September 2006 A Section of Anglican Journal
Gregory Kerr-Wilson Ordained as Eleventh Bishop of Qu’Appelle by Barbara-Lynn Dixon REGINA - In the ancient tradition of authorising one to perform religious rituals and ceremonies worshipers gathered for the ordination and installation of Gregory Kerr-Wilson as the 11th bishop of Qu'Appelle at an overflowing St. Paul's Cathedral on the warm evening of May 23. People came dressed in mitres and copes, suits and dresses, jeans and tee shirts in colours of purple, red and golden, all taking part in the simple service of a particular people marking one of their own in a particular place "to be a chief pastor to the flock, to preach the gospel and to guard well the faith." Music in abundance captured the joyous mood of the event with the choir, led by Dr. Bev Tillman and organist Ms. Sandra Kerr, offering moving hymns and anthems. Among those present at the historic event were Archbishop Andrew Hutchison, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada and Archbishop John Clarke, Metropolitan of Rupert's Land, presiding celebrant and chief consecrator. The gathering also included 18 bishops, deans and canons, deacons and archdeacons, a corps of clergy as well as lay representatives from every parish in the diocese. From Lichfield, the companion diocese of Qu'Appelle, came Bishop Alan Smith, the Reverend Dr. Michael Sheard and Dr. Paul and Mrs. Beryl Gratz. As well, friends came from Kerr-Wilson's first parish in Ontario and from Edmonton where he had been dean. Other churches represented were Roman Catholic, Ukrainian Orthodox and the Salvation Army and to round out the ensemble were members of the military and academic institutions. During her sermon, Bishop Victoria Matthews commented that tonight we are
making a bishop for the church of God. A bishop who has been “set apart to care for and guide the flock of Christ as the shepherd cares for the sheep.” “We are doing this in part,” she said, “because of the very words proclaimed in tonight’s gospel [John 21.15-17]. We’re ordaining Greg because Jesus told Peter that loving Jesus means tending the flock of Christ . . . And so it is for Greg and Christians everywhere: to love Jesus is to enter a willing , prayerful partnership to care for others, the little ones and the poor ones first as Jesus has shown his love and care for us. It’s the same message that Paul would write [2 Corinthians 4.1-10] to the Corinthians . . . ‘It is not ourselves that we proclaim. We proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For the same God who said ‘Out of darkness let light shine’ has caused his light to shine within us to give the light of revelation, the revelation of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ. ‘Arise; shine; for our light has come.’"[Isaiah 60.1-6] Included in the gifts given the new bishop were the episcopal ring, the pectoral cross and the cope and mitre. The ring, showing the special relationship with the people of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle, was a gift from Maggie Kerr-Wilson, Selma Whiteside and David Kerr-Wilson. The pectoral cross, to be worn close to the heart reminding him of the sign of his salvation, was given by the clergy of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. Given by the people of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle were the cope and mitre with special thanks to Diana Naylor and Sally Harrison of Edmonton, who made them. At the close of the liturgy, the newlyordained bishop said: “What an honour and a privilege it is to be chosen to be your
The Order of St. