February 2011 A Section of Anglican Journal
Historic Covenant Signed between Roman Catholic Ar chdiocese of Regina and Diocese of Qu'Appelle staff REGINA "This is a great day for the Church," said a woman arriving at St. Paul's Cathedral for a special service on January 23. She was one of the many Roman Catholic lay people who came together with Anglican laity and clergy of both denominations to witness an historic event in the developing relationship between the Anglican Diocese of Qu'Appelle and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina. Many other lay people also spoke enthusiastically about the new relationship, and said how optimistic they were for the future of both Churches. The formal agreement commits the two dioceses to specific initiatives, including annual shared services with the two bishops, keeping and upholding each Church and its leaders in prayer, working together on various issues, and jointly working with First Nations elders to promote reconciliation and healing. The bishops commit to maintaining communications, especially when new developments in one Church may present challenges for the other. Anglican and Roman Catholic parishes are encouraged to undertake joint activities in worship, mission, education and social justice. The signing of the Covenant by Roman Catholic Archbishop Daniel Bohan and Anglican Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson marked the culmination of a two-year process. The joint committee included Joan Galvin of Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Cathedral and Deacon Michael Jackson of St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral and under the leadership of Dean of Qu'Appelle James Merrett and then-Monsignor and Vicar-General Donald Bolen. Bolen, who has since become the Roman Catholic Bishop of Saskatoon, was not available to take part in the celebration.
photo - staff
photo - Frank Flegel
Deacons Susan Page of St. Luke's Regina (l) and Joe Lang of Resurrection Parish Regina (far right) flank Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson and Archbishop Daniel Bohan as they sign the Covenant between their respective dioceses on January 23.
Louisa Lacheur, senior server at Holy Rosary Cathedral, pours water into St. Paul's Cathedral font at the beginning of the service when the Covenant between the Diocese of Qu'Appelle and the Archdiocese of Regina was signed.
The Covenant, and the service which celebrated its signing, focused on the many areas which the two Churches hold in common. The furnishings in the cathedral chancel were rearranged, placing two cathedra (bishops' chairs) in front of the altar steps, each with a chair for the bishop's attending deacon. In the centre was a lectern in the shape of an eagle. Before the service officially began, Deacon Jackson welcomed the approximately 200 in the congregation, and gave a very brief history of the Cathedral building in both English and French. Then the participating clergy - the two bishops, two cathedral rectors (Dean James Merrett and Fr. Brian Meredith), four deacons (two from each diocese) and nine servers from both cathedrals - entered the cathedral and gathered around the font at the back of the nave for the renewal of the baptismal covenant. The co-celebrants, Archbishop Bohan and Bishop Kerr-Wilson, asked the questions and the congregation responded in the words of the Apostles' Creed. Water was poured into the font and blessed, and then the
bishops processed around the nave, using asperges to sprinkle the holy water on members of the congregation. The opening hymn was the very appropriate, The Church's One Foundation, led by St. Paul's choir. Scripture readings were Isaiah 61:1-9, Psalm 133 sung in plainsong by the choir, Galatians 3:23-29 and John 1:1-7, 19-20, 29-34. The complete text of the Covenant was then read by Dean James Merrett, Deacon Michael Jackson, both of St. Paul's, and Joan Galvin of Holy Rosary Cathedral, who are the remaining members of the original committee established by the bishops in 2009. The Covenant states that the bishops, "together with our people and responding to the call of the Holy Spirit, wish to enter into a covenantal relationship." It recognizes the common faith shared by the two denominations and recapped the 40-year ecumenical history of the dioceses. It commits the two dioceses to five specific activities and also encourages a further 14 initiatives by parishes.
Bishop Answers Questions in Big Country Parish by Susan Bornowsky KINDERSLEY (Qu'A) The Big Country Parish was blessed by an Advent visit from Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson. A turkey dinner was sponsored by St. Mary's ACW and parishioners in Kindersley on December 11, followed by an evening Eucharist service. The next morning, after the morning Eucharist at Church of the Holy Cross in Eston, a potluck brunch was served by the congregants. Bishop Kerr-Wilson spoke to both congregations about the meaning of the Advent season and also integrated a question and answer session around the meal
photos - Laurel Weinhandl
Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson (far right) brought his guitar when he visited Big Country parish. Maxinne Donaldson (l) joined the music with her guitar, along with Rev. Del and Sue Bornowsky and Garth Weinhandl (behind the Bishop)
times. The questions covered a broad range of theological and practical topics. "What is fate?", "Do you believe in Mother God?", and "What plans are in place to ensure the growth of our diocese?" were answered skilfully by Bishop Kerr-Wilson. Good times of fellowship were enjoyed by both congregations. Parishioners were delighted that their Bishop agreed to make the 10-hour round trip from Regina in inclement weather to encourage them in their Christian journey. They experienced good hope for our future as a diocese.
The complete text of the Covenant and the letter from Archbishop Bohan and Bishop Kerr-Wilson is available on the diocesan website quappelle.anglican.ca, and from local parishes. It was also printed in the February issue of The Saskatchewan Anglican. In his homily, Bishop KerrWilson referred to the Epistle, "'in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.' As a parent, I am always pleased to see my children playing well together, and I believe God rejoices in the new relationship between the two dioceses." He also quoted Ephesians 4, "There is one body and one spirit ... one lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and father of all..." The word, he pointed out, is "is" not "will be." This unity is a gift of God, and "today we pulled a bit more of the wrapping off that gift." Archbishop Bohan quoted Pope Benedict XVI when he joined in Evening Prayer with the Archbishop of Canterbury in Westminster Abbey, "what we share is greater than what divides us." He said that the Covenant is a cause of great hope for us, and said that Christian unity is essential for credible witness to the world. The service continued with a choir anthem and the Prayers of the People, read by Anglicans and Roman Catholics, in both English and French. Then both bishops moved to a table in front of the altar to both sign two copies of the Covenant. When this was completed they held up the completed documents, to enthusiastic applause. Copies of the Covenant will be given to each parish in both dioceses. Deacons Michael Jackson and Barry Wood (of Holy Rosary Cathedral) gave the dismissal, and invited the congregation to share refreshments, where people visited and rejoiced in the historic day.
