The Saskatchewan Anglican, Feb. 2006

February 2006

“Ask and Imagine” an amazing experience REGINA - “Ask & Imagine” is for young people in the Anglican Church from all over Canada. It's more than a camp; it's more than a youth conference; it's a 10day experience of living and learning in community with other youth and adult mentors. Ask & Imagine is about faith, new friends, adventure and self-discovery.

The Faculty/School of Theology at Huron University College in London, Ontario, is the home of Ask & Imagine, says their web site, www.askandimagine.org.

The next Ask & Imagine gathering will be May 7-18, 2006, for ages 18-24 and August 13-23, 2006 for youth currently in high school. Tuition and travel costs are paid by Ask & Imagine from any where in Canada. Qu'Appelle diocese is able to provide funding assistance for one person to attend each of the sessions. The program fee is $600.00, which covers accommodation and meals. It is suggested that this cost be shared as participant/family, $150.00; parish/sponsors, $225.00 and diocese, $225.00. Please submit your requests for funding to Marilyn Dean, Qu'Appelle synod office .

Beckie Hilderman, Kamsack, was awarded a grant by the diocese to attend one of the sessions last summer. This is her report: Thank you. Thank you, Marilyn Dean.

Thank you, Whitesand Parish. Thank you, Father Moote. Thank you, Sally Bishop.

Thank you, Tracie Loffhagen. Thank you, Judy Steers. Thank you, God. Thank you for letting me have this amazing experience. Thank you for letting me meet all these wonderful people. Thanks for the money and the support for the trip. Thanks

a lot.

While we were at the college in London, we had many interesting experiences: a cheerleading camp befriended us, Gillian turned sixteen, Allison chipped her tooth in a cake eating competition, we played hide and seek in an elevator and we had a bedtime story club. I would love to tell you all about each and every one of those. I would love to tell you in full detail, believe me. I would love to tell you that each of these had some sort of spiritual importance and that they changed my life forever but I would be lying.

There was one experience that was particularly hard for me to go through but it was also the most life-altering time I have ever encountered. Even though my trip was 10-days long, I couldn't possibly explain to you all the ways it has changed me so I hope that this one experience will give you an idea.

We were given a choice out of four places to go and do charity work. You could go and talk to a man at the AIDS committee. You could go to a poor Muslim community and learn about their culture. There was also a L'Arche community, which is a community for disabled people to live and you could learn about their every day lives. Or you could do what I chose: the soup kitchen and food bank at the St. Paul's Cathedral in inner-city London. It was amazing to see the looks on people's faces as you handed out food. Some looked extremely grateful and smiled kindly. Others turned away, almost embarrassed. Still it felt really good inside to be helping these people.

That night, we had an amazing wor-

Beckie Hilderman

ship service. They flashed pictures of each of the places we had visited that day on a screen. Then they flashed pictures of people we just might have helped, or didn't get the chance to help. It was extremely emotional but with the help of everyone, we banded together. Some sat in their chairs and held each other. Others had to leave the room. A few of us had formed a circle and lit candles in the middle. No

Photo: Jostens Photographers

matter where we went, we were praying.

Praying to God to help the people we had witnessed that day. Praying to God that if he let us know that one person we saw had somewhere to sleep or something to eat that night, we would sleep a lot easier.

One man was constantly reappearing in my mind. He was the picturesque model of a homeless person. The ragged clothes, the long white hair, the shopping cart.

See Ask on p. 3

Diocese of Saskatoon - Synod 2006 SASKATOON - The Diocese of Saskatoon will hold a Synod on March 24, 25 and 26 at the Queen's House of Retreats in Saskatoon. Canon Michael Patterson of the Diocese of Niagara will speak about congregational development and parish growth from his experience as Director of Evangelism for the Diocese of Niagara. Canon Patterson's father, the Very Reverend Ellwood 'Pat' Patterson, was a Dean of St. John's Cathedral in the 1960's.

The Diocese will be electing clergy and lay delegates for the Provincial Synod of Rupert's Land to be held May 24 to 28, 2006 in Regina, Saskatchewan and to General Synod which is scheduled for

June 19 to 26, 2007 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Venerable Terry Wiebe will chair the Nominations Committee.

The Reverend Dr. Henry Comerford is chair of the Resolutions Committee and the Reverend Dr. Bill Richards, professor at the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, has been appointed Chaplain for the Synod. The Reverend Karen Sandell is chairing the Synod Agenda Committee while the Reverend Colleen Stonhouse is chair of the Arrangements Committee.

Each parish is entitled to send one youth delegate between the ages of 16 and 24. The Reverend Jonathan Hoskin of Unity Central Parish has been appointed youth chaplain of the Synod.

Everybody today seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater developments and greater riches, and so on, so that children have very little time for their parents.

Parents have very little time for each other, and in the home begins the disruption of the peace of the world.

Mother Theresa

Bishop of Saskatchewan calls for sweeping changes in governance PRINCE ALBERT - The Bishop of Saskatchewan has established a task force to make sweeping recommendations for the way the Diocese of Saskatchewan is governed. He has asked the Task Force on Governance to: - work in consultation with the parishes of the Diocese; - taking into account the distinctive character, gifts and insights of aboriginal people, to consider ways to engage more fully the aboriginal congregations in the government of the Diocese, and to this end propose changes to the Canons and Constitutions;

- consider the proposal for a national native bishop; - consider the future of the office of Suffragan Bishop of Saskatchewan.

The task force consists of: the Ven Michael Averyt (Chair); Vice-Chief Lawrence Joseph of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations; the Rev. Christopher Harper; Mrs. Ava Bear; the Very Rev. Michael Hawkins, Mrs. Priscilla Joseph, and the Rev. Richard Hetke.

The Bishop has asked the Task Force for a series of recommendations by April 11.

2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, February 2006

Bishop Burton Appoints Task Force for Evangelism & Mission Strategy PRINCE ALBERT - The Bishop of Saskatchewan has appointed a task force to plan a renewed strategy for evangelism and churchplanting in the Diocese. He proposed the task force in his Charge to the Diocesan Synod which in turn voted overwhelmingly to endorse this recommendation. The Evangelism and Mission Strategy Task Force has been asked: · to develop a strategy which recognizes that inter-generational faith-sharing is necessary to successful youth evangelism; · to identify models of churches that are thriving as resources for our own strategy; · to help existing congregations identify and respond to the spiritual longings and needs of those who yearn for Jesus Christ but who are presently not comfortable in the institutional church; · to identify ways in which we can support one another in co-operating and planning for evangelism; · to help congregations move away from a focus on maintenance and survival to a focus on witnessing to God's renewing power in changed lives; · to undertake a thorough examination of the present demographics and future trends in our Diocese, and suggest where the planting of new churches would be fruitful and how we might find the means to do so.

The Task Force is to submit its report by 31 March 2006. The members of the Task Force are: The Ven. Adam Halkett (Chair), Dr. Anne Barlow, Mrs. Beryl Whitecap, Capt. Shawn Branch, the Rev. Guy Bellerby and the Rev. Norbert Haukenfrers.

The Rt. Rev’d Anthony Burton

Editorial - Finding your way home

The Rev’d Garth Neel. Photo - Bp. Burton

A bishop visits his diocese ... circa 1886 Bishop John McLean gave a report to the Church Missionary Society of his travels in the Diocese of Saskatchewan (which included parts of the present-day Diocese of Brandon).The report has been transcribed by Richard Mammana of Project Canterbury. Here are some excerpts : Sunday, July 12th.—A large congregation of Indians assembled in Devon Church (The Pas) for the morning service ....

Fifty-eight candidates were presented to me for confirmation. I addressed them both before and after the laying on of hands. A second service was held at ...

Please see McLean on p. 8.

By the Rev’d Garth Neel Last night I discovered something called "Google Earth". This is a computer program that allows you to visit various places on the globe via satellite photo. Via the internet, and on my home computer screen, I enjoyed a bird's-eye-view photo of a street on which the Neel family lived for about two years.

We were able to see the park nearby where the children used to play and even the school where our oldest girl attended classes. Visible also was the market where my wife would go shopping. Although the program does not allow you to see in great detail, we were able to see the roof of our former house and even a car parked on the street in front, just where I used to park my own car. The fascinating thing is that the house is in Lima, Peru, thousands of miles from Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan.

But there it was on the computer screen. I could even see signs of the incredible traffic congestion that is a fact of life in Lima (about 4 people die every day just in the traffic).

Needless to say, Lima is quite large. It is one of the oldest cities in the Americas.

It has a population of about 12 million.

Looking at it from thousands of feet up in the air, via the satellite photo, one at first simply sees an endlessly tangled maze of buildings and streets. How was it possible to "zero in" on one single dwelling in that great, sprawling, almost totally unplanned megalopolis?

Actually, it was easy. First, I found the bull ring, a perfectly round circle near the centre of the city. It was easy to spot even from the air. From there I was able to find a high point called San Cristóbal (St. Christopher), a hill which I remembered as being visible from the roof of our house. From San Cristóbal, it was easy to work my way up the photo-map to the north, keeping the main street of the district on my right, following another avenue that I recognized, keeping an eye out for the park near the school, until I could simply zoom right down onto the roof of our former residence. I was able to orient myself using some very prominent landmarks that I knew in the city. Once oriented, finding my way "home" was easy.

Someone once said that every novel,

every movie, every story, is finally about going home. Everyone wants to go home, to the place where they are loved and accepted, the place where they are safe and warm. This is the yearning of every human heart. Human beings want to go home and the great majority hope that this is where death leads them.

But if you are going to find your way home, you will need to get yourself properly oriented ... or else you will be lost along the way, in a maze far more confusing than the streets of the greatest city, for finding your way home is not simply a matter of dying.

As Christians, we do orient ourselves by means of a high point, but not San Cristóbal in Lima. Our landmark is a much higher hill called Calvary. The image of His cross we can see from wherever we are and it keeps us going in the right direction. If you will keep that cross always in view, trusting your salvation to Christ, thus surrendering yourself wholly to Him (something which always includes loving, joyful, and growing, if imperfect, obedience to Him) you will find your way home.

Old La Ronge rectory burns down LA RONGE (SK) - The historic rectory at All Saints' La Ronge has burned down.

The building, which ceased being used as a rectory during the time of Archdeacon Bud Moote in the 1970s, had been used for various purposes since then, as a Play School and latterly as offices for a native

women's organization. It was situated on the main street in La Ronge between the church and Bishop's Lodge.

"It's a write-off, that's for sure," commented Bishop Charles Arthurson, who added that the parish vestry will meet soon to make recommendations to the

Managing Editor: The Reverend Garth R. Neel Email: garthrneel@yahoo.com 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.

Qu’Appelle: Barbara-Lynn Dixon, 41 Angus Crescent Regina SK S4T 6N1 Phone: 306-525-6935 Email:bldixon@accesscomm.ca Saskatoon: Penny McKinlay, 6 -1223 7th Ave. North Saskatoon SK S7K 2W1 Phone: 306-978-2939 Email: penny@axonsoft.com Saskatchewan: The Reverend Garth Neel, Box 1113 Hudson Bay, SK S0E 0Y0 Phone: 306-865-2218 Email: garthrneel@yahoo.com

Executive Committee as to how to proceed. It is likely that the building will be levelled and the site turned into a parking lot for the church.

