April 2008 A Section of Anglican Journal
Visoning/Planning for the Future by Sue Boxall REGINA - God does have a vision and mission for the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. During a recent weekend gathering at All Saints Church the challenge to the members of Diocesan Council, the Council of Regions and the Finance Committee became clear: How is God’s vision and mission to be spread and implemented within the parishes? The visioning weekend, led by Rev. Roger Haugen of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, began with prayer for guidance and grace from God as participants struggled with turning God’s mission into actions when many Christian churches are experiencing a very different picture from that seen 50 years ago. Pastor Haugen listed three questions for the group: What is God’s Mission? What is God calling you to be? What is God calling you to do? Friday evening was a time to express the feelings experienced by the members in recent times. Statements of dissatisfaction poured out. Groups were asked to relate these feelings to stories from the bible and many themes of exile and exodus emerged and were discussed. The next day participants tried to formulate a vision of how the Diocese is to move forward in mission. The last strategic plan of 2002 met with some resistance. Mr. Haugen suggested that "dissatisfaction, plus vision, plus concrete steps must be greater than the cost of change" in order for change to be accepted. Haugen likened the process to plumbing. The church’s infrastructure, its pipes that carry the vision back and forth, are the buildings and the employees. Just as in the pipes of buildings, the church’s infrastructure must
photo: Sue Boxall
photo: Sue Boxall
Three members of the diocesan visioning workshop held recently work on how God’s vision and mission can be put into action within the congregations in Qu'Appelle at the present time. From the left are Rev. Allen Doerksen, Rosanne Kelly and Arleen Champion. not get in the way of flow. Bishop Gregory spoke of his vision within this diocese. Mission is one theme and a vital part of the vision. He talked of the people having to feel empowered, to feel joy and feel strength in the Lord. Once empowered, there is the need to be aware of local opportunities for outreach. Historically the church was the centre of the community but this is no longer so. The church must look at going out to the people of the communities. He talked of mission in the sense of sharing the gospel, as people no longer know the stories they must be told the stories in relationship to today’s lives. Pastor Haugen suggested the church now
must become a missionary culture rather than a member culture. The prayers and actions must be for those in our communities rather than just those in our church pews. Group discussions, prayers and a good look at what the Diocese does well took much time on the Saturday afternoon and the supper was a welcome relief. Bishop Gregory’s sermon at the Sunday Eucharist service at All Saints was an incredibly powerful message. He questioned where we sometimes focus our energies, when we get caught up in what liturgy we use or what songs we sing andforget what is our real purpose. Following this uplifting start to Sunday ideas were reviewed by the whole group
Toasting the Haggis in Maple Creek by Colleen Kennedy With a blizzard warning looming, the 18th annual Robbie Burns night took place on the evening of 27 January, in St. Mary’s Hall. Almost 80 people gathered to honour the Scottish Bard’s memory and have an evening’s entertainment. There were the Scottish jokes by the Master of Ceremony, Fr. Dick Kennedy along with pipers, drummer and dancers from the Green Braes Pipes and Drums, the Green Braes Highland Dancers of Swift Current and sing-along music with the St. Mary’s Combo. The traditional menu consisted of cock-aleekie soup and bannock, haggis, bashed neeps and tatties, tipsy laird and Scottish shortbread. This year a new person addressed the haggis and one would never have known that young Benjamin Gordon wasn’t from Scotland.
photo Murray Bartole
Giving the Toast to the Haggis is Benjamin Gordon with, from the left, Connie Martin, Ben Gordon, Neil McRie looking on at the annual Robbie Burns night at St. Mary Maple Creek. The servers were young people from St. Mary’s congregation supervised by Connie Martin, whose husband Ross Martin prepared the haggis. There was even an opportunity to sample some of the
finest single malt Scotches available. Everyone got home safely afterwards and the next day there were warm memories and take-away Haggis to keep the -45 degree temperatures at bay.
Rev. Roger Haugen, standing, who facilitated the diocesan visioning workshop held recently, listens to a speaker along with members Mike Fisher and Teresa Gibbens. with the realization that there would be no step by step plan developed this weekend. Rather, regions were able to discuss their needs and begin planning for their region, naming the support they may require. The work started during this weekend in February will continue so that God’s mission can be seen and heard throughout the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. Work here will be taken to the Regional Meetings in the hope that as many people as possible can become involved in prayerful discernment of what God calls God’s church to be and do in this diocese at this time. Two old fellows, Abe and Sol, were sitting on a bench in a park feeding pigeons and talking about baseball. Just like they did every day, Abe turned to Sol and asked, "Do you think there's baseball in heaven?" Soloman thought about it for a minute and replied, "I dunno, Abe, but let's make a deal: If I die first, I will come back and tell you -- and if you die first, you come back and tell me --if there is baseball in heaven." They shook on it. Sadly, a few months later poor Abe passed on. One day soon afterward, Sol was sitting there feeding the pigeons by himself when he heard a voice whisper, "Sol... Sol...." Sol responded, "Abe! Is that you?" "Yes it is Sol," whispered the spirit of Abe. Sol, still amazed, asked, "So, is there baseball in heaven?" "Well," Abe said, "I got good news and I got bad news." "Gimme the good news first," said Sol. Abe said, "Well... there is baseball in heaven." Sol said, "That's great! What news could be bad enough to ruin that!?" Abe sighed and whispered, "You're pitching here on Friday
2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, April 2008
Bishop’s Message of public life. Many Christians share many of these social attitudes, of course, since their thought is shaped by the same philosophical movements as society as a whole. Indeed, the assumptions of H.G. Wells, have long September 11th brought relibeen shared by many gion back from the dead. progressive churchmen The Right Reverend For about a hundred years, Anthony Burton, who came to agree that many people assumed that relithe only things that are Bisdhop of gion was spent force, a casualty Saskatchewan real are those we experiof modern science and social ence in our daily lives. progress. Non-Christian religions were This was the axiom on which they conlooked upon as the colourful and mostly structed a whole new account of the harmless subjects of coffee-table books, to Christian religion. These churchmen felt be dabbled in by searching teens, invoked that the Christian faith had to be retrofitted in Yoga or Karate classes, or patronizing- if it was to be credible to modern people. ly fawned over in the person of the Dalai Miracles, the Virgin Birth, the Lama. We preened ourselves on our toler- Resurrection-indeed anything in the ance and celebrated our diversity. Even Gospels which we haven't experienced Christianity in its debilitated modern form ourselves-were to be regarded as pious was more quaint than troublesome. It was fiction and explained away by a theory of thought that in a generation or two it the history of religions. In a nutshell, this would all be gone forever. theory argued that Jesus was a great moral The obituary of Christianity was written teacher whose story and teachings were by H.G. Wells in 1934: distorted by the agendas of the Biblical Indeed Christianity passes. Passes- it has writers and later theologians. He was not gone! It has littered the beaches of life God but lived an especially godly life and with churches, cathedrals, shrines and preached an insightful and godly message. crucifixes, prejudices and intolerances, Anything supernatural which appears in like the sea urchin and starfish and the Gospels is a later falsification. Many empty shells and lumps of stinging jelly of the readers of the Saskatchewan upon the sands here after a tide…And it Anglican will remember that this was the has left a multitude of little wriggling position argued some years ago at the theologians and confessors and apolo- Martin Memorial Lectures in Saskatoon gists hopping and burrowing in the warm by Bishop John Spong, the author of nutritious sand. But in the hearts of liv- Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism. ing men, what remains of it now? In this view, the only heaven about which Doubtful scraps of Arianism. Phrases. we may have any confidence is heavenSentiments. Habits. on-earth. The mission of the Church is to The collapse of the Twin Towers seemed improve the quality of community life, to to call forth religion from its tomb, and, work for a more just social order, and to many people felt that, like Lazarus, it advocate for the poor and the marginal“stinketh.” ized. Since there is no certain revelation The hullabaloo over the Archbishop of by God, all religions are equal in being Canterbury's recent remarks concerning projections of the societies from which Sharia law, for example, was just one of they have sprung. countless demonstrations of how anxious It is a tragic vision of a humanity the public is about the power of religion, cut off from God, comforting itself with a and how uncertain it is about what to do bleak notion that maturity is a life free about it. from certainty, dedicated to an theory of H.G. Wells seems to have been reincarnat- historical progress which since September ed in the hysterical 'new atheists' - Richard 11th few people still believe. Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens leadIn reality, the Christian faith is an ing the pack-who now publish a volleys of inherently supernatural faith, and a thisbooks of the 'God is Not Great' variety, worldly Christianity is no Christianity at which erroneously pit science against reli- all. Archbishop Michael Ramsey pointed gion. out that the first Christians always looked Less furious authors and politicians now upon Christ from two perspectives-the commonly approach religion as an inerad- risen Jesus at the right hand of God, and icable social problem to be managed, con- the Jesus of Galilee and Jerusalem. They tained and, as much as possible, kept out knew because of Jesus' appearances folby The Right Reverend Anthony Burton, Bishop of Saskatchewan
Osama's Unintended Consequence
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.
