The Saskatchewan Anglican, June 2006

June 2006

Regina parish supports Food for Life store

by Ivan Millard REGINA - St. Philip’s Church is now an active supporter in the Food For Life store located in the Core-Richie Neighbourhood Centre. Groceries are sold at drugstores and convenience stores. Grocery stores sell drugs, clothes and hardware but there are none of these in the Core-Ritchie area of Regina. That was a major problem for local residents who have limited budgets and no easy access to the malls. So a small group of women decided to open their own store in the Core-Ritchie Neighbourhood Centre.

St. Philip’s Church has assisted the Al Ritchie Health Centre with Christmas hampers and Archdeacon Helena Houldcroft has been involved in various aspects of the role the Al Ritchie Wellness Centre plays in the community. She became a motivator for the Women of Wealth (WOW) group. That led to her being a volunteer and temporary financial controller for Food For Life. Brian Geig, Outreach Co-ordinator for the Al Ritchie Health Action Centre, said “All good things can happen if people are committed to them but the work of Helena and St Philip's certainly eased the load and provided the right amount of leadership at the right time. I can not say enough about

how valuable she has been to this project.”

At first there were some doubts about their ability to make it work but when the question of “why not” was raised they became determined to go for it. Their store started selling to the neighbourhood in January.

Their orders for bread, milk, vegetables, fruit and pastry are delivered on Monday mornings. Students from Cochrane High School unload the truck and help set up the display counters. The store is open to the public in the afternoon. Neighbourhood volunteers do the pricing, selling and bagging so families can shop for fresh, healthy food at prices just a bit above cost and at a convenient location. For many in the area that is a big change in their lives.

Food For Life has the co-operation and support of federal, provincial and city organizations. At the grand opening on March 20, Gordon Johnson, Vice President of Conexus Credit Union, was applauded by MP Ralph Goodale, MLA Len Taylor and City Councillor Wade Murray. Mr. Murray presented the organizers with a cheque for $14,700 to help ensure the sustainability of this self-help micro-enterprise.

L to r: Yvonne Bowdish, Archdeacon Helena Houldcroft. Volunteer Archdeacon Helena Houldcroft helps Yvonne Bowdish with fresh vegetables and whole-wheat breads at the grand opening of the Food For Life centre, Core-Richie Neighbourhood Centre. Photo courtesy of Don Healy, Regina Leader-Post.

Healing at former residential school By the Reverend Joanne Beacon GORDON’S FIRST NATION - I didn't know what to expect when Dale suggested that I attend the Moving Beyond Gathering, but I was happy to have the opportunity to be a guest of the Gordon's First Nation Reserve. The Gathering turned out to be an annual three-day event designed to be a time of healing for residential school survivors. I arrived on the morning of the second day which began with a special ceremony called the Ride from the Four Directions.

Dale and her student, Vikki Young, stood on either side of me on a barren patch of ground about the size of two football fields placed side by side. The rain began in earnest as out of the mist I saw groups of beautiful horses approaching from the four corners across the fields.

Vikki explained that this was the site on which the Gordon Residential School once stood. I felt a sudden chill as I digested the information. The horses and riders met in front of a cairn that marks the centre of the now demolished school, the location of so many horror stories and so much grief. The cross that once graced the roof now stands on a concrete slab. A metal lance with seven sculptured eagle feathers was placed on the cairn. Each metal feather represents one of the seven who had the courage to step forward and speak. These opened the door to the flood of pain. The stories exposed the abuse and the truth about the residential schools.

The Anglican Church lives into a difficult legacy at Gordon. The shame of my whiteness began to drip down my collar in the rain and I began to shiver. Corporate sin, my complacency, these were mine and I realized my need to bring these things before God. The chief elder and his assistant, chanting prayers in Cree, received coloured flags representing the four regions and the peoples from them. These flags were placed in one of several tepees positioned behind the cairn. Then the elder blessed the horses and riders and the whole gathering with sweetgrass while his assistant gently pushed the smoke over us with a ceremonial eagle feather fan. Then the same elder came in peace extending his hand first to the resident priest at Gordon's, my new friend Dale, then to her colleague, Vikki Young, soon to be ordained to the community and then to me, the only white woman present. At first, I thought it was because there were no other representatives of the Anglican Church of Canada present that I had the honour of receiving this extended hand of peace on behalf of the whole church. Dale said quietly that I was chosen because of my special role as a woman and a healer.

It was a cold day, the wind was gusting and my hands were cold, but my heart was strangely warmed by this moment of grace as I clasped this old, weathered hand and realized in a moment of wonder just what this peace had cost.

God's grace healed me that day so I wrote this article in hope that some of the people who read this may gain some glimpse of the pain and the glory of God's healing grace and mercy to us as it was captured in this moment on the site of that horrible and shameful chapter of our history. The hand seemed to say, “Let us begin now to move beyond our pain and receive by grace the healing of all our people.”

I spent a truly enlightening day at Gordon's. This is really good medicine, and it is medicine that is good for all of us, white folk included. My prayer, as a Christian, as a minister of healing, and as an intercessor and priest in the church of God, is that this wonderful work of the Gordon's Wellness Centre may continue and prosper so that we may all be healed.

