May 2006
Evensong is cool again PRINCE ALBERT - On Mothering Sunday, March 26th, the Servers of Saint Alban's took responsibility for the entire service of Evensong. This was the first time ever at the Cathedral and the congregation and youth enjoyed it immensely. Lana Thorimbert and Michael Lyons officiated at the service, leading the congregation in the prayers and praises. Kayla Arcand and Allie Hawkins presented a sermon which they had written together on Luke 23.1-25. The service was followed by a delicious Pot Luck Supper in the Hall. Many of the congregation, including the youth, were quick to begin making plans for a Sunday Morning service led by the Servers and Youth Group.
67th Diocesan Synod held in Saskatoon
Delegates at the 67th Diocesan Synod in Saskatoon planned for the future of the church with sessions on strategic planning and evangelism. Photo - Penny McKinlay
Allie Hawkins, Lana Thorimbert, Kayla Arcand and Michael Lyons share a good laugh after having led Evensong at Saint Alban's Cathedral.
Renovating St. Paul’s
St. Paul’s Cathedral, Regina. By Susan Haake REGINA - St. Paul's Cathedral is undertaking an initiative to build a new hall and renovate the Cathedral. Discussions have been held to determine the proper direc-
Photo - Doug Turnbull. tion and goals for the Cathedral as it ends its first century and moves into a new era. In October 2005, Cathedral members kicked off the "Building in Faith Capital Campaign." By December 31, 2005, 51%
By Penny McKinlay SASKATOON - The 67th Synod of the Diocese of Saskatoon met at the Queen's House of Retreats in Saskatoon March 24 to 26, 2006. The Bishop's Charge pointed to the need to address the decline in church membership and to plan for the church's future. Bishop Rodney Andrews explained that after two years as Bishop of the Diocese of Saskatoon he is convinced that the Diocese must be intentional and passionate about church growth and membership development. “What I want for our diocese is to be strong and healthy with growing populations,” he stated. Bishop Andrews pointed to a need for church planning as rural populations decrease and new urban suburbs are opened up. It is 50 years since St. Stephen's and St. Timothy's were constructed in Saskatoon. The Bishop asked Synod delegates to consider the need for a church to be constructed in the new subdivisions of Erindale, Arbor Creek and Willow Grove. The Bishop also talked about a need to recognize the challenges facing the First Peoples of our land and invited the diocese to work with the Diocesan Aboriginal Task Force to promote renewal and new life. Bishop Andrews urged Synod dele-
gates to continue to be a voice of moderation in the national debates around issues of homosexuality and unity. He called for increased dialogue and stated that our goal should be to deepen communion, not to break it. He said, “My prayer is that the current debate will not become a church dividing issue, and that we will rise to a new level of acceptance and tolerance. Let us maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” The delegates' response to the Bishop's Charge was varied. Some delegates expressed concern about constructing a new urban church when many rural churches are struggling and some cannot afford to hire a priest. Other delegates urged the diocese to consolidate and construct in order to make better use of existing facilities and to provide for new communities. Delegates recommended looking for creative alternatives such as a joint facility with other denominations or a new approach placing less emphasis on the physical structure. As one delegate explained, “We have lost our missionary view and have become stewards of our buildings.” Other delegates urged laity to play a bigger role in the church and stated that we cannot rely on the clergy to do everything.
of the needed funds were committed by Cathedral members. Finalization of building plans will occur when the Cathedral achieves 80% of its financial goal and construction will begin when 100% of the needed funds has been raised. A fresh new direction in ministry will be the focus of the Cathedral given a new smaller reception and administration facility. Cathedral gatherings, outreach projects and assemblies for fellowship will be undertaken in new ways. This will involve working and exploring new options with Regina parishes and the Regina community. The Cathedral is founded on a Christian community that is centred in
Eucharist and continues today as part of an enduring tradition. The Cathedral’s original structure opened in 1883 and is the oldest place of worship in the city of Regina. The present building was built in 1894-95 and in 1972 became the Cathedral and the Mother Church of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. Today, Cathedral members see their future home as a place that is a vibrant centre of Christian witness, worship, welcome and service, and themselves as a people of God called to tell the story, to feed the spirit and to build community. For more information on the campaign, please call 306.522.6439 or e-mail buildingsecretariat@stpaulsregina.ca.
2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, May 2006
Bishop’s Message - Turning green By Bp. Anthony Burton - Diocese of Saskatchewan. As a little boy growing up in the 1960s, I was thoroughly indoctrinated into the environmental movement which, even then, had become social orthodoxy. One of my first exercises in plagiarism was an essay on 'noise pollution' which I submitted at the age of eight. I phoned up an elderly neighbor, the redoubtable feminist Charlotte Whitton, who cheerfully dictated it to me. (Miss Whitton is mostly remembered today for her wit: "Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought of half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult.”) At school assemblies, zealots from Pollution Probe would try to terrorize us with images of a menacing environmental clock which was out there somewhere ticking until it would chime at the hour when human life would be expunged and wheezing rats would inherit the blackened planet. This was projected to occur around 1995 or so. Like many children of my generation, not having gone deaf, and with scarcely an asthmatic rat in sight, I became an ecoskeptic, fueled in part by my wife's uncle George, an environmental scientist from California, who loved to skewer the simple-mindedness of Mother Earth's self-
appointed celebrity friends. George would comment dryly that one of the greatest producers of greenhouse gases are cows. (280 litres of methane per cow daily to be precise). Earlier this year, the journal Nature published findings that forests may actually increase, rather than combat, global warming by producing large quantities of this greenhouse gas. So I am surprised to find myself for the first time in my life genuinely worried about the environment. It is not that I am any less agnostic about its baroque and unspeakably complex workings. I leave my affirmations of faith to matters of religion. But in a debate between scientists about whether global warming is manmade or part of a natural cycle, prudence surely lies with assuming that the responsibility is ours. On the face of it, the issue is primarily about the use of oil and gas. The Archbishop of Canterbury has drawn attention to projections that over the next 25 years the growth of the Chinese and Indian economies will result in a 60% increase in carbon emissions. The possible resulting increase in droughts in subsaharan Africa, and rising water-levels in the Indian sub-continent, would have an appalling human cost, a cost as always primarily borne by children.
