September 2007 A Section of Anglican Journal
Renewal of Wedding Vows a Celebration Within a Celebration By: Peter R. Coolen --SASKATOON--In April, as part of the celebration of the centennial of Christ Church, Saskatoon nine couples who had been married in the church took the opportunity to renew their vows and say “I do� again. Among them were a retired Bishop, Ken Genge and his wife Ruth and a couple who were married in the church 51 years ago, Albert and Lois Morrison. For the renewal ceremony Lois wore her original wedding dress.
Photo by Ian Roach
Nine couples renewed their marriage vows as part of the Christ Church, Saskatoon centennial celebration.
Mystery Uncovered at St. Alban's Cathedral by Fred Payton PRINCE ALBERT (Sask) - Cathedrals and mysteries, as any reader of British detective fiction will tell you, go hand in hand. And now the people of St. Alban's Cathedral, in the Diocese of Saskatchewan, have a mystery of their very own. But, Photo by Ian Roach fortunately for the clergy and people of St. Alban's, this mystery does not include dead bodies littering the sanctuary. Rather, Lois Morrison renewing her wedding vows this mystery centres on a painting, a painting about which little has been known by the present day congregation until relawith Albert, her husband of 51 years, wearing tively recently. her original wedding dress. Alban the Martyr, has hung on its walls for nearly eighty years. The painting, a depiction of the Cathedral's patron saint, Only within the past five years has there been much interest displayed in the painting and its history. There has been hearsay information suggesting that the cross which Alban is holding had originally been a crucifix. Allegedly, an earlier rector of the Cathedral, or a Bishop if the Diocese, had determined a crucifix to be unacceptable in an Anglican church, so had had the body of Christ painted over, leaving simply a cross in his hand. Other than that, little attention was paid to the painting. A relative of the presumed artist, Kate Bunce, initiated some inquiry into the painting about five years ago, when Ms. Bunce's work as a woman pre-Raphaelite painter was being documented in Britain. At that time, it was determined that Ms. Bunce had wanted to donate a painting of Alban to the Bishop of Saskatchewan, an acquaintance of her family. It was further determined that the painting, which was unfinished at the time of her death, had been completed and shipped to Prince Albert to fulfill the wishes expressed in her Last Will and Testament. Nothing further was adduced with respect to the painting until July of this year. Dr. Jan Marsh, a staff member of the National Portrait Gallery in London, England, and an expert on women pre-Raphaelite painters, was brought to Saskatoon to address the opening of an exhibition of pre-Raphaelite painting at the Mendel Art Gallery. Dr. Marsh arranged to travel to Prince Albert to view the Alban painting. When she arrived, Dr. Marsh expressed confidence in the origin of the painting as a Kate Bunce. But she also imparted information which came as a surprise to members of the congregation. Based upon information reported as being taken from the will of Kate Bunce, Dr. Marsh suggested that the Alban portrait was only one third of what was supposed to be an altar triptych. The other two boards, she explained, were to be of Christ and of St. Patrick. As for the story of the crucifix being overpainted, that was a possibility. For certainly, the cross had been repainted, but whether it was a crucifix overpainted or merely some early damage being rudely repaired is impossible to determine with the naked eye. As for the triptych, do panels of Christ and of St. Patrick exist somewhere, perhaps propping up a shed door as Dr. Marsh suggested? Or did Ms. Bunce begin her triptych with St. Alban and never live to start on the other two panels which she had planned? To the mystery of the crucifix, Dr. Marsh added another mystery for the people of the Cathedral in Prince Albert.
photo Robert Kleiwer
l to r: front row: Carol Kleiwer, Rita Brann, Bob Brann back row: Paula and Michael Brann
Rita Brann Ordained a Deacon by Ivan Millard REGINA - On June 29 the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, Rita Brann was ordained a permanent deacon by Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson. The ordination took place at Living Spirit Centre. Presenters were Robert Brann, Carol Kliewer, Rosemary James, Bill Dodge, Ivan Millard and Archdeacon Helena Houldcroft, who also preached. Honorary presenters from Living Spirit Centre were the Reverend Dawn Rolke, Eastside United, who also read the Gospel and retired Pastor Jerry Borkowski, Bread of Life Lutheran. Grandson Michael Brann was Bishop's Chaplain and Crucifer and granddaughter Paula Brann presented the elements.
2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, September 2007
Bishop’s Message
The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews Bishop of Saskatoon By The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon The moving staircase lowers me into the arrivals level of the Winnipeg Airport. General Synod begins tonight. This is my fifth General Synod. The routine is familiar, but I am feeling anxious. Anglicans are gathered around the luggage carrousel. Other Anglicans are waiting for transportation to downtown Winnipeg. I wonder what the buzz will be. Who will be the new Primate? What about the same-sex issue? For months I have been bombarded with e-mails, letters and phone calls from people sharing their views as to what should happen at the Synod. I almost expect someone to corner me as I wait for my luggage. “Have you seen the numbers?” This is the dominant question. Three times in an hour I am queried about statistics published in the Synod material. People are shocked. A chart shows the number of Anglicans in Canada in 1971, and the number thirty years later in 2001. “The numbers are not good” someone says to me. “We are missing an opportunity at this Synod. We should be doing something about declining membership.” I dig out the chart to see for myself. There it is in black and white. In 1971 there were 1,109,221 identifiable givers in the Anglican Church of Canada (an identifiable giver is an Anglican who holds offering envelopes or makes a regular contribution). By 2001 the number had slipped to 641,845. The chart has statistics for each diocese. All three of our Saskatchewan dioceses showed a decline in numbers, as serious as half our identifiable membership.
The report says: ”In 1971 there was an average of 38,249 Anglicans in each diocese, according to the parish rolls. By 2001, that number had dropped to 21,395. Twenty dioceses had numbers below this average.” Some people at the Synod argued that we have too many dioceses. They claim we could reduce administration costs by amalgamating. Some members of Synod (who do not live in Saskatchewan!) pointed to Saskatchewan as a place where three dioceses could become one. No one from Saskatchewan put forward this view. We argued the value of “pastoral size” dioceses where people have a sense of belonging, where the bishop is able to visit regularly and where church members from various parishes know one another. I do not think the answer to declining membership lies in reorganization, restructuring or centralizing. The key to a successful future for our dioceses is membership development. The Rev. Canon Michael Patterson, Director of Evangelism for the Diocese of Niagara, was the guest speaker at the 2006 Synod of the Diocese of Saskatoon. Michael told us that we will need to work very hard at finding new members. “The days are over when fine services and attractive pew leaflets will fill churches.” What can we do? We do not want our church membership to decline further. We love the Anglican Church and would like to see more people become a part of our fellowship. I believe the answer lies within us. We have the ability to do something to stop declining membership. The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States of America, the Right Rev. Catherine Jefferts Schori, says “Our evangelical work has more to do with the gracious recognition of God already at work in the world around us than it does with imposing our will on others.” She goes on to say “When Jesus says 'make disciples' that has to do with inviting others into relationship with the God we know. It has to do with showing and telling, through word and deed, what it is like to know the gift of that relationship.” Here are a few things you might consider doing before the snow flies: Repaint the church sign. Bring the information up to date. Is the time of service prominently displayed and is there a 'welcome' on the sign? If you have not already done so, plan a work day or clean up day. Are your church yard and church building attractive? Are there corners of the building which need a good cleaning? Is there any junk to haul to the local recycling yard? Invite some inactive members to join you. People like to be asked to help. The invitation acknowledges that they belong.