The fire was noticed early in the morning of December 18 and appears to have begun in the basement with an electrical malfunction.

Published monthly except July and August Published from Box 1113 Hudson Bay, SK S0E 0Y0 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. 299, Vol. 34, No. 2

The Saskatchewan Anglican, February 2006 - 3

New faces at St. John's Cathedral

By Penny McKinlay SASKATOON - The Very Reverend Susan Charbonneau, Dean of St. John's Cathedral in Saskatoon, has accepted a new posting to St. Peter's Anglican Church in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Susan was a priest with River Valley Parish for three years before becoming Dean of the Cathedral. She was the first female dean in Canada.

The Right Rev. Tom Morgan, retired bishop of Saskatoon, has been appointed interim rector of St. John's Cathedral.

Bishop Morgan will take up duties at the Cathedral in mid-January.

The Rev. Debbie Ramage has been appointed assistant priest of the cathedral effective February 1, 2006. This is a parttime appointment. Debbie will work with Bishop Morgan and the clergy staff of the Cathedral (the Reverend Canon Howard Green, the Reverend Dr. Reg Wickett, the Reverend Shawn Sanford Beck and the Reverend Dr. David Tyler) until the appointment of the new dean.

Jim Tait ordained to priesthood

The Power of Circles By the Reverend John Gardner REGINA - The Power of Circles was the theme of the 2005 Regina area Restorative Justice Conference held at the University of Regina on November 25. The Regina Ecumenical Restorative Justice Committee, which includes Anglican, Evangelical Aboriginal, Evangelical Lutheran, Mennonite, Roman Catholic, Salvation Army and United Church members, hosted.

One area in the use of circles is First Nations who have historically used circles in dealing with their community problems, settling responsibility, assessing damage, healing victims and avoiding future such problems. At the conference the Regina Circle Project explained their work with circles, particularly in criminal and family issues.

Another area is the Circles of Support and Accountability which are used for sexual and/or violent offenders deemed dangerous and highly likely to re-offend.

There are now over 100 such Circles in Canada, a dozen or so in Saskatchewan.

Because these offenders have served their full sentence they must be released back into the community. Because they are believed to be a danger to the community when released, they have never been eligible for parole nor probation. They have few resources. Some members of three Regina Circles and one core member led off this discussion. The circles provide support and accountability for an offender's attempts to live without offending. Trained volunteers meet weekly with the offender and otherwise respond singly on call. They may help the offender with housing or job-related problems. They correct bad and irresponsible thinking and actions. They offer supportive friendship and require accountability. Such Circles have been highly successful. Many offenders judged most likely to re-offend have been living productive lives for years thanks in part to the Circles.

Restorative Justice is involved with healing the effects of crime. For more information please contact the Reverend John Gardner, (306) 543.9762.

(Ask, continued from p. 1)

front: Bishop Duncan Wallace, the Reverend Jim Tait. First row: Dean James Merrett, the Reverends Carol Adamson, Claude Schroeder, Catherine Harper, Derek Nicholls. 2nd row: Beverly McLean, Duncan McLean, Jim Buenting, Dick Kennedy, Dan Fournier. 3rd row: Joyce Hilton, Ella Frank, David Nevett, John Matheson. back: Archdeacon Rob Hardwick, Canon Blair Dixon

REGINA - December 3, the day in which is remembered Saint Francis Xavier, a sixteenth-century missionary to the far east, was a joyous occasion when Jim Tait was ordained to the priesthood. The ordination was celebrated at St. Paul's Cathedral with Bishop Duncan Wallace presiding.

The Reverends Daniel Fournier and Winna Martin served as litanist and deacon, respectively.

Preaching on the topic of the call to ministry by God, Archdeacon Rob Hardwick said that it is God's choice who is called. “God,” he said, “is a God of surprises and reversals and, as the psalmist expresses it, God has often 'given us wine that makes us stagger' in astonishment (Psalm 60.4 NEB).

It has always been that way especially in the area of Christian leadership. Paul says, 'God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are.' (1 Corinthians 1:27-28) That is still the pattern of God. God's presence often flows from lives we would never take, at first glance, to be potential channels of grace,” he said.

Archdeacon Rob Hardwick, the Reverends Dan Fournier, Duncan McLean, Beverley McLean, Dick Kennedy and Malcolm and Bev Tait (Mr. Tait's parents) presented him for ordination to the priesthood. Canon Marilyn Dean and Mrs. Tanya Condo read the scripture passages. Sandra Kerr was organist and Canon Blair Dixon, Archdeacon Helena Houldcroft, Malcolm Tait and Mrs. Darla Nault-Tait (Mr. Tait's wife) assisted with communion.

The Reverend Jim Tait thanked all who participated by taking a leadership role, by coming to the liturgy or by praying for him and this ordination. Tait will continue to serve the parish of Palliser.

Bishop-elect Greg Kerr-Wilson talks to Eileen Barrie, manager of the Churchmouse Resource Centre, while visiting Qu'Appelle Diocese in December.

One would think that he was a horrible person to talk to and that he would bite your head off if you even tried. But that wasn't the case. He was the sweetest person there. He thanked me for the food, calling me “sweetie.” When I talked to the others in my group about it; they said that he stuck out in their minds as well.

None of us are sure what that means.

