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Choral song composed to celebrate foundation’s 60th b’day By Michelle Hauser
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Rev. Michael Bruce blesses the backpacks with Holy Water, with Canon Susan Page assisting, during a service just before the school year began. Photo by Nigel Salway
Blessing of the backpacks By Nigel Salway REGINA – Parishioners and students were invited to bring their backpacks,
briefcases, bookbags and even diaper bags to be blessed at St. Luke’s on the last Sunday of August. Included in the blessing
were 10 backpacks filled with supplies, which were donated by parishioners. Susan MacPhail organized the project and
delivered the backpacks to Judge Bryant School, where they were distributed to students in need.
hat better way to celebrate six decades of giftgiving than by offering yet another gift? This is how Judy Rois, executive director of the Anglican Foundation of Canada, describes “I Will Give Thanks to the Lord,” the choral anthem composed in honour of the Anglican Foundation of Canada’s 60th anniversary. “It is the gift of a beautiful piece of music from the Anglican Foundation to the Anglican Church,” Rois says. The anthem is one of many commemorative projects developed during the foundation’s milestone year. “We chose the themes of gratitude and generosity, based on Psalm 9:1-2,” says Canon Rois, “because they are at the heart of what the AFC is all about.” Established in 1957 to ensure a generous flow of funding for infrastructure and ministry projects, the foundation’s legacy of grants and bursaries have Continued on page 3
Patience Lake holds open church event for families, visitors By Bonnie Lawrence PATIENCE LAKE (S’toon) – An open church event at Christ Church West Patience Lake, a landmark pioneer Bishop Lloyd church, attracted Saskatoon area visitors on Aug. 27. Close to 70 people attended, including several multi-generational family groups. Tisdale organist Margaret Mehler played the church’s reed (pump) organ throughout the two-hour event. She was accompanied by singers from Tisdale and
visitors who enjoyed the rare opportunity to sing in the small wooden church. Built in 1908, this heritage church (eight kilometres east of Saskatoon at Highways 5 and 316) has enjoyed close connections with several Saskatoon churches. St. Matthew’s, Sutherland has been linked with this church as part of a three-point charge with St. Helen’s, East Patience Lake (moved from its original site 13 kilometres east.) One young apprentice builder who worked on St.
John’s Cathedral, Alan Lawley, built the chancel for this church in 1913. (Coincidentally, the original manse for the cathedral was moved to an acreage near Christ Church). The reed organ was donated by St. George’s, Saskatoon after the theft of Christ Church’s original organ in 1958. For years prior to that the choir and organist of St. George’s, Jack Topping, would make a summertime excursion to this little pioneer church and fill the countryside with praise.
Tisdale organist Margaret Mehler played Christ Church’s reed (pump) organ during the two-hour open church event in August. Photo by Joan Vanderloos
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
October 2017
Reconciliation comes through God’s grace What does Christian reconciliation look like? By Rev. Cheryl Toth
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erhaps because I am a short person I have always loved the story of Zacchaeus. When I first heard it in Sunday School the emphasis seemed to be on Zacchaeus’ height; he was a “wee little man” who had to climb a tree to look over the crowds and see Jesus. I could identify with that and that’s what I learned: Jesus cared about short people! But Zacchaeus’ problem wasn’t that he was short. His difficulty was that he was estranged from his community and in need of reconciliation. Zacchaeus was a Jew who was a chief tax collector for the Romans in the commercial centre of Jericho. His association with the oppressive Roman Empire had given him a career and made him a wealthy man. Yet it had also alienated him from his community because, in Jesus’ day, tax collectors were despised and considered sinners. Sometimes they were thought of in the same category as murderers and robbers because of the way heavy taxation drained people of life. We can see this in the reaction of people when Jesus spots Zacchaeus up a tree and invites himself to Zacchaeus’ house. “All who saw it began to grumble and said, ‘He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner’” (Luke 19:7). It’s what’s next in the story that tells us something about reconciliation. Luke tells us first that Zacchaeus stood there; he didn’t run away; he didn’t hustle Jesus to his home; he didn’t avoid the accusation. Zacchaeus heard what others thought of him because of his collusion with the Romans and he faced up to the truth of that reality. Acknowledging the truth of a situation is an important step in reconciliation. Zacchaeus might have found it easier to hear the truth about himself because he was experiencing the grace of God in that moment. Jesus
“Jesus entered Jericho ... A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector. He wanted to see Jesus, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree” (Luke 19: 1-4, NIV). Photo from WikiCommons/Reinhardhauke had just reached out to him and asked Zacchaeus to receive him as a guest. The willingness of Jesus to sit at table with him was a sign of inclusion in fellowship. Jesus offered forgiveness and grace to Zacchaeus — as he does to us. As Christians, acknowledging the truth of how we have hurt others is made easier because we know that God forgives us our sins. We all sin and bring damage to others. Sometimes we do that individually by what we say or do, while sometimes we do that as part of a system that oppresses others, rather like Zacchaeus and his work for the Roman Empire. Knowing that God forgives us can enable us to hear the truth of the harm we have done — especially when those we have hurt cannot forgive us themselves. God’s grace can also make it possible for us to speak the truth to those who have hurt us when we cannot yet forgive them ourselves. Yet there is more to reconciliation than truthtelling and forgiveness. Zacchaeus understood that when he said, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much” (Luke 19:8). Zacchaeus had benefited from being part of an oppressive regime and
his wealth was earned because of the Empire’s suppression of his fellow citizens. In giving half of his possessions away he was making personal reparation for systemic greed. In addition, he offered to pay anyone he had defrauded four times as much as he had taken. The text has an if here to indicate that Zacchaeus was not sure he had defrauded anyone; perhaps he was an honest tax collector who did not take more than he was allowed. Yet he realizes that it is a possibility that he has individually harmed someone and pledges to more than make up for it. When Zacchaeus says this, Jesus responds with,
“Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9). The word salvation has a broad meaning — health, deliverance, safety — and Jesus’ words speak to a changed reality for Zacchaeus. He and the community from which he had been estranged are experiencing the health and safety that reconciliation brings to all. Reconciliation involves taking action to repair the damage caused by our individual or systemic harm of others. Sometimes that will mean less privilege and wealth for us as we return to others what has been taken from them. As Christians, being able to help repair the damage caused by our personal and collective sinfulness is a gift from God. Paul tells us that God has reconciled us to God’s self and has given us “the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18). Whether we are reconciling with someone we have personally hurt or engaging in societal reconciliation for systemic harm, as with the indigenous peoples of Canada, we can learn from Zacchaeus’ story. Truth is critical; forgiveness is possible; reparation is necessary. Reconciliation can come through God’s grace and our willingness to engage in the process. Rev. Cheryl Toth is a priest in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle and serves as intentional interim priest with All Saints’, Regina.
