Saskatchewan
anglican
The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal • January 2020
The Right Rev. Chris and Tracey Harper and 25 participants attended one of two TRC information events held in Watrous in November. Pictured is Bishop Harper making his presentation to those in attendance. Photo by the Rev. Marie-Louise Ternier
Watrous holds workshops with TRC focus By the Rev. Marie-Louise Ternier WATROUS (S’toon) — Interest and care is slowly growing in the community of Watrous and Manitou Beach around the need to learn about the need for reconciliation with our Indigenous sisters and
brothers in Canada, given our complex and painful history. On Nov. 3 a public viewing was hosted at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church of the new Anglican documentary called Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen Land, Strong Hearts, attended by 14 people from
various backgrounds. On Nov. 24, All Saints Anglican Parish in Watrous hosted a special event with Bishop Chris and Tracy Harper. Twenty-five people from near and far attended a lively afternoon presentation on Reconciliation, the TRC Calls to Action and the
Treaties. Both events generated hard learning, yet great appreciation was shared among all. Bishop Chris’ personal presenting style easily engaged the group, and many went away with new insights and understandings about the complex
relationship with our Indigenous relations. But Bishop Chris left us with words of encouragement and hope that we can learn to walk together into a better future. Rev. Marie-Louise Ternier is the priest/pastor for the Anglican and Lutheran Parishes of Watrous
Julie Moser, youth and children's missioner, leaves diocese By Joanne Shurvin-Martin
Julie Moser Photo by Christine Kotsaris
CARONPORT (Qu’A) — The Saskatchewan Anglican interviewed Julie Moser in November, shortly before she completed her work as Youth and Children’s Missioner for the diocese. Bishop Rob Hardwick wrote, “We will all miss her passion for youth ministry and her enthusiasm for the Gospel. For six years she has led this ministry well and we see the fruit, in the
growing number of children and youth in the diocese. Her energetic and joyful presence will be missed both at the office and the diocese.” Q: What are a couple of highlights from your six years of work as Youth and Children’s Missioner for the Diocese of Qu’Appelle? I had never worked in children’s ministry before this job and I have loved every opportunity to do so. Highlights with the children
have been the children’s winter overnight (Growing Faith) and the GrandDay Out (Grandchildren and Grandparents day.) It has been especially rewarding to see children graduate into the youth ministry retreats, camps and events. I have enjoyed the freedom to shape the ministry to serve the diocese, and so it has been a joy to set up new camps and retreats as well as initiate larger events such as the
Find the Saskatchewan Anglican on Facebook and Issuu!
Grandparent Training weekend, the Spiritual Friendship conference with Wes Hill and the interprovincial Calgary Engage Conference. I have also enjoyed working with parishes in leading the Alpha course with the adults in the churches. This has been very well received and I hope more parishes come on board and give it a try. What is very special to me is the high quality team Continued on page 2
2
The Saskatchewan Anglican
January 2020
... Youth, children's missioner leaves diocese them to be screened has also given parents and clergy confidence in the ministries they engage in.
Continue from page 1 of volunteers I have worked with on retreats and events in the diocese. They have all been members of our parishes and many have become friends. Q: Your accent is a giveaway that you didn’t grow up in the area. How did you come to be here? My husband Ken and I moved to Canada from Australia 15 years ago to work as youth ministers for a church in Vancouver. In 2010 Ken started as the professor of Youth Ministry at Briercrest College, which explains our move from hot, sunny Australia to one of the coldest parts of the world! I worked as a youth minister for several years and then as Youth Advisor in the Diocese of Sydney before our move to Canada, so when the bishop created the position of Youth and Children’s Missioner, I announced to the person who told me about it, “This is MY job!” Q: Why did you decide it was time to leave this work now? In 2019 some parishes began to seriously look at options run by the national church for young people. At General Synod in Vancouver it became clear to me that as an evangelical Anglican I am out of step with the national church and as a result I began to re-think my long-term effectiveness in the role of Youth and Children’s Missioner in our diocese. I thought and prayed
Julie Moser has left the position of Youth and Children’s Missioner for the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. During her six years as missioner there has been a steady increase in the number of young people attending youth events. Photo by Christine Kotsaris long and hard about this before deciding to finish up. Despite this awareness I do not intend to cut ties with the many people with whom I have I’ve been working; I want people to know I am not burning bridges. Q: There has been a steady increase in the number of young people taking part in diocesan events. How did this happen and how do you suggest the diocese works to continue the trend? Personal relationships with young people, parents and parish ministries are key to any ministry whether at a parish or diocesan level. The vision
to have a Diocesan Youth and Children’s Missioner created opportunity for people to connect with the diocese at a personal level. In addition, having someone dedicated to driving the vision and creating new opportunities to engage youth and children has enabled new approaches to camps and created new retreats and events as places for youth and children to connect. The quality of the leaders who have participated in these camps, retreats and events have also multiplied the Youth and Children’s Missioner role beyond one person. Create opportunities for these leaders to be trained and create a process for
Q: What are your plans for the future? At this stage that is uncertain. We will be worshipping with Via Apostolica, which rents space in St. Matthew’s, Regina. Ken has a sabbatical from Briercrest beginning January 2020 so we will spend some time enjoying weather in Ken’s hometown of Phoenix, AZ, which will give me some time to think through options. Regardless of employment opportunities I plan to continue ministry to young people by discipling those the Lord puts before me and working out how best to serve the church. Q: Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for youth workers and/or for youths in the church? A focus of my time in the role of Youth and Children’s Missioner has been the importance of passing on the faith to the next generation. For this to be possible we have to have a living and active faith to pass on! Therefore, we need to be committed to growing our faith in Christ through our daily, personal reading and study of the Bible. We need to learn how to practise our faith in fellowship with God’s people, sharing our faith and prayer. We need to seek ways serve the gospel of Christ in all areas of life. These are faith practices that we can encourage in all ages to develop and grow.
DIOCESE OF SASKATCHEWAN
Diocese to have balanced budget for this year g Most of the parishes in the diocese provided their priests with a rectory. The Parish of Melfort had a rectory that it had been renting since its happy amalgamation with the Tisdale parish. It decided to sell the rectory and was thrilled when it sold in a week g The synod office was also sold a lot quicker than expected. They are to vacate on Feb. 1. They will
be moving sometime after Jan. 15 and will expect to be back in full operation by Feb. 15. The executive and the bishop are committed to wheelchair accessibility in the cathedral hall and a move that is cost neutral. By locating in the cathedral, the synod office will save about $20,000, which includes property taxes of $13,000 it had to pay since 2015.
g There are free books and books for sale at the synod office. g The Diocesan Synod will be held Oct. 23 and 24 g The diocese is hosting the Provincial Synod in May 2021 g Congratulations to the executive and finance committees and Indigenous Council on their work together to balance the budget for 2019. The diocese is in good financial
shape and have been able to maintain the same apportionment level for more than 10 years. g Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 9 a.m. will be the final service at the Edward Ahenakew Chapel. Tuesday morning Communion services will continue at the cathedral beginning Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 9 a.m. g The archives will be closed until Feb. 15.
