April 2007 A Section of Anglican Journal
"Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you...” John 17:1 who still see in a glass darkly, a wonderful mystery, but one which speaks to the mystery within us. The heaven Jesus has opened to us by his death and resurrection is our homeland, the banquet of the blessed, Jerusalem, Softness, and peace, and joy, and love and bliss, Exalted Manna, gladness of the best,… The milky way, the bird of Paradise, Church-bells beyond the stars heard, the soul's blood The land of spices; something understood. Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
Bishop’s Easter Message from The Right Reverend Anthony Burton, Bishop of Saskatchewan Behold, I show you a mystery. The resurrection of Jesus Christ occurred very quietly and very much in contrast to his death which was a spectacle. He was tried and executed in public, before crowds, as a condemned criminal among condemned criminals. When he gave up the ghost, the sky darkened, there was an earthquake and the curtain hiding the Holy of Holies in the Temple ripped suddenly from top to bottom. After all that drama, there was suddenly silence. He was taken down from the Cross by his followers and he was laid to rest. Following all that drama, everything went quiet. The resurrection would happen silently and in secret. There was nothing private, silent or secret about Jesus's teaching ministry after he rose from the dead. (He would subsequently appear to 500 people on a variety of different occasions over the next seven weeks - even to the doubting Thomas, who would insist on putting his hand in Jesus' side before he would believe). But the resurrection itself happened in the tomb behind the great stone, and the event was seen and at first experienced by God alone. The same day at evening, when they (the disciples) were in hiding, the doors barred, Jesus appeared to them and spoke these words: “Peace be unto you.” Jesus' own Easter message was that we should know and embrace the peace of God. While there were witnesses to Jesus' birth, there were not witnesses to his conception when God took human flesh into himself. The conception had no witnesses and it had to be announced, even to Mary. Paralleling this, the resurrection of Jesus is similarly not witnessed. It happens behind the great rock which sealed the tomb. And in that sense the Resurrection, like the Incarnation, are mysteries of faith. There is a side to us, I suppose, which would like to have had a video crew from National Geographic, filming the event inside the tomb. Doubting Thomas obviously would have found that satisfying. Jesus himself, in that upper room on that first Easter evening, recognizes that it is human nature to want to quantify and experience things in order to believe them. “Peace be unto you,” he said, and immediately, he showed them his mangled and pierced hands and the wound in his side. But some things, like the very thing Jesus gave the disciples that day,
The Right Reverend Anthony Burton, Bishop of Saskatchewan “peace”, cannot be measured or quantified or handled or seen. The same of course is true of much of our lives. Even people we have known well for many years remain mysteries to us: the human soul is like an iceberg in that much lies beneath the surface. Even St. Paul acknowledges that he is a mystery to himself and a disappointing one at that, “For the good that I would do, I do not: but the evil which I would not do, that I do” The hope that is within us cannot be itemized like a shopping list or fulfilled by a political program. It is only the mystery of God in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that can fulfill the mystery of you and me. The fulfillment of the longing and love that is within us, the healing of the grief and disappointment, the restoration of the people and things and dreams and years and youth and health we have lost, cannot be achieved by anyone but God. “Behold, I show you a mystery,” says St. Paul, “we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, shall be changed!” For all that we are mysteries to ourselves, the greatest and most wonderful mystery of all lies with God, the one person to whom all hearts are open, all desires known and from whom no secrets are hid. The greatest and most wonderful mystery is something unique to the Christian Gospel, and unknown in any other faith, what St. Paul calls the salvation of the ungodly. (Rom 4:5-6) “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” It doesn't matter how little we may deserve it, or feel we deserve it, God loves each us so much that he gave his only begotten Son to save us. And we have only to place our lives in his pierced hands to enter into the new life today that finds its fulfillment in the world to come. Heaven itself is a mystery to us
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
along the Lake of Galilee. They are miles from town. There are no fast food restaurants. Jesus turns to Philip and asks “What is there to eat? What do we have to feed all these people?” Miraculously, the 5000 people are fed and there is food left over. Jesus continues to feed people in the resurrection life. In Emmaus Jesus breaks bread with two of the disciples. He walks with them to their hometown. When they get there, they invite him in for a meal. Jesus takes bread and breaks it. They recognize that it is him. He has come back to them. Death cannot constrain him. On the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus instructs the 'Peter and John Fishing Company' to throw their nets over the other side of their boat. They do so and fill the boat to overflowing! There are so many fish that Peter has to jump overboard and wade to shore. On the shore he finds Jesus, risen from the dead, sitting by a charcoal fire, a few fish already on the grill. Jesus says “Come and have breakfast.” (John 21:12). Jesus says this to us too: “Come, and I will feed you.” We can relate to a God like this: on the beach, a warm fire, fresh fish, bread, some good friends. Easter is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, an event which changed the whole course of human history, the event which draws us to church on Easter day. When we come to church we will be fed with the Word of God and the sacrament of Holy Communion. May God give you a happy and holy Easter. + Rodney
The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon
Bishop’s Easter Message Bishop’s Easter Message from The Right Reverend from The Right Reverend Gregory Kerr-Wilson, Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Bishop of Qu’Appelle Saskatoon Most, if not all, countries on this plan“Please tell us about the Diocese of Saskatoon.” I love questions like that. I can go on for a long time about our churches, our people and the ministry we share. Just ask me! I often begin the conversation by saying “We feed 1500 people every Sunday.” Our statistics reveal that about 1500 people attend churches across our diocese on any given Sunday. I would be delighted if that number would double or triple this Easter Day! People come to church for many reasons, but all come to be fed. We want to 'get something out of it' and that is valid. God has something to give us. We are fed by the scriptures, the sacraments, the music and the liturgy. God feeds us in so many ways. Feeding people is important to Jesus. Think of the story of the little boy with the loaves and fishes. Jesus teaches and preaches all day, a very long day in the hot sun. Five thousand people follow him
et have defining stories of their origins or of events early in their histories, which deeply affect their self-understanding and identity. Sometimes they give rise to slogans, such as “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” or “peace, order and good government.” Sometimes they define values, fundamental principles about what is right and good or about how right and goodness are determined in the life of that society. They become pivotal moments which get highlighted in story and retold in successive generations until they are so deeply accepted that they wield hidden power over choices, priorities and actions. Individual people have the same dynamic at work at the personal level of their lives. Sometimes it will be a single experience in which they “learned their lesson” and now adhere, sometimes wisely and sometimes unthinkingly, to a particular way of being or doing in the world. At other times it will be a particular environment lived
2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, April 2007 The Celebration of Easter is the proclamation that in Jesus God's victory is won. Death and death's ways are defeated and the totality of freedom laid before us who have faith to see and receive it. I pray that through our celebration of Easter this year, the death and resurrection of Jesus may become ever more fully the pivotal and defining moment of our lives as we surrender to God's way of freedom in Christ.
