Saskatchewan
anglican
The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal • January 2018 www.facebook.com/thesaskatchewananglican
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Anglican, Roman Catholic reps meet for ecumenical workshop By Joanne Shurvin-Martin
Praying for the faithfully departed
Rev. Michael Bruce prays for the faithful departed during the All Souls Day service at St. Luke, Regina. He kneels at the catafalque, which supports the casket or coffin during a funeral service, and on All Souls Day is a symbol of the faithful departed. Photo by Nigel Salway
Volunteer medals given to three Anglicans By Joanne Shurvin-Martin REGINA – Lt.-Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield presented the Sovereign’s Medal of Volunteers to 44 individuals including three Regina Anglicans. Bob Cade, Keith Inches and Doug Osborne received the medals during a ceremony on Nov. 9. Cade, who attends St. Paul’s Cathedral, was honoured for his work with the Duke of Edinburgh’s
Awards. He served on the board since 2006. He was instrumental in the creation of bylaws for the Saskatchewan Division of the awards, which is a self-development program for young people. Its slogan is “Equipping young people for life.” Cade has served as vice-president, chair of the governance committee, a member of the risk management committee, and a member of the executive. Inches, of St. Luke’s
Anglican Church, was recognized for his work with military history. His certificate reads, “Keith Inches’ life-long passion for military history has benefitted his community and inspired the creation of other national volunteer-run museums. As the founder and curator of the Saskatchewan Military Museum since 1984, he has promoted local history Continued on page 4
REGINA – More than two dozen representatives from Anglican and Roman Catholic parishes across southern Saskatchewan shared stories of ecumenical action in their areas and learned about Anglican and Roman Catholic dialogues at national and international levels during a recent workshop. Fr. Rick Krofchek, a member of the AnglicanRoman Catholic Covenant Implementation Committee (ARCCIC), opened the gathering with prayer in the hall attached to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Archbishop Don Bolen then recounted how the covenant between the Anglican Diocese of Qu’Appelle and the Archdiocese of Regina came to be. It built on relationships that had developed since the 1960s, and was signed in January 2011. Bolen has been involved in ecumenical relations at the highest level, serving on the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity at the Vatican from 2001 to 2008. Bolen said, “We were created for community, with God and with one another.” He said the ecumenical work in Saskatchewan is “a good example for the rest of the country, although we still have more to do.” Susan Klein, co-chair of ARCCIC, said at the beginning, they were encouraged to start small, as “you can’t do everything at once.” But, she said, she has been surprised by how much has been done already, with many parishes working together in a variety of ways. Recent actions in the town of Qu’Appelle were presented as a case study. Chad Geis, of Immaculate
Conception parish, and Eileen Herman and Bruce Farrer of the Anglican churches in Qu’Appelle and Vernon, described how the Roman Catholic parish has come to worship in the Anglican building of St. Peter, Qu’Appelle. When faced with prohibitively costly repairs to their building, the congregation of Immaculate Conception had several options: travel to Indian Head to worship, hold services in the seniors’ centre, or use the Anglican building. “I’m glad we chose St. Peter’s,” said Geis. “This has worked out very well. St. Peter’s has been extraordinarily welcoming to us.” Herman and Farrer described what their congregation had to do: mainly adjusting their service schedule to fit in the Roman Catholic services. Minor Continued on page 8
Archbishop Don Bolen was the first main speaker at the workshop for ecumenical parish reps. He told the reps, “We were created for community, with God and with one another.” Photo by Joanne Shurvin-Martin
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
January 2018
Vestments give idea of our history, theology “Why do clergy and bishops wear fancy and specific robes for certain services at specific times of the year?” By Rev. Cheryl Toth
L
ast year I was with my three-year-old granddaughter as she walked into a worship service for the first time. We were a few minutes late and the service had already begun. She stood still at the back, taking it all in. “Grandma, why they wearing dresses?” she asked. “What colour of dresses?” I asked in return. “Red ones,” she said. “That’s for singing,” I told her. “They are wearing red dresses so we know they are going to sing.” And so it began. Throughout the worship service Mila asked me about readers, organists, the gospel procession and all the other mysteries of the liturgy—or at least the ones about which she was curious. It made me realize anew how strange some of our customs are to those seeing them for the first time. We have a visual language in worship — a language of colour, dress, light, vessels and more — that cannot always be read by those seeing it. Distinctive dress for people leading in worship has a long tradition. In the early days of the church, clergy tried to blend in with people around them because it was illegal to be Christian in a hostile Roman world. When the Emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Empire, clergy began to use certain garments only for leading worship and we have retained the use of some of them to this day. The one most familiar
Various vestments are on display in this picture, including albs and stoles on the deacons and a chasuble on the bishop. Photo archives is the alb—a long white robe that was used as an undergarment in 1st century Rome. Today is used by a number of people participating in worship services, particularly the Eucharist; you see it on priests and deacons as well as some servers. Over an alb, clergy will wear various robes that visually represent their office or function. Stoles (the coloured scarf-like item) are worn by deacons on their left shoulder and crossed diagonally over the chest, while priests and bishops wear them over the neck, each end hanging parallel in front. Sometimes a chasuble is also worn. It is a poncholike garment derived from an outer travelling garment of the 1st century, and is worn only by clergy and almost exclusively during the Eucharist. It is worn as a top layer with stole and alb underneath. Like stoles, chasubles are in different colours. The different colours do not reflect the office of
the person wearing them but rather the colour of the church season: blue or purple for Advent, white for Christmas and Easter, and so on. Sometimes you see people wearing a cassock. A cassock is a plain ankle-length robe with long sleeves. It is not a liturgical vestment but a garment that for centuries was the typical dress of a clergyperson. It too is derived from Roman times and was adapted from the anklelength robe worn at the time. When clergy wear a cassock it is usually black; when choir members, lay readers or servers wear cassocks they are often red or blue; when bishops wear them they are usually purple. A surplice can be worn over a cassock. A surplice is a full white garment with wide sleeves and was originally worn over fur garments in cold unheated churches. Now it is worn over a cassock by clergy as the standard robes for officiating or assisting
at Morning or Evening Prayer. Surplices can also be worn by choir members, lay readers and servers. That’s why I asked my granddaughter what colour of “dress” she was asking about. In that service choir members and servers were both wearing cassocks while the priest was wearing an alb and chasuble. There were a number of robes to decipher! The variations on worship attire are far more extensive than what I have just outlined and, if you have a strong interest, you can learn plenty on the internet or by asking the person wearing the garment. They are usually happy to tell you what they are wearing and why. What we are wearing is our history and sometimes our theology as well. That also makes me wonder what message we give when we wear special clothes to lead worship or to designate an office of a person in the church. For some it speaks of valued tradition. To others it connotes beauty and order in our liturgy. To others it seems fussy and out of touch with contemporary society. There has been debate recently in the Church of England about having the freedom to wear street clothes when leading worship. The underlying question is about how best to communicate the gospel in the context of our time. It’s a good question and one that applies to more than robes! What do you think? Rev. Cheryl Toth is a priest in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle and serves as intentional interim priest with All Saints, Regina.