The Reverend Dale Gillman has become the first Cree OSL Chaplain.

Her ministry at Gordon's First Nation Reserve offers hope for everyone. Dale will be Region 14 Guest Speaker for the Region 14 Conference Oct. 13th and 14th in Moose Jaw. The Conference title is Setting the Captives Free. Dale will speak about her approach and experience in developing what she calls ChristCentred Counselling at the Gordon's Wellness Centre. Come and be healed.

(Editor's Note: Dale Gillman, the priest at the Gordon's Wellness Centre, invited the author to attend a ceremony at the site of the former Gordon Residential School.

The above is an account of her experience. The Reverend Joanne Beacon is the priest of St. Andrew's Church in Humboldt and a Regional Director in the Order of St. Luke.)

What is a Seder Supper?

By Mary Brown SHELLBROOK (Sk) - Try to imagine, if you can, going into your church basement or hall and seeing it transformed into an elegant room. Linen tablecloths, crystal glasses, candles, colourful napkins and multi dish place settings with beautiful flowers on the table. I thought I was in the wrong place!

The Passover/Seder Meal, in the Jewish tradition, would start at sundown.

Of course, they didn't live in a place like Saskatchewan in the springtime. Who knows when we would have eaten if we had waited till sundown? We started at 6:30 p.m. and didn't eat the actual meal till 8:30 p.m. (Please see “Seder” on page 7)

2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, June 2006

Bishop’s Message - The gift of water The Right Rev. Rodney Andrews Bishop of Saskatoon Jean works in a photo shop near our home. She is patient with people like me who are not good with technology. She is always helpful when I stop by to print photos. A few months ago I recommended her for 'employee of the week'. She proudly wears the button she received from her manager as a result.

Today Jean is showing me how a digital camera works. When she gets to the 'panorama' function she says “You can use this setting to take a picture of Niagara Falls.” I respond “How do you know I am going to Niagara Falls?” Jean is surprised. She says “I always say that to customers. You are the first person to tell me you are actually going there.”

Two weeks later I am in Niagara Falls for a meeting of the House of Bishops.

We gather in a former Roman Catholic seminary, now a Spiritual Center where retreats and conferences are held. The sessions are held in a former dormitory on the top floor. I concentrate on the meeting as much as I am able, but from time to time I gaze at the Niagara River as it bubbles over the rocks as it approaches the Falls. The sheer volume of the water is

enormous. As the river narrows the speed of the water increases and it seems to gain power. It is an awesome experience to stand near the Falls and gaze at the incredible amount of water pouring over the rocks. I wonder how the first human beings to gaze at the Falls must have felt.

Were they overwhelmed as I am by the sheer magnitude of the sight?

We are fortunate in North America to have vast quantities of water. Many in our world are not so fortunate. In desert countries people still walk to wells and carry buckets of water home, where it is rationed. A huge proportion of the world's population would be startled to see how we take water for granted and waste it.

Water is good, and water can cause great problems. Flooding in north east Saskatchewan has wiped out roads and bridges and created huge problems for farmers this Spring. In April Bishop Burton phoned to say that many members of the Red Earth First Nation would be evacuated from their community and would be living in the Field House in Saskatoon. I am pleased to report the Church was there for fellow Anglicans who were displaced by the flooding. The Rev. Canon Stan Cuthand spoke at a

Sunday service and prayed with the people in their own language. Young people from St. James Church spent a Saturday afternoon playing with the children from Red Earth, and others helped in various ways.

Water is vital in our life, and it is central in our Christian Faith. I love the words from the baptism service in the Book of Alternative Services: “We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water.

Over water the Holy Sprit moved in the beginning of creation. Through water you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In water your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.”

When we give thanks to God in our daily prayers, water is something we need to include. I suggest repeating the words “We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water.” + Rodney Bishop of Saskatoon

Editorial - How do you spell “love” ?

By the Rev’d Garth Neel A friend of mine used to like to ask people to spell the word “love”. They would naturally spell it L-O-V-E. But he then would give his own spelling, which was T-I-M-E. You can see what he was trying to say and it rings true.

He was saying that we show our love for people by the amount of time we spend with them. If we love someone, then we DO want to spend time with the one beloved. And people naturally know that love is communicated in this way.

Children want us to spend time with them.

The elderly want us to spend time with them. Our spouses want us to spend time with them. And, conversely, we quickly show our lack of interest in others when we choose NOT to spend time with them.

Now, to simply apply this principle to your relationship with God is very revealing. Have you ever noticed that God commands you to spend one day in every seven days especially focused on Him, that one day in every seven is to be kept HOLY? The fourth commandment says: Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day. Six days shalt thou labour and do all that thou hast to do but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy

God. In it thou shalt do no manner of work …

You have six days for your work (although in our culture we often have plenty of time for recreation during those six days, too) but one day is to be kept holy to the Lord. To keep a day “holy” is to set it apart, to make it special, to focus in a special way on the Lord on that day.