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.
Combine the work day with a wiener roast, BBQ or pot luck meal. Have fun together. Include every age group Call on some people who you know are Anglicans but have not been at church for a while. Take them a bag of potatoes, some vegetables or a jar of home made jam. Let them know it is a gift from a fellow Anglican. Plan a 'welcome back to church' event for September or October. People become busy and get out of the pattern of attending church services. Help them to see what they are missing. Sit down with your fellow parishioners and discuss how you might add to this list. Bishop Jefferts Schori calls us to basics: “My sense is that our evangelical work is likely to be more gracious if we focus on how our own lives exemplify the actions we claim in baptism - washing, forgiving, welcoming, demonstrating Holy Spirit, entering into communion, living as a holy one of God.” Best wishes in your attempts to build up your church membership. God will give you a surprising amount of strength. I assure you all four Saskatchewan bishops are cheering you on and praying for you.
New Family for Indian Head Parish by staff QU'APPELLE (Qu'A) - The parish of Indian Head recently welcomed a refugee family from Columbia. The arrival of Eduardo and Luz Mary Vega and their eight children marked the success of a project which included United and Roman Catholic communities. Many people have taken part in welcoming the family to the small prairie community. For instance, a house had been found in Indian Head but shortly before their arrival the house was not available. Very quickly the Anglican sponsors with help from the Qu'Appelle United and Roman Catholic congregations found another home in the village of Qu'Appelle which was fitted out with all the necessary furnishings. Then soon after their arrival several members of the family became sick due to climate changes; however nurses in the congregations helped the ill members to get better. Schooling plans were made and since the young ones only speak Spanish the Qu'Appelle School has been busy with English lessons. As well the few people from the nearby congregation of St. Thomas, Vernon who can speak Spanish
Managing Editors: Fred Stephens, 51 - 10th St. NE, Weyburn SK. S4H 1G8 Phone 306-842-7235 Email: candfstephens@sasktel.net Qu’Appelle: Barbara-Lynn Dixon, 41 Angus Crescent Regina SK S4T 6N1 Phone: 306-525-6935 Email:bldixon@accesscomm.ca Saskatoon: Peter Coolen, 820Avenue I South Saskatoon SK S7M 1Z3 Phone: 306-244-0935 Email: ptrcoolen@sasktel.net Saskatchewan: The Reverend Christopher Snook, P.O. Box 198 Paradise Hill SK S0M 2G0 Phone 306-344-5405 Email: saskangl@sasktel.net
Bishop to Represent Diocese of Qu’Appelle on Council of General Synod Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson will be representing the Diocese of Qu'Appelle at the Council of General Synod (CoGS) for the coming three years. CoGS is the continuing body of General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada that oversees the implementation of General Synod decisions and any matters referred to it by the Primate. It meets twice a year between General Synod sessions. It is responsible for overall strategic planning and visioning within the mandate of the General Synod. It also co-ordinates the work of all committees, councils, boards, commissions and divisions of General Synod. The Council also appoints General Synod's general secretary, the chancellor, the vice-chancellor, and the treasurer of General Synod. The meetings of the Council are open unless the council votes to move in camera. Its membership is made up of five exofficio officers (the Primate, prolocutor, deputy prolocutor, chancellor and general secretary), 32 members, both lay and clergy, elected to represent each diocese, one from the Military Ordinariate and four youth, elected from each ecclesiastical province at General Synod. The diocesan representatives are elected during General Synod through a process of provincial caucuses. (notes from anglican.ca web site)
began helping the parents to learn English. The two teenagers who speak some English will be attending Indian Head High School. Eduardo and Luz Mary Vega and their children have shown their thanks for the many gifts including bikes, food and even bedding plants. And while the project has been a huge undertaking the parish has found this to be extremely rewarding. As to Sunday school, five of the younger children, ages two to 10 years are attending St. Peter, Qu'Appelle but since only the oldest girl has ever been to school, there is a greater emphasis on ABC's and songs like Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes than stories from the bible; however they are working on Sí, Jesús me ama: Yes, Jesus Loves Me.
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 Publications Mail Agreement No. 40069670 A Section of Anglican Journal
The Saskatchewan Anglican,September 2007 - 3
Qu'Appelle Notes and Events September 07
Diocese of Saskatoon: Upcoming Events
The Reverend Dunstan Pasterfield has died on July 13 in Regina. Please uphold Veronica and their family in prayer. Dunstan Pasterfield was Honorary Assistant at St. Mary, Regina, for a number of years. He began his ministry in Qu'Appelle in 1953 coming from the Diocese of Edmundsbury and Ipswich in England. He celebrated his 90th birthday May 27, 2007. (See July issue of the Saskatchewan Anglican).
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. Detailed and longer texts of events will not be included in this section but, should space allow, could be the subject of articles or notices elsewhere in the Saskatchewan Anglican.
Bishop Kerr-Wilson has appointed the Reverend Cheryl Johnson as incumbent of Whitewood parish which is the Anglican Lutheran Ecumenical Community (ALEC) of New Finland, Wapella and Whitewood. The appointment is effective mid-September. Cheryl Johnson is presently incumbent of the parish of Indian Head.
Queen's House Retreat & Renewal Centre's First Annual Scramble Golf Tournament Sunday, September 16th, 2007 At the Saskatoon Golf & Country West Course Centennial Celebrations, St. Stephen's Anglican Church, Merrill Sunday, September 9th, 2007. Service of celebration, 2 p.m.
September 8 Bishop’s Council of Regions meets September 22 Diocesan Council meets. September 27 Dr. Margaret Somerville, renowned ethicist, will deliver the 2007 Luther Lecture at 7.30 p.m. in the Education Auditorium, University of Regina. Her lecture is entitled The God Delusion: the Search for a Shared Ethics. Dr. Somerville will also be leading a seminar, Friday, September 28 at 10.30 a.m. in the Rex Schneider Auditorium, Luther College. She will speak on Holding the Future in Trust: What do we owe future generations? Admission is free. Please contact Jodi Cookson, 585.5034 for more information. September 28 to September 30 A Kairos Prairies North regional annual conference will be held at Calling Lakes Centre, Fort Qu'Appelle on the topic of Toward a Sustainable and Climate Change and Energy Justice beginning with registration at 5.30 p.m. on Friday and ending with lunch at 12.30 p.m. on Sunday. Mr. A.J. Finlay, the Anglican representative on the board, plans to attend. Kairos unites churches and religious organizations in a faithful ecumenical response to the call to “do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). For more information please contact Dick Peters, 306.697.3354. September 29 A workshop on Empowerment for Pastoral Care, Comforting the Bereaved: Theoretical Issues and Concrete Support, designed and presented by the Reverend Dr. Trish McCarthy, will be held at All Saints, Regina, 9.30 a.m. - 3.30 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. For more information please contact Marilyn Dean 306.522.1608 or <m.dean@sasktel.net> _ November 3, 4 All Saints Church, Davidson, will be celebrating their 95th Anniversary with the theme Our Journey: Remembering, Renewing, Rejoicing. Kindly send pictures or memories to share for a history/photo album that is being compiled. Send to Lana Johnsson, Box 474, Davidson, SK, S0G 1A0 or <tlrrjohnss@sasktel.net. A Come & Go Tea will be held on Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Catholic Parish Hall. Eucharist with Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson will be Sunday at 10:00 a.m. All are welcomed to the celebration.
