The Saskatchewan Anglican, Dec. 2013

Saskatchewan anglican

The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal • December 2013

Former diocesan archivist passes away

‘Angels Amongst Us’

By Mary Ann Assailly “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:11-12) SASKATOON – With joy, 38 members of Anglican Women of the Diocese of Saskatoon gathered at Manitou Springs, the “Dead Sea” of Canada, for their bi-annual Retreat. From Sept. 26-29, we worshiped at morning, mid-day and Night/ Compline prayer, with our prayer leaders Barb Forsyth, Etta-Marie Green and Kathy Chase pulling on the theme of “Angels Amongst Us”.

Bishop David Irving of the Diocese of Saskatoon was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict however, the bishop’s wife, Joan Irving, our Patroness, was there for Saturday.

Women were able to choose from five workshops: “Thank Heaven For You” with Elaine Hyrcenko; “Making and Learning About Anglican Prayer Beads” presented by Etta-Marie Green; “Journaling” given by Kathy Chase; “The Dignity of Creation” with Sr. Judy Schachtel; and “Spirituality in Nature” presented Mary Ann Assailly.

There was time to: laugh and make new friends with Meghan Lofgren’s icebreakers; soak in the healing waters; enjoy walking in natures’ true beauty; eat well and sleep well.

The word is that we did not sing enough, but when we did get Anne Brennan at the keyboard and opened those books from Lintlaw/Endeavor Parish, we raised the roof with those well-loved, old-time religion song.

We closed off our weekend by worshiping at All Saint’s Church, in Watrous, with Rev. Bill Richards presiding. Fittingly, the closing Eucharist Service was celebrated on St. Michael’s and All Angels Day.

Contributed

After many months of refurbishment, the lights on the 60-foot-high cross at St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Regina were officially re-lit in a celebratory service on Oct. 17. Pictured is the lit cross illuminating the interior of St. Luke’s, while the light of Christ is shown to the outside world as well.

Photo — Nigel Salway.

‘God is giving you the means to light this cross’

By Nigel Salway REGINA – As reported in the last edition of the Saskatchewan Anglican, the parishioners of St. Luke’s have recently refurbished the lights in the 60-foot cross on the southern wall of the church.

The campaign to re-light the cross was led by Tom Fulton.

Donations were received from parishioners and friends of the parish near and far.

In addition to these contributions, there were two significant gifts: Ritenburg and Associates provided project management and expert advice for the project at no cost; and a large donation was received from the Ritenburg Family Foundation, covering all expenses not covered by other fundraising.

To celebrate the re-lighted cross, a special eucharist was

celebrated on eve of St. Luke’s Day, Oct. 17.

After the celebration of the eucharist, the church was darkened and the refurbished lights were symbolically turned on to bring light to a darkened world. With the church lit solely by the light of the cross, the service continued with the prayers of dedication for the restored cross.

Continued on Page 4

SASKATOON – Douglas Henry Bocking, who served as archivist for the Diocese of Saskatoon from 1986 to 2000, passed away peacefully on Oct. 18, at the Veterans’ Village in Sherbrooke Community Centre, Saskatoon.

Doug will be fondly remembered by his wife of 66 years, Merle, and by sisters Esther Packard, Olive Mortensen and Joan (Jerry) Ogle and brother Leslie Bocking, brother-in-law Bill Hunter and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by: parents Edwin and Agnes Bocking, sister Constance Hunter and brother Edgar Bocking. Doug was born in Saskatoon on July 15, 1925, and completed elementary and secondary education there before enlisting in the Canadian Army, serving in Canada and Europe from 1943-46.

After the end of Second World War, Doug served with the Reserves from 1949-55, remaining on Supplementary Reserve until 1970. Further education was at the University of Saskatchewan, where he earned a B.Ed., B.A. Hons (History) and MA (History). He taught at Melfort Composite Collegiate 1952-57. In 1957 he joined the Saskatchewan Archives Board, from which he retired in 1986 as Associate Provincial Archivist.

Continued on Page 4

Douglas H. Bocking

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2013

Church buildings can be useful tools for evangelism

By Rev. Norbert Haukenfrers PRINCE ALBERT – Does having a church building make it easier or more difficult for evangelism? This is one of those questions that does not lend itself to an easy response. It depends on what we understand evangelism to include.

Do we limit it to Jesus telling Nicodemus that he “must be born from above”(John 3)?

Or is our understanding of evangelism broad enough to include throwing parties for prodigals? Is not evangelism about celebrating and making known the Father’s long awaited and deeply desired return home of the prodigal (Luke15)?

I often wonder if these questions keep us playing what Mark Galli calls “bumper-car evangelism” – never getting out into the community to join the already present and active God in His ministry of grace, healing and hope.

Do we understand evangelism as a particular task

or activity for certain people, or is evangelism something all followers of Jesus are always doing, largely unaware?

Then there is the whole issue of the church building. Are we worshipping the building and the history it represents?

Is the building a museum? Is the building a public symbol dedicated to the glory of God, a sanctuary or an icon of faithfulness? Is it a gathering place for corporate worship, a structure that facilitates the apostle’s teaching and fellowship, the breaking of bread and the prayers?

When we look at the first parish in Jerusalem (that I like to call St. Peter’s Hebrew Baptist and Pentecostal Church for People of the Way) we see they did have a building, the Temple, and they spent a lot of time gathering in this building.

They ate their meals at home “with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people in Jerusalem. And day by day the

Lord added to their number, those who were being saved” (Acts 2:42-7). The building did not seem to be the centre of evangelism.

If anything, it appears that the building was a facility for worshipping The Lord God Almighty, a tool of evangelism and a missionary training centre.

Remember when your baby was first learning to crawl and you purchased these little white leather boots, expecting the baby to walk in the near future?

In a few weeks, the shoes were creased and scuffed, as the baby wore them and in no time at all they were too small.

Depending on your family tradition, these shoes were tossed, passed on or bronzed. I think the same thing happens with church buildings.

Church buildings are useful tools built with excitement and expectation to facilitate the gathering for prayer, worship, growing in the teaching of the apostles and fellowship. Money is spent on buildings for the

same reason money is spent on toddlers shoes, to protect and form feet, helping them to walk and run in the world in which they live.

Shoes play a formational and protective role in our learning to walk and run wherever we live.

Shoes are incredibly important. Providing shoes is one of the easiest ways of increasing education and reducing childhood disease around the world. This is why Blake Mycoskie started Toms Shoes, in 2006.

Nike, Reebok or Adidas have never won a World Series or a Grey Cup but players have been assisted by their shoes to play the game to their best. I think the same thing often happens with church buildings.

We forget that they are to support and facilitate our gathering for worship and going out to love and serve the Lord, our evangelism. That is why I see church buildings as facilities playing a role in our faithful following of Jesus.

Informal language used to tell ordinary stories in Luke’s Gospel

By Jason Antonio

REGINA – Jesus used informal language and ordinary stories to connect to the everyday lives of people, during His travels through Samaria in the Gospel of Luke.

From Luke 9:51–19:27, or about half the gospel, Jesus travelled from Galilee to Jerusalem and engaged people with regular chats and informal speech. He used words that drew His listeners into everyday conversations.

One of the reasons for the use of this “earthy language” on Jesus’ travels, said Rev. Dean Pinter of Moose Jaw, is because He and His disciples were travelling through Samaria.

From Galilee to Jerusalem, the shortest route is through Samaria. But most Jews avoided that area – due to the Samarians’ social status – and took the long route south using Jordan River.

Thus, if one was to read many of the parables in Luke during this time through Samaria, one would see that Jesus’ language is “absent of religious language or talk of God. Jesus knows the Samarians will deflect (any type of) God language they hear, so He doesn’t talk about God as much,” the Moose Jaw incumbent added.

This travel narrative contained within the Gospel of Luke is one of the things that make the gospel so unique. This uniqueness was the subject of a one-day seminar held at All Saints in Regina and put on by the Qu’Appelle School for Mission and Ministry.