We should note that the word Sabbath means “CESSATION”, that is, a stopping or ceasing from something. On one day out of every seven, we are to cease from our usual labours in order to give ourselves wholly to God. The Sabbath is not meant to be a day of inertia, as if that person observes it best who physically does the least. It is a day on which we rest from our labours in order to give ourselves to worship. In other words, the Sabbath is not a day of rest, pure and simple. It is a day on which we rest in order to give ourselves to the public and private exercises of God's worship.

The prophet Isaiah promised that if the people would keep the Sabbath and not trample it underfoot as worthless, they would find their “joy in the Lord” (Isaiah 58:14). How many who read these words are even now looking forward to the

next Sabbath Day? How many of us who call ourselves Anglicans see the Sabbath as a time when we find our joy in the Lord?

I suspect, from the behaviour that I have been able to observe, that many Anglicans have never even considered the idea that the WHOLE DAY is to be given over to the Lord. And, I suspect that the very thought of doing so, appears to them as more a burden than a joy. I suspect this because so few take the time to come to the public worship of God and because even those who do rarely spend the remainder of the day focused on worshipping Him. For most, the commandment might as well read, Remember that thou keep holy one hour on Sunday morning … and then spend the rest of the day doing whatsoever pleaseth thee. The commandment does not read that way but many do not get so far as even to sanctify that one hour on Sunday morning.

My point is this: if you love someone, you want to spend time with that someone. When you are with your sweetheart, you aren't looking at your watch wondering when you can escape. When you are with the one whom you love, you don't

Managing Editor: The Reverend Garth Neel Email: saskangl@sasktel.net For change of address, undeliverable copies and subscription list updates contact: your parish, circulation@national.anglican.ca or send to Saskatchewan Anglican c/o Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Street Toronto ON M4Y 3G2 Published by the dioceses of Qu’Appelle, Saskatoon and Saskatchewan.

All submissions must be sent to the Associate Editors by the beginning of the last week of the month preceeding publication.

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

think of it as a burden. Why, then, do so many people refuse to observe the Sabbath? We can only assume that they do not love the One who calls them to spend that day with Him. They would just rather not be with Him. They have not awakened to the joy of the Lord.

Conversely, for those who truly love God, whose hearts have been set free to love Him, the prospect of spending a day with Him will be pure delight. In fact, one day in seven will hardly seem enough time to spend with One so beautiful, so enchanting, so delightful.

God calls us to spend time with Him, indeed commands us to spend one whole day in every seven days especially focused on Him. For us Christians, that day is Sunday, the Lord's Day, the day of Christ's resurrection, following the example of the apostles and the apostolic church. It is on the Sabbath that we are to find great joy in the Lord. If this idea has never occurred to you before, perhaps you should think very deeply about your relationship with God, and ponder whether or not you truly love Him, as is your bounden duty and service.

Published monthly except July and August Published from Box 1113 Hudson Bay, SK S0E 0Y0 Printed and mailed from Signal Star Publishing A division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Goderich ON N7A 4B6 Subscription rate: $10.00 in Canada; $17.00 outside Canada Whole No. 292, Vol. 33, No. 5

The Saskatchewan Anglican, June 2006 - 3

Service and mission in the ACW

By Lovella Jarvi REGINA - “Anglican Church Workers” was the theme of the Anglican Church Women (ACW) of Qu’Appelle who met for one day on April 22 with 31 members attending. After 42 years of having twoday annual meetings the ACW will continue for years to come with the new plan of a one-day annual gathering.

The conference was held at St. Philip's Church which is located in the Living Spirit Centre. The Centre includes as well the congregations of Bread of Life Lutheran Church and Eastside United Church.

The guest speaker for the afternoon was Mrs. Lorraine Hardwick who emphasized the women’s role in every aspect of the church. Each one of us is unique and a marvel in God's eye, no matter how big or small our contribution may be, she said.

She reiterated that we are the "salt of the earth." Canon Helena Houldcroft, incumbent of St. Philip's Church, gave the homily at the Eucharist service.

During the meeting each member

introduced herself and gave a short history of her role in the church. Service and mission were words that came to mind as the members described their work in the ACW. And there seemed to be no age limit to this calling as there were in attendance members who are 90 years or more and are still active in their local chapters.

The meeting was conducted by the president, the Reverend Ella Frank.

Officers elected were: Ella Frank, president; Edith Maddaford, first vice president; Lovella Jarvi, recording secretary; Sandra Kerr, corresponding secretary; Cathy Shier, treasurer; Laurel Howden, little helpers; Muriel Blundell, social action; Betty Smith, juniors. Appointed were: Mary Gyles, book of remembrance; Ruth Moffat, calendars; Marjorie Keen, crafts and Olive Bell, life members.

As the ACW' membership decreases this was a wonderful occasion for the women to receive support, encouragement and faith so they can continue on in their capacity as "Anglican Church Workers."

Back row l to r: Betty Smith, Sandra Kerr, Lovella Jarvi, Ella Frank, Ruth Moffat Front row l to r: Mary Gyles, Margaret Brady, Olive Bell, Laurel Howden, Muriel Blundel, Edith Maddaford.

