January 2007 A Section of Anglican Journal
Boundaries: A Workshop on Setting and Applying Relationship Boundaries Between Clergy and Parishioners cese or conference to deal with sexual misconduct by clergy. Qu’Appelle Diocese, for example, has a sexual misconduct policy and protocol in place. The clergy left All Saints Church at the end of day with a better knowledge of boundary violation issues and, hopefully, a stronger desire to prevent such violations from damaging the Christian community in this province. And perhaps the next time Anglican, Lutheran, Orthodox, Roman Catholic and United Church clergy gather it will be to give thanks for a church that has the courage to tackle difficult issues for the good of us all.
50th Anniversary for Reverend Brewer by Katherine Draude photo Cheryl Toth
left to right the Reverend Susan Johnston and the Reverend Doug Rebel by the Reverend Cheryl Toth REGINA - On November 7 the hall at All Saints Church was crowded with 160 participants of all kinds of clergy, Anglican, Lutheran, Orthodox, Roman Catholic and United Church, gathered for one purpose. Their common goal was to consider a “framework of understanding boundaries in a ministerial setting.” Not just any boundaries but the appropriate boundaries in relationships between priest and parishioners. To put it negatively, to look at issues of clergy misconduct and sexual abuse in the ministerial relationship. Given the headlines about clergy misconduct that occasionally splash across the front pages of our newspapers, it is no doubt an important topic to consider together. Initiated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the workshop allowed clergy working in a variety of ministerial settings to meet and learn together. The day began with worship, reminding everyone that we gathered in God’s name and for God’s purpose. The Scripture reading, however, was an uncomfortable one. Daniel 13. 1-64 tellsthe story of an abuse of power by two elders in pursuit of a beautiful woman. It too was a reminder, a reminder that the problem of sexual misconduct was one as old as the faith community and one about which we continually need to be educated. After worship the workshop leaders, the Reverend Susan Johnston and the Reverend Doug Rebel of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, led the participants in an examination of the role and power that ministers have in a ministerial setting. They stressed that effective ministerial service happens when clergy serve their parishioners as professionals without engaging in dual relationships. A dual relationship is when a clergy person seeks to be both priest and close friend with a parishioner. Johnston stated that “a dual
relationships almost always results in the loss of a professional relationship.” In other words it is hard to be the priest to someone on whom you rely to have your personal needs met. (That’s why clergy cannot be effective priests for their spouses or children!) Clergy were asked to consider what power they have because of their role and how that power could be used wisely to serve those to whom they minister. How clergy are to effectively work with parishioners without becoming personal friends, especially in small towns or rural settings where people meet each other daily and know each other well, was not addressed. What was addressed was what happens when a priest or minister abuses the power he or she has as a pastor to meet his or her own needs for intimacy. The film Not in My Church, produced by Faith Trust Institute, was shown to illustrate this point. It told the fictionalized story of a pastor who had multiple sexual relationships with parishioners and ministry interns and how that person was brought to account. The process shown in the film demonstrated a failed and inadequate process; while frustrating to watch it did point out how far the church has come in dealing with such cases and how far it has yet to go. Following small group discussion, Johnston and Rebel outlined the characteristics of sexual abusers and the traits that make clergy at risk for boundary violation. This was a very helpful discussion as it enabled participants to do some selfassessment about their degree of risk. It is in the interest of all the denominations to minimize the danger of boundary violations to parishioners by helping clergy become more aware of the danger signals that might lead to sexual misconduct. The day ended with denominational groups looking at what policies and processes are in place in their synod, dio
ASSINIBOIA (QuA) - At the church of St. Boniface and St. Lawrence 150 guests, family and friends, gathered on September 20 to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Reverend D. C. Brewer’s ordination to the diaconate. Mr. Brewer is incumbent of the parish of Notukeu. At the celebration Holy Eucharist was presided over by Archdeacon Robert Hardwick. The Reverend David Nevett preached at the service and Delmar Pettem read the lessons. Douglas Brewer from Melville, Mr. Brewer's son, was crucifer and the torchbearers were Janet Neubauer from Swift Current and Lukas Glaeske from Messiah Lutheran Church. Also from Swift Current came Lionel Neubauer who acted as thurifer. The Reverend Brewer assisted Archdeacon Hardwick during the service. Guests sat down to a delicious supper served by the ladies of St. George Roman Catholic Church. The head table was piped in by the Reverend Duncan McClean and Master of Ceremonies, Raymond Mynett, ably carried out his duties. Chuck Keppler entertained during the supper and Christopher Draude, the Reverend Brewer’s grandson, presided over the guest book. Congratulations were offered from Kelowna, Kamloops and from various congregations throughout the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. The evening concluded with a dance with music supplied by Three for the Show.
photo: contributed
the Reverend D.C. Brewer
Restorative Justice in Action by the Reverend John Gardner REGINA - The annual Regina area Ecumenical Restorative Justice Conference was held on Saturday, November 25th, at Miller High School. This year the focus was Restorative Justice in Action in Regina. Leaders of Rainbow Youth, Healing Hearts, Cornwall Alternative School, Aboriginal Services/Circle Project, Regina Alternative Measures Program, Early Learning Centre, RCMP, Regina City Police, Saskatchewan Justice, Circles of Support and Accountability, Federal Parole Service, Provincial Justice, and Court Services each made presentations of their work with special reference to the principles of Restorative Justice. Justice was long imaged as a blindfolded woman holding a sword and scales. The blindfold implied impartiality, the sword implied punishment and the scales implied punishment that exactly fitted the crime. Restorative Justice says this image is false. The woman should take off her blindfold and try to figure out what really went wrong in order that the social damage done by crime may as far as possible be put right. There must be real concern for victims as well as providing realistic consequences for the offender aimed at restoring the social relationships which were damaged by the crime. The conference showed how far these principles are being put into action in Regina by both government and non-governmental agencies. Spokespersons of the latter gave many anecdotes of their work including, in some cases, how they came to volunteer with their agency. The various groups were able to touch base with each other, compare their approaches and inform the members of the general public who attended. There was much sharing, and many questions were raised and discussed. Fifty-four people attended. The workshop cost $10.00 including lunch. One retired cleric commented that this was the best $10.00 he had ever spent and this was met with applause.
