Saskatchewan anglican
The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal • April 2015 www.facebook.com/thesaskatchewananglican —
www.issuu.com/thesaskatchewananglican
D I O C E S E O F Q U ’A P P E L L E
‘Be still and know that I am God’ A weekend retreat at the House of Prayer By Jo White
Jim and Jo White rest after their climb to the large cross on the House of Prayer property in the Qu’Appelle Valley. Both attended a retreat at House of Prayer, located in the village of B-Say-Tah. Photo —Jim White
Knowing is not enough: Taking action for missing, murdered aboriginal women By Marj Kirkby SASKATOON – Editor’s note: This article appeared in the Feb/ March 2015 issue of the Anglican Church Women, News & Views. Facts and background for this article came from “Walking Together,” an article in the 11/12/2014 “Bridges” section of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and from the RCMP’s report on missing and murdered aboriginal women, at wwwrcmpgrc.gc.ca/ pubs/mmaw-faapd-eng.pdf. Did you get to the presentation at the National ACW Leader’s Conference presented by Iskwewuk E-wischiwitochik (Women Walking Together)? Did you see the REDress Project at the University of Saskatchewan? Did you attend the
Walking with our Sisters exhibit at Wanuskewin? Hopefully you got to one of these events that focused upon missing and murdered women. But even for those unable to attend, the events and related media coverage have touched emotions and increased public awareness. These programs have encouraged us to look at, and respond to, the factors which leave many aboriginal and indigenous women at higher risk for violence and death. A report released by the RCMP last May found 1,181 cases of murdered or missing aboriginal women between 1980 and 2012. The report also found while aboriginal women make up 4.3 percent of Canada’s population,
their demographic accounts for 11.3 per cent of missing women and 16 per cent of all female homicides. Here in Saskatchewan, there were 153 aboriginal women murdered in the same time frame, accounting for 55 per cent of female victims. Aboriginal people account for about 15 per cent of the province’s population. These are just a few of the facts. The activists, educators, advocates and community organizers who have put on these events move beyond the simple facts to a deeper analysis. They highlight the social conditions that are putting aboriginal/indigenous women in vulnerable positions, such as poverty, poor housing, racism and disadvantage. See MISSING on page 7
FORT QU’APPELLE (Qu’A) – The quotation from Psalm 46, “Be still and know that I am God” is, I suspect, the most evident quote around the House of Prayer in the resort village of B-Say-Tah, just outside Fort Qu’Appelle. It also seems to eloquently epitomize all this establishment represents. My husband Jim and I arrived after dark, so the lights strung through the trees along the driveway were working their magic, twinkling beautifully amongst the dark branches against their snowy-white backdrop. I can’t remember now if the lights in the Chapel were on or off when we first got there, which is quite frustrating for me, as the
picturesque glow coming from the huge windows to greet those on the evening pilgrimage is so captivating, it really ought to be emblazoned across that part of my brain labelled “memories of really amazing things.” Such cognitive dysfunction probably speaks volumes on how much we needed this break from the intense joys and challenges (and most specifically the noise levels!) of being a foster-family, home-schooling seven (sometimes eight) children under the age of 10. We met Father Glenn Zimmer and Sister Margaret Dick, codirectors of the house, who gave us a guided tour of the main house that left us both discreetly pinching ourselves to check we weren’t dreaming. See PRAYER on page 5
Sandra Hill’s vanning ‘great adventure’ By Joanne Shurvin-Martin SWIFT CURRENT (Qu’A) – As a child growing up on a farm 36 kilometres (20 miles) from Swift Current, Sandra Wells and her family were visited by “vanners” of the Canadian Sunday School Caravan Mission. In 1963, the summer after her second year of university, Sandra became one of those vanners and travelled 4,840 kilometres (3,025 miles) throughout the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. She called her diary of that summer “The Great Adventure.” Beginning in 1920, young women, often from England, travelled the rural areas of Western Canada, visiting families who, especially in those early years, were isolated from their families, neighbours
Sandra Hill and their church. These were the days long before telephones and reliable roads, when many settlers were lonely and without spiritual nurturing. The Caravan Mission was founded and primarily funded by Miss Eva Hasell (pronounced Hazel), who 50 years later, was still driving a van every summer. See VANNER on page 4
2
The Saskatchewan Anglican
April 2015
‘Blame them less and help them more’ By Rev. Cheryl Toth How can we stand with people struggling with addictions and what can we do? LUMSDEN (Qu’A) – Addictions are a fact of contemporary life. In all of our congregations there are people affected by addictions. Perhaps they struggle with an addiction themselves; perhaps a member of their family; perhaps a close friend. So this topic is personal for many people. I know it is for me. One of our difficulties in relating addictions to our faith is the Bible does not use the word addiction. In fact, much of what we think about addictions is a product of the modern age and our current understanding of psychology, neurology and the addictive process. Yet there are some things Jesus says and does that can help us think about how we stand with people struggling with addictions. In Matthew 12:43-45, when Jesus comments on how He understands an unclean spirit to work, He says it is restless until it finds a home. Its home is a living entity, a person or animal it can dominate and control.
If it finds a person without something within them to withstand the unclean spirit, it takes over. I do not believe addiction is because of unclean spirits, but I do think Jesus tells us something helpful about addictions. An addiction dominates a person, changes how their brains work and distorts their thinking so that they cannot easily choose what is healthy and life-giving. It is frustrating to those who know and love addicted persons because their choices often seem bewildering and even morally suspect. Yet, if we realize they need help to free themselves – just as Jesus said people with unclean spirits did – we can blame them less and help them more. Helping someone with an addiction is very difficult if you are a friend or loved one. This is because their actions affect us directly and stir up feelings of anger, pity, resentment, anxiety and so on. It is hard to help someone when we ourselves need help dealing with what we are feeling. In addition, we often find ourselves being secretive about the drinking/drug/gambling problem that is affecting
someone we know. That secrecy just complicates the problem because it makes it more difficult for us to acknowledge what is happening. That’s why one of the first things we can do to help someone with an addiction is reach out for help ourselves. Al-Anon (or similar groups), an experienced counsellor or pastor, or a wise friend can aid us in gaining understanding, objectivity and spiritual strength. Standing with someone in the throes of addiction is hard work and we need others to stand with us as we do it. From a place of spiritual strength and loving compassion, we can encourage someone with an addiction to seek help for themselves. In some cases, that encouragement means “speaking the truth with love” about what their addiction is doing to those they love. In some cases, that encouragement takes the form of prayer with and for the person. In some cases, that encouragement takes the form of seeking out information on treatment options and support groups. In some cases, that
encouragement comes in the form of withdrawing support that enables them to keep their addiction going. (For example, giving money to someone to help pay their bills when they have an addiction is not actually helping them face the consequences of what is driving them.) In some cases, that encouragement involves going to mental health or addictions professionals with them. What we do to assist someone deal with their addictions varies with the situation. What doesn’t change is trying to provide assistance from a place of love and hope. When Jesus encountered people on the edge of His society He did so in a way that enabled them to see themselves differently. That’s what people struggling with addictions need because very often they no longer love themselves or have much hope. If we can help them realize they are loved by God and us, it will strengthen them in their struggle to choose life. Rev. Cheryl Toth is a priest in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle and serves as part-time priest-incharge of the parish of Plain and Valley.