We ought to glory in nothing, because nothing is ours.

On religious mystery novels

By Joanne Shurvin-Martin The mystery genre encompasses a wide variety of styles: hard-boiled, soft-boiled, the softer "cozies," and even Christian mysteries. This article will touch on mystery novels with religious content in varying degrees.

Looking first at the classic mysteries, it is easy to think of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple and her parish in St. Mary Mead and Dorothy L. Sayers' staunch Church of England hero, Lord Peter Wimsey. In both these series, however, the church was primarily in the background as part of the culture. Neither character spent much time discussing religious themes.

In contrast, Fr. Robert Koesler spends many pages explaining religious subjects in about two dozen books by William X. Kienzle. Like his protagonist, William Kienzle was raised and educated in the pre-Vatican II era. Kienzle and his creation were both ordained as Roman Catholic priests and worked in Detroit.

However, after 20 years as a priest, Kienzle left the priesthood but not the Catholic church. In addition to being wellcrafted mysteries, this series provides insight into the post-Vatican II church and especially to the thoughts of clergy and lay people who grew up before the dramatic changes brought about by Vatican II. In each book, there are those who embraced the new order and those who found it difficult or impossible to adapt.

Many of the plots or subplots involve the conflict between following the letter of the law or the spirit of the law.

Bishop Blackie Ryan is another character created by an actual Roman Catholic priest, Fr. Andrew M. Greeley. The dust jacket biography describes Greeley as "a Catholic priest and sociologist [who] divides his time between teaching at the University of Chicago and the University of Arizona at Tucson." Somehow he also finds time to be a prolific writer. Bishop Ryan describes himself as a "harmless,

indeed almost invisible little auxiliary bishop," who travels all over solving problems and/or mysteries for his cardinal. The books are written in the first person and Blackie shows that his faith forms his thinking and being.

Both Greeley and Kienzle write about Catholic priests who misinterpret church law and deny people sacraments including baptism, the eucharist, and marriage.

Their heroes straighten out such problems, while providing clear theological explanations.

Continuing the men-of-the-clothdetective theme is the late Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael. There are 20 books in this popular series, set in the 12th century.

Cadfael is a Benedictine monk, in charge of the abbey's herbarium. In this role, he visits the infirmary and nearby leper hospital, and the sick and injured in the town.

He solves the mysteries he encounters without investigative tools like fingerprints, computerized data banks, or DNA evidence. He uses only the knowledge gained in his years as a soldier in the Crusades, knowledge of medicines and poisons along with the understanding of human nature. Cadfael's days are measured by the services of the Benedictine Rule. He, also, is not a stickler for the letter of the law and speaks of God's love as well as demonstrating it in his actions.

Moving from England of the distant past to New England in the present, there is Faith Fairchild, created by Katherine Hall Page. Faith is a caterer, a mother and wife of the minister of First Parish Church in a small Massachusetts town. The denomination is never named but words like rectory and vestry and phrases from church services show that it is Episcopalian. The books present an authentic peek at rectory life, lots of rushed dinners preceding meetings, meals interrupted by phone calls, and parish "emergencies." Religion is part of the background of these novels; there are

St. Cyprian.

no theological discussions in this series but it's clear that the church and a strong faith are part of Faith's everyday life.

Goldy Schulz, created by Dianne Mott Davidson, is also a caterer who somehow finds time to solve mysteries. Goldy also is Episcopalian, active in the Episcopal Church Women and in one book, squeezes amateur detecting in between catering jobs, raising her teenage son and attending meetings of the diocesan committee which reviews postulants for ordination.

When Goldy is in trouble (which happens frequently when she pokes her detecting nose where it's not wanted) she prays, "Lord, help me." After praying, she reports, "it helped." (As an aside, these two series contain interesting recipes.)

The Brother Cadfael, Faith Fairchild and Goldy Schulz series all fall into the category of "cozies," which means they don't have graphic, gory details. Regina author Gail Bowen's mysteries have darker themes and content but are not "hardboiled." Her protagonist is Joanne Kilbourn, a widowed mother and university instructor who attends her Anglican church regularly. She prays for help and for other people, offers prayers of thanks and obviously has a strong faith.

There are familiar references to Regina and some cleverly disguised familiar characters.

And in Arkansas in a small town called Morning Shade there are the light mysteries with overtly Christian content called the Morning Shade Mysteries. Maude Diamond is a financially strapped author of Christian books. She is recently widowed and lives with her 87 year old mother-in-law, her daughter, also recently widowed and an expanding menagerie.

Maude is obviously a devout woman, not only active in her evangelical church but in her everyday life, she prays for guid-

ance and thanks God for blessings.

Each of these mystery series comes recommended as an excellent summer read.

Note: This article was adapted from “The Promise”, the newsletter of St. Luke’s Church, Regina where the author is a member.

The Rev’d Mary Anne Boote explains a point at a Seder Supper. See article on page 1.

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Four honoured in Plain and Valley Parish, Lumsden

The parish of Plain & Valley, Lumsden, in the Diocese of Qu'Appelle is very proud to have four such giving individuals who recently have received the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal. Dr. Lewis Draper is pictured above.