Condo to Emmanuel and St. Chad REGINA - Tanya Condo will be leaving the Diocese of Qu’Appelle to join the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, Saskatoon, as the Director of Development. While in Qu’Appelle she served as Diocesan Financial Stewardship Officer and developed and helped congregations implement annual stewardship programs. She was active in youth ministries as a Director at Camp Harding for ages 6-9 and served on the ICQ Youth Event committee. She begins her new activities effective December 4.
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St. Mary Regina Missionary Outreach Attracts 56 Children REGINA - A very successful missionary outreach among the children of Regina was held at St. Mary/Holy Trinity Church on the afternoon of All Saints’ Saturday, November 4. Attending were 56 children ages 3 to 12 years from St. Mary/Holy Trinity and other Anglican parishes, neighbouring churches and the North Central Family Centre. The six-member planning team and 25 volunteers came and helped. Nursery care was provided for children under three. The afternoon began with a snack and worship in song and prayer. Then came The Journey of Faith with tour guides Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson and the Reverend Claude Schroeder. Part of the fun was to use the whole church building creatively for the 10 stations of The Journey. The tour began with coming down a dark stairwell into the light of the lower hall for a power point presentation of the six days of Creation. Next they came to a tree hung with candy to meet Satan and experience The Fall. Then the tour went upstairs to the lounge to find Noah's Ark and learn about The Flood. In the narthex they experienced Slavery in Egypt where they were instructed to work on a building. The next station was The Exodus where they passed between plastic walls of water into the nave; there they talked about The Gift of God's Son and Jesus' Death and New Life. The journey then led to the Baptism font where they decided to follow Jesus and renounce Satan. The tour next processed down
the isle to the altar stopping at the Food Bank Basket to put in cans of food because followers of Jesus share his work of doing good. At the altar they experienced Communion sharing angel food cake and grape juice. The final station was at the front of the sanctuary where they found a double-sided felt board with one side as a graveyard scene for each child to add a felt cross; the other side, a brilliant scene of the communion of Saints for each child to add a figure. At the end of The Journey of Faith, each group was loudly and enthusiastically welcomed to the kingdom with activities in the upper hall. Bread making produced bread for the Sunday Eucharist and also each child went home with a loaf. And for a mural based on visions described by John in the Book of Revelation, each child painted a wooden panel. The games played related to The Journey: Exodus Bowling: to clear a path from Egypt to the Promised Land; Fishing for Saints in the Cloud of Witnesses and learning about the Saints caught; Noah's Ark memory matching game and a quiz and crossword puzzle about Saints. The card making was a community building activity as each child could make a card for someone special. In the reading corner there were books with stories of the lives of Christian heroes and stories about death and dying. The afternoon ended with a hot-dog supper for children and parents.
Photo Contributed
Participants at St. Mary Missionary Outrach for Children program
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.
Bishops’ Message-The Fallacy of New Year’s Resolutions by the Right Reverend Gregory KerrWilson, Bishop of Qu’Appelle New Year’s resolutions. I’ve never liked them. It might be, to some extent, because, as with so many folk, I know I would struggle to follow through on them. It could also be due, in part, to the fact that I’ve never really been convinced that there is any significance to celebrating a change in calendar dates (although, I suppose it is as good an excuse as any to get together for a party). The most significant reason though is that I object to them on theological grounds. At least in the context of our “self-help” culture, New Year’s resolutions always seem to me to be about how I will make myself a better person, how I will fix myself; a kind of mini version of the “you are what you make of yourself” creed. The problem is that it leaves you wide open to one of two very big problems; either you fail and risk walking into large doses of self-recrimination or are successful and become a victim of pride, possibly even becoming subtly judgmental of those who are less disciplined and unable to do as you have done. Either way the outcome is not healthy nor is it holy. That is not to say, of course, that I do not believe people can grow and change or even be transformed into more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, generous, faithful, gentle and self-controlled human beings. The scriptures encourage and exhort us in many places to a change in the way we live in this world. Paul says, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12. 1,2) There is a big difference here though. Paul exhorts us to present ourselves to God in sacrifice so that we may be transformed. It is a work of God’s grace, an action of the Holy Spirit in our lives which brings about both the possibility and the reality of change, requiring only our yes and a willingness to step out in faith. And when we fail, God awaits with grace and forgiveness, offering new opportunities to try again. God is not only the creator in the original sense but also the one who continues to create as we grow up into the fullness of Christ. All the resolutions in the world will only be moments of either pride and/or fall apart from the One for whom we were created in love. The other great news is that it does not require a change in the calendar for God to offer and act for our health and holiness. God’s mercy and grace are
Managing Editor: Fred Stephens, 51 - 10th St. NE, Weyburn SK. S4H 1G8 Phone 306-842-7235 Email: candfstephens@sasktel.net Qu’Appelle: Barbara-Lynn Dixon, 41 Angus Crescent Regina SK S4T 6N1 Phone: 306-525-6935 Email:bldixon@accesscomm.ca Saskatoon: Peter Coolen, 820Avenue I South Saskatoon SK S7M 1Z3 Phone: 306-244-0935 Email: ptrcoolen@sasktel.net Saskatchewan: The Reverend Christopher Snook, P.O. Box 198 Paradise Hill SK S0M 2G0 Phone 306-344-5405 Email: saskangl@sasktel.net
always new: in every moment of every hour, of every day. “See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6.1,2)
Qu’Appelle Upcoming events January 07 January 26 - 28 A weekend retreat for recovering alcoholics will take place at St. Michael’s Retreat Centre, Lumsden, from 7:45 p.m. Friday to 1:00 p.m. Sunday. Presenters are Dominic, Donna and Kevin of the Retreat Team and guest presenters are Angeline Weenie and Don Wells. Using the event title of “Jesus’ Parables Speak To and Through Our Lives” each presenter will share a favourite parable and tell how it relates to life. Cost is $135.00. Contact: phone 306.731.3316; fax: 306.731.3807; email: office@st-michaels-retreat.sk.ca February 3 Come and be royally entertained at the “Moonlight and Roses,” Fourth Annual Gourmet Dinner (and much more) held at St. John/Ft. Qu’Appelle. Jeffrey Allan Sawatzky, nationally renowned vocalist, partnered by Jodi Scott. (Web site: http://www.jeffsawatzky.ca) will entertain. As well, there will be a silent auction of many exciting items and also a raffle. Cocktails at 6:30 p.m. Dinner at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person. For information please call 306.332.4848 or 306.332.4671.
