H E I S R I S E N - H AL L E L U J A H! Qu'Appelle Signs Covenant with Muyinga
April, 2010
A Section of Anglican Journal
by Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson REGINA At the Lambeth Conference in 2008 I renewed an acquaintance with Bishop Eraste Bigirimana from the Diocese of Muyinga in Burundi, who I had first met at a new bishops course in 2007. During the conference, Vicki and I had a number of conversations with Bishop Eraste and his wife Consolate about the possibility of establishing a Companion Diocese relationship between Muyinga and Qu'Appelle, in addition to our Companion Link with Lichfield. After some follow-up correspondence our friends from Burundi came to visit our diocese in Canada, and in return we were invited to visit them in Burundi. On November 22 we flew from Canada, via London and Nairobi, to Bujumbura and then drove for three hours through the mountains of Burundi to get to the city of Muyinga. The total travel time was about 41 hours. Burundi is geographically in the centre of Africa; and interestingly, the shape of the country looks much like a heart. We were told that Burundians like to think of their country as the heart of Africa. It is a beautiful country with rich red soil, mountains, rivers and lakes, and much that grows green during the rainy season. After years of civil war the country has had peace and relative stability for the past four or five years. The devastation of the past remains in the ruined homes and businesses, the loss of livestock and trees, in the numbers of orphans and broken families, and in the enormous poverty that very many folk there live with. encountered a people who, despite the hardships and poverty, are rich in dignity, respect, generosity and hospitality. We
discovered that amongst the colourfully clad people walking the roads with their loads for the markets, a simple wave would bring forth bright smiles and waving in return. Our time in Muyinga involved a variety of activities - somewhere different almost everyday. We visited the deputy governor of Muyinga, the local hospital and school, the Roman Catholic Church's rehabilitation centre, a Congelese refugee camp, a church tree nursery project, a banana growing operation on church grounds, the Muyinga Bible school, two other diocesan bishops and their centres, the provincial church office and a number of congregations spread throughout the province. I have given a more detailed account of our visit on my blog at bishopgreg.blogspot.com. Our experience in the church was particularly impressive and moving. People in the rural areas of Burundi such as Muyinga will often walk for an hour or two to attend services. They gather in the hundreds in mudbrick churches and engage in worship for three to four hours before walking home another hour or two. Choirs that have met to share, pray and practice during the week take turns throughout the service singing and dancing. It is sometimes surprising to people from the western world, but for Burundian Christians, building and maintaining their local church and its worship is a priority which provides the foundation and strength by which they are equipped to deal with the challenges and hardships of their lives. The Diocese of Muyinga is deeply involved in the work of helping to meet the enormous needs of the people of Burundi. They are engaged in helping to provide schools, literacy programs for
Photo courtesy Vicki Kerr-Wilson
The Kigamba Parish church in rural Burundi is made of mud bricks. adults, HIV/AIDS education, work with orphans and development projects of various sorts. They are also looking to build a medical clinic in this area so severely lacking in medical aid. All of this work is quite ambitious with the very limited resources they have, but by working through partnerships and with creativity and ingenuity they are making a significant difference in the lives of Burundians. On the final Sunday of our stay in Muyinga we attended worship at the Cathedral, where I preached and where Bishop Eraste and I signed a covenant establishing our relationship as Companion Dioceses. Our companion relationship affirms “our common membership in the one Body of Christ, our sharing in the one Spirit who sustains
us and calls us into mission, and our fellowship in the Gospel within the Anglican Communion,” and agrees “to involve our people in the offering of mutual encouragement and prayer, the sharing of information to help us gain a better understanding of each other, and the giving and receiving of concerns, insights and experience to strengthen our common mission. We agree to support each other in our mission and ministry by sharing our gifts and resources with one another as God calls and enables us to do so.” This covenant is for an initial period of five years. We look forward to walking together with our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Diocese of Muyinga in Burundi.
Photo courtesy Vicki Kerr-Wilson
Bishop Greg (centre) and Bishop Eraste (right) visit Mukoni School, which the church supports. The KerrWilsons distributed a lot of donated school supplies to teachers at the school. Photo courtesy Vicki Kerr-Wilson
Photo courtesy Vicki Kerr-Wilson
Bishop Eraste Bigirimana and his wife Consolate (centre) and their children pose with Vicki and Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson.
These people could not fit inside the church building, so are watching the service through the open window.
Photo courtesy Vicki Kerr-Wilson
The diocese of Muyinga planted banana trees on the Cathedral grounds to grow food which supports the church and people. Vicki Kerr-Wilson poses with a group of children.