Published by the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle. Published monthly except for July and August. Whole No. 292, Vol. 48, No. 5 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 March issue must be received by the diocesan editor no later than Jan. 24.. 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: Mary Brown mary1949brown@gmail.com Box 25, Shellbrook, Sask., S0J 2E0 306-922-5159 Advertising agent: Angela Rush saskatchewan.anglican.ads@ gmail.com 905-630-0390 PUBLISHING DETAILS Published from 59 Roberts Place Regina, Sask., S4T 6K5
January 2020
The Saskatchewan Anglican
3
The Bishop's Corner
New beginnings By the Right Rev. Chris Harper Bishop of Saskatoon
“
Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever” (Eph. 3:14-21) Amen. New beginnings, ancient faith …. Beginning the new year always should start with a sense of hope and promise, especially so, for the unknown beyond the horizon. It may be the Christian view of change that we look forward to the future through or rather around the rear-view mirror of life and history. We long for the comfort and the familiarity of the past in our glory days, as we seek with hesitancy and trepidation, the excitement of the new. A new year is upon us and the church is called to new life and faith. The church of 2020 will realize and witness this reality in many new and exciting discussions and expressions around kitchen tables, gatherings of fellowship, and coffee times. The church is called to change and grow because it is part of the living body of faith in Christ. The Church should not be
seen and embraced as a monument to the past, for if we do, then the Church is truly dead. So, if the Church is seen as alive, then it will by all natural reality, breathe and move as the Holy Spirit leads us; this we must trust and believe. Much has changed in the past year in our ministry and more is yet to come. Together in faith we strive on, believing and living that God has this, as we steadfastly go forward, as one family in faith. Discussions have begun in how we see ministry anew in the dioceses of the Anglican Church of Canada, and even in the province of Saskatchewan. Tri-diocesan consultation has begun in how we might support, share resources and respectfully walk with each other in the dioceses of this fair province. How this will look in the
coming years and what will the Lord God call us to, is under prayerful discernment. Ministry as a whole in the Catholic — all who call themselves Christian — Christian community are coming to the table to seek our commonalities, to dialogue, and to prayerfully walk together in the family of faith. This in response to the changing and challenging time of this present age. I challenge the church for the year 2020 to humble itself, to prayerfully bend the knee, to come back to faith and live out our faith as we are called by name as one in the family of God. In the year 2020 I call the faithful of the church to lift up your prayers and to read Scripture on a daily basis and to prayerfully think and support the church and those that serve the church. I ask for your prayers for our clergy and ministry teams as they
sacrifice and give of themselves in a time and age where faith is diminishing in society, demands are sky high, and where our personal expectations and sensitivities are placed on the shoulders of those who minister, sometimes placing an unrealistic load and burden on the ministry. Our ministers and ministry teams are stressed and challenged more than they ever have, trying to do more with less and more being asked of them on a daily basis. The struggle of being the church is unrealistic, especially alone, but together in the family of God, especially if it is prayerfully done, founded on the Word of God through Scripture, the church can be built up, grow and bless for the glory of God Almighty. If we ourselves diminish so that the body of Christ might be lifted up, in so doing, maybe then, we can truly express and witness to the world around us, the true values of Christian faith by loving and forgiving each other in the family of God. So the next time you feel compelled to diminish, criticize, tear down another in the body of faith, look in the mirror and pray for the broken before you first. For surely someone else is praying for you already, for you are the church and change begins with this new beginning and ancient faith.
Would you read this newspaper online? By Jason G. Antonio Managing Editor
T
he editorial board of the Saskatchewan Anglican met recently to discuss two issues facing this paper and all Canadian Anglican newspapers: finances and readership. Since last March we encouraged you to renew your subscription to the Saskatchewan Anglican and the Anglican Journal. This was important since the Journal wanted accurate readership numbers and wanted to ensure people receiving a newspaper still wanted it. Well, the Journal recently provided all the diocesan newspapers with readership numbers, and boy, they do not look good. Before this subscription renewal began, the Anglican Journal had subscriber numbers of about 125,000 households.
After the renewal process was nearly complete, that number dropped to a staggering 35,000 subscribers. For us at the Saskatchewan Anglican, our original number of subscribers hovered around 3,700 households. After the renewal process, we had dropped to an astounding 1,100 subscribers. That represents a loss of twothirds of our readers. Are there really only about 1,100 Anglicans in the province of
Saskatchewan? It’s always possible, since our Church has been shrinking over the decades. However, this number could simply represent the number of households receiving this paper; there could actually be more than one Anglican living in a household. The reason subscriber numbers are important is because the federal funding grant that the Anglican Journal receives is based on how many subscribers the paper has. The higher number of subscribers, the larger the funding grant the receives. Conversely, that grant shrinks if the number of subscribers drop, too. For the Saskatchewan Anglican, our three dioceses don’t have a lot of money. Each diocese sets its budget for the year and sets aside a certain amount of money to fund this newspaper, based on
the number of people in each diocese who receive the paper. The fear around the editorial board table is if our readership drops, that could make printing this newspaper more costly. The big fear — and a great possibility — is that we will be able to publish until only this March or April. After that, the dioceses don’t be able to provide any more funding and the bishops have said they won’t break the bank to keep the Saskatchewan Anglican afloat. Now mind you, let’s look at this in economic terms for a second. If readership numbers go down, then fewer newspapers need to be printed and printing costs go down. That could mean there is less money spent to pay the printer; that would be great, but right now, we simply don’t know anything about the Journal’s finances will
look. As goes the fate of the Journal, so goes the fate of the diocesan papers. If this newspaper was no longer printed, would you continue to support it by reading it online? We have a small online presence with our Facebook and Issuu pages. We don’t have a website, but there isn’t enough regular Anglican news in this province to require a space. A website would need daily news in order to be viable since that would encourage people to come read there often. It does pain me that there might no longer be a print version of the Saskatchewan Anglican. I understand that print media is suffering and fewer people read physical newspapers. However, I do believe our Anglican publications serve a niche group that the mainstream media doesn’t regularly cover, and nor should it. Please email me at skanglicaneditor@gmail. com if you have concerns or have more questions.
