A Section of the Anglican Journal
February 2008
The Spirit of Christmas Lives On in Moosomin by Sheilagh Garrett Moosomin (QuA) - “Caesar has decreed!� With this shout by a fierce Roman centurion the journey to Bethlehem began at St. Albans' church recently where more than 800 people made the pilgrimage, re-enacting the journey of Mary and Joseph 2000 years ago. Families were assigned a guide, provided with a wooden shekel, warned of the dangers of the journey then lead into the dark night along the path to Bethlehem. They encountered poor beggar families huddled by their fires, a prophet, a peddler leading his donkeys and bandits lying in hiding. The family was saved only by the quick intervention of Roman soldiers mounted on horseback. Shepherds caring for their sheep, goats and an alpaca waylaid the family to tell of the angels’ message and finally the Bethlehem City gates were reached. Here there were more distractions. Poor families begged for coins or food. Several children ages six and seven adlibbed admirably offering to pay the Roman taxes if the visitors would just give them their shekels. In the market place a riot of sounds and smells inundated the travellers as merchants competed for sales, crying out to potential customers. Hawking everything from pomegranates and nuts to bread, meat, fish and lamb plus chickens hanging from the rafters, the sellers also displayed wool and other goods. The money changer who exchanged the shekels for Roman denari was found here although it was questioned how accurate his weigh scales were. In the narrow streets of Bethlehem a rabbi demanded to know if anyone had seen the Messiah while angry soldiers hustled the group to the tax collector, a surly character who was seen pocketing many of the denari collected. Exhausted from their experiences the family sought lodging only to be directed to a small stable where they found the Holy Family including a real Baby Jesus and their donkey who munched contentedly at the back of the stable. Plans for this outdoor, interactive drama began in March with members of the St. Alban congregation and other churches forming a core committee. The event soon spread to the entire community. Adults and children participating in the event included over 70 cast members, another 70 individuals within the market place and over a 100 people offering entertainment to those waiting to be called on their journey. Another 100 people were involved in sewing costumes, building sets, clearing snow, greeting and registering guests, caring for animals, providing security, caring for a dozen fire pits that burned along the journey and offering hospitality of cake, hot chocolate and coffee served following the event. The weather co-operated, with the temperatures increasing and the wind dropping both evenings. Organizers hope this event has provided a new perceptive and better understanding of the nativity story along with encouragement for all persons to examine their personal journeys with Christ. There was no charge for the event but a free will offering was collected for the Palliative Care unit in Moosomin.
photo by Marie Everett
Hal Garrett as the Centurion waits for the conclusion of a musical number before calling out the next tribe to be sent to Bethlehem in the Christmas outdoor pageant, Bethlehem Live, given at St. Alban's church, Moosomin.
Bishop Greg Visits Gull Lake
photo Beverley Gatzke At St. John the Baptist, Gull Lake, wardens of the congregation enjoy a breakfast after Holy Communion during a visit of the bishop. From the left Grace McLeod, Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson and Sheila Peters.
photo by Marie Everett
Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus rest quietly while their donkey munches contentedly at the back of the stable. From the left Celyne, Chad and baby Chase played these characters at the Christmas Bethlehem Live outdoor pageant at St. Alban's church, Moosomin.
2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, February 2008
Bishop’s Message by the Right Reverend Gregory KerrWilson I must admit that I struggle with the whole physical exercise thing. I struggle, whether because of time constraints or lack of planning or lack of discipline or because when the busyness ends I want nothing more than to sit back and relax. It isn’t that I don’t think exercise is a good thing – quite the opposite. When I do get out for some physical activity I find it quite enjoyable and, what’s more, I find myself feeling better. I am more able to focus on what needs doing and less stressed by the thornier issues of life. It’s good for me and its effects ripple through the rest of my life, making a difference in who I am, what I do and how I do it. At a deeper and more profound level the same holds true in what we refer to as our “spiritual lives.” Certainly for me, morning prayer and personal devotional time are critical to how I address the issues and concerns of my day. They “re-mind” (Rom. 12:1, 2) me of who I am as a child of God and a member of the Body of Christ. They turn my heart and mind toward listening to the Holy Spirit as I face the work and challenges of the day. They put things into perspective and open the way for love, joy, peace, wisdom and patience in the midst of concerns and struggles. Like physical exercise, the effects of doing “spiritual exercises” ripple through the rest of my life, making a difference in who I am, what I do and how I do it. It is also, like physical exercise, something that I and I suspect others, often struggle with. That is one reason I have always looked forward to and appreciated the season of Lent in our Church year. Not that it is the only time for spiritual exercise but because it gives a particular focus to that endeavour. It is a time to build new habits of devotion into our daily lives. As
The Right Reverend Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson, Bishop of Qu’Appelle we are reminded by the BAS Ash Wednesday service, Lent is a special opportunity for “self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and reading and meditating on the word of God” (p. 282). It is a special time for cooperating with God, who by grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit is seeking to transform us into the likeness of Jesus Christ. And that means that it is no private exercise in religious observance. Jesus’ own life and ministry were lived publicly and practically in the midst of religious, political, economic and social realities which he challenged, upheld, subverted or reformed depending on the circumstances.His teaching and example addressed everything from personal relationships to economic choices to the encounter with violence or with the needs of the poor. Lent is about allowing God to make a difference in who we are, what we do and how we do it. I invite you, therefore, to observe a Holy Lent – and may God’s Spirit continue to renew in you the image of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Diocese of Saskatoon-Announcements and Upcoming Events In order to be included in a timely manner brief notices for events should be supplied to the Associate Editor by Fax, e-mail or “snail mail” by the last week of the month, two months before the month in which the insertion is desired. Detailed and longer texts of events will not be included in this section but, should space allow, could be the subject of articles or notices elsewhere in the Saskatchewan Anglican. Visits by the Bishop for February, 2008 The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon, will be conducting the following visits: Sunday, February 3rd, Battle River; Tuesday, February 5th, St. Matthew's, Saskatoon; Thursday, February 7th, St. James', Saskatoon; Sunday, February 10th, Unity Central; Tuesday, February 12th, Christ Church, Saskatoon; Wednesday, February 13th, St. Timothy's, Saskatoon; Sunday, February 17th, Quill View.
CrossTalk Under Way Between Qu’Appelle and Companion Diocese of Lichfield Staff Qu'Appelle Diocese is participating in the CrossTalk exchange with the Diocese of Lichfield, England. The congregations of St. Giles, Estevan; St. Matthew, Regina; St. Aidan, Moose Jaw; All Saints, Weyburn and the parishes of Chinook and New Sumner are members of the Mission Prayer Partnership. They are using the internet to exchange news about themselves and their local community. Gavin Drake of Lichfield Diocese News Service says: "Mission teams from South East Asia, Canada, South Africa and Germany will descend on the West Midlands in June for a series of local evangelistic missions ahead of the 2008 Lambeth Conference. Taking advantage of the global conference of Anglican Bishops, which is held once every 10 years, some 30 Church of England congregations from across the Diocese of Lichfield area have formed direct links with churches in the diocese of Lichfield’s overseas partners in the Anglican dioceses of Qu’Appelle in Canada; Matlosane in South Africa; and Sabah, Kuching and West Malaysia in South East Asia; as well as churches from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Mecklenburg in north-east Germany. The Rev. Michael Sheard, world mission officer for the Diocese of Lichfield, says: 'This allows people to pray with real understanding for each other, compare the challenges they face and reflect on their relative strengths, weaknesses and growing points. E-mail makes this an exciting possibility today as never before. We can swap pictures and even video clips as well as words Also as part of our learning together, just before the Lambeth conference, the Lichfield church/parish will welcome a small team of two or three people from their overseas partner church to visit them for two weeks of mission, which can take whatever form emerges as the two partners think and pray together. Some will have a parish mission, others a time of study and others might run a special program for children or young people.'” Immediately prior to the Lambeth Conference the overseas guests and their bishops will join representatives from their host parish and the bishops of the Diocese of Lichfield at an international mission conference. The Diocese of Lichfield is a companion diocese of Qu'Appelle Diocese.
