December 2007 A Section of Anglican Journal
The Shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us”. So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in a manger. -Luke 2:15-16(nrsv) Christmas Messages from the Bishops of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle from the Right Reverend Anthony Burton, Bishop of Saskatchewan
Your Life is a Manger The Christmas story is a Jewish story. When the writers of the Bible Put pen to paper, they were writing the most recent chapter in the story of their people, the Jewish people, a people who knew better than ever to try to put God in a box. The Jews were both funny and rude about the religions of their neighbors who did just that by worshipping idols. These writers know that God is too big to be put in a box. They know that he is too big, too mysterious, too holy adequately to be described. How surprised they must have been to find themselves recording the strange story of Jesus' birth, how amazed to find themselves lovingly describing how God came to be in a box - a box full of straw, a feeding trough for cattle, a manger. Their own joy and wonder shines through their descriptions of the event. They knew it was good news. It was good news because the box he put himself into was not his own box but ours. We are boxed in, trapped even, by pride and selfishness. We are boxed in by the weight of some of the things we have done in the past and cannot undo, boxed in by the broken relationships that are their consequence. We are boxed in by some of the things we have left undone, and for which it is too late to make amends. We are boxed in by illness and loneliness anxiety and fear of the future. While this is true for us as individuals, is true for us also as part of the human family. We are at war across the world, in wars the burden of which is most sharply borne by children. Almost every major city hangs a pall of filthy air; every ocean is overfished and hangs in the balance; in many parts of the world forests are burned and cut without thought for the consequences. In our personal relationships, in politics, at sea and land and air, we Are no closer to universal peace that we were a thousand years ago, and probably less at peace with one another than we were even ten years ago. As St. Paul put it, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." And yet it was for sinners, for me and for you, that Christ was born at Bethlehem. From the creation of the world God planned this great work of rescue and restoration. At Christmas we celebrate the fact that God loved us so much that he took human nature from a Jewish peasant girl. He took all that it means to be human into himself, nailed it to a Cross, and raised it up to heaven to prepare a place for us. This is much more than a promise for the
future. We do not stand outside of this story like spectators in a theatre watching an inspirational movie or listening to a motivational speaker. The Right Reverend T h e C h r i s t m a s Anthony Burton, story is not just Bishop of the truth being Saskatchewan told about God. It is the truth being told about ourselves, about what God is doing in our lives and how he is recreating the world around us as a sign on earth of the world to come. To state the obvious, Christ has been back many times since he ascended back into heaven nearly two thousand years ago. He came to earth again the day you were baptized and since then has been active in your life and mine whether we recognize it or not. God's cosmic rescue mission isn't something that started two thousand years ago, stopped, and will be suddenly reactivated at some time in the future. It is going on all around us in our generation, here and now. It is taking place in us - in you and in me. Christ redeems us every day, bit by bit, and fits our souls for the life of heaven. He does it in inspiring us to acts of kindness and generosity of patience and prayer. For he does not so much call us out of the box in which we live as to help us see the box of our lives for what it can be - a manger into which Christ can again be received. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Anna, Caroline & Peter join me in wishing you a merry Christmas, +Anthony Bishop of Saskatchewan from the Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon The sound of a railroad locomotive horn penetrates the cold Saskatoon winter air. The sound of the train recalls life in Saskatoon more than forty years ago. I was a student minister (we called ourselves 'theologs') at Emmanuel College. Along with about sixty other 'theologs', I lived in the old Emmanuel building on the university campus. Most evenings I would walk to the university library to
study. When the library closed I would walk to the residence and would hear the train sounds in the winter air. My life was filled with joy in those days; joy at The Right being able to study Reverend Rodney attend theology, Andrews, Bishop services at Rugby of Saskatoon Chapel twice a day and joy that I could look forward to ordination and having my own parish. The night sounds of Saskatoon still bring me joy. The clear winter air brings sounds of a busy city, much busier than forty years ago. This month the sounds of Christmas are added. I like those sounds also. They help me remember that the central message of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is peace and joy. Joy! What a powerful and meaningful word! “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing . . .” (Romans 15:13). Joy is the principal emotion associated with Christmas, but how do we find it? In his little book “Unwrapping the Gifts The Twelve Days of Christmas” Curtis Almquist says “Joy takes time. Joy is not fast food. It comes as a by-product of living a savored life, of taking time to 'smell the flowers.' Joy needs time . . . Take time, take at least some time each day, to do one thing at a time. Take time, take at least some time each day, if you are walking, to just walk. Take time, take at least some time, if you looking, to just look; if you are listening, to just listen. If you are sipping tea or watering the plants or petting the dog, take time to do just that. Do one thing at a time, and do that as often as you can. Take the time to let the fragrances and aromas of life penetrate to the deepest part of your being, where they can be savored . . . don't just visit life; life needs time in order to be lived abundantly.” Almquist goes on to say that joy requires desire. “I was talking with someone not long ago on this topic of joy. There was absolutely no joy in her life. I asked her whether she wanted to know joy. She had never thought of it quite that way, about wanting to know joy. My question applies to you, too: do you want to be joyful? Joy is a gift; it is a spiritual gift. Generally speaking, if you want to receive a gift, don't keep your hands in your pockets. Open your heart and open your hands to receive the gift of joy. Cooperate with God.” I wish you great joy this Christmas. May we open our hearts and lives to the Christ. May his spirit fill us with joy. + Rodney Bishop of Saskatoon
from the Right Reverend Gregory KerrWilson, Bishop of Qu’Appelle I was listening to a radio interview The Right Reverend recently in which Gregory Kerra journalist who Wilson, Bishop of had once lived in Qu’Appelle China during the C u l t u r a l Revolution was reflecting on the experience of having returned for a visit after many years away. The journalist noted the massive rise of free enterprise and consumerism in the culture almost always seen so positively in the West and commented on the spiritual poverty left in its wake. I was caught off guard, however, when, in describing this consumerism and spiritual void, she mentioned coming across shops with manger scenes and stuff about Jesus, including Christian prayers translated into Chinese, as an illustration. My initial reaction was an internal “rolling of the eyes.” I heard the comment as one of those attitudes which would see Christian faith as simply an expression of Western culture and not bearing truth and meaning for people in China.The reality is that there are tens of millions of Christians in China who have come to know and love our Lord and who have had a significant and positive impact on Chinese society over the last couple of centuries. Once that initial reaction began to fade though, I was suddenly struck by the import of the journalist's comment and it reminded me of a recent newscast which had announced the beginning of the Christmas shopping season (right after Halloween) as the start of the most intensive and important time of year for the retail industry. I couldn't help pondering the astounding irony. Jesus was born in poverty to a “lowly” Jewish peasant girl, was raised in a backwater town of very little importance or wealth (Nazareth), lived a life as an itinerant preacher and taught that people should not only share but, expecting nothing in return, should give away what they had to the poor and not store up “treasures on earth.” He taught that we cannot serve both wealth and God and, forsaking the pursuit of wealth and power himself, went to the cross in an act of self-giving love for the salvation of the world. Jesus, whose birth announces the presence of the Incarnate Son of God, showing us by his life and example what God's intention for human life really is, has his birth celebrated by a massive spending spree and an accumulation of goods which, for the most part, nobody really needs. “Irony” seems a rather weak word to describe it. (continued on page 2)
2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2007
Christmas Messages (cont’d
DIOCESE OF SASKATOON: ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UP COMING EVENTS
from page 1) Now I have to confess that I am a participant in this happening and despite what might be described as the foregoing “rant,” I do not think that our cultural celebrations of Christmas are all one big “bad.” At the very human level there are moments of simple pleasure and joy in sharing a festive meal and/or drink with a friend, which are undeniably moments of grace even if not recognized as such. There is the underlying motivation for many who are seeking just the right gifts, in hopes that they will communicate love and caring to their loved ones. There is a willingness in many to part with some of their material wealth in order to give those gifts and, even more importantly, to support in some small way those who often go without. There are generally times of rest and recreation which, at the very least, slow down the hamster wheel activity of our over busy culture. And without question it is the one time of the year when folks who wouldn't normally consider participating in worship generally do consider it and often give in to the temptation. All of these things are small signs of God's working and presence. But, as always, God calls us to bigger things. The story of the birth of the Christ child, contrasted in its context under Caesar's reign in imperial Rome tells us that salvation and peace on earth do not come through the use of worldly power, nor military might, nor market forces, nor the accumulation of wealth but through faith, through putting our trust in the one source and end of all, the living God. In the birth of Jesus, God is giving God's all for us in love and waiting for us to give our all in return. A truly blessed and holy Christmas to you all.
