February, 2010 A Section of Anglican Journal
PWRDF Assisting Refugees By Barbara Spurr and Mary Ann Assailly; Co-Chairs of the Diocese of Saskatoon PWRDF Refugee Sponsorship Group SASKATOON - In every region there are communities in crisis where peoples' lives have been violently impacted and they have been forced to flee from their homes and to live as internally displaced peoples or as refugees. Of the over thirty million of those displaced, there are three solutions: they may be able to return home; they may be able to integrate locally; or, they may be sponsored by another country. PWRDF works with partners in international refugee programs and in Canada with the Canadian Council for Refugees. Together, with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, they take on the overwhelming task of addressing migration and the basic human needs of over nine million refugees. They work together to provide basics such as security, shelter, clean water, basic food, health care, child clinics, HIV education and in assisting parents to register the births of their children. Of these nine million refugees only 0.5 % have a chance of being sponsored. PWRDF also supports advocacy and policy work for refugee rights through the Canadian Council for Refugees and KAIROS and coordinates private refugee sponsorship in those Dioceses that have agreements to sponsor refugees with the Federal Government. One of the goals in this, the 50th Anniversary of PWRDF, is to sponsor fifty refugee families. The Diocese of Saskatoon is proud to be sponsoring one of these many families. Our refugee family fled Iraq two years ago and lived in Damascus, Syria
50 years - In Faith - Join hands - Inspire Hope PWRDF Parish Representative Workshop by Basil Pogue, PWRDF Diocesan Representative - Qu'Appelle
REGINA - A successful workshop for PWRDF parish representatives was held Photo by Roger Assailly at St. Mary's Anglican Church in October. Colin Clay, Klaus Gruber, Barb Spurr, Gail Zink, Qasan Hamid, Haidar Hamid, Thirteen people from around the diocese Hibaa Tayofik, Thalfaa Al-Baimani, Donna Neufeldt, Christine Bennett, and heard a two-hour presentation from Beth Mary Ann Assailly Baskin on the work of the Primate's World until their names were given to us for consideration by Refugee Coordinator Carolyn Relief and Development Fund. Much of it Vanderlip of PWRDF. Father, Qasan Hamid; wife, Hibaa Tayofik; and son, Haidar focused on how Canadian Anglicans are Hamid arrived in Saskatoon on the evening of Thursday, November 19th. A group of us celebrating 50 years of reaching out to were at the airport to greet them along with our translator, Thalfaa Al-Bairmani. Some others. There are three main thrusts: 50 of us drove them to their two-bedroom apartment that we had fully furnished and Events, 50 Leaders, and 50 Refugees. The 50 Events project was originalstocked with some food staples and fresh produce. Currently, we are in the process of "running around" to various agencies to fill out all the many forms that are required of ly planned to be 50 large fundraising new permanent residents in Canada. They now have their Interim Federal Health papers events to be held across Canada. After the to cover visits to doctors and dentists, if necessary, until they receive their Saskatchewan economic meltdown of 2008, the plan was modified in the face of new financial realHealth cards. They speak no English so they will need to attend ESL (English as a second lan- ities. Now each of the four ecclesiastical guage) classes. Haidar, their 4 1/2 year old son, has been registered for preschool at the provinces is being challenged to hold 50 local community school and is second on the waiting list. Clothing-wise, they have come events - for a total of 200 across Canada. prepared for cold weather except for snow boots, which we will go shopping for short- An event can be as big or as small as it ly. Bus passes will be purchased, and two volunteers will familiarize them with our tran- needs to be. It might be a birthday party in sit system. A major shopping for groceries has been done with the assistance of a former a Sunday School class or a diocesan or Iraqi refugee who showed them around Superstore for two hours and explained how to parish dinner or concert - whatever is thought to be a good way to celebrate this read the shelf labels, do comparative shopping, find Halal meats, etc. One Sunday evening about a dozen people from our committee joined Qasan, Canadian Anglican adventure in mission Hibaa, Haidar and Thalfaa to enjoy a wonderful meal together at a Turkish restaurant that has now raised over $90 million in support of its objectives during 50 years of where the refugees spoke about their experiences in Iraq and Syria. They had arrived in Saskatoon very confused as to who their sponsors were ministry. 50 Leaders are being recruited since they never received the letter we had emailed to Damascus. However, in less than among the youth of the Church. The 50 a week we all have developed a trusting, close friendship, and Hibaa has remarked: "I Leaders program will work with 50 young am just so happy" Anglicans (aged 16-30) to discern and develop the gifts that the Spirit has given them. Developing Christian leaders involves not just learning, but prayer, Bible study, and experience of the ministry of God's people in the world. 50 Leaders will provide opportunities for all of these facets of leadership development. The program will run for approximately five years, with orientation sessions taking place annually to bring new participants into the program. The first intake was initiated in November 2009. 50 Refugees is well in hand and as of September about 23 refugees have reached new homes in Canada. The program is coordinated by Carolyn Vanderlip in Toronto. It works with Citizenship and Immigration Canada to place visa office-referred (VOR) cases. These are individuals or families already identified as in need of protection. Because the overseas processing is almost complete, the refugees usually arrive in Canada very quickly. Beth explained that 18 of 30 dioceses in Canada - Qu'Appelle is one - have a sponsorship agreement in place and are approved to work with the government on settlement of refugees. The Primate has urged all dioceses to support their refugee coordinator and to help change the lives of 50 refugee families and 50 parish families. If your parish is interested in pursuing a refugee sponsorship, please contact Ralph Paragg, Diocesan Refugee Coordinator for Qu'Appelle at (306) 586-4155 or by email at rparagg@sasktel.net. In the afternoon, Dick Peters gave attendees an introduction to the work of Kairos: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives. Kairos unites churches and religious organizations in a faithful ecumenical response to the call to "do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). Kairos deliberates on issues of common concern, advocates for social change and joins with people of faith and goodwill in action for social transformation. There are active Kairos groups in Regina, Fort Qu'Appelle/Grenfell, Yorkton and Swift Current. Dave Meier, Saskatchewan Regional Coordinator for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank outlined how the bank works, using illustrations from a visit he made to Ethiopia 2003. Through CIDA, the federal government matches donations made to CFGB on a 4:1 ratio, and sometimes at an even greater level. Thus a donation of $100 can grow to have purchasing power of $500. Delegates found his presentation enlightening and compelling. Dave is eager to evangelize about the work being achieved by the CFGB and offered to visit any parish that wants to know more about it. He can be contacted at Box 156, Star City SK S0E 1P0 or by telephone at (306) 863-2727. The workshop concluded with a presentation by Ralph Paragg, Diocesan Refugee Coordinator. He outlined current work and past successes. Qu'Appelle has not yet decided whether to participate in the 50 Refugees program though Ralph has a proposal waiting for Diocesan Council approval.
