Saskatchewan anglican
The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal • October 2013
Sister Constance remembered
By Penny Malone
Living off the land
The Diocese of Saskatoon’s Rev. Shawn Sanford Beck and his family have moved to a small off-thegrid farm north of the Battlefords, in search of a simpler and more environmentally sustainable lifestyle. For story see Page 5. Photo – Rev. Shawn Sanford Beck
Diocese of Saskatoon prepares for Mexico 2014 Contributed SASKATOON – Great news, we are in the final stages of planning the Mission to Mexico trip in 2014. We are finalizing the Mission to Mexico dates for 2014. We are anticipating the Mission being from June 21-30, 2014. Our goal is to have a team of 30 people representing as many of the parishes in our diocese as possible. Our hope is to build three houses in a poor community in the Baja and to make a connection through faith in action.
Please consider sponsoring someone from your parish to be a part of the Mission Team so your fundraising can begin. The initial deposit of $500, for each representative, is required by Friday, Nov. 1, 2013. The deposit will hold a spot on the Mission 2014 Team. It is hoped the names will be finalized as soon as possible. Please forward names and deposits to the Anglican Synod Office. Cheques should be made payable to the Diocese of Saskatoon.
If you are unable to send a representative from your parish, please consider supporting the mission through donations that will be used directly for the build. A member of the Mission Planning Committee will be visiting your area this fall to present details and to answer questions. In the meantime, questions can be directed to Joan or Cheryl, at Mission 2014, at anglicansynod@sasktel. net. Please keep the diocese’s 2014 Mission to Mexico in your prayers.
TORONTO – August 10 was a glorious summer morning. The Sisters of St. John the Divine, in their bright blue habits, lined the sidewalk from St. James Cathedral and waved their white handkerchiefs as the hearse slowly eased its way into the Toronto traffic. It was a final farewell to one who has been part of their community for nearly 77 years. Sister Constance Murphy, SSJD, died peacefully in Toronto on Aug. 2, at the age of 109. In his opening remarks at the funeral, Archbishop Colin Johnson confided that in conversation with him, “ ... Sister Constance had wondered, ‘Has God forgotten me?’, but I think God needed the time to get ready.” Even for a complete stranger, to read Sr. Constance’s obituary, listing her many achievements in a variety of fields, the many honours bestowed upon her, there would be no doubt she was an amazing and accomplished woman who lived a long and fruitful life with great purpose and energy. Constance Murphy was born in 1904 in Baltimore, Md., to a prominent Afro-American family. Her father was principal of the largest black elementary school in Baltimore and education was very important to the whole family. After teaching school in Baltimore, she moved to Toronto in 1933 to enter the Sisters of St. John the Divine and made her profession as a Sister in 1936. Two years later she was sent to Regina to teach at the Qu’Appelle Diocesan School, the Anglican girls boarding school. She later became head mistress. When she returned to the convent in 1955, she became administrator of the Church Home for the Aged in Toronto, and served in that role until 1972. She earned a master’s degree in adult education and certificate in gerontology in 1976. But for those of her students whom she knew and taught at
Sister Constance Murphy Qu’Appelle Diocesan School, these facts do not totally capture the essence or spirit of the woman we knew, admired and loved. Sister Constance left QDS in December 1955 where she had taught for 17 years and had been head mistress for the last seven of those years. She was only 50 years of age! She had more than half of her life ahead of her. But the influence she had on her students for perhaps four years, or even less, in the classroom and in the daily life of a boarding school, stayed with many of them throughout the next 50, 60 or 70 years. For many, she was teacher and model, guide and mentor and finally, a cherished friend. As Sister Constance became more immersed in caring for the elderly, she never forgot her “old girls.” She encouraged alumnae to always “remember your School ... its ideals, ethos, spirit, teachings, beliefs and helps.” She followed them into adulthood, ever the teacher and mentor, urging them to “take some definite responsibility for your own aging: spiritual wellbeing; physical well-being; mental well-being. “Have a concern for the aging of others.” And she was followed into her growing interest in gerontology by her students, many of whom were now grandmothers and caregivers themselves. Each “old girl” has favourite memories. These are some of (Continued on Page 5)
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God understands our needs and delights in meeting them “Is it OK to ask God for material things?” By Rev. Cheryl Toth REGINA – In the first year after graduating from university with my BA, I worked as an intern with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship. My living allowance (not really a salary) was enough for me to rent a room from a wonderful landlady in west-end Toronto, buy groceries, keep my bike in repair and purchase occasional subway tokens as needed. It was not enough for new winter boots. My old boots leaked and were beyond repair. My feet were wet from Toronto’s slushy streets. I didn’t want to ask my parents for money (money was tight and they had already helped me through university) so I asked my heavenly Father instead. I was ambivalent about asking. I was reading the Sermon on
the Mount in Matthew and it told me not to worry about what I was to eat or drink or wear, “because your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matthew 6:31-32). However, it also said to “ask and it will be given you” because our Father will “give good things to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11). I decided I would ask and let God figure out if I really needed new boots or not. About a week later I received an anonymous letter in the mail with a money order sufficient to buy my new boots and a quote from Isaiah 58. That chapter in Isaiah speaks about true worship of God being the pursuit of justice and the care of the needy. I assumed then (and still do) that a friend who knew of my need sent me the money order. None of the friends I questioned about it at the time admitted to being my benefactor, so the mystery of my new boots remained. Whoever bought the
money order was an answer to my prayer and a solution to my need. God understands our needs and delights in meeting them. Our difficulty, as human beings immersed in a consumer culture, is we have a hard time differentiating between needs and wants. The materialism of our culture encourages us to think of our wants as needs. Our material needs are relatively few—food, shelter, clothing—but our wants are legion. “I need a new car” may be an expression of a true need for transportation that cannot be met another way, or it may be a reflection of consumer boredom and a desire for something new. So when we ask God for material things, we need to ask ourselves a few questions: Do I really need this or just want it? Am I asking because it is a present need or because I am trying to secure future needs? Jesus teaches us in the Lord’s Prayer to ask for our daily
bread—bread enough for this day—but very often we ask for enough bread to fill our freezer. Sometimes we have more than we need while others don’t have enough. When that is the case, we might turn to Isaiah 58, the words of the prophet that came with my ‘boot money.’ Isaiah reminds us the worship God seeks from us is “to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you seek the naked to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your kin … then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and God will say, ‘Here I am’” (Isaiah 58:79). Sometimes we pray for our material needs to be met. Sometimes we are an answer to another person’s prayer. Rev. Cheryl Toth is a priest in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle and chaplain at Luther College, University of Regina.
The correct reason needed when asking God for things By Rev. Nobert Haukenfrers PRINCE ALBERT – He left the tri-city region and moved to the region of the two rivers, on the prairie, where many good people lived. Many came from miles around to hear Him talk, to be healed, to party, or to look for an opportunity to ask Him their question. Everyone wanted to be around Him; it’s not that He made them feel comfortable, it was just His love was just so sincere and transparent He drew you in. After several late nights and early mornings of trying, I was able to get close to Him. I could have reached out and touched Him, but I didn’t. I had come not to listen but to have my question answered. I grew up in a strict religious family with plenty of rules and not much laughter. Come to think of it, even telling a joke was frowned upon. We never went hungry and I always slept in a bed. Yet, when my parents died, nothing they owned seemed worth keeping, except for some sentimental stuff. I’m not saying
it was junk; it was simply characterized by these qualities. utilitarian. He made it clear that He had They lived their life come to bring that place to considerate of their neighbour, this place: Inviting anyone and seeking truth and governed by everyone to join Him in the the rules of moderation. dance in our community. The I had taken butterfly dance what they had of becoming and Proverbs tells given me without us God has no use transformation. ever saying I never did for greedy, selfish get to ask Jesus thanks and had turned their God my question and people who think into an idol. don’t think of themselves and Ianyone God was else did mock others, for my benefit either. But a and I was using but shows favour few years later, Him to justify I did ask one to those who are my attitudes His followers, generous, humble a man called and actions, imagining that James. I told or down on my ideas were him how I came their luck. His. wanting the good My God life Jesus was was a white man in pursuit of offering; how I wanted what I the Canadian dream - to self didn’t have and was willing to sufficiently and quietly prosper do whatever it took to have it. without giving offence. James told me: I was asking This guy, Jesus, intrigued God for stuff I had no right to me. He talks about the truth my ask for, like a spoiled brat, and parents sought as a refreshing I was cheating God. Can you way of living. The life He believe the nerve of him! speaks of and lives is one You can check it out for that incorporates beauty and yourself, as he wrote a letter goodness with truth. where he says the same thing to The impression He gives is other folks. the city He had come from is He went on to tell me if all
I wanted was my own way, I was flirting with the enemy. If I didn’t change my ways I’d end up an enemy of God. James continued by reminding me I should know this, that it’s nothing new. Proverbs tells us God has no use for greedy, selfish people who think of themselves and mock others, but shows favour to those who are generous, humble or down on their luck. James’ answer seemed a bit harsh, so I kept asking other followers of Jesus my question: ‘Is it okay to ask God for material things?’ To which Augustine replies: “It is lawful to pray for what it is lawful to desire.” So, it is okay to desire material things, provided it is not what I am defined by or obsessed with? These material things I ask God for must be things, I hold loosely, to assist me in the dance Jesus is inviting me into and/or are means of supporting the life of the body. Or, as Paul tells the Corinthians, the secret to asking God for anything has to do with asking for the right reason, for LOVE; for the love of God or the love of my neighbour.
Saskatchewan The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal • January 2013
anglican
Published by the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle. Published monthly except for July and August. Whole No. 292, Vol. 42, No. 2 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
RATES $10 in Canada $17 outside Canada SUBMISSIONS Submissions for the December issue must be recieved by the diocesan editor no later than Friday, October 25. All pictures must be sent as JPEGS and 1 MB (megabyte) in size. CONTACT INFORMATION Managing Editor: Jason Antonio SKAnglicanEditor@gmail.com 59 Roberts Place Regina, Sask., S4T 6K5 Phone: (306) 737-4898 Qu’Appelle: Joanne Shurvin-Martin joannesm@myaccess.ca 6927 Farrell Bay Regina, Sask., S4X 3V4 Phone: (306) 775-2629 Saskatoon: Peter Coolen ptrcoolen@sasktel.net 820 Avenue I South, Saskatoon, Sask., S7M 1Z3 Phone: (306) 244-0935, Saskatchewan: Mary Brown synod@sasktel.net 1308 Fifth Avenue East Prince Albert, Sask., S6V 2H7 Phone: (306) 763-2455 PUBLISHING DETAILS Published from 59 Roberts Place Regina, Sask., S4T 6K5 Printed and mailed by Webnews Printing Inc. 8 High Meadow Place North York, Ont. M9L 2Z5
The Saskatchewan Anglican
Thanksgiving: We are blessed By Bishop David M. Irving Diocese of Saskatoon SASKATOON – I really do love Thanksgiving! It is a particular time of the year, a weekend, when we can pause to consider our blessings and to thank God for all that has been given to us. In many homes, it is also a time when families come together, enjoy each other’s company and break bread together. This Thanksgiving, as we consider our blessings and think about the many things that have come our way, we surely must conclude that we have indeed much for which to be thankful. Much has been given to us; therefore, we have a tremendous obligation to do something in return. I am reminded of a passage in Luke 12:48, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Regardless of our place or position in life, I am convinced that all of us here in Saskatchewan have been given much, far more than most of the people of the world, and therefore in God’s sight we have an obligation. I believe God has given much to us and therefore God expects much from us. Consider your blessings: we have been blessed with a bountiful land in which to live. Each year around this time
we will see advertisements reminding us of what is happening in other parts of the world. We see pictures of starving people, on average every three seconds someone will die of starvation. While you are at church on Sunday morning, more than 2,000 people will die because they do not have enough food to stay alive. Compare that to the bounty of our own land. We live in a land of plenty. We have been given much. We have been blessed with freedom. We are free to come and go as we please, we are free to choose our occupation, our education, our partner and we are free to choose the church we attend. It takes courage and sacrifice to be a Christian in many parts of the world today. Yet, despite hardships and
persecution, people still gather together in the name of Jesus, thankful for the privilege of being able to worship Him. I wonder what they would think of Christians complaining because the church building was too hot or too cold, or because we missed something in the liturgy, or because someone didn’t speak to me. Maybe we have so much that we have come to see the church as a place to serve us and no longer as a place where we serve. And, we have been blessed with the Good News of the Gospel. You are reading this paper today because you have heard about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus; you could easily tell it from memory. And yet, while we hear the Good News over and over again, there are millions who have never heard. I am thankful that someone cared enough about me to tell me about Jesus and that He gave His life for me. So this Thanksgiving weekend, as you sit in church or as you gather with family or friends, realize that because God has given us much, much is expected of us, and we are to become givers and sharers of that which God has given. You know, we are more Christ-like when we give. We have been given much. Therefore we have much to give.
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Speaking up sometimes leads to persecution By Jason Antonio REGINA – Would you be willing to speak up for the truth if it meant you would be persecuted? Would you be willing to speak out on an issue if it meant you would lose your life over it? For the early Christians in Acts 6-7, it was one of their members who spoke up about his beliefs which led to his stoning. This was the start of the Christian persecutions (Acts 8) and their dispersion into the surrounding communities from Jerusalem. In Acts 6:1-7, the first seven deacons of the Church were appointed by the disciples. These deacons were to serve in the community while the rest devoted themselves to prayer and serving the Word. Included in those deacons was a man named Stephen. “Every now and again, deacons proclaim the truth and that can be annoying,” said Rev. Malcolm French. Acts 6:8-15 show us “why we are afraid to be the vocal ones. “This is why we let others speak out. We are afraid to get stoned.” Studying the situation of the early Church was the goal for participants during a recent Qu’Appelle School for Mission
and Ministry class. Entitled “The Acts of the Apostles,” the class was held at St. James the Apostle in Regina. A short discussion took place about how we as Christians have to be role models for the Church and how we have to be on our best behaviour at all times, especially if we live in a small community. This sometimes keeps us from speaking out on an issue and speaking the Truth. Sometimes the test becomes: does speaking out – even if it’s true – advance the Gospel? Rev. French used the example of saying (or not saying) ‘Merry Christmas’ at Christmastime. Someone saying “Season’s Greetings” is not a threat to the Christian faith. Other participants mentioned how any word with “Christmas” in it has been removed for “holiday”, such as the “holiday tree.” Rev. French pointed out the “war” on Christmas is really about society keeping the word but having the meaning of it sucked out. This has distracted us when we should be ignoring some things. “If you basically don’t stand up for anything, eventually you end up standing for nothing,” said Deacon Susan Anholt, a participant in the class. (Continued on Page 4)
Diocese of Saskatoon: Announcements for October 2013 Centring Prayer at the Cathedral: If you are longing for a little more quiet, solitude and an opportunity to “be still”, please join Sarah Donnelly on Sunday mornings for 20 minutes of Centring Prayer at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. This is an ancient form of prayer, grounded in the Christian Mystical Tradition. The group will meet in the Dean’s office at 9:45 a.m. for a 10 minute teaching/reflection on some aspect of Centring Prayer, and then 20 minutes of meditative silence, will begin promptly at 9:55 a.m. and end at 10:15 a.m. All are warmly welcome! Integrity/Saskatoon: Meetings are held at The Cathedral of St. John the
Evangelist, Saskatoon one Wednesday each month at 7:30 p.m. For more information contact Tom and Rose Rogers at (306) 373-5165. For further information and to view related articles, links and 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 S., Saskatoon. For information call 242-7973.
Teas and Garage Sales: St. George’s, Saskatoon will be holding its annual Autumn Garage and Christmas Sale on Oct. 4 (2-7 p.m.) and 5 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). St. George’s will also be holding its ACW Christmas Bake Sale on Nov. 2 (9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the Market Mall, Saskatoon. 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. Ordination to the Priesthood: Deacons, Rev. Emily Carr and Rev. Nancy Yee, will be ordained to the priesthood on the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels,
Sunday, Sept. 29 at 3 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Saskatoon. We rejoice in this good news for Emily and Nancy and for our church. Please pray for Emily and Nancy as they begin to prepare for their priestly ministry. Cathedral Oktoberfest: A fundraising Oktoberfest dinner will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5 as part of the fundraising effort for the cathedral restoration. The fundraiser will be held at the Riverside Golf and Country Club and will consist of a German buffet, by award-winning chef Darren Craddock, a silent auction and entertainment by the Martin Janovsky Quartet with
accordion and dance music. Dress will be “Bavarian Casual”. Tickets are: $200 per person or $1,500 per corporate table with a partial tax receipt. 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, November submissions will be in the January 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.
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PWRDF active in Calgary flood assistance Contributed CALGARY – As residents of Calgary and other towns and cities in Alberta return to their homes and businesses to take stock as the flood waters recede, the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) is providing $15,000 to the Diocese of Calgary to aid those in the greatest need. The Parish of Christ Church, Calgary, is already responding and has been posting updates to its Facebook page. The diocese has identified three areas of priority in their response:
Farewell to the Harnish family
On Aug. 21, parishioners and friends of the Harnish family gathered at All Saints, Leask to bid a poignant farewell to Father Stephen, Cathy, Ryan, Emily and Liam. The gathering celebrated Evening Prayer and then shared a potluck supper. The congregation and ACW of All Saints presented the family with a monetary gift as a token of thanks and appreciation for the exemplary ministry and friendship over the past three years. We pray for God’s blessings upon them as they pursue their vocations in Fredericton, New Brunswick. In the picture, from left, are Ryan, Emily, Father Stephen, Cathy and Liam Harnish. Photo – Contributed
Book of Acts (Continued from Page 3) There are some places Christians should show some restraint in speaking out so as not to appear obnoxious, Rev. French explained. It becomes a case of we shouldn’t look for offence in everything society does. But what are the truths, then, of which we are afraid to speak about? “One of the things we seem to be afraid to do is when people tell us God hates whoever God hates,” we don’t speak up about that. But sometimes it is us being prepared to say that our Christian witness does not agree with what that other Christian is saying. “On some issues there isn’t a Christian consensus,” Rev. French added. After the death of Stephen the persecution of the early Church begins (Acts 8). The death also signified a change from benign harassment to overt persecution. “Today it’s not persecution;
it’s something far more dangerous. It’s apathy and indifference,” said Rev. French. “It’s not that people hate us, it’s just they really don’t care. And they really don’t want anything to do with us because what they see as Christianity, of what people are proclaiming, are things that are decidedly unattractive.” When people come to church, it’s not so much their presence there that is important, but their transformation as individuals. Rev. Arlene Champion of Moose Jaw explained St. Aidan’s usually has a lunch after church. For people who come for the food but not the service, some of them started coming earlier and found a “different food” to eat. “At the end of the day, people come back because they experience something far more than just the food,” said Rev. French. “They come and stay because they discover something transformative…
When Stephen first turned up, he probably wasn’t ready to die. “When people attend your church, can they see the transformative love of Christ?” People seeing that transformative love of Christ can be difficult, especially since Christianity faces a much more difficult time because of indifference. Rev. French pointed out the Church is in decline where the society is indifferent to the Church’s message. Moreover, there are people who are hostile toward the Church for various reasons. “People are free to believe us or not,” the priest added. “Even if they reject us, they are not beyond God’s love. He may turn their hearts. Everybody who isn’t a Christian is part of the mission target group. It doesn’t start necessarily with where they are right now. “It’s acknowledging where they are now and working your way to that. In Acts 8, we see it is about going to places we didn’t expect to go.”
1. Siksika First Nation: 280 homes have been destroyed; 1,000 people have been displaced; there is no drinking water and it is being trucked in. 2. Calgary Urban Projects Society (CUPS): CUPS has identified 70 clients who have been evacuated and out of their units for four days. CUPS is providing for basic needs such as food (all their perishable items had to be thrown out), transportation and diapers. 3. Drop-In Centre: Donations are needed towards replacing their industrial laundry, which was badly damaged in the flood; some of
their more immediate needs include non-perishable food items, steel-toed work boots, toiletries, clothing and bedding. PWRDF will also work with the Diocese of Calgary to provide aid in the town of High River. PWRDF has prepared a pew bulletin insert for use in parishes, which can be downloaded from the PWRDF website. You can donate to this relief effort in the following ways: Online: Donate through the PWRDF website (pwrdf.org) and designate your donation for “Alberta Floods”. By Phone: For credit card donations contact Jennifer Brown, (416) 924-9192 ext. 355 or 1-866-308-7973. By Mail: Please make cheques payable to “PWRDF”, mark them for “Alberta Floods” and send them to: The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund,The Anglican Church of Canada, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ont., M4Y 3G2. Donations and info contact Jennifer Brown, (416) 9249192 ext. 355 or 1-866-3087973 or jbrown@pwrdf.org or the PWRDF Humanitarian Response Co-ordinator, Naba Gurung, (416) 924-9192 ext. 321 or ngurung@pwrdf.org.
Saskatoon’s locally trained clergy program Do you love God? Do you love the church? Have you been involved in lay ministry in your parish for quite some time and wonder about going even deeper? Perhaps God is calling you to diaconal or priestly ministry! “Who, me?” you might say. Yes, YOU! Stranger things have happened you know. God needs workers in the vineyard, including priests and deacons. Perhaps now is the time for you to consider it. The Diocese of Saskatoon has a new program for training clergy. The program takes three to five years to complete,
depending on how much time you can devote to it. There is no cost to you, as the training leads to a non-stipendiary (voluntary) ordained ministry. The program includes reading courses, in-house training sessions, spiritual formation and a supervised apprenticeship. The path to Holy Orders is an awesome spiritual adventure. Take the plunge now!For more information, please contact the Diocesan Training Officer, Rev. Shawn Sanford Beck, at greenpriest@hotmail.ca.
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Shalomstead: On Endings By Rev. Shawn Sanford Beck Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of articles taken from the blog site of Rev. Shawn Sanford Beck and his family. The Sanford Beck family (Shawn, Janice and Christopher, Rowan and Robin) have recently moved to a small off-the-grid farm north of the Battlefords. Follow their adventures at shalomsteadblog.wordpress.com THE BATTLEFORDS (S’toon) – When we began this new venture, I knew life on the farm would stretch us in all types of ways; what I didn’t realize is how much death would be involved. Yes, yes, I’m not naïve. I know all about the circle of life, and how other beings have to die so we can live, and that one day we’ll feed the worms with our flesh, and all that fun stuff. But still, the sheer amount of micro-destruction required is quite surprising! From the weeds pulled to the piggies butchered to the caragana harvested to the poor little mouse whom I was forced to decapitate with a hatchet the other morning, there is a heck of a lot of death-dealing involved in the work of life. Nurturing a garden for food entails daily slaughter; just the other day I was torching then mashing a bucketful of adolescent potato bugs, with a grim sense of murderous determination I didn’t know I pos-
sessed. Again, I reiterate, I was not naïve about this. Even as a former vegetarian of more than a decade, and as an animist who believes that all forms of life are persons with varying degrees of sentience, I knew I would be quite involved with the death of other creatures when we moved to the farm. I’m even in the process of developing rituals of “last rites” for the animals we’ll be butchering in the fall. But at the end of the day, my inner theologian is still not entirely comfortable with the place of death in this mortal life. When one believes so deeply that not only humans but all creation is destined for eternal life, it is hard to know what to do with the cold hard fact of death. My inner scientist knows death is inevitable and necessary. But is it the result of a cosmic “fall from grace”? Or is it a divinely-designed penultimate phase in the journey to Resurrection? (And will I have to face all those damn potato beetles I so cruelly killed when we find our place in the heavenly promised land?) I suspect these questions will continue to haunt me for quite some time, on both ethical and metaphysical levels. Perhaps someday a satisfactory resolution will come to me. In the meantime I remain, Your ambivalent grim reaper, Shawn.
Sister Constance (Continued from Page 1) their reflections: Sister’s ability to quiet a group of girls (or women) with the clap of her hands; her recycling of anything possible; clipping stamps; a zest for learning and her ability to make history come alive; beginning each day in St. Chad’s Chapel with Sister leading us in prayer. Also, her courage in facing difficult situations; her many little gifts of “clip-it” pages of prayers to pass on or tuck into your purse; always interested in and proud of our accomplishments, she continued to gently challenge her girls in order to bring out the very best, no matter at what age; encouraging us to write our family history and to pass it on; respect for others and proper manners were simply a given for QDS girls.
Also, the discipline we had to follow, perhaps not appreciated at the time, prepared us well for our life ahead; a model of faith. Sister Beryl recalls when she arrived at QDS as a 13year old student, she first saw Sister Constance “... in motion, hurrying somewhere, with her arms full of books and papers.” The QDS school motto – “ Fais ce que dois”, do what you ought, and “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it” ( John 2:5), were the last words Sister chose for a perpetual calendar, which she managed to produce and give to each of the alumnae on the occasion of the school’s 80th birthday in 1998. These were words by which Sister Constance lived and which she would likely be pleased to leave as a legacy for “her girls.” Photo – Michael Hudson
Lauren Miller (left) and Wendell Brock (right) were ordained by Bishop Rob Hardwick to the transitional diaconate on July 13 at St. Mary’s in Kindersley. Photo – Clayton Brock
Two deacons ordained in Kindersley By Joanne Shurvin-Martin KINDERSLEY (Qu’A) – Wendell Brock and Lauren Miller were ordained Deacons on July 13 at St. Mary’s in Kindersley, with about 80 people attending. Deacon Brock will serve the Parish of Big Country, based around Kindersley, and Deacon Miller the Parish of Coteau Hills, centred on Rosetown. Bishop Rob Hardwick was celebrant and preacher at the joyous service, assisted by Deacon Susan Page. Wendell Brock was presented for ordination by Rev. Dell Bornowsky, Jason Dearborn and Thomas Nosterud; Lauren Miller was presented by Rev. Val From, Jesse Miller and Addella Litzenberger. The litanist was Rev. Brian Woodrow, retired priest of the diocese.
Scripture readings included Isaiah 6:1-18, read by Clayton Brock, father of the ordinand; Psalm 84; 2 Corinthians 4:1-10, read by Nathan Miller, eldest son of Lauren. The Gospel from Mark 10:35-45, read by Deacon Page, says Christians who want to be great must be servants to all. During the ordination service, the role of deacons in the church is described as “a special ministry of servanthood.” Both new transitional deacons will now embark on a training program in preparation for being ordained as priests. Rev. Dell Bornowsky, rector of Big Country Parish, said the parish was “delighted to host this ordination. “One significance of holding the ordination locally is that local parishioners as well as clergy and parishioners from other church traditions were
in attendance who wouldn’t have been able to attend had it been held farther away,” Rev. Bornowsky said. “Big Country is the parish with points farthest from Synod Office and Cathedral in Regina, so I especially appreciate the Regina-area clergy and participants from the neighbouring parishes who were able to make the trip to Kindersley. “The ordination was an opportunity for us to celebrate being a part of the diocese.” The meal after the service included some African dishes prepared by Deacon Brock’s wife, Oda, who is from Rwanda. Rev. Bornowsky concluded, “Thanks to the local parishioners and the distant organizers who, though we were few, contributed mightily to prepare and provide for this wonderful celebration.”
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
October 2013
Luke’s Gospel written for the ‘misfits’ of society By Jason Antonio
REGINA – The Gospel of Luke is unique among the four canonical Gospels, as it was written for the “misfits or outsiders” of society. Luke himself is an “outsider” among the four gospellers, as he is the only gentile writer in the Bible, explained Rev. Dean Pinter of St. Aidan, Moose Jaw. Luke knows with God, though, there are no outsiders. Throughout his gospel, Luke is the most vigorous “champion of the outsider (or) underdog.” The Gospel of Luke was the topic of a one-day seminar held at All Saints in Regina. The class was put on by the Qu’Appelle School for Mission and Ministry. Rev. Pinter, who holds a university doctorate, was a professor for 16 years before becoming a priest. Rev. Pinter explained humans respond to being outsiders by creating a club for outsiders, which then turns them into insiders. But clubs essentially exclude people based on a variety of reasons. And religion has a long history of making insiders and outsiders and reducing “huge mysteries of God” to respectable club rules. The same can be said of St. Luke’s time. “In the 1st century AD, who were the outsiders?” Rev. Pinter asked. They were women (Luke 1:39-45; 1:46-55; 2:3638; 7:36-50), common labourers like shepherds (2:8-20), the poor (21:1-4), the sick (5:1214), the Gentiles (7:1-10) and
Samaritans (10:25-37). In Luke’s Gospel, however, all of these “outsiders” receive fair treatment in how they are presented. An interesting fact about the Gospel of Luke is whoever wrote Luke also wrote the Book of Acts, and thus vice versa. This is based on Acts 1:1 and Luke 1:1-4, plus the style of writing. This means both books are connected, as the former sets up the latter. There are certain passages in Acts called the “we passages,” which indicate the author was an occasional travelling companion of Paul (Acts 16:1017; 20:5-16; 21:1-18, 27-28). These narrow down the options of the author, said Rev. Pinter, and by the 2nd century, Church tradition indicated Luke – a physician – wrote both the Gospel and Acts. In comparison to the other three gospels, Luke starts his gospel differently (Luke 1:1-4) with his particular introduction. Also, the style of writing in his gospel indicates Luke is an educated man familiar with literature of the time. Rev. Pinter pointed out similar to the Book of Hebrews, Luke writes at a “high level and for an educated audience.” “Luke thinks Jesus Christ is the climax of the story and for the world,” the Moose Jaw incumbent added. Jesus’ death and resurrection have “global implications.” This is why we need Acts. It is the sequel or fulfilment of Luke’s Gospel. The way in
which the gospel ends even sets up the next “act” in the story. Another interesting fact about the Gospel of Luke is Luke arranges Jesus’ life geographically, meaning everything either happens in Galilee in the north (Luke 3:1 – 9:50) or on the way south to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51 – 19:27). This long section indicates that Jesus “sets His face to go to Jerusalem,” with many interesting things occurring along the way. Meanwhile, Acts starts in Jerusalem and ends in Rome, “which is to say if you get to Rome, you’ve got to the world.” “If you only have the Gospel of Luke, you would...never know (Jesus even) left Galilee” until He went to Jerusalem to die. Luke never takes Jesus out of Jewish territory, not even mentioning Jesus and His family fleeing to Egypt, as it doesn’t fit into his “geographical narrative.” If anything did happen outside of Galilee, Luke was purposefully vague about it. An example of this is in 11:1: “It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him… .” This piece is also what makes Luke’s Gospel unique. One of the reasons he doesn’t take Jesus out of Jewish land is because he knows he will be writing Acts, which is “part two” of the story. In Luke, Jesus is written as coming for all people. In Acts, Jesus is written as coming for all the nations of the world.
Centennial of St. Cuthbert’s, Dysart and Confirmation service By Susan Boxall DYSART (Qu’A) – There was a wonderful turnout of people on Aug. 4, at St. Cuthbert’s Church in Dysart. Not only were the local Anglicans celebrating 100 years of services in the area, but three youngsters were confirmed into the church. Records show Anglican church services were held at McDonald Hills School from 1905-11, by which time a few churches were being built in Dysart and area. The first, St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church, was built with a stone foundation and
clapboard sided walls in 1913. When the old church was deemed beyond safe repair, the current church was built in 1966 and ‘67, mostly by volunteers, when Rev. Doug Bayliss was the incumbent. St. Cuthbert’s has recently seen growth and vibrancy with some younger families and the amalgamation of the congregation from Cupar and area. It was a joyful day when brothers Bryson Christopher and Doran Douglas Smith, plus Rosa Heather Huestis, daughter of the present incumbent, were confirmed by Bishop Rob Harwick. The day’s service
ended with everyone outside as the newly restored cross was blessed by the bishop. Of course, no prairie celebration is complete without food! Everyone joined together for a wonderful lunch in the local hall, guests from the parish and the local communities brought greetings, there were many historic photographs on display and a wonderful cake cut by Gladys Petrar. She is one of the oldest and most knowledgeable members of the church, and along with her daughter, wrote the history for the pamphlet handed out at the centennial celebration.
What does poverty cost? By Rev. Alex Parsons Diocese of Saskatoon Stewardship Officer SASKATOON – “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” So begins what is probably the most well known of Psalms. It is a beautifully reassuring message. A message that promises us that no matter how bad things are, even in the valley of the shadow of death, God is there with us. Yet when that shadow involves poverty, it can seem as if God is far away and no one else is listening either. Doors close, avenues of escape narrow and a general hopelessness may prevail. Poverty takes a steady toll on all aspects of life. In fact, as James Baldwin notes, “Anyone who has ever struggled with poverty knows how extremely expensive it is to be poor.” The cost can even tax our thoughts it seems. A recent study out of Princeton found that reasoning abilities declined when the main focus of daily life was shelter and food, to the point of exclusion of all other opportunities such as education. This had far more than financial implications. Based on their research, the authors argue that poverty hinders a person’s ability to make good decisions and can cause further poverty. In addition the study claims that “on average, a person preoccupied with money problems showed a reduction in cognitive function equivalent to a 13-point drop in IQ or the loss of a night’s sleep.” Naturally this is pretty controversial stuff with much rebuttal coming from many quarters. Yet I know myself that money worries can certainly keep you up at night and I have seen friends struggle to the point of exhaustion to pay bills. It is well documented that money troubles are a leading cause of marriage breakdown. The vow “… for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, in good times and bad” is too often half endorsed; so rich, healthy, good times not only become the expectation but a condition of continuing relationship with others and even with God. Struggle is not in the cards yet it is a big part of life for many as a daily fact, and for all of us, at one time or another. No wonder the Scriptures have, with such deep understanding, so much to say about wealth; its use and misuse, its abundance, or its lack and all the problems that go along with coming to grips with it. When speaking of the priorities of a disordered world,
Ecclesiastes notes “bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, but money answers everything.” Money indeed can become a deity in its own right and, independent of God, seemingly makes the world go round. In their song Money, Pink Floyd acknowledges a widespread feeling: “Money, it’s a crime/ Share it fairly, But don’t take a slice of my pie!” It is a consuming issue without a doubt, no pun intended, and a barometer of so many of our perceptions of ourselves and each other. Paul wrote to the Philippians, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether wellfed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” The relationship with God never changes no matter what our circumstances. That we are loved, we are cherished, we are not alone, is a continuous message of the faith God has in us to be His people. All are held in God’s arms. In this fall season of Thanksgiving, Harvest Festivals and parish suppers, we are reminded of the blessings around us and the richness of the Earth. A richness provided by God to be shared with His children. All of us have been given much and with that gift comes responsibility to look out for our neighbour. Our slice of the pie is not truly ours, never was, never will be. It is God’s, given to us to make a difference in ways laid before us. We are called to be stewards of creation, to watch over it and to share in it as we are able. It is in this sharing that we shine and see the value in each other. Studies aside, I am not sure about being poor lowering one’s IQ, but I do know the issue of poverty should definitely raise all our thoughts to find ways to combat it. When Christ first stood up in the Synagogue and read from the scroll of Isaiah, saying, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor ... .” We who proclaim His name today are still tasked to continue this work. Not only to speak of the richness of the coming Kingdom but to diminish suffering in the created world of the here and now. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
The Saskatchewan Anglican
Let your light shine A lit cross brightens the neighbourhood By Nigel Salway REGINA – When St. Luke’s Anglican Church was built in the 1960s, it broke new architectural ground. The southern wall featured a large cross which quickly became one of the landmarks of the Lakeview neighbourhood. The cross was lighted at night, providing reassurance that the Light of Christ could be found in this darkened world. Over the years, the bulbs lighting the cross succumbed to old age, and for some time, the cross has been dark. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the parish and the 50th anniversary of the building of the new church, the parishioners of St. Luke’s took it upon themselves to find the funds to repair the lights. Over the past year, a number of fundraisers and other events
have been held to advertise the project and raise the required money. These efforts culminated in the first week of August when a work crew moved into the church to carry out the work. This required building a large scaffold to support the electricians while they replaced the bulbs in the cross. In addition to electrical work on the cross, the cross was repainted and other hardto-reach bulbs in the sanctuary were replaced. The cross is now illuminated at night, once again showing the Light of Christ to the world. On the Eve of St Luke’s Day, Thursday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m., there will be a Eucharist and prayers of dedication to officially re-light the cross. Archdeacon Mary Ann Boote will preach. All are welcome!
Above, the lighted cross meets the twilight as night approaches St. Luke’s, Regina. At right, a large scaffold was erected in the sanctuary of St. Luke’s to provide workers access to the lights in the cross. Photos — Nigel Salway, Tom Fulton
Diocesan Council correction The list of members of Qu’Appelle Diocesan Council printed in the Summer issue contained errors. The Saskatchewan Anglican regrets this and publishes the corrected list here: Elected Clergy Rev. Trish McCarthy Rev. Malcolm French Deacon Susan Page Rev. Cheryl Toth Rev. Jonathan Hoskin Rev. Peter Boote Rev. Brian Woods Rev. Susan Salo
Elected Laity Jason Antonio Donna Evans Dale Flavel Susan Haacke Pat Hall Debbie Hubick Ellen Redshaw Gail Ridgway Susan Rollins Jerry Sherk Bryan Sigurdson Brian Wright
Ex Officio Members Bishop Rob Hardwick Dean Mike Sinclair Chancellor Peter Whitmore Registrar Trevor Powell Executive Archdeacon Mary Ann Boote Executive Admin Assistant Shelley Baron Diocesan Elder Rev. Arthur Anderson Diocesan Elder Rev. Dale Gillman
Apppointed Laity Sue Boxall Laura French Lana Johnsson
Courtesies of Council Diocesan Finance Officer Biljana Grujic
Old quilt returns home Contributed LONDON, ONT. – A 68-year-old signature quilt made by one of the founding churches in London, Ont., has come into the possession of Church of the Ascension in that city. The quilt contains embroidered names of more than 375 members of St. Matthew’s Church in London. A picture of the church with the name of rector Canon A.A. Trumper is stitched into the middle. The quilt is not dated, so figuring out its age required sifting through some clues. St. Matthew’s opened in 1895 and was sold in 2000 after members voted to amalgamate with three other churches. Canon Trumper had a 25year tenure at the church, from 1933-58. Then, looking closely through the names on the quilt, members of the Morton family noted
the names of older children in their family were included but not the younger. That pinned the likely date to 1945. The quilt was believed to have been sold as a fundraiser. It was in the possession of a former St. Matthew’s member, who later lived in Mount Forest. When she died, her daughter asked an Anglican friend in town to help her track down St. Matthew’s to see if it would like the quilt back. By then, the church had closed, but, with the assistance of Huron Church House staff, the quilt made its way to its new home. Story, photo courtesy Huron Church News
Daisy Morton, seated, and her daughter Barbara Baillie, right, point to their names, while Deb Adams, centre, finds names of her relatives on a 68-year-old signature quilt from the former St. Matthew’s Church in London.
