The Saskatchewan Anglican, October 2023

Saskatchewan anglican

Camp Okema mom writes history book about venue

By Mary Brown CAMP OKEMA

(Saskatchewan) — Dorothy McLeod’s introduction to Camp Okema was in 1971 when she and a friend took their daughters to Okema for a week.

Saskatoon cathedral installs new stained-glass windows

By Derwyn CrozierSmith and Bob Halliday

SASKATOON — The prophet Joel, King Saul, and the story of Jesus at the home of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) are the three most recent additions to the stainedglass windows within the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Saskatoon. A plan was created early in the history of the cathedral that provides for a host of Old Testament figures in the clerestory, New

Testament saints in the side aisles and large, mostly triptych windows in the transepts, baptistery and sanctuary for Gospel stories.

Some modifications to this original plan have been made in recent times, including adding more female figures.

The earliest stainedglass windows in the cathedral were manufactured in England and installed in the early years following construction of the cathedral from 1912-17.

These windows have been attributed to English stained glass artist Gustave Hiller.

One window is a gift from the architect to commemorate his parents and others are First World War memorials. Robert McCausland Ltd., the Toronto maker of stained glass since 1856, has created most of the cathedral glass.

A crew from Robert McCausland Ltd. was on site in August to install the three new windows that had been designed

and manufactured over the past year.

The new Joel window is the gift of the Halliday family. Bob and Barb (deceased 2014) have been long-time members of the congregation and active in many aspects of parish life including, for Bob, vestry, warden and property committee and, for Barb, ACW, altar guild and pastoral care team.

The dedication reads:

“Be Glad and Rejoice, The Halliday Family.”

A bequest from the

Continued on page 5

She described the accommodations as a green frame cabin, with no lights, no insulation, no panelling, wooden floor, and no screen in the door. Dorothy’s friend ran inside quickly and flipped over the old mattresses that had mouse droppings all over them. There was a little wooden shelf with a wash basin and a pail for carrying water under it. There was a hole in the step. Needless to say, Dorothy was horrified but left her 10-year-old daughter behind even though she was tearful on their ride back to Saskatoon. A week later they found two very, very happy mosquito-bitten girls with fun-filled stories.

One story included a camper pouring cereal into her bowl and having a mouse also coming out!

I met with Dorothy and Martha Burd, granddaughter of Bishop

Continued on page 8

Immanuel Anglican Church's Vacation Bible School was a lively place, especially during storytime. For story and more photos of the fun, see page 16.

Photo by Jenny Williams

God gives grace to help us handle church conflicts

How should conflict in the church be handled?

By Rev. Dell Bornowsky

When asked How should conflict in the church be handled?, my first thought was somewhat facetious: “Why on Earth should there be conflict in the church when the clearest, most unequivocal, teaching of Jesus and the apostles is to love one another?”

My question appears logical until we realize love is actually one of the major causes of conflicts. It is not the things about which we are indifferent, apathetic or ambivalent that motivate us toward conflict.

Conflict is usually caused by caring deeply for things. Of course, whether we should love all the things we do love is part of what keeps us conflicted, and not just with others but often within ourselves.

Jesus told a parable about servants who, when their master was away, began to fight and abuse one another. It is hard to imagine that those who think of themselves as Jesus’ followers would ever beat each other up. Wait a minute, that sounds like Church history.

Christians are still doing their best to live their faith in the midst of a pagan world. We don’t always agree which values and narratives of popular culture we should adopt or accommodate or resist.

We love our fellow Christians and don’t want them being harmed by superstitious or heretical beliefs. Rather than being malicious, much church conflict is motivated by thinking we know what is best for others.

How do we love people with whom we don’t agree? Obviously I can love someone very much without approving and affirming everything they do. Indeed, I suppose this characterizes God’s attitude toward me.

However, if I believe my actions toward you are loving, but if you interpret them as unloving, then “Houston, we have a problem.”

A review of methods used in biblical and Church history would include coercion, separation, compromise,

How do we love people with whom we disagree? We rely on God's grace. Photo by pixabay.com/ geralt

and libertarianism. King Rehoboam used coercion and intimidation tactics but it resulted in the civic and religious division of Israel.

Separation was the response of the northern kingdom to Rehoboam’s “Nobody’s going to push me around” attitude, but the spiritual trajectory of

Separation in the church has produced denominations, sects, and para-church organizations including the monastic movements. Should we look at such schism as division or as multiplication?

It could be argued that the evangelistic effectiveness of groups

What about compromise? A latitudinarian (broad church) attitude has long been a factor in Anglican unity. Attitudes of conciliation and humility go a long way to reduce conflict so we can graciously “agree to disagree.” I suggested in an earlier article that: In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, in all things charity is a hopeful ideal. However this lovely ideal fails when we cannot even agree on what is essential.

the North went from bad to worse.

The Crusades and the Inquisition are also examples of coercion and their historic scars have hindered relationships with Muslims and Jews ever since. Attempts to enforce “harmony” by coercion are self-defeating.

Legislation does not transform hearts.

What about separation?

Football referees act to separate opposing players who are in danger of inappropriate conduct.

Demilitarized zones are used to geographically separate waring factions.

that are happy and healthy within themselves is greater than that of groups characterized by internal tensions, suspicion and infighting.

If this is true, shouldn’t we say viva la schism?

Of course, such segregation falls far short of the New Testament ideal of a unified, healthy, functioning body of Christ, continually built up through the harmonious mutual submission of all its members. What about compromise? A latitudinarian (broad church) attitude has

Published by the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle. Published monthly except for July and August.

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long been a factor in Anglican unity. Attitudes of conciliation and humility go a long way to reduce conflict so we can graciously “agree to disagree.”

I suggested in an earlier article that: In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity is a hopeful ideal. However this lovely ideal fails when we cannot even agree on what is essential.

Some suggest Acts 15 as a model for conflict resolution in the church. However, it is not clear precisely how it should apply to substantially different issues today.

It does hint at a different type of compromise, which is not as much about giving up ground as about adding space between our concepts of sin and sacrament, for those with whom we disagree.

However, when conflicts are motivated by our love for ideals such as justice or holiness, compromise is apt to feel like a betrayal and perhaps even deepen our sense of impaired fellowship.

How much heterodoxy can we accept and still think of ourselves as belonging to the same faith?

As a libertarian who remains in an organization, I may feel superior to those who separate.

However, if my teaching and practices about justice and holiness contradict

Continued on page 3

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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

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The Bishop's Corner

Supporting refugees with affordable housing

By Bishop Helen Kennedy

The Diocese of Qu’Appelle has been supporting refugee families for many years. Keeping the principles of a welcoming, safe community in mind, the former St. Matthew’s site is being redeveloped to provide affordable mixed housing in the Heritage neighbourhood of Regina.

The hope is to create a safe place with suitable resources for incoming families.

Your prayers as this project unfolds are coveted.

Providing refuge has a long history for both Christians and Canadians.

Dating back to 1776, Canada has a strong and illustrious history of immigration and refuge. Last year, Canada welcomed over 75,000 persecuted persons and refugees from around the world (cic.gc.ca).

This history is a credit to the country and demonstrates a willingness to embrace other cultures and ethnicities into the mosaic that is Canada.

As early as 1793, people came to Canada to escape oppression and persecution. The Underground Railroad, which

was a safe passage for fleeing black slaves, is a prime example of how Canada has been a place of refuge and security. As the world continues to be unsettled, people are still seeking refuge and security in Canada. A refugee differs from an immigrant, in that an immigrant has chosen to settle permanently in another country. Refugees are forced to flee because of persecution or overt oppression without hope of relief.

In attempts to support and help incoming refugees, churches will often sponsor a family coming to Canada.

This support, along with governmentrun programs, includes assistance in finding housing; clothing and food; help in finding employment as well as other resettlement assistance.

itself socially cohesive.

It is vital, then, that churches that support incoming refugees have knowledge not only of the relevant policies, laws and rights of refugees who enter the country, but also of the challenges that are faced by those same people. Many will be suffering loss and often trauma, as they have left their country under duress.

It is an incredible adjustment on many levels. People leave behind their friends, extended family, and places filled with memories. The emotional effect of a move such as this cannot be overlooked. Having access to counselling and the emotional supports will also need to be part of any settlement process.

There is a need to build or re-build community with things or people that are familiar. Community is the locus of the development of identity, interests, and a sense of place that anchors aspirations and accomplishments in the present and as a springboard to adulthood. In short, it is important for all people to have a sense of belonging.

A refugee differs from an immigrant, in that an immigrant has chosen to settle permanently in another country. Refugees are forced to flee because of persecution or overt oppression without hope of relief. In attempts to support and help incoming refugees, churches will often sponsor a family coming to Canada.

for jobs, language training and other services they need to get established in their new country.

However, their lack of knowledge of the housing market, the renting process, and tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities also makes the search for good housing difficult.

Social housing in Canada has devolved from federal government responsibility to municipal government responsibility without having the benefit of any legislative underpinnings.

This puts municipalities in an impossible position of having to prioritize the needs of their community, with the added factor that many of the refugees or immigrants do not have voting privileges. So, they are being asked to support and work for those who cannot support them when they are running for re-election.

As affordable housing is scarce, often refugees are placed in slum, declining innercity areas where there are few resources and little support.

There is a knock-on effect of decline, as businesses and services leave only to make way for increased criminal activity.

