The Saskatchewan Anglican, December 2017

Saskatchewan

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The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal • December 2017 www.facebook.com/thesaskatchewananglican

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The 80th Synod of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle

Living in faith, truth and reconciliation

By Joanne Shurvin-Martin

When did your people come here?

During the Diocese of Qu'Appelle's 80th Synod, PWRDF facilitated a mapping exercise using a large map of Canada that was covered with the names of indigenous peoples who originally migrated to North America. As the narrators described waves of immigration, participants moved onto the map, representing when their ancestors first arrived in North America. The people standing (above) descended from people who arrived before 1812.

Photo by Joanne Shurvin-Martin

REGINA – The 80th Synod of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral from Oct. 20 to 22. In addition to the work of the diocese such as amending canons and adopting the budget, delegates focused on the theme Living in Faith, Truth and Reconciliation.

Melanie Delva, reconciliation animator of the Anglican Church of Canada, gave four addresses during the proceedings on Saturday, and also preached at the closing Eucharist on Sunday morning.

There were 38 clergy and 61 lay delegates attended, along with several guests and many volunteers.

The synod opened with Eucharist and the Bishop’s Charge on Friday evening.

Bishop Rob Hardwick reported on diocesan highlights from the past two years, plus his hopes for the diocese's future (see related article on page 10).

Three political leaders brought greetings to the synod. The Deputy Premier, Hon. Don Morgan, spoke on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, saying there is continuing work to do on Aboriginal issues in response to the TRC’s 94 Calls for Action.

Nicole Sarauer, leader of the Opposition, said Anglicans and other churches “make our cities and towns a better place.

You are a valued resource.

Thank you for all you do to serve our communities.”

Bob Hawkins is a Regina city councillor and a warden at St. Mary, Regina; he was also a synod delegate.

He described how city hall handles the many requests it receives for greetings at events. He said the mayor reminded all the councillors that Anglican church services emphasize the Great Commandment: Love thy neighbour as thyself; city hall is a Continued on page 8

Order of Saskatchewan award presented to Potter, Hoiland

By Munden Coates PRINCE ALBERT – At this year’s Diocesan Synod in October, two more lay people were invested into the Order of Saskatchewan.

This Order was established in 2002 to recognize the contributions made by lay people to their churches, parishes and dioceses.

This year’s recipients were Warren Potter of the Emmanuel Church in St. Louis and Shirley Hoiland of Church of the Ascension in Arborfield.

Warren Potter belongs to the third generation of Potters to attend Emmanuel Church in St. Louis. He has served as a lay reader for more than 20 years. He has served on vestry, as people’s warden, and is currently rector’s warden.

Potter was influential in

leading the congregations of Emmanuel, St. Stephen’s and St. George’s Churches to work together so they could enjoy the ministry of a full-time priest. He also served as chair of the highly successful Opening Doors campaign.

Potter and his wife, Lucille, have raised four children and are enjoying seven grandchildren. He is a respected businessman and community member.

He and his family operate a large scale grain farm in the Hoey area.

In the last couple of years, Potter has been challenged with some serious health issues, yet through it all his faith has remained strong. He is open about his faith and clear in his moral convictions. His honesty, diligence and integrity are Continued on page 15

Bishop Michael Hawkins presented the Order of Saskatchewan award to Warren Potter (left) and Shirley Hoiland during the Diocese of Saskatchewan's recent diocesan synod. Photo by Barb Wirsta

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2017

Being a workman for God What Bible passage or verse do you refer back to regularly and why?

By Archdeacon Norbert Haukenfrers, D.Min

P

rince Philip retired this August from public service.

In his 65 years of royal engagements he wrote 14 books, completed 637 solo overseas visits, been patron to 785 organizations, given 5,496 speeches, and attended 22,219 events by himself, as a representative of the British Royal family, not to mention the events he attends accompanying his wife, Queen Elizabeth II. Last May, when Sir Michael Atiyah met Prince Philip, he told him he was sorry to hear that he was standing down. To which Philip replied, “Well, I can’t stand up much longer.” As we take note of the Prince’s initiative, it is easy to conclude he has been diligent.

He embodied a devotion of time and attention to people and places, observing, reading and writing, providing a good example because he was the Queen’s consort.

The Duke of Edinburgh is one who embodies for me a verse I have gone back to many times, a verse I have wrestled with, a verse that has challenged me and continues to.

I recall being introduced to this verse in my elementary school years, as my parents enrolled me in a new school.

In my early elementary school years, I did not make the best of friends, and in Grade 5, my parents were in the unenviable position of having their oldest son, me, suspended for two weeks.

To say this didn’t go over well would be an understatement. My parents did what they thought was best for me and my siblings and moved

us to a Christian school, which unknown to them, was really a reform school to which many parents sent their kids who were no longer welcome in the public system.

It was there I first recall hearing these words: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV).

This verse was on every piece of paper from the school; at least it seemed like it to me. But it has stuck with me.

Once I got serious about college, I diligently pursued knowledge, for I believed I was accepted by God, and this acceptance motivated and inspired me to acquire knowledge.

When I was working in construction, at the casino, and on the ferry, I found comfort knowing that being a good workman was the goal of the verse.

Following God wasn’t a

white-collar profession but a blue-collar reality.

I need not be ashamed of being a workman, provided I reflected the reality that I was loved and accepted by God and rightly handled the word of truth in whatever situation in which I found myself.

This verse challenged me to be a workman who had nothing to hide.

In these jobs I found myself asking, “how do I rightly handle the word of truth in this place?”

Today, as I recall this verse, I continue to ask this question.

While being challenged to do my best to present myself to God and to my neighbour, as one approved by God, I try to be a workman who has no need to hide or cower.

I keep wrestling with the word of truth, as my responsibilities now include administering the truth in word and sacrament.

Double Belonging

Unity embodies the gospel’s fullness

By Rev. Marie-Louise Ternier

H

aving attended several weddings this past summer, I have to get something off my chest about the ritual of the unity candle. Yes, it is a lovely ritual, but it smacks of incorrect theology when the couple end the ritual by blowing out their individual candles. Every time I have to suppress the urge to rush to the front and re-light those candles.

Why? Because marriage does not mean we cease to be our own person; rather the opposite.

Married love is intended to create a oneness in the two-ness, yes, but never at the expense of each individual’s flourishing as a human being.

After 38 years of married life with Jim, I dare to say we have learned a few things about this, often the hard way.

Marriage has invited us to grow in both oneness

and two-ness. Ours is a relatively healthy marriage.

But Jim and I are complete opposites in about every imaginable way: in background and family history, in character and relational styles, in interests and professional occupations, not to speak of the fact we grew up on different continents, with a different mother tongue and in different cultural contexts.

Jim’s spiritual/ emotional roots go down deep in the beloved prairie soil of his family farm.

I grew up living above the store of my parents with asphalt in both front and back. I worked off the farm and needed an active social life.

My call to ministry grew steadily over many years of Catholic and ecumenical engagement, until I moved into the Anglican tradition while Jim has remained Roman Catholic.

We agreed on the big stuff; it was the little stuff that created regular havoc.

Yet each time relational disaster loomed, we dug

deep into our marital vows to find unity.

Thus, an intricate web has woven itself of honouring the other in his/her uniqueness as fully as we possibly could, while concretely supporting that difference even at personal cost, while claiming the union in married love.

The Jesuit paleontologist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin calls this relational movement an evolutionary dance here in all living things.

He discovered a fascinating paradox, that union/communion grows deeper and stronger in and through differentiation: “The more closely an entity or group is united, the more differentiated its parts become” (Together in Christ, page 28).

As couples work through the challenges and tensions in their common life, they grow an increasing emotional, spiritual, intellectual capacity for compassion and joy, forgiveness and generosity.

When a couple is most fully in love, De Chardin claimed, the partners

become most fully themselves.

Looking to our 38 years of marriage, I can now see this as true.

What if we applied De Chardin’s evolutionary dance analogy to the diverse Christian traditions?

As this Reformation 500 commemoration year draws to a close, we can at least say we have come a long way since the hostile exchanges in the 16th century.

What began as reasons for parting company, have over time, developed as unique strengths in each tradition, making us realize more and more that we truly need one another to embody the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Can we see our baptismal vows on par with marriage vows, bonding us to one another in the Body of Christ?

Can we learn to dig deep into these vows so our differences can be held in unity by an ever-deeper abiding love and regard for one another, mirroring the communion of the Trinity itself?

Published by the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle.

Published monthly except for July and August.

Whole No. 292, Vol. 46, No. 4 A Section of the Anglican Journal SUBSCRIPTIONS For change of address, undeliverable copies and subscription list updates, contact: • Your parish • e-mail: circulation @national.anglican.ca • Or send to Saskatchewan Anglican, c/o Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ont. M4Y 3G2 RATES $10 in Canada $17 outside Canada SUBMISSIONS Submissions for the February issue must be received by the diocesan editor no later than Friday, Dec. 22. All pictures must be sent as JPEGS and 1 MB (megabyte) in size.