Wearing vestments reminds us to put on Christ Why do clergy and bishops wear fancy and specific robes for certain services at specific times of the year? By Archdeacon Norbert Haukenfrers
E
ver since the Reformation 500 years ago, the Church has stressed the unity of word and sacrament.
In our ordination liturgies, a bishop asks that the Holy Spirit be sent upon his servant, hands are extended and then the newly appointed is dressed according to his or her order. There is also a Bible given to function as a sign of the authority to preach the word and minister the sacraments.
In this, the Reformers, in their desire to reform the Church, understood the importance of backing up their words with something visible and touchable: a sign. The Reformers’ revolt against ceremonialism, hierarchicalism, and dogma of the medieval church did not abolish the use of clerical vestments
even with the Reformers’ emphasis of the priesthood of all believers. Luther was a moderate when it came to vestments and understood them to be adiaphora (things indifferent). Even Calvin believed something particular ought to be worn to lead a service. The Anglican church as Continued on page 3
Published by the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle. Published monthly except for July and August. Whole No. 292, Vol. 46, No. 5 A Section of the Anglican Journal SUBSCRIPTIONS For change of address, undeliverable copies and subscription list updates, contact: • Your parish • e-mail: circulation @national.anglican.ca • Or send to Saskatchewan Anglican, c/o Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ont. M4Y 3G2 RATES $10 in Canada $17 outside Canada SUBMISSIONS Submissions for the March issue must be received by the diocesan editor no later than Friday, Jan. 26. All pictures must be sent as JPEGS and 1 MB (megabyte) in size. CONTACT INFORMATION Managing Editor: Jason Antonio SKAnglicanEditor@gmail. com 1501 College Ave Regina, Sask., S4P 1B8 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: Munden and Linda Coates linda.munden@sasktel.net Box 208 Arborfield, Sask., S0E 0A0 Photo: 306-769-8339 Advertising agent: Angela Rush saskatchewan.anglican.ads@ gmail.com 905-630-0390 PUBLISHING DETAILS Published from 59 Roberts Place Regina, Sask., S4T 6K5
The Saskatchewan Anglican
January 2018
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Look out for Jesus! By Bishop Michael W. Hawkins
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am recommending this resolution to all of our readers, but especially to the Diocese of Saskatchewan, its members and congregations. The theme of our synod was Matthew 25; the sculptures Timothy Schmalz created were based on that passage. These sculptures are presently touring the diocese. I suggest we make this our New Year’s resolution: “Look out for Jesus!” That means first of all looking outward. As individuals and congregations our gaze and concern is too often self-centred. God calls us to look out into the world, into our neighbourhood, into the ditches and dark places of the earth full of cruelty. So for 2018 I am suggesting that we deliberately focus outward. That means looking for Jesus, not just inside our worship and fellowship, in Word and Sacrament, but out there, recognizing Jesus in friend and neighbour, especially in the needy and the enemy. This is the simple and
profound message of these sculptures, “inasmuch.” Inasmuch as you do it or do it not to these the least of Jesus’ family, you do it or do it not to Him. Christ sees Himself in the hungry and thirsty, the stranger and naked and sick and prisoner. Can we? Will we? Finally, in the most common sense of “looking out for someone,” that means looking out for Jesus and taking care of Him. I know you are doing this in a broad variety of ways, including feeding the hungry in your support of the food bank, giving clean water to the thirsty through the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, welcoming the stranger in your work to support refugees arriving here, clothing the naked in providing warm clothes for the homeless and poor, visiting the sick in the hospital and nursing homes, and going to those in prison. I thank God for all that work and invite you to own, support and participate in these ministries with your prayers and offerings, your time and talents. In 2018, let’s look out for Jesus!
Above, sculptures from Matthew 25: when I was sick and in prison. Top, when I was hungry and thirsty; when I was a stranger. Photos by Bishop Michael Hawkins
... Wearing vestments reminds us to also put on Christ Continued from page 2 a child of the Reformation has always had vestments. The particulars have varied over the last 500 years. Yet, in the last 100 years, a common practice appears among Anglicans globally in the use cassock, surplice, tippet and alb, stole, chasuble or cope. I could have rehashed 1,500 years of arguments for and against the use of vestments. I choose not to do that as I am not interested in encouraging a sectarian view. Our refusal to live together in spite of our differences is not something to be proud of, nor do I wish to encourage it. We are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, while in our Creeds
we proclaim our belief in one holy catholic and apostolic church. Our continued use of vestments in the 21st century is not some vestige of a bygone era. It expresses a desire to be part of something bigger than oneself and one’s ideas. From what we understand about how people learn, we know what one sees matters more than what one says. Vision is our dominant sense. Try having a fruitful conversation with someone whose words are not consistent with his or her body language and tone. Effective communication occurs when words match what we see. When we look at the history of the chasuble,
we can learn something interesting. Raymond James recalls that while many priests were not Roman citizens, they readily adopted the paenula, the clothing of the poor versus the toga, the clothing of the Roman elite. The lowly paenula was preserved as the vestment of priests, symbolic of the humble origins of the first disciples of Christ. Rather than a means to exalt, vestments were a means of identification with the common people. Putting on vestments is an act of humility, as it calls me to withdraw from all that I know is fashionable, while also temporarily, as I prepare to enter the sanctuary of God and devote myself entirely to His service.