Doug Osborne to Retire from Qu’Appelle Synod Office
lowing the resurrection that a new world had already come to earth which would be fulfilled in the life to come. They knew that they had been made citizens of heaven, and were called to invite others to join them on their journey there. by staff This idea of heaven overtaking earth, of heaven as the primary reality of our lives, REGINA - Doug Osborne, Director of is extremely difficult for us to understand. Administration for the Diocese of Our culture, our upbringing, our educa- Qu'Appelle, will be retiring from this tional system have prejudiced us against position effective April 30. us. When we encounter this idea, our Mr Osborne has been active in volunhabit of mind is to gut it of its reality by teer work and more recently as a diocesan placing it in the category of metaphor. officer since he arrived in Regina from The idea of heaven as a figurative concept Winnipeg in 1975 when he and his family is much more palatable to us because it is joined the congregation of All Saints. easier for us to domesticate. A dreamy As a chartered accountant with the heaven of plump cherubs and harps makes KPMG Auditing Firm Mr. Osborne has no demands of me. served this diocese in many positions. He But removing heaven to the realm of fan- brought his considerable knowledge and tasy doesn't help us to understand the expertise to the job of chairing the Finance world we know. The early Christians Committee. Taking office June 1, 1997, as were clear about this. As Ramsey put it: Director of Administration, his guidance The old world continued with its contra- during the residential school crisis and the dictions and its sufferings, but by the considerable financial outlay that resulted, Cross and resurrection these very contra- helped the diocese to maintain an equal dictions and sufferings could be trans- footing during those uncertain times. His formed into things fruitful and creative meticulous attention to detail and his willwherein, by faith in Jesus crucified, the ingness to assist parish clergy and treasurpower of God might be found. ers through some difficult situations has This is a supernatural vision of a God who been greatly valued and appreciated. acts in this world that motivated, and conDoug Osborne will remain chair of the tinues to motivate, Christians across the board of Qu’Appelle House, a board world today to work practically for member of St. Michael’s Retreat Centre change, for the poor, for the marginalized. and as a Diocesan Trustee. He is also It was this faith that moved William affiliated with many local service organiWilberforce to dedicate his life to the abo- zations. lition of slavery. It was this faith which Asked what he enjoyed the most in this animated Mother Theresa's the dedication job, he answered that it was working with to the poor. It was this faith that led Jean people. "It was the most fun," he said. Vanier to establish the L'Arche Movement for the mentally handicapped. It is this resurrection faith that animates the current worldwide revival of Christianity. The tide has receded on utopian social visions. Marxism, eugenics, and the Neoconservative adventure of Iraq have all fallen into disrepute. The retrofit of Anglican Christianity has shattered and its fragmentation is plain for the world to see. No doubt the tide will come in again but in the meantime Christian orthodoxy is not only alive and well in the modern world, it is its best and truest interpreter, its only hope, the clearest declaration of God's love for it, and the promise of its redemption. The project before us as Anglicans is to photo Barbara-Lynn Dixon remain faithful, and to obey our Lord's Doug Osborne, Director of instruction to “gather up the fragments Administation, Diocese of Qu’Appelle that remain.” While walking along the sidewalk in front of his church, a minister heard the intoning of a prayer that nearly made his collar wilt. Apparently, his 5-year old son and his playmates had found a dead robin. Feeling that proper burial should be performed, they had secured a small box and cotton batting, then dug a hole and made ready for the disposal of the deceased. The minister’s son was chosen to say the appropriate prayers and with sonorous dignityintoned his version of what he thought his father always said: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,and into the hole he goes!”
monthly except July and August Managing Editors: Fred Stephens, 51 - 10th St. Published NE, Weyburn SK. S4H 1G8 Phone 306-842-7235 Published from 51 - 10th Street NE, Email: skeditor@yahoo.ca Weyburn SK S4H 1G8 Qu’Appelle: Barbara-Lynn Dixon, 41 Angus Crescent Printed and mailed from Signal Star Publishing Regina SK S4T 6N1 Phone: 306-525-6935 A division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Email:bldixon@accesscomm.ca Goderich ON N7A 4B6 Saskatoon: Peter Coolen, 820Avenue I South Saskatoon SK S7M 1Z3 Phone: 306-244-0935 Subscription rate: $10.00 in Canada; $17.00 outside Canada Email: ptrcoolen@sasktel.net Saskatchewan: The Reverend Christopher Snook,Whole No. 292, Vol. 33, No. 5 Publications Mail Agreement No. 40069670 P.O. Box 198 Paradise Hill SK S0M 2G0 A Section of Anglican Journal Phone 306-344-5405 Email: snook.chris@gmail.com
The Saskatchewan Anglican, April 2008 - 3
Diocese of Saskatoon Announcements and Upcoming Events In order to be included in a timely manner brief notices for events should be supplied to the Associate Editor by Fax, e-mail or “snail mail” by the last week of the month, two months before the month in which the insertion is desired. Detailed and longer texts of events will not be included in this section but, should space allow, could be the subject of additional articles or notices elsewhere in the Saskatchewan Anglican. Visits by the Bishop for April, 2008 The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon, will be conducting the following visits: Wednesday, April 9th, Meridian; Sunday; April 13th, River Valley; Wednesday, April 23rd, Porcupine Plain; Sunday, April 27th, Lloydminster. Integrity Saskatoon: Together in Faith; One in Christ Developed by Integrity/Saskatoon at the suggestion of The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon and following upon the findings from two, pre-workshop, brainstorming sessions held last autumn with participants from the parishes of Saskatoon, this workshop is intended to provide a venue for mutually respectful dialogue concerning the full and equal inclusion of gay, lesbian, and other sexual-minority Anglicans in our Church and to give participants the facts and interpersonal skills needed to reach a level of understanding, informed opinion and spiritual growth which will permit us to go forward together in faith as a people who are one in Christ. The workshop “Together in Faith; One in Christ” will be held Saturday, April 12th, 2008; 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Queen's House Retreat and Renewal Centre, Saskatoon. Fees for the workshop are: $25.00 per person (Integrity/Saskatoon will provide subsidies where needed) and include lunch and coffee breaks. Please make cheques payable to Integrity/Saskatoon. For information and to register please contact: Tom and Rose Rogers, 1534 McKercher Drive, Saskatoon S7H 5E1; Phone: (306) 373-5165; E-Mail: rogerstr@shaw.ca . Diocesan ACW AGM The Diocesan ACW AGM will be held on April 11th and on April12th in Saskatoon. Special guests, for this event, from our companion Diocese of Guyana, South America are: Mrs. Zandra Hafeez, the past Link Secretary of the Mothers' Union and Supervisorin-Charge of the Queenstown Day Care Centre and Mrs. Barbara Thomas, the current Link Secretary for the Mothers' Union. Their travel expenses are being paid by the Partnerships budget of the Anglican Church of Canada. The Anglican Church Women of our diocese are hosting our guests from April 2nd to the18th. The AGM begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11th, with a roast beef and chicken dinner followed by a dance performance, at St. George's Anglican Church. On Saturday, April 12th, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, registration, a Taize service, the AGM meeting and elections will extend from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon will address the AGM from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00. Following the 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. luncheon, at the Cathedral, the AGM continues with a Life Members' meeting, displays, budget review and approval and speeches from the special guests. A Eucharist, beginning at 3:15 p.m., and the induction of new officers will close the meeting. For further information on this event please contact the Diocesan ACW President, Laurin Jardine at: (306) 384-0229. Cursillo Ultreya Holy Trinity, 3572 33rd Street West, Saskatoon, Friday, April 18th, 6:30 p.m. Diocesan Synod 2008 The Diocesan Synod will be held at the Willows Golf and Country Club, 382 Cartwright St., Saskatoon on April 4th to 6th inclusive. The Most Reverend Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, will attend as a guest of the Synod. The Synod closing Eucharist will be held at St. John's Cathedral, on Sunday, April 6 at 10:30 a.m.; the preacher will be the Most Reverend Fred Hiltz. The worship committee for Synod is planning a service that will involve people from parishes throughout the diocese; Bishop Rodney invites parishes to consider making the Synod service their main service on that Sunday.
