The Saskatchewan Anglican, Dec. 2012

Saskatchewan Ce leb rat ing 197 2 to

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

40 yea rs–

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anglican

Halkett consecrated indigenous bishop of Saskatchewan

By Bishop Michael Hawkins

No more wall Demolition of St. Paul’s Cathedral’s hall in Regina commenced Nov. 8, with the first work starting on the Reading Room next to the cathedral. Above, an excavator rips down the last sections of the east wall of the hall on Nov. 15. The rest of the building was demolished over the next week. The project to build a new hall is expected to take two years.

Photo – Jason Antonio

Transforming Anglican’t to Anglican First ‘Q Event’ in seven years

By Joanne Shurvin-Martin CARONPORT (Qu’A) – More than 100 Anglicans from across the Diocese of Qu’Appelle gathered at Briercrest College and Seminary in the village of Caronport for the 2012 Q Event on the weekend of Oct. 27-28.

They participated in lively worship, attended workshops from a selection of 15 topics and sessions for children, and listened to guest speaker Dean Kevin Martin, who inspired them with his stories of growth and revitalization in the church.

The weekend was designed with something for everyone, from babies to seniors and all in

between.

Workshops included the following: Offering the gospel to children; Mime as worship; Biblically-inspired Christian leadership; Godly Play and Workshop Rotation Method (both on transforming Sunday School); Praying with the Scriptures; Stewardship 101; Cursillo movement; Theology of humanity; Lay-lead Bible study; Natural Church Development; Developing youth ministry; Music in worship; Being a welcoming church; and Evangelism.

There were also sessions for children and teens. Articles on some of these workshops are planned in upcoming issues of the Saskatchewan Anglican.

Dean Martin began his first address on Saturday morning by thanking the diocese for inviting him back. He had been the guest

speaker at the 2009 Diocesan Synod. He also mentioned he has heard every possible joke on the theme of “Dean Martin” and asked people to call him Dean Kevin.

“If you call me ‘Dean Martin’ I will sing and you will not be pleased!” He joked. He explained he is the former dean of the cathedral in Dallas, Texas, and was congregational development officer in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. He currently works half time for the Diocese of Oklahoma in the same role.

Dean Martin said it is harder to revitalize an existing church than to start a new one. “This is a time of great challenge,” he said.

“I commend your diocese for your Mission Action Plan. You are among only six or eight dioceses of western Anglicans who have (Continued on page 6)

PRINCE ALBERT – On Oct. 12, Adam S. Halkett was consecrated Diocesan Indigenous bishop of Saskatchewan and given the title of bishop of Missinipi.

More than 250 people gathered in the specially-decorated Allen Bird Gym for the service.

The bishops of Rupert’s Land were joined by Bishop Stephen Andrews of Algoma, Bishop Mark MacDonald, National Indigenous Anglican bishop, Archdeacon Paul Feheley, representing the Primate, and Rev. Norm Casey, co-chair of the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples. Diocesan Elder and veteran, Rev. Arthur Anderson, represented the Diocese of Qu’Appelle.

The gym was set up as a tepee, with one half installed at the west and east ends. The congregation and large procession of bishops, clergy, Elders Council and lay readers all entered through the tepee, having to bow to get in through the flap entrance. The gym was decorated with more than 150 colour sheets prepared by students from Ahtahkakoop, James Smith and Cumberland House First Nations.

Archbishop David Ashdown of Keewatin and Metropolitan

of Rupert’s Land officiated, with Bishop Michael Hawkins preaching at the service. Bishop Lydia Mamakwa of Northern Ontario Region, in the Diocese of Keewatin, was one of the presenters, along with the Council of Elders and other clergy and laity from the diocese.

Grand Chief Ron Michel from the Prince Albert Grand Council and Chief Ed Henderson from Montreal Lake (Bishop Halkett’s home reserve) spoke, as well as FSIN Vice-chief Bobby Cameron.

The mayor of Prince Albert and the chief of the P.A. Police Services were also in attendance.

Len Bachiu, from the Canadian Bible Society (CBS), presented a Bible to the new bishop at the end of the service. CBS partnered with the diocese in the printing of commemorative New Testaments, which were blessed and presented as a gift by Bishop Halkett to all those in attendance.

The people and congregation of Ahtahkakoop presented the new bishop with a gorgeous Star Blanket and Bishop Halkett thanked the Primate and Anglican Church of Canada, the National Indigenous bishop and the metropolitan of Rupert’s Land for their support.

Turn to page 5 for an except from Bishop Hawkins’ sermon.

Canon William H. Hill, former Lloydminster priest, passes away

By Franklin L. Foster LLOYDMINSTER (S’toon) – Editor’s note: Rev. Canon William Henderson Hill passed away peacefully at the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital in Burlington on Sept. 17 at the age of 87.

Franklin L. Foster, Ph.D., has written several books about Western Canadian history, among them “Bordering on Greatness: A History of Lloydminster’s First Century.” More materials on Canon Hill are available at www. lloydminster.net/canonhill.html.

“He was a scholar and a gentleman.” These used to be words of high praise. Now, with both on the endangered species list, they don’t convey the

Canon William Hill Photo contributed

same regard. However, they are certainly true of William Hill, rector at Lloydminster’s St John’s Minster from 1972-88.

(Continued on page 7)

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2012

Only one way?

By Rev. Dell Bornowsky BIG COUNTRY PARISH (Qu’A) – What did Jesus mean when He said (to Thomas), “I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).

For those predisposed to pluralism (often stated as “there are many paths to God”), this saying of Jesus is problematic (As is Peter’s saying in Acts 4:12: “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”).

For those who don’t want Jesus to be saying He is the only way to God the Father, because it makes Jesus seem arrogant and God seem stingy, several options are common.

One notion is that Jesus didn’t really say this, but it was attributed to Him by gospel writers who were already missing or deliberately suppressing the essentially Gnostic nature of Jesus’ “real” teachings, so they could control the masses by making Jesus appear exclusive rather the inclusive new-age guru that He really was.

This suggestion, by many who prefer the gnostic gospels

to the canonical ones, fails in part because a church powerful enough to do much suppressing or subverting of documents didn’t exist until about 200 years after the gospels were written.

Another notion is when Jesus said “Me”, what He really meant was His eternal cosmic nature that is also manifest in numerous other avatars such as Krishna, Buddha, Baha’u’llah or Meher Baba.

Understood this way, the apparently exclusive claim of Jesus of Nazareth is no problem for pluralism (Of course the “no other name” saying in Acts remains difficult).

The problem with this proposal is the Hindu, Gnostic and Buddhist ideas of “god” (not to mention of humans and salvation) are so significantly different than Hebrew concepts, that what

Jesus could have meant to His Jewish followers by “come to the Father,” finds no equivalent in them.

The notion of “many paths to God” presumes the even more popular notion that there is only one “god”. However, even a cursory review of religions reveals descriptions so different that they simply cannot be talking about the same god or what constitutes a path.

At first pluralism’s suggestion that all the religions who think they are describing God are really only dealing with a particular “persona” of “ultimate reality” seems more gracious; allowing every path to be partly “right.”

But this apparent generosity obscures pluralism’s own self-righteousness since its reduction of diverse concepts of

God to one “ultimate reality” is itself a religious assertion of the best way to view reality (everyone else is mistaken) and thus ends up on par with all other tribal views of God. It seems likely that within a biblical cosmology, Jesus was referring to Himself in terms of God’s eternal plan for redemption (Eph. 1:4; 1 Peter 1:20): that one who always was (and remains) the only way any humans come to God the father.

In this version the life, the light, the word (logos) (by whom everything was made) AKA the wisdom or torah of God, became flesh and lived among us in the person of Jesus.

If my thesis is correct, different destinies may have different paths.

If you want an eternal destiny of being dissolved into a selfless cosmic every-thing-ness, then perhaps a Hindu/Gnostic/Buddhist path is be best for you.

But if you see yourself as a gift from a loving heavenly Father who offers to forgive you and welcome you into eternal fellowship through the person and work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, then perhaps “coming to the Father” through this Jesus of Nazareth is the path to take!

John 14:6 – An invitation to Universalism?

By Rev. Shawn Sanford Beck SASKATOON – We had the most amazing worship service at the Cathedral this fall. Our new Dean, Very Rev. Scott Pittendrigh, was being installed and inducted.

The preaching was powerful, the music was moving and the afternoon light was pouring through the stained glass windows like liquid honey.

All was right with the world.

Before the final blessing, Bishop David Irving invited representatives of other faith communities to come forward and bring greetings.

We had members of United, Lutheran and Roman Catholic churches among us, and then lo and behold, members as well from the Jewish and Islamic communities of Saskatoon!

And in that one grace-filled moment, we stepped beyond our normal Christian ecumenism into the world of multi-faith reality.

In the 14th Chapter of John’s Gospel, we hear Jesus say, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”

It is statements like these which make our conversation about other religions much more complicated than we would perhaps desire.

These days, when our neighbours (whom we are called to love and serve!) are Muslim,

Jewish, Native Traditionalist, Hindu, Wiccan, Buddhist, Asatru and many other faiths (as well as atheists and agnostics), it is hard to know what to do with these strong truth claims which the gospels and the church have made regarding Christ.

I suspect, however, that across the Anglican spectrum almost everybody would agree that it is a good thing for Christians to get to know their non-Christian neighbours better, and that we should all work together to make the world a more just and less violent place for everyone.

Most Anglicans would agree, as well, that each religion has Wisdom to be found in its traditions and practices, and that the Spirit can work outside of Christianity as well as within it.

The real conflict arises, I suspect, when it comes to the question of salvation outside of Christ.

When we ask the blunt and bottom line question, “Can nonChristians be saved?”, that is when the ecclesial feathers fly!

It is important for us to know that our theological traditions have answered this question in a number of different ways (surprise surprise!).

The most common position on the liberal end of the spectrum is called the “pluralist” response.