Bill Perry.

Gordon R. Crofts.

Frank Holt.

See page 8

The Saskatchewan Anglican, June 2006 - 5

The Gospel according to Harry Potter

Pansies

By Elisabeth Quinton Pansies with perfect faces, The Artist's brush daubs colours Which run and mix to form Combinations of loveliness And having done, The heads uplift and sing.

Workshop members. Front row: Kaitlyn Gruetzner, Kaley Lomax L to r : James Heinrichs, Emily Dueck, Ash-Lee Homme, Jeremiah Scott, Jenna Stangeland.

Photo : Louise Henrichs

By Louise Heinrichs SWIFT CURRENT - A workshop entitled “The Gospel According to Harry Potter" was held at St. Stephen's Church in January and February. Senior youth grades 9-12 participated in five evening sessions. The workshop was based on the book of the same name by Connie Neal.

The group examined the themes and scriptural connections in J.K.Rowling's novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The youth participated in a wide variety of activities, both as individuals and also in groups. The activities were designed to examine parallels between the gospels and Harry Potter and to have some fun as well!

Based on the evaluations the workshop was successful. Some comments were: "Harry Potter was a chance to explore more into Christianity. It was so much fun and it helped us learn more about our relationships with God”, “I would love to do more of these in the future" and “This experience was a great chance to relate two things I love, God and Harry Potter. I enjoyed the parallels and the exciting activities presented to us. I can't wait to take part again." The possibility of doing another session with the second book in the Harry Potter series is being explored for the Spring.

Upcoming Events - Qu’Appelle

Photo - Linda Kort. Elisabeth Quinton and Linda Kort are connected to the parish of Indianhead, Diocese of Qu'Appelle.

Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan 63rd annual convention Saskatoon, October 22 - 24, 2006

June 11 On Trinity Sunday, Holy Trinity Church will be celebrating 100 years of Anglican presence in Kamsack. Bishop Kerr-Wilson will be the celebrant.

July 12 - 15 Making All Things New is the theme of the Lutheran/Anglican (ELCIC/ACC) second joint national worship conference. Held in in Regina, the conference will explore the inculturation of worship. One keynote speaker is John Bell a liturgical composer from Glasgow, Scotland, and a member of the Iona Community; the second speaker is the Reverend Richard Leggett, professor of liturgical studies, Vancouver School of Theology. For further information please visit the conference web site: http://www.worship.ca.

July 16 St. Mary's Church, Cupar, will be having their Centennial Celebration.

Plan to come and join in the fun!

October 22 - November 2 A Holy land Pilgrimage is planned for this fall. Some of the places to be visited will be Tel Aviv, Mt. Carmel, Megiddo, Mt. Hermon, Cana, Nazareth. Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Please contact Archdeacon Rob Hardwick <rob.hardwick@shaw.ca> or telephone 1.306.773.8871 for further details.

SASKATOON - This year's convention theme “See, I Am Doing a New Thing (Isaiah 43:6): Creative Collaborative Leadership” came from an inspired conversation with our keynote speaker, Laura Richter who is the Director of Workplace Spirituality at Ascension Health in St. Louis, MO. Her keynote and session topics include: Taking the Temperature: Challenges Facing the Catholic Healthcare Ministry; Integrating Leadership: Tools for the MissionMinded Caregiver; and Staying Grounded: Inspiring Leaders with Tradition. Ms. Richter is a visionary who employs practical tools to meet the needs around her. She is also a storyteller, able to connect with all generations to provide a hope-filled backdrop for the future of Catholic Healthcare Ministry.

Steve Hill, Mission Integration Director with the Alberta Catholic Health

Corporation, will be bringing the Public Lecture entitled, “Welcome to a Multifaith Culture.” He will address how changing demographics affect the religious and spiritual context in which we work and seek to answer the question, 'how do we as one of many faiths co-exist without diluting our identity?'

“Let Spirit be the Lead in Your Life” will be presented by Rick and Lillas Hatala, co-founders of the Integrative Leadership Institute. Their session will teach that integrative life, learning and leadership is a process that helps connect leaders' souls to their roles.

The Convention will be held at the Delta Bessborough in Saskatoon, with the Public Lecture as the kick-off event beginning at 7:00 pm, Sunday, October 22. For more information, please contact CHAS at 306-655-5330 or email: cath.health@sasktel.net.

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Moose Jaw’s farewell to Ruth Taylor

Monday school big hit in Biggar

Children enjoy Monday School, a children's church program sponsored by the Anglican, Lutheran and Presbyterian congregations in Biggar.

Photo - Merle Massie.

The Rev’d Ruth Taylor.

By Winnie Walters and Arleen Champion MOOSE JAW (QuA) - The Reverend Ruth Taylor will be leaving Moose Jaw. Mrs. Taylor, her son Victor and his wife Grace are moving to Powell River, British Columbia this spring.

About 40 years ago, while on their holidays, the Reverend Herb Taylor and his wife, Ruth, made a stop in Moose Jaw. They decided that it was one city to which they had no intention of ever returning. Soon after, God decided otherwise and Ruth Taylor found herself living here.

