November2009 A Section of Anglican Journal
The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon to Receive Honourary Degree
Photo by Peter Coolen
The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon SASKATOON - "The Chancellor of the College of Emmanuel & St Chad, Bishop Derek Hoskins of Calgary, is pleased to announce that the Senate of the College wishes to honour the contribution of the Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon to the life and work of the Anglican Church. It will therefore be awarding him an honourary Doctor of Divinity degree at a special convocation eucharist this fall, to be held on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009, at 7 pm. The service will be held in Christ Chapel, ESC/LTS, 114 Seminary Crescent on the University of Saskatchewan Campus, with reception to follow. We welcome all who wish to attend the service. RSVP to Lisa McInnis, by phone: 975-1550, or e-mail: lisa.mcinnis@usask.ca."
The College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, September, 2009 Photos courtesy College of Emmanuel and St. Chad
The Reverend Dr.Bill Richards, Acting Principal, College of Emmanuel and St. Chad Once again a new academic year is underway - 14 students are on-site this year, full-time and part-time. At orientation this year some of our other students, “distance ed” students, also joined us; a good opportunity for them and for us to make some face-to-face connections. It's a connection, we hope, that will carry them through the year as they work away at their studies in our on-line offerings. Some will be back again in January, for the intensive courses that our Theological Union also offers, and we look forward to seeing them then. Our three grads at the spring convocation have all found their way to parish work: Wilma and Brian Woods, sponsored by Qu'Appelle, have landed in the Gulf of St Lawrence (on the Magdalen Islands actually); and July Ayuen continues his ministry with the Sudanese community in Winnipeg. There are approximately 70 students fullor part-time in the STU (Saskatoon Theological Union) this fall. Some cours
es are denominationally specific, but most classes represent a creative mix of church experience. Even within our own college, we are delighted to have non-Anglicans join us, finding among us a home for study as they prepare for vocations in their own churches. The Term for us began with eucharist. Outgoing senior stick, Karen Walter, passed the baton (literally) on to her successor, Nicolas Alexandre. Karen had spent the summer serving as the Diocese of Saskatoon's hospital chaplain. Nicolas was in the Philippines, May to August, on the Anglican church's Theological Students' International Intern Program. We'll look forward to hearing from them both about their unique summer experiences. Orientation week was a good start to all 70 of us in the STU getting to know each other. After events specific to our own colleges, we headed off to an overnight retreat at Shekina (a centre just 80 kilometres NW of Saskatoon, along the banks of the North Saskatchewan) where we took time to begin the journey of “thinking theologically” about the life of the church. And now to class. I think I have some Greek to prepare!
The Reverend Dr. Bill Richards
Concert Raises Money for Habitat Build by Rev. Arleen Champion MOOSE JAW (Qu'A) St. Aidan Anglican Church presented Country Blend, a Manitoba based band, in a fundraiser concert for Habitat For Humanity on September 25. This high energy group entertained a capacty crowd with an evening of traditional country and country gospel music and amazing piano playing. In welcoming the crowd, Rev. Allen Doerksen gave an overview of Habitat For Humanity. Later in the evening, Rev. Arleen Champion shared information on the Diocese of Qu'Appelle 125th Anniversary Faith Build, the family who will be the beneficiaries of this build and opportunities for people to become involved in boththe Diocese of Qu'Appelle build as well as the Habitat For Humanity Moose Jaw build. Country Blend is a group of five talented musicians whose mission is to assist communities and organizations raise money for special projects, sharing the proceeds of ticket sales with the organizing group. Two years ago, they contacted St. Aidan offering to do a fundraising concert to assist with the parish building renovation project. Although they were unknown to the parish, the offer was viewed as a gift from God, and the parish stepped out in faith accepting their offer. That was the beginning of a relationship between the two groups, with this concert being the third fundraising event they have done together. Work has begun on the diocese's Anniversary Faith Build. Watch for more details in the next issue.
2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, November2009
Bishop’s Message by Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon
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, July submissions will be in the September 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.
Editor's Note: This Bishop's Message contains reflections on the subject of time which first appeared as one of a series of monthly articles published by the “Country Guide” in January, 2003. “Time is like a river . . . and its current is swift.” The writer is not someone working feverishly over a computer with emails pouring in and two phone lines clamoring for attention. The words were penned by Emperor Marcus Aurelius 1900 years ago. Time is precious. There is only so much of it. It passes quickly and is hard to manage. If you are like me, you try to pack a great deal, probably too much, into your days. I have a book called “Redeeming the Time.” Is it possible to redeem time? Time lost can never be regained. It is futile to cry over the past and its troubles. We cannot go back into the past and rewrite the parts we regret. The past can teach us lessons but it cannot be replayed and relived. It is the here and now which concerns us vitally. Years ago David, who wrote the Psalms, prayed: “. . . teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Tomorrow is another day. What it becomes for us individually depends upon what we do with the stuff of life God puts into our hands today. Some people face life anxiously and worry over everything. They are always scanning today's blue skies for tomorrow's clouds. Jesus says “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today.” I love the hymn “O God, our help in ages past.” If church organists would not protest, I would choose it every Sunday. One line reads “Time, like an ever rolling stream, bears all our years away.” A stream or a river is an analogy for time. The river of time has been flowing for centuries. It has seen a lot. We jump into the water and swim with it for a while. At times we swim vigorously. Other times we allow ourselves to be carried by the current. Sometimes we are caught up in an eddy. The river carries all sorts of
Diocese of Saskatoon: Announcements for November, 2009
The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews' Schedule:
