Saskatchewan
anglican
The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal • December 2021
Helen Kennedy elected 13th bishop of Qu'Appelle By Joanne Shurvin-Martin
Archdeacon Helen Kennedy has been elected as the 13th bishop of Qu'Appelle following the episcopal election on Oct. 16. She will be installed on Jan. 22 at St. Paul's Cathedral. Photo submitted
REGINA — Archdeacon Helen Kennedy was elected as 13th bishop of Qu’Appelle, in a virtual electoral synod held Oct. 16. There were three candidates: Archdeacon Helen Kennedy, Rev. Dr. Kyle Norman, and Rev. Dr. Ali Tote. In the first ballot, Tote received the lowest number of votes, and withdrew. In the second ballot, Kennedy received 18 clergy votes (of 33 clergy who registered) and 35 lay votes (of 52 lay delegates registered). (Three clergy and two lay delegates either abstained or spoiled their ballots) The election, as with all elections of bishops, must be approved by the House of Bishops for the
Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land within 30 days of the election. The consecration service is being planned for Jan. 22 at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Regina. Bishop-elect Kennedy was born and raised in England, and moved to Canada in 1999, when she was 30. She has spent most of her time in the Winnipeg area. She received an M.A. in theological studies at the Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, and bachelor’s of theology (equivalent to MDiv) from the University of Winnipeg in 2007. She was ordained in October of that same year, and priested in St. John’s Cathedral, Diocese of Rupert’s Land on May 14, 2008. At the time of her Continued on page 6
Montreal Lake hosts ordination service for nine deacons By Mary Brown
NUTFLAKES officially opens in Saskatoon Captain America provided his mighty shield to help open Christ Church's NUTFLAKES movie library. For story see page 12. Photo by Michael MacLean
MONTREAL LAKE (Skwn) — On Oct. 24 there was an ordination in St. Joseph’s Church in Montreal Lake. But, before we could enter Montreal Lake Cree Nation, we had to go through a road block where they took our temperature and we showed our proof of double vaccination. The church was full with everyone wearing their masks. The last time St. Joseph’s hosted a diocesan function
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was the ordination of Bishop Adam Halkett to the priesthood in 2000. This time he will be ordaining nine people to the diaconate. The service began with a drummer and welcoming words from Chief Joyce Naytowhow-McLeod of Montreal Lake and Chief Tammy Cook-Searson of Lac La Ronge Band. Chief Joyce thanked the Lord for granting us another day to live and come to church. Chief Tammy said that it takes Continued on page 7
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Archivist marks 50 years serving Qu'Appelle By Canon Michael Jackson REGINA — Canon Trevor Powell marked 50 years as volunteer archivist of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle in September. Appointed in 1971, he is the highly-respected dean of Anglican diocesan archivists in Canada. For a half-century Powell has been collecting and classifying parish and diocesan records, preserving them for researchers and church authorities. He has handled countless inquiries from all over the world, about baptismal, marriage and burial records in particular. How did Powell first get involved in archival work? In 1971, as a young graduate student in history at the University of Regina, he was looking for employment to finance his plans for a further degree at the University of Toronto.
Canon Trevor Powell is considered the dean of archivists in the Anglican Church of Canada. He has done this volunteer work for the Diocese of Qu'Appelle for 50 years. Photo contributed He was living at the home of then-Archbishop Frederic Jackson and Eileen Jackson and they suggested that he undertake the organization of Qu’Appelle’s diocesan records, which were
languishing in disarray. Powell was hired for six months to do that. This in turn led to temporary employment with the Saskatchewan Archives Board. The rest, as they say, “is history.” Toronto’s loss was Saskatchewan’s gain, for Powell soon joined the archives as a permanent employee and rose through the ranks to become provincial archivist in 1986, retiring from the post in 2006. During all this time and continuing in retirement, Powell has been responsible for the archives of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. He has served with six bishops — Jackson, his successor, Archbishop Michael Peers, and Bishops Eric Bays, Duncan Wallace, Gregory Kerr-Wilson, and Robert Hardwick. He is now looking forward to working with his seventh — and first
woman — bishop, Helen Kennedy. Trevor Powell has been praised for his exemplary research on residential schools since the episcopate of Bishop Wallace, and more recently, responding to requests from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He is currently working with the George Gordon First Nation on burial records. He was appointed a canon of the diocese by Bishop Hardwick in 2013 and recognized with the Anglican Award of Merit that the Primate presented him in 2016. The College of Emmanuel and St. Chad conferred an honorary doctorate of canon law on him in 2019. In 2021, Powell coauthored a book with former Bishop Eric Bays, Emmanuel and St. Chad: A History of Training Anglican Clergy in Saskatchewan.
Developing spiritual disciplines important What are some hindrances to a potent prayer life? Rev. Dell Bornowsky
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am not sure of all that constitutes a potent prayer life. Is it more evident in a person who prays frequently and fervently but sees few if any answers, or in a person who prays infrequently but sees miracles? Perhaps it is our tendency to value power over purpose that even posits such a dichotomy, because if prayer is primarily communication with our loving God, then perhaps the truly potent prayer life is simply that of the one who loves much. Anyone can pray; I am convinced that the LORD hears every prayer and is free to respond graciously to prayers of anyone on any topic at any time, no matter how mature we may be or how much faith we claim to have. However, the Scriptures suggest that we might “pray amiss.” (James 4:2-3). The first hindrance mentioned by James is that we simply don’t ask. Obviously the surest way not to get any answers to prayer is not to pray.
Secondly, James suggests that self-centred motives can make prayers ineffective. Fortunately we are not left to examine our motives by ourselves alone. Once again the Scriptures themselves (2 Tim 3:16-17) in conjunction with the work of the Holy Spirit (Psalm 139:23-24, John 16:8) function to expose and correct our motives that otherwise might remain hidden even from ourselves (Heb. 4:12, Jer. 17:9-10). Attitudes that hamper prayer probably vary from person to person. Hindrances might include unwillingness to forgive, reluctance to express either deep lament or enthusiastic praise, and a sort of false humility evident in timidity and a fear of being too specific. On the other hand, we may mistakenly think our prayer life is weak because our understanding of the Lord’s responses to our specific prayers is limited to things that we can comprehend in the present moment. Faithful fervent prayers may be far more effective in eternity than we realize because we cannot yet see the end from the
beginning. As prairie folk we are a practical “make-do” kind of people who are accustomed to the frequent dashing of hopes. We say with gracious resignation “well,…it is what it is.” On one hand, this might be an appropriate humble submission to the hand of providence. However, perhaps it may also reveal a sort of bleak despondency that saps our motivation to pray. We may wish to make our humility evident in our prayers by always deferring to an attitude of “not my will but thine be done.” This may not be a bad way to conclude our prayers but I am not sure it is the best place to start. Remember Jesus concluded with this phrase only after He had prayed “If it is possible…” let a different outcome be the case. So while it is entirely appropriate to recognize God’s sovereignty even in the tragedies and troubles of life, the Scriptures encourage prayers that are not only explicit and persistent but also prayers of lament and intercession that boldly challenge God regarding the way things seem to going.
An old Sunday school song goes: “read your Bible, pray every day and you’ll grow, grow, grow.” I think this rather simplistic slogan is nevertheless still good advice. It connects two foundational spiritual disciplines: Scripture and prayer. Of course, the Scriptures as the word of God are more than a “self-help – how-to” prayer manual. The biblical narrative is the grand story into which we ourselves are adopted when we become followers of Messiah Jesus. The Scriptures tell us who we are and where we are going so we can pray accordingly. Jesus, along with the prophets and apostles, thought it important to both teach and model principles and practices of prayer. It is from the Scriptures that we get these lessons and models that help us to pray well. I believe that as we are open to the prompting of the Holy Spirt and allow God’s word to illumine, convict, correct, and transform us, our prayer lives will become more creative, redemptive, imaginative and confident.