2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, March 2011
Diocese of Saskatoon: Announcements for March, 2011
Bishop’s Message by the Rt. Rev. Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Qu’Appelle
Ashes, ashes we all fall down. We do all fall down, not just in the nursery rhyme and playground game but in life. We begin the season of Lent with this recognition about ourselves and one another symbolized in the ashes of Ash Wednesday. We live in a time and culture that chooses, despite all the evidence to the contrary, to live in denial of our weakness, failings and mortality. There is a heart warming phrase in Psalm 103 where we read (v.14) “the Lord knows how we were made, he remembers that we are dust.” The problem is that we often forget this about ourselves and one another. I have often said that looking on foreheads smeared with ashes on that Wednesday I think I see God's sign on each human being, Fragile Handle with Care. We do need to recognize our common weakness so that we might not be too easily scandalized by the mistakes and failures of others and so that we me may treat each other with patience, and goodness. Because we are all weak, mortal sinners we are called to be kind one to another, tenderhearted, and to forgive one another. But Ash Wednesday and Lent are not meant to focus us on the mortality, failings and weaknesses of others but our own. The Psalmist prayed, “Lord let me know how frail I am.” It is an odd request but one which is grounded in the truth that only when we know our own weakness will we learn to turn to and trust God's grace. St. Paul learned, and we can assume with great difficulty, the irony that 'when I am weak, then am I strong.' God told him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." As we are confronted with our own weakness and temptations the Church holds out before us the temptations and weakness of the Lord Jesus.
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The Rt. Rev. Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatchewan For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-- yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 The Good News is that Jesus Christ has come to bring strength to the weak, forgiveness to the penitent, and eternal life to mortals. And he will do this in the most wonderful way. He will give us strength by becoming himself weak, he will bring us forgiveness by himself being condemned, and he will bring us life by dying himself. He takes on our limitations, our sins and our death, to be our Saviour. Yet it is only those who will acknowledge their impotence who may find his strength, only those who will confess their sins who will find forgiveness, only those who admit their mortality will find eternal life. The twin journeys we make to the altar on Ash Wednesday are wonderful in their contrast. We come first to acknowledge and receive symbolically what we have earned, ashes. We come next to acknowledge and receive sacramentally what we have been given, the body and blood of Christ. The wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Qu’Appelle Notes and Events April 29 - May 1
Columbarium Cabinet Available
The annual Lay Retreat will be held at St. Michael's Retreat Centre, Lumsden. This is a silent retreat, which runs from supper time on Friday to shortly after lunch on Sunday. For further information and to register, please go to the diocesan website www.quappelle.anglican.ca or contact your local parish for a mail-in form.
St. Peter's Church in the town of Q'Appelle has a columbarium cabinet which they are willing to give to any church in any of our three dioceses that can use it. The receiving church will have to transport it to the new location. For more information contact the secretary, Eileen Herman, at eileen.m.herman@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.
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. Integrity/Saskatoon: Meetings are held at St. James', Saskatoon on the second Sunday of each month at 7 p.m. The regular meetings may include a talking circle and Eucharist or a film and discussion with fellowship to follow; babysitting is available during meetings for those with children. For more information contact The Reverend Ann Marie Nicklin at: (306) 381-9780 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: To find out more about the Saskatoon Native Ministries, please contact the SNM trustees: The Reverend George Hind: (306) 374-7585; Canon Lorea Eufemia: (306) 244-5651; and/or Joan Cole-Heine: (306) 343-5827. The Alive and Kicking: Revitalizing Rural Ministries; Workshop Tour for small membership churches in Alberta and the Northwest Conference will be held from February 26th to March 6th, 2011. Keynote Speaker for this workshop is: Dr. Marvin L. Anderson Ph. D.; a theologian and consultant on congregational renewal and community development with expertise in rural and small town ministry, both in Canada and the USA. The one-day, United Church, workshops will be held in: Picture Butte, Three Hills, Viking, Barrhead, Beaumont and Fairview, Alberta. Cost: $35.00 per person (includes one meal and refreshments) Christ Church Anglican, Saskatoon, at: 515-28th St. West, is holding a GST (Goods, Services, and Talents) Auction on March 26th, 2011. Items include new mer
chandise and gift certificates, services such as roto-tilling; and talents such as baking. The evening starts at 7:00 pm. Snacks, desserts and beverages will be served during the auction...All are welcome. College of Emmanuel & St Chad, Summer School Offerings for 2011: Ancient Languages and Literature: Study the languages and writings of the Ancient Church on the banks of the beautiful Saskatchewan River. Complete a full year of the following ancient and medieval languages in two, three-week, intensive sessions: Biblical Hebrew / Hellenistic (New Testament) Greek; Classical Latin / Church Slavonic / Coptic; Part I: May 9th to 27th and, Part II: June 6th to 24th. Praying with the Giants: Reading Ancient Texts in Retreat: Topic: Integration and Fragmentation in the Spiritual Life: Evagrius Ponticus, John Cassian, and Maximus the Confessor: Learn contemplative prayer from three ancient masters of the spiritual life, with daily Office, Eucharist, and an opportunity for Spiritual Direction. (This course is also open to anyone wishing to learn the ancient practice of lectio divina without earning academic credit.); May 31st to June 5th. A Cross-Cultural Immersion Experience in Vietnam: hosted by The Reverend Canon Dr. Beth Marie Murphy; July 25th to August 15th For more information or to register, contact: Colleen Walker, Registrar at: colleen.walker@usask.ca or (306) 9751558 APPOINTMENTS ETC. The Reverend Dave Tyler was appointed Interim Priest in Charge of St. Stephen's, Saskatoon, effective January 1st ,2011 replacing The Venerable Don Byrt, Archdeacon Emeritus of the diocese, and Rector of St. Stephen's, who retired on December 31st, 2010 The Reverend Paula Foster was appointed Interim Priest in Charge of St. Mark's, Saskatoon, effective February 1st, replacing The Reverend Karen Sandell, the former rector, who retired on January 31st 2011.
Catherine Harper to Lead Qu'Appelle Lay Retreat LUMSDEN (Qu'A) Rev. Catherine Harper, the resident Anglican pastor at St. Michael's Retreat Centre, will lead the annual diocesan lay retreat, April 29 to May 1. Fr. Christopher Snook of St. LukeRegina, will be the retreat chaplain.
Managing Editor: Fred Stephens, 51 - 10th St. NE, Weyburn SK. S4H 1G8 Phone 306-842-7235 Email: fredrstephens@gmail.com 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
For more information on the silent weekend retreat, and to register, please go to quappelle.anglican.ca, or use the mail-in form in the retreat brochure available at your local parish.
