Learning from Jesus' desert temptations
2
College celebrates ecumenical milestone
7
Litany offers helpful Lent goodness
9
Reflecting on 20 years of northern news
C
10
el eb ra 19 tin 72 g to 50 20 ye 22 ar s
Saskatchewan anglican
—
The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal • March 2022
Helen Kennedy ordained bishop in online service By Joanne Shurvin-Martin REGINA — Helen Kennedy was ordained the 13th Bishop of Qu’Appelle in a service on Jan. 22, with only the bare minimum of people attending in St. Paul’s Cathedral. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the list of participants was scaled down several times. Then a winter storm meant several scheduled participants were unable to travel. The service was livestreamed on Facebook Live, and was viewed by over 2,100 people worldwide. Archbishop Greg KerrWilson, Metropolitan of Rupert’s Land, (and previously the 11th Bishop of Qu’Appelle), was the chief consecrator. A minimum of two other bishops from the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land are required for ordiaining a new bishop. They were Bishop William Cliff, Diocese of Brandon, and Bishop Chris Harper, Diocese of Saskatoon. Bishop Adam Halkett, Indigenous Bishop of
Helen Kennedy was ordained the 13th bishop of Qu'Appelle during an online service on Jan. 22. File photo Saskatchewan/Missinippi, came as a last-minute standin, in case Bishop Cliff was unable to make it. Bishop Geoff Woodcroft, who had been Kennedy’s bishop in Winnipeg, had planned to participate, but was unable to travel because of the
storm in Manitoba. Archbishop Linda Nicholls, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, also attended and joined in the laying on of hands. The first lesson, Colossians 1:24-29, was read
by Archdeacon Catherine Harper. Psalm 31 was sung by St. Paul’s music director, Dorianna Holowachuk, who was cantor for the service in place of the usual choir. The second lesson, Revelation 7:13-17, was read by Bob Baker of Winnipeg. Deacon Susan Page of Immanuel Parish Regina read the gospel, Luke 12.412. Canon Robert Webster from Christ Church by the Sea in Puerto Vallarta, preached the sermon. He said, “Helen was the daughter I never had.” He had been rector of St George’s, Winnipeg, when Kennedy was first ordained and served there as part-time priest. She later was appointed parish incumbent. Webster spoke about how the pandemic has made churches learn to operate “in a whole new circumstance.” Looking into the practically empty cathedral, he asked rhetorically, “Where’s our congregation? Where are our people?” then pointed directly at the video camera and said,
“There they are!” Speaking to all those watching in their own homes, Webster said, “Don’t think for a minute that you aren’t here,” and reminded everyone that wherever they are worshipping, “we are one in the body of Christ.” Kennedy was presented for ordination by Stephanie Hall (daughter), Stephen Kennedy (husband), Jack Manfield (son), Archdeacon Godfrey Mawejje (St. Clement’s, Winnipeg), and Dean Mike Sinclair (St. Paul’s Cathedral). Due to the storm, the bishop’s goddaughter Dae-Lynn Reimer was unable to attend. After leading the congregation in the Nicene Creed, the bishop-elect knelt while the litany was sung by Rev. Michael Bruce, of Immanuel Parish, Regina. He filled in for Rev. Andrew Rampton (Holy Trinity, Winnipeg), and also chanted the Veni Creator Spiritus, which is sung at all ordinations. At the vesting Kennedy was anointed with holy oil, Continued on page 6
Prince Albert to host 50th provincial synod in April By Mary Brown PRINCE ALBERT — This year the Diocese of Saskatchewan is hosting the Synod for the Province of Rupert’s Land. This means that delegates from all the dioceses in Rupert’s Land will come to Prince Albert. There will be people representing the Arctic, Athabasca, Brandon, Calgary, Edmonton, Indigenous Spiritual Ministry
of Mishamikoweesh, Qu’Appelle, Rupert’s Land, Saskatchewan and Saskatoon. Along with the lay and youth delegates and clergy delegates there would be 12 bishops and the Primate of the national church, the Most Rev. Linda Nicholls. There will be an election for a new Metropolitan with nominations from the roster of bishops attending the synod. The synod starts on Thursday, April 28 till
midday Sunday May 1. The theme for the 50th Synod is “Truth & Reconciliation: Our Journey to Freedom in Christ.” There were three presynod webinars each offered by a different person with a unique perspective to help delegates prepare to engage the theme. By the time this is printed there would be an opportunity to take in the webinar “For all the Unknown Indigenous Saints” on March 26.
“In the Beginning” was the title of the discussion on Jan. 29 from Fred Payton, Prince Albert resident and local historian. The synod will be held at the Coronet Hotel with all delegates to be able to show proof of vaccination. Registration opens at noon till 5 p.m. and will re-open Friday morning. The opening worship will be held at St. Alban’s Cathedral followed immediately by the election of a metropolitan
Find the Saskatchewan Anglican on Facebook and Issuu!
with a reception to follow hosted by the Diocese of Saskatchewan. All subsequent sittings will be held at the Coronet Hotel beginning Friday morning. The synod will end with a closing worship. This is a great opportunity for anyone in the diocese to take part in a very important event. If you are interested in volunteering to help, please call Barb 306-763-2455 at the synod office. You’ll be glad you did.
2
The Saskatchewan Anglican
March 2022
Jesus models a humble path to godly vocations What can we learn from Jesus’ desert temptations? By Rev. Dell Bornowsky Published by the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle. Published monthly except for July and August.