This lack of safety is a major concern for those trying to settle and stabilize an already unstable family.

The limited availability of affordable private rental and social housing is one of the most difficult challenges facing lowincome refugee households.

As Canadians we have come to realize that maintaining cultural identity has proven to be far more important than historically thought. Canada has a way to go before it can declare

The successful integration of refugees into a new society is based in part on attaining several basic needs, primarily affordable housing in a safe neighbourhood or community.

Good housing is a basis from which newcomers look

Many of those living in the inner city want to move to suburban neighbourhoods, but market conditions present more challenges; as vacancy rates are very low, both rents and the price of houses have been rising, and little new affordable rental stock has been built.

The Diocese of Qu’Appelle hopes that the redevelopment of the St. Matthew’s property can help this situation by providing good quality, affordable housing.

... Dealing with conflict in the church can be difficult

Continued from page 2 or undercut others still in the organization, then our attempts at co-operation in ministry will be frustrating and counterproductive, not to mention confusing to newcomers.

I cannot imagine how to handle this kind of conflict except perhaps the rather wild idea that the Anglican Church could begin to think of itself as a multi-faith consortium.

This may not be as crazy as it first seems.

Eastern rite churches have distinct liturgies yet are in communion with Rome.

Why not allow each province, diocese and parish to have their own liturgies and doctrines?

Anglicans are already becoming more like Baptists, who agree on a few basic principles but allow each congregation

its own worship practices and doctrines.

Adopting the slogan “live-and-let-live ” might reduce conflict without the stress of separation.

“Let’s each just do our own thing” allows on one hand, freedom of individual conscience, but is not such a laissez-faire approach merely another form of separation?

Plus, in the process we abandon another historic

Anglican tradition: that of common prayer. Which will we consider more important?

Attempts to find a model for handling conflict in Jesus’ ministry discover that sometimes He was quite confrontational but other times He was silent.

Likewise the Apostle Paul, for all his exhortations to peace, patience and humility, on

occasions was combative and condemning.

Perhaps any wise approach to conflict will require treating each conflict on its own demerits.

Perhaps the short answer is that conflict in the church should be handled with as much sympathy, compassion, integrity and faithfulness as the grace of God provides to all involved.

Archdeacon and wife celebrate 50 years with tea party

By Mary Brown

PRINCE ALBERT

— Archdeacon Andy and Mary Lou Hoskin hosted a come-and-go tea to celebrate their 50 th wedding anniversary at St. Alban’s Cathedral Hall on a Saturday afternoon in July.

There was a lovely array of sweet and savoury foods catered by the ladies from St. George’s Church. Their second-oldest son Micheal, from Calgary, spoke about growing up in their family.

It was not surprising that all the siblings are musical with Mary Lou as their mother.

Mary Lou plays the guitar and teaches piano lessons in their home. She has a lovely voice and has led the music at the diocesan prayer

g Saskatchewan Anglican online! Did you know you can read current and past issues of the Sask. Anglican online?

Visit www. anglicandiocesesaskatoon. com/saskanglican or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ saskatchewananglican

g Please note that if you plan to attend any church service in person , check on service times and any requirements for preregistration.

If attending, please follow all indicated seating, movement, distancing, masking, and sanitization rules.

g Licentiate in Theology Courses offered by College of Emmanuel and St. Chad and Western Education Collaborative Anglican Network (W.E.C.A.N.):

Emmanuel and St. Chad College has been working with the WECAN group to develop a ministry preparation program relevant to the various Anglican contexts in Western Canada.

The local diocesan ministry schools

conferences held in Waskiseu.

Hoskin is from Alberta and started his ministry in Rocky Mountain House, then Brooks and finally Thunder Bay followed by his tenure in the Diocese of Saskatchewan.

He says he is going to retire after his position as diocesan administrator is finished.

He has officially retired two or three times since he turned 65.

In 1973, the year they got married, the hit song was Live and Let Die, there was an OPEC oil crisis, gas was 36 cents a gallon and metric was introduced.

The Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup and a Trudeau was the prime minister!

Some people make up specific vows to be used at their wedding ceremony.

Announcements for October 2023

make substantial contributions to the program by offering courses mapped out in the ESC-WECAN Licentiate in Theology handbook.

Whether you are feeling called to do more formal ministry or are drawn to taking certain courses, please contact the person named for the course or courses you are interested in doing.

At the same time, let your diocesan school co-ordinator know your plans. If interested, please review the detailed list of fall and winter course located elsewhere in this issue.

g STU/ESC course offerings for this fall and winter:

Introduction to Biblical Literature with Dr. Adam Wright and Dr. Bernon Lee, Nov. 13-24

Spiritual Practices, Cultivating Compassion and Resilience, with the Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy, Dec. 4-8 and Jan. 8-12, 2024

Gospel of Mark, with Dr. Adam Wright, Jan. 8-12, 2024

Global Anglicanism in Practice with the Rev. Dr. Iain Luke, Sept. 25 through Dec. 15 (weekly class)

Please call 306-9753753 for more details and please also see the note elsewhere in this issue, which provides more background and information on these course offerings.

g It’s Real Ministry!; An informal talk with the Rev. Dr. I Ross Bartlett : St. Andrew’s College invites you to join us for coffee and conversation on Friday, Oct. 6, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Great Hall. We will have the honour of a visit from Ross Bartlett, a scholar and friend from the Atlantic School of Theology.

Ross was a member of the College’s Academic Renewal Team, and his wisdom helped inspire St. Andrew’s new lifelong learning pathway. We’re looking forward to a wonderful afternoon of conversation, and hope you will join us!

For more information, or to RSVP (by Oct. 3 please!) please send a note to shawn. sanfordbeck@saskatoon theologicalunion.ca.

g Out of the Depths

— Living in Hope: A Lutheran-Anglican

Instead, Andy memorized the vows in the prayer book, except he did not have the words in the right order and the officiant kept trying to get him to look at the words. They have four children, Jonathan, Michael, Matthew and Janna.

In his speech Michael said he never doubted his parent’s complete devotion in their relationship.

Women’s retreat will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Emmanuel Anglican Church, 607 Dufferin Ave., Saskatoon. Registration is $20; bring your own lunch (also see the notice elsewhere in this issue).

Upcoming Services and Parish Events

g All Saints’ Anglican Parish, Saskatoon; Choral Evensong followed by a potluck supper celebrating the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 5:15 p.m.

g Christ Church

Anglican, Saskatoon: BAS Evening Prayer, every Thursday at 7 p.m.; Community free supper, 5 p.m., the third Tuesday of each month;

Community coffee house, every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon; Nutflakes Videos, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Deaths, Appointments, etc.

The Rev. Dr. Laura Marie Piotrowicz (pronounced: pea-ohtrow-vitch) has accepted the position as rector

of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. She is expected to begin in this new position in the early fall. Let us pray for Laura Marie as she prepares to lead her new family at St. John’s.

The Rev. Donald Wayne Cochran died on July 31 at the Saskatoon Convalescent Home, Saskatoon; his obituary may be found in this issue.

The Rev. Gordon Fitz-Gerald Yarde died at his home in Battleford on Aug. 27; his obituary will be included in a future issue of the paper.

g To be included in a timely manner, brief notices should be supplied to the associate editor by fax, email or “snail mail” by the end of the month, one month before the month in which the insertion is desired (i.e. February entries will be in the April issue).

Detailed and longer texts of upcoming events will not be included in this section, but should space allow, could be the subject of articles and notices elsewhere in the Saskatchewan Anglican.

Archdeacon Andy Hoskin and wife Mary Lou celebrated their 50th anniversary with a tea at St. Alban's Cathedral in P.A.

Photo by Mary Brown

... Cathedral installs new stained-glass windows

Continued from page 1 estate of Jim Mackay provided for the new King Saul window to commemorate the lives of Jim and his wife, Marion, both very active in many roles in the parish.

The inscription on the new window reads: “In loving memory of James and Marion Mackay from their son and family.”

Stan Hodgins, now

nearly 101 years of age, was present to witness the installation of the new, triptych windows, depicting the visit of Jesus to the home of Mary and Martha.

Stan has donated this window to commemorate the contributions made by he and his wife, Patricia, to St. John’s, to the community and to his country.

The inscription reads:

“In loving memory of Stanley Hodgins, WWII veteran, CPA, Warden, Treasurer, Choir Member and Laureena “Pat” Hodgins (Pat Lamb) nee Wright, The first Head Nurse of the RUH Rehabilitation Ward (1955 – 58)."

A service of dedication for each of the windows is planned when each of the families can be present to participate.

The new Joel window, located in the clerestory, in the cathedral was donated by the Halliday family.

The new King Saul window in the clerestory in the cathedral was donated by the estate of Jim Makay.

The new stained glass triptych windows of the story of Mary and Martha, located on the west side of the south transept of the cathedral, were donated by Stan Hodgins. All photos by Derwyn Crozier-Smith

Stan Hodgins and his two daughters stand below the scaffolding in the cathedral's transept under the new window donated in memory of Stan and his wife Pat.

Cyclist visits cemetery as part of 30-year quest to honour veterans

By Joanne Shurvin-Martin

VERNON (Qu’A) — On July 23, Australian Michael (Mic) Whitty visited the cemetery of St. Thomas, where he recorded the grave of Pte. Frank MackIntosh, 68 th Battalion Canadian Infantry, who died May 3, 1916.