2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, February, 2010
Bishop’s Message
Photo - stock
The Right ReverendMichael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatchewan
Three Wise Women by the Right Reverend Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatchewan Agnes Buck, Georgina Bird and Sally Bird were Cree trailblazers whose strong faith in the Lord sustained them through difficult times in their lives and kept them regular and active in the life of their Church. All three were willing to share their knowledge and love of Christ with those around them. They often brought others along with them to Church and were very keen to see children baptized and to have someone visit and pray with the sick and shut in. In many ways they were old-fashioned. They did not eat breakfast before coming to Communion and they could be quick to criticize a fellow believer for playing too much bingo. They had a very deep appreciation of the ministry and power of prayer and a wonderful sense of humour, both grounded in a faith in the sovereign goodness of God. Agnes died late last year after spending several years in Pineview Lodge in Prince Albert. Agnes had lived a hard l
life but it turned around suddenly and she became a devout Christian, committed to daily prayer and Bible reading. She and Sally Bird attended a Cursillo weekend years ago and this had a profound impact on their faith and confidence. Sally Bird was a generous and very talented woman who loved and cared for her family. Even while she was very sick and in pain, she cared for her grandchildren. Georgina Bird was a determined woman who later in life obtained her Indian Social Work degree. Sometimes her determination could be experienced as stubbornness, but it kept her going through the amputations and dialysis she endured in her final years. These three women joined the Roberta E. Tilton ACW at Saint Alban's Cathedral in Prince Albert, and took an active role in the ministry of that group, as well as in the Parish as a whole. They knew that they belonged to the Church and that the Church belonged to them and that it was within that fellowship of believers, sometimes messy and confused, that they received the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. I celebrate their examples and their witness to the power of God to change lives and to sustain us through dreadful sorrows and difficulties through Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Communion was always very important to these three remarkable women and I thank God for our fellowship, our communion in the body of Christ, which transcends all the distinctions and divisions of sex and nation, language and culture, time and space, and even the narrow stream of death. +Michael
Diocese of Saskatchewan F.Y.I. - Jan 2010 Bible Verse for 2010 Bishop Michael has selected Galatians 5:22-23 as the Bible Verse for 2010 for the Diocese of Saskatchewan: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Executive Committee Highlights Six people have been nominated to serve on the Finance Committee: Ernie Morgan, Caron Hallen, Rita Stanley, Chris Harper, Norbert Haukenfrers and Elaine Vandals. The Diocese has received an $8000 grant to help with expenses for consultations toward greater Indigenous self-determination. 2010 Budget: The Diocese will not be hiring an Archdeacon / Executive Secretary and as a result the Regional Deans will have more responsibilities and will be compensated with a $1000 responsibility allowance; the Dean of the Cathedral will continue to receive a responsibility allowance of $2000. Their parishes will be compensated $1000 for their costs. Bequest Identification: the Anglican Journal mailing list will be used for a mailout from the National Church, asking recipients if they are leaving any donations to the church in their will. A card would be enclosed and would be sent back anonymously. 2010 Executive Committee meeting dates will be Feb 25, May 13, Sept 9 and Nov 25. Appointments Mr. Gary Graber has been appointed Vice-Principal of the James Settee College. Other Notes Beginning in January 2010, the Synod Office will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 to noon and from 1 to 4 pm. The office will not be open on Mondays and Fridays, although you may still drop off mail those days and staff may be present. Contact Synod Office at 306-765-2455 (ext. 1 for Mary Brown, ext. 2 for Terry Loehr, ext. 5 for Bishop Michael). Congratulations to Emma Claire Chapman, 8 lbs 1 oz, born to the Rev'd David and Gill Chapman in Melfort on November 29th, just minutes before Montreal won the Grey Cup. The Bishop has ten bursaries to provide to parishes who want to send their priest and some laity to the Emmanuel-St Chad Evangelism Course (Jan 18-22) or the Vital Church Planting Conference in Edmonton (May 18-20). If interested, please mail a letter requesting funding, along with a list of intended participants, a rough budget and your warden's and vestry's endorsement.