Diocese of Saskatoon-Announcements and Upcoming Events (continued) Cursillo Ultreya February 15th, Christ Church, Saskatoon; 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Diocesan Council Meeting: Saturday, February 2nd, Parish Hall, St. George's, Saskatoon. Sunday, February 17th, St. George's, Saskatoon. Annual General Meetings: Saturday, February 23rd, St. Stephen's, Saskatoon. Tune in to Christ Church Drama Project's “Radio Waves”: Do you want to travel back in time? You can with Christ Church Drama Project's presentation of famous radio shows of the 40's and 50's. Episodes of “Our Miss Brooks”, “Father Knows Best” and “Dragnet” will be re-created in a “live-to-air” setting, on stage before you, our studio audience. See and hear how sound effects are produced for broadcast, remember the vintage commercials and a much simpler time. Let your imagination carry you back to an era when radio was king. Join us for our second annual production of vintage radio, at Christ Church Anglican, located at Ave E and 28th Street West, Saskatoon, on Saturday, February 2nd, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at the door, McNally Robinson Booksellers or call the church office (at: 242-0165) to reserve. The next Marriage Preparations Course will be held at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Saskatoon on April 18th and 19th, 2008. The deadline for registration is Monday March 28th, 2008. The course will be cancelled if there is not a minimum of six couples. If you would like to register or if you have any questions please contact Andrea Craig, Admin. Assistant, Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, at: (306) 2425146. The 2008 Parish Nursing Ministry Education Sessions presented by Interchurch Health Ministries Saskatchewan in Partnership with Lutheran Theological Seminary will be held: February 1st and 2nd; March 7th and 8th; April 4th and 5th; and April 25th and 26th at :The Lutheran Theological Seminary, University of Saskatchewan. Times for the seminars are: Friday, 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. For more information about Parish Nursing Education Sessions or, for Parish Nursing Ministry Information Presentations, contact Mary Tyler, Regional Parish Nurse Coordinator at: (306) 374-3175; E-mail: dave.tyler@shaw.ca or Harold Hesje, Regional Director (306) 652-4524; Email: hevhesje@sasktel.net.
Integrity Saskatoon Meetings are held at St.James, Saskatoon the second Saturday of each month at 7 p.m. Managing Editors: Fred Stephens, 51 - 10th St. NE, Weyburn SK. S4H 1G8 Phone 306-842-7235 Email: fredrstephens@gmail.com Qu’Appelle: Barbara-Lynn Dixon, 41 Angus Crescent For change of address, undeliverable Regina SK S4T 6N1 Phone: 306-525-6935 copies and subscription list updates contact: your parish, circulation@national.anglican.ca or send to Email:bldixon@accesscomm.ca Saskatoon: Peter Coolen, 820Avenue I South Saskatchewan Anglican c/o Anglican Journal, Saskatoon SK S7M 1Z3 Phone: 306-244-0935 80 Hayden Street Toronto ON M4Y 3G2 Email: ptrcoolen@sasktel.net Published by the dioceses of Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan: The Reverend Christopher Snook, Saskatoon and Saskatchewan. P.O. Box 198 Paradise Hill SK S0M 2G0 All submissions must be sent to the Associate Editors by the beginning of Phone 306-344-5405 Email: snook.chris@gmail.com the last week of the month preceeding publication.
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The Saskatchewan Anglican, February, 2008 - 3
Notes and Events from the Diocese of Qu'appelle St. John the Baptist, Gull Lake, ecumenical prayer group meets year-round every Wednesday morning in their basement at 9:30. Sheila Peters leads the group. Beginning with prayer and a bible reading, more prayer follows usually about the bible reading. The floor is open then to anyone to pray for the world, community, town, family, those who are not well or bereaved, our school, the teachers and students, our ministers, heads of government, or anything else he or she feels needs our prayers. There are between six to 10 people who come from the Anglican, Alliance and Roman Catholic churches. Some members sang at the Carol Festival in Gull Lake the hymns: Be Still and Know That I am God, If Everyone Would Say a Prayer For Each Other Every Day What A Wonderful World It would Be and Joy to the World. February 2 A mini retreat experience at St. Michael's Retreat Centre, Lumsden, will be held from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. entitled A Clown Looks at the Gospel of Luke. True clowns look at life from two basic questions: “Why?” and “Why not?” Jesus as presented by the writer of Luke’s gospel challenges his time and society in a clown-like way. Participants will be encouraged to play the clown in this retreat as the Jesus of Luke is met again. Particular emphasis will be placed on parables of Jesus unique to Luke’s gospel. So put on a red nose and funny shoes and take a different look at life as a disciple today. The facilitator will be David Kaiser, pastor of Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Regina A pastor, a poet, a puppeteer, a missionary and a teacher. The Cost is $25.00 with family rates available. For more information please phone 306.731.3316; fax: 306.731.3807 or E-Mail: office@stmichaelsretreat.ca
Meadow Lake Pageant by Staff MEADOW LAKE (Sask) - On the morning of the last Sunday in Advent, the Sunday School of Holy Trinity Meadow Lake held it's Christmas Pageant entitled "the Christmas Star". There was a small cast including 2 wise men, a shepherd, a donkey, a cow, Mary, a toddler angel, three mom-sized angels, and one young star. The play was specifically written for the church's young and mostly pre-reading Sunday School and included the Christina Rossetti hymn "Love Came Down at Christmas". To finish the performance, in an unscripted moment, the youngest angel 'borrowed' the baby Jesus from the manger, after being persuaded that it would be very difficult to carry the entire manger down the aisle. The service concluded with a lunch and Christmas party for the children.
Christ Church Drama Project, “Radio Waves” and More Thomas Nieman; Christ Church, Saskatoon Do you want to travel back in time? You can with Christ Church Drama Project's presentation of famous radio shows of the 40's and 50's. Episodes of “Our Miss Brooks”, “Father Knows Best” and “Dragnet” will be re-created in a “live-toair” setting, on stage before you, our studio audience. See and hear how sound effects are produced for broadcast, remember the vintage commercials and a much simpler time. Let your imagination carry you back to an era when radio was
king. Join us for our second annual pro-duction of vintage radio, at Christ ChurchAnglican, located at Ave E and 28th Street West, Saskatoon, on Saturday, February 2nd, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at the door, McNally Robinson Booksellers or call the church office (at: 242-0165) to reserve. Christ Church Drama Project is now into in its second season of production after a very successful initial season. As a part of this current season's events an improv comedy night was held to rave reviews in November, 2007; and, in addition to “Radio Waves”, a major play will also be presented in early May. Christ Church Drama Project is a community based theatre group, helping to raise funds for the parish of Christ Church Anglican and, having a whole lot of fun doing it. We welcome anyone who is interested in acting or helping to produce our shows.
Photo Contributed
The Rev'd Steve Page joins children as they discover the gold left in a shoe by St. Nicholas.
St. Nicholas Night a Success in Hudson Bay by the Rev'd Steve Page HUDSON BAY (Sask) - With Advent upon them, and Christmas fast approaching, St. Patrick's Anglican church in Hudson Bay threw a St. Nicholas party for local children on Friday, December 7th. Nicholas lived in the 4th century, and was Bishop of Myra, in what is modern-day Turkey. He is famous for the way he generously helped the poor, the needy, and the sick with anonymous gifts. Many stories and legends tell of Nicholas helping children, and sailors, and towns suffering from famine. Eleven children between the ages of 3 and 10 enjoyed the evening of fun and games, and learned about the life of Bishop Nicholas. The evening began with a couple of competitive rounds of Musical Chairs, after which the children divided into two groups. Each group visited in turn the four activity stations. At one, they heard and acted out the story of Nicholas giving dowry money in secret to a needy family with three daughters. In the story, Nicholas dropped coins into the girls' stockings, which were hung by the window to dry. At the next station, the children made a craft, turning Styrofoam cups and felt cut-outs into a representation of Bishop Nicholas. Other stations provided word-games and colouring pages, all building upon the life of Nicholas. The biggest surprise of the night for the children, however, came at the end. As they dressed to leave, the children found “gold coin” chocolates in their boots, just like in the story of Nicholas they heard earlier! Lexie, a particularly excited 4-year-old, told everyone she could find: “I found four gold candies in my boot! But I ate one and now I have three!” Organizers considered the event a success. “I remember many of the children from our Vacation Bible School program last summer, and it was good to see them again,” said Caron Hallen, one of the organizers. The Rev'd Steve Page agreed. “I think I had as much fun as the kids did,” he said. “I can definitely see this becoming an annual event.”