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, March 2011
General Synod Repudiates "The Doctrine of Discovery" staff At General Synod held in Halifax in June 2010, the Anglican Church of Canada passed a resolution to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery. The following article is primarily taken from the text of that motion and its background information. Although it has touched every aspect of life in North America for centuries, most people are unaware of the Doctrine of Discovery. The Doctrine continues to be the central animating factor in the dispossession and oppression of Indigenous Peoples, in the Americas and around the world. All the Western institutions that now govern so many aspects of Indigenous life see the People of the Land through the distorted lens of the Doctrine of Discovery. This is especially true of the churches that are a part of the Western cultural framework. Beyond its direct influence on Indigenous Peoples, we can see that this way of thinking is a contributing part of the Western attitude towards Creation and our environment, giving permission to treat this sacred gift as a human storehouse that can be plundered without restraint. At least three major church bodies in North America (the Episcopal Church, Quakers, and Unitarians) have been inspired to promote similar resolutions as the one passed at General Synod. What is the Doctrine of Discovery? The Doctrine of Discovery is a phrase describing a consistent set of judgements and acts by colonizing Western societies over the past 500 years. It begins with the idea of Terra Nullius, an uninhabited land. If such a land is "discovered," the persons or powers that make the discovery have the right of discovery, meaning that they may own, rule, and exploit this land as they see fit. Indigenous Peoples, in the Doctrine of Discovery, are not seen as inhabiting the land. Since they have none of the institutions of civiliza
tion, especially the Church, they are judged to be similar and with the same status as other products of the land. They are now under the jurisdiction of civilized institutions who, "for their own good," may now order their lives as they see fit. Their "primitive" nature is seen to have robbed them of their right to control their lands, their communities, or their destinies. This point of view is still being used against Aboriginal legal claims in court cases around the world. The pace of all this has been increasing in recent years, as Indigenous Peoples Aboriginal use and occupation of land comes into conflict with the accelerated demands of globalizing economic expansion. Church practice is also influenced by the Doctrine. The capacity of Indigenous Peoples for progress and success in matters of religion and faith is equal to their capacity to mimic the institutions, values, and cultural practices of the West. Proclaiming its desire to help Indigenous Peoples, the Church took a lead role in promoting and overseeing the project of civilizing them along Western lines. There was little engagement of their cultural or religious ideas and practices; their manifestly rich spirituality and religious traditions were treated as impediments to their well-being and progress, even though they were largely monotheistic. The churches persisted in this civilizing project despite the obviously destructive and deadly results. For most of the past 500 years, the underlying assumption appears to be that it is better to be dead than to not be Western. The Church committed itself in earnest to seeing that any trace of Indigenous culture and life would be erased. Without hiding or disguising it, the Church, along with other colonizing institutions, was committed to the disappearance of Indigenous life in any form. (This proposed disappearance was, we admit, less violent than those who called for immediate extermination. The relative moral merit of the different approaches is difficult to evaluate competitively.) Today, things have changed
some, but not enough. For virtually all Western institutions, Indigenous life is still to be steered towards the imitation of Western life, though now Indigenous Peoples may be permitted to mimic other minorities as a means of access to the benefits of Western life. The Doctrine of Discovery continues its influence in the myriads of ways that a colonizing culture sets the standards that control and limit the horizon of Indigenous life in our contemporary world. Though the remedies that mass Western society developed and applied have been, at best, ineffective, and, quite a bit more often disastrous in their impact on Indigenous societies - the more "help" administered, the worse things get - it is only very rarely noticed. Because the assumptions of the Doctrine of Discovery are so well hidden in the mainstream of Western thought, the deadly incompetence of Western agencies and institutions remains astonishingly invisible to its perpetrators. The Doctrine and the Church For centuries, the Western churches have given a privileged status to the trajectory of the Word of God in their constituent traditions, cultures and societies. Certainly respect is due to the path of Western Christian development, even the pagan philosophies which prepared the way for the Gospel in the Western tradition. Yet, to demand that the overall path of development that the West has followed is to normative, or even a prerequisite of serious Christianity, is wrong. It voids the trajectories of other cultures. The absurdity expands with the continuing demand that Indigenous Christian leaders submit to contemporary Western patterns and standards of learning, including pagan elements from the past or anti-theistic sentiments from the secularized present. This priority remains even though Western institutions of learning and scholarship are no longer positively correlated with growing and vital orthodox Christianity. (continued on back page)
The Starting Point of Unity The Rev. Rob Stringer Ecumenical Officer of the Diocese of Saskatchewan The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has come and gone. The biblical text and theme set for this year was Acts 2:42, “One in the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers.” It is wonderful how God knits together his purposes for his Church. As you may already know, Acts 2:42 as been selected by our Bishop (Saskatchewan) as a text to help our parishes focus on the commitments that are intended to ground our Spiritfilled lives of discipleship, service, and mission. The Scripture text for the Week of Prayer was selected by the World Council of Churches to challenge Christians of every denomination and tradition to think more deeply, pray more keenly, and act more generously towards the topic of Christian unity. Acts 2 records the genesis of the Spirit-filled Body of Christ, wherein three thousand or so people responded to Peter's proclamation of Jesus Christ as both the Saviour and Lord, who gives to his people the gift of the forgiveness of sins and the
gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:42, then serves as a summary statement of the the primary commitments of the first Christians, “...they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and the prayers.” The specific materials and resources prepared for use during the Week of Prayer summarize the theme as, “...a call back to the origins of the first church in Jerusalem; it is a call for inspiration and renewal, a return to the essentials of the faith; it is a call to remember the time when the church was still one. Within this theme four elements are presented which were marks of the early Christian community, and which are essential to the life of the Christian Community wherever it exists. Firstly, the Word was passed on by the apostles. Secondly, fellowship (koinonia) was an important mark of the early believers whenever they met together. A third mark of the early Church was the celebration of the Eucharist (the 'breaking of the bread'), remembering the New Covenant which Jesus has enacted in his suffering, death and resurrection. The fourth aspect is the offering of constant prayer. These
four elements are the pillars of the life of the church, and of its unity” (Week of Prayer Resources, p. 3). To these common commitments I would include evangelism (Acts 2:47) as a natural outgrowth of these commitments and our witness. I find it very significant that before the first believers committed themselves to this common life they first committed themselves to repentance. Repentance is the call for a person to turn from sin and towards God in such a way that reflects a change in his or her attitudes and behaviours. It is Christ's starting point in the Gospels (Mark 1:15); it is the starting point of the commission Christ gave to his disciples (Luke 24:47); it is Peter's starting point with those who wish to receive the good news (Acts 2:38); so it is fitting that repentance should be part of our starting point as we think and pray about the unity of the Church. Repentance should move us beyond finger pointing
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Jack Robson Ordained at Last Mountain Parish by Rev. Dale Gillman NOKOMIS (Qu'A) On January 16 the congregation, family and friends of Jack Robson participated as Jack was ordained a deacon at Christ Church, in the parish of Last Mountain. There was a sense of joy and celebration in this special service. Rev. Dale Gillman, Jack's cousin Pastor Barrie Gammie, and lay reader Doreen Riach from Christ Church presented him to Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson for ordination. Rev. Ken Buchan, now retired, preached the sermon. He gave an encouraging word and reminded Jack that he had asked him to consider ordination many years earlier. In 1993, Rev. Buchan married Jack and Mardelle at Christ Church, where Jack has served as administrator and lay minister for many years. Jack is a retired farmer from the Jansen area, where he farmed on the family homestead for 37 years. Together he and Mardelle have three children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Jack is a gifted musician and plays the organ and guitar at parish services. Jack has played with the "Decades Band" for the past 25 years. They frequently play at Danceland in Manitou Beach. Jack, Bud Guenther and Dorothy Davidson have been playing at Care Homes in 13 communities for the past 10 years. Last Mountain Parish looks forward to Jack continuing his many years of ministry, now as an ordained deacon. Together he and Rev. Dale Gillman will continue the work God has given them with their parishioners. photo - Colleen McNichol
(Below) Rev. Jack Robson (centre front) is presented to the congregation in Christ Church Nokomis as a newly ordained deacon. He is flanked by Archdeacon Rob Hardwick (l) and Deacon Winna Martin. Behind the altar are Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson (centre) and Rev. Ken Buchan.
