February 2007 A Section of Anglican Journal
KAIROS Focuses on the Responsible Use of our Water Resources by Basil Pogue REGINA - A group of 16 people attended a meeting of KAIROS Regina/Fort Qu’Appelle recently to review the current campaign. KAIROS unites 11 religious partner organizations including the Anglican Church of Canada and Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) in faithful action for justice and peace. This campaign which has been running since 2005 is focused on water and water resources to make people aware of the issues surrounding one of the most precious gifts on this planet. In 2006-2007 the direction will be holding Canadian corporations accountable for their actions in ensuring their use of water is responsible. KAIROS wants the government to hold corporations accountable for any operations at home or abroad that are shown to cause harm to water, watersheds and all who rely on them. To achieve this, it needs to engage the community at large. Part of the meeting focused on KAIROS Regina’s "Las Posadas Thirsting for Christ, " an initiative held throughout the city. This adaptation of a Mexican Advent tradition includes elements of justice initiatives profiled in the current KAIROS campaign. The event is a short justice-related "no room at the inn" enactment with Mary and Joseph seeking shelter at a church "inn" each Sunday during Advent. Regina churches numbering 14 participated in 2006, reaching 3,000
people in the pews. Each year the number increases with two communities outside Regina interested for 2007. More information can be obtained from Bert Pitzel (bpitzel@archregina.sk.ca) or Dick Peters (dickpet@sasktel.net). Other information coming from the meeting is that a book on the nuclear industry written by a member of KAIROS Fort Qu'Appelle will be published in the spring. Canada's Deadly Secret: Saskatchewan Uranium and the Global Nuclear System promises to be a solid educational reference guide for all, most especially for advocates of alternate safer and cleaner renewable energy sources. KAIROS Calgary is planning another "Churches Doing Good Stuff " event which will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2007, from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 1009, 15th Ave. SW. Calgary. Workshops will be on issues related to Water, Homelessness and Corporate Responsibility. Updates on the National Directions and Strategies for 2006 - 2010, which KAIROS is adopting, are the planned agenda items. Register by January 15 with Alison at (403) 243-5478 or on line at http://www.kairoscalgary.ca/event200701 20.php. Lunch will be served. The charge for the event is $15.00. KAIROS Fort Qu'Appelle will be hosting the 2007 annual meeting at the Calling Lakes Centre on the weekend of September 28.
Moose Jaw Amalgamations Celebrated by Four Former Congregations by Arleen Champion MOOSE JAW (Qu’A) - In 2000 Moose Jaw’s four Anglican congregations were struggling to survive. Dwindling numbers, ageing congregations, part-time clergy and finances challenged them. Today through a courageous leap of faith, they are one. The congregations of St. Barnabas, St. George, St. John, and St. Michael amalgamated October 1, 2003, and the new congregation of St. Aidan was born. As these congregations amalgamated, each had a church building. The plan was to sell all of them and construct a new building. The St. George and St. Michael buildings were closed in 2003 and all four buildings were placed on the market. The St. George property sold last August. The St. Michael building remains on the market. The new congregation continued to use the St. Barnabas and St. John facilities while they waited for the buildings to sell. Last year it became apparent that due to financial reasons constructing a new church building was not feasible at that time and the congregation voted to renovate either St. Barnabas or St. John for their permanent home. As part of the discernment, both buildings were left on the
market as the people of St Aidan prayed for guidance as to which of these buildings they were to keep. In October, 2006, an offer was received on St. Barnabas and that sale is pending. After months of prayer and discernment and of struggling to choose between St. Barnabas and St. John, it seemed that God had spoken through the offer on St. Barnabas: the St. John building would become the home of St. Aidan Anglican Church. Recently the congregation gathered for a thanksgiving luncheon to acknowledge and give thanks to God for the many blessings they have received through this amalgamation. What was bantered about for decades, what seemed like an impossibility but at the same time the only option six years ago, what many congregations today know they should be considering: the people of Moose Jaw have done. The past three years have not been without challenge but no one would turn back. It has been a time of learning to love, accept, give, compromise and trust as they worked to blend the congregations but the sense of community and family is growing stronger all the time. They have experienced the miracle of uniting and have seen the evidence of God’s hand in every step they have taken. Thanks be to God.
Living Spirit Youth Coffee House Evening Had Something For Everyone by Ivan Millard REGINA - “We called and you came” began the thank you article on the Web site of Living Spirit Youth (http://livingspirityouth.googlepages.com/ ) The youth ministry of the tri-congregation was thanking those who participated in their Coffee House recently. Obviously pleased with the response from the three congregations and beyond they said, ”From music to improv to poetry to hoola-hoops – the diversity was truly awesome!” The Living Spirit Centre is the home for a shared ministry for three congregations: Bread of Life Lutheran, Eastside United and St. Philip Anglican. The organizers, Shannon McAllister, Echo Fettes, Vici Nelson and McKenzie Hird, put together an exceptionally enter taining evening. The phrase “youth ofall ages’ was certainly applicable. There were the Living Spirit Children’s Choir, youngsters in their first or second year of music lessons; older students singing, playing jazz piano or classical violin; a high school improv group and a few older folks, who remember being students, doing readings. They kept the full
house listening, laughing and clapping for over an hour and a half. Some families who intended to leave early ignored their children’s bedtime and stayed to the end. The coffee, cake and conversation that followed were good too. The event, entirely planned and organized by Living Spirit Youth, raised over $300 for Action By Churches Together (ACT) International which is a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies world wide.
photo Kris Dueck
"There is more to life than merely increasing its speed."
Stephannie and flute
Mahatma Ghandi
photo Arleen Champion
The Reverend Allen Doerksen, incumbent of St. Aidan Church with Doug Chadwick and Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson at the deconsecration of the St. Barnabas/Moose Jaw building. Mr. Chadwick attended both the opening of the building in 1935 and the closing in 2006.
2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, February 2007
LETTERTOTHE EDITOR
EDITOR’S RESPONSE
The Editorial (page 2) of the January 2007 issue of The Saskatchewan Anglican asks important questions that deserve discussion. It should be noted, first, however, that the recent Liberal Party Convention should not be taken in any way as a model for an Anglican Synod; the Anglican church is not, whatever appearances may suggest, the Liberal Party at prayer. The Liberal Party seeks to win an election; the Anglican church seeks the mind of God. The editorial asks if we can unite behind whatever decisions are made at Synod. Unity among Anglicans is devoutly to be desired, but our own history proclaims that Anglicans believe principle is more important than unity, otherwise our sixteenth century predecessors would not have suffered papal excommunication and separation from the Western church. The editorial asks also the old familiar question: what would Jesus do? In fact, that is a question no one can answer; the Gospels are not, after all, biography. But the sentimental reading of the Gospels under the aegis of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a far cry from the conviction of the first interpreters of the message of Jesus., who recognized in his gospel a message that was both loving and severe, a message of both mercy and judgment, of both inclusion and exclusion. The question we must ask is this: what does it mean to be (not 'orthodox' but) catholic and apostolic - two terms we regularly affirm as the sine qua non of the faithful church? We claim an episcopal tradition in the succession of the apostles; we claim a liturgical tradition rooted in the emergence of the incipient catholic church. Is it only the Christian moral tradition, where we are challenged in our everyday living, that can be abandoned without loss of apostolicity ? Can moral traditions that have been handed down throughout the ages by the church catholic, that have been adopted 'always, everywhere, and by all,' be negated by a small minority of culturally constructed Christians without the loss of catholicity? Or do we need the patience to await a truly catholic consensus before we depart from a tradition bequeathed to us as catholic faith and practice?