Some of us said that it might be a calling to work more in this area. Others said that he was an angel. Whatever it meant, it was moving in ways that none of us could ever explain. It was inspiring.

This trip is definitely worth going on.

There is also a pilgrimage in May for high school graduates and university students. I plan on applying for that one as soon as I come of age. The people you meet there are so amazing. The friendships are inevitable and so is the good-bye. Even though they are hard to accomplish, they both make you a better person.

Peter Keddy, Sarah Bonnell, Shawna Aylard, Tara Standing, Victoria Morency, Alysha Byrnes, Alyson Marshall, Amber Gaudard, Andrèa Fisher, Ashley Lockyer, Brittany Green, Connie McDougall, Gillian Kelland, Hilary Cole, Jonathon Braun, Joseph Smith, Kaila Johnston, Kaitlyn Begg, Laura-lee Mugford, Mac Armstrong: my roommates; my partners in faith; my family. These 20 people are my other inspirations. They inspire me to get into my faith with enthusiasm and have fun with it.

They invite me to cry when I want to cry and laugh when I want to laugh. They taught me that feelings kept inside, are wasted feelings and that you should never judge people before getting to know them first. They taught me that first impressions aren't important in the long run and that it's the rest of the journey that matters. If I was to say that by the end of the 10 days we shared together, that we simply gave each other a quick hand shake and without another word, boarded a plane and had a very emotionless good-bye, I would be very, very wrong. Saying good-bye to

these people was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. There were a lot of tears, a lot of hugs and a lot of repeated phrases like, "I can't believe we’re leaving already!", and "I don't want to go!". The relationships that we made this summer will last forever, and so will our connection with God. Bill Mous, Cynthia Dawe, Heather Parsons, Jennifer Andreas, Jess Worden, Judy Steers, Rushan Sinnaduray, Val Kerr: my dorm inspectors; my supervisors; my big sisters and brothers. You just don't meet people like these every day. They are so into what they do that they make it seem like a way of life instead of a job. They are always there to talk to about anything at all and always there to make it better. They are good for a hug when it’s time to pass the peace. They are good for a bed time story if just such a time arises. They are good for costume ideas when all you can think of is, "I'll bring a stick for a wand; that'll make me pass as Harry Potter." They take care of you like you were their own child. They dry your tears, calm you down and make the whole situation seem like nothing ever happened. They are not always organized but they do their best.

They never use harsh words of discouragement and never raise their voices to get attention. They have proven that bells are the only way to get 28 people quiet and in their seats. They have taken our pictures so much we feel like its our first day of kindergarten over and over and over again.

They support (almost) anything you want to do and are very open to suggestions. We treated them as parents and they saw us as their children. We were family.

In closing I would like to say another thank you to everyone who has helped me on my journey. I hope that this will stick with me forever and that the friendships will too. I know my faith has expanded and I am willing to do more in the church. I hope the younger children in my church get to experience this when they're my age as well. Thank you for your time, because I know I thank you for mine.

4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, February 2006

Active youth in Whitesand parish KAMSACK (QuA) - "The achievements of several young people in Whitesand parish need to be shared ," said Linda Moote while a resident in Kamsack as the wife of the priest, the Reverend Mark Moote.

The Mootes have since moved to Nelson, British Columbia, where Father Moote will continue his career as priest of St. Saviour's Church.

These are Mrs. Moote's comments on several of the very talented youngsters in the parish: From St. George's Church, Canora, Devon O'Soup received Athlete of the Year from Canora Composite High. Devon played football, basketball badminton and soccer. His great grandmother, Gwen Crane, was very proud of him. We wish him well as he continues and hope that he excels even though his Grandma died this past summer.

Her greatest goal for all of her children was that each of them should do well academically.

Also from St. George, Jasmine, Jade and Carson Dennis, grandchildren of Toby and Mary Tokaruk, obtained Certificates of Merit from Canora Composite High. This means that all three earned 80% or over in their academic year. This was accomplished even as they played hockey, baseball, lacrosse and figure skating. Jade also earned the Spirit of Youth award for being friendly and caring with both students and teachers.

Breanna Popoff, granddaughter of Mike and Lil Popff and another St. George young person, made us proud as she received a certificate for passing grade 4. Well done Breanna.

Down the road from Canora at Holy Trinity Kamsack, Rance Airriess, grandson of Rose Airriess, acquired a Band Leadership Award and Highest Academic Achievement with 94%. Haley Fernuik received an award for achieving over 70%. Ashley Hollett, nephew of Bishop Jim Njegovan, participated in the Special Olympics held in Brandon last spring. He won a silver medal for the running long jump, bronze in the 100 metre and bronze in the shotput. He has recently participated for Saskatchewan in the competions held in Toronto. We certainly are proud of these young folks, and wish them well in whatever they choose to achieve.

Please see photos on this page and on the top of page 5.

Devon 0’Soup

Jasmine, Jade and Carson Dennis

Rance Airriess Ashley Hollett

The Saskatchewan Anglican, February 2006 - 5

Haley Fernuik

Breanna Popoff

Education for Ministry in Regina “Education for Ministry, affectionately known as EFM, is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee,” says the web site for EFM. “Students sign up one year at a time for this four-year program. It covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology.

Students meet regularly, usually once a week, in seminars under the guidance of trained mentors. The program grants a certificate at the completion of the four

years.”

Education for Ministry in Regina meets at St. James' Church Tuesdays 7-10 p.m. There are nine members from four Regina churches: Laura and Basil Pogue, All Saints; Ron Hilton, Dorothy Jessup, Joyce Lemon, Cindy Siguidson, Cindy Tullock, St. James; Susan Page, St. Luke and Susan Haacke, St. Paul. The mentor is the Reverend Joyce Hilton.