T
he rich and interwoven psychological and theological meanings and implications of Jesus’ temptations could fill volumes. On one hand they are simply Jesus’ own personal preparations for His totally unique ministry. On the other, the types of temptations Jesus faced match temptations we all face, as individuals and as a society (Heb. 4:15, 1 Cor. 10:13). They parallel other biblical accounts including the trials of the congregation in the wilderness and the temptation of the woman in the garden. In Eden, in spite of the divine warning, the woman used three rationalizations to justify eating the fruit (Gen 3:6). “When the woman saw 1) that the tree was good for food, 2) that it was a delight to the eyes, and 3) that it was desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate.” Something that makes such temptations all the more powerful is the goals are often so justifiable and even admirable. It wouldn’t be right to waste good food, and surely it is not a sin to choose beautiful things, or to be wise and knowledgeable. It always has been possible to “spin” temptations so they sound more like blessings. Likewise Jesus was not tempted to do anything particularly vile or depraved. In popular jargon Jesus was simply encouraged to “be himself,” to “you do you.” Why shouldn’t He or we use our God-given potentials to achieve our destiny; to show that God is on our side; and use the existing power structures
Whole No. 292, Vol. 50, No. 7 A Section of the Anglican Journal SUBSCRIPTIONS For change of address, undeliverable copies and subscription list updates, contact:
Satan tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread during Jesus' 40 days in the desert. Photo Barthélemy Parrocel/WikiCommons to take control of our environments? It merely requires “giving the devil his due.” Apparently Jesus could have taken His role as King of the world without going to the cross. I think all of us are tempted by whatever prestige or power will allow us to circumvent our own journey to the cross. In his book Jacob’s Wound: A Search for the Spirit of Wildness, Trevor Herriot suggests, “Jesus turned aside the three temptations of civilized life” 1) To seek ease and comfort above all else, 2) to presume knowledge of the divine will or to confuse it with our own, 3) to acquire wealth, power and prestige at any cost. Most of us won’t be tempted to literally turn stones into bread. But bread is slang for money and turning mineral resources into monetary profits has a long history as we humans are continually tempted to exploit every possible resource to support our consumerism.
Only a few of us will throw ourselves from tall buildings, but exhibitions of prowess continue to fascinate us. Jesus was tempted to display His status as one with divine protection. If God truly is on our side why shouldn’t we demonstrate it? This rationale was preached from American pulpits on both sides leading up to their Civil War. But the real vindication of our faith, as it was for Jesus, comes in God’s timing and circumstances, not at the behest of the devil or our political opponents. The problem is not our need to eat, or our fondness for beauty, or our desire to learn, or how we should attempt to show we are God’s children. The question is how much of God’s word and God’s wisdom and God’s ways are we going to deny in order to achieve these otherwise admirable goals. The point is not that food is not essential or miracles are not appropriate, but rather,
that God’s instructions are even more important for human flourishing than being well fed. Maslow’s hierarchy is inverted. Among the innumerable things we can learn from Jesus’ temptations, one refrain is that even good ends do not always justify the means we are tempted to use. Contrary to trends in technology, just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should. In His temptation Jesus fulfilled his calling not by the use of his personal potential, prestige or status but rather through His refusal to show off or place expedience above worship of the true god. Thus Jesus models for us this kind of humble path to our true and godly vocations as individuals and as a human society. Our destinies in God do not depend on us exploiting every available resource, on always asserting our rights, on making a show of being God’s favourites, or by making compromises with worldly powers to achieve our ministry goals.
DIOCESE OF SASKATCHEWAN
Diocesan synod postponed from March to October g T h e d io c e s a n s y no d s c h e du le d for M a r c h has been postponed u nt i l O c t ob e r.
H awk i n s h a s b e e n i n s t r uc t e d by h i s d o c t or t o t a ke s ic k le ave u nt i l A p r i l 1 9 .
w it h t h e e xe c ut ive c o m m it t e e , w i l l b e i n c h a r g e u nt i l t h e bi s hop r e t u r n s .
g Un for t u n at e ly, B i s hop M ic h a e l
g A r c hd e ac o n A n d r ew Ho s k i n , a lo n g
g On Apr i l 12 d io c e s a n c le r g y
w i l l b e g oi n g t o S t . Joh n’s C at h e d r a l i n S a s k at o o n for a r e n ew a l o f t h ei r vow s w it h t h e P r i m at e t h e M o s t R ev. L i n d a N ic hol l s .
• 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 May issue must be received by the diocesan editor no later than March 25. 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
March 2022
The Saskatchewan Anglican
3
The Bishop's Corner
Part of my COVID-19 experience By Bishop Helen Kennedy
I
n October 2019 our eldest son Matthew and his young family came from England to Canada for a secondment to St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg. He is an infectious diseases (ID) doctor and microbiologist in Leicester, England. This was part of his final training as an ID consultant. Winnipeg has a great ID department and team of specialists who were thrilled to have a different perspective for a while. Nana Helen was very happy to have two grandsons in the house for three months, where she could dote on them completely. In December, we heard about this strange new coronavirus. Matthew was intrigued and rather fascinated to watch how this virus was doing its thing; then he started to get concerned. In January they left, and by this time the virus was well on its way around the world. In the meantime, I was getting ready to go to Israel/Palestine. I had been planning this trip for two years; it was something I’d wanted to do for nearly 20 years. One of my favourite professors in seminar took a group to the Holy Land every two years to tour the sites and live and learn the culture for a few weeks. I envied every tour! Finally, I was in a position to go, on the final tour of his career. This was to be the trip of a lifetime for me. We left on March 2, 2020 for a threeweek hiking tour. We had a couple of medical
In her former parish, the new Bishop of Qu’Appelle, Helen Kennedy, observed Ash Wednesday with a temporary tattoo of a cross of ashes. Photos courtesy Bishop Helen Kennedy
Bishop Helen at Capernum in Israel with the Sea of Galilee in the background. The outbreak of the pandemic cut short her trip to the Holy Land.