Christians’ quest similar to that taken in The Lord of the Rings By Jason Antonio REGINA – A Christian should see himself or herself as a pilgrim on a journey or quest to God, using Jesus as the road to get to the destination, and not be perverted into becoming an aimless “tourist.” “The world … is not that conducive for pilgrims,” stated Rev. Dean Pinter of Moose Jaw. “Like most temptations that tempt us away from the true and the good and the lovely, the temptation from pilgrimage takes something that is inherently good, twists it and perverts it and makes out of it something that is distorted, which I will call today ‘tourism ... .’ “The tourist, on a bike, (a) slow, gradual grade, defined destination, probably very safe. A pilgrimage, far more interesting, but also fraught with more danger. The world tries to draw us into the life of a tourist, and with our attention spans steadily being eroded by 30-second commercials and 30-page abridgements, we’re deluded into thinking (that) if something can be done at all, it should be done quickly, easily and relatively painlessly.” The idea of pilgrimage was the theme of a lecture series at
St. Luke’s Church in Regina. Pinter explained in today’s society, it’s not difficult to interest people in the message of the Gospel. However, it is “terrifically difficult” to get people to stay interested. People may follow Jesus in baptism and confirmation, but then “there is a dreadful attrition rate. “After getting ‘done’ or when Christianity loses its novelty, it goes into the garbage often.” Many people seek and crave religious experiences, but few have the enthusiasm for the patient acquisition of virtue. There is “little inclination to sign up for an apprenticeship, in what earlier generations of Christians called ‘holiness.’ Religion in our time has been captured by the tourist mindset.” “Tourists seek an adventure,” Pinter added. “The response to an inner desire usually, it’s experiential and it’s expected to be safe … . For some, tourism is expressed by weekly jaunt (to a) church service; for others, maybe it’s the occasional visit to special services. “But we will try anything, it seems, until something else comes along.” In comparison, the opposite
of being a tourist is a pilgrim. Pilgrims – which the Bible translates as “foreigner” – are on a “transformational” quest, one that can be dangerous. Pinter used the example of author J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings book. Tolkien’s stories display more of a quest versus adventure mentality. Lord of the Rings character Sam Gamgee observes that these “ordinary people” embark upon a quest against their wishes. This is a mission whose outcome involves something larger and more important than the person’s own happiness. Another Rings character, Gandolf, explained to Frodo the fundamental distinction between a quest and adventure. The adventure is over once the treasure has been found. A quest, conversely, is never about one’s own desires, but one’s calling. This is like Frodo’s journey. Over and over, he asks why he was chosen for the “dreadful task” with which he was saddled. His summons is not to find a treasure but to lose one; in this case, it’s to return the ring back to the volcano from which it had been forged. Besides Abraham as our primary example of a pilgrim,
another example is the Psalter, the songbook the Hebrews used during their three annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Psalms 120-134 were likely sung in sequence as the Hebrews went to Jerusalem for the Passover, the Festival of Pentecost and the Festival of Tabernacles. They spent much of their time ascending, for as one walked to Jerusalem, one would be walking uphill. “It’s an ascent, physical. But it’s also metaphorical. A trip to Jerusalem acted out a life lived upward toward God. (It was) an existence that advanced from one level to another. A developing maturity. “What Paul described as ‘pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Jesus.’ “Pilgrimage in Scripture is transformational, however we choose to use it. It is either a scalpel in our hearts as we draw in or a sword in our back as we run away from its word. “Importantly, Scripture can help us reframe our calling as Christians on a pilgrim journey, often fraught with danger … . “We’re all bound on the same road, a road toward death but beyond death too.”
Saskatchewan The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal • January 2013
anglican
Published by the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle. Published monthly except for July and August. Whole No. 292, Vol. 43, No. 8 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 June issue must be recieved by the diocesan editor no later than Thursday, April 30. All pictures must be sent as JPEGS and 1 MB (megabyte) in size.
CONTACT INFORMATION Managing Editor: Jason Antonio SKAnglicanEditor@gmail.com 59 Roberts Place Regina, Sask., S4T 6K5 Phone: (306) 737-4898 Qu’Appelle: Joanne Shurvin-Martin joannesm@myaccess.ca 6927 Farrell Bay Regina, Sask., S4X 3V4 Phone: (306) 775-2629 Saskatoon: Peter Coolen ptrcoolen@sasktel.net 820 Avenue I South, Saskatoon, Sask., S7M 1Z3 Phone: (306) 244-0935, Saskatchewan: Mary Brown synod@sasktel.net 1308 Fifth Avenue East Prince Albert, Sask., S6V 2H7 Phone: (306) 763-2455
PUBLISHING DETAILS Published from 59 Roberts Place Regina, Sask., S4T 6K5 Printed and mailed by Webnews Printing Inc. 8 High Meadow Place North York, Ont. M9L 2Z5
The Saskatchewan Anglican
April 2015
3
I believe in the resurrection of the body By Bishop Michael W. Hawkins Diocese of Saskatchewan PRINCE ALBERT – The image of Easter is an empty tomb. It stands either for the final emptiness, nothingness, destruction and desolation which is our end, expressed by Mary Magdalene, “They have taken away my Lord,” or for the complete victory of God in Christ and our total redemption. Mary Magdalene assumed, sensibly, that Jesus’ grave had been desecrated and she is desolate. There is not even a dead body left to worship. That is not a possibility despite all our efforts to build shrines to a dead Lord. The only body of Christ we may know is a resurrected one. The empty tomb stands then for either total defeat or total victory. It means sin and death have completely annihilated Him, or that He who went through condemnation and the grave has overcome them. For years Jesus’ words at the end of the feeding of the 5,000 have both held and moved me: “Gather up the fragments remain,
The body of Christ is real and it is the evidence and witness of both His death and resurrection, but we know it and recognize it only by faith. The evidence and witness of the resurrection is known by faith, especially in the Eucharist and the Church. May we all know the risen Lord in the breaking of bread, in the fellowship of believers and be reverent in how we handle and treasure both. Seven Stanzas at Easter John Updike that nothing be lost” (John 6:12). God does not save us by the skin of our teeth – just and barely – but completely and fully and our redemption must, and will finally, include the redemption of our body, the gathering up of the fragments, that nothing be lost. We remembered through Lent it is God’s will that no one and no thing be lost and that includes you and your body. The God who hates nothing He has made redeems our bodies. The resurrection of the body does not mean they become less real, but more real.
The atoms of creation and the physicality of our bodies are no mistake. They find their redemption in Him who took them up into Himself. In the following poem, John Updike chastises our embarrassed unbelief and invites us to believe in the reality and totality of the redemption and resurrection of Christ. The tomb is empty because in Christ all is gathered up, that nothing be lost, and the totality of our humanity finds its redemption in His death and resurrection. “In my flesh shall I see God” (Job 19:26).
Make no mistake: if He rose at all/it was as His body; if the cells’ dissolution did not reverse, the molecules/reknit, the amino acids rekindle, the Church will fall. It was not as the flowers, each soft Spring recurrent; it was not as His Spirit in the mouths and fuddled eyes of the eleven apostles; it was as His flesh: ours. The same hinged thumbs and toes,/the same valved heart that – pierced – died,
withered, paused, and then re-gathered out of enduring Might/new strength to enclose. Let us not mock God with metaphor,/analogy, sidestepping, transcendence;/making of the event a parable, a sign painted in the/faded credulity of earlier ages:/let us walk through the door. The stone is rolled back, not papier-mâché,/not a stone in a story,/but the vast rock of materiality that in the slow grinding of time will eclipse for each of us/the wide light of day. And if we will have an angel at the tomb,/make it a real angel, weighty with Max Planck’s quanta, vivid with hair, opaque in the dawn light, robed in real linen spun on a definite loom. Let us not seek to make it less monstrous,/for our own convenience, our own sense of beauty,/lest, awakened in one unthinkable hour, we are embarrassed by the miracle, and crushed by remonstrance.