Bishop Harding Leads Clergy Retreat by the Reverend John Matheson The Right Reverend Gregory KerrWilson, Bishop of Qu’Appelle
Bishop’s Easter Message from The Right Reverend Gregory Kerr-Wilson, Bishop of Qu’Appelle (Cont’d) through over time, which nonetheless becomes a pivotal point that is decisive for who they are. The combination of personal and societal levels gives rise to a particular kind of identity, of which we are often unconscious and by which we are frequently controlled: a kind of slavery to the ongoing dynamics of internal compulsions and external demands. The Christian Gospel recognizes that there is a third story which is both fully engaged with and yet also beyond the stories of self and society. That story is, of course, God's story: the story of the one who created this world in which our personal and social realities have been both formed and deformed and also the one to whom all things return at the end of time. This is the one who is truth and love and against which all our stories and moments, values, priorities and choices will be measured. At the heart of God's great story, the pivotal moment around which all human life turns is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That pivot point is all about freedom. Not freedom in the personal sense of being able to do whatever I want; nor freedom in the societal sense of having as few social constraints on my actions and choices as possible; but the freedom of God's Holy Spirit, set loose through this decisive action by God, by which we are being freed of both those inner, human compulsions which drive us and the hidden powers and constraints of our society,so that we might be formed and reformed into the image of Christ, transformed into vessels or temples of God's holy presence in the world. The journey of Lent has been all about preparing for this great Easter feast, by surrendering our lives through the way of the Cross to the transforming work of the Spirit.
LUMSDEN (QuA) - Bishop Malcolm Harding (former bishop of Brandon) was the conductor, the first week of February was the time and St. Michael's Retreat Centre was the place for the annual Saskatoon-Qu'Appelle pre-lenten clergy retreat. This year, the arrangements were in the care of Bishop Rod Andrews and members of the Diocese of Saskatoon. Bishop Harding, for the five years since his retirement has been the Ambassador for Anglican Renewal Ministries and in this capacity has responded to invitations from close to 150 parishes in 25 dioceses. "Let us in this day and place nurture silence" said Bishop Harding to almost 30 stipendiary and retired clergy. The silence continued from Monday evening into Thursday morning within a pattern of six addresses, daily celebrations of Holy Eucharist and Evening Prayer and the customarily excellent meals provided by St. Michael's Centre. Private conferences with Bishop Harding were available. Bishop Harding insisted on clergy need for a dose of self-care, for which there is not much time in a 60-85 hour work week and compromised days off. " God willing, our days will be for each of us a time of spiritual cleansing, healing, renewal and empowerment," he said. He offered embarkation on a more spirit-filled and spirit-led style of ministry. Insights and disciplines to develop this were described, encouraged and enabled. In building community and as examples of Divine Grace challenging and healing human confusion and weakness, Bishop Harding described times of crisis and transformation in his own life and ministry. Further, it had been arranged that within occasions of worship two retreatants from the diocese of Saskatoon would share “witness talks” arising from trials and triumphs of their own pilgrimages and renewal experiences. Bishop Harding indicated such testimony was increasingly common in the Church of England. It was made clear that the pastoral role is that of Servant-Leader, rather than Leading Servant. The role to be lived must be that of Leader.
For change of address, undeliverable copies and subscription list updates contact: your parish, circulation@national.anglican.ca or send to Saskatchewan Anglican c/o Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Street Toronto ON M4Y 3G2 Published by the dioceses of Qu’Appelle, Saskatoon and Saskatchewan. All submissions must be sent to the Associate Editors by the beginning of the last week of the month preceeding publication.
Diocese of Saskatchewan: Upcoming Events Convocation of the James Settee College. March 13, 5 p.m. St. Alban's Cathedral, Prince Albert. Banquet to follow at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre. For further information contact the Ven. Michael Averyt 763-2455, ext. 4. First Nations' Youth Conference. April 11 to 13. Montreal Lake Cree Nation. Coordinators: the Rev. Beryl Whitecap & the Rev. Wilfred Sanderson. Annual Diocesan Lay Readers' Licensing Service. April 15, 4 p.m. St. Alban's Cathedral, Prince Albert. Dinner to follow Camp Okema Society Banquet. April 20, 5:30 p.m. St. Alban's Cathedral Hall, Prince Albert. Regional Evangelism Conference for Turtleford Deanery. April 24, 7 p.m. Glaslyn. Regional Evangelism Conference for Melfort Deanery. April 25, 7 p.m. Tisdale. Regional Evangelism Conference for Prince Albert Deanery. April 26, 7 p.m. Prince Albert. Diocesan ACW Annual Meeting. April 28, 9:30 a.m. St. Alban's Cathedral Hall, Prince Albert. Service to follow at 11am. Turtleford Deanery ACW Spring Meeting. All Saints' Church, Fort Pitt. 10:30 a.m. Prince Albert Deanery ACW Spring Deanery. Monday, May 7th, 10 a.m. St. David's Church, Prince Albert. Diocesan Indian Council. April 30 to May 1. Prince Albert Inn, Prince Albert. St. Matthew's, Tisdale 100th Anniversary Celebrations. Registration & Tea: June 9, 2 p.m to 5 p.m. St. Matthew's Hall 1304 98th St., Tisdale. 100th Anniversary Social & Banquet with Guest Speaker & Entertainment 6 p.m. Tisdale & District Golden Age Centre 1117 98th St. For further information contact Bernice Lawrence 306-873-2197 balawrence@sasktel.net Interdenominational Ladies Day Out. June 12-14. 4 pm arrival time. Women of all denominations and from throughout Saskatchewan are invited to this annual time of refreshment and reflection. This speaker is the Rev'd Tracey Lloyd Smith, parent, poet and pastor! Cost: $50. Please contact Doris Wiedeen (306-468-2754) or Linda Lawrence (306-862-5324) for more information. Please bring a potluck dish for supper!
John Bowen to lead Regional Evangelism Conferences by Staff PRINCE ALBERT (Sask) - Three regional evangelism conferences will be held in the Diocese of Saskatchewan this April. They will be led by distinguished evangelist John Bowen. These events are part of the Diocesan Year of Conversion and Initiative, proclaimed by Bishop Anthony Burton at the Diocesan Evangelism Conference 'Bringing in the Sheaves' last fall. The Great Chapter Meetings are tentatively set for Glaslyn, Tisdale, and Prince Albert on the 24th, 25th, and 26th of April,
Managing Editors: Fred Stephens, 51 - 10th St. NE, Weyburn SK. S4H 1G8 Phone 306-842-7235 Email: candfstephens@sasktel.net Qu’Appelle: Barbara-Lynn Dixon, 41 Angus Crescent Regina SK S4T 6N1 Phone: 306-525-6935 Email:bldixon@accesscomm.ca Saskatoon: Peter Coolen, 820Avenue I South Saskatoon SK S7M 1Z3 Phone: 306-244-0935 Email: ptrcoolen@sasktel.net Saskatchewan: The Reverend Christopher Snook, P.O. Box 198 Paradise Hill SK S0M 2G0 Phone 306-344-5405 Email: saskangl@sasktel.net
respectively, from 7:00-9:30 pm.The Reverend John Bowen is the Director of the Institute of Evangelism based at Wycliffe College, Toronto, where he is also an Assistant Professor. The Institute of Evangelism offers courses in communication, leadership, culture and how to make churches user-friendly. Before coming full-time to Wycliffe in 1999, Dr. Bowen worked with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for over quarter of a century, in Britain, Canada and the USA. During the 1990's, he initiated a ministry called Dare, involving a combination of teaching about evangelism and evangelistic speaking. He completed his Doctor of Ministry studies at McMaster University in 1999 with a thesis on how to train people in evangelistic speaking.