The threat will need to be tackled morally if it is to be tackled in time. The forces of governmental inertia, the nearsightedness and selfishness of voters and corporations, the craven and supine posture of political leaders - all these are enormous obstacles. Who will save us from ourselves? One might look to Ezekiel for the judgement we face: Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture, that you must tread down with your feet the rest of your pasture; and to drink of clear water, that you must muddy the rest of the water with your feet? And must my sheep eat what you have trodden with your feet, and drink what you have muddied with your feet? And to Babel: And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. If the ruinous course our industrialized societies are taking is to be reversed, we will all need to recognize that we are creatures with God-given limits, not gods with a right to consume the heritage of our grandchildren. We need to repent and pray that God will deepen our conversion to help us live as stewards first and con
sumers second. Practically, we need to look into our hearts and make the changes to our own way of life which will give us the moral confidence to speak. We must begin to reflect deeply about the way we live, how and where we build our houses, what cars we drive and the speed at which we drive them, the food we eat, the way we amuse ourselves. And speak we must. Write your MP. Tell him or her that these things matter to you profoundly. Encourage your leaders to press for binding and effectual international commitments. There is still time. All that is lacking is the steady resolve which comes from a reasonable, religious and holy hope.
Editorial - Recognizing the voice of the serpent By the Rev'd Garth Neel Have you ever noticed the very first question that is asked in the Bible? It appears in the Book of Genesis. It is asked by the serpent who tricks Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. His question is: “Yea, hath God said, 'Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?' ” (Genesis 3:1). Now, as I hope you will remember, God had very, very, very clearly said that they were not to eat of “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:17). So, the correct answer to the serpent's question would have been, “Yea, God hath indeed said that we shall not eat of every tree of the garden, and He hath said that we shall surely die if we eat of that particular one over there!” But, of course, the serpent is clever, “more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made” (Genesis 3:1). He knows very well what God has said. His purpose is to call into question what God has said, to cause the man and the woman to doubt the truth of it, and so, in the same instant, to deny God's right to rule over them. This is his purpose and he is successful in what he designs. The man and the woman take and eat the forbidden fruit, attempting to dethrone God.
The first question in the Bible, then, is subversive. It is an attack on the truthfulness and reliability of God's Word, and so an attack on His authority. God's clear warning, easily understood by the simplest child, is brushed aside. “And the serpent said unto the woman, 'Ye shall not surely die.' ” (Genesis 3:4). What is this but to suggest that God did not mean at all what He had said, and that the plain, obvious, commonsense, natural, grammatical meaning of the words was NOT their true meaning? The serpent goes on to accuse God of having given the commandment not to eat the fruit simply out of fear, fear that the man and the woman would become like Him if they ate. His commandment is represented as flowing out of selfishness, nothing else. The serpent's argument is persuasive enough and attractive to Adam and Eve and so they break the one and only commandment that God has given them. “In Adam's fall, sinned we all.” The voice of the serpent now sounds from our own lips. We hear it on all sides. In fact, it sounds from the lips of some of the very people who should be calling us to obey God's Word, people who are in our pulpits. For any teaching that calls into
question the authority of the Bible, and that suggests that we can place ourselves in a position of judgment over the words of Holy Scripture, picking and choosing what we want to take seriously, is really the voice of the serpent, even if it is heard from a church pulpit. Any teaching that suggests that ordinary people cannot use the Bible to find out what they should believe, or what duty God requires of them, is really the voice of the serpent. Any teaching that suggests that the Bible does not reveal God as He is, “infinite, eternal and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth,” (Westminster Shorter Catechism) is really the voice of the serpent. It is a voice that we need to learn to recognize. It is all too common to hear the expression, “You can't take the Bible literally.” This is simply one of the most naïve and foolish and unreflective things that anyone could ever possibly say. In the Bible, as in any book, we are to take the things that are meant literally, literally, and we are to take the things that are meant figuratively, figuratively. And we are to learn to discern the difference between the two. And we should recognize that even the
Managing Editor: The Reverend Garth R. Neel Email: garthrneel@yahoo.com 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: garthrneel@yahoo.com
figurative expressions themselves have a plain, literal, simple meaning behind them. Figures are just a more colorful, powerful, emphatic, imaginative, effective way of saying something that may be said more simply and more directly. But perhaps, saying “You can't take the Bible literally,” is really just a way of saying “You can't take it seriously”. Please see “Serpent” on page 3.