Rev. Pinter, who holds a university doctorate, was a professor for 16 years before becoming a priest.

Rev. Pinter explained in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus primarily speaks through preaching and proclaiming the Good News.

Matthew arranges how Jesus speaks through five blocks or “books” to show Jesus teaching.

Teaching develops in us obedience and also develops us intellectually, keeping us aware of God. As for Luke, he presents Jesus engaging in everyday informal speech or conversations, particularly during His journey from 9:51–19:27. It is the “ordinariness of these stories” that allows Jesus to connect big ideas to very “earthy, day-to-day situations in people’s lives.”

And the closer He gets to Jerusalem and His death, the more He uses “earthy” language while speaking with others and even describing His death to His

disciples.

“Let’s be honest,” Rev. Pinter added, “most of our life happens in between or ‘on the road.’

How much of our life do we actually study the Bible or with a worshipping community? …

Between Sunday to Sunday, our time is spent with people who don’t care about our faith life.”

But Luke gives us material for living in the in-between spaces in life. While there is material for preaching and teaching, there is also material for “improvising” in life.

In between Galilee and Jerusalem Jesus told stories and improvised them along the way.

These improvised stories would also be known as parables.

“They are not new material.

Rather, they point us to what has been missed or dismissed. His parables, particularly in Luke in the travel narrative, tend to be non-religious. They are disarming and evolving. That’s what parables do.”

Jesus “throws down” stories from Galilee to Jerusalem which are “ordinary in the extreme.”

Through Samaria, He talks about such things farmers, judges, coins, sheep, sons and wedding banquets. And it is in this “Samaria” that most of us live between Sundays. This is our

“home country,” where people are hostile to us and aren’t interested in hearing about Jesus.

“Samaria is an orientation point in ordinary,” explained the Moose Jaw incumbent, “in an everyday place where habits and character of Jesus get formed among people who have absolutely no interest nor give any encouragement to us in following Jesus.

“And Luke’s travel narrative saturates our imaginations with the way Jesus uses language in an inhospitable stretch of the journey.”

All language, Rev. Pinter pointed out, is holy and has the opportunity to be Spirit-filled.

The Holy Spirit can be present in language and stories no matter if it’s “on the road” or in worship on Sundays. Thus, spiritual direction can be described as “the conversational practice of paying attention to what Christ is doing in people’s (everyday) lives usually without them noticing it.”

“Our most important job is to…point (that) out to them,” he added. At the start of Luke’s Samarian travel narrative, Jesus’ parables are a way for us to pay attention to God’s voice, in the midst of “ordinary, earthy, down-to-earth experiences.”

Saskatchewan The newspaper of the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle • A Section of the Anglican Journal • January 2013

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Published by the Dioceses of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle.

Published monthly except for July and August.

Whole No. 292, Vol. 42, No. 4 A Section of the Anglican Journal SUBSCRIPTIONS For change of address, undeliverable copies and subscription list updates, contact: • Your parish • e-mail: circulation @national.anglican.ca • Or send to Saskatchewan Anglican, c/o Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ont. M4Y 3G2

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CONTACT INFORMATION Managing Editor: Jason Antonio SKAnglicanEditor@gmail.com 59 Roberts Place Regina, Sask., S4T 6K5 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: Amy Dow amy.elizabeth.dow@gmail.com 1308 Fifth Avenue East Prince Albert, Sask., S6V 2H7 Phone: (306) 763-2455 PUBLISHING DETAILS Published from 59 Roberts Place Regina, Sask., S4T 6K5 Printed and mailed by Webnews Printing Inc. 8 High Meadow Place North York, Ont. M9L 2Z5

The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2013

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May your shopping cart be your open heart

By Bishop Rob Hardwick Diocese of Qu’Appelle REGINA – G. K. Chesterton, the noted British poet and theologian, was a brilliant man.

However, he was also absentminded, notorious for getting lost. He would often forget where he was supposed to be and what he was supposed to be doing.

On one occasion, he sent a telegram to his wife: “Honey, seems I’m lost again. Where ought I to be?” As only a spouse could say it, she telegraphed back a one-word reply: “HOME.” Advent is a season, not to check who has been naughty or nice, but a journey that leads us home to be with the Emmanuel, God with us. We don’t come home to this truth in December by walking the tinsel packaged aisles of department stores, but in journeying deep within, in self-examination, Bible study and prayer.

Not in a condemning way, for Christ came not to condemn the world, but to save it.

The Sunday themes of Advent help pave the way and encourage us to step ever closer home, as we reflect upon the hope, the joy, the love and the peace that only Jesus brings.

These promised gifts of Christ are unpacked Sunday by Sunday through Advent.

Due to this journey, Christmas takes on a deeper meaning as we come to realize that real hope, real joy, real love and real peace cannot be found in the many presents or foods we gorge ourselves upon, and ignore after Boxing Day, but

Accompanied by Bishop David Irving (left), Marian Weinhandl (centre) listens as Rev. Quenton Little reads a short biography of Marion’s service to the church. Marion received a Certificate of Recognition for her 76 years of music ministry, during the Diocese of Saskatoon’s 71st Synod.

Photo — Peter R. Coolen

Marian Weinhandl receives music ministry award

in Christ, God’s gift to us for eternity.

So the season of Advent calls us to draw near, like the shepherds and the wise men, to draw nearer to that place where we come home to the reality of the God-child born in a stable, born for you, born for me.

So enjoy the journey home this Advent and may your shopping cart be your open heart.

For as we journey closer, we are brought home to acknowledge the great hunger that each one of us has deep down in our souls: an incredible hunger to come home to the good news of Christmas; an incredible hunger to experience and celebrate the redeeming, forgiving, sustaining love of God; an incredible hunger to BE in the presence of our Lord God, Emmanuel.

May God bless you as you journey through Advent to meet the Saviour of the world.

And may the joy, the hope, the love, the peace and the wonder of that first Christmas night be yours in full measure.

By Rev. Quenton Little SASKATOON – Editor’s note: During the opening service of the 71st Synod of the Diocese of Saskatoon held in Saskatoon in September, Certificates of Recognition for long Service in Ministry were awarded to several individuals. Among those receiving awards was Marion Weinhandl.

Marian was awarded a Certificate of Recognition, for her 76 years of devoted service in music ministry, as organist for St. Stephen’s Church, Lintlaw. The text used during the presentation of the award by Rev. Quenton Little follows.

“This past February St. Stephen’s Church in Lintlaw honoured their loved-by-all, fiercely-stalwart and constantparishioner, Marion Weinhandl, for her 76 years of devoted service as organist.

“Marian is a lifelong and faithful resident of Lintlaw and member of St. Stephen’s Church. In every

way imaginable, Marian has devoted her entire life to St. Stephen’s and its ministry to the community and area.

“As a young girl, it was Marian’s father’s job to take the parish priest by horse and wagon, sleigh in the winter months, from Lintlaw to Kelvington, Rose Valley and back. A round trip cost $2.

“Marian and her siblings each got a turn to accompany their father on this round trip, the highlight being supper at the Gillies Hotel in Kelvington on Main Street. The experience was fittingly likened to being at a royal hotel.

“White linen tablecloths and napkins, crystal and silverware as far as the eye could see. It was a spectacular sight for a child from Lintlaw to see and eat in such grandeur. What was left of the $2 after supper was then put in the church collection plate. At around the age of 10, Marian began to play the organ along with her sister Audrey at St. Stephen’s.

“It was during the Silver

Jubilee of King George V, in 1937, that Marian and her fellow Jr. ACW members raised the funds for and purchased the oak communion rail and prayer desk that are still in use at St. Stephen’s today.

“The only time that Marian was unable to participate in the life of the church and her community was in 1941, when Marian went to Regina to complete her Grade 11. As a young, married women with a family of four boys, Marian was still devoted to piling them in the car and driving them to church on Sunday and to the ACW social outings, which provided a much-needed break from the life of the farm.