The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon debris and has its own way of getting around obstacles. Occasionally we are asked to assist people who are struggling with difficult currents or who are marooned. We do not own the river, but we have a responsibility to use it wisely. The stream not only moves us from one place to another. It provides energy, refreshment and nourishment. Often it sparkles and makes music, and sometimes it creates mud. The river of time has its own energy to carry it forward even when you and I are no longer a part of it. As I approach retirement, I have been thinking more about time. People ask me: “What are your retirement plans”. The simple answer is that I hope to continue learning and enjoying life. I will never get to know a fraction of the things that are generated by the passage of time, but I am glad to be a part of the mystery. It is a mystery to me because I believe God moves in it - sometimes miraculously affecting lives and bringing about things we are often unaware of, or even unable to grasp. “Yesterday is history Tomorrow is a mystery Today is a gift That's why it's called the present Live and savor every moment This is not a dress rehearsal!” (Anonymous) + Rodney Rodney Andrews Bishop of Saskatoon
Sunday, November 1st, Diocese of Qu'Appelle Anniversary, Regina; November 2nd to 6th , National House of Bishops, Hamilton, Ontario; Tuesday, November 10th, Convocation, College of Emmanuel and St. Chad; Sunday, November 15th, St. George's, Saskatoon; Wednesday, November 18th, St. Matthew's Parish Day, Saskatoon; Sunday, November 22nd, Greater Watrous Parish; November 24th to 26th, Meeting of Saskatchewan Bishops, Lumsden; Saturday, November 28th, Diocesan Council Meeting, St. James', Saskatoon; Sunday, November 29th, a.m.- St. Mark's, Saskatoon; p.m.- Saskatoon Native Ministry. Degree to be Awarded: The College of Emmanuel and St. Chad will be awarding the Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree at a Convocation to be held on Tuesday, November 10th (see details of the announcement elsewhere in this issue). Electoral Synod: A special diocesan synod has been announced, to elect a new bishop, for Saturday, November 14th, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Saskatoon. Nominations for the position of bishop, may be submitted to the Secretary of the Search Committee c/o The Office of Synod by members of the 2008 Synod up to 72 hours before the commencement of Synod (ie.10 am. on Wednesday, November 11th). Diocesan Council Meeting: A meeting of the Diocesan Council will be held Saturday, November 28th, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at St. James', Saskatoon. Poinsettia Bake Sale: A Poinsettia Tea, Craft and Bake Sale will be held at St. Stephen's, Saskatoon on Saturday, November 21st. Christmas Tea: The Annual St. George's Christmas Tea will be held on Saturday, November 28th, at St. George's, Saskatoon from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Bake Sale: The St. Georges, Saskatoon, Bishop Fuller A.C.W. will be holding a Bake Sale at the 8th St. CO-OP on, Saturday, November 14th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “East Meets West” “Drawing on the Gospel”: an opportunity for cross-town fellowship, food worship and study as folks from St. Matthew's, Sutherland (the “East”) and Christ Church, Caswell (the “West”) get together on Wednesdays for “Drawing on the Gospel”. Each evening begins with a pot-luck supper at 6 p.m., followed by a sung, contemporary setting of Evening Prayer at 7 p.m.; then an opportunity to study the upcoming Gospel lections by cartooning the texts. This popular study method does not require that you draw! Currently, the program is happening at St. Matthew's (Corner of Egbert Ave. and 109th St.) but will be periodically alternating to Christ Church. Please call either church for information; Christ Church at: 242-0165 or St. Matthew's at: 3748808.
Integrity Saskatoon: Meetings are held at St. James', Saskatoon on the second Saturday of each month at 7 p.m. The regular meetings include a talking circle and Eucharist with fellowship to follow; babysitting is available during meetings for those with children. For more information contact the Reverend Ann Marie Nicklin at: (306) 9483460 or: benjie60@gmail.com. For further information and to view related articles, links and photographs of Integrity events: www.integritysaskatoon.blogspot.com. Saskatoon Native Ministry: Meetings are held every second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. A Sacred Circle Worship is held Sunday at 4 p.m.; worship is followed by a community meal at 5 p.m. All events are held at: St. Thomas Wesley United Church, 808 20th St.. For information call: 244-1381 or E-mail: snm@sasktel.net. 2010 Cursillo Weekend: The Saskatoon Diocese Cursillo Secretariat has scheduled the next Co-ed Cursillo Weekend for: Thursday evening, March 4th through to Sunday afternoon March 7th, 2010, at St. Peter's Abbey, Muenster. For applications or more information please contact Austin King at: (306) 933-4007; or email a.king@sasktel.net "Hands On 2010"; An Event for Lutheran and Anglican Youth: the National Planning Committee (NPC) for the 2010 gathering announces "Hands On" as the theme of next year's gathering which is taking place in London, Ontario from August 19th to 22nd, 2010. Drawing from the text in Isaiah 64:8, "Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand", the gathering will explore how God calls us to use our hands to help shape the world around us.
For change of address, undeliverable copies and subscription list updates contact: your parish, circulation@national.anglican.ca or send to Saskatchewan Anglican c/o Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Street Toronto ON M4Y 3G2 Published by the dioceses of Qu’Appelle, Saskatoon and Saskatchewan. All submissions must be sent to the Associate Editors by the beginning of the last week of the month preceeding publication.
Managing Editor: Fred Stephens, 51 - 10th St. NE, Weyburn SK. S4H 1G8 Phone 306-842-7235 Email: skeditor@yahoo.ca Qu’Appelle: Joanne Shurvin-Martin, 6927 Farrell Bay Regina SK S4X 3V4 Phone: 306-775-2629 Email: wsmartin@accesscomm.ca Saskatoon: Peter Coolen, 820Avenue I South Saskatoon SK S7M 1Z3 Phone: 306-244-0935 Email: ptrcoolen@sasktel.net Saskatchewan: The Reverends Julie and Steven Page, P.O. Box 274, Hudson Bay, SK, S0E 0Y0P Phone (306) 865-3488; Email: HudsonBayArborfield@SaskTel.net
Published monthly except July and August Published from 51 - 10th Street NE, Weyburn SK S4H 1G8 Printed and mailed from Signal Star Publishing A division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Goderich ON N7A 4B6 Subscription rate: $10.00 in Canada; $17.00 outside Canada Whole No. 292, Vol. 33, No. 5 A Section of Anglican Journal
The Saskatchewan Anglican, November2009 - 3
Diocese of Saskatoon: Announcements for ”Hands On 2010” is considered to be a ground-breaking youth gathering as it is the first time the national gathering will be jointly planned by both the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and Anglican Church of Canada (ACC). Hoping for more equal representation of youth from the two churches, the name of the gathering will also be officially changed from Canadian Lutheran Youth Gathering (CLYG) to Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth (CLAY) gathering. Youth gatherings take place every two years with a new location each time. The last youth gathering was held in 2008 in Whitehorse, Yukon. Over 1000 participants made the journey from all parts of Canada to take part in the national event. Information on the gathering, as well as regular updates and the pre-registration booklet will be available on the “Hands On 2010” website. For those who have no way of receiving the information electronically, please contact Rev. Paul Gehrs: (204) 984.9156 at the ELCIC National Office to have a hard copy of the registration materials mailed out. APPOINTMENTS, RESIGNATIONS ETC: The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon has announced the date of his retirement as February 28th, 2010. Sympathy is extended to the Reverend Karen Sandell, Rector of St. Mark's Church, Saskatoon and the Sandell family on the death of Mr. Tim Sandell, Karen's spouse; Tim died at home