A Weekend Event With Mike Endicott The Order of St. Luke, Saskatoon Chapter will be holding a Weekend Event at St. Stephen's, Saskatoon on Friday, April 18th at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 19th at 9 a.m. entitled: “A Public Program of Three Teachings and A Healing Mission”. Registration is $25.00 and may be paid by cheque to: the Order of St. Luke mailed to Thelma Tucker, 505- 2309 McEown Ave., Saskatoon S7J 2H3. For information phone: Thelma Tucker (306) 373- 0920 or Marj Felgate (306) 374-3589; E-mail marjfelgate@sasktel.net. Saskatoon Correctional Centre Mr. Peter Oliver, the Chaplain at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre is seeking Anglicans interested in being representatives on a committee working on restorative justice and reconciliation and from church groups interested in leading worship, Bible study etc. on a regular basis. He may be contacted at 956-8865. The next Marriage Preparations Course will be held at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Saskatoon on April 18th and 19th, 2008. The deadline for registration is Monday March 28th, 2008. The course will be cancelled if there is not a minimum of six couples. If you would like to register or if you have any questions please contact Andrea Craig, Admin. Assistant, Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, at: (306) 2425146. The 2008 Parish Nursing Ministry Education Sessions presented by Interchurch Health Ministries Saskatchewan in Partnership with Lutheran Theological Seminary will be held: April 4th and 5th; and April 25th and 26th at : The Lutheran Theological Seminary, University of Saskatchewan. Times for the seminars are: Friday, 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. For more information about Parish Nursing Education Sessions or, for Parish Nursing Ministry Information Presentations, contact Mary Tyler, Regional Parish Nurse Coordinator at: (306) 374-3175; E-mail: dave.tyler@shaw.ca or Harold Hesje, Regional Director (306) 652-4524; Email: hevhesje@sasktel.net. Appointments: The Right Reverend Derek Hoskin, Bishop of Calgary, has accepted the election of the Senate of the University of Emmanuel College and agreed to be University Chancellor for an initial period of three years. Bishop Hoskin has served for the past two years as a member of the College Council. The Chancellor is the chief officer of the University of Emmanuel College; under the governing statutes of the University of Emmanuel College, the Chancellor must be elected from among the bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert's Land. The Chancellor presides over meetings of the University of Emmanuel College Senate and grants degrees at Convocation. The Reverend Amy Bunce has been appointed to a quarter time (1/4) position as Associate Priest of St. Stephen's Church, Saskatoon. The Reverend Don Byrt will continue as Rector in a (3/4) time position. The Reverend Amy Bunt's appointment is effective June 1, 2008.The two priests will share the duties, benefits, responsibilities and ministry of parish priest. The proposal to job share was approved by the parish members at the Annual General Meeting of the parish on February 23, 2008. The Venerable Richard Spencer, Archdeacon of Saskatoon and Chair of the Diocesan Finance Committee, has announced his retirement as Rector of All Saints Church, Saskatoon, effective August 31, 2008. Applications for a new Rector of All Saints Church, Saskatoon, will be received until May 15, 2008; for details please see the notice on the diocesan website.
Kingdom Healing Workshop with Mike Endicott A Kingdom Healing Workshop with Mike Endicot, Director of Jacob's Well Centre, Pontnewydd, Wales will be held from Tuesday, April 15th to Friday, April 18th (beginning with a noon lunch on Tuesday and ending before lunch Friday) at Queens House Retreat & Renewal Centre. Cost: $100.00 (Registration is limited to 50 participants). To register contact: Thelma Tucker, 505- 2309 McEown Ave., Saskatoon S7J 2H3, phone (306) 373- 0920 or; Marj Felgate, 303-934 Heritage View, Saskatoon S7H 5R9, phone (306) 374-3589, E-mail marjfelgate@sasktel.net. Accommodation is available at Queens House Retreat & Renewal Centre for this event (3 nights and 9 meals) for $325.00; meals only $175.00.
photo contributed Members
of St. Paul's Cathedral Regina enjoy a festive Italian night event with proceeds going to the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund. From the left are Pat Lauder and Murial Blundell.
4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, April 2008
IN MEMORIAM The Rev'd Nehemiah Bird and Mrs. K. Maria Roberts MONTREAL LAKE (Sask) The Rev'd Kenneth Nehemiah Bird died February 3 at the home of his sister, Rosalee Okamaw, in Montreal Lake following a long illness. He was 75. Mr. Bird served as Incumbent of St. Joseph's Parish, Montreal Lake, from 1996 until his retirement in 2002. During his incumbency the beautiful new church there was constructed. A fluent reader of syllabics, Nehemiah was the last unilingual Cree priest in our Diocese's history. Mr. Bird's wife Lena predeceased him in the mid-1980s. His brother-in-law and close friend in the ministry was the Rev. George Roberts, the late incumbent of Sturgeon Lake First Nation, who was married to Mr. Bird's older sister, Maria. Mrs. Maria Roberts died the same week as her brother of natural causes, at age 92, on February 4. Maria was a warm, charming and shy person who was inseparable from her much more extroverted husband, and a true partner in the ministry. She leaves to mourn a daughter, Marlene, and four sons, Samson, Floyd, Clifford and Doyle; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her late husband, George, was ordained in 1984, at the age 65, and retired from active ministry at the end of 1995, having spanned in this period the ministries of three bishops. He died in 1999. His last surviving brother, Jim, died in mid-February.
Photos: contributed
The Rev'd Nehemiah Bird.
Photos: contributed
Mrs. K. Maria Roberts.
The Rev'd Canon Andrew Hallidie-Smith PRINCE ALBERT (Sask) - The Rev'd Canon Andrew Hallidie-Smith died of pneumonia February 23 at the Victoria Hospital, Prince Albert. He was 76. The son of a priest of the Church of England, Canon Hallidie-Smith graduated from Pembroke College, Cambridge, in 1954 and Ely Theological College in 1956. He was ordained deacon and priest by the Bishop of Birmingham in 1956 & 57 successively. He married Betty, who grew up in Moosomin, SK, in 1958. They have two children - Mary and David - who live in Paddockwood. Canon Hallidie-Smith succeeded the Rev's Geoffrey Hopper in Big River in 1991, having come to the Diocese of Saskatchewan from Sheffield, England. He was a person of immense kindness and patience, and had extraordinary pastoral gifts in caring for the elderly and disabled. During his years in Big River, Canon Hallidie-Smith also served from time to time as Priest-in-Charge of St. Mark's, Hines Mission, Ahtahkakoop First Nation where his good humour, diffidence, and ironic wit made him a great success with the teenagers he prepared for Confirmation. He also worked with mentally challenged young people, tended the Big River jail, and gave private instruction in Latin and Greek. He prized his independence, disliked bureaucracy of all sorts, and was loath to leave the fastness of Big River for meetings. Sceptical of easy answers and religious cant, he was publicly honest about his spiritual struggles. He married a high view of episcopacy to a low view of bishops yet he enjoyed an affectionate relationship with the bishops of Saskatchewan, which no doubt played a role in his longevity as in incumbent in this Diocese. Before he came to the Diocese of Saskatchewan, Canon HallidieSmith served in the Dioceses of Birmingham, London, Yukon, Chelmsford, Caledonia, and Qu'Appelle. He and Betty shared a love of animals. Their home was divided territorially by their cats who required constant diplomatic intervention and policing. The backyard was given over to a boundlessly energetic border collie. Mr. Hallidie-Smith was appointed to the Bishop Newnham Canonry in 1999, and retired at Easter 2006. He was predeceased by his parents and two sisters. In addition to his wife, two children and their families, he is survived a younger brother, the Rev'd William Hallidie-Smith of Nottingham, England.
Sherbrook Community Centre Window Dedicated in Memory of Patricia Jean (Pat) Clay by Colin Clay and Peter R. Coolen -SASKATOON- As reported in the November issue of this paper, Patricia Jean (Pat) Clay, wife of The Reverend Canon Colin Clay of Greater Watrous Parish, died in Saskatoon City Hospital, at the age of 60 years, on Monday, September, 24th, 2007. The Requiem Mass, attended by nearly 500 people, was celebrated by the Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon, at St. Timothy's Anglican Church, on Friday, September 28th; 2007; the Right Reverend Tom Morgan preached the sermon. Interment of Pat's ashes took place in a quiet ceremony, in the churchyard, at St. Stephen's, Merrill on Saturday, September 29th, 2007. On Ash Wednesday (Feb. 6th), 2008 a Service of Dedication for a memorial window, “The Prairie Window”, in Pat Clay's memory, was held during the Community Worship in the Chapel at the Sherbrooke Community Centre, Saskatoon. The Sherbrooke Community Centre has had, more many reasons, a special significance for Pat and Colin. In December, 1995, Bishop Tom Morgan officiated at their marriage at the Sherbrooke Community Centre and, as well,
Pat's Mother, Helen Rennie is a great friend of the Community and her husband Gerry was a member of the Community for 14 years. “The Prairie Window”, depicts a prairie farm scene in autumn and was designed and crafted by Pat's dear friend, Jenifer Downer; Jennifer is a staff member at the Sherbrooke Community Centre. Pat was born in Gull Lake and the prairie theme of the window was considered to be particularly apt as a memorial for “ a true Prairie Girl”. For the Dedication the Chapel was filled with those from the Community and Pat's family, friends and supporters (which included Bishops Rodney Andrews and Tom Morgan). Many Saskatoon clergy joined with representatives from several church groups, including those from St Timothy's, St John's Cathedral, All Saints', the College of Emmanuel & St Chad, University Campus Ministry and the Nutana Ecumenical Worship and Bible Study Group to dedicate the window; Pat's Mother, Helen Rennie, a long-time member of St Timothy's, was accompanied by Pat's husband, Colin. The Service, which included the anointing with ashes, was conducted by the chaplain at
Sherbrooke Community Centre, the Reverend Ray Purdie (United Church of Canada) and the Associate Chaplin, the Reverend Audrey Mierau Bechtel (Mennonite). At the time of the Dedication, Pat's family and friends and those assembled, stood and recited the prayers together including: “In memory and honour of our beloved Patricia Jean "Pat" Clay, and on behalf of our family and friends, we present this beautiful work of stained glass art to the Sherbrooke worshipping community to be dedicated to the glory and praise of God.” “With gratitude, we accept this work of art. We will care for it, and be inspired by its reflection of prairie beauty.” “In the name of the holy and triune God, Creator, Christ and Spirit. We dedicate this window to the glory of God.” “With gratitude and reverence, for the beauty of God's creation and for the sake of all God's people. We dedicate this window to the glory of God.” “In remembrance and celebration of the life of Patricia Jean "Pat" Clay. We dedicate this window to the glory of God.” Refreshments and a time of fellowship followed the Service in the Chapel.
Canada's First Aboriginal Bishop to Retire Staff LA RONGE (Sask) Bishop Charles Arthurson, the Photo: Colin Clay Photo: Jenifer Downer Suffragan Bishop of St. Stephen's, Merrill ; the Photo: Jenifer Downer The Reverend Saskatchewan, Canon Colin final resting place for the announced at the Indian “The Prairie Window” ashes of Patricia Jean (Pat) Council of the Diocese in memory of Patricia Clay and Pat Clay Clay of Saskatchewan that he Jean (Pat) Clay will retire on his 71st birthday July 3. He spoke of his affection for the Diocese which he has served as a bishop since his consecration in 1989, and talked about the pleasure he has taken in seeing a succession of aboriginal and Inuit clergy elected bishop since then. He cautioned, however, that when he retires, there will be no treaty Indian serving in the House of Bishops. Bishop Arthurson was the first aboriginal bishop in Canada. Bishop Burton paid affectionate tribute to Bishop Arthurson as a friend and a pioneer in ministry, as did the National Native Bishop, the Rt. Rev'd Mark MacDonald, who was visiting the Indian Council. Plans for a retirement celebration late this Spring are underway. Born in 1937 in Norway House, Manitoba, Dr. Arthurson was ordained in 1972 in the Diocese of Keewatin. He has served in the parishes of Shamattawa, 1966-70 (as Catechist); Norway House, Man. (1972-73); Big Trout Lake, Ont. (1974-76); Split Lake, Man. (1976-78); Sioux Lookout, Ont. (1978-83). In 1983 the Arthursons moved to La Ronge, Sask., whence he was elected Suffragan Bishop in 1989. Bishop Arthurson continues to reside in La Ronge where he serves half time as the parish priest. The other half of his time is spent in episcopal ministry. He is currently the Provincial Chaplain for the Royal Canadian Legion. Dr. Arthurson married school teacher Faye Bryer in 1968. The Arthursons have two adult children, Devon and Ritchie. Dr. Arthurson has been an enthusiastic hockey player for the La Ronge 'Rusty Hookers', and a skilled carpenter.
The Saskatchewan Anglican, April 2008 - 5
Qu'Appelle Notes and Events April 2008
Church Growth - a Side-Effect of Mission Staff
Representing Qu'Appelle Diocese at the Generation 2008 National Anglican Youth Ministry Forum will be Rev. Mike Sinclair, Estevan; Jennifer Weiss, Maple Creek and Jennifer Andreas, Davidson. The gathering will be held June 10 to June 15 at Huron University College in London, Ontario. This will be a gathering of Anglican youth, youth leaders, clergy and youth ministry staff from across the nation.