New Bishop For Saskatoon By Peter Coolen
On Saturday, November 14th, 2009 the Venerable David Malcolm Irving, Executive Archdeacon of the Diocese of Kootenay was elected the 12th Bishop of Saskatoon at the Electoral Synod held in Sasktoon. There were nine candidates for bishop, three from this diocese and six from across Canada; David Irving was elected bishop on the second ballot. David Irving was educated at Westminster College, and Rippon College Cuddeston, Oxford, England; he was ordained a deacon in 1986 and a priest in 1987. His first parish was the multi-point rural parish of St. Thomas', Wainwright in the Diocese of Edmonton where he served three years and oversaw the building of a new church hall, community space and offices. Next he moved to the inner-city parish of St. Barnabas, New Westminster where he spent eighteen months helping them heal and to move forward from a traumatic experience. In 1991, the Reverend Irving accepted an incumbency in the parish of Woodside, a rural multi-point parish in the Okanagan Valley, Diocese of Kootenay. Here, for seven years, he helped three small communities come together, share worship space with a File Photo Roman Catholic parish; share worship, study and outreach; and finally begin to make plans for their future, grow as a community of The Venerable David Malcolm Irving, faith, and contemplate purchasing land and build a new worship facility. Bishop Elect of Saskatoon For nine years, beginning in 1998, the Reverend Irving was incumbent at St. Saviour's, Penticton. There, in cooperation with the Penticton First Nations community, a major fundraising and building program was undertaken, which resulted over $680,00 being raised to build a new community outreach center; to support a soupateria program of hot meals to over 100 people daily, year-round; to hire a community nurse; and to provide counseling and support. While at St. Saviour's the Reverend Irving also served as Regional Dean and later, as Archdeacon, and worked with the national church as a consultant in the areas of gift planning and stewardship. In 2007, Archdeacon David Irving was asked to work on Congregational Development and Stewardship for the Diocese of Kootenay; he also continued to consult on gift planning and stewardship for the national church. With his election as bishop, David Irving comes to us in Saskatoon as we say adieu to our retiring bishop, Rodney Andrews. Both Bishop Rodney and David Irving will be with us for the month of February; Bishop Rodney retiring at the month's end and David Irving being consecrated on March 1st. In the meantime, David and his wife, Joan will be looking for accommodations in our city and will no doubt be purchasing warmer clothing! We will, I am sure, all welcome and pray for them as they begin to make our home their new home and as they return to the prairies where their ministry had its beginnings!
For change of address, undeliverable copies and subscription list updates contact: your parish, circulation@national.anglican.ca or send to Saskatchewan Anglican c/o Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Street Toronto ON M4Y 3G2 Published by the dioceses of Qu’Appelle, Saskatoon and Saskatchewan. All submissions must be sent to the Associate Editors by the beginning of the last week of the month preceeding publication.
Managing Editor: Fred Stephens, 51 - 10th St. NE, Weyburn SK. S4H 1G8 Phone 306-842-7235 Email: skeditor@yahoo.ca Qu’Appelle: Joanne Shurvin-Martin, 6927 Farrell Bay Regina SK S4X 3V4 Phone: 306-775-2629 Email: wsmartin@accesscomm.ca Saskatoon: Peter Coolen, 820Avenue I South Saskatoon SK S7M 1Z3 Phone: 306-244-0935 Email: ptrcoolen@sasktel.net Saskatchewan: The Reverends Julie and Steven Page, P.O. Box 274, Hudson Bay, SK, S0E 0Y0P Phone (306) 865-3488; Email: HudsonBayArborfield@SaskTel.net
Published monthly except July and August Published from 51 - 10th Street NE, Weyburn SK S4H 1G8 Printed and mailed from Signal Star Publishing A division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Goderich ON N7A 4B6 Subscription rate: $10.00 in Canada; $17.00 outside Canada Whole No. 292, Vol. 33, No. 5 A Section of Anglican Journal
The Saskatchewan Anglican, February, 2010 - 3
DIOCESE OF SASKATOON: ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR FEBRUARY 2010 In order to be included in a timely manner brief notices for events should be supplied to the Associate Editor by Fax, e-mail or “snail mail” by the last week of the month, two months before the month in which the insertion is desired (for example, September submissions will be in the November issue). Detailed and longer texts of events will not be included in this section but, should space allow, could be the subject of additional articles or notices elsewhere in the Saskatchewan Anglican. The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews' Schedule: February 8th to 11th, Clergy Retreat, Lumsden; Thursday, February 11th, Annual Meeting of the Board of the Saskatchewan Anglican, Lumsden; Saturday, February 13th, Eastern Deanery Farewell Eucharist and Dinner for the bishop, St Andrew's, Humboldt; Sunday, February 14th, Church Leader's Potluck Supper, Prairie Centre of Ecumenism; Saturday, February 20th, Diocesan Council and Cursillo Commissioning; Tuesday, February 23rd, Bishop Rodney will speak at a Lenten Lunch, St. Paul's, North Battleford; February 25th to 26th, Anglican Pension Board Meetings, Toronto; Friday, January 29th, Pot Luck Dinner, Saskatoon Deanery, Christ Church, Saskatoon. Deanery Retirement Dinners for Bishop Rodney: the three deaneries are holding retirement dinners for Bishop Rodney; the dinner for the Western Deanery was held on January 23rd. The Saskatoon Deanery will be holding a Retirement Pot Luck Dinner at Christ Church, Saskatoon, on Friday, January 29th, at 6 p.m., R.S.V. P. to the Synod Office. The Eastern Deanery will be holding a Farewell Eucharist and Pot Luck Dinner at St Andrew's, Humboldt on Saturday, February 13th, commencing at 4:00 p.m.. There is no R.S.V.P. required for the Eastern Deanery dinner; further information for this dinner is available from: Barry Broad at 682-4415 in Humboldt or the Reverend Alex Parsons at 664-3026. Christians In The Modern World: A series of presentations and discussions will be held in the hall of All Saints' Anglican Church, 1801 Lorne Ave., Saskatoon at 7.30 p.m.: February 24th, "Violence: what is it and what is a Christian response?”, by Ruth Klaassen; March 10th, "Just War and Modern War.", by Ruth and Walter Klaassen. “East Meets West” “Drawing on the Gospel”: an opportunity for cross-town fellowship, food worship and study as folks from St. Matthew's, Sutherland (the “East”) and Christ Church, Caswell (the “West”) get together on Wednesdays for “Drawing on the Gospel”. Each evening begins with a pot-luck supper at 6 p.m., followed by a sung, contemporary setting of Evening Prayer at 7 p.m.; then an opportunity to study the upcoming Gospel lections by cartooning the texts. This popular study method does not require that you draw! Currently, the program is happening at St. Matthew's (Corner of Egbert Ave. and 109th St.) but will be periodically alternating to Christ Church. Please call either church for information; Christ Church at: 242-0165 or St. Matthew's at: 374-8808. Integrity/Saskatoon: Meetings are held at St. James', Saskatoon on the second Saturday of each month at 7 p.m. The regular meetings include a talking circle and Eucharist with fellowship to follow; babysitting is available during meetings for those with children. For more information contact the Reverend Ann Marie Nicklin at: (306) 948-3460 or: benjie60@gmail.com. For further information and to view related articles, links and photographs of Integrity events: www.integritysaskatoon.blogspot.com. Saskatoon Native Ministry: Meetings are held every second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. A Sacred Circle Worship is held Sunday at 4 p.m.; worship is followed by a community meal at 5 p.m. All events are held at: St. Thomas Wesley United Church, 808 20th St.. For information call: 244-1381 or E-mail: snm@sasktel.net.