Easter Messages from our Bishops
2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, April, 2010
Easter in a winter of sin, brokenness and death by Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson When I was a teenager and first becoming aware of the real significance of Easter, I always felt that, by rights, Easter Day should be warm and sunny; flowers should be beginning to spring up, perhaps some grass greening, or trees budding. Somehow the day of our Lord's Resurrection should mirror in creation the unique and powerful moment around which all of history turns, as the long winter of death's reign came to an end and the spring of new life in Christ came forth. Living in Canada, and especially on the prairies, makes that an often frustrated expectation. Very often our Easter celebrations take place in rather cool weather: there are no flowers, grass or buds in sight - only the awareness that the days have grown longer and the sun has grown stronger. Whether from having grown used to the disappointment, or from advancing age, I find myself appreciating the significance of Easter with snow on the ground and nothing yet showing green. For that first resurrection with all of its import and glory went largely unnoticed. Perhaps some guards noticed some
thing, but they were no more than baffled by opaque phenomenon that would have meant little to them. A few of the disciples - some of the women, Peter and the beloved disciple - saw and heard the first inklings of joy, though they at first understood little and were largely afraid. And even after the reality had sunk in for them and the apostolic mission was getting underway with the Spirit's power and leading, the world at large went about its daily business as it always had. Years, perhaps two decades, after the resurrection, people will scoff at St. Paul in Athens about his proclamation of salvation through the risen Christ, having never heard anything of it before. The Day of Resurrection happened amidst a winter of human sin, brokenness and death with only the first glimmers beginning to appear in the ordinary life of the world. In Christ's cross and resurrection, God's work of salvation was accomplished once and for all; the effects in our world, in the lives of individual men and women are a slow unfolding through the years, decades and centuries of human life, carried forward by the gentle work of Christian faith and witness. Indeed in our own journeys of
Triple Joy! The Right Reverend Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatchewan
The Right Reverend Greg Kerr-Wilson, Bishop of Qu’Appelle
by Bishop Michael Hawkins, Diocese of Saskatchewan faith as Christian disciples and communities of faith, the power of Jesus' resurrecion is most often a slowly unfolding work. We are not changed in a moment, but God transforms us, renewing our minds and hearts and lives by the working of the Holy Spirit like the unfolding of spring. Our Church calendar officially gives us 50 days for the celebration of Easter, but it seems to me that we so often, though unofficially, end it abruptly - a week or two, or even a day or two after it begins. But Christian life is resurrection life; the light of our Risen Lord must continue to shine and grow in us until the evidence of new life is clear for the entire world to see. May your celebration of Easter this year bring new signs of life in you as a disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A Holy Journey By The Right Reverend David Irving, Bishop of Saskatoon We are an Easter people and we are always on a journey. As we worship together during Holy Week we are journeying with millions of Christians throughout the world. Holy week begins with Palm Sunday, when we wave palm branches and celebrate the glorious entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, but then we move into the narrative of the Passion. The readings for the next three days focus on Jesus as the Suffering Servant as we journey together to Maundy Thursday. On this day we gather to celebrate the Last Supper with our Lord and Saviour, a celebration which includes in many churches the ritual of foot washing, in which the presider washes the feet of members of the congregation, imitating Christ who washed the feet of the disciples. At the end of the Eucharist we move into darkness, the candles are extinguished, and the ornaments on the altar and in other places in the church building are removed, all is stripped bare. During their removal, Matthew 26: 30 to 46 is read, that moving passage of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane praying while his disciples fall asleep. The service ends with the peo
ple leaving the church in silence and darkness; it is perhaps one of the most stirring liturgies in the Christian year. The next day we journey with Jesus through his trial and execution, we gather at the foot of the cross and gaze upon our Lord. Good Friday is also a major fast day on which we seek to abstain from food and drink until the end of the day. On Maundy Thursday we left the church in darkness, on Holy Saturday evening we begin the Easter Vigil in darkness. The darkness is broken with the lighting of the New Fire and the procession of the Easter Candle into the church with the words of “The Light of Christ!” and the people responding, “Thanks be to God.” It is an amazing liturgy, with the liturgy of the word taking us through the themes of creation and redemption, then into the rite of baptism, in which we throw off the old life of sin, and are washed and clothed with the new life of Christ, receiving the light of Christ with a baptismal candle lit from the Easter candle. The service then continues with the Eucharist of the resurrection, though in some parishes this Eucharist is deferred to Easter morning. Holy Week is a wonderful week; the events of the week take us to the very core of what it is to be a person of Christian
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.
The Right Reverend David Irving, Bishop of Saskatoon
faith. It is a week we should all journey through together, for when we do; it can have a powerful impact on out lives. We see in the events of Jesus' death and resurrection, God, our Creator, has shown to all humanity that death does not have the final word. The final word is with God. “I am the resurrection and the life,” says the Lord. (John 11:25) Faithfully +David
Managing Editor: Fred Stephens, 51 - 10th St. NE, Weyburn SK. S4H 1G8 Phone 306-842-7235 Email: skeditor@yahoo.ca Qu’Appelle: Joanne Shurvin-Martin, 6927 Farrell Bay Regina SK S4X 3V4 Phone: 306-775-2629 Email: wsmartin@accesscomm.ca Saskatoon: Peter Coolen, 820Avenue I South Saskatoon SK S7M 1Z3 Phone: 306-244-0935 Email: ptrcoolen@sasktel.net Saskatchewan: The Reverends Julie and Steven Page, P.O. Box 274, Hudson Bay, SK, S0E 0Y0P Phone (306) 865-3488; Email: HudsonBayArborfield@SaskTel.net
There are three joys of Easter. 1. We know and rejoice by faith in the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death. The Easter faith is to believe that Jesus has conquered sin and death once and for all. That is the first joy of this great day. Life and Light and Love have conquered, death, darkness and hatred. 2. The second joy is not only to look back on Christ's victory with faith but ahead to our own with hope. Christ is risen from the dead and in Christ we shall all be made alive. We look ahead to our full participation in his glorious resurrection, we anticipate with a sure and certain hope the resurrection of the body and the life of the world to come. 3. While we look back with faith and ahead with hope, the third joy of Easter is to rejoice here and now in the victory of Christ by love and in love. St. Paul tells us that we are already risen with Christ. In the forgiveness of sins we know Christ's resurrection victory in us. So by love, in relationships healed and restored, in forgiveness extended and accepted, we share in the joy of Easter. This third resurrection is moral; it is ours by a moral death and a moral rebirth in Jesus. So this threefold joy can be yours, by faith in Christ's victory, by hope for your own, and by the conviction and inspiration of his triumphant love. Here in this Easter celebration our faith is confirmed as the risen Lord reveals himself to us in the scriptures and the breaking of bread, our hope is shored up that there is a place at the table prepared for us, and our love is born in the love of God for us, and that love wins out against hatred and offences and prejudices so that we see and know Christ is all in all. Kathy, Matthew, Allie and I pray that all of you may know and rejoice in the gift of forgiveness and new life which is ours through Christ who died and rose again for us all. +Michael