Sacred vestments function as a reminder to put on Christ, in all the grace and majesty of His Lordship. It is a reminder for the priest particularly to be clothed with Christ-like character, as with a garment. Similar to wedding garments, vestments are a reminder of sanctifying grace to me and all those gathered. Yes, wearing something other than vestments would possibly make it easier to relate to people, but that’s why we don’t wear vestments out of the church. But as we gather to worship, it is no longer about me relating to people, but about the sacred office of celebrating Jesus and His amazing
love that makes possible an amazing life.
Deacon Michael Jackson displays a chasuble, stole and alb. Photo archives
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
January 2018
Lt.-Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield and Keith Inches. All photos by Chris Graham
... Volunteer awards Continued from page 1 and culture and is a much sought after chronicler of his community.” Like Cade, he has also worked with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, as well as St. John Ambulance, in church choirs, and as treasurer for many churches in Saskatchewan. Osborne, of All Saints, has volunteered for more than 50 years on numerous boards in Winnipeg and Regina. He is long-time chairman of the board of Qu’Appelle House, the assisted living care home founded by the diocese. Osborne is also past president of the Canadian Red Cross Society, Manitoba Division, and treasurer of the Saskatchewan Division. He is an ardent supporter of the Boy Scouts and Big Brothers, and treasurer for the Saskatchewan Prayer Breakfast. Although not mentioned in the certificates, all the men have worked in many other volunteer roles, and all three are trustees for the Royal Regina Rifles.
Lt.-Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield and Bob Cade.
Lt.-Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield and Doug Osborne
DIOCESE OF SASKATOON
Announcements for January 2018 g Saskatchewan Anglican online! You can read current and past issues of the Saskatchewan Anglican online on the Diocese of Saskatoon website or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ saskatchewananglican. g No news is not Good News! Is your parish planning an event, fundraiser or has it already held one and has something to report? Well, don’t keep it to yourself! Your news and upcoming events are “Good News” to us all and the news of your planned activities and their successes can help put your parish and its activities in the news and perhaps give additional people the chance to consider supporting them! g St. Brigid's School of Discipleship: New Opportunities for Discipleship Training in Saskatoon: The Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon is pleased to announce the creation of St. Bridget’s School of Discipleship. See notice elsewhere in this issue. g Native Ministry in Saskatoon: St. George’s Anglican Church (624 Ave. I South) provides a monthly Anglican Native Ministry Service. The service is held in the
church hall at 1 p.m. with soup and bannock then at 2 p.m. a Eucharist and sharing circle that is led by Rev. Denise McCafferty and others. “We look forward to feasting and saying prayers with you to our Lord and Creator; please notify your friends and family and plan to attend this gathering.” g Community Coffee House The Parish of St. George’s, Saskatoon, every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Join them for a warm social time with coffee, tea, toast and some type of baked goods at no charge. The coffee time is followed by a weekly Bible study from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Both events are in the Parish Hall, 624 Ave. I South. g Seniors’ Lunch in Battleford: The Friendship Committee of St. George’s, Battleford invites all seniors to join them for lunch the first Monday of each month until June. Each Seniors’ Lunch begins at noon. g New Seniors’ Hub in Saskatoon: The Saskatoon Open Door Society has recently started a Seniors’ Hub on the westside of the city. This program is in partnership with the Saskatoon
Council of The Aging, Luthercare Village and Medi Shoppe. This program is a great opportunity for seniors in our community to come out for free educational presentations, games, refreshments, blood pressure checks, Ask a Pharmacist Station, Forever in Motion exercise program and socializing. No registration is required to attend. This hub will be the first Wednesday of every month. g Volunteers Needed for Mentoring Newcomers to Canada: Imagine how it would feel to arrive in a new country where you don’t speak the language, don’t understand the culture and don’t know anyone. Saskatoon Open Door Society is recruiting volunteers for its mentoring program. Mentoring volunteers meet once a week with a newcomer to Canada to provide an introduction to the community, culture, friendship and sometimes language assistance. If you are interested in helping someone feel comfortable in their new home, and at the same time broaden your horizons by learning about another culture, contact Iryna at 306-653-4464 or izamchevska@sods.sk.ca.
Orientation and training provided. Appointments: g The Rev. Sheldon Carr and the Rev. Marie-Louise Ternier were ordained as priests in Saskatoon’s Cathedral on the Feast of St. Andrew, Nov. 30. A captioned photo appears elsewhere in this issue. g The Rev. Sarah Mowat, the new pastor-in-charge for St. Paul’s Anglican and the pastor of Redeemer Lutheran churches in Biggar, was installed on Nov. 25. A captioned photo for the installation appears elsewhere in this issue. Deadline To be included in a timely manner, brief notices should be sent to the Associate Editor by e-mail or “snail mail” by the last week of the month, two months before the month in which insertion is desired (for example, December submissions will be in the February issue). Detailed and longer texts of upcoming events will not be included here, but should space allow, could be the subject of article and notices elsewhere in the paper.
The Saskatchewan Anglican
Northern Saskatchewan chief to help choose next RCMP commissioner
Submitted
PRINCE ALBERT – Chief Tammy Cook-Searson of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band will be part of a committee tasked with selecting a new leader of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Cook-Searson was chosen to sit on the committee by Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale. The committee will be tasked with overviewing and conducting interviews with candidates. “Our job will be to look at all the applications and then shortlist and from there interview,” said Cook-Searson. “And from the interview process, provide three to five names to the minister.” Goodale will make his final recommedations from the shortlist to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who will decide who fills the position.