Diocese of Saskatchewan's Annual Clergy Retreat
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 articles or notices elsewhere in the Saskatchewan Anglican. Visits by the Bishop for December The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon, will be conducting the following visits: Sunday, December 2nd; St. James', Saskatoon; Tuesday, December 4th, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Saskatoon; Thursday, December 6th, St. Stephen's, Saskatoon Sunday, December 9th; St. George's, Saskatoon Humboldt Church Store The Parish of Humboldt's Church Store at Humboldt Mall will be open until at least January 1st; the store offers a wide selection of new books, greeting cards and items for the Christmas Season. St. George's, Saskatoon On Saturday, December 1st, St. George's will be holding its Annual Christmas Tea and Sale from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. On Sunday, December 9th, following the morning's Eucharist Service, the Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon will be sealing St. George's centennial time capsule. Integrity Saskatoon Meetings are held at St. James' on the second Saturday of each month at 7 p.m. 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) 242-5146. Promo Event for “Worship Conference 2008: Order & Chaos” The Western Canadian Anglican & Lutheran Seminary Promo Event for “Worship Conference 2008” will take place at the Lutheran Theological Seminary / Emmanuel and St. Chad Anglican Seminary, 114 Seminary Crescent, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, on Friday, Dec. 7th, 2007. The schedule for “Order and Chaos” will be: Seminary Advent Vespers, 7 p.m.; "Order & Chaos" Reception, 8 p.m. (wine and cheese; music hosted by a Montreal DJ; and information booths for “Worship Conference 2008”); Dancing, 9 p.m. For information: www.WorshipConference2008.org ; for registration inquiries: registrar @ Worship Conference2008.org.; or, to volunteer contact Lyndon Sayers at info@Worship Conference2008.org . Ordination of Mr. Alex Parsons: Mr. Alex Parsons, a graduate (M. Div.) of the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, will be ordained a deacon at St. Matthias' Church, Colonsay on Advent Sunday, December 2nd at 4 p.m. Mr. Parsons will continue to serve at Greater Watrous Parish under the direction of the Reverend Canon Colin Clay. Death: “Ruby” Robina Barrett Christensen, wife of the Reverend Canon Dr. William Christensen, of Holy Trinity Parish died in St. Paul's Hospital, in Saskatoon, on Wednesday, October 31st, 2007. At the time of this writing an Eucharist Service to celebrate Ruby's life will be held at Holy Trinity Church, Saskatoon on Tuesday, November 6th. The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon will officiate at the service. The homily will be delivered by the Reverend Gordon Jackson of Calgary, a classmate of Bill's at Trinity College, Toronto and a long time friend of Bill's and Ruby's. A reception will follow the service. Synod Office: A Warm Welcome to Shauna Milner who has been hired as the new Administrative Assistant at the Synod Office. Her direct phone number is: (306) 244-5651. Saskatoon Native Ministry: the Reverend Val From has been appointed Pastor of the Saskatoon Native Ministry
by Christopher Snook
Photo contributed
Dr. Ephraim Radner conducted this year's clergy retreat for the Diocese of Saskatchewan.
MUENSTER (Sask) - At the beginning of October the clergy of the Diocese of Saskatchewan gathered at St Peter's Abbey, Muenster, for their annual clergy retreat. This year's retreat was led by Dr. Ephraim Radner, one of the Anglican Communion's most well known theologians, whose books have earned the praise of contemporaary theological luminaries including the president of Wycliffe College, George Sumner, and the current Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams. Currently teaching at Wycliffe College,
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.
Toronto, Dr. Radner earned his PhD at Yale University and spent the majority of his ministry as a parish priest, most recently in Colorado. Dr. Radner has also been very involved in the drafting of the proposed Anglican covenant. Given his intense involvement in efforts to prevent the world-wide Anglican communion from fragmenting, it was striking that Dr. Radner chose to addresse the clergy not on Church politics, or Church structures, or even Church managment. Rather, he spoke with the clergy about the fundamental principle of Christian life: faithfulness.