Her husband had been called to be the incumbent at St. George’s Church and she came bringing her many gifts and talents which she has shared unceasingly with the people of the Anglican community as well as with all the people of Moose Jaw. In 1978, Ruth answered her own call and was ordained as a deacon and a year later, as a priest. She served as incumbent

Photo - Lynne Davis. of St. Michael and All Angels Church, honourary assistant at St. John’s Church, legion padre and chaplain of the Order of St. Luke, Moose Jaw chapter.

Ruth Taylor grew to love Moose Jaw and Moose Jaw to love her. This has been evident over the past few weeks as many people have gathered to bid her farewell. The Order of St. Luke honoured her at a potluck supper on March 16. Parkview Funeral Home held a public tea on April 2 in appreciation and gratitude for the work Mrs. Taylor has done with and for them over the years. Most recently, on April 23, the parishioners of St. Aidan gathered as a family to worship and share a meal and many memories with Ruth Taylor.

The people are grateful for her contributions in many capacities in the church over the years and pray for God’s blessing on her in her new adventure as she trades life on the prairies for life beside the ocean.

We read in Holy Scripture both God’s mercy “ shall meet me” and that His mercy “shall follow me.” It goes before the unwilling to make him willing; it follows the willing to make his will effectual.

Why are we taught to pray for our enemies, who are plainly unwilling to lead a holy life, unless that God may work willingness in them? .... We pray, then, for our enemies, that the mercy of God may awaken them, as it has awakened us ...

Augustine, Enchiridion, Ch 32.

By Merle Massie (excerpted from The Western Producer, March 2, 2006) BIGGAR - Chattering children fill a spacious basement meeting room in Biggar, Saskatchewan.

The question of the day is: what are you thankful for? Birthdays, one yells out. Food, another adds. Warm clothes. Mommies and Daddies. My Barbie.

Puppies and kitties.

Remembering to be thankful, says the teacher, is part of loving God. All around the table, kids are enthusiastically nodding.

At first glance it looks like a typical Sunday School class: church basement; pictures of Jesus; prayer reminders and a library full of Veggie Tales movies; playdough, crafts, and snacks; one minister and one minister's wife, as teachers.

Typical, except for one thing it's Monday afternoon.

Facing aging congregations and an overall decline in attendance, many rural churches have been forced to cut Sunday School from their regular ministerial program. “It's frustrating for leaders to take the time to plan lessons and crafts, only to arrive at church week after week to find few or even no children waiting,” argues past Sunday School teacher Susan Lehnert.

In response, three congregations in Biggar - Anglican, Lutheran, and Presbyterian - decided to try a new tactic. If Sunday school isn't working, let's run it on a dif

ferent day. Thus Kids Praise, Sunday School on Mondays, was born.

Although the three churches share financial support, the Lutheran church is the venue.

“It's close to the elementary school, and has good facilities,” notes leader Kristin Bishopp, wife of Pastor Chris Bishopp of the Lutheran and Presbyterian congregations.

Monday School operates directly after regular school hours, from 3:45 to 4:45 PM. The kids enjoy a snack upon arrival, then go up to the sanctuary to hear the lesson of the day.

“Starting the lessons in the sanctuary is intended to help the kids focus and to remind them of God's presence. Then, they troop back downstairs to engage in crafts or projects and more discussion,” explains Bishopp.

Since the program launch in September, close to twenty children have attended, with an average of ten to twelve kids every week. “That's significantly better attendance than any of these three churches have had in recent Sunday school programming,” notes Bishopp.

Of course, the plan is to grow those numbers. The kids are spreading the idea themselves, inviting friends, neighbors, and cousins. Parents, grandparents and other regular parishioners are always welcome to bring snacks and help out with crafts.

“The kids are so enthusiastic, you can't help but feel happy,” smiles one of the visiting parents.

The Biggar Monday School experiment reflects a mounting change in worldwide church life.

Sometimes called “Fresh Expressions,” churches are recognizing that the traditional call to Sunday worship is no longer working. . . . Creating a 'fresh expression of church' bridges the gap between church life and the everyday world. As a result congregations are developing around early morning, lunchtime, or after work services.

Café church, breakfast clubs, adult bible studies, youth groups, Moms and Tots, and the wildly popular Alpha programs are creating congregations in times and places that are more accessible to the hectic pace of modern life.

“If God is everywhere, and at any time, then why not on Mondays?” laughs Korelye Friesen, whose two daughters are regular attendees.

Griffin Lehnert, age three, loves Monday School. His mother, Susan, reports: “Every day, Griffin asks 'Is it Monday? Is it Monday?' He can't wait to get there.” . . . Listening to the laughter, it's obvious the children are delighted. Core moral values of caring, sharing, and being thankful are lessons that can be learned any day of the week.

