Saskatchewan anglican
The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal • November 2011
Saskatoon Cathedral launches restoration campaign
By Derwyn Crozier-Smith
Sinclair inducted as Dean of Qu’Appelle By Joanne Shurvin-Martin REGINA – Majestic organ music and the smell of sweetgrass filled St. Paul’s Cathedral when Michael Hearn Sinclair was inducted as rector and installed as Dean of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle on Sept. 25. The service was conducted by Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson, with the involvement of many lay people and clergy. During the hymn “I Bind Unto Myself Today”, diocesan and visiting clergy processed into the Cathedral. Representatives from five other denominations were included in this group. After an introduction by the bishop, the required oaths and declarations were read and signed, and the license read aloud. The wardens of the Cathedral presented Michael with keys, the first of many symbolic presentations during the service. Michael’s parents read the first and second lessons. Rev. Gary Sinclair read Isaiah 43:25-44:8, which speaks of God blotting out transgressions and pouring water on the thirsty land. It ends by asking, “Is there any god besides me? There is no other rock: I know not one.” Rev. Paula Foster read from 2 Corinthians 4:1-7, in which St. Paul wrote, “... we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as slaves for Jesus’ sake.” The gospel was from John 14:8-17, in which Jesus promises that God will send another advocate, the Holy Spirit. Bishop Kerr-Wilson began his homily by recalling when he was (Continued on page 4).
SASKATOON – The people of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Saskatoon gathered recently to learn about the work needed to restore the cathedral building and to kick off a capital fundraising campaign called “Cornerstone 2012”. Construction of the cathedral in Saskatoon began in 1912, with the interior completed and the first service held in 1917. The original parish celebrated the laying of the cornerstone for St. John the Evangelist on Sept. 2, 1912. The laying was presided over by HRH Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and the then Governor-General of Canada. Parishioners have undertaken several capital projects over the past century to care for the building, but after 100 years of use, the building now urgently needs major restoration work to address damage due to serious leaks and heat loss. A thorough assessment of the building envelope was conducted by a team of experts led by Iredale Architecture Group of Vancouver. The report identified the most pressing issues and proposed a course of action which led to the parish decision to launch a restoration campaign. In reaching the $2 million goal, the parish will be able to complete the restoration and also create a maintenance fund to address future problems when they emerge. Recently, the congregation toured the cathedral to see the damage and to learn about the remedial work proposed. They
also heard from a lead parish donor about his family’s decision to contribute to the effort and considered the strategy for the restoration campaign. As a part of this campaign, congregation members signed up as visitors for the planned visitation next year of all parish members. Prior to the visitations the volunteers will also attend training sessions. The fundraising campaign will include the diocese and the City of Saskatoon. Plans are also underway for a multi-day event to mark the centennial of the beginning of construction, to be held next year, from Sept. 7-9, 2012. The parish invites all Anglicans in our diocese to join in that celebration. The campaign committee expects that a substantial portion of the funds will have been raised and much work will have been completed by that occasion. A generous gift from the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation; a grant from the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation; and significant support coming in from the parishioners are promising signs the campaign will be successful. This early support means restoration work began this year. This work will continue over the fall. To learn more about the campaign and restoration, please visit the Cathedral website at http://stjohns.sasktelwebsite. net/. The Cornerstone 2012 Campaign welcomes gifts from all friends of the Cathedral. Tax receipts will be issued. The is Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 816 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 3H4.
In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place: and in the sky The larks still bravely singing fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead: Short days ago, We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved: and now we lie In Flanders fields! Take up our quarrel with the foe To you, from failing hands, we throw The torch: be yours to hold it high If ye break faith with us who die, We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields – Composed by Lieut.-Col. John McCrae, on the battlefront on May 3, 1915 during the Second Battle of Ypres, Belgium Published on Dec. 8, 1915 November 11 – Never Forget
Diane Foley honoured in retirement celebration By Joanne Shurvin-Martin
Members of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist tour the Cathedral to see the damage, learn about the proposed remedial work and discuss the Cornerstone 2012 Campaign. Photo – Derwyn Crozier-Smith
REGINA – Friends from across the diocese, and as far as Lichfield, England, gathered at St. James, Regina, on Sept. 24 to wish Diane Foley happy retirement after 14 years as Qu’Appelle Diocesan Finance Officer. Diane was scheduled to retire Sept. 30, but has agreed to stay until a new finance officer is hired and trained. Many people spoke or sent messages, thanking Diane for her dedicated work for the diocese.
Diane Foley Following a catered supper in St. James parish hall on Sept. 24, master of ceremonies Archdeacon (Continued on page 7)
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
November 2011
Using what we have to engage the world By Rev. Ann Marie Nicklin What do we Anglicans as a Christian community have to offer along with all other Christian communities by virtue of the fact we are ‘Christian’? SASKATOON – We are inundated with advertising throughout our waking hours. The goal of this advertising is to convince us the seller has something we need. The focus of the manufacturers and advertisers is more on what they need – money – than really on what we need. When we do buy their product, we often find it is not what we need at all. It ends up collecting dust or in the church’s next garage sale. We struggle to find our way in an ever-changing world. The Church has looked to secular models to help them convince people it has what they need. It looks for that “hook” that will grab people. It lives in the dream that one day the people will wake up and discover that it is the answer. But, unlike TV, radio, Internet and billboards, the Church can and has been easily ignored. We don’t have resources to compete. It may be time that we go back to our basics. It may be time we use
our own resources and strengths. modern people to convince them The Church has a number we have just what they need. We of advantages. We have what the have tried doing it using secular people really need. We have the tools. We have tried to buy the Good News; hope in a world that resources. Often we haven’t had is often confusing, challenging the finances for these. We have and unfair. We have community; creatively tried to replicate them we know about relationships. as cheaply as possible. And we We may despair as we not always fail to see the Jesus did not wait for people to get those spectacular come to Him in a synagogue. He relationships went out among them and listened results for right in which we had to their pains, their joys, their practice, but hoped. struggles and their successes. He we do keep There is, offered to journey with htem as they trying. We however, lived their daily lives. have the another model resources that emerging in – Rev. Ann Marie Nicklin express the our Church. broadness and This model depth of the human experience doesn’t try to sell what we have. and longing. Instead it uses what we have First and foremost of these to engage with people as they is our Scripture. There is our struggle to determine what it is liturgy and music. We have our they need and how to achieve it. traditions. These have developed This model isn’t perfected out of our growing understanding in our Church yet. We are still of God, the world around us and learning as we go. Its strength our entwined relationship with lies in the fact we are using the both. resources and skills we have We embrace both our always had within ourselves. Scripture and our traditions but This model is seen when not blindly. We critically engage we work with our aboriginal with these as we live in the world. people as they move toward As a result, we are constantly self-governance. It is seen when discovering ever more about the Primate’s World Relief and ourselves and the God we serve. Development Fund (PWRDF) We struggle to engage postworks with local partners
throughout the world. It is seen when our various representatives meet with others throughout the worldwide Anglican Communion to build stronger relationships. The results are we learn how we can do better in furthering the work of God together. The question may not be “How do we sell ourselves?” It may be “How do we better use what gifts and resources we have been given?” This would involve engaging with people in their own localities and listening to them. This builds on a model that was put into practice 2,000 years ago. Jesus did not wait for people to come to Him in a synagogue. He went out among them and listened to their pains, their joys, their struggles and their successes. He offered to journey with them as they lived their daily lives. Jesus did speak to the crowds. As He turned His face to Jerusalem those crowds turned away. It is the individuals on whom He left a lasting mark. As is done by modern day advertising, the Church can speak to the crowds. However, it will do its best and lasting work in the lives of individuals. It can accomplish this by meeting them where they live their daily lives. Nicklin is rector of St. George’s Church, Saskatoon.
