HAPPY NEW YEAR!
January, 2010
A Section of Anglican Journal
THE RIGHT REVEREND ROD ANDREWS, BISHOP OF SASKATOON, RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTORATE FROM COLLEGE OF EMMANUEL ST. CHAD’S Photo- Maureen Scale-
Photo- Maureen Scale
The Chancellor of the College of Emmanuel & St. Chad, the Right Reverend Derek Hoskins, Bishop of Calgary (to the right), applaudes Bishop Rodney (to the left) after presenting him with his Honourary Doctor of Divinity Degree.
The Chancellor of the College of Emmanuel & St. Chad, the Right Reverend Derek Hoskins, Bishop of Calgary (to the left) bestowed the Honourary Doctor of Divinity Degree on Bishop Rodney (center) while Bishop Rodney's nominator, the Reverend Canon Colin Clay (left), holds Bishop Rodney's doctor's hood.
Editor's Comments: On Tuesday, November 10th, at a special convocation Eucharist in Christ Chapel, University of Saskatchewan, in recognition that the Senate of the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad wished to honour the contribution of the Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon to the life and the work of the Anglican Church, the Chancellor of the College of Emmanuel & St. Chad, the Right Reverend Derek Hoskins, Bishop of Calgary, was pleased to bestow an Honourary Doctor of Divinity degree on Bishop Rodney. The Reverend Canon Colin Clay, who had placed Rodney Andrews' name in nomination to the Chancellor for the honour, gave the following address at the convocation: Rodney Andrews was born on a day in 1940 which is easy to remember, November 11th. Growing up in our neighbour Province of Alberta, Rod was scarcely 18 years old when he first discerned the call to ordained ministry. When he shared this with his bishop, the Bishop of Calgary, he was encouraged to apply to Emmanuel College in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He came by train to an unknown city, to an unfamiliar college environment, and was immediately surrounded by about sixty be-gowned students, all subject to the discipline of several learned, and reverently respected, ordained faculty. But didn't young Rodney long to become acclimatized to this new chapter in his life. He managed to combine a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Saskatchewan (with a major in Canadian history) with a Bachelor of Theology at Emmanuel College. Rod was Senior Stick when he was a student at the College. He was here when Emmanuel, Saskatoon joined with St Chad's, Regina. Rodney was the first I
student to receive his Bachelor of Theology degree following the amalgamation of the two colleges. In 1981, having presented his thesis to the College, Rodney was awarded the Master of Divinity degree. The alumni elected Rod to the College Council in 2002. Rodney Andrews was ordained Deacon in 1963 when he was 23 years of age - no one younger than 23 can be ordained in the Anglican Church of Canada. His ordained ministry began in Red Deer, Alberta, followed by service in other parishes in theDiocese of Calgary. In 1970, while Rod was Rector of Okotoks and Midnapore, he learned to fly an airplane; seven years later he was a qualified airline pilot. While Rector of Coaldale, Alberta, he flew regularly as a pilot with Time Air with the support of his Bishop and his Parish. Like the apostle Paul, Rodney Andrews has always believed that clergy with parish responsibilities should be free to engage in secular occupations. After all, St Paul is known to have engaged in a "tent making" ministry. As most of you know, Rod has continued flying and some (like me) have had the pleasure of being a passenger with him in his Piper Cherokee180. Rod continues to be a member of Flying Farmers and is a Search and Rescue pilot. I must share with you a story Bishop Rod tells of a meeting over one of the meals at the 2008, Lambeth Conference in the United Kingdom. The bishop across the table introduced himself and said he was a "flying bishop" to which Rod naturally responded, "I'm a flying bishop too" and naturally expected a conversation about aircraft. Bishop Rod quickly discovered that in the Church of England, a "flying bishop" seldom leaves terra firma. He "flies", by car or train, to parishes that will not accept the ministry
of their own diocesan bishop if that bishop ordains women to the Priesthood. The ordination of women is still controversial in certain parts of the Church of England. In 1984, Rod left Alberta for a parish in Quebec. His ministries continued to be varied, challenging and exciting: in Montreal he served as an Armed Forces Chaplain; in Ontario he became Executive Archdeacon in the Diocese of Algoma; in Vancouver he was the Anglican Chaplain at the University of British Columbia and then Rector of St Alban's Church in Richmond. In 1998 he was elected as Prolocutor of General Synod and, while working with the Primate, Archbishop Michael Peers, he shared in the initial work of establishing the Residential Schools litigation process. In 2003, Rodney Andrews was elected Bishop of Saskatoon and consecrated in February 2004. This Fall, Bishop Rod announced that he would retire at the end of February, 2010. With us this evening are Rodney's wife, Jacqueline Plante, his son David from Calgary and his sister Gwen from Strathmore, Alberta. Rodney's daughter Patricia, from Kamloops, B.C., is not able to be present this evening. Rodney met his wife Jacqueline while he was serving in Montreal. Jacqueline, a registered nurse, is a wonderful support to Rod and a very popular friend to people everywhere in the Diocese. It is not generally known that Rodney has been a regular columnist with the “Country Guide”, Canada's national farm magazine, for the past 15 years; the editor is delighted that Rod will continue this feature after he retires as our Bishop. Rodney has been an ideal Bishop for this Diocese which combines both urban centres and rural life. We all know his love for farm equipment, especially
tractors. He drove vintage John Deere tractor right across the Diocese, meeting so many people and raising over $40,000 for the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund, for Camp Okema, and for the programme to combat HIV-AIDS in Africa, while doing so. I cannot forget to mention that Rod is a dedicated John Deere man. I know it's not exactly true, but while Rod undoubtedly rejoices whenever someone with no religious faith becomes active in the church family, I suspect he can also hear the alleluias from the angelic chorus when a farmer turns in his New Holland combine in order to purchase a big, green John Deere machine! These have not been easy days for any bishop in the Anglican Church of Canada and the Diocese of Saskatoon is no exception. Bishop Rodney has faced the challenges prayerfully, wisely and lovingly, whether they have concerned matters of human sexuality; declining revenue from the worldwide economic downturn in investments; the shortage of clergy to staff parishes and especially the changing face of rural Saskatchewan, which has led to families moving to the city and the subsequent closure of many country churches. Through a ministry that spans 46 years in the Anglican Church of Canada, Bishop Rodney Andrews has served his Saviour; his Church; his College and the wider community across this country with love, cheerfulness and dedication. He is a most worthy recipient of this degree in which he honours us, just as we, this evening, endeavor to honour him. Eminent Chancellor, I present to you the claims of Rodney Osborne Andrews and ask that you confer on him the degree of Doctor of Divinity.