April 5 A diocesan regional gathering of vestry members, wardens, treasurers and others involved in parish ministry is planned for the Eastern Region. There will be opportunities to explore areas of parish ministry, to share insights and experiences and to ask questions. Helpful handouts will be supplied. Resource people will include Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson, Marilyn Dean and Diane Foley. April 11 to 13 The 2008 Lay Retreat will be held from 3 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Sunday at St. Michael's Retreat Centre, Lumsden. Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson will be the retreat leader. The cost is $145. Please contact Winna at <winna@sasktel.com> for further information. April 12 -
Two Ordinations in the Diocese of Saskatchewan Staff PRINCE ALBERT (Sask) - There was an unusual ordination of a husband and wife at St. Alban's Cathedral yesterday evening as Julie and Steven Page were admitted to the order of priests. The ancient ceremony drew friends and family from as far away as Germany. It began with a moving sermon by the Dean of Saskatchewan, the Very Rev'd Michael Hawkins, who observed that the service was taking place both on the Feast of St. Matthias (the successor of Judas!) and on the Eve of the Feast of the great Anglican poet, George Herbert, the author the Country Parson. He spoke of the importance of preaching the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ, and of the dangers of unwittingly proclaiming a Gospel of salvation by works through workaholism. The Litany was sung by the Rector of St. George's, Prince Albert, Dr. David Smith; the lessons were read by the Rev'd Peter Boote and the Rev'd Wilfred Sanderson. The Rev'ds Mary Ann Boote of Shellbrook and Richard Hetke of Nipawin placed the stoles. Bishop Burton officiated
at the ordination and Bishop Arthurson celebrated the Eucharist. Following the service, a sumptuous lunch was provided in the Cathedral Hall by the women of Arborfield and Hudson Bay. The Rev'ds Page both graduated with Masters Degrees in Theology from Wycliffe College, Toronto. Both Mr. & Mrs. Page have a previous graduate theological degree - in Christian Studies-from Regent College in Vancouver. Mr. Page also holds Masters and Bachelors degrees in Computer Science, while Mrs. Golding Page is a Bachelor of Business Administration. Both are fluently bilingual in French and have held a number of challenging jobs in the Maritimes. Mrs. Golding Page has worked and taught in the St. John business community and at a community college. Mr. Page has worked as a software developer and as a lecturer at the University of New Brunswick. In addition to an enthusiastic faith in Christ and great people-skills, the Revd's Page bring to the Mission gifts in youth ministry, music, pastoral work, teaching, cross-cultural mission, and group leadership. They are keen film-buffs and dog lovers.
An Unconventional Approach to Evangelism: Singing Telegrams The Rev'd Christopher Snook PARADISE HILL (Sask) - When the people of Fort Pitt Mission recently discussed community outreach projects and fundraising strategies, no one imagined that they might spend the better part of Valentine's Day crooning love songs to sweethearts throughout Paradise Hill. But this is exactly what happened when vestry member Lori Stockman suggested that the parish offer singing telegrams and bags of homemade Valentine's goodies as a small fundraiser and community service. With Kathy Moore and Barbara Swanson on vocals, the Rev'd Christopher Snook on guitar, and armed with bags of sweet treats baked by various parishoners, this year's crooners offered singing telegrams
throughout the community, surprising people at their workplaces, in their homes, and even at a community dinner (see photo). The trio performed Love Me Tender, Pretty Woman, and on a few occasions the old standard Beautiful, Beautiful Brown Eyes. In addition to the telegrams requested by husbands throughout Paradise Hill, the group also visited the Paradise Hill Care Home, surprised the post-mistress at the Post Office, and serenaded the secretaries at a local business. The telegrams were much appreciated throughout the community. As one person commented, "In a small town, things like this mean a great deal."
MELFORT (Sask) - The Melfort Deanery was busy making plans for parish evangelism on February 12. As part of the Diocese's three-year long Evangelism project, the Rev'ds Mary Ann Boote and Norbert Haukenfrers presented three possible approaches to grow your parish. It was clear from the presentation that parish growth is a side-effect of mission, and that the parishes which are growing are those which ask not 'how can we get more people to come to church' but 'how can we more effectively present the love of Christ to the community in which we live.' The presentation recognized that many churches are largely invisible in their communities and appear to outsiders as a club to which they happen not to belong. Establishing relationships with members of the community is the first step to lowering the barriers which prevent people from getting involved. Three approaches to Evangelism that were specifically discussed were: · Canvassing the local community to discover what its needs were, deciding on a programme which non-church members of the community would want to get
involved with, and establishing this as a congregational ministry. The non-church participants would then encounter the faith as they served side-by-side in relationship with Christians. · Friendship Evangelism for which parishioners are equipped to share the story of their own encounter with Christ and their spiritual journey. · Neighborhood visitation in which members of the parish visit their neighbors, sharing with them what the church has to offer and asking for their counsel on how it can serve the community better. Bishop Burton requested that each parish undertake an evangelism programme of its own choice this Spring. All these new initiatives will be shared and celebrated at our Diocesan Synod this October. This event, which was hosted by All Saints' Church, Melfort, was the second of three regional Great Chapter meeting this winter on Evangelism. The third event is the Prince Albert Great Chapter on March 4 at 7 p.m. These meetings follow the Diocesan Evangelism Conference with Dean Kevin Martin of Dallas in October 2006 and three regional Evangelism Conferences held last April with John Bowen of the Wycliffe Institute of Evangelism.
Another Rural Closure in Qu’Appelle Diocese by Janet Miller WOLSELEY (QuA) - A supportive group gathered on a cold Saturday morning in February at St. George’s Church. The sad but inevitable occasion was to deconsecrate this quaint, memory-filled church in the small community. The few remaining members of the congregation were joined by community and friends and lead in a short service by Rev. Cheryl Johnson of Whitewood. Other welcomed guests were Canon William Lourens and his wife Glenda Lourens, who ministered in Wolseley and the Pipestone Parish for several years and are now at St. Luke Regina. The history of St. George's building goes back a long way. Construction began in 1900 and the building was consecrated on June 22, 1902, by Bishop John Grisdale. At one time the congregation had a very active vestry along with the Women's Auxiliary, Girl's Auxiliary, Junior Auxiliary, choir and Sunday school. Until the early 1960s St. George thrived and was financially able to sustain its own resident minister who resided in the rectory located next to the church building.
photo Dennis Fjestad
St. George's Church Wolseley, the 106 year old church building, was de-consecrated recently in a service led by Rev. Cheryl Johnson. Construction began in 1900 and the building was consecrated on June 22, 1902, by Bishop John Grisdale.
But as rural life changed over the years the smaller congregations closed their doors. The overall picture changed in 1967 when St. George Wolseley joined the congregation of St. Michael and All Angels Grenfell along with the congregations in Kipling, Whitewood, Broadview and Windthorst to become the Pipestone Parish. The parish was designated as a training point for deacons coming out of theological college. The ordained priest resided in Grenfell in a supervisory capacity and the deacon lived in the clergy house in Wolseley. Between the two clerics the duties in the six points were divided equally. The deacons were ordained within a year or two and then moved on to their own congregations. Times changed, numbers dwindled, finances stretched and ordained priests were at a premium to take on the task of travelling the rural countryside to minister to the faithful few. Ultimately it was in the summer of 2005 that St. George’s Church held its last formal service. The church building and rectory have been recently sold to a local individual. Following the service, coffee and fellowship were graciously provided at their centre by members of St. James United Church.