Religious pluralists see great value in the wide diversity of

religious expression and trust that each religious path will lead its followers to the same goal, whether we name that goal God, Heaven, Nirvana, Valhalla or the Eternal Ground of All Being.

The pluralist view is especially helpful in building bridges between the various religions so we can come to deeper mutual understanding and co-operation.

But the weakness of the pluralist way, especially in its superficial forms, is it glosses over some of the very real differences between various religious traditions, especially where those differences make us uncomfortable.

On the conservative end of the Anglican spectrum is what might be known as the “exclusivist” response.

From this perspective, there is only one valid religious goal (renewed relationship with God, culminating in eternal life) and only one path to that goal (a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour).

Other religions, from the exclusivist position, are seen as irrelevant at best, to demonic at worst.

Only Christians can be saved.

The value in this perspective is that it really raises the stakes in what one believes and it calls for a deep commitment to Christ.

However, especially in its more strident forms, the

exclusivist position of “no salvation outside Christianity” is simply hard to square with the extravagant and generous God we meet in the gospels.

Much of the debate in the church takes place as a shouting match between the pluralist and the exclusivist positions.

But there is another perspective in the tradition, one which is more complex than either the pluralist or the exclusivist.

It is called the “inclusivist” or the “universalist” position.

The Christian universalist agrees with the pluralist that God wills that all shall be saved, but also agrees with the exclusivist that salvation is always through Christ.

For the Christian universalist, Christ Himself (the Eternal Word and Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity) is present in each and every religious tradition, not just in Christianity, drawing ALL people, and indeed the entire creation, into renewed relationship with God. This cosmic and universal redemption (apocatastasis) happens whether we know it now or not. We are saved through Christ whether we can name Him now or not.

And God’s Eternal Love will win the game for us whether we play by the rules now or not. And if that isn’t good news, I’m not sure what is! Thanks be to God.

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

Published monthly except for July and August.

Whole No. 292, Vol. 41, No. 4 A Section of the Anglican Journal SUBSCRIPTIONS For change of address, undeliverable copies and subscription list updates, contact: • Your parish • e-mail: circulation @national.anglican.ca • Or send to Saskatchewan Anglican, c/o Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ont. M4Y 3G2

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SUBMISSIONS Submissions for the January issue must be recieved by the diocesan editor no later than Friday, December 21.

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

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December 2012

The Saskatchewan Anglican

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By faith we know Labyrinth journey is a pilgrimage what is the true to God gift of Christmas

By Jason Antonio

By Bishop Michael Hawkins Diocese of Saskatchewan PRINCE ALBERT – Christmas, we are told, is about family, about believing and about receiving gifts.

Saint John, in his introduction to the Gospel (John 1:1-14), strikes the three same chords of family, believing and receiving.

But he is not writing about any human family based on blood, but the family of God. And he is not talking about believing in flying reindeer but in Jesus, the Word made flesh.

And he is not preaching about receiving gifts wrapped in elegant paper, but about the gift of God Himself wrapped up in our flesh and blood.

My favourite Christmas movie is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. The Griswolds give us a spoof on all our attempts at the perfect family Christmas. They eat burnt turkey, endure freeloading relatives, take on enormous debt, try for a huge display of lights that never works and have a holiday home full of backstabbing and bickering.

Finally everything – the tree, the decorations, the table, the dishes, the kitchen – is destroyed; even the sewer backs up and blows up. It is bedlam in the Griswold house and family.

That word bedlam, meaning chaos and confusion, is very helpful because it is really just a shortened version of Bethlehem. It was a nickname for the Bethlehem Royal Hospital, an ancient psychiatric institution in London, which was notorious for hundreds of years of cruelty and inhumane treatment.

It was a powerful symbol of what we call “man’s inhumanity to man.”

And Bethlehem may have been a lot more like Bedlam than it appears in our imagination, for God came to this broken world, and Jesus was born into the premiere dysfunctional family, the human family, and the particular family of Abraham and David.

The Griswolds remind me a lot

of Jesus’ family, of Jacob’s family, of Noah’s family, of my family and of my Church family. Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, into the bedlam of this world, of your life and mine.

Our families are broken, our gifts are imperfect and our faith is weak, but in the light of Jesus Christ shining in our darkness, born into our Bedlam, we come to know God, ourselves and one another in a brand new way.

For it is in Him that we come to know God, despite our rebellion and prodigality, as our Father, who so loved the world and us in it. It is in Him and through faith in Him that we come to know ourselves, not as hated servants, but as forgiven children of God. And it is in Him and through Him that we recognize each other, across all the distinctions of age, race, sex, language, colour, education, wealth and background, as brothers and sisters.

The Advent hymn prays, “Shine forth and let thy light restore Earth’s own true loveliness once more.” In Christ born of Mary, in the Eucharist, in Christmas, the love of God is revealed and the loveliness of ourselves, of one another, of our friends and families, of enemies, and of this broken world, is restored and revealed.

There is redemption in Christmas for the Griswolds, for you and me and even red nosed reindeer. By faith we come to know the true gift and the real belonging which is ours in Christ.

For love revealed and loveliness restored in Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!

LUMSDEN (Qu’A) – A Labyrinth is not a maze but a simple path that winds its way toward the centre, in an “unambiguous” route that can be seen as a symbol or metaphor for the path of life.

“It combines imagery of a circle and the spiral. It is a meandering but purposeful path.

It represents a journey to our own centre, a journey to God and back into the world,” explained Rev. Catherine Harper.

“In Christian use, it is symbolic of a pilgrimage. Through the centuries, pilgrimages have been a part of Christian life.”

Journeying with God and learning different methods of prayer were the focus of a retreat held at St. Michael’s Retreat Centre near Lumsden in June. Entitled “Seven Ways to Pray: From Conversation to Communion,” the retreat was led

by Rev. Harper and Franciscan friar Gerry Clyne.

Harper provided a number of ways in which to use a Labyrinth – both full-scale ones such as St. Michael’s 14-metre diameter one and small square finger Labyrinths – as a means of focusing, praying and communing with God. Labyrinth journeys can take 30-45 minutes, or longer, to complete depending upon how fast or slow a person takes it.

But since a person should be in prayer or in contemplation, the walk or finger motion should take some time.

There are three movements to the Labyrinth: moving inward (Joshua 1:9), centring (Psalm 16:4) and moving outward (2 Samuel 22:31). Moving in allows us to discard, cast off and let go of our worries, inordinate attachments and external identities.

We should discard temporarily our roles and labels and not think of ourselves as “I am a mother,” “I am a coach,” “I am a brother,” “I am a... .”

“When we take off the labels attached to ourselves, what we are left with is God. He is the great ‘I AM,’ the eternal,” said

Rev. Harper. “Leave the demands of life, the voices in your head, the noise and enter the soothing silence” when participating in this prayer journey.

“As we walk, we can say ‘I leave my emotions behind.’ If you are having theological debates in your head, discard them. Divest the ‘I am’ and focus on the ‘I AM’.”

At the centre, it is a time to be open and receptive. We may be empty because we have discarded all our ‘I am’ thoughts.

When there, listen to and for the Holy Spirit’s voice. Praise God, who cannot be pinned down or put into a box.

Don’t expect a big life decision to be revealed. Be assured, though, of a deeper relationship with God. Based on what happened at the centre, the journey outward is a time to gain a new direction and new energy, through prayer, as we re-enter the world.

It is a journey toward a deeper love of Christ and to a simpler life.

A second method for walking the Labyrinth involves a more prayerful aspect. At the entrance, pray for what your focus will be and invite God to walk with you.

Again, walk slowly while praying. The process asks us to give up control. We must trust the process and believe that this will be a walk of faith.

When you get to the centre, reflect on love that Jesus Christ provides.

Upon the outward journey, thank God for His presence of walking with you.

A third method involves praying for the needs of others as you walk toward the centre.

At the centre, focus on and praise God. On the way out, pray for yourself and ask that your needs may be met.

Or you can repeat a favoured Bible verse or the line “thy will be done” as a mantra.

“We are not always aware of what is being accomplished spiritually,” added Brother Clyne.

“But we should commit ourselves to enhancing this relationship with God.”

Date and location set for Qu’Appelle Episcopal election Contributed REGINA – More information has come out regarding the date and location for the election of the next bishop for the Diocese of Qu’Appelle.

The 77th session of the Synod of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 8. The event is to be held at

St. Luke’s Anglican Church, at 3233 Argyle Road, in Regina.

Delegate registration for the event will take place from 7:308:45 a.m. If for some reason beyond the registrant’s control he or she misses this registration deadline, there will be a 10 minute window to do so after eucharist.

However, this is an exception

and not for general registrations.

Synod convenes at 9 a.m. It is important that all delegates have registered before 8:45 a.m. in order for the Credentials Committee to compile its report for the opening of Synod.

Synod delegates and clergy will have already met the candidates before Dec. 8. PreSynod Gatherings were held

on Nov. 29, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 in Regina, Swift Current and Yorkton, respectively.

Synod delegates will be voting for the 12th bishop of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle, after Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson was elected bishop for the Diocese of Calgary in June. Bishop Kerr-Wilson had been the bishop for Qu’Appelle for six years before his departure.

Rev. Walter Majola and his wife Olga cut their cake at a reception for them, following the farewell service at St. Matthew’s Church in Saskatoon on Aug. 19.

Photo – Thordy Kolbinson

Farewell to Deacon Walter Majola and wife Olga Spent four years at St. Matthew’s Church in Saskatoon

By Rev. John Seib SASKATOON – At the Sunday morning worship service on Aug. 19, the congregation of St. Matthew’s Church, Saskatoon, bade farewell and Godspeed to their much-loved deacon, Walter Majola, and his wife Olga.

Members of the vestry and congregation laid hands and prayed a special blessing for the couple, then presented them with gifts and a cake at a reception following the service.

For the past four years, Walter has been a member of St. Matthew’s Church, while studying towards a master’s degree at The College of Emmanuel & St. Chad and the University of Saskatchewan.

He is now undertaking a master’s level program at Concordia University in Montreal and hopes to complete a doctoral degree there as well.

