4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, March 2009
Integrity/Saskatoon Salutes the Reverend Joe Ponic; The Man for Others By Jim Komar, St. James' Saskatoon While the temperatures outdoors dipped to near-record lows in Saskatoon the night of January 24th, the spirits indoors at St. James' Anglican Church soared as members of Integrity/Saskatoon gathered to pay their respects and say adieu to the Reverend Joe Ponic. Joe, who had received a call to serve as interim priest at St. Peter's Anglican Church in Revelstoke, B.C., was leaving the following week, and planned to be away until the end of July, 2009. Joe was formerly the very effective interim priest at St. James'; Saskatoon's hospital chaplain; and he had presided over several Integrity meetings at St. James'
and the cathedral. Joe also donated a chalice to Integrity for use in its Eucharist celebrations. He would be missed as much as he was esteemed and wished well. And, that was a lot! The Reverend Anne Marie Nicklin, the Integrity chaplain, prepared a beautiful liturgy, with which the evening started. After the appointed reading from the lectionary, the group sat in a circle and shared fond memories of Joe: his ability to bring the Good News of Jesus into their lives through pulpit and personal contact; his availability at all hours; his wit and warmth; his passion for justice; his classes on the Scriptures and the Church, where Jesus emerged as God's love letter to humanity, the Bible as the envelope in which it was posted,
and the Church as the letter carrier. The talking circle was followed by a very moving Service of Leaving, co-celebrated antiphonally by Joe, Anne Marie, the Reverend Colin Clay, the Reverend Glen Ash and the rest of the group who gathered around Joe. A warm Sharing of the Peace followed; worship concluded with an open Eucharist. The fellowship hour afterwards provided both food for body and thought and merriment as more memories were shared and plans for the new year were laid. It was a fitting tribute to this man for all seasons, this man for others. Bon voyage, Joe! May our avalanche of prayers keep you safe from any other avalanches on the way to your new ministry.
Photo: Tom Rogers
Saying good-bye to Joe Ponic during the Integrity/Saskatoon talking circle at St. James'; Joe is second from the right
Widely Available Films Illuminate Old Testament Characters By the Reverend Tracey Lloyd Smith, CHRISTOPHER LAKE (Saskatchewan) As clergy who are always on the lookout for helpful Bible study and resource materials with a broad-based appeal, my husband (Dr. David Smith of St. George's Church, Prince Albert) and I were delighted when we found something very useful and well prepared. We thought it was news worth sharing. I am particularly pleased when the materials help illuminate Old Testament characters, like these ones do. Some readers might not have studied the heroes and heroines of the Hebrew Scriptures since their Sunday School days, but this tool helps rekindle interest in the Old Testament. The Bible Collection Series of DVDs (produced by Warner Bros.) was something we came across in Ontario last summer. We pur
chased a set of five mini-series films about the following Bible characters: Abraham (starring Richard Harris and Barbara Hershey), Jacob (starring Matthew Modine and Sean Bean), Joseph (starring Ben Kingsley and Leslie Ann Warren), Moses (also starring Ben Kingsley) and David (starring Leonard Nimoy). Both Dr. Smith and I have been very impressed with the rich retellings of these beloved Bible stories. The films are set in wonderful, realistic-looking locations to give the truest impression of what it was like for the people of Israel. The writers and directors not only pay attention to the Scripture passages but also try to fill in the details, as realistically as possible, with their research and writing. With each film, we have been blessed to come away knowing these heroes better and having our understanding of their lives, their hardships and their
faithfulness enriched. It is remarkable to find resource films of such high quality that remain faithful to the biblical themes. Our Bible study group numbers have also shown that these films are appreciated, and the turnouts remain good (except when the wind-chill hits below -40, but that is understandable even for the toughest Saskatchewanians). When combined with reading of the Scriptures that accompany each life story, these movies make a solid grounding in these key passages within reach for many parishioners. The resource centre of the Diocese of Saskatchewan has this set and they can also be ordered through a Christian bookstore or online (search for “Bible collection:” and then add the Bible character's name for the film that you want). More information is also available through www.FiveMileRiverFilms.com.
Photo: Peter R. Coolen Photo contributed
Some hardy Bible study regulars turn out on a -42 degree day. Left to right: Laine Walker, Esther Hay, Bob Robinson, Lynn McAlpine, Gordon Heinrichs, Mel Mindiuk.
Bishop Rodney presents the newly ordained John Seib to the congregation at St. Martin's, Pike Lake.
Photo: Tom Rogers
The Reverend Joe Ponic cuts his going-away cake surrounded by members of Integrity/Saskatoon
John Seib Is Ordained at St. Martin's, Pike Lake By Peter R. Coolen Editor's Note: - Mr. John Seib is a graduate of the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad; he has completed successful internships at St. John's Cathedral and at Christ Church, Saskatoon; most recently he has been employed as Lay Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish (Pike Lake and Delisle) and as Ministry Coordinator at Christ Church, Saskatoon. Mr. John Seib was ordained deacon by the Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon on Thursday, January 29th, in a church packed with friends and supporters, at St. Martin's Church, Pike Lake. The noise, warmth and light of the service and the suffused feeling of joy and friendship served to dispel the winter cold outside. The preacher for the Service of Ordination was the Reverend Canon Jim Halmarson of Christ Church, Saskatoon, Jim spoke of the friendship that existed and which had grown between John and himself as his studies progressed…the work was long and the effort great and the goal had been achieved but there is still a ways left to go…however these future efforts and the steep climb will be eased by the skills and determination that John has already displayed and by the continued prayers, help and support of those gathered there. Following John's Presentation and Examination by Bishop Rodney, he was Consecrated and presented with a book “to proclaim God's word and to assist in the ministration of His holy sacraments” and with his licence to begin his service; at this time, as well the two wardens of St. Matthew's, Saskatoon presented John with documents affirming his appointment as Deacon in Charge of St. Matthew's, Saskatoon. Following this, Bishop Rodney then presented John to those gathered as a “great shout” went out into the cold night air. The Service of Ordination and the Eucharist were followed by a warm reception and a time of fellowship and celebration in the parish hall.