The Saskatchewan Anglican, Dec. 2005

December 2005

Chrismon Tree proclaims the Christmas gospel

By Elizabeth Susa REGINA (QuA) - At Holy Trinity, Regina, there is a Chrismon tree made by members of the parish.

Originating in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension in 1957, it has spread to churches all over the world. The evergreen tree symbolizes the eternal life our Saviour won for us and is the background for the white lights and the white and gold Chrismons. The lights speak of Him who is the light of the world and the Chrismons (Christ and Monogram) proclaim the name, the life and the saving acts of Jesus.

Chrismons are made either in white or gold or a combination of both. White suggests innocence, purity and the perfection of our Saviour. Gold is the symbol of the majesty of God and of the Son of Man. The three-inch gold spheres on the tree portray Jesus' teachings about the Father. The white spheres, that portray Jesus' teachings about Him-

self, are called "I AM" spheres. Kingdom spheres, which denote parables of the kingdom, are open balls of three concentric circles.

A triangular area on the front of the tree is left for 13 Chrismons with special meanings. For example the Iota Chi, our Lord's monogram with roses, symbolizes His birth and humanity; the Self, an old silver sphere, represents the people who, as they look into it, see themselves, distorted and ugly, in their sinful state. As the old sphere is placed into the tree it takes on the reflection of the colours and lights and is transformed, as are the people when they enter into Christ and he into them.

The “ Cross atop Orb” depicts our Lord holding the world and the heavens around it. It is topped with a cross to symbolize His dominion over the earth.

Celebrating the Church in Saskatchewan

By Ivan Millard REGINA - Joining in the celebration of Saskatchewan's centennial, the Regina Council of Churches sponsored Vision 100 to celebrate the Church in Saskatchewan. In September Christian organizations numbering 26 set up displays at the Western Christian College depicting who they are and telling their story. Themes of celebrating the past, the state of the church today and exploring where God is leading were the topics of commentaries and discussions.

The keynote speaker was the Reverend Vern Ratzlaff, pastor of the Nutana Park Mennonite Church, Saskatoon. Ratzlaff divided the past in terms of discovery, development and diversity. He noted that considering the First Nations long history, it was somewhat artificial to limit the history of religion in Saskatchewan to 100 years.

The prairies were not a mission field for evangelizing but rather the churches followed the set-

tlers who came to this new land, noted Ratzlaff.

In 1902 planning began for church unity that was the basis for three denominations joining in 1925 to form the United Church of Canada. At the start of the 20th century there was no rich cross-section of denominations.

Ratzlaff said the church has lost the power it once had but “we do not have to outlaw Sunday shopping to have time to go to church.” He noted “that a reconfiguration of inter-church dialogue through joint ventures brings us together without structures. We need not have institutional uniformity to have interfaith understanding.” He concluded that a church that is no longer part of the establishment is more beneficial to the world.

The celebration continued with a banquet and a very moving service of prayer arranged by Archdeacon Helena Houldcroft with dance and song.

Chrismon Tree

Stewardship support extended REGINA - The position of Financial Stewardship Officer for the Diocese of Qu'Appelle has been extended until December 2006. This will allow the diocese to maintain stewardship support to any congregation who requests it. Tanya Condo will remain in this capacity.

“Support is available through several methods and depends on the needs of the congregation,” said Mrs. Condo. Through this diocesan program she will continue to be available to discuss techniques and how to tailor them to meet the needs of the congregation, to lead exercises that solidify goals as well as to deliver homilies on Godly stewardship. “Stewardship is not about squeezing the last drop of cash from Liturgical dancer: Carmine Tait from Faith Lutheran Church.

Photo - Martin Burgbusch

someone's wallet. Stewardship is our response to the love God has shown us, and our answer to God's call to serve His people. It is a different journey for each person and strong stewardship programs help people see what is already in their hearts. The goal isn't to twist arms, but to unlock barriers,” she said.

Since many congregations do not know what they want or where to start, Mrs. Condo can aid in discovering the congregation's needs and how to best help. All services are offered at no cost to congregations. For more information call Tanya at: (306) 522-1608 or e-mail t.condo@sasktel.net. Evening and weekend meetings are available.

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CHRISTMAS MESSAGES FROM ...

The Diocese of Saskatoon - the Rt. Rev’d Rodney Andrews "Christmas is coming too quickly. I will never be prepared." "It is hard to believe another year is around the corner.

Every year goes by faster than the last." I do not understand why time seems to pass more quickly as one becomes older. When we were children the days dragged by until Christmas came. As we advance in years the days seem to come and go with rapidity.

Of course, the clock does not run faster as we age. It just seems that way. People of all ages are given the same number of seconds, minutes and hours.

So the days and months have fled by and it is Christmas again. I hope you are not feeling overwhelmed by a long list of things you feel you must do. It is wonder-

ful to decorate and to prepare special food at Christmas. The season is even more special when we welcome relatives and friends into our homes and go visiting.

If you are feeling stressed about Christmas, please relax. The great day will come and go, and God will welcome your hymns of praise and prayers of thanksgiving. As Anglicans all we are really obligated to do at Christmas is to make our communion (Book of Common Prayer p.

66). The rest of what we do at Christmas is wonderful and enjoyable, but not essential to the celebration. So please take it easy. Read your Bibles (I suggest Luke 2:1-20), say your prayers and come to church.

During the holiday season I like to

reflect on the past year and think ahead to the coming year. 2005 was a special year.

I had the great privilege of meeting many of you in your home communities during the Tractor Trek and other visits. I have seen signs of life and hope, and I believe the future will be rich and fulfilling for us.