For more information about EFM call the Reverend Joyce Hilton, Diocesan Coordinator for EFM at 306. 949.6764 or e-mail: <joycehilton@sasktel.net> Back row: Cindy Tullock, Dorothy Jessup, Basil Pogue, the Reverend Joyce Hilton, Ron Hilton Front row: Joyce Lemon, Laura Pogue, Susan Page, Cindy Siguidson.

Photo - Betty Wagner

120th Anniversary at Grenfell

By Ethel Box The 120th anniversary of St. Michael and All Angels Church, Grenfell, was celebrated October 25 with a service of Holy Communion as the church was originally consecrated on October 25, l885. The form of worship used was that of l905 because the celebration was also to commemorate Saskatchewan's 100th anniversary.

Over eighty people attended the service for which thanks was given. Dean James Merrett, wearing an ancient chasuble, celebrated with Canon Willie Lourens, St. Luke's Regina, preaching. The Reverend Cheryl Johnson, Indian Head, and the Reverend J. E. Kent, Grenfell, assisted in the service. Kirk Olver of Kipling was crucifer and the choir members joined by some volunteers led the singing. Winnie Kent was the organist with Gene Aston and Doug Kent the sidesmen. The church was beautifully decorated with floral arrangements. The sunshine highlighted the lovely stained glass windows.

Following the service all were invited to Ellis Hall for lunch. Greetings were received from the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, Archdeaconry of Moose Mountain, Anson Deanery, St. Michael's Kipling, St. Luke's Broadview. Local denominations

extended greetings and congratulations.

Don Kent was master of ceremonies.Ethel Box gave some highlights of St. Michael's past history mentioning Sir Richard Lake, a former parishioner, who was appointed lieutenant-governor of Saskatchewan in 1915 and served until 1921. Prior to his appointment and during his term of office he was very active in the Red Cross for which he was Knighted. By the end of World War 1 Saskatchewan led the world in per capita Red Cross giving due in most part to his hard work.

Happy Birthday was sung to Glenda Lourens and she was also presented with a momento of Grenfell. She thanked us for our greetings and thanked Pipestone Parish for bringing them here to their first home in Canada. The Reverend Cheryl Johnson asked the blessing and all enjoyed sandwiches and Elsie Urschel's anniversary cake. Winnie Thrower a longtime, faithful member of St. Michael's, handled the official cake-cutting duties.

Members of the congregation attended from Estevan, Regina, Riverhurst, Wolseley and Kipling.

The Almighty blessed the celebration with a wonderful day, another in a long history of High days and Holy days at St. Michael's.

Winnie Thrower cutting the cake. Photo - M. Fitzgerald

6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, February 2006

Important task force on marriage legislation formed PRINCE ALBERT - Bishop Anthony Burton of the Diocese of Saskatchewan has appointed a task force to prepare a response to the recent provincial legislation regarding marriage. Under the new marriage legislation the traditional definition of marriage has been materially altered so that it no longer accords with the Christian understanding of the term. At the moment, clergy act as officers of both church and state in administering this ordinance under the license of both the Diocesan Bishop and the Provincial Government.

Concerns about the Province's new marriage legislation were raised at Synod; at the meeting of the Bishops, Archdeacons and Regional Deans; and latterly at a meeting of clergy during their annual retreat at St. Peter's Abbey, Muenster.

The members of the Task Force are the Dean of Saskatchewan, the Very Rev.

Michael Hawkins (Chair); the Diocesan Chancellor, Mr. Hugh Harradence, QC; the Revs.

Martha Stonestand, David Chapman and Christopher Snook. It is hoped that its work will be completed by the end of February. The Task Force will give an interim report to the clergy day on January 25.

St. Michael’s Retreat overlooks the beautiful Qu'Appelle valley about 30 kilometres NW of Regina. The mosaic is of St. Elizabeth of Hungary by L. Malach.

Photo - St. Michael’s Retreat post card

A tribute to John Francis Tobin

Dean Michael Hawkins of Prince Albert to head special task force. Photo - Bp. Burton

For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb ... Psalm 139:12

Fearfully, wonderfully made

By Beryl Forgay REGINA - Many parents are reluctant to bring a child to church who they fear will disrupt the service or offend others in the congregation. So on September 24, about 40 people met at St. Mary's Church to discuss the full inclusion of people with disabilities into churches.

The conference was called “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” from Psalm 139.

Representatives from a number of Regina churches, several people with disabilities, and two people from Mosse Jaw attended.

The morning started with worship and song led by a group from Celebration Lutheran Church, which included a gifted young drummer with a disability. This was followed by Joanne Simon from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon who spoke with humour of her experiences with her sister who has attended church for many years, is very devout and volunteers in the church. Ms. Simon told of her work with the Committee for Inclusive Catholic Communities, intended to encourage churches and schools in the diocese to use strategies to integrate those with differences into full fellowship.

She emphasized the rewards for

the parish when this happens.

Bill Michaluk, showed literature which the Diocese of Saskatoon has developed to welcome families. Materials such as “Inclusion Checklist,” “What is Inclusion?” and “Guidelines for Implementing the Principles for Inclusion” give wise guidance for parishes.

The depth of understanding shown by these speakers illustrated the progress that has been made in their churches. The fact that the drive for inclusion is handled at the diocesan level shows the importance being given this need.

Theresa Savaria of the Regina-based Autism Resource Centre (ARC) spoke on Challenging Behaviors. Her presentation dwelt on the variety of means of communication that non-verbal people must try to use to get their ideas and needs across to others. Some of the communication appears to be disruptive behaviour.