Camp Okema Update By Steve Mitchell After a busy and exciting 2009 camping season, the Board of the Okema Society has been focussing on preparations for 2010. Here are some highlights as we look back at 2009 and ahead to 2010. Blessings: We were blessed with a new basketball court (pictured), through the generosity of a grant from the Diocese of Saskatoon and through the hard work of a team of skilled volunteer workers. The court was appreciated by campers and well-used throughout the season. Another blessing was that a water line was run to the nurse's cabin, providing water and bathroom facilities to help meet the health needs of the camp. We were blessed with 206 campers as well, and all the staff required in order to run safe, healthy, and exciting camps. We appreciate these and many other blessings that God has given us through the hands of His people in 2009. Happenings: The 2009 Annual General Meeting at St. George's Church in Prince Albert on November 21st culminated with the election of a new board. The executive of the new board are Chair, William Johnson, Secretary, Janet Sturgess, and Treasurer, Yvonne Mitchell. The new board met for their organizational meeting on December 12 at St. Stephen's Church, Saskatoon, assigning areas of responsibility and setting the foundation in place for the 2010 camp season. One goal is to have the 2010 summer program calendar on the website (www.okema.ca) in February. Dreams: Some dreams for 2010 and beyond are as follows: run water lines to other staff cabins, renovate the ladies' washroom, obtain a commercial dishwasher, obtain a motor boat, repair rotting logs on Sleepy Hollow, complete the fire break project, and look into the possibilities of a biking program for campers. These are just a few of the dreams that our newly-formed long range planning committee will be considering for Okema's future. Giving: We appreciate the generosity of supporters of the ministry of Camp Okema, without whom there would be no camp and no ministry. Each year we look to God for the resources for another season, and He provides through His people so that young and old, singles and families, may experience His blessings at Okema. Donations and memberships may be sent to: Yvonne Mitchell, Box 140, Caronport, SK S0H 0S0. Annual Membership Fees are: $20 - Individuals $25 - Families $30 - Parishes, Dioceses, ACW or other groups $200 - “Okema 200” membership
2010 Clergy Retreat: The Annual Clergy Retreat will be held from February 8th to 11th, 2010, at St. Michael's Retreat, Lumsden. The retreat leader will be Brother Emil, Taize, France. All licensed clergy are expected to attend. 2010 Cursillo Weekend: The Saskatoon Diocese Cursillo Secretariat has scheduled the next Co-ed Cursillo Weekend for: Thursday evening, March 4th through to Sunday afternoon, March 7th, 2010, at St. Peter's Abbey, Muenster. For applications or more information please contact Austin King at: (306) 933-4007 or email a.king@sasktel.net; or Gwendolyn Gresham at: (306) 649-3448 or email matumaini5@gmail.com. APPOINTMENTS, RESIGNATIONS ETC: The Reverend Ann Marie Nicklin, Rector of St. Paul's Church, Biggar, has been appointed Rector of St. George's Church, Saskatoon replacing the Reverend Canon Neil Haines (who has been Priest In Charge for the past several months); Ann Marie's new position is effective February 1st. Ann Marie is also currently Regional Dean of the Western Deanery, Chaplain of Integrity and is a member of several diocesan committees. Sympathy is extended to the Reverend Canon Glenn Ash and family on the death of Adelaide Ash. A service of thanksgiving for Adelaide's life was held at St. James Church, Saskatoon on Thursday, December 17th.
photo contributed
Campers and leaders enjoyed playing on the new basketball camp.” The Right Reverend Cornell Moss was consecrated Bishop of the Diocese of Guyana (our Companion Diocese) on December 8th, in Georgetown, Guyana and was enthroned, on Sunday, December 13th. Bishop Cornell is 49 years old; was ordained a deacon in 1983 and a priest in 1984; was the rector of the Church of the Ascension, Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island; and was an archdeacon in the Bahamas. Jacqueline Plante, Diocesan ACW Patroness and Bishop Rodney were present for both occasions. Bishop Randolph George, Mrs. Sheila George, Mrs. Barbara Thomas, Mrs. Zandra Hafeez, Rev. Philip and Mrs. Edwards and others send greetings from the Diocese of Guyana to friends in the Diocese of Saskatoon.
CANADA BRIEFS
4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, February, 2010
Canada Briefs is a new feature for the Saskatdchewan Anglican. It highlights events and happenings from other Diocesan newspapers which are of interest to Anglicans across Canada. We trust you will enjoy these brief excerpts.
Towards an indigenous northernOnt. diocese The Northern Ontario Region of the diocese of Keewatin took another step toward establishing its own indigenous diocese in November when its General Assembly met to decide how to elect its own bishop in November. Sixteen communities in the region have been working towards the goal of having their own diocese since 2006, using their own financial resources to hold meetings in tcommunities only accessible by air. The way forward became clearer at the June synod of the ecclesiastical province of Rupert's Land when the canon was amended to allow alternate methods of electing a bishop. In October, another preliminary step was taken when a “bishop's fund “was established at an elders' forum. The Keewatin
New church hall in Fredericton With the help of a $115,000 loan from the Anglican Foundation, the congregation at St. John the Evangelist in Fredericton has started construction of a new church hall. The new facility will contain offices, a professional kitchen and a large hall. While the maximum loan amount granted by the Anglican Foundation loan is $100,000, this was increased after financial market turmoil left St. John $15,000 short of the funding required. The New Brunswick Anglican
Raising the roof at Camp Caledonia Renovations at Camp Caledonia are progressing on budget. Four camper cabins that were sitting on decaying wooden foundations have been raised, squared up and set down on concrete foundations. They have been stripped of the old bunks, re-wired, re-insulated and re-fitted with energy efficient windows. The staff house has also been gutted and redesigned, and will be equipped with a kitchen and wheelchair accessible bathroom. One cabin will also be wheelchair accessible. The 2010 camping season will be shortened to allow for completion before camping begins in August. Caledonia Times
Ministry at Sask. Penitentiary Correctional Services Canada selected the diocese of Saskatchewan to provide chaplaincy services at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary. Rev. Joanne Beacon has been appointed to the ministry. “Over the past year, we have provided worship and communion at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary and the Prince Albert Correctional Centre,” Bishop Michael Hawkins reported in his charge to the diocese of Saskatchewan synod in the fall. “Some of our members were involved in a very successful Alpha program at the Riverbend Institution,” he said. The diocese also received a $6,000 grant from the New England Company to assist with prison ministry.