May Your Year Ahead be filled with the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,the Love of God, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit
2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, January, 2010
Bishop’s Message
photo archive
The Right Reverend Greg Kerr-Wilson, Bishop of Qu’Appelle
This New Year of Our Lord Rt. Rev. Greg Kerr-Wilson, Bishop of Qu'Appelle The New Year has now begun and we will all be getting used to writing 2010 on forms, cheques, letters and memos. Likely we will all have gotten it wrong a time or two along the way. It used to be that we would have called the year AD 2010. Our culture, now no longer a Christian one, and sensitive to the overt religious content of “AD,” has taken to referring to 2010 CE - that is, the “common era.” I'm not one to complain about such things. In fact, given that we are no longer a Christian culture, it is not a bad thing for the Church to be reminded of that, and of our status once more as a counter-cultural mission movement. Despite that reminder, however, I cannot
help but smile at the usage: the “Common Era.” Common in the sense that in the accounting for time in the world we use that number 2010 as our shared reference. Various cultures and faiths have other ways of reckoning and still make use of them - but 2010 gives the reference point for crossing boundaries and borders. I take secret pleasure in knowing that in the carefully politically correct usage of “common” there is for us as Christians, the reminder that ultimately it is in Jesus Christ that the boundaries, barriers and borders of our world will be broken down. In Christ, who entered into and shares our common humanity, all will come to be one in God's good time. I still do like, and will continue to use, that wonderful AD reference. AD Anno Domini - “the year of our Lord.” It reminds me that for all my failings, for all the failings of the world and its brokenness, God has all things in hand. God has entered the creation and acted decisively in Jesus to reconcile us to the one who made us, the God and Father of all. This is “the year of our Lord” 2010 because through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, God's reign has begun and we work and wait for its unfolding in the fullness of time. There is a wonderful piece in our Liturgy for the Great Vigil of Easter. As the Easter candle is being prepared, the one doing so marks on the candle a cross, an alpha and omega, and the numbers for the current year. While doing so, the words spoken are “Christ yesterday and today, the beginning and the end, Alpha and Omega, all times belong to Him and all the ages, to Him be glory and power through every age for ever. Amen.” May the Holy Spirit transform you in Christ as God's reign unfolds in this year of our Lord, 2010.
Qu'Appelle Notes and Events Lorraine Hardwick has been appointed as the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer diocesan representative. She will have an office in the Synod Office, and can be reached at 5221608 or 545-4309. St. Matthew Anglican Church in Regina is gathering material and memorabilia in preparation for their 100th anniversary celebration in 2010. If you wish to be included, but are not attending St. Matthew's at this time, please send your information to the church (2161 Winnipeg Street, Regina SK S4P 1G9) or telephone Kathy at 586-5154.
Diocese of Saskatoon:Announcements for January 2010 In order to be included in a timely manner brief notices for events should be supplied to the Associate Editor by Fax, e-mail or “snail mail” by the last week of the month, two months before the month in which the insertion is desired (for example, September submissions will be in the November issue). Detailed and longer texts of events will not be included in this section but, should space allow, could be the subject of additional articles or notices elsewhere in the Saskatchewan Anglican. The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews' Schedule: January 2nd to 3rd, Peace River, Alberta, Consecration of the Reverend Canon Fraser Lawton as Bishop of Athabasca; January 5th to 9th, Theological Education Conference and House of Bishops Meeting at Chateauguay, Quebec; Sunday, January 17th, All Saint's, Saskatoon - Confirmation; Saturday, January 23rd, Western Deanery Farewell Potluck; and Friday, January 29th, Saskatoon Deanery Supper. Christians In The Modern World: A series of presentations and discussions will be held in the hall of All Saint's Anglican Church, 1801 Lorne Ave., Saskatoon at 7.30 p.m.: Wednesday, January 13th, "How did we come to talk about war being just?", by Walter Klaassen; February 24th, "Violence: what is it and what is a Christian response?", by Ruth Klaassen; March 10th, "Just War and modern war.", by Ruth and Walter Klaassen. “East Meets West” “Drawing on the Gospel”: an opportunity for cross-town fellowship, food worship and study as folks from St. Matthew's, Sutherland (the “East”) and Christ Church, Caswell (the “West”) get together on Wednesdays for “Drawing on the Gospel”. Each evening begins with a pot-luck supper at 6 p.m., followed by a sung, contemporary setting of Evening Prayer at 7 p.m.; then an opportunity to study the upcoming Gospel lections by cartooning the texts. This popular study method does not require that you draw! Currently, the program is happening at St. Matthew's (Corner of Egbert Ave. and 109th St.) but will be periodically alternating to Christ Church. Please call either church for information; Christ Church at: 242-0165 or St. Matthew's at: 3748808. Integrity/Saskatoon: Meetings are held at St. James', Saskatoon on the second Saturday of each month at 7 p.m. The regular meetings include a talking circle and Eucharist with fellowship to follow; babysitting is available during meetings for those with children. For more information contact the Reverend Ann Marie Nicklin at: (306) 948-3460 or: benjie60@gmail.com. For further information and to view related articles, links and photographs of Integrity events: www.integritysaskatoon.blogspot.com. Saskatoon Native Ministry: Meetings are held every second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. A Sacred Circle Worship is held Sunday at 4 p.m.; worship is followed by a community meal at 5 p.m. All events are held at: St. Thomas Wesley United Church, 808 20th St.. For information call: 244-1381 or E-mail: snm@sasktel.net. “Preparing for Ecumenical Ministries” a one week course presented by the Saskatoon Theological Union, will be held January 18th to 22nd. The course, which may be taken for STM Credit or for Audit, will be instructed by Sandra Beardsall, Professor of Church History and Ecumenics. For further information, or to register, contact the Registrar at standrews.registrar@usask.ca or call 1-877-644-8970. 2010 Clergy Retreat: The Annual Clergy Retreat will be held from February 8th to 11th, 2010 at St. Michael's Retreat, Lumsden. 2010 Cursillo Weekend: The Saskatoon Diocese Cursillo Secretariat has scheduled the next Co-ed Cursillo Weekend for: Thursday evening, March 4th through to Sunday afternoon March 7th, 2010, at St. Peter's Abbey, Muenster. For applications or more information please contact Austin King at: (306) 933-4007 or email a.king@sasktel.net or Gwendolyn Gresham at: (306) 649-3448 or email matumaini5@gmail.com.
APPOINTMENTS, RESIGNATIONS ETC: The Venerable David Malcolm Irving, Executive Archdeacon of the Diocese of Kootenay was elected the 12th Bishop of Saskatoon at an Electoral Synod of the Diocese of Saskatoon held at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Saskatoon on November 14th; he was elected on the second ballot. The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon has announced his retirement date as February 28th, 2010; it is expected that the bishop elect will be consecrated and installed in early March following Bishop Rodney's retirement. The sale of St. Timothy's Church, Saskatoon, to Sacred Heart Chaldean Catholic Parish has been completed. Sacred Heart Chaldean Catholic Church was dedicated and consecrated on November 5th by the Most Rev. N. Ibrahim of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy in North America. Archbishop Albert LeGatt and Bishop Bryan Bayda participated in the service. The Parish of St. Timothy's now holds services at Augustana Lutheran Church on Broadway Ave.; some joint services are also planned with Augustana Lutheran
For change of address, undeliverable copies and subscription list updates contact: your parish, circulation@national.anglican.ca or send to Saskatchewan Anglican c/o Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Street Toronto ON M4Y 3G2 Published by the dioceses of Qu’Appelle, Saskatoon and Saskatchewan. All submissions must be sent to the Associate Editors by the beginning of the last week of the month preceeding publication.
Managing Editor: Fred Stephens, 51 - 10th St. NE, Weyburn SK. S4H 1G8 Phone 306-842-7235 Email: skeditor@yahoo.ca Qu’Appelle: Joanne Shurvin-Martin, 6927 Farrell Bay Regina SK S4X 3V4 Phone: 306-775-2629 Email: wsmartin@accesscomm.ca Saskatoon: Peter Coolen, 820Avenue I South Saskatoon SK S7M 1Z3 Phone: 306-244-0935 Email: ptrcoolen@sasktel.net Saskatchewan: The Reverends Julie and Steven Page, P.O. Box 274, Hudson Bay, SK, S0E 0Y0P Phone (306) 865-3488; Email: HudsonBayArborfield@SaskTel.net
Published monthly except July and August Published from 51 - 10th Street NE, Weyburn SK S4H 1G8 Printed and mailed from Signal Star Publishing A division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Goderich ON N7A 4B6 Subscription rate: $10.00 in Canada; $17.00 outside Canada Whole No. 292, Vol. 33, No. 5 A Section of Anglican Journal
The Saskatchewan Anglican, January, 2010 - 3
Diocese of Saskatoon:Announcements for January 2010 (cont’d) The Reverend Canon Beth Marie Murphy will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of her ordination to the priesthood on Thursday, December 3rd at 11:40 a.m. in the College Chapel of Emmanuel and St. Chad/Lutheran Theological School. All are welcome to attend. The Very Reverend Glen Burgomaster has resigned as Acting Archdeacon of the Eastern Plains due to health reasons; Bishop Rodney will assume the duties of Archdeacon until his retirement at the end of February. Pastor Val From has resigned as Pastor of the Saskatoon Lutheran/Anglican Urban Ministry in order to concentrate on her part-time chaplaincy at Parkridge Centre and her Clinical Pastoral Education course. The board of the Urban Ministry will meet soon soon; Canon Lorea Eufemia represents this diocese on the board. Mrs. Ethel Ahanakew is the Assistant Director of the Urban ministry; her position is funded by our diocese from the St. Luke's Trust Fund. The Reverend John Seib has been appointed an Anglican representative to the Ecumenical University Chaplaincy Board.
Dean Pinter Ordained Deacon by Sandra Robertson ESTON (Qu'A) The McLean Chapel at Eston College was filled with 170 people to witness Dr. Dean L. Pinter's ordination to the Transitional Diaconate on November 7. Right Rev. Gregory KerrWilson, Bishop of Qu'Appelle, officiated, assisted by Deacon Dell Bornowsky of Moose Jaw. The procession was led by Dean's children, Evan, as crucifer, and Emily, as server, while the Eston College Choir under the direction of Erin Nordquist sang Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus (a favourite of Dean's). Bishop Greg welcomed the ecumenical gathering and said he was pleased that this service and celebration could be held at the chapel in the Eston College, where Dean is a professor of New Testament and Academic Dean. Throughout the service, there was participation from members and friends from Holy Cross Anglican Church in Eston, and from staff, students and board members from the College, as well as long-time friends of Dean. The guests and procession included clergy from all the Eston churches, and many current and former clergy from the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, including Dean's friend of many years, Rev. Catherine Harper. Dean's parents, Alex and Dolores Pinter of Regina were in attendance, and Dean's wife, Darlene, acted as one of her husband's presenters. She also presented the gifts, along with their son, Carl. The homily, based on St. John's Gospel, chapter 12, verses 20 to 32, was given by Rev. Eugene Peterson, of Lakeside, Montana. Rev. Peterson is a well-known speaker, and author of many books, including The Message, a modern translation of the Bible. He and his wife, Jan, are friends of the Pinters, and he has been a mentor of Dean for some years. In his homily, Rev. Peterson spoke about God's glory - the brightness of God's pres
ence - being rooted and recast in the darkest pit of experience: the death and burial of Jesus Christ. After the congregation had joyously welcomed Dean, the Bishop invited everyone to take pictures and to join with Dean and his family for hors d'ourvres and refreshments, served by Holy Cross Church and the college students.Dean received his PhD in New Testament from Durham University in England in June of 2009. He has since returned to Eston, where he continues to teach at Eston College. Dean, Darlene and their family worship at Holy Cross Church in Eston, and his discussions about ordination with Bishop Kerr-Wilson began when they met in England in the summer of 2008. When asked about his ordination to the diaconate, Dean had this to say: "Like many people called to ordained ministry, the process of discernment was a long one and involved the voices of many different people. It seems that God likes to take his time with these things! For me, the first step came from the simple suggestion from my wife, Darlene, after we moved to Vancouver in 1991, that we consider attending a local Anglican church near our apartment. I was immediately drawn in by the gentle rhythms of the liturgy and the deep significance of the Eucharist. Since 1991, the daily office in the Book of Common Prayer has provided tempo for my life. "The journey toward ordination culminated in 2007 when I formally began a discernment process with the Diocesan Director of Ordination, Rev. Robert Lawrance, in Durham, England. Through this official ecclesiastical structure along with many informal discussions with my local parish, family and a variety of friends, I was able to identify my calling to priestly ministry. I am deeply grateful to Bishop Greg and the members of Holy Cross Church that they, too, have recognized this call and welcomed me to service amongst them."
photo - Sandra and Alex Robertson
New deacon Dean Pinter and Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson celebrated with the congregation of Holy Cross, Eston, at the 70th
A Christmas for All By The Reverend Canon Michael Stonhouse LLOYDMINSTER - “Something old, something new, something borrowed and…” so runs some old advice concerning a bride's apparel. For Christmas in 2008, at St. John's Minster, Lloydminster, this phrase took on new meaning: a delightful blend of “something old”, “something borrowed” and “something new”. The “something old” included time honoured Christmas decorations, a Sunday School Christmas pageant, a Parish Family Christmas Party (including a laidon meal and entertainment), a Festival of Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve Candlelight services, and the gigantic Advent wreath hung from the ceiling. The “something new” innovations included a Jesse Tree and crismons in place of our “usual” poinsettia tree (as miniature poinsettias were not available that year). The highlight, however, was a Christmas Pageant with a difference; based on a pageant, the “something borrowed”, from the Radisson United Church. This pageant not only had the children dressed in costumes, but the entire congregation as well. As a result, there were adults dressed as angels, shepherds, wise men (wise persons?) (their crowns were aluminum pie plates), and towns people, plus a “guest sheep”, played by a pure white Samoyed dog. Imagine women sporting old-fashioned hats, the kind with the veil that comes down over the front! The adults were delighted to be part of this pageant, especially seeing it was very relaxed and natural, and allowed people to be themselves. As one person said, “I felt that I was really there, really at the manger in Bethlehem when Jesus was born.” The winning touch was having the entire cast surrounding the Holy Family for a photo op at the end of the performance. Photo - - Courtney Clark
The Reverend Canon Michael Stonhouse (left) and the cast of the 2008, Lloydminster Christmas Pagent including the “guest sheep” Photo - Courtney Clark
Children decorate the tree for the Christmas celebration at St. John's Minster.
Don's Serenity Silver Anniversary
by Rev. Don Wells
October 18 is the Feast day of Saint Luke, the physician and evangelist. As the Collect for that day expresses, he proclaimed in his writings and ministry the love and healing power of Jesus Christ. He urges that by the grace of the Spirit and the medicine of the Gospel, that same love and power to heal come to us through the Trinity formula of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, with us now and always. Healing and recovery are central to what Luke wrote about in his Gospel. One scene sets Jesus in the Synagogue reading from the prophet Isaiah with these words: "the Spirit of the Lord is upon me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind; to set free the oppressed and announce that the time of the Lord has come when the Lord will save His people." And Jesus said to those people in the Synagogue that very day, right now this scripture has come true in me. For my purposes in this article I want to emphasize the phrase: liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed. I need to write on a very personal anniversary that occurs to me around the time of the feast of Saint Luke.
