Caledonia Times The
The Diocesan Section of the Anglican Journal The May, 2017 Edition. Volume 49 Issue #5
St. Paul’s Thrift Store celebrates 20 years By Margo Hearne
S
t. Paul’s Anglican Church Thrift Shop in Masset (Haida Gwaii) has now been operating for twenty years and congregation and community celebrated by hosting a dinner for the volunteers last week. Twenty of thirty-one volunteers had a delicious catered dinner of halibut, salmon, venison, upsidedown cake, fruit and whipped cream. Everyone loved it. After the Grace, The Rev. Canon Peter Hamel spoke to the group and noted that, “When it began no one had any idea how long it would last.” Everyone is a volunteer. They are hesitant to be named, we have no paid staff, yet St. Paul’s Thrift Shop has been described in a recent Island bestseller as “The Best Thrift Shop in the World!” The Transition House patrons find what they need, we recently started a voucher program with Mental Health Services, we give winter clothing to the Community Wellness Centre and recently gave PWRDF funds to assist with the refugee crisis. We try to assist those who have lost everything through fire or flood and volunteers try to accommodate as many different requests as possible.
The Thrift Shop began in the annex of the church basement on October 19th 1996 after we had held a very successful rummage sale. There was a heap of clothing left over so St. Paul’s Thrift Shop was born. Initially we had only one or two volunteers, and then other members of St. Paul’s congregation began to help out. All were either born in Masset or had lived here for many years. The ‘Wednesday group’ started. They cut up cotton which
Above: The folks who volunteer at the Thrift Store gather for a great meal of fish and venison in celebration of the 20th Aniversary of the start of the Thrift Shop ministry in Masset. Below: the volunteers at work, getting ready for another opening. - Photos from Margo Hearn.
are used as cleaning rags at local gas stations, remove buttons for resale and price donations. They also sort donations between openings so we always have something new to display. Sometimes we receive up to twenty bags at a time, sadly most of it is fit only for the dumpster but it all has to be gone through. We have a small ‘book nook’ as well as VHS, DVD and CD shelving. We even have our own ‘electronic wall’ for spare USB cables and assorted electronic wiring. Each celebratory season has its own special place; Christmas,
Valentines, Easter and Halloween. People come not only to shop but to relax and socialize. It is our own ‘Messy Church’. Parents bring children who play with the toys while they themselves chat about shared experiences. It is definitely a people place and a safe haven. Volunteers wear out, but, always, just in time, new ones come along. We have been blessed with upwards of fifty volunteers since we opened in 1996.
Inside this Edition... The Archbsihop Writes... Companions on an ancient way... Skypilot Moments... Books on the Way... Parish Life at Holy Trinity, Vanderhoof ... Update for Camp Cal... Comic Life... The Caledonia Times: informing and Inspiring Anglicans across Northern BC and beyond since 1905
The Archbishop Writes... “You are slowly turning purple.” Dear Friends in Christ, I write this before the electoral Synod of April 21 and 22, but in the awareness that by the time you read it, we will, God willing, have elected a new bishop for the Diocese of Caledonia. When I was elected bishop in May 2005 my bishop at the time, Victoria Matthews, said to me “You are slowly turning purple!” I laughed, thinking it to be an amusing thing to say. In the coming weeks, months and years, however, I have come to realize the wisdom in what she said. As much as there is a change that comes to a diocese when a new bishop is elected, there is much change that comes to the life of the bishop-elect. Whether the new bishop is elected from within the diocese or from outside the diocese, there is much that will change. There are the obvious changes – a move to a different residence, community and centre of ministry. There are new robes to purchase as well as finding a supplier for those purple shirts that will be needed. There will be changes for the bishop-elect’s family and the impact that will come in terms of re-establishing relationships and the discovery of new patterns of family life. Beyond the obvious changes are the realignment of relationships with clergy and laity. The role and ministry of a bishop is unique and there will be a high learning curve in the coming months and years. Some of the skills acquired in priestly ministry will be put to good use, but there are areas that will be new and require the acquisition of new skills and perspectives. There is a whole new set of responsibilities that come with episcopal ministry. Bishops are charged with giving leadership for the mission of the Church, for the proclamation of the gospel, and for the teaching of the faith. They are responsible for the training and formation of new clergy, and the pastoral care of numerous clergy
and congregations. They are given the responsibility for upholding the Canons and discipline of this Church. Bishops elected in Canada are supported by their colleagues and metropolitan and they are also encouraged to attend a new bishops school either in the United States or Great Britain. These are valuable experiences which will serve the new bishop and the diocese well in the years to come. There are new relationships that will need to be developed as the new bishop takes his or her place among the House of Bishops both in the Province and Nationally. Bishops are elected for the whole Church and not just for any individual diocese. One of the exhortations at the ordination of a bishop is “With your fellow bishops you will share in the leadership of the Church throughout the world.” And so there will be responsibilities for your new bishop beyond the Diocese of Caledonia which will include participating in meetings and decisions of the Canadian House of Bishops, the Provincial and General Synods and sharing in the work of various committees which contribute to the well being of the whole Church. In a Church with a wide variety of opinions and strongly held views there is a very special role for bishops in building bridges, strengthening the unity of the Church, and particularly in our uniquely Anglican way, honoring a variety of sincerely held theological perspectives. We all have a role in helping the new bishop
through these changes. Your words of encouragement, your shared wisdom, your support not only for the person, but for the ministry of the bishop is essential. I would encourage you not to place too many expectations on your new bishop, but give him or her room to listen broadly, to pray deeply and to respond to the current needs of the diocese. Perhaps most important is to assure your new bishop of your prayers. In our Sunday worship we include prayers for our bishops, and many will undertake to uphold the bishop in daily prayer. I cannot emphasize enough what this will mean to your new bishop. And so your bishop elect is slowly turning purple. That will take time and it is good to recognize that it will take time – God’s time. For in the end this is Christ’s ministry, and a bishop is a servant of Christ. Through the laying on of hands, and the prayers for the deepening of the Holy Spirit, God will make a bishop elect into a bishop. As the bishop prays and receives the gifts God has to offer, as the Church prays and responds to the movement of the Holy Spirit in the Church, God will continue to work his divine purpose. The month of May is the season of the Ascension. On Ascension Day, May 25 we celebrate that Jesus has ascended to the heavenly realm to sit at the right hand of God. In this symbolic vision we affirm the sovereignty of Christ, who is both Judge and Saviour and who has raised humanity from the dust of the earth. The season of Ascension calls us to prepare for the Spirit of Pentecost which is poured out upon all flesh and equips the Church, its Bishops, Priests and Deacons, and all the faithful for God’s mission in this time and place. Holy Spirit, ever living as the Church’s very life; Holy Spirit, ever striving through us in a ceaseless strife; Holy Spirit, ever forming in the Church the mind of Christ: You we praise with endless worship for your gifts and fruits unpriced. Hymn 655, Common Praise - Timothy Rees Faithfully,
+John
Walking as companions on the ancient path by Randy Murray - Topic, New Westminster The Sisters of St. John the Divine (SSJD, an Anglican monastic community in Toronto) have opened applications for the 2017–2018 cohort of their program called Companions on an Ancient Path. This is a great opportunity for young women in their 20s and 30s who have a passion for the gospel, who want to serve others, who seek ways to deepen their lives as followers of Jesus, and who would like an experience of intentional community. The SSJD are now more than five months into the first year of the program, and are excited and privileged to have five young women from across Canada and from various denominational backgrounds living with them this year. It is a FREE opportunity for women to spend a year building community among themselves, learning from a healthy traditional community, and developing spiritual disciplines that they can take out into their future lives. The program is supported by SSJD and by a generous grant from the Anglican Diocese of Toronto. It would appeal especially to those who would like to take a gap year in their studies, a year off between studies and work, or a leave of absence from their work. And the program is offered in partnership with Wycliffe College where Companions will have the opportunity to take courses in spiritual Page 2
formation that may transfer back to their home institutions. The SSJD coordinator, the Rev. Canon Dr. Sr. Constance Joanna Gefvert is asking for help to make the program more widely known, by sharing this information with any young women who might benefit from such an opportunity. The poster, brochure and pew bulletin inserts are available for downloading on the New West Diocesan website at: http:// vancouver.anglican.ca/news/companions-on-anancient-path. You can read more about the program at the following links: The Companions website and blog: www.ssjdcompanions.org The Sisterhood’s website: www.ssjd.ca
The Caledonia Times Publication of the Diocese of Caledonia
Editor: The Dean of Caledonia Associate Editor: Audrey Wagner Published monthly, except July and August by: Diocese of Caledonia, 200 – 4th Avenue West Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1P3 (250) 635-6016 or (250) 600-7143 Address correspondence and copy to the address above. Or to caledoniatimes@gmail.com Submissions must be received by the first day of the month for the following month’s issue. Send subscription orders, address changes Diocese of Caledonia c/o Anglican Journal 80 Hayden St. Toronto, Ontario M4Y 3G2 Printed and mailed by: Webnews Inc., North York, Ont.