There will be challenges and the future will not look exactly like the past, but God will continue to bless us and guide us into all truth. Jesus came to reveal the truth about God. That is the Christmas message in all its simplicity and all its fullness.

May God bless you richly this Christmas and in the New Year. + Rodney Bishop of Saskatoon

The Diocese of Saskatchewan - the Rt. Rev’d Anthony Burton - The Christmas Conspiracy of the Turkey-Marketing Board When our daughter Caroline was born five and a half weeks early, she was quickly whisked into an incubator. I remember looking at her asleep through the Plexiglas that morning in her tiny pink toque and diaper, thinking that she was the most real and most mysterious thing I had ever encountered. She was so thin I could see her heart pumping. Who was this fivepound girl who simply by appearing had suddenly reordered my life and relationships, who had infinite claims on me and held out infinite promise?

Part of what I came to understand that day was that the birth of your first child was neither more nor less an act of God than the stream of events, great and small, we experience every day. Life comes to us from God in relentless abundance and we receive it with a mixture of confusion and delight.

We make sense of our lives with stories. Now at the age of ten, Caroline and her younger brother have an insatiable appetite for them, imaginary and true, particularly family lore and tales of their own lives from before they can remember.

Across the world, the most powerful, universal, and compelling stories are those from the Bible. They never go away or lose their force for the simple reason that they make sense of the world in a way that nothing else does. No mere ideology can come up with anything which can compete with them for long.

At this time of the year, it is the story of the birth of Jesus that commands the world, and not, as it has long been argued, because it is promoted by shopkeepers.

G.K. Chesterton took issue with his sparring-partner George Bernard Shaw on this point in 1935: If a man called Christmas Day a mere hypocritical excuse for drunkenness and gluttony, that would be false, but it would have a fact hidden in it somewhere.

But when Bernard Shaw says that Christmas Day is only a conspiracy kept up by poulterers and wine merchants from strictly business motives, then he says something which is not so much false as startling and arrestingly foolish. He might as well say that the two sexes were invented by jewelers who wanted to sell

wedding rings.

Chesterton observed that “The great majority of people will go on observing forms that cannot be explained; they will keep Christmas Day with Christmas gifts and Christmas benedictions; they will continue to do it; and some day suddenly wake up and discover why.”

“Why” is because it is true. Despite the common and complacent assumption that God did not become a man because it is scientifically unverifiable or historically unique (what else could it be) the incarnation of God that first Christmas Eve is the best and most convincing explanation for the evidence we have. It was an historical event: the whole of creation and history turns on it.

“Ever impossible seems the rose,” wrote Goethe. Not as impossible as a child in an incubator. Not as impossible as the birth of the God-man two thousand years ago. Not as impossible as Holy Communion on Christmas Eve. Not as impossible as the breath within you. Not as impossible as the hope for a heavenly home.

“The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.”

What shall we say to these things?

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace!”

Anna, Caroline, Peter and I wish you a blessed Christmas, +Anthony

For the Diocese of Qu’Appelle - the Rev’d Luanne Hrywkiw, Holy Trinity, Yorkton “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to you and all people.”

“Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.”

As I write this we are on the threshold of Advent, the time during which we prepare our hearts and lives to receive anew the Spirit of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who came to us as a baby born in a manger on Christmas Day. The stores are already decked out in Christmas decorations and lights; soon the rush will begin!

Christmas parties, baking and shopping will be the order of the day.

It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activities we associate with Christmas but we need to look beyond these preparations and ask ourselves, “Is this how I prepare my heart and life during this Holy Season?” My prayer is that God will help each of us to use this Advent in the right way. Jesus came to show us a new way, a way of love and forgiveness which will bring us peace that passes all understanding.

May we do all we can to joyfully share His love and forgiveness with each other.

This is not the season to be jolly for

everyone. May we find the time to reach out with love and compassion to those who are sad and lonely and let them know that we care.

By doing our part to further His Kingdom right here, right now, in the midst of all the tinsel and glitter, we truly can begin to celebrate Jesus' birthday, a celebration that lasts forever! The word “Emmanuel” means “God is with us.” I join with you as we rejoice in the good tidings of great joy that God is indeed with us! I wish you and yours a most Happy, Blessed Christmas!

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

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

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

Published monthly except July and August Published from Box 1113 Hudson Bay, SK S0E 0Y0 Printed and mailed from Signal Star Publishing A division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Goderich ON N7A 4B6 Subscription rate: $10.00 in Canada; $17.00 outside Canada Whole No. 297, Vol. 33, No. 10

The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2005 - 3

Editorial : Which community?

By the Rev'd Garth Neel How would you respond if I were to ask you this question: “To what community do you belong?” You might initially respond by saying that you live in such and such a place. “I live in Frozen Field, Saskatchewan,” would be one possible response. (“Frozen Field” just naturally suggests itself as winter sets in. “Snow Drift, Saskatchewan” has a nice ring, too).

If you were to ponder it for a moment longer, you might realize that you actually belong to a number of communities. If you live in Frozen Field, then you are also a resident of Saskatchewan and so belong to a community that is formed by our provincial boundaries. (This might mean that you are inclined to like such television programs as “Corner Gas”).