I wish to thank Mr. Sider for his erudite and thoughtful reply to the January editorial. Constructive debate is not only welcome, but sorely needed in today’s society. There was no intent to infer that there is now or ever will be any similarity between the aims, objectives, or motivations of any political party and an Anglican synod. I was merely pointing out what I perceived to be laudable values and principles which were expressed by some individuals. They just happened to be stated at a political convention, which is immaterial. Mr. Sider goes on to point out that “unity is devoutly to be desired”, but over the course of time Anglicans have valued principle over unity. While it is agreed that unity is highly desireable, I would hope and pray that the principles which Anglicans value the most highly are, in fact, unifying principles, as emulated in recent history by varioous ecumenical initiatives, rather than discordant principles which too often focus on the desire for rigid adherence to a status quo. This is not to say that all must be pleased, or even satisfied with a decision which challenges their own interpretation of moral or theological values, but perhaps it is incumbent upon each of us to at least make an attempt to understand the opposing points of view and re-evaluate our own positions in light of those factors which the majority have espoused in reaching their decisions.
Mending Creation An Environmental Justice Camp
Parish Nurse Education Program SASKATOON For Registered Nurses, Clergy and Congregations interested in Health Ministry within the church the Parish Nurse Education Program levels 1, 2 and 3 will be presented by Interchurch Ministries Saskatchewan in partnership with The Lutheran Theological Seminary at the University of Saskatchewan, March 2007 (Friday Evenings and Saturdays) March 3rd and 4th , 9th and 10th , 23rd and 24th and, the 30th and 31st . For More Information or a registration brochure contact Elaine Hesje, Registrar, Phone: 652-4524 or E-mail: hevhesje@sasktel.net; or Mary Tyler, Parish Nurse Coordinator Phone 374-3175 or Email: dave.tyler@shaw.ca. Mending Creation - Continued humanity within creation so as to advance the cause of social justice in a manner consistent with the Gospel announced by Jesus Christ. To ensure input from a variety of perspectives an attempt will be made to draw 50% of participants from the under 30 age group (minimum age is 18) and 50% from the over 30 age group says their Web site. Over the course of six days, Environment Justice Camp will immerse participants in one of seven groups which tentatively will focus on one of the following themes: water, buildings, land, energy, food, planning and community. Academic credit is also available.
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Welcoming Back the Light by Frank Flegel LUMSDEN (QuA) - Participants at the December 16 seventh annual Winter Solstice celebrations, Welcome Back the Light, battled cold, blustery weather but were not deterred. About 50 people showed up at St. Michael's Retreat Centre, listened to the four person Lumsden High School Jazz Band, warmed themselves by the fireplace and later listened to story teller Vince Murphy. The theme of Murphy’s story was about patience and transformation and told of a tree in hurry to grow up. As a sprig in the ground it asked a passing bear then a deer to stretch it but it complained that it hurt. Both animals told the tree it would just have to have patience and grow slowly. Following his story the group walked to the labyrinth nestled in the nearby hills. They carried glow sticks to light their way in the near dark. A bonfire was set and all took part in a singalong. They also shot off some fireworks as part of the celebrations. Following the celebrations at the labyrinth the group walked back to the Retreat House and enjoyed a soup and sandwich light lunch. Chairman of the ecumenical board that administers St. Michael’s Centre, the Reverend Kevin Lynch OFM, said he was happy with the turnout given the lousy weather. “We had more than double the registrations than last year but about 11 o'clock people began phoning to say they wouldn’t be coming.” The Winter Solstice actually occurred December 21 at 6:22 p.m. but the celebrations were held on Saturday the 16th to make it easier for working people to attend. St. Michael’s Retreat Centre is owned by the Franciscan Friars but administered by an ecumenical board with representatives from the Anglican , Lutheran and Roman Catholic faith traditions.
Environment Justice Camp is a six-day immersion in justice issues and justice making. 70 participants will gather first on the REGINA - The Diocese of Qu’Appelle Sunday Night at the University of Victoria is offering a bursary for youth/young Interfaith Chapel to worship and share adults to attend the Environmental Justice together. Camp on Mending Creation, May 13 to 19 On Monday, we spend time reflecting at Victoria, British Columbia. on the theme MENDING CREATION. The third annual Eco-Justice camp, this We will be oriented to specific environMending Creation - Continued time sponsored by the Anglican Diocese mental challenges affecting us on the West These groups will travel together, will of British Columbia, is for Anglican Coast of Canada. We will be introduced to participate in dynamic work projects, and young adults, 18 years and over, from any- our immersion groupings of 10 people. will study together. The groups will return where in Canada according to their Web These groups will begin their reflections each evening to residence at the site <justicecamp.org>. Justice Camps are together. And yes, we will have fun. It is, Robert D Sider University of Victoria where we will live 304 Arthur Ave Saskatoon SK S7N 1J3 a collaboration of General Synod’s Eco- after all, a “camp.” together. Justice Committee and PWRDF. They Tuesday through Thursday, these (St John's Cathedral, Saskatoon) On Friday and Saturday, we relocate to envision a series of Justice Camps across immersion groups will spread over the Church of the Advent in Colwood (just Canada to build leadership skills among Southern Vancouver Island to immerse Corrections: outside the Victoria area) for specific Anglicans and other people of faith on themselves in projects relating to: In St Mary's Children, January 2007 issues of peace, justice, and ecology. work together in the larger group. We will Coastal waters issue, the name of the photographer and share our immersion experiences with the Through immersion in local environInland waters the names of the children in the photo was mental projects and learning centres comlarger group using a “stations” model. Lands and forests inadvertently omitted. The caption should bined with theological reflection, academResource persons will also help us to preClimate Change and buildings have read: photo Andrea Norberg and left ic study and community-building, pare for re-entry into our home communiClimate Change and energy to right: Jacob and Martin. The ties, now with a particular strategy and Environment Justice Camp will be an Climate Change and transportation Saskatchewan Anglican regrets the omissupport for action. opportunity to explore the place of The re-shaping of our communities This is in many ways the most impor Published 10 months per year with one summer issue Managing Editors: Fred Stephens, 51 - 10th St. NE, between May and September Weyburn SK. S4H 1G8 Phone 306-842-7235 Published from 51 - 10th Street NE, For change of address, undeliverable Email: candfstephens@sasktel.net Weyburn SK S4H 1G8 copies and subscription list updates contact: Qu’Appelle: Barbara-Lynn Dixon, 41 Angus Crescent Printed and mailed from Signal Star Publishing your parish, circulation@national.anglican.ca or send to Regina SK S4T 6N1 Phone: 306-525-6935 A division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Saskatchewan Anglican c/o Anglican Journal, Email:bldixon@accesscomm.ca Goderich ON N7A 4B6 80 Hayden Street Toronto ON M4Y 3G2 Saskatoon: Peter Coolen, 820Avenue I South Subscription rate: Published by the dioceses of Qu’Appelle, Saskatoon SK S7M 1Z3 Phone: 306-244-0935 $10.00 in Canada; $17.00 outside Canada Saskatoon and Saskatchewan. Email: ptrcoolen@sasktel.net Whole No. 292, Vol. 33, No. 5 All submissions must be sent to the Saskatchewan: The Reverend Christopher Snook, Publications Mail Agreement No. 40069670 Associate Editors by the beginning of the last week of the month prior to the month preceeding P.O. Box 198 Paradise Hill SK S0M 2G0 A Section of Anglican Journal Phone 306-344-5405 Email: saskangl@sasktel.net publication.