Challenging behaviour usually needs to be seen and dealt with in this light.

Breakout sessions included Nurturing Faith at Home, Inclusion Strategies and Biblical Perspectives of Disabilities.

Sharing and prayer concluded an informative day.

LUMSDEN (QuA) - Established in 1963, St. Michael's Retreat is presently operated by the Franciscan Friars of St. Michael's together with the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran communities through an interchurch board. A team of dedicated friars and staff keep the centre welcoming and comfortable.

The following is a tribute by the Reverend Don Wells to John Francis Tobin, one of the friars who recently died: As the hearse crested the steep and graveled hill, two brown-robed Franciscan Brothers stood by the entrance at Saint Michael's Retreat House and watched that long climb with tears and smiles. Some friends had gently and lovingly placed the body of John Francis into the vehicle that was to transport his remains to their final resting place.

For agonizing moments that seemed to prolong the good-bye, long moments filled with an

emptiness and yet pride, they watched that steep climb until the hearse seemed to grow smaller and disappear over the horizon.

The New Jerusalem bible had rested on the simple wooden casket and now those words of the psalmist seemed to echo the scene. In the Psalm of Ascents we read: I lift my eyes to the mountains: where is help to come from?

Help comes to me from Yahweh, who made heaven and earth. No letting our footsteps slip. This guard of yours, he does not doze. The guardian of Israel does not doze or sleep.

Yahweh guards you, shades you.

With Yahweh at your right hand sun cannot strike you by day, nor moon at night.

Yahweh guards you from harm; he guards your lives; he guards you leaving, coming back, now and for always.

What a gorgeous send-off, that quiet Saturday before noon, that he would have delighted in.

Though not nearly enough tributes because how do you encapsulate such love into mere words. And of the hundreds there, just a token of the thousands of those lives that he touched.

The words, the music, the presence of his confreres, his family sharing in the Mass were assurance enough that he would simply be added to that elite company of All The Saints.

Such timing, for the great Feast of All Saints would be celebrated within the hours.

When that other Francis was composing his prayer, he must have imagined the likes of John Francis Tobin: "Lord make me an instrument of your Peace and your Love.”

Thank you Brother John for your peace and love and for sharing it with us. You had always greeted me at the entrance of Saint Michael's with such graciousness and now it is your turn to be greeted at that other entrance into the Kingdom.

St. Patrick’s kids’ Advent project HUDSON BAY (Saskatchewan) During the four weeks of Advent, 2005, the children and young people of St. Patrick’s Anglican Mission in Hudson Bay, cheerfully saved up over $200.00 in their Christmas coin boxes. This was their gift to Bishop Burton’s Discretionary Fund, so that he would have more money to help those who are in need.

The children also wrote a letter to the bishop, expressing their appreciation for his ministry and spent some time in class learning about what that ministry is, using A Supplementary Instruction from the BCP Catechism.

Children of St. Patrick’s, Hudson Bay with two of their teachers.

Photo - Jennifer Hallen

The Saskatchewan Anglican, February 2006 - 7

Upcoming events - Qu’Appelle February 12 Plain and Valley parish will host a dance at the Lumsden Centennial Hall from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. Len Gadica's band will provide the music. Cost is $10.00 per person. Proceeds to Plain & Valley parish. For more information please call 306.731.3171 or 306.731.2516.

February 13 through February 16 The Diocese of Qu'Appelle/Diocese of Saskatoon clergy retreat will be held at St. Michael's Retreat, Lumsden. This will again be a joint retreat with the clergy of both dioceses. Retreat conductor is Brother James Kestrel SSJE. “The theme of the retreat is The Faces of Jesus. Using different icons of Christ, this retreat will help us explore who Jesus is for each one of us as we ponder the question which the Lord asked Simon Peter: 'but who do you say that I am?' This retreat will be a time of silence, rest, worship and renewal as we gaze at the face of Jesus presented on the icons but also imprinted in our hearts.”

Registration deadline is February 6. For more information please contact the synod office.

February 18 St. Mary's Whitewood is hosting the Yorkton Conference Convention (ELCIC Saskatchewan Synod) along with its ecumenical partners, St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, New Finland and St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wapella.

The Saskatchewan Synod is divided into six conferences. Every year they hold a convention in a different location in the conference. It will be the first time in Canada that an ELCIC conference convention is held outside of an ELCIC building. Vickie Briggs, St. Mary's Whitewood, is the conference manager and the other hosting responsibilities have been shared out among the three congregations. For further information please contact Pastor Ian Nestegaard, Box 61, Wapella, SK, SOG4ZO. February 18 A Quiet Day for lay people will be led by Brother James Koester SSJE and held at St. Paul's Cathedral. For further details please contact the Reverend Winna Martin at the synod office.

Upcoming events - Saskatchewan February 5 St. David's Beef Supper For tickets call St. David's Church 7641310 $10.00 adult and $7.00 children February 22 2 p.m.

Saskatchewan Management

Anglican

Board

of

February 23 10 a.m.

Diocesan Programme Committee March 11 1:30 p.m. Ordination of the Rev. Christopher Snook All Saints' Church, Fort Pitt

March 21 450th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Thomas Cranmer April 21 80th birthday of HM the Queen April 22 Diocesan A.C.W. Annual Meeting St. Alban's Cathedral Speaker: The Rev. Garth Neel

General

May 2 to 4 Martin Memorial Lectures by Dr. Randall Martin on Shakespeare Reading St. Paul The College of Emmanuel & St. Chad NB new address: 114 Seminary Crescent, Saskatoon, SK (306) 975-3755

Diocese of Saskatchewan in cyber-space PRINCE ALBERT - Be sure to check the Diocese of Saskatchewan’s new, improved web site at www.skdiocese.com. It features up to date news from around the diocese and country, as well as a wide range of very readable articles. A special feature is the youth director’s “blog” (web log), featuring Shawn Branch : blogger extraordinaire.