Walter and Olga’s participation in parish activities (which included the community garden and outreach committee, as well as Walter’s enthusiastic involvement in Sunday worship, vestry and other activities) will be much missed.

Also, not to be forgotten, is the time when Walter, an aficionado of the dance, taught the whole parish how to limbo!

We wish them well and pray that God will truly bless this next phase of their lives.

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2012

Kutnikoff receives Order of Saskatchewan

By Karen Hindle

Clara Kutnikoff (centre) with her Order of Saskatchewan Award, with Rev. Norbert Haukenfrers (left) and Bishop Michael Hawkins (right) flanking her.

Photo – Karen Hindle

PRINCE ALBERT – On Oct. 7, St. David’s Anglican Church celebrated two special occasions.

The church celebrated 50 years as a parish and Clara Kutnikoff celebrated 40 years as its organist. To honour this special anniversary, Clara was award the Order of Saskatchewan by Bishop Michael Hawkins.

The following explanation describes Clara’s contribution to the worship at St. David’s Anglican Church: “She has faithfully provided expertise and guidance when it comes to the music used in

worship services. She not only plays at the main service on Sunday morning, but also once a week meets with the choir to practice the weekly hymns and to prepare special music for upcoming special services.

“She works with the various choir directors we have had to help choose music for the services. She has also filled in as the choir director when needed.

“She is always there to play for the extra services that occur over Christmas and Easter. She is a quiet soul and humble when it comes to her talent. She plays music with her heart and soul not just with her hands.

“Her choice of music, be it

for church services, funerals or weddings, is always carefully chosen and reflective of the situation.” Her talent is also shared with other churches, at funeral chapels, weddings and nursing homes.”

Clara’s family, of five children, 11 grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren, have shared her with the church all these years and for that we thank them.

Many of family and friends were on hand to see her receive this honour.

Clara is a very worthy recipient of the Order of Saskatchewan and all members at St. David’s Church congratulate her on this honour.

Ecumenical chaplaincy at the University of Saskatchewan Rooted in our faith traditions, respectful of others (Editor’s note: The following represents the September Newsletter of The Ecumenical Chaplaincy at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.)

By Rev. Emily Carr SASKATOON – Hello, my name is Emily Carr. I have recently accepted the position of Ecumenical Chaplain at the University of Saskatchewan.

With a background in theology, youth and young adult’s ministry, involvement with the Student Christian Movement of Canada, the World Student Christian Federation and the Ecumenical

Chaplaincy at McGill, I am delighted to be taking on this very special role.

For me, University Chaplaincy is an essential part of the church’s ministry.

Campus chaplaincy provides a connection to faith communities for students away from home.

It is also for students interested in understanding their traditions and beliefs in new ways as they become mature, contributing adults.

In this position, I hope to work closely with churches in the Presbyterian, United and Anglican denominations to best meet the needs of students.

This year, we are kicking off a number of new programs and there are plenty of ways for church members to get involved, including the following:

• St. Jude’s on Campus, Wednesdays at 5 p.m.

This weekly ecumenical prayer service includes prayer, scripture readings, discussion and supper;

Open to members of the community as well as to students.

• Movies and Munchies, Thursdays from 3-6 p.m.

This is a time for students to relax, snack and look at movies through a theological lens.

This evening is designed to help students take the values and traditions of faith into their daily lives.

Donations of homemade cookies and treats would be much appreciated for this evening to give students a taste of home!; • The Beggars Society, Fridays at 5 p.m. This evening is dedicated to social justice and

faith.

Each Friday, a special guest will be invited to share with students how their faith has shaped their life’s work; • Scientists, artists, outreach workers, professors and community members will have an opportunity to mentor students and to discuss faith in action; • We are always looking for special guests! Please contact me if you or someone you know would be interested in joining us; • Student Parents’ Closet.

In my first few weeks here on campus, I have had the privilege of getting to know several student mothers trying to improve their lives by going back to school while caring for children; • As you can imagine, this can be quite a juggling act.

I would like to establish a

support for student parents here on campus; • Donations of diapers, snacks, formula and children’s clothes would be much appreciated.

Students and young people are such a vital part of our faith communities.

If you feel that you would like to participate or contribute to any of these programs, please contact me or your minister or priest.

Better yet, stop by Wednesday, Thursday or Friday from 1-6 p.m. during office hours or to join in any of the programming.

We are located in Room 118 in the Memorial Union Building at the university (Above Louis, below Browsers).

I am looking forward to working with and getting to know you all in the coming year!

Diocese of Saskatoon: Announcements for December At The Cathedral: The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist’s Advent Tea and bake and craft sale will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 2-4 p.m. in the parish hall. The event features homemade turkey pies, baking, jams, woodwork and other crafts. Admittance to bake and craft sale is free. To the sit-down “Afternoon Tea” it is $5.

Proceeds from this Tea compose a large part of the cathedral’s ACW outreach budget.

Memories and Mistletoe: An evening of memorable music spiced with the flavour of Christmas, featuring Martin Janovsky and Henri Loiselle, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for “Memories and Mistletoe” can be purchased for $25 from the cathedral office or McNally Robinson, and can be delivered by calling Judy or Derwyn at 373-7064.

This concert has been sold out for the past two years so be sure

to get your tickets early.

“Christmas at The Roxy”: Please join this collaboration of the members of St. Paul’s United Church and St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Saskatoon, on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m., for a Christmas celebration of readings and music.

Bring the family and be inspired by the readings of the Christmas story, a live band, choir, children’s choir and congregational singing, to be accompanied with hot chocolate and cookies for all.

This is an outreach project for Station20West.

Christmas Tea in Battleford: A Christmas Tea, bake sale and silent auction will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 2-4 p.m., at St. George’s Anglican Church Hall, 191-24th St., Battleford.

Admission is a silver collection.

Happenings at St. James’ with the Refinery: The “Re[de] fining Church” Service is at 7 p.m. Sunday; Refining Readers: Meets one Wednesday evening a

month; The St. James’ Farmers’ Market and International Bazaar is Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. International Drop-Ins are held on the second Sunday of every month, 2-5 p.m..

Also see www. stjamesrefinery. org for more information.

Integrity/Saskatoon: Meetings are held at St. George’s, Saskatoon on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. For more information contact Tom and Rose Rogers at (306) 373-5165. Or contact Rev. Ann Marie Nicklin at (306) 381-9780 or benjie60@gmail. com. For further information and to view related articles, links and photographs of Integrity events visit www.integritysaskatoon. blogspot.com.

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

and fellowship. The address is St. George’s Anglican Church, Parish Hall, 624 Ave I S., Saskatoon. For information call 242-7973.

Men’s Breakfast at St. George’s Parish, Saskatoon: Starting Nov. 11, and continuing the second Sunday of every month, the men of St. George’s Parish provide a free hot breakfast to all in the hall from 8:30-10 a.m.

Seniors’ Lunch, St. George’s, Battleford: The Friendship Committee of St. George’s, Battleford, invites all seniors to join them for lunch on the first Monday of each month.

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

Advance Notice : The Diocesan ACW’s Spring

Conference will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at Christ Church in Saskatoon. The Diocesan Anglican Women’s Retreat will be held at the Mineral Springs Resort and Mineral Spa, Little Manitou Lake, near Watrous from Sept. 20-22, 2013.

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

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, December submissions will be in the February issue).

Deadline for February announcements is Dec. 21, 2012.

Please keep under 50 words.

December 2012

The Saskatchewan Anglican

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‘Today you become...a witness to Jesus’ resurrection’ Editor’s note: Bishop Adam Halkett was consecrated Diocesan Indigenous bishop in the Diocese of Saskatchewan on Oct. 12.

The consecration took place in Prince Albert.

The following is an except from Bishop Michael Hawkins’ sermon.

By Bishop Michael Hawkins Diocese of Saskatchewan PRINCE ALBERT – What we are about today is a part of the evolving story of this diocese and the church.

Today is not about walking apart in the Gospel or from the Gospel, but walking together in the Gospel.

Our commitment to Mamuwe is deliberate and it will belong Bishop Adam especially to Halkett the two of us to show and to live that.

This is not about division but about re-discovering our unity in the Gospel.

Mamuwe isi Miywachimowin (“Together in the Gospel”) is about being together in the Gospel, in this diocese, with Anglicans in our province and country and in the worldwide Communion, all of which are happily represented here today.

Our electing of and today consecrating a bishop is not about administration but about mission, not about church organization but world evangelization.

What we do today is not about Adam, it is about the people of northern Saskatchewan, in their homes and families and communities, in the hospitals and on the streets, at work and in prison.

It is about honouring and listening to the wisdom and experience of the elders, as well as pain and despair of the youth.

Adam will be consecrated for this work, as the Prayer Book puts it, in English phrases of moving simple beauty and tenderness that date back through 1662 to 1549.

The words come from Ezekiel: “To hold up the weak, heal the sick, bind up the broken, bring again the outcasts, seek the lost.”

Often we worry that the church and Gospel have no natural constituency or audience.

Will there be enough work for two bishops?

Well I think there are enough weak, sick, broken, lost and outcast in northern Saskatchewan to keep us both very busy!

The altar in the teepee set up for the consecration service of Adam Halkett. The bishop’s chair sits in front of the altar. One half of the teepee was set up on either end of the Allen Bird Gym and the congregation entered through the teepee on the west end.

All photos this story – Bishop Michael Hawkins

From left, National Indigenous Bishop Mark MacDonald, Bishop Michael Hawkins, bishop-elect Adam Halkett and Bishop Lydia Mamakwa wait outside before the start of the consecration service.

One of the 150 posters from schools in Ahtahkakoop, James Smith and Cumberland House first nations.

independence but in mutual interdependence and accountability, with us, a witness to Jesus’ resurrection.

This is your whole message and work, to witness in word and deed, in preaching and sacrament, in service and leadership, to the resurrection of Jesus.

We witness to His resurrection when we proclaim that His tomb was empty, and that ours will be too.

When we are a witness to His resurrection, we say that death and hell have been defeated.

We know He is alive and among us in the Scriptures and in the breaking of bread, in prayer and fellowship, in the least and neediest.

We look for and expect healing to triumph over pain, health over sickness, forgiveness over sin, light over darkness, hope over

despair, love over hatred and life over death.

The particular work of a bishop is to be a travelling witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We remember today Philip, deacon and evangelist, who tradition holds later became a bishop.

Philip was a travelling preacher. We read in Acts about him, that “passing through he preached in all the cities.”

He was part of a missionary wave that began when Christians were first persecuted with the execution of St. James.

When Philip and the others scattered from this persecution, “They went everywhere preaching the word.”

What is exciting about Philip and the story of Acts 8, and today, is that in the face of opposition,

Today you become a bishop, not alone but in fellowship, not in independence but in mutual interdependence and accountability, with us, a witness to Jesus’ resurrection.

Bishop Michael Hawkins We read in Acts that when they elected Matthias to be an apostle, they understood his work to be this: “One must become with us a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.”

Today you become a bishop, not alone but in fellowship, not in

a hostile culture and a threat to the institutional stability of the church, there was a powerful missionary movement that spread across the land.

That line from Acts 8 is paraphrased somewhat differently and wonderfully in the Message, “Forced to leave home base, the Christians all became missionaries.”

In a few moments it will seem like Mr. Dressup has opened up the tickle trunk.

Of all the new get-up you will receive today, one alone is essential.

We can forget the frilly cuffs and the odd hat, but the one thing that is necessary in this service and in your service is the Bible, which the archbishop will present to you as you kneel to be consecrated.

Later in this service our new bishop is going to present everyone here with a copy of the New Testament which our partners in the Canadian Bible Society have helped us prepare.

The New Testament you will receive today is a smart looking book.

It will add a certain churchy holiness to your bedroom or living room, and it will work for many years as a coaster, protecting your table from the scrapes and stains of coffee mugs.

But as beautiful and useful as it may be on the outside, it is even more wonderful and practical on the inside.

This New Testament is a sign of our intention and prayer for Renewal in the Gospel, in Gospel preaching and confidence, living, reading and study.

This gift of a New Testament from our new bishop is offered as a sign and encouragement to every one of us to take the Gospel in and from this place.

We are to take it in, into ourselves, into our hearts and minds and lives and to take it out, out into the world, into our homes and communities.

You will leave here with Scriptures in your hand and with Christ in your hearts, the Word and sacrament of the Gospel, the Holy Bible and Holy Communion.

The most important thing today is the Gospel of Jesus Christ proclaimed and received in Word and sacrament. The most important thing today is that Christ died for you.

This is the table of the Good Shepherd, here the Good Shepherd speaks, here we may taste the cup of His overflowing love and receive the anointing of His Spirit, by faith in Him. And we may go from here confident and rejoicing that the Good Shepherd is with us always and the He has sent a good shepherd to walk with us. Amen.

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2012

From maintenance to mission, we need to be disciples of Jesus Christ (Continued from page 1) We are not supposed to keep places!” – and a doctor in the put that amount of thought into the gospel to ourselves. parish opened a clinic. the process of developing the He told the story of meeting a They began to heal longMission Action Plan. woman who said she had joined standing divisions in their “If your congregation is not a small congregation a few years community and local people doing mission work to attract new earlier, and how she felt she had wanted to be involved with the members, you are working against an “instant family.” church which was doing so much it,” said Dean Martin. “The She said she didn’t want to good. church is not our church, it is the lose that feeling by having a lot “Only Christianity can explain Lord’s.” of new people resurrection out Scripture reveals God’s join. of death and mission, and everything that is Dean humiliation,” “If 12 apostles and needed to achieve that mission is Martin asked about 100 followers can said Dean given to God’s people. her, “How Martin. transform the world, “It is a matter of discovering would you He our gifts,” he said. have felt if the what can 100 Anglicans reminded Dean Martin then told the congregation his audience accomplish here?” inspiring story of Christ Church, decided not to how after the Matagorda. let in any new apostles had The church, founded in 1838 people two years ago?” been beaten for speaking of Jesus, before Texas became a state, is the He concluded his evening talk they prayed to have boldness to oldest Episcopal church in Texas. with a prayer, “Lord, renew your proclaim the gospel, “and the It is considered the “mother church and let it begin with me.”

Holy Spirit fell upon them.” church” of Texas, but the At the Sunday morning He said that stewardship congregation had dwindled service, Dean Martin focussed on campaigns generally focus on the to about a dozen women, leaders in the church. minimal givers, “but that’s like and the surrounding area was Referring to Acts and the moving the Rock of Gibraltar.” struggling with extremely high very early church, he said, “If 12 Instead, he suggested, start unemployment and the worst apostles and about 100 followers with the committed and get them health care in the state. can transform the world, what can to re-commit.

A layman named Harley was 100 Anglicans accomplish here?”

“Demonstrate to those around appointed lay vicar, because the He illustrated his talk with them what happens when God parish could not afford a priest or the story of an Episcopal church acts. In the church, there is no Dean Kevin Martin discusses the Diocese of Qu’Appelle’s Mission the upkeep on their building. in the Deep South, which substitute for the commitment of Action Plan, during the opening plenary session of the diocese’s Q He began Bible study, focusing Event in Caronport. experienced extraordinary growth leaders.” on Scripture referring to the Dean Martin’s final address Photos – Jason Antonio after its rector was discovered church, and told the women, “‘I to have had “inappropriate” was during the closing eucharist “This (mission) is not a Saviour, and choose to love believe God has given us all the relationships with several women service on Sunday afternoon. mystery for you to solve,” said others. If you have love, you have gifts we need at Christ Church to in the small community.

He spoke again of the Dean Martin. everything.” succeed.’ One Instead of causing the parish importance of leadership, “God has, The speaker stressed that being of the women to collapse, the scandal caused in contrast to the church exactly at this a small congregation does not “In the move from said, very the vestry to bureaucracy, which, he said, often equal intimacy. maintenance to mission, moment, the sceptically, really examine seems to be structured to prevent “Mission happens when people you Some people ‘All we can their lives and “spontaneous evangelism from we need to be not church need. are comfortable each one of us becomes do is cook’ realize they had breaking out.”

“But this in a small members, but disciples. a light to our and Harley been “playing There was knowing laughter doesn’t mean church, even a Our world needs to asked, ‘Who’s at church” and when he commented that one way community” their gifts are dying church, hungry?’” not living as to guarantee something will never know the love of God.” being used. and really The tiny real Christians. happen is to strike a committee or “In the don’t want it to grow; but that is congregation They decided to become real commission on the topic. move from maintenance to contrary to what God wants. decided to offer free lunch once Christians and vestry all made an Bureaucracy, he said, holds mission, we need to be not church “We are given the Great a week, but soon discovered oath to tithe. onto power and influence, but members, but disciples.

Commandment (love one another) that while many people are With the increased income, the “Jesus was not about power and “Our world needs to know and the Great Commission (to uncomfortable accepting charity, parish opened an outreach centre, influence, but about love. the love of God, and we can be preach the gospel),” Dean Martin they are more than willing to pay hired a black outreach minister “God doesn’t need the church a blessing to our community to said. one dollar for a good lunch.

– “from New York City of all to work in the world, He works in show this love of God. Unemployed, elderly and the world all the time.”

“Christ has given gifts to all single people came; school He told a story about a synod baptised members, all that is children came during the summer of Satan and his demons, where necessary. months; and soon almost they discussed ways to undermine “We are the people Christ everyone in Matagorda was the work of Christ and His has sent to the world. Mission coming for lunch on Wednesdays, church. happens when each one of the day the two local restaurants After several options were us becomes a light to our were closed. discussed and discarded, the most community.”

Other denominations got foul demon said, “I will tell them At the Saturday evening prayer involved, food was donated and ‘there is no hurry’.” and praise service, Dean Martin even the mayor came for lunch This is the most dangerous spoke about raising the esteem of because he realized most of his idea, said Dean Martin, that there a congregation – how do they see constituents were there. is no hurry, no urgency, to spread themselves and their church?

The congregation began to the gospel and work for the He said when there is grow as people wanted to get mission of God. disagreement or discord in a involved with the church that was He spoke of seeing enthusiasm parish, what is a person to do serving their community. all during the weekend and if they are angry at another They applied for a grant and said, “Don’t lose this. Don’t do member? got a mobile medical clinic, ‘maintenance.’ Stay excited.

“Do the worst thing,” he said. which proclaimed “Brought to “This will make non-Christians “Forgive that person and love you by Christ Church.” want to be part of the movement.” them unconditionally.

The congregation grew to Megan Wright, Sarah Wright and Hannah Osborne provide the The capacity to release the about 100 and they were able to love of Jesus is given to everyone. actions to a song, during the Sunday morning worship service at regain their historic building.

Briarcrest Seminary on Oct. 28, as part of the Q Event.

Look at the love our our

December 2012

Reflection on the life of Canon Hill

By Noreen Hareuther “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” Psalm 118:23

Canon William Hill (1925 to 2012) and his wife Patricia at the time of the farewell banquet, given to him in 1988 in Lloydminster.

Photo – The Anglican Parish of St. John’s Minster, Lloydminster penchant for controversy within churches, Canon Hill once wrote the following: “The trials and tribulations of one period may seem trivialities to people of another time. For years a great debate took place in our parish concerning the wisdom of trying to maintain our present church building.

“Some were obsessed with the idea that in a short while the building would cave in, even before the Second Coming, while others were equally convinced that even if heaven and Earth passed away, St John’s Minster would stand.”

Revealed in this quote is that mixture of scholarly detachment, open mindedness and sense of humour which make up a gentlemanly attitude.

The building controversy was eventually met with a compromise. The building of St. John’s Parish Hall, a project that Canon Hill supervised, culminated in its official dedication on Nov. 5, 1975.

The hall was to meet the needs of the hoped-for church expansion while serving the community as a venue for music, drama and community events. It was at the time, along with the high school auditorium, the only place in Lloydminster that could accommodate a large community gathering.