Lorraine Hardwick new AFP rep for Qu'Appelle REGINA - Lorraine Hardwick has been appointed the new Anglican Fellowship of Prayer (AFP) Diocesan Representative for Qu'Appelle. Lorraine hopes to establish links with people of prayer and prayer groups all ready established within the diocese. The Anglican Fellowship of Prayer Canada (AFP-C) was formed in the mid 1980's for the purpose of encouraging and supporting prayer throughout the Anglican Church of Canada. AFP-C is guided by a National Director and an Executive Committee. A Diocesan Representative in each diocese is appointed in conjunction with and under the authority of the diocesan bishop to be the main means of encouraging and supporting prayer in the diocese. The AFP-C has no paid staff and no fixed office facilities. All work is carried out by members of the Executive Committee and others on a volunteer basis. The committee strives to produce a newsletter three times a year and a prayer letter twice a year. The AFP is completely dependent on current giving and volunteer work for all the different ministries it undertakes. All donations are taxdeductible to the extent prescribed by law. The mission of the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer is: - To encourage prayer in the life of the church - To be a teaching resource helping people to grow in the life of prayer - To build links between praying people Since prayer is essential to the vitality and the ongoing life of the church, the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer seeks to share with others in the spiritual empowering of the Church by: - Teaching people how to pray - Developing effective prayer groups - Offering opportunities for contemplative prayer through quiet days and retreats - Providing information, education and nurture for those who pray - Calling the church always to give prayer its rightful priority - Serving as a reliable resource on the life of prayer -Promoting a spirituality based on biblical principles
photo - contributed
(l - r) Bishop Gary Woolsley, Anglican Fellowship of Prayer National Director; Lorraine Hardwick, Diocesan Representative; and Esther Jackson, National Chairperson and Rupert's Land Provincial Coordinator at the Diocese of Calgary's Prayer Fest Conference. - Supporting, cooperating with, and uniting the church through prayer While living in England Lorraine studied theology, attaining a Certificate in Theology and Ministry which has provided a base for much of her lay ministry. Lorraine has been involved in various aspects of prayer ministry including: prayers of the people (intercessions), preparing and leading services in senior's residences and care facilities, facilitating prayer groups, preparing and facilitating Bible study groups, praying with individuals, sometimes with the laying on of hands. International experiences have proved a love for various expressions of Anglicanism as well as learning from other Christian churches in ecumenical projects. Lorraine hopes to bring vision and new life to the place of prayer in the Diocese; raising the profile; and recognizing the idimportance of prayer to be at the forefront of all we do in the name of the Lord. Lorraine was born in Saskatoon, though lived many years in Winnipeg before moving to England for even more years. She returned to Canada in 2001 to live in Swift Current, and has recently moved to Regina and attends St. James the Apostle Church in the north of the city. Lorraine is married to Rob, Assistant to the Bishop and Executive Archdeacon. They have two adult sons, one who lives in England with his wife and baby daughter, the other lives in Regina. Lorraine loves to read and occasionally writes poetry.
Teddies to Guyana
The Saskatchewan Anglican
The National Anglican Women's Prayer
Editor's Note: At the 2009, A.C.W. President's Conference held in St. John's, Newfoundland, from October 1st to 4th, a new National Women's Prayer was approved. This prayer was included in an article, detailing the results of the Conference, which appeared in the January issue of the Saskatchewan Anglican, however we have had several requests that it be printed separately as well. “Almighty God we pray for your blessing and grace on our work and witness, as An¬glican Church Women in Canada. We give you thanks and praise for giving us wisdom, knowledge and understanding so that we may serve you in spirit and in truth. Called to be your church, may our study, learning, worship and service be always to your glory and the building of your kingdom in our communities and throughout the world. In our ministry may we always respond to the needs of others with your love. We pray in the name of the One who redeemed and loves us, Your Son, Jesus our Saviour. Amen.”
Anglican Church Women's Newsletter, Diocese of Saskatoon; December, 2009 Issue; pg. 9
Teddies to Guyana: - In the December issue of the Saskatchewan Anglican we told you about a group of “Teddies” being sent by the Diocesan A.C.W. to the Mothers' Union Day Care Centres in Guyana, our sister diocese. The “Teddies” were well received; above is a picture showing the arrival of the “Teddies” at the Bourda Day Care Centre.
