Saskatchewan
anglican
The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal • October 2020
Neighbours help couple affected by tornado By Mary Brown
Neighbours help Chris and Marlene Hovdebo remove items from their home after a plow wind tore through the yard. Photo courtesy Marlene Hovdebo
Swift Current parish welcomes Primate By Rev. Chris Dowdeswell
A screenshow shows Rev. Chris Dowdswell, Primate Linda Nicholls and Bishop Rob Hardwick.
SWIFT CURRENT (Qu’A) — St. Stephen’s Anglican Church and its rector, Rev. Chris Dowdeswell, were honoured to welcome the Primate, Archbishop Linda Nicholls, and Bishop Rob Hardwick to their Zoom Morning Prayer service on July 12. Archbishop Nicholls preached a provocative sermon on the topic of
the damage, they realized a section of their roof was BRANCEPETH (Skwn) missing and there was — I am always amazed water pouring in. by the generosity of They called a couple of people. Whenever there their closest friends for help. is a GoFundMe page for They were able to count someone in trouble, so about 55 people who came, many people but they send money understood to help. It there were When they went restores many others outside to assess your faith who had the damage, they in humanity come but when you couldn’t get realized a section hear about in the yard of their roof was so many and had to missing and water kind deeds. leave. was pouring in. On June Within 14 the two and a hamlet of half hours Brancepeth, they had the part of the Parish of Birch house (two floors) emptied Hills, was devastated including appliances. by a plow wind. In their They brought tote descriptions, the residents containers, boxes and of the area say it only lasted garbage bags. about five minutes. They came with rain Marlene and Chris coats and covered trailers Hovdebo were watching out and emptied out everything the screen door they were in the house before it both trying to hold shut, became full of water and when they thought they damage. should go to the basement, Thankfully no one was the storm had let up. hurt. Marlene said the storm About a week later Fr. was so very loud that they Jordan sent out a request couldn’t see anything — it for help to the congregation was just white with the of St. Mary’s in Birch Hills. hail coming down. When Thirty-five people showed they went outside to assess Continued on page 8 racism. Nicholls has made dismantling racism a major focus of her primatial ministry. Drawing upon the Parable of the Sower, the archbishop called her listeners to be indiscriminate sharers of the Good News. The Zoom service was followed with a virtual “coffee hour” where the primate, Bishop Rob Hardwick, Rev. Dowdeswell and many parishioners shared an engaging video group chat about the ongoing anti-racism protests
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in the world and the work of the Council of General Synod (COGS) in leading the Anglican Church of Canada into a more just future. A parishioner of St. Stephen, Michael Siebert, is a member of COGS, and this visit from the primate provided a great opportunity to help educate St. Stephen’s on their work together. If other parishes would like the primate to join them for worship, they are invited to reach out to her by email at primate@ national.anglican.ca.
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Difficult questions can provoke heartfelt answers By Archdeacon Cheryl Toth What is the most challenging/difficult question you have received as a priest?
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hallenging questions are a part of ordained ministry and often a secret source of satisfaction. Being asked tough questions about the nature of God, the suffering of the world or how one can follow in Christ’s way brings forth in a priest a certain delight — even when the questions are challenging — because this is why we engaged in theological studies in the first place. This is at the heart of what drew us to ordained ministry, and yet most of the time, the questions people bring to us have more to do with the organization of a parish, the balancing of a budget, the settling of disputes or the minutia of liturgical life than they do with understanding ourselves and the faith community in relation to who God is or what God is doing in the world. Sometimes, however, the challenging questions cut right to the heart of who we are and who we fail to be. In the summer of 2001, my 26-year marriage was coming apart. My husband and
I engaged in long discussions as we struggled to see our way forward and, in the end, we could not. We decided to separate and in early fall wrote a letter to my parish to let them know of our decision. People were shocked and surprised (our teenage and young adult children were not). One woman in the congregation, married with young children, asked me, “If you can’t make it, how will we ever be able to?” That question
with guilt and shame. It wasn’t her intention, of course; her question came straight from the heart of someone who understood that married life can be difficult. She wanted to know you can make it through the challenges. I was embodying the fact we don’t always get to the other side the way we hoped. She saw me, as an ordained person, as having more resources and greater faith than she did. If that was not enough for me, how could she succeed?
Repentance and forgiveness emerged from my guilt. The shame was more difficult. I needed God’s healing grace to realize I was still loved by God and that my failings did not mean I was a failure. rocked me to the core, not because I thought myself the model for everyone, but because I realized there were folks in the parish and the community who never saw our struggle and did not know our frailty. In trying to be a “good parish priest” I had sought to be there for people in their turmoil and to keep myself from burdening them with mine. In so doing, I had created a false sense of who I was and what it meant for me to follow Jesus in all the challenges and pain of life. Her question filled me
At that moment, she saw my frailty and not her strength. I said a few words about that but I am not sure it helped. I couldn’t say much because I was still working through the implications of our separation. I knew that our decision was made thoughtfully and prayerfully but most people wouldn’t see that. They could see our pain. I felt guilty because I knew there were aspects of our marriage in which we had failed, while I was acutely aware that I was disappointing people in saying that openly.
I also was ashamed because I felt as though I had failed in some fundamental way as a priest. It was hard. It also remained hard for over a year as we sorted out the details of separation and the pain of parting. I had to tease out in what ways I had failed, and to be honest with myself, my children, my former husband and God about what I had learned and how I sought to rebuild my life. Repentance and forgiveness emerged from my guilt. The shame was more difficult. I needed God’s healing grace to realize I was still loved by God and that my failings did not mean I was a failure. On the other side of it all I have a deeper understanding of one of my favourite verses: “By the grace of God I am what I am, and God’s grace to me was not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:10). I also realized the most challenging questions are the ones that call forth answers from our hearts, our minds and our souls. They don’t come along often but, when they do, they demand an answer and they provoke new life. Cheryl Toth is Archdeacon for St. Cuthbert, Diocese of Qu’Appelle, and diocesan stewardship officer.