Christians find solidarity in Jesus Christ By Rev. Dell Bornowsky What do we Anglicans as a Christian community have to offer along with all other Christian communities by virtue of the fact we are ‘Christian’? BIG COUNTRY PARISH (Qu’A) – Christians share many ideas and practices with non-Christians, so what is uniquely Christian about us? Surely something we offer “by virtue of the fact that we are ‘Christian’” is distinct. My first attempt to list what Anglicans share with other Christians included our motivation toward justice and charitable service. But I realized that similar contributions are made by non-Christians. Even atheists can practice charity. So my list narrowed a bit. Christians offer a worldview in which history is significant; we hope for ultimate justice and resurrection in the coming kingdom. But then I realized we share even these hopes with our Jewish and Islamic friends. So is there anything unique that Christians offer? I hesitate to say, but I think it might be our cosmology. No one else has a Christ-centered cosmology. (Cosomology, as used in this column, can be defined as the branch of philosophy or metaphysics which deals with the universe as a whole. Used in
Christian theology, cosmological now know better than those who questions can include not only wrote the New Testament what ideas about the origin and Jesus was/is really all about. structure of the material universe, Ironically, such claims are but also ideas about about its usually supported by decidedly moral or spiritual origins and non-Christian cosmologies. structures. This can include some Catholic, apostolic cosmology explanation of how the whole maintains that Jesus is not just universe fits together and works.) a dead guru or an “ascended I am a bit embarrassed I master” with a unique awareness didn’t immediately think that our of unity with God. common offering as Christians Christians see incarnation is simply Jesus Christ. But what as unique to Jesus and thus does it mean significantly Messiah Jesus ... as the Lamb of to offer Jesus different God who takes away the sin of the Christ? than Hindu world, bridges heaven and earth Being avatars both morally and metaphysically. Christian (various is probably – Rev. Dell Bornowsky a bit more than thinking Jesus is pretty cool and hanging manifestations or persona of around with others who think so. various divinities). Buddhists, Hindus, pantheists and The cosmology of materialism even atheists can admire Jesus dismisses the existence of a but I don’t think that makes them spiritual-heavenly realm, and Christian. thus the spiritual significance of In the creed, Anglicans confess personhood. Platonic/Gnostic belief in one, holy, catholic, and Eastern cosmologies tend to and apostolic church. From the dismiss the goodness or reality perspective of this broad but of the material-earthly realm and nevertheless particular collection thus also of embodied human of faith communities, I believe personhood. we can find elements of solidarity. Messiah Jesus, on the other This is where our cosmology hand, as Jacob’s ladder, and as comes in. the Lamb of God who takes away Various movements in the the sin of the world, bridges church want to reinvent or “reheaven and earth both morally discover” or progress into new and metaphysically, bringing understandings of Jesus and of finite sinful human persons into being Christian. Some suggest we fellowship with the infinite holy
divine persons of Trinity. No one else has a bodily resurrected Messiah as High Priest in the presence of God, interceding on our behalf as we await His return to bring ultimate justice and complete the restoration of heaven and earth. In short, no other cosmology has a pre-eminent Christ as the locus of the redemption of the created cosmos (Col 1:13-20). I realize that such language may seem archaic, obscure, removed from daily life and even cultish. But as N.T. Wright suggests in Surprised by Hope, without such concepts our cosmology ceases to be uniquely Christian. Personally, I have found no other worldview with an explanation as adequate nor a purpose as compelling, to inform my life’s hopes and my daily practice of faith. Common ground that we share with other religions, worldviews and assorted spiritualities ought to be celebrated. But if we abandon these unique catholic and apostolic understandings of what it means to be Christian, the world will lose a grand coherent and truly alternative worldview: a cosmology which may have rivals but which has no peer. Bornowsky is the incumbent for the parishes in Kindersley, Eston, Loverna and Prairiedale.
Published by the dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle. Published monthly except for July and August. Whole No. 292, Vol. 34, No. 3 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 Wednesday, Oct. 26. 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: Catherine Harnish catherine.harnish@gmail.com PO Box 538 Canwood, Sask., S0J 0K0 Phone: (306) 468-2264 Publishing Details Published from 59 Roberts Place Regina, Sask., S4T 6K5 Printed and mailed by Signal Star Publishing A division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Goderich, Ont., N7A 4B6
November 2011
The Saskatchewan Anglican
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Saints, Poppies and the Crown: Three Days in November By Gregory Kerr-Wilson Bishop of Qu’Appelle REGINA – Through years of living through the annual cycle of the Church’s seasons and celebrations, I have come to recognize and appreciate a particular rhythm to the way the month of November unfolds. It begins with the Feast of All Saints and then, nearing its end, culminates with the Reign of Christ. All Saints celebrates those mostly unknown or forgotten disciples of Jesus who triumphed in the life of faith, bearing witness to God’s love and grace through their life and death in their own generation. It recognizes that in a world full of brokenness and sin, there have been those in whom the Holy Spirit has worked in a special way – whether seen or unseen by the world. The Reign of Christ at the other end of the month looks forward to the day when God’s gracious reign of mercy, justice and love under the gentle rule of Christ is manifest in the whole of
creation – while recognizing the profound truth that this reign is, in part, already amongst us, when and as we acknowledge Jesus as Lord of our life and lives. In the middle of the two however, we in our contemporary context stop to observe Remembrance Day – recalling those who have died in war over the past 100 years in the service of their country. We speak of how their sacrifice has won for us the liberty and prosperity which we enjoy today. We remind ourselves of the gratitude that is owed to those who did not live to reap the benefits of their actions, but made them possible for those who have come after. It is certainly true that
we should remember. It is particularly true in a society and culture marked largely by comfort and plenty; where self-fulfilment, and a focus on how to get what we want and desire for ourselves, is a central and lauded impulse. In part, we have what we have because they forfeited the possibility of having it – and that should give us pause, and perhaps even challenge us. I heard a Second World War vet in church once respond to the charge that Remembrance Day glorifies war. He replied that no one who has actually experienced war first hand can ever glorify it. I cannot help but recall that Remembrance Day was born out of the terrors of the First World War – known as “the war to end all wars”, but which in many ways inaugurated a century of some of the most brutal, destructive and wide ranging warfare human history has ever seen. That too should give us pause. This is not to suggest the choice to go to war may not be at times the lesser of two evils;
but war is always a sign of, and participates in, human sinfulness and failure. As with all our merely human efforts and strivings, the actions taken to stop an evil or bring a good are carried out by flawed human beings fuelled by both virtue and vice, by love and hatred, using flawed human actions. In the end they always, along with the good, carry the seeds of sin and evil. It is the recognition of this central reality which stands at the heart of the Gospel: that only by the grace of God can we be made whole, as individuals and in our common human life. Only when God’s love dwells in us will we love perfectly. Only when God’s justice possesses our minds will we do justice fully. Only when we have known the depth of God’s mercy will we be truly merciful to others. As the Scriptures remind us, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Only then will we know peace. I am struck by the coincidence (providence) that Remembrance
Day was placed on November 11 – the day on which for centuries the Church has remembered St. Martin of Tours. Martin began as a soldier in the Roman army, but by the intervention of God’s grace and love he was moved to charity for the poor, and a life of prayer, holiness and humility. Perhaps Martin is indeed the appropriate patron saint for November 11 – calling us out of our flawed human ways to the way of Jesus. So we are caught in between and pushed forward by grace. We see the example of the Saints before us who have shown us a glimmer of the reign of God. We look forward to that great day and time in which the Reign of Christ appears in all its fullness. We pray that the Holy Spirit dwelling and working within us will continue to transform and empower us to be worthy of the Saints who have gone before and our Lord who is, and who was and who is to come.