“Marian is still as devoted today at the age of 86 as she has always been.

“It is rare, indeed, to have a Sunday without Marian at the organ to play hymns of praise for the parish.

“No more fitting words could be said about Marian than simply saying, ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant.’”

Habit of daily prayer, Bible reading vital to ‘spiritual health’, bishop says

By Rev. Norbert Haukenfrers MUENSTER (Skwn) – The refrain of, “This was one of the most encouraging clergy retreats the Diocese of Saskatchewan has had,” was said by many in the weeks following the retreat led by Bishop Fraser Lawton at St. Peter’s Abby in Muenster.

Without airs or pretension, Bishop Lawton revealed where he finds his courage, strength

and hope to participate in the ministry he has been called to do.

He spoke of where one’s strength must remain to be faithful stewards of the calling they have received.

He began by asking everyone to revisit their own call, remembering that it is God who has chosen and called them to this particular task in this particular place and time.

Success in the call is measured in one’s faithful obedience in responding to God’s call, he said.

Remembering that it is God who has called guards against any sense of failure, encouraging everyone not to “give in to despair or panic but to give in to prayer.”

On Tuesday afternoon an unexpected burst of speed from Bishop Lawton assisted his team

in winning the football game.

In the evening, he spoke of the vital role the habit of daily prayer and Scripture play in maintaining spiritual health.

“Cultivating a life of prayer is cultivating a relationship,” Bishop Lawton said; meanwhile the football players were feeling their sore muscles due to a lack of the habit of physical exercise.

The last two talks focused on the love and healing power of

God that we know and receive through Jesus Christ and in the Holy Spirit.

Bishop Lawton, at the closing Eucharist, spoke of how “the Gospel isn’t stories meant to make us feel good, the Gospel is here to change lives.”

He prayed that the clergy would be renewed in the purposeful, creative and redeeming love of God that brings healing and hope.

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The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2013

Imagine more and great things will happen

By Diana Swift

Sharing a laugh during a retreat

Kathy Chase, Mary Ann Assailly and Meghan Lofghren make presentations at the bi-annual retreat of the Diocese of Saskatoon’s Anglican Church Women, held at Manitou Springs this past September.

The theme for the retreat was ‘Angels Amongst Us’.

Photo — Anne Brennan

Cross re-lit Continued from Page 1 During the prayers, the cross was blessed with holy water by Rev. Christopher Snook. The dedication was concluded with the singing of Phos Hilaron (O Joyful Light) by the guest choir for the service, Campion Schola, led by Valerie Hall.

The preacher at the service was the Executive Archdeacon of Qu’Appelle, Rev. Mary Ann Boote.

The archdeacon presented a sermon with two themes: a reflection of the life of St. Luke and a reflection on being a congregation named after St. Luke.

Archdeacon Boote identified what is known about Luke, who was a physician and a companion of the apostle Paul.

From the Acts narrative, it appears that Luke accompanied Paul on at least a portion of his second and third journeys, as well as his eventful trip to Rome.

Luke has been credited

with being the first Christian historian through his authorship of his Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles.

“St. Luke was a man who was focused on what he knew to be real. He could deal with the realities of physical health and disease and he came to know and deal with spiritual health and disease. In all things it would seem, he sought healing,” said Boote.

To reflect on what it means to be a congregation named after St. Luke, Archdeacon Boote first discussed symbols in the Anglican Church, especially acted symbols.

The cross in St. Luke’s church is a symbol. It becomes an acted symbol when the members of the congregation provide the action.

“There are people living around your building right now who haven’t got the faintest clue what you’re on about in here.

They are wounded and they need healing, but they do not

know that God offers it and that you can bring them to it.

“And when that light is turned on, they will see it and know that this church has decided to light up the darkness, but they will not have any understanding of the symbol,” she said.

“I want to challenge you.

Because the neighbourhood around you has changed very dramatically over the years, you are presented with a very great opportunity.

“The light on this building has been turned off for many years. Now it is being re-lit. Do you not see the symbolism in even these two facts? Do not let this opportunity pass you by.

“God is giving you the means to light this cross.

“It can simply be, objectively, a pretty thing to look at, or it can be an open door, an acted symbol that moves each of you to find ways to share the other healing you have received.”

Bocking passes away Continued from Page 1 Doug’s contribution to the preservation of Saskatchewan’s history was substantial.

He edited the award-winning magazine Saskatchewan History, from 1960 until his retirement in 1986.

He compiled Saskatchewan a Pictorial History, 1979, and edited Pages from the Past, 1979, as well as writing a number of articles on the history of Saskatchewan.

He was a long-time member of the Archives Section of the Canadian Historical

Association and its successor, the Association of Canadian Archivists and chairman in 1967.

Doug contributed to a variety of community activities: Saskatoon Region of the Boy Scout Association; member of the Board and Secretary of the Saskatoon Symphony Society; Life member of the Skyline Trail Hikers of the Canadian Rockies; Member of Nature Saskatoon from 1958 onward; and a member of the Golden Eagles.

He was active in St.

Timothy’s Anglican Church and Archivist for the Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon from 1986 to 2000.

A lifetime interest in photography grew naturally into a study of prairie and alpine flora and hiking.

He and Merle hiked many of the trails in the Rocky Mountains. They also travelled, mostly in southern Europe, and Central America as well as the southern U.S.A. When at home Doug spent many hours at his woodworking bench.

TORONTO — The Anglican Foundation of Canada may be the best-kept secret in the Canadian church. Few people realize since 1957, this organization has given more than $28 million in grants and loans.

And the Foundation wants more Anglicans to benefit in more diverse ways. So it’s embarking on an exciting journey of renewal to ensure its funding has maximum impact.

All three dioceses in the province of Saskatchewan — Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle — have benefitted from the Anglican Foundation of Canada over the years.

See throughout this paper for stories about those who have received funding over the years from the Foundation.

“By making it easier to apply and increasing the impact of gifts, we’re able to help more people with a wider range of projects and programs across the country,” says the Rev. Judy Rois, executive director.

Four new funding initiatives will launch in 2014: •Multiple-year funding for ministry projects of up to $10,000 a year for three years; •A proactive annual call for proposals to encourage innovative ministry; •A donor/ project matching program; •A streamlined twice-yearly application process for grants and loans Symbolizing the new focus

is a re-designed maple leaf logo with the tagline imagine more, which the Foundation hopes will start people dreaming about the endless possibilities it’s ready to support.

Inspired by the fresh expressions of Vision 2019, its new initiatives include ecumenical youth strategies, hospice and elder care, theological education and projects in the arts.

“It’s all about giving life to people, parishes and visions,” says Rois. No one knows better how ministry-enriching Foundation support is than Justin Cheng, a postulant with the Diocese of British Columbia, who received a grant to intern at St. George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem.

“The experience allowed me to get a glimpse of the church’s mission in the Middle East,” he says. “The Foundation’s financial support demonstrates the church’s commitment to future ordained ministry.”

Traditional funding for church renovation continues.

Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Foundation chair, calls the revamped strategy “funding that matters and makes a difference in people’s lives.”

Ottawa’s Dean Shane Parker says the Foundation’s new direction will “provide abundant resources for innovative ministries across the Canadian church.” Every parish can become a Foundation member by making an annual donation. To apply, go to: anglicanfoundation.org.

Saskatoon’s locally trained clergy program Do you love God? Do you love the church?

Have you been involved in lay ministry in your parish for quite some time and wonder about going even deeper?

Perhaps God is calling you to diaconal or priestly ministry!

“Who, me?” you might say.

Yes, YOU! Stranger things have happened you know.

God needs workers in the vineyard, including priests and deacons. Perhaps now is the time for you to consider it.

The Diocese of Saskatoon has a new program for training clergy. The program takes three to five years to complete,

depending on how much time you can devote to it.

There is no cost to you, as the training leads to a non-stipendiary (voluntary) ordained ministry.

The program includes reading courses, in-house training sessions, spiritual formation and a supervised apprenticeship.