CONTACT INFORMATION Managing Editor: Jason Antonio SKAnglicanEditor@gmail. com 1501 College Ave Regina, Sask., S4P 1B8 Phone: 306-737-4898 Qu’Appelle: Joanne Shurvin-Martin joannesm@myaccess.ca 6927 Farrell Bay Regina, Sask.,

S4X 3V4 Phone: 306-775-2629 Saskatoon: Peter Coolen ptrcoolen@sasktel.net 820 Avenue I South, Saskatoon, Sask., S7M 1Z3 Phone: 306-244-0935, Saskatchewan: Munden and Linda Coates linda.munden@sasktel.net Box 208 Arborfield, Sask., S0E 0A0 Photo: 306-769-8339 Advertising agent: Angela Rush saskatchewan.anglican.ads@ gmail.com 905-630-0390 PUBLISHING DETAILS Published from 59 Roberts Place Regina, Sask., S4T 6K5

The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2017

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The Christmas goose

By Bishop David Irving Diocese of Saskatoon

T

he story of the Christmas goose was sent to me by a friend a couple of Christmases past; the original author is unknown.

There once was a man who didn’t believe in God and he didn’t hesitate to let others know how he felt about religion and the religious holidays, such as Christmas.

His wife, however, did believe, and she raised their children to also have faith in God and Jesus, despite his disparaging comments.

One snowy Christmas Eve, his wife was taking their children to a Christmas Eve service in the farming community in which they lived.

She asked him to come, but as his custom was, he refused.

“That story is nonsense,” he simply replied. “Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man? That’s ridiculous!”

So she and the children left and he stayed home. A while later, the wind grew stronger and the snow turned into a blizzard. As the man looked out of the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm.

He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening. Then he heard a thump. Something had hit the window! Then another thump. He looked out, but could see only a few feet. When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to see

what could have been beating on the window.

In the field near his house he discovered an entire flock of wild geese. Apparently, they had been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the snowstorm and could not go on.

They were lost and stranded on his farm with no food or shelter from this terrible snowstorm.

They continued to flap their wings and flew around the field in low circles, blindly and aimlessly. A couple of them had apparently flown into his window.

The man felt sorry for the poor geese and wanted to help them.

The barn would be a great place for them to stay, he thought. It is warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the

storm in the shelter of his old warm barn.

He put on his winter clothes and walked over to the barn and opened the doors wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open doors and go inside.

But, the geese just fluttered around aimlessly and did not seem to notice the barn or realize what safety it could mean for them.

The farmer tried to get their attention, but his efforts only scared them and they moved further away. He went into the barn and came back out with some grain.

He scattered the grain and made a trail leading to the barn.

They still didn’t catch on. Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered in every direction except toward the barn.

Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be warm and safe.

“Why don’t they follow me?” he exclaimed. “Can’t they see this is the only place where they could be secure and can survive the storm?”

He thought for a moment and realized they just wouldn’t follow

a human. “If only I were a goose, then I could save them,” he said out loud.

Then he had an idea. He went into his barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled around behind the flock of wild geese.

When he got to the other side of the field he released it. Immediately, his goose flew through the flock and straight into the barn, and one by one, the other geese followed it to safety.

He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind; “If only I were a goose, then I could save them!”

Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier. “Why would God want to come to Earth and be like us? That’s ridiculous!”

Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese: blind, lost, perishing. God had His Son become one of us so He could show us the way and save us. That was the meaning of Christmas, he realized.

As the wind and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought. Suddenly he understood what Christmas was all about, why Christ had come.

Years of doubt and disbelief vanished just like the passing storm.

He fell to his knees in the snow and prayed his first prayer: “Thank you, God for coming in human form to get me out of the storm.”

May you all have a blessed and peaceful Christmas.

Anglicans and Roman Catholics share historic Qu’Appelle church

By Frank Flegel QU’APPELLE (Qu’A) – Parishioners of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church realized their church needed major repairs they could not afford, so they asked Archbishop Donald Bolen for permission to close the church.

Hearing of their plans, parishioners of St. Peter’s Anglican Church invited their Catholic neighbours to worship in their building.

In an emotional goodbye, chair of the Immaculate Conception pastoral council, Chad Geis, said they had exhausted all efforts to raise $250,000 needed to bring the building up to code; that sealed the fate of their church building.

“I guess with all that has happened, our church is saying in her own secret

Archdeacon Catherine Harper way, ‘I have done my Catholic duty, I have loved and served the Lord, but after 110 years, let me go in peace.’” He then asked for a moment of silence.

Former Pastor Emil Kutarna said when he heard Immaculate Conception was to be closed, he had to return.

He received permission to read a poem he created for the occasion. It recalled the life and memories of the church and ended with Goodbye old friend;

you have served us well.

Faithful to the end to the last toll of the bell.

“Though we are a small congregation, we are most appreciative of the Anglican Diocese of Qu’Appelle and especially for St. Peter’s Anglican Church for inviting us to allow us to continue practicing our faith at their church,” Bolen said to the congregation. “So, we mark our sorrow and a new beginning.”

The archbishop began his homily with a reflection on the Gospel and day’s readings. Jesus joins the apostles on the road to Emmaus.

Bolen noted how the apostles were devastated at Jesus’ death, “perhaps much like how you might feel this evening leaving this beautiful Immaculate Conception Church.”

The Apostles didn’t recognize Jesus because

they were focused on the past. “You will remember the Eucharistic celebrations, homilies, baptisms and how the community was formed,” said the archbishop.

Jesus revealed Himself to the Apostles and walked with them “as he will continue to walk with you,” he said. “The closure of this church does not close your mission as disciples of Christ.”

He then de-sanctified (de-commissioned) the building as a church, which ended with the removal of the Altar Stone.

Parishioners then left the building and proceded up the street to St. Peter’s Church as the Immaculate Conception Church bell tolled for the last time.

Archdeacon Catherine Harper, on behalf of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle, greeted everyone as they entered St. Peter’s Church.

“Welcome home,” she said.

Archbishop Bolen again thanked the Diocese of Qu’Appelle for its generous offer to share St. Peter’s.

“It’s hard to imagine a community that could have been more welcoming to a Roman Catholic parish, whose building is no longer sustainable. We are incredibly grateful.”

He continued, “It is hard to imagine that an Anglican church could have a more inviting name for a Roman Catholic community,” prompting laughter from the now packed church.

St. Peter’s was the original cathedral for the Anglican Diocese until 1948, when that title was transferred to St. Paul’s Cathedral in Regina.

Some items from Immaculate Conception will go to other churches or the archives; the building will be sold.

Photo by Frank Flegel

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2017

Parishioners and friends help with fashion show

By Mae Boa REGINA – St. Matthew Anglican Church held its 18th annual Luncheon and Fashion Forecast Show on Oct. 14. A fun-filled afternoon was enjoyed by 140 friends from the parish and surrounding community.

Chef Ed MacNeil provided delicious home-made quiche lorraine and dinner rolls with vegetable and fruit salad. Parishioners provided a variety of colourful, scrumptious baking for dessert.

Suzanne’s in Harbour Landing, Regina, provided the new fashions in both casual and dressy styles.

Colours ranged from vibrant hues to striking black and white for evening.

Runway models were parishioners and friends of the parish who have supported this event over the years.

Rev. Anne Marie MacNeil, priest at St. Matthew, said the luncheon blessing and also modelled some of the new styles for fall!

St. Matthew’s was very grateful for the

support from Suzanne’s in Harbour Landing and from their national headquarters for the store discount coupons given to all the attendees.

The organizers thank Tina Desjarlias, Suzanne’s local manager, for the professional model runway commentary on the clothing chosen for the show, and the local businesses that generously donated more than a dozen fabulous door prizes.

The draws were held throughout the afternoon and a 50/50 winner drawn as the wrap up.

Olive White served as both planning chairperson and master of ceremonies again this year.

St. Matthew’s thanks all of the volunteers and participants for making this experience another successful community fundraiser for the church! Plans are already underway for next year.

An example of a fashion show.

Photo by Dominik Tola

Working together to serve others

By Munden Coates ARBORFIELD (Skwn) – In the old days there were as many as three churchsponsored fall suppers in Arborfield.

These fundraising and socializing events were once held at people’s homes, then at church halls and more recently at the community hall. But as farms got larger and more mechanized, families and congregations became smaller.

The aging congregations could not manage these community events on their own.

So in Arborfield, the Anglican Church of the Ascension d St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, in the spirit of Christian

fellowship, decided to pool their resources.

Organizing committees from each church assigned the myriad duties.

Volunteers prepared food and long tables were set. At 4:30 p.m., Father Travis asked the blessing and by 6:30 p.m. more than 350 turkey dinners had been served.

But then every turkey dinner has leftovers! On Monday, seven women (it’s always work for the women) made more than 80 turkey pies, all quickly purchased by those who had not yet had their fill.

St. Lucy’s and Church of the Ascension also work together on Vacation Bible School, Bible study and World Day of Prayer, proving that working together works.

DIOCESE OF SASKATOON

Announcements for December 2017 g Saskatchewan Anglican online! You can read current and past issues online on the Diocese of Saskatoon website or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ saskatchewananglican. g No news is not Good News!

Is your parish planning an event, fundraiser or has it already held one and has something to report?

