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The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal • May 2018
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Bishop cycles across Canada for unity, reconciliation By Jason G. Antonio
Rabbi Jeremy Parnes (centre) led the ceremonial Seder supper. He was joined by Yaniv Atiya (with guitar) and Sapir Atiya, who performed a number of songs to accompany the steps of the Passover. Yaniv and Sapir are from Israel and are working at the Beth Jacob Synagogue as community and religious developers. Photo by Nigel Salway
Rabbi discusses Seder supper By Laura French REGINA — On the Tuesday of Holy Week, a ceremonial Seder supper was led by Rabbi Jeremy Parnes, Yaniv Atiya, and Sapir Atiya of Beth Jacob Synagogue. All Saints Anglican Church hosted more than 130 guests from many faith communities. Those present took
turns retelling the Passover story of the Israelites’ escape from Egypt. Rabbi Parnes explained the significance of each element of the meal. From how the wine is poured; to the bitter, dry, and sweet foods eaten; to the songs and prayers; all are designed to remember how the Jewish people found their
freedom. The Seder is said to be the same festival Jesus celebrated with His disciples on the night of the Last Supper, which Anglicans commemorate on Maundy Thursday. Organizers hoped the experience of this ceremony will enrich Christians’ preparations during Holy Week and celebration of Easter.
REGINA – Bishop Robert Hardwick will cycle across Canada this spring and summer on a pilgrimage to foster unity, healing and reconciliation within the Anglican Church of Canada, with Aboriginal Peoples, and with other hurting people. Hardwick sets out from Victoria, British Columbia on May 19 and heads east. He hopes to reach St. John’s, Newfoundland on Aug. 1, for a total of 7,877 kilometres in 62 days. He will ride through 21 Anglican dioceses, visit hundreds of congregations and meet thousands of people along the way. He is scheduled to arrive in Saskatchewan at Maple Creek on June 2. He will be in Regina from June 6 to 7, before heading to Manitoba on June 9. Hardwick’s journey and prayer diary can be followed at www.facebook. com/DoQMission. He expects to bike an average 125.5 kilometres each day. His longest one-day stretch will be in Ontario, where he will ride 162 kilometres in one day, followed by 165 kilometres the day after. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do,” said Hardwick, who oversees the Diocese of Qu’Appelle.
In preparation for this journey, Hardwick hired a coach to get him into shape. He has cycled 3,010 kilometres so far on an indoor trainer bike. By the end of 2018, Hardwick expects to have cycled roughly 14,500 kilometres, including his preparations, event riding, and cool down cycling workouts. This is equivalent to riding halfway around the world. This year lends itself to this pilgrimage, as it has been 25 years since he was
ordained a deacon and 2018 is his 40th wedding anniversary; his wife Lorraine is travelling with him as well. Hardwick also turns 62 years old, so he thought it appropriate to attempt to cycle that many days. Hardwick will also use this time as a sabbatical to grow spiritually. Continued on page 2
Indigenous native priest reflects on first year in Toronto At left, Rev. Chris Harper speaks at a vigil for water at Holy Trinity, Toronto. The vigil honour the land and water. Reprinted with permission, from the Toronto Anglican newspaper Editor’s note: Rev. Chris Harper served for four years at the parish of Birch Hills, Kinistino and Muskoday in the Diocese of Saskatchewan.
By Stuart Mann To gauge the Rev. Chris Harper’s level of happiness and fulfillment, you have to check the length of his hair. In Plains Cree culture, he explains, long hair is a symbol of patience, identity and wisdom, as well as a powerful connection to your ancestors, the Creator and the land. Harper, who is the
Diocese of Toronto’s Indigenous native priest, used to have two long braids stretching halfway down his back. He had to get them cut off when he went to school – a devastating experience, he recalls – and kept them off as a parish priest. But his hair is getting long again, enough to make Continued on page 10
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
May 2018
Our God, both changing and unchanging Why is God’s unchanging nature comforting? By the Rev. Canon Shawn Sanford Beck
B
e present, O merciful God, and protect us through the silent hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world, may repose upon thy eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. This ancient collect from the night office of compline in the Book of Common Prayer must be one of the most comforting prayers in the Anglican tradition. While Heraclitus observed even in the late sixth century B.C. that the nature of the universe is change, our
own particular era has experienced change on a scale unimagined by the great philosopher. Arguably, there has been no other generation that has experienced such massive changes in technology, medicine, social norms, etc., than ours has. No wonder so many of us feel wearied by such accelerated change! In such a world, the assurance of a loving Creator who is “changeless” seems absolutely salvific. Our God is a rock amidst shifting sands. She is a shelter in the storms of life. When we feel overwhelmed, confused, and even dismayed or beaten down by the world around us, we can call on Christ, and turn to Him for the support and stability
we so desperately need. As a pastor, I can appreciate the truth and value of our belief that God is changeless. As a theologian, though, I get a bit anxious that our doxa of changelessness too easily reinforces a notion of divine apathy. Apatheia is a technical term derived from Hellenistic philosophy that denotes the inability of theos to be moved by anything. This conviction, foreign to the Hebrew mindset, tempted us to construct an image of a god who cannot be moved, cannot suffer, cannot experience time or space, cannot actually feel anything. This apathetic view of God has always competed within Christianity with a more biblical understand-
ing of divinity as dynamic, involved, empathetic, suffering, and even ... changeable. A God deeply involved with the world is a God who experiences change. As the world changes, this has an effect on God. For Christians, we recognize the depths of this effect in the Passion of God: The Cross. So, is God changeless or not? For now, let’s leave it to the theologians to battle it out. But one thing that every teacher of doctrine can agree upon is that the inner nature of God never changes: God is Love, now and always, world without end. Amen. The Rev. Canon Shawn Sanford Beck is the Diocesan Training and Development Officer for the Diocese of Saskatoon.
... Bishop cycles across Canada for unity, healing Continued from page 1 This will not be Hardwick’s first time cycling long distances. He cycled across Saskatchewan in 2016 and in 2017 as part of his mission to visit every parish in the diocese by bike and expects to make another cycle pilgrimage in 2019 to visit the remaining churches in the diocese by bike. Hardwick took up cycling to get fit. His health was particularly poor from 2009 to 2013, after he shot up to 310 pounds on his 6-4 frame. He wanted to get into shape after heart surgery in 2013; he has lost 100 pounds since then and has seen many physical and spiritual benefits. Hardwick knew unity, healing, and reconciliation were the three areas on which he wanted to focus during his pilgrimage. He could see that the Anglican Church of Canada was divided and anxious about its future. He understood that healing and reconciliation was needed with First Nation people, along with people who moved to Canada over the years and not received positive treatment. Hardwick would like to raise $2 million from people he meets and from dioceses. However, he emphasized his main priorities are praying and meeting with people.