Diocese of Saskatoon: Announcements for November 2011 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, October submissions will be in the December 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. Outreach Project: The Diocese of Saskatoon is actively seeking an outreach project that Anglicans can work on together to meet a very real need in the diocese. The project should facilitate Anglicans looking outside of their own parish boundaries, meeting together to work on the project, but not being overwhelmed by the commitment and responsibilities. What ideas and suggestions do you have, perhaps on the basis of a need you have encountered? It may be this project would involve working with another organization that is overwhelmed and would welcome a consistent flow of volunteers. A subcommittee of the Diocesan Outreach Committee has been asked by Bishop David Irving to request your input so a project can be identified and more detailed planning initiated. Please contact Christine Bennett at
pigeon3@shaw.ca or Mary Tyler at dave.tyler@shaw.ca. Happenings at St. James with the Refinery: Redefining Church is a regular 7 p.m. Sunday evening gathering in the church. It is an informal gathering of 15 to 25 people, sitting in a candlelit circle, with music led by our youth band “Reaching Out”, reading, group reflection on the day’s gospel and a gentle time of prayer. People of all ages come, with youth and young adults especially well represented. The St. James’ Farmers’ Market and International Bazaar brings people and energy into the church every Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Delicious food is available for sit down lunch or to take home. We are delighted also that some of the vendors have organized a monthly drop-in for international students. International Drop-Ins are held on the second Sunday of every month, 2-5 p.m., in the lower level of the church. Volunteers Needed: Saskatoon Anglican Youth (SAY) is calling all cooks, kitchen helpers and other adults to participate in their youth retreats and camps. Volunteer cooks do not need to have their chef’s license to volunteer in the kitchen; a heart of service and a desire to nourish is all that is needed. If interested, please contact Emily Carr, diocesan youth coordinator. Emily can be reached at (306) 653-1668 or by e-mail at sayouth@sasktel.net .
Candlelight Christmas musical concert at Christ Church Anglican: at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, a Candlelight Christmas musical concert will be held at Christ Church Anglican, 515-28th St. West, Saskatoon, featuring the group ‘Eclipse’. Refreshments and Christmas goodies will be served. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from the church at 242-0165. St. John’s Cathedral, ACW Advent Tea and Bake Sale: St. John’s Cathedral presents its annual ACW Advent Tea and Bake Sale on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 2-4 p.m., in the Parish Hall, 816 Spadina Crescent, Saskatoon. The sale will also feature homemade turkey pies and crafts. St. John’s Cathedral presents Memories and Mistletoe: An evening of memorable music spiced with the flavour of Christmas, featuring Henri Loiselle and Martin Janovsky, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Cathedral. Tickets are $20 and are available at McNally Robinson, the Cathedral office (242-5146), or, to have tickets delivered to your home, phone Judy or Derwyn Crozier-Smith at 3737064. This concert was sold out last year, so don’t delay! The God of Life: The Bible’s Story: Am I Really Too Old For This? A series of lectures will be given by Matthew Thiessen, senior lecturer in New Testament, College of
Emmanuel and St. Chad, at St. George’s Parish Hall, 624 Avenue I South, Saskatoon. Dates: Part 1: Wednesday evenings, Oct. 19 to Nov. 16. Part 2: TBA (Part 1 is a prerequisite for Part 2). Time: 7–8:30 p.m. Cost is $30(Part 1) and $60 (Parts 1 and 2). CiRCLe M Rural Ministry Conference: CiRCLe M Rural Ministry Conference: New Shoots from Old Roots: Celebrating Vital Ministry in Town and Country, will be held Nov. 15–17 at the Entheos Conference and Retreat Centre (near Calgary, Alta.). Workshops will explore themes on revitalizing town and country congregations and building strong communities. Keynote speakers are Dr. Shannon Jung and Rev. David Webber. To learn more visit www. circle-m.ca/conferences-andevents/index.php, the Centre for Rural Community Leadership and Ministry, Room 447, 1121 College Drive, Saskatoon, Sask., S7N 0W3, by phone (306) 9667864 or www.circle-m.ca and circle.m.ministries@gmail.com. Winter ADVENTure Weekend: SAY is holding a Winter ADVENTure Weekend at Redberry Bible Camp (90 kilometres from Saskatoon) on Dec. 2-4. The camp will include skating, hockey, snow forts, indoor gym, arts and crafts, music and “maxing” and relaxing. The cost is $115 and the registration deadline is Oct. 24. If still interested, contact Emily Carr (see previous contact
information). Parishes are encouraged to sponsor their youth to attend. If financial assistance is needed please contact Emily. East Meets West: A series of potluck suppers followed by Services of Contemporary Evening Worship and “Drawing on the Gospel”. These are held at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays at St. Matthew’s, Sutherland, and Christ Church Anglican, Saskatoon. The November event will be held at Christ Church. St. Mark’s, Saskatoon cookbook: The St. Mark’s cookbook, “More than just a Cookbook”, assembled as a part of the centennial celebrations of the parish, is now ready for sale. It contains recipes, history of the church and history of the names of people who submitted recipes. The cookbooks are $15 each plus shipping costs. To order, contact Beverly Martin at 242-7180 or bwmartin@shaw.ca, or write St. Mark’s at 1406-8th Avenue North, Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 2X7. Integrity/Saskatoon: Meetings are held at St. George’s, Saskatoon, on the third 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 info and to view related articles, links and photographs of Integrity events: www.integritysaskatoon. blogspot.com. (Continued on page 4).