Your news and upcoming events are “Good News” to us all and the news of your planned activities and their successes can help put your parish and its activities in “the news” and perhaps give additional people the chance to consider supporting them! g Cathedral Advent Tea and Bake Sale: The cathedral’s annual Advent Tea and Bake Sale will be held in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist’s Parish Hall on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Featuring afternoon tea, turkey pies (frozen), Christmas baking, crafts and a good visit with friends over a cup of tea. g St. Paul’s, North Battleford, Christmas Tea and Bake Sale: St. Paul’s Anglican Church, North Battleford will be holding its Christmas tea, bake sale and cookie walk (and PWRDF

silent auction, craft sale, white elephant table, and door prizes) on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission $2, at 1302 99th St., North Battleford. g Christ Church Advent Lunch and Bake Sale: The Christ Church, Saskatoon ACW presents Joys of the Season, its annual festive luncheon, bake sale, poinsettia sale and turkey pie sale on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

As always there will be door prizes and a great social time. Get your friends together and come to Christ Church Anglican, 515 28th St. West, Saskatoon. g St. George’s Advent Tea and Bake Sale: St. George’s, Saskatoon will hold its annual advent tea and bake sale on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., 624 Ave I South, Saskatoon. g Emmanuel & St. Chad Occasional Course Offerings: Courses for the January class and winter term (students who wish to audit courses are welcome) include Introduction to Early Christian Scriptures; Pastoral Care in Congregational Context; Gospel of Mark; Theology of Paul; Theology of Work and Money.

For further information, please contact the registrar at Emmanuel & St. Chad at esc.registrar@usask. ca or phone 306-975-1550. g St. Brigid's School of Discipleship: New Opportunities for Discipleship Training in Saskatoon: The Diocese of Saskatoon is pleased to announce the creation of St. Bridget’s School of Discipleship.

See notice elsewhere in this issue. g Native Ministry in Saskatoon: St. George’s Anglican Church (624 Ave. I South) provides a monthly Anglican Native Ministry Service.

The service is held in the church hall at 1 p.m. with soup and bannock then at 2 p.m. a Eucharist and sharing circle that is led by Rev. Denise McCafferty and others.

“We look forward to feasting and saying prayers with you to our Lord and Creator; please notify your friends and family and plan to attend this gathering.” g Community Coffee House The Parish of St. George’s, Saskatoon, every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Join them for social time with coffee, tea, toast and some type

of baked goods at no charge. The coffee time is followed by a weekly Bible study from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Both events are in the Parish Hall, 624 Ave. I South. g Seniors’ Lunch in Battleford: The Friendship Committee of St. George’s, Battleford invites seniors to join them for lunch the first Monday of each month until June.

Each Lunch begins at noon.

Appointments g The Rev. Amy Bunce has accepted the appointment as incumbent of St. Stephen's Parish, Saskatoon effective Jan. 1.

Deadline

To be included in a timely manner, brief notices should be sent to the associate editor by e-mail or “snail mail” by the last week of the month, two months before the month in which insertion is desired (for example, December submissions will be in the February issue).

Detailed and longer texts of upcoming events will not be included here, but should space allow, could be the subject of article and notices elsewhere in the paper.

The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2017

5

New discipleship choices available in Saskatoon Submitted

Saskatoon’s Cathedral celebrates its centenary From Oct. 7 to 8, the Parish of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Saskatoon celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first service held in the present cathedral building.

The weekend included tours and the recently renovated columbarium, a choral Evensong Service, and a wine and cheese reception.

On Sunday, there was a Morning Prayer and Eucharist Service, followed by a coffee, tea and cake.

To commemorate this event, the format of the original 1907 services was re-created using the 1662 Book

of Common Prayer with original music.

Pictured at the 100th anniversary weekend are the Right Rev. Dr. David Irving, Bishop of Saskatoon (centre), flanked by Bishop Rodney Andrews (left) and Bishop Thomas Morgan (right). Also pictured (far left) are the Rev. Dr. Iain Luke, principal, College of Emmanuel & St. Chad, Archdeacon Dan Hughes, and (far right) Executive Archdeacon Ken Watts and the Very Rev. Scott Pittendrigh, Dean of the Cathedral.

Photo by Joan Irving

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SASKATOON – The Diocese of Saskatoon has created the St. Brigid’s School of Discipleship.

Following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ today is not easy; we do our best, but sometimes we can use mentoring and support.

St. Brigid’s offers short, practical and accessible classes for all levels of Christian discipleship, from “testing the waters,” to lay readers, to our locally trained clergy program for deacons and priests.

We also provide diocesanwide rites of passage prep courses, advanced spiritual care training and theological reflection, and continuing education for clergy.

At St. Brigid’s, we know Bible reading, spiritual formation and a growing appreciation of our Christian (Anglican and ecumenical) traditions are foundational pillars for the transformative work of discipleship.

St. Brigid’s provides

training for local church renewal, by our local church. We use in-house talent and resources by recruiting diocesan clergy and lay specialists as faculty for our courses, in a peer leadership philosophy of Christian education.

St. Brigid’s is a school without walls. By offering classes for discipleship training in parishes throughout our deaneries, we cut down on commuting and bring the school to you.

St. Brigid’s is dedicated to prayer and worship.

We are committed to worshipping together by giving thanks to God our Creator, listening for the Holy Spirit, and looking to serve Christ everywhere.

At St. Brigid’s we know being Jesus’ disciple will probably cost you your life, but tuition shouldn’t. Our courses are free of charge.

For more info, email the Rev. Canon Shawn Sanford Beck at greenpriest@hotmail.ca or call the diocesan synod office at 306-244-5651.

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2017

Responding to ‘the call’ from the TRC

By Rev. Dr. Iain Luke Principal, College of Emmanuel & St. Chad

A

s I write this at the end of October, I am looking forward to an event that will already have happened by the time you read this column.

November is the month for the annual lecture series at the College of Emmanuel & St. Chad.

The Martin Lectures are a tribute to Henry David Martin, Bishop of Saskatchewan from 1939 to 1959.

This year our lecturer is the Rev. Ray Aldred, on the topic “Turning Back Toward a Shared Story.”

I am looking forward to listening to Ray as he takes us deeper into the call towards truth and reconciliation, which is our call, whether as the original people or as newcomers in these treaty lands.

The choice of this speaker and topic is timely, of course, given the rapidly changing relationships between cultures, in our church and in our society.

But it is also intended to reflect a specific commitment by the college, to respond to a call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Call to Action No. 60

spoke directly to theological institutions, calling on us to reshape our curriculum around “the need to respect Indigenous spirituality in its own right, the history and legacy of residential schools and the roles of the church parties in that system, the history and legacy of religious conflict in Aboriginal families and communities, and the responsibility that churches have to mitigate such conflicts and prevent spiritual violence.”

So, as I take you through the aspects of theological study in our degree programs, I want to focus this month on the kind of response we are making, and can make, to that call to action.

On the most basic level, we can point to places in our classrooms where students learn about the

content highlighted by the TRC. In church history, Anglican studies, and mission studies, we examine the way the church came to this land, and how its gospel became entangled with colonial priorities.

More in-depth courses focus on the interaction of cultures, the residential schools and their effect, and the ethical principles that guide reconciliation and right relationship in our time.

The effects of history on present day ministry are recognized and explored in training for pastoral care, Christian education, liturgy, and in internship work.

Going a step further, though, I have to acknowledge the irony of trying to ‘fit’ indigenous concerns and realities into a program whose very structure embodies a nonindigenous world view.

To address that paradox, we are trying to learn more about indigenous

ways of learning and knowing, and to question the assumption that our existing ways of teaching are the right, or only, way.

This year’s student orientation included a kind of experiment along these lines.

Students and faculty met together at Wanuskewin, which gave us an opportunity to begin from a different place.

Instead of each putting our own identity first, as individuals coming to a new place for the new purpose of theological study, we looked and listened for ways in which the land spoke to us, and drew us into relationship.

For myself, I drew two learnings from that experience.

One was to keep looking for who or what has been there before me.

The other was to acknowledge that “where we come from” is an integral aspect of who we are with one another.

These are principles

that I hope will affect our classroom environment, going even deeper than the content we teach.

The call to action creates some more difficult challenges to our college identity.

As we remember our history, we can celebrate indigenous alumni like Edward Ahenakew and Stan Cuthand.

But we also have to acknowledge that our training model equipped clergy to serve in a church defined by non-indigenous realities.

Today, we have the opportunity to reverse that model, so that we are equipping clergy to serve a church that is learning from indigenous leadership and culture.

To do that authentically, we need to identify and listen to the voices we can learn from. This is the work that will take us into our future.

From Pastor Ray, our Martin Lecturer, through the indigenous academic resource people here on the university campus, to the bishops, clergy, and laity who are building an ever-stronger indigenous Anglican church in Canada, we have many teachers who can show us how to turn back towards a shared story.

From Moose Jaw to Shropshire: Travels of a St. Chad’s volunteer

By Matthew Gobbett OSWESTRY, SHROPSHIRE – My name is Matthew Gobbett, from St. Aidan Parish in Moose Jaw, and I am a member of the St. Chad’s volunteer program in the Diocese of Lichfield.

Thanks to the encouragement of people such as Bishop Rob Hardwick, Julie Moser, and Rev. Dustin Resch, I have had the honour to represent St. Aidan, plus Qu’Appelle Diocese, at both Diocesan and General Synod.

I learned about the program from Bishop Rob on the plane home from General Synod 2016. I wasn’t actually interested in going, as I believed I had my own plans to finish high school and go to university the next year.

I decided to pray and reflect on it nevertheless.

As I was doing this, I began to not only feel I

Matthew Gobbett (second from left) with the Addisons, his host family. From left, Zach, Emma, Matthew, Olly, Theo and Mark.

Photo courtesy Matthew Gobbett should at least apply, but also, it was one of the few times I was able to fully discern God’s will.