SASKATOON – The Diocese of Saskatoon has created the St. Brigid’s School of Discipleship. Following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ today is not easy; we do our best, but sometimes we can use mentoring and support. St. Brigid’s offers short, practical and accessible classes for all levels of Christian discipleship, from “testing the waters,” to lay readers, to our locally trained clergy program for deacons and priests. We also provide diocesanwide rites of passage prep courses, advanced spiritual care training and theological reflection, and continuing education for clergy. At St. Brigid’s, we know Bible reading, spiritual formation and a growing appreciation of our Christian (Anglican and ecumenical) traditions are foundational pillars for the transformative work of discipleship. St. Brigid’s provides
“We need to improve on the relations,” said CookSearson when asked about the RCMP and indigenous relationships. “There has been much work that has been done, but there is a lot of work to be done in terms of communications
and setting up relationships within indigenous communities.” Other group members include deputy ministers of Public Safety and the Status of Women, and a former interim commissioner with the RCMP.
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New discipleship choices available in Saskatoon
By Travis Radke
Chief Tammy Cook-Searson (right) has been chosen to help select the next RCMP commissioner. Photo by Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation
January 2018
training for local church renewal, by our local church. We use in-house talent and resources by recruiting diocesan clergy and lay specialists as faculty for our courses, in a peer leadership philosophy of Christian education. St. Brigid’s is a school without walls. By offering classes for discipleship training in parishes throughout our deaneries, we cut down on commuting and bring the school to you. St. Brigid’s is dedicated to prayer and worship. We are committed to worshipping together by giving thanks to God our Creator, listening for the Holy Spirit, and looking to serve Christ everywhere. At St. Brigid’s we know being Jesus’ disciple will probably cost you your life, but tuition shouldn’t. Our courses are free of charge. For more info, email the Rev. Canon Shawn Sanford Beck at greenpriest@hotmail.ca or call the diocesan synod office at 306-244-5651.
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
January 2018
Reimer one of first to receive Order of Saskatchewan By Mary Brown PRINCE ALBERT – The first induction of members into the Order of Saskatchewan was in October 2002. There were 22 people honoured that year. Sadly, out of the 22, only seven are still around. Alice Ahenakew, Mary Ballantyne, Thomas Ballantyne, Harry Budd, Eliza Crane, Clyne Harradence, David Howe, Betsy Mackenzie, Angus Mirasty, Beulah Mitchell, Tom Pelly, Verna Redhead, Kit Roberts, Mary Venn and Margaret Zulkoskey are no longer with us.
Sheila Reimer was inducted into the Order in 2002. Sheila is from St. Simeon and St. Ann in Athahkakoop. In 2002 Sheila was 61 years old and at that time, and still is, a member of the vestry, ACW and treasurer of the church finances. She was and is a member of the police management board and secondary co-ordinator of the first responders. Also, if you add elder for post-secondary education, elder for HIV and hepatitis program, and member of the diocesan Indigenous council, you now know
what she is doing! Four years ago, she retired from her job as director of the daycare. Sheila has four children, 15 grandchildren, 36 greatgrandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Every year Sheila attends the cancer walk in Prince Albert in memory of her grandson, Joel, who at the age of 16 was diagnosed with cancer. Four years ago, he died at the age of 24. Sheila is the backbone of her church, community and family, and is a prime example of the type of people who receive the Order of Saskatchewan.
Sheila Reimer with her faithful companion, Diago. Photo by Mary Brown
Qu'Appelle School for Mission and Ministry offers two new programs Course on preaching/ homiletics The Qu’Appelle School for Mission and Ministry is pleased to announce a five-part course on preaching. This course is recommended for all who are preparing for licensed ministry as a reader, deacon or priest, but may be of benefit to anyone who is interested in learning the principles of sermon preparation and delivery. All are welcome. Session 1: Preparing to Preach
This session was held in October but will be available online. Session 2: Developing the Plan, Jan. 20 Session 3: Organizing the Sermon: From Idea to Message, April 13 to 14 Session 4: Illustration and Application, June 8 to 9 Session 5: Preaching on special occasions, Oct. 12 to 13 While there will be some academic reading, the focus of this course will be on the practical skills of sermon writing and sound delivery tech-
niques. Participants will be required to preach in a group setting in the class. Program in Pastoral Education QSMM has a new eightpart course on spiritual and pastoral care in homes and healthcare agencies. This program will be offered over five weekend sessions plus a week-long summer school. It is required for those who are preparing for ministry as a priest or deacon, but may also be of benefit to diocesan readers and anyone who is interested in hospital visiting
and ministry to seniors. Session 1: Introduction to Spiritual Care, Jan. 5 to 6 Session 2: Human Development and Perceptions, March 2 to 3 Session 3: Setting, Ethics and Skills, May 4 to 5 Sessions 4, 5 and 6: Critical Care, Loss, Grief, Death and Dying, Summer School: July 9 to 13 Session 7: Mental Health, Sept. 14 to 15 Session 8: Addictions, Nov: 16 to 17
Instructors for the spiritual and pastoral care program will include: Dr. Margi Hollingshead, Archdeacon Trish McCarthy, Rev. Lauren Miller, Canon Susan Page and Archdeacon Catherine Harper. Certificates will be awarded to participants who have fulfilled the requirements of the program. For more information about both programs, phone the synod office at 306-522-1608, ext. 8, or check the diocesan website at quappelle.anglican.ca.