4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, February, 2008
Camp Harding Needs Your Help and Support! In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, greetings, Once again, Camp Harding is in need of help. We are the only Anglican Church Camp in the diocese that is currently operating on-going youth camps. We have annual camps for youth from the ages of six to 15, with young people coming from all parts of the diocese to attend every summer. We are an Anglican camp but our campers come from all denominations and from families with no church background. We also rent the camp to outside groups including school groups, the SIAST photo club, and other church groups. Our camp is 46 years old and age is starting to catch up with it. This summer we have had both plumbing and electrical problems that needed to be repaired and this has placed a strain upon our resources. The electrical bill alone may be in excess of $4 thousand to upgrade the wiring to meet provincial standards. Our washing machine has died a slow but painful death and it also needs to be replaced. All in all, our financial burden is more than our resources can cover. Camp Harding has never been dependent upon the diocese for any financial assistance, attempting instead to remain as self-sufficient as possible. This year, however, we have reached down to the bottom of the barrel and we are coming up empty handed. We need your support if we are to remain a viable operation. If you can help us financially, please make cheques payable to Camp Harding and send them to Camp Harding, P. O. Box 1568, Maple Creek, SK, S0N 1N0. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations over $25. If you can’t afford to help us financially, please help us with your prayers. Your continued prayers and spiritual support are always valued. Thank you once again for your support and encouragement Yours in Christ, Fr. Dick Kennedy Chairman, Camp Harding Board of Directors
Ted Morton,OS, retires from Lay Reading by Staff MELFORT (Sask) - After 28 years of service as a Lay Reader, Ted Morton, 91, retired on Christmas Eve. "I love Lay Reading," said Mr. Morton that evening, "but as you get older you don't have the energy you once did." Mr. Morton and his wife, Betty, are wellknown in the Diocese, having helped revive Camp Okema in the 1970s with the founding the Okema Society for Christian Development. Mr. Morton served for many years on the Diocesan Executive Committee. He was also closely involved in the building of the new All Saints', Melfort, during the tenure of Canon Howard Green. Mr. Morton is a member of the Order of Saskatchewan. All Saints' was full of Mortons on Christmas Eve as Mr. Morton assisted the Bishop of Saskatchewan and the Rev. David Chapman, Rector of Melfort, at the altar for Christmas Communion. Mr. & Mrs. Morton are moving from Melfort to Saskatoon in early January.
Photo Contributed The Rev. David Chapman and his son Andrew, Mr. Ted Morton, and Bishop Burton following the Christmas Eve service at All Saints', Melfort.
New Church Consecrated at Ahtahkakoop First Nation Staff
photo Dick Kennedy In the beautiful Cypress Hills Provincial Park in south west Saskatchewan Aceah enjoys canoeing, one of the activities at Camp Harding.
Community Carol Sing-a-long by Christopher Snook ST. WALBURG (Sask) - On Saturday, December 15, Fort Pitt Mission organized its first carol sing-a-long at the St. Walburg care home. An ecumenical initiative, the sing-a-long was led by members of various churches in the Paradise Hill area. Ray Maier (a well-known local musician whose monthly “old-time” music sessions at the Banjo Room attract people from across Saskatchewan) provided music on the accordion and mandolin. Audrey Greeves, a member of the United Church in Paradise Hill, played piano. Many of the best-loved Christmas hymns and poplar carols were sung and lyric sheets were given to all of the residents of the Lodge so that they could join in the singing. Between rounds of Carol singing, the care home was treated to a special performance of handbells. Children from Paradise Hill played several carols with the bells, older children performing first and then younger. It was wonderful to see different ages singing together and sharing Christmas joy with the residents of the St. Walburg care home. The carol sing-a-long is one of many new initiatives undertaken by Fort Pitt Mission this year in their ongoing efforts to faithfully serve God and their neighbour in this corner of the Lord's vineyard.
AHTAHKAKOOP (Sask) - Thirty-five years of praying, planning and fundraising bore fruit earlier this month with the blessing of a beautiful new church at Ahtahkakoop First Nation, near Canwood, Saskatchewan. On a chilly Saturday morning, December 16, Bishop Burton was formally petitioned to proceed with the consecration by Chief Larry Ahenakew and Churchwardens on the steps of the new building. Attended by his Chaplains - the Rev. James Isbister and former Chief Clifford Ahenakew - the Bishop then lead a procession through snowbanks around the church property. At one impass, a parishioner doughtily produced a shovel to clear the way. Returning to the front doors, the Bishop knocked three times with his pastoral staff, requesting admittance. Following psalms and hymns the Bishop consecrated the building, inscribing with his crosier the symbols Alpha & Omega, and the Cross, on the church floor with the words, "I claim this place for Christ crucified, who is the First and the Last, and the Lord of all." A parishioner observed afterwards, "I felt every hair on my head stand on end when I heard that." It had been seventy years since such a ceremony had occurred in the community. The Archdeacon of Saskatchewan, the Ven. Adam Halkett then read the Sentence of Consecration. The Church of St. Simeon & St. Anna was consecrated to God's glory and in memory of Chief John Ahtahkakoop (1816-1896) who was responsible for seeking out a missionary for the community - the Rev. John Hines -and the introduction of the Good News to his people. Following the consecration, prayers were said at the font, prayer desk, chancel, pulpit and altar, and a number of memorials were dedicated. At the celebration of Holy Communion, Chief Lawrence Joseph of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (and a Lay Reader at St. Alban's Cathedral) read the Old Testament Lesson. Chief Larry Ahenakew read the Epistle; the Rev. James Isbister read the Gospel; the Rev. Ruth Ross of Sturgeon Lake First Nation read the Comfortable Words. Lay Reader Marjory Hyman assisted with the administration of Communion. The Rev. Wilfred Sanderson of James Smith Reserve played the organ. The Ven. Percy Ross, the Rev. Gerald Bear of Shoal Lake First Nation, the Rev. Peter Boote, and Lay Reader Wilson Halkett of the Village of Weyakwin were also in attendance. (continued on page 8)
The Saskatchewan Anglican, February, 2008 - 5
Ordination of Susan Page by Rev. Derek Nicholls REGINA - Susan Page of St. Luke, Regina, was ordained as a permanent deacon on the Feast of St. Andrew, November 30, at St.Paul's Cathedral by Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson. Susan Page's journey towards ordination began when she was a child with her first year of formal schooling at the Qu'Appelle Diocesan School for Girls in Regina where she was attracted by the work of the members of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine who ran the school. In high school she began to think seriously about a career and although the ordained ministry was considered at that time she was told that it was not for women. So she began a career in nursing at the Regina Grey Nuns Hospital School of Nursing and later was an instructor in the nursing programme at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Regina. Her nursing career has spanned 30 years and she is still preparing new nurses for their careers. Her academic background earned her an undergraduate degree from the University of Saskatchewan and a graduate degree from Central Michigan University. She is presently enrolled in the Education For Ministry programme and began studies a year ago through St. John's College in Nottingham, England. Susan Page has been active in her own parish as a warden, synod delegate, server and vestry member. About four years ago the Spirit nudged her to explore anew the idea of ordained ministry and she was encouraged in this by former Bishop Duncan Wallace and her rector, Canon Willie Lourens. St. Andrew's Day was
Celebrations
therefore the culmination of her journeying and at her ordination she was joined by her family, clergy from the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, friends, nursing colleagues and students. Presenters at the ordination were Dr. Joseph Buwembo, churchwardens Liz McQuarrie and Ken McMillan, her sister Sharon Morrey Davis, Deacon Winna Martin, Canon Lourens and Dean James Merrett. The preacher was Canon Lourens, readers were Nigel Salway and Glenda Lourens, the gospeller was Deacon Winna Martin, litanist was Deacon Michael Jackson and sub deacon was Susan Haacke. Fellow deacons Luanne Hrywkiw and Rita Brann assisted with the preparation of the altar for the Eucharist. Servers were Arlene Champion, Basil Pogue and Judy Helfrick and sides-persons were Sheila Fulton and Joan Mitchell. The elements were brought forward by Mrs. Page's husband Terry and his mother who is a member of St. Stephen, Swift Current. The organist Sandra Kerr led members of the choirs of St. Luke and All Saints with hymns chosen by Susan Page herself. Following the service a reception was held in the Noel Auditorium where Ken McMillan presented the new deacon with a leather bound copy of the Book of Alternative Service as a gift from her parish family at St. Luke. As Susan Page begins her journey as a deacon she joins five other deacons in the Diocese of Qu'Appelle. She extends her heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported her journeying with a prayer that her ministry will benefit not only St.Luke's congregation but the whole Church.
photo Fran Clarke
Friends, nursing colleagues and students as well as clergy from the Diocese of Qu'Appelle stand with Susan Page at St. Paul's Cathedral on the occasion of her ordination to the diaconate. The service took place on the Feast of St. Andrew, November 30. From the left on the front row are Canon William Lourens, Deacon Susan Page, Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson and Dean James Merrett. On the second row are Revs. Rita Brann, Luanne Hrywkiw, Vicki Young, Carol Adamson, Catherine Harper, Ella Frank, Derek Nicholls and Michael Jackson. And the third row are Basil Pogue (server), Rev. Winna Martin, Susan Haacke (sub deacon). Rev. Malcolm French. Fr. Ken Koep (Roman Catholic), Canon Blair Dixon and Judy Helfrick (server).