On the last week of August, I met with Bishop Rob and we began the long process to fill out an application and draw up details. Around Thanksgiving, just when

I was feeling worried I hadn’t been accepted, I received my first of many emails from Phillip Swan in Lichfield, asking for me to fill out a resumé of their creation. By the end of December 2016, I was officially accepted into the St. Chad’s Volunteer Program.

The program is between Lichfield Diocese and its seven companion dioceses, including Qu’Appelle, to promote relations between these various dioceses.

Volunteers between the ages of 18 and 35 who live in Lichfield have the chance to volunteer in one of Lichfield’s companion dioceses for six to 12 months, while volunteers from these dioceses can volunteer in Lichfield Diocese.

St. Chad’s Volunteer program has placed me in the town of Oswestry, in Shropshire county. I am attached to a church by the name of Holy Trinity, and am staying with parishioners Mark and Emma Addison and their three children.

Holy Trinity is an orthodox church with a weekly congregation of roughly 100-120 people who go out of their way to make me feel at home

and a member of the community. Basically, it is the English equivalent of St. Aidan! They have several outreach programs within the community, one of which is a Christian course called Essentials of Christianity. They are eager to hear news from our diocese.

My duties are varied, from helping youth groups to grounds keeping at Quinta Christian Retreat centre, near Oswestry, which has a connection to Holy Trinity. God has used me for ministry in helping with Casterton Camp, a Christian Bible camp at Quinta.

I thank everyone who has supported me in this mission that God has had me on. I keep you in my thoughts as I continue to serve the Lord here. I also look forward to my return at the end of May to spread news about the St. Chad’s Volunteer Program.

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Faith in Christ, not living as Jews, important, said St. Paul

By Jason Antonio

E The Rev. Gyllian Davies installed in Lloydminster

The Rev. Gyllian Davies was installed as rector of St. John’s, Lloydminster by the Right Rev. David Irving, Bishop of Saskatoon on Oct. 15. Pictured after the service are the Rev. Gillian Davies, Bishop David Irving, and the church wardens; priest’s warden, Carol Harbin, and people’s warden, Michelle Green. The service was followed by a reception and dinner in the parish hall.

Photo by Joan Irving

Lay pastoral reader commissioning in Unity Central Parish

Valerie Middleton was authorized and commissioned as a lay pastoral visitor for the Unity Central Parish on Thanksgiving Sunday (Oct. 8), at St. John’s, Unity, by Rev. Canon Shawn Sanford-Beck, diocesan training officer.

Photo by Ev Hawkins

DIOCESE OF QU’APPELLE

Clergy and lay appointments Rev. Vicki Young has retired from her duties as priest at St. Luke, Gordon’s First Nation, where she devoted the past 10 years to service to the community. Her ministry has been one of great enthusiasm and faithful commitment to the people.

She has been licensed with “Permission to Officiate” in the diocese.

Rev. Captain Eric Davis, who is chaplain

at 15 Wing, Moose Jaw, is licensed with “Permission to Officiate” in the diocese.

Rev. Ed Dunfield, St. Paul’s Cathedral, is appointed diocesan representative for the Anglican Foundation.

Rev. Dick Kennedy, who is living in Maple Creek, is licensed with “Permission to Officiate” in the diocese.

Archdeacon Dr. Trish McCarthy, in Saskatch-

ewan Gateway, is licensed as archdeacon for the Archdeaconry of Columba.

Pastor Kim Sherwin, Melville, is licensed as regional dean for Pelly Deanery.

Rev. Canon Cheryl Toth is appointed the Rev. Canon of St. Hilda of Whitby, as advisor to the diocese on matters of stewardship and mission.

Wilma Ward, of St. Philip Regina, has been appointed diocesan rep for Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund.

arly Jesus followers were counted righteous before God through their faith in Christ, St. Paul told Peter in the Letter to the Galatians, not by doing the works of the Jewish Law or living in a Jewish manner.

Our worth rests entirely on “being found in Christ,” Paul wrote in Gal. 2:17, 19-20. We share in the new life of Christ that comes through the death of the old self.

“What counts is that now, you’re joined to Christ. God sees you through the filter of Christ,” said Prof. John Barclay from Durham University in England.

“You’re life has been reconstituted and reframed in the image of Christ.”

Barclay was the guest speaker during a session with the Qu’Appelle School for Mission and Ministry, where he discussed Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

He divided the letter into four parts for the talk.

Barclay explained Paul’s message in Gal. 2:15-21 as the only thing that matters is you are in Christ and Christ is in you. One’s ethnicity has not been washed off, but it is no longer the most important thing.

In Gal. 2:11-14 Paul recalled a dispute in Antioch. Peter ate with Gentile believers and relaxed the Jewish food laws, but under pressure from people with James, withdrew and declared Gentiles needed to live in a Jewish manner.

Paul “went ballistic,” said Barclay, since he thought the truth of the good news of Jesus Christ was at stake (Gal. 2:14).

Paul wrote that God’s grace (Gal. 2:21) is that the Son of God loved us and gave himself for us (2:20) without regard for our ethnicity, social standing, status, gender, shape of our body or morality.

“These are forms of worth — or symbolic capital — that do not count in God’s economy,” said Barclay. “Faith in Christ is a declaration of bankruptcy, since my sole and total investment is what Christ has done for me

… . “We have a new way of evaluating each other compared to the old way.”

In Paul’s mind, the slave is worth just as much to God as the free man. A man’s hierarchical status no longer counted.

“God has chosen the nothings in this world, in order to show that no one should have a boast in anything except Christ,” Barclay explained. “It’s as if God has chosen the people without worth in order to wipe that slate clean and say, ‘Your only worth is now in Christ.’

“That can create new kinds of communities because you can cross these ethnic … and social boundaries since they don’t ultimately matter.”

Earlier in Gal. 1:11-17, Paul explained why he became a follower of Jesus after having been a firstclass Jew and excelled in the Jewish traditions.

Paul was not suffering from a guilty conscience, said Barclay. Paul thought he was correct in persecuting the early Christians.

He thought they were breaking the boundaries of the Jewish traditions.

In Gal. 1:15-16, Paul wondered why God revealed Jesus to him when he was such an excellent Jew. “The calling was in grace (1:15) without regard to his cultural excellence,” said Barclay.

“This is a gift that does not pay attention to pre-established criteria of worth. It wasn’t because he was a good Jew.” His calling was a gift from God. God called him before he was born and did not count his positive or negative worth. “The Spirit is being given to the circumcised and uncircumcised,” said Barclay.

God’s gift is for everybody, which Paul found scary and destabilizing.

In Gal. 2:1-10, Paul recalled an agreement in Jerusalem where Peter, James and John would preach to the circumcised, while Paul and Barnabas would travel to the uncircumcised. Paul took the uncircumcised believer Titus along — as a “visual aid,” Barclay noted — to force the recognition that circumcision, despite Genesis 17, is not necessary in Christ.

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2017

... Living in faith, truth and reconciliat Continued from page 1 neighbour to the cathedral, just across the street.

“In all seriousness,” said Hawkins, “the Anglican church has deep roots in our city and has left indelible marks of love and caring, respect and sharing.”

Parishes had been invited to submit the names of members who had died in the two years since the previous synod. Those names were projected while Bishop Hardwick read sentences from the funeral service, while two minutes silence was observed.

Qu’Appelle Cursillo hosted a wine and cheese reception in the hall following a brief version of Compline.

The second sitting began with Morning Prayer on Saturday morning.

Canon Claude Schroeder gave a theological reflection on the paradox of faith. Reports from more than two dozen diocesan organizations, such as the ACW, archives, doctrine and worship committee, refugee committee, and many more, had been emailed to all delegates before synod; they were received.

Melanie Delva gave two presentations in the morning session, beginning by describing how she had been brought up in what she later realized was a very racist environment.

She told how she converted to Anglicanism, and worked as a diocesan archivist in B.C., before being appointed reconciliation animator this summer. (see related article on page 11) Synod passed amendments to the diocesan constitution to clarify the definition of honorary, emeritus and retired clergy, and establish that retired clergy are not eligible to vote in synods.

Missions and new start ministries now can be authorized Several diocesan canons were amended, with one in particular raising much debate on the topic of parish and congregational finances.

Canon 21 was amended to allow parishes, congregations and parish councils to waive the requirement for an annual

Rev. Cheryl Toth (appointed Canon later in Synod) at the microphone, with Archdeacon Peter Boote and Rev. Chris Dowdeswell waiting to speak during debate.

Photos by Joanne Shurvin-Martin unless noted otherwise

Rev. Dustin Resch

Chancellor Tom Irvine audit, and to substitute an annual inspection of the parish financial books by a person who is familiar with the principles of financial accounting, is at arm’s length from all individuals involved in any of the record keeping, formal reporting, or management functions of that parish or congregation.

Another amendment authorizes the bishop and diocesan council to establish missions and new start ministries.

Before Archbishop Don Bolen (right) brought greetings from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina, he consulted with Archdiocese Ecumenical Officer Nick Jesson (in striped shirt), Bishop Rob Hardwick (left) and Melanie Delva (back to camera).

Previously, only parish and congregation ministries were permitted by the canons, which hampered the development of new and innovative ministries.

Other topics were debated and referred to diocesan council for further consideration.

The second sitting ended with noon prayer and a theological reflection on truth by Rev. Dr. Dustin Resch.

Throughout the synod proceedings, video greet-

ings were played, some from congregations along Bishop Hardwick’s cycle pilgrimage in the summer, plus one from the Bishop of Lichfield, reflecting on his travels in our diocese.

