April 2006
Western Night at Moose Jaw By Thelma Morris and Catherine Osachoff MOOSE JAW (QuA) - The second annual Western Night was held recently at St. Aidan’s Church for the benefit of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF). Representing PWRDF, Quentin Little spoke of the ongoing work of the Primate’s Fund in various parts of the world. He explained that PWRDF worked in conjunction with other aid agencies to maximize assistance given to those in need. This year the organization “Hunger In Moose Jaw” became a joint beneficiary and was represented by Dianne Shepherd. She described their many programmes
including the provision of over 150 lunches each day for school children. Ms. Shepherd thanked St. Aidan's Church for its support in supplying drivers as well as for muffins. Opening entertainment for Western Night was provided by violinist Merle Makita. He played East Coast fiddle music interspersed with humorous stories. The headliner was “Johnny Cash,” otherwise known as Noah Njegovan, whose impersonations and country music songs delighted a receptive audience. Mr. Njegovan’s talent as an auctioneer was evident also as he auctioned off donated goods and culinary confections. The event raised $1300.00 for the projects. Bill Bradley and the Reverend Betty Bradley. Photo - Catherine Osachoff.
God, drugs and bowling - youth gather to focus on walking with Christ
Young people at Montreal Lake wait for Friday night service to begin. The youth retreat was an initiative of the Diocese of Saskatchewan.
By Captain Shawn Branch PRINCE ALBERT - What do a group of teens, talks on drug and alcohol addiction and bowling have in common? If you add prayer and follow the plan that God has laid for you, you've got an awesome youth retreat at Montreal Lake Cree Nation. On February 24-26/06, 35 teens from Montreal Lake and Little Red came together for a weekend focused on God and "Good Orderly Direction." Leaders from across the diocese of Saskatchewan came together to support and encourage the youth in their stand for a godly life. Archdeacon Adam Halkett, priest-incharge of Montreal Lake, Beryl Whitecap, postulant for ordination and Theresa Halkett caught the vision of providing a retreat for the youth to come together and be equipped to stand against drugs and alcohol.
"This was just a first step. We want to start planning another retreat for them," commented Archdeacon Halkett at the closing feast. Dean Michael Hawkins and Captain Shawn Branch were invited to speak at the mission services. Participants were challenged throughout the whole weekend to turn from the ways of the world and turn to the way of Christ. On Saturday, everyone went into Prince Albert to spend the afternoon at Minto Bowling, followed by a Pizza Night and Gospel Jamboree. The retreat closed with a healing service, open to the community, and a feast. A number of exhausted youth and leaders left Sunday afternoon; anxiously awaiting the next retreat. (Shawn Branch is a Church Army Captain and Youth Ministry Co-ordinator for the Diocese of Saskatchewan)
Colin Clay receives Centennial medal SASKATOON - The Reverend Canon Colin Clay is one of 37 men and women, including Anglican lay people, who received the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan on February 17, 2006. The Medal recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society and honours their outstanding achievements. The award was presented by Dr. Lynda Haverstock, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan at Convocation Hall, University of Saskatchewan. It recognizes Colin's work as a university chaplain for over 20 years (including his particular concern for those affected by cult and mind control groups), as well as his contribution to the Saskatoon Council of Churches, the Saskatoon Food Bank, and several veterans organizations - especially Veterans Against Nuclear Arms.
Christ our passover is sacrificed for us, therefore let us keep the feast... Task force on Aboriginal Ministry SASKATOON - The Diocese of Saskatoon has established a Task Force on Aboriginal Ministry to be co-chaired by Ethel Ahenakew and Mary Ann Assailly. The members were meeting as the Aboriginal Focus Group of the Diocesan Outreach Network but are now prepared to take on an additional role. Their task is to support Aboriginal ministry in the diocese. This work has taken on new vitality with the appointment of the Reverend Shawn Sanford Beck to the Saskatoon Native Ministry. The Task Force is also deeply involved in the Missing Aboriginal Women concern. The Bishop has asked the Task Force to develop some concrete suggestions for how the Diocese might best channel its resources in mission with Aboriginal people. The Task Force will report to Diocesan Council from time to time.