The Saskatchewan Anglican, Dec. 2010

December 2009

A Section of the Anglican Journal Page 2 Bishops’ Messages

Page 3 Diocesan News

Page 3,4,, 70th Synod Diocese of Saskatoon

Page 4,5 Around the Province

Page 6 Celebrations, Faith and Worship

Pages 8 - 12 Food for Thought

“Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people” Habitat for Humanity Home Completed staff REGINA When Cheri received the key to her brand new home, it opened more than the front door. It opened a world of possibilities. Cheri spoke to the news media and to the small crowd gathered for the key ceremony on October 12, when Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson and Dennis Coutts, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Regina, presented the key to Cheri and two of her children. She thanked everyone involved in building their new home and said "it is an honour to be one of the homeowners to be given this opportunity."

She described how the dream of owning her own home had seemed impossible and with Habitat for Humanity it was "suddenly within reach."

The Diocese of Qu'Appelle built the house in partnership with Habitat for Humanity to celebrate 125th anniversary of the diocese. Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson said, "We are blessed to be involved in helping to provide a home through Habitat

The Southern Gentleman and the Saskatchewan Clergy Photo contributed

The Right Reverend Ed Salmon, retired Bishop of South Carolina

-The Right SASKATCHEWAN) Reverend Ed Salmon, retired Bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina, was the guest speaker at this year's all-clergy retreat for the Diocese of Saskatchewan.

Bishop Salmon, who is currently serving as Rector of All Saints' Episcopal Church in Chevy Chase, Maryland, addressed the clergy in six sessions over three days, on the topic of “Mission in a Declining Church.” With his southern drawl and sweet but firm, gentlemanly way, he challenged us to keep Relationship central in our ministry.

Relationship, he said, is key. It is the very nature of our Trinitarian God, and it needs to be the basis of all we do and are. How do we move ourselves and our churches out of merely making continued on page 10

province contributed $50,000 funding for Humanity. Habitat's goals and methods have helped us to put our Christian faith into action and give a concrete expression of love for those who are in need of a home."

First, the diocese raised $100,000 in 2009 before construction began on the house on Quebec Street in an older area of Regina. Professional builders laid the foundation and built the walls and roof.

Then hundreds of volunteers put in many hours of labour to bring the home to completion.

Many of these volunteers came to watch the key ceremony. Don Bjerke of All Saints, Regina, was the individual volunteer who worked the most days on the home. He said he was proud to be part of a worthwhile project, and said it was quite enjoyable working with the foreman, Mike Panko and people from many different churches. Vicki Kerr-Wilson volunteered for six days and said she learned how to do a lot of things on the project.

She proudly pointed to the peak of the gable roof and described how she

photo - staff

The open door in the background is symbolic of many opportunities available to Cheri (l) and her family, now that they own their own home.

Television crews recorded the key ceremony, when Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson (r) presented the key to the home which the Diocese of Qu'Appelle built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Regina.

and her daughter, Asha, had installed the soffit and fascia. Others in the audience had provided financial support, and some had provided hearty lunches for the volunteer workers.

Cheri quoted from Psalm 127 "Unless the Lord builds the house, their labour is in vain who build it." She and her family were among the Habitat for Humanity labourers; they completed the required 500 hours of "sweat equity" on other homes in order to qualify for a home of their own. The Diocese of Qu'Appelle house was the sixth home completed in 2010.

In addition to the key presentation, there were several other presentations. Bishop Greg presented a bible; Rona, which is a major supporter of Habitat for Humanity, presented a full tool kit; CMHC, another major supporter, presented a homeowner's manual. Hon. Bill Hutchinson represented the government of Saskatchewan, on behalf of Hon. June Draude, Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. The

assistance on this home, as part of a million dollars pledged to Habitat for Humanity throughout Saskatchewan in 2010. Councillor Fred Clipsham spoke on behalf of Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco, and said the city was proud to contribute land and hookups such as water and sewer to the Habitat homes.

Habitat for Humanity's mission statement is: To mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing, promoting home ownership. To provide an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and enrich our community's future ... one family at a time. Habitat for Humanity Regina was established in 1993 and has built more than 32 homes in Regina.

The open door in the background is symbolic of many opportunities available to Cheri (l) and her family, now that they own their own home. Television crews recorded the key ceremony, when Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson (r) presented the key to the home which the Diocese of Qu'Appelle built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Regina.

2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2010

Our Bishops Tell of the Meaning Of Christmas File photo

The Right Reverend Gregory Kerr-Wilson Bishop of Qu’Appelle

Christian Hope - A Generous Gift In the early days of my ministry, I used to make my annual retreats at a Cistercian monastery and would join the monks in their daily cycle of prayer. One of the things I came to love was the way they ended the recitation of the psalms: it began familiarly enough with "Glory to the Father..." but then ended with "the God who is and was and is to come, at the end of the ages." Somehow those words had the ability to pull me out of my preoccupations and make me aware of the God of creation and history, present in this moment and carrying all things to their completion and consummation. Somehow they taught perspective on the concerns of this moment and pointed me forward in hope.

Christian hope is a rich and many-textured thing. Once we get past our colloquial use of the word with its weak sense of iffy-ness, or wishful thinking, hope speaks of an interconnected web of realities. Hope is grounded in the past, with the stories of creation, fall and redemption, in which God responds to our rebellion and wilful disobedience by choosing to pursue us through prophets, kings and sages - even to the point of death - until we are restored to life.

Hope is shot through with faith, as we learn through that story to trust the One who will never give up on our broken humanity. Hope is fired by love as we see revealed the compassionate heart of God and God's desire for union with us through the binding of the Holy Spirit.

Hope dwells firmly in the present as we lay the veils and barriers of worry and concern in the hands of the One who alone can resolve them. Hope stands on the truth of God's justice and works and waits with patience for its fulfilment in God's good time,.

Hope makes future present as the assurance of God's coming reign is realized in our Lord Jesus Christ who stands with us in each moment of our days. Hope is an overwhelmingly generous gift that God plants in our hearts as we turn to him to be refashioned into the image of Christ.

Advent is a season of hope. It is a season where the story of our past and our

yearning for the fulfilment of all things, finds its answer in the enfleshing of God in the miracle of the Christ child.

In this Advent season, when the darkening days shorten into the depths and death of winter, we are called to place our hope in the One who is more certain than the sun's returning rays in springtime. Let us pray for hearts opened to receive this gift of God's creating, as we wait with expectation for the celebration of Christmas. +Gregory file photo

The Right Reverend David Irving, Bishop of Saskatoon

What a Party!

Around the world during the Christmas season there will be many parties. Family and friends will come together, Christians and Non-Christians will have time away form work to enjoy a Christmas break, and the season has become secularized and commercial.

A number of years ago a friend of mine Canon Peter Davison wrote an article reminding us that the early Christians really celebrated only one feast, and that was Easter. What we know as Lent was originally limited to the “Great Three Days” which began on Maundy Thursday evening with the commemoration of the Last Supper, went on to the solemn observance of Good Friday, and concluded with the Easter Vigil and Eucharist early on Easter Sunday. The early church fairly quickly replaced the Saturday “Sabbath” with the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist, making each Sunday a commemoration of the Resurrection.

Over time the church decided to commemorate the birth of Jesus. A major reason was a desire to replace the pagan Roman festival of the Undefeated Sun, or winter solstice, with a Christian celebration. Christmas, Christ's Mass, is filled with images of Light breaking into our darkness, and reminds us that God becomes incarnate in the child Jesus. The humility of Jesus' birth is also a reminder that God is not remote and uncaring, but chooses to become one with us in our finite and often difficult humanity.

Christmas, then, tells us of God's Infinite compassion and generosity: so the Christmas story includes social outcasts and Gentiles. The visits of both the shepherds and kings are associated with giftgiving. This is why Christmas today carries on that tradition, though it has become highly commercialized.

With all of this in mind, how should we

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.

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celebrate Christmas as a festival of faith?

Well, we can remember God's huge generosity in creation and redemption, so that our initial response like the shepherds and kings is one of awe and gratitude. Our first act is to worship and give thanks as we celebrate the Eucharist on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. It is appropriate to follow this with other celebrations of giftgiving and festive meals. Our festivity, however, should not be marred by extravagance or competition. The best gift we can give is that of ourselves, and by remembering people prevented by poverty, illness or grief from an ability to feel festive.

For many, Christmas can be the worst time of the year, precisely because its secularized form robs it of its deeper meaning and encourages superficial jollity. This is partly because “Christmas celebrations” start right after Halloween. The Christian celebration of Advent, which helps us acknowledge the darkness in our life, is meant to be a time waiting and hope. Our post-modern, secular society, which has robbed us of our sense of time and rhythm, makes it difficult to prepare for feasting with fasting. The result is that we often dread Christmas and wish it were over even before it has arrived.

So let's try to observe Advent as a time of quiet preparation for the feast which follows. Let's buy or make simple gifts that reflect our consideration for the recipients. Let's reach out to the social outcasts who, despite their condition and circumstances, are no less than us children of God. In doing so may Christmas bring us joys beyond anything we can ask or imagine?

Many you all have a Blessed and Peaceful Christmas. +David

File Photo

The Right Reverend Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatchewan

Flesh and Blood needs Flesh and Blood Johnny Cash wrote and sang the stunning song, Flesh and Blood. The singer marvels at the beauty of Mother Nature, but like Adam in the Garden, recognizes that the

Managing Editors: Fred Stephens, 51 - 10th St. NE, Weyburn SK. S4H 1G8 Phone 306-842-7235 Email: fredrstephens@gmail.com 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

fellowship of trees and birds and animals cannot satisfy the longing in his heart. It is a stunning love song which faces mortality, “For I knew everything I touched, would wither and would die” and seeks immortality in love, “And love is all that will remain.”

The mystery of the Incarnation is before us in this season. This is the wonder of Immanuel, God with us, the Word made flesh. God reveals his glory in the face of Jesus Christ. In the humanity of Jesus born of Mary, in his flesh and blood, faith sees the glory of God. The Word and Son of God was made flesh, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, and in his flesh and blood we behold his glory, the glory of the only begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

God's love is finally and conclusively known in the sending of his Son into the world, into our flesh and blood.