Published by the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle. Published monthly except for July and August. Whole No. 292, Vol. 50, No. 4 A Section of the Anglican Journal SUBSCRIPTIONS For change of address, undeliverable copies and subscription list updates, contact: • Your parish • e-mail: circulation @national.anglican.ca • Or send to Saskatchewan Anglican, c/o Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ont. M4Y 3G2 RATES $10 in Canada $17 outside Canada SUBMISSIONS Submissions for the February issue must be received by the diocesan editor no later than Dec. 29. All pictures must be sent as JPEGS and 1 MB (megabyte) in size. CONTACT INFORMATION Managing Editor: Jason Antonio SKAnglicanEditor@gmail. com 1501 College Ave Regina, Sask., S4P 1B8 Phone: 306-737-4898 Qu’Appelle: Joanne Shurvin-Martin joannesm@myaccess.ca 6927 Farrell Bay Regina, Sask., S4X 3V4 Phone: 306-775-2629 Saskatoon: Peter Coolen ptrcoolen@sasktel.net 820 Avenue I South, Saskatoon, Sask., S7M 1Z3 Phone: 306-244-0935, Saskatchewan: Mary Brown mary1949brown@gmail.com Box 25, Shellbrook, Sask., S0J 2E0 306-922-5159 Advertising agent: Angela Rush saskatchewan.anglican.ads@ gmail.com 905-630-0390 PUBLISHING DETAILS Published from 59 Roberts Place Regina, Sask., S4T 6K5
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The common cup and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk Editor's note: This article is being used with permission from its author. Also, the Diocese of Ottawa resumed offering the common cup in July. By Rev. Michael Garner, MSc MDiv Public health advisor to the bishop of the Diocese of Ottawa Background Over the last hundred years, concerns regarding the hygiene of the common cup have been raised. Despite these concerns, there is limited research regarding the infection risk associated with the practice of the common cup. As a result, a recent review found only four experimental studies, one clinical survey and three reviews on the topic. In the Anglican Church of Canada, focus on risks associated with the common cup emerged in relation to the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s: investigations at that time identified extremely low risk of transmitting the HIV virus through the use of the common cup. In general, the majority of the research has focused on determining if virus or bacteria can be isolated from the common cup after use (i.e., after all eucharistic participants have been served) rather than on
Rev. Michael Garner looks at whether the common cup should be brought back. One conclusion: Given SARS-CoV-2’s transmission route, the risk of transmission is far greater from breathing the air exhaled by an infectious person next to you at the communion rail than from sharing a common cup. Photo by Shutterstock whether transmission of disease can occur from one participant to the next through sharing the common cup. To date, there is no documented evidence of disease transmission through the common cup. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the suspension of the use of the common cup from the eucharistic practice of the Anglican Church of Canada. The present paper seeks to determine
whether continued suspension of this practice is warranted, or whether its reintroduction is a justifiable action in the midst of the pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 Transmission The dominant route of SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic) transmission is respiratory, i.e., inhalation of the virus through both
aerosols and droplets. While both asymptomatic and symptomatic persons can transmit SARS- CoV-2, transmission is more likely from symptomatic individuals. Proximity to an infectious person and ventilation of the space are extremely important factors that affect the probability of infection transmission. To date, there is no conclusive evidence of
SARS-CoV-2 transmission through direct physical contact with an infectious person or fomites (i.e., objects that may be contaminated with infectious agents and serve in their transmission), although these transmission routes remain theoretically possible, and the emergence of new variants may increase or decrease this likelihood. Although the amount of SARS-CoV-2 that must be contracted to cause infection (i.e., infectious dose) is unknown, initial evidence suggests it’s higher than for SARSCoV-1 and lower than for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), e.g., approximately a few hundred virus particles. It is important to note that the focus of SARSCoV-2 infectious dose research has focused on viral inhalation rather than on transmission via direct contact or gastrointestinal exposure. It is likely that a nonrespiratory route of infection would require a higher infectious dose than a respiratory route. COVID-19 risk and the Common Cup Over the course of a regular communion service, a chalice becomes contaminated with the Continued on page 5
The Bishop's Corner
Advent in the season of COVID-tide By Dean Mike Sinclair Diocesan Administrator, Diocese of Qu’Appelle As Advent rolls around again, it’s becoming apparent to me that I’ve likely taken for granted the yearning of those who waited, generation after generation, for the coming of the Messiah. The hopes, dreams and expectations of so many longing for the fulfillment of God’s promise, hit differently when we ourselves are still in a season of waiting, as we are in this ongoing season of COVID-tide.
I have to hand it to those faithful generations: waiting is hard. As someone who loathes waiting and struggles with patience, I am struck and strengthened by the faithfulness of those who waited. And waited. And waited. There was a wisdom there that just understood that in the absence of the complete, you make the best of the fragments. And much
to everyone’s surprise, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus taught us to do the same. The more I think about it, the more I realise that the practice of holding and making the best of the fragments is a lot of what being faithful is. The fragments are holy, as are the hands and hearts with which we hold them. It feels like we’ve been waiting for much longer than one and twothirds years for our lives, together and apart, to return to normalcy. In many cases, we’ve been able to make the best of the fragments. Innovations and inventiveness in online worship, creative stewardship and communitybuilding have been inspiring to observe and to take part in. And some days, holding the
fragments is overwhelming. I miss what was. I long for what will be. And in this time of Advent, waiting for the revealing of Jesus, I hope each one of us sees the opportunity to hold faithfully the fragments in the in-between time. As we prepare to celebrate the One who lived here in our fragmented in-between, may we be reminded of God’s great love for us and God’s call for us to love one another in our thoughts, words, and actions. It is my hope and most fervent prayer in the absence of the complete, that we each may see the important role we play in doing our best with the fragments: Keeping one another safe by distancing where needed, masking when around each other, and getting vaccinated.
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Stewards of God's abundance
Be as generous as Santa Claus By Archdeacon Cheryl Toth
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A Christmas decoration depicts St. Nicholas of Myrna bringing gifts to children. Photo by Joanne Shurvin-Martin
or the past month or more you have probably seen Christmas merchandise in the stores. This was soon followed by Christmas movies on television and Christmas music on the radio. It seems our consumerdriven culture starts the lead-up to Christmas earlier and earlier every year in the hope that our gift-buying will keep the economy moving. Our Christmas-driven retail economy is out of sync with the rhythm of the church year, and by the time Advent begins, many of us are weary
of “the countdown to Christmas.” It is almost a relief to turn to the Advent readings that remind us to ready ourselves for Christ’s coming as we prepare to celebrate His birth. But there is a place where our culture and our church’s celebration of Christmas meet. That is in the figure of Santa Claus — better known to us as St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra, whose saint day is Dec. 6. Bishop Nicholas lived in the fourth century and was venerated as a saint for his generosity and compassion. He became the patron saint of sailors and children.
Known in the Netherlands as Sante Klaas, traditions and legends about him came to North America through Dutch immigrants. In the 19th century Sante Klaas was transformed to Santa Claus, the secret giver of gifts. It is through the tradition of Santa’s generosity that people in our towns and villages give in the month of December to help others, especially children. St. Nicholas is someone from whom we can all learn to be more generous. As Christians we know that our God is generous, the One from whom we receive all things. God gives us the gift of life, the
bounty of the earth, the companionship of others, the grace of God’s love and mercy, and, as we celebrate at Christmas, the gift of Jesus the Christ Child. The Bible shows us again and again that God’s very character is one of generosity. That generosity was manifest in Jesus — His generous welcoming of outsiders, His healing of those in need, His feeding of the hungry, His forgiveness of sinners and His self-giving on the cross. As disciples of Christ we are called to grow in generosity as much as we are called to grow in faith and love. The stories that Continued next page
DIOCESE OF SASKATOON EVENTS
Announcements for December 2021 g Saskatchewan Anglican online! Did you know that you can read current and past issues of the Saskatchewan Anglican online? It can be found at www. anglicandiocesesaskatoon. com/saskanglican or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ saskatchewananglican. g As we pass through the current wave of COVID-19, recordings and live streaming of church services are available from links on the diocesan website and diocesan Facebook and YouTube pages, as well as on various individual parish websites and Facebook and YouTube pages, and locally (for Battle River Parish), on radio. When considering attending church services in person, check on service availability and requirements for preregistration that exist. If attending services in person, please follow all the indicated seating, movement, distancing, masking, and sanitization instructions in order to safeguard yourself and to protect others. g Cross Over Personnel Discernment Retreat:
Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, location TBA and/or ZOOM. For information, please contact the Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy at 306-370-8378 or email tmccarthy@ sasktel.net, and see the notice posted elsewhere in this issue. g School of Discipleship Ministry Preparation Program: The Diocese of Saskatoon’s School of Discipleship Ministry Preparation Program is a part-time three-year Licentiate. Courses for the 2021 seasons have now been announced (see the syllabus posted elsewhere in this issue). Students may take a course part-way through the three-year cycle unless pre-requisites for a specific course are stated. The first full complement for the ESC Licentiate in Theology is planned to be completed by spring 2023. People wishing to take one or more of these courses should consult with the School of Discipleship co-ordinator. People who sense a call to diaconal or priestly ordination will go through the diocesan discernment process at some point before the midway point.