Published by the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle. Published monthly except for July and August. Whole No. 292, Vol. 46, No. 2 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 December issue must be received by the diocesan editor no later than Friday, October 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 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
He that soweth little shall reap little; and he that soweth plenteously shall reap plenteously. Let every man do according as he is disposed in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Corinthinans 9:6-7, BCP). Photo courtesy Margaret Ball
PUBLISHING DETAILS Published from 59 Roberts Place Regina, Sask., S4T 6K5
The Saskatchewan Anglican
October 2017
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Have you heard the trees give God a standing ovation? By Bishop Michael Hawkins
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saiah teaches us to listen for the praise of creation as we make our journey: “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” So often in the psalms we call above to the heavens, the angels, the stars, the clouds and skies to praise God, as well as below, even to the dragons and depths, to everyone and everything to praise God. We join that cosmic song, young and old, men and women, great and
Photo by Margaret Ball
Bishop Michael Hawkins small, acknowledging the Creator in the order of creation. The supreme expression of this is the Benedicite, or Song of the Three Children that in summary is this, “O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.” As we pray at the Eucharist, “all creation rightly gives you praise” and in our worship we join their song. The company of heaven includes those four representative creatures and it is they who lead the Holy, Holy, Holy. I am not suggesting more sentimentality in relation to creation, or our pets, but a sacramentality
that recognizes the gift and mystery and meaning of all creation. Creation knows and proclaims its Creator; it is we alone who fail to recognize simply that we are not self made, as the psalm puts it, “It is He that hath made us and not we ourselves.” That recognition of God, our Creator and Preserver, is grounded in prayer whenever we eat and whenever we harvest, in the annual and daily cycles of life. I celebrated my first Harvest Thanksgiving on Aug. 27 this year and our neighbours to the south will mark their national
Thanksgiving on Nov. 23. While we have one set day for our national Thanksgiving in Canada, the second Monday in October, Harvest Thanksgiving covers a period of almost four or five months. The feasts of Weeks and Tabernacles in the Old Testament were both harvest festivals as varied crops in distinct areas were harvested at different times. Where I grew up the most exciting first fruits festival was Hodge Podge time, when the first carrots, potatoes, onion, peas and beans were boiled in cream and butter. But we all know the thrill and taste of the first lettuce, fiddlehead, or tomato, all at different times. The harvest of garden and of field, the hunting season and fishing season, the later vegetables that like a little frost, the times of canning, pickling and jamming, these are all little harvest festivals. These have always been religious festivals of thanksgiving; for harvesting, and especially the harvesting of animals, as well as eating are religious acts. Eating is religious and
table grace is an act of faith. He hath made us and not we ourselves, He doth feed us and not we ourselves. God is both our Creator and Sustainer. There is also inherent in the recognition that we are fed by God that it is not my land but God’s land and this is not my bread but our bread. Harvest and every meal is a time to consider our stewardship of creation and our care for the hungry. A common responsory before meals is taken from Psalm 145: “The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord, and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thy hand and fillest all things living with plenteousness.” A college friend of mine always added another verse, a custom for many Christians that includes this from Psalm 22, “the poor shall eat and be satisfied.” Every meal he ate included a memorial of the poor and hungry. May we all taste and see the goodness of God in the seasons and celebrations of Harvest and Thanksgiving and may we be moved to share what we taste and respect the goodness we see.
Anglican Foundation birthday Continued from page 1 proved transformational in the lives of thousands of individuals, parishes and faith communities. The composition was commissioned by AFC in a spirit of celebration but also to open the door to a young composer. Nicholas Piper, Ottawabased choral director and organist, and winner of a 2010 SOCAN Award for Young Composers, was chosen and began work in January 2017. “It has a lot of energy,” says Nicholas, who heard it performed by “a very fine choir” for the first time in Vancouver in May. “I Will Give Thanks to the Lord” assumes a choir with four parts but is still a relatively accessible anthem. “At the outset, we wanted it to be singable by parish choirs, with no professional leads,” says Canon Rois. The hymn offers what
New Choral Anthem “I Will Give Thanks to the Lord” by Nicholas Piper SATB with organ based on Psalm 9:1–2
Email: foundation@anglicanfoundation.org some listeners have described as a deeply moving balance between triumph and reflection and can be sung at any time of the year, but is “especially appropriate for Thanksgiving or for special celebrations.” More than anything, though, Canon Rois says the anthem does what all excellent music can do, “transport the listener to somewhere beyond human experience, beyond words, beyond thought to a place of transcendence.” Reflecting on a year of a celebration in which this anthem has been a centrepiece, she adds,
“When King David said, ‘Remember the wonderful works of God,’ perhaps when we allow ourselves to remember deeply, we may just experience the God who to thank, and in so doing, feel even a few moments of genuine contentment and peace.” “I Will Give Thanks to the Lord” is available to parish choirs at no cost and will be distributed free for one year, at which time rights will return to the composer. For more information or to request a pdf copy, please write to foundation@ anglicanfoundation.org or call 416-924-9199 ext. 322.
Celebrating 90 years Holy Trinity in Yorkton celebrated Enid Mroske’s 90th birthday this spring when Bishop Rob Hardwick was there for a confirmation of three youths. Photo by Susan Geddes
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
October 2017
Klingelhofer starts IVCF internship
St. John’s Anglican Cathedral Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
By Joanne Shurvin-Martin
October 7th, 2017 marks the 100th Anniversary of the first service held in the newly constructed St. John’s Parish Church. We invite you to help us celebrate this occasion by joining us on
To commemorate this event, we will re-create this historic service using the 1662 Book of Common Prayer along with the original music.