If you were tempted to continue thinking about the question, you might also then remember that you are a Canadian and, as such, belong to a community that is this modern nation of some 30 million people. This might mean that you are inclined to avoid the discussion of religion or politics with your neighbours, we Canadians being reluctant to offend in

most areas … but in these areas particularly. (Incidentally, in other cultures, religion and politics are often the very first topics that come up, even in casual conversation. Ask any taxi driver in South America). If you still continued to think about the question, you might remember that you are a member of an ethnic community, as well. Here on the prairies, who you are has often, in the past, been very closely associated with who “your people” were. I grew up being very aware of my Scottish heritage. I played the bagpipes, wore the kilt (no jokes, please) and learned to like haggis (it took time). For years, that was the primary way in which I identified myself. Others might define themselves as Polish, Ukrainian, Irish, English, Cree, German, etc., and think of themselves primarily in those categories.

I do hope, however, that, if you are an Anglican, you would eventually answer the question, “To what community do you belong?” by actually saying, “I am an Anglican”. And I do hope that, in so answering, you would have thought deeply about what such a statement means. Of course, as Anglicans, we are

members of just one branch of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church, our community thus stretching far back over time to the very beginnings of the Christian faith. It is also true that the Anglican Church has never seen itself as being anything other than one branch of that one Church. And we have always believed that our Book of Common Prayer could be used in good conscience by any Christian, since it is essentially a catholic book.

However, I am asking the question about “which community” because we live in a time when just what it means to be an Anglican seems unclear to many, not only at the national level but also in our local communities. I suspect that this is largely due to the introduction of new and varied liturgies (with new and varied theologies) and the gradual disuse of the Book of Common Prayer. I meet so many Anglicans (not only here in Canada) who seem actually to be prejudiced against the Book of Common Prayer, and against the 39 Articles of Religion. I seem to spend a lot of time trying to help grown-up Anglicans to understand and appreciate

G.R. Neel.

Photo - A. Burton

Anglicanism, a task which always makes me rather sad.

It would be far more useful for those who are long-time members simply to know and to love our prayer book and our doctrine and to be engaged in sharing it lovingly with others, for in our liturgy and in our Articles we have of one the best summaries of the Gospel ever written. My prayer is that you will not be ashamed to identify your community, your primary community, the one that gives you your identity, as the one that has these great treasures at its heart.

An Old Girl Says Good-bye - on the occasion of the deconsecration of St. Chad's Chapel, June 28, 2005.

By the Rev’d Joan Scandrett REGINA - I walk into the chapel, knowing it is for the last time. As my eyes search the familiar space, now empty of all but a few items, my heart remembers.

In the silence, as people gather, images from the past make themselves known.

Eagerly, I embrace each one trying to find a connection between then and now.

The chapel was full then, with 6 or 7 girls crowded into each pew. It didn't take long for us to learn the ritual of donning chapel caps, and going two by two into chapel, pausing by the front pews to genuflect.

The space enfolded me over the years as I laughed, cried, petitioned and struggled with adolescent pain. Often I would make my way to the chapel, just to

breathe in God, so closely connected with the smells of incense from early morning Mass.

As I kneel to pray gently I rub my thumbs along the back of the pew in front of me. Those pews were our friends.

When our adolescent excitement couldn't be contained our energy would give way to uncontrollable giggles that would make the pew shake. Sometimes when the morning address was long we would pass notes even though we knew we would be getting a conduct mark from the ever vigilant Sister Margaret Ann. The chapel was where we learned the beauty and mystery of ritual and the seasons and rhythms of the church year. The chapel was where I dreamed of becom-

ing a priest and where I was taught the sacred ministries of serving, being sacristan and bell ringing.

I was well taught.

The walls are crumbling now and all the familiar landmarks have been removed. We sing the final hymn, St. Patrick's Breastplate, which every girl who went to QDS/St. Chad's has ingrained into her memory. We sang it at every beginning and every ending, and every important time in between. And now, the words and the tune, the rememberings and the ache that it will be the last time I will hear it sung within this space, bring tears to my eyes; for a moment I let emotion take over. Yes, it is indeed so sad.

After the deconsecration has been pro

claimed, I make my way outside. I scoop up some soil from underneath where the bell stood and put it into a container. This will sit on my sacred table at home. I've carried the richness of chapel time with me all these years and up until now, I have known that, even though the school is closed, the chapel is there. Now it won't be.

Gently, I place my hand on a brick of the chapel wall. I say "thank you", and rest my head for a moment against the structure that was so solid and so life-giving for me during those difficult and confusing adolescent years. When I am ready, I turn away, and walk into a new reality. I will never forget.

The Reverend Sheila Martin begins a new ministry in Porcupine Plain

By Penny McKinlay PORCUPINE PLAIN - The parish of Porcupine Plain held a celebration of new ministry for their priest, the Reverend Sheila Martin, in Bethany Good Shepherd Church on October 18, 2005. The Porcupine Plain Pastoral Charge includes churches in the communities of Porcupine Plain, Bjorkdale and Shand Creek. It has been a shared ministry of the Anglican and United Churches for over 30 years.

The Reverend Sheila Martin is a former pre-school and special needs teacher who was called to the priesthood in 1993 and ordained in 2003. Sheila served as the priest for Pikestone Parish in the Diocese of Qu'Appelle from December 2001 to July 2005.

Sheila's first parish in Saskatchewan, as a lay student minister, was at Candle Lake. This was an ecumenical community church representing a minimum of seven denominations. “I was trained in an

ecumenical way and believe I have a particular gift for ecumenical ministry,” explains Sheila Martin. “Personally, I feel that ecumenical ministry is the way of the future on the Prairies as very few communities can afford a full-time priest for each denomination.”

The Reverend Martin has three grown children, two of whom live in Ontario and another who is teaching English in Taiwan. Her first granddaughter was born on the 26th of September and Sheila was looking forward to a trip to Ontario at the end of October to attend her youngest daughter's wedding and meet the new baby.