Dial-A-Prayer There is now a Dial-a-Prayer for atheists. When you call the number, the phone rings and rings...but nobody answers.
Published monthly except July and August Published from 51 - 10th Street NE, Weyburn SK S4H 1G8 Printed and mailed from Signal Star Publishing A division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Goderich ON N7A 4B6 Subscription rate: $10.00 in Canada; $17.00 outside Canada Whole No. 292, Vol. 33, No. 5 Publications Mail Agreement No. 40069670 A Section of Anglican Journal
The Saskatchewan Anglican,January 2007 - 3
EDITORIAL
Fourth Generation Baptism at St. Giles
At the time of writing this editorial, the speeches of the candidates for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada have just ended, and I have heard some, but not all of them. Without engendering any partisanship with respect to political parties or candidates, I must admit that the ones I heard were inspired pieces of oratory, delivered by people who obviously felt very strongly about this country and the visions which they held for our future. There were some strong and recurring themes coming from the mouths of these orators; themes such as the need for unity, the party being bigger than any of the contestants, and the country being bigger than any political party. Another vision which struck me was the importance, expressed by several of the candidates, for Canada to be a moral leader on the world stage, and the duty imposed by Canadians to be a role model for other nations around the world. The emphasis was often more on principle than on program; on moral and political integrity rather than power and control. In the not too distant future the Anglican Church of Canada will be meeting in General Synod, and during the course of its proceedings will be called upon to bring to some form of conclusion the potentially divisive and at times bitter debate on the blessing of same sex unions with all the implications inherent in those decisions, regardless of the outcome. We would do well to look at some of the approaches emanating from those candidates. Each Anglican, regardless of his or her viewpoint, should be prepared to look beyond the confines of self-interest and consider some of the larger questions, such as: Are our gay and lesbian citizens the outcasts that Jesus would have reached out to were He here, incarnate, today? If so how would He respond to their demand for greater involvement in His communion? Is this an issue of individual moral conscience based on our own interpretation of scripture, or is it a scientific one based on biological and physiological research, or a combination of both; and is it a matter that can or should be resolved through doctrinal considerations? When the outcome of the deliberations is determined by General Synod, how will the grass roots and the hierarchy of the Anglican Church of Canada respond? Are we strong enough to unite behind the decisions? Can we accept that the decisions will be reached in a spirit of honesty, fairness and theological and spiritual integrity? Can we, as Canadians in the Anglican Church of Canada be a role model to the Anglican Communion around the world, in the way we have addressed this contentious issue, and have accepted the result? With the help of God, I trust we can.
Kaitlyn Amelia and Nicholas James Striha are baptised by the Reverend Mike Sinclair at St. Giles/Estevan where their grandmother, Gail Sewell and their great grandmother, Lillian Mantei were also baptised. Both grandmothers were present for the twin’s special day.
Time for Church One Sunday morning, a mother went in to wake her son and tell him it was time to get ready for church, to which he replied, “I’m not going.” “Why not?”she asked. “I’ll give you two good reasons,”he said. One, they don’t like me, and Two, I don’t like them.”
Shared Ministry in Regina Thriving (Cont’d) es added to the fervour even those who couldn’t sing were inspired to put forth a boisterous attempt. As with the choir, the parking directors, greeters and communion assistants were a mix of assigned volunteers from all three congregations. The combined congregation list totals around 1000 members (including those each denomination has on its list who are seldom seen). The Sunday school numbers of 95 could rival some public schools and the Youth Ministry involves young people from outside the three congregations. The congregations know that at times they may not serve as well as they might, they may not contribute as much as they might and there is more that they could do in the community. Still, although they were not born into a shared ministry, in doing what they are doing they believe they have “got it right.”
Basil Pogue to Mexico for PWRDF
photo Jennifer Sewell
left to right: Kaitlyn Amelia Striha, the Reverend Mike Sinclair, Nicholas James
New Associate Editor for the Diocese of Saskatoon SASKATOON - The Saskatchewan Anglican is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Peter Coolen as the Associate Editor for the Diocese of Saskatoon. He is replacing Ms. Penny McKinlay, who has served this paper and the Diocese well for the past two years. Peter has extensive experience as a professional engineer and manager. He also has considerable experience in writing, compiling and editing material for newsletters, bulletins and reports. He is an active member of Vestry at St. George's Church in Saskatoon, and has been a delegate to Synods of both the Diocese of Saskatoon and the Province of Rupert's Land. His interests and hobbies include Aikido, Shiatsu, skiing, scuba diving, art collecting and charitable activities. Peter looks forward to receiving material from parishes throughout the Diocese of Saskatoon. His contact information is in the Saskatchewan Anglican Masthead at the bottom of the second page. We welcome Peter to his new position and trust that he will find it both interesting and rewarding.