Mary Brown to provide updates of past Order of Saskatchewan recipients Submitted
Mary Brown
PRINCE ALBERT – Mary Brown, retired diocesan secretary, has kindly volunteered to keep us all informed about the activities of recipients of the Order of Saskatchewan. Several of the recipients have been profiled in past issues but Mary, bless her, will systematically report on the inductees from their inception in 2002 to the present. Photo by Kathleen Stewart
The Rev. Sarah Mowat installed in Biggar
The Rev. Sarah Mowat (centre), the new pastor-in-charge for St. Paul’s Anglican and the new pastor for Redeemer Lutheran churches in Biggar, was installed on Nov. 25 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Biggar, among her Lutheran, Presbyterian and Anglican flock, along with other ecumenical guests. The installation was presided over by ELCIC Bishop, the Rev. Dr. Sid Haugen (right of Sarah) and the Rev. Canon Shawn Sanford Beck (left of Sarah), who represented the Right Rev. David Irving, Bishop of Saskatoon, ACC, with Rev. Dr. Gordon Jensen preaching the Word. A robust banquet celebration was held at the New Horizons Community Centre, Biggar, following the service. Photo by Pamela Giles
The Saskatchewan Anglican
God will use you if you let Him Submitted by Rev. Kim Salo (Author unknown)
T
he world might say there are many reasons why God wouldn’t want to use you or me. But don’t worry: Moses stuttered. David’s armour didn’t fit. John Mark was rejected by Paul. Hosea’s wife was a prostitute. Amos’ only training was in the school of fig tree pruning. Solomon was too rich. Abraham was too old. David was too young. Timothy had ulcers. Peter was afraid of death. Lazarus was dead. John was self-righteous. Naomi was a widow. Paul was a murderer. So was Moses. So was David. Jonah ran from God. Miriam was a gossip. Gideon and Thomas doubted. Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal. Elijah was burned out. John the Baptist was a loudmouth. Martha was a worrywart. Mary was lazy. Samson had long hair. Noah got drunk. Did I mention Moses had a short fuse? So did Peter and Paul; lots of folks did. But God doesn’t require a job interview. He doesn’t hire and fire like most bosses, because he is more our dad than our boss. God doesn’t look at financial gain or loss. He is not prejudiced or partial, nor judging, grudging, sassy or brassy, nor deaf to our cry, nor blind to our need. As much as we try, God’s gifts are free. We could do wonderful things for wonderful people and still not be wonderful. Satan says, “You’re not worthy.” Jesus says, “So what, I am.” Satan looks back and sees our mistakes. God looks back and sees the cross. He doesn’t calculate what you did in ’78. It’s not even on the record. Sure, there are reasons why God shouldn’t want us. But if we are so in love with Him, if we hunger for Him, more than our next breath, He’ll use us in spite of who we are, where we’ve been, or what we look like. Jesus loves everyone!
January 2018
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Qu'Appelle news and events g Interim priest for Nehiyawe Rev. Dale Gillman began as interim priest for the Parish of Nehiyawe on Dec. 3, with a service held at St. Luke, Gordon First Nation, followed by a celebration meal. g Friars’ Briar Regina will be the site for the 40th annual Friars’ Briar, March 4 to 9. This curling competition is held each spring during the national men’s bonspiel. The association aims to promote fine fellowship and good curling on a national basis among clergy and other associates, and welcomes clergy and spouses, and faithbased workers, from many denominations.
Bishop Paisable (second from left) from the Diocese of Muyinga helps build the wall of a medical clinic, made possible by a US$10,000 donation from the Diocese of Qu'Appelle. Photo courtesy the Diocese of Muyinga Register a team, or register individually and a team will be assigned. More information can be found at https://friarsbriar.ca. g Muyinga receives funding from Qu'Appelle The Diocese of Muyinga has received the US$10,000 from the Diocese of Qu’Appelle, which will help build a medical centre in Burundi.
Rev. Ndayishimiye Methode, diocesan secretary, wrote to Bishop Rob Hardwick saying, “This is to notify you the money you wired to us to start building the health centre has arrived and received safely this last week (around Nov. 15). “The money delayed to arrive at our bank account because of the error made by our local bank.
When they received the money, they anticipated to transfer the money to the Catholic Diocese account that is in the Central Bank instead of Anglican one. (Note that due to foreign currency restriction in Burundi, all the foreign currency must be in the Central Bank). It took a time to detect the error. “Thank you for your love and concern.”
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
January 2018
... Anglican, Roman Catholic reps meet for workshop Continued from page 1 alterations to the lectern (to fit a larger book) and hymn board were also made. The changing service schedule has meant some people have come to church at the wrong time, but often stay for whatever service is going on, and have learned there are many similarities in the two churches. ARCCIC member Susan Rollins, of Plain and Valley Parish (Lumsden), commented that people get attached to their church buildings, “but if we are worshipping God, we can do that anywhere.” Elsewhere, there are many examples of the churches working together, sometimes with additional churches in their communities. Many parishes have held joint events including programs and special services during Advent and Lent; delegations attending each other’s services; vacation Bible schools; and prayer services, especially during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Individual examples included a joint marriage preparation course, potluck dinners, a joint youth group and sharing
ARCCIC co-chairs Susan Klein and Canon Michael Jackson described many joint activities at a workshop for representatives of Anglican and Roman Catholic parishes in southern Saskatchewan. Photo by Joanne Shurvin-Martin
events for First Nations peoples. On the diocesan level, there have been annual joint prayer services, with the 2018 service planned for May 13 with Bishop Bryan Bayda of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon as the preacher at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Regina. Joint workshops for intercessors and lectors have been well attended. Deacons from both traditions have attended
gatherings and programs. Anglican delegations attended the funeral of Archbishop Dan Bohan and the installation of Archbishop Donald Bolen. The episcopal ordination of Anglican Bishop Rob Hardwick was held at Holy Trinity RC Church, with Archbishop Bohan and other clergy attending. ARCCIC sponsored a workshop on Indigenous ministry with Rev. Dale Gillman and Sister ReAnne Létourneau.
St. Mary’s Anglican in Regina, with the help of Holy Family parish, organized a study evening on the place of Mary in the two traditions. Keynote speaker was Brett Salkeld, Archdiocesan theologian, who based his talk on the 2005 international ARCIC agreed statement, “Mary: Grace and Hope in Christ.” Nick Jesson, Archdiocesan Ecumenical Officer and a member of ARCCIC, placed the local covenant in the international and national context. He pointed out when it comes to agreement on theological issues, Anglicans and Roman Catholics “are a lot farther along than some other denominations; for example, we don’t have to discuss baptism or the Creed, because we are already in agreement.” Jesson described the first agreed statement, on the Eucharist, which was issued in 1971. This was followed by statements on ordination and ministry, authority in the church, and most recently the statement on Mary mentioned above. Jesson provided handouts with excerpts
from agreed statements, and a history of the many documents prepared by the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) and IARCCUM, which is a joint commission of the Anglican Communion and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Archbishop Bolen is international co-chair of IARCCUM. Before lunch, Canon Michael Jackson, ARCCIC co-chair, led a tour of the Anglican cathedral, which was followed by mid-day prayers. At the end of the workshop, Archdeacon Catherine Harper, another ARCCIC member, offered a closing prayer. ARCCIC has been encouraging all Anglican and Roman Catholic matching parishes to appoint lay ecumenical representatives, to help advance the work of the covenant at the local level. As of November 2017, 16 Anglican and 17 Roman Catholic parishes have made such appointments. This workshop for parish representatives was the first gathering of its kind, but it is expected to become an annual event. The workshop was held Nov. 19.