Published monthly except July and August Published from 51 - 10th Street NE, Weyburn SK S4H 1G8 Printed and mailed from Signal Star Publishing A division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Goderich ON N7A 4B6 Subscription rate: $10.00 in Canada; $17.00 outside Canada Whole No. 292, Vol. 33, No. 5 Publications Mail Agreement No. 40069670 A Section of Anglican Journal
The Saskatchewan Anglican,-April 2007 3
Events Qu'Appelle April 2007
A Day in the Life of Adam Halkett
April 9 - 12A three-day private retreat will be held at St Michael's Retreat Centre, Lumsden from 9:00 a.m. Easter Monday to 9:00 a.m. Easter Thursday. This will be a time to pray, reflect and celebrate Easter with the Retreat Team at morning and evening prayer along with private time to rest and to listen to God. Please phone 306.731.3316; fax: 306.731.3807; e-mail: office@stmichaelsretreat.ca. Cost is $200.00.
by Archdeacon Michael Averyt
April 20, 21, 22 The Diocesan Lay Retreat will take place at St. Michael's Retreat Centre, Lumsden. Retreat conductor is the Reverend Derek Nicholls. The theme is Travelling Home with God. “As we journey through the Old and New Testaments we will evaluate our own journeying from birth to the present times in our lives. The experiences of familiar figures in the scriptures will enable us to know that our human journeying is with Christ in all things. A verse from a well known hymn 'We are travelling home to God in the ways the Fathers trod' will be a constant guide during our time together.” the cost: $140.00 payable at the Retreat Centre. Please contact the synod office for information. April 21 The annual ACW meeting will be held in Moose Jaw at St. Aidan Church. The speaker will be Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson. April 25 The celebration of the ordination to the diaconate of Jean Dreher will take place at St. Matthew, Regina.
St. David's afterschool club enrolls 80 children by the Reverend Guy Bellerby PRINCE ALBERT (Sask) - “David's Place” Kid's Club has been running now for two years at St. David's Church in Prince Albert. In those two years more than 80 children have registered in the program which meets for a ten-week term twice a year. The need for a children's mid-week program was recognized one summer following the VBS program when parish leaders realized that many of the children who attended were from the neighborhood schools and did not attend any Sunday School program. The parish advertises in the community, through two of the schools in the parish as well as in our own church. About 25 children register for the program and an average of 8-10 children attend. We still advertise the program, but children usually hear about David's Place from each other, or parents hear from other parents. The curriculum is 'Home Grown', written by the parish, is Bible-based and has so far covered “Parables Jesus Told”, “Cool Places Jesus Visited”, “People Who
St. Luke Church busy with Outreach Programs by the Reverend Derek Nicholls
Photo contirbuted
The Reverend Guy Bellerby Knew Jesus” and “Who Is Jesus?” (based on Mark's gospel). 90 minutes together includes the Bible story, singing and praying, lessons and crafts, snacks and games. 'Table Talks' are simple follow-up studies, with one question the child can ask at the supper table that evening. The children are also learning Bible skills: Where is the Old Testament and the New Testament; How are they different and the same; What is the address of our story (Book, chapter, verse); and reading from the Bible. A five year old excitedly exclaimed, “I never read the Bible before!” after reading his two verses. Crafts have included making picture frames with popsicle stick and puzzle pieces to frame our art projects, paper bag puppets to tell the story, and door hangers that illustrate if you're feeling sick and well. Indoors - it's too cold outside for little ones in the October to March season we play “Bucket Ball,” “Miniature Golf,” “Frisbee Relay”, “Paper Airplane Flying” (from the church balcony) and once the Primate, Andrew Hutchison, and his personal secretary, joined us in a game of “Parable Jeopardy.” The ministry is highly co-operative: members of the parish take turns as Bible Story Tellers and several of the Grandmothers bake cookies for us. One of the Ladies groups and several parishioners are financial sponsors, making sure there are adequate craft and lesson supplies, equipment for games and milk for snack time. The rector leads the singing and games, while the lay leader of David's Place teaches the Bible lesson. Many of the children who come still don't yet appear with their parents on Sunday. This program is very evangelistic, and a great encouragement for the congregation, which is growing in its own understanding and ability to share the Gospel. As it is written, “and a little child shall lead them”!
am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die...” "I
John 11:25-26
MONTREAL LAKE (Sask) - Is Archdeacon Halkett a busy man? His week begins on Sunday, with a service in Weyakwin at 11 a.m., a community north of Montreal Lake, where he lives, returning home for a service in his own community at 3 p.m. Often he takes services in other communities which do not have a priest to celebrate Holy Communion for them. Unless there is a meeting, he is able to spend the evening with his family. Monday through Friday Archdeacon Halkett works an 8:30-5:00 job as a counsellor with the NNADAP (National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programme). This is a necessity, as he is a non-stipendiary priest. People come to him on their own, as well as being referred to him by doctors, the Courts and the Indian Family Agency Service. Archdeacon Halkett finds this work very tiring. 'I want to help these people so badly, yet I feel so powerless. I try my best, but it takes a lot of energy.' Archdeacon Halkett's priestly duties are fitted into his 'free' time. A death in the community is quite demanding on his schedule. Customarily there are wake services for two or three nights from 8:00 to 11:00 pm with prayers and a sermon, with the burial on the following day. Since the burial is an all-day affair, culminating in a supper for the guests, it is necessary for him to take the day off from his work with the NNADAP. He is thankful that the Chief and Council understand this and are willing to accommodate him. Between his own congregation at Montreal Lake and those congregations currently without a priest, Archdeacon Halkett averages three funerals a month. Two or three times a month Archdeacon Halkett makes the trip south into Prince Albert for hospital visits or to do assessment for those in jail, as well as for Diocesan meetings. While Saturdays are spent preparing for Sunday and the week ahead, Adam tries to squeeze in some family time. He says he is very fortunate that his wife, Theresa, children and stepchildren, are so supportive of his ministry. Not to mention his six grandchildren! Archdeacon Halkett explains that he can't imagine not being a priest-it is so much a part of his being, that he doesn't really have a choice. 'It's made such a turn around in my life, and nothing is more important. The work of the church is important in all our communities, and I appreciate working with our elders, with baptism, preparation for confirmation, marriages, and celebrating the Holy Communion. It makes me happy seeing people hear the Gospel and respond to it. The ministry has made a difference in our community, especially in dealing with alcoholism and family problems.' 'I am glad to be an Archdeacon and to have the opportunity to work with the Bishop, the other Archdeacon, and the clergy in this way. It gives strength to know you are not working alone.' Is Archdeacon Halkett a busy man? The answer is a definite 'Yes!' One only hopes that someday he will have an opportunity to sleep in.
REGINA - St. Luke Church, Regina, was a busy parish during the past December and January with special outreach programs. December saw the St. Luke's Auxiliary prepare 19 Christmas hampers, eight of which went to single mothers at Balfour High School. Knitted mitts, scarves and hats were sent to Kitchener School and Albert School, including some for the hampers. The Sunday School sponsored two projects for children overseas. A project for school supplies offered by the Mennonite Church produced two boxes of gift bags which were sent to their headquarters in Saskatoon. (Leaflets about this project are available from Mennonite Gift Stores.) The World Vision Christmas Gift Campaign received $200 which enabled a community family in Africa to receive a goat, two turkeys and supplies of vitamin A for six children. On January 28 the congregation hosted a closing service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, bringing together churches in the Lakeview and Albert Park areas. In attendance were Anglicans, Roman Catholics, Evangelical Lutherans, Mennonites and Baptists, all of whom participated in the service. Together with a prayer service held at Grace Mennonite Church a total of $700 was raised to be sent to South Africa in support of HIV/AIDS sufferers.