On October 17, 2009, I began my 25th year of sobriety and precious years of grace and the ministry of healing. I do not intend to dwell on that lengthy period of my life when alcohol was in charge of my life. It was a decade of captivity and compulsion; a best friend and worst enemy relationship with drinking. It wasted and caused too much hurt in my life. There are two buildings in Regina that very easily describe and set the scene for the captivity of alcohol and the freedom of sobriety. These two structures symbolized the prison of hell and the joy of recovery. And now both of those buildings have been torn down. My last drink, but not my first, was a swallow of continued on page 5
Holy Cross Church, Eston Celebrates 70 Years
4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, January, 2010
ESTON (Qu'A) Holy Cross Church was delighted to celebrate its 70th anniversary with two very special events. On Saturday, Nov. 7, Dr. Dean Pinter was ordained to the transitional Diaconate by Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson, at the Eston College, McLean Chapel. This was a great celebration for Holy Cross Church, the College and the community of Eston. On Sunday, Nov. 8 Bishop Kerr-Wilson led a celebration of the Eucharist at Holy Cross Church for the community and the Parish of Big Country. He was assisted by Deacon Dean Pinter and Rev. Graeme Brownlee, a former priest at Holy Cross. During his homily, Bishop Greg congratulated Holy Cross on “faithful witness” and on 70 years of worship in the church building. He reminded the congregation that, while that is commendable, it is the people, not the building, that make up the Church of God. It is the people who must live the lives of the faithful, bear witness, and reach out into the community. During the service, both the anniversary and a baptism were celebrated. Logan Harris Japp, son of Mitchell and Leah Japp, of Regina, and grandson of Kerry and Shirley Japp, of Holy Cross Church, was baptised into the body of Christ, by Bishop Greg. Margaret Irwin, with assistance from the Bishop provided wonderful music for the occasion. Members of Holy Cross and St. Mary's, Kindersley, assisted with the service. Following pictures in the sanctuary, the congregation gathered in the church hall for a bountiful meal. A lovely anniversary cake with pictures of the church, past and present, made by Pam Kosolofski, was cut by the Bishop and several long time church members. Holy Cross Church members acknowledge Rev. Sandy Mowatt, their recent priest, who died in August of this year. Sandy was instrumental in the planning of this special celebration, and would have been here with his chuckle, his unfailing faith, and his guitar. Everyone at Holy Cross misses Sandy and thanks God for his witness among them. Fr. Dick Kennedy is gratefully acknowledged for coming once a month from Maple Creek for a Service of Holy Eucharist. Holy Cross Church continues to serve, with God's help, as a small family church. There is a vibrant Sunday School,
News from Good Shepherd Parish, Diocese of Saskatoon The Reverend Dr. David Tyler
Sandra & Alex Robertson
History and future celebrated - Parents Leah and Mitchell Japp pose with Bishop Greg holding Logan Harris Japp at the font in Holy Cross Church. Logan was baptised during the service celebrating the 70th anniversary of the church.
under the leadership of Jack Piett, Shirley Japp and Penny Faraday; and five lay leaders, who faithfully lead Morning Prayer services each Sunday. There are many faithful members who add their gifts of music, prayer, reading, cleaning, decorating, dressing the altar, cooking and maintenance. Holy Cross has always had an active ACW, and has had regular Bible Study groups over the years. The church's history goes back more than 70 years, but in May 1939 Rev. W. Meloche came from Limerick to reside in Eston and build a church here. The money for the church was gifted by the estate of the late F.R. Salusbury, a priest from the Diocese of Lichfield, England, which is still a companion diocese today. The church opened on Nov. 12, 1939 and the ACW was begun the following month. The Bishop of Qu'Appelle dedicated the church and presided over the first Eucharist on June 30, 1940. Many former parishioners joined the congregation for the weekend of celebrations. They were very pleased that former parish priests Rev. David Nevitt and Rev. Graeme Brownlee were able to help celebrate the anniversary weekend. Congratulatory messages and prayers were received from several other former priests, including 88 year old Rev. Peter Lucas, who now resides in Victoria, BC. The congregation was thrilled to learn he had continued to pray for the parish monthly over the last 40 years!
Q: Why do they say 'Amen' at the end of a prayer instead of 'Awomen'? A: The same reason they sing Hymns instead of Hers!
DELISLE (S’TOON) On Friday Sept 11th, 2009 there was a celebration of new ministry held at Christ Church, Delisle. The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon, installed the Reverend Dr. David Tyler as Priest-In-Charge. The ceremony was preceded by a potluck supper with guests from other parishes in Saskatoon, where David and his wife Mary have been parishioners over the years, as well as ecumenical guests from other churches in Delisle. Good Shepherd Parish consists of the churches of Christ Church, Delisle and St. Martin's in the Field, Pike Lake. In recent years the parish has been the training ground for several seminary students. In July, St Martin's, Pike Lake held a threeday vacation bible school attended by a small group of enthusiastic youngsters. The parish looks forward to a busy year of activities. Fall suppers in both communities are enthusiastically supported and Christ Church will be holding a series of concerts, featuring local performers, and fund raises for the church that draws an enthusiastic ecumenical group of followers. As is the case with many small parishes there is a lot of pride within the two congregations to maintain their churches at a time when many smaller churches are struggling.
Photo - Clayton Brock
The Installation of The Reverend Dr. David Tyler as Priest-InCharge at Good Shepherd Parish; Centre Mary Tyler and The Reverend Dr. David Tyler; (L to R) Cheryl Moen and Irene Barsky, Wardens from St. Martin's, Pike Lake; Owen Zoerb and Sylvia Chave, Wardens from Christ Church, Delisle; The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon and Archdeacon Dan Hughes.
Photo -- David and Mary Tyler
- In July, St Martin's, Pike Lake held a three-day vacation bible school attended by a small group of enthusiastic youngsters.
Church of the Ascension in National Calendar Arborfield (Sask) Next Easter season, the eyes of Canadian Anglicans from coast to coast will be on Church of the Ascension in Arborfield. The reason? This small church, located in a tiny, rural farming community (population 400), two hours east of Prince Albert, will be featured for a month in a calendar. Every year, St Peter Publications, in Charlottetown, PEI, publishes an “Anglican Church Calendar.” Each month features a watercolour painting of an Anglican church's exterior or interior. The artist, Peter Bresnen of Montreal, bases each painting on photographs of the churches. The dates in the calendar follow the seasonal colours, saints' days and holy days found in the Book of Common Prayer (Canadian 1962 edition). The painting of Church of the Ascension comes in April, 2010. It shows the white church building and the white hall next door, framed by still-bare trees, silhouetted against a lightly cloudy, blue and white sky. A snow-dusted gravel road leads the viewer's eye to the church. “The whites of the painting go well with all the white date numbers of Photo contributed Easter season,” notes the Reverend Julie Golding Page, coParishioners pose with their copies of Priest-in-Charge of the Parish. the April 2010 image of their church Getting Church of the Ascension into the calendar was the on the front steps of Church of the initiative of two parishioners. Linda Coates had the inspiAscension, Arborfield. ration, and did the leg-work to gather several photos. Many of the images she collected were taken through the years by Bill Kapeller. He has photographed the church from different angles and in different seasons. “I'm thrilled,” said Linda when asked about Ascension appearing in the calendar. She also noted that the ACW of Church of the Ascension has already sold nearly 60 copies of the calendar to locals and parishioners because of their presence in the calendar. Church of the Ascension is one of only two churches from western Canada in the 2010 edition of the calendar (the other is St. Aidan' Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba). Six others are from the Maritime provinces,with two each from Ontario and Quebec.