The Saskatchewan Anglican, February, 2010- 5
Many Enjoy “A Night in Bethlehem” By Christine Senkow SASKATOON - Vibrant music, the buzz of the market and sweet smelling spices filled St. Stephen's Anglican Church the morning of Sunday, December 20th, when the congregation hosted "A Night in Bethlehem": a fun, interactive program designed by Group Company. Dressed in robes and acting in character to fit the mood, volunteers recreated the night of Jesus' birth. Christmas stories and a live manger scene were accompanied by many shops where guests could build, create, and play while learning what the world was like so many years ago when our Saviour was born. St. Stephen's swelled with activity as more than 120 people; members, neighbours, and other guests; swept through the busy market place. In one area of the market was a masonry shop, where guests could build structures with wooden bricks. In the same area, carpenters taught Bethlehem villagers to make dreidles, followed by teaching them the rules of the game. In another section of the market, people painted decorations, tried their hands at pottery, prepared beautiful jewelry, and ground spices. It was however, rather quiet, where Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus sat, with only the sound of nearby storytellers in the background. In another area of the church, the atmosphere returned to the 21st century where guests enjoyed coffee, apple cider, and fruit punch while being entertained by various musicians from the congregation. After the market closed, the children performed a short pageant: "Come to a Party" by Vicki Howie. The morning concluded with a birthday celebration for Jesus complete with birthday cake and ice cream.
photo by- Christine Senkow
Mary (Brynn Rieder, Left) and Joseph (Michael Woytowich, Right) gaze down at their new baby, Jesus (Benjamin Dalzell) in the Christmas pageant “A Night in Bethlehem” at St. Stephen's, Saskatoon.
photo by- Christine Senkow
Marj Felgate (Left) and Beverly Rodowski (Right) tell stories during the Christmas pageant “A Night in Bethlehem” at St. Stephen's, Saskatoon
photo by- Christine Senkow
The marketplace during “A Night in Bethlehem” at St. Stephen's, Saskatoon was buzzing with activity on Dec. 20th.
photo by- Christine Senkow
Laura Wood entertains in the hospitality room during “A Night in Bethlehem” at St. Stephen's, Saskatoon.
6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, February, 2010
OBITUARIES Kelly, Reverend Lewis Graham A Life Well Lived Christopher Lake (Saskatchewan) The Reverend Lewis Graham Kelly died on Monday, December 7, 2009. Kelly was ordained as a Deacon on the Feast of St John the Baptist, June 24, 1981. He was ordained as a Priest nearly five years later, on April 13, 1986. Kelly was the priest-incharge of St. Christopher's Church in Christopher Lake and St. Bridgit's Church in Paddockwood. In a letter to Bishop Short he wrote that the answer to where truths can best be expounded is in “the church that keeps its doors open for the faithful and welcomes and encourages those who are still seeking.” He retired in 1990. He was also Padre to the Royal Canadian Legion in Christopher Lake and the first Reeve of the Rural Municipality of Lakeland. Kelly was named the Lakeland Citizen of the Year and was most respected for his quiet dedication to the community and for his humanity. He went far beyond what was considered normal duties when he was a minister, counselling and comforting many individuals of the community. A Memorial Service was held in the Christopher Lake Legion Hall, with the Reverend Tracey Lloyd Smith and the Reverend Ken Lyons officiating.
Another Night in Bethlehem
Macdonald, Rev. Harold MOOSOMIN (Qu'A) Rev. Harold Macdonald, incumbent of Saskatchewan Gateway parish from 1991 to 1996, died on December 14 at the age of 81. Harold was born in Edmonton, and attended Trinity College, Toronto. He served in parishes in Edmonton, Winnipeg, the Yukon, in addition to Moosomin. While working at Church House he attained a Master's Degree from Yale University. Music was an important part of Harold's faith, and he brought the joy of music to many. He created "The Joyful Noise" taped music sets for small parishes to use. An obituary in the Edmonton Journal said, in part, "Harold was a brilliant presence, a maverick who challenged everyone around him to reach higher, go deeper and live honestly. His indomitable spirit, unwavering faith in God and love for his wife and family carried him through life and now peacefully into death and the light." Harold is survived by his wife of 55 years, Frances, three daughters, one son, grandchildren and numerous relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers,
St Luke's Honours Yvonne Ellis
by Ivan Millard
photo - Don Metz (l
- r) Eldon, River and Pastor Amber Hoffman portray the Holy Family in A Night in Bethlehem
photo - Bill Dodge
Marc Kelly sells candy in the market in "Bethlehem" at the Living Spirit Centre
by Nigel Salway
REGINA - St. Luke's parish honoured Yvonne Ellis, one of its founding parishioners, on December 6, the day after her 90th birthday. At the conclusion of the service, which also included the annual Sunday School pageant, interim priest Derek Nicholls called Yvonne and her daughter Heather Loewenhardt to the front of the church. Father Derek announced Yvonne's birthday and described her many years of faithful service at St. Luke's. Yvonne has worked very hard, and continues to work hard, for the parish. Some of the roles she has carried out include memPhorto contributed ber of the Ladies Auxiliary, Lay The Rev'd Lewis Kelly (left) Reader and Sunday School as a Deacon in the 1980’s superintendent. Father Derek presented Yvonne with a birthday card signed by the parishioners, and the congregation joined in a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday. After the service, Yvonne cut a special cake made in her honour, which was then shared with the congregation. The celebration continued as a red-suited, jolly old fellow from the north dropped in and presented the Sunday School children with treats from the large bag over his shoulder. Somewhere in that magical bag, Santa also found something special for Yvonne and presented her with a treat.
REGINA - Large crowds of curious people followed the big bright star above the canvas-covered barn to experience “A Night In Bethlehem” at Living Spirit Centre Shared Ministry on December 19. Visitors "registered for the census,” had their pictures taken with a shepherd or a Roman centurion and then toured “Bethlehem.” They visited shops that would have been seen in the market place in Bethlehem 2000 years ago and the stable where calves and goats accompanied Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. The Inn Keeper maintained there was no more room in the inn, but his wife insisted he provide space for them in the barn. With some help from their parents and the shopkeepers, children took part in making pottery, making toy tops in the carpentry shop, painting their creations, visiting with the stone mason, the weaver, the Haiku poet and the scribe, and making soap, candy and baking. All the while they were hearing townspeople give their various versions of the strange and wonderful event of the Savior's birth. Shepherds led people to the barn while the Pharisees watched and Roman soldiers kept order. Each visiting family was mailed a card with their picture and a Christmas wish. About 40 people from the three congregations (including St. Philip Anglican) were involved in putting on the event, to teach the real meaning of Christmas in the increasingly secular world.
St Nicholas Day an Overwhelming Success photo - Nigel Salway
Yvonne Ellis received a treat from Santa on the day after her 90th birthday.