Where is God? A couple had two little boys, ages 8 and 10, who were excessively mischievous. They were always getting into trouble and their parents knew that, if any mischief occurred in their town, their sons were probably involved. They boys' mother heard that a clergyman in town had been successful in disciplining children, so she asked if he would speak with her boys. The clergyman agreed, but asked to see them individually. So the mother sent her 8-yearold first, in the morning, with the older boy to see the clergyman in the afternoon. The clergyman, a huge man with a booming voice, sat the younger boy down and asked him sternly, "Where is God?". They boy's mouth dropped open, but he made no response, sitting there with his mouth hanging open, wide-eyed. So the clergyman repeated the question in an even sterner tone, "Where is God!!?" Again the boy made no attempt to answer. So the clergyman raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy's face and bellowed, "WHERE IS GOD!?" The boy screamed and bolted from the room, ran directly home and dove into his closet, slamming the door behind him. When his older brother found him in the closet, he asked, "What happened?" The younger brother, gasping for breath, replied, "We are in BIG trouble this time, dude. God is missing - and they think WE did it!"
4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, April 2007
OBITUARIES Mallon, Archbishop Peter by the Reverend Derek Nicholls REGINA - The death of Archbishop Peter Mallon, former Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Regina, was felt within the ecumenical community in southern Saskatchewan and beyond. Archbishop Mallon died February 3 and Holy Rosary Cathedral was filled by bishops, clergy and lay people on February 8 for a funeral mass celebrated by the present Archbishop of Regina, Daniel Bohan, assisted by three other bishops. The homily was delivered by Archbishop James Weisgerber of Winnipeg. A memorandum written by Archbishop Mallon in June 2005 was read on his behalf by Archbishop Weisgerber, in which Mallon welcomed a time of suffering during his cancer illness. He is remembered as a quiet and gentle man, serving his Lord with faithfulness and devotion from the time of his ordination as a priest in May 1956, his appointments by Pope John Paul II as Bishop of Nelson, British Columbia from 1990 to 1995 and as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Regina from July 1995 until March 2005. Archbishop Mallon will be remembered for his ecumenical relationships with other denominations, including being a signatory of an operational agreement among the Franciscans at St. Michael's Retreat House in Lumsden, along with the Anglican Bishop of Qu'Appelle and the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Saskatchewan. Among ecumenical representatives at the funeral mass were retired Bishop Duncan Wallace and Bishop Gregory KerrWilson, Qu'Appelle; Bishop Cindy Halmarson, Evangelical Lutheran Church In Canada (ELCIC); Pastor Bob Leeson, ELCIC; Fr. Derek Nicholls, Anglican; Fr. Brent Kuzyk representing the Orthodox Churches and, as well, members of the Muslim and Hindu religions were present. Representatives from the Lt. Governor, the Government of Saskatchewan, the Legislative Assembly and the judiciary attended also. Archbishop Peter Mallon is survived by two sisters and two nieces, as well as the clergy, religious and laity of the Archdiocese of Regina.
Photo Contributed courtesy of the Archdiocese of Regina
Photo Contributed
Archbishop Peter Mallon
The Right Reverend Frederick Hugh Wright Crabb, , D. D.
Crabb, the Right Reverend Frederick Hugh Wright, D. D.
resulted in the building of both buildings. Fred was Principal during the amalgamation of Emmanuel with St. Chad's College, Regina and was the first Principal of the combined collages. From 1964 to 1967 he was Honorary Canon of Saskatoon. In 1967 Fred resigned his position at Emmanuel and the family moved to Calgary. In Calgary he was first an Associate Priest at Christ Church and later Rector at St. Stephen's. He was named the Bishop of Athabasca (eighth) in 1975 and subsequently in 1977 the Archbishop of Athabasca (first) and Metropolitan of Rupert's Land (ninth). He was given honorary Doctor of Divinity Degrees by Wycliffe College, Toronto in 1960, St. Andrew's College, Saskatoon, in 1967 and the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, Saskatoon in 1979. In 1981 he took part (along with Bishop-elect Gary Woolsey) in the Partnership in Mission Consultation in The Sudan. Fred retired to Calgary in 1983, however even in retirement he remained very active in the local church community and was Assistant Priest at St. Cyprian's, Calgary, Examining Chaplain to Morse Lamb Goodman (Calgary), and served as a Public Member of the Governing Council of Athabasca University. He is survived by his loving wife Margery; sons, John (Molly), Peter (Janine); and daughters, Alison and Elizabeth; grandchildren, Rebecca, Fred (Amanda), David, Shonna (Tim), Becky, Derek and Melissa; and his brother Jim and sister Nancy of Devon, England. Bishop Derek Hoskin and Archbishop John Clark took part in a memorial service for Dr. Crabb on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at Holy Cross Anglican Church, Calgary. We extend our sympathies to his wife Marjory, their children, spouses and families and to his brother and sister.
SASKATOON --. The Right Reverend Frederick Hugh Wright Crabb, D. D. passed away Saturday, February 24th, 2007 in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 91. Fred was born in 1915 was raised on a farm in Devon, England, attended church parochial schools there and later left home to pursue his life-long service in the ministry. In 1939 he was awarded a Bachelor of Divinity with First Class Honors from the University of London and an Associateship from the London College of Divinity. Fred was Ordained a Deacon in 1939 and Priested in 1940 and began his service with curacies in Teignmouth and Plymouth, Great Britain. In 1942 he traveled to Akot, Southern Sudan with the Church Missionary Society, where he met his future wife Margery Coombs who was also engaged in missionary work there; they married and started a family. In 1945 Fred went to Bishop Gwyanne College, Mundri, Southern Sudan and from 1949 to 1951 was Principal there. From 1949 to 1951 he was also the Examining Chaplain to the Bishop of the Sudan. Fred and his family returned to England in 1951, where he became Vice Principal of the London College of Divinity for five years and Acting Principal for a further year. From 1956 to 1957 he was also Commissary for Bishop Allison (Sudan) and Archbishop Ngalamu (Province of the Sudan). In 1957 Fred became Principal of Emmanuel College at the University of Saskatchewan and subsequently moved his family to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Emmanuel's McLean Hall and St. Chad's Chapel were built during Dr. Crabb's time as Principal; he led the financial campaigns which
Reverend John Middleton
photo
courtesy of the Melville Advance
Middleton, the The Reverend Harry Miller Reverend Inspector Miller, the John Patrick, RCMP Reverend Harry (Rtd.) MELVILLE (QuA) - The SASKATOON-The Reverend Inspector John Patrick Middleton, RCMP (Rtd.) died on February 3rd, 2007 while visiting with family in Comox, B.C. John had been in poor health for many years however the cause of his death was pneumonia complicated by heart problems following a fall. John was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on July 10th, 1934. He proudly served with the RCMP for 29 years. Following retirement from the RCMP John entered the ministry being Ordained in 1986 and Priested in 1987. Following Ordination John served as Honorary Assistant at St. Stephen's, Saskatoon. John also served as an assistant in the Hospital Chaplaincy from 1987 to 1991, was chaplain to the Saskatoon RCMP Veterans for several years, was created the first chaplain to the Saskatoon Police Service in 1993 and provided pastoral care to senior's residences and care homes. John provided pastoral care to Watrous Parish in 1998, was Priest-In-Charge at Christ Church, Saskatoon in 1999 and from 1999, until his death, served as Honorary Assistant at St. Stephen's, Saskatoon. Left to celebrate his life and to morn his passing are his beloved wife of 50 years Rita ; his children, Terry-Ann (Chris) Paperniek, John (Cindy) Middleton, Kevin (Elizabeth) Middleton, Kent (Maarit) Middleton; his grandchildren. Erin, Heather, Jason, Jalynn, Rachel, Sarah, Dora, Sonia and Ben; his sisters-in-law, Emily Tenwolde and Millie Smedley; his brother-in-law, Raymond Quann (Christine); and many cousins. A celebration of John's life was held on Saturday, February 10th, 2007 at St. Stephen's Anglican Church, Saskatoon with the Rev. Don Byrt and the Venerable Larry Mitchell officiating; the service was followed by a time of fellowship and refreshment in the church hall and interment in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.