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. 302, Vol. 34, No. 5
The Saskatchewan Anglican, May 2006 - 3
Holy Trinity celebrating 75 years in Meadow Lake PRINCE ALBERT - Jessie Summerfeld was married at Holy Trinity Church in 1937, and is the longest standing member of the church. Mrs. Summerfeld reflects on some of the physical changes she has seen in the town since then, “back in those days, we wouldn't have gotten a car up the streets because of the muddy road. Meadow Lake was known as the place of mud and gumboots.” In 2006, the muddy roads have been paved, and the church that Mrs. Summerfeld was married in continues to share the Good News of our Lord. The first Anglican services in Meadow Lake were held at the farm of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Twidale in 1930, the Bishop's first visit was in 1931 and construction of the first church building began in 1932. The first ordained minister, the Rev. Roy Durnford arrived in 1933. Mrs. Summerfeld recollects that over the years the church always functioned like a family, “We got along well, we worked hard together, and we depended on one another for support because in those days, the church might be the only family you have nearby.” A favourite memory was the arrival of the Rev. Isaac Graham (1958-1963). When his car ran out of gas
south of town, he sought help from the late Mr. Summerfeld, who pushed his vehicle into town. Rev. Graham expressed great thankfulness for the help and the supper provided after by Mrs. Summerfeld, to which her husband replied, “We will gladly push you in [to town] but we will never push you out!” In more recent history, the old church sanctuary was deconsecrated and then burned in 2002 to make way for the new sanctuary. The first service in the new sanctuary was held on Mother's Day 2003 and consecrated by the Bishop of Saskatchewan, the Rt. Rev. Anthony Burton, in April 2005. To commemorate the last 75 years, a celebration weekend will be held on June 10 and 11. The weekend's theme is “honouring the past, celebrating the present, and looking forward to God's continued work among us.” Though Meadow Lake and the family of Holy Trinity have made many changes over the years, we are reminded that our Heavenly Father does not change and remains faithful to us. As the apostle Paul reminds us, “God is faithful; by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:9)
The new Holy Trinity, Meadow Lake, consecrated April 2005.
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Meadow Lake 75th Anniversary June 10 and 11th 2006 On Saturday: Strawberry tea from 2 to 4 pm followed by a Bar-B-Q at 5 pm. On Sunday: Holy Communion with the Bishop of Saskatchewan at 11 am It is our hope as a church family that you will hold our community up in prayer as we prepare to celebrate our anniversary. That it may be an opportunity to witness to the good news of Jesus Christ in our town. We look forward to seeing members of our extended church family from throughout the province and beyond.
Camp Harding Summer Schedule Holy Trinity, Meadow Lake, the interior.
“Serpent” cont’d from page 2 ... I am left wondering why it is not obvious to us that any attack on the authority of Scripture is also a direct attack on the Gospel of grace and so a direct attack on us. It is a direct attack on all those ordinary folks who are struggling to believe in God's mercy, to believe that He does love them and has forgiven them, that they are truly justified by grace through faith, and that sin and death and damnation and hell no longer can hold any terror for them. Is it not obvious that any voice that calls into question the authority of God's Word, finally calls into question the Gospel itself? The voice of the serpent sounds all around us. In the end, it is just the voice of the Accuser. We need to train our ears to hear the far more powerful voice of the Shepherd, instead.
It's time for Camp Okema! Summer camp can provide a wonderful experience for childrenone 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. 2006 Camp Schedule CAMP DATES Counselor Training May 20-21 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/Grand Camp July 30-Aug 3 Junior 2 Aug 5-11 St Michael's Aug 13-19 Adult Camp Aug 21-24 Okema Work Bees May 19-22 (register with Dave Kerr: 306.757.7656 or program@okema.ca) July 24-28 (contact Andy Tomyn for details: 306.382.8447)
CYPRESS HILLS (QuA) - Camp Harding, located in the beautiful Cypress Hills Provincial Park in southwest Saskatchewan, is approximately 30 kilometres south of Maple Creek on highway #21. The unique forest environment of lodge pole pine encourages campers to grow spiritually and socially through an appreciation of nature and through the Christian leadership. The camp has four updated cabins with each cabin accommodating eight campers and two counsellors. The counsellors are under the direction of a trained director who oversees all camp-related activities. There are also a certified cook, chaplain and crafts co-ordinator. Common activities include worship, swimming at the Cypress Hills Pool, mini golf, games, horseback riding and beach activities, all with a focus on building a healthy Christian lifestyle. The summer schedule for Camp Harding 2006 is: Junior Co-edJuly 9 - 15, 6 - 9 years Junior Co-edJuly 16 - 22, 9 - 12 years TeensJuly 23 - 29, 12 - 15 years Junior campers must be born between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 2000. Senior campers must be born between January 1, 1991 and December 1, 1994. A $15.00 non-refundable registration fee must be sent with the application. The remaining $125.00 is due the first day of camp. Please contact Mrs. Ev Southwood, post office box 1030, Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, S0N 1N0 for applications.
4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, May 2006
Setting future directions for the Diocese of Saskatoon
Suzanne Lawson, a consultant who has been hired by the national church, explained that strategic planning for the church involves trying to discern God's desire for us in the future. It involves visioning and dreaming and setting broad goals for the church's future. Photo - Penny McKinlay. By Penny McKinlay SASKATOON - Synod delegates began a strategic planning process for the Diocese on the first evening of Synod. Suzanne Lawson, a consultant who has been hired by the national church, described the purpose of strategic planning and helped delegates to begin thinking about future goals for the diocese based on past and present strengths and weaknesses. Suzanne explained that strategic planning for the church involves trying to discern God's desire for us in the future. It involves visioning and dreaming, but it is also quite practical as it sets broad goals for the church's future. The first step is to understand the strategic planning process. We can then envision our future options, make choices and reach consensus on our future directions. Once the plan is established, it needs to be monitored and evaluated and changes made if necessary. Synod delegates discussed the diocese's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. There was general agreement that the diocese's strengths lie in its commitment to the church, the strong leadership of Bishop Rodney Andrews and a small geographic area and population which facilitates communication. Its weaknesses include rural depopulation, limited youth involvement, fear of change and lack of diversity.
The diocese's commitment to ecumenism and the spiritual hunger of society provide the diocese with opportunities. However, our reluctance to talk about our faith, our internal divisions and the secularization of society are threats to our future. Pastor Jim Halmarson believes that the basic question that must be addressed is, “Where do we live and what can we do in this place? Are we a sanctuary? Are we going to feed the poor?� He is convinced that we cannot live in fear of our society but must work with the local community in addressing its needs. Synod passed a resolution calling on the Bishop to appoint a steering group to lead the formulation of a three to five year strategic plan for the Diocese. The plan would arise out of a systematic process that would run over the next two years and be presented to the 2008 Diocesan Synod for approval. The process would determine priorities and action strategies for development. Parishes and diocesan groups would be consulted in this process and ongoing reports made to Diocesan Council. A facilitator for the process would be sought from General Synod's Letting Down the Nets program. Letting Down the Nets is a national initiative that will work in partnership with a variety of dioceses to build stewardship and development.
For as the word of God preached putteth Christ into our ears; so likewise these elements of water, bread and wine, joined to God’s Word, do after a sacramental manner put Christ into our eyes, mouths, hands, and all our senses. Thomas Cranmer.
Matrimonial commission By Penny McKinlay SASKATOON - A resolution was put forward at Saskatoon's Diocesan Synod to discontinue the Diocesan Matrimonial Commission in keeping with the revisions to Canon XXI passed at General Synod 2004. The resolution generated a great deal of discussion. Many of the clergy believe that the Matrimonial Commission provides support for the parish priest and that it serves as a pastoral tool to prepare a couple for marriage. Other people, many of them lay delegates, spoke strongly against the Commission. They believe that the old structure is no longer appropriate as it is too legalistic and invasive. They contend that the formal, written process does not encourage true communication and argue that the parish priest is the person
Delegates to Saskatoon's Diocesan Synod considered and presented thoughtful arguments concerning the resolutions and issues placed before them. Photo - Penny McKinlay. who is in the best position to counsel the couple, as the priest knows the people involved and can speak with them face to face. Everyone agreed that pre-marital counselling and pastoral support is valuable.
The resolution was defeated and there was no time to discuss alternate resolutions. Bishop Andrews will be appointing new members to the Matrimonial Commission so that it can carry out its task.
Provincial Synod representatives for the Diocese of Saskatoon SASKATOON - The following people have been chosen to represent the Diocese of Saskatoon at the Provincial Synod to be held in Regina May 25 to 28. The lay representatives are Peter Coolen, Saskatoon; Wilma Miller, Saskatoon; and Don Coomber, Lloydminster. The clergy who will be attending Provincial Synod are Pastor Jim Halmarson, the Venerable Larry Mitchell, the Reverend Shawn Sanford Beck and the Reverend Ron Baerg. The youth representative is Aryn Otterbein, Saskatoon. The lay representatives to General Synod in Winnipeg are Phil Carverhill, Saskatoon; Cathy Hartsook, Saskatoon and Chris Wood, Saskatoon. The clergy representatives are the Venerable Terry Wiebe, Reverend Gary Sinclair and Reverend Debbie Ramage. The youth representative is Meghan Lofgren of Saskatoon.
Michael Stonhouse installed as canon By Penny McKinlay SASKATOON - Bishop Rodney Andrews installed Michael Stonhouse, priest in charge of St. James Church in Saskatoon, as a Canon at the Diocesan Synod meeting on March 24, 2006. The Bishop noted that the parish recovered from two fires and, under the Reverend Stonhouse's energetic leadership, recognized that it needed to engage youth and the local neighbourhood in its parish activities. The church hall was transformed into a small theatre and the parish hired music and youth directors to initiate new activities. The Reverend Canon Sir Michael Stonhouse has solid Anglican roots as he is an eighth-generation clergy and a hereditary British lord.
The Reverend Michael Stonhouse was installed as a Canon in the Diocese of Saskatoon on March 24. Bishop Andrews praised him for his energetic and committed leadership and paid tribute to St. James Church for its ministry. Photo - Penny McKinlay
The Saskatchewan Anglican, May 2006 - 5
Blueprint for evangelism By Penny McKinlay SASKATOON - The Reverend Canon Michael Patterson presented the keynote address at Saskatoon's Diocesan Synod. Reverend Patterson is the Director of Evangelism for the Diocese of Niagara and his father was the Dean of St. John's Cathedral in the mid sixties. Reverend Patterson understands that Anglicans are uncomfortable with the concept of evangelism and don't know what it means to them. And yet, he says, it is what Jesus invited us to do when He told us to go out in the world and make disciples. “It's a difficult task as it requires making a shift from what is comfortable and understood to the wilderness,” says Reverend Patterson. “We have to trust in the spirit of God.” Michael Patterson believes that declining church membership is the least of our problems. The real crisis that we face is a crisis of spiritual healthiness; we need to be filled with the Spirit and to know our place as Christians and disciples. Our goal should not be to fill the pews and put money in the plate; instead, we should aim at creating a healthy environment where God is alive and people want to become involved because they feel the energy.