Campaign aims to renew, restore 110-year-old building in Moose Jaw By Joanne Shurvin-Martin MOOSE JAW (Qu’A) – St. Aidan Parish has begun a fiveyear campaign called “Renew, Restore, Release,” to renew and restore its 110-year old building in order to release ministry into its community and beyond. The 3R campaign will also contribute to the diocesan Living the Mission financial stewardship initiative. Ten per cent of the 3R campaign will go to the diocesan campaign, up to a maximum of $45,000, because the parish says, “We exist within a diocese and live in the context of a church that is centuries deep and continents wide.” St. Aidan Church was originally called St. John and was renamed when the Anglican parishes in Moose Jaw amalgamated many years ago. Tara Gish, chair of the campaign committee and also a vestry member, says, “Before the campaign started, we were blessed to have the proceeds from the sale of the other church buildings and also a very generous donor. “But we realized that money would run out.” A fundraising campaign was started two summers ago and a
Progress in the parish hall at St. Aidan includes a new raised floor which is level with the sanctuary’s floor, accessed through the doors are on the right (north side). Accessible washrooms on the south side are now usable. The kitchen at the far left end and the library straight ahead are framed and drywalled only, awaiting further work as funds come in from the Renew, Restore, Release campaign. Photo — Tara Gish detailed case study on the work needed and the funds required was put together. “Our success is really due to a number of people coming together to work on the campaign. We all knew the importance of what we were doing. “We are all busy people, and
it was an extra burden to us all, but it was great to see the Spirit moving people,” says Gish. The committee identified three critical projects: Step 1 - completion of the parish hall Step 2 - restoration of the north wall foundation Step 3 - renewal of the lower
hall space As of December 2014, work on the parish hall was 80-percent complete. This included construction of a raised floor, making seamless access to the adjoining sanctuary; framing spaces for large reception and meeting areas, with adjacent modern kitchen
and accessible washrooms, janitorial space, library and study space; mechanical and electrical upgrades including a high efficiency heating system and high efficiency lighting (to keep energy costs as low as possible); and installation of a dropped ceiling. “We can only build as the money comes in,” says Gish, “which is a reminder that there is still work to do.” For instance, the kitchen needs appliances, cabinets, shelves and a dishwasher. Restoring the north wall foundation is estimated to cost $100,000; renewal of the lower hall is estimated at $160,000 to build classrooms, multi-purpose space, kitchenette, access ramp and two new accessible washrooms, and to enlarge the nursery and youth room. Another key to the success of St. Aidan’s campaign is the support of the clergy. “We told them, ‘You are not asking for money,’ because that is not what we felt they are called to do.” Deacon Arleen Champion is part of the campaign committee, so she is informed if people ask her about it, while Rev. Dean Pinter has given “unwavering moral support,” says Gish.
4
The Saskatchewan Anglican
April 2015
The Sask. Anglican is now online twice as much!
VANNER Continued from page 1 Sandra Wells is now married to Larry Hill and lives on a farm east of Swift Current, where she is active in St. Stephen’s and the ACW, currently serving as diocesan first vice-president. While in Regina recently, she recounted some of her experiences as a vanner. She says she applied to be a driver for the Caravan Mission partly because “I suppose I was searching for meaning in my life.” Her diary records that she met her travelling companion, Peggy Garrett-Reed from Leamington Spa, England, at St. Cuthbert’s House, Regina, on May 20. That same day she met Miss Hasell and her long-time travelling companion, Miss Iris Sayle. On May 22, Wells and GarrettReed, along with another pair of vanners, were commissioned by Bishop G.F.C Jackson at 8 a.m. and spent the rest of the day loading the van after shopping at Woolworth’s. The vans were very boxylooking vehicles, built to Miss Hasell’s specifications on the frame of a Ford one-ton truck. The design was based on a First World War ambulance. The cab extended straight back, but as Wells discovered during the summer, the joints were not waterproof! Nor was it high enough for her to stand inside. It was furnished with two cots, minimal cupboards and a wash basin.
Staff
Sandra Hill, nee Wells, set out on her “Great Adventure” as a Sunday School Mission vanner in 1963 from St. Cuthbert’s House in Regina. The commemorative cornerstone in the west wall of St. Cuthbert’s includes the fitting quotation: “In journeyings often.” Photos — Joanne Shurvin-Martin The vanners were supposed to live in it all summer. Hill says they were not allowed to ask for accommodation, but if anyone invited them to stay, they were glad to accept and sleep indoors, in a comfortable bed and with a real bathroom. Before leaving Regina, the vanners were given a handwritten notebook with names and directions to all the farms they were supposed to visit. “The directions were quite accurate, using a lot of landmarks and we only got lost once,” recalls Hill. The summer of 1963 was a very wet one in southern Saskatchewan and many of Wells’ diary entries say “raining.”
As a result, the rural roads were in poor or terrible condition. Many other diary notes involve mechanical problems with the van, including tires, emergency brake, universal joint, tail pipe, as well as rain water leaking in and brake fluid leaking out. Most of the families the vanners visited had children who received Sunday School By Post, which as the name suggests, was a Sunday School correspondence course. Wells had received the SSBP as a child and recalls “it was an excellent program.” The vanners visited rural families, ran Vacation Bible Schools, spoke at church services and led some services,
visited shut-ins suggested by the parish priests and attended and helped with many church activities such as WA meetings, teas and socials. In addition to bringing theological education to children, Wells learned much from the clergy she encountered in her travels. She also recalls she got an appreciation of the poor conditions many clergy had to live under. The vanning program in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle ended in the early 1970s, but the endowment continued and was used to “maintain the mission in a manner that meets the present needs,” according to diocesan documents of the day.
There are now two more ways readers can access the Saskatchewan Anglican on the Internet. If you use Facebook, you can find the newspaper at www. facebook.com/thesaskatchewananglican. This site enables us to post stories and pictures each month from all three dioceses. With Facebook having such as cross-country reach, you can “like” the page and encourage others to do so as well. The Saskatchewan Anglican’s other online presence is on a website call Issuu. This website allows the Sask. Anglican to post full digital versions of the newspaper. So if you miss reading the newspaper one month or want to go back and read a story again, this is the website you should visit often. There are back issues of the Saskatchewan Anglican going all the way back to September 2005. You can find the paper at issuu.com/thesaskatchewananglican.
DIOCESE OF SASKATOON
Announcements for April 2015 Sask. Anglican online! Did you know you can read current and past issues of the Saskatchewan Anglican online at www. anglicandiocesesaskatoon. com/20142015-saskatchewananglican/ g
For times and dates please phone 306-491-3315, or visit the Facebook page at “Integrity/ Saskatoon” or check out the Integrity/Saskatoon web site at www.integritysaskatoon. blogspot.com. g Seniors’ Lunch in Battleford:
Friends and Family Service: St. George’s, Saskatoon, at 7 p.m. every Friday night. Informal music and prayer focused on families. g
The Parish of St. George’s, Saskatoon, hosts a Community Coffee morning in the parish hall every Thursday from 9:3011:30 a.m. Join them for a warm social time with coffee, tea, toast and baked goods at no charge. g
Integrity/Saskatoon: Integrity/Saskatoon is a group of the GLBTT community and friends. Services and meetings are held at St. John’s Anglican Cathedral, 816 Spadina Crescent East. g
The Friendship Committee of St. George’s, Battleford invites all seniors to join them for lunch the first Monday of each month. Seniors’ Lunch begins at noon. Order of St. Luke Meetings: The Saskatoon Chapter of the Order of St. Luke meets at St. Stephen’s, Saskatoon, at 7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of each month. The Order of St. Luke is an interdenominational group that promotes the healing ministry in the church. We have a time when we pray for others, and also have a study, a guest speaker or a healing service. For more info visit www. ststephens.ca. g
Upcoming Events: ACW Church Women’s Conference: Bread of Life, will be held on April 17-18 at Emmanuel Anglican Church, 609 Dufferin Ave., Saskatoon. Registration fee is $35. The conference begins with a social evening and Compline on Friday. For those from out-of-town, free bed and breakfast can be arranged. Registration forms may be found at anglicandiocesesaskatoon.com on the ACW page or email at saskatoonacw@gmail.com. Brochures may also be available through your parish. Registration forms must be returned to the treasurer, Elaine Jarvis, at 247 Stacey Crescent, Saskatoon, Sask., S7L 7A9. Please make cheques to Diocese of Saskatoon ACW. For more info, please see the notice elsewhere in this issue. g
Standing Together in Hope: An Ecumenical response to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, will be held on Saturday, April 18 at Mayfair United Church, 33rd Street and Avenue I North, Saskatoon. Register by sending name and phone number to sisters@ sasktel.net or call 306-659-5834. A more detailed notice may be found elsewhere in this issue.