with his family at his side on Sunday afternoon, September 27th, at 4:30 p.m. Tim, among other volunteer work, was Chair of the Diocesan Compensation Committee and our representative on the National Cursillo Secretariat. A Funeral Liturgy and Eucharist for Tim was held at St. James', Saskatoon on Friday, October 2nd; the Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon presided and the Reverend Canon Bill Christensen delivered a homily. The Reverend Joanne Beacon has returned to Saskatchewan from the Diocese of Niagara. Joanne has been appointed Chaplain of the Federal Penitentiary in Prince Albert. The Reverend Sheila Martin moved to Ontario permanently at the end of June. Congratulations to the Diocese of Saskatoon and special thanks to Mrs. Mary Ann Assailly and the hard working committee, parish representatives and volunteers. for increased contributions to the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund in 2008. Contributions to the Primate's Fund from our Diocese were $40,516 in 2008 compared to $34,231 in 2007 and $37,857 in 2006. Services of Deconsecration were held for All Hallows Church, Kildrum on Saturday, October 3rd, and St. Timothy's, Saskatoon on Tuesday, September 29th. The St. Timothy's building has been sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon; the new
Diocese of Saskatchewan - For Your Information Prince Albert (SASK) Congratulations to the Reverend Richard Custer and his wife, Noreen, of Stanley Mission, Sucker River and Grandmother's Bay, on the birth this spring of their son Taylor James. Appointment: The Reverend Joanne Beacon has been selected to serve as Chaplain(P) at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary. We welcome her to the diocese and to this new ministry, which began on September 28. Other Notes: A grant was applied for from the Council of the North to pay a bursary for ten members of the diocese to either attend a course on Evangelism in January at Emmanuel and St. Chad College, or to attend a Vital Church Planting conference in Edmonton in May. In June of this year the sale of Bishopsthorpe and the Holy Trinity Rectory, both in Prince Albert, were completed. Several Parishes in the Turtleford Deanery have been reformed as follows: The Parish of Leask and Shellbrook now includes All Saints' Church in Leask, St. Luke's Church in Mont Nebo, Christ Church in Canwood, St. Andrew's Church in Shellbrook, as well as any churches, chapels and cemeteries previously associated with these congregations. The Mission of Spiritwood and Timberland now includes Christ Church in Spiritwood and St. Paul's Church in Timberland, as well as any churches, chapels and cemeteries previously associated with these congregations.
125th Anniversary Diocese of S a s k a t c h e w a n A C W Historical Vignettes Towards a Report (SASKATCHEWAN) The 2009 Annual Professional Ministry Meeting for the Diocese of Saskatchewan ACW was held recently. Among the business items was the election of this year's executive team. The officers this year include: Carol Pryznyk (President), Violet Goodfellow (Vice President), Doris Wideen-Bazley (Secretary), Stella Demery (Treasurer), Tena Bannerman (both the Book of Remembrance and the Certificates of Recognition), Phyllis Hayward (Stamps), Helen Harradence (Pins), and Lydia McRury (Notes & News). Diocesan ACW President Carol Pryznyk was to attend the National Presidents Conference in Newfoundland on October 1 - 4th. The conference was at one of the area's many Church camps. She will bring more news from the conference to the ACW Deanery meetings and the Newsletter. Joyce Spence, correspondent for Lady Paul ACW at St George's Church in Prince Albert, notes that her group has had a slow summer, but is looking forward to several activities between September and Christmas, and the next Deanery meeting. Betty Barkway, correspondent for the Shellbrook ACW, reports that St Andrew's Church continues on without the service of a resident Minister, thanks to our dedicated and capable Lay Readers. A service of Holy Communion is held once a month jointly with the congregations from Leask, Mont Nebo, and Canwood. They continue to serve funeral lunches, a yearly soup, sandwich and dessert luncheon, host one Lenten lunch and help with the church's Valentine bake sale. In May, they were delighted to welcome Rev. Isaac Graham for a service of Holy Communion. Isaac, Shiela, and family lived in Shellbrook and served in the Parish in the 1970's. The congregation for the service numbered 81, with everyone joining in a potluck lunch following the service. Tena Bannerman's description of the ACW news from MacDowall can be found in a separate article.
In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. Lieutenant Colonel John McRae
by Trevor Powell This year the Diocese of Qu'Appelle celebrates 125 years of ministry and witness to the Christian faith in southern Saskatchewan. To recognize this milestone in the life of the Church, the 125th Committee at the request of the Bishop is preparing a series of historical vignettes. In training ordinands, the Church of England had always insisted upon high educational standards, but most overseas dioceses neither possessed educational centres nor the financial resources to build them. Personal piety and strong religious conviction often took precedence over academic qualifications in selecting candidates for missionary work. The Church Missionary Society (CMS) trained native catechists and priests who would form the nucleus of “a self-governing, self-supporting and self-propagating Native Church.” Knowing language and culture, it was thought they would make great strides in bringing Christianity to their people. Once the mission field became a diocese, the Native Church fell under episcopal control. In Qu'Appelle, the CMS was asked to leave. The diocese financed mission work and brought in more formally trained priests familiar with the language thus ending the dream, for that time, of a self-supporting Native Church. For a regular supply of permanent clergy, a diocesan theological college seemed the answer. In 1885, Anson established St. John's Theological College and Church Farm near Qu'Appelle. Students took a three-year course of study and worked on the farm during the summer. Anson hoped to give “… young men who had not the means to enter a theological college … an opportunity to earn their livelihood by working on the farm and also to pursue their studies.” When he departed in 1892 and the college closed two years later due to a growing debt, 12 of the 16 clergy were graduates of St. John's. In 1907 Bishop Grisdale persuaded the Shropshire Mission to North-West Canada and the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel to support St. Chad's Hostel, an education and mission centre in Regina. From November to April, students followed a curriculum “…equal to the average Bishops' examination in England in all subjects except Greek and Latin” as well as serving the adjoining parish of St. Chad (later St. Peter) and missions from Davidson to Dundurn. From May to October, the students worked further afield. Critics felt too much emphasis was being placed on mission work, but the Warden retorted that the need for missioners was there and “the newly ordained Deacon is usually sent direct to a sole charge, not working for years under the supervision of a Vicar.” With the opening of St. Chad's Theological College during 1913, course work was increased and mission work was reduced and better supervised. Student enrollment never reached its full potential, but St. Chad's, and its successor, Emmanuel-St. Chad (1964), have produced a steady supply of quality graduates to this very day.