Published by the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle. Published monthly except for July and August. Whole No. 292, Vol. 46, No. 9 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 June issue must be received by the diocesan editor no later than Friday, April.27 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
Bishop Rob Hardwick will cycle more than 7,600 kilometres on his national journey to promote unity, healing and reconciliation. File photo He has a list of people for whom he will pray attached to his handlebars. He has learned to pray for people while monitoring the terrain around him. For example, while climbing steep hills, he prays for people struggling with major issues such as war, famine, cancer, or relationship stresses. About $1.2 million would go toward a medical centre in Muyinga, Burundi — the second poorest country on Earth — along with a Habitat for Humanity build in Regina;
ministries focused on youths, children, and First Nations; and a diocesan theological school. The other $800,000 would go toward the national church’s Aboriginal Healing Funds. “Is this ($2 million) a dream figure? I have no idea. If I get $300, that’s still good,” he chuckled. Hardwick will ride an endurance bike for most of the trip, since it can absorb the shocks of the road. It weighs 21 pounds and is made of carbon fibre, and while not lightweight, is
ideal for the journey. He will ride a second bike through the mountains. It has 32 gears and weighs 32 pounds. The biggest concern Hardwick’s fitness coach has are the potlucks he’ll attend. The coach warned him to watch what he eats since he suffers from Crohn’s Disease. Hardwick will take his own food on the journey, which will be kept in an RV trailer towed by the car his wife is driving. “Give me a wave,” he said. “Come and join me.”
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
May 2018
The Saskatchewan Anglican
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Waiting and working for our Pentecost By Bishop Rob Hardwick
T
he word Pentecost is both a noun and an adjective As a noun it represents a date, a place, and an event way back in the history of the Church. However, the church also insists Pentecost is an adjective, for it describes the living church. But how do we keep this aliveness, this fire burning, this spirit moving, this church growing? How do we prepare a church and individuals for the coming of their Pentecost? What must exist in us, around us, and through us, if we are to be a Pentecost people, to be Anglicans alive to the Holy Spirit? First, I believe we are to be in one accord. We learn that from the Ascension, to the day Pentecost came, the apostles were all together in one place, they waited in expectation, and, according to the
King James Version, they were in one accord. In other words, there was unity and agreement and a sense of togetherness. They may not have known what the future would hold for them, but they did know who held the future for them, and that
was enough. There was a commonality among them; it was to that setting that the Holy Spirit came. Second, in Acts 1:14, we are told: “They all joined together constantly in prayer.” While it is true that churches that are together, in one accord, can accomplish much, no church can be truly Pentecostal if it does not pray. For it is, ‘Not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit says the Lord.’ Prayer has to be our first action and not an after-thought. Are we calling out to the Lord constantly? Which brings me to the third point. Pentecost is possible only where there is repentance! Through unity, prayer, and repentance we can harness the power of the Spirit. As Christians, we are not called to be spectators, we are called to be saints. Saints empowered by God’s
Spirit, as the early disciples were. Called to gather, to be in one accord, to repent on behalf of ourselves, the church and nation and, through prayer, to tap into the great resources given to us by God. To plug into God’s power socket and release His power which is available in abundance. I feel this is a time for intense prayer. This is why for the next three months I will be cycling across Canada meeting with people to pray for greater unity and, in repentance, to pray for healing and reconciliation for all peoples. Jesus said, ‘As the Father sent me, so I send you’ (John 20:21). Please join me in prayer from the Eve of Pentecost to Aug. 1. Please pray ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ and that we as a church would experience greater unity, healing, reconciliation and a fresh outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit.
These gifts are for the birds
John Remi is donating 100 per cent of the proceeds of the sale of his handmade bird houses, bird feeders and squirrel feeders to seven charities that can be chosen by those purchasing his creations. For more information, pricing and to order please check out the website at www.jrsdesignerbirdhouses.ca. Photo submitted Submitted SASKATOON — If you are looking for a special gift for a birthday,
anniversary, retirement or new home, and you wish to give a gift that will provide a sense of enjoyment and, at the same time, help a
very worthwhile cause, check out the many unique designer birdhouses and bird and squirrel feeders available from JR’s Designer Birdhouses, birdhouses birdfeeders and squirrel feeders. Money for the purchase of a JR’s Designer Birdhouses product are donated 100 per cent to one of seven charitable organizations that donors can specify: - Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon; - St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, Saskatoon; - Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation, North Battleford; -Victoria Hospital Foundation, Prince Albert; - Humboldt District Hospital Foundation, Humboldt; - The Children’s Discovery Museum on the Saskatchewan; - The Cathedral of St. John
the Evangelist, Organ Restoration Fund. These birdhouses and feeders make wonderful gifts for Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day as well as an interior ornament for your home, which will surely be a conversation piece. The very different and unique birdhouses and feeders are handcrafted by John Remai, Saskatoon master builder. Lovingly constructed with quality pine and building materials, these birdhouses and feeders are finished with two coats of lifetime guaranteed Behr Premium Plus paint. All fastenings and glue are waterproof. Bases are easily removable for cleaning. Choose one or many; make the specified donation, and your selected birdhouse is free! The owners of JR’s Designer Birdhouses,
Sonya and John Remai, may be contacted at their downtown Saskatoon showroom at 101-500 Spadina Crescent East, where you can purchase and pick up a birdhouse and donate to one of their charities, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment on weekends. You can also view their website at www. jrsdesignerbirdhouses. ca to check out the many different designer birdhouses and feeders made by JR’s Designer Birdhouses and to place your orders. As an example of one of their supported organisations, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist organ restoration fund has a fundraising goal of $35,000; to Jan. 7 this fund had received $29,933, of which $6,170 was from the sale of birdhouses by JR’s Designer Birdhouses.
Remembering the Humboldt Broncos The Rev. Matteo Carboni from St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Humboldt emcee's the remembrance vigil in Humboldt on April 8 to honour the 29 Humboldt Broncos players and personnel involved in the bus crash on April 6. Ten players and five team personnel were killed, while 14 players and team personnel were injured. Besides Carboni, Dr. Lawrence Joseph represented the Diocese of Saskatchewan. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
May 2018
Prayer conference focuses on Acts of the Apostles By Mary Brown PRINCE ALBERT – Did you know that St. Luke can take credit for writing two books of the New Testament? Luke was a highly educated Gentile with a noted literary talent. His gospel parallels the other synoptic gospels, but he alone reports on the parables of the Good Samaritan, the prodigal son and the persistent widow. He alone reports on several of Jesus’ miracles. But Luke also wrote a sequel, the Acts of the Apostles. So he wrote not only about the teachings of Jesus but also about the teachings in the early Christian church. It is likely that Luke accompanied St. Paul on several of his journeys. When Paul uses the pronoun we, he is including St. Luke. The only place the Holy
Spirit directly speaks is in Luke’s Acts of the Apostles. In Acts he also introduces the role that women played in the early church. In our second annual prayer conference at the Hawood Inn, Waskesiu, the Rev. Dr. Dean Pinter was the guest speaker. Dr. Pinter has written Acts of the Apostles in the Story of God Commentary series, published by Zondervan. He is the rector of St. Aidan’s Church in Moose Jaw in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. There were about 70 people ranging in age from five to 96 taking part in the conference. Driving through a blizzard on the Friday night was definitely worth the effort. Mary Lou Hoskin, Christine Rye and Ralph Duncan provided the music. The Rev. Sam Halkett also stepped in to lead in two Cree hymns.
A well-attended prayer conference focused on the Acts of the Apostles. Photo by Mary Brown The musicians get together on Tuesday nights twice a month for Pray and Praise and anyone is welcome to join them.
The conference was a great success with a lot of laughing, singing and praying. In his closing remarks Bishop Michael Hawkins
highlighted Rev. Dean Pinter’s observation that works of charity are the foundation of the Church’s mission in extending the Gospel.