doctors on our tour and we tried to follow “best practices” around the buffet station. The hotels we stayed in were full of pilgrims and tourists from around the world. We were all monitoring the viral news closely. At Day 3 of the tour, the border to the West Bank was closed, taking Bethlehem out of our tour. The local Palestinians took this as a political move rather than a health safety measure. There was still a lot unknown. By Day 5 threats of closing the border to Jordan were also circulating; some of our party were leaving through that country. On the afternoon of Day 6, we arrived in Jerusalem, and our local tour operator brought us together for a “family
editing. However, it soon became evident how much we were being robbed of community. At St. George, in Winnipeg, we tried all sorts of things to help us hang on. Drive-Thru Communion was a favourite. For special days and dates, people would watch the service, then drive to the church where communion was passed through the car window. This was a lovely way to meet our neighbours too. One Sunday we had a lady jogger pass by and join us; it was a sacred moment for all involved. We did Ash Wednesday Temporary Tattoos, asking people to send us a picture of their “tat” and we made that into a video to be shared. We also made our harvest dinner a drive-thru too.
meeting.” It was suggested to us that we all needed to make our way home. The fear of the virus, and of being unable to leave, was real and the unknowns were big enough to warrant the termination of the trip. So, I was back in Canada on March 9, 2020, having spent five hours in Jerusalem. I was devastated. The following Sunday our churches were closed for a short period to let this virus pass us by and break the cycle of transmission. We all expected to be back in church for Easter. As we know, that didn’t happen, and our lives changed. Initially, it was rather exciting to be finding ways to keep connected, being creative with YouTube and video
For Christmas, we turned the whole sanctuary into a creche, complete with life size cardboard figures! I know this is nothing spectacular, and I’m sure all sorts of initiatives were thought of to help us stay together, but it didn’t take too long for us to get tired. I do long for the day we can sit in a pew and be with others in ways that we have been before. Also, I don’t like the reality of not being able to go and visit those lovely grand-babies of mine on the other side of the world. But we are where we are! I, as all of us do, need to hang in there because this too shall pass. Our son assures me of that, “this too shall pass!” May God bless our efforts, comfort our fears, and bring peace to our hearts.
Obituary
Glen Burgomaster brought 'energetic personality' to his ministry The Very Rev. Glen R. Burgomaster, 1950 to 2021 By the Rev. Peter Coolen
The Very Rev. Glen Burgomaster
SASKATOON — The Very Rev. Glen Burgomaster was born in Peterborough, Ont. in 1950 and died in
Terrace British Columbia on Dec. 27, 2021. Glen graduated from the University of Guelph and Trinity College, Toronto. He began his ordained ministry in 1975 as deacon in charge of the parish of Coxheath, Nova Scotia. He was ordained priest
in 1976 by the Most Rev. Michael Peers, Archbishop of Qu’Appelle. He subsequently ministered in the dioceses of Qu’Appelle, Athabasca, Calgary, Toronto, Nova Scotia and P.E.I., Saskatoon and Caledonia. In the Diocese of
Saskatoon, Glen was rector of Wadena twice in his ministry, the first time from 1975 to 1977 and the second time after his retirement in 2006, when he and Jennifer moved to Theodore, where Glen served the parishes of Continued on page 11
4
The Saskatchewan Anglican
March 2022
Anglican Foundation gives $15K grant to Immanuel Parish By Jenny Williams REGINA — Immanuel Parish has received a $15,000 grant from the Anglican Foundation of Canada to fund three new programs involving children. Last year the Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) solicited proposals for children in the post-COVID-19 world. Immanuel Parish submitted a three-part proposal, and received one of the 79 “Say Yes to Kids” grants given, totalling $470,000. The parish has also budgeted $15,000 for these programs. One-day VBS for school days off A Vacation Bible School for elementary students from Kkindergarten to Grade 6 will be held on teacher professional development days and other school days off. It will provide children with opportunities to have fun, build relationships, and learn Christian values outside of the typical
Sunday morning. This free program is also intended to ease the burden on parents who struggle to find alternate arrangements for their children on days off school. Immanuel will use purchased Vacation Bible School curriculum that features object lessons, stories, crafts, games, and songs.
The program will be offered to children throughout the City of Regina, and will use the hall, multi-purpose room, church proper, and kitchen at the primary worship site on Massey Road. The starting date has not yet been set due to continuing COVID-19 protocols. YouTube fun Students in grades 6
to 8 can learn to develop, film, and edit a YouTube video to be posted on the Immanuel YouTube channel. Students may work independently, in pairs or small groups, as they choose. Program leaders will introduce several themes the children can choose from for their video. These could include: judging on appearances, honesty, temptation, being slow to anger, sin and forgiveness, friendships, making miracles happen, bullying, residential schools/calls to truth and reconciliation, and First Nations culture. Students will be given the opportunity to do some research on their chosen topic, and then develop a script to explain (or demonstrate as appropriate). When they have written their script, obtained approval from the director, and practised enough, they will be filmed. The program will be run from the primary worship site and use the parish’s video equipment.
It will run one evening a week for two six-week sessions. The first is scheduled to start April 25. Part 3 – Children’s Garden A children’s garden program will be offered for pre-schoolers and elementary students. It will introduce kids to gardening and create understanding of from where our food comes. This program also links in with the parish’s environmental and sustainability goals, giving city children a foundation that they may not otherwise have. The program for preschoolers will run during the day, once a week, for approximately one and a half hours, and will include activities such as stories and games, all supporting the themes of gardening, where our food comes from, environmental responsibilities and sustainability. Parents will be included; this is not a Continued next page
DIOCESE OF SASKATOON EVENTS
Announcements for March 2022 g Saskatchewan Anglican online! Did you know you can read current and past issues of the Saskatchewan Anglican online? Visit www.anglicandiocesesaskatoon.com/ saskanglican or on Facebook at www.facebook. com/saskatchewananglican. g As we pass through COVID-19, recordings and live streaming of services are available from the diocesan website and Facebook and YouTube pages, as well as on individual parish websites and social media 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 School of Discipleship Ministry Preparation Program: The diocese'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 306-3708378. See also notices posted elsewhere in this issue. g Ministry of Supervision Certificate Course: 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; 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: If your parish wishes to participate in a Safe
Church, “Nuts and Bolts” workshop, please note that these can be set up as a Zoom meeting for your region. For further information, please contact our Safe Church co-ordinator, the Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy at 306370-8378 or tmccarthy@ sasktel.net. 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 306-9751550. Awards The Rev. Canon Colin Clay has been announced
as Saskatoon CTV’s “Citizen of the Year”; congratulations Colin! In Memorium The Very Rev. Glen Burgomaster died on Dec. 27, 2021. An obituary for Glen is in this issue. 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. February entries will be in the April 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.
March 2022
The St. Stephen's Christmas Pageant included as the Holy Family the Rev. John Choul's children, Adau (as baby Jesus), Dier, and Atet. Photos by Rev. Amy Bunce
The Saskatchewan Anglican
5
The shepherds, including Fiona Reji, Jerusha Reji and Agnes Mariam Shaji.
Pandemic again forces parish to film Christmas pageant Editor’s note: The December 2020 issue of The Saskatchewan Anglican contained a story of St. Stephen’s, Saskatoon’s online Christmas pageant, which was held in the summer due to COVID-19. Subsequently in the fall of 2021, the Anglican Foundation of Canada announced a grant award for 2021 for $5,000 for St. Stephen’s for “Being Church for Children’s Creativity.” In November 2021 with the on-going pandemic St. Stephen’s decided to record another Christmas Pageant for the 2021 season. By the Rev. Amy Bunce
SASKATOON — Our church follows the threeyear lectionary, and this year, Year C, centres on the good news of Jesus Christ according to St. Luke. In a happy accident — God-incidence! — our Christmas pageant this past year began with Luke, the author of the gospel, and includes most excellent Theopholis, the man to whom the gospel was written. Once again, because of the seemingly neverending pandemic, we found ourselves in the situation of needing to imagine a different way forward, rather than the usual in-person Christmas
... Anglican Foundation gives $15K grant to Immanuel Parish Continued from page 4 “drop off your child” program. This program will also help parents to build relationships with one another. For elementary students it will be an after-school activity, held once a week, and will introduce them to gardening and build on skills they already have. Activities will include making labels for plants, collecting rainwater, composting, learning how to harvest what is grown, storing and possibly cooking the produce.
A garden will be built on the south side of the hall that is attached to the main worship site. The program would run from sometime in May to the end of September. A program facilitator with gardening knowledge and the ability to work with small children will be hired to lead this program. Several avid gardeners in the congregation have volunteered to assist, and the Building and Grounds committee will build the garden.
pageant that is so much a part of the tradition and culture of our parish. We wondered if we should attempt another filmed pageant, but we weren’t sure. By the time we decided to go ahead with it, it was October, and filming wasn’t completed until November. Thus, our Roman soldiers are marching outside the church in the snow, and our sheep and shepherds are surrounded by fall leaves. We thought that at least some of the Christmas carols that sing of a “bleak midwinter” might apply to our presentation this year, even if they are most likely
historically inaccurate. Families came together, one at a time, in bubbles. We had costumes and settings chosen and each part was filmed separately. Our filming and editing were done by a young person from the parish. Once again, the presentation came together and felt like more than the sum of its parts: a good sign that God was working in and through us. The pageant was narrated by Luke, the gospel writer, played by Judah Shurmer, a young person who patiently recorded scene by scene onto iMovie as it was being edited.
We are filled with great joy that the pageant did go on, and that we were once again able to share it with long-term care residents and others who would not be able to gather at Christmas time in a church. We are looking forward to doing something different next year! In person will certainly feel different after two years of Plan C and being the church, creatively, in COVID-19. But it is possible that we have created a new St. Stephen’s tradition! A silver lining; a sky filled with angels on a green screen. Glory to God in the highest!
6
The Saskatchewan Anglican
March 2022
... Helen Kennedy ordained bishop during online service Continued from page 1 dressed in the vestments of a bishop and presented with a ring, pectoral cross, a Bible and crosier. The Primate presented the bishop's staff. The historic travelling diocesan crosier that the bishop will use when visiting parishes was restored by Garth Suppes, who also made a beautifully crafted case for it. The restoration work was an ordination gift; but the travelling crosier will stay with the diocese for future bishops to use. The new bishop was officially “seated” in the cathedra (bishop’s chair) by Dean Mike Sinclair, assisted by the Metropolitan and Primate. Then, she was presented: “I present Helen Jane Kennedy, bishop in the Church of God.” There was applause and a joyful trumpet fanfare. David McIntyre, organist at the cathedral, composed Bishop’s Fanfare specifically for the ordination, along with the postlude. The service continued with the celebration of the Eucharist, when KerrWilson presided, assisted by Kennedy and Nicholls. The cathedral was decorated with about a dozen large white floral arrangements, which the bulletin noted were “given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Sandra Jackson (Bishop Helen’s mother) from James Fuller, the official florist to the Royal Family on State visits to Manitoba.” Fuller, from Winnipeg, is a much-loved friend and parishioner in the bishop’s previous parish. Bishop Kennedy was born and raised in Nuneaton, England, and moved to Winnipeg in 1999, and to Regina in December 2021. She received an MA in Theological Studies at the Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg and a bachelor of theology from the University of Winnipeg in 2007. Kennedy was ordained deacon in 2007 and priest in 2008. Kennedy was elected in the electoral synod held Oct. 16, 2021, using Zoom. She is the first female bishop in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle, and also the first woman Anglican bishop in the civil province of Saskatchewan.
This screen shot from the ordination service shows Helen Kennedy, kneeling, with the bishops before the layingon-of-hands when she was consecrated bishop. Clockwise from bottom left, Bishop Adam Halkett, Bishop William Cliff, Archbishop Greg Kerr-Wilson, Bishop Chris Harper, Archbishop Linda Nicholls.