Our society is no longer based around the church so we face a new frontier as we position the church and define its role in contemporary society. However, the current crisis represents both a danger and an opportunity. Although only 12% of Canadians attend church, over 80% call themselves spiritual and believe in God. The church's role can be to help people meet their spiritual needs. Reverend Patterson explained that people want to experience God in their lives. They want to have a sense of community and to feel that they are heard and listened to. They want to feel appreciated and respected. They want to receive practical spiritual help in developing a mature faith. Reverend Patterson laid out a threestep approach to evangelism. First of all, we must get to know our community who are they and what are their needs? Then we must welcome people and integrate them into our church. Finally, we must engage people in conversation about their spirituality so that they feel they are growing in their faith. Our goal, says Reverend Patterson, should be to “practise the radical hospitality of Christ.”
The Reverend Michael Patterson, Director of Evangelism for the Diocese of Niagara, believes that a key element of evangelism is sharing your faith and listening while others share theirs. 86% of people will come to your church because they've been invited by a friend, family member or acquaintance. Photo - Penny McKinlay.
But the true catholic faith, grounded upon God’s most infallible word teacheth us, that our Saviour Christ (as concerning his man’s nature and bodily presence) is gone up unto heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of his Father, and there shall he tarry until the world’s end, at what time he shall come again to judge both the quick and the dead, as he saith himself in many scriptures .... Thomas Cranmer.
Rejuvenating the church through music
Katie Nichol, the music director for St. Andrew's Church in Humboldt, is enthusiastic about bringing more people to church through music. In the background are participants in Youth Discover Christ who are also enthusiastic about their faith.
May Day by Elisabeth Quinton
The sun didn't shine today, Grey day. But what did I see today, Grey day? I saw the Martins swoop and fall. Hey day! I saw a flower against the wall, Say day! What did I see today? I saw a May day.
SASKATOON - St. Andrew's Church, Humboldt knew they needed help in rejuvenating their parish and they chose to do it through music. They have hired Katie Nichol who is 22 years old and has a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Saskatchewan. Katie is delighted to have been offered a part-time job as St. Andrew's Musical Director and has accepted the challenge of helping to rejuvenate the church with enthusiasm and fresh ideas. Ms. Nichol has introduced the choir and the congregation to new hymns and she's increasing the speed “to make it a little more fun.” Katie is now setting the Eucharist service in the Book of Alternate Services to music. “It's a little more jazzy, but it uses the exact wording from the BAS so there's no confusion,” explains Ms. Nichol. The music is being written for piano, organ and two voices and will include the guitar chords so that they are ready for the day when the church has a guitarist. Katie hopes to have the music ready for Easter. Ms. Nichol admits that it's hard to break into a small town like Humboldt. St. Andrew's demonstrated what great music the Anglicans have by hosting the services for the World Day of Prayer and the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Katie is also planning to hold a spring concert series in order to invite new people into the church. In addition, Katie is becoming a part of her new community by playing for the high school choir, the children's choir and the music festival. The church has just received a grant from the St. Luke's Church fund and will be purchasing new musical equipment and a sound system so that they can hold outdoor services. Katie also hopes to introduce two guitarists to church music. Katie's work and her faith go hand in hand and she is proud to be an “actual member of the congregation” as well as an employee. She is a member of vestry and Diocesan Council.
Market Day at St. John's Cathedral Saturday, May 13, 2006 9 am to 2 pm - crafts - tea & Welsh cakes - flea market - deli - ploughman's lunches plants & used book sale - silent auction - tables for rent - call 242-5146 5 to 10 pm - traditional pub dinners & beverages - music - sing along - darts For advance tickets, call 242-5146
St. John's Hall 816 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon
6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, May 2006
Of the youth, for the youth and by the youth. Centennial Medals awarded By Ivan Millard REGINA - At Living Spirit Centre, St. Philip Anglican, Bread of Life Lutheran and Eastside United, share in a Youth Ministry: of the youth, for the youth and by the youth. Interest in youth ministry has come alive under the guidance of Vicar Erik Bjorgan, who has worked with co-ordinators Echo Fettes, Heather McAllister, Shannon McAllister, Vicki Nelson and MacKenzie Hird to create something beyond a “youth group” with adult leaders. Vicar Erik says, ”The difference is in the young people being the subject of ministry rather than being the object of ministry. It is in being the church versus going to church.” Two of the co-ordinators are in high school and three are in university. Shannon McAllister and Vicki Nelson say they see this as a good time in their lives to become involved and are
anxious to see how it continues. Their first step was to identify all the young people between the ages of ten and twenty in the Anglican, Lutheran and United Church parish families. They then sent each of the nearly 200 potential members a package containing a letter for them to give to their parents, a brochure and a fridge magnet. The letter explained the organizational plan to the parents, the brochure explained it to the youngsters, and the fridge magnet was an invitation to the kickoff event. The process was adapted from “Asset Mapping,“ a visioning tool developed by author Luther Snow. The response to the mass mail out was strong and about 30% of those contacted came to the kick off. Interest in our Youth Ministry remains high and the projects, which they have named, have aspects of mission to them. The
juniors suggested a car and pet wash with the proceeds going to the Humane Society. Some older youth have asked if they can volunteer as co-ordinators. The dry wall in our new lower hall has not been finished so our youth are going to do the “mudding” and painting of the youth room and storage room. They have developed a web site to communicate upcoming events and grow the group (livingspirityouth.googlepages.com). “Traditional consumer models of youth ministry have struggled against the energy youth possess for ministry,” as Vicar Erick put it, but if the church gives them an opportunity the youth can generate ideas and take ownership of them. Like other tri-parish committees, our Youth Ministry co-ordinators are responsible directly to the Living Spirit Council. We are proud of what our youth have accomplished.