Staff
The Reverend Dr. Michael Jackson Awarded Saskatchewan’s Highest Honour
REGINA - Rev. D. Michael Jackson is one of seven new members of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit which is the province's highest honour. The award recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the social, cultural and economic well-being of the province and its residents. Mr. Jackson is a deacon in the Anglican Church of Canada and is an honourary assistant at St. Paul's Cathedral. His father was Archbishop Frederic Jackson who served as bishop of Qu'Appelle Diocese from 1960 to 1977. Michael Jackson received a doctorate from the University of Caen, France, where he taught English and Canadian studies. After a career as university teacher of French studies, freelance writer and cofounder of Transport 2000, a public transport consumer group, Michael Jackson joined the Saskatchewan public service in 1979. He was appointed Chief of Protocol in 1980 and in 1998 becameExecutive Director of Protocol, Honours and Government House. He coordinated 10 royal visits to Saskatchewan and the Government House Heritage Property Centennial Project, opened by the Queen in 2005. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the Province’s first honour of the Crown, and developed the secondmost extensive provincial honours and awards program in Canada. He was project leader for the Saskatchewan coat of arms introduced in 1986, several other provincial emblems and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Statue project. He is the author of a number of illustrated educational booklets and articles on the Canadian Crown, symbols and honours, including Royal Saskatchewan: The Crown in a Canadian Province, published in 2007. Jackson was public affairs officer in the Army Reserve for 12 years, retiring as a major. He is an experienced conference interpreter and certified English-French translator, past chair of the Regina branch of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs and vice-president of the Canadian
photo courtesy of the Government of Saskatchewan
Rev. Dr. Michael Jackson is a new member of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the province's highest honour. Club of Regina. He is also president of the Saskatchewan Interpretation Services Cooperative and a Research Fellow at the Canadian Plains Research Centre, University of Regina. Michael Jackson was invested as a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order by Her Majesty The Queen in 1987 and promoted in 2005 to Commander, the highest rank in the Order open to Canadians. He is a recipient of the Canada 125 Commemorative Medal, the Canadian Forces Decoration, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal and the Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Public Service of Saskatchewan. Including the seven new members, there have been 148 appointments to the Order of Merit since its inception in l985. Recipients are recommended by the Saskatchewan Honours and Awards Council, an independent selection committee. From Gov. of SK Web News
Distinguished Leaders Discuss Crime and Restorative Justice by Rev. John Gardner
REGINA - Will peace, restorative justice and human rights reduce crime? A major public forum on this issue was held November 16 and 17 at All Saints church. Sponsors were the Ecumenical Committee on Restorative Justice, the Regina Council of Churches (Qu'Appelle Diocese is a member of both), Regina Amnesty International, Muslims for Peace and Justice, the Restorative Justice Division of Corrections Canada, the Justice Department of the U of Regina and the Regina Multi-Faith Forum. The forum was to be held at the University of Regina but owing to a strike the venue was moved at the last minute to All Saints church. Despite many fall commitments and the late notice, the rector and people of the congregation rallied superbly to provide excellent space and food. Leadership included Eber Hampton, Principal Investigator at the Indigenous People's Health Research Centre and a Professor of Business Administration, Roman Koval, the director of the NGO Common Ground in Kiev, which co-ordinates the Canadian-Ukrainian CIDA project on reforming Juvenile justice services. Judge Barry Stuart is a former Chief Justice of the Territorial Court of Yukon and an internationally respected leader in multiparty conflict resolution. He pioneered the use of peacemaking Circles. Jessie Sutherland is a visionary whose work on reconciliation draws upon decades of international work for reconciliation and is complimented by her synthesis of cutting edge scholarly research in the fields of dispute resolution and intercultural dialogue. The conference was well attended by professionals, students and members of faith groups concerned with social justice.
6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, "We declare the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada to be in full communion" declared the Waterloo Declaration in July, 2001, in the town of Waterloo, Ontario. The signing of the Declaration by the two churches was the fruit of many years of consultation and dialogue. The Declaration gave full consent for establishing shared ministries among Anglican and Lutheran congregations. Pastors and priests as well as Eucharist would be welcomed in both churches. These six Anglican congregations/parishes are worshipping in a shared ministry with Lutheran congregations in Qu'Appelle diocese and their stories tell of complications and resolutions, the good times and the not so good but each expressing an altogether happy and fulfilling experience. All Saints, Melville Mike Fisher, All Saints, Melville, writes: We lost our minister about three years ago and began looking at a shared relationship with St. Paul Lutheran Church Melville, one of the local Lutheran churches. Both congregations realized that they couldn't afford a full time minister on their own. At first we looked at sharing our Anglican minister but the Lutherans wanted to continue to see if they could survive on their own. Slowly, it became clear that it couldn't happen as they wanted it to. Our minister moved and we began using close by Anglican ministers to give us communion and in the meantime the majority of our services began to be done by lay people. The Lutherans were sharing their pastor with two other parishes about 60 miles away and she became
February, 2008
worn out by this process. So discussions started and our vestry approved a negotiating committee and we began to meet with the Lutheran representatives. It took over a year and a half for us to come to an agreement which met with the approval of the two bishops involved. The process was new to both sides and we used the Whitewood agreement as a precedent. Both sides saw the benefit from sharing one minister where neither side would have to pay the full salary but each would have a minister on a more or less full time basis. The Whitewood agreement agreement provides for a council made up of four members from each congregation who are to meet twice a year, the sharing of costs and the times of services and when they are to change. During the summer months this year we had shared services on a rotating basis so that Pastor Kim did one service in our church and then the next Sunday it was at St. Paul and on a weekly basis for July, August and September. Now and for the next three months it is 11.00 a.m. at St. Paul and 9:30 a.m. at All Saints. When it is at St. Paul the Lutheran liturgy is used and at All Saints she uses the Anglican liturgy. It has been a learning time for our Lutheran minister Kim Sherwin but it has been a tremendous adventure for All Saints. Our people have taken to Pastor Kim like a fish to water. She has been good for us. We have a new vitality and positive hope for the future. There are still growing pains involved because she is not one hundred per cent familiar with our services and procedure but she has been easy to work with. We feel blessed to have her as our minister and are enjoying her completely.
photo Mike Fisher
Some members of the shared Anglican-Lutheran congregations of All Saints Anglican and St. Paul Lutheran in Melville are having coffee together at All Saints' church. From the front left are Pastor Phil Schwindt, Pastor Kim Sherwin, Anne Sawchuk, Marion Morris, Vern Morris. From the front right are Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson, Don Ward, Michael Ward.
Full Communion is in Full
photo Dan Fournier Members of the St. Andrew Trinity Anglican Lutheran congregation gather in the historic church building of St. Andrew in Rosetown. Lutherans and Anglicans formed the shared ministry in the early 1990s and now are a thriving family who bring together the best of both traditions.