HUDSON BAY (Saskatchewan) Imagine a parish hall bursting at the seams with children under 12 years of age. That was the exciting reality at St Patrick's Anglican Church in Hudson Bay
in early Advent. The church, which averages only three or four children in Sunday School each week, offered its third annual St Nicholas Day Children's Event. They advertised the event with posters and radio ads, but most importantly by word of mouth. “We have one new family in our church, whose first contact with us was through a previous St Nicholas Day event,” said the Reverend Steve Page, co-priest-in-charge. “Now this year, they brought all the children on their block!” In all, 28 children attended the event in 2009, nearly triple the attendance of the first one, just two years previously. Some were children who regularly attend Sunday School and worship services at St. Patrick's church or another church in town, but many were from families with little or no connection to any Christian community.The afternoon began with a rousing relay race, with the children divided into two teams. They then spent the next hour in their team, rotating between three activity stations. At one station, the children used coloured icing cream and gels to decorate cookies in the shape of Bishop Nicholas, whose generosity was a recurring theme of the event, or of the Christmas Star. Another station involved seasonal and thematically appropriate colouring, word-search and picture-search activities. At the story station, one leader told a couple legends of Bishop (and later Saint) Nicholas and his generosity, and connected them to the Christmas story of God's generosity to us in the gift of Jesus. “In past years,” noted Rev. Page, “we noticed that the children in town think Christmas is all about Santa Claus, and don't know the story of the birth of Jesus, so we wanted to emphasize that this year.”
The Saskatchewan Anglican, - February, 2010 7
Kise-manitow Omiyikowisiwin The Creator's Gift by Ivan Millard REGINA - Aboriginal artist Ovid Bighetty's series of paintings entitled “The Creator's Gift” had been displayed at Living Spirit Centre since the fall of 2009. Each of the paintings in this series is based on a passage in the Bible. On December 2 Ovid came to Living Spirit Centre to describe the meaning of each of the 17 paintings, done on 48 by 54 inch framed wooden panels. He describes his work as being of the “Woodland Cree” style, incorporating strong solid bright colours and images outlined in black. He includes images within larger images and uses many symbols of his culture, such as four teepees representing the Four Nations: black, red, yellow and white. Two eagle feathers represent the spiritual and physical worlds, and butterflies symbolize creation and new birth. In one painting entitled “The People Mourn” the central figure is of a crow, which for Aboriginals represents trickery. In addition to giving explanations of his paintings, Ovid patiently answered questions, and those in attendance left with a much better understanding of aboriginal art and particularly the works of Ovid Bighetty.
Cultures and Parishes Intersect at the Cross by the Reverends Steve & Julie Golding Page ARBORFIELD (Saskatchewan) Warden Munden Coates calls it “the making of an Anglican.” Sixteenyear-old Braeden Edwards considers it a fun wood-working project and a cool way to take up his own style of service in the church after his recent confirmation. No matter how you look at it, wood-workers Mr. Edwards and Mr. Coates are quite literally serving as the hands of their church. Both are members of the Church of the Ascension in Arborfield, a small town an hour northwest of Melfort. Mr. Coates is also a teacher of woodworking at the local school, and Mr. Edwards is one of his grade ten students. Together they are building a six-foot-tall cross made of walnut and maple. The result will be Church of the Ascension's gift to the people of St Stephen's Church, on the nearby Red Earth Cree Nation reserve, who are currently constructing a new church building. Church of the Ascension, with an average Sunday attendance of 20, has always been paired with another parish partner. Their current partner Photo - Bill Dodge is St Patrick's Church in Hudson Bay, and past ones have included the Artist Ovid Bighetty tells the story of his painting churches in Red Earth and Shoal Lake. "The Return." “So Joseph and Mary left that forIn 2009, Church of the Ascension realized how disconnected they had eign land and moved to a different village in their become from their Christian brothers and sisters in the surrounding Cree homeland.” communities, and decided to reconnect with them. Groups of parishioners began visiting the congregations and extended invitations for them to come to Arborfield. They promise more ideas and initiatives in the coming year. When Church of the Ascension heard of the new church building being built in Red Earth, they contacted the Reverend Rita Nawakayas, priest-in-charge of St Stephen's Church, and asked to become involved in some way. She suggested the cross for the east wall, and Mr. Coates and Mr. Edwards set to work. They hope to be able to install the cross shortly before the consecration of the new building. Their design includes a rectangular background cross in dark walnut, overlaid with a tapered foreground cross in pale maple. The choice was made in part, according to Mr. Edwards, “because of their darker colour and our lighter colour skin” meeting at the cross. Under the watchful supervisory eye of Mr. Coates, Mr. Edwards took the lead in making careful cuts in the fine wood, crafting a beautiful final product. Mr. Edwards has been practicing wood-working since grade seven. When asked if he plans to pursue woodworking as an optional grade eleven course, Mr. Edwards answered affirmatively, stating enthusiastically, “I like wood-working.” Besides the cross, during this school year alone Mr. Edwards has also crafted a dinosaur toy for some younger children, as well as a large, decorated storage chest. Mr. Coates, the creative mind behind the project, consulted with the men of Church of the Ascension to settle on the design for the cross. While the original idea called for a simple cross, either straight or bevelled, in one type of wood, church member Kris Gendall suggested using both cross types in two different woods, and the other men affirmed this idea. The stronger, collaborative final design demonstrates well how we as the community of Christ are strongest when we are together. The design, crafting and gift of this cross form an innovative way for Mr. Edwards, Mr. Coates, and Church of the Ascension to “take up their cross” and follow Christ, reaching across generational and ethnic lines.
Photo contributed
A teaching moment: Mr. Coates refines the cuts in the walnut wood, as Mr. Edwards watches carefully. Photo contributed
Braeden Edwards works with the table saw, under the watchful eye of Munden Coates. The two separate groups of children then came together again in the centre of the hall. They had heard earlier the story about how Bishop Nicholas helped a poor family by dropping money into their boots or stockings, and now they noticed a large boot-shaped piñata - what could be inside? Each child had the chance to swing at the piñata and, when it finally burst open under the blows of the 28th and final child, out tumbled chocolate candy shaped like gold A mad melee predictably ensued. But organizers were moved to observe several examples showing that some of the lessons on generosity had been heard. Many children shared with their friends who had failed to grab as much candy. And one boy went to the closet where all the boots and coats had been left, and dropped a single gold-foil candy into each pair of boots he found.!
A mad melee predictably ensued. But organizers were moved to observe several examples showing that some of the lessons on generosity had been heard. Many children shared with their friends who had failed to grab as much candy. And one boy went to the closet where all the boots and coats had been left, and dropped a single gold-foil candy into each pair of boots he found. Generosity was also visible in more than just the currency of candy. Admission to the event was free of charge, but a poster at the registration table promoted the Arms of Jesus Children's Ministry and their work around the world, while a piggy bank solicited contributions for this mission. Enough was raised through the contributions of the children and their parents to purchase a goat for a needy family in Central America.
Photo contributed
Mr. Edwards and Mr. Coates work intently to clamp together the arms of the cross
Photo contributed
“Payten Hawley (left), Shelby Scheller and Charlotte George (right) colouring images of stories from the life of Bishop Nicholas.” More photos on page eight
8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, February, 2010
Teaching the Faith to PostModerns
Photo contributed
Historical Vignette: “The Qu'Appelle Laboratory: Experiments in Ministry”
A New Book by Carlos Roberts
by Trevor Powell
REGINA - Rev. Carlos Roberts' book, Christian Education Teaching Methods - Teaching the faith to post-moderns, was published in November 2009. Carlos is a priest in the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, doing ministry as interim priest at St. Matthew's parish in Regina. He is also a professional teacher and trained catechist who was for 10 years a Director of Christian Education in his former ministry. At that time he headed a diocesan team that trained Christian educators and wrote textbooks for teaching the faith. His recently published book draws from that as well as more recent experience in ministry with small groups. It provides pastors, professional teachers, students of Christian education, theological students and Sunday school teachers with methods of teaching the faith today. It also provides opportunities to reflect critically on the methods and approaches we use with parish study groups, ministry groups, discipleship groups or in the classroom, in the changed cultural context of our postmodern world. Most of the chapters end with review questions for discussion to go more deeply into the issues raised in the particular chapter, and to apply them in one's specific parish context. The book proposes the Herald model of church and model of Christian education as a very helpful model for postmodern times. It can be divided into two parts, chapters 1-10 that speak to methods of teaching Christian education, and chapters 11-19 that discuss ways of working with and empowering church groups and ministry leaders as part of the vital teaching ministry of the church which we need to reclaim. The chapter abstracts allow the reader to quickly select those chapters that speak to one's interest: say, parish ministry for small groups, for Sunday school teachers, for what the writer calls 'pastoral care for winter snowbirds and summer swallows;' or, for groups interested in discussing and taking action regarding the herald model of church; or themes such as 'maintenance or missional church,' spirituality for teachers, Jesus' teaching method etc. It also gives a brief historical survey of methods used for teaching the faith from apostolic times to the post-Reformation period, and suggests methods that are helpful for teaching the faith in postmodern times, while reclaiming some methods from apostolic times that can be useful for today as well. Carlos' book is available from the Churchmouse Resource Center in Regina (306-522-3263).
Throughout its history, the Diocese of Qu'Appelle has been on the cutting edge of ministry. To improve the spiritual welfare of its clerical and lay workers, meet the spiritual needs of a scattered people or, in more recent years, minister to a declining membership, the Church has looked to more flexible forms of ministry. Bishop Anson introduced brotherhoods. The vast expanse of territory to be served and the need for more clergy than originally imagined forced him to put aside the idea of an itinerant brotherhood. A priest and/or deacon working from centres along the railways, assisted by lay readers in outlying settlements, became the more practical approach. He also established the Brotherhood of Labour at Qu'Appelle in 1885. The lay brothers went out in pairs to nurse, teach and pursue their trades, but the inability to find suitable recruits caused the order to disband in 1890. Over the years other religious communities were created and ministered with varying degrees of success: Prairie Brotherhood near Willowbunch (19091914), Associated Mission of Milestone (1934-1940), Brotherhood of St. Francis at Assiniboia (1951-1956) and the Parish of Mortlach (1954-1958). Experiments in ministry came in other forms. Sunday School by Post had its beginnings in the Parish of Grenfell. In 1905, Mary Gwynne prepared and mailed lessons to families whose children were not able to attend Sunday Schools during the winter. The idea was adopted by other parishes and dioceses across Canada. A graduate of St. Christopher's College, London which “pioneered … modern teaching techniques for religious education”, Alymer Bosanquet dreamed of sending out teams of trained women to reach children of scattered and isolated families. In 1920, Eva Hasell successfully put Bosanquet's ideas into action when she and Winifred Ticehurst set off in a motor caravan through the western part of the diocese. By arrangement with the Bishop of Brandon, Bishop Harding set up a community of women known as Bishop's Messengers in 1932. Licensed similar to lay readers, they faithfully served Canora, Pelly, Kamsack and later Rockglen in conducting services and pastoral work as well as “in the absence of a Priest or Deacon to baptize children in danger of death and to bury the dead.” In recent decades, local ordained ministry has been given priority. As part of a supervised team ministry in Oxbow, Bishop Bays first ordained two women from that parish to the priesthood, to be followed by others. Bishops Jackson, Wallace and KerrWilson have given new life to the vocational diaconate. Both locally-raised priests and deacons are capably assisting with worship, pastoral care and outreach ministry, as well as enabling the work of the Church to continue in a number of smaller communities.
“Liam Washburn enjoys decorating cookies in the shape of Bishop Nicholas and of the Christmas Star.”
Photo contributed
“Aiden Leason lines up the piñata for another swing.”
Photo contributed
“Madison Boychuk takes a turn at the piñata.”
Photo contributed
“Tyler Dickson gives the boot-shaped piñata a
Photo contributed
“Emily Hallen holds the cross, one of the props at the Story station.”
Photo contributed
“Cheyenne Silvey competes in the relay race.”