Youth helps other youths conquer suicidal thoughts By Mary Brown PRINCE ALBERT — The beautiful happy face in the picture belongs to Yolanda Bird, daughter of Bishop Adam and Theresa. She began working for the Indigenous Ministry Department of the national church in 2017 as a suicide prevention worker along with two others, one from further west and another from Ontario. One of them died and the other is no longer doing this work, which leaves Bird on her own. She began her position by gathering statistics regarding the instances of suicide in the northern communities. Some of the data collected would show that the suicide numbers in
Yolanda Bird some communities were low. Bird would investigate these figures to determine what was happening in these locations, compared to the other places where the numbers were higher. Her program works with the church along with the community. With this information she was incorporating the statistics and putting it into an Indigenous
medicine wheel. In May of this year she was planning a youth conference. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, this did not happen. She now has Zoom calls with the youths. The average age of the callers is usually around eight or nine, but youths as old as 18 are welcome to call. They begin with a circle check, asking the youths how they are coping and having them debrief. They use the gospelbased discipleship as an ice-breaker. Archbishop Mark MacDonald is always a participant and frequently is Murray Still. When she was seven years old, Bird found her 10-year-old brother dead in their bedroom. He was a sensitive young man who was
dealing with bullying from his peers. He couldn’t take it anymore and ended his life. When she grew up, Bird took intensive training for suicide prevention. She began working with five to 13-year-olds. If you can begin helping children early enough, you instill in them a confidence and value of themselves. They think they don’t have any special gifts. They have no hope or trust. Bird said there are stages of suicide and every outcome is always different. She is always concerned by the quiet ones. With her history and experience, Bird has probably made a difference in the lives of her youths and we hope she will continue to do so.
Published by the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle. Published monthly except for July and August. Whole No. 292, Vol. 49, No. 2 A Section of the Anglican Journal SUBSCRIPTIONS For change of address, undeliverable copies and subscription list updates, contact: • Your parish • e-mail: circulation @national.anglican.ca • Or send to Saskatchewan Anglican, c/o Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ont. M4Y 3G2 RATES $10 in Canada $17 outside Canada SUBMISSIONS Submissions for the December issue must be received by the diocesan editor no later than Oct. 23.. 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 Bishop's Corner
Wait for the Lord in troubled times By Bishop Rob Hardwick
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The earth is degenerating these days. Bribery and corruption abound. Children no longer mind their parents. Everyone wants to write a book, and it is evident the end of the world is fast approaching.” Sounds like the evening news or tomorrow’s headlines, doesn’t it? The truth is this description of society was found inscribed on an Assyrian tablet dated 2000 B.C. Jurgen Moltmann once shared a more modern observation concerning our anxious age: “The nightmare of Armageddon has replaced the political vision of hope for life, freedom, and justice throughout the world: The monster of the nuclear apocalypse is felt everywhere. ‘Apocalypse Now’ is not only a film title these years; people everywhere are hearing the bells of the world’s clock ring for the last time. “‘Five minutes to 12’ is a running introduction to new terror reports, be it about environmental pollution, about methods of mass extermination or about the starvation of millions in the Third World. Our age has been called the ‘age of anxiety.’” Today and every day should be days of celebration, and yet, many of us are weighed down by the basic worries of life that never change: stories of wars, earthquakes, fires, pandemics
and torture. But then is there any wonder? The only time we seem to sit and ponder is when we surf the net, watch the TV or listen to the radio. News media brings instantly to our eyes and ears tragedy and fearful happenings every minute of the day. Yet seldom do people have the time to stop and listen to God or appreciate what is truly around them. Are we too accustomed to our surroundings, our family, our church, our life, our faith that we take it all for granted and do not expect to meet with God or to be surprised by a divine gift each day? The Psalmist said, “My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning” (Psalm 130:5). Is your soul waiting
for the Lord more a happy end of Are we too than watchmen for world history … accustomed to our the morning? . In the moment Moses went up of deathly surroundings, our a mountain with danger, God’s family, our church, Joshua and as they stories in the our life, our faith climbed the cloud of Bible speak and that we take it all for God’s presence came awaken hope granted and do not down and covered where otherwise expect to meet with them … then … after there is nothing 7 days … God spoke. else to hope. God or to be surprised Are we willing to The memories by a divine stop the hustle and of being rescued gift each day? bustle of life; willing from disaster to stop the worries do not deny and the what ifs, disaster. They and come into God’s speak of the God presence and wait for God to who made the hopeless disaster of speak? his people his own and who led his Paul the Apostle, in his waiting people out of it … . shared,“I am persuaded that “The answer of hope to the neither death nor life . . . nor rulers threatening danger of annihilation . . .nor powers . . . nor any thing of our indifferent and often hostile else in all creation will be able to world is to live life with a raised separate us from the love of God in head, open to every moment Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans and alert to every need with 8). unequivocal self-commitment. We have hope because our God And if the end of the world would is a gracious and patient God and happen tomorrow, ‘Let us plant new every morning is His love. our apple tree today.’” For the Christian, the most May our souls “wait for the powerful symbol for “assurance Lord more than watchmen for of things hoped for” is the bread of the morning.” In our waiting life, “for they who come to him will on the Lord may we receive the never go hungry and those who assurance of things hoped for. believe in him will never be thirsty. May we feast on the bread of For the bread of God that has come life and in this pandemic, and down from heaven gives life to the after it has past, make the most of world.” every day, contributing something Again, quoting Moltmann: “The to the day that will bring life long Christian hope is not directed for after we are gone.
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Lambeth Conference postponed until 2022 LONDON, ENGLAND — The Lambeth Conference has been further delayed — to 2022 — owing to the coronavirus, the Archbishop of Canterbury announced recently. The 15th conference, originally due to have been held in Canterbury this past August, was rescheduled to 2021 after worldwide lockdowns were introduced in March. In a video to the more than 1,100 bishops and spouses of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop Welby announced the conference would not occur until summer 2022. A wider programme was being planned that would be delivered online and through other meetings before and afterward. A statement on the Lambeth Conference website explained: “As
with most large-scale events and conferences of this nature — planning for events in such an unstable climate is difficult. "As an international gathering (the Lambeth Conference invites bishops and spouses from more than 165 countries) there are a significant number of uncertainties that make preparations for a 2021 meeting challenging.” Archbishop Welby said, “I am overwhelmed by the way that Anglicans around the world have been facing up to the huge social needs created by this crisis. “So many people have suffered from the pandemic, economically, physically through illness and in many other ways and even have lost those close to them.” Article courtesy Church Times
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Queen Elizabeth honours Anglican vicar of Baghdad
Happy 104th birthday! Mary Knoblauch, a long-time member of St. George’s Anglican Church in Imperial, celebrated her 104th birthday in June. Born Mary Baade in Regina, she was baptized at St. Mary’s Anglican Church. She grew up in Imperial, and after teaching school for six years, married her husband Ben. They lived on a farm near Imperial and raised four children. Throughout her life she was a faithful parishioner at St. George, and active in the Women’s Auxiliary. Knoblauch loved travelling and visited Europe, Japan, Australia, Mexico, Hawaii and many places in the U.S. and Canada. She lived in her own home in Imperial until the age of 95. She now resides in the Long Lake Valley Integrated Centre in Imperial. Photo courtesy The Watrous Manitou
ANGLICAN NEWS SERVICE (ANS) — The Parish Priest at St George’s Anglican Church in Baghdad, Father Faiz Jerjes, has been given an honour by Queen Elizabeth II. He has been made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire – MBE – “for services to the Anglican, Christian and local community in Baghdad.” In a statement, the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf sent: “warmest congratulations from the rest of the Diocese . . . to Canon Faiz, his family, and all who worship at St George’s.” The honorary award of an MBE by Queen Elizabeth is not the first official recognition of Father Jerjes’ ministry. In 2017, he was named one of Iraq’s “Personalities Of The Year” by the country’s Ministry of Culture and in 2018 he was honoured by the Iraqi Army for his peace-building efforts and for “his outstanding contribution to peaceful
co-existence in Iraq.” At the time, the Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Army, Lieutenant-General Othman al-Ghanmi, praised Father Faiz “for his courage in helping to raise awareness of issues others feared to broach.” The Church is currently struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic which is seeing around 2,000 new cases a day in Iraq. “Most observers believe that the true number is much higher,” the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (FRRME), which supports the Church in Baghdad. “There is a stigma around illness in some communities and this is thought to lead to a lot of under-reporting.” FRRME funds St George’s medical centre, which was treating 2,000 patients each month before the pandemic. One of its doctors has tested positive for the virus as has a staff member of the Church. “They both went into quarantine of course”, FRRME said.