The path to Holy Orders is an awesome spiritual adventure. Take the plunge now!For more information, please contact the Diocesan Training Officer, Rev. Shawn Sanford Beck, at greenpriest@hotmail.ca.

The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2013

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Obedience to God can lead to unexpected places

By Jason Antonio REGINA – The “seeds” of the early Church began to be planted by the disciples only after they had scattered from Jerusalem following the death of Stephen and persecutions led

by Saul (Acts 8).

“Sometimes we plant the seeds and don’t know where they are going to end up,” said Rev. Malcolm French.

“We don’t (always) see the plant that arises.

“If the seeds are good, they will grow well.”

“It’s not about our success,” added Rev. Peter Boote, a participant in the class French was teaching.

“It is about our obedience to God.” The disciples’ obedience led them to the areas where Jesus had said they need to go (the countryside of Judea, Samaria and the “ends of the Earth”).

Philip travels to Samaria (Acts 8:5) while Peter and John also headed for the same area afterward (Acts 8:14).

Saul’s persecutions lead to an expanding role for the deacons of the early Church.

Learning about the challenges of the early Church was the goal for participants who attended a Qu’Appelle School for Mission and Ministry class. Entitled “The Acts of the Apostles,” the class was held at St. James the Apostle in Regina.

In Acts, Philip’s travels lead him to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:27).

French explained because the eunuch was a eunuch, he was completely excluded from Israel.

He could not become part of the Jewish people by proselytization because of his incompleteness.

Since the eunuch was reading the Book of Isaiah, Philip began where the eunuch was reading, at Chapter 56:4-5.

The two then read on from there.

“We have to meet people where they are regarding the gospel,” said Boote.

Sometimes we need to get out of God’s way and let God

work in people’s lives, said French.

There are also times when we should be open to being the instrument through whom God works.

French added it was God who took Philip to Samaria and who took Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch.

It is also God who opens the hearts of people.

The priest recalled a video he had seen of how an Episcopal priest in the U.S. had “failed” in her job of closing a parish.

The church, when she went in to close it, had 10 people.

Under her leadership, it had grown to 300.

“They were asking her about this and she said, ‘We are a resurrection people. We believe in the resurrection. But first you have to know you’re dead,’” French recalled.

“And this is part of the problem the Church runs into right now.

“Having been trapped in that Acts 1-5 (situation) – we’re in Jerusalem, we hanging out in the Temple, just waiting for stuff to happen and to the degree that we’re trapped there – we don’t realize that’s not sufficient.”

“I think sometimes we think we always have to do it.

And we always have to have the plan and figure out what’s happening,” added participant Deacon Anne Marie MacNeil.

“And that’s not the case.”

“I learned something in the navy that was very important,” responded French.

“When you draw lines on the chart and plan your tracks, that’s never going to be exactly what happens…A plan is merely a basis for change.

“It’s important for the Church to make plans and strategies. Mission Action Plans are wonderful things. “(But) you constantly have to be open to adjusting the plan…

“When you have a plan as an individual church or Christian, you get on and wait for God to guide your steps.

“A ship that is moving can turn.

“A ship that is not moving cannot turn.”

Raising funds for the bishop of Missinippi

Elder Christie Crane presents Diocese of Saskatchewan Bishop Adam Halkett with $1,200 from the congregation and ACW of the Church of the Good Shepherd, in Cumberland House in northern Saskatchewan. The Diocesan Indigenous Council needs to raise $25,000 this year as part of the funding for the bishop of Missinippi.

Photo ­— Contributed

St. Peter’s, Avonlea, celebrates centennial

By Rev. Ella Frank AVONLEA (Qu’A) – On Oct. 20, St. Peter’s congregation celebrated its 100th anniversary with a service of thanksgiving and dedication with Bishop Robert Hardwick as the celebrant.

Rev. Isabella Frank, incumbent of the Parish of the Good Shepherd, welcomed everyone to the celebration. She introduced Bishop Hardwick and his wife, Lorraine; noted that the cornucopia arrangement of flowers on the altar were given by Susan and Bob Ballentine in memory of her parents, Tom and Marj Drope and the other arrangement was a gift from the congregation of Holy Trinity, Ogema.

Following the words of welcome, Bishop Hardwick opened the service with prayer and invited everyone to join in singing the first hymn, Come in and sit down, you are a part of the family.

Judy Jordan and Phyllis Ridgway read the Scripture readings, followed by the reflection by the bishop.

After confessing the words of our baptism in the Apostles’ Creed, the bishop invited a long-time member of St. Peter’s, Garry Hubbard and Rev. Isabella Frank, to come forward for the dedication service of two

beautiful stained glass windows and two altar candle holders.

Hubbard gave a brief history of the stained glass windows, which had been part of the Anglican Church in Milestone that had closed its doors and the building demolished. Hubbard, who attended this church when he was in high school, inquired about the windows.

He was told they were of no value and would be met with the wrecking ball, to which he asked if he could have them.

After a number of months, Garry and his wife Alice had restored the windows and placed them on the west wall of the sanctuary, with fluorescent lights behind to show the beautiful stained glass pictures of the Good Shepherd. The windows were dedicated to Garry’s mother, Anne Hubbard, and to his wife, Alice Hubbard.

The two altar candle holders also have a history. Hubbard made them from the trunk of volunteer ash tree that had taken over the Hubbards’ backyard.

The candle sticks are finished to look like marble when the light hits them in a certain way; these were dedicated to his son Donald and grandson Craig Hubbard.

The service continued with the intercessions and celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Linda Rollman assisted the bishop

with the Eucharist.

The service closed with an old familiar hymn, Bringing in the Sheaves, appropriate for the rural community and the time of giving thanks.

Following the service everyone gathered in the Avonlea Community Hall for a delicious meal, entertainment and reminiscing.

Vestry member Judy Jordan welcomed everyone to the hall, which was beautifully decorated with autumn coloured centre pieces, yellow napkins, flower arrangements and a bookmark depicting St. Peter’s Anglican Church and a prayer composed

by Phyllis Ridgway.

She noted it was great to have two bishops present to celebrate their 100 years.

Bishop James Cowan, retired bishop of the Diocese of British Columbia, attended the anniversary.

Bishop Cowan was an intern in the Parish of the Good Shepherd in 1972, while he was a theological student. His wife is the former Annette Hubbard.

The program consisted of a few stories and a presentation to Rev. Isabella Frank on the occasion of her 11th anniversary as an ordained priest. Linda Rollman, who had baked and decorated the anniversary cake, was called upon to do the honours of cutting it.

6

The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2013

Klaus and Margie Gruber receive award for supporting refugees

By Dean Scott Pittendrigh SASKATOON – Editor’s note: During the opening service of the 71st Synod of the Diocese of Saskatoon held in Saskatoon in September, Certificates of Recognition for long Service in Ministry were awarded to several individuals. Among those receiving awards were the Very Reverend Klaus and Margie Gruber. The text used during their presentation by Scott Pittendrigh, Dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, follows.

“In 1979, the world watched in horror as tens of thousands of refugees fled countries of Southeast Asia due to the withdrawal of American troops and the takeover of the communist regime. They fled through the jungle on foot, swam the Mekong River and boarded rickety boats to cross the ocean to try to get to safety.

Thousands died.

“The Canadian government issued a challenge. It would sponsor a refugee for every refugee that private citizens would sponsor. Churches across the country sprang into action and the private sponsorship of refugees in Canada began.

“Klaus and Margie were active in outreach in their small parish (All Saints in Waterloo, Ont.) and the parish, under the leadership of the outreach committee, immediately decided to sponsor a family. Klaus and Margie had little money, as Klaus was a graduate student and they had two children, including a young baby and an adolescent foster daughter.

“They did, however, have room in their home, so they offered to provide housing for the three young refugees from Laos that the church sponsored.

They were a young couple, who were pregnant, and the wife’s younger sister.

“Over the next few months, other family members were found and sponsored and by the time the refugees moved into their own home, there were ten of them.