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
November 2011
Saskatoon November announcements (Continued from page 3)
Very Rev. Michael Sinclair signs the proper documents to officially make him the Dean of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle, while service emcee Owen Chevalier looks on, during Sinclair’s induction on Sept. 25 at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Regina. Both photos – Jason Antonio
Sinclair induction
(Continued from page 1) inducted as Dean in Edmonton, 13 years ago. He joked that the Dean is “senior priest of the diocese” despite the fact Michael is one of the youngest priests in the diocese, as he had been in the Diocese of Edmonton. He pointed out similarities between the church in the modern world and the people of Israel during the exile. They were God’s chosen people, but things were not going well for them. Likewise, the church is no longer predominate in modern society. “Christ is the rock on which we stand, while the world shifts around us,” he said. “Our world is an arid world which cannot give us life,” he continued. “The cathedral church needs to be a place of living water, to pour water on our souls.” He said it is important for us to remember that power does not come from ourselves, but from God. “As soon as we think we can do this on our own, we’re lost.”
“It is incumbent on us as Christians in this new and arid world, that we stop and wait upon the guiding of the Spirit,” said the bishop, “or we will wander in circles in the desert.” While the induction marked a new beginning and new opportunities, the bishop reminded everyone of the one rock on which we stand, and of the power and grace of the Holy Spirit to strengthen, lead and guide us. Following the homily, Archdeacon Rob Hardwick and diocesan registrar Trevor Powell escorted Michael to the Dean’s seat in the chancel, where he was installed as Dean of Qu’Appelle. Barb Wright, from Michael’s former parish of Estevan, lead the prayers of the people. Gord and Tannis Patterson presented the new Dean with a chalice and paten, inviting him to share in the celebration of the Eucharist. The service continued with the Eucharist, and concluded with hymn “Lord, You Give the Great Commission”.
Saskatoon ACW supports diocesan Outreach project to Mexico Contributed SASKATOON – This is your last opportunity to send a diocesan ACW representative to assist in building a house in Mexico! The Diocese of Saskatoon Anglican Church Women is supporting the bishop’s Diocesan External Outreach Project to help build one or two houses in Vincente Guerrero, Mexico, from June 5-15, 2012. A list of potential representatives were drawn from applicants on October 5; the Diocesan Board of ACW will pay their way if they receive the required funds! You (individuals, branches, groups ) may contribute
financially to cover the cost of sending our representative(s) (roughly $2,000/person, including travel, accommodation and cost of the building supplies). As of April 2, we had over half of the $2,000 required to send one person! For more information please call co-presidents: Marion Pope (374-3967, marionpope@sasktel. net) or Elaine Hrycenko (9555522, e.p.h@sasktel.net). If you wish to donate to help send someone, make cheques payable to Diocese of Saskatoon Anglican Church Women. Mail donations to Bonnie Milman, diocesan ACW treasurer, Box 12, Maymont, Sask., S0M 1T0.
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 an alternating monthly basis in the two Battle River Parishes. Please contact Rev. Peter Norman at: (306) 4454155 or by e-mail at stpaulnb@ sasktel.net for dates and times. Men’s Breakfast, St. George’s, Saskatoon: The men of St. George’s, Saskatoon invites everyone (not just men!) to their hot breakfast, which is held the second Sunday of each month, from 9-10 a.m. in the parish hall. The address is St. George’s Anglican Church, Parish Hall, 624 Ave I S., Saskatoon. St. George’s Community Coffee House: All are welcome to join the parish of St. George’s 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, 242-7973. St. George’s Annual Book Sale: St. George’s will be holding its annual Book, DVD, CD, Clothing and Christmas sale on Friday, Nov. 4, from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov, 5 , from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
Celebration of new ministry for multiple parishes in Diocese of Saskatchewan By Archdeacon Andrew Hoskin PRINCE ALBERT – In St. George’s Church, Prince Albert, on Sept. 11, the parish of St. George’s, Prince Albert, St. Stephen’s, MacDowall, and Emmanuel, St. Louis, celebrated the beginning of a new ministry together as they welcomed their new incumbent, Archdeacon Andrew Hoskin, and his wife Mary Lou. Bishop Michael Hawkins led the worship and preached. Using the Gospel reading for that Sunday (Mark 7:31-37), the bishop emphasized our need to be open to the Holy Spirit. Highlighting the beginning of this new ministry, the new incumbent read the required Oaths and Declarations, the Regional Dean Norbert Haukenfrers read the licence, and the wardens of the three congregations, on their behalf, acknowledged their
support of the selection of Archdeacon Hoskin. Layreaders, one from each of the three congregations, read the Old Testament and Epistle and led the Prayers of the People. The Gospel was read by Very Rev. Ken Davis, who assisted the incumbent in the administration of Holy Communion, along with Rev. Pat Langlois, incumbent of All Saints, Melfort. In July, Andrew and his wife moved to the Diocese of Saskatchewan from Thunder Bay, Ont., where they ministered in St. Thomas’ parish for 13 years with Andrew serving as archdeacon of Thunder Bay for the last 10 years. Mary Lou, a gifted musician, teaches piano and enjoys working with youth. They have four grown children and two granddaughters. They are enjoying settling into their new home and the challenges of a new stage in ministry for them in the Diocese of Saskatchewan.
APPOINTMENTS ETC.: Bishop David Irving is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dave Tyler as Interim priest-in-charge of Holy Trinity Parish effective Oct. 1, 2011. The Right Rev. Derek Hoskin, eighth Bishop of Calgary and Chancellor of the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, has announced his intention to retire following his 69th birthday and after 40 years of service in ordained ministry. Bishop Hoskin has tendered his resignation to the Most Rev. David Ashdown, archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land, effective Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011.
Photo – Vaughn Public Library
Wardens of the three churches which Archdeacon Hoskin will minister to gather together after the service. In the picture, from left, are Tyler McKinnon, Ralph Duncan, Betty Sinclair, Archdeacon Andrew Hoskin, Miriam Wall, Gerry Laird and Lynn Meachem. Photo – Archdeacon Andrew Hoskin
Upcoming courses at Emmanuel and St. Chad for laypeople By Lisa McInnis SASKATOON – God is calling everyone to learn the basics of their Christian faith, establishing a foundation for their lives and ministry. To meet busy schedules, the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad is offering two evening courses. Part 1: the story of the Old Testament, this fall, and Part 2: the story of the New Testament in January. Part 1: The Old Testament, a five-week course providing laypeople with the grand sweep of the Old Testament story, laying the groundwork for Part 2, finishing the story in the New
Testament. By focusing on key events in the biblical narrative, we will read the Bible as a unified account of God’s relationship with us. This course shows how the Bible tells the story of a God who created all things, covenanted himself to Israel, revealed himself in Jesus, energizes us today through the Holy Spirit, and ensures the culmination and redemption of his creation. For more information, or to register, please contact Lisa McInnis (main office) at 9751550 or lisa.mcinnis@usask. ca; or Colleen Walker (registrar) colleen.walker@usask.ca.
Letters to the Editor
“Why we are Christians” story touches readers Dear Friends in Christ, It warmed my Evangelical Lutheran and ecumenical heart to read the “Why we are Christians” article, by Julia Harrington and Reiner Schaefer, in your October issue of the Saskatchewan Anglican. With a similar background in philosophy, it was heart-warming to read of those who have gone “beyond reasoning” (good gift that it is) to the core of God’s revelation in Jesus Christ. Their clear expression of entering the Christian Faith (Julia) and remaining in the Christian Faith (Reiner) reminded me of Martin Luther’s explanation to the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe that by my own understanding or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him, but instead the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith...This is most certainly true.”