This is just one stop on his trip — by bicycle — to visit all 26,530 cemeteries around the world that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) maintains, as well as any other nation’s war cemeteries he discovers.

The story of Whitty’s quest is found at www. micwhitty.com, which is linked to his Facebook page that he updates daily with excellent photos and the list of all the veterans’ graves he visits.

Both the website and the Facebook posts make for fascinating reading.

Photos he took at St. Thomas show the churchyard and cemetery, including several drone aerial views, and the exterior and interior of the rural church. A baptism had been held earlier in the day, and bouquets of flowers added to the beauty of the little church.

The website tells how, in 2015 when Whitty was unemployed and homeless, he found his grandfather’s 1916 pocket diary, written when he was fighting on the Western Front in the First World War.

This inspired Whitty to retrace his grandfather’s steps in 2016, the diary’s centennial.

He lengthened the trip to the end of centennial commemorations of the end of the First World War, and extended his list to include all CWGC cemeteries in France, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany.

Whitty says he “moved the goalposts” again to include the Second World War, and to visit all the CWGC cemeteries before Aug. 15, 2045, the centenary of VJ Day.

He includes the graves of any veterans buried in other cemeteries along his route. He has already cycled to many European countries, Great Britain, Turkey and Bermuda.

This year he is in North America, beginning with the USA on Feb. 20, then on 1 June he dipped

his bicycle’s rear wheel in the Pacific Ocean at Horseshoe Bay, intending to reach St. John’s, NFLD in less than six months.

His route across Canada was inspired by the journey of one of his

friends’ grandmother, Mary Bosanquet, who travelled across Canada on horseback in 1939.

Her memoir Canada

Ride: Across Canada on Horseback has joined the 1916 pocket diary in

homage to both unrelated grandparents.

In Saskatchewan, Whitty visited veterans’ graves in or near 14 communities, beginning with Maple Creek on July 14 and ending with

Fleming on July 27. No other cemeteries were associated with churches, so St. Thomas was the only church Whitty visited in Saskatchewan as part of his quest.

St. Thomas, Vernon's cemetery, where Pte. Frank MackIntosh of the 68th Battalion, Canadian infantry of the First World War, is buried; the headstone is at right. Australian Michael (Mic) Whitty visited the church in late July as part of his worldwide tour of every war cemetery or where vets are buried. Photos courtesy Facebook

Australian Michael (Mic) Whitty takes a picture on a gravel road in rural Saskatchewan near the community of Vernon.

An aerial view of St. Thomas, Vernon's churchyard and cemetery. Whitty took this picture using a drone.

'Sad day' as Canwood church deconsecrated after 76 years

By Mary Brown CANWOOD

(Saskatchewan) — It was a sad day for the congregation of Christ Church in Canwood. They are a close-knit group of four: Sandra Boyle, Doris Wideen Bazley, Gerald Vaughn and Amie Bathers with her 10-year-old daughter.

Up until a few years ago Wesley Boyle was part of the group until he died. Their lovely church was deconsecrated on July 9 with Archdeacon Andrew Hoskin and the Rev. Canon David Butorac in attendance.

It was built in 1945 and consecrated on Oct. 22, 1947. As in most communities, before there was a church, services were held in people’s homes, the school or community hall.

The members of Christ Church were visible in the community, always available to help out at the hospital, senior’s homes, doing whatever was

needed.

Archdeacon Andy began his sermon with a joke, his trademark. He went on to say that this is just a building, but Church is

the people. They will still meet together on a regular basis. The people are a presence; people of faith witness to Jesus in this place.

The beginning of their training began here. We leave the old life behind and follow Jesus. Jesus calls us to follow Him. God needs witnesses

Stewards of God's abundance

Creation care is a mandate from God

By Rev. Christine Burton

As we enter October, we celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4, and with it, the close of the

Season of Creation. The Season of Creation is a relatively new liturgical observance in the Christian calendar, and offers us an extended time in which to reflect on the gift of all Creation,

and on our call to steward it well.

It is appropriate, then, that Thanksgiving — a remembrance that our food and all the good things of life come to us through the grace

and generosity of God

— follows the Season of Creation by about a week.

Both thanksgiving for Creation and its many gifts and humanity’s responsibility to care for Creation also have a long

everywhere.

The members of Christ Church, Canwood will still be a witness in Canwood.

At the end of the service the altar and furnishings were moved to the back of the church or taken outside assuming there is a newer, better church to move these items into.

The altar in the Canwood Church was bolted to the floor so it was stripped with everything being taken to the back.

Hoskin asked members of the church to share their thoughts.

They shared their stories of the past ministers who were instrumental in their involvement in the church as lay readers, vestry members and wardens.

They were so grateful to have been members of their church family and plan on still praying together.

There has been some discussion that Christ Church could be moved to Camp Okema and installed in the camp.

history in our faith.

The Torah (first five books of the Old Testament), and the Talmud set the requirement that the Israelites offer the first Continued on 9

Archdeacon Andy Hoskin leads the deconsecration service at Christ Church, Canwood, as parishioners prepare to remove items. All photos by Mary Brown The altar of Christ Church, Canwood.

Parishioners of Christ Church, Canwood include, in back from left, Sandra Boyle, Charley Bathers and Amie Bathers, and in front are Doris Wideen Bazley, Gerald Vaughn.

... History book about Camp Okema written by parent

Continued from page 1 Burd, at a much-improved Camp Okema. Bishop Burd was elected as bishop of the Diocese of Saskatchewan in December 1932 and Camp Okema became one of his pet projects.

In the year before, Burd, archdeacon at the time, along with Bishop Lloyd and a local pioneer explored, by canoe, a chain of lakes to determine where they would establish a group camp.

The federal government, desiring to tidy its land holdings, offered the diocese a section of Crown land in exchange for other diocesan-owned land; so began the story of Okema, meaning “Chief” or “King.”

In 1937 seven permanent cabins were built along the lakeside and were named after Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Later bishop’s cabins were built where ministers and their families could go for holiday. Various children’s camps were also held.

By the 1960s there was a possibility the camp would

close. This threat led to an awareness of this great asset and a plan emerged to create the Society.

McLeod has put together a 70-page book, "History of Camp Okema and The Okema Society for Christian Development. It chronicles the beginnings of the camp including

copies of minutes forming the organization of the Society in 1976.

This book records the phenomenal work done by so many generous and hard-working people around the diocese.

Dorothy’s husband was a carpenter and was instrumental in acquiring

items that greatly improved the camp, such as the walk-in cooler and the insert for the stone fireplace in Sleepy Hollow.

Sadly, this building is not used anymore and will be taken down.

Dorothy recalls that two of the rocks in the hearth have her grandchildren’s

name on them and one is actually from Manitoulin Island where she and her husband were from.

It seemed to Dorothy that whenever there was a need for something the Lord provided it one way or another.

Sara Albers can attest to that. Just recently there was a need to replace the old playground and a brand new playground in North Battleford came up for sale. An appeal went out online for funds to buy it.

In four days, they received $6,000 with the total cost being $6,300.

Another example of the Lord providing is the possibility that the church in Canwood could be moved to Camp Okema. To have their beloved church in such a nostalgic and magical place would be a comfort to the congregation.

If you would like to borrow the book about Okema, there is a copy in Archives in the Synod Office in Prince Albert and one in the Diocese of Saskatoon office.

Curling-focused Anglican given Platinum Jubilee Medal

By Joanne Shurvin-Martin

REGINA — Liane

McLean of Immanuel Anglican Parish has received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, in recognition of her many decades of work with Curl Saskatchewan (formerly called Saskatchewan Curling Association).

McLean received the medal from His Honour, Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, who commented quietly to her, “Curling is my favourite sport.”

This is not the first time McLean has been recognized for her work for curling. In 2010 she received the Scotty Richardson Memorial Award from the Saskatchewan Curling Association (SCA).

The award is given “to members of the curling community who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of curling.” At that time, she had curled competitively for more than 50 years.

In 2006 her team won the Masters Women’s provincial championship.

McLean has been involved in host committees at all levels — world, national and provincial. She was hosting director for the 1998 Scott Tournament of Hearts, the Canadians Women’s Curling Championship. She was vice-chair of hosting for the 2001 Olympic Trials, and was described on the Curl Sask website as “the genius behind the Nordic theme decorations and all the wonderful off-ice events.”

She volunteered for the 2006 Tim Horton’s Brier as director of banquets, and had the same role for the 2008 Scotties and the 2011 Ford World Men’s Championship.

At a local level, she has served on the Tartan Curling Club Board, the Curl Regina Board and is a past president of the Saskatchewan Ladies Curling Association. She also organized the SCA’s 100 th anniversary gala banquet.

Several noted curlers wrote in support of McLean’s nomination for the memorial award cited her “class” and her passion and love for the sport.

Martha Burd, Dorothy McLeod and Sara Albers pose for a picture at Camp Okema. McLeod has written a history book about the beloved site.

Photo by Mary Brown

Liane McLean.

Photo courtesy CurlSask

... God urges us to care for creation

Continued from page 7 fruits of each agricultural season to God. Exodus 23:19 says “the choicest first-fruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God,” and Deuteronomy 26:2 says, “… thou shalt take the first of all fruit of the ground, … and put it in a basket and go unto the (temple) … .”

Exodus 23:16 also establishes the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, calling it the “feast of harvest, the first fruits of thy labours.”

However, while the early Christian teaching, the Didache, also calls for the offering of first fruits, it was some time before formal Christian harvest festivals were established.