As the current rector of

St. John’s Minster, Rev. Canon Michael Stonhouse commented: “We mourn the passing of Canon William H. Hill, a well-beloved former pastor of Lloydminster and district.

Coming first to the Northminster and Lashburn parishes north and east of the city, he moved to the city itself some three years later.

“Well read and deeply spiritual, Canon Hill initiated a number of new programs at St. John’s. It was during his time at St. John’s that the new hall was constructed and paid for. His legacy here consists not only of buildings and programs, but even more so, of lives refreshed and renewed and lived forth for the glory of Christ.”

The larger controversy of how the Church should respond to waning youth membership was not as tractable. The stressful tension between those wanting more modern or enthusiastic ways and those of a more traditionalist bent eventually led to Canon Hill’s departure.

The departure was not necessarily at the time or in the mode he may have wanted, but he went on to serve again in smaller parishes and in replacement roles, eventually making his way to Burlington, Ontario, where he recently passed away from kidney complications.

He was, all in all, a scholar and a gentleman, living out his life “For the Greater Glory of God.”

Ecumenical workshop on pastoral care open to all

By Sandra Hill

Hospital chaplain Alex Allan and Zoria Shumay chat at the workshop in Swift Current.

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St. David’s Church celebrates 50 years

(Continued from page 1) The scholarship began in the prestigious St. George’s College, in Kingston, Jamaica, where the Jesuit fathers insisted on strict discipline and a solid classical education. The school motto was Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (For the Greater Glory of God).

Hill’s ministry began nearby in the rural community of Linstead and later in Stoney Hill, now virtually a suburb of Kingston. Then there was further ministry and study in the United States before the new university graduate found himself labouring in the small parishes of Western Canada.

Parishioners who knew him still remember his thorough knowledge of the Bible and devotion to Church traditions.

Canon Hill, as he was affectionately known by those inside and outside of the church, served in Lloydminster during a time of transition. That time of transition included the early years of the Anglican Church’s efforts to adjust itself to attract that elusive social segment known as “the youth”.

One example of this was a new prayer book, entitled vaguely The Book of Alternative Services.

For Canon Hill, schooled in the redolent language of the King James Bible and the older Book of Common Prayer, the new service seemed to be at a loss of tradition and poetry.

In response to the BAS omitting the traditional sections for Catechism, he authored a booklet entitled Manual for Christian Essentials modelled (with permission) on Catechismal guides in both the United States and the West Indies.

This, he stated, was in the hope that “none would be embarrassed by the question, ‘What is it that Anglicans believe?’” Then, as a loyal churchman, he guided the congregation through the seemingly inevitable controversy surrounding the new prayer book.

Reflecting on this ironic

The Saskatchewan Anglican

SWIFT CURRENT (Qu’A) – A truly ecumenical event was held at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church on Oct. 19-20 when Rev. Trish McCarthy conducted a workshop on pastoral care.

Each session began and ended with prayer. Through roleplaying, participants practiced being good listeners and helping others by praying with them.

The third session dealt with recognizing the changes many people encounter as they age.

The group of 27 participants represented seven different churches in Swift Current.

Those churches including the following: six from Christ the Redeemer Roman Catholic Church; four from East Side Church of God; three from First United Church; one from Grace United Church; two from St. Olaf Lutheran Church; the local hospital chaplain who is also pastor of Alpine Church of God; and 10 from St. Stephen’s Anglican Church.

Photo – Janet Neubauer

PRINCE ALBERT – On Oct. 6-7, St David’s Anglican Church in Prince Albert c elebrated 50 years of ministry in our East Hill neighborhood.

Through Saturday and Sunday we were reminded of many things to give thanks for, such as a warm church family, lasting friendships and faithful members who have worked hard over the years to grow the parish.

Saturday afternoon there was a tea at the church, and those who attended rekindled old friendships and established a few new ones.

Stories of “remember when” and photos were shared around each of the tea tables.

Many people remembered gathering for worship in the East Hill Community Hall, while others remembered annual clean-ups at the church, parish picnics, Christmas Eve Services singing Silent Night and Sunday school in the basement of the rectory.

Former Sunday school teachers were delighted to see their “young” students grown up with children of their own.

The banquet to mark the occasion was held at the Golf and Curling Club and the emcee for the evening was Neil Hedrick, a former teenage caretaker at the church.

The “I remember” memories that those in attendance submitted were read out and were the source of much laughter and fond memories. We also played a trivia game “50 years at St. David’s Anglican Church.”

The game generated plenty of table conversation, although no one in attendance got all of the answers right. Greetings from former rectors were shared throughout the evening.

Sunday morning Holy Communion was led by our rector, Rev. Norbert Haukenfrers, while Bishop Michael Hawkins preached. During the service, Clara Kutnikoff was surprised with the award of the Order of Saskatchewan, for her 40 years of faithful service as organist at St. David’s Anglican Church.

Camp Harding looks for support By the Camp Harding Committee CYPRESS HILLS (Qu’A) –Dear Campers and Supporters, Camp Harding is the only remaining Anglican Christian camp in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle.

Located in the beautiful Cypress Hills Provincial Park in southwest Saskatchewan, it offers children the opportunity to grow in their faith as well as learn to live in community. The camp is approximately 30 miles (about 50 km) south of Maple Creek on Highway 21. Campers take part in activities such as swimming, mini golf, horseback riding, golf, rock climbing, hiking, canoeing and beach activities.

In camp there is also time for worship, camp games, archery and camp fires, which give the campers opportunity to explore and learn, to make friends and to share their gifts, and to deepen their understanding about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Like most camps, we need your help in two ways. Financial support is always a blessing and helps keep us running. But we also need you to help encourage campers to come to the Camp.

A third way you can help us is to pray for the camp. Prayer changes things in ways that nothing else does. There are many of you who will read this letter

At Camp Harding, campers can deepen their understanding of Jesus Christ. who have helped us in the past, and for you we are truly grateful.

We are a registered charity and can issue receipts for tax purposes. If you would like to help as a volunteer, we would be very pleased and would love to hear from you.

When no camp is running, the camp can be rented from June to September for any activity that has an educational purpose.

Inquiries about the camp can be made online at www. campharding.ca or you can contact Nancy Kelley at (306) 463-4514 or kelley@sasktel.net; Shirlee Pollock at (306) 4632714 or shirpoll@sasktel.net; or Lee Perrin at (306) 662-2494 or rl.perrin@sasktel.net.

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2012

In the picture, from left, are Bishop David Irving with the newly ordained deacon, Rev. Nancy Yee, the newly ordained priest, Rev. Jessica Latshaw, and the newly ordained deacon, Rev. Emily Carr.

Photo – Derek Punshon

Ordinations at Saskatoon’s Cathedral

By Peter R. Coolen SASKATOON – On Sept. 30, the Feast of Michael and All Angels, a large and enthusiastic congregation filled the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Saskatoon, to celebrate the ordinations of Dr.

Jessica Elizabeth Katherine Latshaw to the priesthood and Emily Jean Carr and Nancy Yee to the diaconate.

The celebrant for the service was Bishop David M. Irving of the Diocese of Saskatoon, while Rev. William Richards preached.

Sara Comerford was litanist and

cantor. The Gospel reading for the service was Mark 9:38-50.

At a reception and a time of fellowship in the cathedral, which followed the service, the new priest and two new deacons, who had each been given a celebratory cake, cut and distributed pieces of their cakes to those present.

To change the world Editor’s note: In 2012, the Diocese of Saskatoon began two outreach projects.

One project was an Internal Outreach Program in co-operation with Habitat for Humanity to build low-income housing in Saskatoon.

The second project an External Aid Project to build two houses for two families in Baja, last June.

The site of the project, Vincente Guerrero, lies 280 kilometres (175 miles) south of the U.S. border crossing at San Ysidro/Tijuana, in the centre of the San Quintin Valley on the western side of the Baja Peninsula.

More detailed information on the Baja External Aid Project and additional pictures may be found on the website of the Diocese of Saskatoon.

Future editions of the Saskatchewan Anglican may, as well, have additional stories, blogs and letters relating the experiences of those who took part in the project.

The general story of the Baja Project was detailed in the October issue of the Saskatchewan Anglican.

By Debb Ferguson SASKATOON – “Today I’m Going Try and Change the World” is playing on my iPod as I sit down to write this; a Johnny Reid song that seems to sum up the past week: “Going to take it one day at a time… I have made my resolutions, opened up my eyes…

I am going to say hello to my neighbour and greet him with

a smile…Shake the hand of a stranger, sit and talk to him for a while.”

Maybe I can do something to change the world in a small way; so instead of just dreaming about it, when the opportunity to be a part of the Diocese of Saskatoon’s Live Different Mission team in the Baja was offered, I quickly jumped at the chance!

The team was a collection of people from various parishes in the Diocese of Saskatoon, ranging in age from 15 to 93.

The first impressions of Vicente Guerrero (Mexico) were rather bleak.

Grey and desolate were the first adjectives that popped into my head; colourless; even the trees were dusty.

This alone says a lot about the group.

When I met the team for the first time, it was obvious that although different in ages, backgrounds and life stories, we all had a common goal for coming together: we would build two homes for families in need and share our love with hammer in hand.

Excitement, apprehension and enthusiasm: what am I doing?

The first impressions of Vicente Guerrero were rather bleak.

Grey and desolate were the

first adjectives that popped into my head; colourless; even the trees were dusty.

The communities we visited on our arrival made me wonder how we could make a difference here.

Where would we start?

Overwhelming, heartbreaking, scary. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

When we stopped to visit the school, I was paralyzed.

Tears started to well up.

This was so much worse than I had imagined.

And then I saw the kids; in the middle of all the grey, they were the colour that was missing for me.

It was the laughter and joy of the children as they played with a busload of strangers; it was the also the colour of the spirit of the people!

I have discovered in the short week since I have been in Vincent that there is power in a dream.