If you have any questions about our Ministry Preparation Program, please contact the School of Discipleship co-ordinator, the Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy at tmccarthy@sasktel.net or 306-370-8378. g Ministry of Supervision: Presented by the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad and the diocese’s School of Discipleship; April 5 to 8 and May 16 to 19, 2022; 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.; hybrid delivery model; led by the Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy. For further information please contact the Rev. McCarthy at 306-370-8378 or tmccarthy@sasktel.net, and see the notices posted elsewhere in this issue. g Safe Church Workshops: Mark your calendars for our two Safe Church Workshops: No. 1 “Nuts and Bolts” and No. 2 “Preventing Sexual Misconduct.” Please note as well that if your parish still needs to participate in this Safe Church No. 1 “Nuts and Bolts” workshop, that these can be set up as a Zoom meeting for your region. Safe Church Workshop
No. 1 called “Nuts and Bolts” by ZOOM will take place on Saturday, Feb. 5, from 10 a.m.to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Safe Church Workshop No. 2 “Preventing Sexual Misconduct” by ZOOM will take place on Saturday, Jan. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To register, contact our Safe Church co-ordinator, the Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy, at 306-370-8378 or tmccarthy@sasktel.net, or see the notice posted elsewhere in this issue. g Courses at the College of Emmanuel & St. Chad: The College of Emmanuel & St Chad welcomes inquiries and applicants for its fall 2021 and spring 2022 courses. All teaching is planned to be offered only online. See the course listing for the fall of 2021 and 2022 posted elsewhere in this issue. For information on courses available through the Saskatoon Theological Union, please also contact their office at 306-975-1550 and see the course listing for the summer and fall of 2021 and for 2022 posted elsewhere in this issue. g All Saints, Saskatoon, Anniversary Celebrations: A
Eucharistic service with the Right Rev. Chris Harper, Bishop of Saskatoon, was held on Oct. 17 to officially open a year-long series of 65th anniversary celebrations for All Saints Anglican Church, Saskatoon. These celebrations will take them from the anniversaries of the laying of the cornerstone on Oct. 7, 1956, to the dedication of the building on Sept. 18, 1957: all milestones on their way to celebrating 100 years since their first service held in 1925. Keep checking this column for more advance news of more upcoming celebrations. g To be included in a timely manner, brief notices should be supplied to the associate editor by fax, email or “snail mail” by the end of the month, one month before the month in which the insertion is desired (i.e. October 2021 entries will be in December 2021 issue). Detailed and longer texts of upcoming events will not be included in this section, but should space allow, could be the subject of articles and notices elsewhere in the Saskatchewan Anglican.
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... Be as generous as Santa Claus Continued from page 4 surround St. Nicholas say he anonymously gave bags of gold to an impoverished family to save their three daughters from being forced into prostitution. St. Nicholas gave because there was a need he could meet with the resources God had given him. So can we. The problem for many of us is that we hear a call to generosity as a call to give more to the church. It often comes across as “there are fewer of us in the church so those
of us who are here need to give more to keep the church going.” And while we do want the church to continue, that’s the wrong reason to give. We are not in the survival business. We are part of the enterprise of
God! We are here to serve God’s mission by witnessing to Christ’s reconciling love for all; building transformative communities of faith; caring for the poor and those in need; challenging injustice and working for peace and reconciliation; and protecting our planet. It’s more than keeping the lights on — it’s revealing the Light of the world in what we do and how we do it. Seeing the ways our parishes live out their mission helps us see
why our generous gifts are important. Generosity is not defined by the amount you give but by the spirit in which you give. This December, as you consider the needs of your church, your community and the world, give generously. But don’t stop there. If we as individual Christians are called to grow in God-like generosity, then so too is the church. Work with your parish leadership to encourage your church
to be as generous with its resources as it asks you to be with yours. A gift from your parish to a community need or a global crisis is a witness to God’s mercy and compassion. Wouldn’t it be something if, in your community, your church was known to be as generous as Santa Claus this December? Archdeacon Cheryl Toth, stewardship officer for the Diocese of Qu’Appelle, is still learning to be generous!
... The common cup and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk Continued from page 3 saliva of the participants. While the cup may serve as a vehicle for transmitting infection, the risk of infection transmission is very small. Given SARS-CoV-2’s transmission route, the risk of transmission is far greater from breathing the air exhaled by an infectious person next to you at the communion rail than from sharing a common cup. Despite the extremely low risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from a common cup, there are practices that should be maintained for the duration of the pandemic to ensure that this risk remains low. Those practices include the exclusion of symptomatic persons from participation in church services, particularly from sharing in the common cup; the wiping of chalice between communicants; and physical distancing during participation in Holy Communion. Superspreading events have played an important role in sustaining the COVID-19 pandemic. These usually occur when an infectious individual has close contacts with many susceptible individuals, for example at a festivals, bars, or social gatherings. While church services, especially those with congregational singing, have been demonstrated to be a potential superspreading events, the use of the common cup is not a possible vehicle for establishing a superspreading event.
Photo courtesy Edward Jenner/Pexels Risk Tolerance and Perception Perhaps the greatest barrier to the successful reintroduction of the common cup is the perception of risk by the congregation. The focus on the disinfection of surfaces as a means of minimizing COVID spread in the early days of the pandemic changed the behaviour of many people. Even in the current environment, where it is clear that spread does not happen through contact with surfaces, people still perform practices that were reasonable in the midst of the unknown but are no longer warranted (e.g., sanitizing groceries). Bishops, parish clergy, and lay leaders will need clear and consistent communication strategies to address the perception
of risk and address the limited tolerance that many congregation members may have around sharing the common cup. Keeping messaging to the science, while making space for questions and concerns, will be important moving forward. The practice of partaking in communion in one kind (i.e., only bread) will remain important for those who are unsure of participation in the common cup. Key messages should include that: the main route of transmission of COVID is respiratory rather than gastrointestinal; vaccinated persons are protected from infection regardless of the route of exposure. Finally, as new variants emerge, infectivity through direct contact
routes will need to continue to be monitored, and changes in risk considered, as the practice of sharing a common cup continues. Conclusions Modified practices for Holy Communion will need to be in place for the remainder of the pandemic, particularly in making participation safe for immunocompromised congregation members or those not yet eligible for the vaccine, especially those under 12 years old. Alternative means of receiving communion (i.e., in one kind) should continue to be made available. The practice of excluding persons with respiratory symptoms from participating in Holy Communion will help to ensure that the practice
remains safe for others. The latter may be considered as an ongoing practice to be adopted in the long term, particularly during winter months when respiratory viruses are circulating, especially influenza. The possibility of transmitting SARSCoV-2 to healthy persons through the contaminated chalice rim remains an unproven but theoretically possible risk. The risks associated with the reintroduction of the common cup must be understood in contrast to the greater and more probable transmission risk associated with sharing the same airspace with someone actively shedding SARS-CoV-2. The Reverend Michael Garner was ordained an Anglican Priest in the Diocese of Ottawa in 2019 and is currently the Associate Incumbent of St. Thomas the Apostle in Ottawa. Michael has worked in public health and epidemiology fields since 1996. From 2006 to 2019, he worked as an infectious disease epidemiologist at the Public Health Agency of Canada, working primarily in disease surveillance, infectious disease research and risk assessment, and control of emerging infectious diseases. Michael has a bachelor of science degree from Queen’s University, a Master of Science (Epidemiology) degree from the University of Ottawa, and a Master of Divinity degree from the University of Toronto (Wycliffe College).
