They are beacons for mission, embassies for action, that call for justice to be heard and wholeness to be embraced. Places where one may share in God’s teachings and learn to walk in God’s ways knowing we are loved while seeking forgiveness for our failings.

Amalgamation, retrenching, new planting . . . nothing is off the table as we look for God’s guidance to lead us in what is best for empowering our parishes and our diocese to work in this world.

Although it was made clear a long time ago that God does not dwell in a temple made by human hands, the spirits of those who seek and serve our Lord are surely uplifted there.

Stewardship of our buildings is not only about funds it is, always in the end, about people.

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

September 2012

St. Patrick’s, Hudson Bay, celebrates mortgage burning St. Patrick’s Church pays off rectory eight years in advance

By Caron Hallen HUDSON BAY (SKWN) – Parishioners from Hudson Bay and Arborfield celebrated Canada Day with some daytime “fireworks,” as they burned the mortgage on their recently paid-in-full minister’s rectory.

The mortgage burning took place inside St. Patrick’s Church in Hudson Bay, in whose community the rectory is located, with members from that parish and from the Church of the Ascension in Arborfield attending.

Diocesan Bishop Michael Hawkins was also in attendance to witness the event and give thanks and praise for this occasion.

The rectory was built in 2000 by many hours of volunteer labour from parish members, with expertise from Kelly Brooks, a local contractor.

The hard work did not stop at construction, as parish members were able to pay the mortgage in full, eight years ahead of schedule.

The early retirement of the mortgage was made possible by generous contributions from past and present church members.

In Bishop Hawkins’ sermon, he was able to connect the commitment of parish members to the gospel reading for that week.

Speaking from Luke Chapter 6, he called us to renew our commitment to two Do’s (Forgive and Give) and two Don’ts (Judge or Condemn).

Bishop Michael also compared our parish’s joy at being financially free from debt to our joy as Christians, that through the generous self-giving and forgiving of Jesus, we can stand before God free from the debt of sin and shame.

After a special service of Holy Communion, everyone gathered to celebrate and enjoy a barbecue lunch at the hall.

Pictured above at St. Patrick’s Church ceremonially burning the mortgage document are, from left: Bishop Michael Hawkins, Julie Golding-Page (priest-in-charge), server Tyler Dickson, Hudson Bay church wardens Caron Hallen and Ken Leason, and Arborfield wardens Ken Edwards and Leonard Gray.

T

he A.e.J. FulFord TrusT was established in 1973 to encourage, promote, develop and enrich sacred music in the Anglican Church of Canada.

We welcome applications for grants from this Trust for: • diocesan schools of church music • summer choir camps • musical youth leadership Applications are received once/year and are due by April 1st

See website for application form: www.anglicanfoundation.org Contact: Jonathan Marshall jmarshall@anglicanfoundation.org • (416) 924-9199 x322 12-07-03 10:50 AM

In September 1912, Prince Arthur, the Du ria, laid the cornerstone of the Church of

Saskatoon cathedral’s connection to city’s Time capsule objects now on display

By Derwyn Crozier-Smith SASKATOON – The congregation of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Saskatoon had a peek back in time recently, when on April 22, the cornerstone of the cathedral was removed and the time capsule that had been placed there nearly 100 years ago was retrieved.

The event kicked off the centennial celebrations of the construction of the cathedral.

The cornerstone was dedicated at a ceremony in September 1912 by Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, the 10th governor-general of Canada and the fourth son of Queen Victoria.

The cathedral was one of four large churches then being constructed along Spadina Avenue at a time when the young city was experiencing an economic boom.

Recession soon set in and construction was not complete and services were not held in the cathedral until 1917.

The stonemasons currently working on the cathedral resto-

Inspire a young person!

Fulfurd Trust postcard.indd 2

The stonemasons currently working on the cathedral restoration project, Gordon McLeod of McLeod Masonry (Vancouver) and Bill Huckabay, removing the cornerstone prior to passing the time capsule to Rev. Jessica Latshaw.

Photo – Derek Punshon

The cornerstone as it appeared in the cathedral wall before its removal. It reads: “In Gloriam Dei Et In Usum Fidelium Aedificat + MCMXII” (Erected to the glory of God and for the use of the faithful + 1912).

Photo – Derek Punshon ration project, Gordon McLeod of McLeod Masonry in Vancouver and Bill Huckabay, removed the stone and passed the capsule to Rev. Jessica Latshaw, who handed it to the wardens, Bob Halliday and Michael Gibson.

Interim rector, Bishop Thomas Morgan (retired), then assisted in opening the copper container and carrying it into the Cathedral so that all could examine the items.

There were many items in the capsule.

Among the items retrieved were: a Bible; a Book of Common Prayer; the Order of Service for the Sept. 2, 1912, dedication of the cornerstone;

a copy of the address given by the rector on that occasion; a set of 1911 coins; the three Saskatoon newspapers of the day; a handwritten document from the rector providing the names of all parish officials of the day; a copy of the title to the property; and photographs of Bishop Jervois Arthur Newnham of the Diocese of Saskatchewan and Rev. Archdeacon John Mackay.

The documents revealed that the projected cost of the building was to be $120,000 and that the land was valued at $20,000.

These artifacts are now on display in the cathedral. The cathedral is undertaking a $2 million restoration campaign, which has

September 2012

The Saskatchewan Anglican

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Cornerstone centennial weekend events at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral

By Diocese of Saskatoon staff

SASKATOON – In September 1912, the governor-general of Canada laid the foundation stone for what was later to become the cathedral of the Diocese of Saskatoon in Saskatoon.