over past mistakes and beyond the despair of the overwhelming task of fostering unity towards a deeper commitment to Christ, his Church, and the small yet significant part each of us plays in fostering the call to unity, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Sprit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3). O GOD the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in (continued on page 4)
4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, March 2011
The Starting Point of Unity (cont’d) by our unhappy divisions. Take away all enmity and prejudice, and whatsoever else [including me] may hinder us from godly union and concord; that as there is but one Body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may
henceforth be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)
photo contributed
Bishop Kerr-Wilson Prays for Unity at Ecumenical Service by Frank Flegel REGINA Bishop Gregory KerrWilson ended his homily at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church with a message of hope that some day by God's grace, the Christian church will be one. The bishop spoke at a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ecumenical service on January 21. Eight south Regina churches came together for the service: Argyle Baptist, Christ the King, Grace Mennonite, Lakeview United, Seventh Day Adventist, St. Luke's Anglican, St. Mark's Lutheran and Sunset United. Students from the nearby St. Pius X Roman Catholic School and the Seventh Day Adventist Curtis Horne Christian School were also in attendance. The Friday afternoon time of the service limited the number of
The Prince Albert Service of Prayer for Christian Unity was held at St. Alban's Cathedral on Sunday January 22nd. Every Christian congregation and ministry was prayed for in the service. Pictured are (l to r) The Most Rev.Albert Thevenot, the Rev. Rick Martin, the Very Rev. Kenneth Davis, the Rev.Nora Vedress and the Right Rev. Michael Hawkins
New Guidelines for the Diocese of Saskatoon Anglican Church Women To: all Anglican Church Women in the Diocese of Saskatoon By: Diocesan ACW Co-Chairs Marion G. Pope and Elaine Hrycenko - SASKATOON - The Board of Anglican Church Women for the Diocese of Saskatoon is pleased to present new proposed “Guidelines for the Diocese of Saskatoon Anglican Church Women” for ALL Anglican women in our Diocese to review. These new Guidelines, approved by the board at its January 29th, 2011 board meeting, were developed after an intensive review of the 1999 Constitution, By-Laws and Guidelines was initiated by the Board in 2005. Merging the 1999 Constitution, By-Laws and Guidelines into one document essentially makes the 1999 Documents defunct. The new Guidelines are an attempt to reflect on women's work in the church today, taking what worked best from our present format for Anglican Church Women, while respecting the dignity of the Women's Auxiliary. The new Guidelines merge and simplify the information contained in the three original documents, reducing it from an eleven-page to a seven-page document, but the basics are still there. These documents were developed with much prayer, consideration and many hours of work. New elements were added: ... to communicate inclusiveness; that ALL Board-initiated
activities are for ALL Anglican women in our Diocese, ... to adopt a new identity with a 'play, pray and outreach' focus, ... to redefine officer positions on the Board, … to implement suggestions YOU made through discussion at the 2010 Annual General Meeting, e.g. to build community through socializing and sharing joy in the Spirit The following “Motions of Recommendation” were passed at the January 29th , 2011 Diocesan ACW Board for discussion and approval at the April 2nd, 2011 Annual General Meeting: Motion No. 1: “the Diocesan Board recommends the acceptance of the 2011 Guidelines for Diocese of Saskatoon Anglican Church Women as circulated”; and, Motion No. 2: “the Diocesan Board recommends the dissolution of the 1999 Constitution, By-Laws and Guideline documents”. The new Guidelines have been circulated and should be posted in each parish for review; should you not be able to locate a copy of the new Guidelines for your review please contact your Diocesan ACW representative or the Diocesan ACW Co-Chairs. Please write your comments on the new : “Guidelines…” and email or mail them to one of the Co-Chairs as soon as possible. Thank You and God bless! Co-Chair Marion G. Pope (marionpope@sasktel.net; 36 Clark
adults who could attend to about 100. Bishop Kerr-Wilson focused his homily on the first book of the Acts of the Apostles. "It tells us who were are," he said. Christian life is about The Way, about the way we walk together. At the heart of the Acts of the Apostles is how we walk together, said the bishop. "Apostles persisted in teaching, breaking bread and prayer, living The Way," he said. He engaged the congregation by asking them to respond to questions that what the Apostles did related to everyday life. He explained that breaking bread, fellowship and prayer have special meaning. "Fellowship means communication and sharing, participating together in doing the work of Jesus. Breaking bread together means to share with the Apostles
the work of Jesus" and "is about how we come to salvation through the broken body of Christ." And prayer, he said, is very powerful, and on that note he ended his homily with a prayer "one day by God's grace we will all be one and the world will be transformed." The Curtis Horne Children's Choir performed two special hymns, and an ecumenical choir made up of choristers from the participating churches provided music under the direction of Christ the King choir director Laura Dubois. Christ the King Pastoral Assistant Eric Gurash led the congregation in several prayers and an ecumenical group read special prayers of petition. The service ended with a blessing from Bishop KerrWilson, and a reception followed in the church hall.
ACTS 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. shipping communities in 2010, Dean Kenneth Davis The Cathedral of St. Alban the “fellowship” is much more than an informal gathering - with or Martyr without a warm beverage! We Our Bishop, Michael Hawkins, rediscovered the way that gathehas set before all of us in the ing to hear the Word, as it was Diocese of Saskatchewan God's taught by our Lord's Apostles, call in the Holy Scriptures to led people to relate to members devoted discipleship of our Lord of the Body of Christ and those Jesus Christ - in each congrega- who were coming to know Him, tion's life and mission and in the in distinctive ways. This comoperation of our Diocese as a munity of believers came to whole. This is the second in a know who was in need and the series of four articles on the nature of their need and was marks of how we grow and moved to share what they had so On model what it means to follow hat all were cared for. December 26 many of us heard Jesus, taking as our model St. Luke's description of the first again the story of St. Stephen Christians in the Acts of the whose call to ministry was prompted by the desire of the Apostles. Following the day of Community to serve widows Pentecost, with the rush of the twhile continuing the work of Holy Spirit still ringing in their preaching and teaching the faith. So if, like the earliest ears, we are told, both the newest disciples and the longest serving Christian disciples, we are standmembers of Christ's church were ing and serving and growing in committed to koinonia or the Christ, we will be seeking and Fellowship. It is a word that in creating new ways to connect many present day Christian cir- with each other and care for each cles has come to mean simply other in much more than occahanging around after Sunday sional social gatherings. As we worship with a cup of coffee in recognise that we are members our hands. But as the teams of Christ and of one another we made of members of our will look for safe and inviting Executive Committee and repre- venues to get to know one anothsentatives of our Indigenous er; to help each other discover Council found when we studied our gifts and the truth that each Acts 2 with so many of our worr person is precious in God's sight.