The Saskatchewan Anglican,- February 2007 3
OBITUARIES MARLOR, The Venerable John
COMERFORD, The Reverend Philip
Bishop’s Message Churchgoing as a Revolutionary Act by Anthony Burton Bishop of Saskatchewan
Photo Contributed
Philip and Maude Comerford
Photo Contributed
John Marlor SASKATOON - Archdeacon John Marlor died peacefully at his home on Sunday, December 3rd, 2006. Born and raised in Calgary Alberta, John attended university at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina and St. Chad's College in Regina. John was ordained deacon in 1963 and priested in 1964. He served parishes in Calgary, Strathmore and Gleichen, and retired in 2000 after serving the parish of All Saints, Saskatoon for 30 years. After retirement he continued to officiate at bi-weekly services at St. Stephen's, Merrill. John took great pleasure in gardening, hockey, model railroading, spending time in the mountains and Shuswap Lake BC, as well as his Tuesday morning “Perfectionist Club” John took great pride in his whole family, He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Elta Fee; daughters, Rachel (Richard) and Jennifer (Alan); and his sister, Dorothy Mansbridge (Red Deer). His grandchildren were a continual source of joy for him - Hillary, Kevin, Vanessa, Heather, Gabrielle and his two "grandpuppies", Holly and Nicholas. Requiem was celebrated at All Saints Anglican Church, Saskatoon on Thursday, December 7th, with Bishops Andrews, Burton and Morgan assisting the rector, Archdeacon Richard Spencer. Interment was at St. Stephen's, Merrill on the Valley Road. Mending Creation - Continued tant part of the camp. So often, people attend conferences and workshops which generate much enthusiasm but are not well suited to enable people to participate meaningfully in their home communities and environments. The mixture of experienced advocates with energetic younger participants represents the genius of this educational model. The mixture of local participants with those “from away” will help us maintain both local and a broader perspective. Justice making must occur in those places which we call “home” wherever that home may be.
SASKATOON - The Reverend Philip Comerford died peacefully in his sleep, on the morning of December 21st, at the age of 97 having lived a full and long life. Philip was born in Dublin, Eire in 1909 and began his working life as a draftsman with the Irish Railways. From 1938 to 1948, Philip worked as a missionary in the jungles of Paraguay for the South American Missionary Society. In Paraguay he developed a life-long interest in animals, most particularly snakes and amassed a collection that he kept for nearly 50 years; he was only to happy to introduce his collection to anyone who dared ask. In 1948, Philip returned to Ireland, where he worked for Fry Cadbury and, in 1952, he married Maude Montgomery. In 1954, their family doubled in size with the birth of twins, Henry and Valerie. In 1961, Philip emigrated to Canada with his family and entered Emmanuel College, Saskatoon. Two years later, in 1963, he was ordained at St. Alban's Cathedral, Prince Albert by the Right Rev. William H.H. Crump and, the following year, was priested. Philip initially served parishes in the dioceses of Athabasca and Saskatchewan. In 1968, he began his longest appointment, in the Parish of Radisson, Maymont and Borden in the Diocese of Saskatoon, where he served 11 years. Philip lived and exemplified a life that was full of adventure, purpose and conviction. His service to God blessed many people. Philip was predeceased by his wife, Maude in 1997. He is survived by his son, the Reverend Dr. Henry Comerford, rector of St. George's, Saskatoon and his wife Sara and grandchildren, Aaron (fiancée Mandy Tempel) and Shannon; and by his daughter, Valerie and her husband, Bob Pankratz and granddaughters, Tiffany and Shenelle. Visitation for family and friends was held at Saskatoon Funeral Home on Wednesday evening, December 27th; the funeral service, which was held at St. John's Anglican Cathedral, Saskatoon on Thursday, December 28th, 2006, was officiated at by Bishop Rodney Andrews and was followed by a reception in the church hall and interment at Radisson Cemetery.
"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping in the same room as a mosquito" Dalai Lama
A few years ago I saw in a church newspaper an article on the steep decline in churchgoing - 'Anglican Church leaner and fitter,' it read. Apart from its panicked absurdity, the headline was interesting. It suggested that going to church doesn't indicate anything that matters. There are the pure, real, committed Christians who go to church for the right reasons - by this analogy the muscle-and then there is the fat, the people who go for the wrong reasons, to look good to their neighbors and to impress the boss. It suggests that all those unspiritual churchgoers are an encumbrance, possibly damaging to the health of the congregations. Better to be free of that spare tire. The headline seemed like something from another era. Who today, above the Mason-Dixon Line, goes to church to get ahead in society? And if the church consists of sheep and goats, is it safe to assume that a reduced church is a goatfree church? One of the many things the Good Shepherd was clear about was that sheep wander. All of this made me reflect on what kind of act getting up on Sunday morning and going to church is. Why should we do this? Can't I be spiritual at home? In our generation, the reasons usually given have to do with our individual spiritual development. Most people think of the church as meeting their needs, giving direction to their lives, encouragement in their walk with the Lord, hope to get through the week. All of this is true, in fact critically true, though people often forget that the primary purpose for going to church is to worship God. A service that is primarily about meeting the needs of the individual members of the congregation may be helpful but is not, strictly speaking, worship. Moreover, there is a social side to going to church which is important too, a dimension that is not about the individual consumer of religious experience. In an era where 'being fed' is the main reason many people go to church, it is important to remember that we don't live simply for ourselves. There is no easier way of encouraging your fellow Christians than showing up on Sunday morning, standing with them as they confess the Creed, kneeling with them as a fellow penitent, and affirming your common membership in Christ in the Holy Communion. And churchgoing is just as important as a witness to those who don't know Christ. When I was a child, it was generally thought that churchgoing was good for society - an idea which often gets sneered at today. Of course, churchgoing was good for society then. It is even better for society now that it has become unusual. The root of all of the problems of the society we live in is forgetfulness of God. The disorders of the world are frequently attributed to other things - globalisation, the clash of cultures or religions, colonialism, technology, global warming and so
Photo Archive
The Right Reverend Anthony Burton increasingly lost hope. Jesus taught us that we must choose between God and the kingdoms of this world. The society in which we live continually proclaims that it has no king but Caesar, indeed that there is no king but Caesar. How should Christians respond to this? With three revolutionary acts: get up, get the kids dressed, and get going.
Upcoming events Diocese of Qu’Appelle February 5 to 8 The clergy retreat will be held at St. Michael’s Retreat Centre, Lumsden. February 9 to 11 Begin Anew, a weekend for the separated, divorced or widowed will be held at St. Michael’s Retreat Centre, Lumsden, starting at 7.45 p.m. Friday until 1.00 p.m. Sunday. This is a time to look at some issues in relationships which have changed or ended. It will be a time to listen, to be alone and a time to share. The retreat team will be Linda Benoit and Harold Claffey. Cost $135. For information phone 306.731.3316 or e-mail <office@stmichaelsretreat.ca>. February 21 Luther College at the University of Regina will have a Night at the Improv. For further information, please call the University Campus at 306.585.5333 or toll-free at 1.800.588.4378. February 23 to 25 Women Healing Together, a weekend retreat at St. Michael’s Retreat Centre/Lumsden devoted to women in recovery will be held from 7.45 p.m. Friday to 1.00 Sunday with Helena Fitzgerald BScN,MPS. The cost is $135. Please phone 306.731.3316 for more information.
"Faith is a living, restless thing. It cannot do nothing. We are not saved by works; but if we do no works, there must be something wrong with our faith." Martin Luther
4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, February 2007
Christian Eductation Director Celebrates Twenty-two Years of Service by The Rev'd Christopher Snook PRINCE ALBERT (Sask) - A Diocese, like a parish, is sustained by its people's faithful and heartfelt service. At a quiet luncheon recently the Diocese of Saskatchewan had the opportunity to thank one of its longest serving staff members, Mrs. Noreen Hareuther, who has served faithfully for 22 years as the Diocesan Christian Education Director. She began her tenure during Bishop's Short's episcopacy and has served under two succeeding Bishops, Bishop Thomas Morgan and the current Diocesan Bishop, Anthony Burton. During this time, she notes, her position has changed considerably. Originally hired primarily to support parish leaders seeking to establish Sunday Schools and Bible Studies in their parishes, Mrs. Hareuther has in recent years taken on the additional work of coordinating summer Vacation Bible School. All of this is in addition to her work overseeing the materials in the Diocese’s Orra Sheldon Resource Centre at the Synod Office. Mrs. Hareuther speaks passionately about the Diocesan Resource Centre. Given the expense of materials and the sheer volume of parish study aids currently available, a Resource centre is able to get well-selected materials into the hands of an entire Diocese. More than this, Mrs. Hareuther has also used
many of the curricula available in the Resource centre, first during her time as a Sunday School teacher at St David's parish in Prince Albert, and then as a study group leader at her parish's Monday education nights. Her experience with different curricula has made her an invaluable guide to parishes throughout the Diocese, native and non-native alike. Twenty-two years of service is a long time. Mrs. Hareuther credits St. David's parish with nourishing her as she worked for the Diocese. It is, she says, “immensely necessary to be rooted in a parish.” St. David's is Mrs. Hareuther's childhood church, and the decades she has spent worshipping there have allowed her to see how God works over time, bringing great things out of apparently small initiatives. “When you are in a place for a long time,” she says, “you see God growing it.” Mrs. Hareuther is very involved in her parish, including its children's club, its study groups and intergenerational drama club. Though she has left her position at the Synod office, Mrs. Hareuther's heart is still for the work of Christian Education. “Christian education is what we do,” she says, speaking of the Church as a whole. Now she is taking time to “sort out what God wants me to do.” Though she is not sure what it is he wants her to do next, she is certain that God is continuing to call her to service. Thanks be to God for this remarkable witness.
Ask and Imagine Bursaries Available for Young People from Diocese of Qu’Appelle REGINA - The Diocese of Qu’Appelle is offering bursaries for young people to attend the Ask and Imagine leadership camps. Ask & Imagine is for young people in the Anglican Church from all over Canada as well as Episcopal youth from the USA. It's more than a camp, says it’s Web site <askandimagine.org>; it's more than a youth conference; it's a 10-day experience of living and learning in community with other youth and adult mentors. Ask & Imagine is about faith, new friends, adventure and selfdiscovery. Some of the topics are: leadership, social justice, theology, ministry skills, handson ministry, world issues, outdoor adventure, spiritual formation, seeing a bigger picture and more. Ask & Imagine is about faith, new friends, adventure and
self-discovery. Ask & Imagine is the place where faith meets real life. As youth in the church, this is an opportunity to open up a whole new view of who you are, your unique gifts for leadership and an understanding of living your Christian faith in our multi-faith world The dates for the camps are: May 7-18, 2007 for ages 1826 August 12-22, 2007 for youth currently in high school To make the program equally accessible to youth from anywhere in Canada the travel costs are paid for. The Faculty/School of Theology at Huron University College in London, Ontario, Canada is the home of Ask & Imagine. Please contact the Qu’Appelle synod office for information on the bursaries.
Youth for Christ: MANNA Conference a Success by Staff
photo contributed
Noreen Hareuthers
PRINCE ALBERT (Sask) More than thirty teenagers, and half as many adults, spent the November long weekend at Emma Lake, attending a diocesan youth retreat. The Rev'd Canon Don Skinner led the event on the theme: Armed! Putting on the Armour of God. The Christian band 'Elevate,' a semiprofessional group based at Briarcrest College, led the music. “What an awesome weekend!” enthused one participant. “And best of all was the worship!” The camp was held at Camp Kinasao
which is insulated in the winter. The conference was brainchild of Diocesan Youth Coordinator Shawn Branch. “It has been months in the planning but it was definitely worth it,” said Capt. Branch. Participants came from across the Diocese. Bishop Burton celebrated the Sunday Eucharist and preached. The event followed on the heels of the St. Michael's Teen Camp, which doubled in attendance this summer. Some of the teens attending the weekend camp also attended the previous weekend's Diocesan Evangelism Conference in Prince Albert.
Photo contributed
Daniel Watson, of Paradise Hill, attended the retreat with youth from Onion Lake First Nation.
Photo contributed
Participants gathered for the Rev'd Canon Don Skinner's retreat addresses.
New National Indigenous Anglican Bishop Appointed The Primate announced at a Press Conference Thursday January 4 that he has hired the Right Reverend Mark MacDonald, formerly Bishop of Alaska, for a staff position at Church House in Toronto on a three-year contract. His job will be to support the bishops with large indigenous populations in their indigenous ministries. His title will be National Indigenous Anglican Bishop and Director of the Indigenous Ministries Secretariat. Though he will remain a member of the American House of Bishops, he will be welcomed at the Canadian House to be a fresh voice of advocacy for indigenous concerns. He will facilitate discussions for improving the structures of the Church around which indigenous ministry is organized in the hope that aboriginal people might take complete responsibility for decision-making and financial selfsupport. Like the Primate, he will have no jurisdiction in any Canadian province, thought he will retain jurisdiction as Bishop of the Navajoland Area Mission in Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. Bishop MacDonald is well known in the Diocese of Saskatchewan, having been the guest of honour at the last diocesan synod. A person with a live ly wit and great spiritual, intellectual and political gifts, he will
be warmly welcomed when he has the opportunity to visit. Bishop MacDonald has had a varied ministry, holding positions in Mississauga ON, Duluth MN, Tomah, WI, Mauston, WI, Portland OR, and the Southeast Regional mission of the diocese of Navajoland. Immediately prior to his ordination to the episcopate, Bishop MacDonald was Canon Missioner for Training in the Diocese of Minnesota and vicar of St. Antipas'Church, Redby, and St. John-in-theWilderness Church, Red Lake, Red Lake Nation. Married on November 11, 1989, Mark and his wife, Virginia Sha Lynn, have three children: daughters Rose May Li, Brenna Li, and one son, Adrian Blake. Taken from the Diocese of Saskatchewan web site
"There were some sailors in a boat, which started to ship water. One sailor began to dig a hole under his seat to let the water out. The others stopped him at once. He was very surprised and rather angry. 'What right have you got to stop me?' he said. 'I was digging a hole under my seat, not yours.'" Jewish parable
Companion dioceses of Qu’Appelle The Diocese of West Malaysia The Diocese of West Malaysia will have a new bishop. Archbishop John Chew and the diocesan bishops of the Province of the Anglican Church in South East Asia have announced the appointment of Canon Ng Moon Hing as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of West Malaysia. Consecration and Enthronement of Canon Ng will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2007, at St. Mary Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur according to the diocesan Web site. The Diocese of Lichfield The Diocese of Lichfield has reported that in churches throughout the diocese the attendance at services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day have been higher than usual. Over the past five years attendance has been rising steadily across the Church of England and Lichfield Diocese has been part of this trend, says Lichfield communications.
"The holy scriptures were not given to us that we should enclose them in books, but that we should engrave them upon our hearts." St John Chrysostom
The Saskatchewan Anglican, February 2007 - 5
Profile of a Dedicated Parishioner
Archivist Honoured with Memorial Room by Staff
photo Debbie Deneve
Violet Dethridge REGINA Violet Dethridge had been a member of other Anglican Churches in the past; however for the last 70 years she has been a member of St. Matthew Church. Living in Regina as a young child Violet remembers taking parting in her first Sunday school Christmas concert at St. Matthew. Then her father moved the family to Kamsack for a few years before returning to Regina and eventually building their family home on Winnipeg Street. Shortly afterwards Violet returned to St. Matthew. Violet’s commitment to the church continued to grow over the years. She taught the senior girls Sunday school. She sang in the choir and can remember when Billy Graham invited all the Regina church choirs to form into a city-wide choir to assist him. On Sunday morning Violet helped the older children from Embury House, a home for young people located on Winnipeg Street, to follow along in the Prayer Book and participate in the service. Violet Dethridge became involved with the evening branch of the Women’s Auxiliary (W. A.). As time moved on she noticed that some of the older women did not like going out in the evenings. She asked and received permission from the Reverend Ken Earl to host a social gathering for these women at her house in the
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afternoon. It wasn’t long before this gathering became a bible study. Years later Violet sold her house and moved to an apartment and continued with the bible study group for a further 19 years.Eventually it was time to leave her apartment and move into Qu’Appelle House. She was delighted to find that there was an active bible study group there which she promptly joined. The Education for Ministry (EFM) Program, which is a four year commitment, is a bible study program where one has the opportunity to learn about the bible and get to understand scripture within its historical and literary setting. When Violet was 95 years of age she graduated from the EFM Program. She knows that she missed a class or two and realises how important the classes were and wanted the opportunity to catch up. She believes that there is a lot more to learn about the bible and has signed up for another session of EFM to continue to learn God’s ways. One of the little girls that Violet taught in Sunday school so many years ago is now enrolled in the same EFM class with Violet today. Who would have thought that would ever happen. Violet touches the lives of many people as she continues in her ministry and lives her life as God has requested of her. The congregation of St. Matthew is blessed to have her as a part of the church family.
PRINCE ALBERT (Sask) - Mrs. Verna Redhead, who was instrumental in the revival of the Diocese of Saskatchewan Archives, was honored last week by having a room in the Diocesan Synod Office named after her. Mrs. Redhead retired this year from the Archives after ten years of voluntary service. Before the dinner held in her honour at the Synod Office Dec. 7, Bishop Burton told the story of how the Archives had been transformed over the last decade from a basement storage room full of mostly unsorted boxes of documents to the most professional Anglican Archive in Western Canada and one of the best in the country. “It is one thing to talk about lay ministry in theory,” said the Bishop, “but Verna has shown us all how Christ can give us a vision and help us bring it to pass-if we are willing to cooperate with Him. Verna disdained to be daunted or discouraged: day by day, year by year, she worked with her friends to make it a reality.” Following the death of Mrs. Redhead's husband, the Rev. Fred Redhead, Bishop Burton in 1996 appointed Mrs. Redhead as Chair of a committee to take the Archival records of the Diocese in hand. One of the other members of the committee, Jackie Hobbs, immediately joined Verna in spearheading the practical work involved in this project. Together they
Photo Contributed
Verna Redhead and her Grandaughter, Alison
New Rector for All Saints Church Regina REGINA - All Saints Church will have a new rector in February. Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson has announced that the Reverend Dr. Patricia McCarthy has accepted the appointment as incumbent of All Saints effective February 15. Ms. McCarthy was
be concerned about, simply because of the costs. They are asking for donors to help get the magazine into the hands of the people who appreciate it most, places where a one-year subscription would be the equivalent of a month's salary. We are asked to pray for them as they continue the ministry of communications in the Anglican Communion and they invite us to share stories, photos and the sharing of the good news that permeates so much of our global Church.
arranged for two Provincial Government grants to bring to the Diocese two professional archivists -- Jeff O'Brien and Faye Hutchison -- on contracts to teach them to set up the Archives on a professional footing, and to assist with the work.The collection was to be organized, catalogued, and described under the Rules of Archival Description. Every straight pin - which were used before the invention of the stapler - was removed; every document sorted and placed into acid-free folders and boxes. In 1998, following the Opening Doors Campaign, the Synod Office was moved to its present building, and three aboveground rooms were dedicated to the Archives, two of which were without windows and had almost perfectly stable atmospheric conditions for archival preservation. Mrs. Redhead and Mrs. Hobbs often spent five mornings a week in the Archives. In 2002, Mrs. Rae Benson joined the project and eventually succeeded Mrs. Redhead as Archivist. This year Marina Lyons, Pauline Bird, and Carolyn McCready joined the volunteer Archive team. The Archives of the Diocese of Saskatchewan are a unique index of the history of the Province of Saskatchewan from 1850 until the present day. The Anglican Church was key in the development of the Province, establishing for example the University of Saskatchewan at Prince Albert in 1879.
ordained deacon in
1982 at All Souls Church, Toronto, and ordained priest at the Cathedral of the
i
Redeemer, Calgary, n 1993. She received her education at St. Michael College, University of Toronto, and
at the
University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. The Reverend McCarthy has served in various parishes in the Diocese of Calgary and is presently the incumbent at
St. John the Divine in the Diocese of Niagara at Cayuga. Ms. McCarthy brings many talents to All Saints as she has served as hospital chaplain, camp director and chaplain, trauma specialist, pastoral care ministry developer, spiritual director, retreat director and ministry developer. Her induction has been set for March 4 at 7 p.m.
"If you are in need of help, he is strength. If you are in dread of death, he is life. If you are fleeing the darkness, he is light." St Ambrose
6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, Febeuary 2007
Hearing the Word of God: A Sermon for Sexagesima Sunday by The Reverend Christopher Snook PARADISE HILL (Sask) Sexagesima Sunday is the second of three Sundays dedicated to preparing us for Lent in the calendar of the Book of Common Prayer. The Canon theologian of the Diocese of Saskatchewan, the Rev'd Dr. Robert Crouse, observes the following: “...between Epiphany and Lent, there are three Sundays, with ancient Latin names: Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima - the seventieth, sixtieth, and fiftieth days (approximately) before Easter. The intention of these three weeks is to prepare us to undertake the journey and the labour, the pilgrimage of Lent...these preparatory weeks introduce Lent as a journey, a pilgrimage, a labour: an exercise in growth to spiritual maturity, a putting off of "childish things" - a struggle to follow Christ through suffering to risen life. Spiritual maturity is indeed for each of us a struggle: a struggle to wean ourselves from worldliness, to attain a liberty of spirit which is not subservient to whims and appetites and vain imaginings, but rather weighs and judges all things by the word of God made manifest in Jesus Christ.” If I were a more daring preacher I would ask each of you this morning what you have heard in the past three weeks. No doubt each of you would tell me that you have heard a great many things: you have heard news about family and friends, you have heard the t.v. and the radio, you will have heard good news and bad news. But if I were more daring, I would ask you a deeper and a harder question: what have you heard from God in the past three weeks? For that matter, what have you heard from God since we first began worshipping together? This morning Christ himself asks us this question: What have you heard? “Those who have ears to hear,” he says, “let them hear.” What have you been hearing from Christ? What does it mean to hear God at all? This morning's Gospel lesson is about hearing the Word of God. You will know the parable well. A sower, God, sows his seed. The seed is the Word of God, and it falls on different types of soil. Some of it falls by the wayside, where it is trampled down and eaten by birds. Some falls on rocky ground, where it springs up and then withers for want of water. Some falls amongst the weeds where it is choked, and some - just a little falls on good ground where it grows up and produces fruit. Jesus tells us that the different
types of soil represent the different responses the Word of God receives in our hearts. In some hearts the devil snatches away the Word, in some temptations uproot it, and in some the cares and pleasures of this life, like weeds, choke and strangle it. But in the good soil, in the good heart, the Word produces the fruit of righteousness: meekness, patience and love. The message of the parable is powerful and clear: to hear the Word of God is to produce fruit; to hear God in our hearts, is to be changed by him. Good soil is soil that is transformed by Christ's presence in it. And so we return to our question: What have you or I heard from God recently? Have we heard anything? In the images of the parable, does the soil of our hearts produce good fruit for the Lord? That fruit, the lesson says, is the sign of our hearing. The sad truth of our hearts and lives is that they often do not produce good fruit. This is true of us individually and corporately. Our hearts can be like the parable's wayside, where the devil steals God's word away. Or they can be stony ground, where God's word has been present but is not watered by prayer and fellowship and discipline and so dries up. And our hearts can be like the seed sown among weeds, where our daily preoccupations strangle our spiritual lives, so that the time we would give to God is distracted and burdensome at best. The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray, as the poet writes, and our best intentions to live the best of lives often fail. If this is true in your life, as it is in mine, then take heart. It is a very hopeful thing that St Paul reminds us in our Epistle reading this morning that “if I must needs glory, I will glory in the things concerning my infirmities.” For each of us who comes to worship with weaknesses, with a heart that is some days stoney, some days dry, Paul reminds us that God does not expect us to be strong. God wants our weakness, because when we see that we are weak and that the lives we desire and the goodness we seek are beyond our power, only then will we cast ourselves upon him. Then he can make our hearts good soil so that we can hear his Word. There is no good soil, no good heart, which has not first been made good by him. And so we must bring him our weakness - we haven't anything else to offer. This is the meaning of today's Collect in which we pray, “O Lord God, who seest that we put not our trust in anything that we do: Mercifully grant that by
thy power we may be defended against all adversity.” It is his power that makes our hearts good soil, and his gracious love that sends to them the seed of his Word. This is a crucial lesson for the Christian life, and it is a lesson that not only must be learned before Lent begins in ten days time, but which will largely be the central lesson of Lent, as it is the central lesson of our faith. Christianity is not about God making good hearts better, but about God making old hearts, dry and hard hearts. This is the drama we will witness in the desert of Christ's fasting and, ultimately, in the victory of his Cross. “Behold, I make all things new” - including the soil of our hearts and the fruit they produce. For those of us who fear that we have not nurtured the seed planted in our hearts by God's love, today we are reminded not to fear. God sends his seed abundantly, and sends yet more and more to those in need - indiscriminently, liberally, with abandon. The Word comes - in the Sacrament of Holy Communion, in the Word of God read prayerfully, in deeds of mercy and kindness. We need only embrace the seed with faith, fidelity and patience. And God himself will tend the garden of our souls. May God grant us a holy Lent as we prepare ourselves to be made new, once again, this Easter. “But on the good ground are they which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Amen.