Archbishop Don Bolen of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina attended the Saturday afternoon session. The Archdiocese’s ecumenical and interfaith relations officer, Nick Jesson, attended the entire synod.

Bolen addressed the synod and expressed his grati-

tude for the congregation of St. Peter, Qu’Appelle, sharing their church building with the congregation of Immaculate Conception church.

The Roman Catholic church building in the small town would require $250,000 in repairs in order to continue in use. “I hope we can share more than the building,” said Bolen.

Continuing in the ecumenical theme, the Archbishop said Roman Catholics and Ukrainian Catholics are in communion with each other, and Anglicans and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada are in communion, so he thinks “it makes sense to introduce our friends. This is just the beginning.”

Bolen said, “In Canada, we are learning about our history. We had found ways to justify our actions; now we are finding ways to work together.”

Jesson spoke briefly about the cuts to spiritual care in provincial health regions. Churches and other faith communities are working together to put a workable system in place, so he reminded all delegates it is essential for patients to inform their parishes if they are in hospital.

Delegates saw presentations about the

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December 2017

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tion during the 80th Qu’Appelle Synod Synod elections Diocesan Council Clergy: Rev. Cheryl Toth, Rev. Warren Huestis, Rev. Susan Page, Rev. Michael Bruce, Rev. Brian Woods, Rev. Nancy Yee, Rev. Rita Brann, Rev. Winna Martin Laity: Sue Boxall, Diane Gingras, Nigel Salway, Bob Hawkins, Shaun Booth, Pat Hall, Debbie Hubick, Wendy Godfrey, Brian Buydens, Ellen Redshaw, Anne Gibbens, Donna Klein Diocesan Court (all acclaimed) Clergy: The Ven. Peter Boote, Rev. Warren Huestis Laity: Morina Rennie A long table in front of the altar changed St. Paul’s Cathedral from worship space to meeting space. From left, Dean Mike Sinclair speaks at the first sitting, with Bishop Rob Hardwick, Archdeacon Dell Bornowsky and diocesan administrative assistant Shelley Baron.

General Synod Clergy: Dean Mike Sinclair, Rev. Dr. Dean Pinter

diocesan Children and Youth programs, diocesan Mission Action Plan, Qu’Appelle School for Mission and Ministry, and national PWRDF work.

The Safe From Harm implementation team leader, Michelle Josefson, was introduced.

She briefly described the program that is designed to ensure churches are safe for all, especially vulnerable individuals, and the volunteers who minister to them.

At the end of proceedings on Saturday afternoon, Dean Mike Sinclair gave a reflection on reconciliation.

After supper, tables were removed and chairs placed in a large circle to set up for Mapping the Ground We Stand On, a resource designed by PWRDF and led by Will Postma (national PWRDF office) and outgoing diocesan representative, Rev. Anne Marie MacNeil.

This exercise helped delegates understand how most of their ancestors had come to this land, and the effect on Aboriginal Peoples who had been here before that.

Postma described the Doctrine of Discovery and the concept of terra nullius (meaning empty land or no one’s land), which declared

Laity: Michael Siebert, Wendy Godfrey

Will Postma, PWRDF any land not occupied

by Christians could be claimed and occupied by Christians. This doctrine is what enabled European settlement in the New World and elsewhere.

‘If we focus on what God is asking of us, the numbers will take care of themselves’ The final session of synod, on Sunday morning, dealt with diocesan finances.

Bryan Sigurdson, chair of the finance committee, gave financial highlights from the past two years and advised that financial statements will be posted on the diocesan website at quappelle.anglican.ca.

He announced the diocese has signed a lease agreement with Mosaic Potash Esterhazy for mineral rights on diocesan land in that area.

The diocese will receive quarterly royalty payments, which will vary depending on resource prices.

Highlights of the diocesan budget for 2018 were presented.

It includes a cost-ofliving salary increase of one per cent, plus an increase in parish Fair Share payments of 1.49 per cent (average).

In order to balance the budget and fund missional activities, $112,000 from Living the Mission and a $35,000 one-time payment from Mosaic will be recognized as revenue.

In the absence of new commitments, the Living the Mission funds will be depleted in 2019.

Sigurdson said the diocese will be promoting stewardship and the Living the Mission campaign. He pointed out that only 13 of 33 parishes are actively involved.

Despite the low participation, more than $1 million has been raised so far.

“If we focus not on what we want, but what God is asking of us, the numbers will take care of themselves,” concluded Sigurdson.

Following the financial presentation, Bishop Hardwick announced his

plans for his sabbatical from May 14 to Sept. 3, 2018. He said the idea came to him in a dream, literally, and he has decided to make a cycle pilgrimage across Canada, from Victoria B.C. to St. John’s, Nfld.

His route will cover 7,856 km and cross 21 dioceses.

Hardwick will dedicate his pilgrimage to unity and reconciliation, and hopes to raise $2 million for diocesan, national and international mission.

He showed the calculations for a tithe pledge, with tax benefits included, showing that total could be easily raised by people pledging 43 cents per day.

He pointed out 43 cents is the average daily wage in Burundi, where the diocese has a companion diocese.

Synod concluded with eucharist at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The bishop announced several appointments: Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy is archdeacon of Columba, and Rev. Kim Sherwin is regional dean of Pelly Deanery.

Rev. Cheryl Toth was named reverend canon of St. Hilda of Whitby, for her exemplary fortitude and leadership in the diocese.

She will be advisor to the diocese on stewardship.

Youth: Luke Gobbett Provincial Synod Clergy: The Ven. Dell Bornowsky, The Ven. Peter Boote. The Ven. Trish McCarthy Laity: Sue Boxall, Merrilyn Dubreuil Youth: Rosa Huestis (acclaimed) Finance Committee Clergy: (acclaimed) The Ven. Peter Boote, Rev. Brian Woods, Rev. Nancy Yee, Rev. Susan Anholt Laity: Bryan Sigurdson (chair), Tom Magnusson, Ray Sass, Pat Hall, Tom Beckett, Kurtis Krug, Ellen Redshaw Executive Committee Clergy: Rev. Cheryl Toth, the Ven. Peter Boote

Laity: (acclaimed) Pat Hall, Nigel Salway, Diane Gingras, Bob Hawkins

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2017

Excerpts from Bishop Hardwick’s charge to synod REGINA – Bishop Rob Hardwick addressed the 80 th Synod of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle during the opening eucharist on Oct. 20. He said in spite of challenges, much has been accomplished. Here are some highlights from the Bishop’s Charge. The full text is on the diocesan website at quappelle. anglican.ca.

S

ome of you feel your efforts are insignificant, but they are not. Collectively you are making a huge difference and for that, I thank God. You are making a difference through your outreach.

You are making a difference in keeping open the doors of your churches for worship for people to come, in good times and bad.

An interesting recent exercise called the Halo Project has worked out the net benefit of a religious organization. The results are staggering.

To the question, “Does a community need a church or religious institution?” the answer is clearly yes if simply measured in a dollar net gain. For the area covered by our diocese, the Halo Project estimates that for every dollar received in your annual budget, the net benefit to the community you serve is multiplied by 4.77, in the net worth of common services your church offers to its community.

The Halo effect for the Anglican churches

Malcolm Tait, Anglican Fellowship of Prayer diocesan representative, prayed in St. Paul’s chapel throughout synod.

Photo by Joanne Shurvin-Martin in the diocesan area in our province alone is estimated to be $16,130,456.

The Halo effect for the 201 religious organizations in Regina, with total annual giving of $81,218,318 equates to a staggering $387,411,377 in net service worth to the City of Regina.

Who can truly measure our historic or present net worth as a church?

I would suggest it is priceless, especially to any individual who, like me, finds their life transformed by Christ.

The slow response, indifference, reluctance, or the decision in some places not to undertake the Living the Mission

financial campaign has also begun to affect our ability to build up and fund a missional church in the diocese.

It is vital that we be united in funding the missional endeavours in our own community, as well as across the diocese and abroad.

We are seeing encouraging signs of growth with the funding from just 13 participating parishes.

It is time we all got on board to fund and grow the effectiveness of our beloved church.

We need to listen; travel lighter as a diocese; and follow the Lord in the rebuilding of His Church.

We also need the courage to be the church for this age and not be constrained by past ways of doing things.

Diocesan council has asked that I appoint a strategic planning group to make recommendations to finance committee and diocesan council, concerning resources, finances, mission and future ministry of the diocese, by June 2018.

I believe it is time to move beyond our comfort zones and take some risk: to risk engaging in evangelism; to risk discipleship along with fresh expressions of church and church planting in the diocese; to risk the consolidation of some of our parishes into effective team ministries able to respond to the needs of today’s society.

Prayer will therefore be vital in order to keep close to the Lord.

But this will not be new for Qu’Appelle Anglicans.

In the past, we have been willing to take risks. I have every confidence in the Lord that we can do so again.

The next three years will not be easy.

Discussions over possible change to the marriage canon; our response to the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; the call for a self-determining urban and reserve indigenous ministry; increasing our contributions to

Living the Mission; and our continuing support of refugees coming to our province. Coupled with an ongoing rural depopulation and everdeclining membership, the task facing us is not for the faint-hearted.

It is my belief that concentrating on the basics of the Christian faith will lead the Church in God’s mission from a church-focus to a Christfocus; from a settled church to church as a movement; to going were people are, rather than waiting for people to come to us.