A special birthday for Aunt Ruth By the Reverend John Matheson REGINA - On November 24, 2005, Ruth Matheson Buck of Regina and St. Paul's Cathedral, joined the Province of Saskatchewan in the celebration of one hundred years of life. The day was marked by the presence of her daughter, Judith Wintonyk, by other friends and family and by cake and jollity at Country Lane Care Home, Ruth's nest for the past few years.

The next day for the presentation of a Saskatchewan Centennial Medal by Ms. Doreen Hamilton, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Regina Wascana Plains, Ruth was further joined by the principal, three students and a long-serving teacher, Irene Ludvigson, from Ruth M. Buck School; and there was more family.

Ruth Buck, one of my father's many sisters, is to me of course, Aunt Ruth. She was born on the Onion Lake Reserve at St. Barnabas' Anglican Mission, north of where Lloydminster came into existence that same year. Ruth spent her teen and young adult years in Manitoba. In 1918 her widowed mother, Dr. Elizabeth Matheson, had moved much of the family from Onion Lake to Winnipeg following the death of Ruth's father, The Reverend John (Grace) Matheson.

Interspersed with teaching, Ruth completed a degree program at the

University of Manitoba but maintained her Saskatchewan connections through an uncle and aunt in Battleford and then by marrying Geoffrey J. Buck of Moosomin in 1933. He taught and they lived in Melville and Balcarres. After Geoffrey's WW II time in the RCAF and completing his PhD, they settled in Regina with their young daughter Judith where Geoffrey continued his teaching career. Ruth continued as homemaker and parent with an ever widening application and development of her interests and skills. She was productive and prominent in historical research and writing and in public affairs.

The motto on the typewriter in her little windowless basement workroom was "It's dogged as does it."

When she took the young Judith to St. Paul's Cathedral to begin Sunday School Ruth made what she referred to as the "mistake" of asking if she could help.

Many years of helping resulted. The writer remembers her pondering as she adjusted to the content of the St. James Curriculum materials which had come from the U.S.A.: a little "high church?"

The writer also remembers in his few years at St. Paul's in the mid 1990s that while she was still active, Ruth more than once read the last of the Nine Lessons in the familiar Christmas Carol Service.

Bishop Duncan Wallace, who was

Dean of Qu'Appelle for half of Ruth's years of active membership in St. Paul's Cathedral speaks of her as a delight to have around, of sharp wit and continually offering difficult but interesting questions. Ruth was elected and served on the Regina Board of Education 1954-67. She tells the story that she is the only one to have beaten Alan Blakeney in an election.

Across the years, many articles and papers and addresses concerned with the history of what had become Saskatchewan were forthcoming. Two books were major fruit of her research and effort. Voices of the Plains Cree (1973), was written at the request of and with material supplied by the Ahenakew family. This book presented traditional material and original thinking in the writings of Canon Edward Ahenekew of Sandy Lake Reserve and the Diocese of Saskatchewan. From her childhood, Ruth had known him as a colleague of her father. The Doctor Rode Side-Saddle (1974) was the biography and record of her mother, Dr. Elizabeth Matheson, first woman to practise medicine in the NorthWest Territories which later became Saskatchewan.

The birthday celebrations have marked 100 years of involvement and activities with family, church and community.

Thank you Aunt Ruth.

Ruth Buck. Photo - The Rev’d John Matheson

Brother Heinrich’s Christmas REGINA - Brother Heinrich's Christmas, a fable with music in John Rutter's setting of his own story, was given as a reading at St. Paul's Cathedral on December 11. Dean James Merrett read the story of Brother Heinrich and his donkey, Sigismund, who must save the day when the Archbishop unexpectedly visits the monastery. Merrett was accompanied by Betsy Raum, oboe, Alan Denike, bassoon, Sandra Kerr, piano, with Professor Bev Tillman conducting the Cathedral Choir. See photo by Jan Besse to the left.

8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, February 2006

India Night at Souls’ Harbour

By Hilary Schroeder REGINA - “Namaste,” the Hindi word for “greetings,” was heard throughout the India Night fundraiser held recently for Regina's down-town Christian mission house, Souls' Harbour.

If one were in Mumbai, India, on December 3 one would be wearing a short-sleeved sari with the temperature at 40 degrees C. If one were in Regina at All Saints' Church on that date one brought a parka to put on over the sari. Many of the 250 people from several denominations attending India Night did wear the sari for a stellar evening of food, entertainment, testimony and financial appeal.

Souls' Harbour mission is moving at the end of March 2006 and the new building requires some renovation. The Friends of Souls' Harbour coordinated an appeal around a classic curry dinner. Many of the Friends are of East Indian origin and have served curry suppers at the mission to the acclaim of those who dine there.

Curry for 250 is no small feat.

Allow some of the statistics to speak to the amount of collaborative effort from the chefs: 600 pieces of chicken, 30 pounds onions, four litres each of ginger and garlic, 30 pounds of basmati rice and 400 gulab jamun (an Indian dessert). Over 30 people were equal to the task of setting up, hosting, serving and cleaning up ably coordinated by Leela Ninan, St. Mary's Church and Susan Smith, All Saints.