REGINA - Congratulations go out to Bill Van Sickle, Diocesan Finance Committee Chair and Ralph Paragg, Diocesan Refugee Coordinator for receiving the Saskatchewan Centennial Commemorative Medal. The medal is awarded for outstanding service to their province. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly presented the medal to Bill Van Sickle at a reception at the Ramada Renaissance Hotel on Wednesday, March 22nd. Ralph Paragg received his medal shortly before that event. The medals were presented by the Speaker on behalf of Her Honour, the Lieutenant Governor, said the diocesan communications service.
Book Review - Sacred Simplicities: Seeing the Miracles in Our Lives By Lori Knutson, Path Books, an imprint of ABC Publishing, ISBN 1-55126-419-6, $18.95, 153 pages, 2004.
Happy 100th to Edith Morgan
Edith Morgan at her birthday party. Photo - Edith Maddaford. By Edith Maddaford SALTCOATS (QuA) - Teacups of roses decorated the tables as family, friends and neighbours gathered at Saltcoats Sterling Room, February 25, to honour Edith Morgan on her 100th birthday. (February 24 was her actual birthday). Edith (Edie) came to Canada from England at the age of 13. Later, with husband Bill and their three daughters, Jean, Sheila and Barb, she lived many
years on a farm near Saltcoats. Following the sale of the farm, Edie and daughter Jean retired to the town of Saltcoats. Daughters Sheila and Barb had then married. Although she is not one to travel far from her home her input and wisdom via daughter Jean is valued at St, Augustine’s Church. Edie enjoys helping with the vegetable and flower gardens and watching the birds and animals that frequent the
yard. She loves knitting for friends and church bazaars, watching sports on TV and being a major person in the life of pet dog “Misty.” Without the aid of a calculator, she very ably is the “behind the scenes bookkeeper” for church treasurer daughter Jean. Who else can do long division in her head? About 100 guests enjoyed lunch and birthday cake provided by the family and served by Saltcoats Anglican Church Women.
50th Anniversary St. Timothy's Anglican Church 2101 Landsdowne Avenue Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4, 2006
By Sydney Selvon, RecordGazette editor, April 2005 Lori Knutson sees evidence of God in everyday life and calls miracles what most people believe are absolutely normal happenings, if not trivialities. Buds opening by the thousands on tree branches and shoots piercing the soil as spring may still be acquiesced as “miracles” by many, but still, there are people who, unlike Knutson, would not add the divine dimension to such natural events. Knutson, well-known faith columnist of the Daily Herald Tribune in Grand Prairie and known by readers of other newspapers and publications to which she has been contributing over the years, tells us that intimations of God are actually everywhere, in your kitchen or your garden, in a parking lot or in the changing colours of an evening sky. A series of two-page chronicles of her everyday life assembled into a book, Sacred Simplicities: Seeing the Miracles in Our Lives, invite readers to partake in her spiritual quest. During an interview with the Record-Gazette following the publication of this book, Knutson spoke of the “best way one can tune oneself into God everyday”: “Be present, and try not to take for granted the things that appear mundane. Close up and, given attention, everyday details can become wonders. For example,
some mornings crossing the empty parking lot to get to my work, I stop and face for a moment the eastern sky, noticing how rapidly it shifts and changes colours. This pause alters my frame of mind for the remainder of the day, makes me feel more grateful and positive.” Knutson says she intentionally looks for the evidence of a divine presence. “Unlike in the Bible where miracles are astounding events witnessed by several people … In my view miracles take place all around us all the time.” She also states that her message in the book is that people should have the openness necessary to see the “miracles” of everyday life. In one page, she quotes John Lennon: “Life is what happens when you are making other plans.” This is perfectly in line with her belief that we always try to plan and organize everything, in the process cultivating “an art of worry,” while we allow life and opportunities of enjoying it fully to slip by, unnoticed. But if the appeal of the book may live, for believers in God, in Knutson's joyous celebration of the divine, to many readers it may be more particularly the freshness of her approach to everyday life, and her exquisite narrative talent that combine to make her chronicles so pleasant to read.
The Saskatchewan Anglican, May 2006 - 7
Together again after 1,200 years
World Day of Prayer 2006
labisi Adeneye, in native costume, is a member of Princesses of the King and Daughters of Africa. Photo - Morley Evans.
Together for the first time in 1.200 years, Lichfield Cathedral Librarian Pat Bancroft holds the St. Chad Gospels as Dean Adrian Dorber (left) and Bishop Jonathan Gledhill (right) inspect the "Lichfield Angel", part of the original shrine to St Chad. The angel was found in the remains of St. Peter's Church, built by Bishop Hedda in AD700, which was found under the floor of the present Cathedral's nave. Lichfield is the companion diocese of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. Photo - Gavin Drake, Diocese of Lichfield.