His mother replied, “I”ll give YOU two good reasons why you SHOULD go to church. One, You are fifty four years old; and Two, You are the Priest.
Shared Ministry in Regina Thriving by Ivan Millard REGINA - Twice a year Living Spirit Centre in Regina has a combined threecongregation service to remind themselves of their shared ministry mission. They share a facility but for most of the 52 weeks in the year Anglicans, Lutherans and United people follow their separate customs and traditions. There are exceptions. Saturday evening is a shared service; Lutheran and Anglican Sunday services are at the same hour so the Sunday school is combined; denominational differences do not affect the enthusiastic Youth Ministry; Wednesday Advent and Lenten services are shared; study groups are open to all and the Anglicans and Lutherans share services during July and August. But the spring and fall the three-congregation services are most interesting and encouraging. November 26 was such a Sunday. Paraphrasing another author, the Eastside United Church minister at Living Spirit Centre, the Reverend Dawn Rolke, asked in her sermon, “Don’t you find it a bit suspicious that you were born into the only religion that got it right?” She proceeded to tell everyone of her own initial examination of denominational superiority through encounters at university and encouraged all at Living Spirit Centre to move beyond the box of both superiority and inferiority. Archdeacon Helena Houldcroft also noted that, “We are going to do something un-Anglican. We will remain seated while the offertory is taken and we enjoy an anthem by the choir.” With a talented choir leading and some 300 or more voic
REGINA - Basil Pogue, coordinator for Qu'Appelle Diocesan Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF), will be one of the seven persons chosen by the national PWRDF from across Canada to be a delegation to Mexico. The purpose of the visit is to make contacts with PWRDF’s partners in Mexico, to gain firsthand knowledge of the work that PWRDF is enabling and to bring back that knowledge to share with Anglicans in Canada. PWRDF works through partner organizations in countries around the world. They do not send people from Canada to do the work. PWRDF’s Latin America/Caribbean program emphasises training for capacity building, advocacy and policy work. It also focuses on building and strengthening networks and grassroots groups to effect social change and lobbies for human, economic social and cultural rights. It supports organizations and individual efforts aimed at strengthening democracy and reducing or eliminating inequalities based on race, social class and gender. Much of the work in Mexico focuses on issues such as the exploitation of cheap labour in the maquilas (sweat shops) and violence against women as well as issues faced by indigenous women and working women. The delegation will meet with K’inal Antzetik staff in Mexico City and travel with them to indigenous communities in south central Mexico. They also hope to meet with members of Peace Brigades International and as well as visit the Centre for Women’s Rights in Cuidad Chihuahua and the Paso del Norte Human Rights Centre. The delegates will visit places that are well away from the normal tourist track as well as meeting people few visitors ever contact. PWRDF is inviting help/assistance in paying for the travel and other costs estimated at $3,500 per person. Each delegate is being asked to attempt to raise $1,000 towards that total and it is hoped these funds will come from the local parish and diocese.
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Basil Pogue to Mexico for PWRDF (cont’d) from Page 3 Contributions may be made to PWRDF and earmarked for the “Mexico Delegation;” they may be made to the local parish or sent directly to PWRDF at 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 3G2. It is anticipated this will be a very valuable learning experience for everyone involved. On their return the delegates will be expected to share their experiences with interested groups and will be anxious to have opportunities to do so. If you would like to have Basil Pogue come and talk to you after his return about his experiences and what he learned, please contact him at 153 Marsh Crescent, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 5R7; telephone (306) 5866846.; e-mail: elbpogue@sasktel.net
St. Mary’s Church, Kindersley Shows Creativity in Ministry Members , Laurel Layton, Karen McNichol and Catherine Close, of the afternoon prayer and study group at St. Mary, Kindersley, put their prayer into action by creating a 32 foot indoor labyrinth in the church hall. The labyrinth will be used as a meditation tool by the confirmation class and will be available for others who wish to learn more about this form of prayer. Plans are also underway to have the study group from the United Church join them for a meditative walk.
photo Joan Scandrett left to right: Jaret Ternes, Dane McNichol andJanaya Hanley
All Saints Regina- Pastoral Care Workshop Well Attended REGINA - “To nurture and care for our community is our goal,” said members of the Pastoral Care Committee at the annual meeting of All Saints Church. In order to assist the committee in meeting this goal the congregation requested a workshop for visiting long-term care residents. The workshop took place recently and participating in the discussions and information sharing were 19 people, including attendees from Moose Jaw, Swift Current and Saltcoats. The objectives of the workshop were to enhance the skills needed to be an effective visitor of long-term care residents and to increase the understanding of long-term care residents. The workshop was open to Anglican congregations within the diocese and Lutheran congregations in Regina. The Reverend Carol Adamson spoke on Communication and Listening Skills; Pastor Dennis Fingas spoke on Pastoral Care Support. Tyler Campbell, a recreation therapist manager from Pioneer Village Nursing Home, spoke on Visiting People with Dementia and speaking on Tips for Nursing Home Visits was Bette-Lou Paragg RN. Eileen Barrie from the Churchmouse Resource Centre had materials available for sale. The evaluation comments were positive and the committee felt gratified by the response to their endeavours.
The confirmation class of St. Mary/ Kindersley gathered to learn about ministry and to discover how their gifts and talents can be of benefit to the church community. Using their unique methods, the six youth decorated the church’s Christmas tree. Ministry, they discovered, can be both fun and creative.