Managing Editors: Fred Stephens, 51 - 10th St. NE, Weyburn SK. S4H 1G8 Phone 306-842-7235 Email: skeditor@yahoo.ca Qu’Appelle: Barbara-Lynn Dixon, 41 Angus Crescent Regina SK S4T 6N1 Phone: 306-525-6935 Email:bldixon@accesscomm.ca Saskatoon: Peter Coolen, 820Avenue I South Saskatoon SK S7M 1Z3 Phone: 306-244-0935 Email: ptrcoolen@sasktel.net Saskatchewan: The Reverend Christopher Snook, P.O. Box 198 Paradise Hill SK S0M 2G0 Phone 306-344-5405 Email: snook.chris@gmail.com
In a series of simple yet profound addresses, he first emphasized God's faithfulness to us, communicated in the revealed word of Scripture, and then described our response of faithfulness to God. In a church culture increasingly dominated by programme-heavy, managementmodels of parish building, Dr. Radner recalled the clergy of the Diocese to a life of prayer and daily faithfulness in the primary tasks of priestly life - worship, study, visitation and pastoral care. Faithfulness in the “daily-round” of parish life, he suggested, is the foundation of all ministry. We become faithful as we meditate daily (continued on page 3)
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The Saskatchewan Anglican,December 2007 - 3 Notes and Events Qu'Appelle November 30 and December 1 Bethlehem Live a portrayal of the journey to Bethlehem in an outdoor, interactive drama will be presented at St. Alban Moosomin beginning at 6.30 in the evening. Bethlehem Live allows visitors to experience first hand, the journey that Mary and Joseph undertook over 2000 years ago. The journey to the City of David involves an outdoor guided walk where beggars, thieves, shepherds, soldiers and real animals disrupt their progress. Once in Bethlehem there are more distractions from the market place to the tax collector with the journey culminating in a most wonderful place: the Nativity. The journey is expected to take about 30 minutes and is outside so dress warmly. Refreshments will follow in the parish hall. There is no cost; however any proceeds from a free will offering will be donated to the Palliative Care Unit. November 30 to December 2 St. Michael's Retreat Centre will offer an Advent Retreat 7.45 p.m. Friday to 1.00 p.m. Sunday entitled Flowers Will Bloom in the Desert. The presenter will be United Church Minister Walter Farquharson. The reflections for this retreat time will focus on the message of Isaiah 35. We know that the desert is real and the desert times and places in our lives are real. Yet the promise of God is that flowers will bloom in the desolate places and that prisoners of all sorts will walk free. We are assured that the lame shall leap like a deer and the speechless shall sing for joy. Here is good news for our advent reflection, healing for the places of brokenness in our lives and a promise of a world made new. The cost is $145.00. For further information phone (306) 731-3316 Fax: (306) 731-3807 or e-mail: <office@stmichaelsretreat.ca> December 2 St. John Fort Qu'Appelle will present an evening of sacred Christmas music at 7.30 p.m. Come and experience different denominational choirs performing various pieces of seasonal music. Social hour with refreshments will follow the concert in the church hall. December 14 and 15 St. Michael's Retreat Centre, Lumsden will have a relaxing retreat designed for GLBTI people. (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, and Intersexed) from 7:00 p.m. Friday to 7:00 p.m. Saturday on the topic Que(e)r(y)ing the Image of God. Many GLBTI people have rejected spirituality and religion because they have been rejected themselves. This retreat offers an inclusive image of God, affirming that God's love is not dependent on sexual orientation. In small groups we will explore queer positive texts, challenge traditional interpretations of scripture, and patriarchal understandings which have excluded GLBTI people. Facilitated by Rev. Carla Blakley who was ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in 1995 and challenges the church wherever exclusion occurs. Carla completed an M.A. in June 2007 in 'Queer Theory' and is currently a pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Regina. December 22 An Advent celebration of the winter solstice will be held at St. Michael's Retreat Centre, Lumsden, entitled Welcoming the Light. There will be storytelling and music with Vince Murphy, Kevin Lynch and Myra Zubot-Mitchel with music and song at 4 p.m. and at 5.30 p.m. hot soup and buns followed by an evening bonfire. The cost is adults $10.00; students $5.00; children to 6 years no charge. The family rate is $25.00. For further information phone 306.731.3316, fax: 306.731.3807 or e-mail <office@stmichaelsretreat.ca> December 30 An all Parish of Plain and Valley carol service will be held at 10 a.m. at All Saints Lumsden. There will be pot luck, dainties and coffee served. Everyone is welcomed.
Diocese of Saskatchewan's Annual Clergy Retreat (continued from page 2) on the faithfulness of God. Dr. Radner's touchstone throughout the lectures was this: God is faithful and will do what he promises. The addresses concluded with a reflection on the importance of remembering God's promise to be faithful even perhaps especially - at the end of life. The retreat was stuctured around the Book of Common Prayer's daily office and daily Eucharist. It also included significant amounts of quiet time for prayer and reflection, time for fellowship and converstion, as well as the annual retreat soccer match and bowling night. The monks of St. Peter's Abbey again provided wonderful hospitality. May this annual time of prayer bear fruit throughout the Diocese.
Evangelicals slaughter Anglo Catholics by Staff MUENSTER (Sask) - Eschewing the recent Anglican custom of addressing doctrinal differences by public denunciation and excommunication, the clergy of the Diocese of Saskatchewan took a more personal approach at their annual retreat: mortal combat on an open field. In a match characterized by taunting, insults, brazen cheating, psychological tricks, intimidation and physical abuse, the annual Evangelical vs. Anglo Catholic soccer game was won by the Evangelical team. As usual, the score was disputed bitterly by the losing side, but was said by the appalled spectators to be 17 to 9.
There were fewer serious injuries than normal this year. Only the Rector of Nipawin, the Rev. Richard Hetke, and the Deacon Assistant of James Smith Reserve, the Rev. Wilfred Sanderson, were left to stagger off the field following low blows. The game was played October 4 in the middle of the annual clergy retreat held at St. Peter's Benedictine Abbey at Muenster, SK. After the game, the combatants limped into Vespers with the monks of St. Peter's where all ill feeling was resolved in the glorious polyphonic singing for which that monastery is famous.
Before school, eight-year-old Jeremy was practicing playing his violin while his father was enjoying the morning paper at the breakfast table. When the scratchy, screecy, torturous sounds of Jeremy’s violin pierced the ears of the family dog it began to howl with all its might. Patiently, not wanting to interrupt is son’s practice session, the father waited until he couldn’t take it any longer. Yelling above the noise, the father pleaded, “COULD YOU PLEASE PLAY A TUNE THAT THE DOG DOESN’T KNOW?”