The Live Different team guided a group of prairie people in discovering how we can make a difference; one person at a time.

I know that when I leave Mexico, I will be leaving a bit of my heart behind but will be taking some of Mexico back home with me as well.

The poverty and hardship that I witnessed here certainly puts life into a new perspective.

As I reflect on this journey, I think the world, that I have been a part of this week, has changed me for the better.

I do believe more firmly that we can change the world one person, one step, at a time.

New ordinands serve up cake

Following the ordinations in Saskatoon, the new priest and the two new deacons distributed pieces of cakes to those present at the reception.

Here in the picture (from left to right) is the newly ordained deacon, Rev. Nancy Yee, the newly ordained priest, Rev. Jessica Latshaw, and the newly ordained deacon, Rev. Emily Carr.

Photo – Peter R. Coolen

New people ARE appearing in churches these days

By Jason Antonio Editor’s note: Bishop Michael Ingham from the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster was in Regina on Sept. 24 to discuss Christianity in the “postmodern” world. For that full article, see the November Saskatchewan Anglican.

REGINA – Bishop Michael Ingham opened his talk discussing the current state of the Christian Church in the Western world.

Recent articles have discussed the “collapse” of the liberal church and whether liberal Christianity can be saved. Conversely, it is conservative churches that are thought to be growing because they have something substantial to offer.

This idea that conservative churches were the only ones growing became the “mantra” in church circles from the 1970s onward.

The thinking was, one church was rooted in the Gospel and thus grew, while the other was rooted in “intellectual fashion” and thus shrank.

“It’s a catchy thing,” the bishop said, adding getting into the “liberal versus conservative” debate was not his intention but only to make a point.

The current state of contemporary Christianity is

much more diverse.

While some conservative churches are growing, many are not. And while some liberal churches are shrinking, many are not. There is plenty of evidence that people attend their local church despite its theology, not because of it.

“Behind all this talk of church decline, we can miss one important thing: everywhere, in every church in this country, new people are appearing,” Ingham said.

“The church makes a serious error if it labels them too quickly with identities that do not fit.

“Finding the postmodern balance is about becoming the church that is evangelical to its commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, liberal in its openness to the Word of God beyond the church – that is, outside the Christian tradition and in the world.

“And also, and at the same time, catholic in its universal and deep sense, of what John Calvin called ‘the invisible church’.

“The one that stretches backwards and forwards through time. And perhaps, we might have a better chance of noticing and nurturing this new Christian community if we pay more attention to the people who are coming to our churches, (rather) than arguing over the people who are leaving.”

December 2012

The Saskatchewan Anglican

9

Soul-full Living: Spirituality for a Busy World

By Jason Antonio REGINA – It is important for Christians to be aware of what current philosophers are saying about what “the soul” is, because those philosophical musings will most likely attempt to show that God doesn’t exist.

As Christian people, we have that perspective on what the soul and spirituality are, as we come at both from a “church land” point of view, explained Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson. But since we are also part of western culture, we have to be aware of what others are saying.

Many current philosophers say, “There is no need to postulate a god, and therefore, there is also no need to postulate a soul.”

If we explain the world in purely materialistic terms, then we are confronted by the notion of, what is the soul? And they would say it’s something that grows out of our biological life. It’s the life force.

Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson “It’s all part of that genre, (that) it can all be explained. But it’s part of our context.

“It’s really important for us to be aware of that because all of us, at some point, will have conversations with someone along the way who has those kinds of views.”

Bishop Kerr-Wilson spoke on

the topics of what the soul and spirituality are and what is said about both in the Bible, during Soul-full Living: Spirituality for a Busy World, a weekend retreat put on by the Diocese of Qu’Appelle’s School for Mission and Ministry (QSMM).

The event took place in March at St. Philip’s in Regina.

Along with those topics, the 23 retreat participants also heard about sin and evil, challenges to soul-full living, how to heal the soul and ways to fill the soul. The retreat was co-ordinated by Rev. Catherine Harper.

In talking about the soul, it gives Christians a good grounding in how we understand the world, Bishop Kerr-Wilson explained.

He is “deeply convicted of the truth that the Christian account of the world of reality makes far more sense and is far more reasonable” than what other “reasonable” people like atheist commentator

To have more, desire less

By Rev. Alex Parsons Diocesan Stewardship Officer, Diocese of Saskatoon SASKATOON – Joking around with a group of friends many years ago, we were trying to come up with a way to make extra money that was as silly as some of the genuine ones being peddled. Mail order stuff was really big then and was being pushed by all sorts of small ads in magazines and infomercials on late-night TV. We decided that our product would be an ad offering a sure-fire and legal way to reduce your Income Tax. By sending us $5 and a self-addressed stamped envelope, we would share an astounding tax saving “secret.” Our simple answer, guaranteed mailed in one business day of receipt, was this: EARN LESS! At the time of concocting this foolishness I had never heard of G.K. Chesterton. Yet, in an unknowing way, we were echoing one of his profound thoughts: “There are two ways to get enough. One is to continue to accumulate more and more.

The other is to desire less.”

Maybe we were on to something!

However, to continue to accumulate more and more is not necessarily the way to get enough, I fear. Often an insatiable urge arises and no amount of success seems to bring satisfaction.

Any number of greedy bad guy characters or fictional “evil” corporations portrayed in movies and novels underscore our awareness of this.

Yet, the courts are never short of filling the docket with those who wish to try this route beyond accepted bounds, and find themselves tripped up in the end and not ahead at all. In fact further behind!

The most common myth about money is that having more will make us more secure.

It won’t. As Sheryl Crow in her song Soak up the Sun sings, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got.”

There are ways to desire less while at the same time providing a luxury of spirit that is shared in thankfulness. Thankfulness for what God has given us to steward, for what we have been blessed with. One of those ways is through Planned Giving. The

Richard Dawkins have to say.

In today’s society, large statistical evidence shows that more people claim to be “spiritual but not religious.”

The bishop posed the questions: what does it mean to be spiritual using the language of the world?

And what do people and the culture think when each hears the word ‘soul’?

For the spiritual question, participants replied: it is a search for something more; not wanting to be associated with religion; having no belief; referring to a higher, but unknown, power; and it is whatever the person wants it to be.

“Everybody is spiritual in the sense that is used in the culture.

Everybody has a human spirit, and everyone is influenced by spirits of some sort or another.

“The question is, what kind of spirit is that? Good or evil?” the bishop wondered.

This is where the issue of spiritual versus religion becomes important, because even some Christians are now saying they are spiritual but not religious.

Bishop Kerr-Wilson explained that the word ‘religion’ means to give structure, content and meaning to what spiritual is about.

On the other hand, spiritual is something that is undefined, vague and lacks commitment.

“For example, God is love. I bet you most people in the culture would say ‘Oh yeah, I agree with that.’ That is a religious statement,” the bishop pointed out, adding while spirituality might make a person feel better, “a cup of hot milk and nutmeg on top makes me feel good before bed, so that must be spiritual too.”

As for what the soul is, participants replied: it comes from God; it is the innermost part of our being; and it is the essence of God in a person.

The church today faces a similar situation as the church in 40 A.D.

By Jason Antonio

You are encouraged to build ministry for the future of the church by leaving a legacy that will empower ministry for years to come. Photo - Somchai Rakin ability to leave a major gift benefiting continuing ministry, in all its forms, whether it be locally, diocesan wide, nationally or even internationally, is in our hands. For all of us!

This is something that can be done immediately with an outright gift of value or deferred using such vehicles as life insurance, trusts and charitable bequests.

Other forms, with a bit of a twist, are gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts and gifts of residual interest. These are gifts that give back to the donor. They all are wonderful and easy ways to leave a legacy that will empower ministry for years to come. And yes, they are all legal ways to reduce our income tax without having to send in $5 and an envelope. I have much better and more inventive ideas to share with you now, all endorsed by the church and CRA. Knowing that real security can only be found in that which can never be taken from us – our relationship with God – I encourage each of us to consider how we can help build ministry in our communities for the future.

One of those ways is through generous giving and that is what I am here to help with. Please do not hesitate to call the Synod office in Saskatoon, at 244-5651, to learn more about Gift Planning and how your kind support can best be developed in accordance with your wishes.

REGINA – The real issue facing Christianity in the 21st century isn’t rampant secularism or persecution, but apathy and indifference from a culture that doesn’t know about the Church or Jesus Christ and mostly doesn’t care either.

This situation is somewhat similar to the time of the apostles and disciples of Jesus in 40 A.D. It was a dark time for the Church.

Social forces had impacted believers so much that it was unclear how the community of faith could continue. The institutions that held the Church together were breaking apart and people were scattered, unsure of their next step, uncertain that the gospel would survive into the next generation.

How did the Church of that time respond to its situation and the surrounding attitude of the culture? And how can Christians today respond to that apathy and indifference? Finding those answers was the goal for participants who attended a Qu’Appelle School for Mission and Ministry class in September.

Entitled “The Acts of the Apostles,” the two-day event at St. James the Apostle in Regina focused on the Book of Acts and the life of the early Church.

Led by Rev. Malcolm French, the nine participants were taken through the entire book and shown how the early Church went from hiding in a room, to waiting in Jerusalem, to being pushed out into the world to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“The Church (today) is in an Acts 8 moment,” began Rev. French, referring to the early Church when the disciples were scattered due to the start of persecutions.

Although our challenge today is indifference rather than persecution, the Christian Church is now facing its own kind of Acts 8 situation.

Beginning at Acts 1:1-5, gospel writer Luke sets the stage of how Jesus directed His disciples after His resurrection and ascension. He continued to act through the life

“Apostles just don’t get it.” Photo Leah-Anne Thompson of the Church even though He wasn’t with them continually after His death.

However (Acts 1:6-8), the 11 apostles, “at a significant level, just don’t get it,” Rev. French said. “Fundamentally, (they) are pretty thick.” They are too focused on when He will come back to restore the kingdom of Israel, even while Jesus is laying out a plan for when the Holy Spirit will come to them, adding, “…and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.”