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 A Section of Anglican Journal
The Saskatchewan Anglican, April, 2010
Diocese of Saskatoon: Announcements for April, 2010 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 (for example, September submissions will be in the November issue). 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. The Bishop's Schedule for April (please note that this is only a partial list): April 1st to 4th, Holy Week; April 4th, St. John's Cathedral, Saskatoon; April 9th and 10th, Diocesan ACW, Christ Church; April 12th to 16th, House of Bishop's; April 18th, St. Timothy's Church, Saskatoon; April 20th, Church Leaders Lunch, Saskatoon; April 21st, Back to Church Conference; April 25th, Regimental Service. Marriage Preparation Classes: Marriage Preparation Classes will be held at St. John's Cathedral on April 16th and 17th. Please contact the Cathedral at (306) 242-5146 to register. Vital Church Planting Conference in Edmonton: The Diocese of Edmonton will host the Vital Church Planting - West Conference from May 18th to 20th at Taylor Seminary, Edmonton. Themed “Church/Culture/Hope”, this church planting conference, the first of its kind in western Canada, will include participants from the Provinces of Rupert's Land, British Columbia and the Yukon. The conference will explore ways in which the church may meet the changing needs of society. Registration is: $250/person, $75/students. For more information on registration and accommodation contact the Diocese of Edmonton or: www.vitalchurchplanting.com. Journey Towards Healing: On Sunday April 18th at 7 p.m. you are invited to gather at The Refinery on Dufferin and 12th St. to learn more about the history of Canada's, particularly Saskatchewan's Residential Schools and be an ambassador of healing and reconciliation. The Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon Aboriginal Outreach Network Group, in conjunction with the Harmony Song Project of Tamara's House, are presenting a documentary film "Muffins For Granny" (rated PG) which explores Canada's
Residential Schools. There will be a time for refreshments, displays and dialogue. tThe Tamara's House Project provides services for First Nations women affected by childhood sexual abuse and the legacy of Residential School abuse. Donations will go toward the continuation of their Harmony Song Project. The Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon Aboriginal Outreach Group strives to create awareness and support for Aboriginal issues. For more information contact Jean Thompson, jeant@sasktel.net or Mary Ann Assailly, rassailly@sasktel.net “Martha and Mary: Two Faces of Love”: This is the theme of a Spring Conference for Women and the Annual General Meeting for Anglican Church Women in he Diocese of Saskatoon, to be held on Saturday, April 10th (8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. closing service) at Christ Church Anglican, Saskatoon. Come for fellowship, spiritual enrichment, a touch of Guyana, to discuss future Diocesan ACW options, and browse displays. Advanceregistration is $20 (includes lunch). Please register by March 31st, to Patricia Haller, 32 Moxon Cres., Saskatoon, S7H 3B9 (477-3510; e-mail: haller.gp@sasktel.net). An optional evening banquet for all registrants, clergy and non-registrants will be held at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, April 10th, at Christ Church. The new Bishop of Saskatoon, The right Reverend David Irving will be formally introduced at the banquet, and will be guest speaker. Tickets are $15 each; seating is limited to 100. Book your tickets from Patricia Haller (477-3510), Elaine Hrycenko (9555522), and Marion Pope (374-3967). “East Meets West” “Drawing on the Gospel”: an opportunity for cross-town fellowship, food worship and study as folks from St. Matthew's, Sutherland (the “East”) and Christ Church, Caswell (the “West”) get together on Wednesdays for “Drawing on the Gospel”. Each evening begins with a pot-luck supper at 6 p.m., followed by a sung, contemporary setting of Evening Prayer at 7 p.m.; then an opportunity to study the upcoming Gospel lections by cartooning the texts. This popular study method does not require that you draw! Currently, the program is happening at St. Matthew's (Corner of Egbert Ave. and 109th St.) but will be periodically alternating to Christ Church. Please call either church for information; Christ
Church at: 242-0165 or St. Matthew's at: 374-8808. Sung Evening Prayer: The four-centuryold tradition of sung Evening Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer is being presented by All Saints', Saskatoon at 4:30 p.m., the third Sunday of each month until June; the presentation will feature the All Saints' Choir and the refurbished pipe organ; for details call 668-6245. Integrity/Saskatoon: Meetings are held at St. James', Saskatoon on the second Saturday of each month at 7 p.m. The regular meetings include a talking circle and Eucharist with fellowship to follow; babysitting is available during meetings for those with children. For more information contact the Reverend Ann Marie Nicklin at: (306) 948-3460 or: benjie60@gmail.com. For further information and to view related articles, links and photographs of Integrity events: www.integritysaskatoon.blogspot.com. Saskatoon Native Ministry: Meetings are held every second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. A Sacred Circle Worship is held Sunday at 4 p.m.; worship is followed by a community meal at 5 p.m. All events are held at: St. Thomas Wesley United Church, 808 20th St.. For information call: 244-1381 or E-mail: snm@sasktel.net. Monthly Ultreys: for information and/or to confirm dates and times for monthly Ultreys please contact: Austin King (306 933-4007 or email a.king@sasktel.net); or Loretta Hartsook (306 934-2520). APPOINTMENTS, RESIGNATIONS ETC: The Reverend Canon Colin Clay, has been elected Chair of Interfaith Saskatoon; The Reverend Joe Ponic, has begun a two-year appointment as Interim Rector of St. Michael and All Angels Church in Prince George, B.C. in the Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior; Ms. Shauna Milner, who has been the Administrative Assistant at the Synod Office since 2007, has resigned effective February 28th, in order to accept a position as Administrative Assistant at the Saskatoon Christian School. The Reverend Harry Sanford Rose died suddenly on February 5th, 2010 at home in Cranbrook, British Columbia (please see obituary in this issue for more details).
Camp Okema Summer Schedule The camps planned for the summer of 2010 are as follows: July 1 - 4 Family Camp 1 July 6 - 9 Small Fry 1 (7 - 9 yrs.) July 11 - 17 Junior 1 (10 -12 yrs.) July 19 - 25 Jr. Teen (13 - 15 yrs.) July 27 - 30 Small Fry 2 (7 - 9 yrs.) July 31 - Aug. 2 Family Camp 2 Aug. 7 - 13 Junior 2 (10 -12 yrs.) Aug. 15 - 21 Senior Teen (15 - 17 yrs.) Aug. 23 - 26 Adult Camp Brochures will be sent out in March and early registration is encouraged. All necessary details, including fees, arrival and departure times, will be communicated in the brochure.