4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2007
CELEBRATIONS Holy Trinity, Ogema Celebrates Ninety five Years of Service by the Reverend Ella Frank OGEMA (QuA) - What a glorious celebration! Holy Trinity Ogema celebrated 95 years of faithful worship on Sunday, October 14, with a full house. Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson was the celebrant for the service of Thanksgiving and the Holy Eucharist. The Reverend Isabella Frank assisted with the service. The guest preacher for the day was the Reverend Joan Scandrett of Big Country Parish. Joan Scandrett was baptized at Holy Trinity Church in 1951 by her father, the late Reverend John J. Scandrett, who served this congregation from 1944 to 1951. Debbie Howe of St. Luke's Lutheran Church was the organist for this service of Thanksgiving. Readers for the Old Testament and the New Testament were Muriel Horner and Vivian Mead respectively. Judy Myren read the Gospel. Mary Struthers and Bernice Leonard led the intercessions. Members of St. Peter Avonlea, the other point in the Parish of the Good Shepherd also attended the anniversary service. As well members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church-Canada, Ogema United Church and St. Edward's Roman Catholic Church were present. These congregations cancelled the services in their churches so they could attend this celebration. It was noted that a member of St. Edward's Roman Catholic Church, Ada Murray, was baptized in Holy Trinity 91 years ago. A hot meal was served in the
Deep South Pioneer Museum hall, which was originally the Anglican parish hall. Mary Struthers was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the program. Carol Peterson, councillor for the Town of Ogema, brought greetings on behalf of the mayor and members of the council. Judy Jordan, Avonlea, presented a gift to the congregation of Holy Trinity and the Reverend Isabella Frank accepted on behalf of the congregation. A brief history of Holy Trinity was read informing the gathering of what has been accomplished over the past 95 years. The Reverend Donald Wells shared his memories of his time as a resident priest in the Ogema parish, 1963 to 1966. Regrets were received from Bishop Tom and the Reverend Julie Collings. Bishop Collings served the Parish of Good Shepherd from 1996 to 2003. The Reverend Bill Portman also sent his regrets; Bill Portman served here from 1970 to 1974. Bishop Kerr-Wilson spoke briefly to the gathering and then he was joined by the Reverends Donald Wells, Joan Scandrett and Isabella Frank for the cutting of the anniversary cake. The cake was baked and beautifully decorated by Bernice Leonard. A table of photos was on display for every one to look over and enjoy a chuckle or two. Greetings were given by the Ogema United Church and St. Luke's Lutheran Church-Canada. Thanks be to God for such a glorious day of celebrating. God has certainly blessed this congregation. They are looking forward to celebrating their 100 years of faithful worship in 2012.
photo contributed
Holy Trinity Yorkton building and hall
Home for Christmas An old man in Winnipeg called his son in Toronto and told him, “I have some bad news for you, John. Your mother and I are divorcing. We can’t stand each other any longer. I’m tired of talking about this so call your sister in Calgary and tell her.” Frantic, John called his sister, Abby, and she exploded, “Like heck they’re divorcing! I’ll handle this!” Abby called her father and screamed, “What do you mean your are getting divorced? Don’t do anything until John and I get there! We’ll fly in tomorrow!” As the old father hung up the phone, he turned to his wife and said, “Okay, they’re coming home for Christmas and paying their own fares. What’ll we tell them for Easter?”
Induction Service for the Reverend Carlos Roberts at St. Timothy's Anglican Church, Saskatoon by Mrs. Marion Pope
photo Mary Struthers
left to right: the Reverends Joan Scandrett, Isabella Frank, Don Wells, Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson
photo Mary Struthers
Holy Trinity Ogema 95 year old building
Holy Trinity Yorkton Celebrates Sixty Years of History by Sheila Harris YORKTON (Qu'A) - Holy Trinity recently celebrated with a gala evening the 60th anniversary of their parish hall. In 1947 when the Commonwealth Air Training Base was dismantled, building number 17 was purchased and moved to the church property on Darlington Street. The evening opened with a prayer of remembrance for all the men and women who died or suffered in wars and conflicts. The Yorkton Community Jazz Band under the direction of Larry Pearen with singer Jackie Washenfelder provided the big band music reminiscent of Glen Miller during the Second World War. During the band breaks there was story telling and a sing along. The hall was elegantly decorated with red, white and blue bunting and tablecloths. Wartime posters and pictures were hung on the walls. Small Royal Air Force flags were placed on the tables. Wonderful trays of canapés made from food only available during the war were served by hostesses
wearing wartime fashion. Many of the guests reminisced about their experiences during the war when there were over 900 Air Force personnel, trainees and civilians at the base. Trainees time off was spent in Yorkton where they were entertained in homes, the Hostess Club,movies and sporting events. Trainees Norman McKeeman, Royal Australian Air Force and Jeff Smith, Royal Air Force married Yorkton girls and have lived here the past 60 years. It was a great evening of dancing. singing and reminiscing. The parish hall is a significant part of Yorkton' s history. Brig.Gen. Alexander Ross, Larry Clements, Rudy Lowenberger and the vestry of that time were very astute in making the decision to purchase the former officers' canteen. Through the years the exterior has been stuccoed, painted, shingled and energy efficient PVC windows were installed. The first meeting of Anglicans here was in 1893 and Holy Trinity is the oldest continuous church in Yorkton.
SASKATOON - Family, clergy, visitors, and members of St. Timothy's Anglican Church, Saskatoon, joined with the Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon on Friday, Sept. 21, 2007 in a Service of Induction of the Reverend Carlos Roberts as the Rector of St. Timothy's Parish. The evening was upbeat and exuded an atmosphere of prayerfulness, joy, praise and multiculturalism. The liturgical color red, in celebration of the feast day of St. Matthew the apostle and evangelist, along with the red and white color of the flowers, added further vibrancy to the evening. About 150 people, including 30 from Regina, witnessed the joy of this event. Guest preacher and fellow Trinidadian, the Reverend Catherine Harper, Rector of All Saints Anglican Parish in Weyburn in the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, used the Hymn “Will You Come and Follow Me?” as the theme for her sermon. She spoke about how the words of this hymn, and the words of scripture used at the service (from Proverbs, Timothy, and Matthew) spoke of “challenge, transformation, continuity, and change”. Matthew especially did well in responding to the words “follow me”. She spoke about God bringing our histories and stories together : Mr. Roberts' history as a Caribbean man, Catholic, Anglican, educator, social scientist, scholar and priest”; and St. Timothy's history as “decades of people from various families and places, with various gifts and talents, from various stations in life, and with a variety of hopes and experiences”. She emphasized that OUR ministry involves us working together to deepen our knowledge and love of God, such that our actions can cause change and transformation in the world. Members of the parish presented the symbolic and meaningful symbols of the “Ministry of the Whole People of God” to Mr. Roberts: a Bible (God's word), a Guide Book for Ministry (a book encompassing our parish profile (continued on page 5)
The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2007 - 5
CELEBRATIONS
AROUND THE PROVINCE
Induction Service for the Reverend Carlos Roberts (continued from page 4)
What Sayest Thou? A Timely Workshop by the Reverend George Martin
and Mr. Roberts' written responses to the parish profile and interview questions), a Vessel of Water (baptism), Oil (anointing or wholeness of life), a copy of the Diocesan Canons (administration within and outside our church), keys to the church (an open welcoming community), Prayer Books (worship and prayer), and Bread and Wine (Eucharist). Several members of the parish wore something representative of their cultural heritages. After worship, the atmosphere of multiculturalism, color, joy and praise continued into the reception that followed. Mr. Roberts exchanged the liturgical cope for the Trinidadian native costume of the Pierrot Grenade, a legendary oral history storyteller. In this role Mr. Roberts spoke and prayed in the languages of TrinidadTobago: English, Spanish, French, Créole and Hindi. The dancing, singing, jesting Pierrot Grenade and self-proclaimed 'King of Dahomey and Emperor of Ethiopia' amused the gathering with humorous folk songs and stories. Mr. Roberts' son, Kyriel-Patrick and his colleague, Desmond McAllister of the Regina-based
Caribe Steel Orchestra, played the steel drums. They played O Canada and the Trinidad-Tobago national anthem and then got the party going with TrinidadTobago rhythms. Jodi Palmer-Joy Lowe, a 10 year-old girl from Regina, performed an East Indian dance to music from IndoTrinidad. Mr. Roberts' daughter, CarleneMarie said she was touched by the worship service and was almost teary-eyed when she saw her mom and "costumed" dad dancing together! Even Bishop Rodney Andrews could not resist the Caribbean musical rhythms as he gracefully danced with Mr. Roberts' wife, Patricia! It was a gathering, which intermingled people from various cultures and languages, suggestive of a Pentecost of multiculturalism, diversity and mission outreach. The parish of St. Timothy's, in its pilgrim journey, led by the Reverend Carlos Roberts, can, with God's blessing, take on the challenge as Christian witnesses to do its part in transforming and bringing about change in the beautiful world with which God has gifted us!