DEADLINES: Saskatoon Theological Union 2015 Convocation: The 14th Joint Convocation of the Saskatoon Theological Union will be held on Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Saskatoon. All are welcome to attend. For additional information, please contact Lisa McInnis, Registrar/Administrative Assistant, College of Emmanuel & St. Chad, at 306-975-1550. g
The 2015 Diocesan ACW Bi-Annual Retreat: “Gratitude: g
g
Voices of our Sisters:
A Way of Being.” The retreat committee is working hard on the retreat, which will be held on Sept. 1820. To find out more, contact Mary Ann Assailly at maryann.assailly@ gmail.com, or Karen Whitelock at saskatoonacw@gmail.com. Please also see the notice elsewhere in this issue.
To be included in a timely manner, brief notices should be sent 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, February submissions will be in the April issue). Detailed and longer texts of upcoming events will not be included in this section, but should space allow, could be the subject of article and notices elsewhere in the Saskatchewan Anglican.
The Saskatchewan Anglican
April 2015
5
PRAYER Spiritual Direction Formation Program
January 2016 — July 2017
This two year Spiritual Direction Formation Program prepares mature adult Christians for the ministry of spiritual direction and companioning of leaders and laity in parishes and congregations, vocation and ministry.
The House of Prayer near Fort Qu’Appelle welcomes guests seeking contemplative community. Nestled in the hills above Echo Lake, it provides a sacred and beautiful space for contemplative community and prayer within silence, solitude and hospitality. Photo — Jim White Continued from page 1 After quickly settling into our room — where I found the writing desk and chair particularly appealing, as I had taken along my theology studies in the hope of progressing my current assignment during our stay; not ideal for a respite break, but insufficient hours under the desk lamp the previous week had left me no choice ... tut tut! — we toddled off to evening prayers in the chapel. The very new experience of worship in contemplative silence was genuinely food for the soul. Periodic chanting, singing and short readings punctuated the quiet, as we enjoyed an atmosphere enhanced by incense, plants, the earthy simplicity of the altar setting, the fellowship of the other guests, and of course, the view, even more spectacular from this side of the glass! Later, as we enjoyed our “welcome” glass of homemade wine by the fireplace in the lounge, we grinned at one another, just ever-so-slightly in awe of the fact here we were, away from “it” all (for more than a mere couple of hours) for the first time in almost 11 years. Wow! For me, it was impossible not to marvel at the details surrounding us; from the bells and wind-chimes both inside and out, the plants everywhere — and the plant-room: Oh my, the plant room! — to the numerous paintings, pictures, sculptures and wall-hangings. Literature and effigies reflected the multi-faith character of the place. I delighted in the colours and pattern of a table-runner
and even the little porcelain toothpick holders provided; the little chain that perfectly fastened the shower curtain aside, plus the communal mealtime rituals which involved cloth napkins identifiable by a chosen napkin ring (something we do at home too)!
For me, it was impossible not to marvel at the details surrounding us; from the bells and windchimes both inside and out, the plants everywhere — and the plant-room: Oh my, the plant room! — to the numerous paintings, pictures, sculptures and wallhangings. Lunches were eaten in complete silence. Oh the joy! Our Sabbath Supper included more of Glen’s delicious homemade wine and a wonderful opportunity to share stories with the other guests and our hosts. All the meals were cooked and prepared right there, often using produce grown on-site. We made full use of the library, where I read Sitting Still by Patricia Hart Clifford (1994), a lovely book on her personal encounter with meditation training (deftly preparing me for the next worship). Catherine Barnsley, longterm volunteer who works and lives on-site, is developing the library and invited us to make use of it in the future. It is a valuable resource for my
studies and a good supplement to the numerous and varied theological literature I borrow from Rev. Warren Huestis, of Teachers of the Faith Parish. We also made full use of the grounds, walking the trail up to the huge cross, erected before the chapel was built, yet surprisingly in direct line-of-sight. Sunday morning we were thrilled to be able to walk to our beloved St. John’s Church in Fort Qu’Appelle rather than make the 50-minute drive as from home. It was painfully cold, to the point where smarter people may have questioned such a decision, but we were thrilled, honest! A very reluctant departure on Sunday afternoon brought us home to our young children, who had been expertly cared-for by our two eldest daughters. Greeted by coloured-ice “snow-globes” along the driveway, showcasing the fun they had all had, we re-united with our short people feeling completely relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to go at it again! And tucked under one arm were studies that were now edging closer to assignment completion, thanks to the generously available giant volumes of Scripture commentary and the kind wisdom of a fellow guest. Note: The Qu’Appelle House of Prayer is a ministry of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Nestled in the hills above Echo Lake, it provides a sacred and beautiful space for contemplative community and prayer within silence, solitude and hospitality. For more information please call 306-332-6765 or go to http:// qhpstillness.ca.
Co -Directors: Bishop Emeritus Gerry Wiesner, OMI, Gisele Bauche and Dianne Mantyka
Request Application Form by April 30, 2015 For further information contact: Queen’s House Retreat & Renewal Centre Saskatoon, SK. Phone: 306-242-1916 or Dianne Mantyka: 306-931-7118; dimantyka@sasktel.net
www.queenshouse.org
Saskatchewan Anglican looking for new associate editor for Diocese of Saskatchewan Contributed PRINCE ALBERT — The Diocese of Saskatchewan is looking for an Associate Editor to assist the diocese with collecting articles and photos from around the diocese, as well as making monthly submissions to the Saskatchewan Anglican’s managing editor for print. The Associate Editor
will work for the bishop of Saskatchewan and parish correspondents from around the diocese to bring information to the public. The requirements for the position are firstly, experience in editorial work and secondly, a Grade 12 education. Those interested are to contact the synod office at 306-763-2455 or synod@sasktel.net.
Saskatoon’s 2015 ACW fall retreat: ‘Gratitude: a way of being’ Contributed SASKATOON – Save the date. Come join your Anglican sisters on Sept. 18-20, 2015 as we gather at Queen’s House in Saskatoon for a time of spiritual growth. Gratitude is such a big word; for some, it comes naturally, while for some it requires practising until it becomes habit and ultimately a way of being. Plans are well underway for inspirational, thoughtprovoking talks, worship, joyful singing, meditative walking and purposeful journaling.
We will be learning more about hospital ministry, while each of us will bring to the retreat a gift for the hospital ministry, be it a prayer shawl for an adult or child, a baby blanket or a toque for cancer patient. Get out those knitting needles, crochet hooks or your sewing machine. Not crafty, you say? Can you trade skills with a friend? For more information contact Mary Ann Assailly at maryann. assailly@gmail.com or Karen Whitelock at saskatoonacw@ gmail.com.
6
The Saskatchewan Anglican
April 2015
Fred Says campaign focuses on rice Hope Bear Photo Contest
Contributed About the 2015 campaign We live in a world where one in eight people don’t have enough to eat. Archbishop Fred Hiltz – the “Fred” behind Fred Says – together with The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF), want Canadians to know when it comes to development work, it all starts with food. Over the coming months, Fred will share his passion and energy through fun “Fredisms” to spark conversation and raise awareness of PWRDF’s exciting food security projects. Stay informed by signing up for our emails! Rice is nice Many farmers in the Phillippines do not own their land and often make so little from their crops, they cannot feed their families or send their children to school. In the Central Visayas Region of the Philippines, PWRDF partner FARDEC (Farmers Development Agency) operates a rice mill that pays farmers more for their rice and charges less to mill it. Fred’s goal: Your gift of $100
Take a picture with Hope Bear wherever you travel!