But in keeping with its time-honoured tradition, Christianity saw the good in a traditional British Isles pagan festival — Lughnasa — and transformed it into a Christian observance — Lammas, or “loaf mass.”

Held on Aug. 1, both mark the beginning of the harvest season, and include the gifting of the first fruits of the harvest, especially grains, to God/ god, as a sign of gratitude and thanksgiving. The timing, of course, reflects the earlier planting, and consequent harvest, in Britain.

Where Lammas celebrates the end of the crop year, Plough Sunday also celebrates the beginning of the agricultural year. In Britain, where the tradition is being revived, it includes farmers driving their tractors to church, where machinery and

people can be blessed.

Of course in Saskatchewan the traditional date of the Sunday following Epiphany would require snow -ploughing the path to the tractor barn, so it’s unlikely to emerge here as a feast day anytime soon!

What all of these hold in common is a reverence for the Earth and all of creation — the soil and plants, the sun and rain, the wild and domestic creatures — recognizing that they are necessary for our life, and that while we may cultivate them, they

are beyond our capacity to create — they are pure gift.

And not only gift to us, but to those who came before us, and to those who will follow. As such, they are not meant to be “used up” by any single generation.

Stewardship of Creation was also a significant theme in the Bible, starting right from Genesis 2:15, when God called on humanity to “work it and keep (Eden).”

God’s concept of “keeping” creation goes beyond simply raising

Obituary

animals and the same held outside Eden, where both Exodus (25:1-7) and Leviticus (25:1-7) establish the practice of six years of cultivation followed by a fallow year, a year of solemn rest for the land and for the animals that normally worked the land.

The Book of Numbers (35:33-34) specifically forbids pollution and “defilement” of the land. God also encourages Job (12:7) and us to listen to the birds and animals, to the plants of the Earth and the fish of the sea, to learn about the beauty and

wonder of creation.

Indeed, in Exodus 16, where God gives the wandering Israelites manna and quail, they are enjoined to take only what they need, and no more.

Those who take more are forced to deal with a mess to clean up. Likewise, we should take no more of the Earth’s products, whether food, or water, or wood or mineral products, than what we need.

And just like the greedy among the Israelites, we have found ourselves cleaning up messes from the over-exploitation of resources, whether moratoriums on fishing, or the destruction of communities where clear-cutting or plantation farming have created fire hazards.

This year at Thanksgiving, may we remember God’s generosity not just with our words, but through our actions, as we steward the amazing gift of our world and all its resources.

Christine Burton is a transitional deacon in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle, currently serving at St. Mary’s, Regina.

She is chair of both the Diocese of Qu’Appelle ad hoc stewardship team and the Ecumenical Stewardship Committee, and started an ecumenical crafters group to keep fabric out of the landfill and to support those in need.

Christine takes great comfort in knowing that God was well aware of her fondness for pink hair when the call for ministry was laid upon her heart.

Rev. Donald Cochran enjoyed woodworking, visiting friends

The Rev. Donald Wayne Cochran, Feb. 21, 1936 to July 31, 2023

Adapted from the Saskatoon StarPhoenix SASKATOON — It is with sadness we announce that the Rev. Donald Wayne Cochran passed away peacefully on July 31 at the Saskatoon Convalescent Home while holding the hand of his loving wife, Louise.

A beloved husband,

father and friend, he was an honest and caring individual; Don was well known for his engaging smile and always being a gentleman.

During his senior years, Don enjoyed woodworking and visiting with friends.

Don was born on Feb. 21, 1936, in Hanna, Alta., and later attended the University of Saskatchewan where he met the love of his life, Louise.

Together they walked through life sharing its burdens and joys. They raised their children in Saskatoon and later moved to North Battleford, Turtle Lake and later settled in Radisson.

Don attended the College of Emmanuel

and St. Chad and was ordained a deacon in 1983 and priested in 1984. He served as rector, Holy Trinity Church, Saskatoon and St. Paul’s, North Battleford.

Don was predeceased by his mother, Bernice; father, Percy; and his stepmother, Dorothy; and brothers Gordon, William, Robert, and James.

He is survived by his wife, Louise and their three children, their spouses, and families.

A Celebration of Don’s Life was held on Aug. 3, at the Edwards Family Centre, Saskatoon. Memorial donations in Don’s memory may be directed to Emanuel Syndrome at www. emanuelsyndrome.org

To share memories and condolences, visit www. saskatoonfuneralhome. com

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

A bountiful harvest.

Photo by Joanne Shurvin-Martin

Photo by Saskatoon Funeral Home

Rev. Donald Cochrane

By Kate Berringer Camp Harding director

CYPRESS HILLS PROVINCIAL PARK

(Qu’A) — It has been an interested year at Camp Harding. As with many ministries, we are in the process of re-building after a period of dormancy during the pandemic.

This year, we have eight people on our volunteer advisory board who advise on maintenance priorities, budget matters and help develop the camp programming schedule. I am working as camp director, organizing the completion of maintenance and governance duties, as well as hiring staff, developing and promoting camp programs.

We had 15 staff offering four fabulous camp programs this year.

In May and June, we arranged the completion of several capital projects, including installation of 11 new windows in the camper and staff cabins, installation of a septic tank strobe light and float, rental and delivery of a new garbage receptacle at the end of our road, and removal of eight trees that were either leaning or growing very close to structures at the camp.

We also purchased an Automatic External Defibrillator unit to have out at camp each summer.

We opened the camp in late May (turning on plumbing and electricity) with help from Swift Current parishioner, Maurice Wells, and held a camp clean-up and maintenance weekend on June 4, at which seven people from St. Barnabas, Medicine Hat, completed numerous tasks.

It was fantastic to have all of their help.

Camp programming

We had a fabulous time at the Super Heroes camp for nine- to 12-year-olds in early July.

We worked through

Another busy, exciting season at

lessons including: what Super Hero powers look like (Fruit of the Spirit: making jam) and then specific people like Moses (making a burning bush), Esther (Purim celebration and carnival games), Jonah (puppet show) and Peter (making electromagnets).

We learned that Super Heroes are actually everyday people who sometimes run away from God or argue with Him, but who all need powers from the Lord to do what they are called to do.

We learned that the same applies to all of us. We are all called to be Super Heroes; those whom God created us to be, and our source of power to do that is the Holy Spirit.

When we weren’t learning how to be Super Heroes, we were having a ton of fun by playing games, swimming, wall climbing, horse-back riding, making forts, stargazing, making water filters and roasting marshmallows!

The staff were awesome and went above and beyond to make the week a special time for all of us. When asked how can we make camp even better, one camper said “nothing can make it better.”

Three youth from the South Sudanese community attended the Bishop’s Teen Justice camp July 31 to Aug. 4. All three were sponsored through donations from St. Mary, Whitewood, and Holy Trinity, Yorkton.

We are so grateful that both parishes gave these teens their first opportunity to attend camp.

The bishop, along with PWRDF youth engagement co-ordinator Su McLeod, led the programming with the theme “God Said…” Each day they looked at what God said. Starting with creation, God spoke the world and us into existence, and it was very good.

God also said…you

Campers at the Teen Justice Camp enjoy boating on Loch Leven in Cypress Hills Interprovincial

Before any campers arrived, a lot of work was done on the camp buildings and grounds. Here Steve Gloin from St. Barnabas, Medicine Hat, secures a new bunk bed to the wall in one of the cabins.

Photo by Kate Berringer

Campers and staff of Super Hero camp pose for a group photo, Stephen Kennedy).

Camp Harding comes to an end

are enough. God said … rest. God said…abide in me.

As we explored those topics, Su shared some of the programs that PWRDF is engaging in from around the world.

Together they studied and learned Scripture, and were given a bigger perspective about the needs of the world. They had some amazing helpers, good food, and lots of fun.

All in all, it was a good week and created a foundation to build on for next year.

The Francis and Friends camp program was developed by Rev. Krista Dowdswell and Laura French for Camp Harding several years ago from www. francisandfriends.org/

This program is special because it suits the naturebased setting within Cypress Hills. It focuses on awe and wonder in creation.

For those who respond most to the experience of God as creator, it is powerful.

It is inclusive by design for those whose faith is a family affair.

Rev. Jesse Miller facilitated the program this year for us from Aug. 18-21.

To recognize the hard work of our present and past volunteers, we held a volunteer appreciation barbecue on Sept. 1 to allow people to come out and share stories of their times at camp over the years.

From Sept. 2 to 4, Camp Harding hosted a Diocesan Women’s Weekend including fellowship, crafts, devotional time and worship.

Staff experiences

What has working at camp meant to our staff?

Said one, “In a sentence or two, I would say that Camp Harding is a community where you are surrounded by friends and

family who all share the same purpose, which is to worship and praise the Lord.

"The experience is both fun and rewarding for all campers and staff, and the Lord works to ensure this. Camp Harding showed me that if I ever feel alone, I can remember that I have friends out there with whom I share my faith.”

Said a second, “I enjoyed working with a great group of people to help contribute to a wonderful program. Location is amazing, the beauty, peace and greatness in nature brings you closer to God.”

Said a third, “The strongest experience in serving at the Justice Camp — and I believe a witness to the Lord’s love and presence at Camp Harding — was the unspoken goal of making this a good experience for campers.

"Giving them an extra half-hour to sleep before breakfast, adjusting schedules as needed without any sense of inconvenience.