6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, April 2008
Together In Faith: One in Christ A Workshop by Integrity/Saskatoon Jim Komar (St. James', Saskatoon) -SASKATOON- An Invitation to a GLBTT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered and Two-Spirited) Workshop The full and equal inclusion of gay, lesbian, and other sexualminority Anglicans in our Church raises issues which probe our deepest understanding of the Christian faith. Silence has proved ineffective for resolving these divisive issues and the continuation and growth of the resultant discord has reached the point where it threatens the very structure of the Church. Resolution of these issues will allow us to begin to heal and to get on with our witness to the Gospel of Christ however, this resolution will require the development of an informed opinion and a mutually respectful dialogue in the presence of the Holy Spirit. At present no structure or process exists within our Diocese to initiate this resolution and begin the necessary dialogue and healing. At a meeting of Integrity/Saskatoon in September 2007, the Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon discussed the various issues and needs in regards to meeting this impasse with the membership of Integrity. Bishop Rodney made several suggestions on processes that Integrity could follow to address those concerns; Integrity responded to the Bishop's suggestions by developing a one-day workshop entitled “Together in Faith: One in Christ” designed to
give participants the facts and interpersonal skills needed to reach a level of understanding and spiritual growth which, it is hoped, will permit us to go forward together in faith as a people who are one in Christ. This workshop has been prepared by the Integrity Education Committee with professional assistance from Integrity/Canada, Affirm United and PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Canada and also incorporates the findings from two, pre-workshop, brainstorming sessions held last autumn with participants from the parishes of Saskatoon. Following this workshop Integrity/Saskatoon will set up a series of smaller workshops to be held in parishes outside of Saskatoon. This current workshop is scheduled as an all-day event at Queen's House Retreat and Renewal Centre, in comfortable surroundings with wheelchair accessibility and ample parking. The workshop “Together in Faith; One in Christ” will be held Saturday, April 12th, 2008; 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Queen's House Retreat and Renewal Centre, Saskatoon. Fees for the workshop are: $25.00 per person (Integrity/Saskatoon will provide subsidies where needed) and include lunch and coffee breaks. Please make cheques payable to Integrity/Saskatoon. For information and to register please contact: Tom and Rose Rogers, 1534 McKercher Drive, Saskatoon S7H 5E1; Phone: (306) 373-5165; E-Mail: rogerstr@shaw.ca .
Melfort Deanery Clericus Meet in Birch Hills By the Rev'd Richard Hetke BIRCH HILLS (Sask) - On Saturday Feb. 16 the Melfort Deanery Clericus met at the Rev'd Chris Harper's home in Birch Hills. We opened with a discussion on Bishop Ron Ferris' advice on time management from the Diocese of Algoma website. We also discussed Funeral policy in the Diocese and other Diocesan business. A lively discussion took place on the current unrest within the
Photo: contributed
The clergy of the Melfort Deanery.
Anglican Communion and within the Anglican Church of Canada. Afterwards, we were treated to super-stacked cheese pizzas made by the host and closed with the family Evening Prayer service from the Prayerbook. Our next meeting will be at the church in Tisdale, 3:00 PM on Saturday April 12. We will discuss further action upon the last Great Chapter meeting and moving forward with evangelism in our Deanery.
EDITORIAL by Fred Stephens We are all aware in varying degrees of the critical self-examination within the Anglican Communion, taking place globally, due partly to the split over interpretation of scripture, and the desire of some to preserve in their entirety the biblical and theological interpretations of the past, while others, particularly in North America, are moving to interpretations they feel are more in tune with the knowledge base and culture of our current society. How this will all play out is in the hands of the Almighty, and in the meantime we are seeing some rather bitter and antagonistic feelings emerging in places where the factions at variance are clashing. There are other reasons to be concerned, however; not only because of these bitter and perhaps at times rancorous disputes, but because of the apparent irrelevance with which the mainstream churches are regarded by many in our society. For churches which are viewed by many as an anachronism, with little relevance in our communities except for a small and dwindling number of diehards, the emerging theological battles within the various denominations do nothing to enhance the image of the Christian faith as loving, caring, nurturing and redeeming. Three articles in this issue 'Visioning/Planning for the Future' by Sue Boxall on the recent workshop in the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, 'Church Growth - A Side Effect of
Mission' from Melfort and 'An Unconventional Approach to Evangelism' by the Reverend Christopher Snook all point to a need for a change in focus in many of our parishes. People no longer belong to a church because their parents belonged. The average person has other things to do on a Sunday morning, and unless the church is able to engender the feeling in Mr., Mrs. or Ms. Average Person that its work and worship is more important than organized sports, sleeping in, watching TV or surfing the internet, it will indeed continue to be deemed irrelevant. Bishop Anthony Burton's message this month is one of encouragement and hope. Out of the ashes of 9-11 he is noticing a global resurgence of Christianity. He points out that faith motivates Christians to selfless charitable acts of caring and compassion; indeed, he states “It is this resurrection faith that animates the current worldwide revival of Christianity”. A growing number of local jurisdictions are finding that if people will not come to church, the church must go back to its first century roots, to the time of the disciples, and go to the people. The church was built, little by little, congregation by congregation, by a handful of men who gave up their livelihood and became itinerant messengers of Christ. They not only preached the good news of the appearance, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, but they worked within the various communities, healing the
sick, working with the poor and showing by example that their good works were a gift from God, based upon their newly found faith. We are not all preachers or evangelists. Many of us are very shy about proclaiming our faith beyond the confines of our sanctuaries. We can, however, act upon our Christian faith in working in our communities for the betterment of the poor, the ill, the marginalized, and the physically and mentally challenged. It is helpful to the Christian cause, also, to let it be known that we are helping because we see our involvement as a Christian act, without feeling we have to try to convert those around us. The pages and issues of the Saskatchewan Anglican are filled with articles about our churches and their ministries in local communities. It celebrates our clergy and our lay people, certainly; but it is far more than a 'gossip sheet', as one critic called it. For the careful and thoughtful reader the Saskatchewan Anglican carries much in the way of outreach ministry, theological insight, and celebration of our faith and people throughout the province. If more knowledge about any of these areas is deemed desirable, Anglicans need only contact their communications person in their parish, or the associate editor for their diocese to let the wider readership know what is happening within their parish or sphere of influence. You have the invitation. We would like to hear from you.
The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund Primate's Fund came into existence as a result of a terrible human tragedy in Canadian history. In 1958, in Springhill, Nova Scotia, 167 coal miners died underground after an explosion in the mine. The tragedy moved Anglicans and other Canadians to respond with assistance for the stricken families. As a result of this experience, the church recognized the need for an efficient process to channel assistance quickly in situations of emergency. In 1959, the Primate's World Relief Fund was established by the General Synod. In 1969, the name of the organization was officially changed to The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund which reflected the agency's maturing program focus and philosophy. PWRDF came to see that much deeper, long-term development needs were strongly connected to most of the suffering caused by natural or human-provoked disasters. Even more significantly, PWRDF realized that people who experienced these problems
first-hand were in the best position to develop long-term solutions. The newly renamed Primate's World Relief and Development Fund moved in the 1970s with a commitment to addressing longterm development needs and to working in partnership with local communities and organizations. During this decade, PWRDF also became more active in public engagement. The Fund recognized the need to engage Canadians in the issues of tackling injustice. The General Synod gave PWRDF the responsibility of coordinating a development education program for the whole Church in order to close the gap between donors and recipients. In the 1980s, PWRDF became very active in working with refugees and in 1984 the Refugee Subcommittee and the Refugee Coordinators Network were both established. PWRDF has built a strong program for the support and advocacy of uprooted peoples, including refugees, internally displaced populations and
migrant workers, internationally through relief and development programs, advocacy, and monitoring of human rights, and in Canada through networking, and education. During recent years, PWRDF has continued to grow and build a strong programs and global partnerships. In 1999, PWRDF mandated a national Youth Initiative to engage young Canadians on social justice issues. Taken from the PWRDF web site at www.pwrdf.org Editor’s Note: March 11, 2008 marked the 50th anniversary of PWRDF. In many projects it works as a member of ACT International, Action by Churches Together. The following page highlights several projects in which ACT International is engaged at the present time. PWRDF has proven to be a dynamic, forward-looking agency of which Anglicans throughout Canada can be justly proud.