DIOCESE OF SASKATOON
Announcements for May 2018 g Saskatchewan Anglican online! You know you can read current and past issues of the Saskatchewan Anglican 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, a fundraiser or has it already held one and has something you can report? Well, don’t keep this to yourself! 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 2018 Theological Union Convocation: The 17th Convocation of the Saskatoon Theological Union will be held on Friday, May 4 at 7 p.m. at St. John's Cathedral, 816 Spadina Crescent, Saskatoon. All are welcome to attend. g Summer Course in New Testament Greek: The Summer Language School at the College of Emmanuel & St Chad, which begins May 7, is offering an intensive course in learning to read and understand New Testament Greek. Please call 306-975-3753 to register or for more information.
g Program in Ecumenical Studies and Formation: The Prairie Centre for Ecumenism will be conducting a 2018 program in Ecumenical Studies and Formation from July 10 to 13 at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Saskatoon. The visiting scholars are Rev. Dr. Sandra Beardsall and the Most Rev. Donald Bolen, both highly respected and active in ecumenism, nationally and internationally. Registration deadline is June 15, while cost is $350. Early Bird registration pricing is $275 and is available until May 31. For registration forms or more details email programs@ pcecumenism.ca; phone 306 653-1633; or www.pcecumenism. ca. All current information is also available on the PCE website at http://pcecumenism.ca/content/ program-ecumenical-studies-andformation-2018. Indigenous Ministry in Saskatoon: St. George’s Anglican Church (624 Ave. I South) provides a monthly Anglican Indigenous Ministry Service the last Sunday of each month. The service begins with a lunch in the parish hall at noon, followed by a smudge ceremony and a sharing circle in the chapel led by the Rev. Denise McCafferty and others. g Celtic Evening Service in Saskatoon: A Celtic Evening Service is held at St. George’s,
Saskatoon. Services are held every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. Come and join us to share in a time of ecumenical Christ-centred meditation, communion and perhaps a bit of Celtic music, followed by a time of tea and community. Each night’s service format will be adjusted as the spirit moves us! g Retrovaille: A Lifeline for Married Couples: Pronounced retro-vie, this is a lighthouse for marriages on stormy seas. Retrouvaille is designed to help troubled marriages regain their health and re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together. For confidential information about the Retrouvaille program, please email retrouvaille@sasktel. net or call 306-652-7155. Anniversaries
in 1984 and served as the executive director of the centre until 1994. At retirement, he was pastor of Paroisse Sts-Martyrs-Canadiens in Saskatoon, and ecumenical officer for the Roman Catholic diocese. Fr. Bernard has continued, since his retirement, to work in the area of ecumenism. Prior to the June 3 Evensong Service, Fr. Bernard will say mass at the French Roman Catholic Church in Saskatoon in the morning. Meanwhile, the Rev. Canon Colin Clay will be in St Paul’s Cathedral, Regina, where he will be worshipping with the Royal Regina Rifles in their Garrison Church. He is padre of the Royal Regina Rifles Association, which has a reunion on the first weekend in June every year.
Service of Celebration of Diamond Jubilee as priests: The Rev. Canon Colin Clay and Fr. Bernard De Marjorie were both ordained as priests on June 1, 1958. At 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 3, in St John’s Anglican Cathedral in Saskatoon, Fr. Bernard and the Rev. Canon Clay will participate in Solemn Evensong to celebrate the diamond jubilee of their priesthoods. Fr. Bernard was the founder of The Prairie Centre for Ecumenism
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.
May 2018
The Saskatchewan Anglican
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Cursillo supports our growth as Christians By Elizabeth Turnbull REGINA — What is Cursillo? Cursillo is a method of supporting and encouraging our lives as Christians. It is an opportunity to grow in faith, a chance to know the love and grace of God and the joy of Christian fellowship, a way of experiencing Christian community, and an opportunity to develop one’s gifts of ministry. A baptized Anglican may participate in a course sponsored by the Anglican Church. Cursillo focuses on short talks on Grace, Faith, Study, Ideals, Evangelism, and Christian Community in Action,
followed by discussions in small groups. Cursillo is not a renewal program. It is a short course in Christian leadership, living, piety and study. The word is Spanish for short course. After the Spanish Civil War ended in 1939, the Christian church in Spain was under attack. The 1930s were a time of
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depression and bloodshed. There were many people who seemed blind to spiritual ideas. They needed to hear a message proclaimed in a different way. Catholic Action, created in Italy by Pope Pius XI, which had later spread to Spain, organized a pilgrimage. It operated at the diocesan and national
levels and its sole purpose was to take 100,000 youths to Santiago on pilgrimage. In 1948, in an attempt to show the world that faith was alive in Spain, 600 youth formed a spiritual army that made the pilgrimage from the tiny island of Mallorca to Santiago de Compostela, the ancient shrine of St. James the Apostle, in northern Spain. Leaders were trained in what was known as Cursillos for Pilgrim Leaders at the diocesan level, and Cursillos for Pilgrim Guides at the parish level. These talks prepared youth, spiritually and materially, for the pilgrimage
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to Santiago. Each Cursillo lasted for an entire week. During Holy Week of 1943, Eduardo Bonnin was captivated with Cursillo. Bonnin grew up in a devout Catholic family and spent nine years in the army. In the army, he was confronted with many non-Christian young men. Bonnin concluded that these people were not only de-Christinized but also adverse to religion. Bonnin with others formulated a three-day Cursillo that sought to remedy the “ignorance of faith.” Bonnin talked about the Christianization of communities by the people of the community. His talk contained the basis of what was to become the Cursillo Movement. After the three days, the new “Cursillistas” were integrated into permanent group reunions to encourage their spiritual growth. The first Cursillo was given in August 1944 on the island of Mallorca. This experience was repeated every year until after the pilgrimage in 1948. In January 1949, the once-a-year Cursillo was replaced by many a month. The movement spread from Spain to the world. Cursillo USA was first held in Waco, Texas, in 1957. The American Episcopal Church held its first weekend in Iowa in 1970. The first Canadian Anglican Cursillo weekend was held in Toronto in 1977. The first men’s and women’s weekends in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle were held in November 2010. Participation in a Cursillo weekend has a different effect on each person. It is a vertical experience rather than horizontal, meaning your first attention is upwards towards the Lord and then horizontal to the community of believers. Some receive joy, others enthusiasm or peace. Some receive a spiritual scrubbing. I enjoyed my Cursillo weekend. I came home uplifted. I was privileged. My table group bonded together. These women have become my sisters-in-Christ. For more information on Cursillo, please phone Shelley Baron at 306-5221608.
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
May 2018
Double Belonging
Ordination is profound in many ways By Rev. Marie-Louise Ternier Editor’s note: The Rev. Marie-Louise Ternier serves the Anglican and Lutheran parishes in Watrous. This column, the last of the Double Belonging series, is copublished with the Prairie Messenger. Marie-Louise blogs at http://graceatsixty. wordpress.com.