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... Helen Kennedy elected 13th bishop of Qu'Appelle Continued from page 1 election, Kennedy was incumbent at St. George, Transcona. In addition to many activities in her diocese and the ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land, Kennedy has had roles in the national church. These roles include serving as a member of the National Worship Committee, member of the national planning team for CLAY 2010 youth conference, member of the planning team for Ecumenical Youth Leaders Conference in 2011, and a delegate to General Synod 2019. Kennedy and her husband, Stephen, have five adult children between them.
‘Who’s this God fella?’ In the C.V. submitted circulated to diocesan synod delegates before the election, Kennedy said that Christian education and regular church attendance were not part of her upbringing. As a young adult, she felt that something was missing in her life, and when she was 21 she knocked at the door of her local parish and asked, “Who’s this God fella?” After she was invited
St. Paul's Cathedral in Regina hosted the episcopal election on Oct. 16 and will host the induction of the new bishop on Jan. 22. Photo submitted in and told the gospel, she recalls “my life went from monochrome to colour. I knew that this ‘God fella’ was real and it changed everything. … I have been actively involved in church life ever since.” Kennedy wrote, “I bring with me a passion for wanting the church to be better and more relevant to the community around it.” She also wrote of her commitment to the selfdetermining aspect of the Indigenous church, and in the video prepared for delegates said, “I am
confident it will only make the church a richer and more exciting place to be.” Also in the video, she spoke about the LAURC (Lutheran, Anglican, Ukrainian Catholic and Roman Catholic) covenant. She said she was “very interested and excited to see the potential that it can unleash for community services in the diocese. Enlarging our tents to share in each other’s richness of tradition can only benefit the whole church.” Kennedy pledged, “I would work to foster a high level of trust; share in decision-making; and be as transparent as possible while respecting another’s theological standpoint, embracing enough grace to agree to disagree.”
Accepting the role
Yorkton receives new priest Rev. Kim Sherwin (front right) was inducted as parttime priest at Holy Trinity, Yorkton, on Sept. 12. Dean Mike Sinclair, diocesan administrator (back right) officiated. He was assisted by, from left, Archdeacon Catherine Harper, Rev. Luanne Hrywkiw and Rev. Nancy Brunt. Sherwin is also archdeacon of Columba. Photo by Susan Geddes
After the second ballot, Archbishop Kerr-Wilson contacted Kennedy to ask if she would accept. She sent the following message to the diocese: Well, Qu’Appelle, it looks like we are going on an adventure together! Thank you so much for your confidence in me. I am looking forward to meeting you all and serving God and neighbour with you. With God’s help we can show … all of southern Saskatchewan that the kingdom of God is right here, right now. My blessings on the synod and thanks to all those who put so much hard working into making it happen. Let the adventure begin! Later in October,
Kennedy sent a message that was first printed in Cathedral Calling, the newsletter for St. Paul’s Cathedral. She wrote: Hello to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. Now that my feet have touched the ground, I realize that I am at a fulltilt gallop, as there is so much to learn, so much to read, so much to hear about, and so much to do! I am very excited for this new phase of ministry for me and also for possibilities God is preparing for the diocese. Together I hope we can share in the joys of the journey in this shared life in Christ. I know there will also be frustrations and challenges, which I trust we can call on the grace of God to help us navigate. So I send my warmest greetings and look forward to being with you, worshipping with you and serving your neighbourhoods together. Many blessings to you all in your ministries.
Cathedral hosts synod The electoral synod was held using Zoom, and all the votes and balloting were handled by a firm called Data On The Spot (DOTS). The company ensured that only authorized delegates could vote, and that the votes were anonymous. Archbishop Greg KerrWilson, metropolitan of the Province of Rupert’s Land, was present at St. Paul’s Cathedral,
along with Dean Mike Sinclair, the diocesan administrator since the retirement of Bishop Rob Hardwick in July. Only 16 other people were physically present in the cathedral, with all other delegates using Zoom from their own locations. The search committee, responsible for presenting a slate of candidates, was chaired by Bishop Chris Harper (Diocese of Saskatoon) and Archdeacon Kim Sherwin. Sherwin spoke briefly to thank all the members of the committee who “have been my ‘village’” during the process. After the names of the three candidates were presented, then voted on and accepted, Archbishop Kerr-Wilson celebrated the Eucharist. The order of service had been sent to all delegates, and the service (as well as the election) was livestreamed and available on the diocesan website. In the sermon, Archbishop Kerr-Wilson said he had pondered the three readings for the day, and they reminded him of the three Indiana Jones movies — each of which involved the search for an item that will change people’s lives, not give riches. Likewise, this synod is searching for a bishop — someone who will lead and shepherd the diocese. “You are seeking for the one who will lead and walk with you so you become more fully what God intended you to be,” said Kerr-Wilson.
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A group composed of bishops, an archbishop, clergy, lay leaders, political officials and nine newly ordained deacons pose for a picture after the ordination service at Montreal Lake. Photos by Mary Brown
... Montreal Lake hosts ordination service for nine deacons Continued from page 1 special people to work for God and that it is difficult work and that she is grateful for their dedication. Archbishop Mark MacDonald spoke about Nick, who referred to him as the Big Talker. Nick was a cook at the jail and a friend to everyone. Nick’s advice to the deacons was don’t be lazy or greedy; the archbishop couldn’t remember a third piece of advice that Nick gave. He did remember that Nick was with the people and he had no enemies. Like a deacon, you are a relative to everybody and support everybody. MacDonald referred to the Book of Revelation to see pain and suffering, which makes sense in our communities. We are living in the time before Jesus comes again, a time of birth pains. God’s will is to turn our suffering into something great. Revelation 1:9 says we grow to share the suffering of the people. Deacons need to be ready to identify with the people and their suffering, someone who unites people. They share in the kingdom and will feel the power of the Holy Spirit anoint them. They are to be like Jesus — stones and joy — ups and downs. Give all that you have to give to care for other people, every day put on the armour of God. We are promising the essence of what we preach. We have not been brought
Ray Aldred
Elaine Bear
Dixie Bird
Roger Bird
Sheila Chaboyer
Harry Halkett
Eugene Merasty
Edna Mirasty
the life and conditions of the people on the land. They are experiencing the first Sacred Circle ordination. Surprisingly, after such a powerful message, all of the candidates were ready and honoured to be ordained. First to be ordained was Theresa Sanderson, who has been a student of the James Settee College and lay reader in Fort a la Corne. Elaine Bear, lay reader from Pelican Narrows with five children and 14 grandchildren and who works at the school, was
next. Third was Sheila Chaboyer, who works as a counsellor in Cumberland House and has been a lay reader and student of JSC for many years. Edna Mirasty, a teacher and long-time student of JSC and lay reader in La Ronge and Stanley Mission, followed Sheila. Next was Dixie Bird, who works for the National Anglican Church in Indigenous Youth Ministry and was the final female deacon. Four men were also ordained including Eugene Merasty, a lay reader and
student of JSC in Stanley Mission who works for the LLRIB; Harry Halkett, lay reader in Montreal Lake; Roger Bird, project manager for Montreal Lake Log Homes and catechist at Holy Trinity Church in Prince Albert; and Ray Aldred, from Vancouver School of Theology, who became involved with our diocese when he met Bishop Adam when he was chaplain at the school. Following the service, everyone was invited to enjoy a delicious meal of bannock and moose stew.