We, the members of St. John’s Cathedral Parish, are inviting everyone to join us for a special Cornerstone Centennial Celebration weekend from Sept. 7-9.

Friday, Sept. 7 7-9 p.m.: Wine and cheese reception in the cathedral

uke of Connaught and Strathearn, the 10th governor-general of Canada and the fourth son of Queen Victof St. John the Evangelist.

Photo – Archives

s cornerstone provides s past – and future

Nancy Baltzan (left) and Heather Punshon, inside the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, remove artifcats from the 100-year-old time capsule for viewing. The artifacts are now on display in the cathedral.

Photo – Derek Punshon been designated the “Cornerstone 2012 Capital Campaign.”

A professional assessment of the building envelope was done to identify the restoration needs and set out a plan to address them.

The cathedral has been plagued with water ingress for

many years and much of the focus will be on rebuilding roofs and drainage systems. The Tyndall Stone steps and terra cotta ornamentation will be restored and interior damage repaired.

The campaign had raised over $800,000 by April, through commitments of parishioners

and other individuals and parish fundraising events; a corporate campaign was started in May. The cathedral has been awarded grants from the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation and has also been the beneficiary of generous support from the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation. Restoration work is underway and will continue as funds permit.

The anniversary weekend, planned for Sept. 7-9, will include many activities.

Those activities include the following: a reception to welcome former parishioners and guests from across the diocese, the province and further afield, and to recognize donors and partners; a pancake breakfast and fun day for kids; and choral evensong to be followed by a gala banquet.

The weekend will conclude with a service to re-dedicate the cornerstone and install a new time capsule that will create as much excitement in 2112 as the first one has done. The primate will participate in the re-dedication ceremony and will be guest speaker at the banquet; other provincial and municipal dignitaries have been invited.

The quest is on to select items for the new time capsule.

Will an iPad containing important documents of today still be readable in 100 years’ time?

Saturday, Sept. 8 9-11 a.m.: The Men’s Club will serve a pancake breakfast in the Parish Hall During the day, a Family Carnival and a barbecue will be held on the lawn in front of the Cathedral and tours of the Cathedral and a Centennial Time Capsule display will take place inside the Cathedral.

4 p.m.: Choral Evensong to be followed by a Gala Dinner at the

Bessborough Hotel.

The lieutenant-governor of Saskatchewan, Vaughn Solomon Schofield, will be present.

Primate Fred Hiltz will be the guest speaker at the Gala Dinner.

Sunday, Sept. 9 Morning Eucharist Service The primate will preach during the service. The service will be followed by a short blessing and re-dedication of the newly refurbished Cathedral cornerstone and the new Cathedral time capsule.

The weekend of events will close with a light luncheon served by the Cathedral’s ACW. If you would to attend the Gala Dinner, tickets are $40 per person andare available at the Cathedral Office.

Please purchase Gala dinner tickets as soon as possible as they are expected to sell out quickly.

Check out our website at http://stjohns.sasktelwebsite.net/ cornerstone2012.php or contact us at celebration2012@sasktel.net.

Controversial bishop to deliver 37th annual Luther Lecture

By Noel Chevalier Luther College REGINA – Each year, Luther College at the University of Regina hosts the Luther Lecture, a public talk given by a distinguished scholar on matters of spiritual and social importance.

Although the speakers have included such minds as Northrop Frye, Helen Caldicott, John Ralston Saul and Margaret Somerville, the lectures are aimed at a general audience and feature topics of interest for everyone.

This year’s Luther Lecturer is Michael Ingham, bishop of the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster in Vancouver, B.C. A native of Yorkshire, Bishop Ingham has served in the Dioceses of Ottawa and New Westminster.

He also served as principal secretary to Archbishop Michael Peers during Peers’ tenure as primate of Canada.

Ingham has been called “one of the 25 most influential Anglicans in the world” by Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper and has been profiled in Maclean’s and The New York Times.

Join us at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 24 in the Rex Schneider Auditorium at Luther College for a stimulating, provocative and potentially very important talk that could provide parishes with much to discuss as the Church considers its ongoing role in the 21st century.

The lecture is free of charge and open to everyone.

Bishop Ingham’s talk, “Finding the Postmodern Balance: evangelical, catholic, liberal,” considers the question of what place churches have in a postmodern world.

Drawing on his experience as both a church leader and as an advocate for interfaith dialogue, Bishop Ingham will explore how churches can address both their own internal divisions and attacks from a society that sees them as irrelevant or even dangerous.

His talk will be informed by his experience as a church leader in a multicultural, multi-faith city, where Christians are a minority and where assumptions about the inherent superiority of the Church are challenged daily.

Bishop Ingham is no stranger to controversial topics. His first book, Rites For A New Age (1986), offered a thoughtful defence of the Book of Alternative Services at a time when liturgical reforms were hotly debated.

He is perhaps best known to the Canadian public as the church leader who spearheaded the blessing of same-sex marriages within the Diocese of New Westminster, a decision that garnered much media attention.

More recently, his work to foster interfaith dialogue resulted in his second book, Mansions of the Spirit: The Gospel in a Multifaith World (1997).

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

September 2012

Diocese of Saskatchewan: Mamuwe isi Miywachimowin (“Together in the Gospel”) Upcoming Events Sunday, Sept. 2 at 11 a.m.: Bishop Michael at Camp Kinasao Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 9 a.m.: Holy Communion at the Synod Office Sunday, Sept. 9 at 11 a.m.: Bishop Michael at Partners in Faith, Spiritwood Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 9 a.m.: Holy Communion at the Synod Office Thursday, Sept. 13 from 4–8 p.m.: Executive Committee meets at the Synod Office Sunday, Sept. 16 at 10:30 a.m.: Bishop Michael at Confirmation and Holy Communion in Cumberland House and 40th Wedding Anniversary of the Rev. Lloyd and Gwenda Young Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 9 a.m.: Holy Communion at the Synod

Office Sunday, Sept. 23 at 11 a.m.: Bishop Michael at Confirmation and Holy Communion in Stanley Mission Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 9 a.m.: Holy Communion at the Synod Office Saturday, Sept. 29 to Wednesday, Oct. 3: Installation of Bishop of Calgary, Provincial house of Bishops and Council of the North Meetings Oct. 6–7: St. David’s, Prince Albert 50th Anniversary Celebrations The Synod Office is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.

The Office is CLOSED Monday and Friday.

Kerr-Wilson headed to Calgary (Continued from page 1) 11th bishop of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. He was consecrated as Bishop of Qu’Appelle in May 2006.

(He also celebrated his 50th birthday with friends, and family, from across the diocese in April).

His installation as Bishop of Calgary is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer in Calgary.

The Diocese of Qu’Appelle’s Episcopal Election is schedule for Saturday, Dec. 8. More details will be announced later.

The “enthronement” of the new Qu’Appelle bishop is set for Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013.

During the diocesan council meeting in Regina on June 16, Bishop Kerr-Wilson, along with a number of clergy, continually received updates on the election via text messages, “tweets” from Twitter and the occasional phone call.

When the first text came in, the council was asked if it wanted to know the results as they came in or wait until the end. The majority voiced their support for receiving regular progress reports.

So throughout the day, either Bishop Kerr-Wilson or Dean Michael Sinclair would inform the council of what was taking place and who had received what number and percentage of the votes. When the fateful phone call came to Bishop Kerr-Wilson from Archbishop Ashdown, he excused himself from the room to take it.

Coming back, he acknowledged to everyone that he had been elected as bishop and

had accepted the position.

In a letter distributed to all churches throughout the Diocese of Qu’Appelle, Bishop KerrWilson confirmed that he would be the new bishop for Calgary.

He explained, as in a previous pastoral letter, that he had not been seeking to leave the diocese, but had sought to be faithful to God’s call to be part of the Calgary election process.

“I have very much enjoyed my time in ministry with you all and have found it deeply meaningful and fulfilling,” he continued.

“It is with good measure of sadness that I realize my time here is coming to an end.

“I have accepted this election in the understanding that the Holy Spirit is now taking me into a new ministry, and with the trust and confidence that God has the Diocese of Qu’Appelle firmly in His care and will provide a new bishop to guide and walk with you in the years ahead.”

Worshipping outside the box

By Rev. Rita Brann

REGINA – Deacon Rita Brann and the worship team of Diane Gingras and Heather Brownell brought Café Church to St. Philip on April 29.

The congregation arrived to tables set in bistro style, and enjoyed coffee, quiche and muffins throughout the service.

Worship took the style of Lessons and Carols, with all the hymns and associated readings from Songs for a Gospel People.

Following the gospel reading and homily, table groups shared their thoughts on the gospel.

Kids enjoyed springtime stories and coloured pictures of spring that were brought forward with the offering.

A sunny, dry June 10 saw the congregation move to Candy Cane Park for the annual outdoor

service of Holy Communion, led

by Rev. Dan Cooper and Deacon Rita Brann. This was followed by a barbecue and fellowship time.

Pictured above, St. Philip parishioners enjoy fellowship following worship in the park.

Descent of the Dove: The Holy Spirit in Scripture and in our lives

By Joanne Shurvin-Martin LUMSDEN (Qu’A) – Father Christopher Snook, the conductor of the Qu’Appelle diocesan lay retreat, chose five moments from Scripture to illustrate the Holy Spirit at work.

Those moments include: creation, the Annunciation, Christ’s baptism by John, Transfiguration and Pentecost.

Father Snook spoke on each moment during one of the five addresses during the weekend retreat, held in the spring at St. Michael’s Retreat.

Twenty-six lay people attended the silent retreat, which featured the addresses, worship services, free time for reading, prayer and meditation. Father Malcolm French was chaplain for the event.

Creation In Genesis Chapter 1, the Bible tells how everything was in darkness and the Spirit moved upon the face of the waters – the Spirit brooded over darkness.

“Just as the Spirit hovered over unformed creation,” said Father Snook, “the Holy Spirit hovers over us now, to bring to light or life those parts of us in darkness.”

He spoke about how God breathed life into the first man He created. Jesus repeated this act on Easter evening, in the dark, when He breathed on the Apostles. The first was creation; the second, re-creation.

Annunciation In speaking about the Annunciation, Father Snook described how the early Church saw many parallels in the Old Testament to the Virgin Mary.

They saw Mary as being like the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle, which were special dwelling places of God. Mary is also the dwelling place of God because she carried the infant Christ, God and man.

He also reminded the retreatants that Jesus echoes Mary’s “let it be to me according to thy word” throughout His life, both in the

words He taught the apostles, “thy will be done,” and in Gethsemane, “not my will but thine.”

Father Snook asked, “How do we respond when the Lord is announced in our lives? Mary is to be our model in response to God’s call.” These moments are our own Annunciations. We should have the same impulse of surrender which we see in Mary.

Christ’s Baptism Although the Holy Spirit is often portrayed or symbolized as a dove, there is only one instance recorded in Scripture in which the Spirit took that form – when Jesus was baptised in the Jordan River

by John. This is a profoundly unusual event in the life of Christ, because it would appear there was no reason for Jesus to be baptized.

He had no sin, so didn’t need to experience the Jewish baptism of repentance, nor did He require the baptism of new converts to Judaism.

One reason His baptism was important is it demonstrates the way Jesus understood His worldly ministry. Just as He descended into the water, so His life and ministry were an entry into the frailty and brokenness of the world.

The dove is also a reference to the dove which Noah released from the ark and which found dry land. Jesus is our dry land, our salvation in the midst of life’s stormy seas, said Father Snook.

What does all this mean to us?, he asked, and supplied the answer.

“Christians are anointed by the Spirit, commissioned to do the work of Christ. We are the body of Christ in the world.”

Jesus’ Transfiguration The Transfiguration on Mount Tabor is a moment in which Jesus revealed Himself to be fully God, and when we are invited to possess fullness of His life. There are profound parallels between the Transfiguration and baptism.

Immediately after His baptism, Jesus goes into the desert where He is tested by the devil. After the Transfiguration, He rushes down

the mountain and into grief and suffering.

Father Snook said there is a spiritual topography in the Bible.

High places are often places of encounter with God, as on the mountain of the Transfiguration.

Low places are places of ministry, struggle and encounter with brokenness. Our lives share this pattern. The Bible shows we cannot stay in the high spots of spiritual ecstasy; we must return to the world’s brokenness and conflict refreshed and renewed by our encounters with God. The glory on Mount Tabor has its counterpart in the passion on Mount Calvary. The road leads to suffering but also to new life.

“The Spirit of God is at work in all of us,” said Father Snook.

“Some of us are not as aware of this as others. The moments of greatest communion with God are not for you alone, but ultimately for the sake of the world, which does not yet know the transforming love of God. “Our spiritual victories of sin are given for the sake of those who do not know of Christ’s triumph over death.”

Pentecost The final topic of Pentecost began with a story from the life of St. Seraphim, who lived in 19th century Russia. He was asked, “What is the purpose of the Christian life?” and answered, “The purpose is to acquire the Holy Spirit – to become the dwelling place of God on Earth.”

Father Snook said one of the ways the Spirit of God shows that He is present in our lives is by giving us the capacity to deal with difficulties in ways that are beyond our natural inclination, because the Spirit of God is alive within us and empowers us.

For example, it is by the power of the Spirit that we are able to love our enemies.

“It is an extraordinary claim that God lives in us. How would our actions be transformed if we truly believed this of ourselves and of others? If He is in us, who can be against us?”

September 2012

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Hebrew and Greek used to describe God in the Bible

By Jason Antonio

REGINA – At the Soul-Full Living retreat, participants learned how to improve their spiritual lives in a busy world by looking at historical Biblical examples.

The weekend retreat in March was one of a series of courses offered by the Qu’Appelle School for Mission and Ministry. Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson provided historical context for several important words by looking at what the Bible has to say. The Old Testament came to us in Hebrew and Greek, while the New Testament came in Greek only.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word “nephesh” is used throughout to talk about having the breath, or the life. It is God who does the breathing and gives us the life.

Some Scriptural verses which use nephesh include: Exodus 23:12; Genesis 27:25; Jeremiah 3:11; Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:11; and Numbers 19:13.

Nephesh can also be used to refer to a person’s mental state (Proverbs 24:14), character (Ezekiel 4:14), will and appetite.

“Nephesh is the breath of life.

God breathed into material stuff (clay) to bring it to life,” the bishop added.

The next word was “basar”, which in Hebrew means flesh, or also weakness and transitionness.

Some Scriptural verses include: Psalm 84:2; Genesis 6:3; and Jeremiah 17:5. Flesh can refer to people, as well as refer to the material of the body.

“Levav” means heart, or the middle. An example is when

the Israelites went through the Red Sea and they were halfway through it. Levav can denote the inner person. Biblical examples include: 1 Samuel 1:8; Psalm 13:9 (pain in the soul); Daniel 14:16 (reason); and 1 Samuel 25:31 (conscience).

Kerr-Wilson pointed out all these words come together to present a reflection of what God did in the lives of people in the Bible and is doing for us today.

One of the big Old Testament words is “ruah”, which is the spirit or breath of God. God’s ruah comes over people to give them strength in everyday life.

The nephesh continues and is sustained in a person as long as God continues to ruah in them.

Hebrew was then translated into Greek around 200 B.C., where nephesh became psyché (p-soo-kay), which was constantly translated as “soul” in Greek but stays true to what nephesh is.

Psyché, which can also mean the mind, is the root word for psychology. Biblical verses to illustrate this include: Acts 20:10; Acts 27:22; Mark 10:45; Luke 26:14; and Mark 13:34.

Psyché “is life as manifested in individuals and it’s the human self that lives before God,” the bishop explained.

“Although we are asked to lay down our very selves – not just our bodies but our selves – the New Testament also assures us that in doing that, our psyché is in the hands of God and it continues on after death… .

“Buried in the heart of the New Testament of faith is we do not simply live on as mortal souls,

Qu’Appelle Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson discusses some of the Hebrew and Greek words that appear in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, during the Soul-Full Living retreat in Regina.

Photo – Jason Antonio or spirits, but rather that God so does the soul. Something might to the life that survives death. preserves our psyché, our life, in survive, but not the soul.

That wasn’t part of his theology. some way that is not complete With the New Testament Instead, eternal life is a wholly until we come to resurrection written in Greek, this is where divine gift on the basis of a new when the fullness of the gift is the Apostle Paul comes into the creative act by God. given.” picture and brings with him a Death is not the end, but we There were also two schools Christian approach to the Greek enter into new life because of of thought in the Greek world language.

Jesus Christ. Through Jesus’ death around the soul, as postulated by He uses the word “pneuma” and resurrection, the Holy Spirit philosophers Plato and Aristotle. (puh-num-ah) to describe the dwells in and gives new life (1 Plato said that souls are prebreath and spirit of God. This Corinthians 2). existent and immortal. What is word is almost the same as ruah.

So Paul’s message throughout interesting for us as Christians, Paul ends up using the his writings focused on the body, Kerr-Wilson explained, is that language of the day – Greek – to psyché (mind) and spirit. Caring we have assumed the soul left the say almost the same thing as what for the body is important. We body upon death. This is Platonic is said in the Old Testament in should give alms and feed others thinking.

Hebrew. Nephesh didn’t make as an affirmation that the body is Aristotle, on the other hand, sense to the new people (Greeks), good because it’s from God. felt the soul is the life principle so Paul reframed the words and This takes us full circle to that produces the character of message into understandable today and how our physical selves a person. The soul then is the language. affect our minds. What goes into product of our physical bodies.

Bishop Kerr-Wilson explained our body affects our psyché and Therefore, when the body dies, Paul never uses psyché to refer will be shaped by the pneuma.

Respected member of St. Andrew’s, Shellbrook, celebrated for work in church, community

By Joyce Brunton SHELLBROOK (SKWN) – Twenty-five members of St. Andrew’s Congregation, Shellbrook, gathered on June 26 at the local golf course lounge to bid farewell to Norma Cornwell, who is moving to

Regina.

Norma has been a very faithful member of St. Andrew’s since the early ‘50s, when she and her husband Fred opened Cornwell’s Drugstore in Shellbrook.

Until she retired a few years ago, Norma had been the Church organist for nearly 50 years.

Qu’Appelle news and notes

Rev. Don Shepherd Obituary Rev. Donald Shepherd died June 11 in hospital in Saskatoon.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Leona; daughters Roxanne Langford (Lorne) and Glenna Shepherd (Mike); seven grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.

Born in Ottawa, he worked for the Anglican Church in a lay capacity for 25 years.

Then he graduated from the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, and was ordained in 1983.

Rev. Shepherd served the parishes of New Sumner and Oxbow before becoming rector of St. Barnabas, Moose Jaw, in 1988,

She held nearly every office on the A.C.W. Executive and was currently Prayer Partner Correspondent. Norma was also a recipient of the Order of Saskatchewan.

The party began with tributes to Norma, in song with lyrics by Bev Ledding, and then in poetry

signature was also presented.

Coffee and cake were enjoyed by everyone, with much reminiscing and good wishes extended to Norma and promises of visits.

We will miss Norma at Sunday Service and lunch after, but wish her all of God’s blessings in her new home.

Priest visits with a Prince

where he served until he retired in 1999.

By Rev. Derek Nicholls

Centennial in Ogema

REGINA – The recent visit of the Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, representing the Queen during her Golden Jubilee Year, was a hectic 24 hours in Regina.

The royal couple arrived at 9:30 p.m. on May 22 and departed at 9:30 p.m. the following day.

The royal itinerary was a full one which began on Wednesday morning with an official welcome at the Legislature and the presentation of Diamond Jubilee medals to six recipients by Prince Charles.

Then the royal couple travelled to Government House for an “At

Holy Trinity, Ogema, will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 21.

There will be a church service at 11 a.m., followed by dinner, a program and fellowship in the Deep South Pioneer Museum Hall.

Please RSVP by Saturday, Sept. 15 to Ogema Holy Trinity 100 Committee. The contact information is as follows: P.O. Box 355, Ogema, Sask., S0C 1Y0, or e-mail ogemaholytrinity100@hotmail.

by Debbie Topping.

A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Norma from the diocese for her service and dedication to St. Andrew’s.

Betty Barkway, president of the ACW, with a few well chosen words, presented Norma with a small gift. A card with everyone’s

Home” reception hosted by Lt.Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield and her husband Gordon.

Prince Charles observed that (he and Fr. Nicholls) had met before and was reminded that it was 11 years ago...Fr. Nicholls was impressed at the recollection

by His Royal Highness.

Eighty people from various organizations and leadership roles were invited to meet the royal couple. Amongst them were Fr. Derek Nicholls and his wife Margaret.

Fr. Nicholls is a former

Chairman of the South Saskatchewan Branch of the Monarchist League of Canada.

The Prince observed that they had met before and was reminded that it was 11 years ago when Prince Charles first visited the province. Fr. Nicholls was impressed at the recollection by His Royal Highness.

Fr. Nicholls and Rev. Michael Jackson (St. Paul’s Cathedral) are members of the Provincial Diamond Jubilee Committee, with Michael assisting the royal visit as a consultant, because as former Chief of Protocol for the Province, he had organized previous royal visits to the province.

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

September 2012

Reflections from the latest TRC Arthur M. Anderson

The Bentwood Box

By Peter R. Coolen and Mary Ann Assailly

SASKATOON – Editor’s note: From June 21-24, the Fourth Truth and Reconciliation National Event was held at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.

The event was attended by more than 30,000 people, of whom 15,000 were registered residential school survivors.

Many Anglicans attended the event to listen, learn, communicate, to feel and to better understand the pain and spiritual road to recovery.

Many answered the call and volunteered to billet, to help set up, to knit prayer shawls, to be involved in the Churches Listening to Survivor

Area, to drive golf carts, to work at registration and to do any job needed.

Thank you to those who responded to the call.

Below we have assembled some of the many written impressions and reflections from those who attended and were affected in many positive, uplifting and some negative ways, by what they heard and experienced at the National Event.

To allow for a broader selection of comments we have taken excerpts from the more detailed and longer letters.

Some of these longer letters may also appear in their entirety in future issues of the Saskatchewan Anglican.

This is Part 1 of the reflections.

“The Truth and Reconciliation in which Elaine and I (Arthur) attended was an awesome healing event. We came away filled with hope, peace and an inner journey of healing.

“The most impressive statement that I could make was to see and witness both non-Indigenous people and Indigenous people meeting together, eating together, having coffee together and above all, having the courage to say, “I forgive you if you forgive me.”

“We all cried, not of sadness or loss. Due to the presence of God in Christ in our midst, He knew of our brokenness and now knows of our journey towards healing and new kinds of friendships.

“My thoughts and prayer response: It is from our pain we rise together to change and be transformed by forgiveness. The ultimate purpose of human life is to Love…to live in the face of death and hatred and face the pain.

“The TRC reminded me in doing these things, acknowledging our brokenness; one must be free of self-exaltation of filled with self. This then is what it means to discover the divine in other humans.

“We were not all there out curiosity, but I believe we each brought a God presence and in turn to be experienced through the “Incarnate One, Our Christ.” For me, Arthur, I can never use the residential school experience as a way to make others feel guilty.

“I am healed of my Dad and Mother wounds, and my own wounds. I forgive and move towards His healing.”

Austin King Brian Hartsook “I was impressed by the many wonderful aboriginal people I had the pleasure of driving and talking to. Their stories were heartbreaking and I admire them for having the strength to share their stories.

“I took away that the residential school survivors who have healed are the ones for whom faith plays an important part in their life, be that their traditional ceremonies and language or a religious faith of some type.”

(Dean) Ken Davis “On behalf of the bishop and the Diocese of Saskatchewan, I had the responsibility of participating in the TRC National Event in Saskatoon as a ‘Church Listener’ and in the local TRC Hearings in Prince Albert and La Ronge, Sask.

“I took away from these events a deepening awareness of what is and is not happening to help people understand and find healing and reconciliation following the experience of Government-sponsored, Church-run residential schools. I was impressed by the considerable amount of information made available and, like many of those in attendance, I availed myself of the opportunity to read and learn about things I had not known. I was pleased to see the amount of work our Anglican Church and others have put into information gathering and sharing. The effect of this on many of those present in Saskatoon was palpable. Parents and grandparents showed their children important images. People reminisced, wept and learned.

“For those who attended the National Event or the community hearings, there was a great opportunity to learn about all that the Churches have now repented of and for which they have apologized.

“More importantly, many of us were inspired and humbled by the courage of those who shared painful and debilitating experiences. My hope is that more healing has been enabled by the personal disclosures made privately or publicly at these events.

I began to learn and see that meaningful healing has been going on for a number of people by God’s grace through counselling, community and faith support, quite apart from large and expensive events like the one in Saskatoon. I opine that this more long-term and lasting work will reach more people long after TRC events are forgotten.”

“The TRC Event in Saskatoon was awesome, opening my eyes and mind to the atrocities of the residential school incarcerations and the need for healing and reconciliation. While I was a golf cart driver, I did take in the sharing by Holocaust survivor Robert Waismann, and was moved by his story of survival, forgiveness and hope.

“Otherwise, listening to individuals I drove to the various locations convinced me of the resilience, graciousness and gratitude of these survivors. The opportunity to partake in the First Nations spiritual ceremonies of the Sacred Fire Prayer, Cedar Washing and Smudging left a profound and lasting impression on me.

“The Cedar Washing reminded me of Maundy Thursday, when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. I have long thought of the need to experience and be blessed by native spirituality without feeling that my Christian faith would be compromised.

“Indeed, my faith is just as strong and is now immensely enhanced.”

Rev. Linda Langlois

Jean Thompson

“The interesting thing for me was that in both cases, while acknowledging the pain and suffering of the residential school experience, there was also a sense of an important part of their past, and what seemed like a genuine interest in recognizing their time at the school they attended.

“One shared memories with me of a kindly brother (religious order) who taught the boys to play hockey.”

“The TRC hearings will have a lasting effect on me. It is one thing to read about the history and impact of the residential school system, but quite another to hear directly from the survivors and learn about their painful scars. We all have a role to play to address the social problems created as a result of this dark period in our Canadian history. I am confident that if we approach the healing process with understanding, respect and support, and advocate that governments translate words into action, we can move forward together.”

September 2012

The Saskatchewan Anglican

event in Saskatoon Rev. Paula Foster “The TRC event in Saskatoon was a very moving experience for me. I had very limited knowledge of the experience of the First Nations Peoples within the residential schools. Truly, I did not know what had happened and to what extent. Hearing first hand the justifiable anger at the sexual and physical abuse suffered by innocent children was heart-breaking. That our government instituted the removal of children from parents with the support of the Church has given me much on which to reflect both personally and spiritually as a priest in the Anglican Church of Canada.

“The impact of this legacy of intergenerational abuse must not be ignored any longer. I was not personally a part of the system that caused this terrible injustice, but in becoming aware of it, I am committed to the reconciliation that needs to take place and the people who courageously walk this journey to health and wholeness.”

Churches Listening to Survivors area The ecumenical partners working on the National event were alloted an area to listen to survivors and their descendents and offer an apology. The area featured a teepee, plants, rocks, the four direction hangings and tea and sage tea. Copies of the official apologies from the four national churches were available. Each day, Sharing Circles were held with respected leaders providing the leadership. Each day at 5 p.m., two trained debriefers provided a session for church volunteers and others.

Photo – Peter R. Coolen

Mary-Jean Dewald “For all of my adult life I have been aware of the pain that our First Nations people have endured. However, after attending the TRC and hearing the stories first hand, as well as reading the history that was presented in the displays, I now have a more accurate understanding of the long-term physical and emotional effects that resulted from residential schools. When I listened to the adults speaking, it was the children who had suffered whose voices I heard. I am now even more determined to do whatever I can to be a positive influence in seeing our First Nations people heal and regain the pride that should never have been taken away from them to begin with.”

Rev. Trish McCarthy “Reconciliation looks different to me after the Saskatoon National TRC. In gaining a deeper understanding of the intergenerational effects of abuse and negative parenting sustained by residential school survivors, I realized the same about my maternal grandfather’s orphan experience: being shipped from England to Ontario as a nine year old. At Anglican Archives, one non-aboriginal Anglican woman shared with me her disgust and overwhelming emotions about what our predecessors allowed to happen. In the Churches Listening to Survivors Area, I was truly blessed to reflect with a First Nation colleague from the Saskatchewan Diocese. Inspiring me most were moving reports of current healing journeys strengthening people and building bridges.”

Margaret McKeith

The Brentwood Box At each of the National events, the Bentwood Box is on site with commissioners as a symbol of the strength and resilience of residential school survivors and their descendents, and it honours survivors who have passed away. During the Expressions of Reconciliation, the Diocese of Qu’Appelle placed The 1993 Official Apology, written by former primate Michael Peers and translated into Plains Cree, into the box.

The Diocese of Saskatoon placed an intercessory prayer to be used in all parishes. The prayer says that the TRC event signals a new day and opportunity for Anglicans and aboriginal people and we trust that God will lead us together in this new direction. The Diocese of Saskatchewan placed their ‘Mamuwe isi Miywachimowin’ document inside the box, along with the announcement of their new indigenous council and bishop.

Photo – Peter R. Coolen

“Fifty years ago, I spent one year teaching at Gordon’s Indian Residential School. Since then I have followed the reports of the closing of residential schools, the church and government apologies, the settlement, and in more recent years, the Truth and Reconciliation Events.

“At the event in Saskatoon, I both shared and listened. I shared privately and anonymously my experiences as a teacher and came away enriched by the support person with me and the listener; both residential school survivors!

“I also gave photos and videos to the Anglican Church Archives. But most of the time, I listened and shared the pain and promise as stories unfolded. I felt uplifted by the spiritual strength and endurance of the Aboriginal leaders and participants.

“I took away the treasured memory of four days in a reconciliation community of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, young and old, sharing and listening.”

Brian Hartsook “I was impressed by the many wonderful aboriginal people I had the pleasure of driving and talking to. Their stories were heartbreaking and I admire them for having the strength to share their stories.

“I took away that the residential school survivors who have healed are the ones for whom faith plays an important part in their life, be that their traditional ceremonies and languageor a religious faith of some type.”

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12

The Saskatchewan Anglican

September 2012

‘Unlocking the Growth’ in our churches …and why we stop it from happening Notes taken from Michael Harvey,

by Rev. Trish McCarthy

Some of those present at the Joint Ecumenical Convocation held at the Cathedral of St. John’s, Saskatoon in May. In the back, from left, are: Rev. Terry Wiebe, Dr. Matthew Thiessen, Bishop James Njegovan, Bishop David Irving and Rev. Walter Hannam. In the front, from left, are: Derek Hyland, Louise Lomas, Rev. Patrick Ampan, and Lt.-Col. Rev. Gary Thorne.

Photo – Tim Yaworski

Joint ecumenical convocation in Saskatoon

By Lisa McInnis SASKATOON – On May 4 at St. John’s Cathedral in Saskatoon, The University of Emmanuel College-College of Emmanuel & St. Chad, The Lutheran Theological Seminary and St. Andrew’s College of the United Church celebrated the 11th joint ecumenical convocation of the Saskatoon Theological Union.

The day started with the graduation Eucharist in the seminary chapel.

The presider was Bishop David Irving of Saskatoon and chancellor of the College. The preacher was Rev. Terry Wiebe, principal of the College.

During the Eucharist, prizes were

awarded to the graduating students.

This was followed by a lunch, with the graduates and their guests along with staff, faculty and council members. It was a memorable time of shared food and festivity.

Master of Divinity degrees were awarded to Trevor Freeman (in absentia) and Austin Spry (in absentia).

A Bachelor of Theology was awarded to Louise Lomas and a Licentiate in Theology was awarded to Derek Hyland.

A Master of Sacred Theology degree was awarded to Patrick Ampani.

Honorary Doctors of Divinity were also granted to Major Rev. Sidney Horne and Lt.-Col. Rev. Gary Thorne.