Please consider volunteering as a staff member for one of this summer's camps. Activity leaders, nurses, chaplains, cooks and cabin leaders are needed for all camps. It`s a great way to share your gifts and talents with others, plus have a lot of fun doing it. To volunteer, contact Yvonne Mitchell at 756-2541 or saymitchell@live.ca. Also, consider being part of the long-term summer staff at Camp Okema in one of our employee positions. Positions that may be available this summer include: Camp Administrator, Lifeguard, Facilities Manager (maintenance), and Food Services Manager (kitchen and dining hall management). The Board has not yet finalized personnel requirements, so the
availability of the above positions is tentative. For more information, or to indicate interest in possible positions, contact Yvonne Mitchell using the contact information above. Photo contributed
Cooks serve with a smile at Camp Okema.
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Qu'Appelle Notes & Events Dell Bornowsky has been appointed Incumbent of Big Country Parish, effective April 1. Dell is a transitional deacon, and was previously honorary assistant at St. Aidan, Moose Jaw. Sunday May 2, St. Paul's Cathedral, Regina Two deacons, Rev. Dell Bornowsky and Rev. Dean Pinter, are to be ordained to the Priesthood at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Bornowsky is the newly-appointed Incumbent of Big Country, and Rev. Pinter teaches at Eston College. A supper reception will follow. Please call 522-6439 if you plan to attend the supper. July 10 St. Martin's Anglican Church, Raymore Celebrating 100 Years of Worship - an event to look back and celebrate and look forward with renewed vision. Registration and fellowship begin at 2:00 p.m., with a eucharist service at 4:00 p.m., Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson presiding. A banquet (tickets $10.00) will follow. For tickets, or if you have questions about the event, please contact Pat Benson, Box 99, Jansen SK S0K 2B0 (306) 364-2150, e-mail hpbenson@aski.ca, no later than June 1.
FYI from the Diocese of Saskatchewan Appointments Jan 24 - The Very Reverend Kenneth Davis was inducted as Rector of St Alban's Cathedral and Dean of Saskatchewan, and given the Bishop McLean Canon Residentiary. Upcoming Events April 1 at 12:10 pm - Maundy Thursday Renewal of Vows for Clergy at St. Alban's Cathedral, Prince Albert. April 18 at 4 pm - Annual Lay Readers' licensing service at St Alban's Cathedral, Prince Albert. April 24 at 10 am - ACW Annual Meeting at St Alban's Cathedral, Prince Albert. May 18-20 - Vital Church Planting Conference in Edmonton. The Bishop has ten $1000 bursaries to provide to Parishes who want to send their Priest and some Laity to this conference. To take advantage of these bursaries, please mail a letter to the Synod Office request-
4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, April, 2010
OBITUARIES Rose,The Reverend Harry Sanford, 1938 to 2010: It is with deep sorrow that the family of the Reverend Harry Sandford Rose announces his sudden passing on Friday, February 5th, 2010 in Cranbrook, British Columbia at 71 years of age. Born on March 5th, 1938 in Toronto, Ontario, the Reverend Rose was a compassionate and vibrant man. He was Rector of Humboldt and Watson from 1989 to 1997. While there he began 'The Good Neighbour Store'; this store has contributed over one million dollars to Humboldt and the community since it was begun. Harry is remembered with affection. Although often challenged health-wise, he fearlessly and cheerfully embraced life while seeking out new pastimes. He was devoted to his family; looking for opportunities to spend time with his wife, children, grand-children, greatgrand-children and other relatives as well as to research the family roots through genealogy and meet new family members. Community-minded, and fired with a passion for the military and legion, he was always ready to volunteer his time and talents. His enjoyments in life, outside the church, came from the time he spent in his garden and traveling. His creativity revealed itself in woodworking, making Christian jewelry, drawing, rug design, and wine-making. Harry is survived by his devoted wife Nancy; son Matthew (Michelle); daughters: Sari (Joseph) and Sylvia (Douglas); grandchildren: Jacqueline, Claire, Patrick, Mackenzie, Jason, Sharon Anne, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Nicholas and
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The Reverend Harry Sanford Rose great grandchildren: Stephen, Ryan, Samuel, Kassity, Justin, Danica, Doane, Damien and Noah; sister Reta; brother William (Shirley); brother-inlaw Richard (Wendy) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents William and Neta Rose. A memorial service for the Reverend Rose was held at Christ Church Anglican, Cranbrook on Friday, February 12th, with later interment in Westlawn Cemetery. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in honour of the Reverend Rose may do so to the: Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon, Cranbrook Unit, #101, 105-9th Avenue South, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 2M1, a local Haiti relief fund of your choosing, or PWRDF - The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund, 80 Hayden Street Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 3G2. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com., or may be mailed to the Rose family at: 533 Hurry Avenue N.W., Cranbrook, BC,
Top Ten Best Practices for Priests by the Reverend Tracey Lloyd Smith Christopher Lake (SASKATCHEWAN) I had the pleasure of attending the week-long course entitled “Evangelism and Discipleship,” taught by Archdeacon Kenneth Anderson. The Archdeacon visited Emmanuel and St. Chad college from Huron College in Ontario, from January 17 -23. Archdeacon Anderson, originally from Northern Ireland, has a long and successful record of growing disciples AND Anglican churches in Canada. His practical experience was what attracted me to this course. Archdeacon Anderson encouraged us to consider using these Top Ten Best Practices for parish ministry. He stressed these all need to be regularly adapted and updated to suit your area. 1) Plan a Yearly Memorial Service, for your village, town or just your parish, where every family who lost a loved one can come for a special service with meaningful moments of participation and suitable music, readings and reflection. 2) Hold a Thanksgiving Lessons and Carols. A Lessons and Carols service, which is a distinctly Anglican tradition, can be adapted for Thanksgiving Sunday. Use a pattern of lesson on thanksgiving themes, thanksgiving hymns, prayers for Canada, and perhaps some creative touches of true Canadian Poetry. 3) Make a big deal of Mother's Day (Father's Day too, if you can). Offer flowers, special prayers for all women and mothers, and even prizes for those who can answer some questions in the announcement time, like 'who here has the most
Photo contributed
Archdeacon Ken Anderson, the Rev'd Tracy Lloyd Smith, Noreen Hareuther, Patricia Martin grandkids?' or 'who is the youngest mom among us?'. 4) Recognize your baptisms, marriages and funerals; use last year's calendar and transfer these important dates into your next year's day-timer. Give a phone call on the anniversary of someone's passing or a card on the anniversary of a baptism. People will know you care. 5) Visit. It's plain and simple. Clergy need to visit, even if you have an experienced, trained visitation team. Make it your goal to call everyone yearly. That way, people can't say the only time they hear from the church is when money is needed! 6) Everyone gets your Christmas Letter - this letter also lets folks know about the Christmas services, lessons and carols evening, and so on, inviting them to join you! 7) Hold Annual (or biannual) Newcomer Pot Lucks. The Archdeacon recommended to hold a potluck in someone's home, for a more friendly atmosphere, where everyone contributes a dish; the idea is to get to know and celebrate your newcomers. 8) Loaves and Fishes
Sunday - help the local food bank in their toughest month. Distribute grocery bags to each family, have the kids decorate the church with 'fish and loaves' pictures, and watch the church fill up with bags of food for thisgood cause. 9) Making Easter Eggs The whole parish can get involved in making and distributing delicious hand made chocolate Easter eggs (or some similar delicacy). Every one is wrapped nicely with a tag saying the name of your church and the Easter service times. The funds raised can go for something special, Haiti, a Homeless shelter or even your new church furnace. 10) Finally, host your own Talent Auction. When everyone (from teens to seniors on the parish roll) is called and invited to donate one of their talents, this event not only brings in very helpful funds but is a fantastic fellowship builder. The church comes together (with invited friends, of course) to bid on great items from free babysitting to cottage get-aways. What I loved about this was how the Archdeacon's events really help to strengthen the unity of your church community!