Theresa Sanderson to this place to die but to do something powerful and wonderful, to confess Jesus Christ on the land in
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
December 2021
Following the decommissioning of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Nokomis, the congregation walked to Christ Church Anglican Church. They were led by Roman Catholic Deacon Norbert Gaudet, carrying the crucifix, and Anglican Deacon Jack Robson. Photos by Jaeden Simpson
Anglicans in Nokomis share building with Catholic neighbours By Deacon Jack Robson NOKOMIS (Qu’A) — After establishing their farms, welcoming the arrival of the railroad and the birth of the village, the early pioneers of the Nokomis district realized the great need for spiritual worship was missing in their community. Christ Church Anglican opened its doors in 1908, and St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in 1920, although services had been held in homes and other venues before these dates. Both congregations flourished and maintained their godly roles in the community for many years. In the last decades, with rural depopulation, the congregation numbers began to decline. In 2020 the Roman Catholic congregation, faced with serious structural decay of St. Patrick’s building, declining membership and income, approached Christ Church Anglican about the possibility of sharing Christ Church’s building for worship services. The proposition was warmly received, and following a joint meeting, both parties agreed to share the sanctuary of Christ Church for worship services. St. Patrick’s Parish will continue, although its church building is
Anglicans and Roman Catholic congregations gather at the steps of the decommissioned St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Nokomis, before walking to Christ Church Anglican, where they now worship.
Fr. Valentine Amobi, priest for St. Patrick’s Church (left), Archdeacon Catherine Harper and Archbishop Don Bolen, inside Christ Church Anglican, the new home for St. Patrick’s parish. closed, and will rent the Christ Church building for services. A warm sunny
day greeted the two congregations on Sept. 26, as they came together to celebrate the final mass
and the decommissioning service of St. Patrick’s. It was a sombre day of remembering the wonderful worship services that were held in that beautiful old building; remembering the faithful who worshipped there for 101 years; the weddings, baptisms, confirmations, special festivals and burials. Archbishop Donald Bolen of the Archdiocese of Regina presided over the mass assisted by Fr. Valentine Amobi and Deacon Norbert Gaudet. Chairman Dennis Simpson gave a brief history of St. Patrick’s Parish, and the
importance of this church in the spiritual well-being of the congregation and community. Readers were Maureen Tait and Deacon Jack Robson. Organist was Joan (Simpson) Petracek. She and her husband, Arnold, were married at St. Patrick’s in 1965. Archdeacon Catherine Harper addressed the congregations. Following Mass, Archbishop Bolen presided over the sad decommissioning of the church assisted by archdiocesan representative Leona Burkhart. Continued next page
December 2021
... Anglicans in Nokomis share building with Catholic neighbours Continued from page 8 The combined congregations quietly left the hallowed St. Patrick’s sanctuary, slowly absorbing the attractive interior of the old church, a view they would never see again. Everyone paused on the steps of St. Patrick’s for group photos, before walking about four blocks to Christ Church. This was a walk of unity and change for both congregations, an ecumenical change and glimpse into the future of worship in rural areas. Upon entering Christ Church, the congregation of St. Patrick was warmly welcomed by Archdeacon Catherine Harper, representing the Diocese of Qu’Appelle, and Deacon Jack Robson. All present realized that our Heavenly Father has been very faithful to both congregations and churches throughout the many years, and bringing the faithful to this eventful day. All joined in the singing of “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” Following the signing of the rental agreement, the congregations were addressed by Archbishop Bolen and St. Patrick’s chairman Dennis Simpson. Both commended the two church congregations for their unity of spirit and co-operation that brought this event to fruition, and said that congregations must embrace this openness and welcome the changes that are inevitable for our small churches to survive. At closing, all stood and recited together, the prayer our Lord Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father, who art in heaven ... .” Outside, the congregations gathered on the front steps of Christ Church for one last photo, which shows that the door of Christ Church is open
and welcoming. The congregations walked over to the community hall for a very enjoyable time of refreshment and fellowship before going their separate ways. This was a great day, a day to remember, perhaps a small step, but a giant step forward for Christianity, unity and survival in the face of continual changes and declining church attendance. With continual prayers and dedication to faithful worship, we can move forward within our smaller congregations to remain a beacon for Christ and Christianity in our communities, province and world. To God be the glory!
The Saskatchewan Anglican
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Classes being offered for Saskatoon's ministry prep program SASKATOON — The Diocese of Saskatoon’s School of Discipleship “Ministry Preparation” Program is a part-time three-year Licentiate. Students may begin with courses part way through the three-year cycle unless pre-requisites for a specific course are stated. We will finish the first full complement for the ESC Licentiate in Theology in Spring 2023. People wishing to take a course should consult with the School of Discipleship Coordinator. People who sense a call to Diaconal or Priestly Ordination will go through the Diocesan Discernment Process ideally before the midway point of the individual’s program. People from other dioceses are welcome to participate in these courses. TO REGISTER, please
sign up by sending your registration information to School’s Coordinator (tmccarthy@sasktel.net) including: REGISTRATION in the subject line, the name and dates of the course for which you are registering, your name, snail-mail address, email address, phone number, parish name and town or city of your church. If you have any questions contact the School of Discipleship Coordinator: Rev. Dr Trish McCarthy: tmccarthy@sasktel. net / 306 370 8378, Or snail mail c/o School of Discipleship: 1403 – 9th Ave. N. Saskatoon, SK S7K 2Z6.
One remaining fall 2021 course
Liturgy and Preaching I with Rev. Dr Iain Luke and Rev. Dr Trish McCarthy on Friday, Nov.
5 from 7- 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on ZOOM and in-person.
Winter, Spring 2022
Liturgy and Preaching II with Rev. Dr Iain Luke and Rev. Dr Trish McCarthy on Friday, Jan. 14 from 7 – 9 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., ZOOM and live. Advanced Pastoral Theology & Pastoral Care with Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy on Thursdays from 6 – 9 p.m., Jan. 13 – March 31, 2022. ZOOM and in-person Ethics I and II held by ZOOM and in-person on Friday, March 4, from 7 – 9 p.m. and Saturday, March 5 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Friday, May 13, from 7 – 9 p.m. and Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
December 2021
DIOCESE OF QU’APPELLE
Diocesan council approves deficit budget for 2022 By Joanne Shurvin-Martin REGINA — Diocesan Council approved a deficit budget for the Diocese of Qu’Appelle, at the meeting held via Zoom on Oct. 30. The finance committee had prepared a draft 2022 budget that forecasted a deficit of $150,000, based on an increase of five per cent in parish Fair Share payments to the diocese. During the discussion that followed presentation of the draft budget, council heard that many parishes would not be able to increase their payments to the diocese. The budget was amended to keep Fair Shares the same as for 2021, which resulted in a deficit of $175,000. The new budget does include an increase of 1.8 per cent in the minimum stipend for clergy, based on cost of living increases. Council also received a report showing Fair Shares paid through the end of the second quarter of 2021. Most parishes had met their payments to that date, and some had already paid for the full year. However, the new parish of Immanuel, Regina, had only made one monthly payment. The treasurer for Immanuel parish is a member of council, and was able to explain that part of the problem was related to funds from the legacy parishes that had not yet been transferred to Immanuel. In addition, there were expenses in preparing buildings for sale, and only one building had been sold to date. She said that when the other buildings are sold, more money will be available for Fair Shares from the new parish. Council received the Clergy Compensation Report, prepared by the finance committee, which looked at how stipendiary and non-stipendiary clergy are paid in the diocese. After some discussion,
council approved the motion from finance committee: That diocesan council create a diocesan-wide task force with a clear mandate and a reasonable timeframe to examine, oversee and make recommendations as to how ministry leadership and stipendiary/nonstipendiary clergy are to be compensated in light of current and future ministry needs and financial realities and to make policies around clergy compensation that are realistic, relevant, enforceable and accountable. Council was told that the task force would include both clergy and lay members, and would be created and begin work as soon as possible. In addition to these financial matters, council heard about ongoing discussions between the diocese and Gordon’s First Nation, where the Anglican Church operated an Indian Residential School. The reserve is planning to search the grounds of the reserve and particularly around the site of the school. They will be searching for unmarked and incorrectly marked graves. Diocesan archivist Trevor Powell has been working extensively with representatives of the reserve, and Rev. Ed Dunfield represented the diocese at a meeting with leaders from Gordon’s First Nation. Sinclair also reported that Bishop-elect Helen Kennedy and her husband, Stephen, had visited Regina in late October and have purchased a home, as well as meeting staff at the Synod Office and briefly visiting the cathedral. The consecration service is planned for Jan. 22, at which time Kennedy officially will become the 13th bishop of Qu’Appelle. Organizers hope the service can be in-person in addition to being livestreamed.