DIOCESE OF SASKATOON EVENTS
Announcements for October 2020 g During the COVID19 interruption in daily and church life, church services and videos are available from links on the diocesan website and diocesan Facebook and YouTube pages, as well as on various individual parish websites, Facebook pages, on YouTube and locally (for Battle River Parish) on radio. New dates for events already announced as being postponed in earlier issues of this paper will be provided in future issues as and when the information becomes available. As our churches slowly open, please check on service availability and the requirements for pre-registration. If attending, please follow all the indicated seating, movement, distancing, masking and sanitization instructions in order
to safeguard yourself and protect others. g Saskatchewan Anglican online! Did you know that you can read current and past issues of the Saskatchewan Anglican online at https://issuu.com/ thesaskatchewananglican or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ saskatchewananglican or the Diocese of Saskatoon website at www.anglicandiocesesaskatoon.com/ saskanglican? g New Ministry Preparation Program: The Diocese of Saskatoon has begun this new program that consolidates the separate programs of lay reader and locally raised clergy training, St. Bridget’s and training in ministry support. For information on this program and the program’s courses, to inquire about applying for and to obtain ap-
plication forms for this program, or to receive updates on the status of any particular course, please contact the program’s co-ordinator, the Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy, at tmccarthy@sasktel.net or 306-370-8378. g School of Discipleship, Spiritual Formation Course: The Spiritual Formation Course is a new course being sponsored by the Diocese of Saskatoon's School of Discipleship. Costs for this course will be paid by the diocese. Whether you are registered in the overall ministry preparation course or just interested in going deeper in your relationship with God, you are warmly welcome to consider this course. Initially the course has been planned to accommodate the most people by using Zoom meetings for an hour,
once every two weeks. The course will cover some core Christian spiritual disciplines as well as other prayer forms that could complement other prayer practices. Course work would include logging about daily spiritual practices and experience of them. An in-person day retreat part way through the course and another, at the end of the course, is planned, but will be adjusted to accommodate to whatever health restrictions are in place at the time. The registration form can be found at www. anglicandiocesesaskatoon.com/new-blog. For more information, please contact the Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy at tmccarthy@sasktel.net or 306-370-8378 or see the notice elsewhere in this issue. g Fall Courses at
Emmanuel and St. Chad: The College of Emmanuel & St Chad welcomes registrations for fall courses, including Introduction to the New Testament, and Introductory Greek. All teaching will be online for this term. For other courses available through the Saskatoon Theological Union, please contact our office at 306-975-1550. Deadline To be included in a timely manner, brief notices should be sent to the Associate Editor by e-mail or “snail mail” by the last week of the month, two months before the month in which insertion is desired (for example, December submissions will be in the February issue). Detailed and longer texts of upcoming events will not be included here, but should space allow, could be the subject of article and notices elsewhere in the paper.
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An ordination in the midst of coronavirus By Canon Lorea Eufemia Diocesan Administrative Assistant Editor’s note: Rosemary Matthews was robed as a priest during the ordination service with a chasuble formerly worn by the Rev. Elspeth Alley. On St. Andrew’s Day, Nov. 30, 1976, Elspeth Alley and Virginia Briant were the first women to be ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of New Westminster and were a part of the first group of women in the Canadian Anglican Church to be so ordained (see article elsewhere in this issue). Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Saskatoon congregation wore masks and did not participate in the singing and music, which were provided by a cantor and the organist. The usual time of social gathering and refreshments after the service was also not held. Following her ordination, the Rev. Rosemary Matthews was appointed as the incumbent and the Rev. Dr. David Tyler as the honorary assistant at St. George’s, Saskatoon. SASKATOON — On June 19, amid COVID-19, the Rev. Rosemary Mathews was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Christopher Harper at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in the Diocese of Saskatoon. It was such a joy to walk through the cathedral church doors for Matthews’ ordination; to be together, to remember and to pray on such an important occasion. We were a very small group, all physically distanced, and with plenty of safety precautions. Bishop Harper presided over the service and the sermon was given by the Rev. Dr. Iain Luke. Dr. Luke spoke of how the world is learning about itself amid the pandemic and that it is a wonderful time for Matthews to proclaim and demonstrate God’s grace during a time for healing and renewing through the power and Grace of God. Due to the COVID-19 health restrictions, the service at the cathedral
The Rev. Rosemary Matthews is ordained by Bishop Chris Harper. Due to COVID-19 distancing restrictions, the other priests did a remote laying on of hands. Photos courtesy Tracy Harper was limited to the few people participating in the service observing physical distancing rules, but clergy and lay people from across the diocese and Canada were able to view the service via a webcast on Facebook and YouTube, sending their prayers and well-wishes in comments during and after the service. The service can be viewed at www.youtube. com/watch?v=2zO6SG_ guZI. Matthews said, “My ordination during COVID was rather unusual, but it was beautiful in every way. Thanks be to God.” Included in the service, Bishop Harper collated the Rev. Canon Alex Parsons as archdeacon of the diocese, appointing and installing him in the seat of St. John’s Cathedral. Parsons has been serving in the diocese for many years in rural and urban parishes, and as the diocesan finance officer and stewardship officer. Parsons is looking forward to continuing to serve the diocese in his new ministry as executive archdeacon, and will continue to function as the diocesan finance and stewardship officers. Parsons will also serve as the honorary assistant at St. Matthew’s, Sutherland.
The Rev. Canon Alex Parsons is appointed, collated and installed as the new executive archdeacon of the diocese by Bishop Chris Harper.
The Rev. Rosemary Matthews with Bishop Chris Harper, (left) and the Ven. Alex Parsons (right) following the service of ordination, with Matthews ordained to the priesthood and Parsons installed as executive archdeacon.
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Something old for someone new Submitted SASKATOON — At her ordination as priest in June the Rev. Rosemary Matthews wore a chasuble formerly worn by the Rev. Elspeth (McAlpine) Alley. Matthews kindly provided the following biographical information about the Rev. Alley. The Rev. Elspeth (McAlpine) Alley (1924 to 2000) was one of the first women to be ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of New Westminster and the Anglican Church of Canada. She was born on Nov. 24, 1924 in Vancouver, B.C. and lived most of her life in this area. Her school years were spent at Crofton House School in Vancouver. She entered the University of British Columbia in 1942 and completed two years; moving on to Mills College in Oakland, California, U.S.A. where she completed her Bachelor of Arts with a major in music in 1946. After teaching music for a year she married John G. Alley, Barrister and Solicitor, in 1947. They had three daughters together, Claudia, Jennifer, and Frances. Prompted by her daughters’ questions, she decided to learn more about her Christian heritage.
At her ordination as priest in June, the Rev. Rosemary Matthews wore a chasuble, formerly worn by the Rev. Elspeth (McAlpine) Alley, one of the first women to be ordained to the priesthood in the Anglican Church of Canada. Here Matthews and Bishop Chris Harper bless those present after the service of ordination. Photo courtesy Tracy Harper Alley enrolled at the Vancouver School of Theology in 1967 and graduated with a Bachelor of Sacred Theology in 1972. In 1977, the Vancouver School of Theology changed this to the Master
of Divinity degree, which she was awarded in 1980. Alley was ordained to the diaconate on Whitsunday, May 21, 1972 in Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver by the sixth Bishop
of the Diocese of New Westminster, the Right Rev. T.D. Somerville. Her first posting as deacon assistant was to St. Catherine’s Church, North Vancouver, working with the rector, Ian Grant, from May 1972 to September 1974. During this period her husband died due to an accident at home, on May 1, 1974. From October 1974 to April 1975 Alley became the part-time assistant at St. Chad’s Church, working with the rector, Henri Taudin-Chabot. Then, in June 1975 she became a full-time assistant at St. Faith’s Church, working under the tutelage of the rector, Peter Davison, until February 1977. A milestone both personally and in the history of the Anglican Church of Canada took place on St. Andrew’s Day, Nov. 30, 1976. Elspeth Alley and Virginia Briant were the first women to be ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of New Westminster and, simultaneously, part of the first group of women in the Canadian Church to be so ordained. This took place in Christ Church Cathedral, with the Metropolitan, Archbishop T.D. Somerville presiding. On a personal note, she officiated at the wedding of her daughter, Jennifer, to
James M. Britton on Dec. 30, 1976 — presumably the first woman priest in Canada to do this. Subsequently, Alley became priest-in-charge of St. Edward’s Church from March 1977 to November 1979. In November 1979, she received her first appointment as rector, at Holy Trinity Church in Vancouver, one of only three priests in the Canadian Anglican Church to hold the office at this time. She continued at Holy Trinity until March 1985. From November 1985 to September 1987 she was an honorary assistant at St. Philip’s Church, Dunbar. In January 1989 she became an honorary assistant at Christ Church Cathedral, a position she held until her death on Sept. 9, 2000 in Vancouver. The funeral requiem was held at Christ Church Cathedral on Sept. 15, 2000. An important aspect of her ministry was writing. She prepared a history of the Diocese of New Westminster for the Diocesan Centennial Committee, but her major undertaking was a biography of the Most Rev. Edward Walter Scott, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada from 1971 to 1986. She obtained permission from the Archbishop in 1983 to begin her work, entitled: “Call me Ted,” published in 1992 by Brenda Stenson, Vancouver. B.C.
DIOCESE OF SASKATCHEWAN
Ugandan college looks for support during pandemic Submitted Editor’s note: Rev. Canon Paul Jeffries, rector of Bishop McAllister College, sent an email to Bishop Michael Hawkins of the Diocese of Saskatchewan asking for financial support for the college during the pandemic. Below is the email and the appeal letter.
D
ear Bishop Hawkins, hope this note finds you well and enjoying a nice summer. I am just in the midst of making an appeal for the school. I know things are tough your end also, but I would like to extend this appeal to you and the Christians of the Diocese of Saskatchewan.
We are so appreciative of the support that we have received from the diocese for many years now, especially for the sponsored children. Anything you might be able to do for us now would be greatly appreciated. Appeal letter is just below. God bless! Paul. Dear friends, I am writing to update you about the status of the school and to request your prayers and support, as Bishop McAllister School and Seminary faces its greatest threat in my 23 years here. On March 18 all schools in Uganda were abruptly closed due to COVID-19 for 30 days. After several extensions, all schools in Uganda were closed indefi-
nitely. It is now unlikely that we shall reopen before February 2021. When we closed in March, we suffered a loss of US $15,600 in unremitted fees and an additional $8,200 already spent on food that had to be given away. While this was an enormous loss to us — about seven per cent of our annual operating budget — we hoped to be able to survive assuming that we would collect fees for the second and third terms of this year. Now as we face losing the entire year of fees, the financial challenges on several fronts could jeopardize our entire ministry. Our teaching and non-teaching staff have
remained unpaid for three months and could remain without any income until February 2021. The school continues to have a basic operating staff, security, grounds keepers, and others, and there are bills mounting each day that we are closed. Our annual operating budget is based solely on the collection of school fees, of which 27 per cent comes from sponsorship. We are in need of funds to maintain and secure our property and buildings, to provide some small support to our teaching staff whom we will need on reopening, and to make sure that we have funds at opening to purchase food and other necessities for
a boarding school of 750 students. With the encouragement of leaders and supporters in both Canada and the USA, I am launching an Appeal, BMCK 2020. I know many churches and individuals are facing financial constraints just now, and I would not ever suggest Christians should divert their support from their local churches, but only appeal to those who are able to support this one-time effort. My target would be to raise US$40,000. Of this, $20,000 would be to cover current operating costs, including the maintenance of the school property and buildings, and ensure the Continued next page
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During Digital Vacation Bible Camp, the in-person campers (who are all related to one another), play Fill the Bucket, passing a sponge full of water down the line to fill an empty bucket. Photo by Rev. Chris Dowdeswell
Digital VBS a week of fun and spiritual growth By Rev. Chris Dowdeswell CAMP HARDING (Qu’A) — Rev. Chris Dowdeswell from St. Stephen’s parish in Swift Current invited families from his parish and across the diocese to
use Zoom to join a digital vacation bible camp August 3 to 7. The video-based program they used was produced by the fantastic children’s ministry team at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in
... College asks for support Continued from page 6 school is ready to open smoothly with food and other necessities on hand as soon as we are given permission to open. The additional $20,000 would be allocated for teachers and non-teaching staff, providing them with a small living allowance per month. Gifts may be sent for BMCK to the Diocese of Fredericton. Lastly, the other way to keep Bishop McAllister College stable is to support the student sponsorship program. This important program not only provides needy students an opportunity to go to school, but also provides a certain amount of financial stability for the school. Currently we have more
than 30 students enrolled in their first year who are seeking assistance. I am so grateful for your partnership in this work, for our hundreds of successful graduates who are serving everywhere (priests, teachers, doctors, lawyers, computer engineers), for the child sponsorship programme and for our able and loyal staff. We have grown from a small two-room school to a two-stream school known for our excellence in morals, discipline, teaching, sports and music thanks to God’s grace and provision. Send gifts payable to Anglican Diocese of Fredericton with a MEMO BMCK 2020 at 115 Church Street, Fredericton, N.B., E3B 4C8.
Edmonton. Rev. Dowdeswell, together with his two children and six nieces and nephews, led the sessions from Camp Harding, located in Cypress Hills Provincial Park. Another 10 children
from Swift Current and Regina joined them online. Each morning was filled with games, songs, crafts, puppet shows and excellent Bible lessons, making for a week of fun and spiritual growth.
Both the kids and the adults loved it! If you are looking for a great (and free!) children’s ministry resource to offer to your kids online this fall, the program is still available at www. sjechurch.ca.
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October 2020
... Community pitches in to he
Continued from page 1 up to clean up the debris in the yard. The Hovdebos were advised by their hail insurance adjuster that, without a doubt, it was in fact a tornado. He knows as he has worked in the southern U.S. in the winter. Their house lost the roof and moved over on the foundation and was deemed condemned. It has been demolished and they are planning to rebuild. There is a summer church in Brancepeth where there are services of Evening Prayer every week in Holy Trinity Church. It is a peaceful, beautiful area that instills
a feeling of charity and love. The Hovdebos are members of this community and Chris and Marlene even invited all the children to their barn on Dec. 24 to a live nativity scene complete with a real baby in the manger. It is good to know that when there is a catastrophe, you can count on your neighbours and church family. Marlene and Chris are extremely grateful that they live in such an amazing community where friends, families and neighbours are at your doorstep at a moment’s notice when you need help. All photos courtesy Marlene Hovdebo
October 2020
elp couple affected by tornado
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October 2020
What are we missing during this pandemic? By Rev. Marie-Louise Ternier
Grace @ Sixty received two articles in their email with reflection questions. Then for five Thursday evenings we met on Zoom to talk about what we had read. Both informal and instructive, we gathered with an open heart and a curious mind, to learn and share and discuss, and to still our spiritual hunger. The result surprised both my colleague and I. Each week between 12 to 16 participants from five different towns and cities met on Zoom. Moreover, each of the three Christian traditions mentioned above were represented in the group, some through the reality of inter-church marriages, others because they learned through personal connections about this initiative and asked to participate. The conversations were lively and engaging, with much learning and new understanding. While these regular churchgoers showed a very good intuition about the nature and meaning of the Holy Eucharist, very few had thought of the Lord’s Supper as a witness
DIOCESE OF SASKATCHEWAN
Diocesan Synod set for October cancelled g Due to the pandemic the diocese has cancelled the Diocesan Synod set for this October g The next Provincial Synod was tentatively planned for May 2021 depending on our position with COVID-19 g Congrats to the Rev. Richard Reed, who was appointed as regional dean of Prince Albert on May 1 for a three-year term
g Rev. Eyad Ajji has tendered his resignation, effective Jan. 31, 2021. The family will be moving to the Diocese of Toronto. He will be the priest in the Parish of the Evangelists in New Tecumseth g All diocesan Vacation Bible Schools were cancelled for summer 2020, although some churches held their own summer activities
to the world about God’s love for all creation and God’s redeeming work in Christ Jesus for all people. One participant wrote this in her evaluation: “In our Zoom conversations and in reading and re-reading the articles, I have learned more about the Eucharist and realize that, in taking Holy Communion, it isn’t just about my personal fulfillment, but about those who commune around me and extend this to the greater world. Eucharist seems to be the bigger picture. “It involves our becoming nourished for mission and in witness to the whole world. “What we witness to when we make Eucharist, is that Christ died and rose again for sake of the whole world, giving us all a share in His new life. In Eucharist, we are the sign that Christ is offering Himself, His body and blood for everyone. “That as we show Christ’s love to the world, we also bring our love for our neighbours to Him in prayer.” The group remained diverse on the question
of virtual communion with some in favour and others not. Here are some thoughts from another participant: “The Lutheran perspective by Professor Dr. Dirk Lange was very meaningful. His comments regarding virtual and online communion made sense to me. He gives reasons why we need the complete liturgical celebrations of the Eucharist or Holy Communion: ‘The whole liturgical celebration culminates in this great thanksgiving in the Holy Spirit that evokes God’s radical, self-giving gift, God’s gift of God’s self, Jesus Christ, Divine Mercy in our midst.’ “Again, there is an insistence on the fullness of the rite and on the people gathered doing something together. I myself would not find virtual online communion very meaningful or satisfying.” Discussing such a central aspect of our faith, the Holy Communion/ Eucharist/Mass, with Lutherans, Anglicans and Roman Catholics was a delightful opportunity to grow with, and to learn
from, each other. Several participants commented that our differences seem to lie primarily in different emphases and different terms, but that in essence we share a common faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the bread and wine blessed in the presence of the gathered community of faith. And so, the question naturally arose: why are we still divided at the holy Table of our Lord? Why indeed? Towards the end of our meetings someone commented how this group had become a beautiful and meaningful virtual community and that this virtual nature was definitely real. Also, maybe every celebration of Holy Communion has a virtual dimension, because it transcends the natural world. Just as Christ Jesus is truly and wholly present in the bread and the wine, so we became truly present to one another, forming one Body of Christ in order to be sent out again to be the Body of Christ in the world, even in the absence of Holy Communion.
CORRECTION There was an error i n t he a r t icle about the Easter Appeal i n t he September issue. T he donat ion f r o m H o l y T r i n i t y, Kamsack, to Eaglestone Lodge was made in memor y of Irene Dumonski. The Saskatchewan A n gl i c a n r e g r e t s t h i s e r r o r.