"Also and perhaps the most obvious and important was the respect and friendship shown regardless of age or position. I enjoyed my job of cook’s helper. It was a good experience and lots of fun.”

Through our SARCAN Drop and Go “bottle drive” and the Anglican Foundation’s Say Yes to Kids campaign, we raised $4,040 in 2023.

We will continue to encourage SARCAN Drop and Go donations this fall and winter.

Plans are underway for 2024, including the development of a South Sudanese youth camp, another nine- to 12-yearold camp, a teen camp, as well as a second women’s weekend.

We thank the Lord for all of you who provided prayer and financial support towards this ministry in 2023.

Interprovincial Park.

Photo by Su McLeod

A traditional camping activity during Super Hero camp. Photo by Kate Berringer

photo, complete with two dogs (belonging to Bishop Helen and Photo by Judy Packwood

Feeling the Holy Spirit

Decently

and in order

Daily prayer liturgies encourage prayer without ceasing

By Rev. Gene Packwood

College of Emmanuel and St. Chad and WECAN releases 2023-24 Licentiate in Theology schedule

Submitted

Emmanuel and St. Chad College has been collaborating with the Western Education Collaborative Anglican Network (WECAN) group to develop a ministry preparation program that is relevant to the various Anglican contexts in Western Canada.

The local diocesan ministry schools make substantial contributions to the program by offering courses mapped out in the ESC-WECAN Licentiate in Theology handbook.

Whether you are feeling called to do more formal ministry or are drawn to taking certain courses, please contact the person named for the course or courses you are interested in doing.

At the same time, let your diocesan school co-ordinator know your plans.

Also, watch for the ESCWECAN L.Th. Website to be launched late this summer!

For more info or to register contact the ESC-WECAN L.Th. implementation coordinator, the Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy at trish. mccarthy@saskatoon theologicalunion.ca or 306- 370- 8378.

FALL courses

Monthly Evening

Online Book Study: “To Love and Serve: Anglican Beliefs and Practices”

Hybrid Licentiate in Theology Student Activity

Onsite Location: Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon, 1403 9th Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 2Z6

School co-ordinator: Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy trish.mccarthy@

saskatoontheological union.ca. Registration: esc-wecan.ca

Introduction to Theology: The Diocese of Qu'Appelle, 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays in Oct. 3, 17, 31; Nov. 14, 28; Dec. 12. Taught by Dr. Joel Houston of Briercrest College. See in-depth course description. School co-ordinator: the Ven. Dr. Catherine Harper at archdeacon.catherine@ sasktel.net. Registration: esc-wecan.ca

Non-L.Th. Credit “New to Preaching?”

For Lay Readers, L.Th. (WECAN) & Theology Students

Link in with Rev. Dr. Iain Luke for two hours to review the basics of Sermon Preparation before “Preaching in Advent” event the next day. See next listing.

Time: Friday, Nov 17, 7 to 9 PM Saskatchewan time, ONLINE ONLY

ZOOM Meeting ID: 874

2033 1777 and Passcode: 161475

Link: https://us06web. zoom.us/j/87420331777?pw

d=QmNhOXB0NzlNYkFs

UUZIak1oQ055dz09

Register: on ESCWECAN L.Th. website at esc-wecan.ca or trish. mccarthy@saskatoon theologicalunion.ca

Non-L.Th. Credit Event for All Who

Preach: "Preaching in Advent"

Open to Lay Readers, Deacons and Priests

Time: Nov 18, 2023 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM Saskatchewan

HYBRID: onsite and online

ZOOM Meeting ID: 874

2033 1777 and Passcode:

161475

Link: https://us06web. zoom.us/j/87420331777?p

wd=QmNhOXB0NzlNY

kFsUUZIak1oQ055dz09

Onsite

Location: St. Matthew’s Church, 135- 109th St. W., Saskatoon, SK

Registration: esc-wecan.ca or trish.mccarthy@ saskatoon theologicalunion.ca

Spiritual Practices for Cultivating Resilience and Compassion Course

Adapted for L.Th. Students

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy , Monday to Friday, Dec. 4 – 8 and Monday to Friday, Jan. 8 to 12, 2024. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On-site Location: St. Andrew’s Building, 1121 College Avenue, Saskatoon, SK Online link will be forwarded after registration. On-street parking in area south of College Ave.

Registration: esc-wecan. ca or lisa.mcinnis@ saskatoon theologicalunion.ca

WINTER courses

Anglicanism: Kootenay Diocese and ESC taught by Archbishop Lynne McNaughton.

Course co-ordinator: the Rev. Dr. Iain Luke at iain. luke@saskatoon theologicalunion.ca.

Indigenous Relationships and Wisdom and Teaching of the Elders: Henry Budd College and the Diocese of Brandon. School co-ordinator: the Rev. Dr. Kara Mandryk at kdmandryk@gmail.com.

Introduction to the Bible: College of Emmanuel and St. Chad. January and February. Format and dates under discussion. School coordinator: the Rev. Dr. Trish McCarthy.

Some think prayer for the Holy Spirit’s activity and presence needs to be extemporaneous and loud, with wind and fire and people falling on the floor.

That can be fun and is good for more wild-eyed extroverted people and those who feel called to pray that way, but there are Spiritfilled introverts (like me) who pray quietly and want to see people filled with the Holy Spirit and the Church revived, too.

I fear many of us have come to consider the Anglican daily prayer liturgies as spiritless prayer — routine, dry, by rote and empty. Not so. If they feel empty, it’s because we are, not the liturgy. Our job is fill them by praying them anyway, at whatever volume, without losing heart (Luke 18:1).

Whatever our style, the biblical call is to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17), which the daily offices encourage and for which they provide a trustworthy framework allowing things to “be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40).

Day by day we bless you/We praise your name for ever (Te Deum Laudamus—A Song of the Church)

Learning the ropes

Morning, Midday, Evening, Night prayer, Compline and all our liturgies are, in fact, the Holy Scriptures set to prayer. They are, therefore, just as living, active and sharp (Hebrews 4:12). Why not include prayer to the Holy Spirit for the revival of the

Church when we pray them? Who knows?

Might the God and Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be moved in His grace and mercy to pour out His Spirit again if ordinary Anglicans like you and me were to faithfully, consistently and systematically pray the offices with revival in mind?

If nothing else, it would focus us. As Call the Midwife ’s Sister Monica Joan said, “The liturgy is of comfort to the disarrayed mind. We need not choose our thoughts; the words are aligned like a rope for us to cling to.”

My mind is often disarrayed with concerns for all manner of issues and tragedies.

All I have to do is take hold of that daily prayer rope, watch for the Holy Spirit in the service (and in the lectionary readings of the day), pause when I notice them, pray into the reference or verse and let it take me to the place where I “daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more” (The Book of Alternative Services, p628; The Book of Common Prayer, p560).

You can do it, too. We don’t have to be clever, articulate, creative, or even feel particularly holy. All we have to do is take hold of the rope in prayer.

“Alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord renews the face of the earth:/ O come, let us worship.” (Pentecost Invitatory, The Book of Alternative Services, p48)

For example, the first appearance of the words “Holy Spirit” in The Book of Alternative Services is in

Continued next page

Giving thanks for God's goodness

By the Right Rev. Rodney Andrews Interim Bishop for Saskatoon

The Rev. Clayton Vaughan served rural parishes in the Ottawa Valley. He called on a parishioner to invite him to attend the annual Thanksgiving service.

The man was reading his newspaper. He said, “There is nothing to be thankful for. It’s all bad news!” Clayton replied, “That depends on whether you are looking at the birth announcements or the obituaries.” There is always something for which to be thankful.

Fruits, flowers and vegetables decorate our churches for Thanksgiving services. You might consider having two thanksgiving services:

... Liturgies help us to pray daily without ceasing

Continued from page 11 the Gloria at the beginning of Morning Prayer: “Lord, open our lips,” we pray as the scene is set for worship,

And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit : as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. (p47)

The Gloria comes a little later in the BCP version of Morning Prayer, but both are a fitting start, tuning our spirits in and focusing us for prayer. God, the Holy Spirit, is glorified and our worship is well directed as we open our lips and proclaim his praise.

As often as possible, I like to make words like those among the first I utter each day.

Harvest Festival one Sunday, and national Thanksgiving on another.

“The land has produced its harvest; God, our God, has blessed us. God has blessed us; may all people everywhere honor him”

(Psalm 67).

“Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven” is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving:

“Angels, help us to adore him,/You behold him face to face’/Sun and moon, bow down before him;/ Dwellers all in time and space,/ Alleluia, alleluia, praise with us the God of grace” v.5.

The hymn was written by the Rev. Henry Francis Lyte. Life was never easy for this poor Irishman. He was barely able to pay for his training for the ministry.

Once he began his ministry, he became depressed and wondered if God wanted him after all. He did not feel at home in the ministry for a long time.

Lyte tried to help his congregation know God better. Unfortunately, things began to go wrong. He fell ill with tuberculosis and never

really recovered. Some of Lyte’s parishioners did not recognize how ill he was; they thought he was lazy.  Others did not like the way he preached. One Sunday, the choir walked out and refused to sing!

In 1834, Lyte thought he was going to die soon. He set to work finishing a little book of hymns. All of them were about how much he loved and praised God for his goodness and glory.

He found clues to God’s goodness everywhere: the grass that grows, the vegetable and cereal crops that feed us, the fruit that ripens, the animals, the birds and the fish that share the planet with us; all speak of the goodness of God.