Cres., Saskatoon, S7H 3L9) Co-Chair Elaine Hrycenko (e.p.h@sasktel.net; 202 - 106 Armistice Way, Saskatoon, S7J 2H4)
We will risk sharing our burdens with each other and offer to uphold one another in prayer. This doesn't happen overnight. As a diocesan family our attempt to renew our fellowship through visitations was a way of saying we belong together and we have not forgotten each other. Now we need to take the next steps insharing burdens and gifts and following through on offers of help. On the congregational level we need to find ways of gathering in smaller groups and in one another's homes with sound Christian teaching and so create Fellowship in which each person would be encouraged to be open about their needs and concerns, their joys and sorrows. What God accomplished in the early Church - with people turning back to Him and His true worship; new members of Christ experiencing healing and transformation - was also the way He drew other people into his midst “and the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” We too would be a fellowship of believers whose life together is attractive to those whom God is calling to be His disciples.
The Saskatchewan Anglican, March 2011
Gospel Focused Week for Indigenous Ministry in Saskatchewan Preaching and Stewardship PRINCE ALBERT The James Settee College met in Prince Albert on the week of January 23rd to take a course on Preaching and to spend a day studying Stewardship. Dr. Gary Graber led the course on Preaching which was a follow up to last year's winter programme. Students used the Gospel Commentaries of Bishop Ryle as a guide as they considered and discussed how to preach in their local communities. There were more than twenty students in attendance for the four day course held at the Synod Office. One student from Cumberland House described the courses as awesome while others appreciated learning how to apply the Bible to their own lives and communities. On Wednesday Bishop Michael worked through the Biblical principles of Stewardship and Giving with the students and new Offering Envelopes were distributed with the students to share in their communities. After a small three hour break many of the College students were joined
by others from around the Diocese for the Diocesan Indigenous Council which met on January 28th and 29th to consider the proposal “Mamuwe Isi Miywachimowin Together in the Gospel” prepared by the Working Group. The meeting began with opening remarks by the Bishop and Archdeacon and a celebration of the Holy Communion with healing prayers. On Saturday the about forty members gathered placing the Gospel in the centre of the circle. The day was shaped around Gospel Based Discipleship. Members of the Working Group presented the different sections of their proposal to the Council. The proposal includes the election, by traditional means, of a Diocesan Indigenous Bishop to serve alongside the Diocesan Bishop and the formation of a larger General Assembly and a smaller Council. The proposal was heartily endorsed by the Council and will now be sent on to the Diocesan Executive for their endorsement and recommendation to the Provincial Executive Committee. It was a wonderful week full of teaching and fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayers.
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Extreme Home Makeover Comes to Melfort In early spring of 2010 the Extreme Makeover Melfort Edition team, formed from members of the Ministerial Association, began accepting applications from the community for a home makeover. The names of 15 - 20 families were submitted and the Thomas family, of All Saints' Anglican Church, was selected. Gilbert and Lillian Thomas, who are raising their grandchildren Sheldon, Syndel, Kalli and Kevin, moved out of their home in July while a new basement was put in and the house was renovated. During this four month process, the Thomas family was able to stay in the home of Al Kvemshagen. Syndel and Kalli attended Camp Okema in the summer while some of the renovation was underway. Repairing the basement was a
large undertaking. The house had to be lifted off its foundation and a new foundation poured. In addition to the new basement, new carpeting, flooring, bathroom fixtures, kitchen cupboards, doors, windows and a new roof and deck were installed. When warm weather returns this summer the yard will undergo final landscaping. This enormous project was accomplished with donations and volunteer time. Local businesses donated materials, tradesmen and contractors volunteered their time and expertise and church and community members contributed money, time and labour. The Thomases moved back in October, 2010. They described the project as a dream come true and continue to enjoy their new home.
photo contributed
Lillian Thomas with Syndel and Kalli on the new deck. photo contributefMM
Members of the Diocee of Saskatchewan 2011 Indigenous Council
Griselda Delgado del Carpio becomes Bishop of Cuba and the first female bishop of Latin America By Mary Ann Assailly On Nov. 28th, 2010, The Right Reverend Griselda Delgado del Carpio, became the Bishop of Cuba and the first female bishop of Latin America replacing the retired The Right Reverend Miquel Tomayo Zalvidar, Bishop of Uruguay and of Cuba. Many of those in our diocese have fond memories of Griselda and of the ten years, from 1988 to 1998, when the Diocese of Saskatoon and the Diocese of Cuba were in a formal Companion Relationship and travelers from both dioceses visited their brothers and sisters in Christ. Many were stories told of working with the United Church outreach to send barges of disinfectants out of the port of Montreal, keeping the extensive paper work in order to transport with us over 500 pounds of dated medications and so much more to our friends and Cuba. Visits to our diocese from our friends in Cuba were welcomed and busy times. The first Cuban for us to welcome was The Very Reverend Miguel Tomayo, in 1988, followed by The Reverend Juan Quevedo-Bosch and his wife Adria, in 1990. In 1994, The Ecumenical Officer for Cuba, Say Luya, visited and lastly, The Right Reverend Jorge Perera-Hurtado and his wife Teresa. Our guests visits were
supported enthusiastically by the lay and clergy in the three deaneries, the Diocesan and Local ACW' groups and members of the Marriage Encounter group. For our part, in 1988, The Reverends Duncan and Beverly McLean attended the Cuban Synod; and in 1989, Diocesan ACW Co-chairperson Mary Ann Assailly (Biggar, SK) attended the Fiesta to celebrate the Companion Relationship and while in Cuba met the then-Reverend Griselda at her home (while there she spent much time visiting Griselda's mother who was anxious to ask after The Reverend Stan Cuthand whom she had met some years before in Guatemala). In 1994, A delegation comprising of Bishop Tom and Lillian Morgan , Elaine Hrycenko (Endeavor Parish, SK), Cynthia Donald (Maidstone, SK), Colleen Stonhouse (a student, Emmanuel & St Chad), and Mary Ann Assailly (Biggar, SK) attended the consecration of Bishop Jorge Perera-Hurtado and met the clergy and lay members of the diocese. In 1995, The Reverend Chuck Mortimer, (St John's Minster, SK) made good contacts in Cuba on our behalf and, in 1996, The Reverend Elizabeth Huether, and eight youth from St John's Minster, fundraised and spent two weeks in Cuba on a "work Project".
photo contributed
Lillian Thomas with Syndel, Kalli and Kevin on the new deck. The world of politics did prevent and interfere with the development and maintenance of our companion relationship with our family in Cuba; it should be noted, that attempts by Bishop Ford, in 1980, and Bishop Wood, in 1982, to visit Cuba were frustrated by visa complications and, that an earlier invitation was received, in 1992, to participate in “Fiesta” however, our delegation, which consisted of the Reverend John and Julia Davies and Bev Osuka, was most frustrated when the plans were cancelled at the last moment. What a fulfilling ten-year voyage of discovery and experience this
companion relationship provided us; thanks to a dedicated diocesan committee and much volunteer effort all things were possible. All of our congratulations and best wishes to our friend and sister, Griselda as she begins her new journey as Bishop of Cuba and as the first female bishop of Latin America (photo on page 7)
6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, March 2011
The Ver y Rever end James Merrit, Dean of Qu’Appelle Retir es Retiring Dean has Found the Answer to “What's a Qu'Appelle?”