The Saskatchewan Anglican, -April 2008 7
Action by ChurchesTogether (ACT) International and The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund Work Hand in Hand India, Bundelkhand Region Drought and severe food shortages
A principal's story--a dedicated educator and ACT member make a difference for a Lebanon public school
Geneva, February 5, 2008 photo contributed
Kumi Samuel, director of the Women and Media Collective in Colombo, Sri Lanka,
Sri Lankan women press for peace in the midst of chaos Keith Knight In the middle of the chaos and the turmoil, the women of Sri Lanka are strong and resilient. This despite the fact that there is on average five abductions per day and everyone is viewed with suspicion. Kumi Samuel, director of the Women and Media Collective in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and a former international partner on the board (1997-2004) of The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund, spoke to staff at the national office of The Anglican Church of Canada on Feb. 27. She spoke of the long and strong connection between PWRDF and Sri Lanka, dating back to the 1980s when PWRDF staff members would visit the country. That led to a vibrant mentoring relationship where PWRDF provided encouragement and support to help organize the advocacy movement. In 1991, PWRDF brought to Sri Lanka a delegation of 20 Canadian parliamentarians who added their support to that human rights movement by visiting many parts of the country. They came in the middle of intense internal conflict. The Women and Media Collective has a 25-year history, diligently engaged in peace-building and peace-making. That work continues throughout the current civil unrest where thousands have been forced to flee their homes and villages, where dissent is not tolerated and where there is a heavy policing of civil rights groups. Neighbours are encouraged to spy on each other and to report any suspicious activity. Ms. Samuel says media face daily censorship and intimidation. She says her organization has called upon the United Nations to send in peacekeeping troops. “I am not optimistic about a peaceful solution to the present conflict,” she said this week. The plight of women in Sri Lanka has improved considerably in recent years, thanks to organizations such as the collective. There is a high literacy rate among women, thanks in large part to free education. Most women in leadership tend to be about 30 years old, said Ms. Samuel. The collective mobilizes women. It was instrumental in introducing legislation on domestic violence, which was passed into law. Ms. Samuel continues to press for legislation offering land rights for women, and encourages greater participation by women in the media.
The Bundelkhand region, occupying 70,000 square kilometers ofthe central plains of India (bridging northern Madhya Pradesh andsouthern Uttar Pradesh states) has been declared as"drought-affected" by the Indian state government. Severewater shortages, high levels of debt amongst the population and heavy dependency on labour migration is threatening the survival of some villages in the region. Indiscriminate felling of trees, over exploitation of groundwater, excessive chemical fertilizer use, and scanty rainfall are contributing to this extended four to five year drought. Population and livestock pressures have only aggravated the problem. As reported by Church's Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) - a member of the global alliance Action by Churches Together (ACT) International - the past five years have seen significant changes in weather patterns, which have adversely affected farmers and farming, including decreased annual rainfall and increasing incidence of hail, frost and storms. Crops have been seriously and increasingly damaged causing extreme distress to people, with this year expected to be worse still as the drought has been severe. Crop failure and debt has driven more than 400 farmers to commit suicide in the seven districts within Uttar Pradesh. Over the last year, many families have locked up their homes and migrated in search of paid labour elsewhere in order to survive, most working in hazardous and exploitative conditions. Hunger and malnutrition exists on a massive scale, with the overwhelming majority living on one meal a day of staple cereal with salt and chutney. Shortages of clean water are already a problem in some villages and a serious water crisis is likely this summer. Fodder prices have also been increasing rapidly making it difficult for poor farmers to support livestock. Agricultural irrigation is a pressing need. However, tanks have been encroached upon or neglected and the canal network needs cleaning and repairs. The water table has plummeted to 450 feet and even lower in some places. CASA is closely monitoring the situation in the area as the acute drought situation is expected to worsen. CASA is sending a team to do a rapid assessment in collaboration with their local partner organizations, which are located in the droughtaffected areas. The aim is to develop an appropriate plan of action. CASA has indicated that this situation is likely to warrant an ACT Appeal in the near future.
Photo by Amal Morcos/IOCC-ACTInternational.
Dedicated educators like Principal Marie Chahine use creative, and often surprising, strategies to improve the quality of education offered by Lebanon©ˆs crumbling public schools. Through a $4.7 million grant,International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is providing 206 public schools throughout Lebanon with computer labs and new furniture and laboratory supplies for science instruction.
By Amal Morcos ACT International Beirut, Lebanon -- In Ain al Remaneh, an East Beirut suburb, there is a public school principal who will do anything for her 300 students. On a day of heavy winter rains,Principal Marie Chahine, bundled in a heavy coat, tells visitors some of her exploits at the K-9 Chiah Public School for Girls. She convinced her optician son to give the girls free eye exams. She wouldn't admit an NGO into the school until they first repaired all 16 dilapidated bathrooms. And her connections with the municipality have ensured electricity for the school, even during Beirut's now frequent blackouts. Chahine's creative maneuvering is “survival of the fittest” in a country whose crumbling public schools are hobbled by bureaucracy and a lack of investment by the central government. “If I so much as want to purchase pencils it requires a special letter of permission to the Ministry of Education,” says Chahine. A lover of learning, Chahine began her 34-year teaching career in Ain al Remaneh and continued teaching “under the bombs” when Lebanon's civil war began, and the school found itself along the notorious Green Line which separated the eastern and western sectors of Beirut. During recess in the school's courtyard her visitors see veiled and unveiled teenage girls dressed in sweat pants line up to run a race. First graders dressed in pink uniforms stand huddled together against the cold as they watch the older girls.
Ain al Remaneh had been a predominantly Christian area, but many families fled the civil war. “Today, you will find students of all faiths here,” says Chahine: “Shi'a, Sunni, Orthodox, Druze, Maronite -- and, thank God, no conflicts between them.” In Lebanon, children from low-income families represent a significant percentage of public school enrollments. Since the country's economy has suffered due to the unstable political situation, more middleclass families now send their children to public schools. International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), a member of the global alliance Action by Churches Together (ACT)International, working to develop hundreds of public schools in Lebanon since 2001, is currently repairing and developing 206 public schools throughout the country through a $4.7 million U.S. government grant. Through the Lebanon Education Assistance for Development (LEAD) program, IOCC is installing new computer labs with internet access, and purchasing new furniture and laboratory supplies for science instruction. Chahine says that IOCC's assistance to Chiah has greatly advanced the quality of education offered. “We used to be a traditional school with only theoretical instruction,” says Chahine, “but now we have equipment, labs, and technology that to allow us to make education more practical.” Chahine's dedication and creative problem-solving has helped the school to gain a good reputation among parents in the area. She even has to hire a police officercontrol the crowds showing up every year for the first day of registration. “There is a mood in Lebanon that public schools are not good and do not have a good status,” says Chahine, “and I want to change that.” Amal Morcos is the Director of Communications for IOCC.
Photo by Amal Morcos/IOCC-ACT International
In the Beirut suburb of Ain al Remaneh, teenagers Farah and Luna dream of becoming journalists and educators. Their new computer lab provided by IOCC will give them some of the tools needed to realize that dream.
8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, April 2008
A Message From the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad Editors Note: this is the most recent in a series of monthly contributions to the Saskatchewan Anglican from the faculty of the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad. These articles cover a broad range of theological and general interest issues as well as College news. This is the first part of a twopart article which will be continued in the May issue.