“...we are the people He cares for, the flock for which He provides” (Psalm 95:7).

When I reflect on the orderliness of creation, the precision of the universe and the continuation of life, the seasons that parade through the year, the stars above and the Earth beneath, I am overwhelmed by God’s goodness.

“Praise God! For the Lord, our Almighty God, is King! Let us rejoice and be glad; let us praise his greatness” (Revelation 19:6-7).

Bishop Rodney Andrews

When I reflect on the orderliness of creation, the precision of the universe and the continuation of life ... I am overwhelmed by God’s goodness.

Finding hope in Psalm 119

By Joanne Shurvin-Martin

CYPRESS HILLS INTERPROVINCIAL

PARK (Qu’A) — At 176 verses, Psalm 119 is the longest of all the psalms. It is divided into 22 units — each named with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and each unit contains eight verses. In the original Hebrew, each line in the unit begins with the same letter as the unit name.

Regina preacher Rev. Jennifer Holtslander says it is rather like the ABC books that are so popular for toddlers.

Holtslander led the Diocesan Lay Retreat, held at Camp Harding from Aug. 25 to 27, with a dozen participants. Archdeacon Catherine Harper was the retreat chaplain, and Deacon Christine Burton served as camp cook, keeping everyone well fed.

In the Friday evening session, Holtslander asked the retreatants what they already knew about Psalm 119. “It’s LONNNG!” was the predominant response.

They also said the main theme of the psalm was God’s law, commandments, statues and decrees.

Over the weekend, Holtslander gave the retreatants four poems, the first letters of which spelled the word “hope.” She also suggested a new way of thinking of the word “hope,” to mean a confident expectation, rather than a mere wish.

She gave several examples in the New Testament where the Greek word “elpis” (which means confident expectation) is often translated simply as “hope” but means more.

The poems are contained in Holtslander’s book, We Love Your Invitations: A Psalm 119 Paraphrase. Each poem or section of the book is a contemporary paraphrase based on the eight-verse sections of Psalm 119.

Holtslander’s paraphrase mimics the original psalm's acrostic style by repeating the same letter at the beginning of each set of lines in the section.

The retreat used the practice of lectio divina, in which a section of Scripture is read three times, with time to meditate on the words, and

see what God is saying to each person.

It has been described as reading with the heart and the mind. Retreatants found it interesting to hear the variety of personal responses to the same words.

Another feature of the retreat was using art with contemplation of the words, and letting the Holy Spirit move each person to create a picture or pattern. Holtslander provided watercolour paints, brushes and pieces of special paper.

Several retreatants said

they would not have signed up for a retreat or course that focused on creating art, but they were glad to have the experience in the retreat.

Holtslander also gave a “Bite-sized practice” in each session:

1 – Think of “invitation” in place of “law” or “command” when reading Psalm 119. See the laws as invitations to follow what God wishes.

2 – Say “Thank you, God,” out loud, throughout the day. Saying words aloud engages the body in gratitude, more than

merely thinking the words.

3 – Keep telling the stories, either orally or “through the fingertips” by writing or typing.

4 –When you think you don’t have time to meditate, pray or other activities, set a timer for 10 minutes. Don’t tell yourself that you don’t have time, just get started.

Holtslander, who is a member of First Baptist Church in Regina, works as the Roman Catholic chaplain at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina. During the retreat she described

how her mental picture of the Holy Trinity has changed.

Earlier, her image was “two men and a bird,” but now she pictures the Trinity as a holy family in which she is invited to belong.

Note: We Love Your Invitations: A Psalm 119 Paraphrase can be purchased online by following the links on the website: livingfaithathome.ca/ links/. The book features the psalm paraphrases and original artwork and photography.

Merrilyn Dubreuil (l), Linda Kapasky and Rev. Jennifer Holtslander draw and use watercolours during the Lay Retreat.

Photos by Joanne Shurvin-Martin

Retreatants were invited to pick up a paintbrush and ask the Holy Spirit, “What now?”

People from St. Mary, Maple Creek, joined the Retreat group for the closing eucharist service in St. Mary’s in the Pines at Camp Harding.

Old wineskins

By the Rev. Canon Marie-Louise Ternier

The other day I fell off my bike; landing gently in soft grass, thank God. The Earth’s bump hiding in the grass kissed my head, causing a bump of my own.

It was a humbling reminder of a slowly aging body; one less flexible with a diminishing aptitude for quick reaction and good balance. The physical changes are subtle yet poignant. I also began to wonder if sometimes an aging body parallels an aging mind, less flexible and struggling to integrate new realities around us.

As if the good Lord overheard my grumbling over the fall, not soon after the Gospel in my morning prayer time was Luke

5:36–39 in which Jesus tells this parable: “No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one.

Otherwise, they will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins.”

Without giving in to defeatism, I began to wonder. I know plenty of inspiring and robust elders who possess a puzzling amount of physical energy, a healthy constitution, and a quick wit to boot.

These old wineskins have no trouble storing, and even generating, new wine. On the other hand, I know elders who diminish sooner than their chronological age would suggest, becoming old wineskins before their time without much capacity to accommodate the new wine of change and transformation.

Often such diminishment is beyond our control.

Many cultures, including our indigenous peoples, convey great respect towards their elders. Drawing from a lifetime of living, learning hard lessons through trials and challenges, elders are considered a source of wisdom and advice, tradition and knowledge.

In some cultures, grandparents live with their children’s families, contributing to the

household as they are able. All this assumes that the old have lived a virtuous life that is worth emulating.

This also assumes that grandparents are in reasonable health, remain of sound mind, and have learned to love generously without being possessive or authoritarian.

In other words, old wineskins need to maintain a certain “souplesse” and grace.

But if the physical and mental faculties of elders no longer function in healthy ways, trouble can arise when families insist on maintaining ancient traditions of intergenerational care, however noble this may be.

Then the old wineskins of tradition or rigidity can burst, causing heartache and desolation.

While all cultures include many dutiful and loving children who will do almost anything to help their parents and other seniors, growing old in Western cultures sometimes does not come with this type of respect and honour, quite the contrary.

An article published last year claims that people who associate old age with uselessness or senility are more likely to develop dementia than people who associate it with positive attributes, such as wisdom and respect.

So where do I find myself? The line between senility and wisdom seems thin some days. I feel like an old wineskin unable to contain new wine when I struggle to grasp new concepts and realities, the kind that the young embrace with little effort.

I admire the idealism and passion of youth; hey, I was there once, but worry about its occasional naivete and arrogance (I was there too!).

I feel there’s still some good wisdom wine in my wineskin, seasoned through years of living and laughing and suffering. I cherish quality time with my children and families, but cringe at the thought of permanently moving in with any of them.

Sometimes I wonder whether my wisdom wine is still relevant and meaningful, is wanted in a world where elders are parked in nursing homes and often dismissed, judged or belittled for their clinging to deeply cherished values and beliefs.

And yet, when walking closely with others in their seasons of pain and transition, the seasoned, sacred wine of compassion, caring and understanding flows richly from my heart. So old age does not automatically equal old and cracked wineskins.

There is still much wine left in my heart, seasoned in six decades of life lessons, eager to be poured out for another’s healing and consolation, guidance and admonishment.

But I’ll be honest; I worry. I worry about so much tradition, wisdom and history being ignored or outright considered useless by the new generation. The young possess an enviable zeal and passion for what is noble and right and just; I remember the season well.

But sometimes the young also suffer a certain over-confidence in their

own right, thus risking to dismiss the wisdom of age; been there, done that; the shoe’s on the other foot now.

The world’s enthusiasm for all things new can come with a loss of honour and respect for elders, in both secular and religious spheres. God may be doing a new thing in the young (Isaiah 43:19), but to then make an absolute claim “out with the old, in with the new,” is a stretch too far, me thinks.

I derive a deep sense of belonging by being part of God’s story throughout time and space. The most meaningful and life-giving story is Jesus Christ. I feel part of the universe through Christ, I look to Christ for how to live

each day, how to engage relationships in love and mercy, and I seek Christ in times of uncertainty, lament and struggle.

I also need the fellowship of the church, the family of faith, to help and guide me on this path of discipleship and mission.

But this kind of deep connection to faith, spirituality and community is becoming a rarity, and that concerns me. How and where will future generations anchor their existence in a source beyond themselves?

For sure, new wine belongs in new wineskins, but please, beloved young ones, be gentle and slow in discarding any old wineskin.

God might be doing a new thing through you, but God also graced this brave new world with elders to love, to cherish and to learn from.

And who knows, some of these elders might still contain some seasoned wine of wisdom and affection you might need along the way, even from those who are not as steady on two wheels anymore as they used to be.

An article last year claims people who associate old age with uselessness or senility are more likely to develop dementia than people who associate it with positive attributes, such as wisdom.

'Heroes' learn at VBS to value everyone's gifts

By Jenny Williams

REGINA — Forty-five heroes aged five to 11 gathered at Immanuel Church for a full-day Vacation Bible School during the week of Aug. 21 to 25.

They were joined by more than 20 adult volunteers and 13 teens to learn about how we can be heroes in our world.

Our hero theme (curriculum purchased from Cokesbury) was based on Romans 14:19, “So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up.”

We learned that everyone’s gifts are valued, and each of us has a role to play in bringing peace, love, and justice to the world.