Epiphany (cont’d)
photo Joan Scandrett Laurel Layton, Karen McNichol and Catherine Close
photo Marion Bjerke
the Reverend Carol Adamson
EPIPHANY by Dean Michael Hawkins PRINCE ALBERT (Sask) “God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). In this season of Epiphany we celebrate how we have come to know God in the man Jesus Christ. He is God, made known in human flesh. We think first of all that shining forth to the Wise Men of the East as well as of his Baptism in Jordan, his teaching
and healing and miracles and his visits to the Temple as a young infant and as a boy on the verge of manhood. In our part of Christendom the visit of the Wise Men remains central. The number of the Wise men is not given in scripture, instead the emphasis is on their gifts, Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. By these Jesus isacknowledged and owned as King and God and Saviour and they represent the obedience, worship and trust which wise men and women offer Christ still. The example of these wise men calls us to make similar
offerings.They opened their treasures and they invite us to open our pocketbooks and wallets and purses and cheque books and present our gifts to Jesus. We all understand what gold is and what it means in our lives but the next two gifts are more obscure. Incense is used in the worship of God. The offering of Frankincense to Jesus calls us to lift up our hearts in worship as well. Finally there is Myrrh. This too was an expensive luxury which was used at times for embalming. This is the hardest gift for us to understand and to offer. It is hard for us to open our Myrrh and to give it to Jesus. This bitter perfume is our sins and it is our sufferings, and these too we are invited to bring to Jesus Christ. We all have these gifts and many of us even bring them to Jesus. But the Wise Men opened their treasures, and they call us to open up to Jesus and give him the Gold of our Time and Money, the Incense of our Worship and Praise and the Myrrh of our Sin and Suffering.
Ivor Norris Bursary The Anglican Ordinariate of the Canadian Forfes has sponsored the Ivor Norris Bursary for over twenty five years. This bursary is awarded annually to theological students who have had, or have, some connection with the Canadian Forces. Applicants must be sponsored by a Bishop for ordination within the Anglican Churchof Canada and enrolled in full time theological studies. Interested persons should contact their synod office for further information.
Successful ICQ Youth Event for Qu’Appelle Diocese Asha Kerr-Wilson REGINA - On the weekend of October 27 – 29 the ICQ youth event was held at All Saints Church. Youth came from places all over the Diocese of Qu'Appelle. The excitement started the Friday night when everyone arrived and we played name bingo to get to know each other. Right away we all started making friends. We were assigned family groups and made amazing posters to represent each group. Later we had evening worship, singing and praying together. We all settled down on the floor for a bed with our new friends before being treated to a bedtime story (Jemima Puddleduck). Most of us slept soundly and got up to a fresh start of a new day. After a delicious breakfast prepared by our volunteer cooks, we had our first teaching session by the Reverend Mike Sinclair. It was about how God worked in his life to bring him into God’s service and how God is seeking each and every one of us (ICQ = I seek you). Later that morning we got a chance to play games. One of these was a challenge activity that involved trust, cooperation and teamwork and after lunch, we had a surprise trip to the field house at the Lawson Centre. There we played all kinds of games including teamwork games where you had to use your mind
The Saskatchewan Anglican, January 2007 - 5
Successful ICQ Youth Event (cont’d) and your energy. In our learning session later that afternoon, we learned about prayer and the importance of it. The Reverend Cal MacFarlane taught us that prayer can be different for everyone and that it is like your friendship with God. He told us that three most important things to remember were: have a soft heart, have an attitude of gratitude and learn to embrace suffering. That evening after our supper we had two guest bands that played their music for us. The first band was “Elevate” and the second was called “Murdoch.” They played while we sang and some of us danced. After the bands were finished, Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson gave us a talk about saying yes to God and reminding us about those three important things we must remember in prayer. Later that same evening, the whole group played an enormous game of Hide ‘n go Seek. Throughout the weekend we had been practicing a song during morning and evening worship to get ready to lead the All Saints’ congregation at the Sunday morning service. On the day the whole group got up and led with lots of energy and enthusiasm. It went over very well. At the end of the service everyone, including the congregation, enjoyed a great potluck lunch. As friends said good-bye and left for home they had many positive things to say. One participant said it was “great.” “It was an awesome learning experience,” said another and although that was the comment of only one participant, I thought the whole group felt the same way. Many thanks to those who prepared and supplied the food and to those who planned and organized the weekend.
photos Jennifer Andreas
ICQ Participant Christina
photos Jennifer Andreas
ICQ Participants Katie, Kyla
Letter to the Priest Dear Reverend: I would like to go to heaven some day because I know my brother won’t be there. Sincerely Stephen, Age 8
photos Jennifer Andreas
ICQ Participants Laura, Ariel, and Jordie
St. George's Parish, Saskatoon Celebrates Centenary
photo: Evelyn Staples
Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson and the Reverend Daniel Fournier, rector, are shown in St. Andrew Anglican/Trinity Lutheran church in Rosetown on the recent occasion of the bishop's first visit to the parish of Coteau Hills (Qu'A).