I
looked out at the crowd that had filled the Anglican Cathedral. I was amazed, surprised, overwhelmed. They had come, from everywhere, in droves: friends and family, colleagues and ecumenical co-workers. The church catholic was present in its fullest sense: Pentecostal, Baptist, United, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Anglican and Roman Catholic. Especially Roman
Catholic: a sea of them along with several priests and one higher ranking official. The happy grins spoke volumes: I was not the only one who looked forward to this moment. In the midst of this ecumenical community of faith I claimed my call before the bishop, made vows and promises, and knelt for the “holy huddle” – Anglican, Lutheran, United and Presbyterian
clergy colleagues and two RC priests joining the bishop in the solemn laying on of hands. Ordained a priest. I still struggle to find the words. The effect of the experience was profound. It was profound in my own heart-mind-spirit, in my experience of church, and in the effects upon my current ministry. Given the ecumenical make-up of the assembly then, I felt truly ordained by and into the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church in the broadest, fullest sense of that term. I have always been mindful of the role the faith community plays when one claims a call to ministry; one is called by and for the community, never for oneself. Now this crucial role was expressed in the most tangible way possible – the community’s presence
and participation was their fiat. A deepening and affirmation, blessing and mandate all rolled into one holy Spirit-filled act of ordination. No wonder I still struggle to find words. The next morning, I presided over the (Anglican) Holy Eucharist for the first time in a Catholic retreat centre, which included a renewal of marriage vows for Jim and I – it was our wedding anniversary. Similar to the night before, the people of God in all denominational diversity packed the worship space, hungering for a taste of heaven where divisions and barriers melted away: take and eat, take and drink, all of you. Maybe a number of firsts occurred, such as RC priests joining in the laying on of hands; an RC ecclesial official bowing his head for my
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first priestly blessing; a religious sister leading music at the Anglican Eucharist the next morning while persons from various traditions served as acolyte, readers, communion assistants; communion bread baked by an Anglican-RC couple; those with different beliefs finding a space of respect and hospitality while getting caught up in the joy and gratitude of the occasion. That I may at last taste the joy of fulfilling this vocation still feels like a miracle. What seemed elusive for 26-plus years has come to pass. At the same time it was always there, for the priestly call lived in my heart as an animating light, a wellspring of grace and love. Several months later now, I clearly have not recovered from the intensity and holiness of it all – I hope I never will. Nothing is wasted in God’s economy. I am now pastoring two rural parishes, Anglican and Lutheran. All the pieces of my life’s puzzle have come together: formation and ministry experiences of the past 26-plus years are now all bearing fruit in these two small parishes on the Canadian prairies – who would have thought. Now living Christian discipleship in the Anglican household of God is opening new spiritual vistas and blessings. Meanwhile my Roman Catholic family of origin continues to occupy a cherished place in my heart; in her bosom my faith was nourished and my vocation was born. I truly live a double belonging. The increasing opportunities for joint ministry with my local Catholic priest and his parishioners are therefore sources of deep joy and immense gratitude, weaving unity in my spirit and among our people. We don’t make journeys like this in isolation. In this final column of Double Belonging I extend a heartfelt thank you for the company and friendship, prayers and support of so many on this road towards priestly ministry. It truly takes a community to call a priest/pastor. Pray that I will continue to fulfill this sacred trust faithfully, placing my priesthood at the service of the full visible unity of God’s one, holy, catholic and apostolic church.
May 2018
The Saskatchewan Anglican
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Teaching the basics of Christianity through Alpha By Joanne Shurvin-Martin REGINA – Alpha is a course that explores the basics of the Christian faith. It is a series of interactive sessions, each looking at a different question and designed to create conversation. Each session begins with an informal meal, followed by a half-hour video on the theme, and then discussion in table groups. St. James the Apostle, Regina, began an Alpha course on Ash Wednesday ran until May 2. Members of the St. James Transition Team have organized the course — and many members are participating — as the team works to discern God’s will for the parish. (St. James has had a parttime, intentional interim priest since January 2017.) The first few sessions drew about 15 people, but attendance has grown to 33, and participants range in age from a young married couple in their 20s to an active centenarian. Most, but not all, are parishioners of St. James. Ben Walsh, a member of St. James vestry, highly recommends the course. “This is my first time attending, but won’t be my last. I did not know what I was getting into, but am very happy I did register. I wish I had heard about Alpha 40 years ago.” As a host at this Alpha course, Jennifer Jacobs helps facilitate discussions after the video. She says, “This is my second time taking part in Alpha. Both times I’ve participated as a committed Christian, and it has been a source of affirmation of my beliefs and a good reminder of how to explain my faith to others. “It is simplified, but not dumbed down, and it doesn’t minimize the importance of knowing Christ.”
Discussion in table groups is guided by a printed outline, and though participants are talking about serious topics, there is also plenty of laughter at an Alpha course. Photo by Joanne Shurvin-Martin
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
Submitted
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May 2018
Shoes in church
showered and shaved..... ...... I adjusted my tie. I got there and sat..... ..... In a pew just in time. Bowing my head in prayer..... ..... As I closed my eyes. I saw the shoe of the man next to me..... Touching my own. I sighed. With plenty of room on either side..... I thought, 'Why must our soles touch?' It bothered me, his shoe touching mine..... But it didn't bother him much. A prayer began: 'Our Father'..... ..... I thought, 'This man with the shoes. Has no pride. They're! dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!' 'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on. The shoe man said..... ..... A quiet 'Amen.' I tried to focus on the prayer..... But my thoughts were on his shoes again. Aren't we supposed to look our best. When walking through that door? 'Well, this certainly isn't it,' I thought, Glancing toward the floor. Then the prayer was ended..... ..... And the songs of praise began. The shoe man was certainly loud..... Sounding proud as he sang. His voice lifted the rafters..... ..... His hands were raised high. The Lord could surely hear. The shoe man's voice from the sky. It was time for the offering..... ..... And what I threw in was steep. I watched as the shoe man reached..... Into his pockets so deep. I saw what was pulled out..... ..... What the shoe man put in. Then I heard a soft 'clink' . As when silver hits tin. The sermon really bored me..... ..... To tears, and that's no lie. It was the same for the shoe man. For tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the service..... As is the custom here. We must greet new visitors. And show them all good cheer. But I felt moved somehow..... ..... And wanted to meet the shoe man. So after the closing prayer..... I reached over and shook his hand. He was old and his skin was dark..... And his hair was truly a mess. But I thanked him for coming..... For being our guest. 2 He said, 'My names' Charlie..... ..... I'm glad to meet you, my friend.' There were tears in his eyes..... But he had a large, wide grin. 'Let me explain,' he said..... Wiping tears from his eyes. 'I've been coming here for months..... And you're the first to say 'Hi.'' 'I know that my appearance..... .....'Is not like all the rest. 'But I really do try..... .....' To always look my best.' 'I always clean and polish my shoes. 'Before my very long walk. 'But by the time I get here..... ......'They're dirty and dusty, like chalk.' My heart filled with pain..... ..... And I swallowed to hide my tears. As he continued to apologize..... ..... For daring to sit so near. He said, 'When I get here..... .....'I know I must look a sight. 'But I thought if I could touch you. 'Then maybe our souls might unite.' I was silent for a moment..... ..... Knowing whatever was said Would pale in comparison. I spoke from my heart, not my head. 'Oh, you've touched me,' I said.....'And taught me, in part; 'That the best of any man..... .....'Is what is found in his heart.' The rest, I thought, ..... ..... This shoe man will never know. Like just how thankful I really am. That his dirty old shoe touched my soul. Photo from Pixabay.com
Helen Szpakowski, Dwayne and Rose Sinclair, Robert Young, and Harry and Dora Young are members of the congregation of St. Thomas Church, Shoal Lake. They are taking on fundraising activities for church expansion. Photo by Mary Brown
Expansion planned for Shoal Lake By Mary Brown SHOAL LAKE (Skwn) – St. Thomas Church in Shoal Lake has a problem that most Anglican churches would love to have: it has an after school children’s program that exceeds the capacity of the church! The 80-year-old building requires not only maintenance but also expansion – yes, expansion. The congregation would like to have a special kid’s church within the building. As with most northern communities, funerals are community events most often held in the school gymnasium. But other events such as weddings and Christmas and Easter services are held in the church even
though the building is filled to overflowing – yes, overflowing. A committee has begun fundraising. A gospel jamboree was held April 21 and a bingo on April 30. Residents have signed up to have deductions taken from their salaries to be donated to the building fund. The committee is open to suggestions. For example, it will accept donations of pews, furniture, labour or even an unused building that could be moved on site. If you would like to give to this project, please send donations to Annel Bear, Box 55, Pakwaw Lake, SK. S0E 1G0. For information about upcoming fundraisers go to st.thomasanglican357@ gmail.