Visits by the Bishop for September In September The Rt. Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon will be conducting the following Sunday Visits and Parish Visits: Sunday, September 7th, Christ Church (a.m.) / St. Stephen's Merrill (2 p.m.) Wednesday, September, 12th, Bigger Wednesday, September 19th, Lintlaw / Endeavour Sunday, September 23rd, St. Stephen's Monday, September 24th, Watrous Wednesday, September 26th, Lloydminster Thursday, September 27th, Battle River Sunday, September 30th, St. Mark's
Ministry Position Available; St. Stephen's Anglican Church, Saskatoon Due to the retirement of our current secretary, St. Stephen's Parish is accepting applications for the paid ministry of Receptionist/Secretary, with work to begin on or about November 1st, 2007. To fulfill the work requirements the incumbent needs to be an actively growing Christian, supportive of charismatic renewal and familiar with Anglican life and worship. Also required is demonstrated competence with personal computers, Microsoft Office, general office equipment and office procedures supported by completion of a recognized secretarial or administrative assistant course and two years of relevant experience in an office environment. Considered a permanent half-time position, the working schedule is Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and 1:00 p.m. to 3 p.m., with occasional “outside regular hours” responsibility. A standard range of group benefits including pension, life and disability insurance and extended health and dental benefits are available through the Anglican Church of Canada benefits plans. For the full job description details and further information contact The Reverend Don Byrt: (306) 374-4066 or dbyrt.ststephens@sasktel.net. Application closing date is September 30th, 2007.
Silent Retreat Fills St. Michael’s Retreat House
by Marilyn Scheske
LUMSDEN (QuA) - From three provinces and various religious backgrounds 45 women came came together recently with a common goal: to seek spiritual growth at the annual ecumenical “Nurturing the Spirit Within” retreat. For the second consecutive year this silent retreat filled St. Michael's Retreat house to capacity. Facilitated by Marcia McGovern, Cara Gay Driscoll, Marilyn Scheske, and Donna Fischer the retreat offered a weekend of silence interspersed with worshipping, journaling, meditating, walking, praying and listening to talks. Marcia McGovern presented a talk each morning on the inevitability of struggle in one's life, the spiritual consequences of such struggles and the all-encompassing role of hope (the eternal gift of the spirit within) in helping one to accept unwanted situations and move on to new beginnings. Each afternoon, Cara Gay Driscoll, a Regina potter, talked about the spiritual aspect of her work as an artist. Reflecting on women in scriptures, especially Lydia from the book of Acts, Driscoll urged participants to engage all their senses to discover the hidden spirituality and creativity within the women. Evening talks were presented by Marilyn Scheske who spoke on the significance of silence and stillness in spiritual formation and on Christian meditation based on the teachings of Father John Main OSB. She also offered some thoughts on lectio divino, an ancient way of reading scripture using the technique of slow, contemplative praying of the scriptures. Co-ordinated by Donna Fischer each day closed with the vesper service, a beautiful benediction to the day. There was opportunity for individual spiritual direction, group meditation, walking the labyrinth, sharing thoughts one evening around the fireplace and overall, embracing the healing power of silence. The serene, peaceful environment of this beautiful facility feeds the spirit while wholesome cooking feeds the body. As one participant said: “Thank you so much for a seed that has been watered. I loved the honest approach of all the speakers. No doubt my spirit was nurtured. I loved the long periods of time to myself. It's wonderful to have the time to grow.” photo Marilyn Scheske
4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, September 2007
Bill Richards Ordained at All Saints, Watrous By: Alex Parsons --Watrous--Teach the Bible: be nice to people; and have fun! These words of wisdom, offered to out going Primate Andrew Hutchison at his installation by a little girl named Emily, were quoted by Canon Colin Clay in his sermon for Bill Richards' July 8th consecration to Deacon. Presiding over the first ordination to take place at All Saints, Watrous, the Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon welcomed “Bill R.”, as he is affectionately known around the College of Emmanuel and St Chad, into the ordained ministry of the Anglican Church. Forty-four people were in attendance to offer their support and warm greetings to the new deacon. Bill's presenters were the Reverend Canon Beth Marie Murphy, D.Min; the Reverend Canon Colin Clay, D.D.; and Mrs. Pat Clay and Mr. Alex Parsons. Bishop Rodney Andrews' Chaplain was the Reverend Joanne Beacon. Readings were done by “ Bill R's” wife, the Reverend Sandra Beardsall, Mrs. Joyce Burkitt (Peoples Warden - Watrous), and Mr. Alex Parsons (Student Minister). Litanist was the Reverend Canon Photo - Liam Richards Beth Marie Murphy. The organist, Dr. Walter Deller, Principal of the The Ordination of Bill Richards. From left to right are: Alex Parsons, the Right College of Emmanuel & St. Chad, was accompanied by Sylvia Dubeczy Reverend Rodney Andrews, the Reverend Bill Richards, the Reverend Canon Colin and Linda Leslie on guitar; Julia Davies was vocalist. The offertory Clay, the Reverend Joanne Beacon and, the Reverend Canon Beth Marie Mur hymn “Jesus Calls Us Here To Meet Him” was sung to a beautiful traditional Gaelic melody. After the signing of the Declaration, Bill was presented with a copy of the New Testament in Greek. As he is a professor of New Testament Studies and a Greek scholar, the fact that this was a Greek language edition of the New Testament was particularly apt. The Reverend Colin Clay also noted that “Those of us who know Bill and Sandra are well aware of the gentleness, kindness and warmth of heart and spirit which is such a natural part of their lives.” Through his work and conviction Bill constantly shares his wealth of scriptural knowledge directly with a great variety of students - all the way from the Emmanuel & St. Chad's Saskatoon campus to the William Winter Theological School in north western Ontario; as well, he also shares through his contribution to numerous theological publications. Emily's advice “to teach the bible” has been taken seriously by Bill. The hospitality offered at the well-attended potluck supper, that followed the service, showed that Bill and Sandra's warmth is wholeheartedly returned as Bill begins his work throughout the greater parish area. The people of the Greater Parish of Watrous are now part of this wonderful journey of biblical exploration that has inspired Bill for decades. Coupled with this easy going nature and finding fun in life Bill and Sandra have a cottage at nearby Manitou Beach, and so already know and love the district as a spot to relax in. With his new ministry we pray God's Holy Spirit will continue to give Bill wisdom and all those surprising gifts, which bring peace and joy from the heart of our gracious and loving God.