All Saints holds a prayer vigil By Malcolm Tait Anglican Fellowship of Prayer diocesan representative
EPIPHANY QUIET DAY
St. Alban’s Cathedral, Prince Albert SK January 6, 2018 10 am - 4 pm please contact the synod ofÞce if your are planning to attend (306) 764-2455 or synod@sasktel.net
10:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:50 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
Morning Prayer Gold Stewardship Lunch Frankincense Worship Myrrh Penitence and Suffering Evening Prayer Eucharist
REGINA – The Anglican Fellowship of Prayer recently sponsored a full-day All Saints Prayer Vigil, hosted by St. Mary’s Anglican church. The day began with silent prayer at 6:30 a.m. Worship services, led by Rev. Claude Schroeder, were held throughout the day, with Morning Prayer at 7 a.m.; Noon Prayer; and Evening Prayer at 3:30 pm. A special service of light and peace was held for families at 5:30 p.m., while the day ended with candlelit Holy Communion for the Feast of All Saints, with commemoration of the faithful departed beginning at 9 p.m. People were invited to attend the whole day or part of it, or to offer prayer at work or at home. More than 70 people accepted the offer to attend and were given the oppor-
tunity to hear Schroeder give an introduction to theology and practice of contemplative prayer at mid-morning and an introduction to prayer and fasting in mid-afternoon. After supper, Rev. Dr. Dean Pinter of St. Aidan, Moose Jaw, spoke on the Beatitudes. The day was scheduled to have time for quiet reflective prayer, with many people available to pray with those who requested. Schroeder also offered a chance for those wanting a time for confession. After supper, a fire was started in a portable firepit at the front sidewalk, and hot chocolate and hot apple cider were offered to passersby, many of whom were dressed in costume for the evening. Many accepted this invitation and it sparked the interest of a number to see the inside of a church. As 9 p.m. approached, candles were lit and people processed inside for Holy Communion.
The Saskatchewan Anglican
January 2018
9
Teaching and preaching ecumenism By the Rev. Dr. Iain Luke Principal, College of Emmanuel & St. Chad
L A quilt collage represents God's plan for our lives. Photo by Alice Carpentier
Focusing on God's plans for humanity By Colleen Walton ARBORFIELD (Skwn) – The third annual women’s retreat was held at the Church of the Ascension in Arborfield on Nov. 4. Our theme this year was Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good and not evil, to give you a future and hope.” Despite the weather we had 17 ladies take part. As we passed a doorknob we introduced ourselves and could share how God has opened or closed a door for us. Devotions were led by Alice Carpentier. Linda Lawrence Warnock and Elfe Smith of Nipawin were our guest speakers and shared how God has worked in their lives. Betty Edwards shared her testimony and Mary Ann Perrault led our singing throughout the day. A lunch of taco salad, garlic bread and fancy desserts were enjoyed. We could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit as we sang, listened to our speakers and enjoyed fellowship.
ooking ahead to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in late January, my focus this month is on the place of ecumenism in theological studies. The first thing to say is, here in the Saskatoon Theological Union (STU), ecumenism is not just a topic for study but a lived experience. The STU doesn’t have an office, a constitution, or a vision statement. It exists as a commitment to work together, amongst the Lutheran, Anglican and United Church colleges on the U of S campus, joined more recently (for some purposes) by a Pentecostal college in another part of the city. The working agreement means students take courses at any of the partner colleges, share library and faculty resources, and worship together. It enables faculty and administrators to learn from one another, to plan together, and to use limited finances more effectively. For Lutheran and Anglican partners, full communion means our co-operation goes even deeper. We hold weekly services of Holy Eucharist together, while Emmanuel & St Chad moved its operations to the LTS building in 2005. The upshot is all members of our college communities interact with Christians of other traditions, on a daily and
weekly basis. Ecumenism is a working assumption, rather than a theoretical possibility. We have different styles of worship, doctrinal foundations, and ways of organizing ministry. Students still learn about these unique aspects of their own church’s identity, but in other areas, we work and learn together. If you’ve ever heard of the Lund Principle, you may recognize it in what I am describing. The principle is really a question, asked at a World Council of Churches meeting in 1952 in Sweden, “whether (Christians) should not act together in all matters except those in which deep differences of conviction compel them to act separately?” As colleges, we continue to test the boundaries between what we can do together and what we need to do separately, and I am sure we have not yet gone as far as we could. But that process is exactly what we want students to learn, as they prepare to lead congregations in working more
closely with Christian neighbours of many denominations. For example, in last term’s introduction to worship, students learned to identify and understand differences between the atmosphere of worship in United and Anglican traditions. Later, they will be able to study with a leading Canadian expert on ecumenical shared ministries, where congregations of two or more denominations join together. Respecting differences, while working together, is a way of life in many such churches across the Prairies. Even when we study Anglicanism on its own, ecumenism still has a high profile. In part this is because Anglicans were consistently involved in all phases of the ecumenical movement, beginning with the missionaries sent by various English denominations, who saw how their apparent competition for saving souls actually undermined the appeal of the gospel. Since then, dialogue with other Christians has been the strongest motive for Anglicans to understand and express our own identity, and the things that matter most to us.
When we find enough agreement to develop even deeper partnership, as in the Waterloo Declaration, we rejoice. When we identify stumbling blocks to unity, as in Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue, we lift up the many dimensions of Christian identity we still share and we keep talking. It is those shared aspects of identity that enable us to work together, in the STU, in parishes and chaplaincies, and in the wider life of the church. The Bible offers our most obvious point of contact. We also hold plenty of history in common, prior to our separation from one another. But most of all, our present experience as followers of Jesus relates us to one another more deeply than we yet realize. One of the most hopeful phrases in present-day ecumenism is “common mission.” We can no longer afford, if we ever could, to be divided in the way we embody and witness to Christ’s work in the world. Our teaching and formation in the STU offers resources to churches and leaders who want to learn how much more we can do together.