“Klaus and Margie remain close friends with the family 35

More news from Saskatoon’s 71st Synod

years later.

“Over the next few years, many more families were sponsored by All Saints. Klaus and Margie were involved in all of the sponsorships.

“In some ways, Klaus’ interest in refugees was grounded in his own life experience. He was born in a refugee camp in Germany after the Second World War and came to Canada when he was eight months old as a ‘DP’ (Displaced Person).

“In 1989 Margie and Klaus moved to Saskatoon and found a home at St. John’s Cathedral and joined the outreach committee.

“In 1992, the parish was asked to sponsor relatives of a recently arrived refugee family from Bosnia, and since nobody else on the outreach committee had direct experience with sponsorship, Klaus was asked to see what could be done.

“After investigating the circumstances, the parish agreed to sponsor the relatives and six months later, three members of

the family arrived.

“The original intent was to sponsor four, but one was killed by a sniper before they could get to Canada.

“Klaus and Margie provided leadership for that first sponsorship and many more that the parish became involved in.

“Bishop Tom Morgan asked Klaus to represent St. John’s on the Saskatoon refugee committee and act as the chair of the Diocesan Refugee Committee. He has been the chair of the committee since 1993.

“He has remained active in the Saskatoon Refugee Coalition and often provides leadership in the organizing of community educational events, advocacy events, such as press conferences, and visits to MPs. “He also does many presentations about refugees throughout the community.

“Klaus has also been an active member of the PWRDF refugee network and the Canadian Council of Refugees.

“He has also served on

the council of the national Sponsorship Agreement Holder’s Association and the NGO-Government committee.

Klaus has served for six years on the Board of Directors of PWRDF. “Klaus represented PWRDF on two missions, one to refugee camps in Kenya and refugee programs in Cairo and one on a delegation to Colombia.

“In 2007, Klaus received the Anglican Award of Merit for his refugee work and in 2009, he was made an honorary member of the PWRDF board.

In 2010, Klaus also received the Honorary Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club for his volunteer work with refugees.

“Margie has also been consistently involved in supporting refugees.

“As the St. John’s Cathedral outreach chair and later refugee chair, she organized outreach volunteers to visit and support refugees in our midst, most of them government sponsored who needed personal support

and extra settlement assistance.

“She personally supported numerous families and provided ongoing support to the volunteers.

“In two instances, Margie also spearheaded appeals with refugees. The first, an appeal to the federal court, was successful and resulted in one of our parish families being partially reunited.

“The adjudicator credited the Cathedral’s support and involvement as one of the reasons for her positive judgement.

“The other appeal was a successful Humanitarian and Compassionate Appeal to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, to allow the reunification of a six-year-old girl who had been left behind in Africa, to be reunited with her mother and family in Canada.

“This was a very intense project, a year in the making, which had a successful outcome after five years. Margie’s persistence against strong odds was gratefully noted by the family.

“Margie and Klaus have been involved in many other sponsorships in Saskatoon and have had other refugees living with them.

“In all, Margie and Klaus have had many people living in their home, from foster children, friends who were ‘between homes’, exchange students from overseas and refugees.

“The stays have varied from a few weeks to seven years.

People who have lived with them have come from Europe, Africa, Asia and South America, including the countries of Somalia, Germany, Venezuela, Sudan, Thailand, Uganda, among others.

“In 2006, Margie and Klaus were asked to contribute a chapter to the book In Welcoming the Stranger (by Robert MacLennon (Ed.) ABC Press, Toronto, Canada). Their chapter was titled ‘There are no Strangers.’”

The book was published in 2007.

“All of Klaus’ and Margie’s involvement with refugees has been volunteer work.”

By Peter R. Coolen

synod were omitted from the November article: Mary Ann Assailly gave a very detailed and enjoyable update and history of the Truth and Reconciliation Process and the diocese’s involvement in the process; Meghan Lofgren provided a synopsis and overview of

this year’s General Synod proceedings; a presentation was made by Joan Irving and Cheryl Moen in regard to past and future planned activities in diocesan external outreach program (building houses in Baja, Mexico); Rev. Canon Ken Watts provided an update

and discussed future plans for the diocesan internal outreach program (Habitat for Humanity building of inner city housing); and the diocesan ACW presented a very enjoyable skit about what fun was had, and what good and useful work was done, by the ACW women.

At the opening service of the 71st synod of the Diocese of Saskatoon, in September, the Very Rev. Klaus GruberandMargieGruberwerepresented an award of recognition for their many years of volunteer service in ministry in assisting in the support and relocation of refugees. Here Bishop David Irving (left) presents Margie Gruber (centre) and Klaus Gruber (right) with their award, while Dean Scott Pittendrigh speaks about their work.

At the opening service of the 71st Synod of the Diocese of Saskatoon, in September, the Very Rev. Klaus Gruber and Margie Gruber were presented an award of recognition for their many years of volunteer service in ministry in assisting in the support and relocation of refugees. Here Bishop David Irving (left) presents Margie (centre) and Klaus Gruber (right) with their award, while Dean Scott Pittendrigh (far right) speaks about their work.

Photo — Heather Punshon

SASKATOON – In the November edition of the Saskatchewan Anglican, the proceedings of the 71st synod, held this past September, were detailed. However, several presentations made at

The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2013

7

Advent: More than chocolate

By Rev. Bill Portman

REGINA – Gone are the days when from the start of November we heard the same half-dozen Christmas carols over and over in malls and on every radio station, in arrangements from lush strings to rock to country.

Now, in deference to politically correct attempts to include people of all faiths or none in Christmas, we get plenty of Winter Wonderland, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and of course Rudolph, but far fewer genuine Christmas carols.

We do, however, receive tons of flyers to remind us that Christmas is the biggest shopping spree of the year.

Santa Baby is in, the baby Jesus is out.

Advent is a season of expectation and preparation, as the Church prepares to celebrate the coming (adventus) of Christ in His Incarnation.

The Church also looks ahead to His final advent as judge at the end of time.

The readings and the worship of which they are a part not only direct us towards Christ’s birth, they also challenge our modern reluctance to confront the theme of divine judgement.

The commercial anticipation of Christmas, and its increasing secularization, makes it harder for Christians to sustain Advent’s message of alert watchfulness.

Advent calendars should be more than just an excuse to consume more chocolate.

Here are some things which Photo — Nigel Salway

will help us to keep Advent properly.

The Four Last Things – Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell – have been traditional themes for Advent meditation.

The characteristic note of Advent is reflective expectation rather than penitence, even though the character of the season is coloured by touches of the austerity of Lent.

The Church traditionally prepares for a feast with a fast.

Church decorations are simple and spare; blue is the liturgical colour, more subdued than penitent.

Advent encourages us to “watch and pray.”

The fundamental Advent prayer remains “Maranatha” or “Our Lord, come” (1 Corinthians 16:22) For us in the northern hemisphere, Advent falls at the darkest time of the year, and the natural symbols of darkness and light are powerfully at work, as expressed in the Advent Collect (BCP page 95; BAS page 268).

The tradition of lighting candles on the Advent wreath came from northern Europe in the 19th century and has become a popular devotion both at church services and in Christian homes.

The wreath has four purple candles (sometimes a pink one for the third Sunday), and at the centre, is a large white candle lit on Christmas Day. The advent candles can represent or symbolize many aspects of the season.

This is one way: Advent 1 – The Patriarchs; Advent 2 – The

Prophets; Advent 3 – John the Baptist; Advent 4 – The Virgin Mary; Christmas – The Christ.

Each of the four Sundays reminds us of those who prepared for the coming of Christ.

The Patriarchs of course focus on Abraham, our father in faith, and David the ancestor in whose city Jesus was born.

The Prophets like Isaiah help us reflect on how the birth of Jesus was foretold.

John the Baptist, who proclaimed the Saviour, and Mary, who bore Him in her womb, complete the picture.