The Saskatchewan Anglican, January, 2010- 5
Introducing the New Chaplain at Saskatchewan Penitentiary By Ed Olfert Recently I had an extended coffee with a new friend. Joanne Beacon is very passionate, the best kind of friend to have. Joanne is a new chaplain at Saskatchewan Penitentiary. Her denominational affiliation is Anglican. In fact, the contract under which she works is held between Correctional Services Canada and her Anglican diocese. In this way, her church is both her source of support, and her source of accountability. In this line of work, both are of utmost importance. Photo contributed Joanne is originally an Ontario The Reverend Joanne Beacon with gal. She has a resume that touches on the Bishop Michael Hawkins, following arts, media, science, hospital work, animal her installation to ministry as Chaplain care in a zoo, storytelling in a library, parat the Saskatchewan Penitentiary. enting, and probably a number of other ventures that this deaf listener missed in a noisy coffee shop. All of these directions came long before ministry, yet all play a huge role in who Joanne is today and what she brings to her church leadership role. For example, Joanne told a story of lessons learned from animals caged in a zoo. When young people came to visit, young people who yelled and hissed and threw things, the animals disappeared, and no amount of enticing could make them appear. But when the nuns came, a totally different atmosphere was created that not only humans could feel, and the creatures would appear, relaxed and magnificent. It was a lesson that has application in regular church ministry as well as reaching out to the incarcerated. Another piece of Joanne's story had her raising three children alone in very difficult circumstances. In those days, society could be judgmental toward a person in her position. Her support came, strongly, warmly, unquestioningly, from her church. Practical support, financial support, spiritual support. Joanne has experience ministering in rural Saskatchewan, with the delight, weariness, and sense of call present in every aspect of that work. Her face filled with energy as she told of a time she was invited to a healing service by a First Nations community, a service conducted on the grounds of a former residential school with much sadness in its past. She was made to feel welcome and important, recognized as a woman, as a survivor, as a spiritual leader who represented a crucial stop on the healing journey. Joanne is in awe of a God who has prepared her for this chaplaincy work through her rich history. She is determined not to get bogged down in things that sap energy. “My job is to tell the guys that they are loved, that their names are written on God's hand. I'm not here to be an advocate, to decide guilt or innocence. I'm here to celebrate the Eucharist with people who were created by God, in the image of God.” There are lessons about “the system” still to be absorbed. There are realities about working in this rigid and often tense environment that will be learned. But there is also passion, that Joanne has been placed here for a reason, a reason that will be given to her as she offers, as she discovers, God. Her passion is fortified by affirmation given by her bishop, by the support of Anglican clergy and laity, and hopefully, by the larger Prince Albert community as well. As I recall the determination in Joanne's voice, as I remember her story of difficult days, days when her church stood by her almost to the exclusion of all others, I pray that there are many such stories. We are indeed created in the holy image of God. What greater role can there be for the church but to remind us of that truth, to hold that before us, to hold that before the world, when both are having trouble believing it. What greater role can there be but to go into prison to visit, and to find that the Christ is already there. Hey, doesn't the Bible say that? This article was originally published in the Prince Albert Herald. Reprinted with permission of the author.
Don's Serenity Silver Anniversary (cont’d)
Trick or Treat is All Treats for Others - Hallowe’en Food Bank Drive
Photo - Cyndi Sigurdson
(l - r) Brydan Sigurdson with his friends Brendan and Colby Heid, on the way to the Regina Food Bank with 230 pounds of food they collected on Halloween. Brydan, who attends St. James the Apostle Church, decided that at 13 he was too old to go out trick-or-treating. Instead, he and his two friends took on a mission to collect food for less fortunate people, using an idea that Brydan's mom, Cyndi, had heard from a fellow Anglican in Ontario. They went door to door with a shopping cart they found in a ditch, and neighbours responded with generosity. Jeanne Tweten (r) who has worked tirelessly for the Regina Food Bank for many years, was the inspiration for this mission.
Sing, Choirs, Sing!
by Marian Powell REGINA St. Paul's Cathedral was host to two special music events in November. Taking advantage of a visit to Regina by Thomas Fitches, Organist and Director of Music at The Anglican Church of St. Clement, Eglinton, the choir arranged a rehearsal under his direction. Mr. Fitches concentrated on skills of psalm singing, especially the singing of traditional Anglican chant and music from the plainsong psalter. Tom commented that it was good to work with people who responded very quickly to new ideas. He enjoyed working with different groups. The learning, he said, was not just one way. Tom also met with St. Paul's organists David McIntyre and Janice Elliott Denike about methods of accompanying psalms. The following Sunday,
November 22, Mr. Fitches was organist for the 9:30 a.m. service and accompanied the psalm along with some of the hymns at the 10:30 a.m. service. His postlude was Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. The previous week, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir and Friends presented a Concert for St. Cecilia. Guest organist was Valerie Hall, President of the Royal Canadian College of Organists and Director of Music at Holy Rosary Cathedral, Regina. The music was chosen to celebrate of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy and also featured a range of music by noted British-born Canadian composer and church musician, Healey Willan. Robin Swales repeated his 2008 role as conductor for the St. Cecilia's concert. St. Paul's Director of Music, Janice Elliott Denike, accompanied guest soloist Karen Frandsen.
photo - Ed Netzel
.Thomas Fitches at the organ with members of St. Paul's Cathedral choir.
brandy in the back alley of the Georgia Hotel; and my first morning of freedom in those 10 years, October 17, 1985, was at Myers House of Recovery on the corner of Scarth Street and 13th Avenue. There a sunrise began and continues these 25 years of freedom and responsibility. Those two buildings may no longer be there, but my memory of what they stood for is now seared into my mind and heart. There are no medals given to those who manage to escape the walls of imprisonment that can torture and cause such hell; torture and pain to family and friends and profession. And no medals are deserved, unless they are given out to those who continued to love and support and forgive and understand. But then it becomes my turn to love and support and forgive myself for taking so long to wake up to that sunrise. And some of that shadow can still be seen in the damage that abuse of alcohol and other addictions can cause. I have come to know this disease and to face my own responsibility a day at a time. I am a thousand miles away from being judgemental, but as close as my heartbeat in being grateful for that grace, love and healing of faith in the Spirit and life of Jesus that I have tried to experience. Such words: captives.. recovery.. set free.. and yes, I am still very much aware of the blessings and grace that I continue to experience as I begin this 25th year of sobriety and beyond. I still regularly continue to attend recovery programs that remind me that alcohol is cunning, baffling and dangerous. And I still hang on tightly to these words: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. A fellow priest who is dealing with a personal health issue reminded me a few days ago of how often we clergy who usually minister to others, are ministered to by our own congregations. And how much we need that support and ingredient of faith that people show to us. This was shown to me in spades 25 years ago and is a blessing that I will never forget.