Reverend Harry Miller died on February 4 with the funeral held at All Saints Church, Melville. The Reverend Ken Buchan officiated. Harry Miller was priested in Prince Albert in 1952 and licensed to Qu'Appelle Diocese in 1960. He has served in St. George, Moose Jaw/ Saltcoats; Canora; Holy Faith/Melville and was rural dean of Pelly. Mr. Miller is survived by his wife, Margaret and five children: Jim, Marilyn, Ben, Margaret and Grant.
Ahenakew, Alice ATAHKAKOOP FIRST NATION (Sask) - Mrs. Alice Ahenakew, who was one of Saskatchewan's foremost authorities on Cree spirituality, language and culture, and a pillar of St. Mark's Church, Atahkakoop First Nation, died February 13 at the Shellbrook hospital of pneumonia. She was 94. Mrs. Ahenakew was known for her warmth, intelligence, unwavering commitment to Christ, and unbuttoned sense of humour. An indefatigable woman of many parts, Mrs. Ahenakew loved country life and was in her element picking berries and entertaining visitors and family, cooking traditional fare and sharing traditional knowledge. She was formidable in her support of her church; for fifty years she provided beadwork for ACW sales, and organized fundraising activites. She also arranged for bales of clothing to be sent from churches in Ontario which she discretely distributed to poor families in her community. When the church was without a minister, she took the services herself. On one occasion, while conducting Morning Prayer, the elastic on her bloomers broke. Her response was immediate: “Let us pray,� she said. Outside of church, she was a fund of earthy wit; her reputation was such that a nightclub owner once offered her a job as a standup comedian. She
The Saskatchewan Anglican, April 2007 5
Camp Okema 2007 Summer Program Summer will soon be here so check out what Camp Okema has to offer. We've got another great camp season waiting for you. You won't want to miss it! Who We Are: We are a camp situated on Emma Lake, near beautiful Prince Albert National Park. We are primarily a ministry of the Anglican Dioceses of Saskatchewan and Saskatoon, but we are open to all who wish to enjoy one of our programs. Camp Okema is operated by the Okema Society for Christian Development, a non-profit corporation with an elected Board of Directors. Our Mission: To develop Christian faith, friendship, and fun in the camp setting. Photo contributed
Alice Ahenakew declined the offer but even in her 90s would readily jig at public occasions. She attracted the interest of Cree scholars who recorded her recollections, some of which were published by the University of Manitoba Press under the title, âhâyîtaw isi ê-kî-kiskêyihtahkik maskihkiy / They Knew Both Sides of Medicine: Cree Tales of Curing and Cursing Told by Alice Ahenakew. A second book is due to be published this year. Mary Alice Busch Ahenakew was born in 1912 in Spokane, WA, but was raised in Sturgeon Lake Reserve, SK. She married at the age of 19 to a young post-cutter, Andrew Ahenakew, with whom she had nine children. Her husband was the last protégé of the legendary Archdeacon Edward Ahenakew who bequeathed him his books. Andrew was ordained in 1958 and with his wife served the communities of Big Whitefish Reserve and Ahtahkakoop Reserve which flourished under their care. Archdeacon Ahenakew also served the communities of Witchikan, Pelican Lake, and Monteal Lake, and as Part-time Chaplain to the Saskatchewan, Stony Mountain and Drumheller Penitentiaries where he enjoyed a sterling reputation. He wrote our Diocese's response to the 1969 Hendry Report, Beyond Traplines. The Archdeacon and his wife also offered a healing ministry employing traditional medicine. Andrew Ahenakew died in 1976. Her funeral was conducted by Bishop Burton and Archdeacon Averyt. Chief Lawrence Joseph of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, Mrs. Priscilla Joseph, Burton Ahenakew, Chief Larry Ahenakew, former Chief Barry Ahenakew were among those who paid tribute to her. She was buried beside her husband in a grave just outside the door of old St. Mark's Church within view of a large building under construction -- an Anglican church which she had worked for many years to bring about to the glory of God and for the sake the generation to come. Mrs. Ahenakew is survived by her children; Arthur (Simone) Ahenakew of Ahtahkakoop First Nation, Della Delorme of Cochin, SK., Hazel Bear of Prince Albert, SK., Harvey (Linda) Ahenakew of Ahtahkakoop First Nation, Arnold (Jean) Ahenakew of Prince Albert, SK., Inez (Kerry) Paul of Prince Albert, SK., Sheldon Bowman of Ahtahkakoop First Nation, a daughter-in-law, Connie Peekeekoot of Prince Albert, SK., 47 grandchildren, numerous great and greatgreat grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Our Camps: We offer a variety of camps through July and August to children, teens, families, and adults. Check our website at www.okema.ca to see our summer program schedule. Rentals: Camp Okema is available for rental during late May, June, late August, and September. For available dates and rates, contact Les Martin at 982-3095 or e-mail rentals@okema.ca. Banquets: Join us at one of our fun(d)-raising banquets for good food and fellowship, and to learn more about Camp Okema. Prince Albert and Area Banquet - St. Alban's Parish Hall, April 20 at 6 p.m. Saskatoon and Area Banquet - St. John's Parish Hall, Saskatoon, April 21 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available through parish representatives. Employment Opportunities: Camp Okema has three positions available for summer employment: Maintenance Person, Lifeguard, and Camp Administrator. Contact Les Martin (982-3095) regarding the Maintenance position. For the other positions contact Steve Mitchell at (306) 756-2541 or e-mail okema@okema.ca. Volunteers Needed: Camp Okema depends on volunteers! We need you this summer - cooks, chaplains, activity leaders, nurses, and counselors are all needed for our camp program. For more information call Janice Kerr at (306)-757-7656 or e-mail progam@okema.ca. Opening Work Weekend: Join us during the long weekend of May 19 -21 as we prepare the camp for the camping season. There will be lots of jobs to do…. cleaning, raking, painting, repairing etc….along with good food, fun, and fellowship! Contact Les Martin at 982-3095 or e-mail lakesideroost@sasktel.net if you are interested in attending the Opening Weekend. Counselor Training: Our Counselor Training Weekend will run simultaneously with the Opening Work Weekend. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in counseling this summer to develop skills needed for working with children at camp. Contact Janice Kerr at (306) 757-7656 or e-mail program@okema.ca for further information. Open House: Everyone is welcome to join us at Camp Okema on Sunday, July 1 for an afternoon of fun, food, and worship. Watch for more details in your parish. Questions: Call Steve Mitchell at (306) 756-2541 or e-mail okema@okema.ca.