Lettuce farms and rice mills allow farmers to support their families and ensure a better future for their children. Photo — Simon Chambers will keep the rice mill open for a week, provide farmers with a fair price for their rice crops and encourage them to make their living from the land. Let’s support families and ensure a better future for their kids. What we have accomplished Six months after Typhoon Haiyan, the first rice harvest took place in the Philippines. This signifies a return to “normalcy” for farming communities, as well as the
return of their ability to provide for themselves. By working with partners, PWRDF continues to support communities in providing food security for farmers and their children. What is PWRDF? The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) is the official Anglican Church of Canada’s agency for sustainable development, relief, refugees and global justice. Donations can be made by
phone at 1-416-924- 9192, ext 355; 1-866-308-7973, or by mail to PWRDF 80 Hayden, St. Toronto, Ont., M4Y 3G2. Diocesan reps can also answer your questions. Qu’Appelle: Anne Marie MacNeil at annemacneil@ accesscomm.ca. Saskatchewan: Violet Goodfellow at 306-342-2135 Saskatoon: Barbara Spurr at roxanaspurr@yahoo.ca or Mary Ann Assailly at maryann. assailly@gmail.com.
To enter, go to
www.anglicanfoundation.org
D I O C E S E O F Q U ’A P P E L L E Bishop Hardwick visits Weyburn The bishop preached and presided at All Saints, Weyburn, on Feb. 15. At the service, congregant Brian Buydens was formally received into the Anglican Communion. Norma and Brian Buydens were commissioned to continue their discernment journey for the ministry of Licensed Lay Readers, while Debbie Hubick was also commissioned to continue her journey of discernment for ordained local ministry as Deacon. The service was followed by a potluck lunch and a presentation from the bishop on the Living the Mission campaign. g
Luther College, at the University of Regina, is seeking a Chaplain/Campus Pastor, duties ideally commencing August 2015. For a full ad and description of the job, please see www.luthercollege.edu/ university/employment Further inquiries may be addressed to: Jodi Cookson Kydd Executive Assistant to the President Luther College, University of Regina Regina, Saskatchewan humanresources@luthercollege.edu Closing date: April 30, 2015
Diocesan ACW annual meeting The annual general meeting of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle Anglican Church Women will be held Saturday, April 25 at St. Stephen’s, Swift Current, beginning at 9 a.m. There will be an optional Bible study on Friday evening for those coming early. The theme will be “Change, Challenges Us.” Bishop Rob Hardwick and Rev. Anne Marie MacNeil will be the guest speakers. g
All Anglican women are welcome. For more information, or to register in advance, please contact Sandra Hill at saskahill@gmail.com. New Sumner anniversary The Parish of New Sumner is hosting a 45th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration at Esterhazy, May 30-31. The price for the whole weekend, including both meals, is $25 per person, while children 12 and under are free. All the events will be held at the Golden Jets Centre, Main Street, Esterhazy, which is wheelchair accessible. Any profit from the anniversary celebration (after expenses) will be donated to the companion Diocese of Muyinga, Burundi, for their hospital fund. g
Saturday, May 30 3 p.m. – meet and greet with refreshments available 5 p.m. – supper, followed by guest speaker, Rev. Canon Dr. Murray Still Sunday, May 31 11:00 am – Church service, with lunch to follow To register or for further information, contact Judy MacDonald by mail at Box
482, Esterhazy, SK S0A 0X0; by telephone at 306-7452911; or email at judynmo@ yahoo.com. All present and former parishioners and clergy are invited to attend. If you are unable to attend, please send greetings, reminiscences or memorabilia. There are two new hotels in Esterhazy, the Canalta and the Western Star. A block of five rooms has been reserved at the Canalta and will be held until April 30 at the rate of $129 a room with two queen beds (includes a continental breakfast). Phone 306-745-3644 or www.canaltahotels.com. The Western Star Inn and Suites has regular rooms for $125. Phone 306-745-5600 or www.westernstarhotels.com. For the Esterhazy Motor Hotel, please call 306-7453901 for room rates. Spring tea and bazaar at St. Matthew’s, Regina St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, 2161 Winnipeg St. Regina, will hold a spring tea and bazaar on May 2 at 2 p.m. There will be a bake table as well as a treasure table. A good-will offering will be collected at the door. g
The Saskatchewan Anglican
DIOCESE OF SASKATCHEWAN Music Task In response to Charge at our the following passed: g
Force the Bishop’s 2014 Synod, motion was
Be it resolved that the Executive Committee, in consultation with the Indigenous Council, establish a task force on church music to do the following: •
To give direction and to allocate resources for the training of musicians and choirs, particularly Cree language youth choirs;
•
To examine ways to renew and reinvigorate worship from the 1938 Book of Common Praise and the Cree hymnbook;
•
•
To provide episcopal-approved contemporary music resources for our congregations; To consult with the deaneries and to present a preliminary report to the Greater Chapter meetings in the New Year.
Bishops Hawkins and Halkett have put together a Music Task Force to seek to revitalize music ministry across the diocese, while being sensitive to the different cultures, styles and contexts throughout the diocese. If you are reading this and have suggestions for the task force, please contact the Synod Office. General Assembly Bishop Adam Halkett and Bishop Michael Hawkins have called for a General Assembly on Friday, June 5 and Saturday June 6. The assembly will be held in Prince Albert at St. g
Alban’s Cathedral. The Primate, the Most Reverend Fred J. Hiltz, will be the guest speaker at the Assembly. He will also be an honoured guest in the community of Stanley Mission that same weekend following the assembly. As stated in Canon 2.06 in the Diocesan Constitution and Canons, the General Assembly is to meet every three years. The first General Assembly was held in 2012. All licensed Indigenous Clergy and Lay Readers are delegates to the Assembly. Each congregation may also elect four more representatives (one elder, one youth 16-25 years and two others). James Settee College Correspondence Courses James Settee College is pleased to provide Correspondence Courses for anyone who is interested in independent study of the courses offered through the College curriculum. The course material is self-contained apart from the Bible and a prayer book, while all reading material and worksheets are contained in the package. The introductory courses include Christian Doctrine I, II and III, Church History I and Biblical Ethics I and II. Pamphlets will be sent to all parishes in the diocese. The course material can be picked up at the Synod Office in Prince Albert or mailed to the student. g
Loon Lake Fire Anyone who would like to make a donation to the family of Harley (two years old) and Haley (one years old), who died of smoke inhalation in a tragic fire on the Makwa Sagaeihcan First Nation Reserve, can contact the CIBC Bank in Loon Lake at 306-837-2112. g
MISSING Continued from Page 1 They also point out violence against women is a significant societal issue. The RCMP report notes that, according to the World Health Organization, violence affects one-third of women around the globe and represents a health problem of “epidemic proportions.” These public events focused on the issue have left this community; but what am I, and you, and your church community
going to do now with this information? What is our action plan? Note: The Walking with Our Sisters Exhibit is on a national tour. It will return to Saskatchewan in January 2016. The exhibit is booked for Jan. 15 to Feb. 17, 2016, at the Chapel Gallery in the city of North Battleford. More info is available online at www. walkingwithoursisters.ca.
April 2015
7
St. Matthew’s, Regina supports bishop’s upcoming trip to Burundi By Kathleen Chlopan REGINA – St. Matthew’s ACW hosted an afternoon on Feb. 17 to learn more about our companion Diocese of Muyinga in Burundi, Africa. Bishop Rob Hardwick asked the group to “dare to dream” and described how they could help to improve the living conditions of the people in Muyinga.