6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, January, 2010
Historical Vignette
Going Beyond the Church Door by Trevor Powell, Diocese of Qu'Appelle Archivist For the most part, the Church of England took care of its own members and provided services in the English language. The advent of large numbers of non English-speaking immigrants into southern Saskatchewan from the late 1880's onwards made it difficult for the Church to adhere to such a rigid policy if it wished to reach beyond its own membership. Historically and scripturally, it did have a mission to reach all people not spiritually provided for by their own clergy. Since there was no national church structure, it was left to individual bishops to set their own policy. Putting Catholic principles into action, Bishops Anson and Burn made an effort to reach those who possessed a Catholic or Orthodox background, but lacked religious supervision. Clergy who were fluent in other languages were recruited and bibles, prayer books and other literature printed in different languages were distributed. Around Esterhazy, Rev. Alphonse Teitlebaum ministered to Hungarians, Germans and Bohemians. Services were kept plain with prayers usually in English, but hymns, lessons and sermons offered in the prevailing language of the congregation. In 1889,
OBITUARIES Guthrie, Reverend David Rev. David Guthrie, a priest formerly from the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, died in Calgary on November 18, at the age of 65. He is survived by his wife, Norma, daughters Pamela and Christine and their families. David received his higher education at the University of Saskatchewan Regina Campus and Trinity College, Toronto. He was ordained deacon in 1968, and priested the following year. David served as curate at St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral from 1969 to 1972; incumbent of St. Agnes, Craik, from 1973 to 1974; rector of St. Philip, Regina, from 1974 to 1980; and rector of St. Giles, Estevan from 1980 to 1986. He then moved to the Diocese of Edmonton. While in the Diocese of Qu'Appelle he served on numerous diocesan committees and was Rural Dean of Wascana and Rural Dean of Souris. A celebration of David's life was held at Regina Funeral Home on November 28. Dean James Merrett was the celebrant, and retired Bishop Duncan Wallace preached, mentioning how many people David's life had touched. In lieu of flowers, David requested that memorial donations be made to PWRDF or Habitat for Humanity.
Bishop Anson “…confirmed 25 adult Hungarians, Bohemians and Germans….” Other clergy brought the rites of the church to German settlements in the Long Lake, Strasbourg and Yorkton districts. Educational and medical services were also offered. Teitlebaum opened a school in Esterhazy where he gave instruction in four languages. Similarly, a German-speaking member of the lay Brotherhood of Labour taught school in St. Joseph's Colony near Balgonie. In 1895, a cottage hospital at Saltcoats built and run by the church opened its doors allowing Teitlebaum to visit and counsel people of different nationalities, many of whom “…he normally would not have reached in making the rounds of his parish.” Even though this outreach ministry lasted a little more than 10 years, parish clergy and laity continued to meet the non English-speaking immigrants on their own ground. It was not until the 1920s that another initiative was launched to reach a new wave of Continental European immigrants, many of whom belonged to the Orthodox Communion and had no priests of their own. Lack of clergy who were fluent in other languages prevented the church from making significant inroads. In undertaking this outreach ministry, the Qu'Appelle leadership felt assimilation of the immigrant was not as important as integration into the Anglican Communion as a member of the Holy Catholic Church. And, in so doing, they helped to ease the newcomer into the Canadian way of life.
Saskatoon Clergy Attend Excellence in Preaching Conference By Peter Norman SASKATOON :- Five of the clergy from the diocese had the privilege of attending the St. Clement's College on Excellence in Preaching Program, held at the Queen of the Apostles Retreat Centre in Mississauga from November 2nd to 5th. Recommended by our bishop, the course is offered by invitation only, and that invitation was accepted by the Reverends Peter Norman and Anne Marie Nicklin, the Very Reverend Terry Wiebe, the Reverend Canon Michael Stonhouse and the Venerable Dan Hughes. The Keynote Speaker for the Program was the Reverend Dr. Lillian Daniels, author of "Tell it like it is: Reclaiming the practice of Testimony" and "This Odd and Wondrous Calling: The story of two ministers". Along with clergy from the dioceses of Huron, Qu'appelle, Calgary, and Toronto, as well as four military chaplains, we had the opportunity to preach and study using personal narrative and testimony to enhance the presentation of the gospel.
Photo - The Reverend Peter Norman
Diocesan clergy attending the St. Clement's College on Excellence in Preaching Program (L to R) Reverends Peter Norman and Anne Marie Nicklin, the Very Reverend Terry Wiebe, the Reverend Canon Michael Stonhouse and the Venerable Dan Hughes.
Photo - The Reverend Peter Norman
The Reverend Dr. Lillian Daniel was Keynote speaker for the Excellence in Preaching Program
A Report from the 2009 National ACW President's Conference, Newfoundland - Theme: “The Living Hands of Christ” By Marion G. Pope, Devotion's Coordinator, Diocese of Saskatoon “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God” is the motto on the Coat of Arms of Newfoundland. What better place, therefore, to hold the National President's Conference of Anglican Church Women! It was my privilege to represent Anglican women from the Diocese of Saskatoon at the National ACW Women's Conference which was held from October 1st to 4th, 2009 at the Killdevil Camp and Conference Centre in the beautiful Gros Morne National Park of Newfoundland. The warm welcome and the hospitality shown by the women of Newfoundland reflected the warmth and spirit of the women themselves. The culinary staff at the Camp treated us to a wonderful 'taste' of Newfoundland (no losing weight this trip), and the Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, graced us with his presence Thursday evening and part of Friday. To begin the conference, our incredible National President, Marion Saunders, asked each member to introduce herself and tell something that her hands had done as “The Living Hands of Christ” (the
theme for the meeting). This is not as easy as it sounds. While we concur with Teresa of Avila that, “Christ has no body now on earth but ours, no hands, no feet on earth but ours”, being the humble creatures we are, it is somehow easier to speak about the fruits of other people's hands. We then traced our hands around the national ACW logo on a specially made cloth. At the Service of Holy Eucharist the Primate spoke, firstly, about Christ's hands. Even in the pictures of the nativity, he said Christ is shown with his hands outstretched. Throughout his ministry, his hands comforted, healed, prayed, served, held little children, and washed the feet of his disciples, and ultimately he stretched out his hands upon the cross for us. Secondly, the Primate spoke about “our” hands. He cited all the incredible things he heard our hands had done. The most memorable moment of the whole meeting was when the Primate blessed and anointed each one of our hands with oil for Christ's service. This anointing, my dear sisters, was for “all” of us. The chaplain for our Conference was a delightful very spiritual 30priest from year-old Newfoundland, who had an amazing sense of humour. At our Friday morning worship she spoke about God as the potter,
we as the clay (Jeremiah 18: 3 to 6), “like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand”. She reminded us that we are still under construction. At the closing service, she referred to Mary and Martha; Mary representing contemplation (prayer and devotion), and Martha representing action (good works, helping others); or love of God and love of neighbour respectively. She stressed that the gifts of service and worship are both equally important. After lunch, the Primate spoke about our church in transition, the obstacles to ministry in the Council of the North, Vision 2019, and PWRDF (including Worship Resources and the “From Cookies to Champagne” initiative, and the new musical CDs for purchase). He presented our President, Marion Saunders, with a pin he had received from the National Episcopal Women's Group. He spoke with emotion about his trip to Jerusalem and Gaza city in August. Friday evening we each coloured a quilt square to make into a quilt for the less fortunate. Saturday afternoon we took a cold rainy windy, but very interesting, trip further into Gros Morne National Park. Saturday evening we were entertained with the beat of the music and lyrics of Newfoundland songs (the women from Newfoundland
soon had everyone up dancing.)The highlight of the evening was a visit from “Aunt Sophie”, a dear “old” Newfoundland woman who kept us in stiches and, yes, initiated us into “The Royal Order of Screechers”. Highlights from the business meeting also included: the meeting voted to join the National Catholic Women's League in signing Resolution 2008.01 “Preventing Human Trafficking at 2010 Olympics”; knowledge that a National ACW Website is under construction; a constitutional Amendment (The President of the Canadian Mothers' Union was removed as a voting member of the National Executive of Anglican Church Women of Canada because the Mothers' Union is not under the umbrella of the ACW, but is rather a sister organization within the Anglican Church of Canada. The President of the Canadian Mothers' Union will be invited, along with other partners, to attend our meetings); at the prompting of the Executive Director of the Anglican Foundation, we are pursuing opening a trust fund within the Foundation to encourage those who would like to support the work of Anglican Church Women; this trust fund would be a vehicle through which they may do so, and receive a charitable receipt.