“I am always struck by the first thing that happens here,” said Rev. French about Acts 1:9-14. “They need to be told to head back into Jerusalem…They go back to the room where they’ve been and wait…But (the waiting) is not a permanent instruction.”As they pray while they wait, they also elect a new apostle to replace Judas Iscariot.

Out of 109 disciples or “candidates,” Matthias is chosen to be the 12th apostle (Acts 1:15-26).

“The ministry we are involved in is not self-powered,” remarked Rev. Peter Boote, one of the QSMM participants.

“We have to wait until we’re told to go or where to go and for the Holy Spirit to guide us in it. And we should pray before we begin our ministry.”

“Although occasionally two guys in white need to come along and tell us to go do the next thing (Acts 1:10-11),” replied Rev. French to laughter.

This is part 1 of 5 in a series.

10

The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2012

History, truth and reconciliation at Onion Lake

By May Ann Assailly ONION LAKE (SKWN) – The Onion Lake Truth and Reconciliation Community Hearings were hosted in Kihiw Waciiston School in April.

In his report to the Truth and Reconciliation National Event Regional Working Group, Commissioner Wilton Littlechild shared: “It was outstanding and there was a good balance of Elders, men and women and representatives from the churches.

“The community went all out to prepare for the hearing, and as a result, it was very well executed.

We would like to thank the community for the outstanding job.”

He also gave special mention of the kindergarten to Grade 8 students who sang several songs in Cree during the opening ceremonies. These students have been invited to participate in the Saskatchewan National Event.

We had a good representation of Anglicans from the Diocese of Saskatchewan and the Diocese of Saskatoon in attendance at the Onion Lake Hearings, joined by a strong Roman Catholic and United Church presence.

Ester Wesley, co-ordinator of the Anglican Healing Fund projects, and Nancy Hurn, national archivist for the Anglican Church of Canada, were also in attendance for a day and a half to listen and communicate with survivors and families.

Nancy was able to share archival pictures of St. Barnabas Indian Residential School and students and discuss its history.

Anglican missionary work at Onion Lake began in 1876 after the signing of Treaty 6 and was interrupted during the Northwest Rebellion in 1885. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to establish a boarding school, St. Anthony’s Indian Residential School, in 1891.

In 1892, John Matheson, a lay catechist, and his wife Elizabeth, re-established the Anglican Mission and, in 1893, enlarged their home to house 10 Indian children. Within a few years, John was ordained priest and Elizabeth completed her medical training.

Together they served as teacher and doctor of the self-supporting

The gates of St. Barnabas Indian Residential School. The school was destoryed by fire in December 1943.

All photos this page – Mary Ann Assailly

The headstone of: ‘The Reverend’ “John Richard Matheson, 1848-1916, 25 yrs.

Missionary in Charge, St. Barnabas’ Mission, Onion Lake and his children Edith 1901-1904 and Baby Jack 1910”, at Onion Lake, Sask. mission, school and hospital.

By 1900, students numbered 60: Indian, white and mixed bloods. Since government funding was capped at 20, the Mathesons used their private funds to support the other 40 children. Rev. Matheson died in 1916, and in 1917 the Diocese of Saskatchewan took over the boarding school.

While at Onion Lake for the hearings, the Chief family, who are descendants of those who signed the Treaty and attended the Anglican schools, were keen to take some of us, including Nancy Hurn, on a journey to see the site

The headstone of: “Elizabeth Beckett Matheson M.D., C.M., 1866-1958, Wife of the Reverend John R. Matheson and Doctor to the Indians And Settlers Of The Area 1898-1918”, at Onion Lake. of the first St. Barnabas’ Mission School and Church.

Our first stop was at the Protestant graveyard, where we visited the area of the church and St. Barnabas’ Mission School.

We talked of graves of children and were told that there were graves in the underbrush.

After a search we discovered the headstone of “John Richard Matheson, 1848-1916, 25 yrs. Missionary in Charge St Barnabas’ Mission, Onion Lake”.

And “Children Edith 19011904” and “Baby Jack 1910” are also on the headstone. In the plot, a second headstone, that of “Elizabeth Beckett Matheson M.D. C.M, 1866-1958. Wife of the Reverend John R. Matheson and Doctor to the Indians And Settlers Of The Area 1898-1918” was found.

Both we and the Chief family were surprised to find the

headstones, and the Chiefs told us stories of the Woman Doctor who rode sidesaddle and who had gained the trust of the Indians who relied on their traditional medicine.

In 1922, the diocese transferred the school administration to the Indian and Eskimo School Commission of the Missionary Society of the Church of England in Canada.

The Missionary Society found the then existing buildings to be sub-standard and in need of replacement. The Indian Affairs Department of Ottawa at that time also saw the urgent need for a new facility to accommodate 100 students and, as a result, St. Barnabas Indian Residential School was built.

In 1926, the new governmentbuilt Indian residential school was opened. The number of students at the school increased to 118 and

the school farming operations expanded.

The school was destroyed by fire in December 1943. The next leg of our journey took us to the long tree-lined lane leading to the site of the ruins of the St. Barnabas Indian Residential School. All that remains of the School is the cement foundation.

Trees and bushes have grown throughout the foundation for the last 68 years and provide an eerily haunting impression in the stark early spring. We all climbed over and crawled around the perimeter, stood back and silently reflected on the children, listening to their voices in the trees.

We visited the barn, sat under a huge old tree, discovered the old well and then returned to the hearings.

In conversation at the hearings the next day, we were told where the graves of the children who died at school were located.

These would be “the missing children” who died, and were buried, at school without the knowledge of their parents.

We had heard of some of these children during the hearings in Regina.

We made another journey, past the old school site and over a hill toward the lake. There we found a small fenced area which contained the graves of at least seven children.

The original wooden crosses constructed with wooden pegs have long since rotted and fallen to the ground. The newer crosses are now well weathered.

With some careful lifting and scraping of lichen we were able to read some of the names: “Emily” and “Betsy”.

We weep and pray, O Lord hold these little ones in your arms and forgive us.

God willing, individuals from the Diocese of Saskatchewan and the Diocese of Saskatoon, following protocol, could seek permission to refurbish the Matheson graves and the graves of the children and apply for a suitable marker. A small sign of our reconciliation.

Assailly is the Anglican Representative on the TRC Saskatchewan National Event Working Group for the Diocese of Saskatoon.

“The Great Tradition – A Great Labor; Studies in Ancient-Future Faith” – Book Review Edited by D. H. Williams & Philip Harrold What does it mean to inhabit the ‘Great Tradition’ authentically?

Borrowing from T. S. Eliot’s assertion that holding up this Great Anglican Tradition is a ‘great labour’, the authors of this collection are dedicated to the task of preserving the Great Tradition at a time when concerns have been raised about ‘gospel

amnesia’ and a ‘stunted ecclesiology’ in relation to ancient-future faith and the subculture of Evangelicalism.

This collection of essays, the result of an assembly entitled ‘Ancient Wisdom—Anglican Futures’,

held in 2009 at Trinity School for Ministry, Penn., offers insight into the practice of ancient-future faith studies.

Drawing on a range of themes reflecting Pentecostal, Baptist, Methodist, and Eastern Orthodox perspectives in varying degrees of dialogue with the Anglican tradition, the contributors explore questions of sociology, history and pneumatology within the context of worship, community

and mission.

It is negotiation and exchange such as this, which bring new life and direction to the dynamic transmission of a recognisable ‘Anglican Way’.

Arguing genuine participation in the Great Tradition is an arduous journey, not only in terms of the Christian institution, but also as a personal, spiritual path, some scholars propose evangelicals need to engage the

faith according to the Church’s dogmatic physical inheritance, whilst others suggest a more authentic approach is one in which understanding arises from committed personal participation.

Together, the authors remind us the Great Tradition is noted by two forms of faith.

One is in the extrinsic manifestation of creeds and confessions, and the other is intrinsic and spiritual in nature.

December 2012

The Saskatchewan Anglican

11

Well-travelled priest inducted in Sask. Gateway

By Kevin Weedmark MOOSOMIN (Qu’A) – Rev. Michael Rossouw doesn’t believe in taking the direct route.

The new priest at the Saskatchewan Gateway Anglican Parish came to the ministry via a career in education, and, originally from South Africa, he came to Moosomin via Burma, Thailand and the Philippines.

Originally a teacher, he was ordained deacon and then priest in the Philippines – where he was chaplain at a private international school in Subic Bay – before landing in the middle of the Canadian prairies as parish priest for the local Anglican parish.

The parish includes congregations in Moosomin, Rocanville, Fleming and Spring Creek. Rossouw arrived in Moosomin in May and was inducted as priest on Sept. 9.

After growing up in South Africa, Rossouw went into the teaching profession, and spent most of his adult life as a teacher.

He spent many years teaching in South Africa before heading to Southeast Asia for a different experience.

“I taught in Thailand, Burma and the Philippines,” he says.

“I had done a lot in the South African education system, and I wanted to get a little more international exposure.” Teaching in any international school is a very different experience.

“I taught students from all over the world, really. In my last school a lot of students came from Korea. The international schools in Korea are out of reach of middle class business people, so the Philippines was attractive to them. It was the same in Bangkok, although most students there were Thai.”

Rossouw said he always had an interest in spirituality. “It was something from the time I was

Pictured after the induction on Sept. 9 of Rev. Michael Rossouw as priest of the Saskatchewan Gateway Parish are: back row (left to right) Rev. Trish McCarthy, Rev. Kim Salo, Archdeacon Rob Hardwick (far back), Rev. Brian Woods, Rev. Wilma Woods and Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson. Centre row: Rev. Delta Kelly, Rev. Michael Rossouw and Rev. Marilyn Scutt. In front are Avery Meredith, Clayton Willms, Cadence Meredith and Maddi Grieman.

Photo – The World Spectator fairly young,” he says. “It took a while to get there, though. I was ordained when I was five days short of my 60th birthday.”

He started serving Anglican parishes in Southeast Asia while working at the international schools there.