Rev. Blair and Karen Dixon gave an overall view of Muyinga, following their lengthy visit in 2013. (Rev. Dixon is honorary assistant at St. Matthew’s.) This was a very informative afternoon and the members were all motivated to do whatever they can to help this impoverished area of Africa. During the afternoon,
guests enjoyed beautiful flute music by Laura and Dawn McNish. The good-will offering, as well as a very successful silent auction, netted over $1,000. Bishop Hardwick is planning a trip to the Diocese of Muyinga in May. Another event to promote this project will be held at St. Matthew’s in early May.
April & May 2015 RETREATS & WORKSHOPS THE BOOK OF EXODUS – Fr. Paul Fachet, OMI First Wednesday of each month; Apr. 1, May 6. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Cost: $15/session. WHAT IS TRUTH? THE PERENNIAL QUESTION – Marie-Louise Ternier-Gommers Two more Saturday mornings 9:30 — 1:30 pm; April 25, May 23. Cost $35 per session, w/lunch (or $25 with bag lunch). A DAY AWAY – Gisele Bauche Every second Wednesday of the month, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm. Apr. 8; May 13. Cost $25 w/lunch. ECUMENICAL WOMEN IN MINISTRY RETREAT – LIFELINES TO THE SPIRIT Sunday 5:30 pm supper April 26 – Tuesday lunch April 28. Cost $225 live-in, $155 commuter. LIVING SPIRIT – BAUCHE ART SHOW May 9—10. Coffee House Saturday from 7 - 9 pm; Mother’s Day Tea on Sunday May 10, 1:30 – 5:00 pm. Free admission. ICONOGRAPHY WORKSHOP – Gisele Bauche & Anna Mycyk Monday May 25 – 29, 2015; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm each day. Cost: live-in $540/Commute $450 (includes lunches). TRANSITIONS: JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION THROUGH GRIEF AND LOSS Sarah Donnelly. Thursday May 28, 7 pm – Sunday May 31, lunch. Cost: $390 (live-in). LIMITED BURSARIES AVAILABLE FOR MOST PROGRAMS
ONGOING EVENTS AT QUEEN’S HOUSE:
CENTERING PRAYER: Monday evenings, 7:00 pm • TAIZE PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY Second Tuesday of the month, 8:00 pm • PERSONAL DAY(S) OF PRIVATE PRAYER: Book anytime • QUEEN’S HOUSE WEEKLY CELEBRATION OF HOLY EUCHARIST: Wednesdays, 3:00 pm.
For program details, visit www.queenshouse.org To register, please call 306-242-1916 or email receptionist@queenshouse.org Your Home Away from Home
A sacred place to stimulate your mind and nourish your spirit
Do you need a facility for:
In-services, seminars, workshops, retreats, celebrations or any other occasions? Check our websi te for facility & booking details. 601 Taylor Street W., Saskatoon, SK S7M 0C9
8
The Saskatchewan Anglican
April 2015
Celebrating a century of service in Sturgeon Valley By Mary Brown STURGEON VALLEY (Skwn) – Holy Trinity Church in Sturgeon Valley celebrated its 100 anniversary last summer. Bishop Michael Hawkins officiated at the service of Holy Communion for the people in attendance. David Palm provided the music with his violin. A fabulous potluck supper was held under a large tent outside the church. Holy Trinity Church was built of hand-hewn logs by the first homesteaders of the community in 1914. Before they had the church, services were held in the home of Joe Bruce. Mortimer Montgomery donated the land on which the church stands, while he and Robert Lofthouse were instrumental in getting work started. Local people of the denomination gave freely of their labour, while a small grant from the Synod was used to buy the finishing lumber. The furnishings were donated by members of the congregation in memory of loved ones, while the ladies’ aid raised sufficient
money, by organizing socials, to pay for the pews which were assembled and varnished by Rupert Bruce. The church was opened on Nov. 1, 1914 by Bishop Newnham, with Rev. LeClair assisting. The cemetery was consecrated in 1921 by Bishop Newnhan. The first marriage celebrated in the church was on May 1, 1916. The first burial in the cemetery was that of Mary Jane Saunders (age four-and-a-half months old) on Jan. 17, 1914. It is poignant to note the first burial was someone’s young child, so it is sad to know that out of the people who gathered at the service, three sets of parents also had to bury their child/children in that same graveyard. The much beloved little church, Holy Trinity, was restored in 1980 to a historical site. People in the district, as well as interested people from distant points, were anxious to make this church a monument to the dedicated people who had built it and the many who were laid to rest in the little cemetery alongside the church.
Members of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Sturgeon Valley gather with Bishop Michael Hawkins after a service celebrating the church’s 100 years of existence. After the service, a potluck supper was held under a large tent near the church. Photo — Mary Brown
Anglican Church Women’s Spring Conference and AGM
Bread of Life
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life, Whoever comes to me will never go hungry…”
Voices of our Sisters: Standing together in hope An ecumenical response to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls Saturday, April 18 Mayfair United Church at 33rd Street and Avenue I North A day for Lutheran, United, Anglican, Mennonite, Ukrainian Catholic, Roman Catholic and Presbyterian Clergy and lay outreach leaders to gather to be immersed in Indigenous Spirituality and to be as one, as we listen to the history and stories. 8 a.m. Traditional Pipe Ceremony will be held with a welcome for those who wish to attend. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. starts with Elder greetings, prayer and song. Keynote Speakers: Professor Winona Wheeler, head of Native/Indigenous studies, U of S.; Glenda Abbott, Cultural programmer at Wanuskewin, Walking With Our Sisters; and Pauline Muskego, Mother of Daleen Bosse and voice for the families.
Panel Participants: Darlene Okemaysin-Sicotte and one other member of Iskwewuk; Monica Goulet, Aboriginal Relations consultant with Saskatoon City Police; two students from Oskayak School and the U of S; and Marcel Petit, Voice of Poverty Awareness, filmmaker, photographer.
April 17-18 Emmanuel Anglican Church 609 Dufferin Avenue Saskatoon, Sask. Social Evening and Compline on Friday night Guest speaker on Saturday Together we will reflect on the theme: Bread of Life For those of you who are out of town, we are offering free bed and breakfast in the homes of other Anglican women. Do not be shy. If you would like to take advantage of this accommodation, please let us know.
Round Table Discussions: What can we as church do to be in solidarity with those who work to solve the crisis of murdered and missing Aboriginal women and girls? What can I do? Closing: Drums, prayer and song Lunch and coffee breaks supplied with a free-will offering. Free on-site childcare provided. Please register by sending name and phone number to sisters@sasktel.net or call 306659-5834 (RC Diocesan Office).
This conference is for all Anglican women. Please save the date! Come out and enjoy the weekend. Registration fee is $35 (Same fee as last year, and there is a great bargain, lunch included!) Friday, April 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 18 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Registration form and address to send cheques can be found on the Diocesan Website ACW page at anglicandiocesesaskatoon.com. We have also set up e-payment for those of you who would like to pay online. Instructions on how to do this are on the brochure and the ACW page. Brochures that contain a registration form are available at your church. Check with your ACW rep or email us at saskatoonacw@gmail.com. Forms must be returned to the treasurer, Elaine Jarvis, 247 Stacey Crescent, Saskatoon, Sask., S7L 7A9. Please make cheques to Diocese of Saskatoon ACW.