Caledonia Times — May 2017
Skypilot Moments If there is no following, there is no Church By the time this is ready to be printed, you will already know the results of what took place here in Prince Rupert and, please God we will have elected our new Bishop. I want to connect that thought with another that I had while I was at the Council of the North meeting in March on behalf of our Diocese. The Council spent a day with a facilitator, considering who the Council is, when the Council is active, when is the Council operational? We spent much of the morning talking about a couple of things. First we spoke about recognizing the tremendous diversity of the gifts that existed at the table and then within the dioceses from which we come. In was noted that these gifts are meant to be used for the service and extension of the kingdom of God. In particular we looked at the gifts that exist within the leadership of the dioceses and the Council. Yes, there was a great diversity of the charism at the table: music to administration, preaching to pastoral skills. Secondly, we spent some time considering the community of the Church. We were asked by our facilitator to consider the nature of the Church and the fact that we are in a community that is possible because we are held together by a redemptive unity. We are the commu-
nity of the Redeemed. We are the community of the Risen and Ascended Christ. As Church, we know this and we know who we are. Thus we can act with gentleness (power under control) and grace towards others, including and especially those with whom we do not agree politically or theologically. Tolerance of others and their worldview is not a Christian value. We are commanded to love each other as Christ loves us. We are charged which choosing to love (agape love) and to serve one another because of Christ’s love for each and for all. As the Scripture reminds us, If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.(1st John 4.20 ESV). The gifts that exist within the Body are there to assist the Church is reaching its spiritual maturity. The giftedness of our new bishop, of the clergy and of the laity is meant to equip the saints for the work of ministry for the express purpose of building up the Church. One of the exciting and scary things that I rediscovered during the day – the Church in Northern Canada is actually the experimental community in the life of the Anglican Church of Canada. The things you have seen in the North
over the past number of years, the South is now beginning to see and experience. The South is looking to the North for the solutions that we have come up with to handle the situations they are facing. We have not been worried about whether or not our coffee is fair trade coffee or not. As a friend of mine might suggest, “this is a First World problem.” In the North we need coffee, cream, milk and sugar, that we might sit and build relationships which in turn build up our Christian community. Moreover, we in the North know the realities of having to be followers of Christ. It is not optional. If we do not follow, there is no church. We follow Christ because we have a passion for Christ and following him. In the process of following Christ we are learning to love each other, just as Jesus loves each and all of us. Therefore, let us together with our new Bishop, see that we are equiped to make the saints are ready for the work of ministry that we are called to so that we might build up this Church for the sake of Christ and the glory of his kingdom. As St. Paul reminds us, Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (1st Thessalonians 5.11 NIV). Jason+ Editor, the Caledonia Times
Books on the Way By Ruby McBeth In the Parish of the North Peace we have a lady who specializes in building community. Julia Kowalski has for many years given freely of her time for the ACW and the music ministry as well as opening her home for parish gatherings. This type of generosity is an undervalued gift. We see the importance of caring about people in the book Discovering The Other: Asset-Based Approaches for Building Community Together. The author Cameron Harder is a professor at the Lutheran College in Saskatoon. In Discovering the Other he does three things: he promotes community building, he teaches about appreciative inquiry and asset mapping, and he relates all of this to his understanding of the Trinity. Harder shows how you do community building if you are a Christian. Without respect for all - no one is an “other” - you may be getting a big congregation, but you are not building a Christian community. The book begins with a chapter called “The Church’s Community Building Mission.” The author tells about the value of conversation, introduces appreciative inquiry and asset mapping and begins the discussion on how our life in community relates to the Trinity. The reviewer found this latter part difficult to follow but worth “chewing on.” The second chapter is called “Public Church a Mixed Blessing.” The author begins by telling what churches do wrong. One big problem is what he calls “shame based thinking.” This is the idea that if you are going bankrupt, or facing grave illness you must have sinned. Harder sees this as a major roadblock for Christian congregations. He goes on to discuss the problem of not being able to talk about our faith
Caledonia Times — May, 2017
in today’s society. He then gives detail on the gifts churches bring to their communities. This could help congregations to look forward with confidence. The two core chapters on appreciative inquiry and asset mapping show clearly how to work with groups getting them to realize their gifts and allowing them space to bring their gifts together in creative ways. The last chapter “Beyond Strength: Mobilizing Weakness in the Economy of God” is critical in understanding Harder’s thought. It gives value to people that society sees as losers. The author has worked with many small rural congregations helping them to have hope. He has worked in prisons and is able to show the point of view of the inmates. His stories are not limited to Canada; he also tells of working with poor farmers in India. Harder wants to help people to live as Christ would want - accepting the poor and unfortunate as people deserving respect.
Parish Life: Holy Trinity, Vanderhoof
The book ends with three appendices. Appendix A give sample appreciative interview questions. Appendix B gives steps in doing a faith-based asset inventory and Appendix C is about doing an appreciative inquiry in small groups. Appreciative inquiry and asset mapping are approaches pioneered by sociologists David Cooperrider and Suresh Srivastva in 1987 to improve group function. While there are probably books that show more about these topics Harder’s book has special value for Christians. Harder, Cameron. Discovering the Other: Assetbased Approaches for Building Community Together. Herndon, Virginia: Alban Institute, 2013.
Above: The folks of Holy Trinity serving up a meal from their Hall Kitchen recently. - Picture, Darcy Nord.
Page 3
Canada in Brief Black history service celebrates peace and unity A diverse congregation of more than 14 Edmonton churches came together at St. Faith’s Anglican Church January 29 to make music, dance in the aisles and shout “Amen and alleluia” and celebrate Black Canadian heritage. In 2017, the province of Alberta officially recognized February as Black History Month, but St. Faith’s has hosted a servicing honouring the history and contributions of Black Canadians for the three years now. “We are happy that, for the past few years, this space has really become a home for this service,” said St. Faith’s rector, Canon Travis Enright, in his welcoming remarks. The Rev. Adenike Yesufu, a deacon at St. Faith’s, agreed. Since she has been organizing the “ecumenical and inclusive” Black History Month service for the local chapter of the National Black Coalition of Canada (NBCC), Yesufu has invited more than 40 churches of different denominations to the service. “I always encourage people to dress in their native attire and sing songs in their native language,” Yesufu said. “We all have a different history, culture, and forms of religiosity…Black Canadians are not a homogenous group whose history is solely rooted in slavery. Some of us identify as Africans. Some are from the Caribbean. And some are Black Americans.” The service, organized around the theme of peace, was led by the Rev. Anthony Kwaw, rector of St. Timothy’s Anglican Church, and the Rev. Michael Grange of Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic preached. “Peace is a blessing from God,” said Grange. “Christ’s work is to bring peace and Christ’s death is to bring peace between God and humanity.” At the end of the service, the congregation received a blessing from Bishop of Edmonton Jane Alexander, and adjourned for a meal brovided by the Edmonton chapter of the NBCC.
Skinner responded by asking if she wanted help sponsoring them to come to Canada. Hemerez was ecstatic. “I was so happy that I called my whole family…to say we have help. It was my dream to have my parents here in Canada.” To cover the $45,000 cost of sponsoring the family, Skinner reached out to five neighbouring churches—Holy Trinity, Thornhill, All Saints, Collingwood, Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, King City, King City United Church and York Pines United Church in Kettleby. Skinner left for Grace Church, Markham soon afterwards, but (ret.) Bishop George Elliott, former area bishop of York-Simcoe, took over as chair. The family arrived in Canada last October, and is now living in a townhouse near Hemerez in Woodbridge. “It has made me realize there are still good people in the world,” she says. “After what happened in Syria and Iraq, I started to wonder what it’s all for. But after this, I realize there are so many good people. I really appreciate what they’ve done.”
- The Messenger
The family, which is Chaldean Eastern-Rite Catholic, has been warmly received by the participating churches. Hemerez father is now a regular worshipper at All Saints, following the service using an Arabic prayer book.
Cleaner’s dream comes true
- The Anglican
When Linda Hemerez was hired to clean the building of All Saints, King City, Ont., she had no idea the turn her life was about to take. One day while cleaning, she had a conversation with then-incumbent Canon Nicola Skinner in which she told the priest she was from Syria, and that her parents, brother and his wife and child were refugees living in Lebanon.
Diocese of British Columbia to build affordable housing for seniors The Diocese of British Columbia is responding to the shortage of affordable housing for seniors by building an 84-unit housing complex on Arrow Road in Victoria’s Gordon Head area. The new building is a project of the Mount Douglas Seniors Housing Society (MDSHS), originally
Camp Cal is readying itself for 2017 Season Camp Caledonia, owned and operated by the Anglican Diocese of Caledonia is located on beautiful Tyhee Lake. We invite and welcome campers of all backgrounds to a unique camping experience. Throughout our program we offer the opportunity to participate in events such as swimming, canoeing, soccer, volleyball, archery and campfires. We also offer ample opportunity to both learn about our Creator and spend time in worship. Our mission statement is “To provide a Christian Community where people of all ages can share in an experience of God.” Safety and care is our number one priority. Our camper to staff ratio is at most four to one. There is Page 4
formed in the 1960s by the Anglican Church Women (ACW) in response to a housing needs study. At that time, MDSHS was able to purchase four acres of land thanks to generous legacies left by ACW members. The stated mission of the Society is “to provide a safe, caring community and comfortable homes to seniors on limited incomes.” MDSHS is run by volunteers, and is committed to providing affordable housing. The society was responsible for the construction of its first building in 1971, the 80-unit Mount Douglas Court complex, dedicated to Bishop G.R. Gartrell of the diocese of British Columbia. The new three-story building, although entirely separate, will be build adjacent to the existing housing complex. Approximately two-thirds of the new development will be one-bedroom suites, with the remainder being bachelor suites. According to Peter Daniel, diocesan asset manager, the average income of the current residents is below $20,000. He says many of its residents may not have been able to find housing at all in Victoria’s pricey housing market if not for the development. The critical need for affordable senior’s housing was raised by Saanich Council staff, along with studies from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the province. The existing facility at Mount Douglas Court, for example, currently has a two year waitlist. The project was approved on February 21, and building is targeted to commence later this spring, with occupancy planned for fall 2018. To qualify, applicants must be over the age of 55, independent and have an income of $30,000 or less. The expected rental cost for the new building will be about $625 for a bachelor suite and $825 for a one-bedroom. - Diocesan Post
Comic Life
always a qualified nurse on staff and qualified supervision on the waterfront. Come and learn about God’s Gifts and enjoy God’s awesome creation. There is still a need for a male Counselor, for kitchen help and for First Aid help during the Camps this season. For information about our July 2016 Summer Camps for Kids please e-mail: registrar@campcaledonia.ca For information information about volunteering at our July 2016 Summer Camps for Kids please e-mail: staff@campcaledonia.ca For information about renting any of the camp buildings and/or the camp grounds please e-mail:rentals@campcaledonia.ca.
Caledonia Times — May 2017