Bilingual Preaching at the latest James Settee College session Prince Albert (SASKATCHEWAN) For one week in February, the Diocese of Saskatchewan's normally quiet Synod Office was bursting at the seams. More than 20 students descended upon the office each day, for courses at James Settee College. The James Settee College, named after Cree catechist and missionary James Settee, is designed to provide educational opportunities to our Cree clergy and lay readers. Students from communities across the diocese are enabled to deepen their theological, spiritual, and leadership skills as they lead the congregations in their home communities. About twothirds of the parishioners in the Diocese of Saskatchewan are First Nations Cree and living primarily on Reserves, with their
extremely committed clergy being non-stipendiary. The topic for this latest session of the College, which took place during the first week of February, was preaching. Dr. Gary Graber, the principal of the College, taught some theory and best-practices in a classroom setting. Then he assigned texts from the Gospel of Matthew, and provided an opportunity for handson practice and review. The result by the end of the week was a series of homilies delivered by the students. Some were entirely in English, while others delivered bilingual messages, interspersing both English and Cree. For the Reverend Gary Smalldon, from All Saints' Church in La Ronge, these occasional gatherings are essential for learning. “Sometimes we learn
more in person than on paper,” he reflected at the end of the week. This feeling was echoed by the Reverend Martha Stonestand, priest-in-charge of St. Stephen & St. Luke's Church in Fort a la Corne. “It was an excellent week of fellowship and encouragement,” she said. Corporate worship was an essential part of the daily routine of the College's session. They prayed together, sang together, and worshiped together. The Right Reverend Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatchewan, celebrated communion with them one day, as well. The James Settee College began operations in 1997, and the costs of administering the College are borne by an annual grant from the New England Company.
Photo contributed
The Rt. Rev'd Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatchewan, celebrates Holy Communion during the week-long session of James Settee College. More photos on next page
The Saskatchewan Anglican, April, 2010
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Lenten Preparations at St. Luke's by Nigel Salway (Editor's note: This article recounts the Lenten activites of just one parish, but is representative of many such activities throughout the diocese.) REGINA The week prior to Ash Wednesday is also called Shrovetide and it is during this week that we prepare for Lent. Shrove is the past participle of shrive, which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by way of confession and doing penance. The last day of this week of preparation and the last day before Lent is known as Shrove Tuesday, or more sec
ularly, Pancake Day. On this day, a meal of pancakes is consumed as a symbolic last meal of the foods, such as sugar, fat and eggs, which are either to be avoided or eaten in moderation during Lent. A parish Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is a long-standing tradition at St. Luke's and is enjoyed by both the parish and the wider community alike. The 2010 edition renewed the tradition with a new vigour. Commencing at 4:30 p.m., the lower parish hall buzzed with excitement as a crowd of parishioners and guests sat down to a scrumptious meal of pancakes and sausages, followed by fruit cocktail and washed down with a cup of
hot coffee. This scene was repeated forat least three seatings of diners. Pancake supper regulars commented on the crowd as being larger than previous years. Given the tasty food, this is not surprising. The parish team preparing this feast was lead by Janet Clark, who organized a large number of volunteer cooks, servers and dishwashers into an effective team. Everyone agreed this was one of the most successful suppers in recent memory and a fitting start to Lent. The first day of Lent is called Ash Wednesday. On Ash Wednesday, the invisible cross traced on our foreheads at baptism becomes visible. Ash Wednesday
derives its name from the practice of placing ashes in the shape of the cross on the foreheads of the congregation as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are gathered after the palm crosses from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned. St. Luke's had both a morning and evening service of the imposition of ashes. Both services were lead by interim priest, Rev. Derek Nicholls. At these services, parishioners who sought to receive the sign of the cross approached the altar rail. Father Nicholls imposed the sign of the cross with the words: Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
Okema Notes By Steve Mitchell Okema Banquets Camp Okema will be hosting two fund raising dinners with the theme of “Spring Into Okema�. The dates are as follows:
photos - Nigel Salway
On Ash Wednesday, the invisible cross traced on our foreheads at baptism becomes visible. Rev. Derek Nicholls imposes the sign of the cross on Jean Thomas.
photos - Nigel Salway
Pancake supper organizer Janet Clark at work in the St. Luke kitchen.
Calling Former Vanners Photo contributed
Twenty-two priests, deacons and lay readers gathered from churches in Cree communities. They worked hard during the week, learning about Preaching and practicing their new skills.
staff OTTAWA - If you worked on the "vans" of the Canadian Sunday School Caravan Mission, Garth Hampson would like to talk to you. Mr. Hampson is collecting an oral history from former vanners of the organization founded by Miss Eva Hasel. Please contact Mr. Garth Hampson, 89 West Park Drive, Ottawa, ON K1B 3G4, phone (613) 824-2350.
Photo contributed
The Feb 2010 gathering of James Settee College students.
Saturday, April 24 St. John's Cathedral Hall, Saskatoon Doors Open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner at 6:00 p.m. Tickets: $15/adult $ 10/children (5 - 12 yrs.) Under 5 yrs. Free Ticket Information: Jean Gibson at 3731047 Saturday, May 1 Lions Hall, MacDowall Children's Camp Day: 2:00 p.m. Registration Dinner at 6:00 p.m. Tickets: $15/adult $ 10/children (5 - 12 yrs.) Under 5 yrs. Free Ticket Information: Yvonne Mitchell at 756-2541 or saymitchell@live.ca Please note that the MacDowall event includes a Children's Camp Day program with crafts, games and other fun that allow children to experience a taste of Camp Okema. We need volunteers to help with the children's activities. Contact Yvonne Mitchell for more information on Camp Day. Help Wanted The following positions may be available at Camp Okema this summer: o Camp Administrator o Lifeguard/Camp Assistant o Maintenance o Program Assistant o Food and Sanitation Services Worker Resumes for any of the positions may be submitted by April 15 to Yvonne Mitchell at saymitchell@live.ca or Box 140, Caronport,SK S0H 0S0. For further information, contact Yvonne at 7562541. Website Check out the updated website at www.okema.ca. The website includes a registration form that can be printed and mailed in.
6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, April, 2010
Rosetown Centennial Celebrated by David Saville Editor's Note: The Saskatchewan Anglican has a general policy not to carry articles about events more than three months after they occurred. An article about the Rosetown centennial had been submitted earlier, but the editor did not receive it. Our apologies to the St. Andrew-Trinity congregation for this problem. ROSETOWN (Qu'A) The 100th anniversary of the Anglican Church in Rosetown as well as the 100th birthday of the town occurred in 2009. Planning was begun in 2008 to celebrate both centennials in the church. The town chose to have a homecoming to celebrate in July of 2009. As St. Andrew-Trinity church is located in downtown Rosetown, the town approachedhe congregation to use the church hall as the registration
photo - David Saville
St. Andrew-Trinity church, part of Coteau Hills Parish, is located in downtown Rosetown. t site for the homecoming. This worked well with the church plans, as an open house had been planned for the same day. The hall was decorated with memorabilia and history of the church in Rosetown. The open house included a tea and birthday cake on Saturday. Cloth napkins read
ing “St. Andrew-Trinity 100 Years of Worship 1909-2009” were given out at the tea. A float announcing the church's anniversary was entered in the parade on Saturday morning. The church building was open again for visitors on Sunday morning. All of the local
churches had a communal church service at the museum grounds on Sunday. Another part of the centenary celebration was a Serenity Garden started on the church grounds. The focal point for the garden is the original bell from the church. The Trinity portion of the name of the congregation comes from this being a shared ministry church with the local Lutheran congregation since 1988. Both congregations shared their two church buildings until the Anglican congregation in Davidson bought the Lutheran Church in 1991. Some highlights from the 100 years are: 1909 - first railway mission service held in a local store 1912 - built a church 1918 - first church burned down 1919 - replacement church built in less than one year 1925 - bought Bank of Toronto
building to use as church hall 1957 - the hall was joined to church by adding construction between the buildings 1959 - joined with Kyle and Elrose to form Rosetown-Kyle parish 1988 - agreement to share ministry with Trinity Lutheran church. Since 2007 Rosetown has been without a priest, depending on lay ministry and monthly visits from a visiting priest. Support continues for the church with a Sunday school and confirmations planned for this year. Annual projects include spring and fall bake sales, Shrove Tuesday pancake supper and a fall supper. The church building is also the site of all of the Rosetown Lenten services with other churches taking turns leading the services and providing the soup and sandwich lunch which follows those services.
The Diocese Says Thank You and Bids Adieu to Bishop Rod By Peter R. Coolen - SASKATOON - On the evening of Thursday, February 18th, 177 members of the Diocese of Saskatoon and others assembled at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon to celebrate the life and achievements of the Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon and to bid him a fond adieu as he retired and as he prepared to step out into a new life. Bishop Rod had announced his retirement date as Feb. 28th, a bishop-elect (Archdeacon David Malcolm Irving) was in place, and the Eastern, Western and Saskatoon Deaneries had already said their respective good-byes with smaller and less formal dinners of their own prior to the night's celebration. As befitting the occasion, the overall mode for the evening was festive and social with conflicted tinges of regret, recollection and anticipation. The evening began with a halfhour icebreaker and social time, as people assembled, chose tables, and mixed, met and shared. In addition to the various members of the diocese, guests and attendees included the Metropolitan, The Most Reverend David Ashdown; The Right Reverend Greg KerrWilson, Bishop of Qu'Appelle; The Right Reverend Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatoon; Bishop Alan Grundahl (ret'd) and Bishop Cindy Halmerson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Saskatoon; Bishop-elect Monsignor Donald Bolen, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon; and Hazzan Neil Swartz, Congregation Agudas
Israel, Saskatoon. Much of the evening had been organized and coordinated by the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism; chief organizers for the evening where The Reverend Dr. Jan Bigland Pritchard, Executive Director of the Centre, Gwendolyn Gresham and The Reverend Karen Sandell. Jan Bigland Pritchard, the M.C. for the evening, began with a general welcome and greeting, this was followed by a Blessing, given by The Reverend Canon Stan Cuthand and the Grace, given by Bishop Tom Morgan; these were followed by a delicious roast-beef buffet dinner, dessert and much conversation. With the meal concluded, the evening's entertainment began with the Will Gough Australian Whip Show (Will Gough being assisted by Melissa and Louise Saunders); several volunteers, one of whom was the retiring Bishop Rod, took their turns in having straws, newspapers and other items whipped with great accuracy off various areas of their anatomy. The Reverend Canon Bill Christenson provided a gentle review and Roast of Bishop Rod's life and career, this being followed by several Chansons en francais presented by Ken Bos. Throughout the evening messages from well-wishers who could not be there were read out as well. Three reviews of Bishop Rod's life in three very different formats were presented: first by means of a 25-minute, detailed, video slide show, with accompanying music, and narration prepared by Tom Rogers; then secondly, on video, by a rustic musical review with special emphasis
on the “Tractor Trek”, sung to the tune of “A Poor Poor Farmer”, by members of the Lintlaw/Endeavour Parish; and finally, a more ecclesticallyappropriate review, in a recitation of an extended biographical plainsong, in person, by the choir of All Saints, Saskatoon. A breathing space for some humor was provided between the music of “A Poor Poor Farmer” and the plainsong by a skit: “The End Is Nigh” (from “Beyond The Fringe”) presented by The Venerable Richard Spencer, The Reverend Canon Colin Clay, The Reverend Dr. Walter Hannam and Vanessa Charles. Gifts were presented by The Reverend Jan Bigland Pritchard to Bishop Rod and his wife, Jacqueline Plante, of a stole created by Cindy Hoppe, a painting, by Ken Bos, of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Saskatoon and a monetary gift. After the gifts were presented Bishop Rod spoke, giving thanks for the efforts that the event organizers had made for the evening, to everyone attending for coming and for all the many years of help, support and encouragement that everyone had given him. Bishop Rod noted that he is not leaving Saskatoon but is merely retiring and that he will still be around to share, spend time and continue to be part of the life of the diocese. He said that he looks forward to spending more time flying, partly with “On Eagles Wings”, traveling, and just “getting some reading done”. Following Bishop Rod's speech, “Young Thunder”, a native drumming group, gave a brief introduction to the history of North American Indian dance
and to the round dance in particular; then to the sound of Young Thunders' drumming and chanting everyone joined hands, in a line which encircled the hall, and participated in an enormous round dance. The Most Reverend David Ashdown brought the evening to a close by briefly reviewing Bishop Rod's accomplishments in his careers as a family man, pilot, priest, and bishop, thanking him for his efforts, example and friendship and wishing him well in his new pursuits. Following this the evening concluded with a blessing from the Archbishop to all those present and to Bishop Rod saying good-bye to each guest at the door as they left the hall.
Photo - Peter Coolen
Bishop Rod, for his wife Jacqueline Plante and himself, thanks the event organizers and those who attended the Bishop's Retirement Reception and Dinner
Photo - Peter Coolen
The Presentation of “The End Is Nigh” from “Beyond The Fringe” by: (L to R) Vanessa Charles, The Reverend Dr. Walter Hannam, The Reverend Canon Colin Clay and The Venerable Richard Spencer More photos on page 8
The Saskatchewan Anglican, - April, 2010 Prince Albert (SASKATCHEWAN) On a stormy and snowy January night, the Very Reverend Kenneth Davis was inducted as the Rector of the Cathedral Church of St Alban the Martyr in Prince Albert, and the Dean of Saskatchewan. Dean Davis comes to the Diocese of Saskatchewan after twelve years at All Saints' Church in Whitby, Ontario. “I'm delighted to be here,” he says with a smile. He and his family arrived in early January, to a very warm welcome. “The people here have been very generous, kind and welcoming,” the new Dean says, citing as one example that “people brought us evening meals every night for our first week here.” Dean Davis' wife, Gillian, is an accomplished Paediatric Physiotherapist. She is pleased to be working at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert. They have three sons: Simon (24) and his wife Ashley; Benjamin (20), who lives in Ontario, and Samuel (6). Little Samuel makes friends very quickly, and is adapting well to life in Saskatchewan. The Davis family is excited to be in Prince Albert, and in the Diocese. Many people they have met since their arrival have wondered about their reaction upon arriving in the middle of a Saskatchewan winter. But Davis laughs and professes a love for snow. “I have already been out skiing a couple times,” he said. “The last time, it was minus-30, which was a new experience,” he noted, which only added to his enjoyment. Dean Davis graduated from Wycliffe College in Toronto with hMaster of Divinity degree in 1986. He
Snowy Induction for New Dean
Photo contributed
- The Rt. Rev'd Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatchewan, welcomes the Very Rev'd Ken Davis in the reception following the induction service. served first as Curate and later as Priestin-charge of St Peter's Church (Erindale) in Mississauga, Ontario (Diocese of Toronto) for two and a half years, then as Rector of St Barnabas' Church in Peterborough for nine years. Most recently he was Rector of All Saints' Church in Whitby, Ontario, for twelve years. The move to the cathedral and to Prince Albert “seemed of God,” Dean Davis said. “God was clearly at work, in a series of hardly-chance encounters,” that led them here. He looks forward to working with the many fine people at the Cathedral and around the diocese. To help him deepen his understanding of his new
place, Dean Davis is organizing a Cathedral History Day, a chance for a facilitator to draw out from members past memories and deeply significant moments and people. The Induction service for Dean Davis took place at St Alban's Cathedral on January 24th, at the tail end of the worst snowstorm of the season. The weather prevented many from attending, and many regrets and best wishes were received by telephone. But despite winter's best efforts, the service was very well attended, and there was a warm and positive feel in the cathedral. The service began with a procession of the
Cathedral Choir, Lay Readers, Diocesan and Visiting Clergy, the Dean, Cathedral Wardens, Chancellor and the Bishop of Saskatchewan, the Right Reverend Michael Hawkins. Once all were settled, Bishop Hawkins led the gathered community in a time of prayer for Dean Davis and his ministry. After Dean Davis read his declarations and oaths, Bishop Hawkins instituted him and presented to him a Bible and a Prayer Book, and blessed the new Incumbent. Dean Davis was then inducted to his charge. He received the Keys of the Church from the Wardens of the Cathedral, then was led by the Bishop to the significant points of the church, including the Font, the Prayer Desk, the Lectern, the Pulpit, and the Altar, reminding him at each stop of some of the aspects and duties of his calling. Following the installation of Mr. Davis as Dean and as a Canon of the Cathedral, the service of Holy Communion continued with lessons from Acts and the Gospel of Luke. The Reverend Christopher Greaves, Rector of St John's Church in Bowmanville (Diocese of Toronto) and good friend of Dean Davis, delivered the sermon. The service was followed by a reception in the Cathedral hall. Chief Lawrence Joseph, a Lay Reader at the Cathedral, offered a prayer for the lunch, provided by the Robert Tilton ACW group. The positions of Rector of St Alban's Cathedral and Dean of the Diocese of Saskatchewan had been vacant since early 2009, when former Dean Michael Hawkins was elected as Bishop.