Foundation Forward
ideas that i n s p i r
e
I
t’s been a strange season of self-discipline and renunciation. Many were and still are heart-broken and fearful: losing loved ones to COVID-19, medical and front-line workers risking transmission, loss of work, income, freedom, and surely, loss of Sunday worship (as we used to know it) and loss of Holy Communion. Last spring, barely two months into our lockdown, the aching and the questions emerged: “I miss Communion.” “Can we come by the church and get Communion?” “How about virtual Communion? Is that valid?” The weeks without church services extended into months, and increasing numbers of Christians were deeply missing the Eucharist, Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, the Mass. But what do we really mean by this? What exactly were we missing? What does Holy Communion mean? Seizing a teachable moment, my colleague Rev. Canon Matteo Carboni and myself decided to host a series of Zoom-chats on the subject. We collected a number of articles on the subject, all written on the Holy Eucharist during the pandemic, from Anglican, Lutheran and Roman Catholic sources. Each week participants
New monthly podcast series on
generosity Now available
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October 2020
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Bringing learning to life in online study By the Rev. Dr. Iain Luke Principal, College of Emmanuel & St. Chad
W
e’re facing a new challenge in the Saskatoon Theological Union this fall, as all our courses move online in order to keep safety and public health at the top of our priorities. This is in common with most institutions of higher learning in the province, with all but the most hands-on subject areas being taught remotely. It’s not the first time we’ve offered online courses, but something important changed as 2020 unfolded. Webbased teaching used to be the exception, allowing participation by students who were very techfriendly, or else in unusual circumstances. In the thick of the pandemic, though, remote delivery became the only way to operate under the serious restrictions on gathering people in large numbers, not just in the classroom but in the corridors and other shared spaces on campus. So as many people wrestled with doing everything online, including worship and work as well as schooling, something else changed as well. As a society we have normalized the use of the internet for everyday activities. We’ve lost our fear of technology and discovered that even nonspecialists can use it in creative and positive ways. In education, that means much greater acceptance, and higher expectations, for courses delivered at a distance. That also leaves teachers and professors scrambling to recognize the advantages and challenges of teaching in a new format. Some of the advantages are obvious. More people can participate in our courses when travelling to campus is not a requirement. Students incur fewer costs, while the environmental effects are smaller. Less visible advantages include the easier integration of the wealth of information available online, and a shift to a range of different learning styles. The obvious challenge
for the college is the upfront investment of time and money in learning new methods, technologies, software and equipment. But the more we think about it, the bigger challenge is how to redevelop the learning community that is such an important part of the seminary experience. There are, clearly, communities that are formed and sustained through shared digital experiences, online chat and screen time. As we redesign our
course strategies for online platforms, we put much more emphasis on enabling interaction between students, to ensure they learn from and support each other. The seminary community, though, has more dimensions to it. Students and faculty don’t just learn from each other in class, we also learn with each other in worship, and in the informal sharing of our ministry experiences. Bringing all the various strands together is itself part of the learning
experience. Current limitations make it impossible to do all those things in the same place. More to the point, though, our past focus on physically bringing people together has unwittingly excluded those for whom cost, distance, disability, or other life circumstances, make it impossible. So, our on-going challenge will be to help each student find a way to experience the multiple dimensions of learning, wherever they are. Each student needs a worshipping community, whether that is online or in-person, with whom they can pray and be prayed for, and where they can offer to God in thanksgiving the joys and trials of study. Each student also needs a ministry environment where their gifts are
being put into service, where their learning can be applied, and are tested against what they learn from the people with whom they minister. Maybe most of all, all students need a mentor, someone who will encourage them to put all the pieces together and see how God is shaping them for their call. Ideally, this approach extends the learning community deeply into the church as a whole. I hope that will encourage conversations in churches across Saskatchewan, where you as a parish recognize that you can support one of your members in his or her ministry training. Not by sending them “away to college,” but by being the people who pray and work with them, to bring learning to life.
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October 2020
Summer students take inspiring
By Matthew Hawkins STANLEY MISSION (Skwn) — On Aug. 6, Bishop Michael Hawkins and the Rev. Jordan Draper took six summer students on a road trip through northern Saskatchewan to visit Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Stanley Mission. Departing from the Synod Office at eight in the morning, the team set out in two vehicles heading north. The first stop on our tour was to take in a fantastic vista along the highway. where an individual could see the vast size of Montreal Lake against the horizon. It was a breathtaking view and particularly humbling to see for this author. Taking in the beauty and scope of creation helps individuals gain some perspective on their place in the world. The next stop on the trip was a quick visit to St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church in Weyakwin. Bishop Hawkins gave a quick tour of the church and cemetery, followed by a quick wild blueberry picking session. Our mid-day stop was in La Ronge. After a quick tour of the town, the team made a stop at Robertson’s Trading Post, where we encountered the
most amazing variety of products available. The parts of the shop that stood out most involved the beautiful local craftsmanship on display. The artistry of the beaded moccasins, the professional quality of the taxidermized animals, and the sweet, smoky smell of the hides all combined in an incredible feast for the senses. Having concluded our visit to Robertson’s, we visited All Saints Anglican Church, where we received a tour of the church and hall by Tom Sanderson. He shared some of the stories associated with the church in La Ronge, and his involvement with the Church. It turns out he is a lay reader responsible for maintaining the church, hall and rectory in La Ronge. It was quite a treat to get to visit with someone so involved with the church and to gain his perspective. Our next stop took us to the Otter River Rapids. When we arrived, the Churchill River was at its highest level it had ever been in 40 years! Stepping out of the car, the first thing you notice is the incredible roar of the river. It speeds past under the bridge, approaching the pedestrian walkway. The crash becomes
Holy Trinity Anglican Church overlooks the river near the community of Stanley Mission in northern Saskatchewan. All photos contributed louder until the only way to hear each other is by shouting. Looking at the river, one gains a new respect for the power of nature. With the speed at which it flows past, the sound of the water breaking and crashing against the rocks, and the sight of the rapids, you cannot help but marvel at the combined beauty and ferocity of creation. When we had all finished admiring the rapids’ strength, we began our final leg to Stanley Mission. Finally, we reached our goal: after five hours of travel, stops and visits, we had made it to Stanley Mission. The water level had risen significantly this year, and as such much of the beach had flooded. Undeterred, Bishop Hawkins contacted the Rev. Richard Custer. The latter sent a boat
A Bible in Cree. across from the church site to ferry our crew across. The lake was sparkling under the bright summer sun, while the natural beauty of the islands stood out and made this space feel like a paradise.
Our ferryman told us some of the local histories. As it turns out, the settlement moved from one side of the river to the other. The island directly across from the church was a mass grave during a smallpox epidemic that
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pilgrimage to historic Holy Trinity
An inside look at the church.