4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, November2009
Bishop of Lichfield Invites People “Back to Church” from a Diocese of Lichfield news release LICHFIELD, ENGLAND The Bishop of Lichfield, Jonathan Gledhill, returned to British airwaves in a innovative week-long advertising campaign to ask listeners to come “back to church.” When the adverts were first used two years ago it was believed to be the first time a Church of England bishop had appeared in radio adverts for evangelism. The campaign was timed to coincide with Back to Church Sunday on September 27. Back to Church Sunday began as an initiative of the Church of England in Manchester in 2004; it has now grown to become a major international ecumenical mission. The basic premise of Back to Church Sunday is simple: churchgoers pray for a specific individual over a period of time and issue a personal invitation to them to come back to church. The radio advert features Brighton-based Christian singer Louise Fellingham singing the worship song 'In Christ Alone.' On top of this Bishop Gledhill says, “This Sunday is Back to Church Sunday when thousands of people are expected to come back to church. Why not join them? Many people say they would come back to church if somebody invited them. Well, I'm the Bishop of Lichfield and I'm inviting you.” The Diocese of Lichfield first became involved in Back to Church Sunday in 2007, when 6,000 people came back to church as a result of Back to Church Sunday. Six months later between 700 and 900 (12-15 per cent) had become regular members of their congregations and a further 3,000 were still in regular touch with their churches some six months later. One of those who came back in 2007 was Debbie Hall, went back to St George's Church in Glascote, Tamworth. She said juggling life with young children had got in the way of regular church attendance, but she remembers her return fondly, “I'd
never turned my back on God, but other commitments were on the forefront on my mind. It was just a normal service, but everyone was so nice and they made me feel really special. I was really pleased to be back.” Debbie is now a regular member of the congregation and serves as 'welcomer' for newcomers - and returners! The Bishop of Lichfield says stories like Debbie's prove the success of Back to Church Sunday, “The impact of Back to Church Sunday is not just measured in statistics; it is measured by the wonderful impact it has on numerous individual lives.” And he said, “The advertising campaign is the icing on the cake, but the real success of Back to Church Sunday will be The personal invitations. Christian faith is all about personal relationships. But if people don't receive a personal invitation they should treat the adverts as their personal invitation from me to come back to church.” In 2007 the diocese ran a radio and roadside poster advertising campaign to support the personal invitations and last year it took out advertising in the match day programmes of seven area football clubs. The director of communications for the Diocese of Lichfield, Gavin Drake, commented, “Back to Church Sunday isn't a gimmick - it is a personal invitation from a friend to a friend to come back to church. The advertisements are designed to do two things: firstly, they reinforce the personal invitations so the invitee realises that they won't be alone in returning to church; and secondly they serve as a personal invitation themselves. “We heard so many stories in 2007 of people returning to church as a direct result of these adverts - people who had fallen out of the habit of going to church after moving house; but then felt wanted after hearing the bishop's personal invitation on the radio.”
All Saints' Melville Celebrates 100 Years by Anne Sawchuk MELVILLE (Qu'A) August 30 was a beautiful and special day as current and former parishioners and friends gathered at All Saints Church to celebrate an important anniversary - 100 years! The day began with a eucharist at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Kim Sherwin officiating. Assisting at the service were former All Saints rector Rev. Betty Garrett from Moosomin and Rev. Susan Salo from the Pelly Deanery. Among the guests were Bishop James Cowan and Mrs. Cowan of Victoria. Bishop Cowan grew up in Melville and attended All Saints. The eucharist was followed by a delicious potluck meal and cutting of an anniversary cake by Jean Gulash. Another cake, baked in the shape of a bible, was brought by former resident, Edith Reinson, and was also served. A program followed with Michael Fisher as Master of Ceremonies. There were greetings from the City of Melville by Mr. Fisher; from the Vestry by
Peter Sawchuk; from the Deanery by Susan Salo, and from Melville Anglican Lutheran Ecumenical Council by David Groff. Rev. Kim Sherwin gave a message. Peter Sawchuk introduced special guests - Bishop and Mrs. Cowan, Thelma Wright (daughter of former Melville rector, Rev. Arthur Ashley), Edith Reinson, other former parishioners, and guests from Pelly Deanery. A short history of All Saints, from its beginnings as St. Cuthbert's to the present day, was given by Anne Sawchuk. There was some delightful reminiscing from Bishop Cowan, Thelma Wright and Rev. Betty Garrett that brought back memories to many people. Rounding out the program was a skit by members of the ACW - Anne Sawchuk, Jean Gulash, Olga Morgan, and Gen Samborski. The program ended with everyone gathering on the hall steps for a group photo by our photographer, Steve Guliak. It was a great ending to a great day. All Saints church looks forward to the next 100 years!
Retired Bishop Arthurson Keeps Busy
by Faye Arthurson, wife of Bishop Arthurson. LAC LA RONGE (Sask) - Retired Bishop Charles Arthurson has been filling some of his days by working to repair the church tower at All Saints' Church, Lac la Ronge. Assisting him has been parishioner and fellow retiree, Tom Sanderson. This year marks the 100-year anniversary of All Saints' Anglican Church. The church building, which is the town's oldest building, had been experiencing leakage, but the repairs have put the building in good hands.
photo contributed
Bishop Arthurson, atop the scaffolding, works on repairing the tower of All Saints' Church.
Photo by Dale Gillman
Caroline and Peter Lee of the New England Company pose wrapped in the Star Quilt which they received at Gordon's First Nation. Also pictured are Rev. Vicki Young (far left), Chief Ken Sinclair beside Peter, and Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson.
New England Company Visitors to Gordon’s First Nation by Rev. Dale F. Gillman GORDON'S FIRST NATION (Qu'A) On September 15, Caroline and Peter Lee from the New England Company, visited St. Luke's Anglican Church. The New England Company was founded in 1649 to propagate the gospel in New England and other parts of North America, and later expanded to include the West Indies. After the American War of Independence, its work in North America was restricted to native peoples living in Canada. The mission today remains to further the work of the church in the West Indies and among Canadian aboriginal peoples, with the emphasis on training for the ministry. It provides grants for specific projects in dioceses with aboriginal populations. During the visit, there was a eucharist service with people from the Community of Gordon's attending. Rev. Vicki Young officiated with Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson addressing the people. A young man from Gordon's, Jacob Pratt, opened the service with a beautiful honour song in his own language. He is a direct descendant of Missionary Charles “Askenootow” Pratt, who first brought the gospel to our people in 1856, and built the first Anglican Churches on Gordon's. Jacob's father is Dave Pratt, Traditional Elder from Gordon's. Following the service Chief Ken Sinclair presented gifts to our visitors. They were given a Star Quilt, which is a very traditional gift among our people, and a moose horn carving made by a member of Gordon's. Rev. Dale Gillman, granddaughter of Askenootow, presented the New England Company representatives with a personal history of St. Luke's Anglican Church from its early beginnings to the present day. Everyone gathered at the local diner and we enjoyed a “feast” put on by the ladies from St. Luke's Church. Many community members joined us for the meal. The Lees were quite overwhelmed by the generosity and gifts from the people. It was a blessing to meet members of the New England Company, which has been funding First Nations Ministry in our Diocese for decades and in Canada since 1775.