Photo contributed Photo contributed
The Very Rev'd Ken Davis with his family: sons Simon and Samuel; Ken's wife Gillian; and Simon's wife Ashley.
The two Wardens of St Alban's Cathedral with their new Rector.
Summer at Emmanuel and St. Chad By Lisa McInnis
Photo contributed
L to R: The Rev'd Christopher Greaves who delivered the sermon; the Very Rev'd Ken Davis, the new Dean of Saskatchewan; and the Rt. Rev'd Michael Hawkins, Bishop of
7
The College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, Saskatoon has announced the following schedule of summer course offerings: o Biblical Languages: Intro. Greek, Hebrew I & II. o Other Languages: Latin, Slavonic, Coptic I & II; Part I, May 10th to 28th ; Part II: June 7th to 25th (6 week course = 6 credit units). o Praying with the Giants: Readings in Retreat, June 1st to 6th . o Cross Cultural Immersion: Vietnam, July 19th to August 10th. o Adult Religious Education: Theory & Practice, August 23rd to 27th (tentative date) For more information or to register contact: Colleen Walker, Registrar: colleen.walker@usask.ca ; (306) 975-1558; www.usask.ca/stu/emmanuel.
8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, April, 2010
A Message of Thanks from Bishop Rodney and Jacqueline Jacqueline and I wish to say a sincere and heart-felt thank you to the many people who have organized, attended and participated in farewell events across the Diocese of Saskatoon. We have been quite overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. Many people traveled long distances to attend the Pot Luck Farewells and the Diocesan Dinner. We are grateful for your friendship. Thank you for joining us for those events. Thank you also for the wonderful gifts. The monetary gifts are much appreciated. We will use the money wisely. Thank you also to those who made gifts to PWRDF as a tribute. We are humbled by all of this. Ken Bos's painting of St. John's Cathedral is beautiful. It will be hung in a special place in our home. The award-winning stole created by Cindy Hoppe is spectacular. I admired it when it was on display in various places. I never thought that it might be mine. I can hardly wait for Trinity season and an opportunity to wear it. It has been a great privilege to be Bishop of Saskatoon. We have had a wonderful six years and we thank the clergy and people of the Diocese of Saskatoon from the bottom of our hearts. I believe the mission of God is as vital as ever, and I believe God continues to call people into a new relationship of adventurous living. I continue to see the lives of many people experiencing forgiveness, hope and purpose. May God continue to use us all in the building up of His Kingdom.
Photo - Peter Coolen
The choir of All Saints', Saskatoon presented a plainsong review of Bishop Rodney's life and accomplishments
+ Rodney Andrews and Jacqueline Plante
Photo - Peter Coolen
Jacqueline Plante and Bishop Rod (left) receiving the gifts of the stole, created by Cindy Hoppe, and the painting of the Cathedral, painted by Ken Bos presented by Jan Bigland Pritchard (right) and Gwendolyn Gresham (far right), (on-stage but missing from the picture, was The Reverend Karyn Sandell)
Large Crowd for Ecumenical Taize Prayer Service
ng the paintphoto - Frank Flegel
Photo - Peter Coolen
The members of “Young Thunder” gave a demonstration of traditional native drumming
Photo - Peter Coolen
To the sounds of the drumming and chanting of “Young Thunder” all those present for Bishop Rod's Retirement Reception and Dinner took part in a gigantic round dance that encircled the entire banquet hall
Frere Emile from Taize, France, led an ecumenical prayer service in Regina. by Frank Flegel REGINA Bishop Gregory KerrWilson and his wife, Vicki, were among several hundred who attended a special Taize evening prayer service February 11 at Holy Child Roman Catholic Church. It was a special prayer service because it was led by Frere Emile, a member of the ecumenical group of Brothers who reside in Taize, France, who developed the Taize system of prayer. Brother Emile led the annual Qu'Appelle and Saskatoon dioceses clergy retreat held February 8 through 11 at St. Michael's Retreat House, Lumsden. The Regina Taize prayer group took advantage of
his proximity to organize the special prayer service. The Taize community began in 1940 by a Protestant pastor who took the name Brother Roger. Since then is has grown to about 100 Brothers of all Christian faiths. The Brothers do not accept donations for themselves, but exist solely on what is gained through their ministry. The evening service began with a welcome from Monsignor Don Bolen, who is to be ordained March 25 as Roman Catholic Bishop of Saskatoon. A 15-minute video about the Taize community in Burgundy, France, followed, explaining how it began and how the development of what Brother Emile called "contemplative prayer" has spread around the world.. The Taize community appears to have a special attraction for young people, who gather in Taize often numbering in the thousands in spring, summer and fall. They take part in prayer three times daily, called to the church by the community's bell tower in morning, noon and evening. The video featured several testimonials from young
adults from around the world,given in their own language with suitable sub-titles. Taize prayer features short readings and several short, easily learned songs of only three or four lines, more like chants, that are repeated several times each time they are sung. Taize prayer also includes a period of silence, which this evening was about seven minutes long. The church is illuminated only from dozens of votive candles on, around and below the altar with an icon of the crucified Christ. The chants are accompanied by a small group of musicians with flute, piano and guitar. Several who attended the service described it as an inspirational and contemplative evening. A social with coffee, tea and muffins was held in the church's gathering area following the service. A local Regina Taize prayer group meets at St. Francis Elementary School on the third Monday of each month. It currently attracts about 10 regulars, but considering the number who attended the February 11 service, more are expected to take part.