Furthermore, God’s Holy Spirit touches the open human heart in many ways. How encouraging and challenging to us all that Julia’s after-school babysitter sowed the seeds of the Faith simply by studying some Bible passages with her! I hope she knows the result of her efforts! In reading this moving account of Julia and Reiner, no wonder we Lutherans and you Anglicans have discovered a kinship together in the Christian Faith! Instead of by our own efforts, we are “drawn”, “attracted”, “quietly moved”, and sometimes “overwhelmed” into the Faith, and kept there – just as Julia and Reiner expressed so clearly. Grateful thanks to God for their response! Bishop Allan Grundahl (Retired) Saskatchewan Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC)
I have just finished reading the Saskatchewan Anglican and want to complement you on the inspiring article regarding the baptism and confirmation of Julia Harrington and Reiner Schaefer (“Why we are Christians”, October). Often it seems like the news in our churches leans far away from our faith. This article is a wonderful witness that Anglicans are able to give testimony about their faith and experience in our God and
Saviour. Julia’s story, as well as Reiner’s, will encourage all who read it as to the importance of planting even small seeds of faith whenever we can. And to be assured that although we may not see the harvest of what we have planted, others will water and still others will see the harvest. I would like to see more articles on the faith expressed in a testimony rather than works. Lorna Cross, Regina
Chris Lekness – faithful and dedicated
By Nikole Lekness
GOVAN (Qu’A) – The family and friends of Chris Lekness had the honour of celebrating his 90th birthday in May. Chris’ devotion to the church is apparent not only to members of Last Mountain Parish, but also to many members of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle and the community as a whole. Over the years, Chris has happily assumed many roles and responsibilities within the diocese. Chris was born on May 11, 1921, on his family farm in Hatfield, Sask. He was baptised and confirmed a member of the Lutheran church; however, after meeting and marrying Ida Watson in 1948, he became an active member of the Anglican Church. Their marriage took place in the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Govan. Both of Chris’ children were baptised and confirmed in Govan’s Anglican church. Chris has been rector’s warden and/or people’s warden for many years. He has always attended to the church, ensuring that its building and grounds are well cared for and ready for any
Chris Lekness services or functions, as well as continuing to read in services. Chris takes great pride in all of these positions and roles. He has taken an active initiative in ensuring any minister working at the Anglican church in Govan has been welcomed, cared for and included as a member of the community. Chris’ life has been a reflection of the teachings of the Anglican church. His kindness and generosity have led him to be a very faithful and dedicated member of this community.
Paws, claws and puppy jaws By Fred Stephens WEYBURN (Qu’A) – On Oct. 1, Rev. John Gardner travelled to Weyburn with his faithful companion Ja-el, a big hairy “layabout”, as he calls his dog, to conduct a service at All Saints Church, in commemoration of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. This was to be the inaugural Blessing of the Animals Service ever conducted in the City of Weyburn. The service was planned and implemented by dedicated members of the All Saints Outreach Committee. The service drew a good deal of attention around the community. Posters were placed on a number of bulletin boards around town, and a press release
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Rev. John Gardner blesses Boon and Tom, who are presented by Laurie Kievits, during the Blessing of the Animals Service on Oct. 1 in Weyburn. Photo – Debbie Hubick was carried by the two weekly newspapers, the radio and TV stations. The local veterinarian clinic, when asked whether they would put up a poster, made the comment that they had heard about the service, and would be very pleased to display it. Not quite knowing what to expect, the main aisle of the church was covered with polyethylene from the front door to the sanctuary. However, such precaution wasn’t necessary on this occasion, as the furry congregation being blessed behaved extremely well, listened politely to hymns and reflections, and abstained from accidents or embarrassing
activities. A number of pets were blessed in absentia, with their owners making substantial contributions. Offerings, amounting to over $430, will be used by the Weyburn Humane Society to assist them in caring for an excessive animal population. At the conclusion of the service the congregation (humans as well) migrated to the church yard for treats, cookies and coffee. This gathering drew the attention of passers-by, who promised they would have their owners bring them to the church next year for the second annual blessing in Weyburn.
counselling and ministry to youth. • To provide an opportunity for students to grow in their faith, to mutually support and encourage one another in the ministry and to build fellowship between communities. • To be a place where gifts are discerned and calls to ministry are nurtured. • To undertake studies in an environment that is surrounded by prayer and the worship of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Dr. Gary Graber as the acting principal and Mary Brown as secretary to the College. At the time of writing this article there are currently 36 students enrolled. In 2011 two one-week sessions were offered. In the winter the second part of a course on preaching was very well attended. At the end of August the College met at Camp Okema and worked on Cree syllabics in the mornings and the Catechism in the afternoon. Enrolment and interest in the College is increasing and work has begun to have it recognized for post-secondary funding. Please help us to be faithful to Christ’s call to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…and teaching them all that I have commanded you.” If you wish to contribute to the funding of the James Settee College for Ministry, please send your gift to the Diocese of Saskatchewan, 1308 Fifth Avenue East, Prince Albert, Sask., S6V 2H7, clearly marked James Settee College. Contributions from Dr. Gary Graber and the Diocese of Saskatchewan.
James Settee Ministry College trains indigenous leadership By Catherine Harnish PRINCE ALBERT – Rev. James Settee was an early Cree catechist and missionary in the Diocese of Saskatchewan. He studied at a Church Missionary Society school in the 1820s and is credited with founding the La Ronge-Stanley Mission Church. Rev. Settee was ordained priest at Stanley Mission in 1853. In 1879, Emmanuel College was opened by Bishop McLean in Prince Albert. Amongst the first priority was the development of native teachers and clergy. The College taught Theology, Cree language, English composition and grammar. The College was closed in 1908 and re-opened in Saskatoon in 1909. However, it was without the same emphasis on training Cree candidates. As well, another theological venture, also named after James Settee, operated from 1983-86. The present day College was founded in 1997. The established core objectives of the college include: • To train lay and ordained indigenous leadership to be ministers of the Gospel by offering courses in biblical studies, theology and ethics, church history, pastoral leadership, preaching,
Within the last 12 years the College has offered week-long residential courses during the summer at Camp Okema, and at the Synod office in Prince Albert throughout the year. There are three levels of courses and practical instruction totalling a 21-credit diploma program, with emphasis of instruction to teach the catechism as outlined in the Book of Common Prayer, foster youth ministry and develop and train lay leaders in the communities. The majority of the students are Cree, but not exclusively as the College is open to all Anglicans. The College is governed by the Diocese of Saskatchewan’s Bishop Michael Hawkins, with
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November 2011
Is “how” more important than “why”? By Klaus Gruber
A weiner roast was just part of the fun at St. Mary’s, Regina, parish retreat at Dallas Valley Ranch Camp. The event strengthened connections and developed a sense of community in the parish family. Photo – Kate Berringer
St. Mary’s parish retreat built community
By Kate Berringer REGINA – As Christians, we are called into ministry and mission in a variety of contexts. Often the process of discerning how and to whom we are to minister and be “missionaries” to comes about as a result of prayer and worship, but also our relationships with those in our congregation and in the wider community. In 2006, we at St. Mary’s came to realize we would benefit from an opportunity to build community among our parish members in a retreat setting. In September of 2007 and 2009, we had our first two parish retreats of this kind and did so again in 2011. This retreat day began for our 129 participants on Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. with a “coming together” at our worship service, in the Ranch House at Dallas Valley Ranch Camp, with Bishop Greg KerrWilson presiding. Worship included a comfy corner with activities for children. The service was followed by a lunch program which included an invitation for participants to sit according to a biblical seating plan, and get to know those at their table and nearby with an ice breaking activity. After lunch, participants dispersed around the camp for the afternoon. Activies included hayrides, horseback riding, wall climbing and canoeing. Families were able to take part in our “Ranch” themed Funville activities, including a cow patty toss, feed trough relay, cow balloon corralling, horse roping, rubber snake into cowboy boot toss, cowboy boot race and a water gun shootout! Horseshoes, beach volleyball, bocce ball and basketball were also available.