St. Andrew Trinity Anglican Lutheran Church, Rosetown, Rev. Dan Fournier, priest of St. Andrew Trinity Anglican Lutheran Church, Rosetown, writes that Trinity Lutheran Church was formed in 1968, a small group who had a difficult time keeping and sustaining the church with so few members. Eventually their building was sold to All Saints Anglican Church, Davidson. Around 1991 the people from Trinity Lutheran approached St. Andrew Anglican and a relationship began. The Anglican Church had been established in Rosetown in 1909. You have to remember that in the 1980s there was no shared agreement between the national Anglican and Lutheran churches. It had been the practice that the members of the Lutheran church were served by the Anglican priest. I do not know much about the early relationship between the Anglicans and Lutherans, except that around the time the Lutheran building was sold and a relationship with the Anglicans was begun, a constitution was established. It is the practice of the Lutheran church to have a constitution and a set of by-laws for each congregation. Within that constitution were the technical details of how that relationship was to be lived out. I imagine that, as is the case in any beginning relationship, there were some growing pains for both communities, particularly in terms of getting used to each other’s polity and approaches to governance. Over the years, the Lutheran component of the congregation has grown to the point where the congregation now is more than fifty per cent Lutherans. We are called “vestry council” which reflects both traditions: vestry is Anglican, council is Lutheran. Some shared ministries tend to
have separate councils. In this congregation there is one council served by both. Members take part in the ministry and governance of the wider church. For example, Lutheran have been elected as delegates to Anglican synods. Worship is central to our life together. Eucharist or Communion happens on the first and third Sundays of the month with Anglican Eucharist on the first and Lutheran Communion on the third. Services of Anglican Morning Prayer and Lutheran Service of the Word are led by lay leaders on the second and fourth Sundays. The Anglican services are out of the Book of Alternative Services and the Lutheran services are from Evangelical LutheranWorship. It is not uncommon for Anglicans to be leading Lutheran worship and vice versa. As I indicated earlier, there were some growing pains, but I would say that these two communities have truly become one, both because of the span of time that has taken place and also because of the Waterloo Declaration in 2001. When a problem arises this congregation is quick to respond creatively. For example a few years ago a confirmation class of both Anglicans and Lutherans was established. In the Lutheran church it is understood that the Lutheran pastor is the one who confers confirmation; with the Anglicans that is the role of the bishop. A creative approach to this was that bishops from both traditions were there to celebrate this occasion. Within the life of St. Andrew Trinity Anglican Lutheran Church we rejoice in the cele bration Sunday after Sunday, as one community comes together to worship God and brings forth the best of both traditions which are merged into one.
St. Mary, Whitewood Phyllis Armstrong at St. Mary, Whitewood says that in 1995 the finances required that we should explore new forms of ministry. At the time the diocese and the congregation were exploring locally ordained ministry, expanding parish boundaries and ecumenical ministry. None of the members of the congregation felt led to become ordained which narrowed the choices. The parish already covered a large land area and expanding the boundaries would only increase the travelling time for the clergy. Increasing travel of the clergy would reduce the available time for pastoral ministry as well as increase costs. Therefore the congregation pursued the option of shared ministry. Two Lutheran churches in the area, St John's Church,Wapella, and St. John's Church, New Finland, were also looking for a congregation to assist in the expenses of a fulltime pastor. So prior to the Waterloo Convention talks began and the shared ministry started in 1996 with St. Mary’s congregation purchasing services from the Lutheran churches. After a trial period the three congregations entered into full communion in July 1997 as the Anglican Lutheran Ecumenical Community (ALEC). The three congregations share one minister. Each congregation maintains its own building. The clergy presides at three services each Sunday for three Sundays a month. The fourth and fifth Sundays are joint parish services which rotate among the three churches. The liturgy used is Anglican in the Anglican Church and Lutheran in the Lutheran churches. The formation of the Anglican Lutheran Ecumenical Community (ALEC) was not without misgivings and challenges. Many of the parishioners feared the loss of the Anglican liturgy and our traditions. This proved to be false. The Lutheran clergy willingly performed the Anglican liturgy at the services in the Anglican Church. The challenge for the parish and especially the clergy was to deal with the two governing bodies, the Lutheran Synod and the Anglican Diocese. The arrangement has been very fulfilling for the congregation. In the ten years since the inception of ALEC the parish has had two Lutheran and one Anglican clergy. There have been times of uncertainty but the congregation has grown, not necessarily in numbers, but in faith. We enjoy the fellowship of our neighbours, we celebrate our differences and we are growing our mission to be a caring, loving, worshipping and open community of people, who proclaim the Good News of Christ.
The Saskatchewan Anglican, February, 2008 - 7
Swing in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle photo Phyllis Armstrong
Members of the Anglican Lutheran Ecumenical Community (ALEC) gather outside St. Mary the Virgin Anglican church, Whitewood, after a worship service of the shared ministry of Anglicans and Lutherans. From the left on the front row are Emma Kryger, Matthew Wushke and Mark Wushke who are members of St John Lutheran, Wapella. At the back is Terry Lynn Francis, a member of St. Mary the Virgin, Whitewood. St. Martin’s, Raymore Pat Benson from St. Martin's Church, Raymore, writes: In August 1991 we found ourselves without a full-time minister. We wished to continue services in our church, so we began lay services alternating with communion services with an ordained minister coming from Regina. The synod office assisted in arranging for the minister. When Archdeacon Ken Buchan served the Cree people on the reserves by Punnichy, he offered to conduct a communion service at Raymore twice a month with our lay people taking the alternate two Sundays. It was when Rev. Buchan was assisting us that we began to share communion with Trinity Lutheran, Quinton, approximately twice a year. In 2001 we were without a minister once again. We relied on ordained ministry once a month from Regina and lay services for the remaining Sundays. We did continue joint services with the Lutheran congregation very casually. In June, 2004, our congregation held several meetings with Trinity Lutheran, Quinton and Grace-Aarnes Lutheran, Wynyard congregations and began joint ministry with them. We set up a budget and jointly shared the expenses. We employed a Lutheran student minister who would do lay services for two Sundays and a Lutheran pastor and an Anglican minister who conducted a communion service once a month alternating the services each week between Quinton
Iand Raymore. The congregation in Wynyard is part of our joint parish but they hold their own services in Wynyard.n April 2005 the Lutheran student minister, Rey Dahlen, began his nine-month internship within our Lutheran-Anglican combined parish. He has completed his internship and has a few more university classes to complete. Once he has a posting, we will have to change our strategy again. The synod office has arranged for Rev. Don Wells from Regina to conduct communion services at Raymore once a month for the past two years. Rev. Wells was our incumbent at Raymore in the 1980s and we are happy to have him serve us once again. It is working for us at this point in time. Our Anglican congregation seems comfortable with the joint arrangement. Each congregation has it's own degree of comfort with each others form of worship. The acceptance cannot be decreed or mandated but rather is acquired over time and driven by necessity. "We" and "they" eventually have to become "us." Part of that journey is the continuing process of sharing services and fellowship as there really is not a lot of difference between the services. We are all having difficulty with declining populations and smaller budgets. We pray God will lead us through these changing times.
photo contributed Members of the shared ministry parish gather after an Advent service being held at St. Martin's church.
St. Stephen, Swift Current
Janet Neubauer, St. Stephen, Swift Current, says: We've been joining with St. Olaf's Lutheran Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) on Christmas Day for six years now. We used to have our own Christmas Day service but with not many in attendance so rather than holding two separate services and since we are in full communion with the ELCIC, we decided to ask if we could join with St Olaf for the Christmas Day service held in their church. Our priest, Archdeacon Rob Hardwick, is always invited to share in the leading, preaching the sermon usually and sometimes one of our laity is asked to read a lesson or to participate in a skit. It really is a great way to celebrate on Christmas Day. Some of the Lutheran congregation join us for communion on St Stephen’s Day. We haven't managed to arrange regular joint services throughout the year with the Lutheran congregations although we'd like to explore that further but we do share
with them in other areas. For the past three summers we have joined with both St Olaf and Mount Calvary Lutheran Church to host a joint vacation bible school. Once a year Rob Hardwick along with the pastors of St Olaf's Church and First United Church plan a joint marriage preparation course for all couples planning to get married in one of the three churches. As well every year in February the youth from St Stephen, St Olaf and Mount Calvary join together for a ski trip to Elkwater. This past year for the first time we held a weekly joint Lenten service with St Olaf and Mount Calvary hosted by Mount Calvary. And just this fall we hosted a five week marriage course based on the book The 5 Love Languages planned by Rob Hardwick and some members of Mount Calvary. So although there are no regular joint services we do look for opportunities to work together with the other churches whenever possible.