A view of the altar. swept through Stanley Mission many years ago. Upon arriving at Holy Trinity Church, we made our way up the stairs and into the church proper. Entering such a historic building was near overwhelming. The interior of the church feels so spartan yet warm and inviting at the same time. Everything in this church has a purpose. Nothing ever feels extravagant. It becomes clear to even a firsttime visitor that this church is well-loved by
its congregation and they are happy to make do with what they have. The level of love, detail, and craftsmanship that went into the construction of this church becomes apparent as soon as an individual looks towards the church’s ceiling. Along the perimeter of the walls runs the most astounding diamond pattern that would be invisible to anyone unless you looked up. The stained glasswork is breathtaking. While there, it felt though the
sun was shining in all the windows, creating vibrant and beautiful displays everywhere in the church. The beadwork displayed in the parament was stunning. After taking a quick tour of the church and reading about its history, we met Rev. Richard Custer. He is an amazingly talented and humble man. He is the priest for four communities as well as the priest and organist for Holy Trinity. That afternoon, he spent his time assisting
some workers in the construction of more fences for the beautiful cemetery associated with the church. After our introduction, Father Custer led us in the Lord’s Prayer and sang Amazing Grace and the Doxology in Cree. It was very moving and humbling to participate in this worship in such a historic building, using the language of those who built, maintain, and still use the church to this day. After the worship came to an end, we explored the church and cemetery on our own, which allowed for many instances of quiet reflection, introspection, and prayer. We learned the cemetery is still in use to this day by those in the community. Seeing as it was a hot day, after we had finished our self-guided tours, we went down by the dock to cool our feet and even go for a quick swim. Then as soon as it began, our time at Holy Trinity came to an end. We were ferried back across the lake, loaded into our vehicles, and started the trip back home. This excursion was a profoundly moving experience for me. Being able to behold the beauty and power of creation, and
the strength, resiliency, creativity, and talent of humanity on our way to Stanley Mission was incredible. Yet seeing those two items combine in such an amazing and gorgeous way, as represented in Holy Trinity Church, was the highlight of the trip. Upon entering the church and seeing the beauty inside, I was moved to tears, discovering its history. The work and cooperation that has gone into maintaining it made that experience all the more potent. I feel that something Bishop Hawkins said summed it up the best. While we were in the church, he spoke of how many faiths perform pilgrimages to holy sites to reaffirm and strengthen their faith. He then went and called our journey to Holy Trinity a pilgrimage of sorts as well, which was something that stuck with me. If I am honest, it did feel like a pilgrimage. I left Prince Albert one way, excited but unsure of what to expect. I returned from Holy Trinity Church in Stanley Mission feeling stronger in my faith than ever before. The pilgrimage to Holy Trinity in Stanley Mission is one I hope to undertake again someday.
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October 2020
Camp helps students connect with nature, spirituality By Mary Brown WASKESIU (Skwn) — When you drive up to Waskesiu past where the buffalo pound used to be, you turn off onto a long winding road. At the end of this road is Camp Paskwawaskihk. The Rev. Sam Halkett’s vision for this camp was a place where youths could stay and reconnect with nature and the spiritual world. In the 1930s Indian Affairs hired drivers from Little Red Reserve, one of them being Sam’s grandfather, to take food supplies to La Ronge. The road they travelled on is one of the oldest roads in the province. They left in September and arrived in La Ronge by Christmas. The camp is situated on the Little Red River surrounded by thick bush. Since 2012 Halkett, with help from family and friends, has cleared a large area. There is a large cook area with a huge wood burning grill along with a generator for refrigeration. A very picturesque cabin is not far from the cooking area. Originally Sam was building it on his property on the reserve, but he decided to move it to the camp. Most of the buildings are log cabins. All of the buildings are up but are still a work in progress. They started out building the church out of logs, but decided to finish it faster the more modern way. It has a large woodburning stove in the corner and will hold about 100 people. Another building where indoor classes can be held is in demand due to the fact its roof is the only place you can get cellphone coverage. A new building is being constructed on higher ground where coverage should be available. Beside it are all the logs laid out ready to be put into the cabin. Due to his illness last year everything was put on hold. This summer the La Ronge Indian Band held two youth camps. One week for the girls and another week for the boys. The kids learned how to build a teepee. In his instructions in syllabic and Cree classes, Sam uses the teepee as a
A makeshift kitchen was created for the summer camp for James Settee College students. Photos by Mary Brown teaching tool. The structure always has 13 poles with each one representing rules by which to live. Obedience, respect, humility, happiness, love, faith, kinship, cleanliness, thankfulness, share, strength, good child rearing, and hope are the values. In the centre is fire as the centre of the earth (mother earth) (iskwew, woman). Once people learn the values and receive their education inside the teepee, then they can go outside the teepee when they are smarter. The further from the teepee the smarter they are, they are then allowed to hunt. There are two permanent teepees at the camp, with a third one belonging to the La Ronge Band. There is no specific charge for staying at the camp but donations are welcomed. Thanks to funds from the Anglican Foundation of the national church this camp has become a dream come true for Sam. This week about 30 students of the James Settee College spent some of their class time at the camp. You could see how happy they were to be there and feel the peaceful atmosphere. When I left everyone was gathered together for a healing service.
A service of healing was held during the summer camp.
A log cabin built by Rev. Sam Halkett.