Saturday October 7, 2017
Sunday October 8, 2017
2:00 Tours of the Cathedral and the
10:30 Morning Prayer
recently renovated Columbarium 4:00 Choral Evensong
Plus Eucharist 12:00 Coffee & Cake
5:00 Wine and Cheese Reception
REGINA – Danielle Klingelhofer (pictured) has been active in youth ministry for several years at St. Mary, Regina and in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle, working with the diocesan youth missioner. Now she is working as an intern with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship at the University of Winnipeg for the current school term. For 88 years, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) has helped young people meet Jesus and grow in their faith. The interdenominational group focuses on youth and university students. During her internship, Klingelhofer will lead prayer and Bible studies, plan outreach activities and work with school faculties and ethnic groups. She will be discipled by other IVCF staff. She says she looks forward to “deepening my relationship with Jesus and challenging students to do the same.” “This is an important ministry,” said Klingelhofer, “because university is a pivotal time. There is
a lot of questioning, and students may face anxiety, depression, loneliness, etc. Inter-Varsity is a place for Christians to deepen their faith, or to re-connect, or for students to learn about Christ for the first time.” Klingelhofer was introduced to IVCF in her third year at University of Regina when friends from St. Mary invited her to an event. Eventually she attended a one-week Scripture Camp, where she says, “Students’ lives are changed and where I developed a love of Scripture.” Later she attended a twomonth camp in Alberta. After completing her education degree, Klingelhofer was at a prayer retreat, and while there received a call to intern with IVCF. “I’ll see where God leads me, to IVCF or to teaching.” Klingelhofer invites people to work with her and with God, by supporting her with prayer or financially. Tax deductible donations can be made online at www.ivcf.ca/donate/ dklingelhofer, or by mailing a cheque to IVCF Canada (1 International Boulevard, Toronto, ON M9W 6H3). Please make cheques to Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, and put ‘Danielle Klingelhofer’ on the memo line. Photo by Carol Klingelhofer
DIOCESE OF SASKATOON
Announcements for October 2017 g Saskatchewan Anglican
online! 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, fundraiser or has it already held one and has something to report? Well, don’t keep it 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 Fall Pie Social, Tea, Bake Sale and Garage Sale: St. George’s, Saskatoon will be holding a Fall Pie Social, Bake Sale and Garage Sale in the Parish
Hall (624 Ave. I South) on Sept. 30 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. g Cathedral 100th Anniversary Service and Events: A weekend of events will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first service of worship in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. This occurs Saturday, Oct. 7 (the actual date) with tours, a Choral Evensong Service and a wine and cheese reception followed. Sunday, Oct. 8, with Morning Worship and Eucharist (using the 1662 BCP text and the original music). A more detailed notice may be found elsewhere in this issue. g Cathedral Advent Tea and Bake Sale: The cathedral’s annual Advent Tea and Bake Sale will be held in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist’s Parish Hall on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Featuring afternoon tea, turkey pies (frozen), Christmas
baking, crafts and a good visit with friends over a cup of tea. g Native Ministry in Saskatoon: St. George’s Anglican Church (624 Ave. I South) provides a monthly Anglican Native Ministry Service. The service is held in the church hall at 1 p.m. with soup and bannock then at 2 p.m. a Eucharist and sharing circle led by Rev. Denise McCafferty and others. “We look forward to feasting and saying prayers with you to our Lord and Creator; please notify your friends and family and plan to attend.” g Seniors’ Lunch in Battleford: The Friendship Committee of St. George’s, Battleford invites all seniors to join them for lunch the first Monday of each month until June; each Lunch begins at noon. g Community Coffee House: The Parish of St. George’s, Saskatoon holds its weekly Coffee
House and Bible Study every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join them for a warm social time with coffee, tea and baked goods at no charge from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and the weekly Bible Study from 11:00 a.m. to noon. All events are in the Parish Hall, 624 Ave. I South. Deadline To be included in a timely manner, notices should be sent to the Associate Editor by email or “snail mail” by the last week of the month, two months before the month in which insertion is desired (for example, December submissions will be in the February issue). Detailed and longer texts of upcoming events will not be included here, but should space allow, could be the subject of article and notices elsewhere in the paper.
The Saskatchewan Anglican
October 2017
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Confirmation in Biggar In a joyful service, held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Biggar, on July 16, Tristan Otterson and Valentina Sanchez were confirmed by the Right Rev. David Irving, Bishop of Saskatoon (right), assisted by the Rev. Dr. Jessica Latshaw (left). Photo by Joan Irving
Letter to the editor
Diocese of Arctic thanks Anglicans for support with cathedral Dear editor: Thank you! The Diocese of the Arctic wishes to thank all who have and continue to support Christian ministry within the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Nunavik (Northern Quebec). Most recently so many helped rebuild our cathedral and eliminate the debt. For financial and
prayerful support, we are grateful. During a recent sabbatical, my wife Rita and I read the history of those who came north in response to God’s call to go into the world with the good news of Jesus Christ. History reveals that the southern Church was of one mind, heart and soul with Arctic missionaries. We held common Christian beliefs; beliefs
that have strengthened and encouraged the Inuit and Aboriginal people of the Arctic. We are so thankful to have our cathedral rebuilt so that the message of hope continues to be proclaimed. A cathedral is the house of the bishop’s chair. The bishop is not to stand on that chair to lord over the community,
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but reverently sit and ensure that the gospel truths, precepts and principles are faithfully and compassionately proclaimed. Interestingly enough, although our cathedral was destroyed by fire, the cathedra (bishop’s chair) was not. Be assured the Anglican Church of Canada’s and the Anglican Communion’s most
northerly cathedral will be faithful to the gospel message that has been entrusted to us by our LORD Jesus Christ. God willing, the new St. Jude’s Cathedral will be consecrated Oct. 1. Please remember us in prayer and continue to support us. Bishop David W. Parsons Diocese of the Arctic
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
October 2017
Great lakes and mountains during Qu'Appelle summer camps By Julie Moser Diocesan Youth and Children’s Missioner
three days of hiking among mountains, glaciers and lakes in Banff National Park. REGINA – From the Their outdoor adventures lakeshore of Glen Harbour included Larch Valley to the Canadian Rocky at Moraine Lake, Lower Mountains, youth and Kananaskis Lake hike children in the diocese and the number one hike enjoyed fellowship, fun, in Canada, Six Glaciers at adventure and teaching Lake Louise. from the word of God Each day ended with a during the 2017 diocesan swim at the pool to recover camps. from all the activity of the Juniors camp (July 19-23) day. The camp was directed was held at Glen Harbour by Ken Moser, professor of Kids Camp that sits right youth ministry at Briercrest on the Last Mountain Lake College, who led the camp in Glen Harbour. The camp and provided the daily Bible was directed once again by teaching as well. Dave and Janice Kerr of St. A special thanks to Len Mary’s, Regina, along with Gendall, a retiree and their team. grandfather who not only The group of 12 children Before starting the Six Glaciers hike, teen adventure camp participants gather on joined the group for the (ages six to 12) enjoyed the edge of Lake Louise. Photo contributed camp, but threw himself swimming, games on the into all the hikes and beach, mini-golf, wide activities including the pool games, campfires and a waterslide! yourselves, do what it says.” evident. great time with their dedicated Everyone became more In addition to the terrific Teens Adventure Camp (August leaders. The teaching was centred physically and spiritually fit and full-time leadership team there 21-25) was truly an adventure for on the Sermon on the Mount they look forward to doing it again were three teams of leaders who the four youth who attended. where the children learned how next year. drove up from Regina each day The group set out from the they could put the teaching of A very BIG thank you to all the to provide crafts centred on the synod office in Regina and drove Jesus into practice. leaders who blessed the youth and Sermon on the Mount. all day to the Canadian Rockies in The two memory verses children in the diocese with their Special thanks to Mae, Anne Alberta, arriving just in time for for the week were Matthew time, their faithful Christian Marie, Danielle and Shelley for the community meal provided by 7:24: “Everyone who hears the witness and their love. their great support in this way. their hosts, St. Michael’s Anglican words of Jesus and puts them Be sure to check the diocesan The overall program was Church, Canmore. into practice is like a wise man website for future camps blessed by their involvement, Campers spent three days of who built his house on the rock”; including winter retreats at www. while their commitment and adventure in the word of God and James 1:22: “Don’t just qcamps.ca or contact Julie Moser effort to make the crafts a special through the teachings of Jesus listen to the word, and so deceive at julie.moser@sasktel.net. time for the children was clearly in the Gospel of Luke, along with
A church where the rivers converge By Munden Coates COXBY (Skwn) – Nestled in a grove of trees 12 kilometres from the Weldon Ferry crossing stands St. Philip’s Anglican Church. The Fort-a-la-Corne Trail goes right through the churchyard. Built in 1904, the church served the Coxby congregation until changing demographics saw the church discontinue regular services in 1982. But it is still maintained so special services can
be held. An annual service, not unlike a family reunion, is held in August. Families like the Demerais, the Clines, the Simpsos, the Ballendines and the Turners have strong ties to the church, so baptisms, weddings and funerals are still held. Bishop Michael Hawkins, in his address at this year’s service, compared the maintenance of St. Philip’s Church to obedience to the Fifth Commandment, honour thy father and thy mother. By Munden Coates
A tale of three rivers
COXBY (Skwn) – The Saskatchewan River system has three distinct parts. The headwaters to both the North Saskatchewan and the South Saskatchewan rivers are in the Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park. The North Saskatchewan
Family ties have kept St. Philip’s Church well maintained and accessible for special services. Photo by Chris Dow flows through Edmonton while the Bow, which will converge with the Oldman to become the South Saskatchewan, flows through Calgary, into southern Saskatchewan before it makes its way north through Saskatoon. Batoche, the site of the Riel Rebellion in 1885, is 100 kilometres downstream
from Saskatoon. The two rivers converge at Weldon, about 60 kilometres southeast of Prince Albert. There they form the Saskatchewan River that flows east into Lake Winnipeg and eventually into Hudson Bay. Originally, the river was named for its fast flowing current.
But now these waterways are greatly tamed. Much of the flow is extracted for domestic and industrial purposes; the rivers have been dammed six times and there are close to 100 crossings, one of which is the Weldon ferry, just 12 kilometres from St. Philip’s Church in Coxby.
The Saskatchewan Anglican
October 2017
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Canon Jackson honoured at deacons meeting By Canon Susan Page VICTORIA, B.C. – The triennial conference of the Association of Anglican Deacons in Canada (AADC) was held in July. Approximately 70 deacons from across Canada and the United States attended, as well as several invited guests. The Chapter of Deacons of the Diocese of British Columbia hosted the conference in Victoria. During the threeday conference Canon Michael Jackson, deacon at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Regina and the longestserving deacon in Canada, was honoured with the Maylanne Maybee Award, which recognizes outstanding service to the diaconate in Canada. The conference began with a presentation by Elizabeth May, member of Parliament for SaanichGulf Islands and leader of the Green Party of Canada. May’s theme was how light breaks through darkness and she likened the work of deacons to
Canon Michael Jackson is the longest-serving deacon in the Anglican Church of Canada. He holds the Maylanne Maybee Award, which honours outstanding service to the diaconate. Photo by Nancy Ford that light. Other speakers throughout the weekend included people who had lived on the streets of Victoria, who described how they dealt with the judgement and stigma
associated with their circumstances. As well, delegates learned about issues of social justice through Ryan Weston, the Anglican Church of Canada’s public witness for social and ecological justice, and Melanie Delva, reconciliation animator for the Church, who spoke on reconciliation with Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. Delva outlined how we all, including the deacons present, might live into the process of reconciliation. Bishop Logan McMenamie shared the story of his walk throughout the diocese to open the door to reconciliation with First Nations people. On Friday evening, delegates were treated to dinner at the Songhees Wellness Centre. Deacons and guests were delighted to hear a presentation on reconciliation and healing from the perspective of Elder Butch Dick. We enjoyed an outstanding meal and
conversation with fellow attendees. Deacon Maylanne Maybee presented the Maybee Award during the gala supper on Saturday evening. Jackson’s nomination for the Maybee award was proposed by Deacon Jacquie Boutheon of the Diocese of Toronto, who is the AADC’s membership co-ordinator. This was seconded by Canon Susan Page, deacon at St. Luke’s Regina and president of the AADC, who also introduced Jackson at the award presentation ceremony. Jackson recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the diaconate, which occurred on Trinity Sunday in 1977. He was ordained by his father, Archbishop Frederic Jackson, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, and has served there ever since. Jackson is a prolific writer on the diaconate, and has been a mentor to many deacons over the years, both inside and outside of
the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. Jackson is committed to working with deacons from other denominations. He is co-ordinator of an international Anglican-Roman Catholic conference on the diaconate sponsored jointly by the Archdiocese of Regina and the Diocese of Qu’Appelle, to be held in May 2018 at Campion College in Regina. This promises to be a wonderful opportunity to learn from deacons and diaconal ministers from around the globe. Jackson has served as a mentor, educator and encourager to deacons near and far during the past 40 years. In his speech accepting the Maylanne Maybee award, he spoke of his desire to ensure that the revival of the diaconate in Canada as a full and equal order in ministry is assured. Congratulations to Jackson on all of his accomplishments and contributions to the church local and beyond.
Theology and theologians: Helping us work out what we believe By Rev. Dr. Iain Luke Principal, College of Emmanuel & St. Chad
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f the business of a theological college is to teach theology, it’s ironic that it’s taken me almost a year to get around to the place of theology in our college curriculum. Instead, I began with the study of the Bible and its interpretation, then moved on to the way that basic
story keeps echoing in Christian history, and in pastoral encounters with people today. Theology, at its most focused, is what happens in between the shared story of Jewish-Christian tradition and the personal stories of individuals past and present. Theology is a vocabulary of ideas, which enable us to make sense of both sets of stories and to find the connections between them.
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 non-stipendiary (voluntary) ordained ministry. The program includes reading courses, in-house 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.
Words like incarnation and atonement operate in that connecting space. They give voice to a shared understanding of convictions that are part of religious identity, but that also offer people like you or me insight into our own spiritual experience. My very first class of students described this process, in a way that stuck with me ever since. I began our year with a question to
them, “Why study theology? What do you hope to get out of it?” Their answer had two parts. First, they wanted to learn the tools and concepts of thinking theologically, in order to delve as deeply as they could into the meaning of their faith. They saw this as similar to a doctor studying medicine in order to treat patients effectively, or an Continued on page 8
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October 2017
Theology and theologians help us understand our faith Continued from page 7 engineer learning theories and models, to describe the real-world forces and stresses of the next construction project. The second part of their answer was different from those professional models, though. The students insisted they also needed to develop skills of communication. They wanted to be able to take theological ideas and ways of thinking, and express them in a way to which non-professionals could relate. In their view, theology has more in common with journalism. It aims to empower people by sharing information that matters to them, to which they might not otherwise have access. If that’s true, then the power of theology is in its ideas, so we need people who can show us all the ways those ideas can resonate. For example, the idea of salvation has a range of meanings, from union with God, to personal spiritual well-being, to the renewal of creation in justice and peace. People sometimes use the word to mean only one of those things, but the idea includes them all. A theologian is someone who is
Former Gov.Gen. never doubted God’s existence
Rev. Dr. Iain Luke aware of that connection and can bring it to life in the conversation. Another illustration would be the way theological ideas all relate to each other. It’s an old preacher’s trick, enabling you to start with whatever the reading of the day is, and still get to what you wanted to talk about in the first place! But it also means that the things we believe can’t just be chosen à la carte. What we believe about God as Creator affects what we believe about our stewardship of creation. What we say about the identity of Jesus affects our convictions about how God loves us, and so on. The skill of theological analysis
a n d reflection is “Theology has more in common with even more journalism. It aims to empower people impor tant by sharing information that matters to when you use them, to which they might not otherwise it to identify have access. If that’s true, then the power what people’s of theology is in its ideas, so we need a c t i o n s reveal about people who can show us all the ways those their real ideas can resonate.” beliefs. This can apply on an theologians” are all the people individual level, when someone’s of faith, since it is our everyday changing behaviour reflects a business to work out what we growing appreciation of God’s believe, what it means, and what goodness, or power, or love. we are supposed to do as a result. It also applies within the church, In support of that primary work as in current decision-making of theology, though, it helps to have concerning human sexuality, resource people who can offer us a when we draw out how changes vocabulary, and a grammar, to put in practices require a different our struggles of faith into words, picture of our relationship with and then back into action again. God. I hope every Christian It also applies to the way the community has access to a church interacts with the social theologian like that, and preferably and political world, for instance, more than one! It is part of the role the way we challenge racism, as of clergy, but not limited to them. rooted in a deficient image of God Preachers, teachers, elders, are and of human dignity. all people we turn to, not to tell For all of that to happen, we us what to believe, but to show us need theological ideas and we need what we believe. theologians. I appreciate the author Who takes on that role in your who suggested that the “primary parish? Could it be you?
RETIREMENT THE WAY YOU LIKE IT
Courtesy Anglican Life
F
ormer journalist and governor general of Canada the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson spoke candidly of her spirituality at a recent multi-faith event held in St. John’s. Clarkson said she never doubted the existence of God—adding, with a smile, “There must be more to life than this”—or of the afterlife, and believed that we will eventually be “part of the Godhead.” She also said Christians should recapture the enthusiasm of the early church, and be eager to share the news that with Christ, light had come into the world. The church, Clarkson said, is “us, as individual human beings, giving out witness, not our buildings.” Clarkson, who was born in Hong Kong and raised an Anglican, served as Canada’s governor general from 1999 to 2005. She was the final speaker at the conference, “Faith in the Public Square,” hosted by the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland.