THREE JOYFUL ORDINATIONS
Fashion Show a Fall Highlight
photo Carolyn Alexander
left to right : Joan Ripplinger, Karen McBride Dixon, Becky Petersen, Naidene Thompson, Jeanette Kozack, Joanne Dawson, Kim Engel, Joy Schabel, Erica Taylor by Olive White REGINA - St. Matthew Church held it’s sixth annual Fashion Extravaganza in October with 130 ladies and some very brave men in attendance. The lower hall was brightly decorated in autumn leaves and pumpkins in a variety of colours. Guests from many parts of the community arrived early as they wanted to be sure to get the perfect place to sit. Lunch was the first event of the day with a delicious spinach quiche baked to perfection served in a tender crust. Nestled beside the quiche was a colourful layered salad. For dessert the men of the parish served coffee
THREE JOYFUL ORDINATIONS (Cont’d) Later that month, on November 21, the Rev'd Wilfred Sanderson was ordained to the diaconate at James Smith Reserve. The Rev'd Sanderson and his wife Theresa have beenlay readers in the community for years. His ordination was a joyful event for the entire community.
and tea to go with the variety of home-made dainties. At last it was time to get comfortable and enjoy the lovely fashions from Henry’s Clothing Boutique. Joan Ripplinger was once again the coordinator and commentator for the event. The eight models were all members of St. Matthew. After the Fashion Show everyone was invited to go upstairs to view the beautiful church interior and the stained glass windows. All those who modelled the fashions, helped as dressers, provided the home-made dainties, served the tea and coffee and stayed to clean up felt that this event helped to make St. Matthew a visible presence in the local community.
"Lord, when we stumble, hold us. When we fall, lift us up. When we turn from goodness, turn us back. And bring us at last to your glory." St Alcuin
by the Rev'd Cristopher Snook PARADISE HILL (Sask) The final months of 2006 witnessed three joyful ordinations in the Diocese of Saskatchewan. The first was the ordination of the Rev'd Professor Walter Hannam to the priesthood on November 1, All Saints' Day. The ordination took place at St. Alban's Cathedral, Prince Albert. The Rev'd Hannam is the newly appointed Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology and Anglican Studies at the College of Emmanuel and St Chad, Saskatoon. On December 2, in the community of Shoal Lake Cree nation, another ordination to the diaconate took place. The Rev'd Mrs. Beryl Whitecap was ordained much to the joy of gathered congregation. The Rev'd Whiteacap currently teaches in Montreal Lake.
photo contributed
The Reverend Walter Hannam
The Saskatchewan Anglican, February 2007- 7
Sugar and Spice Choir a Big Hit
photo Ted Penniston
Sugar and Spice choir
Photo Contributed
Photo contributed
The Ordinand, his wife and three bishops
REGINA - Right on time the Sugar ‘n’ Spice choir members dressed in black dresses with Saskatchewan Tartan plaid scarves draped over their right shoulders lined up on the chancel steps for their annual concert in St. Matthew Church. Penny Penniston, conductor of the choir, introduced the group of 20 women as friends who love to sing and have been singing together for almost 30 years. The Christmas tree was beautifully decorated. The pews had wreaths of ivy and holly berries or bright red bows on them. The sun streaming through the stained glass windows created a soft glow in the church. It all looked so festive. The theme for the concert was the Times of Our Lives. Their beautiful beautiful voices were heard singing songs like Hey Look Me Over, Blues in the Night, Ding Dong Merrily, Winds through the Olive Trees and many more. There was a short intermission for everyone to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and have a chance to sample the assortment of dainties provided by the women of the congregation. The second half of the concert began with a variety of Christmas songs as well as a selection of songs keeping with the theme. There were songs like If You Are Mine, Fields of Gold and ending with The Way Old Friends Do. The choir received a standing ovation. It was obvious to everyone who attended the concert that the women of Sugar ‘n’ Spice enjoyed singing with each other and shared their joy and love of music with all who were there to listen. What a beautiful 90-minute experience it was to start the Advent Season.
The Ordinand, her Daughter, and the bishops
Anglican Dioceses in Saskatchewan - A Brief History (As taken from their web sites) Diocese of Saskatchewan The Diocese of Saskatchewan was created in 1873 by an act of the Synod of the Diocese of Rupert's Land. Approval for this action had been granted by the Anglican Church Missionary Society (CMS) in 1872. The first bishop of the new diocese, John McLean, was consecrated in 1874 and took up residence in Prince Albert in 1875. Originally the Diocese of Saskatchewan included most of the south and north-central areas of the present-day civil provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta, and a small portion of northern Manitoba. In 1884 the Diocese of Assiniboine (later Qu'Appelle) was created in the south-east. At the same time the Diocese acquired more territory of what is now northern Saskatchewan and Alberta, and a larger portion of Manitoba, including present day The Pas and the Devon Mission areas. In 1888 the Diocese of Calgary was created from its south western flank, with the Diocese of Edmonton being created sometime thereafter. Saskatchewan gave up the last of its Alberta and Manitoba territory in 1927 and 1933 respectively. In 1933 the Diocese split again into a northern part, the Diocese of Saskatchewan based in Prince Albert, and a southern part, the Diocese of Saskatoon. The last division was painful and highly controversial at the time. A compromise was reached by which the southern diocese around the new see of Saskatoon was granted the
Charter to assure its link with the early history, and some of the historic endowments and debts; the northern diocese would return to its roots as a primarily aboriginal missionry organization and would retain the name, some of the endowments, Bishop McLean's seal, archives and the episcopal properties. It was granted a new Charter to replace the ceded one in 1933 and a new episcopal endowment from an anonymous donor n England. All the subsequent bishops of both dioceses would claim succession to Bishop McLean.