October 2013
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
October 2013
From shipwreck to church
By Jeffrey Metcalfe
OLD HARRY, QUEBEC – Every church building holds within its construction the history of a particular community. As these communities change, sometimes sprawling out from their origins, sometimes dwindling and disappearing altogether, these church buildings continue to mark the landscape, serving as a museum to that history. This was brought into sharp focus at St. Peter’s-by-the-Sea, Old Harry, on Aug. 2, as director Sharif Mirshak premiered his latest film, Legends of Magdalen, a documentary that explores the role shipwrecks have played in the anglophone community within the Magdalen Islands (near Quebec). The film follows the work of Leonard Clark, an amateur historian and a former resident of Old Harry who, himself descended from shipwreck survivors, found his life’s passion in uncovering his community’s history through its shipwrecks. “I would say Legends looks at the islands through the eyes
of Leonard Clark, who himself embodies the Magdalens,” Mirshak explained. “In many ways, his story is the history of the islands.” Indeed, this is seen in Leonard’s own tenacity at uncovering shipwrecks, a tenacity one imagines helped his ancestors to survive after being washed up on a barren beach. “St. Peter’s-by-the-Sea was built using timber from the Kwango, which wrecked on Brion Island in 1915,” Mirshak explained. “I thought it would be symbolic to project Legends inside a living monument built from a shipwreck.” However, he said this was motivated by more than symbolism. “On a personal level, I had a spiritual experience when I first stepped into Old Harry Church … It’s hard to explain, but I was overwhelmed with emotions and waves of human experience.” For Mirshak, this experience was carved into the wood of the church building itself. “I found a small trapdoor that leads to the bell tower and climbed up to film the Kwango’s wooden
beams. Then I marveled at the ‘Doors of Infinity,’ a tribute to Leonard’s son, Aaron, who drowned while saving others at sea.” Due in part to the remoteness of the Magdalen Islands, and to the difficulty of negotiating the ever shifting sands off the shallow shores, few formal archaeological projects are ever been pursued. This has left the uncovering and the writing of the history of the anglophone community in the Magdalen Islands to the
members of that community, who like Leonard, make up for their lack of formal archeological and historiographical train-
ing by their love for their home. The documentary is available for streaming at cbc.ca.
Story/photo courtesty Quebec Diocesan Gazette
Qu’Appelle Events Harvest Bake Sale Saturday, Oct. 19 from 1-3:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, corner of Montague St. and 15th Ave., Regina. Homemade baking and preserves, books and treasures will be on offer. Beverages and light lunch will be available. Admission is free. For more information, please contact Norma at (306) 584-5563.
Is faith in God delusional? ‘Ridiculous’ says Christian apologist By Jason Antonio REGINA – The perception in today’s culture is that religious faith is “mad, irrational (and) stupid,” which can make life difficult for Christians who profess to have faith in God. Today’s atheists say that religious faith is irrational and is actually “a delusion,” explained Dr. Andy Bannister, a well-known Christian apologist. Famous atheist writers such as Richard Dawkins say that God is a “pernicious delusion.” Bannister was at the University of Regina recently to give a talk on the topic “Is Christianity Delusional?” The noted speaker is with the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries organization, whose primary mission is to reach and challenge those who shape the ideas of a culture with the credibility of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It also aims to touch both the heart and intellect of the thinkers and influencers of society.
“What is it about religion in general, and Christianity in particular, that makes it delusional for an atheist like Richard Dawkins?” Bannister wondered. “Many of my atheist friends, when you press them on that question, say it’s because religion and religious belief is all about believing in things for which there is no evidence.” Bannister pointed out the Bible talks about faith many times. It says faith is a gift, but not one of stupidity. He added faith is not the opposite of reason, or sound judgement. The opposite of ‘reason’ is ‘irrational.’ Human relationships require faith and trust. So the idea faith – trust – is delusional is ridiculous. The question is not, ‘Do you have faith?’ but rather, ‘Are the things in which you place your trust actually reliable and trustworthy?’ “Everybody has faith of some kind, no matter where you are,” Bannister added. “Faith doesn’t mean
believing in things without evidence. Faith means put your trust in something … And every human being has to trust things through life on an everyday basis.” For example, you can’t prove the universe didn’t come into existence five minutes ago, complete with your “false memories” of the past. Bannister pointed out we have no way of knowing the past actually happened, so we take it on faith. “We have to assume the future will behave like the past,” the apologist said. “So how do scientists operate? Well, we take it on faith. We take it on trust. (Even when) you step onto an airplane, you put your faith in the pilot. “(You) trust he has passed his pilot’s exams and hadn’t been out drinking with his buddies the night before. I put my trust in the engineers. I put my trust in the people who did the maintenance on that aircraft … . “Whether you are a doubter or disciple, seeker or skeptic, you have to give reasons for
the things you believe or things you don’t believe. And it’s the quality of those reasons that are important,” he said. “The Bible actually commands Christians (in 1 Peter 3:15) to be ready to give reasons for the things we believe.” Christians have always been concerned with reasons and evidence. Christianity began with an appeal to evidence. When the Roman or Jewish authorities asked the first Christians why they believed what they believed, even if it meant facing torture and possible execution, Christians pointed to public historic evidence, that being the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Bannister made a point of clearing up possible confusion between evidence and proof. “There is no such thing as 100 per cent proof in this world,” he explained, “apart from the realm of mathematics. People sometimes say to me, ‘Can you prove that God exists?’ And I say, ‘If you mean 100 per cent proof, I can’t do
that.’ One-hundred per cent proof only exists in the realm of mathematics. “If you wanted 100 per cent proof for many things in your life, you would get nowhere.” Instead, in the real world we look for the “weight” of evidence, or whether it points to something. For example, a person walks in the woods and comes across gnawed trees, beaver scat and a lodge or dam on a lake. However, that person does not actually see the beaver. But they do see enough evidence of a beaver to believe beavers are in the area. And, Bannister added, we can do the same vis-á-vis God. “What we can do is … we can look at the pile of evidence. I don’t think we can 100 per cent prove that God exists, but I can’t prove 100 per cent that I exist or you exist (either) … But I do believe that God makes the best sense of a whole variety of pieces of evidence — philosophical, scientific, historical and existential.”