Do you know someone who is being ordained or someone celebrating an ordination anniversary? Give them a Clergy Bear with surplice and stole in a colour of your choice.
www.anglicanfoundation.org
Sheldon Carr and Marie Louise Ternier ordained to the priesthood
On Nov. 30, the Feast of St. Andrew, a large and joyous crowd packed the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Saskatoon for the service of ordination of Sheldon Carr (right of the Bishop) and Marie -Louise Ternier (left of the Bishop) as priests in Christ’s Holy Catholic Church. In attendance were friends and family of the two ordinands, as well as diocesan and visiting ecumenical clergy. The Ven. Dr. William Harris preached during the service and the Right Rev. David M. Irving, Bishop of Saskatoon, (centre) was the celebrant. The service was followed by a reception and refreshments in the cathedral. Photo by Sharon Assman
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
January 2018
Spiritual friendship important for all By Julie Moser
Do you know your beer types?
Emmanuel Anglican Church, Saskatoon, was the site for the final two days of the week-long home-brew competition organized by the Saskatoon Headhunters Brewing Club. The competition drew 222 entries of home-made beer, judged according to guidelines for 120 styles and sub-styles of beer; plus mead and cider entries. Twenty volunteers worked at the competition, judging the entries or running the behind the scenes operations. Tyrone Keep, competition organizer, said the club didn’t have a prior connection to the parish, but the location “was a perfect venue for us.” Some types judged included American Lager, Vienna Lager, Blonde Ale, Cream Ale, Kölsch, Märzen, IPA and more. Photo by Greg Paterson
Quebec diocesan ACW closes after a century QUEBEC CITY — After 131 years of service, the executive board of the Diocesan Anglican Church Women (ACW) voted to terminate its function as a diocesan group. The decision was made at a meeting held in Quebec City, Que. The decision to close the board was made based on the reasoning it no longer represents most of the working groups in viable churches across the Quebec diocese. (At the last
biennial general meeting in York, Gaspe, in June 2016, only 10 per cent of parishes in the diocese sent representatives.) The dissolution is only of the ACW diocesan executive board, not the various ACW groups and guilds throughout the diocese, which will continue as usual. ACW groups in local parishes will no longer be required to send funds for fees, pledge, travel, Thank Offering and education to the diocesan
board, and will be able to distribute their funds as they choose. The diocesan board had $3,095.89 in financial assets, which will be disbursed to the diocesan community project, Chaplaincy Discretionary Fund at Bishop’s University/ Champlain College, and PWRDF. The annual interest invested with the Church Society will be directed to the Discretionary Fund. Quebec Diocesan Gazette
MOOSE JAW (Qu’A) – Similar to many people, I first met Dr. Wes Hill in the pages of his two books, Washed and Waiting and Spiritual Friendship. His first book is his personal story of recognizing his same-sex attraction and coming to understand who he is in Christ as someone who is, along with all of us, washed in the blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11), and waiting for the fulfillment of our redemption. He writes: “Since that time of self-discovery, I have struggled week in and week out to know how to live faithfully as a Christian who experiences same-sex attraction.” His second book, and theme of the conference held at St. Aidan, Moose Jaw on Oct. 14, was the importance of the church in walking alongside all those who walk the narrow (and lonely) path of celibacy. Dr. Hill is in great demand as a speaker; however, as an Anglican and one pursuing an ordination path, he has a passion for ministry within the Anglican Communion. To have Wes share, teach and fellowship with us was a true gift to all who attended. The three sessions covered his personal story, his theological reflection on homosexuality and the call of the church to spiritual friendships that can bring hope and fulfillment. Each session concluded with a time for questions. A significant characteristic of the event was Wes had created a safe, intimate environment that enabled people to open up deeply and personally over the course of the day. One of the areas Wes expanded for us were the virtues of the various relational contexts we may find ourselves in and the need for purity in all of these contexts.
He encouraged us to acknowledge and to teach about the virtues of singleness, as well as the virtues of marriage, and for us to understand that both contexts present challenges as well as provide blessing. Much of the day contained practical advice on how we can engage in meaningful friendships. He also gave us some helpful tips on how to develop friendships that included the following ideas: 1. Look for ways to better describe our specific need for friendship (for example, mothers of small children.) Describe what the particular need looks like and seek ways to develop friendships around those needs. 2. Look at what relationships we are already invested in and ask, “What can we do to deepen them?” 3. Invest in some form of service in the church; friendships develop out of our shared journey and shared commitment. 4. Look for ways to acknowledge and celebrate friendships publicly. 5. Consider resisting the culture of mobility. A key to deepening friendships is longevity so staying long-term in one place will enable friendships to grow and mature. For those who attended the day, it was a special, shared experience that had a great effect on how we need to be thinking and responding to those around us with genuine relationships of love and care. For those not able to be blessed by this event, let me confidently recommend to you Wes’ two books, Washed and Waiting and Spiritual Friendship, as books that can transform our relationships within our parishes by shaping us into the kind of people the gospel of Christ calls us to be.
Dr. Wes Hill
The Saskatchewan Anglican
January 2018
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Double Belonging
Love: An orientation By the Rev. MarieLouise Ternier Editor’s note: The Rev. Marie-Louise Ternier, an Anglican priest, serves the Anglican and Lutheran parishes in Watrous. This column is co-published with the Prairie Messenger. Marie-Louise blogs at http://graceatsixty. wordpress.com
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n the western world, we live in a socio-political cultural climate that now considers same-sex relationships as normal. Those who struggle to accept this are often considered homophobic and judgmental, deficient and grossly outdated. Such labelling can easily create a reverse discrimination of sorts, with a certain relief that the shoe is now on the other foot. Is it still possible, therefore, to engage in compassionate and respectful conversations without sliding into emotional mud-slinging or risking glib yet unhelpful labels and judgments on both sides?