A Centennial Celebration for St. Mathew’s, Tisdale by Melody Hughes
His sermon took us back to the beginnings of St. Matthew's and surrounding parishes and how they have grown over the years. Following the service we moved to the Golden Age Centre. The blessing was given by Evelyn McAdam and lunch was served. Delicious cakes depicting the new and old St. Matthew's churches made and decorated by Eileen Godson were cut and enjoyed with ice cream. Margaret and Bob Henderson pleased the crowd with some enjoyable musical selections. Several people returned to the church hall in the afternoon to visit and have another look at the displays. St. Matthew's parish and chairpersons for the weekend Bernice Lawrence and Melody Hughes wish to thank everyone for attending and making the weekend so memorable.
TISDALE (Sask) - On the weekend of June 9th and 10th parishioners and clergy past and present, community friends and guests gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of St. Matthew's Anglican Church, Tisdale. The weekend began with a tea Saturday afternoon. Many attended and enjoyed visiting, sampling the delicious desserts, and reminiscing. The extensive displays and pictures of church life from the past 100 years brought back many memories and were the topics of conversations throughout the afternoon. As well as St. Matthew's, the displays included collections from churches that were once vibrant centers of worship in the surrounding area, but have now closed or been moved. We were fortunate to have displays from St. Peter's Ridgedale, St Laurence Leacross and Forester, St. John's Valparaiso, The Church of the Good Shepherd Eldersley, St. Mary's New Osgoode, St. Thomas Star City, Excelsior, Norwood and Fern Glen. On Saturday evening, following the blessing given by the Rev. Wayne Sturgess, a delicious roast beef supper was served. Greetings and congratulations were brought from Mayor Rollie Zimmer, Pastor Bill Cantelon and Bishop Anthony Burton. Alan Caithcart, the evening's chairperson, introduced the guest speaker, the Rev. Julia Craig. Julia was born and raised in Tisdale and we were very pleased that she and her mom Adeline Learn were able to attend the weekend. The evening continued with a variety of great entertainment. Parish young people Rachel and Sarah Cay highland danced, Brooklyn Dagg recited a poem , Brittany Lam Ma and Whitney Dagg played several clarinet and trumpet selections. Guest David Steele (son of Gerry and Maude) sang In The Garden accompanied by his children, Desiree on piano and James on the violin. James and Desiree then entertained with several numbers. Hazel Lamb, who is celebrating 60th years in St. Matthew's choir, and Frank Nagel, a former choir member, sang a duet with choir members joining on the chorus. An extensive and interesting collection of silent auction items added to the excitement of the evening. Sunday morning celebrations began at 10:00 with a hymn sing of Photo Contributed favorites old and new, led by Father Wayne Sturgess and the choir. We were very pleased that so many previous choir members and the Rev. Campers gather on the lawn Harry Wilker joined usus in the choir pews for the service. The 10:30 with their leaders in Hudon Bay. Holy Communion service led by Bishop Burton was very meaningful.
Photo contributed
Melody Hughes and Bernice Lawrence, event chairpersons, put finishing touches on displays.
Hudson Bay Summer Day Camp a Great Experience by Rae Granberg HUDSON BAY (Sask) Approximately 26 enthusiastic children took part in a Summer Day camp at St. Patrick's in Hudson Bay with the assistance of Christopher Lougheed, Zachary Garoufalis and Elizabeth Irwin from CrossTalk Ministeries in Montreal. The
camp ran from July 16 - 20 and was for children aged 4 - 12 years. Featured were fun, crafts, songs and games all presented around the theme of this year's program, "Luke Street", based on Luke's Gospel. The children visited the houses that Jesus visited in the Gospel. They had a wonderful time doing so.
The Saskatchewan Anglican, September 2007 - 5
“Mrs. St. Mathew” Now Eighty Two Staff REGINA - Gladys McEachen has just celebrated her 82nd birthday. Gladys has been a member of St. Matthew Church for 60 years. Her daughter, granddaughter and one great grandson were all baptized there. Gladys' daughter and son-in-law live a short distance away and they blessed Gladys with one granddaughter and a grandson. The family has grown and now she can add two great grand children as well. “When my daughter was young I was a member of the Mother's Union. That was a time for young mothers to be together for fellowship without the children. What a novel idea!” “Life styles have changed over the years”, she says. “At one time when one went to Sunday morning worship as soon as you entered the door you had to be quiet because you were in God's House. And one certainly did not work on Sunday!” “I enjoyed being on the Altar Guild; I worked the midnight shift at that time as well. Getting home in the morning then going directly to Sunday worship to carry out my duties was not always easy. This was a commitment that I did not take lightly,” she continued.
“ I served several years on the Woman's Auxiliary as president, and treasurer, and continuing as treasurer for the Anglican Church Women (A.C.W.) I almost forgot to mention the ten years as corresponding secretary for the Diocesan A.C.W.,” she noted. Gladys was a Sunday school teacher for a few years and remembers the times when children attended both the 9 a.m. and the 11:00 a.m. Sunday schools. Being a widow and single parent for 25 years did not stop Gladys. There was still time in her life to be a vestry member and serve two terms as a warden. Her love of math was probably the reason why in 1981 Gladys took on the job of envelope secretary which she continued doing until very recently. “People call me the Money Lady, the Envelope Lady and, in fact, there was a clergy person that saw me serving tea and coffee at so many different events, he asked if he could call me Mrs. St. Matthew, because he could not remember my name!” Gladys McEachen has touched the lives of more people then she will every know. The members of St. Matthew are blessed to have Gladys as part of the church family.
Photo contributed
: Guests enjoying tea, displays, and reminiscing at St Mattew's anniversary.
Photo contributed
St Mathew's choir entertains during the anniversary weekend. Hazel Lamb (left) is celebrating 60 years in the choir. Frank Nagel, a former chorister, returned for the event.
National Aboriginal Day at St. Alban's by Fred Payton
photo Eleanor Kitzul Gladys McEachen
Summer Day Camp Hosted by Fort Pitt and Onion Lake Mission by Christopher Snook PARADISE HILL (Sask) - With the guidance of a wonderful youth ministry team from Montreal, the Anglican Missions of Fort Pitt and Onion Lake hosted a day camp from July 23-27th. Located at the Fort Pitt Hall, the day camp ran from 10am until 3pm daily, with an average of well over 30 children in attendance each day. Approximately 16 children attended from the Fort Pitt and Paradise Hill areas, with an equal or greater number from Onion Lake First Nation. The camp was led by volunteers with CrossTalk ministries, a Montreal-based youth evangelism organization that specializes in summer camps. Christopher Loughheed, Elizabeth Irwin, and Zachary Garoufalis guided the children through a week of bible stories, crafts, and games. The week concluded with a closing service in All Saints' Church, Fort Pitt, at which children sang, led prayers of intercession, and showed off their handy work in the vestment worn by the Rev'd Christopher Snook. The youth ministry team was supported by a tireless team of local volunteers, including Marjorie Steele, Helen Steele, Kim Reeve, Katie Gadsby, Kathy Moore, Florence Harper, Ivy Houle, Pastor Martin Naistus, and Lori Stockman. Many thanks to everyone who helped make this camp such a success. To God be the Glory!