Deuteronomy; Reinterpreting for Life and a Future; Part 1 An edited version of a talk prepared for St Christopher's Parish, Burlington, November 2007 Walter Deller, Principal, The College of Emmanuel and St Chad The book of Deuteronomy, the fifth and last book of what the Jewish Bible calls the Torah“Instruction' or 'Law', represents perhaps the greatest moment in Israel's framing and imagining of the Lord God of heaven and earth and the relationship of God's people to that God and to one another. At its deepest level it is a radical text-its basic ideas arose in a community which had lost touch with its roots, which was approaching a moment of crisis, and in which injustice was endemic and state-supported. It formed the basis of the greatest religious reform of all time, and despite its medium-term failure, it provided one foundation which helped support a community to survive through destruction and dispersal. In the end it became a key focal theology around which the bulk of what we now know as the Old Testament came into being. People who shared the Deuteronomistic world-view significantly edited Genesis, Exodus, and Numbers; they drew together the entire four volume account of Israel's life in the Land we know as Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings. They had a hand in shaping how we received the prophetic traditions, and Jeremiah, the great prophet of the destruction of Jerusalem was likely an early member of the movement. We find some of their key ideological notions in works of the Persian period such as Ezra and Nehemiah, and we find these same ideas rejected in Ruth. And at the key seams of the Psalter we find psalms shaped by this religious worldview in the long narrative Psalms 78, 105, 106, 135 and 136.
RC Bishop Albert LeGatt issues guidelines for giving Communion The Rev'd Robert Stringer But there's also a conundrum here. After 2000 years of Christian history, we can look back and see that every movement for reform in our history replays some of the key Deuteronomic moves, and almost everything evil and violent and destructive in Christian history in some way can be traced back to an uncritical and eager adoption of this worldview and its primary propositions. How can something so life-giving also be something so deathdealing? Deuteronomy's Name and Its Scope The name Deuteronomy, from the Greek 'deuteros nomos', 'the second law', reflects a basic reality of the book, which is a retelling and a restating of the key civil and religious legal traditions found elsewhere in the Torah, particularly in Exodus. The Hebrew name for the book is 'Devarim'- 'Words', 'Speeches' or 'Things', after the first line of the text which reads “These are the Word/These are the Speeches/ these are the Things which Moses spoke to all of Israel across the Jordan in the wilderness….” Imaginatively, the book is the final address, the last will and testament, of a great leaderthat's how it's framed, and at its conclusion Moses makes the lonely climb up Mount Nebo where he is allowed to see the Promised Land he will never enter because of his anger and impatience with his people over the years, and there he dies. The passage, which likely is not Deuteronomic in origin but much older, implies that God buries Moses, and the great literary critic Harold Bloom considers it one of the greatest moments in the portrayal of the relationship of cooperation and conflict between the Lord God and Moses. If the Hebrew name draws our attention as interpreters to the texture of the book as the words or speeches of Moses to the next generation as they reach the end of their long forty years of wandering, death and despair in the desert, the Greek name draws our attention to the large collection of laws in the middle of the book, and the way in which they are identifiably a restating of legal traditions we can often find in other forms. The Hebrew name draws our attention to the way the book models a cyclical process all faith communities require namely the mechanism of passing on the core of our tradition and belief, those things which give and enable life and faithfulness, to the next generation. Will our children have faith
and what sort of faith do we hope it will be? The Greek name draws our attention to the historical origins of the book in a moment of crisis and collapse, to the action of 'restating' or 'rewriting' the ancient teachings and laws as a crucial intervention in the life of the community in order to galvanize and convince people of the need for change in the behavior and values of the entire community, from top to bottom. (next month - The crisis that led to the Deuteronomic reform movement, it's longterm impact, and what is at the heart of community for the God of Deuteronomy.)
Anglicans Have Fun in Fort Qu’Appelle by Sue Boxall FORT QU'APPELLE (QuA) "Anglicans know how to have fun,” the people of Fort Qu’Appelle are often heard to say and tickets sold fast for the evening at St. John’s Church. "Celebrate Canada" was the theme chosen for the annual fund raising event held on February 9. The organizing committee was committed to supporting upcoming Saskatchewan talent and this year invited Matt Rapley who place fifth in the Canadian Idol competition. Mr. Rapley entertained the 114 plus ticket holders with classic songs and gospel music. He accompanied himself on the keyboard and was joined by his sister for an encore gospel song. The meal was a cross-Canada menu created by Andy Frank of Pro-barbecue, Fort Qu’Appelle, which included his award winning dish of Charred Salmon wrapped in Romaine lettuce plus other delicious courses he produced especially for the evening. A silent auction of donated items added to the evening’s fun and St. John’s congregation is now thinking about plans for next year’s great fund-raising evening photo Richard Boxall
Matt Rapley entertains at St John, Fort Qu'Appelle, for their annual fund raising event. Mr. Rapley, who placed fifth in the Canadian Idol competition, sang classic songs and gospel music for the enthusiastic listeners.
MEADOW LAKE (Sask) - A letter from the Roman Catholic Bishop of Saskatoon released late last year provided pastoral directives for his diocese regarding sacramental sharing with baptized Christians of other denominations in particular circumstances. Bishop Albert LeGatt writes, “ Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sacramental sign of the oneness of faith, life and worship of the Church and that participation in Communion presupposes this unity. It is for this reason, then, that reception of Holy Communion is ordinarily reserved for baptized members of the Catholic Church. However, it is a source of joy that Catholic pastors may in certain cases as outlined in the Pastoral Directives, administer the sacraments of the Eucharist, Reconciliation or Anointing of the Sick to other Christians. In such cases a baptized Christian individual of another denomination who is experiencing genuine serious need and spiritual hunger and who wishes to receive one of these Sacraments is strongly encouraged to request the sacrament by meeting with the Catholic pastor for a full discussion about the conditions for such a sharing.” The newly revised Pastoral Directives outline four conditions for sacramental sharing with baptized Christians, “ a) is without access to a pastor of his or her own Church or Ecclesial Community; b) requests the sacrament of his/her own initiative ; c) manifests Catholic faith in the sacrament ; d) is properly disposed ;” Bishop LeGatt adds in his letter two general guide
lines in the application of these Directives, “ Firstly the directives and norms are to be applied generously in favour of those eligible with the pastoral and ecumenical sensitivity that each situation requires, and secondly, that the Church does not demand more of our fellow Christians that it does of Catholic people.” As one might imagine these Directives have implications for the Diocese of Saskatchewan, given that many of our church members end up Saskatoon's hospitals for both serious and routine medical matters. This new directive provides one more avenue of pastoral care that was previously not available. It might be helpful to share this within our parishes to not only as a useful piece of information but also as a sign of fellowship between our denominations. Follow the link below to find a full copy of the Bishop's letter and the Pastoral Directives. The Bishop of Saskatoon is motivated towards such sacramental sharing because of the gospel imperative towards the unity of all Christian disciples, as he quotes from the Pastoral Directives, “Progress toward the unity Christ wills for his disciples, by the means he wills, urges us toward to deeper discernment and obedience in the ways of the Spirit. Let us encourage one another, learn to carry each other's burdens, and wash each other's feet, across denominational lines, so that, in the words of Jesus, we may we 'all be one' for the credibility of our common mission in Christ and for the glory of God in his reconciling grace”. And the people said: “Amen”.
photo Betty Wagner
On Sunday March 2nd as a way of celebrating "Mothering Sunday" during the church service, St. James congregation in Regina hands out carnations to all of the mothers present while the choir sings a special hymn to all the mothers. From the left are Jenna Ackerman, Tammy Ackerman and Devon Ackerman.