Diocese of Qu’Appelle The Diocese of Qu'Appelle was created by the Synod of the Province of Rupert's Land. Our first bishop: Adelbert Anson, from Lichfield Diocese, was consecrated as the first bishop of Qu'Appelle on June 24, 1884. The Church of St. Paul in the city of Regina, after having pro-Cathedral status for many years, became the Cathedral of the diocese in 1973. It has always been the goal of the diocese to become self-supporting. with the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, the diocese finally achieved self-support in 1975. Worship and liturgy in the diocese has always been rooted in a strongly-sacramental tradition with a desire to be innovative, meeting the needs of succeeding generations . The vast area of the diocese and its sparse population, together with a
continuing decline in rural areas, has challenged the diocese to be creative with structures for local ministry and to work at giving all members of the church for ministry. The leadership and ministry of women has always been significant in the diocese. Ordained women in the diocese have held the posts of archdeacon, regional dean and honorary Canon of the Cathedral. About 15% of the population in the diocese are Aboriginal. In addition to congregations on several Reserves, the diocese is working with Native people to establish ministries in the urban native populations. In the context of a growth toward full communion, Anglican parishes are involved in a mission-outreach project in new suburban locals/ neighbourhoods, with other respective denominations, such as; Lutheran & United Church missions. In the last decade, parishes could no longer afford the traditional stipendiary priest-model of local ministry, these parishes, with the cooperation of the diocese, have developed new models of local ministry. These approaches place an emphasis on the education, supply and demand for all members of the congregation, ministry and the local discernment of leaders for Parish teams, including the selection of persons for ordination. Some urban parishes are looking at these examples to extend the ministry in the church community.
Diocese of Saskatoon 1874 - May 3rd, in the parish church of St. Mary, Lambeth, Archdeacon John McLean, of the Diocese of Rupert's Land, was consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury to be "bishop within the limits of the district of the Saskatchewan and English Rivers, with the sub-district of Fort A La Corne in the Cumberland district aforesaid, and heretofore part of the Diocese of Rupert's Land." The new Diocese incorporated what is now part of the Diocese of Brandon on the Western edge of Manitoba, all of what is now central and northern Saskatchewan, and whatwas then the Provisional District of Alberta, which was the southern part of the province. 1881 - June 10th, Bishop McLean became a Corporation Sole by ordinance number eight to incorporate the Bishop of the Church of England, Diocese of Saskatchewan, of which the see city was Prince Albert. ["Corporation Sole" is a technical term to say that the assets and decision making responsibilities of the new body corporate rest in the person of one individual, in this case, the Bishop of the Dioceses] 1882 - April 19th, the Synod of the Diocese of Saskatchewan was incorporated by amending the original Act setting up the Diocese - Act 45, Victoria Chapter 126 1888 - A major subdivision of the diocese took place when the Provincial Synod of Rupert's Land designated
8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, February 2007 Diocese of Saskatoon (Cont’d) 'the civil district of Alberta' to become the Diocese of Calgary. The Synod of the Diocese of Calgary was organized in 1889, but the second Bishop of Saskatchewan, the Right Reverend William Cyprian Pinkham, administered both dioceses, as Bishop of Saskatchewan with Calgary, until 1904, when he became first bishop of Calgary. (Calgary was subsequently further divided to form the Diocese of Edmonton) 1904 - The Right Reverend Jervois Arthur Newnham, second Bishop of Moosonee, was translated to become third Bishop of Saskatchewan. 1922 to 1931 - During the episcopate of the Right Reverend George Exton Lloyd, fourth Bishop of Saskatchewan (1992-1931), further immigration and land settlement, particularly in the northern areas of the diocese, led to a decision to establish a new diocese by the re-organization of territorities included within the Diocese of Saskatchewan and the northern areas of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle. Through the advocacy of Bishop G.E. Lloyd, a donor in England contributed the money required for the endowment of a new diocese.
1931 - Dr. William Hallam was elected fifth Bishop of Saskatchewan. 1932 to 1933 - The Diocese of Saskatchewan was divided by Act of Parliament, passed at the fourth session of the 17th Parliament (23 George V) with a subsequent Act of the Provincial Legislature of Saskatchewan (Bill 03, 1933). The name of the continuing diocese was changed to The Diocese of Saskatoon, Saskatoon becoming the see city. Bishop Hallam continued as bishop under the new title of fifth Bishop of Saskatoon. The new diocese to the north retained the old name, Saskatchewan, and received the endowment established to create a new diocese. The old Diocese, now Saskatoon, retained the original endowment, and assumed all the debts of unpaid mortgages in the diocese to the north, incurred under the name of the original diocese, plus those within its own boundaries. The first bishop of the new Diocese of Saskatchewan, the Right Reverend Walter Burd, was elected in 1932, and consecrated in 1933. The Synod of the new Diocese was incorporated by Provincial Act, March 27, 1933 (Bill No. 03 of 1933).
The Little Church that Could By Fred Stephens WEYBURN (Qu'Appelle) As you walk down Bison Avenue toward the little church on the corner, even the street name sounds pastoral. Having ascended the eight steps to the double front doors, what awaits inside is pure heaven--not the lofty arches and massive pillars of a great cathedral, but the aura of a well cared for and much loved little country church; the warmth and comfort of a welcoming pew, one central aisle, a well-used communion rail and a gorgeous stained glass window depicting the Transfiguration of Christ. The window, although worth far more than this modest congregation ever could have afforded had they had it commissioned, (and certainly not indigenous to the original design and construction of the building) nevertheless appears as if it were meant to be there, and there alone. When I enter this little church I immediately feel a sense of calm and serenity enveloping me. Gone is the hustle and bustle of daily life; gone are the wor
ries and cares of the outside world; gone is the sham of commercial exploitation which often seems to be the driving force of our society. These are replaced with a sense of community, of family, of belonging; and an air of friendship, caring and safety. Such is All Saints Church in Weyburn. One of the earliest structures in Weyburn still standing, All Saints Anglican Church was constructed and incorporated in 1906. The first full time ministry began with the arrival of the Reverend T.E. Rowe from the West Indies in 1908. He was replaced in 1911 by the Reverend William Cole, who led the congregation to self support, despite the resistance of parish leaders who proclaimed that “there are so few of us, we can't do it”. By 1912 All Saints had become self-sufficient, and the Reverend Canon Williams was appointed Rector. Over the course of the next thirty five years, this ‘little church that could’ underwent four expansions, which were paid for by the hard work and diligent efforts of the
Photo Fred Stephens
Photo Fred Stephens
Stained Glass Transfiguration Window and altar, All Saints Anglican Church, Weyburn
congregation, and particularly the Anglican Church Women, at various fundraising projects and events, accompanied, I am certain, by a healthy dose of prayerful supplication. In 1924 the stained glass window was donated to All Saints Church by its namesake, All Saints Church, Kingston-OnThames, London, England. It is a magnificent piece of stained glass artwork, and today is irreplaceable, because the formulae for some of the colours have been lost. On May 3rd, 1953, Bishop Michael Coleman formally consecrated All Saints Church. During recent years All Saints, like many churches, has been struggling. The congregation has declined, and finances have been difficult. Despite these hindrances the chuch continues, and the past year has shown some improvement in its circumstances. The dedication and commitment of the members bodes well for the future, and hopefully it will once again prove that it is, indeed, “The Little Church That Could”.
All Saints Anglican Church, Weyburn