The Saskatchewan Anglican, - January, 2010 7
2009 National ACW President's Conference (cont’d) A new National ACW Prayer was approved: “Almighty God, we pray for your blessing and grace on our work and witness as Anglican Church Women in Canada. We give you thanks and praise for giving us wisdom, knowledge and understanding so that we may serve you in spirit and in truth. Called to be your church, may our study, learning, worship and service be always to your glory and the building of your kingdom in our communities and throughout the world. In our ministry may we always respond to the needs of others with your love. We pray in the name of the One who redeemed and loves us, your Son, Jesus our Saviour. Amen”. There have been requests for materials for an ACW service. Canon Thora WadeErowe, our National Chaplain last year, is looking at the feasibility of collating material and producing such a resource. Marion Saunders would gratefully receive any liturgical sources used by women across the country. Members of each Ecclesiastical Province met to discuss activities in their dioceses and to determine ways we can improve our communication. Carol Pryzyk was again elected our contact person in our Province of Rupert's Land. Our Diocesan ACW, Diocese of Saskatoon, will be Prayer Partners for 2010 for the Diocese of Saskatchewan. The Diocese of Calgary will be Prayer Partners for us. Three full days of meetings drew us closer as sisters in Christ and in fellowship with God. Word Count: - 1044
Photo - Marion Pope
ACW Members from Rupert's Land who attended the National ACW President's Conference in Newfoundland: (L to R) Edith Maddaford (Diocese of Qu'Appelle), Joanna Muzyk (Diocese of Athabasca), Carol Pryznyk (Diocese of Saskatchewan), Jean Anderson (Diocese of Edmonton), Delorie Walsh (Diocese of Calgary), and Marion Pope (Diocese of Saskatoon). Photo Marion Pope
Terri Parrill, National ACW Vice President, with the Most Reverend Fred Hiltz, Primate
The Charge of the Bishop of Saskatchewan (continued from the December issue) Five Marks of Mission In the Anglican Communion we speak often of the Five Marks of Mission. They are: To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom; To teach, baptise and nurture new believers; To respond to human need by loving service; To seek to transform unjust structures of society; and To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. The first two Marks of Mission refer to what we read tonight in the Great Commission. Evangelism is at the forefront and heart of the Mission we have been given and that means proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In every one of the four Gospel accounts Christ's Commission is recorded and we would do well to recall all of these. Mark tells us that Jesus commanded them, and us, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Luke, whom we remember on Sunday, tells us that our Mission is the Christ-centred, Bible-based preaching of repentance and forgiveness to all in the name of Jesus Christ who died and rose again. And John tells how the Apostles and Apostolic Church are sent by Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to share the forgiveness of sins. He who calls us also sends us. He who says “Come” also says “Go”. Our hesitancy to 'Go and preach the Gospel', to live and speak as witnesses to Jesus Christ, stems not just from shyness but from a lack of conviction and confidence in the Gospel itself. So any attempt at renewing ourselves in Mission and Evangelism out in the world must begin with an inner renewal in the Gospel of God's saving love in Jesus Christ and in the power of the Spirit. I was in prison and you came to me In the summer of this year we received a Grant from the New England Company, which has so generously supported Youth Ministry and the James Settee College in the past. They allocated $6,000 to assist with Prison ministry in the Diocese. At the same time, we have been contracted with Correctional Services Canada to provide chaplaincy services at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary and have appointed the Reverend Joanne Beacon to this ministry. Over the past year we have provided worship and communion at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary and the Prince Albert Correctional Centre and some of our members were involved in a very successful Alpha programme at the Riverbend Institution. I am inviting anyone interested in Prison Ministry in the Diocese to gather at the Synod Office on Saturday, November 21st, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to consider what we might offer to those incarcerated in our Diocese and what training and support will be required. This may be just the kind of particular mission work that God is calling us to undertake as a Diocese. Indigenous Self-determination within the Church The Sacred Circle met in Port Elgin, Ontario in August and I was a guest along with the rest of the Council of the North Bishops. At that meeting the desire to move towards greater self-determination within the Anglican Church of Canada and, for the most part, within existing Dioceses was clear. There has been a long discussion between the Dioceses of Brandon and Keewatin about
forming an Area Mission in Northern Manitoba that would be served by an indigenous Bishop. In this proposal the congregations who desire to be under the pastoral care of such an area Bishop would remain within their Diocese. I am excited by this “dual citizenship” model which is much like what we did when we elected a Cree-speaking Suffragan Bishop. Archdeacon Halkett has been invited to several of the consultations held in Manitoba and Bishop Mark MacDonald held a two-day consultation here in Prince Albert on March 5th and 6th of this year. This kind of an initiative is related, though not necessarily so, to a growing vision for replacing non-stipendiary priestly ministry in the Diocese with fully supported priests. Our Provincial Synod made provision at its most recent meeting for the possible election and consecration of a Bishop to serve the Parishes of Northern Manitoba. At the Sacred Circle in Port Elgin, the Diocese of Saskatchewan was asked if it would be interested in working with this Area Mission. Whatever we think of this or any particular proposal, I am convinced that we need to work together for a more self-determining indigenous expression of Anglicanism in our Diocese and country, with the goal of working and worshipping together as equals and that the current model of nonstipendiary ministry is a profound disservice to both priest and people. There is both fear and impatience about these possible new directions, and the need to listen to each other and discern together the will of God is of utmost importance. Whatever decisions we make, there needs to be a lot more conversation and prayer throughout the Diocese, so that as individuals and Parishes and a Diocese we can make informed and faithful decisions. I have applied for and received some special funding from the Council of the North to cover some of the necessary travel and accommodation for these consultations. One small step forward for us as a Diocese would be for the Diocesan Indian Council, which I hope will become the Indigenous Council at this Synod, to take greater and real leadership, responsibility and authority in the Diocese. At present, the Council functions as an advisor to the Bishop, especially on matters of appointment and ordination. What if the Executive Committee assigned real budget and grant dollars and discretion to the Council and asked it to take some responsibility for raising funds for Ministry and Mission? Would there be openness in our First Nations congregations to supporting the work of the Council and could its enhanced role be a first step towards greater self-determination within the Diocese? Leadership Development The quantity and quality of lay leadership in and for the Diocese is an issue very much before me. Without this kind of lay leadership, we lack ownership of the work and decisions of the Diocese at the local level. While I am always impressed by the quality of leaders we have in our congregations, we have failed to attract and retain our best people to serve and lead at a Diocesan level. My hope and prayer is that you and many others will feel called to offer leadership as we seek to become: *A Diocese renewed in its Vocation and Mission. *A Diocese that is growing Larger and
Stronger Congregations. *A Diocese that preaches the Gospel with clarity and conviction to both near and far. *A Diocese working towards greater self-determination for its indigenous members and Parishes. *A Diocese where we worship and walk and serve together as equals, as brothers and sisters in Christ. I have laid out some hard realities before us all and the challenges that face us in terms of growing in Mission and the issues around greater self-determination for indigenous members of our Diocese are daunting. At times we do not feel up to the task at hand and there is an evil spirit of discouragement all around us. We need to remember and relearn that it does not depend upon us and to depend wholly on the mercy and grace of God. Paul asked in the face of the Mission before him, “Who is sufficient for these things?” And he reminds us, “Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant.” Our sense of inadequacy should lead us to trust more and only in God's grace. This is the word of the Lord to those who feel unworthy and lacking in the face of their Vocation and Mission, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." To the frightened and bewildered eleven he gave the Great Commission but he also gave them his promise, “I am with you always.” We gather here to celebrate the presence of Christ who died and rose again for us and who is among us always. We gather here to remember what is of first and last importance in my life and yours and in the life of this Diocese, “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” I beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling. Go and make disciples of all nations. +Michael
Keeping the Ten Commandments
Harold and Jane were not a very religious couple but tried their best; they only went to church once a year. As they were leaving the church, the minister said, “Harold, it sure would be nice to see you and Jane here more than once a year” “I know,” replied Harold, “We're very busy people, leading active lives but at least we keep the Ten Commandments” “That's great,” the minister said. “I'm glad to hear that you keep the Commandments.” “Yes, we sure do” Harold said proudly, “Jane keeps six of them and I keep the other four”.