Keep the conversation going For decades, the Saskatchewan Anglican and the Anglican Journal have been a vital communications link between parishes, dioceses and the national Church.

Together, we have shared stories, ideas and opinions from a faith perspective in a way that has helped us put that faith into action.

Whether encouraging a response to human need, educating about the care of creation, or helping readers discover new ways to reach out and grow the Church, the Saskatchewan Anglican and the Anglican Journal spark compassionate conversations in an increasingly secularized world.

Please give generously to the Anglican Journal Appeal this year. With your help we can keep the conversation going!

Please fill out and return the enclosed postagepaid donor reply card or call 416-924-9199, ext 259.

Alternatively, you can email mross@national.anglican.ca or go to www.canadahelps.org to make your gift today.

REGINA – On May 8 at All Saints, Regina, Michael Harvey of the “Back to Church Sunday” movement gave a presentation that was thought-provoking and challenging. Mr. Harvey has given permission to have my notes from his presentation that day printed for your enjoyment and possible inspiration.

According to Michael Harvey, we may actually be stopping God from doing what God wants to do. We are stopping growth in our churches. The decline in Christian churches is optional if we would only attend to what God wants.

Why do we have a problem inviting people to church? Children do not have any problem with inviting.

Where did we pick up the notion that we should not or cannot invite people to church?

In taking the children of God into the wilderness, God helped the Israelites to divest themselves of their old patterns by forcing them to rely on God. Issues with old patterns come up in a story about a budgie named “Sparky.”

One day after school, two young daughters of the family let Sparky out of his cage. The mother in the house reprimanded the girls for letting the bird out of his cage.

So from then on, the bird was kept in the cage without free entry into the larger room.

Then a few years later, the more relaxed owner decided to let the budgie fly around the room. So she opened the cage and tried to coax the bird out of its home. Nothing doing.

Even with the cage door open, the budgie would not go out. This was one experienced bird.

Are we like the budgie? Have we become so accustomed to staying in our own comfort zones that going outside of our action patterns has become so frightening? Could we be caged in by our experience?

Why do Christians not invite others to church? In Harvey’s findings, trusted research does not bear out the reasons that you or I would think.

A large percentage of congregants, 80 per cent, do not invite people to their church.

Why? Harvey outlined typical reasons, including: 1) Fear of the “No.” Many Christians are afraid of getting a “no” answer from people. They allow the invitee’s negative response to reflect on them as if it was their fault. But in 1 Cor. 3:6 it says: “Paul planted and Apollos watered but God gave the growth.”

The results are God’s problem. We just need to invite and let God do the rest. It is documented that people sometimes need a few invitations to get up the courage and momentum to go to church.

2) No Friends: Many Christians feel that we have no friends outside of the church to invite. But we ought to consider our daily circles of movement.

Do we frequent a: coffee shop, gas station, grocery store, insurance company or bank? Have we recently dealt with a: real estate agent, lawyer, floor installer, teacher, police officer, badminton or tennis partner?

How have we tried to connect with people who serve us? Have we asked them how they are? If someone has shared a bad experience

with us, have we offered to pray for them?

3) Inviting is the clergy’s job:

Christians often don’t invite because that’s what we pay our pastors to do. But maybe we could think of this in another way. Just think if we all invited one person, we could double the congregation in one week!

4) Fear of Success: In a tongue-incheek approach, Michael Harvey said that some Christians are afraid of the answer “yes” to an invitation. What would you do if someone said yes to your invitation? Have you thought it out?

Could you pick your invited friend up for church and after church ask them to join you for lunch in the hall? Many people stay in congregations because of a friendly interaction with regular parishioners.

5) I Suffer: I don’t want my friends to suffer. How do you feel about your church?

Might your invitee friend appreciate the support and inspiration found in the worship service? Do you need a fresh look at your worshipping community?

Do you take some things for granted?

People very often find hope and help in the support of the Christian community. Could any feelings of awkwardness in church have to do with being challenged personally by God? 6) Privacy of Faith: Everyone has their own faith. Why would I invite someone who already adheres to some other denomination or religion?

Christians experience God as personal and available in ways that other religions do not. Michael Harvey says that unfortunately much of Christianity today is knowing about God rather than about knowing God. 7) Passivity: Some Christians just say, “They know who we are.” “They know where to find us.” Very few people come to church without an invitation.

Un-churched people need to know that anyone and everyone is allowed to come to church. Surprisingly sometimes pastors get calls from people asking if they can come to church.

We should try to overcome the hurdles that un-churched people might have in their minds.

8) Apathy: Many church members don’t care about God’s call to them or nurturing others in their spiritual journey.

Eight out of 10 people do not invite others. This does not give God much of a chance to touch people outside of the church.

How are we locking down the growth in our churches? We should give this some thought.

According to Michael Harvey, the

whole Anglican Church has a problem with inviting others. God

wants His churches to thrive and serve. Are we guilty of the sin of omission? Christians often focus on the active sins so much that the sin of inaction is not considered.

The sin of commission has had more focus than the sin of omission.

All Saints, Regina, is currently preparing to host Welcome Sunday, otherwise known as Back to Church Sunday, on Sept. 30. How are your congregation’s plans coming?

Watch for parts 2, 3 and 4 of this report in upcoming issues of the Saskatchewan Anglican.

Michael Harvey’s latest book can be ordered online at: http://store.afcanada.com/ store/product/17360/Unlocking-the-GrowthYou-ll-Be-Amazed-at-Your-Church-Potential