The Saskatchewan Anglican, June 2006 - 7

Bishop meets with Qu’Appelle Council of the Regions

Upcoming Events Saskatchewan June 9-11 The Eros of Liturgy: National Cranmer Conference for 19 to 20-somethings Dunville, ON See website June 24 Electoral Synod for the Diocese of Calgary July 2-8 Teen Camp Camp Okema July 10-14 Small Fry Camp Camp Okema July 16-22 Junior I Camp Camp Okema July 23 Open House Camp Okema

L to r - Bishop-elect Gregory Kerr-Wilson with new members of the Qu'Appelle Bishop's Council of Regions: the Reverend Allen Doerkson, Regional Dean Moose Jaw;Teresa Gibbens, Regional Lay Facilitator, Cypress Deanery; the Reverend Carlos Roberts, Regional Dean Wascana South.

Photo - Archdeacon Rob Hardwick.

July 24-28 Work & Worship Camp Camp Okema

Grandmothers for grandmothers

July 30 to August 3 Small Fry/Family Camp Camp Okema

By Barb Clay SASKATOON - In response to the passionate words of Stephen Lewis, the UN Secretary's Special Envoy on HIV/AIDS in Africa, who stated that "grandmothers have emerged as the unrecognized heroes of Africa", a group in Saskatoon has recently formed a not-for-profit organization called Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers. This non-denominational group undertakes to alleviate the plight of grandmothers in Africa as they care for children orphaned by the pandemic. It also includes an educational component to increase the Canadians' personal knowledge of Africa - its geography, history and current conditions.

The intent is to encourage people to donate through the Stephen Lewis

Foundation so that grandmothers in Africa will be able to develop incomegenerating projects. A few dollars go a long way to buying seeds, some goats, a sewing machine or other items which will enable them to provide food and the basic necessities for the thousands of children in their care.

A fundraising dinner was held on International Women's Day (March 8th) and the Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers were thrilled with all the media attention they had at this time. They are excited that other G 4 G groups are starting across Canada. If anyone would like to become involved or to know more about this organization, please send an email to grandmothersa4grandmothers@sasktel.net. or telephone (306) 93l-8470. A membership

fee of $10 includes a pin with the group's logo. The G's are composed of two female signs joining to form the 4, symbolizing women helping women. The whole is surrounded by a green ring, symbolizing the world as we hope it will one day become green and productive for all people.

Brochures are available for your church or for handing out to friends - maybe you would like to start a local chapter of G4G's.

It seemed very timely that the World Day of Prayer this year was produced by the women of South Africa who, amongst other issues, addressed the terrible plight of HIV/AIDS on their continent. Perhaps this could be a Lenten challenge - to pray and give to those heroic grandmothers.

“Seder” cont’d from p. 1 ...

during the meal we drink from the cup of wine. The wine symbolizes the recalling of God's promises to Israel. “I am the Lord: I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians, I will deliver you from slavery, I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, I will take you as my people and be your God” (Exodus 6:67). So in the four times we drink from the cup we celebrate the four “I will” promises of God, Freedom, Deliverance, Redemption and Thanksgiving.

On the table was a pitcher of water with a bowl and hand towel. We each took the pitcher, bowl and towel to the person beside us and poured the water so they could wash their hands. At this first hand washing there was no blessing as we were only eating a small appetizer, there is a blessing at the main meal. On our plates in a specific order were Z'roa (a roasted shankbone), Maror (horseradish), Beitzah (unshelled hard boiled and roasted egg), Haroset, (chopped apples nuts

raisins, dried fruit, wine, honey and cinnamon), Karpas (parsley) Hazeret (romain lettuce) For an appetizer we were to eat something green, parsley, one of the first things to grow in spring, a symbol of the season. It was dipped into salt water to transform it into a symbol of freedom as well. Salt water was to remind us of the tears of sorrow the ancestors endured when they were slaves in Egypt. I was surprised at how good this tasted I usually only use parsley as a garnish but try eat ing it dipped in salt water, it would probably be best when you are very hungry too!

Next we were given three pieces of Matza (this was a hard flat type of bread).

One of the three pieces was then broken in half and hidden, to be eaten as the final bite of the Seder meal. At this time the children were expected to ask questions and this would lead to the older generation retelling the story of their history.

During this recounting of the history there is the counting of the ten plagues. This

Seder means 'order' and in the table of contents listing the order of the celebration the actual 'eating of the meal' was #15.

This is a family meal where the children are encouraged to have fun and enjoy themselves. The first thing our children (four adults who happened to be younger than the rest of us) did was search the room in order to find any leaven and remove it from the room. After this was finished the actual Seder begins with the lighting of the Passover candles.

Traditionally, the mother of the home lights the candles. The candles symbolize the presence of God and mark this as sacred time.

A special Passover wine is also set on the table, you can buy this in the liquor store and I read the label and it actually said used for Passover meals. It is a very sweet red wine. At four different times

August 5-11 Junior II Camp Camp Okema August 13-19 St Michael’s Youth Conference Camp Okema August 21-24 Adult Camp Camp Okema

September 17 Youth Ministry Sunday throughout the Diocese

was neat.