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Volunteers repair historic church damaged in storm Article courtesy MooseJawToday.com MOOSE JAW (Qu'A) —The repair of a historic Anglican church was a nice birthday gift for Jerrold Delahey, whose family helped construct the country church more than a century ago. It’s purely coincidental that Delahey turned 84 years old on the same day that volunteers reinstalled the bell tower and cross on 122-year-old St. Columba Anglican Church, he said with a chuckle on Aug. 13. “I was quite pleased to see (the repair) done by a local fellow. He did a very good job on it,” Delahey remarked while watching as two cranes lifted the bell tower and repair bucket to the church’s roof, so volunteers Dan Goud and Dave Delahey could reinstall the structure. St. Columba Anglican Church is a municipal heritage property located roughly six kilometres east of the Village of Tuxford on Highway 202. The senior Delahey was one of more than a dozen people — including many relatives of the original parishioners and a few area neighbours — who came to watch. His grandfather and parents are buried in the adjacent cemetery, while he acted as caretaker from 1994 to 2018. His grandfather’s original homestead is three-quarters of a mile east; his son and grandson farm that area. A wind storm blew down the bell tower in late May, so Sandra Luchia, her brother Dave, and his wife — who became caretakers after their father retired — called area residents Dan and Linda Goud for support, Luchia explained. Dan had previously expressed interest in volunteering and putting his carpentry skills to use. After receiving the call, Goud drove over on May 30 and recovered pieces of the tower. He took them back to his shop, where he spent the next few months rebuilding the structure. Goud saved the original 1898 top portion and incorporated it into the new tower. The Gouds’ two grandchildren also contributed to the project by painting the wooden frame. “It’s a very important icon in the community,”
St. Columba Anglican Church is a municipal heritage property located roughly six kilometres east of the Village of Tuxford on Highway 202. Two cranes were used to help repair the bell tower on the historic St. Columba Anglican Church on Aug. 13. All photos courtesy MooseJawToday.com
Jerrold Delahey (right), 84, was on hand to watch the reinstallation of the bell tower. Delahey’s grandfather helped build the church in the late 1890s. said Mrs. Goud. “It’s in people’s hearts … . (Dan) enjoyed doing it; he really did.” The Delahey family has been involved with the church since it was consecrated on Nov. 2, 1898, Luchia said. Her greatgrandfather, grandfather and father were volunteer caretakers for decades. Now she, her brother and sister-in-law volunteer their time to cut grass and trim weeds. Every 10 years, they request a grant from Saskatchewan Heritage to maintain the church’s exterior. So far, the organiza-
tion has given them $2,000 to paint the outside, while all other funds have come from donations. It was a surprise when the bell tower fell off, the senior Delahey said. He always thought it was strong enough to remain on the roof, but they found out that was untrue in the face of strong winds. To prevent a repeat, Goud drilled in eight-inch nail screws to solidly anchor the tower. Delahey, who now lives in Moose Jaw, still drives past the church every week to visit his son’s farm. However, he doesn’t stop to look as much now
The final touch on the reinstallation of the bell tower was the addition of the cross at the top. that he has retired as caretaker. It was a pleasure to maintain the property after taking over from his father, Delahey said. What made looking after the property easier was having lawn equipment with attachments that could navigate the small area. That wasn’t the case for his father, who had a large tractor and mower and couldn’t navigate between the headstones.
St. Columba Anglican Church is the oldest building in the Rural Municipality of Marquis and even predates the creation of the RM. If you have the patience, you could search through all eight guest books to find the signature of former governor general Adrienne Clarkson, who visited Moose Jaw in 2001 while attending the Festival of Words with her husband.
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The Saskatchewan Anglican
October 2020
Feeling the Holy Spirit
Where's your other arm? By Rev. Gene Packwood
I
have a little woollen friend who used to help me with my Sunday morning children’s talk. His name is Hezekiah, the Righteous Rodent, a church mouse. He’s a puppet made out of a work sock who lives in an overnight bag and on my right arm and hand. I’m not a ventriloquist, so he communicates by whispering in my ear and I share what he has to say. Once there was a young woman with Down Syndrome, I’ll call her Kristy, who came up with the children to meet with Hezekiah each Sunday. One Sunday, after about a year of this, she suddenly realized that something was missing and spoke up, right there in the service, and said to me, "Hey! Where's your other arm?"
Everyone laughed and I think I explained that I was using it to hold Hezekiah’s bag. It occurred to me later that what she thought was missing was actually making what she enjoyed happen. It was my “other” arm, the one she couldn't see, that was making Hezekiah real to her and the children. And then I wondered about God having an “other” arm. Sometimes when I compare the mighty acts of God I read about in the Bible with the reality of life around me, something appears to be missing for me, too. I can find myself questioning God much
as the child questioned me: “God, you don’t seem to be doing anything here. Where’s your other arm? The powerful one. The one that’ll fix my problems, deliver the oppressed, clothe the naked, feed the hungry and sort the things that are wrong with the world?” The fact is, God’s “other” arm is there and is at work even (perhaps especially) when it seems to be missing. I like to think of it as the Holy Spirit, whose presence and power I can trust even when I can’t see or feel it. So can you. The Holy Spirit is always at work animating you and me, telling The Story of Jesus through us, empowering us to serve others and getting what our heavenly Father wants done, done, in the Name of Jesus.
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Icon in Anglican world, J.I. Packer, dead at 94 By Sue Careless Courtesy The Anglican Planet
O
ne of the most influential evangelicals in the English-speaking world died on July 17, just shy of his 94th birthday. Canon Dr. J.I. Packer was an English-born theologian in the evangelical Anglican and Reformed tradition who during the last half of his adult life lived in Canada. A prolific writer of almost 70 books, he is probably best known for the spiritual classic, Knowing God (1973). In its foreword Packer wrote: “As clowns yearn to play Hamlet, so I have wanted to write a treatise on God.” In his selfeffacing manner, he said it was “at best a string of beads” but for millions of readers around the globe, Knowing God was indeed a veritable treatise on God, and a spiritual treasure. He wanted it to be a practical road map for travellers, not for onlookers on balconies only theorizing, watching pilgrims passing below. “Thus (for instance) in relation to evil, the balconeer’s problem is to find a theoretical explanation of how evil can consist with God’s sovereignty and goodness, but the traveller’s problem is how to master evil and bring good out of it.” The scholar believed that theology should lead to doxology [praise]: “Any theology that does not lead to song is, at a fundamental level, a flawed theology.” Packer was deeply influenced by the works of John Calvin and the English Puritans and brought 17-century Puritan devotion to life for both his students and his readers. In 2005 he was named one of the 25 Most Influential Evangelicals by Time Magazine. One of his biographers, Leland Ryken, noted that “Although Packer could write specialized scholarship with the best, his calling was to write mid-level scholarship for the layperson… he
J.I. Packer regarded his informal theological writings for the layperson to be his calling.” Beginning in 1958 Packer authored no fewer than 47 books. His last published was Finishing Our Course with Joy (2014). He co-authored another 17 books and published five collected works, so you need several bookshelves to hold all his tomes. He considered his role as general editor of the English Standard Version (2001), an evangelical revision of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, as one of his greatest contributions to the global church. He was also theological editor of the ESV Study Bible (2008). Packer had a significant influence on American evangelicals since he served for more than 30 years as senior editor and visiting scholar for Christianity Today. When the magazine conducted a survey to determine the top 50 books that have shaped evangelicals, Packer’s Knowing God came in fifth. James Innell Packer was born on July 22, 1926 in Gloucestershire, England. He had hoped for a bicycle on his 11th birthday but providentially, was given a typewriter instead. Growing up in a nominal Anglican home, Packer attended church and was confirmed at 14. He read C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters, and Mere Christianity as well as his grandmother’s copy of the King James Bible. But he became a committed Christian at 18, largely through the Oxford Inter-Collegiate Christian Union and St. Aldate’s Anglican Church.