Book Reviews Living Together in the Church: Including Our Differences Grieg Dunn and Chris Ambidge, editors ABC Publishing, 2004 ISBN 1-55126-415-3, soft cover, 271 pages, $24.95 The Homosexuality Debate: Faith Seeking Understanding Catherine Sider Hamiltor, editor ABC Publishing, 2003 ISBN 1-55126-397-1, soft cover, 277 pages, $24.95 No topic has encouraged Anglicans in recent years to think more deeply about their faith than the controversy in the church. The choices being made in the New Westminster Diocese and the Diocese of New Hampshire have brought out the best and worst in our behaviour. The best is shown by people examining their beliefs about authority in the church and noticing the individual differences in fellow Anglicans. The worst comes out when people get so frustrated they give up and start name calling.
The first years of the 21st century have seen two books published by ABC Publishing that contribute in positive ways to the discussion of homosexuality and the Anglican Church: The Homosexuality Debate and Living Together in the Church. The first gives us a traditional approach, while the second represents more liberal thinking. The Debate book includes three writers representing a liberal point of view, but none who identify themselves as gay. Most of the Debate writers are theology professors (nine out of eleven). A very readable article by Rowan Williams is included in the Debate book. The Living Together authors come from across Canada, and include also onepriest from South Africa and one priest from Brazil. Eric Beresford, the Anglican Church's [former] consultant for ethics and interfaith relations, has an article in each of the two books. The titles are significant in showing the approach each book takes. The Homosexuality Debate sees the issue as one with a right and wrong side: a debate typically has a winner and a loser. Living Together in the Church, on the other hand, is an attempt to establish a dialogue on the subject of same-sex couples in the Anglican Church. These two books have
several positive features. First, like other scholarly books they help us develop concepts and learn the language of their subject. Second, these two booksexplore the Bible in depth for insights on authority and relationships between the sexes. Third, they introduce us to a number of concerned Anglican Christians. Most notably they give us a peek inside the minds of theologians. Fourth, they model a civilized discussion of this hot topic, putting it in context as only one issue in the faith of Anglicans. The reviewer found that these two books changed her perceptions of the issues and left her ready to discuss them less emotionally. Recommended specifically for ministers and for people leading discussion groups on the same-sex issue. While not generally recommended because of the scholarly level of the writing, the high interest level will make the book readable for many people. Reviewed by Ruby McBeth, Caledonia Times, November 2006
6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, April 2007
“GUYANA or BUST” Continued (The first part of this story appeared in the March edition of the Saskatchewan Anglican) By: Elaine Hrycenko -SASKATOON-- The Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon ACW Executive sent two of their members to visit the Anglican Diocese of Guyana for two weeks at the end of January 2007; Jacqueline Plante, from Saskatoon (Bishop Rodney Andrews' wife and the ACW Patroness) and Elaine Hrycenko, from Preeceville, (ACW Convenor of Mission Projects and Social Action and the Diocesan ACW link with the Mothers' Union in Guyana) were sent. Elaine is a member of St. James Anglican Church, Endeavour in the Lintlaw/Endeavour Parish. “I finally met my Guyanese sisters face to face,” said Elaine. Guyana is situated on the northeastern shoulder of South America with a short coastline of 270 miles and is surrounded by the countries Brazil, Venezuela, and Surinam. The country covers an area of 83,000 sq. miles with a population of approx. 800,000. Most of the population is concentrated on the flat narrow coastland which is below sea level and hot all the year round and supports the growth of rice and sugar, the two most important crops. Moving away from the coastlands is a different world; mountains, waterfalls, rain forests and savannah lands peopled by the Amerindian or indigenous people. Transportation in the interior is mainly by water and foot. The Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon and the Anglican Diocese of Guyana have been companion dioceses since the year 2000. The purpose of this companionship is to celebrate together the faith we share in our Lord Jesus Christ, to affirm our fellowship in the Gospel within the Anglican Communion, to learn from each other and to find ways to support and encourage each other in mission. The linking women's organization in the Diocese of Saskatoon is the Anglican Church Women (ACW) and the women's organization in the Diocese of Guyana is the Mothers' Union (MU). The Diocese of Saskatoon has supported the Diocese of Guyana in the past financially, with visits by Bishop Andrews and The Very Reverend Terry Wiebe and with prayer and correspondence. The MU promotes “Christian care for families worldwide.” The MU which was founded by Mary Sumner, in England, in 1876, is now the largest of thewomen's organizations throughout the Anglican Communion
Photo- Elaine Hrycenko and Jacqueline Plante-
Elaine and Jacqueline with Bishop Randolph George and his wife Sheila at their residence, Austin House Photo- Elaine Hrycenko and Jacqueline Plante-
Send off for Jacqueline and Elaine (far right) at Saskatoon Airport
Photo- Elaine Hrycenko and Jacqueline Plante-
Sheran Harper, President of the Mothers' Union, Diocese of Guyana and Leila Austin, President of the Mothers' Union, Province of the West Indies with a Mothers' Union adopted child, Santa Mission
Photo- Elaine Hrycenko and Jacqueline Plante
Elaine and Jacqueline with Day Care children, Georgetown-
Photo- Elaine Hrycenko and Jacqueline Plante-
Photo- Elaine Hrycenko and Jacqueline Plante-
Jacqueline and Elaine with their gift baskets made by Patricia (centre), Santa Mission.