photo contributed
Members of St. Stephen Anglican Church, Swift Current, and St. Olaf Lutheran Church ELCIC worship together in the Lutheran church on Christmas day. The two congregations have held shared ministry services on this day for the past six years. St. Philip Anglican and Bread of Life Lutheran
Ivan Millard writes that St. Philip Anglican and Bread of Life Lutheran congregations began talking about the idea of shared ministry in East Regina in the early 1990s. It began by sharing Saturday evening services. Prince of Peace United was a new congregation and also was interested in this ministry. In 1996 a TriParish Council was established to oversee joint endeavours and in September 1997 the United congregation changed its name to Eastside United and became a partner in the shared ministry. It is not easy to give up what is familiar and comfortable so it wasn’t until June 8, 2003, that St. Philip had its last service in its original location and walked to their new home to fully share ministry with the Lutheran and United congregations. A New Beginnings service was held on June 15 followed by a sod turning ceremony marking the start of construction to double the size of the Bread of Life building. The facility was renamed Living Spirit Centre. Each of the three congregations maintains its identity, organizational structure and denominational relationships while working co-operatively with their partners in areas of mutual concern and opportunity. Each denomination has equal representa
tion on the Living Spirit Council which is responsible for overall management, while each board, council and vestry provides leadership for its respective congregation. Weekly meetings among the clergy and office staff guide the primary purpose of providing worship services and spiritual care. All three congregations have members on the operating committees. A covenant and legal agreement set out the responsibilities and obligations. Each partner has equal authority but the operating expenses are shared based on the relative size of the congregations. The covenant requires that at least twice a year there must be joint tri–congregation services. Wednesday Advent and Lenten services are shared; study groups and the youth ministry are open to all as well. Lutheran and Anglican services are currently at the same hour so their Sunday school is combined and they share services in July and August while their ministers alternate vacation time. Sharing is not without its difficulties. Each congregation does similar things in different ways and particularly the clergy have to be team players. All have to recognize and respect the history and customs of the others, willingly co-operate and continually be open to compromise. (continued on page 8)
8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, February, 2008
Full Communion is in Full Swing (Continued from page 7)
St. Philip Anglican and Bread of Life Lutheran Continued from page 7) This shared ministry was created from a sense that it was time to join together, share resources, emphasize those things we have in common and find unity in our diversity. The following prayer was written at a dialogue session May 22, 1997. “Loving God, you unite us in our diversity and make us whole We come before you trusting that you will grant us: Patience – as we learn to accept each other, Courage – as we meet the challenges of working together, Guidance – as we seek a common vision. Inspire us that we may be one, so that the world may believe in you, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.
photo Don Metz Leading the mid week Advent service at Living Spirit Centre are from the left Rev. David Nevett, St. Philip Anglican; Pastor David Kaiser, Bread of Life Lutheran and Rev. Ken Powers, Eastside United. The three congregations form the ecumenical congregation.
New Church Consecrated at Ahtahkakoop First Nation continued from page5) Bishop Tom Morgan preached the sermon, reminiscing about the years he served in the nearby Shellbrook Parish and his friendship with the then-Incumbent of Ahahkakoop, the late Rev. Gordon Ahenakew. Bishop Morgan said that the building of the church was a collaboration of the present generation with the faithful of years past. He spoke of the importance of Christian Community and the Holy Eucharist, meditating on the way in which the parts of the church building symbolize Christian initiation and the spiritual walk. Visitors from across the Diocese were present for the service, including many from neighboring Leask, Mont Nebo, Canwood, Spiritwood & Leoville, who had cancelled their services that day to support their neighbours at Ahtahkakoop. Mrs. Violet Goodfellow represented the people of St. John's Glaslyn, who had donated many of the pews. Following the service, Bishop Burton presented to Chief Larry Ahenakew a large photograph of the Diocesan Synod of 1891, which is one of the few extant images of Chief John Ahtahakoop, who in this photograph sits at the right hand of Bishop Cyprian Pinkham. As parishioners and visitors
made their way out of the church for the celebratory feast at the Chief Ahtahkakoop School gymnasium, they were greeted by Churchwarden Willard Ahenakew & Mrs. Sheila Reimer, OS. Mrs. Hyman distributed specially-printed souvenir photos of the new church with the old church in the background, thanking everyone for joining the parish in its walk from its old building to its new one. Many parishioners, including hockey legend and former Chief Fred Sasakamoose, gathered signatures on the service bulletins. "It's a historic day, a great day!", said Mr. Sasakamoose. At the banquet both Chief Larry Ahenakew and Chief Lawrence Joseph addressed the assembly, thanking those who had contributed in so many ways, both with the building of the new church and also with the day's festivities. Some local musicians, including singer Dolores Sand, entertained the crowd with hymns and songs. The Church of St. Simeon & St. Anna was built with the support of the Anglican Foundation of Canada. It's design was inspired by the new Holy Trinity, Meadow Lake, building. One distinctive feature of the struc
ture is a "Bishop Lloyd style" church tower modelled on that of old St. Mark's Church. St. Simeon the Righteous (also Simeon the Elder, Simeon Senex, Simeon the GodReceiver, or Holy Simeon) is the "just and devout" man of Jerusalem who, according to Luke 2:25-35, met the Virgin Mary and Jesus as they entered the Temple to fulfill the requirements of the Law of Moses on the fortieth day from Jesus' birth. On taking Jesus into his arms he uttered the prayer Nunc dimittis which is still used liturgically in Christian churches, and gave a prophecy alluding to the crucifixion. This meeting is commemorated on February 2 as Candlemas or more formally, the Presentation of the Lord, the Meeting of the Lord, or the Purification of the Virgin. St. Anna was an elder, a Jewish prophetess who prophesied about Jesus at the time of his birth, at the Temple of Jerusalem. The full story can be found in St. Luke 2:36-38. Their names were chosen to highlight the First Nations' traditional respect for the wisdom of elders who today are often ignored or neglected in Canadian society.
Christmas in Onion Lake by Christopher Snook ONION LAKE FIRST NATION (Sask) - If you drive through Onion Lake Cree Nation during the Christmas season you will notice beautiful Christmas lights decorating homes throughout the community. Less often, however, you will come upon a Nativity scene set close to the road to remind passers-by of the deeper meaning of the holiday season. One of the community's Nativity scenes this year was made by Mr. Josh Houle, a parishoner at Sir Geoffrey Paul Anglican Chapel in Onion Lake. He made the scene so that the community would see "something different" his Christmas. "I want to remind the people that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus," he says. Mr. Houle suggests that we need to keep this in view during our family celebrations, otherwise we lose sight of the importance of the holidays. Mr. Houle pursues his woodworking hobby when he is not busy working at the Ekweskeet Healing Lodge in Onion Lake. He has also recorded numerous CDs, regularly provides music at wakes and funerals, is an avid
photo contributed photo contributed
The Sanctuary of the new Church of St. Simeon & St. Anna at Ahtahkakoop First Nation. thunter and makes a mean Moose sausage! On Wednesday, December 19, the Anglican congregation in Onion Lake hosted a Christmas supper and rummage sale. Attended by over thirty people, the beef and ham supper was a big success for the small congregation. While people from the community enjoyed their meals, they took time to reminisce about their childhoods attending the Onion Lake Church -- memories of services with the Rev'd Danny Umpherville, of bake sales in the basement and of Christmas pageants. "This was a busy place," said one man with fond memories of the parish whose
daughter was baptized in the Church last year. Children who attend the Church's Wednesday afterschool programme were busy making Christmas decorations for the Church while their families browsed the rummage sale in the Church basement. The snowflakes, Christmas trees and other Christmas scenes that the children made will be used to decorate the Church doors this Sunday when the parish does its annual decorating for Christmas Eve service. The Christmas party was the parish's fourth supper of the year. Plans are underway for a community meal in January or February as well.
The Right Reverend Anthony Burton, Bishop of Saskatchewan and his Chaplains - the Rev. James Isbister and former Chief Clifford Ahenakew tread through the snow to consecrate the new church at Ahtakakoop First Nation. photo: C. Snook
Children from the afterschool programme make Christmas decorations.