Important priorities for us will be discipleship, evangelism, children and youth ministries, engaging in urban and reserve First Nation ministries, improving our communication, and developing a sustainable financial plan for the diocese.

In recent times, the full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and our covenant with the Archdiocese of Regina have furthered ecumenical ties.

It is my hope that we extend the covenant to other partners in the Gospel, especially in terms of shared Christian mission, justice and environmental issues, educational opportunities, in sharing church buildings, engaging in church plants and in programs like Alpha.

The possibilities for partnership are endless.

Another area of innovational change will be to encourage the move towards self-determination for First Nations and Métis peoples.

It will be essential for us to work with the national indigenous bishop, our diocesan elders and lay leaders at Gordon’s, Day Star, Kawacatoose and Key in order to call forth catechists and locally ordained leaders for their ministry.

Given the numbers of (indigenous) people living in urban centres, the healing, reconciliation and encouraging support of the diocese of an urban First Nation ministry in the City of Regina should also, in my view, be a priority.

Again, much of this could be done ecumenically.

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Reconciling animator speaks at synod

By Joanne Shurvin-Martin REGINA – Melanie Delva, reconciliation animator for the Anglican Church of Canada, was the keynote speaker at the 80th Synod of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle.

She served as diocesan archivist in the Diocese of New Westminster and Provincial Synod of British Columbia and Yukon, before being appointed animator this summer.

Delva described reading files from the residential school in Lytton, B.C., in the diocesan archives.

“This profoundly affected me,” said Delva. “I felt so much guilt and shame that the country which I love, and the church which I love, could have done those things.”

Delva gave background information on details of the Indian Act, pointing out how this act has affected First Nations peoples. She reminded delegates that, until 1985, a woman lost her “status” if she married a nonindigenous man. (Men did not lose their status if they married white women.)

If a First Nation individual went to university, he or she became “enfranchised,” which sounds like a good thing, but meant losing their status. The act forbade Aboriginal people from forming political organizations and denied legal funds so they could not hire lawyers to pursue cases in court.

For many years, a pass system denied First Nations individuals the right to go off their reserves.

“I don’t tell you this to make you feel bad,” said Delva, “but it is important to know where we have come from. It is also important not to become mired in guilt.”

The residential school system has been well publicized recently, but for many years was mostly unknown by non-First Nations peoples. The Anglican Church operated many schools on behalf of the federal government, and in 2006, signed the residential school settlement agreement and paid survivors who demonstrated they had attended the schools.

It is widely acknowledged, now,

Melanie Delva

Vera Ash, lay delegate from Nehiyawe Parish, spoke of the effects that residential schools had on her parents and how they raised her. “It had quite an effect on us kids; we lost our language, and they taught us, ‘don’t speak up.’ The system set us back many years.

It is good for non-First Nations people to hear this,” she concluded.

Photo by Joanne Shurvin-Martin

that these schools were an attempt to destroy indigenous culture.

After the first presentation one delegate said, “I’m sure the government didn’t intend to do harm (with the

schools).” Delva replied, “Actually they did intend to destroy First Nations culture. The system was evil; not everyone in it was evil. There were many individuals working in the schools who had good intentions.”

Vera Ash, delegate from Nehiyawe parish, Gordon’s First Nation, spoke. She described her parents as survivors of residential schools, as her father was sent to Elkhorn, while her mother attended Gordon’s and later worked at the school for 22 years. (Both schools were operated by the Anglican Church.)

“It had quite an effect on us kids,” said Ash. “We lost our language; I can’t speak my own language.”

She said her father taught his children not to speak up for themselves and never draw attention to themselves because of his experiences in school.

Ash said her parents wouldn’t let her go to residential school, but rather the day school.

“But the system had an effect even on me.

The system set us back many years. It is good for non-First Nations people to hear this,” she concluded.

Delva spoke of the 94 Calls to Action that came from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Each delegate received a small booklet listing the TRC’s 10 principles of reconciliation, the 94 Calls to Action, and the 46 articles of the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“These are not just recommendations,” she Continued on page 12

Nigel Salway, who handled information technology and audiovisual issues, holds up an item from the “swag bag” each delegate received. A Disciple’s Prayer Book is produced by the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, as an easy-to-use resource for congregations and groups. It includes services including Eucharist, healing, vigil and more; a wide variety of prayers and collects; as well as questions to spark discussion.

Photo by Margaret Ball

Barb Wright ordained in Estevan

Barb Wright was ordained as a transitional deacon on Sept. 29 at St. Giles, Estevan. Wright was presented to Bishop Rob Hardwick (front right) by Dean Mike Sinclair (in background, left), and parishioner Mary Price. Also pictured are Rev. Warren Huestis (centre) and Rev. Mark Osborne. Sinclair and Osborne are former rectors of Estevan.

Photo by Sarah Wright

DIOCESE OF SASKATOON

New PWRDF resources available for Advent

A

s Advent approaches, PWRDF is offering a ref lective resource to deepen your experience in the season, plus, connect you with the ongoing work of the Spirit in the wider world.

This year the resource has once again been

prepared by the Rev. Canon Shawn Sanford Beck, education and training officer for the Diocese of Saskatoon.

To sign up for daily devotions to be sent straight to your email inbox, please go to http:// pwrdf.org/resources/ seasonal/.

Saskatoon’s Locally Raised Clergy Program Do you love God? Do you love the church?

Have you been involved in lay ministry in your parish for quite some time and wonder about going even deeper?

Perhaps God is calling you to diaconal or priestly ministry!

“Who, me?” you might say. Yes, YOU! Stranger things have happened you know.

God needs workers in the vineyard, including priests and deacons.

Perhaps now is the time for you to consider it.

The Diocese of Saskatoon has a program for training clergy…for training Locally Raised Clergy.

The program takes

three to five years to complete, depending on how much time you can devote to it.

There is no cost to you, as the training leads to a nonstipendiary (voluntary) ordained ministry.

The program includes reading courses, inhouse training sessions, spiritual formation and a supervised apprenticeship.

The path to Holy Orders is an awesome spiritual adventure.

Take the plunge now!

For more information, please contact the Diocesan Training Officer, the Reverend Shawn Sanford Beck, at greenpriest@hotmail. ca.

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2017

... Reconciling animator speaks at synod about TRC, Calls to Action Continued from page 11 stressed, “They are meant to be acted on. Look at the list and choose one that you can do. If you don’t think there is anything in the list that applies to you, you are not looking hard enough.”

She described what other dioceses and parishes are doing, such as offering and funding classes teaching Aboriginal languages, lobbying and encouraging government to fulfil the calls directed to them, developing education strategies to learn the truth about our nation’s history, and many more.

Delva pointed out many of these actions can be done ecumenically and with indigenous groups.

With, rather than for, Indigenous peoples is an important distinction.

As individual examples, she talked about parishes holding book studies, tithing a portion of salaries to support non-stipendiary clergy working in indigenous communities, and holding fundraising events for the Anglican Healing Fund.

She also talked about adopting a specific call to work on at the parish levels.

Delva encouraged the delegates to think of “reconciliation as a spiritual practice and in spiritual practice.”

On the topic of indigenous Anglican self-determination, she clarified that indigenous people are not talking about breaking away from the church.

She quoted National Indigenous Bishop Mark MacDonald: “We are not threatening to leave the Anglican church; we’re threatening to stay.”

There was discussion on how indigenous peoples and pioneers have and had different understandings of the concept of the land.

Delegate Brian Buydens told how, while doing research on his family history, he read

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need in Canada.

www.anglicanfoundation.org

By the end of the mapping exercise, the map was full of newcomers and their descendants, while the Aboriginal names were no longer visible under their feet.

Photo by Joanne Shurvin-Martin the original pamphlets that had encouraged his grandparents to immigrate to Canada from Belgium.

He said it was like

buying a car and not knowing it was stolen.

“It was not a proper deal,” he said, but wondered what he can do about that now.

Delva stressed it is important for Anglicans to educate themselves: to understand the role the church played and to work on undoing

things that perpetuate “colonial” stereotypes.

She encouraged parishes to ask, for each of their actions, “what does this mean for reconciliation?”

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2017

March 2016

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The 69th Synod of the Diocese of Saskatchewan

Pursuing theology, mission and ministry together The complete text of the Bishop's Charge is available at any of the churches in the Diocese of Saskatchewan.

• •

By Bishop Michael Hawkins PRINCE ALBERT – Welcome sisters and brothers, delegates to the 69th meeting of the Synod of the Diocese of Saskatchewan.

This has been a very encouraging year and much of it coming out of our last Synod. The Quiet Day, the Read Mark Lent programme, the Diocesan Prayer Conference, Lay Readers’ Training and Licensing, a weekend Youth Retreat in Waskesui, these, along with your faithfulness and service and our fellowship, have been tremendously heartening.

I thank God for all that and for all of you.

There is a crisis in the movement towards greater self-determination for our indigenous members within the diocese that may test our commitment to walk together.

However, I am more concerned immediately about ministry and mission and care in places such as Hall Lake and Weyakwin, Onion Lake and Sucker River.

I am concerned about supporting our clergy and lay readers and raising up and training the next generation of leadership.

•

Deacon Elizabeth Short from the Diocese of Calgary gathers with Bishop Michael Hawkins during the Diocese of Saskatchewan's 69th Synod in October.

Short spoke about discipleship and ministry.

Photo by Munden Coates The two biggest issues and threats we will face as a diocese over the next three years are the budget and same-sex marriage.