by Joanne Shurvin-Martin REGINA (Qu'A) - “We will grow, and you won't like it, because it means change,” said the Reverend George Martin at a weekend workshop held at St. Paul's Cathedral in October. Mr. Martin used his experience in growing churches to present a workshop filled with advice, encouragement and humour. He talked about how churches need to change the way they communicate with others, to become more welcoming and to reach a wider audience. This is all about evangelism, he stated. “The missionary frontier is outside the front door of the church.” The role of the greeters was emphasized and special training was suggested to prepare people for this vital activity. "The church tends to do ministry with people who are like ourselves, already believers who share our values," said Martin. "This makes church familiar and comfortable for those inside but is not welcoming to anyone else." The Reverend Martin repeatedly stressed the difference between how we treat visitors and guests. We make a real effort to welcome guests in our homes but often new people at church are treated coolly because we don't think they belong. We assume that everyone knows how and why we do things the way we do but this excludes many people. Show new people where things are, invite them to sit with you, introduce yourself and members of the congregation, he suggested. The workshop session titled Using Media for the Mission of Reaching People was full of success stories of growing
churches and examples of tools and methods from the advertising and marketing industries. The church is not a commodity but many of the same ideas that sell breakfast cereal can be used to get the message of the gospel to a wider audience or give information about a specific congregation he said. Martin challenged the 51 workshop members to think about how their congregations described themselves. Rather than describing “we do such and such” he said to phrase the information with “you,” addressing the reader. For example, instead of “we have bible study,” say “you can study the bible with us on Wednesday morning;” instead of “we offer Children's Worship” say “your children can be part of …” Low-tech and high-tech advertising methods were discussed, some of which are expensive but many are not. Simple, eye-catching banners are very cost effective. Bulk mailing or hand-delivery of pamphlets is economical. Martin said that advertising in a local paper is not efficient but rural residents noted that in their communities the local classifieds are what readers turn to first so in that market it would be worthwhile. All advertising should include the church address and usually a small map is helpful. A Web site can be very effective and George Martin recommended getting a 16-year-old to maintain it. The most effective method for congregational growth is a personal invitation but people have to be encouraged to do this all the time. Don't be afraid to try something new and different, he encouraged.
photo- Ken Tickner
The Reverend Carlos Roberts with Fran Foskett at his Induction Service
photo- Ken Tickner
- Patrick Roberts (left) and his collegue Desmond McAllister (right) of the Regina-based Caribe Steel Orchestra entertain on their steel drums at the Induction Service for the Reverend Carlos Roberts photo contributed
left to right: the Reverend George Martin, Anne Marie MacNeil, Bryan Sigurdson,
Parents' Morning Out Programme
photo- Ken Tickner
- Jodi Palmer-Joy Lowe performed an East Indian dance at the Induction Service for the Reverend Carlos Roberts
Photo: submitted
The Rev'd Richard Hetke, Rector of Nipawin.
by the Rev'd Richard Hetke NIPAWIN (Sask) - On Thursday October 11, St. John's Anglican Church Nipawin began its "Parent's Morning Out" Ministry. This ministry is offered to parents with preschool children and responds to a gap in the community for ministries to preschoolers. All parents are invited to enjoy fellowship, prayer and a bit of devotional time as their children enjoy playtime together. The initiative is blessed to have Nipawin Apostolic Church children's pastor Ms.
Lyndsey Adlem leading the children's activities. The Rev'd Rod Barks of the Nipawin Apostolic Church led the first parents devotion and the Rev'd Richard Hetke led prayers. This ministry was the result of a committee which included St. John's members Terry Gates and Jennifer Jordan, St John's Rector (the Rev'd Richard Hetke) and Apostolic children's pastor Lyndsey Adlem. We look forward to offering this ministry each Thursday from 10:30-noon in the basement at St. John's--all welcome!
6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2007
AROUND THE PROVINCE Blessings of the Animals St James The Apostle Regina held a Blessing of the Animals service on October 7 with the Reverend Malcolm French taking the service. There were about ten animals including dogs of different sizes, a cat, and even an bearded dragon. The pets were extremely well behaved during the service and the people who brought their pets are to be thanked for providing such an interesting service. It was a very exciting day for the children as well. This surely will now be a yearly event.
photo Tammy Ackerman
Jenna and her dog Callie St. Luke Regina featured Harvest Thanksgiving and Blessing of the Animals during September and October. The approach for Harvest Thanksgiving this year saw members of the congregation invited to bring along items to decorate the church. As members are not farmers gardening items adorned the church in creative ways with wheelbarrows, a scarecrow, special harvest painting by a parishioner and a beautiful display in front of the altar supplemented by vegetables and flowers and canned or dried foods which were given to the Food Bank. The Eucharist included children participating in the readings, prayers, singing special songs and bringing forward the bread and wine. On the Sunday following St. Francis Day Canon Willie Lourens conducted a Service for Blessing of the Animals in the church foyer. Four parishioners brought with them their special pets and this year there were five dogs in attendance. The gathering was fun with the honourable assistant's pet dog barking well during the brief liturgy, though it was her first appearance at such a service.
photo Nigel Salway
left to right: Jennifer Ackermann with Nina and Zoe, Margaret Nicholls with Cindy, Dwayne Riley, Matthew Ackermann with Laura Mattrecks's Zachary, Debbie Ackermann, and Laura Mattreck with Deedee
FAITH AND WORSHIP Kairos Prairies North Holds Annual Regional Meeting by Staff FT. QU'APPELLE (Qu'A) Toward a Sustainable and Just Energy Policy on the Prairies was the title for a weekend conference recently of the Kairos Prairies North annual regional meeting. The registration of 40 included members from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. On Saturday sessions, which were open to the public, the number rose to 60. Kairos, a Greek word for a moment of change, unites churches and religious organizations in a faithful ecumenical response to the call to "do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6.8). In creating Kairos from previously independent organizations, churches have formed a stronger and more unified movement to respond to the realities facing the world. Member churches and agencies include The Anglican Church of Canada, Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Canadian Religious Conference, Christian Reformed Church in North America, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Mennonite Central Committee, The Presbyterian Church, Primates World Relief and Development Fund, Quakers and The United Church of Canada. Local facilitators of the conference were Sheila McLeod, Eric and Lillian Serson, Gordon Jardine, Sylvia Thompson and Jim Harding. With opening music by Margaret Hull of Balcarres, participants were welcomed with a message from Kairos and a recitation of a Spiritual Declaration on Climate Change. After circle introductions the evening continued with presentations and discussions.