The Saskatchewan Anglican, February, 2008 - 9
The Do’s and Don'ts of Time Capsules
(advertiisement)
Peter R. Coolen, SASKATOON - In 2006, St. George's, Saskatoon, as part of its centennial celebration, decided to make a time capsule to commemorate the event and to preserve mementos of the year and the past century for posterity. In researching the requirements for a capsule however it quickly became apparent that there is little information available, other than anecdotal advice, about how to actually construct a time capsule and insure that its contents are usable in the future. As many parishes in Saskatchewan have already had, or will soon have, their centennials over the next year or two and may be considering building a capsule it seemed a good idea to set down some ideas we have found useful in regard to this task. ontents: Although many items may be donated and therefore you will not be able to completely control the type of materials included you can try to insure the preservation of the donations as well as the articles that they are stored with. Materials must either be chemically stable or must be isolated to prevent damage to other items that they are stored with. Most modern papers are not acid-free and degrade with age; this may be slowed down or prevented by sealing each document in individual heavy PVC bags (and possibly by adding moisture adsorbing chemicals to the bags) and especially by copying/zeroxing newspaper and other articles on acid-free paper rather than storing them as individual newspaper clippings. Newsprint paper is an especially nasty material for archival purposes as, in the presence of even minor amounts of moisture, over time, it reduces to a fine brown powder or sludge and gives off sulfuric acid which reacts with nearly everything. Photographs should be preserved as negatives and positive exposed images on photo paper (not inkjet and laser prints on bond) and should be in sealed PVC bags as well; the better modern ink jet and laser inks though light stable for long periods, are not often moisture resistant for longer time periods and tend to fade, discolour or run. And, label them…pictures become nearly irrelevant if times, dates, locations and names were not included on the back of them (use pencil or ball point pen when labeling). Text materials should be either printed commercially or copied by laser or zerox; hopefully, on low acid papers and sealed in PVC bags as well. Ink jet inks are main
ly water-soluble and will fade, bleed and run if exposed to moisture. Metals, such as coins, should be sealed in separate PVC bags as they will corrode thus simultaneously reducing their value and staining surrounding materials. Moisture also causes mildew and mold to form, staining and, ultimately destroying all. Computer data cannot be long preserved if in magnetic form (tapes, floppies etc) but better quality CD and DVD discs used for archival storage may survive IF they are sealed in air tight bags. Don't worry whether the world of the future will have our programs to open the data, if the data is there and they want it, they'll figure it out…though it would be helpful to label the discs as to the software used and the contents. And, include a list of the entire capsule contents, explaining what everything is in a few words or less. A letter from the Rector and/or the group who assembled everything would be a good idea as well. Container: Stability, toughness and non-reactivity as well as a permanent seal from air and moisture infiltration is needed. Thick plastic is best; metal of any kind is to be avoided. Two of the best containers are the various sizes of snap-lid paint drums and short lengths of various diameters of PVC pipe which can be sealed at each end. The exterior surface of the capsule should be labeled in permanent marker or engraved with the date it was sealed, what it is and, potentially, the date on which it is expected to be opened. Obviously, for the above-mentioned reasons paper and metal labels should be avoided. Location: In order to preserve the contents the capsule should be kept safe, secure and undisturbed in a dry, cool, dark place with minimal temperature variations. This of course suggests that the more typical and traditional ideas that come to mind for capsule locations such as building cornerstones and outside cairns are unlikely to be suitable, while beneath floors and in interior walls (especially masonry foundation walls) would be more sensible locations. Also, if not obvious, the description of the capsule's location should be preserved in several places within the church records; the knowledge of the treasures protected by the capsule and where it is located may not, unfortunately, long survive in the memory of the congregation; a forgotten, well-hidden and misplaced time capsule is probably the best insurance that it and its contents will remain undisturbed forever.
The Widening Circle DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES SEEKS TO “RECLAIM” ANGLICANISM FROM “NARROW THEOLOGY” The Widening Circle (TWC) has published a draft statement outlining its principles and goals. The 24-point document covers four main areas: Scripture, faith and doctrine, the Anglican Communion, and the place of gay and lesbian Anglicans in the church. The genesis of the Declaration was a conference held in London, Ontario in October, 2007 which was called to “initiate a movement within the Anglican Church of Canada to affirm and reclaim the traditions of our branch of the Christian faith; one which is orthodox, comprehensive, and catholic.” The movement has crystallized around three goals: support for a theologically diverse Anglicanism; opposition to any Anglican covenant which would undermine the autonomy of the provinces of the Anglican Communion; and support for the full inclusion of gays and lesbians in the life of the church. The declaration is intended to provide a theological basis for these goals. “We support the Anglican Communion,” said one of TWC's national spokespeople, The Rev. Neil Fernyhough, “and the Communion will be irreparably damaged if we undermine one of the foundations of Anglicanism the autonomy of the national church. These are principles which we think most mainstream Anglicans of good conscience could endorse.” Fernyhough added that the draft statement will be discussed at the group's next conference, planned for this autumn. The draft has been posted to TWC website, http://wideningcircle.wordpress.com/
Photo: Peter R. Coolen
The Right Reverend Bishop Rodney Andrews of the Diocese of Saskatoon and The Reverend Dr. Henry Comerford, Rector of St. George's, Saskatoon prepare to place the St. George's Centennial Time Capsule in the basement walls of St. George's Parish Hall..
10 - The Saskatchewan Anglican,
February, 2008
The Anglican Church of Canada Organization and Structure The posters reproduced on these pages are newly created by the national office to indicate the various organizational structures, offices, committees, councils and boards of the Anglican Church in Canada. These posters have been produced in full colour, and are available from theNational Office, or can be downloaded from the ACC web site. They make wonderful teaching aids and reference material for any parish.
The Anglican Church of Canada Mission Statement As a partner in the worldwide Anglican Communion and in the universal Church, we proclaim and celebrate the gospel of Jesus Christ in worship and action. We value our heritage of biblical faith, reason, liturgy, tradition, bishops and synods, and the rich variety of our life in community. We acknowledge that God is calling us to greater diversity of membership, wider participation in ministry and leadership, better stewardship in God's creation and a stronger resolve in challenging attitudes and structures that cause injustice. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to respond to this call in love and service and so more fully live the life of Christ. - from the Handbook of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada
The Saskatchewan Anglican, February, 2008 - 11
In Hearts Like Ours by Doris Turner
In Hearts Like Ours He gave Himself, the Light of the world, So that all through time a flame would burn In Hearts like ours. He gave Himself, the Prince of Peace, So Love could grow and sorrows cease In hearts like ours. He gave Himself, the King of Kings, To make the Heavenly choir sing In hearts like ours. He gave Himself, first born of God So He could be the Staff and Rod In hearts like ours. He gave Himself, the Shepherd kind, So sweet Salvation He could find In hearts like ours.
CANADIAN COMPANION DIOCESE PROGRAM RELATIONSHIPS The Anglican Church of Canada participates in a Companion Diocese Program with dioceses from other parts of the Anglican Communion. There have been 28 dioceses participate in this program, which is intended to create understanding, increase our knowledge of other parts of the Communion, exchange ideas and establish relationships which hopefully will be of a lasting nature. The following dioceses have participated in, or are still participating in this program, In someinstances companion relationships havecontinued beyond the expiry dates shown.
DIOCESE Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador Edmonton Fredericton Huron Keewatin Kootenay Montreal Moosonee New Westminster Niagara
Nova Scotia/PEI
PARTNERSHIP Jabalpur (Church of North India) Malaita (informal) Recife (Brazil) St. John(South Africa) Niagara Nova Scotia & PEI Northern Mexico 1 Athabasca Seychelles Nova Scotia& PEI Taiwan Cuba Uruguay Keewatin Keewatin Manicaland (possible)
BEGUN
ENDS
1997
2002
1999 2003 2003 2003 997 1999 2001 2005 1999 1998 2005 2003 2003 2004
2004 2008 2006 2008 2002 2005 2006 2010 2004 2007 2007 2006 2008
DIOCESE
PARTNERSHIP
BEGUN
ENDS
Algoma Arctic Athabasca Brandon British Columbia Caledonia Calgary Central Newfoundland
Ontario North Queensland Within Canada Southwest Tanganyika Province of Myanmar Ottawa Windward Islands SaoPaulo
2003 1998
2003
1998
2008
2002 2001
2007
DIOCESE
PARTNERSHIP
BEGUN
ENDS
Ontario
S.W. Brazil 2003 2003 Rochester Algoma 2003 Pelotas (Brazil) 1990 Caledonia West Malaysia 2000 Lichfield (UK) New Hampshire 1998 Limerick Killaloe Central Buganda(Uganda) 1996 Malabar (unofficial) Guyana 2000 Grahamstown(S.Africa) 2002 Fredericton 1993
` Ottawa Qu’Appelle Quebec
Rupert’s Land Saskatchewan Saskatoon Toronto Yukon
2008 2008 2008 2002 2005 2004
2001 2005 2008 ongoing.
12 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, February, 2008
A Message From the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad Editors Note: this is the most recent in a series of monthly contributions to the Saskatchewan Anglican from the faculty of the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad. These articles cover a broad range of theological and general interest issues as well as College news. This is the first part of a two-part article which will be continued in the March issue.