The last days of Advent are marked by the sequence of the Great “O” antiphons, originally used as a lead-in to the Magnificat at Evensong.

They call on God to come as teacher and deliverer, using a rich tapestry of Scriptural titles and pictures that describe God’s saving work in Christ.

You can find them in prayer form in the BAS in #12 on page 119.

They also inspired the great Advent hymn O come, O come Emmanuel (Common Praise 89).

Why not follow the Anglican custom of using the Collect for the First Sunday of Advent every day during the season?

It could serve as a good antidote to all those Christmas-y pop songs we’ll be hearing all December.

Acknowledgement: Some of the material here comes from a similar article in the parish paper of All Saints, Margaret Street, in London, England.

New diocesan editor for Saskatchewan Contributed

The two got married last fall on Sept. 29, 2012, after which they were called to serve the Diocese of Saskatchewan in the Parish of Birch Hills, Kinistino and Muskoday. Amy loves serving the Church with her husband, visiting with those in their community, as well as leading music in the services.

In her spare time, Amy also enjoys learning how to play the piano and how to cook (although she is still working on how to bake!) Amy is thankful for this opportunity to serve the Church and our good Lord Jesus Christ.

She is overjoyed to be of some service!

Photo — Amy Dow

BIRCH HILLS (Skwn) — The Saskatchewan Anglican welcomes Amy Dow as the new diocesan editor for the Diocese of Saskatchewan.

Amy was born in Hamilton, Ont., and raised in South India most of her life.

Granddaughter to a bishop in India, it wasn’t a big surprise to her parents when she wanted to go to seminary to at first, learn more about the Christian faith, which led to Amy graduating with a Master’s in Divinity.

She met her now husband, Rev. Christopher David Louis Dow, in her first year.

TESTAMENT THE BIBLE AND HISTORY A BBC-Video Learning Adventure in 7 Sessions ╬ HOST:

Rev. Joe Ponic: art historian and educator.

WHEN:

Thursday evenings, 7:30-9 pm; Jan 16, 2014, through Feb 27, 2014.

WHERE:

St. George Anglican Church, 624 Ave I South, Saskatoon. Park on street and behind church.

No. 3 Bus stops at Ave H South and 16 St.

COST:

$25.00. Includes instruction and comprehensive study guide.

REGISTRATION Telephone church office 9:30-noon, Mon. to Fri. Leave message if no answer. (306-242-7973)

Follow the fascinating story of the Bible in history, from papyrus to printing to digital media. Filmed on location by the BBC and narrated by world-famous archeologist John Romer, each session encourages discussion at your interest level. Have an enjoyable evening, grow in Faith, and learn in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Each session is selfcontained; attend all or as many as you choose. Audio// video are first quality, with subtitles.

8

The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2013

Commitment Sunday

By Bishop Michael Hawkins

O God, we bless you for our creation and redemption and we pray that mindful of your generosity and mercy to us, we might live and give happily and freely in return.

Help us daily to see all the gifts you have given us.

Help us to see the needs of your church and your world as well as our own need to give.

As we prepare to make our commitment for 2014, show us what you would have us give and do in worship, witness and service.

Pour out your Spirit upon us and give us the joy of generous hearts, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

PRINCE ALBERT – Dear Friends, I write to encourage you in your journey as disciples of Jesus Christ this Commitment Sunday, Dec. 1.

Part of discipleship is to grow in the worship, life and mission of the Church.

But we cannot be disciples alone.

We are Christ’s church together, and this November I ask of myself, of you and our many neighbours across this diocese to make growing commitments to ministry in our communities.

It was out of nothing but His own goodness that God made the world.

It was out of nothing but His own grace that God redeemed each of us also.

Both those words, “goodness” and “grace,” can be translated “generosity”.

We are created and redeemed by the generosity of God. As creatures of God, we are made to reflect the generosity of our Maker.

As children of God, we are redeemed to reflect the generosity of our Father.

The principle of proportional giving is that we are called to give out of and according to all that God has given us.

As we say each Sunday, “All things come of thee and of thine own have we given thee.”

The standard we find in the Bible is a tithe or tenth of what we have.

The materials you will have leading up to Commitment Sunday will help each of us determine what we are currently giving and what we could give.

The tithe is a standard that calls us to grow as a giver and as a disciple.

Growth means taking steps, so as you reflect on your commitment for 2014, please reflect on your current giving and pray about how you might take new

steps to increase your offering in 2014.

On Commitment Sunday, we will hear about the person who gave his donkey to Jesus to ride on as He made His way into Jerusalem.

“The Lord hath need of them.”

That was all it took for the owner of the donkey to give it over.

We don’t know who the owner of the donkey was but we have many other New Testament examples of committed, faithful and generous stewards.

Think of the boy who shared his picnic lunch, the same lunch that fed some 5,000.

Think of the widow who put so much of what she had to help maintain the worship of the temple, though it was just a penny.

Think of Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna, who followed our Lord all the way to the cross and tomb and who provided for Jesus and His disciples

out of their means.

Think of Barnabas, who sold a piece of land and brought the proceeds to the apostles.

These examples show us people who give generously for the mission of Jesus Christ, the maintenance of the worship of God, the relief of the hungry and needy.

And we are called in our day and in our way to be about and to give for the same things.

As your bishop, it is my calling and privilege to serve Christ’s Church here in northern Saskatchewan.

My own service takes the form of giving pastoral, spiritual and educational support and direction to both our clergy and laity.

My service also involves building unity, within the diocese and with the broader Church, as well as working with organizations across the diocese, including governments, councils and para-church organizations.

This work reminds me that

we are stewards of Christ’s Church not the owners of it.

Bishop Adam Halkett, our gifted diocesan staff, volunteers and I do our work by God’s grace alone and we pray that His grace will continue to enliven your worship, ministry and mission.

The Gospel of grace makes us gracious.

I am encouraged by this truth every day.

I am honoured to invite you to make a free, cheerful and growing financial commitment to the Church in your congregation.

Before you do however, please use the Commitment Sunday prayer provided. Read it weekly and reflect on all that God has given you.

As we take steps this season to reflect on God’s generosity in our lives, I pray each of us will grow in the knowledge of God’s love for us and that each of us will respond with grateful hearts this Commitment Sunday.

Anglican Foundation of Canada work in the Diocese of Saskatchewan Enriching life across the dioceses In every jurisdiction, the Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) is working to revitalize the Anglican experience by providing grants and loans for projects that enhance church life.

Eligible initiatives range

from physical-plant renovations, accessibility upgrades and new construction to diverse projects in the arts, Christian education and vocational development, history and heritage, healing and reconciliation and social welfare.

Here are a few examples.

SASKATCHEWAN Across this diocese, the Foundation has helped fund the repair and renovation of church buildings and rectories, including the recent roof replacement at the parish of St. David in Prince Albert.

It also awarded a grant to the Camp Paskwawaskink Project

in Christopher Lake, a healing and prayer retreat for aboriginal youth struggling with addiction and at risk for suicide.

“The grant gave us critical help with building materials for the cabins, food for the construction workers and transportation to the site,” says Deacon Sam Halkett, camp founder.

The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2013

9

Christopher Dow ordained to priesthood in Saskatchewan

The clergy and bishops of the Diocese of Saskatchewan gather after the ordination to the priesthood of Rev. Christopher Dow, on Oct. 18 at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Birch Hills in central Saskatchewan. Dow is in the back, flanked on his left by Bishop Michael Hawkins and by Bishop Adam Halkett on his right. Dow’s wife Amy stands just in front of the newly-ordained priest.

Photo — Mary Brown

By Stella Demery BIRCH HILLS (Skwn) – The ordination of Christopher Dow took place on the Feast of St. Luke, Oct. 18 at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Birch Hills.

Rev. Chris Dow is rector of the congregations of: St. James, Muskoday; St. George’s Anglican

Church/Zion Lutheran Church in Kinistino; and St. Mary’s Birch Hills.