Commentary on Restorative Justice By the Reverend John Gardner REGINA - Justice has been understood as a woman blindfolded holding a sword and scales. The blindfold says she is impartial, the sword says she punishes evildoers and the scales say she ensures that criminals are punished equally for similar crimes. Should that woman really be blinded, judging only the facts and never asking “why” or ought she to take off that blindfold and try to figure out what really went wrong? Do the scales, with the suggestion of “getting even,” offer the best definition of justice? Must justice always require punishment? Is everyone “good” or “bad,” the bad deserving punishment? Recently Parliament has been amending the criminal code to make reparation and to instill a sense of responsibility in offenders: important principles of corrections. The Supreme Court, the RCMP, the national Corrections Service of Canada
and a number of provinces have been experimenting with Restorative Justice ideals. All faith groups, including our Anglican Church, support Restorative Justice ideals. However, politicians claiming to “get tough on crime” are still being elected, despite clear evidence that hurting offenders doesn’t work. Restorative Justice says that justice must be more than just weighing an offender’s fault and imposing corresponding pain. Crime should be met with a sincere attempt to find out what went wrong and how the damage can as far as possible be put right. There must be real concern for victims. There must be stern consequences for the offender aimed at restoring the social relationships damaged by the crime. There must be no rote punishment. Our Provincial Chief Justice Edward Bayda encapsulates the notion of
By Morley Evans REGINA - Devoted parishioners gathered at St. Matthew’s Church to celebrate the World Day of Prayer 2006. The service was prepared by the women of South Africa. (Adapted for use in Canada by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada). The Worship service theme was “Signs of the Times” delivered by Rebecca Otitoju. She reminded everyone that throughout the Bible, God gives signs whenever people are going astray. People do not notice the signs and they continue going about their business. “Jesus told his disciples that when he will come back, no one will notice either. Everyone will go about his/her business and that he will come unexpectedly as a thief in the night (Matthew 24:36-44). Jesus even wondered if he would find faith on earth when he comes back (Luke 18:8),” she said. Rebecca Otitoju suggested to the congregation that Christians should not be lukewarm about Christianity. Following the service, everyone gathered in the lower hall for refreshments and African music and dance. Dancing was
performed by two young women from the community of Ethiopian Christians who consider St. Matthew’s Church their home in Regina. Ethiopians brightened a March day by wearing colourful native costumes. The encouraging cover of the program featured a happy African boy looking upward to the title “Life without AIDS,” a part of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund. Members of the service from St. Matthew’s Church were: officiant, Joyce Cudmore; readers: Jean Twendachlib and Gail Ridgway; organist Ron Goodwin and rector, the Reverend Blair Dixon. From the Daughters of Africa & Princesses of the King was the speaker, Rebecca Otitoju. From Knox Metropolitan United Church came readers Kate Johnston and Marlene Hall. Readers Lorraine Vincent, Irene Martin and Gabe Metz came from Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church. Major Elsie McEwan and Bernice Glover were readers from the Salvation Army. Muriel Blundell from St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral and Chris Borowski from St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church were readers also.
Restorative Justice when he says: “We’ve always treated criminal offences as the ‘breaking of a law’ and the breaking of a law has certain consequences. You could end up going to jail. But committing a crime is much more than simply breaking a law. Committing a crime is hurting, hurting someone, hurting another person, hurting another group of people, hurting a community, hurting yourself. Should we not be looking at a criminal offence in that light? Somehow I feel that’s going to produce a heck of a lot more good than coming down with the fire and brimstone and saying, ‘Okay, now you burn.’” Circles of Support and Accountability are an offshoot of Restorative Justice. We offer friendship and support to, and demand accountability from, persons who have committed the worst offences. We surround the offender with a small group of trustworthy people who care. We meet regularly, helping the core member to solve problems, to ease the transition out of prison and into the community and
hopefully to model hope-filled lives. We do this because we believe that offenders who are offered friendship and support and are called on their stupid or dangerous behaviours are much less likely to offend again. And that is the point: no more offences especially those involving violence and sex against the vulnerable in our community. We know circles of support and accountability work. There are over a hundred such circles in Canada, surrounding warrant-expired core members, (persons who have served every day of very long sentences because they were judged dangerous and likely to reoffend), who in most cases have lived for many years without re-offending. There are three of these circles in the Regina – Moose Jaw area. If you would like to know more or might wish to get involved, please call John at 306.543.9762.
8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, May 2006
Qu’Appelle PWRDF Update By Basil Pogue REGINA - During 2005, contributions in Qu’Appelle Diocese made through the synod office to the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) were the highest they have been since 1994, rising from $42,794 in 2004 to $59,853 in 2005, an increase of almost 40%. A large part of this increase is likely due to three major disasters: the tsunami in south-east Asia, Hurricane Katrina and the Pakistan earthquake. Some contributors also send money directly to PWRDF in Toronto rather than through the synod office. While increased generosity is excellent news, Christians might want to explore why the response is faster to disasters that leave people without shelter than to those that threaten to wipe out whole generations. For example the need for support of PWRDF’s Partnership for Life against AIDS continues unabated.