PRINCE ALBERT (Sask) - Twentyseven people crowded into the Chapel of St. Alban's Cathedral on June 21st, National Aboriginal Day. Amongst them were the Chief of the Prince Albert Police Service, the Mayor of Prince Albert, and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. All had heeded the call of Lawrence Joseph, Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, to make National Aboriginal Day a special Day of Prayer. Before the service began, a letter was read from the Bishop of Saskatchewan, the Right Reverend Anthony Burton, expressing his regrets and those of the Dean of the Diocese at their inability to attend the service. They were both away at the General Synod. A letter from Lon Borgerson, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saskatchewan Rivers constituency was also read. Father Ken Lyons, an Assistant Priest at the Cathedral, led prayers for unity, wisdom, and healing. An elder, Howard Bighead, intoned a prayer in the Cree language, and Archdeacon Adam Halkett led the congregation in saying the Lord's Prayer, and sent them out into the world with a blessing in Cree. There was a broad range of ethnic diversity represented at the service. People of Asian, African, and European backgrounds joined Aboriginal members of the congregation. Amongst the denominations represented, other than Anglican, were Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Ukrainian Orthodox. Age groups from toddlers to nonagenarians were present. After the service, tea and bannock were served on the lawn of the Cathedral.
ARCIC Entertains at St. Mathews, Regina by staff
REGINA - St. Matthew welcomed family, friends and neighbours to join in good food and great fellowship with a ham supper followed by a concert with the Reverend Dan Fournier and musicians. The indoor picnic theme made for a relaxed atmosphere for the over 100 persons who came to share the hospitality. The number of people involved in organizing, preparing the food, setting up tables, serving and cleaning up was significant. A team approach to planning eased the work, as did the amazing willingness of church members to help out wherever they were needed. The invaluable contributions of volunteers and the friendships created from working together were invaluable. An entertaining and inspirational conphoto: Christopher Snook cert followed the meal with the band, Children, camp leaders and volunteers ARCIC. A priest in the Diocese of from this summer's day camp in Fort Qu'Appelle, Coteau Hills parish, Dan Pitt gather for a photo outside the Fournier leads this band which is made up Fort Pitt Hall. of Anglicans and Roman Catholic folks, hence the name ARCIC: Anglicans and Roman Catholics in Concert. The musician's repertoire included contemporary praise songs, some jazz, and both familiar and new pieces. Selections from Dan Fournier's CD, All Part of the Journey (So Far), were scattered throughout the evening. The event was a relaxed time for fellowship and a delight to the soul.
6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, September 2007
What Anglicans Believe - The Thirty Nine Articles of Faith The Thirty Nine Articles are concise statements of fundamental truths of doctrine, and, to a lesser extent, statements of Anglican church practice. They form the basis of of the belief structure of the Anglican Communion. ARTICLES 1-5 (THE SUBSTANCE OF FAITH) 1. Faith in the Holy Trinity There is only one living and true God, who is eternal and without body, indivisible and invulnerable. He is of infinite power, wisdom and goodness. He is the maker and preserver of all things both visible and invisible. Within the unity of the Godhead there are three persons who are of one substance, power and eternity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. 2. The Word, or Son of God, who became truly man The Son, who is the Word of the Father, was begotten from eternity of the Father, and is the true and eternal God, of one substance with the Father. He took man's nature in the womb of the blessed virgin Mary, of her substance, in such a way that two whole and perfect natures, the Godhead and manhood, were joined together in one person, never to be divided. Of these two natures is the one Christ, true God and true man. He truly suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried, to reconcile the Father to us and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt but also for all actual sins of men. 3. The descent of Christ into the realm of the dead Just as Christ died for us and was buried, so also it is to be believed that he descended into the realm of the dead. 4. The resurrection of Christ Christ truly rose again from death and took again his body, with flesh, bones and all that belongs to the completeness of man's nature. In this body he ascended into heaven, where he is now seated until the last day when he will return to judge all men. 5. The Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. He is of one substance, majesty and glory with the Father and the Son, true and eternal God. ARTICLES 6-8 (THE RULE OF FAITH) 6. The sufficiency of Holy Scripture for salvation Holy Scripture contains all things necessary for salvation. Consequently whatever is not read in Scripture nor can be proved from Scripture cannot be demanded from any person to believe it as an article of the faith. Nor is any such thing to be thought necessary or required for salvation. By holy Scripture is meant those canonical books of the Old and New Testaments whose authority has never been doubted within the church. The canonical books of the Old Testament are: Genesis 1 Kings Ecclesiastes Obadiah Exodus 2 Kings Song of Songs Jonah Leviticus 1 Chronicles Isaiah Micah Numbers 2 Chronicles Jeremiah Nahum Deuteronomy Ezra Lamentations Habakkuk Joshua Nehemiah Ezekiel Zephaniah Judges Esther Daniel Haggai Ruth Job Hosea Zechariah Malachi 1 Samuel Psalms Joel 2 Samuel Proverbs Amos The canonical books of the New Testament are: Matthew 2 Corinthians 1 Timothy 2 Peter Mark Galatians 2 Timothy 1 John Luke Ephesians Titus 2 John John Philippians Philemon 3 John Acts Colossians Hebrews Jude Romans 1 Thessalonians James Revelation 1 Corinthians 2 Thessalonians 1 Peter The books of the Apocrypha, as Jerome says, are read by the church for examples of life and instruction in behaviour, but the church does not use them to establish any doctrine. They are: 1 Esdras Baruch 2 Esdras Song of the three children Tobit Susanna Judith Bel and the Dragon Additions to Esther Prayer of Manasses Wisdom 1 Maccabees Ecclesiasticus 2 Maccabees 7. The Old Testament The Old Testament is not contrary to the New, for in both the Old and New Testaments eternal life is offered to mankind through Christ. Hence he, being both God and man, is the only mediator between God and man. Thosewho pretend that the Patriarchs only looked for transitory promises must not be listened to. Although the law given by God through Moses is not binding on Christians as far as its forms of
worship and ritual are concerned and the civil regulations are not binding on any nation state, nevertheless no Christian is free to disobey those commandments which may be classified as moral. 8. The three Creeds The three creeds, the Nicene Creed, Athanasian Creed, and that known as the Apostles' Creed, ought to be wholeheartedly accepted and believed. This is because their contents may be proved by definite statements of Holy Scripture. ARTICLES 9-18 (PERSONAL RELIGION) ARTICLES 9-14(DOCTRINES CONNECTED WITH JUSTIFICATION) 9. Original or Birth-sin Original sin is not found merely in the following of Adam's example (as the Pelagians foolishly say). It is rather to be seen in the fault and corruption which is found in the nature of every person who is naturally descended from Adam. The consequence of this is that man is far gone from his original state of righteousness. In his own nature he is predisposed to evil, the sinful nature in man always desiring to behave in a manner contrary to the Spirit. In every person born into this world there is found this predisposition which rightly deserves God's anger and condemnation. This infection within man's nature persists even within those who are regenerate. This desire of the sinful nature, which in Greek is called phronema sarkos and is variously translated the wisdom or sensuality or affection or desire of the sinful nature, is not under the control of God's law. Although there is no condemnation for those that believe and are baptized, nevertheless the apostle states that any such desire is sinful. 10 Free Will The condition of man since the fall of Adam is such that he cannot turn and prepare himself by his own natural strength and good works for faith and for calling upon the name of the Lord. Hence we have no power to do good works which are pleasing and acceptable to God, unless the grace of God through Christ goes before us so that we may have a good will, and continues to work with us after we are given that good will. 11 The justification of man We are accounted righteous before God solely on account of the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ through faith and not on account of our own good works or of what we deserve. Consequently the teaching that we are justified by faith alone is a most wholesome and comforting doctrine. This is taught more fully in the homily on Justification.