The draft budget for 2018 includes an operating deficit of some $100,000.

We cannot continue with that kind of deficit much beyond June 2019.

Some of this is caused by the explicit designation of a larger portion of our Council of the North grant to the Indigenous Council.

We need to be honest about who we are: a small diocese, some 850 disciples

gathering regularly on Sundays, with eight full-time paid priests and 11 non-stipendiary priests.

We are small but strong, with a great history and tradition, with a different and ongoing commitment to rural and on reserve ministry, led by two full-time bishops.

Let me suggest some ways forward and decisions that may need to be made in the next two years: •

Consolidating the Synod Office

Sharing with our neighbour dioceses is wise The sharing of episcopal oversight, administrative support and pastoral care for our indigenous members, as well as the sharing of the Council of the North grant Becoming more flexible in the configuration of and sharing between parishes

In 2019 our General Synod will consider at second reading to allow for the solemnization of the marriage of same-sex couples.

My concerns in the diocese are threefold: •

• •

Message to our members and neighbours of love and forgiveness That we will lose people “on either side” of this issue That there remains a place for people, for laity, clergy, bishops, congregations and dioceses of a traditional conscience and conviction on marriage within the Anglican Church of Canada

The challenge for Synod and its executive over the next three years will be to

discern with me a new way of pursuing that theology, mission and ministry together.

We must not focus on saving the bishop or the diocese, but on making disciples, growing congregations and reaching out into our communities.

The call of this synod is an unapologetically practical call, for every congregation and every person in this diocese to consider what we are doing in terms of serving and giving.

The last two of the six disciplines of disciples; to care for those in our world and neighbourhoods, on our streets and in our jails, in our nursing homes and mental health wards and hospitals; the poor and needy, the afflicted, the lonely, the homeless, the refugee, the cold, the sick and the prisoner.

The call of this synod is to respond to human need by loving service, the third Mark of Mission.

These sculptures help us look for the wounds of Christ in our time and place and will be available to each congregation for two or three Sundays over the next year, to help bring this focus and message to every member of the diocese.

We who come in here seeking to know and receive Christ must leave here seeking to know and to receive Christ out there.

Inasmuch.

Canon John (Jack) Cameron comforted the sick and needy The Rev. Canon John (Jack) Stansfield Cameron, Dec. 30, 1925 to Sept. 22, 2017.

SASKATOON – On Sept.

22, Jack Cameron died peacefully at the Valleyview Care Centre.

Jack was predeceased by wife Lois in 2007, and is survived by son Doug (Teresa); daughters: Bev Witt (Doug) and Linda Turchet (Nevio); grandchildren: Rachel Cameron, Fern (Marc), Steven (Cheryl) and Alana Cronshaw, and Melanie (Cliff), Jeremy (Jamie) and Michael Cheng; as well as great-grandchildren Joshua, Gracie and Leah Cronshaw, and Logan

Rev. Canon John (Jack) Cameron Cheng.

Jack grew up in Brandon, and after marrying Lois Wightman moved to Edmonton, where he worked as a draftsman for an engineering firm and where their children Doug, Bev and Linda were born.

The Anglican Church

was always part of his life, so in 1964 the family moved to Saskatoon where he attended the College of Emmanuel & St. Chad and obtained his bachelor of theology. In 1967 Jack began ordained ministry at St. Aidan’s in Winnipeg.

Over the next 35 years, he held the position of incumbent priest in three Interlake parishes (Gimli, Man); St. Peter’s (Winnipeg, Man.); St. Mary la Prairie (Portage la Prairie, Man.); St. Mary the Virgin (Brandon, Man.) and St. Timothy’s (Saskatoon, Sask.), and honorary assistant at St. Matthew’s Cathedral (Brandon).

During ministry in the

Diocese of Rupert’s Land, he was appointed archdeacon in 1986 and made an honorary canon in 1990.

Jack’s ministry was characterized by his ability to mentor peers and provide support and comfort to those who were sick or in need. His sense of humour was appreciated (by most?) and contributed to his love of life.

Jack and Lois opened their home to many over the years for short or long stays. Jack was passionate about his numerous hobbies, which included touring Canada and abroad, singing in choirs, listening to classical music, tending his lily garden and fish

pond, woodworking and watercolour painting.

A celebration of Jack’s life was held at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, Brandon, on Sept. 29, with a reception at the cathedral following the committal at the cathedral columbarium.

The family thanks staff of Valleyview Care Centre and staff from Caring Companions for insuring Jack felt loved and cared.

Donations in memory of Jack may be made to The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 3G2, pwrdf.org or to a charity of your choice.

Messages of condolence at www.brockiedonovan.

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

The Saskatchewan Anglican

March 2016

December 2017

14

In praise of steam and large locomotives By the Rev. Canon Colin Clay

The Rev. Canon Colin Clay at the controls (the footplate) of a Great Western Railways 1930s steam locomotive pulling six full-size passenger cars on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, U.K. this past September. He travelled to the railway exhibit with his nephew, Andrew Horton, who lives near the railway.

Photo by Lynne Horton

SASKATOON – God gave us the railways.

Many of our readers may have heard of the elderly person who, several years ago, was told how most people were now using aircraft when going to visit their relatives and friends. “If God wanted us to fly”, this senior replied, “he wouldn’t have given us the railways.”

Most of us now use our airlines for convenience, but deep down, in our minds and hearts, there are still those of us for whom divine blessings are most especially reserved for those mammoth creatures – especially those powered by steam – that continue to captivate our imaginations.

Sadly, railway locomotives, powered by steam, are extremely rare in Canada. Although, there are many clubs whose members faithfully reproduce, and run, model railway layouts that feature conditions well remembered by our fathers and grandfathers.

Among those for whom railways, and railway

modelling, is an extremely important hobby, we can find a significant group of Anglican clergy.

In the Diocese of Saskatoon, for example, many of us remember the detailed layouts of Bishop Roland Wood, Archdeacons John Marlor and Geoffrey Huggill and others. Also, in the Church of England, many clergy have participated in the regular operations of British Rail.

The bishop of Wakefield, for example, was so deeply involved with railways that, when he died, a classic Black Five locomotive was named the Eric Tracey in his honour.

While I was a curate in south London, in the late 1950s, my bishop, the Right Rev. William Gilpin, was ever so proud of the day he qualified to drive a regular steam locomotive.

The bishop’s picture, from the footplate of the engine, was even printed in the Daily Express newspaper.

While we may not be aware of the origin of the much loved Thomas the Tank Engine series, first published in 1945, this began with a story, written by an Anglican priest, the

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Rev. Wilbert Awdry, for his young son.

While it can be said that my model railroading is modest, though somewhat extensive, I was not prepared for an incredible experience arranged for me by my nephew, Andrew Horton, who lives near the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway; one of the many vintage railway lines to be found in so many places throughout the United Kingdom.

Earlier this summer Andrew contacted me and said on Sept. 22, he had arranged for me to report to the Winchcombe Railway Station wearing coveralls, boots and leather gloves – I added a CNR engineer’s cap – and, for an entire day, to participate with 11 other trainees, working as firemen and drivers (engineers) on a full-scale Great Western Railway steam locomotive, pulling six, full-size, GWR, corridor passenger cars.

There is no way I can express the incredible thrill of firing (with shovels of Welsh coal), and driving, a large British steam locomotive, built for the Great Western Railway in the 1930s, and used to take thousands of passengers through its regular working life.

In the United Kingdom there are many privately owned railways carrying large numbers of families on a regular basis. Clearly, the British love their steam trains, but there are many Anglican clergy for whom such an experience, like mine, would be a dream come true.

I can honestly say having my hand on the controls of a steam locomotive, rolling down the track, will always remain, for me, a true serendipity moment; a generous present from my nephew and his wife, and a gracious gift from a loving and understanding God.

The Saskatchewan Anglican

... Potter, Hoiland receive Order of Sask.

Continued from page 1 well matched by his cheerful sense of humour. His laugh is music to many an ear and his walk with the Lord is an example to his congregation and community.

Shirley Hoiland became a member of the Church of the Ascension in Arborfield in 1964.

Since then she has assumed practically every duty.

She has been a member and an executive member of the Anglican Church Women, as well as the Melfort Deanery ACW. She has served as vestry member, secretary and envelope secretary.

When her children were small, she cooked at Camp Okema. She was there when her daughter progressed from camper all the way to camp counsellor.

She taught Sunday school when there were so many children that they filled the hall, with another class at the United Church hall, with yet another at the rectory! She is presently a member of the altar guild where she uses her sewing expertise whenever linens and vestments need to be created or repaired.

She grows and displays beautiful flowers for the altar.

She helps with Vacation Bible School and all church meals and potlucks. Her handmilled grain bread is a legendary best seller at ACW bake sales.

She attends Monday morning Bible study and assists with Bible study at the local nursing

home.

Hoiland has not been immune to the tragedy, worry and hardship that this world throws at us all. But it was her unflagging faith that helped her through the

Betty Burningham, right, received her Order of Saskatchewan a few years ago. Now her friend, Shirley Hoiland, has received hers.

Photo by Linda Coates deaths of her son and two husbands.

It is not surprising one of her favourite hymns is The Old Rugged Cross.

Hoiland displays her faith in a quiet, dignified manner. When she does the prayers of the people, her words are heartfelt and sincere.

She offers her opinions with a confidence that is grounded in the Bible and her faith. She is an example to us all.