A group of young children told of Jesus' love for us with a song in Hindi while children who attend a Souls' Harbour Saturday

afternoon Kids for Jesus illustrated what Christmas is about in song and story. Their mother witnessed to the blessing that Souls' Harbour is for her family: a place to be welcomed, treated with respect and fed .

Gerri Carroll, founder and president of Souls' Harbour, encouraged the audience to follow Jesus' commands. She shared how God told her to reach out to the poor and how God has been beside her, planning the next step, every day. She radiates God's love. Her son and daughter-in-law, Donovan and Bonnie Carroll, also work at Souls' Harbour. They prepare a hearty school lunch and are promoting the new building. They made the appeal for funds from Matthew 25. 35, 36, and 40: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me; I needed clothes and you clothed me…I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Souls' Harbour relies on volunteers in all areas of its ministry. People can help set the tables, prepare food, serve at supper time or work in the clothing store. Some Regina churches sponsor a meal and prepare supper once a month. At this time no Anglican churches are meal sponsors. With prayer and action, that can change and thus there can be an impact on the poor of our city.

Approximately $6200 was raised that night. Thanks be to God.

The Souls’ Harbour Saturday afternoon group, Kids for Jesus, sing and tell a story at the India Night event.

Interdenominational Harvest Conference at Muenster

by Tanya Condo MUENSTER (QuA) - So often when rural renewal is talked about the role of the church is ignored or given a passing mention. The Harvest Conference, an interdenominational event held October 13 to 16 in Muenster, gave voice to the role of church in rural communities. It also gave priests and lay people a chance for fellowship and renewal in the rewarding but often difficult rural ministries.

The Conference workshops focused on pastoral issues such as De-shaming Rural Bankruptcy, Finding Support in Isolated Ministries and Rural

Churches and Native Spirituality as well as on Asset Mapping, Land Trusts, Rural Church Projects, Earthcare and Marketing Groups.

After a busy day of workshops the entertainment Saturday night highlighted the diversity of talent in rural communities.

There was a country music singer, a classical pianist and soloist followed by a Celtic band.

St. Peter's Abbey in Muenster was the perfect setting for the conference. Nestled in the heart of rural Saskatchewan the Abbey was a reminder of the true beauty of the rural landscape.

The final worship session was a modified stations of the cross where there was an opportunity to walk the Abbey grounds and be reminded of the glory all around.

The Rural Church Network, the host agency, is dedicated to supporting a network for rural church and rural community development in Canada. The network makes use of communications such as the internet to assist communities in their support for each other as well as to articulate the rural story and spiritual values. Plans are underway for next year's conference.

Kelly Family Christmas

By Sheilagh Garrett ROCANVILLE (QuA) - St. Thomas Church, Rocanville, receives not only the gift of ministry from the Reverend Delta Kelly, a locally ordained minister but also benefits from the musical gifts of her entire talented family.

In December the Reverend Kelly and her four sons, Brian, Anthony, Blake and Patrick presented A Kelly Family and Friends Christmas as a fund-raiser for the church. The evening has become an annual event and extremely popular within Rocanville and surrounding communities. This year two planned recitals were immediately sold out and a third (also sold out) was planned at the last minute to accommodate the interest.

The two-hour performances included a cornucopia of Christmas songs that, as Anthony Kelly noted, reflected the deep spiritual beliefs of the family. The audience was also

treated to performances by Mrs. Kelly's granddaughters and it is clear the musical tradition of the family will be continued by the next generation. St. Thomas member Tom Everett also provided several selections accompanied by his wife Miriam on the piano and the evening was concluded with an opportunity for old-fashioned fellowship and visiting in the parish hall. There, coffee and cheesecake were served by other members of the Kelly family and St. Thomas congregation.

Music has always been an important part of the Kelly family home. Presently Brian Kelly is a member of the band, Poverty Plainsmen; Anthony and Blake are founding members of the Shifty Morgan Band and Anthony and Patrick have both written various music and lyrics of their own.

The family has also recorded its own CD entitled The Kelly Family: Christmas at Last.

l to r: moderator Joyce Sasse; panelists: Canadian Broadcast Corporation reporter, Rosalie Woloski; editor Abbot Peter Novecosky, the Prairie Messenger; editor Barb Glen, the Western Producer, at the Media, Churches and Rural Development session.

Photo - Duane Guina, Earthcare Saskatchewan

(McLean, cont’d from p. 2) A second service was held at 3.30 p.m., when I preached from Exodus xvii. 5,6.

The bank of the river was lined with birch-bark canoes, in which many of the congregation had crossed over for the services. I went round among the people, shaking hands with every man, woman, and child, not forgetting even the babies, of whom there was a goodly number. I watched them from the bank as they departed. An Indian would lift up his canoe, carry it easily with one hand to the

water; then he and his family would go aboard, and the canoe was swiftly paddled away.

July 14th Consecrated two cemeteries or graveyards in the Devon Mission..... We landed near the cemetery, and first visited the school-house. Louis Ahenukew, already mentioned, is the teacher. There were twenty-four children present, fifteen boys and nine girls. They were quiet and attentive, all employed with books or slates when we arrived.

I could see that they were making good progress in reading

and writing.

We then went to the cemetery.

It is about an acre in extent, with a neat strong fence. The Consecration Service of the Prayer-book of the Church of Ireland was used. At the close I pronounced the ground duly consecrated, and then addressed the people on the solemnities of death and judgment. I also spoke of the coming ordination ... of two Native pastors, expressing the deep interest I took in seeing men of Indian blood trained to preach the Gospel in their mother tongue.