The Diocesan PWRDF Committee is also supporting the Advocacy Justice Camp being held at St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, May 8 to 13, and anticipates having at least one youth member in attendance. She will be sharing her experiences and what she learned after she returns. “Participants will go on intensive exposure visits in and around the Nation’s Capital and meet with activists, journalists and politicians who are involved on one side or another with issues like affordable housing, international development, urban and rural poverty, Indigenous justice and ecology. Afterwards, they will come together to explore the interconnections of their immersion experiences with faith, theology and spirituality,” says PWRDF communications. The Justice Camp is jointly sponsored by the Diocese of Ottawa, PWRDF and the national EcoJustice Committee.
Upcoming Events Qu’Appelle
ACW life memberships By Marion G. Pope SASKATOON - On March 19, 2006, St. Timothy's Anglican Church Women were pleased to bestow special honours on three of their members: Shirley Byrnes, Doreen Girling and Bev Otsuka. With the assistance of the Venerable Larry Mitchell, priest in charge of St. Timothy's, Bonnie Milman, Diocesan ACW Life Members' Secretary and Marion G. Pope of St. Timothy's ACW, Shirley, Doreen and Bev were presented with Honourary Life Memberships in the Anglican Church Women's organization of the Diocese of Saskatoon. Shirley Byrnes, Doreen Girling and Bev Otsuka have been conscientious workers for many years for St. Timothy's ACW, one of the biggest and most active groups in Canada. While serving in this capacity, they also raised families, held jobs outside the home and volunteered in the community. Shirley was very active in the Guiding movement and Bev is still very active in the Eastern Star. The women taught church school, served on vestry, drove
Doreen Girling, Shirley Byrnes and Bev Otsuka (from left to right in the front row) are the newest life members of the Diocese of Saskatoon's Anglican Church Women. Standing behind them are Bonnie Milman, the Diocesan ACW Life Members' Secretary, and Marion G. Pope, St. Timothy's ACW. for Meals on Wheels and served as ushers and greeters. They assisted St. Timothy's ACW in wrapping gifts in the Christmas Gift Wrap booth, by working at Nu-2-U Boutique Clearance sales, and their families knew there was a fifty-fifty chance that the baking on the counter would be shared with the church. More importantly than all of
this, Shirley, Doreen and Bev know what kneelers are and kneel on them regularly. They know what a prayer book is and worship with it. They know what a hymn book is and sing praises from it. What motivates them to do this? They do it because they know Christ, and when He asks, “Whom shall I send?” unselfishly respond, “Here I am Lord.”
May 4 Anglican Church Women, Kinrose Deanery, will hold their annual meeting at St. Andrew’s Church, Rosetown. May 6 -
Holy Trinity dedicates new furnishings
ACW Cypress Deanery will have its annual meeting at St. Stephen’s Church, Swift Current. May 8 Pelly Deanery Anglican Church Women annual meeting will be held at the Saltcoats Community Centre, Saltcoats. May 11 Touchwood Deanery ACW will hold its annual meeting in the Legion Hall, Cupar. May 12 Luther College, University of Regina, is offering Spend a Night beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 13. Immerse yourself in university life, with entrance counselling, recreational activities, supper in Luther College cafeteria and a free overnight stay in the dorm-style resi dence. Open to youth ages 17 to 21 or those who are taking other post-secondary courses such as SIAST and Beauty Colleges. For information please call Luther College, University of Regina. at 306.585.5333 or contact Line Leruyet at 306-585.5398. May 12 -14 A training event for mentors of Education For Ministry will be offered at St. Matthew’s Church Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday morning. Patricia Bays will be the trainer. Anyone interested in taking the training is advised to contact the Reverend Joyce Hilton at 306.949.6764. May 23 The Consecration of Gregory Kerr-Wilson and installation as 11th Bishop of Qu’Appelle will take place at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Regina, beginning at 7 p.m. May 25 - 28 The Diocese of Qu’Appelle welcomes delegates to the 45th Session of the Synod of the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land. Opening worship and meetings of the Synod will be held at All Saints’ Church, Regina, with closing wor ship at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Sunday morning, May 28. May 27 St Matthew's Church, Regina, will hold its annual lawn sale. Great buys are always found.
Mike Stanton, Rector's Warden, Bishop Rodney Andrews, the Reverend Bill Christensen and Charmaine Zavena, People's Warden, stand before the re-dedicated altar in Holy Trinity Church, Saskatoon. SASKATOON - The generosity of the former congregation of St. Luke's, Saskatoon, continues to be experienced in the diocese. Pews, lectern, pulpit, altar and other sanctuary furniture from St. Luke's were donated to Holy Trinity Church, Saskatoon, upon successful completion of the sale of the St. Luke's property. On Sunday, March 19, Bishop Rod Andrews rededicated the furniture during a celebration of Holy Baptism and the Eucharist. The furniture replaces much older and well-worn furniture that had been part of the original Holy Trinity Church at Avenue T and 19th Street. Bishop Rod told the parish that he had mixed feelings since he had preached many sermons from the old pulpit during his time as a student at Emmanuel College, one of the two founding schools of the present College of Emmanuel and St. Chad. The Reverend Bill Christensen, Priest in Charge, said that the congregation of Holy Trinity is deeply appreciative of the far sightedness and generosity of the people of St. Luke's with whom they have had a long-standing relationship. “The new furniture has provided a wonderful sense of place and warmth for our worship,” he stated.