Archbishop Linda Nicholls, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, (in blue) leads Helen Kennedy into St. Paul’s Cathedral, at the beginning of the service when Kennedy was ordained as the 13th Bishop of Qu’Appelle.
All the bishops posed together after Helen Kennedy (third from left) was ordained 13th Bishop of Qu’Appelle. From left are Bishop William Cliff, Diocese of Brandon; Archbishop Greg Kerr-Wilson, Metropolitan of Rupert’s Land; Archbishop Linda Nicholls, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada; Bishop Chris Harper, Diocese of Saskatoon; Bishop Adam Halkett, Indigenous Bishop of Saskatchewan/Missinippi.
March 2022
The Saskatchewan Anglican
7
STU Covenant: An ecumenical milestone for theological education By LTS Development Office SASKATOON — On Jan. 20, as part of the events held in Saskatoon for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the partner schools of the
Saskatoon Theological Union — the Lutheran Theological Seminary, the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, and St. Andrew’s College — invited people to attend a short online service of worship, as the college
signed and celebrated the signing of the new STU Covenant. As a part of the celebration, representatives from each school gave a brief reflection on the significance of this
covenant in the deepening relationship that the three schools share together in the task and joy of theological education. The representatives for the three schools were: Deacon Dr. Richard Manley-Tannis, principal,
St. Andrew’s College (left); Rev. Dr. Iain Luke, principal, College of Emmanuel & St. Chad (middle); and Rev. Dr. William Harrison, president, Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon (right).
Stewards of God's abundance
Grow in discipleship, grow as a steward By Archdeacon Cheryl Toth
T
his year Lent begins in March. Whether we meet inperson or online for Ash Wednesday, we will hear the call to keep a holy Lent “by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and by reading and meditating on the word of God.” In Lent we seek to deepen our discipleship and grow more fully in the way of Christ. It’s an opportunity to practice being who we want to become. For some, this may mean engaging more deeply in prayer or Bible study. For others it may mean fasting from alcohol, chocolate or another indulgence they would like to forego. For still others, it may be self-examination through journal writing or meeting with a priest for personal confession. And some, remembering the Lenten
boxes of their youth, will set aside money each day to give to those in need through church or a charity. All are ways in which we as Christians have traditionally practised keeping a holy Lent with the goal of growing as disciples of Christ. One of the ways you can bring all this together is to practise being a good steward. As Lovett Weems Jr. and Ann Michel write in their book, Generosity, Stewardship and Abundance, a simple definition of Christian stewardship is: “Stewardship is about how we care for the things God has entrusted to us in ways that serve God’s purposes.” It includes how we care for creation and the environment, how we look after ourselves and our spiritual, mental and physical health, how we care for our relationships with friends and family, how we hone the talent and abilities we have and
how we use our financial resources. Stewardship — like discipleship — is allencompassing because who we are and what we do reveals what we believe and who we serve. If most of our time and our money is focused on ourselves that reveals where our heart truly is. If we invest time and money in making the world a better place that tells others who we are as well. As Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Growing in stewardship is growing in discipleship. Consider how the traditional stewardship categories of time, talent, treasure and testimony can help us form a Lenten discipline this year. Consider your time. God’s gift of time is a precious, non-renewable resource. Do you need to concentrate on your health by taking a daily walk or calling the doctor
about something you have been neglecting? Could you reduce your TV or online scrolling time to call a family member or a friend and have a conversation? Might you take time daily to pray for the mission of your parish? Consider your talent. God gives us all unique combinations of abilities, gifts and skills. Is there a talent you think you have but have put off developing? Could you volunteer to help others learn what you know how to do? Might you give some of your creations of food, clothing, woodworking, etc. to others in your community? Consider your treasure. God gives us ability and opportunity to develop our financial resources. Do you need to seek financial advice on how to use your resources wisely? Who could you surprise with anonymous gift? What community organization would
benefit from your donation? Could you make your giving to the church more generous or more consistent by increasing the amount or the frequency of your offering? Consider your testimony. God has graced us with a faith story to tell. How might you include your faith in your conversations with friends or family? Could you share how your faith has given you strength or hope in difficult times? Might you thank someone who has helped you grow in faith? Your time, talent, treasure and testimony are all ways through which you can grow as a steward and disciple of Christ. Use this Lent to practise in a new way and grow your discipleship! Archdeacon Cheryl Toth, stewardship officer for the Diocese of Qu’Appelle, is trying to do more than give up chocolate this Lent!
8
The Saskatchewan Anglican
March 2022
Information, please By Judy Herbert College of Emmanuel and St. Chad
W
hat brought me to the College of Emmanuel and St Chad can be summed up in a few words: I wanted more information. Although I haven’t asked them, I suspect that most of my fellow students would say that was an underlying reason for them as well. I am a lay reader at Christ Church in Saskatoon. I was doing what is essentially the work of a lay reader in an unofficial capacity when I realized I wanted to learn more about preaching and liturgy. I needed to make sure what I was saying and doing was correct. I sought out Dr. Iain Luke, the principal of the college to discuss education options, and the bishop to discuss being officially licensed as a lay reader.