By Peter Coolen SASKATOON- The Parish of St. George's marked this, its centennial, by a year-long series of events culminating with the celebrations held on the weekend of November 25th. In 1906 James Byers Gibson, a student at Emmanuel College and only recently arrived from Ireland decided, with the support of Archdeacon George Exton Lloyd, to establish a new parish and church in the hamlet of Riversdale (now part of Saskatoon), Saskatchewan. St. George's, this new church grew quickly along with the city of Saskatoon, and by way of three church buildings, arrived this year at its centenary. St. George's centenary weekend began on the evening of Saturday the 25th , the actual 100th anniversary of the first church service at St. George's, with a reception and banquet in the parish hall. Honoured guests, included the Right Reverend Bishop Rodney Andrews and his wife, his Worship Don Atchison ,
Mayor of Saskatoon and the Rector of St. George's Parish, The Reverend Dr. Henry Comerford and his wife who were all piped into the hall and to the head table. The 115 guests assembled enjoyed a buffet dinner of hip of beef and chicken followed by dessert and speeches by the Bishop, Mayor and Rector. All three speakers emphasized the history of outreach, growth and fellowship provided the community by the church. The speeches were followed by a 40-minute power point presentation of church history presented by Mr. Peter Coolen, a member of vestry and the church archivist. On Sunday morning, November 26th, a service of celebration and thanksgiving (attended by approximately 120) was combined with a confirmation service presided over by Bishop Rodney Andrews. Six young people were confirmed and the church choir performed a new anthem. Once again the theme of the service was a celebration of St. George's outreach and growth in support of the community. The sermon was given by the Hon. Lorne Calvert, Premier of Saskatchewan; his theme, growing from the former theme, was that leadership for people and churches should not be a goal, the goal should, instead, be service to others and to the greater good as exemplified by the history of St. George's. The service was followed by a group photograph, a light lunch and the cutting of the church's birthday cake by two members of the congregation, one of the oldest and one of the youngest, continuing the theme of the past supporting and moving forward with the present into the future. Centennial events still to come include the sealing of a centennial time capsule at year end and the publishing of the church history early in 2007.
Same in My Business A priest waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him in front of the service station. Finally the attendant motioned him toward a vacantpump. “Reverend”, said the young man. “I’m sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip.” The priest chuckled, “I know what you mean. It’s the same in MY business”.
6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, January 2007
St. George’s Parish Centenary (cont’d
Rector Required for St. Timothy's Anglican Church, Diocese of Saskatoon
(From: The Sixty of Saskatchewan, The Reverend James Boyle M.A., 1908) The first St. George's Church in 1906
Photo by Peter Coolen
Lawrence (Shorty) Bacon, one of the oldest parishioners and Miguel Cortes, one of the youngest cut St. George's birthday cake guided by: Miguel,s father, Eugenio Cortes, The Reverend Dr. Henry Comerford, Premier Lorne Calvert and Bishop Rodney Andrews.
The priest’s car wouldn’t start. When the tow truck driver arrived, the rector humbly said, “I hope you go easy on me. You know, I’m only a poor preacher. “Yep”, replied the tow truck driver. “I’ve heard you preach:”.
New Rector for All Saints Church, Regina Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson has announced the appointment of the Reverend Doctor Trish McCarthy as the new incumbent of All Saints Church,
Regina. Trish is presently the incumbent of St. John the Divine in Cayuga, Ontario (Diocese of Niagara). She and her husband Art are looking forward to relocating to Regina in Febrary, 2007 From the Diocese of Qu’AppelleWeb Site
The Bishop of Saskatoon invites applications for the position of Rector of St. Timothy's Church, Saskatoon. St. Timothy's is the second largest church in the Diocese of Saskatoon with 365 members on the parish roll, an average Sunday attendance of 119. The large and attractive church building is located in a well-established residential area. St. Timothy's, Saskatoon celebrated its 50th anniversary as a parish earlier this year. Many past and present members of the parish spoke of their affection for the parish, and how significant the church has been for them in their spiritual development as Christians. In recent months, a series of 'Parish Hall Meetings' have been held to discuss the needs of the parish and to do future planning. Those attending identified the strength of the parish “as being the dedication of our members. We share strong senses of community, sharing and caring. The presence of strong lay leadership and good facilities were also identified.” In the area of parish weaknesses, the Parish Profile reflects challenges similar to those faced by many suburban parishes. “The issue of sustainability best encapsulates the weaknesses faced by St. Timothy's.” The Profile speaks of declining membership and the demographic profile of the membership. “The parish no longer has an even distribution of age groups and we have encountered difficulty attracting new members.”A Redevelopment and Renewal Committee in the parish has developed a Mission Statement, a Vision Statement and a list of Goals and Objectives. A parish priority is to “maintain the excellence in music that St. Timothy's has established offering diverse styles ranging from traditional to contemporary.” A parish priority is to provide programs for all ages of parishioners that are relevant, timely, and purposeful. The Profile speaks of attracting applications from clergy who demonstrate energy, ability to motivate and a desire to work with the parishioners to implement their goals and objectives. “We expect our new rector will be results- oriented and concentrate on the priorities of worship, music, youth, Christian education and evangelism.” The parish is searching for a Rector with excellent facilitation and coordination skills, a priest who is “outward looking and possesses considerable experience and demonstrated success in development relationships with other parishes, churches and community- based organizations leading to the more effective use of resources and the strengthening of programs. The key expectation of the clergy is that of leadership and the interests of the parish as a whole must guide that leadership.” The City of Saskatoon, population 226,000, with its beautiful setting on both sides of the South Saskatchewan River, is sometimes called the 'Paris of the Prairies. The city hosts the University of Saskatchewan and the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad. The City offers a full range of schools and recreational facilities. A web site called Saskatoon Shines says, “From the glowing diversity of many world-class events, festivals and attractions, to the warmth and energy of volunteers, Saskatoon radiates fun, excitement and sophistication.” This position will be of interest to clergy who have demonstrated success in one or two incumbencies, have excellent references and a desire to offer a collaborative and pastoral ministry. A detailed profile may obtained from: The Rt. Rev. Rodney Andrews, Diocese of Saskatoon PO Box 1965 Saskatoon, SK S7K 3S5 Phone: (306) 244-5651 Fax: (306) 933-4606 E-mail: anglicansynod@sasktel.net Applications will be received until Thursday, March 1, 2007.