Cathedral's Farewell for Dean James Merrett by Marian Powell
photo - staff
James Merrett wears an apron signed by guests at the retirement party to honour his 12 years as dean of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle and rector of St. Paul's Cathedral. The binder is a collection of recipes, photos and memories from people throughout the diocese. REGINA Dean James Merrett says when he was a theological student he asked himself “What's a Qu'Appelle?” After 12 years as Dean of Qu'Appelle, he says he finally knows what a Qu'Appelle is - "it's a place of wonder and joy.” An overflowing crowd gathered in Beer Brothers Restaurant in downtown Regina on January 14, at the diocesan retirement party for the dean. The theme of the party was the dean's motto for hospitality: Good Food, Good Folk and Good Music. The good food was a variety of elegant appetizers provided by the Beer Brothers chefs; the good folk were from around the diocese; and the good music was performed by a harpist while folk mingled, and later by Archdeacon Rob Hardwick and Bishop Greg KerrWilson and their guitars. Dean Merrett described his first experience with the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, when he was a student and used The
photo - Margaret Ball
Alex "Hatman" MacDonald serenades James Merrett.
Qu'Appelle Liturgy. He said, “We knew what liturgy was, but what's a Qu'Appelle?” He came to the Diocese of Qu'Appelle in 1998 and became dean of the diocese and rector of St. Paul's Cathedral. Bishop Duncan Wallace, who was bishop during much of James's tenure, said that James both supported and prodded him, and was a great help and support, especially during the challenging times. One of the highlights of his time in Qu'Appelle was the ministry of hospitality, both at large diocesan and parish events, and smaller friendly gatherings. Bishop Duncan said that now it is time for the dean to hang up his alb and chasuble, and put on a new basic vestment. He then presented James with an apron, featuring the crest of the diocese and signed by all the guests. There were several other presentations to the retiring dean. Marilyn Dean, retired executive officer of the diocese, presented The Ultimate Prairie Potluck Cookbook, a binder full of recipes and photos submitted by people throughout the diocese. She also gave him a barbecue fork, and said it was a symbolic gift, recalling the many times at parish potlucks when one of the women in the kitchen would come out after the main course and announce, “Keep your forks, the best is yet to come!” Deacon Luanne Hrywkiw of Yorkton read a poem describing the many times when the dean lead the annual diocesan Summer School. Deacon Rita Braun of St. Phillip Regina presented Deacon Duck, a singing animated toy which had become the Summer School mascot. Bishop Greg KerrWilson gave James an engraved plaque of the diocesan crest and a bottle of wine. Diocesan Finance Officer Diane Foley and Diocesan Secretary Rev. Winna Martin presented a purse of money. The diocesan retirement party was organized by Bishop Duncan and Mary Wallace and Marilyn Dean.
Hey brothers and sisters it's time to applaud This community-building man of God - Hatman “Ode to James Merrett” REGINA Applaud we did! A parish celebration in honour of the retirement of Dean James Merrett was held Friday, January 21 at Campion College on the University of Regina campus. More than 100 members and friends of the Cathedral community gathered for a family-friendly event of appetizers and desserts, reminiscences and church-grown entertainment. “There are more people here than at church!” quipped the Dean. Joining James at this special time were his brother Kirk and sisterin-law Bev Merrett, well known to the Cathedral over their many visits. As children scrambled and played, Master of Ceremonies Jim Melville introduced the reminiscences and presentations from parish groups. On behalf of the clergy, Senior Honorary Assistant, Rev. John Matheson gave observations of James' willingness to share his own growth and to allow others to undertake important ministry. The Friday Morning Breakfast
Club feeding ministry volunteers, all in white aprons, with leaders Tannis Patterson and Karen Nicholls, read a ditty to the rhythm of the “Beverly Hillbillies” TV theme and recognized James for his amazing support of the Breakfast Club involving everything from digging in with the dishes, to making the guests feel welcome. Head Server Matthew Haacke presented a gift and thanked the Dean for his leadership to the servers, short and tall, during his time at the Cathedral - 4,498 days as of January 21! Friend and parishioner, Onohiliaghe Uduebor, sang a personal tribute song in a native language of Nigeria. In a humorous interlude, Lisa Wallace Markesteyn, assisted by choir member Chris Engen performed a hilarious skit focused on a woman's make up ritual in preparation for James' last service. More entertainment and presentations followed. Under the leadership of Shelley Hawes, the Subdeacons read a self-composed rhyme “The Dean's Nightmare on McIntyre,” with apologies to “The Night before Christmas” which included visions of bats and disappearing subdeacons, and sang a customized version of “My Favourite Things” including “the blessing of babies and bichons
and bus stops.” “People's Poet”,the Hatman, (Alex MacDonald, husband of People's Warden, Cathy ArthurMacDonald), accompanying himself with a keyboard blues riff, narrated and sang “An Ode for James Merrett.” He was followed by St. Paul's Choir, singing John Rutter's “A Gaelic Blessing” and a choir ditty “Brother James Air” with words by Doris Lazecki sung to “Londonderry Air.” The program concluded with presentations to James: a framed memento of The Princess Royal's visit to the Cathedral at the time of her visit as Commander-in-chief, for 100th Anniversary of the Royal Regina Rifles, presented by Hon. Col. Bob Cade and Captain (retired) Valerie Cade; a bouquet of white roses by St. Paul's Flower Secretary, Lindsay Blacker; and the parish gift with a cash purse presented by Church Wardens Ian Yates and Cathy ArthurMacDonald. In his response to the evening, Dean Merrett said, “I am truly humbled by the magnitude and grace of the many kind words, dubious poetry and beautiful song.” He concluded by saying, “Thank you for giving me a place at the table, for we are people of faith, pilgrims on a common journey.”
photo - Margaret Ball
St. Paul's Breakfast Club volunteers, with Karen Nicholls at the microphone and Tannis Patterson to her left, entertain at the Cathedral's retirement party for Dean James Merrett.