The Saskatchewan Anglican
April 2015
9
Gospel Jamboree celebrates culture, music By Mary Brown GRANDMOTHER’S BAY (Skwn) – The community of Grandmother’s Bay gathered for a Gospel Jamboree on Feb. 18. Each year since its beginning three years ago, the Jamboree has been getting bigger. There were 250 young and old who attended this year. People from Stanley Mission, LaRonge, South End and the surrounding area come together for this Jamboree. The first Jamboree was held in memory of a year when there were four suicides in a row. Earlier this year, Bishop Adam Halkett along with the chief participated in a Suicide Walk to help the community move towards healing. Sally McKenzie, one of the organizers, said it is an event to bring the community together. To bring people closer, to bring them back to their language and culture and to provide them with a venue to enjoy themselves in an atmosphere of Christian caring. She said there is resentment, due to residential schools, but not everyone was abused by the system and they want to encourage the kids to go to church. Children have more choices now and they wanted to do something fun and involve the youth. The majority of the youth in Grandmother’s Bay were at the Jamboree. Seven youth from the high school and junior high went on an overnight trip to Porcupine Plain, where they shot seven moose. The majority of the moose meat was given to the elders in the community of
The Gospel Jamboree is an event to bring the community together, to bring people closer, to bring them back to their language and culture and to provide them with a venue to enjoy themselves in an atmosphere of Christian caring.
Grandmother’s Bay. The Jamboree opened with a Holy Communion service, after which everyone gathered at the hall for a traditional feast of moose meat, provided by the youth, rabbit, fish, bannock and other dishes. The singing and entertainment went on until 11:30 p.m. that night. “It was a good way to begin the Lenten season,” said Bishop Halkett. There were 14 entertainers invited including the wellknown singer Yvonne St. Germaine. Rev. Sam Halkett and Rev. Richard Custer and his wife Noreen joined in with their guitars and voices. Deacon Sam sang a song about suicide that he had written entitled “Lord Got to Have You in My Life.” He also sang “A Closer Walk with Thee.” He said the church was packed and the food was fantastic. For what more could one ask?
Former diocesan editor Laura Pogue passes away REGINA – Laura Pogue, diocesan editor from 1995 to 2004, died Feb. 8, aged 66. Trained as a librarian, she worked for the Saskatchewan Provincial Library and Municipal Affairs, and later as a reference librarian in the Legislative Library. She was described as a “cradle Anglican,” able to find joy in nearly any situation and was active in leading worship, passionate about Stephen Ministry and pastoral care. She was also the St. Paul’s
Cathedral parish correspondent for the Saskatchewan Anglican for several years. She is survived by her husband Basil, long-time PWRDF diocesan representative, their daughter Erin, and other family. Laura and Basil were awarded the Canada 125 Commemorative Medal in recognition of their work in initiating the Project Turkey Christmas hamper program in Regina. Photo — Contributed
Sam Halkett (left) and Richard Custer perform for the many members at the Gospel Jamboree, held on Feb. 18 in Grandmother’s Bay in northern Saskatchewan. Photo — Bishop Adam Halkett
As part of the Gospel Jamboree, seven youth from the junior high and high school went on an overnight trip to Porcupine Plaine, where they shot seven moose. The majority of the meat was given to the elders. Photos — Sally McKenzie
10
The Saskatchewan Anglican
April 2015
25 years of music ministry in Weyburn
All Saints, Weyburn, honoured Weneen Georgeson for 25 years of music ministry in the parish. From left, Rev. Brian Woods, Weneen Georgeson and wardens Debbie Hubick and Lauren Keivits. Photos — Brian Buydens By Debbie Hubick WEYBURN (Qu’A) – On the first Sunday of February, the congregation of All Saints, Weyburn was overjoyed to celebrate Weneen Georgeson and her 25 years of music ministry. On her anniversary she was presented with a certificate of recognition by the two wardens and a special prayer and blessing was given by Rev. Brian Woods. After the service, a musicallydecorated cake and coffee was enjoyed by all. Georgeson came to All Saints as a relief organist and was supposed to serve for three weeks while the regular organist was on vacation. Circumstances and a change to that schedule meant she was asked to stay. Now after 25 years of service as music director, she has become a mainstay of the church. Georgeson has devoted her gift of music and service to the Lord with a passion we would do well to emulate. She has served as a musician in many church congregations and denominations throughout the province and began playing in her home church in Govan at the age of 12. She is now in her 66th year of her ministry and All Saints feels blessed to have her. Georgeson’s love of music has her playing all styles of music,
New book by Saskatoon priest coming soon Christian Animism By The Reverend Shawn Sanford Beck SASKATOON – This book will available in May, from Amazon. ca, and is published by Christian Alternative Books (a John Hunt Publications imprint). Editor’s note: The Saskatchewan Anglican would be pleased to receive book reviews or letters to the editor discussing or debating the concepts and ideas developed and presented in this book. Set in the context of a worldview which sees spirit as the “interiority” of matter, rather than its dualistic opposite, animism can be reclaimed as a concept which sees the natural world as sentient, personable and very much alive. It helps us to experience and understand each created entity, from a prairie gopher to a Rocky Mountain range, as a person, someone to whom we are related. That is basically what I mean when I use the word animism. Christian animism, then, is simply what happens when a committed Christian engages the world and each creature as alive, sentient and related, rather than soul-less and ontologically inferior. However, that’s not really “simple”, is it? This type of stance vis-à-vis the natural world would have enormous implications for all
aspects of Christian belief and practice. What would liturgy look like, for instance, if we knew plants, animals and whole ecosystems were co-worshippers with us? How would our eschatologies change if we had to “make room” in heaven for the entire created order? Would our ethical processes morph if “love your neighbour” now included cows, plankton and all manner of creepy-crawlies? And what does pastoral care look like for trees anyways? All of these, and more, are questions which a Christian animist perspective must engage. In this book, I will develop more fully the cosmological worldview which enables and supports this type of understanding. Photo — John Hunt Publishing
SPRING AND SUMMER COURSES OFFERING INTRODUCTORY LANGUAGE COURSES IN: GREEK | HEBREW | LATIN | COPTIC | SYRIAC MAY 11-29 Part I (3-credit course) & JUNE 8-26 Part II (3-credit course)
Weneen Georgeson poses with the cake that was part of the celebration honouring her 25 years of music ministry at All Saints, Weyburn. from old time gospel hymns to contemporary Christian music, and she always plays them with zest and liveliness. Indeed she is responsible
for making a joyful noise at All Saints. She leads and directs five song leaders, a cellist, guitar and saxophone player.
LEARN THE LANGUAGES OF THE EARLY CHURCH ON THE BEAUTIFUL BANKS OF THE SOUTH SASKATCHEWAN. WE OFFER FULL-CREDIT COURSES, SMALL CLASS SIZE AND ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION.
AGRARIANISM AND THE BIBLE Dr. Matthew Thiessen June 22-26 (3-credit course or audit) For more information, please contact: Lisa McInnis, Registrar College of Emmanuel & St. Chad 114 Seminary Crescent, Saskatoon, Sask., S7N 0X3 Phone: 306-975-1550 Email: esc.registrar@usask.ca
The Saskatchewan Anglican
Decaf Christianity
April 2015
11
Backward Christian Soldiers
By Rev. William Portman An Anglican bishop once suggested many church members follow a kind of decaffeinated Christianity, the kind that promises not to keep them awake at night. Michael Marshall was rector of prestigious parishes in London and New York, a university chaplain, head of a religious think tank in the U.S., and bishop of Woolwich, England. He has always been skeptical of the status quo in church life. His comments targeted what others have called “cultural religionists,” who expect the church to supply rites of passage like baptisms, marriages, funerals, along with theological comfort food. Basically, pablum preaching that neither challenges nor involves. No matter how we express it, we are a voluntary organization of people sustained by the conviction that in Jesus Christ and His Church, we are part of something good, which we need to share with others. Anglicans have long seen ourselves as the roomiest church in Christendom, welcoming all kinds of people into our big, inclusive tent. But, now, we’ve lost our social and political supports, and must find a place in an increasingly fragmented and neo-pagan world. Too often, our response to this new dynamic is to circle the wagons against whatever “ism” we find most threatening and try to carry on with “business as usual.” This simply won’t cut it. Faced with declining numbers and support, we try to prop up what’s left of our traditional constituency by focusing on customer satisfaction. We provide the inner group with the products they want with few uncomfortable demands. Canada is no longer – if it ever was – a “Christian” country; other faiths now play an important role in modern society. Leaders of those groups are constantly amazed by the way Christians keep apologizing for their faith and let themselves be quietly sidelined. The real problem is not that Christians might offend followers of other faiths who expect us to take our faith seriously; it is that so many are embarrassed by faith and simply have no idea how to cope with believers. Maybe the prophecy of the late Archbishop David Somerville of New Westminster will come true: that the Christian catacombs of this millennium
1. Backward Christian soldiers, Fleeing from the fight, With the cross of Jesus Nearly out of sign. Christ our rightful master Stands against the foe; Onward into battle, We seem afraid to go. Backward Christian soldiers, Fleeing from the fight, With the cross of Jesus Nearly out of sight.