Anglican Archbishop Fred Hiltz has pointed out that the Anglican instinct of inclusiveness and embracing diversity is being tested severely at this time (Anglican Journal, Nov. 10/2017). This particular Anglican expression of discipleship constitutes one of the Anglican gifts to the Christian family. But every denominational charism also comes with its accompanying weakness, its shadow side. Father Raneiro Cantalemessa, the Vatican’s papal preacher, stated in his homily at the Church of England’s General Synod in
2015: “The Anglican Church has a special role … . It has often defined itself as a ‘via media’ (a middle way) between Roman Catholicism and Reformed Christianity. From being a ‘via media’ in a static sense, it must now become more and more a via media in a dynamic sense, exercising an active function as a bridge between the Churches.” While discussions on same-sex marriage/ relationships are taking place in both traditions, they occur of necessity below the radar in Roman Catholic circles while they occur in the Anglican public square. However messy, chaotic, painful and challenging that is, I do wonder if there is something healthy about the open nature of such discussions, challenging all parties into a demanding, mature loving. Love is an orientation, the foundational orientation: God is love, and those who live in love, live in God (1 John 4:16). Such is truth; a relationship of love: “Truth is a relationship. As such,
each one of us receives the truth and expresses it from within, that is to say, according to one’s own circumstances, culture, and situation in life” (Pope Francis). Loving as Christ loves is demanding and painful and sometimes distasteful. Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker movement, used to echo St. Teresa of Avila when she’d tell Jesus, “No wonder you have so few friends!” Yet Jesus loves each of us, sinful creatures who, by God’s crazy design, nevertheless walk around with God’s dream imprinted on our souls. Loving in Jesus’ name involves deep listening; why else do we have two ears and only one mouth? Divine loving requires living humbly and openmindedly, patiently and graciously with everyone (Ephesians 4:2 - 3), but especially with those whose lives are most different from our own, never forgetting that “there for the grace of God go I.” In his report to the Council of General Synod,
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Hiltz said, “More than ever we need to be mindful of who we are and what we are about; who we are as the Body of Christ, and what that means for our regard for one another, how we work together, how we enable the church’s commitment to God’s mission in the world” (Anglican Journal, Nov. 10/2017). Citing Ephesians 4:2-3, Hiltz mused how the apostle Paul would look at Christ’s followers today “with a penetrating eye.” Falling and rising, we can only do our best with what each of us has been given according to our own circumstances, culture and situation in life. Can we rise to the belief that the demanding God-style loving has the power to reveal truth, to heal wounds, to reconcile differences, to increase understanding and respect? Claiming to follow the One who revealed God’s reckless loving, we have already signed up for this in baptism: to love in all circumstances, in all relationships and in all conversations.
Youths make sandwiches as outreach initiative HALIFAX — The Friends of St. Margaret, an outreach of St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican Church in Halifax, has launched the Sandwich Club, an outreach program that brings youth together to make sandwiches for people in the community experiencing homelessness. “The original intent was to offer a program where youth had an opportunity to learn the importance of giving back to their own community, while making a difference to many,” said program leader Rita-Clare LeBlanc. “We started with just six kids, but the word has been spreading…Last month we had 38 youth!” The Sandwich Club takes place once a month, with youth from Grades 4-12 joining together to pack more than 200 sandwich bags. The Diocesan Times
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
January 2018
Workshop builds confidence in leading prayers By Sue Boxall
Stir-up Sunday
Nahla Davis (left) and Susan MacPhail add the ingredients to the mixing bowl while Rev. Michael Bruce watches, at St. Luke, Regina on Reign of Christ Sunday, which is sometimes called Stir-Up Sunday because of the beginning of the historic collect for the day, “Stir up, we beseech you, O Lord ... .” It is traditionally the day to make Christmas cakes, as starting before Advent gives the cakes time to properly age in time for Christmas. MacPhail baked the cake at home and shared it with parishioners at Christmas time. Photo by Nigel Salway
FORT QU’APPELLE (Qu’A) – A small, dedicated group met at St. John the Evangelist to learn, discuss and think about how we use prayer in our lives. The workshop, led by Sue Boxall, was initially one of several set up to enhance the ministries of those who lead parts of the services, but it turned into much more. The first question participants asked was, “When do most of us pray?” Quite a bit of discussion followed and people realised prayer is much more than just saying the same old words each time they enter the church. This led to the subject of Prayers of the People and some thoughts that prayers are often seen to be the job of the minister. After all, doesn’t he/she do it better? It was obvious this was not the opinion of those present. Many Anglicans are not aware of the many prayers printed in the Anglican prayer books. A quick look at the Book of Common Prayer and The Book of Alternative Services made participants aware of the many prepared prayers Anglicans can use for various occasions. Later, it was time to practise skills in praying and leading. Each participant was given a scenario or news item and asked to write prayers accordingly. Then the group moved back to the church where participants took turns reading their prayers at the microphone, while everyone else sat in the back pews. Use of the microphone
can often be an issue unless there is a concept of how each individual model works. The group found out how the position of the microphone can make a real difference. The fact is, how one speaks, how one paces oneself and the inflection of one’s voice can make the prayers so much more enlightening to the congregation. Participants were able to take home a few useful handouts including “Handbook for Readers and Intercessors” from the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer Canada website. Another printout, “Leading Prayers of the People” written by Canon Ed Swayze, from ststephenanglican.com, had some very practical advice. As he puts it, “Ideally the person leading the prayers should take some time to prayerfully prepare the prayers at home.” One handout was specific to Teachers of the Faith parish. It contained the websites for the Anglican Communion for the daily prayers from around our Anglican world, the website for the Anglican Diocese of Qu’Appelle for its Cycle of Prayer. Also, the Teachers of the Faith list of the Roman Catholic parishes (there are no Evangelical Lutheran churches) within our parish boundaries, all of which are included in our prayers each Sunday. Participants left the church that evening feeling more confident about this particular ministry they have taken on. The event was Nov. 8.
The conversion of Saul of Tarsus
As (Saul) neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. (Acts 9:3-7, NIV) (Conversion of Paul, Jan. 25). Photo by Michael Camilleri Cauchi
Agnes Salter (left) and Gwenda Watson prepare their prayers at the prayer workshop in Fort Qu’Appelle. Photo by Sue Boxall