We have come to know and trust the love that God has for us in Jesus Christ. As we believe and receive the Word made flesh this Christmas, in Gospel Word and Sacrament, we too may sing, “Flesh and blood needs flesh and blood, and you're the one I need.”

Kathy joins me in wishing all of our brothers and sisters in Christ renewed love, joy and peace as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus. +Michael

Diocese of Qu'Appelle Notes Clergy News Rev. Catherine Harper has resigned as the incumbent of All Saints, Weyburn, effective November 21.

Catherine came to the diocese in 1999 and was ordained deacon in the Parish of Shaunavon, where she served from 1999 to 2003. She was ordained a priest in 2004. Catherine has served the Weyburn parish for seven years. She will continue to be licensed as a priest with permission to officiate in the diocese of Qu'Appelle and will continue her diocesan and provincial involvements until further notice.

Rev. Wayne Sturgess, part time priest at Holy Trinity/St Andrews, Rosetown is also moving. Wayne's last Sunday will be November 28 and he will be the new incumbent in Humboldt, in the diocese of Saskatoon as of December 1.

Very Rev. James Merrett will retire as rector of St. Paul's Cathedral, Regina, and Dean of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, effective January 31. James has been Dean and Rector of the Cathedral since 1999, after serving in the

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The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2010 - 3

Diocese of Qu'Appelle Notes continued from page 2 December Services at St. Philip, Regina - Wednesdays in Advent at 7:00 p.m.

- December 10, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and December 11, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. - Night In Bethlehem. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a Bethlehem market place, visit the Baby and animals in the barn and let the youngsters take part in the hands-on activities at the trade shops.

- Christmas Eve services: 3:00 p.m. shared Anglican/Lutheran (primarily a children/ family service) with Pastor Amber and Vicar Jane.

5:00 p.m. shared Anglican/Lutheran with Pastor Carla and Deacon Rita 7:00 p.m. Shared Anglican/Lutheran with Rev. Dan and

Feeling the Winds of Change; the 70th Synod of the Diocese of Saskatoon

By Peter R. Coolen -SASKATOON- “Embracing Change; Energizing the Diocese”….”Feeling the Winds of Change” was the title and the theme of the 70th Synod of the Diocese of Saskatoon, held in Saskatoon., October 29th- 31st. The Synod began with an Opening Service at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Evangelist; all parishioners in the diocese had been invited by the bishop to attend this service. In keeping with the theme the scripture readings (Genesis 1:1 to 12 and Ezekiel 37:1 to 4) and the gospel reading (Luke 5: 1 to 11) to synod emphasized action, change, trust in doing things new and being lifted up. The bishop's charge re-enforced and expanded on the themes in the reading from Ezekiel.

The Service also began with the Collation of Henry Comerford as Archdeacon in the diocese.

Special music for the service was provided by the St. James' Refinery Youth Band (Wind Upon The Waters) and Martha Cowie Little on piano and harp (during the Eucharist).

The bishop, in his charge, began by providing a summary of the personnel changes within the diocese since he had assumed office in March and his perceptions of what he had found as he began his work in the diocese: the positive and Christ-centered community; the willingness to try new approaches; the entrenched and structural budget deficits both at synod and within many parishes; declining parish enrolment and revenues; closing churches; the large number of diocesan committees and a perceived lack of communication between the rural and urban parishes and between the parishes and the diocesan council were all noted as being significant . The bishop then proceeded to enumerate a number of new and

Diocese of Saskatoon Announcements for December, 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 o r “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.

Sunday, December 5th; the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist's Men's Breakfast Club is sponsoring a concert "Memories and Mistletoe" at 7:00 p.m., as a fundraiser for the cathedral.

Tickets are $20 each and are available from the cathedral office, phone 2425146; please note that many tickets have been pre-ordered so tickets will likely sell quickly.

The Annual St. George's Parish Christmas Tea will be held on Saturday, December 4th, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., in the Parish Hall. The St. George's, Saskatoon's Annual Sunday School Christmas Tea will be held on Sunday, December 5th, at 12 noon in the Parish Hall.

Integrity/Saskatoon: Meetings are held at St. James', Saskatoon on the second Sunday of each month at 7 p.m. The regular meetings may include a talking circle and Eucharist or a film and discussion

issues, some of which, he noted, would be discussed and voted on during the synod including; restructuring the diocesan council to reduce its size by half and to create a new regional deanery representing the parishes (consisting of both synod laity and clergy) to provide input to the diocesan council; a new set of canons and constitutions; proposals for discussion leading to a system of training and support for local deacons and locally raised clergy to support and help financially stressed parishes and to address the shortage of priests; and efforts to reduce/eliminate diocesan deficit spending and increase revenues through a new program of planned giving and enhanced stewardship.

Following the Eucharist and the blessing from the bishop, the Service ended with the Reverend Chris Ross, deacon from the Diocese of Kootenay, blessing and exhorting those present to go forth and spread the good news.

Following the Service a Bishop's Reception was held in the Cathedral's Parish Hall; during the reception the Diocesan A.C.W. officially welcomed June Irving, the bishop's wife, as the new diocesan patroness.

The bulk of Saturday, at Christ Church table consisted of group workshops and presentations. The table group, well lead by The Reverend Alex Parsons, worked around a scenario of how they would operate as Christians and take part in faith groups and in their communities in a world devoid of church buildings and priests (some people apparently did not find this suggestion distressing!).

Presentations were made by The Reverend Chris Ross, Deacon of the Diocese of Kootenay on the Vocational Diaconate ,

with fellowship to follow; babysitting is available during meetings for those with children. For more information contact the Reverend Ann Marie Nicklin at: (306) 381-9780 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: To find out more about the Saskatoon Native Ministries, please contact the SNM trustees: The Reverend George Hind: (306) 374-7585; Canon Lorea Eufemia: (306) 244-5651; and/or Joan Cole-Heine: (306) 343-5827.

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 ETC. The Right Reverend David Irving, Bishop of Saskatoon has announced that the Reverend Don Byrt of St. Stephen's, Saskatoon will retire in 2011 and that he has been made Archdeacon Emeritus of the diocese.

At the 70th Synod of the diocese, held in

who said “Deacons bring the church to the world” and “they stir up the church and turn its focus outward”; by The Reverend Delta Kelly, Deacon of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, on “Locally Raised Clergy”, who said “Whatever we do, to God be the Glory” and who proclaimed “We are all called to be ministers; we are all called to serve”; Chancillor, Canon Beth Bilson reviewed the changes made to the Canons and Constitutions which would be voted on during the session; Elaine Hyrchenko gave an update on activity underway with the diocese's companion diocese of Guyana; Mary Ann Assailly, assisted by a very young, Haidar Hamid, gave a reflection concerning the sponsorship provided by the P.W.R.D.F. to the Hamid family to immigrate and adjust to life in Saskatoon; and Geofrey Monjesa gave a presentation on the activities of the P.W.R.D.F. in the Diocese of Tanzania a partnering diocese (Bishop Patrick of the Diocese of Tanzania and his wife also attended the Saterday evening banquet).

The Saturday evening involved a dinner and a friendly roast of The Reverend Don Byrt, who, the bishop had announced, would be retiring in 2011; the bishop also announced that he had made Don Archdeacon Emeritus for the diocese.

On Sunday, the sessions opened with greetings and a presentation by His Worship, Don Atchinson, Mayor of Saskatoon, who noted many of the notfor-profit activities underway in the city and that forty percent of people in Saskatoon volunteer; following this the table workshops discussed and shared how they and their parishes do and could express the five marks of mission.

The bulk of the synod resolutions were voted on and passed including revis-

Saskatoon on October 29th to 31st, the following people were nominated and elected to various positions: Provincial Synod: The Reverend Jan Bigland Pritchard, The Venerable Dan Hughes and The Reverend John Seib (Clerical); and Peter Coolen, Gordon Yarde and Mary McKay (Laity).

General Synod: The Reverend Canon Jim Halmerson, The Reverend Alex Parsons, and The Reverend Ann Marie Nicklin (Clerical); Chris Woods, Meghan Lofgren, and Monty Zadorozny (Laity); and Jessica Nicklin (Youth Delegate).

Canons and Constitutions Committee: The Reverend Ann Marie Nicklin, The Reverend Quenton Little (Clerical); Jason Coutu and Jonathan Moore-Wright (Laity) For Diocesan Council: Western Deanery: The Reverend Canon Michael Stonhouse and The Reverend Peter Norman (Clerical); and Colin Venables and Valerie Middleton (Laity); Saskatoon Deanery: The Reverend Jan Bigland Pritchard and The Reverend Ann Marie Nicklin (Clerical); and William Miller and Chris Wood (Laity); Eastern Deanery: The Reverend Quenton Little and The Reverend Alex Parsons (Clerical); Barrie Broad and Bonnie Blenner-Hasset (Laity)

FYI - For Your Information Diocese of Saskatchewan Appointments o The Reverend Patricia Langlois has been appointed as Priest in Charge of the Parish of Melfort, effective February 1, 2011.

Deaths o Mr Gary Gruber's mother, who was living in Arizona.

Clara Opoonechow, sister of the Rev. Martha Stonestand Elizabeth Eninew, sister of Mr. Joe Custer

ions to the canons and the new structure for diocesan council and the three regional deaneries; following the vote on the council and deanery changes the synod broke into the three deaneries to elect their representatives to the new council. The one motion on the “blessing of same-sex unions” submitted to synod before the synod was withdrawn and replaced by a new resolution: “Be it resolved that this Synod request the Bishop to allow clergy, whose conscience permits, in parishes designated by the Bishop, to bless the duly solemnized and registered civil marriages between same-sex couples, where at least one party is baptized, once the moratorium of the National House of Bishops respecting the public blessing of samegender unions in lifted.” (continued on page 4)

4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2010

Feeling the Winds of Change; the 70th Synod of the Diocese of Saskatoon (continued from page 3) The debate on this resolution took considerable time; at least twelve persons spoke for and against the motion. The results of the vote were: House of Clergy, 9 yes and 8 no; House of Laity, 26 yes and 25 no with one abstention, the motion passed in both Houses; following the results, the bishop indicated that, due to the near closeness of the vote, he would defer concurrence until after he was able to confer with

the other bishops at the House of Bishops meeting in April, 2010. sermon for this service.The 70th Session of Synod ended with prayer and, following lunch, by a Eucharist Service in Christ Church presided over jointly by both Bishop Irving and Bishop Cindy Halmarson (ELCIC); Archdeacon Byrt provided the sermon for this service.