8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, January, 2010
Special Fall Convocation; Degrees, Scholarships and Awards
Editor's Note: This is the most recent in a series of contributions to the Saskatchewan Anglican from the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad. These articles cover a broad range of theological and general interest issues as well as College news. By Peter R. Coolen SASKATOON - On Tuesday, November 10th, at a special Convocation Eucharist, the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad presented awards, scholarships and degrees to a number of past and present students; an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree was also presented to Bishop Rodney Andrews (see article and pictures elsewhere in this issue), and a Master of Divinity Degree was awarded, in absentia, to Karen Dawn McDonald. Recognitions of achievement and prizes or scholarships were awarded, for the 2008 to 2009 academic year, as follows: Louise Lomas won the Canadian Bible Prize (a book prize for public reading of the Bible), and the Venerable Dr. Robert & Mrs. Muriel Crowder Scholarship (for a student showing potential to become a good parish priest); Trevor Freeman won the 8th Metropolitan of Rupert's Land Prize (for academic liturgics and leading liturgy in daily chapel), as well as the Vera and William Pink Scholarship (for a student with the highest ranking in parish-related studies); Ria Neish and Karen Walters shared the Bishop Malcolm Harding Scholarship (for a student with a 75% or higher average); Karen Walters won the Marjorie Thompson Prize (for a student showing promise of leadership and achievement; the Prize goes to the immediate past Senior Stick); Austin Spry won the Davies Prize (for a distinguished student in Pastoral Care), as well as the Reverend. Howard Shurvin Scholarship (for a student showing potential to become a good parish priest); and Nicolas Alexandre won the Bishop John Langstone Prize (for pastoral theology, 2nd year) and the Dr. Florence Joyce Haslam Scholarship (for a student in an ordination stream program who is pursuing work in a mission diocese within the Anglican Church). Following the Eucharist Service and the Convocation all adjourned to the lobby of the College for a reception and a time of fellowship.
Photo- Maureen Scale - Louise Lomas is presented the Canadian Bible Prize and the Venerable Dr. Robert and Mrs. Muriel Crowder Scholarship by the Reverend Canon Beth Marie Murphy
Photo- Maureen Scale
Trevor Freeman is presented the 8th Metropolitan of Rupert's Land Prize and the Vera and William Pink Scholarship by the Reverend Canon Beth Marie Murphy
Photo- Maureen Scale
Photo- Maureen Scale
Karen Walters won the Marjorie Thompson Prize and shared the Bishop Malcolm Harding Scholarship; they were presented by the Reverend Canon Beth Marie
Austin Spry won the Davies Prize as well as the Reverend. Howard Shurvin Scholarship; the Davis Prize was presented by the Reverend Canon John and Julia Davies
Photo by Andrea Wall Lorraine Hardwick speaks at the farewell banquet at St. Stephen's, Swift Current. Rob Hardwick (l) and Russ Wall look on. The hand-made stole hanging in the background was A man is struck by a bus on a busy street in in New York City. He lies dying on the sidewalk as a crowd of spectators gathers around. "A priest. Somebody get me a priest!" the man gasps. A policeman checks the crowd----no priest, no minister, no man of God of any kind. "A PRIEST, PLEASE!" the dying man says again. Then out of the crowd steps a little old Jewish man of at least eighty years of age. "Mr. Policeman," says the man, "I'm not a priest. I'm not even a Catholic. But for fifty years now I'm living behind St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church on First Avenue, and every night I'm listening to the Catholic litany. Maybe I can be of some comfort to this man." The policeman agreed and brought the octogenarian over to where the dying man lay. He kneels down, leans over the injured and says in a solemn voice: "Under the B, 4. Under the I, 19. Under the N, 38. Under the G, 54. Under the O, 72. . ."
How do you Say Goodbye to your Priest, your Pastor and your Friend?
SWIFT CURRENT (Qu'A) How do you say goodbye to someone who has led you in worship for years? How do you say goodbye to someone who has married you, buried your loved one, and baptised you? How do you say goodbye to someone who has prayed Photo- Maureen Scale with you and for you, comfortRia Neish shared the Bishop ed you, encouraged you and Malcolm Harding challenged you in your Scholarship; the Scholarship Christian walk? How do you was presented by the say goodbye to someone who Reverend Canon Beth Marie has always pointed you to Murphy Jesus? This past June our pastor, the Ven. Rob Hardwick, Archdeacon of the Swift Current Archdeaconry, resigned and accepted a position as Assistant to the Bishop and Executive Archdeacon of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle. Rob started his new position on November 17. He went on medical leave in early July awaiting heart surgery, which took place in August. With his quick departure from local church life, his congregations prayed for him, and the sense Photo- Maureen Scale of loss was replaced with conNicolas Alexandre won the cern and prayers for a quick Bishop Langstone Prize and recovery. We are so thankful to the Dr. Florence Joyce Haslam the Lord Jesus for healing him Scholarship; they were preand bringing him through this sented by the Reverend Canon difficult time. Beth Marie Murphy Rob and his wife, Lorraine, had come to the parish in September 2001 from Nottingham, England, where Rob had been a parish priest. From the beginning of his time in Swift Current, Rob had a spiritual impact on our congregations and this community. His strong Christian character was quickly recognized by others, not only pastors but all who knew and met him. He brought unity to the Swift Current ministerial association, and accountability and friendship among the pastors. His Spirit-filled life was obvious wherever he went. On November 14 and 15 the congregations of St. Stephen's in Swift Current and St. John's in Pennant held their official farewells for Rob and Lorraine. At a tea at St. Stephen's on Saturday afternoon, church family, pastors and friends came out to wish them God's blessings as they go from here. Gifts were given and the two congregations gave Rob a beautiful stole made by his art teacher, Marsha Cannon, which made it all the more special to Rob. In the evening there was a dinner and an evening of sharing, ably led by Russ Wall. The evening ended as Rob and the guitar group led in worship, with Rob sharing between songs. It was a wonderful evening enjoyed by all. The Eucharist was celebrated at St. Stephen's on Sunday morning, and at St. John's in the afternoon. Near the end of the morning service, Janet Neubauer, the Rector's Warden, invited all the children in the church to come up and lay their hands on Pastor Rob and Lorraine. Janet then said a wonderful prayer for them as they go forth on their new journey with the Lord. How do you say goodbye to your priest, your pastor and your friend? We tried to say goodbye with words, with hugs, with tears and prayers - prayers to the Lord that in His grace, He has kept Rob in the diocese where he will be a wonderful influence in the life of the church at large. Prayers of thanks to the Lord, who brought Rob to Swift Current and Pennant in 2001 so that His plans and purposes for this church family and this city could be fulfilled. We are so thankful for our priest, our pastor and our friend, for when we look at him, we see Jesus.