Photo- Elaine Hrycenko and Jacqueline Plante-
Elaine and Jacqueline being presented with a photo plaque for the Diocese of Saskatoon
Elaine and Jacqueline presenting Zandra Hafeez, the Supervisor of Queenstown Day Care Centre, with a cheque for the Day Care from the Diocese of Saskatoon
and, is still spreading over the world. Elaine and Jacqueline were officially welcomed to Guyana by St. Sidwell Church Mothers' Union Branch in a presentation portraying the seven races of Guyana: Amerindian, East Indian, African, Portuguese, European, Chinese and Mixed Race and singing a welcome song. Each lady was in cultural costume and holding one letter of the word “WELCOME”. The afternoon continued with fun,
food and fellowship. The Guyanese MU had planned a very interesting and intense two week itinerary for their guests from Saskatoon. Programs were planned by parishes, congregations, vestries, youth groups and program facilitators in Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, and throughout the Diocese. “Wherever we went, we were warmly received and welcomed, honored as visiting sisters from the ACW, Diocese of Saskatoon, Canada, given gifts,
The Saskatchewan Anglican, April 2007 7
“GUYANA or BUST” Continued given many hugs and kisses, by these Godly people. We felt so loved. The love of God was evident. We were entertained with creative songs just for us, and with their cultural songs and dances. Testimonies and witnesses of God working in their lives were shared. We prayed, sang, laughed and cried together-the MU of the Diocese of Guyana and the ACW of the Diocese of Saskatoon. To God be all the glory” said Jacqueline and Elaine. Visits were also arranged to the Sea Wall, a palm heart processing plant, museums, the zoo, gardens (parks), hospitals, schools, and the list goes on. Elaine and Jacqueline spent the first week of their trip at the home of the Diocese of Guyana MU President Sheran Harper and the last week with the Province of West Indies MU President Leila Austin and her husband Lloyd. The ladies also stayed several nights in rural parishes. There was only one opportunity to sleep under a bed net, in a rural vicarage which didn't have window 'mesh”. They also visited several times at Austin House, the home of the Anglican Bishop of Guyana, the Rt. Reverend Randolph George; he and his wife Sheila are very supportive of the MU. Sheila George has not only advanced the work of the MU within the Diocese of Guyana but extended the MU boundaries to the Church Province of the West Indies. Elaine and Jacqueline attended the Guyanese MU Annual General Meeting on Feb. 5th and 6th . The theme of the AGM was “Strengthening our Service to the Community.” After registration, there was a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Georges's Cathedral (at 143 feet, St. George's Cathedral is reputedly the worlds tallest wooden building-a real landmark in Georgetown).The Celebrant and preacher at the Mass was His Lordship, Bishop Randolph George, Bishop of Guyana. The AGM continued at the nearby Hotel Tower. This AGM was very similar to Church AGMs in Canada-greetings, reports, guest speaker, presentations, prayer, singing, meditations, financial reports, group discussions etc. Elaine and Jacqueline had an ACW/Saskatchewan/Canadian display at the AGM and give-a-ways for those present. There are Diocesan Day Care Centres in Georgetown-Bourda and Queenstown., which are special Mothers' Union outreach projects, Both were visited by Elaine and Jacqueline. During their visit, the Queenstown Day Care Centre celebrated it 25th Anniversary. Jacqueline unveiled the Anniversary Plaque; Elaine gave the Feature Talk “Relationships “. The Day Care Centres offer a high standard of Care Service to parents who have babies (from 4 months old), toddlers, tweenies, preschoolers, and after schoolers. Together the Centres take care of approximately 300 children with a staff of 33. Elaine and Jacqueline felt very much a part of the Queenstown Day Care Centre. The Supervisor, Zandra Hafeez, and Elaine's have been corresponding for several years. About a year ago, Bishop Rodney Andrews gave the Diocesan ACW $4000 from his Tractor Trek funds to be given as a gift to the Mothers' Union of Guyana. The funds were used at the
Queenstown Day Care Centre to tile the floor and paint the walls after a destructive flood a few years ago. At the AGM, Elaine and Jacqueline presented Zandra , Queenstown Day Care Supervisor, with a cheque for a further $2000 (approx. 332,000 Guyanese dollars) from the Diocese of Saskatoon ACW. Another highlight of the tripwas the scenic one hour boat ride from the Timehri Docks, across the Demarara River and up the calm winding Pokerero Creek, with its tall overhanging trees, to Santa Mission. Santa Mission is one closest indigenous commu nities to Georgetown. We visited with these warmhearted Arawak people at their Anglican Church giving them some supplies (rice, exercise books ), singing, praying, sharing and purchased some of their crafts. Apparently, since the late 1970's, the economic condition of Guyana has deteriorated significantly. The country has suffered from serious social dislocation and from political unrest, many people have left the country and more are considering their options. As a result of all this the Church, as well as the country in general, has suffered. There is the perennial problem of shortage of clergy and the continual economic turmoil. Elaine and Jacqueline noticed much poverty, poor housing, poor conditions in hospitals and schools, unemployment, garbage strewn about, what seemed to be lack of general maintenance of buildings and yards, vagrancy, they were told of the alcohol and drug problems, violence, poor wages, and so on. Elaine and Jacqueline were very impressed with the work of the Anglican Church in Guyana, most notably by the Mothers' Union, and their concern over the deteriorating conditions in Guyana. They saw how this strong organization empowers women and youth and even men through skills training, the enhancement of parenting skill (Mothers' Union Parenting Program), the provision of feeding programs and by supplying child care services for low income earners. The clergy and laity also do a heroic job in keeping the Faith alive and relevant whether it is among the many churches on the coast or among the far flung congregations and missions in the interior of Guyana. Elaine and Jacqueline felt the joining and sharing with their Sisters and Brothers-in-Christ in Guyana was a time for celebrating together the faith shared in the Lord Jesus Christ, a time of affirming the fellowship in the Gospel within the Anglican Communion, a time of learning from each other and a time of finding ways to support and encourage each other in mission. May God continue to Bless this Companionship.
Secret Service A parishioner who was an infrequent attender was coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door as he always is to shake hands. He grabbed the member by the hand and pulled him aside. The Priest said, "You need to join the Army of the Lord!" He replied, "I'm already in the Army of the Lord, Reverend." The rector questioned, "How come I don't see you except at Christmas and Easter?" He whispered back, "I'm in the secret service!"
Special Recognition for Regina Priest
Does Sprituality Need Organized Religion?
by Staff
by Frank Flegel
REGINA - A phone call alerted the Reverend Derek Nicholls that he was invited to attend a special gathering at Beth Jacob Synagogue. The occasion was a gathering of seven recipients who were to receive a recognition from the Art of Living Foundation. The Foundation is a non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to serving society. It is an international non-government structure in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Mr. Nicholls was cited with a Certificate of Honour recognising his many contributions and dedication to making a difference in society. His recognition included being the first chairman of the Regina Council of Churches, first chairman of the Regina Multi Faith Committee (now the Multi Faith Forum), commitment to the Monarchist League of Canada as local chairman for the past ten years and his ministry within the Diocese of Qu'Appelle. The Reverend Derek Nicholls is also a member of several other community organizations. In 2002 he received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and in 2005 the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal. Mr. Nicholls is Honorary Assistant at St. Luke Church, Regina.
REGINA- Two religious teachers February 2 debated the question: Does Real Spirituality need Organized religion. There was no conclusion but it provided for an hour of interesting discussion. The Reverend Dr. Peter Bisson S.J., Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Campion College, argued it does and Brenda Anderson, Lecturer of Religious Studies at Luther College at the University of Regina, said no. The discussion was the first in what Campion College hopes will become a regular event called Campion Controversies, where, as the title suggests, topics that may be controversial would be debated. Bisson recited the first line of a poem that said: Earth is crammed with heaven and every bush afire with God, (from Aurora Leigh by Elizabeth Barrett Browning) which Bisson said means anything can be an experience of God. “Spirituality is the experience and religion is organized to experience God,” He said spirituality can be experienced in many ways, art, music and culture but it is never expressed in isolation. One needs the support of the community. “Christian experience is living with the Holy Spirit and that reflects diversity and unity. The community evaluates the experience. Adequate spirituality produces unity and diversity, and that, Bisson concluded, is religion. Anderson talked of experiencing spirituality in places like Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island or the beauty of the open prairie with a huge blue sky and that sort of experience does not need organized religion. “Organized religion is composed of humans and open to error; organized religion often stands in the way of spirituality,” said Anderson. She compared organized religions to boxes from which people speak to others of their superiority. Anderson emphasized she was not speaking against organized religion but that it is not necessary to experience real spirituality. Bisson in response to questions said all organized religions have a system of self correction but he noted that sometimes it takes centuries for those corrections to occur.
Rhubarb by Linda Kort Rhubarb! The rhubarb's up. The grass is thick, lush, with a greenness of only the first grass of spring. The grass and the rhubarb. The robins make havoc. In the black of night I awoke And through my open window, their Praise song came and filled my house. They were waiting for the sky to turn to greyThe coming of the dawn. The robins, the grass, and the rhubarb. Think of the garden I will plant! It lies black and rich Like the life I've yet to live, Waiting like the birds. Seeds tucked into that cold earth, with energy and strength lie waiting… The birds, the grass, and the rhubarb. I am going to preserve the rhubarb. Bottle it up in sealers With red rubber rings To take with me on the long journey through winter. And when I eat that sour sweet syrup some cold winter's morning, My thoughts will be filled with springtime. Of greenness and of birds' songs in the night, Of a time when my garden Lay waiting to be planted.