Throughout the Synod, meals and coffee were catered and

arranged through Christ Church and many of the parishes in the city provided the ample baked goods. Lauren Jardine, past president of the Diocesan A.C.W., also helped lift lagging energy levels during the sessions with short and fun aerobic stretching breaks for the delegates. Music during the synod was ably and energetically provided by Mary McKay (on flute) and Emily Carr (on guitar).

Photo - Peter R. Coolen

Special music for the Opening Service of the 70th Synod was provided by the St. James' Refinery Youth Band

Peter R. Coolen

Photo - Peter R. Coolen

Joan Irving (right), the wife of Bishop Irving and Diocesan A.C.W. Patroness, with Vera Parkes (left), a member of the Diocesan A.C.W.

His Worship Don Atchinson, Mayor of Saskatoon gave greetings and discussed volunteer efforts and non-profit initiatives underway in the city

Photo - Joan Irving

Mary McKay (on flute) and Emily Carr (on guitar) lead the music ministry throughout the sessions of synod

Photo - Joan Irving

The Reverend Delta Kelly, Deacon from the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, gave a presentation on “Locally Raised Clergy”

Photo- Joan Irving

Photo - Joan Irving

Geofrey Monjesa gave a presentation on the activities of the P.W.R.D.F. in the Diocese of Tanzania a partnering diocese.

Delegates Jim Komar (left), Tom Rogers (in witch's hat), and Barb Clay

Around the Province Record Crowd at Children's 5-Day Club HUDSON BAY (Saskatchewan) St Patrick's Church in Hudson Bay was the site of a stampede of children for a week in August 2010. For the third year in a row, the church hosted a 5-Day Club with the Child Evangelism Fellowship of Saskatchewan (CEF). This year's crowd was the largest to date at the church, with

more than 30 children attending at least one day.

CEF sends a number of youthful missionaries around the province each summer. In every community they visit, the worker offers an hour-long session of singing, stories, Bible verse memorization and prayer at several locations each day. The pro

gram is designed for a backyard, but the missionaries are skilled and flexible enough to adapt to a wide variety of locations and situations. The children are encouraged to attend daily, and they receive prizes for completing their homework or for bringing a friend.

This year, the CEF mis

sionary to Hudson Bay was Matthew Cey, a young man with plans to join a police force in the future. He connected immediately with the children through his enthusiasm, his humour and his playfulness.

At St Patrick's church, the sessions were held outdoors on the church lawn, due to a

scheduling conflict with the hall.

But God blessed the program with what was perhaps the only rain-free week of the whole summer. “It went so well, I think we should try it outdoors every year,” said an excited Caron Hallen, one of the organizers for continued on page 7

Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2010 - 5

Around the Province A Nursing Program Begins for St. George’s, Saskatoon

We Are Called Human Be-ings Not, Human Do-ings

By Elaine Hrycenko and Marion G. Pope, Co-Presidents of the Board of Anglican Church Women, Diocese of Saskatoon,

Photo- Peter R.Coolen

Toni McGregor (right) of the St. Georges Community Coffee Group presents $250 to Peter Coolen (center), a member of the St. George's Vestry. The funds will be utilized in establishing the parish nursing program at St. George's. The St. George's Community Coffee Group, begun in April, 2010, has to date donated $1250 to various parish and community activities

By Peter R. Coolen SASKATOON- In October, St. George's vestry approved the joining of the parish with InterChurch Health Ministries to develop a parish nursing program in the parish and to provide support for the training of members of the parish, currently employed as registered nurses, for a new ministry within the parish, as Parish Nurses. Additionally, now as a member of InterChurch Health Ministries, all members of the St. George's Parish will also be able to attend the parish nursing training

courses, which offered at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, at minimal cost.

This program will provide a new vehicle for St. Georges to outreach into and to meet the needs of the surrounding innercity neighborhoods of Riversdale, Meadow Green and King George.

In order to help get this program underway, the St. George's Community Coffee Group, which is an independent neighborhood group providing coffee and social activities from the parish hall, has donated $250 to the St. George'sparish nursing initiative.

(continued)

Women from the Diocese of British Columbia provided great hospitality for the thirty-three women from across Canada who attended this year's Diocesan Anglican Church Women President's Conference and Annual Meeting which was held at Camp Easter Seal on beautiful Shawnigan Lake, Vancouver Island, from September 16th to 19th, 2010. Elaine Hrycenko and Marion G. Pope, CoPresidents of the Board of Anglican Church Women, Diocese of Saskatoon, celebrated being there and representing Anglican women throughout our diocese.

The Conference theme, “Be Still and Know That I Am God”, helped evolve a constant focus on 'be-ing' in everything that happened by be-ing active in nine ways: 1. 'be-ing at worship', through meditations and the Eucharist; 2. 'be-ing social', visiting and getting to know one another; 3. 'be-ing community', doing business at the Annual General Meeting; 4. 'be-ing at rest', yes, we did get 'some' sleep!

5. 'be-ing with God', through talks, journaling, a meditative walk, worship, fellowship. Even in business and play times, we were “being spiritual, being ourselves”; 6. 'be-ing creative', making creative bookmarks and a meditation mirror, reminding us that in our very be-ingness we are created in God's image; 7. 'be-ing a tourist', visiting the

Cultural Centre in the Cowichan Valley at Duncan, and listening to a First Nations Elder speak of legends that are part of the aboriginal history and unique culture of the Cowichan Valley; 8. 'be-ing joyfully spontaneous', enjoying some great Saturday evening entertainment; 9. and 'be-ing thankful and reflective', thankful for God's unconditional love; reflective of the inner strength he gives us to put aside unnecessary details to help in our daily be-ingness.

Representatives from dioceses from each of the ecclesiastical provinces (ours being Rupert's Land) met together. Using the five Marks of Mission and the seven recommendations/indicators coming out of the Vision 2019 report to General Synod, members were asked to discuss which of the recommendations they felt their particular diocesan women needed to focus on.

While there was strong agreement that Anglican Church Women excel in mission via works, there was a sense that members could do better in sharing their stories and proclaiming God-in-Christ to others. Not surprisingly, education and evangelism training were perceived to be the greatest need at this time.

The 2010 - 2011 National Board is made up of President, Terri Parrill (Diocese of Western Newfoundland); Vice-President, Delorie Walsh (Diocese of Calgary); Secretary, Joanna Muzyka (Diocese of Athabasca); Treasurer, Adelaide Sullivan (Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador); and Past President, Marion Saunders (Diocese of Toronto).

It is important for us to remember that we are called 'human be-ings', not 'human doings' for a reason.

Anglican Women Celebrate “Fellowship Day” in Lloydminster

By Marion G. Pope and Elaine Hrycenko; Co-Presidents, Anglican Church Board, Diocese of Saskatoon Women enjoy getting together for fellowship and Anglican Church women are no exception! On Wednesday, September 8th, 2010, Anglican Church women from St. John's Anglican Church, Lloydminster, proved this by hosting a delightful “Fellowship Day” for women in the Western Deanery with Christ as an invited guest. As a terrible snow storm had prevented women from the Western Deanery Photo - Marion G. Pope and Elaine Hrycenko

- Anglican Women celebrate a “Fellowship Day” in Lloydminster.

from attending this year's Annual Spring Conference and Annual General Meeting (held in Saskatoon, in April), as a result, six members of the Diocesan Board of Anglican Church Women were also pleased to attend this Fellowship Day. Attendees shared in the Holy Eucharist, presided over by the Reverend Canon Michael Stonhouse, visited one another, shared some of their stories, and enjoyed a wonderful meal together. It is hoped that there will be further such Fellowship Days throughout the diocese.

Photo - Elaine Hrycenko and Marion G. Pope

Elaine Hrycenko (right) and Marion G. Pope (left), CoPresidents of Board of Anglican Church Women, Diocese of Saskatoon, with National ACW Past President Marion Saunders (centre) at this year's Diocesan Anglican Church Women President's Conference and Annual Meeting, Shawnigan Lake, Vancouver Island, from September 16th to 19th, 2010.

6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2010

Celebrations A Celebration of New Ministry at Lintlaw-Endeavour

Photo - Joan Irving

On September 18th, 2010, The Right Reverend David Irving, Bishop of Saskatoon (right) conducted a Service of Induction for the Reverend Quenton Little (left) as the new incumbent in the LintlawEndeavour Parish. The service was held in the Church of the Messiah, Okla (The Parish includes St. Stephen's, Lintlaw, Church of the Messiah, Okla, St. James', Endeavour and Church of the Good Shepherd, Rockford). The service was additionally special as it was also held in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Church of the Messiah, Okla.

St. Bartholomew Celebrates 100 Years

by Gladys Crofts REGINA BEACH (Qu'A) Church bells were ringing proudly on August 22 as the Friends of St. Bart's and the Board of the Lakeside Heritage Museum hosted a celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church. Rev. John Gardner from St. Paul's Cathedral presided over the communion service.

Guests participated in the service as they enjoyed hymns sung by choirs from the United Church and St. Jerome's Roman Catholic Church. Kathy Burnett read the scripture, and Gregg Hallsworth gave a very informative historical presentation.

To further celebrate the occasion, the museum brought home the original fire truck to have its permanent location at the museum site. The Antique Auto Association of Regina, Studebaker Drivers Club and

also many private antique auto collectors had their beautiful cars on display for viewing.