Parishioners from the three points of the parish attended the celebration and presented Chris with a gift of a chasuble and alb. St. Mary’s hosted the supper for the rehearsal, while the three congregations joined together to host a reception luncheon

following the ordination.

Bishop Michael Hawkins and Bishop Adam Halkett conducted the Service of Ordination, along with clergy from Christopher Lake, Melfort, Tisdale and Prince Albert participating in the service.

Canon George Sumner, principal of Wycliffe College, preached the sermon, reminding Chris that he is

“called to see God’s hand, His call, His gifts, His warning, in the lives of the people He has given you to care for.”

Canon George is a fellow New England Patriot’s fan with Chris!

Amy Dow, Chris’s wife, was cantor for the Litany. St. Mary’s choir sang a special hymn during communion.

Approximately 100 guests were

part of the celebration, including Chris’ parents and brother from Kingston, Ont. Chris and Amy moved to Birch Hills on Dec. 30, 2012, survived one of the toughest prairie winters, quickly became active “rural folk” and grafted into the lives of the congregations and communities they serve.

Celebrating a Harvest Festival in Beechy

By Rev. David Nevett BEECHY (Qu’A) – St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, Beechy, was decorated with flowers, fruits, vegetables and fall colours for a very special service on Oct. 13. Not only was it the annual Harvest Festival, but because visiting was Bishop Robert Hardwick and his wife, Lorraine.

Following the local tradition, on the second Sunday of the month, the Beechy United Church did not have a service, but that congregation worshiped with the

Anglicans. (On the third Sunday of the month there is no service in the Anglican Church when they attend the United Church.)

The bishop was the celebrant and preacher for the occasion, Sylvia Haugen the organist, Carol Esson read the Scriptures, Eleanor Taylor led the prayers of the people and Hayden Connor was the crucifer and server.

After the service, photos were taken and everyone had lunch together, giving an opportunity for fellowship and informal conversation with Bishop Robert and Lorraine.

Young and old Anglican and United church members in Beechy celebrate Harvest Festival with Bishop Robert Hardwick.

Photo — Rev. David Nevett

10

The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2013

By Maureen Parsons

A quiet place

SWIFT CURRENT (Qu’A) – It all started when bereaved families and friends wanted to place a bench in St. Stephen’s churchyard in memory of a loved one.

When the church was locked, a place was needed where people could sit, meditate or just spend a little quiet time during the busyness of day-to-day life. From this came the title of “A Quiet Place.”

Warren’s Funeral Home in Swift Current donated a bronze plaque to be placed on the stone bench. On it was engraved: A QUIET PLACE Jesus said: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).

A rowan (mountain ash) tree, planted to commemorate the centennial of the diocese in 1984, shelters the memorial bench in “A Quiet Place” in the churchyard of St. Stephen’s, Swift Current.

Photo — Val Salter

Yee-haw! Cowboy church in Yorkton

By Marilyn Pachal YORKTON (Qu’A) – On Sept. 29, Holy Trinity, Yorkton hosted its first ever Cowboy Church.

It was held at the farm of Barry and Dale Sharpe, who live on the city outskirts. The service took place in “The Saloon”, which is a building that had been moved from the Yorkton Fairgrounds, and has been used for many social occasions over the years. It is a unique venue, with sawdust on the floor and antique farm implements lining the walls.

The service was one of the Pelly Deanery shared services, held twice yearly on the fifth Sunday of the month. The deanery includes Saltcoats, Churchbridge, Bredenberry, Esterhazy, Melville, Canora and Kamsack.

The congregation sat on chairs and around tables and were entertained by Prairie Blend, a gospel quartet from Langenberg.

Attendance included 106 people and five dogs, who were busy patrolling the Saloon during the service. The service was mostly songs of praise, with those present joining in some old-fashioned hymns such as Bringing in the Sheaves.

It was a beautiful fall day, and when

Qu’Appelle Notes and Events Obituary Rev. David Madill died Oct. 9 in Comox, BC. He was a priest in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle from 1949-51, serving first as curate-incharge and then Vicar Of Christ Church, Nokomis.

Ordinations

Young people of the Pelly Deanery dressed for the part of Cowboy Church. From left, Jack Gilley, Alexander Todd, Kashton Sass, Courtney Gilley, Jayd Girling and Rev. Kim Silo.

Photo — Steve Guliak pot-luck lunch was served, many people preferred sitting outside to enjoy the glorious autumn colours and the peaceful

surroundings. All present thoroughly enjoyed this form of worship and would like to repeat it next year.

Anglican Foundation of Canada work in Saskatoon and Qu’Appelle Enriching life across the dioceses In every jurisdiction, the Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) works to revitalize the Anglican experience by giving grants and loans for projects to enhance church life.

Here are a few examples.

SASKATOON

The bench and garden area were dedicated after a church service Aug. 25.

Rev. Jonathan Hoskin read the names of those remembered and local artist, Keith Kitchen, sang his song Come to Me. Thanks was given to all who donated and helped to fulfil this dream.

Two dedicated ladies from the parish created a beautiful garden around the area, which has received many comments from the community. It is great to see this area being used and not just by parishioners.

In Saskatoon, an AFC grant-loan combination helped restore the roof and rebuild the exterior envelope of the heritage Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Emmanuel Church (formerly St. James) used its grant for roofing as well.

St. Andrew’s in Maidstone used a grant and loan for ex-

tensive renovations, including re-shingling church and hall roofs, repairing windows and installing new sidewalks.

QU’APPELLE St. Giles in Estevan received a grant to bring the church up to code with wheelchair-accessible washrooms

and a lift for the disabled and later got a loan to construct a new addition.

Nehiyawe Pastoral Counselling, Gordon First Nation, in Punnichy received a grant to support healing workshops and educational programs for the survivors of residential schools and their descendants.

Deacons Susan Anholt and Tracey Taylor are to be ordained to the priesthood on Sunday, Dec. 1, at All Saints, Davidson.

The service starts at 3 p.m. The new priests will serve the Parish of Midlakes, which comprises St. Columba, Kenaston and All Saints, Davidson.

Diocesan website under construction After several months of being out of operation, the Diocese of Qu’Appelle’s website is undergoing complete reconstruction.

The new site really will be “new and improved.” Please check the new site for news from around the diocese, back issues of the Saskatchewan Anglican, updated cycle of prayer and educational material, at quappelle. anglican.ca

The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2013

11

Eight reasons for the existence of God

By Jason Antonio

REGINA – Christian apologist Dr. Andy Bannister spoke in Regina recently about whether Christianity and faith are delusional ideas.

He debunked both such ideas, while presenting eight pieces of evidence that point to the existence of God: 1) Why does anything exist at all? This is one of the most “profound philosophical questions” humans can ask, Bannister explained.

Another question many ask is ­­­— why is there something rather than nothing?

These are two questions science can’t answer.

“Science is very good at telling you what happens when you have stuff, but science isn’t very good at telling you why there isn’t ‘stuff’ in the first place,” he continued.

Some things cause other things to happen, such as the first domino causing the next domino to fall over.

Thus, everything which a person can come up with is caused by something else.

“What we need for anything to exist at all in the first place is we need some kind of uncaused cause.

“Or, we need an unmoved mover, as the Greek philosopher Aristotle put it. “(Someone) who can put the whole chain of being into beginning and into motion.

“Someone who can put the first universal domino into motion.”

2) Why does science work? Science is a “fantastic invention,” Bannister said, and may actually be the best invention mankind has ever come up with.

Another question to ask is, why is the human brain capable of not only making decisions about our daily survival, but also capable of unlocking the deepest questions of physics?

“Why is the universe even comprehensible in the first place?” Bannister continued.

The universe didn’t have to be comprehensible to minds like ours.

Science is ultimately based on mathematics, which “beautifully” describes the universe.

Why does math even work?

If there is no God, then the alignment of math and science is merely a “happy accident.”

But scientists don’t like luck, they like explanations.

So if God does exist, that explanation is easy: A rational and coherent God created a rational and coherent universe

argument contained “the seeds of its own destruction.”