Exciting Summer and Fall in MacDowall By Tena Bannerman The congregation of St. Stephen's church thanks the Reverend Joanne Beacon for conducting services of Holy Communion on July 29, August 9 and August 16. We enjoyed her messages, her friendliness and her excellent voice. We appreciate that plans for our Eucharistic services were arranged for us by Bishop Michael. We are proud of our Lay Readers who continued with services faithfully throughout the summer. The June 14th 100th-Anniversary Service held at the new structure at Lily Plain was a huge success. Displays were a great interest at Lily Plain Hall and visitors viewed them before assembling at the church grounds. The open structure was built with volunteer help, and with inspiration and guidance from Ron & Ken Clark. The Mitchell family created a presentation on a disc and a booklet that could be purchased as a souvenir. The Reverend Norbert Haukenfrers conducted the service of Holy Communion and a happy congregation gathered in and around the structure to hear God's word. The day continued with a potluck supper and activities for children at the Lily Plain Hall. St. Catherine's Church, along highway 302 west of Prince Albert, was cleaned up by local residents and a work crew from Prince Albert Penitentiary. Congratulations to all who assisted in that work bee. A fund has been set up to help maintain the work they did. To make a tax-deductible donation, contact Beulah Mitchell. The annual summer service was held at St. Paul's Lindsay on August 23. Marion Wall led a service of morning prayer. Thank
you Vivian Meabry for organizing the event. I enjoyed the Family Camp held at Camp Okema from June30-July 4th. I shared the wonderful experience with my 5 year old granddaughter, Lisa. We were in the pink cabin. We called it the Pink Penthouse. The programs and activities were fun and the meals were excellent. We enjoyed outdoor chapel services, campfires and crafts and met many new friends. As a board member, I encourage everyone to talk about our wonderful Camp and to invite more people, young and old, to experience the atmosphere where God's name is praised and His presence is felt. My two grandsons also enjoyed their time at the 7-9 camp and hope to go again next year. Our annual fall supper was a huge success with many parish families helping with food preparation, set-up and making everything run smoothly. We fed upwards of 600 people in a short space of time. We're pleased with the outcome and look forward to supplying some necessary funds to projects in the Diocese. A quilt made and donated by the loving hands of former parishioner, Marie Best, was an immediate hit. Thank you, Marie, for your continued support and love. We look forward to two up-coming musical events at St. Stephen's. October 25 we will have a Gospel program featuring Carole Keays and friends. This program is from 2:00-4:00, followed by refreshments. A free-will offering will be taken. Then the male choir led by Ken Lyons from St. Alban's will sing for us from 2:00- 4:00 on November 15. All are welcome. Again a free-will offering will be taken and refreshments will follow.
The Saskatchewan Anglican, November2009- 5
An Update on the Diocese of Saskatoon PWRDF Refugee By Barbara Spurr - SASKATOON - Since reported last month in the Saskatchewan Anglican, our PWRDF 50th.Anniversary Refugee Sponsorship has changed quite dramatically. Our Iraqi family of five were scheduled to arrive on August 13th and several of our refugee committee members, along with a translator, met them at the airport. When we were given their profile, it said that they had no relatives living in Canada. However, after we had received the profile, the visa post destined the rest of the family (father, mother, brother and sisters) to Vancouver and our family of five were desperate to be reunited with their loved ones. Within two days of arrival in Saskatoon, the family was on a plane to Vancouver; four days later, with the help of Carolyn Vanderlip, PWRDF in Toronto, they were transferred from a private sponsorship to a government sponsorship. Once again, with Carolyn's help, the Matching Centre has been contacted and we are anxiously waiting for a new family. As this article goes to press, we have just received word that tomorrow we will be sent a new refugee profile to consider. Since we will be responsible for this family for a year after their arrival, there is an on-going need for donations to cover dayto-day living expenses. If you are able to donate, please make out a cheque to St. John's Cathedral and on the memo line put PWRDF Refugee Fund #3. Income tax receipts for donations will be issued in January, 2010.
Leadership Topic of Annual Retreat by the Rev'd Steve Page MUENSTER - For three summery, warm days in mid-September, the clergy of the Diocese of Saskatchewan gathered at St Peter's Abbey in Muenster for our annual retreat. Surrounded by the bustle of this year's agricultural harvest, we gathered to rest, renew our relationships, and inspire one another in the spiritual harvests happening in our parishes and missions. We gathered from Meadow Lake in the west, to Hudson Bay in the east, and La Ronge in the north, and many points in between. This year saw an increase in the number of Cree clergy at the retreat, with representatives from the James Smith, Shoal Lake, Montreal Lake, and Red Earth reserves, to name but a few. We were also joined by the Rev'd Joanne Beacon, the new Protestant Chaplain at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert. The Retreat leader and guest speaker this year was the Rev'd John Paul Westin, Rector of St. Thomas' Church in St. John's, Newfoundland, in the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador. John Paul's topic for the five sessions was “Lead where you are.” He described powerfully the challenges in leading in a time of “seismic change,” when the only constant in our world seems to be change, and at an ever increasing rate. He challenged the clergy to be intentional in our own spiritual growth, and that our conversion needs to be continual. The final two talks spoke of cross-shaped leadership, leading others by leading up, across and down. Throughout his talks, John Paul included examples from Biblical characters, and pointed his hearers to tools like Leadership.com or the Natural Church
Development process. No retreat would be complete without the annual soccer match. This year's broke with the past division of Evangelicals vs. Anglo-Catholics, in favour of the Relationalists vs Propositionalists. By the end of the pleasantly injury-free match, the Propositionalists were very clear that they had prevailed by at least a dozen goals, while the Relationalists expressed a greater concern that all who wished to participate were included and worked together.
Photo contributed
Some of the College of Presbyters who attended the 2009 annual retreat.
Sometimes it’s better not to ask, and maybe not to tell!
Observing The Baby One night a wife found her husband standing over their baby's crib. Silently she watched him. As he stood looking down at the sleeping infant, she saw on his face a mixture of emotions: disbelief, doubt, delight, amazement, enchantment, scepticism.
Touched by this unusual display and the deep emotions it aroused, with eyes glistening she slipped her arm around her husband. "A penny for your thoughts," she said. "It's amazing!" he replied. "I just can't see how anybody can make a crib like that for only $46.50."