We started each day with an opening assembly

featuring a puppet show. Then the children rotated through four stations: crafts, storytime, science and games.

Crafts included a mask and cape (essentials for all superheroes!), medals, and keychains.

Each participant had a workbook with stickers to help make the stories more memorable. The science experiments were amazing!

Games are always fun and even though we had two rainy days, we made

the best of it with some indoor activities.

On Wednesday and Thursday, we were joined by real-life heroes — firefighters with their firetruck and the RCMP with Hawk from their K-9 unit.

This was so exciting for everyone!

This year, Immanuel teamed up with Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church to make the week possible. St. Paul’s Cathedral, Regina, contributed financially as well.

We also collaborated again with another local Lutheran church that used the same curriculum on a different week, and shared decorations and ideas.

If the noise level was any indication of success, we were VERY successful!

As the week went on, and the children made friends and built relationships with each other, things got very loud!

Another somewhat unanticipated result of our week was that the adult helpers made friends and built relationships with each other.

QSMM hosts six-week intro course on theology

Submitted

Dates:

October: 3 rd , 17th , 31st

November: 14th , 28 th

December: 12 th

All course times: 6:008:00 pm, CST

Zoom Link: https:// briercrest.zoom. us/j/89592205117

Course Instructor: Dr. Joel Houston jhouston@briercrest.ca

Course Description:

Introduction to Theology is an overview of the central doctrines of the Christian faith, designed for those who have no previous formal training in Christian theology or for those who need a refresher.

Our beliefs about the “ultimate reality” play a crucial role in our decision-making process, big or small. Our ideas about God, the universe, and human existence shape and guide us.

Introduction to Theology provides an opportunity to explore these significant questions in the Christian tradition. This course focuses on critical thinking, extensive reading, and the development of a theology that is both orthodox and life-giving.

The class pays attention

to how Christian theology can be applied to various vocations, not just academic or pastoral careers.

Suggested Course Texts: (note: all required readings will be available to students electronically)

Kapic, Kelly M. A Little Book for New Theologians: Why and How to Study

Theology.

Downer’s Grove: IVP Academic, 2001. (126 pages).

Strahan, Joshua. The Basics of Christian Belief: The Bible, Theology, and Life’s Big Questions. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2020. (230 pages).

McGrath, Alister E. ed., Theology: The Basic Readings. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell, 2018.

Course Outline:

Oct. 3: Course

Introduction, A History of Theology as a Discipline

Reading for class: Karl Barth, “Commentary”, Evangelical Theology: An Introduction

Oct 17: What is Theology? How and Why do we “do” Theology?

Reading for class: N.T. Wright, “On Scripture and the Authority of

God”, https://biologos. org/articles/n-t-wrighton-scripture-and-theauthority-of-god.

Oct 31: The Doctrine of God: Who is God? Language, Analogy, and Creed.

Reading for class: John Behr, “One God, Father Almighty,” Modern Theology, 34:3, July 2018.

Nov 14: The Doctrine of Christ: New Testament language about Jesus, and the Person and Work of Christ.

Reading: The Gospel According to St. Mark

Nov 28: The Doctrine of Salvation: What is salvation? Salvation from what? Models of Atonement.

Reading for Class: Miguel A. De La Torre, Liberation Theology for Armchair Theologians, Louisville: WJK Press, pp.1-20; Gustavo Gutiérrez, Essential Writings, Minneapolis: Fortress Press, pp. 23-29, 78-91.

Dec. 12: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit: Person, Divinity, Function.

Reading for Class: Todd L. Miles “He Will Glorify Me: Evaluating the Pneumatology of Inclusivists and Pluralists”, SBJT 16.4 (2012), 74-95.

Course Requirements:

“Thinking About Theology” – Reflection Paper, 20 per cent

For the “Thinking about Theology” reflection paper, students are required to read Kapic’s “A Little Book for New Theologians” in full.

Upon completion, they must write a 1,000-word paper (approximately three pages) that answers the following questions: what is theology, why is it important to study theology, and how should we study theology (including the characteristics of faithful theological study)?

While students may incorporate their own thoughts and opinions, they are encouraged to reflect on Kapic’s work. A good paper will showcase critical thinking and self-reflection, taking into account Kapic’s arguments.

Additionally, students must sign a declaration indicating they have read the entire text, which can be included after the paper.

Paper Due: Dec. 12

Source Reflection Journal – 30 per cent

Students will receive several primary and secondary sources to read and analyze. As part of their work, students must

write a 300-word journal entry for each source, totalling around 1,800 words for six sources. These entries can include a summary of the text’s central idea, personal impressions, and any questions for further consideration.

The journal can be an electronic document or a handwritten journal.

The entries will be evaluated based on their ability to accurately summarize the main idea and the level of thoughtful reflection.

Source Reflection

Journal Due: Dec. 12

Research Project – 50 per cent

As part of the class, students will choose a topic from the curriculum and research it.

While a traditional research paper is an option, students are encouraged to get creative and explore other formats such as podcasts, visual art, poetry, or music.

If a research paper is chosen, it should be five to seven pages long and based on at least three sources.

Before beginning research, students must obtain approval of their topic and chosen format from the instructor.

Due Date: Jan. 12, 2024

A group of superheroes models their masks and capes at Immanuel Church's Vacation Bible School.

Photo by Jenny WIlliams

Tri-diocesan talks a chance to consider the future, archdeacon says

By Archdeacon emeritus

Andrew Hoskin

PRINCE ALBERT — Dear friends, as you may be aware, some meetings of representatives of the three Anglican dioceses in the civil province of Saskatchewan — Qu’Appelle, Saskatoon and Saskatchewan — were held in late spring. The purpose of these meetings has been to begin to investigate the possible ways for the

three dioceses to share ministry together.

While discussions of this nature have been held informally by the bishops of the three dioceses for a number of years, it seemed that now was the time to broaden the discussion and include members of the diocesan executive committees.

The catalyst for this is the present situation where the bishops of Saskatoon

and Saskatchewan had resigned.

The decision was made by the executive committees of both of these dioceses to postpone an episcopal election to allow for these tri-diocesan discussions, the idea being that among other issues, the sharing of episcopal leadership and ministry among the dioceses might be desirable and possible.

However, there is a time limit as a decision

about an episcopal election cannot be postponed indefinitely based on the canons and constitution of the Province of Rupert’s Land of which we are a part.

At the last meeting, held May 15 and 16 in Saskatoon, various committees were established to investigate different areas of administration, finances, programs and episcopal ministry among other things.

These committees will report back at the next tri-diocesan executive committee gathering to be held in October.

This will give us a better idea of what might be possible.

I have heard that there is some trepidation and confusion in our diocese about where these discussions might lead One idea that I know has caused concern is the proposal of amalgamation of dioceses.

Be assured that, while the executive

The LAW Committee (LUTHERAN & ANGLICAN WOMEN)

INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR A DAY OF STORIES, WORSHIP

AND CONNECTION ON THE THEME OF: OUT OF THE DEPTHS – LIVING IN HOPE

WHEN: Saturday, October 21.2023

WHERE: Emmanuel Anglican - 607 Dufferin Avenue, Saskatoon, Sask.

TIME: start 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. , Lunch, 12 to 1 p.m., second half 1-4 p.m.

Registration fee: $20

Name:__________________________________________

Address:________________________________________

Phone / email:___________________________________

Parish:__________________________________________

Payment by: _____________________________________

Registration Due back by Oct. 14th, 2023, Thank you

Bev Otsuka - bevotsuka@shaw.ca 306 227-9102

committee of our diocese is interested in areas of co-operation, we are not obligated to anything. We have the power to say “no” to any proposa l put forward, including that one.

We should approach these tri-diocesan discussions as a Godgiven opportunity for us to consider our future and hopefully to catch something of God’s vision for us as a diocese.

Our study of the Psalms of Ascents during this year is also an important way of our listening to the Lord for our future.

I encourage you to continue to listen for His voice there.

A report of the results of listening to some of these Psalms from our prayer conference will be forthcoming in the fall.

Please keep our diocese, your executive committee, the tri-diocesan discussions, Bishop Adam, myself and others in leadership in our diocese and Bishop Michael in your prayers.

Priest to talk about research at coffee night

Submitted

SASKATOON — St. Andrew’s College invites you for coffee on Friday, Oct. 6, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Great Hall. We have a visit from Ross Bartlett, a scholar and friend from the Atlantic School of Theology.

Ross was a member of the College’s Academic Renewal Team, and his wisdom inspired St. Andrew’s new lifelong learning pathway.

Ross will spend time sharing his research insights and eliciting your experience and analysis on realities of bi- and multivocational ministry in our various ecclesial contexts.

“My research question is how clergy and congregations are responding to the rapidly increasing numbers of part-time ministry placement (United, Lutheran, Anglican, and Presbyterian)," he says. "I am looking to discover best practices — ways of

shaping church life and personal life to respond in effective, helpful ways. How are clergy (all streams) managing bi-vocational existence (if that’s their pattern) and the mixed stresses of that?

"I’m particularly interested in congregations that are working to call forth and motivate new types of leadership from lay people.”

For more information, or to RSVP (by Oct. 3!) send a note to shawn. sanfordbeck@saskatoon theologicalunion.ca

Also, extend this invitation to clergy, lay leaders or others in your networks, especially those in bi- or multi-vocational forms of ministry.