Retiring Dean Reflects on Qu'Appelle Ministry by Marian Powell REGINA On a sunny afternoon recently, James Merrett sat down and reflected on his ministry over the past 38 years. Ordained to the diaconate in 1973 and the priesthood in 1974, James took up his appointment as Dean of Qu'Appelle and Rector of St. Paul's Cathedral September 25, 1998, following a curacy at St. Simon's, Toronto (1973-1977); Rector of St. Peter's, Oshawa (1977 - 1981); Church of Our Saviour, Don Mills (1981-1985); and Church of the Holy Spirit,
Mississauga (1985-1988), a church which he saw built. From 1988 to 1998 he was Dean of Quebec and Rector of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Quebec City. Asked what he considered the highlights of his ministry here, James looked first at his role in the Diocese. He particularly enjoyed strategic planning: developing a strategy to answer critical needs of the Diocese and then being able to act upon it. Another enjoyable experience was leading the Summer School residential program, established in 2001, for the locally ordained and lay people
inleadership positions, which set the background for practical ministry in the creative environment of St. Michael's Retreat. He spoke highly of the Covenant recently signed by the Bishop of Qu'Appelle and the Archbishop of Regina at St. Paul's Cathedral. As co-chair of the joint Anglican - Roman Catholic working group, he felt the completion of this Covenant was “about moving ahead in a constructive way in ecumenism.” Looking at the Cathedral, James particularly noted that in spending a lot (continud on page 7)
The Saskatchewan Anglican, - March 2011
Retiring Dean Reflects (continued from page 6) of time on the Building in Faith project, he had learned from the people. He came to realize that the real gift is building community - one soon recognizes “how trivial the building is and how important is the theology.” Another highlight for James was building a worshiping community in a cathedral setting. He felt that the vision process that went on within the Cathedral community in 1999 was crucial to the creation of a mission statement, “which is always there and constantly being addressed.” For James, “faith in action needs the theological basis to be transformed and transforming.” He noted especially the introduction of liturgies“warm and inclusive”- which met a variety of needs through a variety of services. He pointed to the monthly Requiem Eucharist and Saturday @ 5:00, at which he observed “every week there is someone who comes for a particular need.” What lies ahead for James? He looks forward to taking time out to read and reflect on what he has learned in his ministry. He loves teaching and the discipline of the Scriptures, and helping people make the faith real. His advice to those who feel called to ordained ministry, is “to pursue it and understand that your calling will feed a growing community and change the church in which you will find yourself.”
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Saskatoon Diocesan PWRDF 50th. Refugee Sponsorship By PWRDF Refugee Sponsorship CoCoordinators Barbara Spurr and Mary Ann Assailly As of November 2010, we have completed, with vim and vigor, our one-year, obligation, for the sponsorship of a refugee family. We, throughout the Saskatoon Diocese, have pulled together to carry out a commendable mission as we lovingly sponsored a Muslim family. A good number of us who live in Saskatoon acted as the hands and the head to fill the myriad of committees, and with the response and communication from rural and city parishes, we all became the heart. The journey of welcoming those fleeing danger and leaving everything behind to travel to an uncertain future in an unknown land started, in August 2009, when our first family of five arrived. Due to a Matching Centre error they arrived here expecting to be with family already located in Vancouver. We had an intense two-day effort sorting out the dilemma and assisting them to move on. We thank God for compassionate translators, a health care system that will accept a newly arrived woman in need, and Iraqi Christians who helped supply them with halal food. We now had a furnished apartment and excess bits and pieces of furnishings so, put up a sign at the Appleby complex saying that we had things to give away. Little did we know that the Lord
would bring a refugee claimant from Zimbabwe and her three little children to us. They had next to nothing as they were not sponsored refugees; we put out another call for furniture, sewed curtains, purchased food and provided toys. Then, a Somali student came to us looking for a desk and again people donated. Finally, an aboriginal grandmother had assumed care of her little granddaughter; the little girl had never had her own bed; once more the call went out and in a few days she had her first bed and bedding. We kept the apartment and waited on the Matching Centre to send us our next refugee family. An Iraqi human rights lawyer and family became available but, it was agreed that he, to continue his important work, would be better placed in Toronto or Ottawa. Then, the third profile arrived; once again we were asked to sponsor an Iraqi Muslim family who were living as refugees in Syria. In November 2009, Qasan, Hibaand Haidar Hamid arrived on a cold winter night, at Saskatoon Airport and were greeted by a warm welcoming party with translator in tow. From that November to this past November they have experienced the beautiful, ever changing and challenging seasons of the Saskatoon year. Through their eyes we better appreciate how fortunate we are to live here. They uphold their Muslim faith but gladly gathering with us to break bread (mainly salmon) on our
Christian Holy Days. At their invitation we can discuss the Bible and the Koran and be amazed at how we all worship the same God and how well they know Jesus as a prophet. Let us not forget that the Son of God was a child refugee. The Hamids decided that they did not want to go on Social assistance. As Qasan has income from his part time job; they applied for an employment supplement, that will "top up" his monthly income to Social Assistance levels, and a rent supplement. They have received notification that they have been accepted for the extended health supplements and have applied to the Saskatoon Housing Authority for a subsidized apartment in another area of the city. Qasan is busy attending morning English classes at Open Door; Haidar is thoroughly enjoying kindergarten at WP Bate School; and Hiba is caring for their new son, Yousif Qasan, born at the Saskatoon Royal University Hospital on December 23rd .Yousif weighed in at a little over 7 lbs; he has lots of dark hair, brown eyes, and the image of his big brother; mother and baby are doing well. This sponsorship has been very rewarding for everyone involved: for the Hamids who have begun a new life in Saskatoon; and for all the people and parishes in the Diocese who have supported this undertaking, through: "PWRDF 50th. Anniversary, Sponsoring 50 Families".
Photo - Ken Tickner Photo - Roger Assailly
Haidar and his new baby brother Yousif
PWRDF Sponsorship Photo 2 Cutline: - Refugee committee supporters at Hiba's Baby Shower (Back Row L-R) Gail Thorne ; Donna Neufeld ; Shaun Turner; Gail Zink; Mary Tyler; Lura Mae Sider; Christine Bennett; and Cathy Tickner. (Front Row L-R ) Mary Ann Assailly; Thalfaa Al-Baimani; Hiba Tayofik; and Barbara Spurr.
Griselda Delgado del Carpio (continued from page 5) Photo Attributed to Elaine Hrycenko
A meeting of the Diocese of Cuba and The Diocese of Saskatoon in 1994 when a delegation comprising of Bishop Tom and Lillian Morgan ; Elaine Hrycenko, Endeavor Parish, SK; Cynthia Donald, Maidstone, SK; Colleen Stonhouse (a student, Emmanuel & St Chad); and Mary Ann Assailly, Biggar, SK and Diocesan ACW Co-chairperson; attended the consecration of Bishop Jorge Perera-Hurtado and met the clergy and lay members of the Diocese of Cuba. (L to R ) The Very
Reverend Miquel Tomayo - Zalvidar, Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Havana (and later Bishop of Cuba, who retired in 2010); The Reverend Emilio Martin-Fumero , St Francis of Asissi, Cardenas; Mary Ann Assailly; The Reverend Griselda Delgado del Carpio, St. Mary the Virgin, Itabo and St John the Evangelist, Coliseo (Bishop of Cuba, 2010 on…); Cynthia Donald; and Colleen Stonhouse.