Some chose to spend the afternoon walking the trails through the camp property and others enjoyed the view of the valley from the Ranch House while drinking afternoon tea. The bishop also offered an evangelism talk/workshop midafternoon. For the whole of the afternoon, we were intentional about providing activities for all ages and capabilities. At 5 p.m., we had an endof-day “coming together” in the valley, as participants made their way down to the campfire area and enjoyed a wiener roast, followed by an evening program of prayer, skits and singing. When the evening program concluded at 7 p.m., we packed up and left the valley, heading back to Regina just as the sun was going down. This rounded out a seemingly perfect Sabbath day of worship and rest, in a variety of manifestations. We have found since our previous two retreats, and likely we’ll find as a result of this one, that our parish family members were newly energized and challenged to look at their role in ministry and mission, primarily as a result of making or renewing connections with one another. We believe this strengthening of connections has and will continue to enable us to better minister to one another and fulfil our mission to the city of Regina. The retreats have also fostered our sense of being a community of God’s people and have enabled us to glorify the Lord in a way that is different from our regular Sunday worship, bringing all ages together in a worshipful and restful setting for the day, free from the usual distractions.
Editor’s note: The following viewpoint was written by Klaus Gruber, refugee co-ordinator for the Diocese of Saskatoon and sessional lecturer with the University of Regina’s Faculty of Social Work, with assistance from students in his critical thinking course, which also appeared in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix. Klaus was awarded the Anglican Order of Merit by Most Rev. Fred Hiltz, Primate of Canada, in 2009. The bill mentioned (Bill C-49) is being re-introduced as Bill C-4, in the new session of Parliament. SASKATOON – In 1944, Swedish citizen Raoul Wallenberg went to Hungary, whose government, under the direction of Nazi forces, was frantically shipping Jews to death camps before the war’s end. At great risk to himself, Wallenberg began to issue illegal documents to Jews that identified them as Swedes awaiting repatriation. He also housed and transported many of them, saving tens of thousands and earning him several Nobel Peace Prize nominations. His heroism eventually cost him his life. Wallenberg subsequently was granted honorary Canadian citizenship. A park is named in his honour in Saskatoon. In Tehran, in 1979, Canadian ambassador Ken Taylor housed and protected six American embassy staff who had escaped the hostage-taking at the U.S. embassy. Some months later, he smuggled them out of Iran by providing false documents (illegal Canadian passports). He was hailed a hero throughout the world. An enduring story of our Canadian heritage is the Underground Railway, a “people smuggling” operation on a grand scale. In the mid-1880s, many Canadians were among those who put their lives at risk to help more than 100,000 escaped slaves in the U.S. achieve freedom. All were “people smugglers”. People smuggling can be an act of great compassion and heroism, but many of these smugglers are not heroes. They simply want to
Christ Church celebrates 120 years
WAPELLA (Qu’A) – Christ Anglican Church - a heritage site - celebrated 120 years on Aug. 15, with over 60 people attending the ceremony. Rev. Betty Garrett (far right) gave a blessing while unveiling the new sign, which was made and donated by Sid Taylor (in white shirt), along with his wife.
exploit those who are vulnerable refugees. due to their circumstances and the I regularly get sponsorship state of the world. We must work requests from refugees overseas to stop this who are stranded in exploitation. untenable situations. Human beings, I wish there was a trying to escape queue where I could the horrors of war, send them. terrorism, arrest, tor Our immigrature, rape, beatings tion system invites and other atrocities, those who want to are desperate. In the come to Canada to absence of heroes, get in line overthey will take help seas until they are wherever they can approved by one get it, be it from of many immigraorganized criminals tion programs. We Klaus Gruber or entrepreneurs trydetermine eligibiling to make money from ity based on what our others’ economy, workforce and suffering. communities require. The refugee The fact people are so desper- program, however, is not selfate they will pay huge sums to put serving. their lives at risk highlights that It’s a humanitarian program we must do more, not less, to help that exists solely to protect the protect refugees. world’s most vulnerable people. While the Conservative There are three legitimate federal government’s Bill C-49, ways to gain refugee status. One currently in second reading, is government sponsorship, based purports to address human on referrals from the United Nasmuggling, it is mostly an assault tions High Commission for Refuon the victims of this exploitation. gees. The second is for Canadians The troubling elements of to privately sponsor refugees. The this bill include mandatory detenthird is for claimants to get here tion of men, women and children and apply for refugee status. for a minimum of one year if Despite the government’s they come suggestion to Canada in In the absence of heroes, [desperate this third an “irregular way isn’t a refugees] will take help wherever manner”. valid way to they can get it, be it from organized There is no gain refugee criminals or entrepreneurs trying to appeal. status, it is make money from others’ suffering. The perfectly term “irregulegal under lar” isn’t defined, but will likely international laws. The UNHCR include all arrivals by boat and repeatedly has made it clear it is those who include more than a perfectly legal for persons to seek few refugee claimants. protection in any country, even if In addition, the bill calls for a the arrival is “irregular”. five-year suspension of such per There is no question that sons’ right to receive permanent Canada’s government is anxious residence status, presumably even about non-refugees arriving under if they succeed at a refugee hearthe guise of refugee claimants. ing. This severely limits them in That is why we have a refugee many ways, but most significantly determination system. However, denies them the right to family re- criminalizing the search for asyunification for many years. They lum should not be the answer. also face severe travel restrictions Surely, we can work with other refugees don’t face. other countries to reduce the The government insists these exploitation of vulnerable people people deserve punishment bewithout violating refugee claimcause they are “queue jumpers”. ants’ rights or setting up two They would indeed be jumping classes of refugees. the queue if they were immigrants, but there’s no queue for
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Rob Hardwick read a letter from retired Dean James Merrett. In it, he outlined some of Diane’s characteristics, according to the letters of her name. D is for devoted to her work and her faith; I is for interested in everyone she deals with; A is for always available when people need her; N is for nonsense, both no-nonsense about work and plenty of nonsense and fun and laughter; E is for exceptional. Hardwick described Diane’s career with the diocese as “a labour of love,” and spoke of her work ethic, prayerfulness and calmness in hectic situations. He described one recent incident when Diane was explaining the diocesan payroll system. After printing out info for each parish, she said, “Now this is the most important part – before you fold the paper and put it in the envelope, you pray for the recipient and the parish.” This sums up how Diane approaches her work, as ministry and not merely a job.