It was all part of the discernment process, searching for the answer to the question, “Where is God leading me next?” Whether we know it or not, every Christian is seeking the answer to that question. I chose to enrol in the master of divinity program. I have an undergraduate degree, and the M.Div. was the right choice for me. There is an array of programs available at Emmanuel and St. Chad — master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, a licentiate in theology — for people of all backgrounds and interests who, like me, want more information. If you simply want to know more about the New
Testament, or the Hebrew Scriptures, or church history, for example, you can audit a course. That means you get all the information and none of the assignments. Around the end of November and the end of March, as I am studying for exams or finishing final papers, that sounds pretty good! I started my current educational journey in January 2020. I chose a “distance education” course that was offered on-line only: no classes to attend. When the pandemic hit in March 2020 and the college closed to in-person classes, I was not immediately affected. The ongoing pandemic, and the measures put in
place to stay safe mean, however, that I have not attended a class physically at the college. Attending seminary means joining a community. Despite only seeing each other — for the most part — on video, the students and faculty at the college have managed to form bonds. There is a Thursday morning Zoom coffee hour. It goes a long way to building rapport when we cannot simply have a quick conversation before or after class in the college hallways. I have also gotten to know several students from both St. Andrew’s College and the Lutheran Seminary in our shared classes. Having classes held online on one of several meeting platforms means I know what these people look like and sound like, even if I have never seen them in person. There is also a chapel service each Tuesday and Thursday. All three colleges worship together, again online via Zoom, and the service is led by the students, with help from the faculty, and oversight by the chapel deans. It is yet another way to form community and bring us all together. I believe that the future of our church will require a “well-trained laity,” that the people in the pews will
be called to take on some of the work traditionally done by paid ordained clergy. This will mean that we will continue to need more information. The College of Emmanuel and St. Chad has always had the mandate to equip people for ministry, especially on the Canadian Prairies. It is once again adapting to change, breaking trail to bring theological education out of the ivory towers of academia and into the hands of lay people who will need it. The various programs follow the structure and rules of accreditation, and within this is a great deal of flexibility in how one might want to go about studying. For example, I work full-time and take one or two courses per semester. Others are retired and take as many courses as they feel they can handle. There is provision for occasional students as well. It all depends on what works for you. If you want more information about any of the courses and programs offered by the college, feel free to call the registrar, Lisa McInnis, or the principal, Dr. Iain Luke. Despite occasionally asking myself what I was thinking in taking this on, I have yet to regret it.
DIOCESE OF QU’APPELLE
Update on Immanuel's refugee sponsorship By Joanne Shurvin-Martin REGINA — In the January issue, a front-page article announced Immanuel Parish’s plans to sponsor a six-member family of Iraqi Christians and bring them to Regina. This family had been stuck in a refugee camp in Turkey for seven long
years. Just before Christmas, the Babawi family learned that their application to immigrate to Australia – made when they first arrived in Turkey — had been approved. This happy news means that Immanuel Parish will be sponsoring a new refugee family, while all the money that had been raised will help support the new family. At press time the Babawi family was waiting for visas so that they could move to Australia. Gwen Rupchan, a member of the parish refugee sponsorship committee said, “We believe this is God’s plan for Immanuel to continue to help refugee families in need.”
March 2022
The Saskatchewan Anglican
9
Feeling the Holy Spirit
The Litany: Five pages of helpful, prayerful goodness By Rev. Gene Packwood
J
esus asked The Father to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, to remind us of all the things Jesus has said to us. Lent is a good time to revisit and pay attention to such things. You can find a useful tool to help with your Holy-Lent-observing selfexamination, repentance, and prayer, on page 30 of our Book of Common Prayer (BCP). The Litany is five pages of helpful, prayerful goodness. If ever there was a prayer that covers all the bases, that prays up one side and down the other of the Christian life, it is the Litany. (There is a Book of Alternative Services
Rev. Colin Clay
Saskatoon honours the Rev. Colin Clay By the Rev. Peter Coolen SASKATOON — CTV Saskatoon has announced that the CTV Saskatoon Citizen of the Year for 2021 is the Rev. Canon Colin Clay. Congratulations Colin! Colin was ordained more than 60 years ago and has been energetically involved for many years in ecumenical efforts, world peace, gay rights and education; he has also authored eight books. Well known as a lively raconteur, Colin continues to practice ministry in his retirement and to provide a shining example to us all on how to live and celebrate life to the full.
version, too, pg. 138) Here are two particularly helpful petitions for Lent in the Litany. At the very beginning, after a thorough invocation of God, the Holy Trinity, there is this: REMEMBER not, Lord, our offences, nor the offences of our forefathers; spare us, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood.
Spare us, good Lord. (BCP, p. 30) It would be good for you and me to take some time for selfexamination this Lent and to allow the Holy Spirit to remind us of the offences we would like the Lord remember no longer. Please don’t slide on by the reference to your forefathers (and mothers, presumably) as being a mere antiquated formality. This is one of the many brilliant details to be found in Prayer Book prayer and very much worth a self-examining pause. Almost all of us labour to some extent under the
toxic effects of the sin of our families of origin — generational sin, some call it — such as idolatry, sexual sin, rebellion, addictions, broken relationships. I know I do. I also know that many of us may have, unwittingly, passed some of that toxicity on to our children. The Litany reminds us to pray for the Lord, in His mercy, to spare us from — to defuse — any harmful effects coming down from our forefathers and mothers, which may be entangling us and affecting our children — thus enabling the Holy Spirit’s healing, sanctifying and life-giving work. This is important Holy Lenten self-examination
and repentance by prayer. Later, as the Litany draws to a close, we ask the Lord to forgive those who wish us harm and: TO give us true repentance; to forgive us all our sins, negligence, and ignorances; and to endue us with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, to amend our lives according to thy holy Word. We beseech thee, good Lord. (BCP, p34) Sins, negligence and ignorances — not much can escape that matrix. More grace. More Holy Spirit. To amend our lives according to God’s livingand-active (Heb. 4:12), not-going-back-to-Himempty, accomplishing- Hispurpose, succeeding-inContinued on page 11
10
The Saskatchewan Anglican
March 2022
Flashback honours news from the North Editor’s note: The first part of this article ran in the February issue of The Saskatchewan Anglican. By Mary Brown PRINCE ALBERT — In 2013 the front page of the Northern & Cree News was all about the success of the James Settee College. That year they held three sessions. In the spring, eight students went to Wycliffe College in Toronto, where they attended a twoweek course and made a presentation on their ministry and context to the Wycliffe students. That year Bishop Adam received an honorary doctorate from the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad. The Tisdale congregation paid off a $140,000 mortgage on a rectory they purchased in 2010! Chris Dow, Patricia Martin, Lloyd Young and Morris McKenzie were ordained to the priesthood. One of my favourite ministers, the Rev. Gerald Bear from Shoal Lake, died on Dec. 4 of that year. But the most impressive story was the tragedy at Red Earth. A young man, Duril, who married his childhood sweetheart in October 2012 was killed at a New Year’s Eve party by one of his friends. His family wrote a letter to the community: “Any intent of retaliation, any act of retaliation or retribution by anyone or on anyone or against anyone, or turning to alcohol for escape or comfort, will not bring Duril back or change the events of that evening. This is not how we wish to remember Duril. Our family does not wish Duril to be remembered as the cause for further hurting.” The 68th Synod of the diocese was held in 2014. The focus was the disciplines of disciples and the Marks of Mission. The Rev. Jeremy Boehr was ordained to the diaconate at the Synod. In May of this year, 11 people were invested into the Order of Saskatchewan followed by High Tea in the Cathedral Hall, attended by many other members of the order. Thanks to gifts from the Anglican Healing Fund and the Northern and Cree Mission fund, Dean Ken Davis and the Rev.