Florence Holt attended the anniversary dressed in very colourful attire from the 1910 era, which brought the time of the church's beginning to everyone's thoughts. After the service, lemonade, cookies and a beautiful birthday cake were enjoyed by all on one of the nicest days in August.

St. Bart's, as the church is affectionately called, was built in 1910 by Mr. Smitton, and was located at the north-west corner of Fourth Avenue and Fifth Street East in Regina Beach.

Funding was provided to the Diocese of Qu'Appelle by a missionary association in England, called the Girls Friendly Society.

The official dedication occurred on July 20, 1913, by a visiting Mission Head. In June 1917 the Last Mountain Lake section of the Canadian Church Railway Mission Magazine gave a glow-

oing account of St. Bart's and the support it received from businesswners, visitors and the people of Regina Beach.

On May 29, 2005, the final regular service was held at St. Bart's when the congregation became too small to support the church. The church building was donated to the Lakeside Heritage Museum and on October 16, 2007, was moved to its present site. Once again it is a summer church on the road into Regina Beach, with a lit cross on the roof which welcomes all visitors to Regina Beach.

Thanks to the Lakeside volunteers: Kathy Burnett, Carol Lyman, Judy and Lyle Seed, Gregg Hallsworth, Willa Sunnack, El and Helen Smith, Roni Goulet, and others from the community and the volunteers who comprise the Friends of St. Bart's: David and Joanne Green, Larry and Donna Hall, Joe and Marg Barton, Gordon and Gladys Crofts and other who will help out for years to come.

Faith and Worship My Journey: A Life of Worship and Service

by Rev. Ella Frank

president for the Diocesan ACW, which led me to be their president for three terms. I am now the Diocesan Chaplin for the ACW. I have served on the Deanery level for ACW, been a member of Diocesan Council and served on various committees. I am the secretary-treasurer for the Souris Regional as well as administrator for the Parish of the Good Shepherd. I was locally

OGEMA (Qu'A) (Editor's Note: The first Celebrating Seniors volunteer awards were presented at a banquet in Regina on October 3. Sponsored by the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism, the awards recognized seniors for all their valuable volunteer contributions.

Forty-six seniors were nominated in 10 categories. Rev. Ella Frank was nominated in the Fitness and Healthy Lifestyle category. Ella's description of her life's journey shows that she is certainly worthy of her nomination.)

Ever since I can remember I have been involved with worshipping and serving God. My first commitment to the Anglican Church was playing the organ for Sunday services. I was self taught, and played at all four services in the OgemaBengough-Dahinda-Amulet parish off and on for a couple of years. I was confirmed on November 21, 1951 by the late Bishop Michael Coleman and I have been involved with the church and the community ever since. During the years I have also played the organ for the Lutheran Church and the Ogema United Church.

In 1989 I started taking fitness classes with the Canadian Red Cross and in 1991 I started

ordained on November 2, 2002

by Duncan Wallace, then Bishop of Qu'Appelle.

My community involvement includes serving as secretary-treasurer for the Ogema Chamber of Commerce; Ogema Agricultural Society; president and member of the Ogema Band; a member of the Ogema Regional Park Authority;Ogema Motel LTD; and correspondent for the Deep South Star, our local paper.

Two Special Blessings at All Saints contributed

Photo contributed

The Reverend Ella Frank leading a group of senior ladies. I still lead this group twice a week at the Dew Drop In. I am an active participant with the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life by walking the 12 hours, and I ride the Big Bike for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. I walk every day, sometimes making a three mile trip in the countryside, the best time for meditating and reflection. In winter I use the treadmill when the walking gets rough on town streets.

As a blood donor I have

reached the 256 donation mark (so far), and have now reached the age where I need a medical report every year.

I have been a leader for the Anglican Juniors and the Girls Auxiliary as well as assisting with leading Canadian Girls in Training. I belonged to the Anglican Women's Auxiliary and continued with the Anglican Church Women. During this time I was chair for the Girls Auxiliary, the education chair, as well as second and first vice

REGINA The Blessing of the Backpacks was a well-received innovation to mark the beginning of the 2010-11 season at All Saints church in September, and the re-opening of the Sunday Church School. This event was followed the next Sunday by the Blessing of Pets, which has become a firm tradition at All Saints. This year 27 "animal companions" were brought by their humans to receive a blessing from rector Rev. Trish McCarthy or honorary assistant Rev. William Portman.

The blessing of backpacks came out of a brainstorming session seeking a way to recognize the beginning of a new academic year. Someone said (Massachusetts that MIT Institute of Technology) had an annual blessing for backpacks

and lab equipment. Someone else pointed out that backpacks were common to all students and many teachers, from kindergarten to PhD level - and therefore appropriate symbols for blessing and prayers "for all who teach and all who learn."

Binders and Blackberries were added to the mix on the advice of the parent of a teen, who pointed out that backpacks were becoming a bit "uncool" among some students.

The special recognition of the new academic year is particularly significant in view of All Saints developing relationships with young adults at the nearby University of Regina and SIAST, attracted by word from peers about the welcoming and inclusive attitude within the congregation. As well, All Saints enjoys a cordial relationship with Campbell Collegiate, which

The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2010 - 7

Faith and Worship Two Special Blessings at All Saints (cont’d from page 6) is attended by many of the parish youth, and with whom it shares a parking lot.

When told about the new Backpack service, one young person asked, "Will a blessing make a backpack any lighter?" The reply, "Probably not but it could make it easier to carry - as Jesus said, 'My yoke is easy and my burden is light.'" (Matthew 11:30)

Day Retreat on Christian Healing

by Anne Marie MacNeil REGINA - A day retreat titled Ourselves, Our Souls and Bodies, was held at St. James the Apostle Anglican Church on October 16. Rev. Christopher Snook of St. Luke, Regina, gave three meditations on Christian healing. After each of the three addresses, there was a time for quiet personal prayer and reflection by the 11 who took part.

Ladies' Day Out

by Doris Wideen-Bazley EMMA LAKE (Saskatchewan) -Camp Okema is situated north of Prince Albert, on the shores of Emma Lake. Ladies' Day Out was held- Here June 7, 8, and 9, 2010.

Eighteen ladies enjoyed the sessions and singing led by the Reverend Joanne Beacon, who ministers in Prince Albert at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary. The theme was “Stories and song lyrics for St. Columba.”

Mrs. Kathleen Stewart played the organ and helped lead the singing. Our campfire was held in Sleepy Hollow by the big stone fireplace, compline and singing finished the evening.

The Reverend Tracy Lloyd Smith provided us with the Eucharistic service on our last day. We were sad to say good-

(continued from page 6)

bye to her, but wished her well in her new ministry in Ontario.

Food was delicious, brought by the ladies who prepared, served and helped with the clean-up. Fellowship is always great. Plans are underway for a retreat next year, 2011.

Doris Wideen-Bazley organized the retreat. Ladies attended from Saskatoon, Birch Hills, Mont Nebo, Raymore, Glaslyn, Fort Pitt, Canwood and Prince Albert.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise Thou mine inheritance now and always Thou and thou only, first in my heart O Sovereign of Heaven, my treasure thou art. (words: ancient Irish hymn)

Fr. Snook did not speak about miraculous healings but rather about the fundamental reality of God's healing in our lives. Christian healing is the salvation of the whole of God's activity in our world - healing the world. Christ came to heal our relationship with the Father. The world's illness is our alienation from God. The art of spiritual healing is the cross - the place where the world's healing happens. Christ takes on our illness, that which separates us from God, and unites us to God. God loves us and our hope is in our faith. The victory of the cross is the victory He wants for us. His healing transforms us so we can live the life of Christ, a life of faith and discipleship.

Through baptism, Christians are buried and raised with Christ. Becoming holy is a growth in spiritual health, but not a process of accumulation. We need always to love God and recognize our frailty without God. The path to spiritual healing has everything to do with how you live your life. We need to remember where our hope is found and we do this through the practice of daily prayer and discipleship. Prayer and scripture is where we are

healed because the Word becomes the way we live. Daily prayer is not something that God requires of us, but is the place where God heals us. When scripture is written in our hearts, it becomes the desire of our lives.

In his final address, Fr. Snook spoke about the need and benefits of fasting, prayer and alms-giving in the lives of Christians. Fasting is a spiritual discipline of denying ourselves so we will put God first in our lives. We need spiritual health in our mind and bodies. Our bodies are to be temples of the Holy Spirit. When we misuse our bodies, we turn away from God. To restore our bodies, we turn to Christ to be healed again. When God is first in our lives, we offer our body as a living sacrifice to God in service. Service is a must for Christianity. The body remembers God's love and healing presence by giving away from our body so others may benefit. Denial is not an empty action but provides the fruits of the spirit to others through love and service.

The day retreat, which opened with Morning Prayer, ended with celebration of the Eucharist with Rev. Malcolm French and anointing by Fr. Snook.

Photo contributed

“The Crew”

Record Crowd at Children's 5-Day Club (continued from page 4) St Patrick's church. “It was so much more fun to see them running around outdoors, in the beautiful sunshine.”

The number of children amazed the Reverend Steve Page, priest-in-charge of St Patrick's church. “Several of our regular children were unable to attend this year,” he observed, “and so many of the children who came every day have no connection with any church in town. It was exciting to see a light of faith come on in them.”

Mr Cey and the Rev. Page were pleased as well to lead a handful of the children in a prayer to commit to follow Jesus with their lives.

While he was in Hudson Bay, Mr Cey also offered sessions during the week through other churches, including the Adventist church, the Mennonite chapel, and the Church of God.

Photo contributed

Marj Kirkby and Jean Green

Photo contributed

Helen Steele and Kathleen Stewart

Photo contributed

Matthew Cey, the Child Evangelism Fellowship missionary in Hudson Bay this summer.

Photo contributed

A high-energy action song at the 5-Day Club

more photos on page 10

8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2010

Food for Thought Serving God, Strengthening the Church “Riches do not exist in the possession of treasurers, but in the use made of them.” (Napoleon I) Active, committed and faithful people of The Anglican Church of Canada provide leadership, ministry and mission support in 30 Canadian dioceses, 1,792 parishes and 2,954 congregations in communities in every part of the Canada, as well as with our partners overseas. Anglicans give generously of their time, energy, abilities and financial resources to do the work of God in many ways, helping to make a difference in people's lives.