8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, March 2011
General Synod Repudiates "The Doctrine of Discovery" (continued from page 3) Today, with very few exceptions, Indigenous Christians must place their churches within the trajectory of Western ideas, governance and sovereignty if they wish to remain full members of churches of the Western cultural framework. This means that there is very little attempt to adapt to the unique cultural and social dimensions of Indigenous communities. The borders and boundaries of colonial occupation remain enforced borders and boundaries of Indigenous Christians in Western churches, in governance, in theology, in faith. The trajectories of the Word of God in Indigenous life, the vibrant
and surprising story of the Gospel's unlikely yet astounding progress among Indigenous Peoples is ignored, trivialized or denied. The General Synod Resolution Moved by The Ven. Larry Beardy, Diocese of Keewatin and seconded by Mrs. Freda Lepine, Diocese of Brandon Be it resolved that this General Synod: 1 Repudiate and renounce the Doctrine of Discovery as fundamentally opposed to the gospel of Jesus
Christ and our understanding the nations and peoples located within their dioceses and request the Primate to share this declaration with the United Nations; of the inherent rights that individuals and peoples have received from God; 2 Request that every diocesan bishop of the Anglican Church of Canada cause this declaration to be proclaimed in every parish and shared with all 3 Commit to undertake a review of the Church's policies and programs with a view to exposing the historical reality and impact of the Doctrine of
Candlelight Service at The Columbarium
Discovery and eliminating its presence in its contemporary policies, programs and structure; 4 Encourage each diocese to reflect upon its own history, in light of these actions and encourage all Anglicans to seek a greater understanding of the Indigenous Peoples within Canada and to support those peoples in their ongoing efforts for their inherent sovereignty and fundamental human rights as peoples to be respected; 5 Request that the General Secretary inform all relevant governmental bodies in
Photo - Tom Rogers
Life in a Small Parish by Fred Stephens WEYBURN (Qu’Appelle) Well, folks, I have just finished the Annual Report for my church, All Saints here in Weyburn. As I was putting it together, I couldn’t help wondering what it would be like to be a member of a large parish with many hands to help, and many resources, financial and otherwise, to do God’s work. What a blessing it must be, to have the wherewithal to pave a parking lot, put in plug-ins, build a hall, do glossy mail-outs to every household, and have a fulltime priest to provide ongoing spiritual and doctrinal wisdom and guidance for those of us who sorely need it. How wonderful it would be to rival the grandeur of Roman Catholic edifice across the corner , or the at the other end of the block the United Church house of prayer, both of which seem, in comparison to our small and unassuming sanctum sancto-
rum almost like the temple of Solomon. And then I thought, you know, maybe we are far better off than we realize. We have some advantages that perhaps the larger, more wealthy denominations in our small city can only long for. We know every member by their first name. We know their strengths and failings. We know who is sick, who needs comforting, who is having a difficult time. We do not have a lot of in-fighting, back-stabbing or petty quarrels. We are able to work together in peace and harmony. When an event is planned, or help is needed with maintenance, or peeling vegetables, or giving rides, or assisting in services, there are always people willing to pitch in. We know that to survive we must rely on each other, and with God’s help we manage somehow, like the
Timex watch, to keep on ticking. Looking back over the last year, we had numerous events--a Valentine dinner and dance, a beef supper with a live band following the meal, a pancake supper on Shrove Tuesday, a pancake breakfast during the summer, a fun auction, a fowl supper, a parish picnic, and a Christmas party. We had a 3/4 time priest, some visiting clergy, some Lay preaching, joint Lenten services with the Lutherans, and a Tree of Love service at which people lit candles for loved ones who had passed. We conducted services at, and took reserved sacrament to nursing homes and shut-ins. We had guest speakers from the community to inform us of needs of their organizations. We began the development of a stewardship program. You know, life in a small parish is far from dull. We are, indeed, blessed.
The Resolution was passed; it remains for the dioceses and the people to act.
Film, Faith and Friends
By the Reverend Steve Page
The annual Columbarium Candlelight Memorial Service was held at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Saskatoon on the evening of December 7th , 2010 ; 273 people attended the service led by The Reverend Canon Colin Clay and Mr, Tom Saretsky. During the service each family lit a candle in memory of their loved one.
Canada of its action and request that a similar and equivalent review of historical and contemporary policies that contribute to the continuing colonization of Indigenous Peoples and, to write to Queen Elizabeth II, the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, requesting that her Majesty disavow, and repudiate publicly, the claimed validity of the Christian Doctrine of Discovery.
Arborfield (SASKATCHEWAN) Opening scene: A snowy, blowy Sunday afternoon in late January. Eight people gather in a darkened living room. As the camera pans from one face to another, we see expressions of excitement, anticipation, and friendly camaraderie. Suddenly a plot twist: one of them has brought a feature-length film to watch! Everyone grabs a beverage and a bowl of popcorn, and they settle in for some movie-viewing over the next two hours. The group is the Film and Faith group at the Church of the Ascension in Arborfield. Once every second month, a group of five to eight gathers in someone's home. This month, our hosts were Munden and Linda Coates. Kris and Laura Gendall have also hosted the group in the past. The group's purposes are to watch a movie, examine it from a specifically Christian perspective, explore its themes and sub-texts, critique them based upon what our faith and the Scriptures have to say about them, practice talking about our faith through the lens of popular culture and, of course, get to better know one another in the group. At each meeting, one person brings a film, introduces it briefly, then leads the discussion time afterward. This month, it was the turn of the Reverend Julie Golding Page, who brought the 2003 British romantic come-
dy, “Love Actually.” This sweet and humorous film presents a surprisingly nuanced view of Love in its many shades: romantic love; love between husband and wife; love strained by betrayal; the differences between love, lust and sex; unrequited love; father-son love; brotherly love; the love of deep friendship; self-sacrificing love; and barriers to love, of class and language. The film sparked an at-times animated discussion, and the group wound up ultimately comparing the many shades of love in the film to the so-called “love chapter” of 1 Corinthians 13. Past films have included “Lars and the Real Girl,” a 2007 drama / comedy that explores the depths of relationships, when a sweet but awkwardly shy man bonds more deeply with an inflatable doll than with many of the people around him; “Tsotsi,” a powerful 2005 story about a smalltime South African criminal's tough road to redemption and humanity; and “Ushpizin” a 2004 film set in Israel, showing multi-layered suffering based on religion, social status and gender, framed by optimistic glimpses of hope. As the final credits rolled on this gathering, everyone left this month's Film & Faith group a little more practiced in examining expressions of popular culture through the lens of our faith, and with an eager anticipation for our next gettogether.