University students from Nova Scotia share a laugh on the steps of St. Alban's Cathedral in Prince Albert. The group volunteered in the Diocese of Saskatchewan in 2019. All photos by Mary Brown
From left, bishops Adam Halkett, Mark MacDonald, Chris Harper, Charles Arthurson and Larry Beardy gather after a general assembly in 2019. Sam Halkett were able to offer a 39-week course in intergeneration Cree language classes. Jordan Draper came to Nipawin, Arborfield and Hudson Bay that summer as a student minister discerning his vocation. The Primate the Most Rev. Fred Hiltz visited the diocese in June 2015. He preached at the ordination to the priesthood of Rev. Marj Hyman and Rev. Sam Halkett. On the Sunday he went to Stanley Mission to confirm over 50 candidates. The church was packed to overflowing. The feast was awesome, with more than 200 pounds of fried
fish. He said his time in Saskatchewan was an amazing visit, marked throughout by warmth of welcome and generosity of hospitality. That year there was a two-day suicide prevention workshop with 24 participants who completed the ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) program. This was the year of record forest fires in northern Saskatchewan, with 12,000 people evacuated. The diocese received more than $35,000 and a semi-load of goods to support them. In 2016, five more
exemplary disciples were inducted into the Order of Saskatchewan and attending the service was Ted Morton, a previous recipient who turned 100 that year. In March the Rev. Michael Chase was hired as bishop’s curate. In September the Rev. Kim Salo was hired as canon missioner for the diocese, while his wife the Rev. Susan Salo was hired as priest in charge of St. George, St. Stephen’s and Emmanuel. The James Settee College continued to thrive as did the VBS programs. The bishop confirmed nine adults in the Arborfield
Church, which was extraordinary for a smalltown congregation. 2017 was a busy year starting with about 50 attending a Quiet Day that was organized as preparation for Read Mark Lent. It was estimated that over 200 people participated in the Lenten program. Bishop Mark MacDonald and Canon Norman Casey led a week-long session that focused on the seven sacred teachings with 25 attending. More than 100 people attended the first Diocesan Prayer Conference held Continued next page
March 2022
... Flashback honours Northern news Continued from page 11 at Waskesiu led by Canon Gene and Judy Packwood, entitled Up One Side and Down the Other: Praying Without Ceasing. The 69th Synod was held that year and Mary Brown retired. There’s a great picture of the bishop in a boat with Joseph Custer’s coffin on Deschambault Lake. The front page of N & C News in 2018 is covered with pictures of happy smiling kids attending VBS that summer. Three students from the University of King’s College came to experience Saskatchewan after meeting the Rev. Wilfred and Theresa Sanderson
when they visited Halifax in 2017. There was another successful prayer conference that year. There were also three postulants working in the diocese. The James Settee College met at Camp Paskwawaskihk, a dream of the Rev. Sam Halkett. Two new deacons were ordained in 2019, the Revs. Jordan Draper and David Butorac. The Rev. Eyad Ajii, from Syria and the Rev. Rick Reed, from Algoma joined the Diocese. This year eight students from King’s College spent five weeks in mid-summer experiencing rural and reserve life and church life in northern Saskatchewan.
... Burgomaster obituary Continued from page 2 Wadena, Wynyard and Foam Lake. He was also archdeacon of Saskatoon East and served on diocesan council. Later, Glen and Jennifer moved from Theodore to Terrace, B.C. to be near their son Andrew and his family. Glen was Dean of St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Prince Rupert, B.C., Diocese of Caledonia from 1994 to 1997 and Dean of All Saints’ Cathedral, Halifax, N.S., from 1997 until his retirement in 2006.
He also served as assistant curate of St. Luke’s Church, Regina, Diocese of Qu’Appelle; rector of Christ Church, Grande Prairie, Diocese of Athabasca; rector of St. Leonard’s-on-the-Hill, Red Deer, Diocese of Calgary; and rector of Innisfil, Diocese of Toronto. His biography on the webpage of the Cathedral of All Saints notes: “He brought an extroverted, energetic personality to his ministry. Dean Burgomaster and his wife, Jennifer, created
The Right Rev. Stephen Andrews, along with his wife Fawna, returned to the diocese to lead the third Prayer Conference on the joy of praying. A General Assembly was held that summer chaired by Bishop Halkett. A picture shows five Indigenous bishops who each addressed the assembly. The 2020 news consisted of a heartfelt letter from the bishop and a few pictures. There was a large confirmation in Stanley Mission and a few VBS sessions and a very successful meeting of the James Settee College in August. an environment of warm hospitality at the Deanery. They connected with local university students on a regular basis and offered their culinary expertise to many guests. In addition, he and Jennifer, along with a handful of parishioners, were first responders on Sept. 29, 2003, when Hurricane Juan blew the roof off the transept. Their quick thinking resulted in preservation of much of the carved wood and other objects. Subsequent restoration ... was under the direction of Dean Burgomaster ... ."