More and more Anglicans are giving thoughtful attention now to their stewardship of accumulated assets, ensuring that they have valid wills and have planned responsibly for the security and well being of their families and the

support of those institutions and causes which have been important to them.

Your generosity and thoughtfulness will provide for you and your family and friends a sense of satisfaction and delight in being able to make a very real difference in the life and work of your church and other charitable organization you may wish to support.

The Diocese of Saskatoon in The Anglican Church of Canada, offers many opportunities for expressions of generosity and committed support. The list of outreach projects, programmes and ministries is almost unlimited. When you add to that the importance of caring for our buildings and properties, church growth and the establishing of new and renewed congregations and ministries, you can become very creative in providing for the future of our

church, helping to ensure its vitality and effectiveness.

Your gift may take many forms and address many needs and opportunities: 1.

Gifts For The Future: Gift Planning means finding a way to make an important gift to a cause you believe in while still getting the best tax benefits possible and achieving personal financial goals. A planned gift to The Diocese of Saskatoon can be made outright to the Church for its immediate use, or deferred arranged now for completion later.2. Gifts For The Present: An outright gift of cash is the simplest and can be the best way to give. The church can use your gift immediately for its ministry and programmes or as an endowment. You get a receipt for the full amount you have given which means immediate tax savings. You may also give gifts of listed securities and life insur

ance which provide tax savings as well.

3.

Gifts That Give Back: Some planned gifts (such as gift annunities, charitable remainder trusts and gifts of residual interest pay you back by providing you income or allowing you to enjoy the use of your property even after you have given it to the Church.

We look forward to hearing from you and would be pleased to provide detailed information about the various ways of making a gift and how a generous act of support will make a very real and permanent difference. Any gift given to The Diocese of Saskatoon may be designated to be shared by more than part of the Church's life and work. When you are ready, we will be happy to help your complete your gift.

“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take

with you nothing that you have received, only what you have given: a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage”. (St. Francis of Assisi) For more information, please contact the Saskatoon Synod Office at (306) 244-5651, by e-mail at: anglicansynod@sasktel.net or mail at: P0 Box 1965, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 57K 3S5. For information In the Dioceses of Saskatchewan and Qu'Appelle please contact the respective Synod offices.

Your generosity and thoughtfulness will provide for you and your family and friends a sense of satisfaction and delight in being able to make a very real difference in the life and work of your church and other charitable organization you may wish to support.

The Bishop's Charge to The 70th Synod of the Diocese of Saskatoon Given By: The Right Reverend David M. Irving, Bishop of Saskatoon, October 29, 2010 My Sisters and Brothers, I greet you in the name of the risen Christ and welcome you to this 70th Synod of the Diocese of Saskatoon, meeting under the guidance of theHoly Spirit and to the honour and Glory of God, for the Governance ofGod's Church in this place.

Seventy times the faithful of our Church have gathered to discern under the guidance of the Spirit how to fulfill, in this part of Saskatchewan, the mission to which God calls us.

How many hours of faithful service does that add up to? Thousands of hours, just at Synod. Add to that the almost inconceivable total number of hours that faithful members of our parishes have spent in worship and service in the Church and in the world during the last century and one gets the sense that we are truly part of a great company of Saints.

The best possible tribute we can pay to that great company of past Saints is to be ready to march faithfully forward to meet the challenges that face us today. We must turn hope into action.

The theme of this Synod is “Embracing Change; Energizing the Diocese”.

Your Synod Planning Committee spent much time in considering a theme, but as they considered what would be presented at this synod; that is, what must we change to provide ministry in our rural communities, how can we as a diocese meet the marks of mission locally and beyond, and what must we do to offer educational and community building events to all members of the diocese, with these in mind the theme emerged. “We must Embrace Change: we must Energize the Diocese.”

Before I speak to the theme I want to express to you my heartfelt thanks for calling me to be your 12th Bishop and for the privilege of serving God in this place. I have appreciated your welcome and support, your invitations to events or just to visit, both are most welcome, I may not be able to accept them all but please don't stop.

Having said that, in the last eight months I have also discovered that some visits and decisions a Bishop has to make, are not always received with a smile, you forgot to put that in the Diocesan Profile.

But I do want to emphasis that as I have traveled around the diocese I have been impressed with the people I have met and the

creative ministries many of you are involved in. It is obvious that over the years much good work has taken place in the diocese and I want to thank you and I hope you will share that thanks with your parishes.

I would like to express my appreciation to Bishop Rod Andrews for his ministry over the previous six years. And I give thanks for the ministry of the Dean and Archdeacons and their ready advice and council. My gratitude also goes to Chancellor Beth Bilson, the synod office staff Lorea Eufemia and Henry Comerford the Diocese is well served by them all.

A Diocesan Synod also marks the end of term for many appointments and committees; I want to thank on behalf of the Diocese those of you who have finished a term as delegate to either Diocesan, Provincial or General Synod, Diocesan Council, one of its sub-committees or a task force. The gifts you brought to these committees have been gratefully appreciated by all.

I want to thank our synod planning team for the time and energy they have spent to ensure that our synod runs smoothly. Our synod begins hear in the Cathedral parish and concludes in Christ Church, to both

congregations thank you for your hospitality.

I want also to say a special word of thanks publicly, to my wife Joan, for your support throughout my ministry, being a listening ear, being my best friend, for the journey we have shared together going wherever God has called us. Thank you Joan.

Since the last synod the diocese has seen many changes in personnel, I am not going to mention them all but I will mention those since my consecration; Henry Comerford was appointed Executive Archdeacon, Anne Marie Nicklin inducted incumbent to St. Georges, Emily Carr and Shawn Sanford-Beck began a new ministry, a Team Ministry to Holy Trinity, Quenton Little ordained Priest and appointed incumbent to the Lintlaw Endeavour Parish, David Tyler retired from his position at the Good Shepherd Parish, Delisle and Pike Lake, and Bill Christensen has been appointed Priest in Charge to that parish, Wayne Sturgess has been appointed Interim Priest in Charge of the Humbolt/Watson parish beginning December 1st, and Ken Watts has accepted a term appointment as Priest in Charge to the Members of the Congregation of St. Timothy's currently worshiping at

Augustana Lutheran Church beginning January 1st , 2011.

There is, however, one retirement I want to single out and that is of Don Byrt. Don has served the diocese for over thirty years in various positions he has been a loyal and faithful servant to God's mission to the world.

I am not going to say anymore about Don this evening, at our banquet tomorrow evening we will have the opportunity to express the gratitude of the diocese.

I welcome our guests to Synod.

Bishop Patrick and his wife, Diocese of Masasi, Tanzania.

Also form Tanzania Geofrey Monjesa the diocesan development officer. The Rev. Chris Ross guest speaker and The Rev. Delta Kelly also a guest speaker.

We also welcome in our midst over the weekend Bishop Brian Bayda, Chancellor Yanko Kolosnjaji and John Starosta our friends from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Welcome to you all. `Now let me touch on the readings that the worship committee selected for this opening service. I want you to know I had no part in the selection of these readings but I think they are very appropriate for our theme.

The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2010 - 9

The Bishop's Charge to The 70th Synod of the Diocese of Saskatoon (continued) Our first reading is about a new creation.

This first chapter of Genesis tells the story of God creating the universe, the earth, and humankind. I will admit that this chapter has taken a lot of abuse over the years with many trying to explain those beginnings without God. But, all you have to do is look at the beauty, the synchronization and the organization of the universe to know that an intelligent, loving and creative God was behind it. In the beginning God created. I am not going to try to persuade you of its truth. To me it is a wonderful statement of faith, and must be accepted that way. When you do accept it, the world takes on a special beauty as you begin to discover the God who loved us so much that he would create such a marvelous place for us to live.

It is the second verse of this chapter that I want you to notice tonight.

“The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep.” These are tough words, formless and void. All of us at sometime or other has found something about our lives that can be described with words of emptiness and darkness. When we leave our places of worship and go out into the world, we come face to face daily, with others who feel as if these are the words that describe their lives. Parishes and Diocese can also feel as if they are in the midst of chaos and darkness. They can at times feel as if there is no hope.

There is Good News. It is exactly at this point that God begins to work.

Listen to the next sentence; and the Spirit of God, the breathe of God, was moving over the surface of the waters. What an incredible gift - knowing, that in our time of darkness - when we need him the most, God is right there, waiting, waiting to create something new in an otherwise empty place. When it seems everywhere we look there is nothing but darkness - right there on the edge, you will find God. And He is always there waiting and wanting to create something new. And, you know what? If we are willing to “embrace change”, that is exactly what He does.

Whenever I read the Ezekiel passage, I can almost see Ezekiel as he is set down in the middle of this huge valley full of bones. The Holy Spirit causes him to pass completely around the valley for a full ariel view, and the impression sinks deep into his thoughts. This valley is full of bones! As I see it, he must have asked himself at least a few questions as he was presented with such an awesome scene.

It stands to reason that, as he is made to view all these bones, the first question he might have asked was, “Who were these people?” Verse 11 tells us, they are God's people, “These bones are the whole house of Israel.” At the time of this vision Israel was in Babylonian captivity.

They were the slaves of Babylon. I also take it from the verse that as they mourned over their captivity they said, “Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off.”

Another question is provided for us in the text itself. It actually comes early in the vision, The Lord asks Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?” Can they live? Boy, it seems doubtful. They're so dry. Only God knows. The Lord tells Ezekiel to prophecy. The fantastic thing here is he is commanded to prophesy to a bunch of old, dry, sun-bleached bones. This is not a living congregation. Talk about mission. This is

starting from scratch.

But as he prophesied to the bones, “There was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them... But, something was missing; there was no breath in them.” Ezekiel is then commanded to prophesy to the breath; Come from the four winds, 0 breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.” Have you ever noticed that every time the word “Life” is used in this chapter it is connected with the word “breath”?

