Come, O Come Emmanuel Two Synods - Two Celebrations A Section of the Anglican Journal
Diocese of Qu'Appelle Celebrates 125th Anniversary at Synod
photo - staff
About 400 people filled the gym at Luther College High School for the All Saints' Day eucharist to celebrate the Diocese of Qu'Appelle's 125th anniversary. (front row, l - r) the Rt. Rev. Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon; the Rt. Rev. Cindy Halmarson, Lutheran Bishop of Saskatchewan; the Most Rev.Daniel Bohen, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Regina; Shelley Hawes, sub-deacon; the Rt. Rev. Gregory Kerr-Wilson, Bishop of Qu'Appelle; the Most Rev. David Ashdown, Metropolitan of Rupertsland. REGINA - Delegates from across the Diocese of Qu'Appelle came together on the weekend of October 30 through November 1 to conduct the business of the diocese in its 74th Synod, to worship, listen and learn, and to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the diocese. Non-delegates were invited to come to observe Synod, and participate in the workshops, guest speaker's presentations and worship services. The closing day of Synod was All Saints' Day, and the final eucharist remembered not only those saints who are commemorated in stained glass windows, but the many saints who remain nameless, including those who built the diocese. Very Rev. Kevin Martin, Dean of St. Matthew's Cathedral in Dallas, Texas, preached, and said that those nameless saints are known in heaven. Their names are not remembered on earth, but their legacy is. He quoted from the Epistle to the Hebrews, "we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses" at moments like this at the eucharist, "and eternity invades our moment and all the company of heaven is encouraging us and lifting us up." The Solemn Eucharist began with a procession to the font and the renewal of the baptismal covenant. All the bishops, Rt. Rev. Greg Kerr-Wilson (Qu'Appelle), Rt. Rev. Rodney Andrews (Saskatoon), Most Rev. David Ashdown (Metropolitan of Rupertsland), Rt. Rev. Cindy Halmarson (Lutheran Bishop of Saskatchewan), and Most Rev. Daniel Bohen (Roman Catholic Archbishop of Regina) asked the series of questions from the baptism service, and the people responded. Then Archbishops Ashdown and Bohen and Bishop Andrews dipped green branches into the water of the font, and sprinkled the water on the congregation. Bishop Kerr-Wilson was the presiding celebrant, with Archbishop Ashdown and Bishop Halmarson concelebrating. Lay people from throughout the diocese served as readers, intercessors, communion ministers and greeters. Music was led by the choir of St. Paul's Cathedral, with pianist David McIntyre. Kevin Martin also spoke at Synod on both Friday and Saturday. His talks were lively, often humorous, and at times brought tears to the eyes. He talked of his wide experience as a congregational development officer, first in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas based in Houston, and now in the Diocese of Dallas. He pointed out that congregational development does not necessarily mean growth, but improving the health of the congregation. He said if a church is in a community which is shrinking, it may not be possible for the congregation to increase in numbers, but it can still develop. He said that churches in North America must realize they are in a postChristendom society. The alliance between church and state which existed for centuries is gone, and society is increasingly secular. Church-going people, even nominal believers, are no longer the majority of the population. "We are more like the church in the first three centuries," he said, "and that is very exciting. The privileged role of the church is no more. We need to become a missionary church, not a 'maintenance' culture. We need to think in terms of discipleship, not membership." Kevin Martin said that worship should be spirited. "Our liturgy should be our continued on page 3
December 2009
66th Synod of Diocese of Saskatchewan Meets in Prince Albert
Prince Albert (SASKATCHEWAN) Clergy and Lay delegates gathered from all corners of the Diocese of Saskatchewan for the 66th Diocesan Synod at the Cathedral Church of St. Alban the Martyr in Prince Albert on Oct. 16 and 17. Friday afternoon included two presentations, one on issues surrounding Elder Abuse, and the second on the plans being developed for a Northern Manitoba Area Mission. The opening Eucharist service on Friday evening included three special features: photo contributed the Bishop's Charge, an Institution to ministry, and Investiture into the Order of The Right Reverend Michael Hawkings, Bishop of Saskatchewan Saskatchewan. The service opened with the procession of lay readers, clergy, deans and canons, and Bishops, including both the Right Reverend Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatchewan, and Archbishop David Ashdown, Metropolitan of Rupert's Land. Nick Bilyk read the Epistle, and the Reverend Beryl Whitecap read the Gospel. The Bishop's Charge centred on the theme, “Called and Sent.” (The text of the Charge is reprinted in this month's newspaper.) Following his charge, Bishop Hawkins instituted the Reverend Joanne Beacon as Chaplain at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary. He led the congregation in praying for her, then presented her with Letters of Institution and License and blessed her and her work. Six people then came forward to receive Investiture into the Order of Saskatchewan. The recipients were: Jane Bannerman, Rae Benson, Nick Bilyk, Betsy Brunner, Louisa Buck, and Bob Robinson. (Photos are printed in this month's newspaper.) Bishop Hawkins then celebrated Holy Communion. A reception for delegates, visitors and observers followed the Opening Eucharist service. The second day of the 66th Synod began with Morning Prayer, followed by a smallgroup Bible study from Ephesians 1 and 4. Once the business portion of the Synod was called to order, Archbishop Ashdown brought greetings from the Province of Rupert's Land, and the Reverend Dan Haugen brought greetings on behalf of the Saskatchewan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and their Bishop Cindy Halverson. The morning session of Synod also included voting on amendments to the Constitution and Canons, most notably to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the Finance Committee, to streamline corrections and alterations of form within the Constitutions and Canons, and to alter both to replace the usage of “Indian” with “Indigenous.” Delegates were updated on the budget and financial situation of the Diocese. Then nominations were made for positions on the various Diocesan committees. The afternoon session began with what proved to be a lively election, as several ties in the House of Clergy voting required a second ballot to be resolved. Archdeacon Larry Beardy from the Diocese of Keewatin, and Mrs. Freda Lepine from the Diocese of Brandon addressed the delegates and observers on the topic of Indigenous Ministry and Self-Determination in the Diocese. They spoke of the work that has been done in northern Manitoba, and fielded questions about their work and the topic of the Diocese of Saskatchewan joining this process. Delegates also debated and voted upon Resolutions and Memorials. These included a motion to ask that General Synod not change the marriage canon at the next General Synod gathering, and a call for General Synod to uphold the moratoria on the blessing of same-sex unions, the consecration of bishops in same-sex partnerships, and the exercising of jurisdiction across diocesan boundaries. Another motion affirmed the Anglican Covenant process and committed to fully engage further drafts. All of these motions carried. Other motions that were carried addressed the need for an action plan to implement the recommendations of the Evangelism and Mission Strategy Task Force struck at the previous Synod, and the need to engage in dialogue with the Indigenous Council and Indigenous Clergy toward greater self-determination. continued on page 3