Photo contributed
The Reverends Norbert Haukenfrers, David Smith and David Chapman in action during the annual soccer match at the 2009 clergy retreat.
6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, November2009
News From The Greater Watrous Parish By The Reverend Canon Colin Clay On Trinity Sunday, June 7th, there were mixed emotions among those who attended the Service of Deconsecration of the beautiful St. Paul's Church in Viscount. After 101 years of ministry in the community, there were so few families left that the decision had been made to close the building. The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon, accompanied by the Regional Dean, the Reverend Alex Parsons, and the Reverend Canon Colin Clay (Interim Parish Priest), officiated at the Eucharist, during which the Bishop formally deconsecrated St Paul's. Members of the congregation, past and present, led the readings and the prayers and the Churchwarden, Mrs. Ruth Thoen, played St Paul's very large, beautiful pump organ for the last time. Although it was a sad time for those who crowded into the small church, it was also an occasion to celebrate over a century of worship in Viscount; there were also many stories and laughs at the lunch which followed. Many visitors to Watrous, and nearby Manitou Beach, like to stop at All Saints Church on Main Street to see the beautiful 500-year-old stained glass window sent from England in 1912 and presented to the Rev. F.H. King, then Rector of All Saints Church, Watrous. The window has been featured in a number of tourist magazines. On Saturday, July 4th, the town Watrous celebrated its centennial with a parade, in which all the churches, including All Saints Anglican, Watrous, entered a float. Our clergy, and three members of the All Saints congregation, sat on pews and waved to the crowds gathered along the route. On Sunday, July 5th, at All Saints, the congregation (joined by members of the sister church of St Matthias, Colonsay), celebrated one hundred years of ministry in the community; Bishop Tom Morgan celebrated and preached at the Eucharist at 9 a.m. Also, that day; the whole town of Watrous was engaged in its centennial event, and many people had returned from across Canada to greet old friends and schoolmates from years past; this meant that there were many who had formerly attended All Saints Church at one time, so there was a full congregation that Sunday morning. After the service in All Saints. the clergy, and many members from the Anglican congregation, attended the Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving at 11 a,m. in the Watrous Curling Rink. The lovely church at All Saints, Kildrum (part of the Greater Watrous Parish) has not been used for regular worship for a number of years and while it is to be moved from its present location, the well-maintained churchyard will continue to receive appropriate care. The Service of Deconsecration took place on Saturday afternoon, October 3rd, with Bishop Rodney Andrews officiating, assisted by the Interim Parish Priest, the Reverend Canon Colin Clay, and the Regional Dean, the Reverend Alex Parsons.
Photo by The Reverend Canon Colin Clay
The Church of All Saints Anglican, Watrous celebrated its Centennial this past July
Ladies' Day Out Retreat 2009 By Tena Bannerman and Rae Granberg CAMP OKEMA (SASK) Camp Okema, located in beautiful north central Saskatchewan on the shores of Emma Lake, was the setting for the 2009 Ladies Retreat. 21 ladies participated in this excellent workshop which was skilfully conducted by the Reverend Julie Golding Page from the Parish of Arborfield and Hudson Bay. The event was sponsored by the Saskatchewan Diocesan ACW , and organized by Doris Wideen-Bazley, who was the experienced host for the three-day event. The ladies found Julie to be an inspired teacher as she led the group through five sessions on the theme, “Being Called By God.” The sessions, with computer presentations that provided excellent visuals, discussed the topics of: 1. What does it mean to be called by God? 2. What is our calling? 3. Being part of God's family. 4. Telling people God's story in their own language. 5. Recognizing and discussing our personal call and how it affects our lives. Each session provided us with interaction individually and in group discussions as Julie skilfully listed important information. She brought ideas from her own personal experiences and included many references and hand-outs. We were excited to use this great information in our own lives as we wanted to be a part of the “Great Commission” and that is simply to go into the world and make disciples of God's people. Being God's people reflects in how we live, love and share God's story. Sharing our faith with others is sometimes difficult but through the sessions we were reminded of the wonderful Bible teachings and other modern writings that help us to better know what God's calling might mean for us. A special treat was an evening service under the leadership of Doris in front of the fireplace in Sleepy Hollow. The crackling flames of the fire did not diminish the sound of our voices raised in praise to the Lord. Our final day was memorable, as the Reverend Tracey Lloyd-Smith, Julie and members of her parish, provided us with a Eucharistic Service. Food was brought by the ladies and everyone assisted in preparation and clean-up. The fellowship was great and everyone had a chance to make new friends, and renew old friendships from across the Diocese. We appreciate the ability to have these few days with our friends. Plans are already in the works for next year.
Photo by Peter R. Coolen
- The beautiful 500-year-old stained glass windows of All Saints Watrous survived the English Civil War and destruction by the Puritans by being buried in a field; they were donated to All Saints, Watrous in 1912; they may be the oldest stained glass windows in Western Canada and are among the oldest in Canada.
Photo contributed
Camp Okema was the setting for the 2009 Ladies Retreat this summer.
Photo contributed
The ladies pose for a group shot at the 2009 Ladies' Day Out Retreat.
The Saskatchewan Anglican, - November2009 7
Architectural Heritage Award for Wapella church staff
photos courtesy the Moosomin World-Spectator
This fieldstone church in Wapella has stood for more than a century, and received an award of excellence from the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan.
WAPELLA (Qu'A) The lovely stone building which housed Christ Church, Wapella, has been recognized by the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan. The building received the 2009 award for interior/exterior conservation. It has also been featured in the coffee-table book, "Legacy of Stone: Saskatchewan's Stone Buildings." Parish records show that the first Anglican services in Wapella were held in the home of the CPR section foreman and his wife, after the railway arrived in 1882. Parishioners established a fund to build a church, and hauled fieldstone for its construction. Unfortunately the records do not name the architect or stonemason who designed and built the church. Bishop Adelbert Anson consecrated Christ Church on November 22, 1891. At this point, only the exterior was completed and paid for. The congregation worshipped in the uncompleted church for three years before it was plastered, and three more before they installed pews and an organ. The Women's Auxiliary and relatives in England provided much of the money for furnishings. In 1920 a stained-glass was installed in the Gothic-style window of the apse. In 1982, 100 years after the first Anglican services were held in Wapella, the church was closed due to shrinking rural population. The building was purchased by the Town of Wapella, and in 1990 was designated a Municipal Heritage Property. Since 1999 the building has been maintained by Wapella Heritage volunteers. The committee consists of three women, Norma Crossman, Frances Sokalski, and Doreen Lloyd, none of whom are actually Anglicans. During the summer, the small committee holds a tea on the church grounds each Monday afternoon, which draws people from the surrounding area. They also have a fundraising barbecue with the local park, and receive funding from local businesses and through grants. In recent years, the eaves troughs and cedar roof have been replaced, and the committee plans to have windows redone and plaster repaired and painted. The building is still used occasionally for weddings, and Frances Sokalski's grandson was recently married in the beautiful building. The Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan's goal is "to help heritage happen." The society has recognized 100 projects throughout the province since the Awards of Excellence program began in 1996.