4
The Saskatchewan Anglican
January 2020
Martinson became a great artist after moving to Canada By Mary Brown
A display honours Andrée Martinson, while her paintings are shown at right. Photos by Mary Brown
PRINCE ALBERT — "Trust in the Lord with all your heart leave not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path" (Proverbs 3:5) Carin van Walsem, Andrée Martinson’s caregiver in the last few months, found these words written in many places in Andrée’s house. This was exactly how she lived her life, trusting in what God had planned for her. On Nov. 14 God’s plan was to bring Andrée home to him for which she was ready and happy to do. George Glenn, a wellknown artist in Saskatchewan, gave the eulogy at her funeral. Andrée was a very religious and artistic woman. To hear Andrée story, you might have thought you were listening to another version of Dr. Zhivago. She and her four sisters lived in Switzerland overlooking Lake Geneva. She remembered hearing the Orient Express pass by and
dreaming of riding it to far away destinations. Before she could accomplish her dream the Second World War had begun. She remembered seeing the Allied planes flying overhead in 1944, indicating the imminent end of the war. In the early stages of the war she enrolled in the Red Cross to aid refugees who fled to neutral Switzerland. In 1945 she married Herbert Martinson. They lived in Lausanne, Zurick, Ireland (for 10 years) and England until
1963 when they moved to Saskatchewan. Their first year was spent in Kinistino and then on to Prince Albert. Andrée belonged to St. David’s Church where she was a lay reader for many years. She was also a member of the Order of St. Luke, and the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer. She received the Order of Saskatchewan in 2002. Every week she would come to the morning Communion service at the Synod Office. She had a beautiful singing voice and was a wonderful Christian woman. Bishop Anthony Burton described her as a luminous Christian and mainstay both of the church and of the Prince Albert arts community. She was original, incisive, direct and uncompromising in her quest for truth and beauty. She was much loved by a wide circle of friends even into her 100th year. Andrée Martinson was born on May 4, 1920 and died Nov. 14, 2019.
DIOCESE OF SASKATOON
Announcements for January 2020 Saskatchewan Anglican online! Did you know that you can read current and past issues of the Saskatchewan Anglican online at https://issuu.com/ thesaskatchewananglican or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ saskatchewananglican or the Diocese of Saskatoon website at www.anglicandiocesesaskatoon. com/saskanglican? g What is our bishop up to? Check out the Bishop’s Calendar on the redesigned, new and improved diocesan website. g Safe Church Meeting: Following upon the approval of our Safe Church Policy at our recent synod the diocese will conduct a Safe Church workshop on Jan. 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Cathedral Parish Hall. All clergy, wardens, members of vestry, treasurers, Sunday school teachers and any volunteers expected to be involved with vulnerable people (elderly, people in the hospital or nursing homes and children, the handicapped etc.) are requested to attend. If you are planning on
attending, please inform the Synod Office so it has some idea of the number expected. Call 306-2440935 or email anglicansynod@ sasktel.net. g Indigenous Culture and Spirituality Day: A tentative date of Saturday, Jan. 25 has been suggested for a day to encourage us all (lay leaders and clergy) to meet and learn more about Indigenous culture and spirituality as well as post-residential School challenges. More information on this event will be provided as details are finalized. g Celtic Evening Service in Saskatoon: The Celtic Evening Eucharist Service continues in its third year at St. George’s Anglican Church, 624 Ave. I South, Saskatoon. Services are held every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. g New School of Discipleship: The Diocese of Saskatoon is beginning a School of Discipleship that will consolidate the separate programs of Lay Reader and Locally Raised Clergy training; St. Bridget’s; and training in ministry support.
Uptake for this School of Discipleship is expected to begin in early 2020. For more information concerning the School of Discipleship please see the larger notice elsewhere in this issue and also see our events and lectures for “Preparing for Advent” advertised elsewhere in this issue. For more information on these or the School of Discipleship, please contact the School of Discipleship’s co-ordinator, the Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy, at tmccarthy@ sasktel.net or 306-370-8378. g Seniors’ Lunch in Battleford: St. George’s Anglican Parish, Battleford holds a monthly seniors’ lunch the first Monday of each month. The food is provided by the parish members and is complementary. g New Course in the Gospel of Matthew: The College of Emmanuel & St Chad is excited to announce that it will be hosting a week-long intensive course on the Gospel of Matthew from Jan. 6 to 10, 2020! In this class, students will be introduced to many topics, such
as how Matthew was composed; the social and religious context in which Matthew was written; the preaching style of Jesus; and the theological significance of the parables. The students will also learn several ways to incorporate Matthew’s Gospel into their own ministry and how it fits with our lectionary year. For questions and enrolment, please contact our registrar at esc. registrar@usask.ca. Also, please visit the college’s newly constructed Facebook page for updates and news about the college at www.facebook.com/TheCollege-of-Emmanuel-St-Chad. 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.