12 Good works Although good works, which are the fruits of faith and follow on after justification, can never atone for our sins or face the strict justice of God's judgment, they are nevertheless pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ and necessarily spring from a true and living faith. Thus a living faith is as plainly known by its good works as a tree is known by its fruit. 13 Works before justification Works done before receiving the grace of Christ and the inspiration of his Spirit are not pleasing to God. This is because they do not spring out of faith in Jesus Christ. Nor do they make people fit to receive grace or (as the schoolmen say) to deserve grace of congruity. On the contrary, because they are not done as God has willed and commanded that they should be done, it is undoubtedly the case that they have the nature of sin. 14 Works of supererogation The concept of voluntary works besides, over and above God's commandments, which are sometimes called works of supererogation, cannot be taught without arrogance and impiety. By them men declare not only that they render to God their proper duty but that they actually do more than their duty. But Christ says: "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants.' ARTICLES 15-18 (DOCTRINES CONNECTED WITH SANCTIFICATION) 15. Christ alone is without sin Christ, who truly took our human nature, was made like us in every respect except that of sin. From this he was clearly free in both body and spirit. He came to be the Lamb without blemish who, by the sacrifice of himself once made, should take away the sins of the world. Sin, as St John says, was not in him. But all the rest of us, again in Christ, still offend in many ways. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 16. Sin after baptism Not every sin knowingly committed after baptism is sin against the Holy Spirit and unforgivable. Therefore the gift of repentance is not to be declared impossible for those who fall into sin after baptism. After we have received the Holy Spirit we may depart from the grace given to us and fall into sin, and we may also by the grace of God return and amend our lives. Therefore those who say that they are incapable of sinning any more in this life are to be condemned, as are those who deny the opportunity of forgiveness to those who truly repent.
s17. Predestination and election Predestination to life is the eternal purpose of God, whereby (before the foundations of the world were laid) he has consistently decreed by his counsel which is hidden from us to deliver from curse and damnation those whom he has chosen in Christ out of mankind and to bring them through Christ to eternal salvation as vessels made for honour. Hence those granted such an excellent benefit by God are called according to God's purpose by his Spirit working at the appropriate time. By grace they obey the calling; they are freely justified, and made sons of God by adoption, are made like the image of his only-begotten Son Jesus Christ, they walk faithfully in good works and at the last by God's mercy attain eternal happiness. The reverent consideration of this subject of predestination and of our election in Christ is full of sweet, pleasant and inexpressible comfort to the godly and to those who feel within themselves the working of the Spirit of Christ, putting to death the deeds of the sinful and earthly nature and lifting their minds up to high and heavenly consideration establishes and confirms their belief in the eternal salvation to be enjoyed through Christ and kindles a fervent love towards God. But for inquisitive and unspiritual persons who lack the Spirit of Christ to have the sentence of God's predestination continually before their eyes is a dangerous snare which the Devil uses to drive them either into desperation or into recklessly immoral living (a state no less perilous than desperation). Furthermore we need to receive God's promises in the manner in which they are generally set out to us in holy Scripture, and in our actions we need to follow that will of God which is clearly declared to us in the Word of God. 18. Obtaining salvation only by the name of Christ Those who presume to say that every person shall be saved by the rule of life, religion or sect that he professes, provided he makes diligent efforts to live by that rule and the light of nature, must be regarded as accursed. For holy Scripture declares to us that it is only in the name of Jesus Christ that men must be saved. Articles 19 - 39 will be reprinted in a subsequent edition of the Saskatchewan Anglican.
The Saskatchewan Anglican, September 2007 - 7
An Ecumenical Presentation on the Virgin Mary SASKATOON Editor's Note: An Ecumenical Presentation on “The Role of Mary in The Church” and “Understanding the Eucharist” was presented earlier this year at St. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church, Saskatoon. This Presentation, which was organized by St. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church, St. Timothy's Anglican Church and Redeemer Lutheran Church, included presentations from the Rev. Dr. Canon Colin Clay, Greater Watrous Parish, Catholic author Marie-Louise Tenier-Gommers and Lutheran Bishop Allan Grundahl. Fifty-two people attended the Presentation. The text of the Presentation made by the Rev. Canon Dr. Colin Clay on the former subject of the Virgin Mary follows; the text of the latter Presentation on “The Eucharist” will be the subject of a future article. THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY I will start by making what is clearly a very obvious assumption. In the Anglican Communion, the Blessed Virgin Mary (sometimes simply referred to as Our Lady) is afforded the highest place in the Communion of Saints. This can be seen in the large number of churches which are dedicated to the Virgin Mary and in the six holy days marking significant events in her life which are observed in the Anglican cycle of worship. There are also numerous hymns which have the Virgin Mary as their principal focus. In many large churches and most cathedrals the principal chapel, usually close to the chancel and the high altar, is called The Lady Chapel; here one may frequently find a stained-glass window featuring Our Lady and, sometimes, a picture and a statue. One might say that the principal feasts of our Lord, including Christmas, must also be considered feasts of the Blessed Mother, but for our purposes I will simply mention the ones in our Anglican Calendar which are specifically dedicated to her. These feast are: February 2nd, The Presentation of Christ in the Temple and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Candlemas); March 25th, The Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Lady Day); May 31st, The Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth; August 15th, St. Mary the Virgin (commemorating The Falling Asleep of the B.V.M.); September 8th, The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and, December 8th, The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Of these six commemorations, only four have a Collect, Epistle and Gospel specifically included, making the observance a recognized Holy Day. And I should mention here, that while the Anglican Church sets aside these special days to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary, it is fair to say that, with some exceptions, most Anglicans do not attend weekday Eucharists and for the most part pay little attention to the day-to-day calendar of saints and other holy days. On all festivals dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the liturgical colour for the Priest's vestments and the altar hangings are white, sometimes including a blue motif. Following the separation from Rome in the 16th century, the Church of England