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www.anglicanfoundation.org
May 2018
The Saskatchewan Anglican
9
The meaning of mission has changed over time By Rev. Dr. Iain Luke
I
n keeping with the season of Pentecost soon to arrive, it’s time to turn to the study of mission as an element of what a theological college offers, both for our students and for the wider church. Unlike some subjects such as church history or the New Testament, which have their own courses, the study of mission shows up as part of a broader selection of subject areas. That’s because the meaning of mission has changed, and continues to change, in the life of the church. The study of mission as an aspect of Christian history reveals some of those changes. The existence and global reach of Christianity is due to the earliest form of mission, modelled on Jesus’ action of sending out disciples, to reach new people and new places with the good news. So churches enable leaders like St. Paul, or his modern equivalents, to travel beyond their immediate surroundings, in order to communicate
the story of Jesus in places where it had never been heard. This point A to point B model of mission is an effective and important part of the church’s original DNA, building into Christian identity a joy worth sharing, and a common responsibility to offer it far and wide. The missionary model entered a new and less positive phase in the late Middle Ages, when European Christian outreach became entangled in power struggles between cultures. From pacifying Vikings in the north to converting Muslims in the east, the
focus on sharing God’s news gave way to the desire to convert, to bring other people over to one’s own side. The Reformation poured even more negative energy into missions, aimed at converting people back and forth between Catholic and Protestant versions of Christianity. Soon after, European powers began the conquest and settlement of other continents, importing their mission strategies to maintain advantages over their competitors, by assimilating and absorbing the resources of indigenous peoples. In a tragic irony, the evangelistic impulse to share the joy of the good news was still very much part of the life of the church in those times, visible in the lives of individual missionaries,
New training options at Saskatoon's St. Brigid School of Discipleship The Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon is pleased to announce the creation of St. Brigid’s School of Discipleship. Following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ in our day and age is no easy task. We all try our best, but sometimes we can use some mentoring and support. St. Brigid’s offers short, practical, and accessible classes designed for all levels of Christian discipleship, from “testing the waters,” to lay readers’ training, all the way to our locally trained clergy program for deacons and priests. We also provide diocesan-wide rites of passage preparation courses, advanced spiritual care training and theological reflection, and continuing education events for
clergy. At St. Brigid’s, we know that 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 draw on our own 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 local parishes throughout our three deaneries, we cut down on your amount
of commuting and bring the school to you instead. 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 inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and looking for ways to serve Christ in our communities. By the way, at St. Brigid’s we know that being a disciple of Jesus will probably cost you your life, but tuition shouldn’t. Our courses and services are offered free of charge, sponsored by the diocese. For more information, please email the Rev. Canon Shawn Sanford Beck at greenpriest@ hotmail.ca or call the diocesan synod office at 306-244-5651.
and the societies that supported their work. From Edmund Peck and the CMS in the Arctic, to Emily Lawrence and the Mothers’ Union in Malagasy, examples stand out of missionaries with genuine appreciation, respect, and concern for the people to whom they were sent, despite the colonial systems in which they worked. In fact, it was individuals like these who eventually compelled the churches to re-examine their understanding of mission, in the light of its colonial abuses. By the 1950s, both Protestants and Catholics could speak of a new theology of Missio Dei, the Mission of God. In this picture, mission is not a historical process, or a church activity. It is an unfolding of the very nature of God, who creates, restores and heals as an active presence in the world. This definition emphasizes the relationship God already has, and has always had, with every person, every culture, and every land. The mission of Christians must be tested against that relationship: are we interfering with God’s loving and saving purpose, or are we looking to see what God is already doing, so that we may join in? The mission-of-God model gives rise to two major developments in the church’s recent life. One is the language of the
missional church, which invites us to measure vitality not by institutional measures, but by how deeply the church engages with the world’s hopes and needs. This approach demands a rethinking of our structures, so that resources and authority can move from the church’s inner life to the places where Christians are joining in God’s activity beyond our walls. The second development is a renewed attention to the context of mission. Many of the earliest missionaries demonstrated a commitment to embrace and understand the life of the communities where they were sent, learning the language and customs, but also finding new ways to communicate the great story of God’s mission. As we reflect on the damage done by mistaken patterns of mission, we are recovering that commitment, but with a new twist. The point of contextual theology now, is not to translate what we already know into new languages, settings, and thought patterns. Rather, it is to learn what a new-to-you way of thinking may reveal about the freshness of the gospel, and the depths of God’s purpose. Ubuntu theology of community in southern Africa, and indigenous theology of the land in North America, may be the best known examples of the church learning new dimensions of its own gospel, by attention to context. As we hear the good news in all the languages of Pentecost, there will still be much more to discover. The Rev. Dr. Iain Luke is the principal of the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad.
St. John the Apostle The feast day of St. John the Apostle is May 8. Together with Peter and James, John was deigned worthy to become close to the Lord, being with Him during the most important and triumphant times of His earthly life. Photo courtesy WordPress
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
May 2018
... Indigenous native priest reflects on first year in Toronto Continued from page 1 a ponytail – a sure sign that he is settling into his new life and ministry in the diocese. “I’m walking an amazing path where I am allowed to be who I am for the first time,” he says. “I’m relishing every moment.” Harper admits that he was terrified when he started the job a little more than a year and a half ago. Coming from a parish in Thunder Bay, where he was the incumbent, he didn’t know what to expect. His main task was to serve as a pastor to the diocese’s Indigenous population – a tall order by any means. The City of Toronto alone has about 60,000 First Nations, Metis and Inuit people, and about half of them are Anglican. He was also starting during a watershed moment in Canada’s and the Anglican Church’s history. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 2015 had released its final report into the history and legacy of Canada’s residential schools. Included in the report were 94 calls to action urging governments and institutions to address the harm caused by the schools and move forward with reconciliation. His first priority was to “get the lay of the land” – meeting people both in and outside the Church, to discuss whatever was on their minds. He says it has been a journey of discovery and revelation. “I’ve seen it all,” he says. “One of the most wonderful things has been to see the amazing diversity of the Church, from people who are willing to embrace new thoughts and ideas about Indigenous peoples, to others who are in outright denial or think that Indigenous peoples don’t even exist.” He has visited 36 parishes and is already booked into November. “It’s been wonderful,” he says. “All the churches have been gracious and welcoming.” When he’s invited to a church, he usually preaches. “I stay true to my calling as a priest – I preach the gospel,” he says. “I don’t preach the gospel of the TRC or the
The Rev. Chris Harper performs a smudging ceremony during of the sixth annual Keepers of the Water Vigil of Lament and Thanksgiving at Holy Trinity, Trinity Square. The service, co-sponsored by the Toronto Urban Native Ministry and the diocese, celebrates the Earth and its water, and laments their exploitation. Photo by Michael Hudson
gospel of Indigenous ministry. I try to bring it under the lens of what we can be – how the gospel speaks to all nations and is a hope for everyone.” He will spend as much time at a church as he is needed, whether for one service or three. He will also speak at informal parish events. “One of the greatest things I’ve been doing is simply speaking with people and answering questions – often questions they’ve always wanted to ask but were afraid to. In those situations, I always say that you can’t offend me, so go ahead and ask anything.” In addition to parish visits, he has led workshops, seminars and a clergy retreat. “I’ll speak on whatever the organizer is looking for. Usually it’s about what Aboriginal spirituality is and what it could be. I’ll also speak about the TRC – what’s been happening and where it is now.” When he’s discussing the TRC, he often touches other subjects as well, such as Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women and the Sixties Scoop, the name given to the practice in the 1960s of taking Indigenous children from their families and placing them in foster homes or up for adoption. “I try to bring everyone into the history of where we have been as a Church and as Canadians,” he says. He has been humbled by what he has seen and