The Rev. Dr. I. Ross Bartlett is the director of United Church Formation and adjunct professor.  He is also the author (with Kate Jones) of It’s Real Ministry: How Part-time and Bi-vocational Clergy are Challenging and Empowering the Church.

Summer student learns about rural ministry

By Anne Hill SWIFT CURRENT (Qu’A)

— St. Stephen Anglican

Church welcomed Bryan Kenwell of Clarksburg, Ont., as their summer ministry student for 2023. Kenwell is a Huron

University student pursuing his master of divinity. He worked in the Archdeaconry of St. Chad under the supervision of Archdeacon Lauren Miller.

While in Swift Current, Kenwell has been actively

involved in all aspects of parish life. He preached on Sundays, led Bible study and evening prayer, and participated in community events. He attended parish gatherings and visited parishioners with the parish visiting ministry.

Kenwell says attending the clergy conference was a highlight of his summer in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. He immensely enjoyed learning from experienced members from across the diocese and further

exploring our Canadianindigenous relationships. Both Kenwell and St. Stephen’s benefitted from their time together.

The parish of St. Stephen’s wishes Kenwell all the best as he continues his studies.

Reshaping our Church for the mission of God

By the Rev. Dr. Iain Luke

Principal, College of Emmanuel & St. Chad

As I write this column, I am putting together a course for September, on the topic, “Who is the Church?”

This is a timely, difficult, and exciting question, and I look forward to exploring it with a new class of students in the Saskatoon Theological Union (STU), from Lutheran, United, Anglican and other backgrounds.

The question is timely, because we are coming through a period when our ideas about the church are being challenged

and changed, sometimes dramatically.

In the Canadian churches, loss of numbers, finances, and influence, have made us re-examine whether the church is located at the centre or at the edge of a secular society.

At the same time, an explosion of new expressions of Christianity, in the Global South and indigenous

communities, shows us we are no longer defined by the cultures where our religion first flourished. New communications technology, for its part, makes us more aware of our global identity, but also creates new possibilities for local communities, as we learned during the pandemic.

In our local setting, we still wrestle with how

these developments affect parish life.

Some places in our dioceses no longer have active congregations, yet the church is still there, in some sense. Believers still live, work and pray in those communities, and God is still (of course) actively calling people to follow Jesus and be transformed.

The ecumenical character of the STU is

just one reflection of these changes.

We know our students will almost certainly serve, at some point in their ministries, communities of more than one denomination. So, my teaching about “the church” can’t simply be about Anglican perspectives.

We will share the different viewpoints inherited from our traditions, and the experiences of our presentday communities.

This will be a resource for students, but also for the congregations they will serve, and the neighbourhoods where those churches are located.

Continued next page

Theological student Bryan Kenwell spent the summer working at St. Stephen the Martyr, Swift Current and the Archdeaconry of St. Chad (south-west Saskatchewan).

Photo by Anne Hill

Silent auction items needed for youth fundraiser

g The Rev. Brody Albers is requesting items that can be offered for a silent auction during the Youth Ministry Fundraising Dinner being held on Wednesday, Oct.18 at St. George’s Church. Please call him at 306-240-4216 for more

information, or drop off your new items at the Synod Office.

g St. George’s, P.A. annual fall turkey supper will be held on Sunday, Oct. 29, with two sittings at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Adults $20, children $15 (age

seven to 12), family rate (two adults and up to three children, $60).

For advance tickets call Opal at 306-764-8016, Sharon at 306-961-9384 or Lynn 306-314-9924. Gluten free options will be available.

g The diocesan archives is searching for volunteers with a desire to help in cataloguing, preserving and managing valuable collections of historical information, and assist other in their search for baptism, marriage and burial records.

We are flexible in the time commitment and provide opportunities for training!

If you could share four to six hours, or a morning/ afternoon a week (more or less) please contact the synod office at 306-7632455.

... Exploring what it means to be the church today

Continued from page 18

Asking “Who is the church?” is difficult, in part because of all those changes through which we are living. Many people’s recent experience of the church is exhausting, as we adjust to smaller numbers, lost capacity, and greater workloads.

It can be difficult to see another way. But there are also voices now speaking up, with the imagination and leadership to move us in new directions.

Some of the difficulty lies in making room, both for the new and the old. One image for thinking of this is “the lake and the river.”

The forms of church

we inherit are the lake, an ecosystem where life proliferates, but which is currently under stress.

What we need is a river, flowing in one end of the lake and out the other, bringing fresh water into the system, and then spilling over to bring living water to the world.

Another difficulty comes from the risks of trying new approaches. We would not be the first Christians to wonder, “What will happen if we leave our old life behind, and start sharing the gospel in new ways?”

The first disciples must have wondered the same thing, as their movement spread from Judea to the Gentiles.

The first missionaries, here in Saskatchewan, no doubt had the same feelings.

Those examples don’t make it easy for us, but they do give us another way to think about risk. The risk of being the church in a new way involves our faith, and our stewardship.

Faith, because the risk is really God’s, and we follow the One who staked everything on God’s faithfulness.

Stewardship, because God has entrusted us with the resources we have, and the call to use them wisely.

So, which is wiser, to keep doing what we’re doing, or to look for where

God is leading us now?

That’s also what makes the question, “Who is the church?” so exciting. One key idea shaping the 21st century church is “the mission of God.”

Rather than thinking about churches as organizations, each with an institutional mission, let’s think about what God’s mission is in the world.

Then, we can re-shape our life as a church around God’s purpose and invitation.

What do we know about God’s mission? We know God is “reconciling the world to Himself,” which includes reconciling human beings to one another, and to creation.

We know God is creating a “new heaven and earth,” a transformed society where health, respect, and right relationship govern. We know God is sharing a kingdom, where today’s values are reversed, the poor are blessed, the grieving are comforted, and those who seek justice are satisfied. What does this mission of God look like where you live? That is another way of asking, who is the Church?

The answer will include everyone willing to come together, and work together, to serve God’s mission of reconciliation, transformation, and recreation.

Baptism and confirmation held in Battle River Parish

On May 14, a service of baptism and confirmation was conducted at St. Paul’s,

Sask. Anglican wins four awards during competition

By staff

The Saskatchewan Anglican won four awards during the Canadian Christian Communicators Association’s (CCCA) recent awards banquet that honoured stories and publications from 2022. The publication placed second in the news story category for Jason G. Antonio’s story about the Archbishop of Canterbury’s apology to residential school survivors in Prince Albert; placed third in the newspaper photo essay

category for Jason G. Antonio’s picture story of St. Thomas, Vernon’s celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (70 years on the throne); third place for Joanne Shurvin-Martin’s longform interview with new Bishop Helen Kennedy; and third place for general excellence in the newspaper category.

News story

“The writer has perfectly balanced the importance of communicating the essentials of the event

alongside an understated sense of sadness and resolve.

"Without sentimentalization, he has accurately conveyed the solemn tone of the event and the heartfelt expressions of the Archbishop of Canterbury,” the judge wrote.

“It is challenging to report on such an event while respecting its emotional and spiritual significance. This report accomplishes that very well.”

Interview

“Joanne ShurvinMartin’s incisive questions keep the interview from any potential for drifting into vague answers.

"The interview covers a lot of territory, from hyper-local issues such as parish visits to huge theological conundrums like same-sex marriage,” the judge wrote.

“Both the interviewer and Bishop Helen Kennedy tackle these topics without fear.”

The judge added that the interview lacked a “conversational tone,” but that wasn’t a big problem considering the talk covered plenty of ground.

Photo essay

“The photography informs the reader how the day went, so that if you could not attend the celebrations, you certainly could look in on the event. People engaging with the story and each other is what covering events is all about,” a judge wrote.

“Photographer Jason Antonio did work dutifully at covering the events of the day.”

General excellence

“Good use of colour photos, but photos tend to be stand and shoot variety, good for getting people into the pages, but the photos don’t pull the audience in with a story they’re telling,” wrote a judge.

In the June, October and November issues, Jason Antonio’s candid shots were useful ones,

the shot by Mary Brown with a head dress in the foreground was lovely, Peter Coolen’s work was good, as was the work by Joanne Shurvin-Martin and Nigel Salway, the judge continued.

Tim Yee’s ‘fallen angels’ shot was good, but bending down to change the angle would have done wonders for the shot.

“… photos of members of the target audience are a perfect way to invite that audience to read your paper. Good variety of material, but the expression ‘if you’re not yelling, you’re not selling’ still applies," the judge said.

"That means the most interesting material goes first and, where possible, people are put at the front to illustrate what the story is about.

"It’s not easy, and requires training, so it’s not surprising when it’s not done.”

There was good use of announcements since this helped make the paper feel like a must read for those who want to know what’s going on in their community, the judge continued.

The advertisements were clean and contributed to the inviting nature of the pages — the pages don’t look crammed with copy and hard to read, added the judge.

The localized work on the Queen was timely, always a factor when trying to hold the audience.

North Battleford. Pictured are, from left, Val Ryan, Cathy Turner, Paige Hill, Habren Jones, Avery Hill, Nova Hansen, Jessy Pooyak, Reuben Oksasikewiyin, Laurie Gammon,Bishop Rod

Andrews, the Rev. Gordon Yarde and the Rev. Trevor Malyon. To begin the service, Val Ryan, Cathy Turner and Jessy Pooyak were baptized by the Rev. Trevor Malyon and then, all of the candidates were confirmed by Bishop Rodney.

Photo by Jilleen Meckling