Luke 19:1-10 tells of the impact of Jesus on a crooked tax collector named Zacchaeus, a little man who climbed a tree so he could see Jesus. What got under his guard? The Holy Spirit of God, surely; otherwise he wouldn’t have wanted to see Jesus at all. Photo — Bible Illustrations by Sweet Media will be basement family rooms. If that happens, those gathered there will be real, not cultural, Christians. It’s time for us as a Church to recover confidence in our faith in God and stop apologizing for Jesus. Stephen Hunt, author of Anyone for Alpha?, says one reason for the success of Alpha and similar programs in churches (other discipleship resources include “Emmaus” and the newly released “Pilgrim Course”) is the previous failure of those churches to make serious teaching of the faith an integral part of their life. But Alpha, even with its convincing explorations of Christianity, won’t necessarily bring people streaming into church. What incentive is there for people to join us in worship? Friendliness? Happy music? A feel-good experience? All worthwhile, but available at any service club. The question then becomes, “What can we offer that is not to be found elsewhere?” Without some sense of God as the living source of all reality, words, explanations and teaching will have limited effect. We need to remember that the Church’s work is about people: the sick and dying, the penitent seeking forgiveness, those on a spiritual journey who find their way to our doors. Mission Action Plans ask us to think and pray about how we can be more outward looking in our mission, not simply waiting for people to come to us. The 19th century Anglican theologian and Christian socialist F.D. Maurice was right when
he complained we offer people only words when they need the living God; much attempted outreach fails because we try to sell people a pre-packaged God who is not the God of their own experience. Our real mission begins by recognizing that God is present to everyone at every moment. God is always seeking the best way to get past our protective defences to crack open our perceptions, so we can recognize God at work. Genuine Christian discipleship has always required us to be alert to God in the ordinary. Luke 19:1-10 tells of the impact of Jesus on a crooked tax collector named Zacchaeus, a little man who climbed a tree so he could see Jesus. What got under his guard? The Holy Spirit of God, surely; otherwise he wouldn’t have wanted to see Jesus at all. But the decisive moment came when the human voice of God spoke to him where he was and said, “Come down out of that tree. I want to come to your home and have a meal with you.” It was the encounter with Jesus that led to Zacchaeus’ repentance and transformation. Jesus did not make Zacchaeus’ repentance the condition for having dinner with him. God does not demand that we pass an examination about good behaviour before we’re allowed into the divine presence. Since God constantly reaches out in ways tailored to individual needs, we Christians have two jobs. First, we’re to help people realize it is God who is approaching them.
The second is to help them to the point where their sense of God can be expanded by being placed in the wider context of public worship. Numerous surveys show the most effective outreach of any congregation is through those who bring friends or neighbours with them to the worship community, where they themselves have experienced something important and want to share it. We need to think beyond mere survival, to offering an environment where every kind of person can meet God. Our primary goal is not to attract new envelope contributors, but to make new disciples. The present situation of Christianity has critical consequences for outreach ministry. A brand of faith that doesn’t prompt the loss of sleep in our hurting and needy world will not attract others to accept Jesus as Lord of their life. What incentive is there to investigate a message that has lost its ability to make a difference in lives lived? On the pulpit in Rugby Chapel of the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, Saskatoon, where a preacher can’t miss seeing it, is the quotation from John 12:21, where some pilgrims ask, “Sir, we would see Jesus.” Instead of the “decaf Christianity” named by Bishop Marshall, our task as disciples is – through our own life and witness – to let people see God as the power to transform their lives and transform our troubled world. Then we would actually be doing what Jesus did in the days of His flesh.
2. Like a mighty tortoise Moves the church of God: People, we are treading Where we’ve always trod; We are much divided, Many factions we; Talking of inclusiveness Without much charity. Refrain 3. Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane; But the cross of Jesus Hidden does remain. Gates of hell should never ‘gainst the church prevail We have Christ’s own promise, but We’re scared that it might fail. Refrain 4.
Sit here then, ye people, Join our sleeping throng: Blend with ours your voices In a feeble song. Blessings, ease and comfort Ask from Christ the King; But with our modern thinking, We won’t do a thing. Refrain Anon. (rev. 2013)
12
The Saskatchewan Anglican
April 2015
Youth Quake is centred around Christ, bringing the gospel to youth through music, speakers and seminars. Youth Quake takes place at Briarcrest College and Seminary in Caronport. Photos — Briercrest College and Seminary
Broken + Hopeful: Youth Quake brings the gospel to thousands By Julie Moser Youth and Children’s Missioner, Diocese of Qu’Appelle CARONPORT (Qu’A) – For over 50 years, Briercrest College and Seminary has been home to the largest annual youth retreat in Saskatchewan: Youth Quake. During this time, Youth Quake has brought the Gospel of Jesus Christ to thousands of young people from all over Canada. This year around 1,000 youth (aged 14 and up) and youth leaders joined with the local community of Briercrest College for a great weekend of teaching, worship, fellowship and plenty of fun! The theme of this year’s Youth Quake was Broken + Hopeful. A host of speakers, seminar leaders, singers and bands came together to make the weekend a time of focusing on what it means to live in a broken world, but with a hope that comes through knowing Christ. The music ranged from Contemporary Christian to Rap to Worship Bands.
The seminars covered a variety of topics by experienced speakers as well as Briercrest college students wanting to speak into the lives of young people. Artist Gabriel Finochio of the band The Royal Royal, one of the featured bands this year, described the focus of YQ: “We have really found that [YQ] has been focused around bringing the gospel … keeping it centred around Christ.” Youth Quake director, AJ Crocker, said, “From the concerts to seminar speakers, I am greatly anticipating that the Lord will reveal more what He is doing here.” We were fortunate to have YQ presenter Graham Stanton, an Anglican from Australia, come speak at one of the Diocesan Children’s Ministry Morning Teas (a morning for leaders and volunteers for children’s ministry in our diocese). He spoke on using the Bible to help children connect to God’s big story, a topic covered at YQ to a large number of youth leaders and pastors, but up close and personal for those who came
About 1,000 youth attended Youth Quake 2015, at Briercrest College and Seminary in Caronport. to the diocesan morning tea at the synod office! My nephew, who is not a Christian, and has never really been exposed to this kind of experience, loved the weekend. On Sunday morning I found a note in the form of a paper airplane at the bottom of the
stairs that read: “Please wake me up!!! Make sure I get up. Don’t let me sleep!” After a late night taking in all YQ had to offer, he was eager to get up and attend the final main session of the weekend. As we walked to the main session in the chapel he said, “I wish YQ lasted
for a week.” Let me encourage you to come to YQ in 2016 and bring the young people in your parish. Whether they are new to the faith or have known Christ all their lives, YQ is a weekend that will bless them in their journey towards/with Christ.