On Saturday the keynote address, Is Uranium a Just and Sustainable Energy Option? was given by Michael Poellet, chair of the Inter-Church Uranium Committee. Poellet is also a Lutheran pastor and professor at St. Thomas More College. A panel discussion followed on The Potentials of Renewables on the Prairies with Ann Coxworth, Saskatchewan Environmental Society; Ken Kelln, conservation engineer and solar-wind business owner and Jim Penna, Professor Emeritus at St. Thomas More College. Jim Penna has for decades been devoted to public action on the dangers of uranium mining and nuclear wastes. He is also active in the Coalition for a Clean Green Saskatchewan. National staff person Dale Hildebrand, Energy and Corporate Accountability Coordinator, spoke on this year's study theme Re-energize: Time for a Carbon Sabbath. Material on the Week to End Poverty October 14-21 was handed out urging groups to have special services and to urge their Members of Parliament to support the creation of a plan for ending poverty in Canada that would address: investments in family benefits; affordable housing; early learning child care; good jobs at living wages and ending poverty among First Nation people. A call was also made for Canada to sign the United Nations International Convention of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families and a call for accountable international institutions, just trading relations that respect human rights, the right to food and the cancellation of third world illegitimate debts. The conference ended Sunday at lunch with lots of work a head for all to do their small part in caring for life on earth as a spiritual commitment.
St. Mary Maple Creek celebrated the Feast of St. Francis with the blessing of the various pets. The ceremony was one of a multitude throughout the world on or around October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, which honours the Italian saint famed for his gentle embrace of animals as part of God's creation.
photo Colleen Kennedy
left to right: The Reverend Dick Kennedy with his son Mike Kennedy (of Kitscoty, AB), with Father Kennedy's cat, Magic. Magic really needed a blessing as he frequently provokes verbal responses at the other end of the spectrum!
photo Dale Hildebrand left to right: Linda Stumpf, Alison Longson, Carol Seed, Harvey Lammer, Chris Longson, Armand Mercier, Jim Harding
Angel Wings by Doris Turner " He shall give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways." Psalm 91 v.11 I feel the brush of angel wings And all the world around me sings With love and joy and peace unknown To those who choose to walk alone. They hover near me when I'm sad And beat within me when I'm glad, They spread above me when I sleep And through the day they guard my feet. I cannot stumble on the way For they will push the stones away, When I am weak and my heart sighs They lift me up where eagles fly. They ever follow me around, Their loving care to me abounds, Someday they'll carry me above To Him who tells us He is Love.
Doris Turner worships at St. Stephen, Swift Current.
Merry Christmas? Christmas for many is not a time of happiness, joy and celebration. For those who are alone, who are ill, who are suffering from acute or chronic depression, who are in mourning, or who are stressed and filled with anxieties over workloads, finances, family crises or other events in their life, the Christmas season is often viewed as a time of utter despair. It is a time, sadly, when suicide rates peak and psychiatric visits increase. It is also a time, however, when we have an opportunity--a chance to reach out to a neighbour, a friend, or just someone who is in need of support and friendship at a difficult time. Often a friendly word, a cup of coffee, a sympathetic ear or a caring gesture is worth more than the most expensive gift we can give. Do you know of someone who may need a warm welcome and a cheerful word? Take a little time from your day to offer a bit of consolation and a friendly smile. It will lighten their load and yours.
The Saskatchewan Anglican, -December 2007 7
FAITH AND WORSHIP 32nd Luther Lecture and Seminar Reflects on Contemporary Canadian Issues by Dr. Dorothy Lane courtesy Luther College Communications Office REGINA - The 32nd Luther Lecture and Seminar held recently reaffirmed Luther College's commitment to thoughtful consideration of issues in contemporary Canadian society, as well as assisting with the University of Regina's broader mandate to reflect on values. Dr Margaret Somerville, a professor of law and medicine at McGill University, was described by Luther faculty member Dr Bill Stahl (Sociology) in his introduction as one of the few Canadian public intellectuals. Somerville demonstrates a deep engagement with scholars and the general public, never shying from vigourous debate and quite often disagreement. In fact, as she explained in her lecture, she fears most for the environment of free speech, academic freedom and dialogue among various political, religious and cultural groups in post-secondary institutions. During both the lecture and seminar, Somerville challenged, probed, posed questions and then provided broad guidelines for developing a shared ethics that recognizes both secular and sacred discourses. Her presentations both began and concluded with the provocative question Can the future trust us? In discussion periods following the presentations, audience members raised
issues as diverse as the war in Afghanistan, the AIDS epidemic, samesex partnerships, gender definition and responses to world events by various religious communities.Somerville's lecture, entitled Challenging the God Delusion: The Search for a Shared Ethics, took its starting point in the fundamentalist atheism proposed by writers such as Richard Dawkins. In a seminar entitled Holding the Future in Trust: What do we owe future generations, Somerville focused on biomedical ethical issues, such as reproductive technology, euthanasia, stem-cell research and definitions of human nature. Drawing from her previous work presented in the 2006 CBC Massey Lectures (published as The Ethical Imagination: Journeys of the Human Spirit) and reaching into new debates regarding the definition of family, Somerville again underscored our responsibility to discuss respectfully and yet boldly, employing our various ways of knowing and our shared and individual stories, ideas that have a profound impact on the shaping of public policy. Luther College has offered the Luther Lecture and Seminar annually at no charge to the public and thus aims to highlight its dedication to stimulating and wise debate, dialogue and recognition of the diversity of views in the university and the wider community.
How to Make Sure That Family Who Came on Christmas Eve Never Returns by Mrs. I. Doan Care-Less You know that family who came to St. Swithins on Christmas Eve? They probably thought they would find the true meaning of Christmas for heaven's sake! After all, if they really belonged they would be here every Sunday. To make sure that they never come back to your church, just follow these guidelines: 1. If a new person comes through the church door, look at them sceptically, then return to your conversation with your old friends.