heard on his travels. “I’ve discovered that the people of this diocese live true to their Christian calling – they are a people of hope, and there is the potential for something wondrous to happen. I think what the churches are saying and realizing is that they need to allow the Holy Spirit to move, even when they want to resist.” A number of churches across the diocese have made efforts to learn about Indigenous issues and respond to the TRC’s calls to action. These have included field trips to reserves, holding a blanket exercise, inviting a speaker, joining an advocacy group, visiting a former residential school, donating goods for remote communities, taking part in a demonstration, going on a youth exchange and saying prayers on Sunday. Indigenous spiritual practices are much more prominent in the diocese than they were a few years ago. Smudging ceremonies are increasingly common, as is the practice of acknowledging that a service or meeting is taking place on traditional First Nations land. Clergy and lay people are involved in reconciliation efforts at the national, diocesan and parish level. The diocese recently gave $100,000 to the national church’s Healing Fund. “This is an exciting time to be in the Church and to see what the Spirit is doing among us,” says Harper. “Change is huge because it stirs the stagnant water,
but it’s also good and I want people to see that.” Looking ahead, he is excited about the creation of a national Indigenous church within the Anglican Church of Canada, possibly as early as 2019. He also sees the potential for an Indigenous congregation forming in the diocese within the next five years, possibly sharing space with another church or on its own. “I think people in the diocese are starting to understand that one way of doing things is not the answer for all peoples,” he says. “We have a great diversity of churches, and each one speaks to a certain people. They listen and say, ‘Yes, this is my home.’ Indigenous people have not found that yet within the Church.” One of the things he hopes to do more of in 2018 is visit rural churches. “I’d like to see what’s going on and help them in their ministries, especially as they relate to the TRC.” His second goal is to get out on the land, something he hasn’t been able to do much of since moving to Toronto. “I’ve always been in rural parishes and places where I could step out into nature. A city park just doesn’t cut it. I’d like to connect to the land and re-energize my batteries.” Most of all, however, he looks forward to continuing to meet people. “As Indigenous native priest, I’ve discovered that
my calling is to work with the churches and to help them embrace diversity and change. I try to get people to see that we don’t need to be held back by fear and trepidation, but that we can walk bravely forward into the future that is in the plan and movement of the Spirit.” He adds, “It’s all about embracing people around us. We’ve hugged ourselves for too long and it has become a straightjacket. We need to open our arms and welcome others into the Church.”
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www.anglicanfoundation.org
May 2018
The Saskatchewan Anglican
11
Learning more about ourselves through the archives By Rev. Peter Coolen Editor’s note: This is an update of an article that first appeared in the Saskatchewan Anglican in December 2011. SASKATOON — Who are we, how did we get this way and where did we come from? These are all questions that, at least from a historic and spiritual point of view, can be addressed in part by the archive of records and materials from our diocese, its parish churches, individuals and parish organizations preserved in the diocesan archives. The archived materials in the diocesan archives represent a treasure trove of information from our past for us to use now and, as well, are a gift from us to the future. History and archives can be fun! Here are a few examples of the oddities of history in our diocese that you may not know: 1) W hat parish, formed before the First World War, was paid in cash by a parish in London, England that was bombed during the Blitz of the Second World War to change its name? 2) What parish church contains a great window of stained glass dating from before the 1642 to
1651 English Civil War? 3) How is the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad Anglican Theological Collage, located in Saskatoon, responsible for University of Saskatchewan having the name it has? (Answers at the end)
Synod Office. Access to the records in the archives is provided through the diocesan archivist, who manages the day-to-day sorting and cataloguing of new materials submitted,
and searches for, or assists others in locating, materials already catalogued into the system. What could our archives contain? Sadly, not everything that should be included in the archives
is there. Many records have been lost, destroyed or otherwise have disappeared and have never made it to the door of the archives. Normally, all records and other materials related to the running of the business of a parish, parish and diocesan organizations and synod office should be archived after a suitable period of time has elapsed, such that these records are no longer necessary for the running of a parish, the organization or the synod office. The synod office, individuals, parish organizations and parishes of the diocese may submit any materials that they consider worthy of preservation to the archivist, who will determine if the material (in whole or in part) is suitable for inclusion in the archives. If found suitable, the archivist will arrange and catalogue these new materials within the archives. Continued on page 12
The archives of the Diocese of Saskatoon are the property of the Synod of the diocese and are stored in two locations: the Saskatchewan Archives Board on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan and the Diocesan
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.
Living Faith Centre hosts St. Patrick's Day
Green was the colour of hats and shirts when 65 people of the Living Spirit Centre’s Shared Ministry in Regina celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. St. Philip Anglican Ladies Guild provided Irish stew. Sharon David from St. Philip (at keyboard) and Rev. Dr. Ken Powers from Eastside United provided the Irish songs and solos that followed. No one volunteered to do an Irish Jig but everyone joined in the sing a-longs. Photo by Don Metz
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
May 2018
... Learning more about ourselves through the archives Continued from page 11 Materials suitable for archiving include, but are not limited to, the minutes of parish vestry and all parish and synod committees and organizations; synod office and diocesan council meetings. Also, the annual financial statements from all parish vestries and parish committees and organizations (or other financial records if annual financial statements are not available), and the minutes of synod committees, diocesan council and deanery meetings; reports of annual parish meetings and diocesan synods. Also, cemetery records; land title records; architectural plans and designs; and all registers of services, baptisms, burials, confirmations and marriages. In addition to these items, more personnel materials, photographic materials, books, ceremonial objects, memorial plaques, etc., of a historic nature can also be included. Protection of historic records is especially important at the time of the disestablishment or closure of a parish.
In such a case, the archivist, in consultation with the diocesan registrar and the diocesan administrator, will advise those responsible for handling the closure of the affected parish of the need for the transfer of these materials. In order to preserve these legal records, parishes should also ensure all registers of services, baptisms, confirmations, burials and marriages be given to synod archives once they have been in use for an extended period of time. Registers of baptism, burial, confirmation and marriage and personnel files are legal documents and contain information considered to be personnel and confidential. Access to these items is restricted. If they are more than 90 years old, registers may be viewed in the presence of the archivist and with written permission of the bishop; if less than 90 years old, the registers cannot be viewed, but details of the information contained may be requested by family members of individuals or the individuals themselves
named in the record sought. Please note that access to the archives does not constitute permission to publish all or portions of the material. Permission to quote unpublished material or to reproduce any material obtained from the archives must be obtained in writing. The archived records are also catalogued and searchable in a computerized database by subject but not by individual name. In the case of the registers of baptism, marriage, burial and confirmation, all searches of the registers must be done manually in the order of: parish, date and then name, as there are currently no keyword, name or subject indexes or databases to assist in these searches. On request, the archives can provide the information on the data recorded, hard copies of the records in the registers, or it can also issue new, signed and sealed, certificates of baptism, confirmation, marriage and burial. So, where does all this leave us?