maintained the same Order of Ministry and observation of the Sacraments as it had done for centuries, but it is clear that the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary receded into the background in common practice and, while the festivals remained in the calendar, were not given their due recognition until the middle years of the 19th century when what is called the Oxford Movement restored many of the Catholic traditions which had been overlooked in parish life. The role of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been given particular attention over the past 150 years, especially in those parts of the Anglican Communion where Catholic liturgical practice is prominent. To give you one example, may I mention the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk, England (quite close to the royal estate at Sandringham). What was believed to be a replica of Mary's house in Nazareth was built in the village of Walsingham in the 11th century. During the Middle Ages it was one of the principal places in England of pilgrimage. In 1538, during the reign of King Henry VIII it was destroyed. Following the Catholic revival in the Church of England in the mid-19th century, the shrine was rebuilt and it is now, again, an important place of pilgrimage for Anglicans. While one will certainly find within the Anglican Communion faithful members who pay special attention to Our Lady's role, who repeat without difficulty the Hail Mary and recite the mysteries of the Rosary, this is not typical of the Anglican Communion as a whole. For the most part, Anglicans in their corporate worship do not pray directly to the Blessed Virgin Mary (or, for that matter, to any of the saints) but no one is forbidden to do so privately. A number of hymns have also been written which focus on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary; some of these are also quite familiar to Canadian Anglicans. There are also Anglicans who believe this focus on the Blessed Virgin Mary to be excessive and one does hear of protesting voices from time to time. In the General Councils of the early church, (to whose decisions Anglicans subscribe) the Blessed Virgin Mary was described (in Greek) as both christokos (which means Christ bearer) and theotokos (which means God bearer). One final point I wish to make is something which many Anglicans consider controversial because of passages in the gospels and in the creeds. While the Anglican Communion does not consider the term "ever virgin" to be a matter of belief, there remains the question of Mary's virginity with respect to the birth of our Lord. Both Matthew and Luke describe, in their nativity stories, the birth of Jesus as a result of intervention by the Holy Spirit without any involvement by Joseph, her husband. Two gospels, Mark (the earliest) and John (the latest) do not mention a virginal conception. Matthew relies on a passage in Isaiah chapter 7, verse 14 where the original Hebrew speaks of "a young woman" only later translated in Greek with the technical term "virgin". With our modern understanding of conception and birth and a theological question that asks if such a child can be "fully human" (as Church teaching requires), the question of the virginal conception (often called the Virgin Birth) of Jesus has become an issue of faith among
some Anglicans. Within a few centuries following the Four General Councils, the Church had moved further to describe the Mary as ever virgin, meaning that she bore no children, nor even had sexual intercourse, after the birth of Jesus. This does not form part of Anglican teaching, nor does the popular belief in the Middle Ages (opposed, incidentally, by the "Angelic Doctor" St Thomas Aquinas) that the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother St Anne was made immaculate, or sinless). This was offically declared a "pious opinion" in 1439 but declared to be a matter of faith by Pope Pius IX on December 8th 1854. Then, in 1950, Pope Pius XII declared that Mary's body was bodily assumed into heaven upon her earthly death, and the doctrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was made an article of faith. Anglicans are free to believe this if they wish but they may not be considered matters of faith. It is impossible, of course, to speak on behalf of Anglicans in general because of the freedom of thought that is cherished by us all, but I hope I have touched on some of the salient points which may give rise to some further questions.
Photo by Bernie Karstad
- Lutheran Bishop Allan Grundahl, Catholic author, Marie-Louise TenierGommers and the Rev. Canon Dr. Colin Clay engaged in Ecumenical Dialogue on the subjects of the Virgin Mary and The Eucharist.
Onion Lake Healing Walk ONION LAKE FIRST NATION (Sask) - Onion Lake First Nation celebrated this year's National Aboriginal Day with a healing walk for survivors of abuse in Onion Lake's residential schools. The walk's theme was forgiveness. Local clergy, elders, young mothers and children began walking at 10 in the morning, leaving from the community's rodeo grounds and travelling by foot for 9 hours, to the sites of the Anglican and Roman Catholic residential schools. Prayers were offered at 11am in honour of Chief Lawrence Joseph's call for prayer. The walkers gathered in a circle as clergy representing the Anglican, Roman Catholic and Full Gospel churches prayed for healing and
Photo contributed
Archbishop Michael Peers, Paul Surrette, Valerie Peers and Dorothy Peers were visiting Regina recently to make plans for their daughter Valerie's wedding to Paul Surrette.
forgiveness. Reuben Fox, a community elder and addictions counsellor, concluded the prayers by reflecting on his own experience in residential school. Old wounds, he said, need to be healed through forgiveness so that Onion Lake can continue to look forward to a bright future. The walk, he said, respresented a new beginning for the community. At the site of each school prayers were said. Throughout the day people shared their stories. At the site of the Roman Catholic school a fire was built and some of the walkers shared their stories and then burned handwritten copies of their most painful memories. The crowd of people who walked together was not composed entirely of people who had attended residential school. There were young people struggling with addictions, there were others struggling with health concerns, and others still who walked carrying photographs of family members who had passed away. The walk began in sunshine, with a cool breeze, as the walkers travelled cross-country through the reservation. At the end of the day, the community walked through a torrential thunderstorm, returning to the rodeo grounds at 7pm just as the sun came out and a rainbow appeared in the sky. More than one person noted that as they walked they felt as if burdens were falling from their shoulders. The further they walked, the lighter and more hopeful they felt. One participant suggested that the rain that fell at the end of the walk was a sign of purification, a sign that people's burdens were being washed away and that they were coming back into the light. At the end of the walk, the participants were greeted by Chief Henry Lewis and other members of the community at the rodeo grounds, where an honour song was sung and a meal shared.
No Excuse Sunday To make it possible for everyone to attend church this Sunday, we are going to have a special "No Excuse Sunday": Cots will be placed in the foyer for those who say, "Sunday is my only day to sleep in There will be a special section with lounge chairs for those who feel that our pews are too hard Eye drops will be available for those with tired eyes from watching TV late Saturday night. We will have steel helmets for those who say, "The roof would cave in if I ever came to church." Blankets will be furnished for those who think the church is too cold, and fans for those who say it is too hot. Scorecards will be available for those who wish to list the hypocrites present. Relatives and friends will be in attendance for those who can't go to church and cook dinner, too. We will distribute "Stamp Out Stewardship" buttons for those that feel the church is always asking for money. One section will be devoted to trees and grass for those who like to seek God in nature. Doctors and nurses will be in attendance for those who plan to be sick on Sunday. The sanctuary will be decorated with both Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies for those who never have seen the church without them.
8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, September 2007
A Message From the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad Editors Note: this is the second in a series of monthly contributions to the Saskatchewan Anglican from the faculty and students of the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad. Future articles will cover a broad range of theological and general interest issues as well as College news.