“I love what I do and wake up every morning thinking this is why God put me on this earth,” Sheila says. “I think ministry is a most privileged calling as people share the intimacies and struggles of their lives. I am honoured to be given this sacred trust.”

The Reverend Brian Maitland, chair of the Tamarack Presbytery of the United Church of Canada, and Bishop Rodney Andrews officiated at the celebration of new ministry for the Reverend Sheila Martin and the pastoral charge of Porcupine Plain on October 18, 2005. Also present were Bishop Tom Morgan; the Reverend Joanne Beacon, Eastern Regional Dean; and the Venerable Dan Hughes, Archdeacon of the Eastern Plains. Photo - Margaret McKeith

4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2005

Upcoming Events - Qu’Appelle December 3 India Night, a fund-raiser for Souls Harbour Mission, will be held at All Saints Regina, 142 Massey Road at 6 p.m. Come and enjoy an evening of traditional East Indian cuisine with Christmas music and a presentation on the past, present and future of Souls Harbour by Gerri Carroll (Founder & Director) and Donovan and Bonnie Carroll.

There will be activities for children. As seating is limited please make reservations by November 15. For tickets please call Leela Ninan 306.546.3718. There is no charge for tickets but do come prepared to make a tax-deductible donation to Souls Harbour. This event is sponsored by Friends of Souls Harbour and All Saints Church.

December 11 St. Paul's Cathedral will present a reading of “Brother Heinrich's Christmas” at 4:30 in the afternoon with Dean James Merrett and the cathedral choir. Accompanied by bassoon, oboe and piano the choir will provide the choral sections in the reading as well as further selections of Christmas music. Tickets are adult $10, children and seniors, $5 and families $25.

December 18 Luther College High School, 1500 Royal Street, will present its annual Candlelight Service at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. The cost is free admission (with free will offering). Come and celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season through beautiful music with performances by the award-wining choir and hand bells as well as Bible readings.

For more information, contact the high school at 306.791.9150.

Hauerwas gives Luther Lecture in Regina REGINAOn Thursday, September 22, the 30th Luther Lecture was held at the Education Auditorium at the University of Regina.

This year's speaker was Dr. Stanley Hauerwas, Professor of Theological Ethics at Duke University Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina, and a well-known pacifist.

The topic of the lecture was "The Sacrifice of War and the Christian Sacrifice." During the lecture, Hauerwas stated that war is a moral practice; however, he clarified this point, saying that calling war a moral practice does not suggest war is "a good thing." He explained that eventhough everyone "confesses war is horrible," the fact is that we continue to have war.

Hauerwas believes the sacrifices of war are a counter-liturgy to the sacrifice at the altar, thecelebration of the Eucharist, made possible by Christ: "because Christians believe that Christ is the end of sacrifice; that is, any sacrifice that is not determined by the sacrifice of the

Professor Stanley Hauerwas speaking at Luther College.

cross, we are free of the necessity to secure our existence through sacrificing our and others' lives on the world's altars.

However, the sacrifice that war requires seems to mirror our lives as Christians, making war at once attractive and repellent to Christians."

According to Hauerwas, the Christian Church should be the alternative to the sacrifice of war, a community shaped by the sacri-

fice of Christ. He contends that a Christian killing another Christian in the name of a nation is suicide; Christians are thus killing parts of their own body.

But Christians don't have to kill to justify the lives lost before.

Reconciliation has been made possible by the hard wood of the cross. Professor Hauerwas also led a public seminar, entitled "The End of Religious Pluralism."

St. Alban’s, Moosomin, celebrates 120th anniversary

By Sheilagh Garrett MOOSOMIN (QuA) - St. Alban's Church held a special Harvest Thanksgiving service celebrating the 120th anniversary of the dedication of the building. The Reverends Marilyn Scutt and Betty Garrett led the service with Brian Beckett reading the lessons and his daughter Megan reading the Psalm. After the service a very enjoyable lunch was served along with a special anniversary cake.

One of the first church buildings in the diocese, St. Alban was dedicated on October 4, 1885 by Bishop Adelbert J. R. Anson, first bishop of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle: this only three years after the hamlet of Moosomin began with the arrival of the railway in 1882. Many of the early settlers were members of the Church of England. A notice in the Moosomin Courier dated October 10, 1884 read: "A public meeting was held . . . to discuss Church of England matters generally and to appoint a committee... for the purpose of building an independent Protestant Church." Fund raising was begun in earnest and on April 9, 1885, amid the big news of the Riel Rebellion, a call for tenders was issued in Moosomin.

Construction on the original building has been ongoing. A chancel was added in 1888 and in 1911 additions were made which included brick veneer. In 1977 a major restoration project overseen by the Reverend Doug Bayliss saw work on a new foundation, bricks removed, cleaned and replaced and a new basement which held washrooms, an office, sacristy, vestry and choir room and a larger general purpose room. In 2001, after selling the rectory, a narthex was built joining the church and the hall. With the help of many workers and volunteers the resulting structure is a modern, easily accessed facility which retains the splendor of the older building.

Today St. Alban's Church, continues to offer regular services through a team of local volunteers. Numerous adult and youth lay leaders with the Reverends Marilyn Scuttt and Betty Garrett keep this historic house of worship vibrant and welcoming.

St. Alban's Church celebrates 120 years of devoted witness and service to its prairie home in Saskatchewan.

The Reverend Marilyn Scutt, the Reverend Betty Garrett

Photo - Kevin Weedmark

O come hither, and behold the works of the Lord, what wonders He hath wrought upon the earth. Psalm 46:9 St. Stephen, Swift Current (Qu'A) recently held a toe-tappin' barn dance.