3. If the interlopers dare to sit in your pew (everyone knows your family has been sitting in that pew since the original varnish dried!) set them straight. 4. If you are leading the service, just start right in. Everyone knows the service by heart. Let those people fumble along on their own till they figure out which page in which book. 5. If a baby or small child makes a noise, turn around and glare. Do this every time you hear a peep. If they belonged, they'd know. We surely don't want children around!
Sumptuous Feasts: Keeping Holy Days Festive by Christopher Snook
PARADISE HILL (Sask) - Most of us associate special foods with the Easter and Christmas holidays - spiced wine, for example, Christmas cake and hot cross buns, ham or lamb, make their appearance in many homes. But few people realize that many of the foods we eat on these great holy days have spiritual significance and are part of a photo courtesy AV Services, University of Regina larger Christian tradition that associates special food with many of the Christian year's great feasts. From St Michael's day on the 29th of September to Mothering Sunday (the fourth Sunday in Lent) and beyond, Christians have been marking their holy days with special foods for centuries. The people of Fort Pitt Mission have been discovering this history over the past year and a half. The congregation has begun marking special holy days with the foods traditionally associated with them. For example, following this year's Ash Wednesday service homemade pretzels were served. Pretzels have been a Lenten food for centuries. Made with flour, water and salt, they do not violate any of the traditional rules of the Lenten fast. Moreover, it is thought that their shape is meant to resemble hands folded in prayer. Hot cross buns are also becoming a Good Friday staple. Thought to have originated in the Middle Ages as a sweet bun distributed to the poor with the sign of the Cross marked on top, the buns are best served at the end of the Good Friday fast. More recently the parish has kept the Feasts of St. Michael and All Angels with gingerbread and All Saints' day with homemade doughnuts (doughnuts, called 'soul cakes' in the Middle Ages, were distributed to the poor on the Eve of All Saints' day in exchange for a prayer for the family's dead. The circular shape was intended to remind people of eternity.) With Advent approaching, the parish will get ready to make this year's fruitcake, to be served following Christmas Eve worship. Discovering the foods traditionally associated with the Church year is a wonderful way of drawing attention to the yearly round of Feasts and Fasts that give order and rhythm to the Christian life. Keeping these holy days and seasons keeps our hearts and minds focused on the love and God in Christ throughout the year. Preparing and distributing the food is a wonderful time for fellowship and outreach. Holy day foods are wonderful treats to share after worship and on visits to the ill in hospital or at home. Very useful information on the traditions and foods associated with different times of the Church year can be found on the website “Full homely divinity” at http://fullhomelydivinity.org.
Book honouring the Reverend Canon Dr. Robert Crouse launched November fifteenth
PRINCE ALBERT (Sask) - A book of essays to honor the Canon Theologian of the Diocese of Saskatchewan, Professor Robert Crouse, was launched November 6. After the service, ignore the new 15 at the College of Emmanuel & St. Chad 2. If you have the task of greeter that morning, mutter welcome as you thrust a people; you have your own friends to talk in Saskatoon. Its main editor is a priest of bulletin at the newcomer. There, your job to. Certainly don't introduce yourself or the Diocese, Professor Walter Hannam. is done. They don't need to know your invite them to join you for tea or coffee. Entitled Divine Creation in Ancient, name. They can figure out which book or Medieval, and Early Modern Thought, the These simple guidelines are equally volume is a 'Festschrift' - a collection of books are going to be used. If they want to know where the washroom is, they can use effective for visitors at baptisms, wed- essays written in honor of a distinguished dings, funerals, Easter and any other scholar and presented to him or her to their own eyes. Sunday. After all, it is our church! mark some special occasion, in this instance Fr. Crouse's retirement ten years ago. The launch was scheduled to take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m at Emmanuel College on the University of Saskatchewan campus. Throughout his academic career Robert Crouse has insisted that the patristic and medieval philosophical and theological traditions, which have so profoundly shaped western culture, cannot be understood apart from the subtle and complex dialogue between Christianity and Hellenic culture out of which these traditions emerged. In this volume in Father Crouse's honour, twenty-two eminent scholars from across North America and Europe examine various moments within the emergence of the doctrine of creation in the patristic and medieval periods, the Hebraic and Hellenic pre-history of this movement, as well as modern reactions to the patristic and medieval syntheses. Student and specialist alike will appreciate not only the depth of scholarly research clearly evident in the individual essays, but also the broad scope of the volume as a whole. Contributors include: the former Dean of the Diocese of Saskatchewan, Stephen Andrews, Stephen F. Brown, Mary T. Clark, RSCJ, Kevin Corrigan, Lawrence Dewan, Robert Dodaro, OSA, Wayne J. Hankey, Walter A. Hannam, Michael Harrington, Paige E. Hochschild, Dennis House, Edouard Jeauneau, Angus Johnston, Torrance Kirby, Terence J. Kleven, Marguerite Kussmaul, Matthew L. Lamb, D. Gregory MacIsaac, Ralph McInerny, Luca Obertello, Willemien Otten, Neil G. Robertson, Horst Seidl, and Michael Treschow.
photo Christopher Snook
Parishoners enjoying doughnuts on All Saints' day following Holy Communion in Holy Trinity “Little Stone” Church, Deer Creek, SK. Many children would ask the Mall Santa for an electric train. The Santa would tell them, “you know your dad is going to want to play with it too. Is that okay?” The usual answere was a quick yes, but one little boy, when asked this question became very quiet. To move the conversation along the Santa asked what else he would like Santa to bring him. He promptly replied, “Another train.”