The Saskatchewan Anglican
DIOCESE OF SASKATOON
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 – 9 th Ave. N. Saskatoon, SK S7K 2Z6.
Winter, Spring 2022
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 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
... The Litany: Five pages of helpful, prayerful goodness Continued from page 9 the-things-for-which-Hesent-it, (Isa. 55:11) and holy, Word. To know the amendments of life to which we might be being called, makes it necessary
for us to also take seriously the Holy Lenten call to read and meditate upon that holy word (BCP, pg. 612). The Litany is a rigorous, exhaustive and appropriate help with
which to observe a Holy Lent of self-examination and repentance by prayer, fasting, and self-denial as we read and meditate on God’s holy Word in the power, and with the help, of the Holy Spirit.
Grow in Faith • Gifts for baptism, confirmation and more! • Devotional articles • Candles including 100% beeswax • School and church resources
by Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy from April 5-8 and May 16-19 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1:30-3:30 p.m. Hybrid
Course Delivery: Two four-day modules, four weeks apart with reading and homework.
• Amazing selection of books
• Home decor
The Ministry of Supervision Certificate Course
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.
Find the resources you need to
437 2nd Avenue North Saskatoon, SK S7K 2C1 Local 306.384.1924 Toll Free 1.888.316.8648 info@ucssask.com www.ucssask.com
11
Pre-Requisite: Five years of half- to full-time ordained ministry or comparable based on consultation with course co-ordinator. This is a third-level STU course and could be applied to a ministry enhancement or a D. Min. program. (306) 370 8378 / trish.mccarthy@saskatoontheologicalunion.ca
12
The Saskatchewan Anglican
March 2022
Health vestries workshop to teach skills By Archdeacon Chris Dowdeswell
Dr. Kenneth Fung and Archdeacon Chris Doseswell. Photo contributed
SWIFT CURRENT (Qu’A) — The Archdeaconry of St. Chad in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle is hosting a workshop this month for clergy and vestry members, entitled “Healthy Vestries: Psychological Flexibility for Church Leaders.” The workshop is presented by Dr. Kenneth Fung, staff psychiatrist and associate professor at the University of Toronto. Dr. Fung is also doctoral
supervisor to Chris Dowdeswell, Archdeacon of St. Chad, who is coordinating the workshop. Over five sessions presented on Zoom, participants are learning and practising some of the tenets of Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) in order to be able to relate flexibly to their own experience and other people. These ACT skills have been shown to empower leadership groups through changing circumstances.
From donation to receipt By Archdeacon Alex Parsons Diocesan Stewardship Officer, Saskatoon
C
ertainly this time of year, for those of us who have the responsibility of issuing donation receipts — and it must be a specific person at each parish, usually the treasurer — it is a time of added work, but also a chance to review who has supported our parishes and ministries and to thank them for their generosity. It is also a time of stress making sure all is done correctly and meets filing requirements, especially as not all the finer details may be always known. Gifts of services, loans of property, or use of timeshares do not qualify for donation receipts. For those things that do qualify there is always the consideration of any benefit to the donor, such as a $20 meal from a $30 ticket leading to an actual donation of $10. Furthermore, any receipt can only be issued to the actual donor and is not transferable. Another concern is the date a donation comes in, especially at year end. Generally speaking, it is the date the parish receives the donation that counts but, if mailed prior to Dec. 31, CRA will accept the postmark on the envelope. So, keep those envelopes near year-end for sure. The basic conditions laid out for what constitutes a gift worthy of a donation receipt are known and in most cases
A church collection plate. Photo courtesy WikiCommons/Dublin Cornmarket St. Audoen's Church it is cash that is involved and so easy to record and to fill out. The collection plate is a wonderful thing and much of our ministry takes place because of the faithful dedication week in and week out of parishioners who present their offerings. The cumulative total at the end of each year is often surprising and a testimony to generous giving. Also, it is helpful that this total of all cash gifts in a year, for that person, can be put on one receipt for them to claim. This shrinks the paperwork considerably. But what about the people who kindly buy something for the parish, present a purchase receipt for it that clearly establishes the correct value, and want a tax receipt in exchange to show they made it as a donation?
In most cases the parish cannot automatically give an official donation receipt but should reimburse the purchaser provided that the item was needed, wanted, and justified. The simple and recommended way to handle this is for the parish to pay them back and then have the giver write a cheque for the same, or a lesser/greater amount, and be issued a donation receipt for that cheque. This way not only is there a clear paper trail, but the amount can be included in the annual receipt mentioned above. If it is not done this way, and it is deemed a non-cash gift in kind, a separate receipt must be issued. It is still possible to sidestep this solution and issue a donation receipt without such an exchange taking place if the donor
directs in writing that such is their wish. Again, this creates an incontrovertible paper trail and absolute clarity of intention but would still necessitate a separate receipt. Cash is king and so much easier in so many ways. However, not all gifts in kind have price tags readily available to assess an accurate value. If the item is under $1,000 and there is someone available in the parish who can reasonably give a valuation, the church can use the amount determined to issue a receipt if they wish. There is never an obligation to do so, although it may curtail future gifts in some cases, if not done. If the amount, either claimed by the donor as a value, or is visibly over $1,000, a professional third-party appraisal and
documentation should be obtained and their name included on the receipt for verification. There is much more detail surrounding all these issues and CRA has a lot of information to assist anyone needing to know these things. It is always good to ask, consult and verify any concerns or questions before issuing any receipt. After all these kinds of niceties are sorted out, thank you notes sent, receipts issued, and tax law complied with, it is good to reflect on the wonderful job treasurers do and to remind all of us of what is truly important. And that is, each day given to us, where our laughter, our friends, our families and the cumulative shared memories become the receipt of a life well lived for these things are gifts from God.