Photo - Archdeacon Rob Hardwick

The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2005 - 5

October sees the 64th Session of the Synod of the Diocese of Saskatchewan New priests ordained at Synod service Important resolutions passed at Saskatchewan Synod

Newly ordained priests Chris Harper, Rob Stringer, and David Chapman here appear with Bishops Arthurson, Burton and MacDonald in St. Alban’s, Prince Albert. Photo - John Hareuther.

Native delegates to Synod speak of ministry to drug abusers By the Rev'd Garth Neel PRINCE ALBERT - In Montreal Lake, the people are talking about how they can address the various problems that their community faces.

The Ven. Adam Halkett (who works with NADAP, an alcohol and drug abuse program) spoke of the prevalence of “crystal meth” in the community and of problems with gambling and elder abuse. “ We talk about how to address these issues that arise”, he said, but added “ It is getting more difficult”. He thanked the Diocese for “standing with us” and concluded, “We ask for your prayers as we try to deal with our youth”.

The Rev'd James Isbister likewise spoke of similar problems and indicated that he was looking to the Diocese to help him to communicate the problem to the people. He spoke, too, of the abuse of prescription medication and indicated that people have spoken to the doctors in the area, asking them not to over-prescribe medication, as it is often sold.

He mentioned that many people try to make more money to support their addiction by gambling.

Both men are experienced and dedicated priests and spoke to the Synod of the Diocese of Saskatchewan in the context of a presentation made by Mr. Murray Wotherspoon of the Parkland Health District. Mr. Wotherspoon spoke of the various resources he could offer to help battle the problem. The session ended with a prayer from the Bishop for God's help in finding a resolution to and healing of the problems in the affected communities.

You have not lived until you have given something to someone who can never repay you.

By the Rev'd Garth Neel PRINCE ALBERT - The 64th session of the Synod of the Diocese of Saskatchewan saw the approval of a number of motions that revealed the mind of the delegates present. A canon was added to the existing canons (laws of the Church) that ensured the continuation of a Marriage Commission in the diocese. The Marriage Commission oversees any applications for re-marriage by persons who are divorced but whose spouses are still living. This was added because of changes made to the Marriage Canon at the General Synod level. Many dioceses no longer have marriage commissions but allow parish clergy to decide whether or not to permit the re-marriage of divorced persons.

Other motions dealt with the definition of membership in the Church, with procedures for working with parishes not able to meet their financial obligations to the Diocese, with the relationship between our own diocese and the rest of the Anglican Communion, with mission and evangelism, with parish stewardship, with continuing healing for those who have suffered abuse in residential schools, with the relationship between the Diocese and aboriginal community leaders, with the issue of non-stipendiary clergy, with the formulation of a response to recent legislation by the Government of Saskatchewan regarding civil unions, with the need for strengthening aboriginal involvement in the governance of the church and with the possibility of a national native bishop.

A motion passed on the last day of the Synod affirmed that all persons are beloved in God's sight and declared homophobia and all forms of sexual hypocrisy and abuse as contrary to God's commandment to love our neighbour as ourselves. A further motion was passed which affirmed the historic teaching of Scripture and the Church that fornication, adultery, and sodomy, no less than other sins, are contrary to God's will and incompatible with fulfilled life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. A final motion concerning the Anglican Communion and the General Synod reads: Be it resolved that this Diocesan Synod memorialize General Synod as follows: 1.

That this Diocesan Synod affirms and upholds the continuing authority of the Solemn Declaration of 1893 as the charter document of the Anglican Church of Canada; 2.

That this Diocesan Synod objects, along with our two Bishops, to the consecration of Gene Robinson in the Episcopal Church of the United States of America (ECUSA); 3.

That this Diocesan Synod regards any decision by the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, with respect to the endorsement of the blessing of same-sex unions, which would jeopardize our full and visible communion with the Anglican Communion throughout the world, as deplorable, and seriously affecting the relationship between this Diocese and the General Synod.

This motion was carried.

Time given for resolutions By the Rev’d Garth Neel PRINCE ALBERT - It was both refreshing and encouraging to see how much time was permitted for the discussion of resolutions at our recent Synod. The Chair was not afraid to allow the delegates to enter into the discussion and actually encouraged it. Time was given to each person to say what they had to say without being rushed by the ringing of a bell or the waving of a hanky. It was made clear that what the people had to contribute was valued and that the resolutions, not the banquet nor the coffee hour, were of greatest importance. Thanks are due to Bishop Burton for his deft and sensitive handling of the meeting.

The Rt. Rev’d Mark MacDonald, Episcopal Bishop of Alaska, was the special guest of Bishop Burton and the Diocese of Saskatchewan at the Synod. Bishop MacDonald spoke of his ministry in Alaska, bringing greetings in several native languages.

Photo - John Hareuther.

(John Bunyan)

Youth worker speaks of the importance of strengthening youth ministries By the Rev'd Garth Neel PRINCE ALBERT - Captain Shawn Branch, Youth Co-ordinator for the Diocese of Saskatchewan, spoke passionately and clearly at our recent Synod about the need for all Anglicans to reach out to young people. Shawn explained how he came from a family that rarely attended worship but that he was drawn into faith through a confirmation class and through the welcome that he received at church. He challenged all present to think about how they might be God's instruments in reaching out to youth.

Bishop Anthony Burton appears with the resplendent clergy of the Diocese of Saskatchewan, with Suffragan Bishop Charles Arthurson, Bishop Mark MacDonald, and new ordinands.

Photo - John Hareuther.