Vs 5 “I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life”.

Vs 6 “I will put breath in you, and you shall live”.

Vs 9 “0 breath,... Breathe into these slain, that they may live”.

Vs 10 “breath entered them; they came to life”.

I can't read this chapter without being reminded of the words in Genesis concerning the original creation. “God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul.”

There was no life in the bones, nor in the tendons, no life in the muscle or skin - but in the breath there was life!

God's breathe. That, which was dead, can live again, but only through God's Spirit breathing life. I believe God has the same plan for us as He had for the house of Israel in Ezekiel's day. He wants Spiritfilled disciples, Spirit-filled people tobe about God's mission to the world. Allow Him to put his breath in you.

That leads me to our Gospel reading. This is one of the most miraculous passages of Scripture in the entire Bible. This tells of the mighty power of God. This story is not about Jesus teaching the multitude, but rather about Him teaching Simon Peter a lesson.

We can see three great principles in this passage. One, we see Peter; our Lord will use a person and their ability for the purpose of the kingdom of God. Second, we see Peter's boat; our Lord can use anything that is given to Him to be used. Third, when our Lord uses the person or the object it will pay off with great dividends. They made a great catch.

In these few verses there are five things I want to briefly point out. First of all Jesus told Simon to; Launch out. Vs4 he said to Simon, launch out into the deep, and let down your nets.

We will do nothing for God until we launch out. God is still waiting for most Christians to launch out. We have to go where the fish are. They will not come to church and beg us to preach the good news of the Gospel to them. They won't call you at home and ask. We will have to go where they are.

The second point is Let Down.

Jesus told them to “launch out” and then “let down”. This would tell us to let God direct our path to “Let Down” where He tells us to go.

Jesus directed him to the best place to fish. Peter let the nets down where he was told and because he did that he caught fish. He caught fish even though he didn't believe he would.

Launch out, let down and then “lift up”. Peter could not see beyond the bottom of the boat - our Lord could see the entire sea. You and I don't know what is around the corner of life, but our Lord knows our whole life.

Launch out, let down, lift up and 'look beyond'. Vs 8 says, When Simon Peter saw it; he fell down at Jesus' knees.... Saw what? What did Peter see? Peter could see that he had fished all night and had caught nothing, but when he looked beyond himself and his own capabilities he saw the reality of what God could do, then he caught more than he could carry.

Launch out, let down, lift up, look beyond and “let go”. Think of this; they left their nets after the best catch they had ever had. They had probably dreamt about a catch like this one. What a catch.

Then our Lord tells them to throw all of that away and come and follow him.

These men let go of the thing that was most important in their lives. This was their lively hood. And here we see that they left everything to follow our Lord.

There is something else that “letting go” did.

In Vs 1-10 everything was all about Simon Peter. His name is mentioned six times. It was his boat. Our lord was talking to him personally and he is the one who let down the net, but in Vs 11 we see something different. In Vs 11 “They left everything and followed him”. It's no longer just about Peter now. When he “let go” the others let go also. When Peter did what our Lord told him to do, they all followed.

“They left everything, and followed him”. Why don't we launch out today? Feel the breath of change. Let go and let God have his way with us.

Over the last few months I have tried to visit as many parishes as possible and speak with as many of you as possible. I have tried to hear your story, your good news stories and your concerns for the future.

I have seen a strong commitment to the mission of the church and a commitment in the regions to meet and work together as companions in ministry. Many of you are willing to travel long hours to join with others beyond your own particular congregation or region.

In many parts of the church, parishes are divided along party lines and that division is fragmenting and in some cases, threatening the life of the church.

Even though we do not all agree on every matter I have experienced around the diocese a tolerance and a willingness to discussion as we continue to walk together.

I have also noted there is a spirit of generosity in the diocese that has served the mission of the church well.

Parishes through “Fair Share” are committed to supporting ministry beyond themselves and although many parishes struggle to meet their budgets there is a priority given for the Fair Share. That is not simply a commitment to a financial obligation, but an outward and visible commitment to the life of the church as a whole and to our life together as a diocese.

Thank you for that continuing commitment to one another. I also thank you for the local commitment you make as you meet the needs of your neighbour .In my travels I have been impressed with the gifted clergy and lay leadership. You have all, clergy and laity alike, worked to make the worship in our parishes more accessible, more meaningful and more acceptable to God. You have in many places rebuilt or enhanced your space to make it at the same time more welcoming and holier. The worship of

God is fundamental to our life and to the life of the wider community. We worship not only for ourselves but on behalf of all humanity and indeed, all creation. When we gather for worship, even if only two or three, we perform a vital function in our communities.

Although we have many things to be thankful for in the diocese there were also a number of challenges identified. As I made lists of the challenges a pattern began to appear, similar things began to emerge.

I believe there are some areas in which we must put some time and energy if we want to grow as a Christian community and enhance our life together.

Over the past few years we have seen some of our parish membership dwindle, we have seen some of our churches close their doors We can either sit back and watch more and more close their doors or we can look for new ways to offer ministry in our rural and urban areas.

In the past the traditional model for a parish was to have a seminary trained, full-time clergy to give leadership, today many parishes cannot afford that pattern.

We are not the first diocese to be in this situation, over the last twenty years a number of diocese have looked to what is called Locally Raised Ministry or Mutual Ministry models. Looking at these models does mean that a diocese has to be open to experimentation, a willingness to try new ways of being the church and new ways of following Christ.

This type of ministry is modeled on 20th century research into our early Christian roots. When the apostles visited local areas and began congregations, they, trusting in the Holy Spirit, allowed the local community to identify those with particular gifts of leadership in the community to be raised up and trained, trained to be priests and deacons to enable the whole community to exercise their ministries as members of the body of Christ.

We must remind ourselves that there were no university seminaries in those early days and that all training in Christian life and ministry took place on the local level, including the training of priests and deacons. An attempt is being made in many places to use this model in our present day situation, especially in areas where it is hard to supply full-time seminary trained clergy.

The model is based on the New Testament premise that every congregation has within it, sufficient gifts to carry out its ministry. This model does not replace the seminary trained clergy in fact in areas where locally raised clergy are functioning there is always a seminary trained clergy supervising the ongoing training and ministry for that area or region.

We have already begun to identify what would be the core curriculum for this model and in January, 2011 will be asking more than one rural congregation to consider a person that has been identified. If the person responds to the call they would then attend a diocesan ACPO before beginning training. During synod there will be a presentation by The Rev. Delta Kelly who is a locally raised priest in the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, at that time you will be able to ask questions about this model of ministry. continued on page 10

10 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2010

The Bishop's Charge to The 70th Synod of the Diocese of Saskatoon (continued) In our urban areas we will also be examining how we offer ministry today and are there alternate ways in which we can meet the needs of our community. A few months ago a number of people, clergy and lay from different parishes, went to Edmonton to take part in a conference on alternate forms of ministry mainly in the urban setting. Not all of the ideas presented would work in our context but many, with some adaptation, would I have been invited by one of the theme speakers, Phil Potter, to visit and see how they are working today in his diocese.

It is my intent to invite some of the people that attended the Edmonton conference to come together and consider possible alternate forms of ministry we could engage in as a diocese.

The next area I want us to look at is outreach. The finest worship and strongest community will not ensure the vitality of a community of faith. A church that' is concerned only with itself will gradually wither away and produce no fruit. The roots of a parish must extend out into new soil, reaching out into the community in service. No parish can be lively and energizing nor will it attract newcomers unless it has a purpose beyond its own survival.

This turning away from ministering to the world, turning inward to care only for preserving our Church community is the greatest danger for us today. It is so tempting, so deceptively easy to slide into the protective shell, to become the church that lives only for itself. If we yield to that temptation we will die by ourselves - and we will deserve to.

Many of you have told me in my visits that you would like to be engaged in a more meaningful outreach project but you feel that your parish is too small. Others have said that you have a local project but After this synod I will be appointing a Diocesan Outreach Committee and it will be their task to identify an internal and an external outreach project that we work on together as a diocese. We will throw away our parochial hats once a project has been identified and work together to meet the need that is before us. I will be encouraging the committee to ensure that there is a place for all parishes to be involved whether that is through expertise in a skill, hands on work, fund raising, administration or prayer.

Over the next three years, between synods, we can complete a project both locally and overseas and a report can be brought to the next synod. This is a wonderful opportunityfor us to

work together as a Christian family and really make a positive impact on a neighbour need. The Church that tries to preserve its life will lose it. The Church that gives its life will gain it.

The third area has come out of conversations I had over the summer, members of parishes would like to get to know each other better. The youth of the Anglican and Lutheran churches came together last summer at a national conference named CLAY. I'm not sure how many of our young people went, but I do know, that it was a wonderful conference and people are still talking about it. The conference had three components, they worshiped together, they learnt together and they partied together. Why should the youth have all the fun?

I am proposing that we have a diocesan conference between synods, a conference open to all members of the diocese not just synod delegates. We will have some educational or areas of general interest workshops that people may chose from, we will enjoy some worship time together and we will have some party time together. A diocese that can worship together, learn together and have fun together can grow together.

In addition to these three areas there are also two other items that we will be working on. We will be endeavouring to achieve better communications around the diocese. I have heard people say that they are not sure what decisions are being made by different committees. I know that not knowing can create fear and uncertainty, our new web page is almost complete and the minutes from the various committees will be placed on the web page for us all to read.

I also want to emphasis that the diocesan office has an open door policy, if you have a question or concern please drop in, phone or email and either Lorea, Henry or myself will do our best to answer your question.

The last item I wish to mention is Stewardship; even before I arrived I was aware of the limitations imposed on the work of the diocese because of lack of funds.

Simply maintaining the status quo, is taking most of our resources. We have already had to face some challenging decisions about how we allocate our resources and we will have to face them again soon. We will face some personal challenges about our own stewardship.