“I served as a lay minister at Christ Church Bangkok and was a deacon of Church of St. Gabriel in Rangoon, and then I became chaplain at Brent International School at Subic in

the Philippines.”

Rossouw feels he was always on a path toward ministry.

“Ministry is something I’ve always wanted to do,” he says.

“It is the product of my own church schooling in South Africa.

I grew up and went to school at St. George’s Home, which was originally an orphanage school and is now an international school. My dad died when I was nine and my mom was left with four little boys, so we went to St.

George’s.”

He says his spirituality was nurtured at the Christian school.

“My spirituality is probably a product of the caring people who took care of me at school,” he said. “A lot of them are wonderful people—the former headmaster of the school just turned 100.”

His education in ministry filled him in on Christian teachings, and he also studied other religions.

“I did a course in comparative religious studies when I was

in Thailand, which looked into Buddhism and Islam, which are the major religions in that region.

It was facinating.”

He said he is interested in the Canadian prairies because it’s an area with a strong tradition of ecumenism and lay ministry.

“I think the churches in a lot of places work together a lot more than they used to, but that’s especially strong here,” he said.

“One of the exciting things that attracted me here was the idea of lay ministry, which I’ve always believed in. The church consists of ordinary people, then deacons, priests and bishops.”

He said he comes from a slightly different tradition than the local parish. “I’ve come from more of a high church tradition, but Canadians are very open – they like the liturgy and they are open to other forms of expression, which I think is also exciting.”

He said he has enjoyed getting to know the people involved with the local churches. “I think generally people involved with churches are very committed.

There are some people who say ‘we’ve always done it this way,’ and you have to respect that, but I also think people have to be open to different forms of religious expression.”

Rossouw has a family in the Philippines who he hopes will be able to join him soon. His wife is from the Philippines and they have a daughter and a son.

He said he has high hopes for the local parish. “I think there’s a bright future for this parish if we try to work for the good and glory of God. You’re either going to become a museum or you’re going to be a living witness for the gospel.”

Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in Moosomin’s The World-Spectator.

Thank you to editor and publisher Kevin Weedmark for this article.

Ecumenism in action – or is it ecumenical courtship?

By Fred Stephens WEYBURN (Qu’A) – Life in Christendom is an interesting one. If we look at the Christian community, we see a number of houses.

Our neighbours might be the Roman Catholic Church, or the United Church, or Presbyterian or Lutheran or Baptist or LDS or four square or Greek Orthodox or Ukrainian Orthodox or Apostolic, and on and on. When Jesus said, “In my house there are many rooms,” boy, He wasn’t kidding!

We who are not versed in comparative theology sometimes wonder what goes on in those neighbouring apartments. What do our Christian neighbours believe? How much are they like us, and how do they differ?

We Anglicans have some close neighbours. We are closely related to the Episcopalians, for example, and in full communion with the Lutherans.

We in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle now have a covenant with the Roman Catholics—a kind of peace treaty which says that we will do business with each other, but only to a point.

For example, we invite Roman Catholics, as with members of other denominations which practise baptism, to share in our Holy Communion. The Roman Catholics, however, haven’t gone quite that far yet.

All Saints in Weyburn became quite neighbourly with the Presbyterians over the course of the past year or two. We have always been sort of ‘kissing

cousins’ with the Lutherans, in that we share mid-week Lenten services with them, and we do enjoy each other’s’ company.

The Presbyterians, however, came to us a couple of years ago. They were struggling, and asked if they could meet with us to explore avenues of joint sharing; to what extent was to be determined, whether they were proposing some form of marriage, or merely a courtship, or perhaps just dating, we weren’t certain, and neither were they.

Well, you can imagine the fluttering of hearts and all the flattered souls in All Saints. Knox came knocking at our door!

Our vestry subsequently had two get-togethers over coffee; once at our house and once at theirs.

Before we were able to determine their intentions, however (I think we Anglicans call it discernment), Daddy Presbyterian in Regina stepped in and the courtship was off.

This spring however, we learned that hope springs eternal.

Lo and behold, the Presbyterians approached us once again.

They were going to be without clergy for a whole month in July, and wondered if they could worship with us, and we could worship with them in August.

This seemed like a practical arrangement; we were having difficulty acquiring supply clergy during the summer months, so we demurely accepted their offer.

As it turned out, the Presbyterians saw substantially more Anglicans in Knox church

than the Anglicans saw of Presbyterians in All Saints.

But we both survived the summer. Some Anglicans who hadn’t experienced a congregational-type service found it interesting, but quite different.

Some of us who were raised in a congregational church many years ago found that the service had become, over the years, much more like the Anglican liturgy than we had remembered.

As of this writing, we have been invited over to the Presbyterians’ house for a party following our Sunday service.

They would like to celebrate our reciprocal worship, among other things, I understand.

Where this leads in the future is anyone’s guess, but my guess is we will just remain friends.

12

The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2012

Saskatchewan archivists attend national conference

By Mary Brown PRINCE ALBERT – Three volunteers from the Diocese of Saskatchewan were joined by the bishop’s secretary for a national gathering in Toronto from Oct. 25-27.

It was a full agenda for three days of meetings, with the first day devoted to expectations from the TRC. If the truth be told, the next two days also were mostly about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. So what was the conference all about, you ask?

It was about an agreement signed between the Anglican Church of Canada Resolution Corporation, the dioceses of the Anglican Church of Canada and Her Majesty the Queen of Canada, as represented by the Minister responsible for Indian Residential Schools Resolution.

The purposes of the settlement agreement were to enable certain Anglican entities to contribute Compensation for Claimants and to enable the Anglican entities and government to co-operate in the validation and resolution of IRS Abuse Claims arising from Indian Residential Schools.

Three Diocese of Saskatchewan volunteers, Carolyn McCready, Rae Benson and Jackie Hobbs, gathered at the Anglican Diocesan Archives national meeting in Toronto from Oct. 25-27. In the painting behind them is Bishop Fielding Sweeney, the fourth bishop of Ontario from 1909-32.

Photo – Mary Brown In this agreement under Part 5, it says the following: the Anglican entities agree to comply with all reasonable requests

from the government for information; provide any researchers or experts with full access to all relevant files and databases;

participate in any apologies, reconciliation or closure ceremonies that are agreed to as part of the resolution; provide disclosure and production of relevant documents in their possession; and accommodate a claimant’s reasonable request that a rep of the Anglican entities attend a hearing where a claimant is giving evidence relating to his or her experience at an IRS. The TRC is now asking the archives departments of the dioceses that had residential schools to provide information from their files pertaining to anything regarding residential schools.

This will entail plenty of work depending on how many schools were in your diocese.

Our volunteers, who work one day a week, provide information to parishes celebrating their anniversaries, to people doing their family history, to students working on their thesis for university and to authors who are researching and publishing books.

The Diocese of Saskatchewan has one of the best Archives Departments in Canada and we are very proud of our volunteers, who will need our support in the coming months.

All Saints Anglican Church (at left) shares its parking lot and prayers for students at Campbell Collegiate (at right) in south Regina. Photo – Bill Van Sickle

Prayers for local high school students

By Linda Van Sickle

Prayer for a Student REGINA – All Saints Anglican Church and Campbell Collegiate have been neighbours on Massey Road in south Regina for decades.

The church has a long-standing arrangement of sharing its parking lot on school days with students who attend the high school next door.

In recent years, as a way of letting the students know that parishioners are praying for them and wishing them well in their studies, the church has prepared cards containing greetings and prayers from the church.

The cards are placed on the windshields of the students’ cars on the church lot during the first week of classes in September and again in June, just before exams and graduation.

All Saints has received favourable responses from both students and parents.

One student wrote, “I wanted to thank you for your prayers for myself and my classmates in our studies and summer adventures.

“I can’t tell you how happy I felt to know I had an entire congregation behind me while I write my exams.

Loving Creator, I come to you on the edge of a new study year.

While my future may seem uncertain, give me, God, the vision to see the path you set before me.

Help me to support my classmates in creative and constructive ways, realizing that you honour and cherish them too.

Grant me the courage to use my gifts and talents well so that I may bring life and love to others. Amen.

“So thank you for that from the bottom of my heart.”

A parent wrote, “I would like to let you know how it made my daughter’s day to receive the note of blessing [on] the windscreen. She has posted a photo of the note on her Facebook page and has had a positive response from a number of her friends... .”

During the 2011 Campbell graduation ceremony, the father who responded to the Toast to the Parents referred to the prayer cards in his speech.

He noted that All Saints has students

from Campbell using its parking lot all year long, sometimes to the church’s disadvantage, and it would be easy to l, we express annoyance to t, this fal rch to n s e e d s s u a t l the students.

Dear Sou begin your c s Anglican Chu int .

As y Instead, though, t All Sa lot with you d a d e s a n g e l n i p e k e r instead they prayed for ar pa com a ing the will see you r in a h e s s a their well-being. The e b es, we y for an incre pe in you.

At tim a o r parent asked those present lp gh we wil f d stron to let others know of this go and e, insight an ning be one o nd g r d a e e l ledge a of l generosity. know is year reas of know h t y a M Reaching out and being ew a g into n om. ilding, reachin nto new wisd onfidence bu present in the community in i c . May tapping t be a time of olid integrity significant ways is a part of es and May i rength and s assmat e l the Mission Action Plan of c r u t s o ed yy enc increas uly blessed b bility to influ the parish. a tr you be who have the r studies.

The outreach goes beyond u s o be a r y e h e teac en and bless rienc p the nearby high school, as All e e p e x d e s u e, ip how yo our friendsh ay God guid Saints is also the nearest parish M . ay y u o M for y to the University of Regina and of joy s! source ct you alway SIAST. ints e t f All Sa y o s r and pro e n All Saints placed a goodwill ad io rth Parish Trish McCa . r in the U of R student newspaper, v. D and Re The Carillon, and over the years have welcomed students who has contributed much to parish life.

All Saints parish continues to pray for students and to build good relations with its academic neighbours.

Greetings and prayers placed on students’ vehicles