Three Ordinations Planned for Diocese of Qu'Appelle
photos courtesy the Moosomin World-Spectator
Wapella Heritage is raising money to repair these windows, which were originally installed in 1920.
Book Review
Every story has two sides. In Indian Residential Schools: Another Picture, Eric Bays states several times that he does not wish to deny or minimize the hurt which some people experienced at residential schools. However, Bays, who was Bishop of Qu'Appelle from 1986 to 1997, wrote the book to present a more balanced view of the lasting effects of the schools. Through many examples and quotations from both historical sources and the words of former students, he demonstrates that although there were problems with some individual staff members in some schools, much good did come from the residential schools. In recent years, the Canadian news media have presented a one-sided view of the schools, focussing on cases of sexual abuse by individual staff members, and on claims of "cultural genocide." Fictionalized accounts of aboriginal students' experiences have added to the perception that all schools were staffed by evil predators and the residential school system was deliberately designed to eliminate aboriginal culture. It seems that every and all problems experienced by aboriginal people are blamed on the resi
Regina - Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson has announced plans for three ordinations in the diocese. Rev. Susan Salo is to be priested in St. Paul's Cathedral, on Sunday, October 25 at 3:30 p.m. Susan and her husband, Rev. Kim Salo, are the Pelly Deanery Canon Missioners in the Diocese of Qu'Appelle. Bruce Russell will be ordained to the permanent diaconate on Saturday, December 12 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul's Cathedral, Regina. Bruce is an art historian with a long history of lay ministry within the Anglican Church. He has been recommended by the Advisory Committee on Postulants for Ordination (ACPO) to the priesthood but feels his calling is to diaconal ministry. He will be Deacon at St. Mary's, Regina. He has a keen interest, and experience, in ministry with First Nations. Dean Pinter will be ordained to the transitional diaconate on Saturday, November 7 at 4:30 p.m. in Eston College Chapel, Eston. Dr. Pinter is a teacher at Eston College. He was recommended by ACPO this past spring and is an official postulant of the Diocese. Dr. Pinter, who received his doctorate from the University of Durham, England, is being ordained at Eston College as it coincides with a significant college anniversary. The guest preacher at the ordination will be Eugene Peterson, a pastor, scholar, author and poet. He has written more than 30 books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner “The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language.� He was Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology at Regent College, in Vancouver, BC, until retiring in 2006.
dential school system, and all former students are referred to as "survivors." This book shows that abuse did occur at some times in some schools, but these cases were the exception, not the rule. Many other examples show how staff members and church leaders actively encouraged their students to be proud of their heritage and tried to influence the government to set policies which would support this goal. Many former students have written to Eric Bays, and spoken to him in person, telling him fond memories of their days in residential schools, and giving credit to the dedicated staff who taught and cared for them. Indian Residential Schools: Another Picture is organized into 12 chapters, along with a foreward, introduction, bibliography and biography. It is written in a straight-forward manner, with numerous well-documented quotations. There are three black and white historical photos, plus the cover photo. Among the points that Eric Bays makes is the historical context of the schools. The chapter called Discipline and Punishment begins with a quotation describing how teachers pulled hair, smacked heads and
struck students with a boxing glove stuffed with weighty material. Then the author reveals that the boarding school being described was the prestigious Upper Canada College, around 1930. This illustration helps explain that treatment which would never be condoned today was unfortunately commonplace a few generations ago, in "white" schools as well as Indian Residential Schools. It is often claimed that residential school students were forbidden to speak their native languages, and were beaten if they did so. The author says that though this did happen, he points out that it happened only in some schools and at some times; it was by no means universal. He cites many principals who learned the language of their students, and even taught Cree syllabics. He gives many examples from both staff and former students showing that students freely spoke their native languages outside of the classrooms. The cover of the June 1960 newsletter of Gordon's Indian Residental School is showing the publication name "Peekiskwaytan"
Indian Residential Schools: Another Picture by Eric Bays Baico Publishing Inc. ISBN 978-1926596-13-6 $18.95 178 pages (Let's Talk). Students were instructed in English (or French in Quebec) and were to speak it in class, as are students in French Immersion schools today. Numerous examples show that parents and chiefs wanted their children to learn the official languages, so that they could be successful in the modern world. The claim that the churches were "pawns of the government" in the operation of the residential schools is also dealt with. There are many excerpts of reports from church officials to government officials, asking for better policies and more funding for Indian education. One telling quote is, "The Government (continued on page 8)
REMEMBRANCE DAY IN SCHOOLS
8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, November2009
By The Reverend Canon Colin Clay Editor's Note: In the few days before Remembrance Day in 2008, veterans were invited to take part in ceremonies arranged by the students and staff in elementary and high schools in Saskatchewan. The following is the address that the Reverend Canon Colin Clay gave at Dr. John Egnatoff public elementary school on Friday, November 7th; the second part of the address (concerning the war in Korea and the need for world peace) was also given by Canon Clay at Bishop Mahoney high school on Monday, November 10th.
air and the sea. Among the battles in the hill country of Korea enshrined in the history books are to be found two remarkable events. The gallant stand of the British Gloucester Regiment is one. It happened on St George's Day, April 23rd, 1951, on Hill 235, with the loss of very many courageous soldiers. And in the same week, on Hill 677, at the valley of the Kapyong River, the 2nd Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, held off an incredibly powerful assault by the enemy. The Gloucesters, the Princess Patricia's, and the Royal Australian Regiment were all awarded a Unit Citation for gallantry by the President of the United States, Harry Truman.