8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2007
The Meeting of Hopes and Fears on Christmas Eve The Reverend Canon Dr. Beth Marie Murphy, Professor of Pastoral Theology and Director of Field Education, College of Emmanuel and St.Chad, On Christmas Eve about 30 years ago I found myself not in the midst of a snowcovered landscape with Christmas trees and lights on houses but in the middle of a war zone. There were no house lights, only tracer bullets lighting the sky and snow was exchanged for a torrential tropical rain. Yet even with these stark differences it was probably one of my most memorable Christmas Eves. Close to midnight I remember standing on the deck of the ship singing "O Little Town of Bethlehem", for one of the chapel services. That night our hopes and fears were certainly met in the birth of Jesus. That night had been designated a 24-hour cease-fire over Christmas; there was to be no fighting, no shots exchanged, no injuries of war. That night our hope was for a lasting cease-fire, one that lasted more than 24 hours. Our fears were that more people would be killed, more land ravaged. Yet even that Christmas Eve with its wonderful hopes of God coming into the world through a small child, of God becoming one of us, even on that night, our fears won out over our hopes. For just as we finished that first verse of the carol, an announcement came over the speaker system saying we would not be anchoring in Da Nang harbour for the night, as we had planned, but instead would be sailing in open seas as we did every other night of the year. The captain said the harbour was not safe; there were swimmers attaching plastic bombs to ships that were anchored. Hopes and fears filled the air that Christmas night. The hopes and fears of all are met in each Christmas Eve. Those gathered around that first Nativity scene brought with them their hopes and fears. As we will gather in our own churches on Christmas Eve, some 2000 years later, the entire world brings their hopes and fears before the manger scene to the celebrate Christ's birth. Those gathered around the small baby that first Christmas night struggled with their own hopes and fears just as we struggle with ours. Some times we look to the future and our fears seem to get the better of us: fear of failure, fear of death, fear that there is no future. At other times we look to the future with great hopes: hope for a better life; hope that our loved one will recover from the illness they are suffering; hope that we can hear what God is saying to us; hope that the sufferings and ills of this world will somehow be transformed into the upcoming reign of God; and hope that there will be peace on Earth for all people. This year as we hear and read the Christmas story I would invite you to imagine that you were there that first Christmas night and really look at Jesus as those people gathered at the manger did and see the wondrous event unfolding, knowing that hopes and fears were all met in Jesus that night. I would invite you to that first Christmas Eve, to be with all those people who came to that place with all their own hopes and fears. That night there were the crowds that had come to Bethlehem to be counted in this census: there was the innkeeper, the shepherds, Mary and Joseph, and even the Magi in that far off land who saw the star that night. What were their hopes and fears?
What are your own hopes and fears as you stand there at the manger with others? If we imagine what was happening to those standing with us, what might they be thinking? First, there was the nameless crowd, those people who had responded to a decree from Caesar Augustus to go to their hometown to be counted. These people were from all parts of Jewish society and many came a long distance to be counted. Many probably hoped that at long last they would be counted and noticed. Others may have been afraid to be counted; what would it mean to be counted? What if the little they had was taken from them? Maybe once they were counted and taxed they would also be absorbed into the Roman culture. Maybe the whole Jewish culture would disappear. The crowds came with their hopes and fears. Then there was the innkeeper. He was delighted at having all these people in town. Look at all the money he would make and he could ask what ever he wanted for the rooms. If one person did not take it, surely the next one would pay the price. But then came this couple, the woman who was so obviously pregnant. This woman who herself was almost a child and her husband wanted a room. He didn't have any, but how could he send them away? What would people say if they knew he had turned away a couple in such obvious need? But he had an inn full of people to attend to. What would he do with two more? Then he could have thought “ah, that stable out back, that would do”, at least no one could say he had turned them away in their need. The innkeeper brought his own hopes and fears that first Christmas Eve. Then there was Mary and Joseph. The struggle of hopes and fears must have been incredible for them. The angel Gabriel had already visited Mary; she had been told she would be the mother of the Son of God. How could this be as she wasn't even married and in those days being pregnant outside of wedlock was cause for stoning. But Joseph had accepted her into his home, into his life. Maybe there was hope for the future by responding to God's call to her. But then they had to leave their home, to go to Bethlehem a long distance away, to be counted and just as Mary was about to deliver her baby. What would happen if the baby came on the journey? Would there be anyone to help them? What was going to happen after this child was born? What would happen to their lives? The battle of hopes and fears were certainly churning in the hearts and minds of Mary and Joseph. The shepherds that night were attending their flocks on a nearby hillside. Hope for the shepherds mostly lay in barely squeezing out a living by taking care of a flock of dumb animals. What else could they hope for? They could hope for some miraculous occurrence to radically change their day-to-day life, but it certainly didn't seem likely. Their life was very routine and dull. Yet that night an "angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were filled with fear." (Luke 2:9).
Maybe they could have thought such a radical change in their lives would destroy them; they might have thought that this is the end of the world. But the angel said, "be not afraid…" ( Luke 2:19) and in response to this their hopes won out, at least for a time, and they went off to see this thing that had happened which the "Lord had made known to us.” (Luke 2:15b). And finally there were the Magi in that foreign land. They saw a star rise in the east. Was this what they had been hoping for all those years? Was this the change they had hoped would happen? Or was it just another star, like the many others in the nighttime sky? Would they go and follow that star or would fear get the best of them and cause them to stay in that far off land? Where is the battle of hopes and fears for us? Are we like the crowd who wanted to be accounted for, but feared what it would mean to be counted? Are we looking for a place of ultimate worth, the right job, some worthwhile cause to which we can devote our lives so we don't feel guilty about not doing enough? We all hope for things and yet we fear that we will never have them or some outside force, like Caesar Augustus, will prevent us from reaching our intended goal. Are we trying to decide if we should go and follow this wondrous star or stay home? Like the innkeeper we may be very busy with the demands of life and then there is one more thing and we wonder, “How will I ever fit this into my life?” We fear the interruption in our life and seek to find someplace to put it out of sight. But, as with the innkeeper, what will the neighbours say if we don't respond? Do we respond with hope or with fear? Like Mary and Joseph we may have already been visited by God, heard God's voice in our life or through one another. Maybe we have experienced a challenging religious experience or conversion, but we have lingering fears. What will people say? What will my friends think? What will happen if I really respond to this invitation from God? Like the shepherds we may find ourselves in a boring thankless job. We work overtime and ask ourselves if this is all there is? And in to the middle of this battle of hopes and fears a baby was born, Jesus comes to pitch his tent among us. He comes tiny, fragile, vulnerable, and completely dependent on Mary and Joseph. Jesus came into the world facing the same hopes and fears. Later in life he will be faced with the question: what was God his father asking him to do? And this tiny, fragile, dependent baby, Jesus the Christ, arranged by his birth in Bethlehem of Judea a cease-fire in the battle of hopes and fears, a cease-fire that the world itself cannot find. This does not mean the battle goes away, but it does give us a deep knowing that fear will not win.Jesus' birth means that w are asked
by God to take time out of the ongoing battle to worship to listen to what Jesus has to say, to sit quietly in front of the Nativity scene, refreshed, encouraged and renewed by the power of God's incarnation in Jesus, by God's presence in our midst, by meeting all of our hopes and fears in Jesus. The battle of hopes and fears will go on. But, for now, at Christmas, we are called to a cease-fire, a timeout to worship, and be renewed in our hope. In our hope in the power of this small tiny, fragile infant. Perhaps this coming Christmas we will be able to hear the words of Jesus speaking to us and in the words of another verse of O Little Town of Bethlehem: "How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given..."
The editorial staff of the Saskatchewan Anglican wish you and your families Peace, Happiness and Joy as we celebrate the birth of JesusChrist and the dawning of the new covenant, which, by the Grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit will lead us to Life Eternal.