He has also recently developed the “Parish Youth Forum”, a weekend designed to help parishes actually develop a Youth Action Plan.

A weekend is set aside in the parish for a special meeting with the parish vestry, concerned parishioners and the youth of the parish. The following simple questions are asked, “Where are we now?”, “Where do we want to be in 2-3 years?” and “How do we get there?”. Perhaps your parish should consider a Parish Youth Forum. If you have any questions call Shawn at 306 763 2455 or e mail him at shawn.branch@churcharmy.com.

6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2005

Saying farewell to the Mootes

During the recent Blessing of Pets ceremony at St. Paul's Cathedral the photographer's pet, Little Lady Jill, Lisa Wallace Markesteyn, daughter Maeva and their pet Gus await a blessing. This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures. The feast of St. Francis is on October 4. St. Francis wrote: “All praise to you, oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.”

Photo - Janet Craig

l to r Rick Aikman, Linda Moote, the Reverend Mark Moote, Craig Popoff

By Norah Clyde

Jack Brooks receives Saskatchewan Community Development Award

By Penny McKinlay SASKATOON - Jack Brooks, a long-time member and Central Treasurer of the Quill View Parish, was awarded the Saskatchewan Community Development Award for Volunteerism on October 24, 2005. The award recognizes both his church and community work for over four decades. The award was presented at his hospital bedside as he was not well enough to go to Regina to receive the award.

Representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion, the Diocese and the various political parties he had canvassed for were in attendance as were his wife, daughters and grandchildren. Also present was a neighbour from Wynyard who Jack had driven to and from Royal University Hospital for dialysis treatment.

All who know Jack agree that the award is a fitting recognition of his many, many years of service.

Province honours work with refugees

By Penny McKinlay SASKATOON - Carrol Piprell, a member of the St. John's Cathedral Outreach Committee, was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan on July 15, 2005. The award, presented to 50 Saskatchewan residents, honours Carrol for her work with refugees. Carrol says that she wears the award proudly as it is “a symbol of all the dedicated work each member on the St. John's Cathedral Outreach Committee does year round.”

Carrol explains that the work of the Outreach Committee extends far beyond simply providing new immigrants to Canada with clothing and furniture. Committee members are “cultural brokers” who help the families with their English and show them the Canadian way.

This can include helping them find a doctor, get a library card or register at school. It includes tutoring the young people in math and science and driving the adults to job interviews. And it sometimes involves knocking on politicians' doors and not being intimidated in order to assist refugees who are facing difficulties.

Carrol was with one young woman in the delivery room when she had her first child. She and her husband have become like parents to the young family always on hand to answer questions and provide advice.

The Outreach Committee welcomes new members to assist refugees and other disadvantaged people in Saskatoon. For further information, contact Barb Clay, co-chair of the committee, at 653-9179 or bclay@sasktel.net.

KAMSACK (QuA) - At Holy Trinity, Sunday October 9 was the day of the Reverend Mark Moote's final service in Whitesand Parish. He will be leaving after a two-year residence in Kamsack as rector of Whitesand Parish and Regional dean of Pelly. Mr. Moote will continue his career as priest of St. Savior's Church, Nelson, British Columbia.

Following the service, rector's warden Mr. Rick Aikman from Holy Trinity Kamsack, presented the Mootes, on behalf of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, a plaque of the Diocesan Crest and wished them well in their new home. People's warden Mr. Craig Popoff from St. George Canora, presented the Moote's with a group of enlarged photos of each of the church buildings in the four points of the parish. A Saskatchewan flag was also presented. A noon meal was served in the lower hall where fellowship was enjoyed.

Family dance raises over $600 for Camp Okema

By Betty Wood SASKATOON - St. Timothy's Church held a Family Dance on September 23 with over 125 “tots to grandparents.” The fun evening raised $630.25 for Camp Okema.

DJ Martin Lofgren and his daughter Serena, from Holy Trinity Church, did a superb job of actively involving all ages in a wide variety of dances to music that pleased all. Jean Gibson of St. Stephen's Church led us through our paces in learning a Scottish Country Dance - beautifully mastered by some and enjoyed by all!

Our “Sleepy Hollow” piñata, designed and constructed by Jim and Tannis Sharp, was a major hit with the children and teens, as was the balloon drop. Anita Verlangen with St. James' Youth Group ran the loonie concession.

The vibrant glow sticks were an added attraction that became everything from bracelets to hoop earrings to shirt decorations! And our face painters surprised themselves with their creations!

It was a delight to have Bishop Rod and Jacqueline with us as well as participants from a The “Sleepy Hollow” piñata was a highlight of St. Timothy's Family number of Anglican parishes. Special thanks to Dance and Fundraiser for Camp Okema. Photo - Karen McKeith. those St. Timothy's grandparents who invited their Our enthusiastic committee had so much fun bringchildren and grandchildren.

To all who supported us: thank you so very ing the Family Dance to life that we're planning anothmuch! Sincere thanks for making our evening so er one for next September. We hope you'll plan to join us then. special.

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly, shall reap sparingly and he which soweth bountifully, shall reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6)

The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2005 - 7

Shared Ministry in Regina

Tyler and Hoskins ordained in Saskatoon

Bishop Rodney Andrews of the Diocese of Saskatoon presided over two ordinations on November 1, 2005 in St. John's Cathedral. The Reverend Jonathan Hoskin (left) of Unity Central Parish was ordained a priest while Dr. David Tyler (right) was ordained a deacon and will serve the congregation of St. John's Cathedral.