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October 2017
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DIOCESE OF QU’APPELLE Upcoming events at St. Matthew’s, Regina Everyone is invited to two events at St. Matthew, 2161 Winnipeg Street, Regina. g Saturday, Oct. 14 – Fashion Forecast, with fashions by Suzanne’s Lunch at 12:15 p.m.,
fashion show at 1 p.m. Advance tickets are required. They are $25 each. Please call Mae at 306-789-6683 or Olive at 306-586-5458 g Saturday, Nov. 18 – Christmas Tea and Bazaar 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Do you know someone who is being ordained or someone celebrating an ordination anniversary? Give them a Clergy Bear with surplice and stole in a colour of your choice.
Confirmation in Yorkton
Deacon Luanne Hrywkiw (far right) taught the confirmation class of John Hrushka, Kristy Hrushka, & Jade Girling this past summer at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Yorkton. Photo by Susan Geddes
www.anglicanfoundation.org
Double Belonging
One identity, two approaches By Rev. Marie-Louise Ternier Editor’s note: Rev. MarieLouise Ternier serves the Anglican and Lutheran parishes in Watrous. This column is co-published with the Prairie Messenger. Marie-Louise blogs at http://graceatsixty. wordpress.com.
W
e have an 85-percent agreement between the two churches (the Roman Catholic and Anglican) that both claim a Catholic identity. Indeed, we are so very close in liturgy and prayer, Scripture and Gospel discipleship, sacramental practice and spirituality, the historic three-fold order of bishoppriest-deacon, Mary and the saints. But how come we still find ourselves in such vastly different places? Why indeed? In this question lies the enigma that is the Anglican Church to Roman Catholics. Now that I am swimming in Anglican ecclesial waters, some answers are slowly floating to the surface. I will attempt to share a
couple in this and the next column. In his book The Anglican Moral Choice, Paul Elmen writes: “The Roman Catholic view in general seems to be that a principle must be affirmed without exception; and that thereafter exceptions can be dealt with, without modifying the principle. “The view natural to the (Anglican) mind is rather that a principle must be framed in such a way as to include all allowable exceptions. It follows inevitably that the Roman (Catholic) Church must profess to be fixed, while the Anglican Church must profess to take account of changed conditions. “The (Roman Catholic) Church thereby conceives of and treats human nature in vastly different ways than the Anglican tradition, and that difference goes deep” (pg. 118, 1983).In other words, the Roman Catholic point
of departure leans more towards a legal authority model that allows exceptions in pastoral situations. The Anglican model acknowledges the grey and ambiguous spheres of life upfront, motivated by a deep concern to make room for every possible situation in which people of good will with a sincere desire for God can find themselves. I appreciate the RC Church position. We need clear moral and spiritual markers to help develop our conscience and guide our life choices. Like a good mother, Rome indeed strives to guide her children in upright and moral living. But I also appreciate the Anglican instinct of hospitality and trust, the kind Jesus extended so freely in ways that scandalized the religious establishment of His day. However, both traditions struggle how to read the “signs of the times” from different vantage points. While criticism can be swift over the Anglican storm around homosexuality and same-sex marriage,
accusing it to sell out to culture trends, Catholicism has its own challenges. The Church’s official teaching against artificial birth control has failed to persuade many married Catholics. As much as it tries to remedy and show contrition, the clergy sexual abuse continues to deliver serious blows to Roman Catholic moral credibility, while it is struggling mightily how to welcome and accompany its homosexual members. Finally, while the passing of time is an important discernment tool, much-needed reform in the Catholic Church occurs at a snail’s pace despite Pope Francis. Indeed, both Catholic and Anglican points of departure carry merits and risks. A superficial understanding of the Anglican position can lead to the notion that it stands for nothing, thereby completely missing its profound and robust relational and incarnational ethos. Roman Catholics can be criticized for trying to squeeze life’s ambiguities into a greater rigidity than
life itself can tolerate, thereby ignoring its noble commitment to moral guidance. Ron Rolheiser wrote: “What’s needed today is not less freedom but more maturity. We don’t need to roll back freedom in the name of God and morality; we need to raise the level of our maturity to match the level of our freedom. “Simply put, we are often too immature to carry properly the great gift of freedom that God has given us. The answer to that is not to denigrate freedom in the name of God and morality, but to invite a deeper maturity so as to more properly honour the great gift that we have been given” (May 21, 2006). Our common ground is Christ Jesus Himself. In light of Rolheiser’s words, and in light of increased ecumenical appreciation of the past 50 years, we can now recognize that Christ indeed meets us in either tradition depending on one’s spiritual and moral challenges and needs. Both traditions have gifts and challenges needed by the other.
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Thoughts on my Pilgrimage of Prayer tour Lord hear our prayer, and let our cry come unto you By Bishop Rob Hardwick REGINA – “Prior planning, prayer and preparation lead to good performance” is a maxim I have applied many times in my life. This year’s cycling pilgrimage across the Diocese of Qu’Appelle – a journey of more than 1,200 kilometres, visiting 32 churches – was one such occasion. Preparation of the body – physically, mentally and spiritually – as well as the preparation required in making sure equipment and other supplies have been tested and are working well, were all needed. As an example, more than double the kilometres to be travelled had been clocked in training, well before the ride started. However, most longdistance cyclists will say mental toughness is likely more important than physical. Knowing why you want to do an endurance event like a pilgrimage; to whom you dedicate the event; and what you hope to achieve; are all necessary and invaluable conclusions that will help you through the tough days. The days when the wind is blowing a gale against you; when your tire deflates for the fourth time; when it is so unbearably hot, or so cold and wet; or the newly-laid grid road is so tough to peddle on; or you are on the hill that never ends. Times when the mind and muscles say, “Why bother,” “Why don’t you just pack up for the day, who would know anyway?” Knowing why it matters and reminding yourself to turn your present pain back into prayer for those whose pain is not going away, are so important. Prior preparation, prayer and planning are not to create a rigid timetable in which every second is accounted for, rather the opposite. To be sufficiently versed in all these disciplines lets one be free to attend to the moment. Proverbs 16:9 says, “The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs
Bishop Rob Hardwick and his mascot, St. Chad the Knitted, pedal near Nokomis in the summer during the bishop's second Pilgrimage of Prayer tour across the Diocese of Qu'Appelle. Photo by Rev. Jack and Mardelle Robson the steps.” This was something that was truly a gift. Each day brought its share of surprises, and the God of surprises not only brought me through them but also brought meaning to them. The mechanical breakdown of one of my bikes brought the delight of an extended time riding with a woman from Eston. An amazing time of prayer ensued, as the terrain of the road matched the prayer needs offered. “To the one whose life is so up and down at the moment,” we climbed a hill and from there, for several kilometres, we cycled along undulating terrain. “To the person who was coming to a turn in the road,” sure enough, we suddenly encountered a sharp turn to the right, negotiating both the unexpected bend and the not-so-compacted road beneath us.