The recounting of the plagues is done with great joy as they were an important part of their liberation but they would also pour out one drop from their cup of wine for each plague to diminish their joy as they would also recall the concurrent suffering of others. For each plague recited we would dip the tip of our finger in our cup of wine and put a drop on the plate, this we did ten times. The list of the ten plagues follows: Blood, Frogs, Lice, Wild Beasts, Cattle Plague, Boils, Hail, Locusts, Darkness, Slaying of the First Born.

As you can see, there is a lot of talking, blessing, explaining etc. Everything that is eaten means something and symbolizes something. So to make a long story short it was a wonderful and meaningful evening and I encourage you to see if your minister would like to have a Passover Meal next year on Maundy Thursday.

8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, June 2006

Making disciples - the role of deacon

By Alice Brown COLONSAY (Stn) - In a presentation at the 67th Synod of the Diocese of Saskatoon, Canon Michael Patterson described evangelism as our commitment to the commission Christ gave his disciples. Christ's commission, to “Go and make disciples,” is as essential today as it was for our first-century brothers and sisters.

Evangelism is the responsibility of everyone in the church. Christ is calling each of us to reach out to our neighbour. We are all disciples in this evangelical outreach.

I would like to suggest that there may be another component to our joint efforts of disciple-making. Deacons have been used by the church from its most early days to meet the needs of the marginalized and the helpless. (Please read chapter six of the book of Acts.)

Evangelism may be a concept that makes present-day Anglicans feel a little uncomfortable. Yet I believe our forebears in faith had a more concrete understanding of what it meant to “make disciples.”

When we prayerfully consider the role and office of a deacon laid out for us in the Book of Alternative Services (page 655), we see that a deacon is called to this special order of servanthood. They are commissioned to make Christ's redemptive love known to all those whom they serve, especially the poor and the forgotten. They are also to communicate the needs, hopes and dreams of the people back to the larger church family.

Deacons are to work both in the world and within the church.

Deacons encourage, support and empower their sisters and brothers in their work as disciples. They are also committed to working for justice and peace in the world. At all times, deacons are to show by their lives that in serving the helpless they are serving Christ himself. I can think of no better description of what it means to “make disciples.”

Our world is becoming more secular. I believe there will be a growing need for deacons who will work with people who may have never been a part of any church family. These people still need to hear that there is a God who loves them.

The office of a deacon is an ancient, honourable calling. Over time we have allowed its voice to become blurred. Is this the time to refocus and give back to the diaconate its unique place in the church?

Task Force on Civil Marriage Licenses submits report PRINCE ALBERT - The Task Force on Marriage Licenses has submitted its recommendations to Bishop Burton. The Bishop had appointed the Task Force to prepare a response to the recent provincial legislation regarding marriage. Under the new marriage legislation the traditional definition of marriage has been materially altered so that it no longer accords with the Christian understanding of the term. At the moment, clergy act as officers of both church and state in administering this ordinance under the license of both the Diocesan Bishop and the Provincial Government.

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

Report of the Bishop’s Task Force on Marriage Licenses, Diocese of Saskatchewan March 2006 The Bishop’s Task Force on marriage was appointed as per his letter of January 3, 2006 with the following members: the Very Reverend Michael Hawkins, Chancellor Hugh Harradence, and the Reverends David Chapman, Christopher Snook and Martha Stonestand. Martha Stonestand was unable to participate in the work of the Task Force due to ill health. The Task Force met twice. Its discussions included the consideration of the following issues: 1. the theology of marriage 2. the relationship between civil and Christian marriage 3. the relevant sections of civil and canon law 4. clergy perspectives throughout the Diocese 5. ecumenical responses to the recent provincial civil marriage legislation The Task Force makes the following recommendations in response to clergy concerns over the provincial legislation regarding civil marriage: 1. We recommend that the Bishop not resign the licenses of the clergy at this time.

2. We recommend that the Bishop compose a letter to the Minister of Justice restating the traditional Christian teaching on marriage and objecting to the new marriage registration forms. This letter should reference both the Anglican Church of Canada’s Canon 21 and the Diocesan Canon VI (On Marriage in the Church).

3. We recommend the widest possible ecumenical consultation and cooperation take place as we continue to consider the issue of marriage in the church, both at the level of local ministerials and with respect to national and international church bodies.

“Bringing in the Sheaves” A Diocesan Evangelism Conference October 13-14, 2006 with The Very Rev'd Kevin E. Martin Dean of Dallas

More information available soon

It's time for Camp Okema!

Would you like to give your child or grandchild an amazing opportunity this summer? Summer camp can provide a wonderful experience for children-one that will last a lifetime. Camp Okema will be providing great programs for children of all ages. 2006 Okema brochures/registration forms have been sent to your parish.

www.skdiocese.com The Diocese of Saskatchewan

2006 Camp Schedule CAMP

DATES

Junior Teen July 2-8 Small Fry 1 July 10-14 Junior 1 July 16-22 Open House July 23 (Drop by any time in the afternoon, BBQ for supper!)

Work & Worship July 24-28 Small Fry/Grandparents’ Camp July 30-Aug 3 Junior 2 Aug 5-11 St Michael's Aug 13-19 Adult Camp Aug 21-24 Okema Work Bees July 24-28 (contact Andy Tomyn for details: 306.382.8447)