The diocesan archives represent an important historic resource and reference for the safekeeping of our history. The diocesan archivist and the staff of the provincial archives are here to help you sort through, locate and retrieve historic material while at the same time safe-guarding and preserving these materials for future use. If you have materials of a historic nature relating to our church and the Diocese of Saskatoon you would like to have considered for preservation within the diocesan archives, please contact the diocesan archivist, Rev. Peter Coolen, at 306244-5651 or 306-244-0935, or anglicanarchivist@ sasktel.net. When submitting materials, it is better to not pre-sort them, as this may remove important information and context. Attaching notes to individual items explaining the importance or background for particular items is, however, often very useful. See you in the future! Answers:
1) Holy Trinity, Maidstone was renamed St. Andrew’s By The Wardrobe, Maidstone in 1942; 2) The tryptic window of Peter, Paul and Christ at All Saint’s, Watrous, 3) Emmanuel College was founded at Prince Albert in 1879. An Act of the Dominion Parliament established and incorporated the college as The University of Saskatchewan in 1883. When the provincial government established its university at Saskatoon in 1909, Emmanuel College moved to that city and, while retaining its university status, relinquished its charter title to the new university taking as its new name, The University of Emmanuel College. St. Chad’s College was established in Regina in 1907, where it continued its work until 1964 when it amalgamated with Emmanuel College. Together they formed the College of Emmanuel & St. Chad, which continues as an affiliate college of the University of Saskatchewan. The Rev. Peter Coolen is the diocesan archivist for the Diocese of Saskatoon.
Program in Ecumenical Studies & Formation
Three year program developed by the PCE.
Of interest to ecumenical officers , students and lay people.
Led by visiting scholars and ecumenists
2018 Visiting Scholars Rev. Dr. Sandra Beardsall is an ordained minister of the United Church of Canada. Since 1997 she has been Professor of Church History and Ecumenics at St. Andrew’s College, Saskatoon. She is a member of the Faith & Order Commission of the World Council of Churches, co-chair of the national Anglican-United Church dialogue, and co-author of a forthcoming book on ecumenical shared ministry congregations.
The Most Reverend Donald Bolen is Archbishop of Regina. From 2010 to 2016 he was Bishop of Saskatoon. Formerly on staff with the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, working on Anglican-Roman Catholic and Methodist-Roman Catholic dialogue, he is now a member of that Pontifical Council. He presently serves on the International Consultation Between the World Evangelical Alliance and the Catholic Church and is Co-Chair of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission and the Joint International Commission for Dialogue between the World Methodist Council and the Catholic Church.
Registration forms and more details: www.pcecumenism.ca Like us on Facebook!
programs@pcecumenism.ca Follow us on Twitter!
306-653-1633
May 2018
The Saskatchewan Anglican
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Spend a year living in
God’s Rhythm
D
o you have a desire to experience life in community, rooted in prayer and service? Do you want to learn monastic values that will profoundly shape your spiritual life?
The Anglican Sisterhood of St. John the Divine invites women of any denomination, from the age of 21 and up, to travel as Companions along an ancient path from September 2018 – July 2019. For more information and application forms, contact Sister Constance Joanna: companions@ssjd.ca or 416-226-2201, ext. 316. www.ssjdcompanions.org
The Sisterhood of St. John the Divine
14
The Saskatchewan Anglican
May 2018
Susan Boxall and Debra Hubick ordained deacons 'A special ministry of servanthood' By Canon Trevor Powell REGINA — Susan Boxall of Fort Qu’Appelle and Debra Hubick of Weyburn were ordained to the diaconate at St. Paul’s Cathedral on March 24. A priest, a deacon and a layperson presented each of the candidates to Bishop Robert Hardwick for ordination: Rev. Warren Huestis, Deacon Winna Martin and Anne Gibbens for Boxall; Rev. Brian Woods, Deacon Arleen Champion and Kim Lohse for Hubick. Deacon Canon Susan Page preached the sermon setting out the importance of the diaconate to the future of the Church. She strongly urged the candidates to carry out their ministry to the best of their ability and to live out their faith both “outwardly
and truthfully.” Following the laying on of hands by Bishop Hardwick, the new deacons were vested according to their order and received a Bible authorizing them to proclaim God’s word and to assist in the ministering of the sacraments. They then prepared the elements for the Eucharist, at which the bishop presided. Deacons Boxall and Hubick will carry out their ministry in their respective parishes of Teachers of the Faith and Weyburn.
Newly ordained deacons Susan Boxall (foreground left) and Debbie Hubick (foreground right) flank Bishop Rob Hardwick, with some of the many clergy who attended the ordination service at St. Paul's Cathedral in the background. Photos by Margaret Ball
'I knew God was polishing me for something' The path to ordination for Debbie Hubick By Joanne Shurvin-Martin WEYBURN (Qu’A) — When Rev. Debbie Hubick first attended summer school, offered by the Qu’Appelle School of Mission and Ministry, she didn’t think the role of deacon was for her. Many of her fellow students were deacons, or training to become one. Most of the introductions on the first day involved the word deacon. “So,” she recalls, “when it was time for me to introduce myself, I said, ‘I’m Debbie Hubick and I’m NOT a deacon.’” But now she is one. Hubick grew up attending St. Paul’s Anglican Church in the small town of Ernfold, but was not baptised or confirmed. Then she became, in her own words, “a rowdy teenager who didn’t want to admit there was a God.” It wasn’t until she and her husband, Stan, had moved to Weyburn and their daughter, Kalie, was born, that she came back to the
The Muziek Art Gallery in Lumsden. church, and gradually got more and more involved at All Saints, Weyburn. In 1984 when Kalie was seven, she and her mother were baptised together. Debbie Hubick was confirmed later that year. She continued to work on various church committees, then vestry and eventually became a warden.
While the parish was without clergy, Hubick co-ordinated worship and arranged for supply clergy. Her first experience with summer school was eight years ago. Initially she did not have any plans to be ordained, but then she had a very powerful experience that told her she was being called. In some free time
Photo by Saskatchewan NAC during summer school, Hubick and a few other students went into Lumsden and visited an art gallery. She noticed a piece of sculpture: a stylized figure on a cross. The bottom part of the figure was very rough, chipped and jagged granite. It was more and more polished and defined as it progressed
upwards, and the face was completely smooth. “This really spoke to me,” says Hubick. “I was not sure what I was being called for, but I knew God was polishing me for something.” The theological education that prepared her for ordination took quite a while. “I felt called, but was a bit resisting,” she explains. She also had problems with cataracts at the same time. “It’s God’s time as to when things happen,” says Hubick now. “That was possibly my biggest lesson.” The courses and interviews took at least six years, “and every minute was valuable,” she says. “I’ve had so much support: from the diocese, from all clergy, from the QSMM instructors, and from ordinary people. “I’ve had amazing support from my home congregation, financially and emotionally and spiritually,” concludes Hubick. “It’s been a wonderful experience of support and care.”