It's an honour for me to speak to you here, today; thank you, Principal, teachers, staff, students and parents; for inviting me and sharing with me in this remembrance. Among our soldiers, 1200 British and over 500 Canadians in the 1st I have one special message I want to leave with you at a time when Commonwealth Division lost their lives in that war; many are we pause to remember the brave soldiers, sailors and air personnel buried in a huge United Nations Cemetery in the port city of Busan. who served and who died so that we might live in safety, freedom We remember them, their courage and their sacrifice. But we also and peace. And that message is this: war is not glorious; war is horremember the hundreds and thousands of innocent men, women and rible. children who died from bombs, shells, and land mines and also and In war, we see many acts of courage and heroism; and we thank God The Reverend Canon Colin from starvation and disease. for that. But war means the death and destruction of so many women, men and children, their homes, their Veterans often look back at the happy times spent with livelihood and everything they have known and loved they are those we call "civilians" ; moms and dads and children in their homes, schools, hospitals and other places of work. comrades - and that's to be expected. Friendships are and cared about. made which often last a lifetime. Early this year I spent a few hours in England with a man with whom I shared I want to share with you two pictures of war that I As a boy of seven, in 1939, and living through the bombing a dugout in the Imjin Valley over 50 years ago and we have experienced personally in my life. Others have raids near London, I know you will understand how happy my enjoyed a laugh together about some of the things we even more powerful stories but these are mine and family, friends and I were when the war ended in 1945; by that remember. But deep down, we also keep in our hearts they are the reason why I spend a good amount of my time I was thirteen years of age. and minds the memories of the many thousands whose life today urging men, women and children to work lives were lost in that three-year-long war. and pray for peace: peace in our own hearts; peace in But, five years later, in 1950, when I graduated from High our own homes; peace in our country; and peace School; I was ordered to join the army; and I was trained to be But before I close, let me say something about another around the world. Unless we find a way to achieve a radio technician in a regiment called the Royal Corps of group of people we often forget. The wives and sweetpeace, the people of the world are going to endure so Signals. And when I finished training, I joined 1500 other solhearts, the mothers and fathers, the sons and daughters, much more pain and suffering in the months and diers in Britain on a ship, the 19,000 ton "Empire Orwell", that took us half-way round the world , to the country of Korea, the brothers and sisters and the dear friends of those years ahead. where fighting had started in June, 1950. who went to war. The poet John Milton once said: “They also serve who only stand and wait�. My first picture I want to share with you is my life as a young boy living just south of London, England This time, I was a soldier in uniform, trained to meet the enemy Today, there are families of those serving overseas in during the Second World War. The Second World War in what would likely prove to be a battle, with many, on both Afghanistan and elsewhere who think, and pray, and broke out in September, 1939, when I was seven sides, dead and injured. My job was to repair the radios carried write letters and send parcels and gifts to their loved years old, living at home with my parents and one sis- by the soldiers in battle or used by the commanders in their ones. And deep down, there is always the dread that ter, and going to the local elementary school just like trucks and jeeps behind the front lines. I worked with a crew of five others in what was called the 28th Infantry Brigade. someone might one day come knocking at their door to you are doing today. tell them that their loved one has been killed or injured. And, as we know, this has happened in the recent war In those early years of World War II most of the coun- I have said that war is not glorious; war is horrible. I have seen in Afghanistan, and our hearts go out to all who are tries just across the narrow strip of water from fighter bombers fly over our camp to the enemy dugouts some called to bear this heavy burden. England had been conquered by Nazi Germany led by five to ten miles away, and I have seen them drop bombs filled the dictator Adolf Hitler. We were warned every day with gasoline and glycerin (it's called "napalm"). I couldn't see War is not glorious; war is horrible. May God grant on the radio that England would be invaded at any where the bombs fell, but I could see the black smoke that rose that one day soon, there will be peace: peace in our time. After all, Germany occupied France, and as the jet fighters passed over the enemy lines, and I knew that hearts: peace in our homes: peace in our world. Hitler's armies were only 22 miles away across that underneath that black smoke soldiers - human beings just like Thank you. narrow strip of water between England and France us - were being covered with that burning jelly and were dying called the English Channel.. But what was even in great pain. That's war as seen by a soldier. worse, from the point of view of a seven year old boy, was the nightly air raids. Every night, my family and I would sleep in the cupboard underneath the staircase and listen to the enemy bombers in the sky above. We could tell when it was one of "theirs" urrm urmm....urmm. Bombs fell; and one night I remember a series of bombs falling down our street...crump, crump, crump. My mother threw herself over my sister and myself. The windows blew out, the shingles flew off the roof , but we survived. Later we had V1 rockets; the "buzz bombs" or "doodle bugs". They came 24 hours a day. We had a boy to ring the bell on the school roof - bzz...bzz...bzz engine stop - BANG! We had an even bigger rocket one night in our school playground. That's what it's like to be a child in time of war ; and remember, in our world today, the bombs and rockets are even bigger, and the men, women and children are dying in even greater numbers. War is not glorious - war is horrible. At one time, war was fought only by soldiers and sailors. Today, nine out of ten of people killed or injured in war are not soldiers, sailors or air personnel ;;
Another picture, forever framed in my mind, comes from the time when we drove as a group, up the dusty, dirt road from the Port of Pusan in South Korea and up to the Imjin River Valley, on the border between North and South Korea (which was where most of the fighting took place). But on that journey, (which took three or four days through countryside where bandits lurked in the hills) when we passed through some of South Korea's principal cities, such as Taegu, I was horrified to see a huge garbage dump in the main street, with holes dug into it which clearly led to caves inside; and women, men and many, many children were living inside that garbage dump and finding only scraps of food to eat. The 1st Commonwealth Division, as its name suggests, was made up of three brigades with soldiers from many countries in the Commonwealth of nations. There were Canadians in 25th Brigade, and British, Australian, New Zealand, South African and others in 28th and 29th Brigades. At first, I served in a Royal Signals detachment with Royal Engineers, and spend time each week with the Royal Canadian Engineers in the Imjin Valley. All of us served under the flag of the United Nations; the first time that the United Nations had authorized a military campaign to defend a small country under attack. In addition to the soldiers in the 1st Commonwealth Division serving on the ground, the countries of the British Commonwealth, including Canada, Australia and Britain, also provided support from the
Book Review
(continued from page 7)
pays the piper and it is entitled to call at least some of the tune. The trouble is, its tune really requires a big philharmonic orchestra and we have only a fiddle and a drum." He also shows many instances when churches, and often the Women's Auxiliary, paid for things which the government was legally required to pay for, but had not. The author says that when only the negative aspects are described, "we do a disservice to those students who found their school experience was, on the whole, a positive one, and we unfairly degrade those teachers and supervisors who gave their talents, and a portion of their life, to provide the beginning of an academic education for aboriginal young people." It is well worth reading for the other side of the story. The book is available at The Churchmouse Resource Centre, 1501 College Avenue, Regina, 5223263; from the author eric_bays@yahoo.ca, (613)7246690; or through the publisher 294 Albert St, Suite 103, Ottawa ON K1P 6E6, (613)829-5141 www.baico.ca