January 2020
The Saskatchewan Anglican
5
Trios hear reports on demographics, resources By Joanne Shurvin-Martin REGINA — Two presentations gave plenty of detailed information about the Anglican Church in Regina and area, and, in contrast, the general population of the city and area that forms the Archdeaconry of St. Cuthbert. The presentations on the evening of Nov. 29 were open to anyone from the archdeaconry, and were part of the preparations for Vision Day the following day. Bill Stahl, retired professor of sociology at the University of Regina and a member of St. Paul’s Cathedral, gave a detailed overview of the results from the Trios meetings. These were a series of six meetings of (generally) three members from different congregations, with guided discussions and questions to answer following Scripture readings and prayers. More than 80 people participated in the sessions that were held in October and November. Each Trio sent their answers to the archdeaconry Growth, Vision and Mission Working Group, and after they were made anonymous, Stahl consolidated and summarized those answers and prepared a PowerPoint presentation. While there was variety in the answers, several trends are clear. Under the topic “Discerning our call” most Trios said there were too few people to do too many jobs, which results in burnout, and most mentioned poor communication. Stahl referenced previous information from an all-parish self-assessment where all but one parish rated evangelism as a low priority. Nearly every Trio recognized that the Anglican Church has two basic resources: people and money. As numbers shrink and people age, both decline. Many Trios said the church in Regina is not using resources effectively. Two answers demonstrate this theme: “We have lots of resources tied up in maintaining buildings. We have lots of fundraisers to pay the bills. There is not much left for mission.” “Most
Rev. Dell Bornowsky and Bill Stahl chat during the social time at the pre-Vision Day event. Stahl presented the highlights from the Trios meetings, which discussed the future of the Anglican churches in Regina. Photos by Nigel Salway suggestions were large, significant and expensive; others were simple and gardens, balcony gardens, basically free changes to children’s gardens the ways churches have been operating. Alvin Yau’s presentaJust a few of those tion was titled A Few suggestions were: Demographic Tidbits. He * Improve our church had used data from the websites and social media most recent Canadian presence census (2016), and sorted it * Buy a wheelchairby postal code prefix (first accessible bus to bring three digits of code) for the people to church city of Regina, and by mu* Offer vegetarian nicipality for Lumsden and options at church dinners Pense, which are included * Have a variety of in the Archdeaconry of St. worship services at a Cuthbert, along with the Bryan Sigurdson of St. James speaks with Alvin Yau variety of times and places seven Regina parishes. about his statistical presentation at the pre-Vision * Create worship Yau is a member of All Day gathering about the future of the Anglican services for different Saints, Regina. churches in Regina. groups of people and styles The first map showed of worship the average age across the resources are being to embrace the Christ as * Use ‘real food’ at the archdeaconry, which is dedicated to keeping the Lord. Our needs come Eucharist just older than 36 years. buildings open.” under the promise and * Consolidate our By coincidence, Yau is 35, Under the topic Judgement of the gospel. resources to free time, and it was pointed out that “Equipping ministries” Forgiveness of sin is the effort, and human and he was clearly among the 10 Trios said we need most critical need.” financial resources to youngest in the room. better co-operation and More Trios had carry on ministry Other slides showed co-ordination, while the important insights about * Keep having joint maps including household same number said we need reaching out. “We should services, close down the income, post-secondary openness to and encourwitness to the world other churches, offer rides education and people agement to change. what the Kingdom of God * Establish campus identifying as Aboriginal. When asked about looks like. We can offer ministry Before Yau’s presenta“Reaching out” a large community to an individu* Have one central spot tion began, Archdeacon range of critical needs alistic, alienated world.” to post all Regina church Cheryl Toth reminded were identified. Nineteen “The community (near activities electronically the audience that in local groups listed poverty and and far) needs to know * Have a big project to Anglican churches, 60 per hunger; 12 said homelessthat the Regina Anglican work on together cent of regular attendees ness, seven mentioned the churches are caring places * Use our spaces for are 60 years or older, while environment and climate that will attempt to reach societal needs such as 30 per cent of those giving change, and many other out and meet spiritual and housing and childcare, to the church are 80 or issues were identified in material needs.” making them as accessible older. lower numbers. Perhaps the most as possible Nationally, the Anglican However, not all important answers from * Sell some churches church has the oldest Trios saw helping our the Trios are the concrete and build low cost/senior membership among major neighbours as a critical suggestions for the church housing denominations, and the need. One said, “We need in the future. Some * Grow community Continued pg 6
6
The Saskatchewan Anglican
January 2020
James Settee students learn 'a lot' during course By Mary Brown PRINCE ALBERT — Another successful James Settee College week of religious education was held Nov. 25 to 29. The classes were held at St. Alban’s Cathedral except for on Wednesday when the students came to the synod office for instruction from the bishops. Gary Graber and the Rev. Sam Halkett were the teachers for this week. I talked to everyone on Wednesday and asked a group of them what they were learning this week. Edna Merasty answered “a lot;” not exactly what I meant! Turns out they were learning how to write and present a sermon, which was scary for Madeline as her turn was in front of the bishop. Everyone said she did a great job. Bishop Chris Harper spoke to the students in the afternoon. He must have had feelings of déjà vu when he was a student in that very room and I’m sure we could find in the archives a picture of him in front of that same picture years ago. He has been doing presentations in his diocese on what it means to be an Anglican, such as why they do the things they do, for instance, wearing liturgical clothing and colours, using incense, the ceremonies to name a few. There were about 20 attending this year’s classes. Among them were clergy the Rev. Elias Ballantyne, Canon Park Buck, Rev. Wilfred Sanderson, Rev. Beryl Whitecap, Rev. Rita Nawakayas and Rev. Sam Halkett. The rest of the group were lay readers and interested Christian people from as far as Grandmothers Bay, Cumberland House, Red Earth, Shoal Lake, Stanley Mission, Montreal Lake, Little Red, and James Smith Reserve. Everyone wanted to have one final picture taken in the soon to be vacated synod office. The good-looking couple in the picture is Liz and Sam Halkett. When Liz was 10 years old she moved from a reserve in the far north to Little Red Reserve where she came to help her sister with her kids. Liz said she has always
Students and instructors gather for a picture during a James Settee College course.
Photos by Mary Brown
... Trios hear several reports Continued from pg 5 Anglican church in Saskatchewan is older than the national Anglican average. According to a report from the House of Bishops, if the Anglican Church of Canada does not make significant changes now, in 20 years there will not be a Church to save. Despite these statistics, Yau says it is not impossible for the church to survive. He said engagement is very important, and strongly encouraged that the Regina churches develop a positive social media presence. When asked, “so why are you still here?” he said that he became involved with the parish after a personal invitation, and said that is even more important than making connections online.
Liz and Sam Halkett. been a mom. She and Sam had their first child when Liz was 17. They had five boys and four girls who gave them 22 grandchildren, six boys and sixteen girls, and one great-grandchild. Vicky, Liz’s sister, was married to Sam’s brother and so they were sweethearts from a young age, 10 and 12, growing up in the same family so to speak. They went to Christopher Lake School and afterwards Sam went to Alberta to work. Sam was ordained a deacon on Oct. 22, 2011 and as a priest on June 5, 2015. When I asked Liz what parishes Sam works in and she said anyone that calls. He is officially the priest at Little Red and Big River First Nation, but if LaRonge, Montreal Lake, Sturgeon Lake or any
The Friday evening event set the stage for the day-long Vision Day on Saturday. About 60 individuals who had participated in the Trios meetings had registered. The day was to begin with prayer and an inspirational message from Bishop Rob Hardwick, as people of the archdeaconry call to God for direction and guidance to what God is calling them. The day will include reflections and prayer with individual and group exercises, culminating in “next steps” to be taken to move forward together. Another milestone in the archdeaconry visioning work is the meeting planned for Dec. 12, with the wardens of the five ‘merger/rebirth option’ parishes.