https://images.app.goo.gl/RB9bMeNYiUy8eGu38
“Cross-Over” Personal Discernment Retreat Date: Friday, January 7, 2022 Time: 9 am to 4 pm. Where: Saskatoon Location TBA Platform: ZOOM optional Cost: $40 per individual not including lunch
You are warmly welcome to join us for this on-site and online retreat: whether you are discerning about a broad religious issue, a type of ministry or regarding a specific ministry direction, this retreat will be helpful to you. If you are seeking a deeper walk with God, you are encouraged to participate. Participants to include folks discerning God’s direction in any aspect of ife To Register, type “REGISTRATION” into email subject line then send the following information to Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy: your full name, congregation name, current discernment topic, email address, phone number. Please use: tmccarthy@sasktel.net. Privacy of Personal Information will be observed.
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December 2021
The Saskatchewan Anglican
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NUTFLAKES opens in Christ Church, Saskatoon By the Rev. Mark Kleiner SASKATOON — NUTFLAKES, the community-sourced video rental store in the basement of Christ Church Anglican in Saskatoon, finally opened its doors to the public with fitting pomp and ceremony on the afternoon of Oct. 23. Dignitaries at the event included Don Atchison, the longest-serving mayor in Saskatoon history, who drew out a pair of scissors to cut the VHS tape across the door of the store to officially mark its opening; and NHL legend Garry Peters, who played with four classic NHL franchises (and scored the first shorthanded goal in Philadelphia Flyers’ history), and shot the “opening puck” through the NUTFLAKES door. Also in attendance was the family of George Adilman, the late Saskatoon personality whose clay bust by artist Hans Holtkamp features in the tribute exhibit to George on display at NUTFLAKES; superheroes; and others. Guest speakers included Sadie Childs from CHEP Good Food Inc., the local non-profit group working to address food insecurity in Saskatoon, and the recipient of all funds raised by NUTFLAKES. While video movie and machine rentals are free, members are invited to make a voluntary payment to support the cause. Also, Roman Todos, president of the Caswell Community Association, the neighbourhood where Christ Church and NUTFLAKES are situated. Several entertainers performed including Cree educator Dolores Sand from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, who taught the audience how to sing Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” (‘don’t worry about a thing …’) in Plains Cree. Also, Super Ron, who dazzled us with card tricks with flair and aplomb; and KSAMB Dance Company, who began with a choreographed bicycle act outside before coming indoors, reaching an unscripted crescendo by providing improvisational dance touches for the neighbour-across-thestreet’s impromptu tribute to Honeymoon Suite’s 1985 torch ballad “What Does It Take.”
Attendees at the opening of Christ Church's NUTFLAKES included Roman Todos, president of the Caswell Community Association, Philadelphia Flyers' No. 15 Garry Peters and Captain Marvel. Photo by Michael MacLean
A patron scours the shelves during the opening of NUTFLAKES on Oct. 23. Photo by Stephanie Sydiaha
Pastor Mark Kleiner (left) teaches a re-worked version of the children's classic "B-I-N-G-O" (as "V-I-D-E-O") at the opening. Photo by Stephanie Sydiaha
Mary Jean Roy also delighted children with lessons in origami, making paper hats and inspiring someone to create and mysteriously leave behind a paper sandhill crane. Past and Present Antiques loaned a coffee table and stand-up marble ashtray (alas, public health orders, prevented the throwback experience from including the indoor lighting of celebratory cigars); and Scratch Provisions and Glitch Gifts and Novelties, both on 33rd Street near the church and store, are taking turns hosting the
Some of the George Adilman exhibit, with photos for the "NUTFLAKES YXE Wall of Fame" in the background. Photo by Stephanie Sydiaha
NUTFLAKES donation box, where community members can deposit their video tapes and DVDs for inclusion in the NUTFLAKES collection. Want to support NUTFLAKES? It’s easy! Come see us on Fridays or Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 515 28th Street West and sign up for your free membership. You can also make an e-transfer donation to christchurchsaskatoon@ sasktel.net, with ‘NUTFLAKES’ in the message line, and help out CHEP Good Food Inc. “See you at the movies!”
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
December 2021
Feeling the Holy Spirit
Advent, the Holy Spirit, and fire By Rev. Gene Packwood
J
esus is coming again. Advent is a season of anticipation; our annual reminder to be ready for His return. The Holy Spirit, the Helper, helps us prepare and will identify Him for us when He comes. Luke’s Gospel is especially rich with references to the Holy Spirit, particularly in the story of the miraculous events leading to Jesus’ birth. The very first one is about John the Baptist being filled with the Holy Spirit before he was even born (Luke 1:15). The second is when the angel Gabriel tells the young woman, Mary, that she was about to be miraculously pregnant by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). Then in the Gospel reading for the fourth Sunday of Advent (Luke
1:39-55), the newly-pregnant Mary hurries to visit her also pregnant cousin, Elizabeth. When she arrived and greeted her cousin, the unborn baby John leaped in his mother Elizabeth’s womb, because the Holy Spirit who had already filled him recognized the nearby baby Jesus in Mary’s womb. Not surprisingly, Elizabeth was immediately filled with the Holy Spirit herself (Luke 1:40) and uttered the first Hail Mary (Luke 1:44-45) prompting Mary to utter The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). So thanks to this gospel, just six sleeps before
Christmas, we will be presented with two important principles about what happens when we are filled with the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit always knows when Jesus is near and will always cause our spirits to leap when Jesus is present even when we can't see Him (Rom. 8:26). The presence of Jesus will always cause praise and worship to well up in people who are filled with the Holy Spirit, just as it did in Elizabeth and Mary. In the meantime we wait, on guard and awake just as Jesus instructed (Matt. 24:42, Mark 13:33, 37, Luke 21:36). The good news is that we’re not alone in our waiting, as we will hear in the Gospel on Dec. 12, the third Sunday of Advent (Luke 3:7-18). As the people were in
expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but He who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:15-16).” Notice the people then were “in expectation” too! Watching and waiting. Was John the long-awaited One? “No,” he said. And just as when he leapt in his mother’s womb at Jesus’ arrival in Luke 1, John, in the Spirit, supernaturally, points to Jesus, saying how wonderful and powerful He is and that He will baptize them (and us) with the Holy Spirit and fire! What shall we make of this? Think Pentecost,
even in Advent. Think of John leaping in his mother’s womb when Jesus comes. Think “Blessed is she among women” and “Blessed is Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit, the fruit of her womb!” Think (and pray) “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!” (Luke 1:46-47). Pray to be (re)filled with the Holy Spirit. Pray that the Jesus who is risen and alive will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Pray that He will do it for family and friends as well. May your hearts be warmed as you wait and worship the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit this Advent. When the time comes, may they also leap for joy as you celebrate the birth of our glorious LORD and Saviour, Jesus.
Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon and Other Interested Folks
Safe Church Workshop #1: Nuts and Bolts"
The Ministry of Supervision Course Saturday, February 5, 2022 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. with 45 minute lunch Physical Location: In Saskatoon Internet Access: ZOOM Registration Deadline: January 21, 2022 Content: After each of four video viewings, we have some break out groups to discuss the content. Review Material: "Responsible Ministry Position Templates" and letter template summarizing our Safe Church program for Church Facility Users and Renters to read, followed by a form on which the contact person of the group would acknowledge that they have read and understood the Safe Church policy. Q and A: A Psychologist, member of the Diocese, joins attendees near the end of workshop for 30 minutes of Q and A. to answer any legal or psychological questions.