The Power of Prayer The prayers of holy men appease God’s wrath, drive away temptations, resist and overcome the devil, procure the ministry and service of angels, recind the decrees of God. Prayer cures sickness and obtains pardon; it arrests the sun in its course andstays the wheels of the chariot of the moon; it rules over all gods and opens and shuts the storehouses of rain, it unlocks the cabinet of the womb and
quenches the violence of fire; it stops the mouths of lions and reconciles our suffering and weak faculties with the violence of torment and violence of persecution; it pleases God and supplies all our need. Jeremy Taylor, Chuch of EnglandClergyman at the time of Oliver Cromwell.
The Saskatchewan Anglican, January 2007 - 7
Photo by PeterCoolen
Above: The Congregation of St. George's Church with the Premier and Bishop.
Flying bishop By Penny McKinlay SASKATOON - As a young boy, Bishop Rodney Andrews had two dreams: he wanted to be a priest - and he wanted to be a pilot. And he's extremely grateful, because he has been able to do both. Bishop Andrews has 7800 hours of flying time and has flown from Bar Harbour, Maine to Tofino, British Columbia. “I feel disconnected from the earth and gain a different perspective on the world,” he says. The bishop owns a Cherokee 180 and flies for both work and pleasure. “It's a convenient way to travel. I can get to Wynyard in 43 minutes,” he says, “and flying is not as tiring as driving.” Rodney Andrews was a priest before he became a pilot. He was in his first parish in Okotoks, Alberta when the Calgary Flying Club offered flying lessons in nearby High River. He jumped at the opportunity and enjoyed it so much that he went on to obtain his pilot's licence. The 18 graduates from this course pooled their money and bought an airplane. But there was too much competition for flying time, so he bought his own plane and continued to develop his skills as he gained his night endorsement, commercial pilot's license, instrument rating and float endorsement. Bishop Andrews had a month's holidays when he was in Red Deer so he took this opportunity to obtain his instructor's licence and began working with the Air Cadets. The next step was to obtain his multi engine endorsement and the prized Airline Transport Pilot license. Time Air (now Air Canada Jazz) in Lethbridge was expanding and offered him a part-time job. So he was now a full-time priest and a part-time pilot. But the ratio was reversed when the church offered him a part-time parish position and Time Air asked him to work full time. Bishop Andrews found the two jobs to be quite demanding so he accepted a full-time
parish in Quebec after working for Time Air for five years. But flying was still in his blood so he switched careers after a few years and became a federal civil aviation inspector in Ottawa offering training courses for the 200 air carrier inspectors in Ottawa. Flying remained a part of his life when he became the Executive Archdeacon in the Diocese of Algoma as this is a large diocese and flying made it easier for him to get around. Bishop Andrews feels that it can be very valuable for a priest to have two vocations. “You get closer to people when you work beside them,” he says, “and you have a better understanding of people relations.” In addition, parishes are finding it more and more difficult to support a fulltime priest so it can be helpful if a priest is willing to accept a part-time position. However, the bishop notes that parishioners must then understand that their priest has two jobs and will not be on call full time. There are other flying bishops in North America. When Bishop Andrews attended the College of Bishops in 2004, there were five pilots in the group of 16 new bishops, including the bishops of Colorado and Arizona. The new Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States of America, Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori, flew her own Cessna 172 in her ministry as Bishop of Nevada. Bishop Andrews and Bishop Schori recently attended the same meeting in Chicago. Bishop Andrews reports “She had been Presiding Bishop for just a week but found time for a lengthy discussion about flying. We agreed that, in common with church work, flying is a passion.”
Photo by Peter Coolen
The Honourable Lorne Calvert, Premier of Saskatchewan in the pulpit at St. George's Church
Letter to the Priest Dear Reverend: How does God know the good people from the bad people? Do you tell Him or does He read about it in the newspapers? Sincerely, Marie. Age 9
Photo by Anna Irish
Bishop Andrews and his wife flew to Wynyard in June 2006 for the ACW Eastern Deanery meeting.
8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, January 2007
What is the Anglican Rosary? By Tracy Harper NRS 1 Thessalonians 5:1618 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. What is the Anglican Rosary, sometimes called the Anglican or Episcopal Prayer Beads? Well, simply, it is a tool used to aid our prayer life. As Christians, we know prayer is our way of communicating with God. Scripture also shows us how important prayer is. By praying, we become closer with God. Historically there have been many different types of prayeraiding tools. People have used pebbles in small pouches, knots, or beads along a rope or string. The purposes of all of these are to slowly, meditatively and methodically pray our prayers to God. Humans seem to have a much easier time keeping our mind on what we are doing if we can see and feel something. This is where prayer beads can be so useful: as our fingers feel each bead, which keeps our body active in the prayer, we pray with our minds and hearts. There are many ways to pray the rosary, either individually or as a group. The prayers can be contemplative, lamentations, reflections on scripture, and many, many more. The rosary has no single formula, which makes it a useful tool to aid one's own prayer life and spiritual journey. The Anglican/Episcopalian Rosary, or Prayer beads, was first begun in the mid 1980's by the Reverend Lynn Bauman. The rosary consists of thirty-three beads, which is the number of years our Lord was on earth. They are divided into four groups of seven call Weeks, in between each group of seven are the Cruciform beads, the last bead or the 33rd bead, just before the cross, is the Invitatory bead. The Cruciform beads symbolize the four points of the cross, keeping us mindful of Christ's sacrifice. They also symbolize the four seasons, and the four elements, which keep us mindful of God's creation. The beads within the Weeks are symbolic of the seven sacraments of the church and the seven seasons of the church year that feed and guide the body of Christ's Church. They also symbolize the seven days of the week, the days of the creation: reminding us that all things come from God. All of these are reminders that prayer, our communication with God, is the center of our Christian life. The Invitatory bead is our call to prayer. The rosary is said three times, which symbolizes our belief in the Trinity.