community need him he goes there. He plays the guitar and is a regular at Gospel Jamborees around the diocese. He is on the Indigenous Council and teaches Cree and syllabics classes too. Liz is usually the head cook for the James Settee College sessions. Her meals are well planned and generous and there is always a big pan of delicious fried bannock. With all her work in the Home care preparation and serving Home care designed of meals for more than 20 Home care designed people, I once observed Liz designed especially especially put a big piece of pie on a especially for you for you plate and left her kitchen for you In the Saskatoon area, please call In the Saskatoon area, please call to give it to Sam. • Companionship • Palliative Care In the Saskatoon area, please call 306.652.3314 Whenever it was their • Home Support • Nurse Supervised Staff 306.652.3314 306.652.3314 1.800.647.7730 anniversary Sam would • Personal Care 1.800.647.7730 • 24 Hour / 7 Day Service 1.800.647.7730 plan a special date for Liz. • Nursing • Companionship • Client Consultations • Respite Services • Free In-Home Consultations They• are aCare great couple Personal • Palliative Care • Nurse Supervised Staff • Nursing • Companionship • Client Consultations •• Home Nursing • Companionship • Client Consultations SupportCare • Insurance Funding • 24 Hour/7 Day Service • Personal • Palliative Care Investigations • Nurse Supervised Staff and a• Personal wonderful example Care Palliative CareInvestigations Nurse Supervised Staff 2 to reach your local branch press ext. • Home Support • •Insurance Funding • 24 Hour/7• Day Service • Home Support • Insurance Funding Investigations • 24 Hour/7 Day Service to their community and www.bayshore.ca children. ISOhas been enhancing the quality of life, dignity and independence of Bayshore HealthCare
306.652.3314
Bayshore HealthCare has been enhancing the quality of life, dignity and independence of Canadians in their homes since 1966. Bayshore HealthCare has been enhancing the quality of life, dignity and independence of Canadians in their homes since 1966. Quality 9001
Management System
Quality e g i s t e r e dISO C osince m p a n y Management Canadians in their Rhomes 1966.
9001
System
Registered Company
ISO 9001
Quality Management System
Registered Company
www.bayshore.ca www.bayshore.ca
www.bayshore.ca
HealthCare HealthCare
HealthCare
January 2020
The Saskatchewan Anglican
7
Anglican Church faces extinction by 2040, report suggests By David W. Virtue www.virtueonline.org
N
ew official statistics gathered from 2017 by the Anglican Church of Canada and recently sent to the House of Bishops show official Sunday attendance has dropped to 97,421. The last official statistics published were in 2001. Membership and attendance in the ACoC reveal a church in freefall. At the present rate of decline the ACoC will be out of business by 2040. A prior report published in 2006 predicted the last Anglican would leave the church in 2061. That figure has now been lowered. However, even 2040 could be wrong owing to higher recorded deaths, no new members, emptying churches and lack of money to sustain new priests or even what they have. The following are indisputable facts: • The rate of decline is increasing • New programs adopted by the Church have done nothing to reverse the decline. • The Anglican Church of Canada is declining faster than any other Anglican Province other than The Episcopal Church, which has an even greater rate of decline. • The slowest decline is in the number of priests. The statistical report was prepared for the
House of Bishops by the Rev. Neil Elliot. Here is what he concluded: Projections from our data indicate there will be no members, attenders or givers in the Anglican Church of Canada by about 2040. This report presents the headline data and
in the next few years will enable us to plan for the future and not react to it. BACKGROUND — Statistical projections of ACC membership previous to the 2017 data There have been previous reports to the
International comparisons suggest the decline in the Anglican Church of Canada is faster than in any other Anglican church, although data for the Episcopal Church shows an even greater rate of decline in attendance.
includes diocesan decline data based on the statistics from 2001 and 2017. The report goes on to look briefly at a few of the implications of the data. The report then suggests further work needs to be done. The work identified here can be done without substantial additional resources. If there is hope in these numbers, it is the hope that some data gathering and analysis
House of Bishops that have identified the extent of our decline, for example the McKerracher Report in 2006. While McKerracher predicted the last Anglican would leave in 2061, the current evidence projects that the church will run out of members in around 2040. There is no sign of any stabilization in our numbers; if anything, the decline is increasing.
Some had hoped that our decline had bottomed out, or that programs had been effective in reversing the trends. This is now demonstrably not the case. The decline will not be a surprise to many congregations that see this happening week by week, but what the data confirms is this decline is happening consistently across the country from British Columbia to Newfoundland. International comparisons suggest that the decline in the Anglican Church of Canada is faster than in any other Anglican church, although the 2018 data from the Episcopal Church shows an even greater rate of decline in attendance than ours. There are two main sources of data that show the past trajectory: Historical ACC statistics from 1961 to 2001 The years 1962-64 were the apogee years of Anglican Church of Canada membership. Membership declined by 50 per cent over 40 years from 1961 to 2001. Compared with overall Canadian population
statistics, the figures were even more alarming! Membership in 1961 was 1,358,459. There were 18 million Canadians, while seven per cent were Anglicans. By 2001 there were 641,845 members in a population of 31 million Canadians or two per cent of the population. By 2017 the ACoC had dropped to 357,123 members in a population of 35 million Canadians or one per cent of Canadians. Circulation data of the Anglican Journal (AJ) give figures for more recent decline. AJ circulation statistics are available for diocesan and parish levels. They have been collected through a consistent methodology of parochial data collection with the intention of distributing the diocesan newspapers. The overall numbers are as follows: June 1991 — 273,000 subscriber households June 2015 — 135,500 subscriber households The 25-year decline from 1991 to 2015 was 50 per cent. Put together the ACoC will run out of members around 2040.
Primate reacts to report about decline By the Anglican Journal TORONTO — Archbishop Linda Nicholls, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, reacted to the report about the church's membership decline and the interest the report had generated, during a recent meeting of the Council of General Synod. Nicholls said she hoped that instead of trying to figure out why the church was in numerical decline, or get drawn into a “vortex of negativity” about it, Canadian Anglicans would instead focus on
the church’s calling. “I think we’re being tested about perseverance, endurance, creativity in the coming years,” she continued. “At the end of the day, when we stand before the great judgement seat and have to answer for how we lived our lives as Christians, I think the question that will be asked is, ‘Were you faithful with what you were given?’” Nicholls added that the report was a “wake-up call,” a mirror showing it unpleasant truths that could act as a spur to action.