Ernie Downs, former chair of the Diocesan Finance Committee, said Diane had been a tower of strength, a guide and mentor to many parish treasurers, and said the diocese was very fortunate. Ernie also brought greetings from current chair Bryan Sigurdson. Rev. Winna Martin and Eileen Barrie have worked with Diane at St. Cuthbert’s House, and described her as very spiritual and caring. Winna told how Diane, who is not Anglican, contributed to worship in the office. They gave a small present to Diane, who correctly guessed, “Is this my very own BAS?” Former Bishop Duncan Wallace sent a letter, thanking Diane for her graciousness and efficiency. Former Director of Administration, Doug Osborne, who originally hired Diane, presented a purse of money. Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson thanked Diane for her service to the diocese and said she did her work “with a servant’s heart.” He presented her with a plaque of the diocesan crest.
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Qu’Appelle News and Notes Men’s Cursillo: Nov. 17-20 Women’s Cursillo: Nov. 24-27 Dallas Valley Ranch Camp, about 20 minutes north of Regina. Cost $160 per person. Contact Gwenda Watson at gwenda@ sasktel.net or (306) 332-2874. Ecumenical Advent Quiet Day for Women in Ministry Friday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. St. Michael’s Retreat Centre. For info, contact Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy at (306) 584-1776 or tmccarthy@sasktel.net. To register contact the Retreat Centre at (306) 731-3316 or office@ stmichaelsretreat.ca. Workshop for Intercessors Are you an intercessor or read the Prayers of the People? A workshop is being held Saturday, Nov. 19 at St. Paul’s Cathedral from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Contact Deacon Michael Jackson at dmichaeljackson@ sasktel.net or phone Elvira at St. Paul’s at 522-6439 if interested. One-day Synod, Saturday, Nov. 5 at SIAST from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Will discuss changes to benefits, stipends and HR policy.
Cathedral Choir Reunion
In 1991, St. Paul’s Cathedral Choir and Friends made a choir tour to England, replacing the choirs at Lichfield and Chichester Cathedrals for a week at each cathedral. The group held a reunion this summer. Special guests from Lichfield, Paul and Beryl Graetz, are pictured top row far left and second row third from left. The 1991 choir director and tour organizer, Robin Swales (conducting as ever), is pictured second frow far right. Photo – Jesse Crawford
Stronger Together 2011: Listening to the voices of young people in the church By Emily Carr, Diocesan youth co-ordinator SASKATOON – Young people are a prophetic voice our church needs desperately to hear and respond to. Are we willing to pay attention? Stronger Together 2011 was a consultation on regional and national youth ministries attended by those who are involved in regional youth ministry work at the diocesan, synod and national levels. The aim of these ministries is to better facilitate and enable youth ministry at the local level. Leaders from both the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada gathered for this threeday consultation. From Sept. 13-16, a group of 24 Anglican and Lutheran diocesan, synod and national youth ministry leaders from across Canada gathered at Camp Columbia on Thetis Island, British Columbia. We were also joined for some of our time by Right Rev. James Cowan, bishop of British Columbia and Right Rev. Probal Kanto Dutta, bishop of the Diocese of Durgapur in the Church of North India. As Lutheran and Anglican leaders passionate about the integral ministry of young people within the church, we gathered for a time of spiritual renewal, to strengthen our relationships with one another, to equip ourselves for our specialized regional
ministries, and to continue to experiment with new ways of vision and dream the future sharing and living the gospel with of youth ministry across the the young people in our midst. expansive geography of our land. Together we shared numerous We came away from our time stories of ways in which youth together energized, encouraged ministry takes place in deep and and ever more passionate about meaningful ways without any the ministry amongst youth to form of youth group. We must which we explore a vast We are not party planners or array of new have been called by Friday night babysitters. When ideas and God. Youth opportunities we get older we don’t ministry is to minister graduate to“real ministry”. our vocation. to youth. God has called us to equip the Youth Group We are saints for ministry not party is not the planners or amongst young people and we only model Friday night of youth are responding to that call. babysitters. ministry. When we get We must older we don’t graduate to “real rediscover what it means to ministry”. minister in our whole parish. God has called us to equip the Our ministries must not simply saints for ministry amongst young serve the people who enter our people and we are responding to buildings, but ripple out into the that call. neighbourhoods and communities Ours is a God who calls us within our parish boundaries and into mission for others, and beyond. ours is a church marked by If we fail to do so, we are mission. Together, Anglicans falling short of God’s call. and Lutherans alike, we must As a church we must free intentionally invite young people ourselves of the worry of selfto participate fully in God’s preservation and free our churches mission alongside us. of the fear of closure. It is not our To do so will require no small job to preserve the institution for amount of humility, partnership, its own sake, or for the sake of resolve and vision. young people who we hope will We acknowledge that ours come after us. is a world in a time of great What we must do first and flux and rapid change. We need foremost in this time of rapid not fear. In such a time it is change is grow into God’s call to imperative that our ministry love and serve the people God has amongst young people not waver put in our path. in its commitment, even as we We have come to understand,
and need the entire church to the commitment of long-term know that our common ministry sustainable funding to help amongst youth must be fully support our ministry. integrated into the life of the Throughout our time at church. This is not simply the Stronger Together 2011, we ministry of the specialized few, believed we had lived and worked but of the whole people of God. It together in the spirit of Full is our ministry as the Baptized to Communion. In the presence of all people. Jesus, we have We must rediscover what it As we laughed and took time means to minister in our whole cried, inspired together to and been parish. Our ministeries must look back inspired, shared not simply serve the people over the last frustrations, who enter our buildings, but three years fears, joys and ripple out into the neighbour- excitements. in youth ministry, we We have hoods and communities within were excited broken bread our parish boundaries and to see how together beyond. If we fail to do so, we and listened much we are falling short of God’s call. deeply to the have been able to similarities accomplish and differences with such limited financial amongst our churches. resources. What we have found through Events such as the first joint working together is we have National Youth Gathering (2010); so many experiences, visions, National Youth Ministry Forums ideas and concerns we all hold in (2008 and 2011); local initiatives; common. diocesan and synod events; vision Indeed, Bishop Probal and action around new staff hires; commented as he listened to our Justice Camps; Ask & Imagine; discussions and stories that he and work of the Youth Initiatives could easily be in a meeting in his Task Force and Working Group, own Province of Northern India among many others. as the concerns, experiences and We have found new ways visions are so very similar. to minister as Anglicans and We are convicted and Lutherans within our individual convinced that the spirit of denominational contexts, and we our communion binds our two have found new ways to minister churches, and binds us in the together. We have become shared responsibility to respond to stronger together. God’s urgent call amongst young We wonder what our people now. ministry might look like with
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The Cursillo Experience By Gwenda Watson Lay director, Diocese Cursillo Secretariat REGINA – Cursillo is a way to enrich your Christian life. Cursillo, pronounced “kursee-oh”, means a short course in Christianity, and is among the many renewal ministries within the Anglican Church. It starts with a three-day weekend experience which is a personal, lively and informative event inviting you to: • • •
deepen your Christian faith experience the love of God in a caring and prayerful setting examine what it means to be a Christian in our everyday world today.