__________________________________________________ Safe Church Workshop #2: "Preventing Abuse” Saturday, January 22nd, 2022 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 45-minute lunch Physical Location: In Saskatoon Internet Access: ZOOM Registration Deadline: January 18th, 2022
We will review the ways we can all assist the church to be a safe place for all people. To do this, we will go over policy implementation, include role plays and describe the church’s safeguards to prevent abuse: physical, spiritual, sexual, elder abuse, property desecration and financial abuse. We will also share about being a safe place and group of people for GLBTQ2S+ people.
__________________________________________________ Registrations
Ultimately, we encourage you to set aside the time for these crucial workshops designed to help you set up, guide and manage your parish Safe Church program! Please contact Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy to Register: tmccarthy@sasktel.net / 306 370 8378
by Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy from April 5-8, May 16-19, 2021 9:00am- 12:00pm, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Hybrid
This course is designed for those in the ordained ministry for five years or more with interest in passing on their wisdom and insights to parish interns. Guest Speakers will cover some of the technical areas. Course Delivery: 2 four-day modules, four weeks apart with reading and assignments in between. Pre-Requisite: five years of half to full-time ordained ministry or the comparable based on consultation with instructor. This type of course could interest experienced clergy in advanced studies. (306) 370 8378 / trish.mccarthy@saskatoontheologicalunion.ca
December 2021
The Saskatchewan Anglican
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Cathedral members honoured for volunteer service Contributed REGINA — Two members of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Dave Hedlund and Canon Michael Jackson, received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, presented by Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty, on behalf of the Governor General, in a ceremony at Government House on Oct. 17. Hedlund was recognized for his outstanding volunteer service to the Regina Symphony Orchestra and to other organizations in our province. He has recently been named an honorary life member of the orchestra in recognition of his key roles over the past 20 years as board member, treasurer, secretary, and board chair. He led a major archival and historical research project for the now 113-year-old symphony, which included multimedia presentations, talks to subscribers, and work to improve the management and retention of RSO’s historical records. Hedlund has served as board member and chair of the South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra and now volunteers with the boards of the Ranch Ehrlo Society and the Phoenix Residential Society. He has been a member of the vestry of St. Paul’s Cathedral since 2015 and is its current chair. Hedlund has also been a synod delegate and was a member of the recent episcopal search committee for the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. Jackson received the Sovereign’s Medal for
Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty (left) presents the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers to Canon Michael Jackson. Photos by Chris Graham
Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty (left) presents the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers to Dave Hedlund.
Volunteers for his role with the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada. He was one of the co-founders of the Institute in 2005, when he concluded 25 years as Saskatchewan’s chief of protocol. He has served as institute board member, vice-president, and, since 2018, as president. He has co-ordinated four national conferences on the Crown and edited or
now the longest-serving deacon in the Anglican Church of Canada. He co-ordinated the International AnglicanRoman CatholicUkrainian Catholic Conference on the Diaconate in Regina in 2018 and edited the resulting book. In 2021 Deacon Jackson was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity by the College
co-edited four books for the institute. Jackson has also been chair of the Government House Foundation and a member of the Saskatchewan Honours Advisory Council. The Queen invested him as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 2005. He has been deacon at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Regina, since 1977 and is
of Emmanuel & St. Chad in recognition of his international ecumenical work on the diaconate. The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers was instituted by Her Majesty The Queen in 2015 to recognize exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields and pays tribute to the dedication and commitment of volunteers.
DIOCESE OF QU’APPELLE
Old-fashioned Christmas tree tradition at St. Thomas By Bruce Farrer VERNON (Qu’A) — Most of us have never experienced the old-fashioned Advent tradition of going out to the forest as a family to cut down a real Christmas tree, yet that opportunity is a reality for people who live in or near the parish of St. Thomas, Vernon, near Qu’Appelle. While it is true that the “forest” is really only two small groves of volunteer Scots pine trees seeded from a nearby shelter
belt, for the last five years families who want to participate have had that
unique opportunity. Three years ago a member of St. Thomas’ congregation advertised in “Used Qu’Appelle” on Facebook and the response was amazing. Each year, area families drive to the farm where the trees are growing, wander among the trees to find their perfect choice, cut down their chosen Christmas tree, then pay their $10, which becomes a small part of St. Thomas’ income for the year. One family always buys
three trees because their grandparents, who lived up north in a real forest, found that sometimes the “wild” trees didn’t have many branches. By tying three trees together, it looks like one tree with very many thick branches on which to hang the decorations. When families come to choose their tree, they are always invited to join the Vernon congregation for the annual Candle and Lamp-light Christmas Eve service, and a few
have included that in their family tradition as well. The Anglican on whose property the pines are growing checked last summer and found some small volunteer replacement trees so the tradition should be able to continue for at least a few more years. If you are interested in a Christmas tree from St. Thomas, Vernon, please contact Bruce Farrer at 306-699-2613. Photo courtesy FreeStockPhotos
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
December 2021
Relaxing after a busy day Clergy in the Diocese of Saskatchewan gathered at the synod office for an in-person clergy day on Oct. 15, the first one since the pandemic started. After their all-day meeting, they went for supper along with their spouses. Photos by Mary Brown
Bishop Charles Arthurson checks out the dessert table during the supper held for diocesan clergy after their all-day meeting in Prince Albert.
What does it mean that Jesus came into the world? By Adam Z. Wright, Ph.D. Assistant professor of New Testament and director of Online Studies, College of Emmanuel & St. Chad
A
s we approach the Christmas season, we are reminded of the advent of Christ into the world. Born in the town of Bethlehem, the young Jesus lay in a manger surrounded by family and unexpected visitors. Of course, this was no ordinary child, and His coming into the world was signaled by a number of wonders. One of the more prominent wonders was the appearance of a certain star that led the wisemen, or Magi, to the exact location where Jesus was born. It appears that even the Cosmos itself bore witness to the event as an incredible testimony to the coming of the Christ, the saviour of the world. Indeed, these are wonderful memories to ponder and be inspired by each time we read them. But we are left with the question: what does this advent mean for us today? There was a belief in the ancient Jewish world that the Messiah, or Christ, would come to restore that which had been lost. But what exactly had been lost?
The answer is found in who we believe Jesus is; namely, that Jesus is the embodiment of both God and humanity, fully God and fully human. This phenomenon marks the reuniting of heaven and earth, both of which had become separated with the advent of sin. But the advent of the Christ tells us that such a separation had been remedied, and God had made the great effort to unite that which had been separated. This concept of unity can also be found all throughout the writings of the New Testament. Paul, for example, understood that Jesus had united heaven and earth, and sought to imitate this action by creating unity amongst all believers. This is why Paul often uses metaphors like the body to communicate how believers ought to work together. It is also why Paul
often spoke harshly about certain actions and words that he thought created disunity, urging Christians instead to love one another. Love is thus a common theme in the New Testament, and we should understand the use of this term as one that encompasses unity. But this concept does not only extend to how we relate to others, it also extends to how we understand ourselves. We often hear the words, “God loves you,” which can also be stated, “God is united or with you.” But how can we know that such a thing is, in fact, a reality? After all, it often feels as though God is quite distant from us and it becomes difficult to believe that such unity is possible. In my experience, this can be quite dismaying and is often the reason why, I think, many cease to believe in God. However, the answer to this question may be a matter of perspective. I have found it helpful to understand our relationship with God as a journey, metaphorically
speaking, with God as the destination. We begin each journey with a single step, a step that is only possible once we have perceived the direction to our destination. And though we may be far away, and though we may grieve the distance between us and our destination, we keep our eyes on the destination towards which we walk. This is, indeed, an exercise in patience, but we must know that the journey itself is only possible because God has opened the way for us, that God has loved us and is unified with us. As we move closer, we also leave behind our previous dwelling place, a place that did not know God nor regarded the journey as important. In this sense, we sacrifice our former way of thinking and move towards a new way of thinking, something that is only possible if we choose to leave. As we go, we also find our old way of thinking less appealing, which is to say that we become less selfish and ego-driven. We might even discover that it was the selfishness and the ego that was the cause of the separation to begin with, and we seek to become less as God be-
comes more. In other words, the more we sacrifice ourselves, the more into alignment with God we become, the closer to the destination we walk. This is our proof that God is at work in our lives, when we also become more aware that our unity with others is of the utmost importance and the desires of the self have become less. This is the greatest form of imitation that we can imagine, an imitation of the Christ who was both fully God and fully human. He is, after all, the symbol of complete unity between those things that had once become separated. So, what does it mean that Christ came into the world? It means that we continue towards our destination, following the example of Christ that He displayed for us. And though we may despair at the perceived distance, we can take heart knowing that the journey would not be possible at all unless God were with us. May all of you find peace in this message of love and unity this Christmas season. Never forget that life is a journey and, though it may be quite difficult, we, like the wisemen, follow a great light towards our unity with Christ and with God.