It was as though the creator of all was laying out the road conditions that matched the prayers being offered, and assuring us He was with us and with those for whom we prayed. Having well planned and timed routes offered the freedom to enjoy the moment and not allow the clock to dominate one’s thoughts and actions. Indeed, the journey was the primary objective and not so much the destination. How different it is to walk or to cycle than to journey by car. All the senses come into to play, allowing you to hear the silence, or the buzz of a bee, the screech of a hawk, the call of a loon, or observe the wind making the crops dance in joy and sway to the Creator’s breath. Slowing down one’s form of transport enables you to smell the aromas of Saskatchewan; to be
captivated by the suddenly breathtaking beautiful vistas as valleys suddenly appear, or how the sun turns water into a myriad of diamonds and crops into gold. The ability to stop, give thanks, and pause in wonder, is a great gift. Yet, so often through our day-to-day sojourn, we are either too accustomed to our surroundings that we take the beauty for granted, or we are so busy that we do not pause to see the beauty in the moment or in the person who from nowhere, crosses our path. Notwithstanding the above, the pilgrimage was not only a prayerful journey, but also one that saw the gathering of more than 500 people, mainly in the rural areas, to worship, pray, praise and enjoy fellowship together with the traveller who was passing through. It was humbling to see so many turn out, in some cases all the congregation and friends
from other churches in the community, and even those, who as yet do not attend a church, came. Rich times, moving and spirit-filled times, times of real blessing, as together we reminded ourselves of all God has done, and is doing, in our lives as we reflected upon God’s goodness, together. One such day, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., involved cycling with bags of camping equipment weighing 40 pounds, for more 90 kilometres, involving three church gatherings, pot lucks and services. The whole journey was more than I could have asked or imagined. I am so grateful for those who supported the ride in so many ways, and for those who donated money to the bishop’s discretionary fund. At the end of August, donations totalled $8,361.50. My target was $8,000, so I give thanks to God and to all who have donated. But above all I am thankful for the opportunity to: 1) Pray with and for so many people and situations, and to have the quality time in which to go deeper and for longer into each prayer need. For example, each hill was dedicated to people I knew who were struggling. The most difficult hill (the grid road from Katepwa to Balcarres) was offered to all in need, especially those who do not know whether they can continue more than the next turn of the crank, let alone ascend to the presumed top of the hill only to see the hill continue even more. On that hill the grade and the grid deteriorated to the extent that traction was increasingly more difficult and taxing. My ongoing prayers are for each of you. 2) Each cemetery was also an opportunity to remember and pray for those who have died and for those who mourn. 3) Each moment became a prayerful opportunity to listen to the prayers God was speaking into my heart for you, the Church catholic and the world. “Lord hear our prayer, and let our cry come unto you.”
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Reflections on riding with the bishop across the diocese By Nigel Salway
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o I tell you, don’t worry about the food or drink you need to live, or about the clothes you need for your body. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes (Matthew 25:6). In July 2016, I participated in Bishop Rob’s Pilgrimage of Prayer, touring the seven Regina parishes. At each parish, we shared prayers and fellowship with the parishioners of each parish. The spiritual uplift from these prayers and fellowship, coupled with the physical uplift of cycling roughly 40 kilometres, left me in a very upbeat mood that persisted well into the following week. As 2016 turned into 2017, it became clear that the bishop would be riding a pilgrimage on a new route. I definitely wanted to take part in the pilgrimage around the Regina parishes, but also, I started to wonder if there was a possibility of riding some of the longer stages with the bishop. I felt the extended spiritual and physical uplift of a long ride would help me deal with a variety of anxieties I had been experiencing. Despite my interest in riding some of the longer stages, I wasn’t sure how to train for such a long ride. Although I participate in spinning classes at the YMCA three or four times a week, this wasn’t quite the same as riding 85 to 100 kilometres in the hot sun. Bishop Rob held a seminar for anyone who was interested in riding with him on the requirements and suggested a training
Honouring the Lord “Now behold, I have brought the first of the produce of the ground which You, O LORD have given me. And you shall set it down before the LORD your God, and worship before the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 26:10).