In the Beatitudes, our Saviour best described Shirley, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matt. 5:8).

Marlene Peyton, from St. Alban’s Cathedral, was nominated and accepted the award. She will be invested later.

DIOCESE OF QU’APPELLE

A Kelly family Christmas

T

he Kelly Family will present a 90-minute live performance showcasing musicians celebrating The Reason for the Season, Sunday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 5012 Sherwood Drive, Regina.

The Kelly family, from Rocanville, features Deacon Delta Kelly and

sons Anthony, Blake and Brian.

All proceeds go to the Holy Trinity roof replacement program.

Adults are $20, 16 and under are $10, five and under are free.

Advance tickets only; please call the parish office 306-545-3838, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

December 2017

15

... Humility essential for Christian unity Continued from page 16 their differences and theological insights.

By 1990, the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches gained some real ground in their ARCIC agreements. At that stage, the two Churches agreed on the concepts of baptism, Eucharist and ministry.

Similar agreements exist between many denominations.

Anglicans and Lutherans are now in full communion.

Ecumenical conversations continue between most denominations.

Many of the more serious issues are resolved and there is now a lot of hope for the work of ecumenism.

In history, issues have arisen over simple words and their meaning.

Unfortunately, some dialogues and ensuing events have been painful and bridges need to be rebuilt.

What is left to do?

While theologians from respective denominations still wrestle with remaining issues, many lateral relationships between the churches have begun to get more personal.

With covenants like that between the Anglican Diocese of Qu’Appelle and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina, people of neighbouring churches are being encouraged by their judicatories (bishops or conference leaders) to spend time, eat, reach out, study and even, by golly, worship together!

As I mentioned earlier, Morning and Evening prayer formats are very helpful in this context.

These formats are often virtually the same.

Earlier this year, more than 130 people gathered at the Moosomin Legion Hall for an exciting “Winter Blues Breaker.” The location and event title was intended to make it comfortable for people who do not gather on Sunday to experience spiritually

Rev. Trish McCarthy uplifting music and prose.

The Moosomin and area church association hired local young people to sing their favourite Christian song or hymn.

Some members of a school children’s choir sang as well as two more secular adult choirs.

Many people wanted to be involved and it was a high-energy evening.

Talented local musicians, Anthony Kelly (guitar) and his daughter Olivia (fiddle) rounded out the evening with several upbeat and inspiring Christian songs.

The father/daughter duo played an original song touching us all.

As well, four members of the association shared a dramatic reflection on beating the winter blues with some spiritual insights.

Towards the end of the event, we shared a prayer for Christian Unity. We raised more than $1,200 for PWRDF’s Pikangikum Aboriginal community’s safe water project.

Being involved in ecumenism means we put down our own agendas for each other and listen with our hearts. You never know: God might teach us in the midst of working with someone from another church.

The ecumenical journey can be a powerful one and we need to maintain hope as God leads us into greater unity. This happens when each denomination walks faithfully with Christ and

at the same time learns how other Christians think and worship.

My Baptist colleague in Moosomin, Mel Konkel, reminded us recently, “unity is not sameness.” As individuals, it helps to exercise equanimity, patience and thoughtfulness. Let us seek God’s guidance and pray Jesus’ prayer that “all may be one.”

The same ministerial group is in the process of writing a Memorandum of Understanding on inter-church worship and activity so we can honour and preserve the unity we currently enjoy.

The Canadian Council of Churches has some helpful ideas on their website at www. councilofchurches.ca.

I conclude this reflection with a short piece written by a friend and a strong Roman Catholic Ecumenist, Fr. Thomas Ryan: When God puts us back together again (with the aid of our willingness to co-operate), this great church will be marked by the dignity and scholarship of the Anglicans, the order and sacraments of the Roman Catholics, the warm fellowship of the Methodists, the Presbyterian desire for good preaching and the Lutheran respect for sound theology.

There will be Baptist concern for individual salvation, the congregational respect for the rights of lay members, the Pentecostal reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit and the Quaker appreciation for silence.

We will find there the Mennonite sense of community, the social action of the Salvation Army, and the Reformed love of the Bible – all wrapped up in Orthodox reverence for the mystery of God. (This article was originally published in the Moosomin WorldSpectator and is used with permission.)

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2017

Humility essential for Christian unity to work

By Rev. Trish McCarthy

A

s a product of two churches, I am the only Anglican in my family. So, I feel a natural inclination to work in the area of ecumenism and to observe the yearly Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Why are we engaged in ecumenism at all? One plausible idea I have heard is each denomination comes out of some subcontext in which God has worked in a unique way.

It doesn’t always have to do with a church breaking apart because of what we call “schism.”

In fact, we Anglicans and the Evangelical Lutherans have never been in the same church together. We have separate histories.

In coming together in full communion, we didn’t have to broach reconciliation or talk about a painful past.

The way I see ecumenism, God has touched people and transformed them using diverse worship patterns.

People often have a religious identity and live and breathe the denominational way of thinking to which they have become accustomed.

People often go back to their roots; unless, there has been some unfortunate interaction with their local church.

People are drawn from one way of worship and thinking to another when the patterns come up short in dramatic ways.

One of my first exciting ongoing ecumenical experiences was as a newly-ordained priest in Hanna, Alta. We had a wonderfully co-operative and supportive ministerial association.

It took work because we all had small theological issues with one another.

But over time, after building trust and careful respect, we were able to do some good things. It became automatic that when one of us was sick or in need, the others would reach out to him or her.

There was a true bonding. One important event was the Hanna Ministerial Christmas Concert. We intentionally didn’t call it a service because we wanted to reach out to unchurched people together.

National Lutheran Bishop Susan Johnson (facing camera) and Anglican Primate Fred Hiltz (second from right) prepare for a worship serve during the 2013 Joint Assembly. Rev. Trish McCarthy sees ecumenism as God touching people and transforming them using diverse worship patterns.

Photo by Simon Chambers You should have seen People from every church musicians, choirs and some of the tender-hearted in town came and I truly children. skits that we ministers cannot remember more We have honoured the performed together that than one or two out of 325 variety among us with lifted people’s hearts people who did not take spontaneous-type as and made us think more communion! The place well as densely-inspired about the real meaning of was electric with love in “liturgical” prayers.

Christmas. caring for the family and In some places having Also, while I was in my each other. joint faith outreach events first parish, I participated Worshipping outdoors can get congregations in one very memorable or simply having a picnic very excited about being funeral. Our Anglican together can help people together. We may all treasurer died suddenly. of different churches to remember when the planes The whole town was feel connected. Most of crashed into the World in shock because if they my ministerial colleagues Trade Center towers of didn’t have the gentleman over the years have New York City or the as their accountant, people consented to be involved tsunami struck in the knew his wife, who was in at least one kind of joint Indian Ocean. a member Many of the local churches Catholic came It is important to respect each Church. together to other’s approach and trust God’s The pray for the presence in and with other churches funeral victims and choir was a survivors. I and their people. Humility seems to mixture of was involved be essential to true ecumenism and Anglicans, in two such letting God be God: mystery and all.

Roman spontaneous Catholics ecumenical and prayer Lutherans. services and The Roman Catholic worship event a year. the outpouring of care was priest shared some of the Prayers in the Park has amazing. prayers with me. It was the been an ongoing highlight Low points in most ecumenical funeral in my 25-year ministry. ecumenical history in which I have ever It can be very simple: you happen when members of participated. can share the different the ministerial leadership The Holy Spirit does music preferences and allow controversial some wonderful things read Scripture readings issues to interfere with when there is a need. about creation and round the support and care of The Anglican church it out with a few prayers. ministers for each other was not big enough for The Evening and with joint outreach. the numbers of people Prayer format of most Trust can be lacking. expected for the abovedenominations works well There might be no interest mentioned funeral, but in this kind of context in bonding. I also know we couldn’t have it in the if you print a service for a fact it is often not the Roman Catholic church leaflet. We typically religious leader who is the since we were to celebrate included leaders of any best ecumenist – although Anglican Communion denomination who came to he or she is important. It with a woman priest. a planning meeting as well is the grassroots, baptized Perhaps you can as any church members, people who take their own imagine the dilemma. including readers, ministries seriously.

It is often the ordained leaders who need to catch up to the insights of their people. It is interesting to see how people and leaders seek to wrestle with Jesus’ call to unity.

When ministers can study together, that too can make a difference. I have often been blessed with at least two ministry colleagues with whom I can be open and confidential. Different Morning Prayer or devotional formats can be used and a helpful discussion can be shared about the upcoming Sunday readings for those who are on the Revised Common Lectionary.

The best kind of ecumenical sharing is when no one’s “take” on the Bible dominates. It is important to respect each other’s approach and trust God’s presence in and with other churches and their people. Humility seems to be essential to true ecumenism and letting God be God: mystery and all.

Did you know that 2008 was the centennial anniversary of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity? This observance was first entitled the “Chair of Christian Unity Octave” by Roman Catholic priest, Fr. Paul Wattson, in 1909.

The octave began with the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter on Jan. 18 and ended with the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul on Jan. 25.

In 1935, Fr. Paul Couturier of Lyons, France, suggested re-naming the annual octave as the “Universal Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.” When the World Council of Churches was founded in 1948, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity increasingly gained momentum.

In 1968, the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity began preparing together the week’s worship materials. You can easily find these resources online.

During the last 100 years there has been amazing progress by churches as they have journeyed and studied together, reflecting on Continued on page 15