8
The Saskatchewan Anglican
January 2020
A sacrifice of praise By Rev. MarieLouise Ternier
Eucharist, accepting and honouring, loving unconditionally and self-giving: unday “Take and eat, take and Eucharist drink.” begins And what to do with long before Dave? He’s going through the appointed hell with a wayward worship time. daughter. I join him in In the early the muck of the situation morning silence while words splashed with God invites me tears of frustration and to consecrate the day as helplessness come pouring a sacrifice of praise and out. thanksgiving, all of it, the I listen patiently, good and the bad and the knowing myself on ugly. the holy ground of his Every ministry day vulnerable spirit. Words contains unexpected of reverence, communion curves and challenges, and compassion bring alongside joys and God’s grace and Euchalaughter. “Take and eat,” ristic self-giving into this says our God, “take and good man’s hurting heart. drink … deeply”. “Take and eat, take and Presiding generates drink.” holy energy, flowing The Body of Christ, through body-mindgiven for you. The Blood spirit in leading God’s holy of Christ, the cup of people. So good to see you; salvation. who’s missing “Oh dear, Finally, a planned hope John isn’t sick again, meeting in a coffee shop. farmers are seeding; and Bryan, a millennial, is look, there’s quick to say, Anna at 97 “I’m not a keen Despite his disinterest in traditional still wanting church goer.” religious practice, he appreciates our to be here, He showed up and there’s chats. He trusts enough to tell me that he one Sunday our young only goes to church to honour some family and made family, trying the mistake roots; roots poisoned by family addictions of giving his hard to make and dysfunction. it once in a contact informawhile.” tion; I know how He talks, I listen, honouring and The welcoming his musings and insights, even to find him now. prayers and Despite his those different from mine. preaching disinterest in on the Holy traditional Word weave the life of our Yet, their hearts echo religious practice, he farming community into with a faint desire, a appreciates our chats. He God’s tapestry of salvation. yearning to bless this holy trusts enough to tell me Taking my place at the gift of new life, even if that he only goes to church altar, praying through the words fail. Wash me from to honour some family ritual preparations, the prejudices and irritations, roots; roots poisoned by words are uttered slowly: O God, and cleanse me family addictions and “Take and eat, take and from my petty judgments. dysfunction. drink.” “Take and eat, take and He talks, I listen, The Body and Blood drink,” is for them too. honouring and welcoming of our Lord Jesus Christ. With Christ-like hospitalhis musings and insights, Holy words over holy ity and compassion, I even those different from food bringing holy mercy, gently plant seeds in their mine. healing and reconciliation hearts, just as my husband “Take and eat, take to God’s holy people: Holy, plants the garden, with and drink,” says Jesus to holy, holy all right. Wash unwavering faith that God Bryan, even though Jesus away my iniquity, O God, will make for sprouting and monotheism have and cleanse me from my and growing. long lost their appeal and sin, so as to be your vessel I stop by Helen’s place. he now prefers Eastern of mercy and grace to this Still in her house, she’s religious paths. little flock of faith. tired of living. “I’m After a day of human Following worship, smoking and drinking joys and sorrows, a day of Eucharist continues with again,” she tells me Eucharistic outpouring a sharing circle. Several defiantly. “What harm is it of God’s grace, mercy and parishioners attended the gonna do me now? I’m 91!” love, I drive the 45-minute Blanket Exercise and are Her adult kids agree and trip home alone. ready to share. Others resign themselves; why I feel empty and full, join, curious. fight this resilient spirit grateful and challenged, Feedback is mixed; that has stood the test of my heart sensing the joys tentative words reveal the time? and pains of God’s holy struggle to shift mental Stubbornly clinging people in our little prairie maps around the old ideas to hurts from a bygone town. about our Indigenous era, she politely declines The Body of Christ, sisters and brothers and God’s holy food, not feeling given for you. The Blood of the history learned in worthy. Christ, poured out for you elementary school about Yet I am called to be and for all.
S
Sir Arthur on Remembrance Sunday
Sir Arthur Ramshaw pictured in his Legion dress at the altar of Christ Church Nokomis, on Remembrance Sunday, Nov. 10. Ramshaw, who is now 101 years old, was knighted by the government of France in recognition of his service with the Canadian army during the Second World War. He brings the offerings to the altar in Christ Church at almost every Sunday service. Ramshaw and his wife, Betty, (who died last September) were featured in the November 2018 Saskatchewan Anglican. Photo by Deacon Jack Robson
DIOCESE OF QU’APPELLE
Deacon remembered g Deacon Jean Dreher died in the palliative care unit of Pasqua Hospital on Nov. 11, 2019. After battling dementia for six years, she was blessed with a peaceful death. Dreher was very much a part of the ministry of St. Matthews, Regina, and Qu’Appelle House. Dreher was ordained to the diaconate on April 25, 2007. She served the parish of St. Matthew until 2012, and then as deacon at Qu’Appelle House, after volunteering there often. To quote a parishioner at St. Matthew’s, “Jean had the most beautiful, contagious smile and her eyes would light up whenever she saw you. She made you feel that you were very special to her.”
Dreher was independent to the end. She passed on her love of animals, books, art, long naps and cookies to her children and seven grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter Deb (Lionel), sons Kelly, Bernie (Melody) and David (Anne-Marie); and was pre-deceased by her daughter, Marianne. g Patricia Ann Pratt was a much-valued member of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle and of St. Luke’s, Gordon’s First Nation. She died Nov. 18, 2019, at the age of 63. Pratt was on placement with St. Philip Regina; had attended leadership training at Wycliffe College in Toronto and QSMM; and had been testing a call to ordained leadership.
cowboys and Indians. Christ is present to them, as Christ was present in the holy meal: receiving their discomfort, naming it gently while breathing peace into the circle, pointing to the table of reconciliation, the Eucharist, in this moment with this experience. It’s not perfect, and we have a long way to go, but we have set out on the road, the road of slow but steady learning and reconciling: “Take and eat, take and drink.” Next the Eucharist presses me as another young couple wishes to have their child baptized. No church practice, little manifestation of faith, tongue-tied when asked about God and Jesus and the Bible.