There are two types of rosary: one is the full rosary (prayer beads), and the other the chaplet. The chaplet is smaller, and usually contains one Cruciform bead, one group of Week beads, the Invitatory bead, and the Cross. The chaplet is small enough to carry in a pocket, as a reminder to pray. Rosaries come in many colors and forms, some are bracelets, some are long enough to wear around the neck, and some fit nicely around your hand. It should be noted that when making a rosary, each bead is added with a special prayer. The prayers are the crafters way of communicating with God, and are said throughout the making of the rosary. To pray the rosary: Begin by holding the cross, say an opening prayer; hold the first bead (the Invitatory bead), which represents your call to prayer; hold the next bead (the first Cruciform), say a prayer or sentence, the same sentence can be used for each Cruciform. Holding the next bead, on the right, which is the first set of seven beads (Weeks), say a prayer or sentence; the same sentence can be said for each bead contained within the weeks. Repeat the prayers until you have gone around the rosary circle three times, holding each Cruciform three times. On the last round exit by holding the Invitatory bead, saying a closing prayer and then the cross, say an ending. On a personal note, the rosary has been part of my prayer life for a number of years and I truly believe in the power of prayer. The prayer beads help to keep me focused, locking out the surrounding world, for an enriching quiet time with God. I also find the repetitiveness of the prayers keeps my mind from wandering and each word said has a deeper meaning each time I complete the circle. It is my prayer that if you do obtain a rosary it will help you with your spiritual growth and enrich your prayer life. A couple of helpful resources for praying with the rosary are a small booklet called The Anglican Rosary, by Lynn C. Bauman, published by Praxis Publishing Company (it contains a number of prayers), and the King of Peace website: www.kingofpeace.org/spirituality.
Weeks Cruciform Invitatory
Cross
Photo by Peter Coolen
Bishop Rodney and Reverend Dr. Comerford (centre) and the Honourable Lorne Calvert, Premier (far left) with the candidates for confirmation pose after the service at St.George’s Church
Marjorie’s Story - A Family Re-United by Marjorie Keen Editor’s Note Following is an amazing tale of a family re-united after nearly fifty years of separation. As young children, these boys and their sister lived in an orphanage on Winnipeg Street in Regina, called Embury House. They were adopted out at a young age to different homes, and lost track of David, the youngest, from that point on. John (Jack) Keen is now in his nineties, and his story is told by his wife, Marjorie. Both have been faithful members of All Saints Church in Weyburn for many years, and have had very active, productive and fulfilling lives in the City of Weyburn. This story is told in Marjorie’s own words. The morning of July 17, 1973, the telephone in our house began to ring. Being nearest, my husband, John, answered it. The person on the other end said, "This is, David Crook of Granville, Ohio. Are you John Keen? If you are the John Keen I am looking for, you may be my brother." John said, "If you are my brother, you were adopted from the Regina Adoption Ageney in August, 1927, at the age of three" The man on the other end of the line said, "1 am he! I would like to come and see you." My hus band said, "1 would like to see you. too! Where are you calling from?" "I'm on the outskirts of Saskatoon at a campground," David replied. There was a short lapse while each man thought about what they had said. Just think - two men who had not seen each other for forty-six years are now talking to each other..Both are so excited, almost overwhelmed, by the happenings. Neither wishing to let the other know just how they feel, trying hard to cover up their feelings, both say nothing, trying to
accept the things that have takenplace. Finally John says, "Maybe you would like to see your other brother who is at the moment about 6 minutes away from you?" Another shock for brother David! His wife and daughter stand nearby, waiting for him. It seems as if he might faint on the spot his color was so gray. John gave David their other brother's phone number and they both hang up. When David phoned his brother's house, he got his sister-inlaw and as he started to identify himself, Babs said, "You do not need to go into that story. I know it well." At that moment, the children in the house were heard to say, "Uncle David is found! Uncle David is found!." This was the first time David had heard himself referred to as 'Uncle David' as he had no other nieces or nephews. Immediately after he had hung up, John remarked, "Maybe I've lost him again." He was speaking to me, his wife. Wait a minute! Then he phones Nels, his brother, to see what happened. This was done and at once we made plans to go to Saskatoon. We arrived in Saskatoon about an hour sooner than expected. (After all, we were in a hurry') In the mean, time, Nels had taken David to meet his boss and friends at work. That evening, everyone was still so excited. Questions were being asked by each family to John, the older brother. David said there were shadows in his mind that never went away, there should be more people in his family, even at 3 years old. Everyone around that table in the house were acting as though they were drunk with happiness, no liquor required. John then gave David his Certificate of Baptism. This revealed to David that he had a
second and a third name. "This is a great thrill to me," he said, as he read 'David Arthur Elmer'. "How wonderful! AlI those names for me! A person who had never had any second name. In the army they called me, 'David No Second Name Crook'. Thank you very much'" We found out that these men were very much alike even in their mannerisms, even if they did not grow up together. The two younger men even sounded alike. The following morning David and his family left us and travelled to Edmonton to visit with he his sister Mary. (Mary is married and has eleven living children. Many of them are married with children of their own.) David phoned her before leaving Saskatoon. Mary called all her children and invited them to come and meet her long lost brother. This proved to be a little overwhelming for David and his family, so he did not remain with them too long. Over the years David has got to know and love many of Mary's family by (telephone and email, especially Mary's son David, his namesake. Even this year, the magic and the excitement is still happening. The next generation have travelled over the miles to meet each other (i.e., the meeting place being Georgia USA, Uncle David's daughter-in-law with her two children went over one hundred miles to meet our grandson Eric, who travelled from Endeavour. Saskatchewan ' they had never met") After a short visit, an exchange of love and pictures, Eric had to continue his business in the big semi he drives. This is one incident in a span of sixty-five years married. God has been good to us! Majorie B. Keen Weyburn, Sask.