“That's the Reading” By: Bill Richards Those of you who are fans of the British playwright and novelist John Mortimer will be familiar with one of his special characters, Horace Rumpole. Mortimer's Rumpole a perpetual defender of lost causes and hopeless cases. Now I start with Rumpole because I've noticed that it is not uncommon for biblical scholars to turn to tales of crime in their quest for analogies to what goes on in interpretative processes. The Rumpole case that I need to recall involves the dressingroom death of a theatre company director….was it an accident or, was it murder? The crucial piece of evidence in the crown's case against the wife of the deceased were her very own words, first spoken to the stage door hand who discovered her with the body at the scene of the crime, then duly set down by the investigating officer in his notes: “I killed him, what could I do with him? Help me.” One reading of her words sounds like a cold-blooded admission of guilt, another, the reading imagined by Rumpole, as an exclamation of shocked disbelief. When Rumpole tests out loud how he imagines the words to have actually been spoken, supplying the pauses and shifts in tone that the text, as written, had failed to record, the actress client affirms the reading he postulated. From that affirmation of the “correct reading” of the crucial single line of potentially incriminating evidence Rumple goes on to build a case of accidental death that brings his client an acquittal. Rumpole's exploration of the theatrical ability to imagine the reading of a text is a skill that we would do well to bring to how we “deliver” scripture. That is, to listen behind the “factuality” of black marks on white paper that is the start of a text, for the pacing and the pauses of how it should actually be “performed”; to reproduce the elevation of voice, or its softening to whisper, that taken together communicate the anger, the delight, the irony, the pathos that its words demand but that its punctuation can never reliably transmit. That challenge of imagining a
reading is one that I regularly offer students in our Early Christian Scriptures course. They are to memorize and present, as a “dramatic reading”, about 300 words of a passage that we had been studying during the term. A short letter, like Philemon perhaps or one of the longer hymns in the Odes of Solomon. This past year one of these presentations was by Jordan who had chosen as her focus that chapter of the Gospel of Mark(13) that we often call “the Little Apocalypse” or “signs of the end”. The thirteenth chapter seems to drop into Mark's narrative, of the miraculous events unfolding around the mysterious Jesus, out of the blue. Granted, Mark does set its words up as Jesus' fellowthrough to a warning he has given his disciples. The challenge, however, is still to imagine how this chapter really is an answer to their question, “ but when will all this happen?” One could read the text (and many have) as a kind of check-list of terrestrial and extra-terrestrial phenomena that will mark the end of human history. But, does reading this chapter as cosmic cook-book really get at how we are supposed to hear it? Jordan by her careful work allowed us to hear something deeper. As she “performed” for us, by her pacing and her pausing, by her distinction between words demanding shouting from words needing whispering, she gave voice to the passion behind the words. Suddenly we were feeling the desperate yearning for the emergence of an entirely new world. Suddenly we are seeing the vision that drove this “child of God”, his uncomprehending companions in tow, beckoning a better world into being for everyone that he met. Suddenly we are holding, not a string of sayings, but a coherent piece of prophetic insight, utterly consistent with the rest of the mystery that Mark was trying to reveal about this wonder-working Jesus. Suddenly we are receiving an invitation to anticipate that better “realm of God”. Suddenly we are meeting such a passion for life as to allow the speaker both to live it himself and offer it to others as well. By this careful “reading” Jordan gave back to us a sense of the text's proper place within the dynamic that drives the whole New Testament. Her reading also gave us a sense of this chapter's coherence within the larger work. In closing it is good to remember that to the important work of imagination required in the study of scripture there must also be a willingness to make the reading that we discover there true.
Three Churches, One Celebration by Shelley Baron, Sandra Dowie and Marja Hordern REGINA - Families from All Saints, St. Mary and Holy Trinity came together for their second annual event on Palm Saturday, the day before Palm Sunday. Put on jointly by the three congregations, the event was based on Gretchen Wolff Pritchard's Risen with Christ workshop. The gathering opened with music. Participants learned and sang the classic hymn, Were You There, the lively Praise Ye the Lord and a new song, He Came Riding on a Donkey. The families were then taken through an interactive presentation of the stories of Holy Week: greeting Jesus with palm branches (The Palm Sunday procession), experiencing the foot washing (the Last Supper) and seeing Jesus' arrest. The story concluded with participants in the darkness of Christ's tomb where they encountered the risen Christ. Following the interactive presentation, members responded to the story through a range of activities from making bread, tissue paper crosses and butterfly mobiles to cookie decorating and the ever-popular Easter egg dyeing and basket decorating. Midway through the craft time, there was a break for fellowship and snack, including the special treat of fresh bread. Once all crafts were done, the entire group reconvened for a closing celebration. The children went home with their creations, including bread and cookies to be shared with others. Families had the opportunity to see a vivid presentation of the Holy Week story and also were able to share a special time with their parish priests, their families and church school friends. As well, they got to know other Anglicans in Regina. All ages enjoyed a memorable and fun time.
photo Kate Berringer
The foot washing
Are We Welcoming? by Bruce Farrer During the last 40 years I have been fortunate enough to visit countries from four continents and 12 Canadian provinces or territories. Whenever possible we try to attend a local Sunday service when away from home. The church buildings vary: some magnificent as Notre Dame;
some as humble as a log building in Yukon Territory. But even more varied has been the attitude of the locals to visitors. When still a teenager I attended a Sunday service in a small town near where I was working. There were probably a dozen people in the congregation but immediately on entering the church I felt at home. An elderly couple came over to me even before the service started and made me feel happy to be there. Their regular organist happened to be away but I had been made to feel comfortable enough to volunteer to play the organ for them. The same couple invited me for dinner after church and in fact that became a regular routine. About the same year, I attended church with my parents in a large active church in the city. We knew a few of the people there and in fact were related to some of them. But did anyone make us feel welcome? No. In fact I remember our going over to a woman we knew to say hello. She said hello and that was about it. Well after all, that was understandable. She was busy talking to her friends that she met every Sunday. Time and time again in every continent and province I have experienced the same basic scenario. A few times a year we visit relatives in a small city in British Columbia.. The local Anglican congregation is vibrant, friendly and welcoming. They talk to us before church; they make sure we are never left alone after church; they invite us to eat with them and to attend some of their midweek functions. Obviously we try to attend there every time we are in the city. This fall a neighbouring congregation had a visitor attend their Sunday service. Someone moved over to sit with her during the service and made sure she was not lost in following in the book. After church, almost everyone came over to talk to her. They let her know when the next service was; they showed their interest in her. Big or small that is what every congregation needs to do. Need a checklist to gauge if you really are as welcoming as you like to think you are? I think there's a pretty simple way to know: the last time a visitor came to your church, was that person among the first or the last to leave the church? Did he or she walk out with a parishioner or alone? Maybe none of us noticed. After all we had something really important to discuss with our neighbour whom we hadn't seen for a week. (Courtesy of The Olive Branch newsletter) Bruce Farrer is a member of St. Thomas, Vernon, Qu'Appelle Diocese.
Sunday Morning is for Children, too Staff REGINA - The Church of St. Matthew has a flourishing program for children on Sunday mornings. September through May the children are offered an opportunity to learn about stories from the bible and think and talk about what God and Jesus mean in their daily lives. Their gathering usually begins with a sharing time so the children can tell the group something about their week. This helps to develop listening skills as well as helping the children to organize and communicate their thoughts. They enjoy the chance to share their successes and joys and be the centre of the group's attention for a few moments. This is followed by singing and a prayer.This provides the opportunity to memorize the verses and accompanying actions. A story related to the lectionary is read that includes lots of action and group participation. There is plenty of opportunity to respond to open-ended questions that encourage the children to think about the interaction between God and the world. What better way to end their time together then with a craft, cookies, fruit and a drink shared among friends? The leader prepares the lessons weekly and, with the help she receives from her assistant and a couple of mothers and grandmothers when they are available, everything runs smoothly. The number of children in attendance varies from week to week with the typical age ranging from 3 to 8. Feedback has been very positive and the congregation rejoices in the blessing of the opportunity to provide enjoyment and learning for the children at St. Matthew church. I walk into the House of God. There is no need to knock. I know that I am always welcome there. I meet the nicest people -Not the richest, or the mightiest, or the smartest; But the kindest, and the truest, and the humblest. I feel at home, knowing I am with my own kind--sinners asking for forgiveness; Grateful folks giving Thanks; Joyful people, making a Joyful noise unto the Lord; Singing His praises, Seeking His blessing.