Some individuals are extremely generous in giving to the mission God has called us to. But for many others this aspect of Christian life is largely undevel-

oped. As a diocese we need to become stewards not only of the Gospel or of our Anglican heritage or of our service,, but also of our resources. We have been given some seed money from the national church to assist us in developing a stewardship and planned giving program and we are currently advertising this part-time position. It is my hope that we will have someone in this position next spring so that we can begin to move forward in this challenging area.

Finally, I am very aware that there are many demands on each of us, in our personal lives, in our communities and in the diocese, and the temptation to lose our focus is great. We have to try to ensure that our energies and resources all go in the same direction as we seek to keep our common life effective. Let us support each other, challenge each other and encourage each other in the mission we are called to share.

Record Crowd at Children's 5Day Club (continued from page 7)

The Southern Gentleman and the Saskatchewan Clergy theological statements, such as “Jesus is Lord,” and into spelling out the implications of that statement in all of our life and work?

One reason for our declining churches, Bishop Salmon suggested, is that our relationships do not reflect the excitement and challenge that Life in the Spirit and the Lordship of Christ suggest.

But systems of relationships are everywhere, and when we walk through life and ministry unaware of them, they “own” us. Bishop Salmon challenged us to become especially aware of “tacit contracts,” unspoken and unbreakable bonds of expectations. They need to be identified and named, and the people involved in the relationships need to be made accountable to one another. For example, after a parish event, review what worked and what did not, and ask: Were the goals met? Were they identified in the first place?

What can be improved next time?

One factor contributing to declining churches, Bishop Salmon said, was a long-term failure to root congregations in the Scriptures. The Bible, he reminded us, is filled with stories that tell, over and over, of how God changes lives and people get excited. How can we articulate the life-giving Gospel, not a powerless one, or a narrow and punishment-filled one? As an example, he asked, given soci-

ety'strend toward couples living together, can we move from either ignoring on the one hand, or condemning on the other, into painting a more compelling vision of love and commitment in Christian marriage?

In another session, Bishop Salmon spoke of moneymatters. Using some of the parables of Jesus in Luke's Gospel, he challenged us to see questions of money, generosity and stewardship as spiritual issues; money, Jesus warns, has power over us and easily becomes a rival to God in our lives.

Bishop Salmon noted that, in his half-century of ministry experience, no parish does any better than their leadership.

We need good, healthy leadership. But every leader is strong in some things, and weaker in others. It is good, for us and for the parish, that a leader not do anything that someone else in the parish can do better. One way to address this, he suggested, is with an annual vision exercise for the congregation: review what is being done, what needs to be done but isn't, and what is getting in the way.

The clergy at the retreat were very impressed with Bishop Salmon's ability to speak challenging and hopeful, Spiritcharged words in the sweet, velvet-gloved way of a southern gentleman. May we learn to do likewise in our own cultures and contexts of ministry.

Photo contributed

More singing at the 5-Day Club

Photo contributed

The children are enthralled with one of Matthew's stories

All Creatures Great and Small photo - Betty Wagner

Kalindi Jacobs holds her guinea pig, Harry, during the Blessing of the Animals at St. James the Apostle church, Regina. Many parishes bless animals to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals.

photo - Betty Wagner

Callie rests comfortably on Tammy Ackerman's hymn book during the Blessing of the Animals service at St. James the Apostle, Regina.

The Saskatchewan Anglican,The Saskatchewan Anglican,

December 2010- 11

Christmas Traditions from Other Lands ITALY

Christmas in Italy is a blend of both Christian and pagan traditions. The winter solstice celebration of Saturnalia in ancient times preceding the Christian era, marked the birth of the “Unconquered Sun”, and coincides with Advent Celebrations of the forthcoming birth of Christ. The Italian word for Christmas is “Natale”, meaning “birthday, and there may be some truth in the belief that both births are commemorated during this season.

A wonderful tradition in Italy is the ushering in of the coming festivities by the "Piferari" or fifers. They descend from the mountains of the Abruzzo and Latium playing welcoming and familiar tunes on their bagpipes, filling the air with anticipation for the forthcoming joyous celebration.

Italian churches are noted for their displays of artistic and elaborate manger scenes. There is often a contest between churches of the same town for the best Crib. People go from church to church to view and compare the Cribs and displays. They consist of figurines, in clay or plaster , of the infant Jesus, Mary and Joseph. An ox and ass are nearby because legend has it that they warmed the child with their breath. It is around this

basic focal point that individual artisans create their own intricate landscapes.

There may be grottoes, small trees, lakes, rivers, the lights of "Bethlehem" in the background, angels hung from wires, and occasionally, even local heroes.

During Christmastime, one readily observable difference between Italy and the United States, for instance, is the lack of crass commercialism that threatens to swallow up and completely secularize the holiday. For instance, instead of writing letters to Santa Claus asking for presents (or, in the digital age, e-mailing Santa Claus), Italian children write letters to tell their parents how much they love them.

The letter is normally placed under their father's plate and read after Christmas Eve dinner has been finished.

Italians have also adopted some of the northern European traditions as well. Nowadays, especially in northern Italy, a fair number of families decorate an evergreen tree in their home. Here are some other rituals, customs, and traditions practiced by Italians during the Christmas holidays: Another tradition is the burning of the Yule log, which must stay alight until New Year's Day. This, again, is an example of pagan and Christian blending. The pagan belief explains the purifying and revitalizing power of fire, and that with the burning log, the old year and its evils are destroyed. Christian legend tells how the Virgin Mary enters the homes of the humble at midnight while the people are away at Midnight Mass and warms her newborn child before the blazing log.

Amidst the general merrymaking and religious observance of Christmas

Eve, Christmas tapers (long slender candles) are lighted and a Christmas banquet is spread. In some places, Christmas Eve dinner consists largely of fish. There may be as many as 10 t 20 fish dishes prepared.

In Rome, the traditional dish of Christmas Eve is "Capitone," a big female eel, roasted, baked or fried. North of Rome a traditional dish may be pork, sausage packed in a pig's leg, smothered in lentils, or turkey stuffed with chestnuts. displays. They consist of figurines, in clay or plaster , of the infant Jesus, Mary and Joseph. An ox and ass are nearby because legend has it that they warmed the child with their breath. It is around this basic focal point that individual artisans create their own intricate landscapes.

There may be grottoes, small trees, lakes, rivers, the lights of "Bethlehem" in the background, angels hung from wires, and occasionally, even local heroes.

Ceppo: The ceppo is a wooden frame several feet high designed in a pyramid shape.

This frame supports several tiers of shelves, often with a manger scene on the bottom followed by small gifts of fruit, candy, and presents on the shelves above.

The "Tree of Light," as it is also known, is entirely decorated with colored paper, gilt pinecones, and miniature colored pennants. Small candles are fastened to the tapering sides and a star or small doll is hung at the apex.

Urn of Fate: An old tradition in Italy calls for each member of the family to take turns drawing a wrapped gift out of a large ornamental bowl until all the presents are distributed Zampognari and Pifferai: In

Rome and surrounding areas bagpipers and flute players, in traditional colorful costumes of sheepskin vests, knee-high breeches, white stockings and long dark cloaks, travel from their homes in the Abruzzi mountains to entertain crowds of people at religious shrines.La Befana: Kindly old witch who brings children toys on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6.

According to the legend of la Befana, the Three Wise Men stopped at her hut to ask directions on their way to Bethlehem and to invite her to join them. She refused, and later a shepherd asked her to join him in paying respect to the Christ Child. Again she refused, and when night fell she saw a great light in the skies.

La Befana thought perhaps she should have gone with the Three Wise Men, so she gathered some toys that had belonged to her own child, who had died, and ran to find the kings and the shepherd.

But la Befana could not find them or the stable. Now, each year she looks for the Christ Child. Since she can not find him, she leaves gifts for the children of Italy and pieces of coal (nowadays carbone dolce, a rock candy that looks remarkably like coal) for the bad ones.

Common throughout Italy are the Christmas sweets: "panettone" (cake filled with candied fruit), "torrone" (nougat) and "panforte" (gingerbread) made with hazelnuts, honey and almonds. All Christmas sweets, as a rule, contain nuts and almonds. Peasant folklore theorizes that to eat nuts favors the fertility of the earth and aids in the increase of flocks and family.

In ancient Rome, honey was offered at this time of year so that the new year might be sweet.

Germany

Christmas, or Weihnachten, is considered

by Germans to be the most important of the major holidays. Although secularized and commercialized compared to Christmas celebrations of yore, the German holiday season is a time for introspection, celebration, and family and friends; it is less consumption-oriented than in the United States. Not only the holiday itself, but also the weeks leading up to the celebration of Christmas involve many traditions and customs of diverse origins: Advent The German Christmas season officially begins with the first Sunday of Advent. Stollen, the oldest known German Christmas treat, and Christmas cookies (Plätzchen) are often baked during this time. Gingerbread houses, nativity scenes, hand-carved wooden Nutcracker figures

(Nussknacker), Christmas pyramids (Weihnachtspyramiden), and lighted city streets and homes are all signs that Christmas is on its way.

The Advent Wreath - Der Adventskranz The Advent wreath (Adventskranz) is adorned with four candles, one of which is lit on each of the four Sundays preceding Christmas. The first Advent wreath, which appeared in the mid-19th century, had 4 larger candles and 19 smaller ones. Each day one additional candle was lit to help the children count the days until Christmas. Today only the four larger candles remain. However, the tradition has been exported to many other countries around the world and was adapted to existing customs. The Advent wreath of the Eastern Orthodox Church uses 6 candles to last through its somewhat longer Advent season.

The Advent wreath has been attributed religious and elemental significance. The tradition of a ring of light existed among the Germanic tribes many centuries before the celebration of Advent.

It is believed that fewer candles were lit with each progressive lighting to represent the shortening of the days until the sol

stice, at which time the Julfest celebrated the return of light. (Incidentally, the English word yule is a cognate with the Germanic Jul).