January 2020
The Saskatchewan Anglican
9
Dress-up Sunday at Christ Church, Saskatoon In the run-up to this year’s Halloween celebrations, the Parish of Christ Church, Saskatoon held a Dress-up Sunday service which included appearances from the Mad Hatter, Friendly Wolf, Lambchop, various Star Wars characters, a preaching bunny (aka the Rev. Mark Kleiner) and a Swedish Chef (aka the Rev. Peter Coolen). For the chilly Halloween evening Christ Church also hosted and warmed up trick-or-treaters with a fire pit, hot chocolate and coffee, and accessible washrooms. Photo submitted
'Energizer bunny' Dewey McClintock had active retirement career By Mary Brown PRINCE ALBERT — It is not often when you are from Toronto that you meet someone who is actually related to a childhood friend. John Dewey McClintock knew my friend and her family as he was her father’s cousin. I didn’t know him then. Born Sept. 1, 1930, he was later ordained May 8, 1961 in Toronto. He came to Saskatchewan in 1985 as the priest for the Parish of St. Matthew’s in Tisdale. In 1989 he was appointed as the priest for Birch Hills and Kinistino and then in 1994 for Muskoday and Fort a la Corne. In 1995 he retired, except he didn’t, because in 1997 he was appointed as interim priest for the Melfort Parish and then in 2010 he served as interim priest at MacDowall, St. Louis and the Herb Bassett Home. Meanwhile, he was also the chaplain at the Saskatchewan Peniten-
tiary, which included two days a week and one Sunday a month. In 1994 he was appointed as a canon of the Archdeacon Payton Canonry. Bishop Anthony Burton remembered that Dewey was the priest at the first confirmation he did as bishop of the diocese. Dewey married Betty in the early 1990s and moved to Struthers Lake where he lived for the last 30 years. He had two children from his first marriage; they live in Ontario and Edmonton. He was really good to his grandchildren who miss him dearly. He was the human version of the energizer bunny. Betty and I lost count of all of the new parts that her husband had. New hips, knees, shoulders, eyes and other parts she couldn’t remember. Sadly, he suffered from cancer for the last few years and still held on and beat the odds, until he died on Oct. 22, 2019.
Forum on preaching a success By Rev. Peter Coolen SASKATOON — On Nov. 7 and 8 a forum on the “Nuts and Bolts of Preaching” and “Preaching the Advent of Our God” was presented by the Diocese of Saskatoon’s School of Discipleship. The conference was held at the cathedral parish hall and was attended by 31 including one representative from the United Church and two pastors from the Lutheran Church. The co-ordinator was the Rev. Trish McCarthy, College of Emmanuel and St. Chad and coordinator of the Diocese of Saskatoon’s School of Discipleship. The theme was assisted by a series of addresses presented by the plenary speaker, the Ven. Dawna Wall, between breakout group lecture sessions given by other speakers.
Archdeacon Dawna is an archdeacon in the Diocese of British Columbia and prior to that was a cathedral canon; she co-chaired worship planning for the 2018 National Lutheran/ Anglican Worship Conference, was lead chaplain at 2019 General Synod and is an adjunct professor at the Vancouver School of Theology. Archdeacon Dawna also preached on the forum topic at a public Evening Prayer service held at the cathedral on Nov. 7. There were several speakers for the breakout sessions and the topics presented over the two days of the conference. They were “The Prophet Isaiah” and “Advent Lections on Isaiah” by the Rev. Matteo Carboni, Humboldt Parish; “Matthew’s Gospel” and “Advent Lections on Matthew” by Dr.
Adam Wright, College of College of Emmanuel & St. Chad; “Contextual Preaching” and “Contextual Preaching in Advent” by Rev. Dr. Iain Luke, principle, College of Emmanuel and St. Chad; and the “Letter to the Romans” and “Advent Lections on Letter to the Romans” by the Rev. Dr. Bill Richards. Rev. Trish McCarthy said, “Folks voiced an interest in having a similar conference again possibly for Lent. “During the thank you time at the end, several lay readers said they felt warmly welcomed and appreciated (and found) the talks to be in down-toearth language.” The conference closed with a panel discussion and Q&A time with the speakers, presenters and registrants, followed by a hymn and a brief service of Evening Prayer. A two-day conference on the basics of preaching and preaching for Advent was presented by the Diocese of Saskatoon’s School of Discipleship on Nov .7 and 8 by the Rev. Dr. Bill Richards, the Rev. Matteo Carboni, the Right Rev. Chris Harper, the Rev. Dr. Iain Luke, the Rev. Trish McCarthy, Archdeacon Dawna Wall and Adam Wright. Photo by Peter Coolen
10
The Saskatchewan Anglican
January 2020
Fellowship and information in Borden On Nov. 22 the Town of Borden hosted an information evening for families new to the community. Businesses and service providers were invited to host tables and to make brief presentations. A potluck supper followed where 228 people enjoyed a generous repast and fellowship. There were many young families present. The Rev. Sheldon Carr (left) of St. John’s Church, Borden manned a church information table representing both the Anglican community and the United Church community; the two worshiping communities share the St. John’s building. Darrell Weib (right) ably represented Riverbend Mennonite Fellowship at the table as well. Photo by Rev. Sheldon Carr
Anglican and Lutheran women 'journey together' during retreat By Mercedes Montgomery SASKATOON — “We Journey Together” was the theme of the second annual Lutheran Anglican Women’s (LAW) Retreat held on Oct.18 and 19 at St. John’s Anglican Cathedral, Saskatoon. Our retreat facilitator was the Rev. Jessica Latshaw; 34 women attended the retreat. Friday evening Lutheran and Anglican women gathered for a time of fun, camaraderie and orientation to the Saturday schedule. We ended the evening with the Holden Evening Prayer Service led and sung by the Rev. Marilyn Fowlie-Neufeld. Saturday morning saw us renewing our baptismal vows in the cathedral. We then had a group discussion of six case studies about “others in our community,” street people and those on the margin of society. An art project required participants to respond either to selected Scripture or to one of the several case studies; the participants’ response included both a visual representation and written response and was designed to open our hearts and minds to the representatives
Thirty-four women attended October’s Anglican Lutheran Women’s (LAW) Retreat in Saskatoon. Pictured is the retreat’s 2020 LAW retreat committee. In the back are Yvonne Butterfield, Betty Lloyd, Sandra Cey, Bev Otsuka and Rev. Marilyn Fowlie-Neufeld. In the front are Mercedes Montgomery, Jeanette Brandell, Wilma Miller, Marjorie Kirkby. Missing: Lorraine Harilstad and Etta-Marie Green. Photo courtesy Mercedes Montgomery from the social services agencies present. A delicious meal and refreshment breaks were provided by the St. John’s Cathedral Parish women. The afternoon session consisted of presentations
from Saskatoon service organizations The Salvation Army, The Light House, Interval House and The Open Door Society, with opportunity for questions and discussion. This was followed by a meditative
walk in small groups in the cathedral, responding to Scripture and related questions along the way. The day concluded with Holy Eucharist; after the service the retreat participants picked up
a prepared renewal of baptism certificate. Save the date: The 2020 retreat will be held on Oct. 16 and 17 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Saskatoon. Plan now to attend!