A St. Chad doll, created by Maureen Parsons of St. Stephen, Swift Current, accompanied the bishop on his pilgrimage. A well-laden Bishop Rob Hardwick leaves Dysart travelling east on Highway 22. Next stop, Fort Qu'Appelle. Photos by Nigel Salway regimen. I left the meeting We drove to the starting hills on the pilgrimage. with a determination to point of the ride, Kerrobert As I geared down and get ready for the ride. by way of Rosetown. In pushed harder, I realized Rob suggested taking Rosetown, we enjoyed how thankful I was Rob part in the Ride, Don’t the first prayers and had persuaded me to get Hide run sponsored by the fellowship of the ride. In the lighter bike. Ascending Canadian Mental Health Kerrobert we unloaded the the hill would have been Association in June as a bikes and prepared to ride next to impossible with my preparation for riding in to Kindersley. cruiser bike! a stage or stages in the As we set out, the wind Nevertheless, it became pilgrimage. was at our backs for the clear that even the road I took part in this ride first leg of the pilgrimage bike had its limits as I and joined Rob shifted to Although I participate in spinning classes the lowest for the windup barbecue. gear and was at the YMCA three or four times a week, Although I was this wasn’t quite the same as riding 85 to still losing sore, I thought headway 100 kilometres in the hot sun. I could do this going up the consistently. slope. Subsequently, Rob and I and we arrived in I became concerned rode on a couple of other Kindersley in good time. that I might stall at this rides to find out if I could The new bike ran well and point, but a gust of wind keep up. I was exhilarated upon blew up behind me and For the most part I was arrival. That evening, gave me new energy. With able to keep up, but Rob we shared prayers and renewed vigour I was able suggested I get a lighter fellowship with the to surmount the peak and road bike to make the ride congregation of St. Mary’s, reach level ground. easier. To this end Rob Kindersley. As I enjoyed a Gatorade helped me select a road The next day saw us set on top of the hill, I realized bike from Dutch Cycle. out early on a beautiful the gust of wind was God Soon, the day to depart morning for Eston, Tyner aiding me up the hill. arrived and my wife and Lacadena. West of The realization left me dropped me off at the Eston, we encountered the humbled and ready to see Synod office. first (of many!) significant what other challenges
might have for us. The pilgrimage continued from Eston to St. Paul, Kyle; St. Michael and All Angels, Beechy; St. Mark, Outlook; St. Columba, Kenaston; St. George, Imperial and Christ Church, Nokomis. After Nokomis, I became the support driver and photographer for several stages as the pilgrimage continued to Annunciation Church, Govan; St. Nicholas, Kennell; and All Saints, Lumsden. At each stop we shared prayers and fellowship. I rode almost 500 kilometres in six days. On each day, my riding grew stronger. Even more profound was the sense of peace I felt as I worried less about things outside my control. I came to appreciate the meaning of St. Mark’s Gospel. The strenuous exercise allowed me to focus my prayers to discern God’s plan for my life and take comfort in the protection I can find in God’s love.
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Bishop’s cycle tour visits Outlook, Last Mountain parishes Fellowship in Outlook By Lauren Featherby
A group of parishioners gathers with Bishop Rob Hardwick (back row centre) and Nigel Salway (back row far right) on the church steps in Govan. Photo by Rev. Jack and Mardelle Robson
Three stops in Last Mountain Parish By Rev. Jack and Mardelle Robson LANIGAN (Qu’A) – On July 25 Bishop Rob Hardwick rode eastward across the gravel road from Davidson, then into gale force northwest winds to arrive at St. George’s Church in Imperial for rest, prayer and a lunch break with Vivian, Della, Betsy, Susan and Vesta and friends. Hardwick, along with fellow cyclist Nigel Salway and driver Malcolm Tait, continued on to Nokomis, where they were met with a warm welcome from the Last Mountain Parish congregations. Following a very
delicious pot-luck supper, everyone enthusiastically joined in an evening of singing, praise, worship and prayer. It was a wonderful evening led by guitarists Hardwick and Deacon Jack Robson. The next morning, the bishop met with the Govan congregation for a time of prayer, reflection and a meeting to decide on the future of the beautiful old Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Long-time parishioners Chris, Ida, Wendy and Christine drove out from Regina to join Loretta, Colleen, Mardelle and Jack at the church. Hardwick then continued
his cycle ride south to visit churches at Lumsden and Kennell. The bishop, through his arduous cycle ride, has reached out and met with the congregations, prayed, worshipped and fellowshipped with them, as he cycled across the diocese. Due to the diocese's size, many parishioners rarely have the chance to meet with the bishop. He has connected with the Christian worshippers of the diocese, and at every stop, is a reminder that God is riding with him, rejoicing and celebrating with His servant, on the Bishop’s Cycling Pilgrimage of Prayer.
OUTLOOK (Qu’A) – The congregation of St. Mark’s was eagerly anticipating Bishop Rob Hardwick’s stop at the church on his bike tour through the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. The ACW held a garden gathering in the early spring and sold plants, bulbs, garden pots and tools to raise money for the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund. The ACW knew that with their petals and the bishop’s pedals, as well as personal donations from the congregation, good things would happen. With his arrival date of July 23 quickly approaching, everything was ready: a communion service at 6 p.m. followed by supper and fellowship in the beautiful backyard of Eletha and Merv Dewing. It seems, however, that nature had other plans! A huge prairie storm rolled through the Outlook area with torrents of rain and strong, damaging winds. The backyard venue became a tangle of uprooted trees and broken fences along with the
worry of downed power lines. But with true smalltown spirit, St. Mark’s congregation rallied to get the supper to the church basement. Bishop Rob and his two travelling companions, Nigel Salway and Dragan Radivojevic, arrived at the church right on schedule, despite having endured 33oC heat all day and three huge hills on their way from Beechy to Outlook. (There was also a mishap at the local motel where they were staying, but you’ll have to ask the bishop just how he managed to lock himself inside his room!) After a hearty breakfast the next morning, everyone wished the bishop well – and assured him there were no steep hills on the way to Kenaston. The congregation of St. Mark’s was honoured to host Bishop Rob, and to enjoy a time of prayer, fellowship and food with him on his bike tour. His efforts were truly inspiring! Photo courtesy 1001freedownloads.com
St. Augustine’s, Rosthern experiences Pentecost By Rev. Debbie Ramage ROSTERN (S’toon) – In the spring, people at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church in Rosthern had a better understanding of Pentecost. Although we didn’t have a sound from heaven as a rushing wind, we did have people read the gospel in their own language. Six people read individually and then together. Rene Madsen read in Danish, Linda Rudaehyk read in Ukrainian, Cookie Esperance read in Cree, Gladys Kinzel read in French, Eunice Patterson read in English and Bernd Winkelmann in German. Through this experience, many people commented that their
Readers of the Gospel were Rene Madsen, Bernd Winkelmann, Gladys Kinzel, Cookie Esperance and Eunice Patterson (missing, Linda Rudaehyk). Photos by Rev. Debbie Ramage understanding of Pentecost had increased and seemed more alive and real. Also, of course, in true Anglican fashion, we enjoyed a delicious lunch together after the service. “And suddenly from
heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of
Linda Rudaehyk read the Gospel in Ukrainian ethnic dress them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.” “Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this
sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. “Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? “Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs — in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power’” (Acts 2:2-11).