Photo - Penny McKinlay

l to r: Ivan Millard and Archdeacon Helena Houldcroft, St. Philip Anglican; Pastor Jerry Borkowsky, Bread of Life Lutheran; Keri Neufeld, Eastside United.

Photo - Martin Burgbusch

By Ivan Millard REGINA - The recent leadership retreat for Living Spirit Centre, the sharing ministry of three separate parishes of different denominations and boundaries in one facility, shows that the mood is changing for St. Philip Anglican, Bread of Life Lutheran and Eastside United churches.

For the last three years a lot of attention has been focused on expanding the building and focusing on mutual cooperation. Renovations are far from complete but at the retreat the topics changed from "when will this be finished" to "what are the next steps in continuing and expanding our ministry?"

Archdeacon Helena Houldcroft began by acknowledging the need for cooperation among the three communities to work together in spite of their natural differences in management styles. Some relevant points in the covenant and legal agreement which define our partnership and vision were reviewed. Pastor Jerry

Borkowsky commented on the Collaborative Ministry Conference in Saskatoon and noted that since each of our congregations now has its own time and space there is a temptation for each to concentrate more on its own congregation and less on active shared ministry. The retreat time energized the group to move beyond that temptation.

Table groups presented ideas and directions for our next priorities. The dominant proposal suggested was to put energy and resources into a broad definition of communication. Taking this direction would inform the outside community of who we are and what we are doing. The hope is to establish building blocks for reaching out primarily to youth and young adults.

Seeing new as well as younger faces bringing new enthusiasm to the table is an encouraging sign that the shared ministry is working.

God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply. (J.H. Taylor)

Singing sisters a hit once more KENNEDY (QuA) - The Reverend Jennie “Smitty” Kent of Grenfell and her sister Jessie Shakleton of Kennedy remember a special day in 1915. That year in the small village of Kennedy Sam Rymal decided there was a need for a community hall in the area and his generous contribution of funds made it possible for one to be built.

At the completion of the hall a celebration was held. The two young daughters of Les and Lillian Smith, known for their musical talent, were asked to participate in the first program in the new hall.

So at age three (Smitty) and age five (Jessie) the young girls dressed for the occasion and accompanied by Mrs. Foote at the piano, sang “I Don't Want to Play in Your Yard.”

Ninety years later these two young ladies dressed in sun bonnets, gingham pinafores red stockings (but missing the hair down in braids) performed as they had years earlier. With them this time were the Kennedy Community Choir with Master of Ceremonies Roy Bartoloto at the piano.

And the two ladies were still the highlight of the program.

Swift Current summer placement

By Jen Wells SWIFT CURRENT (QuA) - I was hired as the St. Stephen's summer student of 2005.

During the summer months I was responsible for the photography and design of the church directory. The directory was an interesting and challenging project.

Where, when and with what equipment were just some of the issues that St. Stephen's vestry and I had to consider in making a directory before the summer ended. A letter went out to every church member which informed them that an inhouse directory was going to be created and explained that the pictures were going to be taken on Sundays after church during July and August.

The church purchased a digital camera that I used to take pictures for the directory. Jim Smart, a member of St. Stephen's congregation, gave helpful tips and instruction from his years as a professional photographer in Swift Current.

During this time I learned much about the members of St. Stephen’s as well as about photography. To get pictures of members that could not come to us I went to the retirement homes with a visitor from St. Stephen’s. Designing the directory and the photo editing was done on my computer at home using the program Photoshop CS. Janet Neubauer worked quite hard on this project as well. She booked times for families to come in and in the case of families who could not attend, she collected photos from the families to be scanned and added in. Her large contribution made creating the directory much simpler than it would have been.

People worked hard to get a directory by organizing times or coming and getting their photos taken. Their participation made possible the creation of the 2005 St. Stephen's Church Directory.

l to r: the Reverend Smitty Kent, Jessie Shackleton

l to r: Larissa Wells, Jennifer Wells and Lionel Neubauer. Photo - Archdeacon Rob Hardwick.

8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2005

Book review

Six receive the Order of Saskatchewan

“Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places: a Conversation in Spiritual Theology.” Peterson, Eugene. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005.

by Norbert Haukenfrers Typically, when I hear of yet another book on spirituality, even when it is about Christian spirituality, I am skeptical. Here we go again, another do-it-this-way, self-help book that, in the end, leads away from the centrality of Jesus. Usually, there are some guiding principles to follow or some attitude to aspire to and then everything will work out. All the world's problems will be fixed and utopia will be realized. There is little time spent on explaining how evil, suffering, and the problem of pain fit into the Christian life, and, if it is touched on, it is belittled or outright denied. “Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places” offers Christian living that is about how “our relationship with God is as unpredictable, unplanned, and unrehearsed as life with our neighbors”. Life goes on in and around us, . . . and Peterson provides a guiding context of what it means to be living a life orientated in the biblical culture … “As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end” (Book of Common Prayer).

In reading this book, I am reminded of the summers I spent as a camp counselor teaching outdoor-living skills. On the first day we would look at road maps, geographical maps, and topographical maps. We would spend the day learning the importance of scale and indexes and how to use them in understanding the lines and symbols found on the map thereby beginning to understand what information a map gives and what cannot be found on the map. The next day we would start with compasses and do an orienteering adventure. As the week progressed, we would become familiar with the use of a compass and map progressing to a treasure hunt in the sports field. At the end of the week, we would go out behind the camp armed with compass and map to climb the hill. Those contour lines on the topographical map were defined precisely by our sweat dripping, our feet slipping and our lungs gasping for air as the incline increased and our pace slowed.

