May 2011 A Section of Anglican Journal
Building on the Foundation of Christ The 75th Synod of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle Staff
Lorrand Wong (left) and Miranda Pauls assisted in serving the Communion during the Youth Service at St. Stephen’s, Saskatoon, on Feb. 27. The church had all of its youth and children assist in some way during the Epiphany 8 service that day, including acting as greeters, ushers, servers, lay assistants and intercessors. The youngest children blessed the congregation with the Taize song “Nothing Can Trouble, Nothing Can Frighten.” For full story, see page 6. Photo – Bronwen McRae
Courage, boldness needed to be Disciples in Modern Society: Bishop Mark MacDonald Staff REGINA – “Disciples are students who live with their teacher,” said Bishop Mark MacDonald, describing how Christians should think of themselves. “Discipleship today is holistic. We are beginning to uncover the truth of what God is in our universe. God’s presence is at the heart of everything.” Bishop MacDonald was the keynote speaker at the synod of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. He gave two addresses on Saturday, March 26, and preached at the closing Eucharist on Sunday. Bishop MacDonald is the National Indigenous Anglican Bishop, and spoke of his experiences with Canadian First Nations, as well from his youth in Minnesota and from his time in Alaska and Navajoland in the USA. “We have to come to grips with the reality of the world today,” he said, “and define ourselves as disciples. We’ve been living in an assumed world that is not in synch with the real world.” We need to recover the truth that
the ultimate authority is the presence of Christ with us. We live in a world that sees material things as primary and pervasive. But we must reclaim the truth that spirit has the priority in life. “Spirit animates matter,” he said. “A disciple learns through God’s word - that’s how God communicates with us,” said the bishop. He quoted St. Basil who wrote: “Hunting for truth is no easy task; we must look everywhere for its tracks.” B i s h o p MacDonald gave four features how God communicates truth: 1) Revelation is almost always indirect. In First Nations culture the simile is “like the reflection of
Mark MacDonald, National Indigenous Anglican Bishop. Photo – staff
the sun off water.” We do not see the sun directly, we see the reflection. 2) It is fragmentary, “because God’s truth is so much greater than what our minds can grasp.” Bishop MacDonald referred to
John Calvin, who said that human’s description of God’s truth is like baby talk compared to what it describes. 3) There is often a “dreamlike quality” to what we perceive of what God is telling us. 4) It tends to “unveil reality” that is all around us, but is unnoticed in our daily life. “God leaves the seeds of His word in surprising places,” said Bishop MacDonald. He said he likes to watch a many movies, and finds hints of God’s message in them and other surprising places in modern culture. First Nations spirituality believes God is always bringing things to you – in events and in Continued on page 4
REGINA – The Diocese of Qu’Appelle held its 75th Synod on the weekend of March 25-27. The general tone of the gathering is perhaps indicated by the fact it adjourned slightly ahead of schedule. There was debate and discussion, but no hostility in the proceedings. Rather, delegates listened, learned and shared opinions together; worshipped and ate together; socialized and celebrated their common faith. Thirty-nine clergy and 76 lay delegates were registered at the event, which began on Friday evening at Living Spirit Centre in Regina. On Saturday and Sunday the synod was held at SIAST Regina campus. Bishop Mark MacDonald, National Aboriginal Anglican Bishop, was the keynote speaker. (Please see related article in this issue.) A major topic of discussion was the diocesan Mission Action Plan (MAP), which has been developed since the synod in 2009. Both the implementation of the MAP and its budget were carried unanimously. MAP can be found on the diocesan website quappelle.anglican.ca. The budget for the first stage of the MAP is $110,000. Funds from the disposition of property from Holy Trinity, Regina, is be used for MAP, as well as from Fair Share payments from parishes. If there is a shortfall in Fair Shares, up to $25,000 may be released from the diocesan Harding-Jackson Fund. (This release was approved in the previous synod.) Two resolutions related to diocesan Canons and Regulations. The first resolution allows for the appointment of up to two youth delegates to vestry. It was pointed out a 16-year-old can be a delegate to diocesan, provincial or general synods, but are not allowed to be a member of his or her parish vestry. It was also felt it is important for young people to be involved in their parishes. The resolution was carried and is seen as an interim measure until a complete review and revision of the Canons and Resolutiosn can be made. The second resolution, which was carried unanimously, directs the Legislation Committee to conduct a thorough review of the Constitution, Canons and Regulations to Canons, and report to the diocesan synod in 2013 with recommended revisions. The committee is to consider the manner in which the Canons and Regulations enable or inhibit mission. A resolution to provide endorsement, future funding and commitment to a diocesan youth gathering and initiatives which result from it, and the creation of youth task force, also was passed by delegates. Continued on page 1