Lewis argued if God didn’t exist, then objective morals, values and duties don’t exist, Bannister explained. But since all three do exist, so does God. What it means to be objective in these areas is all three are independent of you and aren’t values you make up.

You can’t change them. We “instinctively” know morality exists.

The Christian apologist noted that atoms, particles, physics and biology can’t impose morality on a person. Science tells us what happens when someone ingests arsenic, but can’t tell us whether that person ought to.

Why is the human brain capable of not only making decisions about our daily survival, but also capable of unlocking the deepest questions of physics? The universe didn’t have to be comprehensible to minds like ours, Dr. Andy Bannister said. Science is ultimately based on mathematics, which “beautifully” describes the universe.

Photo — Shutterstock filled with humans who have rational and coherent minds to understand many things.

3) A fine-tuned universe.

There exist numbers which underpin the universe and are built into the laws of science, math and physics. These are called constants.

These numbers have to be exactly right, Bannister explained, otherwise we wouldn’t be here at all and neither would the universe.

If certain protons or neutrons had different values by only a small fraction, they would tear themselves apart and nothing could exist.

“I find it not difficult as a Christian philosopher,” Bannister added, “because according to the Bible, a God who is rational, coherent and loving created a world that He described as good for His creatures to flourish.

“It is no surprise to me that that universe is precisely balanced.”

4) The human brain, particularly reasoning and thinking. Everything you believe, do, have, hope for or invest in, all require you to trust your mind, Bannister pointed

out.

Thus, if you don’t believe in God, then our mind is just a chemical reaction. If there is no soul or spirit, then your mind is just a chemical reaction “fizzing away.”

“Furthermore, if you believe your brain has simply evolved over millions of years – time plus chance plus natural selection – then you’ve hit an even bigger problem, one spotted by the father of evolutionary theory himself, Charles Darwin,” the Christian apologist added.

Even he had doubts about the mind, because evolution selects for fitness, not for the truth or what you believe.

“If you believe a rational God is behind everything…and we are not just biology, you can trust your mind. If you can’t trust your mind, that would make you deluded (according to Darwin).”

5) The feeling of desire.

This was popularized by C.S. Lewis, who wrote that all creatures have inner desires that correspond to, and can be fulfilled by, something in the world.

But if we are ever faced with the idea that we have desires

which nothing can satisfy, humans do one of three things: blame the world for not meeting that desire; suppress the feeling because nothing can meet it; or conclude that these desires are pointing somewhere and we can only find satisfaction in God. 6) Beauty and aesthetics.

What is beauty? Bannister explained it has to be more than just a subjective idea or personal preference, otherwise it is meaningless. It has to be grounded in objectivity.

“If your worldview can’t explain the world, don’t reject the world,” the apologist said.

“Get a new worldview. So beauty is a powerful pointer in terms of being far more than just chemistry, physics or biology.

7) Goodness and morality.

When C.S. Lewis was an atheist in his younger days, his main argument he used against the existence of God was the problem of evil.

He pointed out the evil in the world and questioned how there is a God who is good and powerful when such bad things happen. When Lewis became a Christian and looked back at his arguments, he noted the

8) God stepped into human history through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Christianity is not a list of doctrines, Bannister explained. It is not a set of morals. It is not a philosophy or collection of ideas. Christianity is about a person who lived in history.

This makes Christianity not only the only historically verifiable religion, but it is the only historically grounded religion.

If we were to take any other religion and remove its founder from history, that religion would still stand and exist.

“Christianity, however, is different. It is not a set of teachings brought by Jesus Christ, it is Jesus Christ.

“If you take ‘Christ’ out of Christianity, all you have is ‘ian’.

“And Ian cannot help you,” Bannister added with a grin.

Jesus doesn’t fit the category of a “good, moral teacher”, considering He said some fairly radically things, such as in John 14:8-9. Jesus didn’t claim to teach about God, He claimed to be God made flesh.

“C.S. Lewis pointed out, this whole claim that Jesus made forces us to make a choice.

“When you read what Jesus actually said and taught, you are forced to one of three conclusions: He was a lunatic and deluded for His claims to be God; He was a liar and a great manipulator…and took people in; (or) that He was who He claimed to be.

“All of these pieces of evidence, they don’t offer a knock-down blow on their own,” Bannister added. “Together they point consistently in a fascinating direction…The evidence is simply overwhelming.

“Faith simply means trust.

Have you put your trust in Jesus Christ, and if not, why not?”

12

The Saskatchewan Anglican

December 2013

Priest finds lost churches

By Carolyn Purden TORONTO – Since the founding of the Diocese of Toronto in 1839, some 50 Anglican churches in the City of Toronto have disappeared—either torn down for new development or used for different purposes.

Rev. David Harrison, the incumbent of St. Mary Magdalene, Toronto, writes a blog, “Lost Anglican Churches”, which brings these churches back to life with photographs and anecdotes.

Since 2012, Harrison has uncovered histories of 25 of the missing churches and intends to explore the remaining 25 churches in the next year or so.

He says while his blog is about local history, it is also about death and resurrection.

Congregations develop, churches are built, then local demographics change and the church is no longer required.

But churches often serve new purposes—as worship centres for other Christian denominations, or else their names (and sometimes their furnishings) find new life in the suburbs. In fact, Harrison experienced this himself in his previous parish, St. Thomas, Brooklin.

A fast-growing area, Brooklin needed a new Anglican church and one was built. The new building incorporated some of the furnishings from St. Clement, Riverdale, which closed in 2006.

“So there is a sense of continuity with the past,” Harrison says. “And we are about death and resurrection in our Christian journey, so that plays out in this story of lost Anglican churches.”

A historian by training, Harrison started investigating lost Anglican churches through his interest in St. Jude, Roncesvalles, where his grandfather was the rector and he was baptized.

Closed in the 1970s and later torn down, it had an interesting post-Anglican history: the church was used by other denominations, while the parish hall became a farmer’s market and then a dance rehearsal hall for the Mirvish theatrical productions.

A new St. Jude’s arose in Bramalea and it inherited some of the older church’s memorials and the font.

Harrison started the blog because he was looking for a new hobby. Working on his own time, he tracks down former Anglican churches through the diocesan archives, visits and photographs them, obtains

archival images and posts the story on his blog.

To date, the blog has received more than 7,000 visits.

Sometimes he finds the church still exists but is no longer used for worship. After it was closed in 1909, St. Margaret’s at Queen Street and Spadina Avenue was given an art deco façade and is now a store crammed with fabrics.

“You can see some of the architectural details are still there inside and along the exterior side of the building, but I walked by Queen and Spadina almost my entire life and had no idea that that was an Anglican church,” he says.

Sometimes Harrison has to do some sleuthing to find a church because it has disappeared. St. Barnabas, Halton, torn down in the 1970s, was described only as being on a corner at an intersection.

However, Harrison found the site when he visited the locale and saw a building on one corner that was newer than the structures on the other corners.

In one case, even the land has disappeared. In 1911, St. Nicholas was built on Fisherman’s Island, a sandbar that ran south from Cherry Beach. Church and island disappeared when the harbor area was filled in 1915.

Harrison is particularly

(TOP) Rev. David Harrison stands in front of the former St. Margaret, Spadina, in Toronto. The church closed in 1909 and an art deco facade was added later. It is now a fabric store. The bottom picture is a photo of the former church (far right) in 1920. Photos by Michael Hudson and City of Toronto Archives. interested in churches that have gone to other denominations.

He talks of Eastern and Russian Orthodox churches that fill the plain interior of an Anglican church with icons and colour.

“The shell is still there but all

this richness has been added and they’re really quite spectacular,” he says.

As well as Toronto’s lost churches, there are another 126 lost churches outside the city.

“That’s a long-term project, if

I ever decide to tackle it,” he says. “It’s a retirement project.”

Visit Lost Anglican Churches at http://lostanglicanchurches. wordpress.com/.

Story courtesy The Anglican of Toronto