January 2020
The Saskatchewan Anglican
11
Ecumenical dialogue and theological union By the Rev. Iain Luke Principal, College of Emmanuel & St. Chad
L
ate in November, I attended an event in Toronto that brought together ecumenists and theological educators. Our discussion focused on how we could help each other. How can theological education bring the churches closer together? Also, how can ecumenists be part of the teaching and formation of church leaders in the 2020s? One ominous phrase kept coming up as we talked. It’s not the first time I’ve heard people speak of an “ecumenical winter,” but it became clear to me that the phrase describes a real experience for some of my colleagues. For a variety of reasons,
England's cathedrals see increase in numbers ACNS — As Church of England cathedrals reported a record increase in visitors, they have been hailed as places “for all, and for fresh encounters”. In the report, published this week, cathedrals reported nearly ten million visitors in 2018, an increase of over 10 per cent on the previous year. There were also over a million visitors to Westminster Abbey. The major Christian festivals also grew with Easter congregations reaching record high, with 58,000 people attending a cathedral at Easter and 95,000 during Holy Week – the highest numbers recorded for a decade. Cathedrals reported 37,000 people worshipping each week in 2018, marking an increase of around 14 per cent over the past 10 years. They also welcomed the highest ever number of children and young people for educational events. In 2018, 340,000 young people from nursery through to 18+ attended events at cathedrals and at Westminster Abbey.
the vision for closer unity amongst Christians, and the energy that vision inspires, seem to be slipping
off their radar. As we talked, though, I noticed how the challenges they described could be seen in different lights. For example, the steep decline in participation and financial resources, affecting many denominations including our own, can make people defensive of their own turf, and less able to find the time or effort to work with ecumenical partners. But the same phenomenon can also draw us together. First, it is a
shared experience, forcing us to think together about how the Christian churches are relating (or failing to relate) to an increasingly postChristian society, here in Canada at least. Secondly, our decline compels us to consider how we can get out of our silos, pool our resources, and share the good news with one heart. It is this alternative interpretation that is, I believe and I pray, taking root in the Saskatoon Theological Union (STU). By this summer, God willing, our three colleges (the College of Emmanuel & St. Chad, Lutheran Theological College and St. Andrew’s College) will be residing together under one roof. This is, at least in part, a consequence of
the reduced capacity of our churches to support theological education, whether in terms of producing students or of funding their programs. That is not the whole story, though. Our smaller footprint is also an indication, in all three partner institutions, of a stronger alliance between theological education and the front line of the church’s mission. Rather than taking students away from their communities for a lengthy period of intensive teaching, we now focus more on learning in context. In that sense, the whole church is our seminary. Equally important, we are steadily reducing our need to do theological education in separate denominational compart-
ments. This relates to another sign of ecumenical winter, which we are trying to see in a fresh light. It’s certainly true that denominational identity, which appeared to be withering away at one point, is now showing a resurgence. One explanation is that, when people of no faith background join a church, the specific gifts and insights of that church are what they find attractive and want to identify with. This can lead to friction with other churches, when the first priority is to defend what is distinctive about your own church. On the other hand, a strong attachment to tradition and identity can also be an asset to the shared tasks of mission and ministry. In order to Continued on page 12
12
The Saskatchewan Anglican
January 2020
... Ecumenical dialogue Continued from pg 11 be the whole church, living the whole gospel for the whole world, we need all the gifts of all the traditions, and we need people who will appreciate and embody those gifts. So, as the STU comes closer together, we are trying to talk to one another about what we value in each other’s stories as well as in our own. Future Anglican leaders will, I trust, reap the full benefit of the United Church’s single-minded practical focus on making a difference in the world and in people’s lives. They will also have access to Lutheran wisdom about being right with God and with one another, knowing it is only grace that allows that to happen. At the same time, I hope Lutheran and United students will absorb uniquely Anglican perspectives. Perhaps that will be the way our worship connects
faith and life, so that we turn to God with all our neighbours on our heart, and to all our neighbours with God on our heart. No doubt our partners see other qualities in us too, which we don’t even recognize for ourselves! We won’t fulfil these hopes if we stay at a distance from one another, but neither will we succeed if we stop valuing our distinctive identities. Living in the same building, we will still be three colleges, each of whom cares deeply about Lutheran, United and Anglican contributions to our common life. With any luck, it won’t stop there, as we search out new partners to work with. Maybe the winter wind really is blowing for ecumenism. But as we all just celebrated, in the middle of winter, gifts can be exchanged, shelter found, and good news proclaimed, when we remember Christ in our midst.
Athabasca elects new bishop By Joelle Kidd Anglican Journal
C
anon David Greenwood was elected bishop of the diocese of Athabasca at an electoral synod at St. James Cathedral, Peace River, Alta., November 16. He was elected on the third ballot. In an email interview with the Anglican Journal, Greenwood said the experience was “quite surreal, as in, ‘did that really happen?’” As a nominee, Greenwood says he felt worried, seeing the role of a bishop as a difficult one, with stresses coming from all directions. However, when the results came in, “I was quite surprised that the actual feeling I had was one of humility. “I am very humbled that God appointed me through the people of God electing me in this part of his church.” As bishop he says his vision includes bringing younger generations in to “join us in worship and working for the Kingdom of God,” as well as clergy
Canon David Greenwood has been elected the bishop of the Diocese of Athabasca, which is located in northern Alberta. Photo by Anglican Journal and parish care. “Our clergy are quite spread out in dispersed parishes,” he says, adding that he looks forward to finding ways to build relationship with and nurture clergy and parishes across the diocese. Greenwood says he is excited for the adventure which he and his wife Benita are now on, and is thankful for the support he has received from her, from the diocese and the other nominees.
Christ the King Sunday The Regina parishes of All Saints, St. James, St. Luke and St. Matthew joined St. Philip to celebrate Christ the King Sunday at the Living Spirit Centre on Nov. 24. Rev. Michael Bruce from St. Luke, pictured here, delivered the children’s time message. Worship was led by Rev. Nancy Yee, interim priest for St. James and St Philip. Rev. Zsofi Schmiedge from All Saints delivered the sermon. Photo by Nigel Salway