An Atheist A young woman teacher with obvious liberal tendencies explained to her class of that she is an atheist. She asked her class if they are atheists too. Not knowing, but wanting to be like their teacher, their hands exploded into the air. There was, however, one exception. Lucy did not go along with the crowd. The teacher asked her why not. "Because I'm not an atheist." Then, asked the teacher, "What are you?" "I'm a Christian." The teacher, a little perturbed, her face slightly red,. asked Lucy why she is a Christian. "Well, I was brought up knowing and loving Jesus. My mom is a Christian, and my dad is a Christian, so I am a Christian." The teacher stated. "That's no reason. If your mom was a moron, and your dad was a moron what would you be then?" She paused, and smiled. "Then," said Lucy, "I'd be an atheist."
8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, April 2007
Did You Know... Some facts about Easter Easter is purported by many historians to be named after Eostra, a beautiful pagan goddess in whose honour festivals were held each year by early European tribes to mark the Vernal Equinox and the renewal of spring. Others believe that the name Easter is related to the rising of the sun in the East. The name for Easter in many European languages is derived from the name of the Jewish celebration, Passover: i.e. Pascha in Greek and Latin, Pasqua in Italian, Pacques in French, Pascua in Spanish The day on which Easter is celebrated was determined by the Council of Nicea in the year 325 AD. It was decreed that the first Sunday after the Full Moon that occurs on or after the Vernal (Spring) Equinox (March 21) the Paschal Full Moon - would mark the occasion of the Resurrection of Jesus.. If the Full Moon falls on a Sunday then Easter is the next Sunday. According to the bible: (9:00 am ) The third hour of the day - Jesus was nailed to the cross. ( 12:00 noon ). The Sixth Hour of the day - darkness covered the land ( 3:00 pm).The ninth hour of the day - the darkness left, and the Lord died The hours in the bible are calculated from the first hour of the day, being 6 in the morning. Mothering Sunday is always the middle Sunday in Lent . It was often called Refreshment Sunday because the fasting rules for Lent were relaxed, in honour of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, About four hundred years ago, people who lived in little villages made a point of going not to their local church but to the nearest big church which was called the Mother Church. Some would go to the nearest city to worship in the cathedral. People who visited their mother church would say they had gone "a mothering." Young English girls and boys 'in service' were only allowed one day to visit their family each year. This was usually Mothering Sunday. Often the housekeeper or cook would allow the maids to bake a cake to take home for their mother. Sometimes a gift of eggs; or flowers was taken. Flowers were traditional, because the young girls and boys could pick them on their way home through the meadows.
Did You Know.. St. Alban's Cathedral Sunday School: Growing with a Mission! by Archdeacon Michael Averyt PRINCE ALBERT (Sask) - In a large glass container in the back of St. Alban's Cathedral there are about twenty pounds of pennies peppered with some nickels, dimes, quarters and a few loonies and toonies. If you look closely you will notice two five dollars bills buried in the coins and one twenty! St. Alban's Sunday School adopted the Pennies for Paul project in November of 2006. They are collecting pennies, sometimes aggressively, from parents and parishioners to support the work of Canon Paul Jeffries. Canon Jeffries visited the Cathedral in the fall of 2006 and made a stirring presentation on his work as Principal of Bishop McAllister College in Uganda. He spoke of the positive work and great strides that school had made in providing an affordable education for young people. Many people are moved
by the stories of how children, especially those orphaned by AIDS, are unable to afford the minimal school fees. (Uganda does not have free universal secondary education). The School works through a New Brunswick Church to provide opportunities for those in Canada and the United States to sponsor a child's academic fees. The Sunday School is collecting their money to help purchase supplies and equipment for the School. Last year they raised more than $500 to purchase gifts of livestock for their needy neighbours abroad. Saint Alban's Sunday School continues to grow by leaps and bounds with numbers unknown for more than twenty years. Last year some 50 children participated in our Sunday School programme and the average Sunday attendance was 25. The Sunday School began working their way through the story and books of the Old Testament in September of 2006 after a consultation with parents and teachers at which
there as consensus that the children needed a sense and feel of the sweep and sequence of the biblical narrative. A lot of extra work has been taken on by the Superintendent and teachers to make the lessons fun. The children have painted fish and madeprints of their scales, hosted an outdoor Birthday party for the church at Pentecost, decorated tShirts, and recently presented the congregation with a magnificent coat of many colours. This fun has been matched by an emphasis on good old-fashioned memory work. In the past the whole Sunday School has worked on memorizing the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments and the Apostles' Creed as part of the Children's Talk in church. This year they are working on the books of the Old Testament and are loud and confident in reciting the first seven! The renewal of the Sunday School is a part of the Youth Action Plan which the Cathedral congregation developed and adopted in 2006.
The Twenty third Psalm The Lord is my shepherd This is RELATIONSHIP I shall not want
(Cont’d) Maundy Thursday - also called Holy Thursday is the feast or holy day on the Thursday before Easter that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. The name 'Maundy' is derived from the command or mandatum by Christ at the Last Supper, to love one another: 'And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.' John 15:12 In England today, the Queen follows a very traditional role of giving Maundy Money to a group of pensioners. The tradition of the Sovereign giving money to the poor dates from the 13th century. 'Maundy money' is distributed to male and female pensioners from local communities near the Cathedral or Abbey where the Royal Maundy Service takes place. In 1639 King Charles I distributed his Maundy money during the plague; and since that time everyone has carried nosegays of flowers, which traditionally were used to ward off the plague, to the ceremony. The amount of maundy money handed out is equal to the monarch’s age. In 2006 Queen Elizabeth handed out 80 pence to 80 men and 80 women. Maundy money is specially minted for the occasion and is legal tender.
This is SUPPLY He maketh me to lie down in green pastures This is REST He leadeth me beside the still waters This is REFRESHMENT He restoreth my soul This is HEALING He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
Good Friday The name probably is derived from 'God's Friday' in the same way that good-bye is derived from 'God be with ye'. It is considered 'good' because the barrier of sin was broken.
This is GUIDANCE For His name's sake This is PURPOSE Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death This is TESTING I will fear no evil This is PROTECTION For Thou art with me This is FAITHFULNESS Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me This is DISCIPLINE Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies This is HOPE Thou annointest my head with oil This is CONSECRATION My cup runneth over This is ABUNDANCE Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life This is BLESSING And I will dwell in the house of the Lord This is SECURITY Forever THIS IS ETERNITY!
'Hot cross buns' are traditionally eaten on Good Friday. Hot Cross Buns with their combination of spicy, sweet and fruity flavours have been an Easter tradition.for hundreds of years. From Edward III to Mary Tudor, monarchs used to bless a plateful of gold and silver rings every Good Friday at the Chapel Royal. By rubbing the rings between their fingers, the royal touch was believed to cure cramp and epilepsy. This custom was abolished during the reign of Elizabeth I. Holy Saturday is also known as Easter Even and the Great Sabbath. The term "Easter Even" was used by the 1549 Prayer Book. The 1979 BCP uses the title "Holy Saturday" for the Saturday before Easter.