The Weekend Experience The weekend runs from Thursday evening to late Sunday afternoon. It revolves around a series of talks given by a team of lay people and clergy. The talks are followed by small group discussions. It provides an opportunity through shared prayer, worship, contemporary hymns, study, fellowship and discussion to experience the reality of the gift of God’s grace. A Cursillo weekend invites you to examine what it means to be a Christian in today’s world All aspects of life are considered: our churches, our workplaces, our communities and even ourselves and our families. People return from the weekend with a renewed commitment to work for Christ. To maintain this commitment, people are encouraged to join the ongoing support activities of the community of people who have also experienced the weekend.
Beyond the Weekend Cursillo is an active
community that provides regular opportunities for support, fellowship and spiritual growth. One of these is a monthly gathering held Saturdays across the diocese.
What has Cursillo meant to me? I made my Cursillo weekend at Entheos just outside of Calgary during Mother’s Day weekend in 1999. The theme of the weekend was from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Little did I know that less than six weeks after making my Cursillo I would be without a job, moving for the third time in three years and eventually returning to my home province of Saskatchewan. One of the main things I learned from my Cursillo weekend was that many times we have missed opportunities because of fear of what might happen if we try. But when I trust that God is with me and step out in faith, I overcome fear and realize my full potential.
Cursillo Dates in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle • • •
Men’s Weekend: Nov. 17-20 Women’s Weekend: Nov. 24-27 Note: With married couples, both persons are urged to attend.
Place: Dallas Valley Ranch, about 20 minutes north of Regina. Cost: The weekend cost will be $160 per person. However, finances should not dictate whether or not you attend a weekend. Check out our website at www.quappellecursillo.org. I would be happy to talk to you about attending Cursillo. I would encourage you to contact me via e-mail at gwenda@sasktel.net or (306) 332-2874.
Book captures images of New Brunswick churches The New Brunswick Anglican FREDERICTON (NEW BRUNSWICK) – Anglican churches in the Diocese of Fredericton have been captured in a book of photographs, thanks to the labour of love its diocesan archivist, Frank Morehouse. It took Morehouse nine years to photograph, with a point-andshoot digital camera, 180 church buildings (a few now closed) and 35 long-gone churches (some now
converted into privated homes). The camera conked out just as he finished taking his last photo – Camp Medley Chapel in Upper Gagetown, N.B. – last May. “It was just done-for,” Morehouse recalled, “so I bought myself a new SLR (single lense reflex camera).” Photographs of Anglican churches in the diocese, which Morehouse compiled for the Diocesan Archives Committee, also includes pictures of “interesting ecclesiastical furniture.”
Books and dialogue at the Saskatoon Theological Union Libraries
A Message From the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad
(Editor’s note: This is the most recent in a series of contributions to the Saskatchewan Anglican from the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad. These articles cover a broad range of theological and general interest issues as well as College news.) By Sarah Benson Head Librarian at the Saskatoon Theological Union SASKATOON – We live in awkward times. It has become acceptable to treat science and religion as de facto foes. Public discourse involving spiritual matters has degenerated into mutual name calling, with the “science” side holding that atheism is the only intelligent position to hold, and the “religion” side denouncing science as somehow against God. It seems to have become intolerable to think a person can be rational and a believer at the same time. It’s all rather sad and foolish, and for me quite disheartening, but these themes have become increasingly common in the past decade or so. Enter the International Society for Science and Religion (ISSR). In 2002, the ISSR was founded with the aim of facilitation of dialogue between the two academic disciplines of science and religion. This dialogue is one of the most important current areas of debate in terms of understanding the nature of humanity. This includes both the enhancement of the profile of the science-religion interface in the public eye, as well as the safeguarding of the quality and rigour of the debate in the more formal, academic arena. That mission statement is from their web site at www.issr.org.uk,
when I received a letter in the which I encourage you to visit. summer from the Society, telling They are based, you perhaps us we were one of the libraries won’t be surprised to learn, at the chosen to University of It’s one thing for our receive this Cambridge. community to know the work collection! I Their first our little college system is doing was, well, president is important and worth supporting; quite gobwas Sir John it’s another to have the likes of smacked. Polkinghorne, Cambridge recognize it. Academic a mathematitexts are cal physicist We know that our students and terrifically and Anglican faculty will find this an extremely expensive, priest. Their useful collection... . and had we hope is to wished to help establish purchase this some reasonableness into the study of religion set, it would have cost more than the entire annual book budget of and science, both in the academy St and in public discourse. Andrew’s To that end, as one of their College library, where we will many projects, they set up a grant house the award. We are very to donate a collection of books to grateful indeed. a number of libraries worldwide. It’s one thing for our It’s a collection of 250 volumes, forming a foundational library for community to know the work our little college system is doing is the study of religion and science. important and worth supporting; They’re even re-binding and it’s another to have the likes of shipping the books, all for free. It Cambridge recognize it. is being granted to 150 libraries We know around the It seems to have become that our world. intolerable to think a person can students and In the be rational and a believer at the faculty will spring of this same time. It’s all rather sad find this an year, I and foolish, and for me quite disextremely applied on heartening, but these themes useful behalf of the have become increasingly common collection the in the past decade or so. and intend to Saskatoon host at least Theological one seminar Union (STU) focusing on the themes the texts Library system for the ISSR address. Library Project award. By the time this article is The Saskatoon Theological published, I expect the books will Union consortium includes the have arrived and been set up in College of Emmanuel & St Chad their own special section and we (Anglican), St Andrew’s College definitely would have had a party. (United Church), Lutheran Let me remind you the STU Theological Seminary, and Libraries offer library cards for Horizon College & Seminary free to anyone. So if you’re (Pentecostal). Let me be honest with you here interested in our new collection, or in the works of John and admit I didn’t think we had Polkinghorne, or anything else, the least chance of you’re always welcome! Phone, getting it. The award is, frankly, very big, e-mail or visit in person. Our web address is reindex. and we are very small. They are net/STU and the Emmanuel & St Cambridge, and we are Chad’s library phone number is obscure, unpronounceable, (306) 975-1554. Western Canada. You can imagine my delight
Veteran broadcaster Newman joins Ottawa’s stewardship campaign Crosstalk (Diocese of Ottawa) OTTAWA – Don Newman, former senior parliamentary editor for CBC News and host of CBC Newsworld’s Politics, has accept-
ed the invitation to be honorary chair of the Diocese of Ottawa’s stewardship campaign, Growing in Faith Together (GIFT). A well-respected jouranlist and life-long Anglican, Newman retired in 2009 after a 40-year
career in broadcast journalism. “Don is sharing his time and talent generously as a public speaker for our campaign,” said GIFT chair Monica Patten. The campaign aims to raise a minium of $12 million.