The Advent Calendar - Der Adventskalender The Advent calendar (Adventskalender) is a German invention that was originally designed to involve children in the festivities leading up to Christmas. The calendars are usually made of cardboard and have 24 small windows or flaps, one of which is opened on each day leading up to Christmas. Behind each window is a Christmas scene or motif. Nowadays, calendars may contain chocolate or candy behind each window, and sometimes even small toys. The Advent calendar is a more recent invention of modern capitalism. Originally, families would mark the 24 days of December preceding Christmas with a chalk line on the wall. The first handcrafted Advent calendars were produced in the mid-19th century; the first printed calendar appeared in Munich in 1903.

Eventually the custom was exported all over the world.

St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th in Germany as well as

in other European countries. On the evening before the 6th, children place their newly cleaned shoes in front of the door in the hope that Nicholas might fill them with nuts, fruits, chocolate, and sweets. If the children have behaved well, their wishes will be fulfilled. Children who have caused mischief will receive only a switch, which symbolizes punishment for their bad deeds.

The adherents of the Catholic Counterreformation did not quietly accept the diminishment of their saint. They responded to the practices of the unorthodox Protestants by making Nicholas a figure who visited families' homes on his appointed day and stood in judgment over children. If the young ones could answer religious questions and said their bedtime prayers faithfully, they received a gift from the sack that Nicholas' companion, Knecht Ruprecht, had slung over his shoulder. Those that slacked in their religious commitments got the switch or were threatened with being hauled off in Ruprecht's sack.

Today children in all the German-speaking regions, regardless of religious denomination, celebrate continued on page 12

12 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2010

The Gospel of Matthew Matthew Thiessen, Senior Lecturer in New Testament at the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, will be offering a course on the Gospel of Matthew from January 10th to 14th, 2011. This intensive course will examine the Gospel of Matthew in its historical and social context, paying close attention to how Matthew's original readers would have understood his gospel. What issues was the author attempting to address in his account of the life and death of Jesus? How did he portray Jesus in order to address these problems? In particular, lectures will focus on the way in which Matthew's Jesus fits within the Judaism of his day. The class will explore these issues and others with an eye to appropriating the Gospel of Matthew in preaching.

This course is ideal for clergy since the Gospel of Matthew will be the lectionary gospel for the coming year.

Additionally, lay people may find it to be a wonderful chance to prepare for the lectionary readings. Having the opportunity to learn about Matthew in an indepth way will enrich lectionary preaching, as well as lectionary or Bible study groups.

Classes will meet Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 12.00 pm, and 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm. For students in our degree programmes, the course cost is $650. For individuals wishing to audit the course, the cost is $325. And for lay teams and Bible/lectionary study groups of up to five people, the cost is $650.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact Colleen Walker at the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad at colleen.walker@usask.ca or 306-975-3753.

Germany (cont’d from page 11) Nicholastag. Ruprecht, who typically carries a basket filled with edible goodies for the children (and also the switches for the naughty children), has become Nicholas' constant companion.

The Christmas tree - Der Tannenbaum The traditional German Tannenbaum has real burning candles.

The German Tannenbaum is usually put up and decorated on Christmas Eve, though some families opt to erect their tree during the Advent season.

Traditionally, the Germans used the fir tree, but nowadays the spruce is widely used.

Decorations may include tinsel, glass balls or straw ornaments and sweets. A star or an angel tops the Tannenbaum, and beneath the tree, a nativity scene might be set up and the presents next to it. Germans also usually continue to use real lit candles instead of electric lights on the tree.

The first known Christmas tree was set up in 1419 in Freiburg by the town bakers, who decorated the tree with fruits, nuts, and baked goods, which the children were allowed to remove and eat on New Year's Day. The town guilds and associations first brought evergreens inside their guild houses and decorated them with apples and sweets.

Candles were eventually added to the decorations. Legend states that Martin Luther noticed stars shining through the branches of

a fir tree, and put candles on his tannenbaum to produce a similar effect.

Already since the Middle Ages, ordinary Germans had been bringing yew, juniper, mistletoe, holly, evergreen boughs - any plant that maintained its green color through the lifeless and dreary winter months - into their homes. Even in areas where forests were sparse, the tradition took hold; people in Northern Germany, for instance, used Christmas pyramids (Weihnachtspyramiden) in lieu of Christmas trees. The pyramid form was created using sticks that were then decorated with fir branches. By 1800, the custom of bringing a tree into the home was firmly established in many German-speaking regions and continued to spread throughout Europe, and eventually, around the world. The custom was brought to North America by German-speaking immigrants to Pennsylvania and Ohio in the 18th century.

The Tannenbaum is taken down on New Year's Day or on January 6th, Three King's Day, at which time the children can ransack the tree for the sweets and treats that decorated it.

Christmas Eve - Heiliger Abend (also Heiligabend) December 24th begins as a regular workday. But by 2:00 pm, often even earlier, businesses close in preparation for the holiday celebration, a large part of

which occurs on Christmas Eve in Germany. The traditional evening meal includes carp and potato salad. Families sing Christmas carols together and may read the story of Christ's birth aloud. Family members exchange gifts; children are typically the focal point of the gift exchange. The tradition of opening gifts on Heiliger Abend (rather than on December 6th in honor of St. Nicholas) was started by Martin Luther in the 16th century in favor of a celebration that honored Christ rather than a Catholic saint.

On Christmas Eve, German families - whether Protestant or Catholic and even those who are not regular church-goers - often attend mass or a church service.

While the mass traditionally takes place at midnight, in recent times the services have moved into the earlier evening hours.

Christmas Day(s) - der erste und zweite Weihnachtstag Both December 25 and 26 are legal holidays in Germany and are known as the First and Second Christmas Day respectively. What originally started out as a church celebration of Christ's birth has gradually become a family celebration. Businesses are closed, and time is spent visiting with extended family. Goose is the traditional fare on the First Christmas Day, or perhaps rabbit or a roast. These are accompanied by traditional German fare such as apple and sausage stuffing, red cabbage, and potato dumplings.

The second Christmas day is usually a quieter time, a day for peaceful contemplation.

Victorian England

After the Puritan ban on celebrations, it took 200 years for Christmas to once again become an important event. Many of the things we most love at Christmas started in the Victorian age, such as sending cards, and the invention of the Christmas cracker.

The picture of a fat, jolly Father Christmas or Santa Claus, dates from Victorian times. The Christmas tree became popular, as did gift shopping in big stores.

In England, the Boxing Day holiday also started in the nineteenth century.

Christmas Crackers - The first illustration of a Christmas cracker appeared in The Illustrated London News in

1847, but there is some argument as to who invented them. Two London sweet makers, Tom Smith, and James Hovell, both claim to have invented the cracker. In 1840s Paris, sweets called "bon-bons" were wrapped in twists of brightly colored paper.

Tom Smith (or James Hovell) brought back the idea but added a little slip of paper with a message on it, called "kiss mottoes."

Later, other attractions were added, such as little paper hats, tokens and small toys, plus the "crack." It is said that Tom (or James) was sitting in front of his Christmas fire where the yule logs were crackling, which gave him the idea of putting a cracker strip inside his bon-bons. The crackers were also made to look like tiny yule logs, as they still do today.

Christmas Cards Children in Victorian England had the task of writing greetings to their parents in their very best handwriting. Sometimes adults wrote Christmas letters to each other, but this could take up a great deal of time. The printed Christmas card solved the problem. The custom of sending printed cards was started in England by Henry Cole, who did not have time to write letters to each of his relatives. He asked an artist, John Calcott Horsley, to design a card for him. About 1,000 of these cards were printed, and those not used by Sir Henry were sold by the printer for one shilling. This was not cheap, which may be why they did not sell very well. With the introduction of the "penny post" in 1840, it became cheaper to send mail, and as a result of color printing and the invention of printing machines, cards could be printed faster and cheaper.

The first company to print and sell Christmas cards on a large scale was Charles Goodall & Sons of London in 1862.

Charles Dickens By the early part of the nineteenth century Christmas had almost died out. The Times newspaper, for example, did not once mention Christmas between 1790 and 1835.

Charles Dickens with his story A Christmas Carol did more than anyone to change all that. His tale of Scrooge, the Cratchit's, and Tiny Tim was a smash hit from the start. He wrote the story in just two months, beginning in October 1843 and finishing at the end of November. The book was published on 17 December 1843 and immediately sold out.

Journeying 2011 A simple eucharist at the tide's edge… standing on a Hebridean island to watch the sun flash the waves with setting light… the strength shared by three of us sheltering from fierce wind on a remote hillside...

These are the things of UK based Journeying, a nonprofit-making organisation comprising a team of people who take small groups to remote and not-so-remote spots in Britain and Ireland in the spirit of pilgrimage. Formerly known as Pilgrim Adventure the team has been doing this quietly and unobtrusively for over 20 years.

Its origins lie in Celtic spirituality and that element is never far away, though there is no heavy religiosity at all - and people of any faith, denomination or none are welcomed openly.

The shape of each journey is determined by the two (unpaid) leaders but, even with different personalities leading, there are elements common to each journey: accommodation is usually of a self-catering style (we share the chores, including meal preparation), just occasionally somewhere on a full-board basis (someone else does the chores, including meal preparation!); gentle reflective worship takes place at the start and end of each day and perhaps also at other times on the hill or by the shore; hikes of varying length (you can opt in or out as you wish); times of sharing in the evening, maybe around a log fire - and the communion that is found so often when you are doing the washing-up together. ... and 2011 brings an exciting new development for Journeying - the launch of Y Journey - our youth wing and our first holiday prepared solely for the younger age group.

Journey Programme 2011 St David's & the West Pembrokeshire Coastal Path...

23-30 July Orkney (Scotland)... 20-30 July N Uist (Scotland)... 11-19 May Brecon Beacons Wales)... 12-16 September The Burren (Co. Clare)... 25 June-2 July East Anglia (England)... 30 April -7 May Caldey Island & the South Pembrokeshire Coastal Path... 813 September ...and for the 14-18 age group, Y Journey in Yorkshire...

30 May - 3 June If you would like further information about Journeying and our 2011 programme, do get in touch.

David Gleed E-mail info@journeying.co.uk www.journeying.co.uk