So Run That You May Obtain The Reverend Walter Hannam, Assistant Professor of Theology and Anglican Studies at the College of Emmanuel and St Chad and Priest of the Diocese of Saskatchewan. One of the things that, to the best of my knowledge, is not taught in any seminary in Canada is: 'What to do when the Bishop makes an annual parish visitation on Ash Wednesday.' It is, however, a practical question which was faced several years ago by the members of a parish of which a friend of mine was rector. The problem was a two-fold obligation which the members of the parish believed they owed. On the one hand stood their obligation to acknowledge the Apostolic authority of their bishop (which, as Anglicans, they felt could only be accomplished with some sort of party). On the other side was their solemn obligation to fast on Ash Wednesday. After much heart searching (and several frantic telephone calls to the rector by various members of the vestry and ACW) it was finally decided that the bishop's authority would be acknowledged by Waterford crystal brandy snifters on silver trays, while the snifters' contents, ice water, would allow the members of the parish (and the bishop!) to maintain their fast. Everyone, of course, including the bishop, recognized that the gesture had its humorous side. Yet none the less for that it was a genuine attempt to take seriously the Church's fasting rules, to observe one of the Church's two major fast days (BCP, p. xiii) in accordance with the Church's intention in declaring it. As we approach Lent, and as we begin to consider our Lenten disciplines, it may perhaps be useful to reflect on at least some of the reasons why the Church calls us to form and observe such disciplines at this time.
Pakistan crisis draws comment, prayers from Church leaders
The Reverend Walter Hannam I will begin by making a bold statement, which may in fact come as a surprise to some. The Christian life is a life of asceticism, and every Christian is called, not just in Lent, but from the moment of his or her baptism till the moment of death, to be an ascetic. Asceticism is not a particularly popular concept in our time, and words like 'ascetic' and 'asceticism' tend to conjure images of emaciated, selfloathing maniacs despising human life and punishing themselves for simply being human. But these are false images and distort the true meaning of the asceticism which the Church has always, in some sense, considered a universal vocation. Asceticism simply means 'training'. It comes from the Greek word 'askesis', which primarily referred to the training that athletes in the ancient world underwent before competing in the games (the Latin 'disciplina', from which we get the word 'discipline,' has the same meaning). In the Epistle for Septuagesima in the Prayer Book lectionary (1 Cor 9: 24 to 27), St Paul speaks of the Christian life as being like a race, in which we run to receive, not the perishable crown of wilted celery of the Isthmian Games, to which he probably alludes, but the incorruptible crown of eternal life. Just as the athlete must exercise temperance and must train in order to be fit enough to run a race or play a competent game of football, so we as Christians must practice an ascetic discipline, an 'askesis' or training, if we are to retain the spiritual strength to persevere in the profession of our baptism. The source of that strength, of course, is the grace of God, and if we are to run the race set before us we must first seek that grace in prayer. So first and foremost the ascetic life is a life of prayer, or to put it the other way round, all prayer is a form of asceticism, for our spiritual strength does not come from ourselves but is from God alone. So our first duty as Christians is to pray. Prayer in a vacuum, however, can be dangerous, for our prayers always run the risk of degenerating into lists of what we want right now. Yet prayer is much more than this: it is a conversation with God, and we must always remember that on our side this conversation must primarily take the form of listening. There is certainly nothing wrong in asking God for things we need, but we must also discern at the same time whether the things
we feel we need are what God We must knows we need. become more and more conformed to the Will of God, the Mind of Christ. But where does God reveal His will for us if not primarily and most fully in Holy Scripture, His Word written, which we believe contains 'all things necessary to salvation'? So we must read the Bible regularly. But more than this, we must cultivate a structure in our life of prayer which includes both periods of reflection upon what we read, as well as periods of silent listening, during which we simply sit alone with God, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts. We must allow the Word spoken without, in Scripture, to lead us to discover the Word present within our hearts; the same Spirit who inspired the Scriptures must be our guide in reading them, and only in silence can the Spirit's still, small voice be heard. Yet if we cultivate such attentive silence we will surely discover that in silence the Spirit can speak more loudly than in the din and clamour of the fleeting world in which we live but to which we cannot be conformed if we would follow the one who has overcome the world. So reading and meditating upon God's Word written is an ascetic discipline, a learning to rely on what God speaks to us, outwardly in Scripture, and inwardly in our hearts, rather than upon ourselves and our own wills, which we are so prone to project onto God. LOCKED CAR DOOR
The recent assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the resulting civil unrest has caused Church leaders to speak out against the instability that has roiled the South Asian Islamic Republic for years and raise concerns for the welfare of the country's Christian community. Pakistan-born Bishop Michael Nazir Ali of Rochester, England described Bhutto's "murder by extremists" as "a body blow for freedom and democracy in Pakistan." Bhutto had returned to Pakistan on October 18, 2007 after years of exile following Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf granting her amnesty and dropping all corruption charges against her. The first woman elected to lead a Muslim state, Bhutto served as Pakistan's Prime Minister from 1988-1990 and 1993-1996. She was assassinated on December 27, two weeks before the scheduled Pakistani general election in which she was a leading opposition candidate. The elections, originally set for January 8, have now been postponed until February 18. Bhutto's assassination has triggered riots throughout the country that are responsible for at least 60 deaths. As Muslims and Christians joined in prayers for Bhutto in the days following her assassination, violent scenes from Pakistan were displayed on television screens throughout the world. The former Bishop of the Diocese of Raiwind in the Church of Pakistan, Nazir Ali had been a personal friend of Bhutto's for many years. Her death "raises serious questions about the government's ability to provide security for its citizens when even one as eminent as she can be killed in this way," he said. "I do hope the general elections can still be held and that the cause of democracy can survive this catastrophe." Bhutto will always be remembered "for her commitment to Pakistan and her courage in pub-
lic life," said Nazir Ali. Bishop David James of the Anglican Diocese of Bradford, a Yorkshire city with one of the largest Pakistani populations in England, said, "Our heart goes out to her family at this time of desolating personal loss. "Many in Bradford with relatives and friends in Pakistan will be anxious about the country's future, fearful that this tragedy will frustrate the return to democracy and a measure of normality," he added. "We pray at this time for Pakistan, that those responsible will be quickly apprehended and brought to justice and that this terrible crime will not lead to a downward spiral of political murders and further destabilization." The president of the Pakistan Christian Congress (PCC), Nazir S. Bhatti, described Bhutto as "a great leader, a symbol of moderate Islam and a challenge for the militants." "Pakistani Christians express [their] grief concerning the death of Benazir Bhutto and demand the immediate arrest of culprits and justice," he said. Bhutto had expressed concern about Pakistani Christians and vowed to "pull them into mainstream politics," Bhatti said. Inaugurated in 1970, the Church of Pakistan includes nine dioceses and is one of the four united churches in the Anglican Communion. Ecumenical in nature, the Church of Pakistan includes Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists and Scottish Presbyterians. Release International, a U.K.based persecution watchdog, has expressed concern that Christians' lives in Pakistan are set to become increasingly dangerous in 2008. "In the growing turmoil it is becoming increasingly difficult to address persecution," said Release International's CEO Andy Dipper. "With the election imminent, pray also that the new government will give Christians and other minorities the same rights in law as the Muslim majority."
A woman was at work when she received a phone call that her daughter was very sick with a fever. She left her work and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication. She got back to her car and found that she had Article from: Episcopal News locked her keys in the car. Service - by Matthew Davies She didn't know what to do, so she called home and told the baby sitter what had happened. The baby sitter told her that her the fever was getting worse. She said, "You might find a coat hanger and use that to open the door." The woman looked around and found an old rusty coat hanger that had been thrown down on the ground She looked at the hanger and said, "I don't know how to use this." So she bowed her head and asked God to send her some help. Soon an old rusty car pulled up, with a dirty, greasy, bearded man wearing an old biker skull rag on his head. The woman thought, "This is what you sent to help me?" But, she was desperate, so she was also very thankful. The man got out of his car and asked her if he could help. She said, "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication and I locked my keys in my car. I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?" He said, "Sure". He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was opened. She hugged the man and through her tears she said, "Thank You So Much! You are a very nice man." The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison today. I was in prison for car theft and have only been out for about an hour." The woman hugged the man again and with sobbing tears cried out loud, "Oh, Thank you God! You even sent me a Professional!"