This is exactly what “Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places” strives to do. It strives to orientate us in the centrality of Jesus, His birth, death and resurrection. It reminds us that there “ is only one game in the field of history and that is salvation”. It emphasizes that “the birth of Jesus provides the kerygmatic focus for receiving, entering into and participating in creation, for living the creation, and not just using it or taking it for granted'. He explains that “the Holy Spirit is God's way of being present and active among us, in the same way that He was in Jesus.”

With Peterson's presentation of the Christian life founded in the creation stories of the Pentateuch and Gospels, I am encouraged and challenged. I am encouraged and challenged because Christian living insists on being orientated in the biblical culture of creation, history and community. It is a culture that is alive and can be entered into once I admit that “life is founded in something that has been done for us, the birth, the death and resurrection of Jesus. We [I] can only enter this God-for-us reality that is so generously given as both the context and content of our lives”. It is about my response to the kerygmatic Christ, as He leads me through the Holy Spirit and I learn to dance the trinitarian waltz, jig, polka and jive, to name just a few.

We are encouraged to begin living life, more life: a life defined in family and friends gathered for meals, a life empowered through rest and wonderment filled with the Holy Spirit, and a life lived as a loved and loving person.

Aside from all that, you will find an excellent scriptural, subject, and name index, increasing the practical value of the book once you have read it. While this is not your typical theological or biblical studies textbook, it is an invaluable example of what it means to live in the realm of biblical culture. “Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places” provides a key for how to live a disciplined life with heart and mind immersed in the Scriptures and how this orientates one in the biblical culture of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Solidly grounded in biblical study and theology, Eugene Peterson has given us a gift by assisting us in understanding our place in the salvation narrative. We are not spectators or historians of the salvation narrative, we are encouraged to understand ourselves as participants in salvation history. We are a new creation invited to live in a trinitarian reality, a reality more fulfilling than reality T.V., a dynamic fear-ofthe-Lord, God-with-us reality. It is not about doing it. It has already begun. Come join the dance.

Bishop Burton appears with Order of Saskatchewan recipients Ella Bear, Geraldine Halkett, Linda Lawrence, Frances Short, Esther Hayes, Norma Cornwell.

Photo - John Hareuther.

By the Rev'd Garth Neel PRINCE ALBERT - At the recent Synod of the Diocese of Saskatchewan, Bishop Anthony Burton awarded the Order of Saskatchewan to six worthy recipients: Ella Bear, Norma Cornwell, Geraldine Halkett, Esther Hayes, Linda Lawrence and Frances Short. The Order is awarded to lay people who have given exceptional service to our Lord and His Church. Everyone present was delighted to hear that Mrs. Bear, who is 82 years old, has 11 children, 55 grandchildren, 122 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren. Ella is a role model to her community and remains actively involved in her parish. She can still walk to church although it is six blocks away and it is said that she can still dance the jig! The other five recipients have also in various ways shown their devotion to the Lord and to the work of the Gospel.

The Saskatchewan Anglican joins with the whole Diocese of Saskatchewan to offer our congratulations to these six very special people.

A Sermon of the Salvation of Mankind - the conclusion of the 2nd part, with the 3rd part to follow next issue.

First, you shall understand, that in our justification by Christ, it is not all one thing, the office of God unto man, and the office of man unto God. Justification is not the office of man, but of God, for man cannot make himself righteous by his own works, neither in part, nor in the whole, for that were the greatest arrogance and presumption of man, that Antichrist could set up against God, to affirm that a man might by his own works, take away and purge his own sins, and so justify himself.

But justification is the office of God only, and is not a thing which we render unto him, but which we receive of him: not which we give to him, but which we take of him, by his free mercy, and by the only merits of his most dearly beloved Son, our only Redeemer, Savior, and Justifier Jesus Christ: so that the true understanding of this doctrine, We be justified freely by faith without works, or that we be justified by faith in Christ

only, is not, that this our own act, to believe in Christ, or this our faith in Christ, which is within us, doth justify us, and deserve our justification unto us (for that were to count our selves to be justified by some act or virtue that is within our selves) but the true understanding and meaning thereof is, that although we hear God's word, and believe it, although we have faith, hope, charity, repentance, dread, and fear of God within us, and do never so many works thereunto: yet we must renounce the merit of all our said virtues, of faith, hope, charity, and all other virtues and good deeds, which we either have done, shall do, or can do, as things that be far too weak and insufficient, and imperfect, to deserve remission of our sins, and our justification, and therefore we must trust only in God's mercy, and that sacrifice which our high Priest and Savior Christ Jesus the son of God once offered for us upon the Crosse, to obtain thereby God's grace, and

remission, as well of our original sin in Baptism, as of all actual sin committed by us after our Baptism, if we truly repent, and turn unfeignedly to him again.

So that as Saint John Baptist, although he were never so virtuous and godly a man, yet in this matter of forgiving of sin, he did put the people from him, & appointed them unto Christ, saying thus unto them, "Behold, yonder is the lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world" (John 1.29): even so, as great and as godly a virtue as the lively faith is, yet it puts us from it self, and remits or appoints us unto Christ, for to have only by him remission of our sins, or justification. So that our faith in Christ (as it were) saith unto us thus, “It is not I that take away your sins, but it is Christ only, and to him only I send you for that purpose, forsaking therein all your good virtues, words, thoughts, and works, and only putting your trust in Christ.”

An honest letter was received by the Canada Revenue Agency. The writer said, “Dear Sirs, My conscience is bothering me so much, I cannot sleep at night. On my last year’s income tax return, I did not tell the truth. I am, therefore, enclosing a cheque for $1,000.00. If I still cannot sleep, I shall send you the rest.”