December 2021
The Saskatchewan Anglican
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St. Matthew's, Regina holds emotional final service By Barb Cameron and Diane Gingras REGINA — About 65 parishioners gathered at St. Matthew Anglican Church for a celebration of memories and farewell since the building will soon close. The service on Oct. 23 gave an opportunity for parishioners to honour and say farewell to the beautiful church that has served as their home for worship for over 100 years. St. Matthew is one of five parishes in Regina whose congregations have disestablished and come together to form a single, new parish, named Immanuel Anglican. St. Matthew has a long and interesting history. A parish brochure states: “Sometime in the early nineteen hundreds, Grace Broder began holding Sunday school classes in her father’s farm home. George Broder donated land and the first wooden church was built on a site which was located in front of the present rectory. This was named ‘Grace Church’ in memory of Grace Broder. About 1910 a basement church was built on the corner of Winnipeg Street and 14th Avenue and was named St. Matthew. It was not until 1926, after a generous donation by an anonymous English donor as a memorial to her only son killed in the war, that the present building was completed.” On Oct. 13 of that same year, it was consecrated by Bishop Harding. The Eucharist service was celebrated by former
A special service was held at St. Matthew, Regina, in October to give parishioners a chance to say farewell to the historic building. The parish has been disestablished and become part of Immanuel Anglican. Photos by Nigel Salway
St. Matthew, Regina, has many beautiful stained-glass windows that show the history of the church in the area. The Rose Window is dedicated to George Broder, who donated the land on which the church was built.
Retired priest Rev. Blair Dixon spoke after the farewell service at St. Matthew, Regina.
St. Matthew priest Rev. Michael Bruce, and associate priest Rev. Winna Martin. In his message Bruce spoke of how this is a bittersweet moment in the life of this church.
and direct each of us going forward. It is an end, but the spirit of St. Matthew and its love for its members, mission and ministry will live forever.” The service concluded
“The spirit of Matthew can still be felt in this place. A spirit of hospitality was legendary, both within the church and the community. “This spirit will continue to guide, support
with greetings from several leaders who were present: former parish priests Rev. Blair Dixon and Rev. Anne Marie MacNeil, and Archdeacon Cheryl Toth. Barb Cameron read a message from Kathy Chlopan, president of the ACW. Mae Boa, former lay incumbent and warden of St. Matthew, spoke of her long history with the church and thanked all parishioners for their support over the years. With COVID-19, there was no opportunity for formal fellowship following the service, but those present were able to view posters showing many parishioners involved in the numerous ministries that had occurred over the decades. The former St. Matthew building formally went up for sale on Sept. 23. The former congregation hopes that another faith group will find their new home in St Matthew’s building.
A new chapter at St. Peter's College By St. Peter's College
Rev. Marie-Louise Ternier and Fr. Lawerence deMong, OSB.
Photo submitted
MUENSTER (S'toon) —For the first time ever, St. Peter’s College in Muenster has recruited an Anglican priest for its ministry team. While the Rev. MarieLouise Ternier continues her parish ministry in Watrous, she is available at the college parttime. Marie-Louise is grateful to be the first ordained woman in this role, previously filled
exclusively by the monks from St. Peter’s Abbey. Marie-Louise is teamed up, in this ecumenical effort, with one monk from St. Peter’s, Fr. Lawrence deMong, OSB. Previously, the chaplaincy team at the college was nick-named “The Men in Black.” Now, students are involved in a contest to find a new name as the team is neither exclusively men nor dressed only in black anymore.
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
December 2021
Dr. Michael Bishop receives Saskatchewan Order of Merit By Joanne Shurvin-Martin KAMSACK (Qu’A) — Dr. Michael Bishop “brought many residents of Kamsack into the world and has cared for and supported them over the many years. He is seen as more than just a doctor, but also as someone who is genuinely interested in the lives of his patients and community.” So reads the short biography of Dr. Michael Bishop, who was to receive the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in November. The Saskatchewan Order of Merit recognizes excellence and achievement of outstanding Saskatchewan citizens. They have made significant contributions in areas such as art, agriculture, business and industry, community leadership, public service, research and volunteer service. Bishop is one of six recipients in 2021 who will join 252 individuals who have received this honour since the order was established in 1985. Bishop is also a winner of the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal. When asked about this latest award, Bishop began to saying that he would not
Dr. Michael Bishop (right) and his wife, Sally. Dr. Bishop was awarded the Saskatchewan Order of Merit for his exemplary service as a doctor in Kamsack and to the larger medical community. Photo contributed have been able to achieve “any of this, without the support of my wife and family.” His wife, Sally Bishop, is well known in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. She is active in the ACW at local, deanery and diocesan
level; has been a delegate to Diocesan, Provincial and General Synods, and in the past served on the National Women’s Unit of the Anglican Church. He is very proud of his entire family, which includes one son,
two daughters, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The biography provided with the government announcement about this year’s recipients also said: … Bishop is described as a pillar of his community and
the epitome of a small-town doctor. Michael has been a physician in Kamsack since emigrating from England in the 1960s. In addition to his busy practice in Kamsack, Michael has served as a town councillor. He also played a leadership role in planning and fundraising for the expansion of the nursing home in Kamsack. After retiring from his full-time practice, Michael continued to serve as a physician for residents of the nursing home for many years. Michael still supports the local health foundation and is active in welcoming newcomers to the medical community in Kamsack. The biography also listed his many other accomplishments in the medical field, including serving as senior medical officer of the Sunrise Health Authority. He is a clinical associate professor at the U of S College of Medicine. He has been awarded lifetime memberships in the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA), the Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Canadian Medical Association. Bishop served two terms on the SMA board of directors.
Emmanuel & St. Chad offering many courses for all Take a course, learn more and explore! Is God nudging you to explore ministry preparation? People Interested in taking an Emmanuel and St. Chad course should call the College or email our Registrar, Lisa McInnis: esc.registrar@ saskatoontheologicalunion.ca or 306- 975-1550. A faculty member will follow up to connect and answer any questions. For most courses with an assigned class time, students will be able to participate remotely by video conferencing. The option of in-class participation will open up as soon as it is safe. DLA Courses (Distance Learning
Calling all Clergy! Refresh Your Knowledge: Get Ready to Preach from Asynchronous): In progress. Winter 2022 Term BE265 Minor Epistles (A. Wright) Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:30-3:00pm SE381 Theology of Work and Money (I. Luke) Wednesdays 9-11:45am PE346 Advanced Pastoral Care for Individuals and Congregations and Theological Reflection in Context (T. McCarthy) Thursdays 6:00-9:00pm BE378 Gospel of Luke (A. Wright) Jan. 10-14: This course is ideal for clergy since the Gospel of Luke
will be the lectionary gospel for the coming year. Lay people may find it to be a wonderful chance to prepare for the lectionary reading and learn about Luke more in-depth. DLA Courses: (Distance Learning Asynchronous) BE105/BE106 Introductory Greek I/II (A. Wright) BE161 Introduction to New Testament (A. Wright) Credit courses $1,120; audit courses $560; lay team group (up to five people) $1,120.
The Gospel of Luke Daytime: January 10 to 14, 2022 Hybrid Delivery: In person and online Instructor: Dr. Adam Wright Emmanuel and St. Chad’s New Testament Professor Register with Lisa McInnis: (306) 975 - 1550
esc.registrar@saskatoontheologic alunion.ca