May 2018
The Saskatchewan Anglican
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Boxall ordained a vocational deacon Courtesy Alan Hustak, Grasslands News (This article appeared in the Fort Qu’Appelle newspaper before Susan Boxall was ordained)
Window honours long-time member
A new window in St. Andrews Trinity Church, Rosetown, commemorates the life of Edwin Litzenberger, a long-time active member of the congregation. From left, Cathy Degryse, the artist, who is also a cousin of Adella Litzenberger; Adella Litenberger, widow of Edwin; and Rev. Lauren Miller, part-time priest at St. Andrews Trinity. Edwin Litzenberger’s life as farmer and grain buyer is represented by the angel holding a sheaf of grain. Photo by David Saville
FORT QU’APPELLE (Qu’A) — “A lot of people don’t understand the role of a deacon in the church; the deacon is a servant,” explains Susan Boxall, who is the first female vocational deacon at St. John’s Anglican Church after being ordained at the cathedral in Regina on March 24. “It is one of the oldest positions in the church. The vocation is to look after people in the community who are sick, or frightened or anxious or marginalized. It is charitable, social work. Taking the lay service on Sunday is not something that deacons are normally expected to do.” Boxall, the mother of three grown children, has been a member of the parish for more than 40 years since she moved with her husband Richard to Fort Qu’Appelle from London, England, where she had been head nurse at Charing Cross Hospital. Her decision to become a deacon, she said, was a “gradual thing” that grew out of her family’s roots in the church. Two of her great uncles were priests — one of them a missionary to Japan — and one of her cousins was a vicar. Boxall began singing in the choir at All Saints
Church in Chingford, England, when she was still in her teens, worshipped in London, and became active in St. John’s as soon as she arrived in the valley in 1975. She and her husband rented a house next door to the Anglican rectory. She says she is both “excited and nervous,” about the new ventures as a deacon. Once she is ordained her intention, she said, is to be with and counsel people who are “frightened or anxious and depressed, or whatever. “I also want to get back into co-ordinating and serving with the First Nations. I also will visit All Nations’ Healing Hospital on a regular basis. I hope that as well as visiting patients who need pastoral care, I will be able to meet with the nursing and other staff when they might feel under pressure about their day-to-day hospital work.” Boxall is aware that the role of women in church ministry may still be a sensitive issue in the community even though the Anglican Church of Canada has allowed women to be ordained deacons since 1969, when Mary Mills was ordained a deacon in London, Ont., and began ordaining women as priests in 1975. “It is getting better,” says Boxall. “I think we are accepting it more — certainly Canada is very accepting.” Photo by Alan Hustak
New park features old bell
Bishop Rob Hardwick (centre) and Rev. Lauren Miller (second from left) bless the just-completed rest park beside St. Andrews Trinity Church in Rosetown on March 10. The centre point of the park is the original bell from the church that eventually cracked and was replaced. The descriptive sign calls it the “mystery bell” because for some years it was lost to the point of being buried. It was found during excavation for a new store in Rosetown and returned to the church. The bell now sits on a granite slab surrounded by a wooden walkway leading to the street. The park includes a garden of flowers and native plants and benches are provided for visitors. Photo by David Saville
Deacon Sue Boxall
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
May 2018
Prayer day remembers that 'all God's creation is very good' By Joanne Shurvin-Martin REGINA — The World Day of Prayer began in the 1860s, when Christian women in the U.S. and Canada began a variety of activities to support mission at home and in other parts of the world. It has spread to be a worldwide prayer movement. Since 1927, women have gathered to pray with women from another country. Each year, a host country prepares the service, which is then used around the world. In addition to being prayerful, the services are educational and also raise funds for a wide variety of projects, mostly focussing on women and girls.
As the service pamphlet says, the day inspires informed prayer and prayerful action. For more information, please see www.wicc. org for the Canadian organization, and http:// worlddayofprayer.net for the international group. Women in the Republic of Suriname, in northeast South America, prepared this year’s service. Suriname, a former Dutch colony, is a multicultural society, with indigenous peoples, the descendants of African slaves, Asians, Europeans, Lebanese as well as recent immigrants. Most of the country is covered by pristine tropical rainforest, but there are many ecological concerns. The theme chosen was from Genesis, “All God’s
creation is very good.” The liturgy was presented as a story by six women of different racial backgrounds who make up the populace of Suriname. The service included Scripture readings and many hymns or songs. In Regina, Anglicans participated in services held March 2 at Little Flower Roman Catholic Church and Christ Lutheran Church. Barb Cameron from St. Matthew was one of the readers at Little Flower, while Margaret Nicholls and Joanne ShurvinMartin from St. James participated at Christ Lutheran. Archdeacon Catherine Harper gave the homily at Little Flower. She spoke about “where we come from” and how
that affects our lives. Pastor Dennis Hendricksen spoke at Christ Lutheran. Sixteen congregations from six denominations were represented at the service at Little Flower, while four denominations were at Christ Lutheran. Holy Trinity Kamsack participated in the World Day of Prayer service, which was held at the United Church in Kamsack. All Saints Anglican Church in Melville hosted this year's World Day of Prayer in that community. Dozens of Christians from several denominations attended the event. The Roman Catholic, Ukrainian Catholic, United and Anglican churches rotate the venue for the service each year
and have been doing so for a long time. Everyone takes part in the service, with the host church providing the speaker and a lunch after the service, giving an opportunity for fellowship. The offerings collected during the World Day of Prayer fund a wide variety of projects that benefit women. Grants from the 2017 offerings supported projects ranging from clean water for a girls’ school in Uganda, supporting women rescued from sex trafficking in Cambodia, economic security for women caring for AIDS orphans in Kenya, to women’s addiction recovery in New Brunswick. A complete list can be found at www.wicc.org.
P.A. sends Humboldt 'warm hug' of comfort By the Anglican Journal PRINCE ALBERT — On April 6, a collision north of Tisdale between a semi-trailer and the bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team ended 15 lives and hospitalized 14 others. Statements of mourning and solidarity have come from across the country and the world. Hundreds gathered for a vigil in Humboldt on April 8, a GoFundMe page has raised more $7.5 million for the players and their families, and leaders such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Queen Elizabeth, and Pope Francis have offered their condolences. One-hundred-fifty kilometres away in Prince Albert, Susan Bain felt the call to do something. Bain is the co-ordinator of the prayer shawl ministry at St. David’s Anglican Church in Prince Albert. She is also on the chancel guild. “On Sunday, after we were taking everything down,” the flowers that were taken from the sanctuary—usually given to someone in need in the parish—were offered to a parishioner who has a sister-in-law in Humboldt,” she said. “We found out she was going to Humboldt that day to attend the vigil,
and I said, ‘Could you take some prayer shawls?’” Bain gave her 20 prayer shawls, all that they had on hand at the time. “I just felt we had to do something,” she says. She hopes the shawls will bring comfort to those grieving the tragedy, that they will feel “enveloped” by the shawl. “It’s like getting a warm hug, I think, from God. Getting some kind of comfort.” Across the country, Canadians have lit candles and left hockey sticks out on front porches and next to rinks in tribute to the 15 men who died. Responding to the tragedy, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, and the Rev. Susan C. Johnson, National Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), issued a joint statement, saying, “in a time like this we are reminded of the simplicity yet full measure of our faith in God and our care for one another.” Bain says the tragedy touched her heart because between 1976 and 1986, her family billeted hockey players for the Prince Albert Raiders. She still refers to the first player who stayed with her family, who is now 62 years old, as her “boy.”
Blessing of oils at the Cathedral
Oils for baptism and healing were blessed and diocesan clergy renewed their ordination vows during a special service at St. Paul’s Cathedral on March 16. After the service, clergy filled small bottles to use in their parishes. Photo by Joanne Shurvin-Martin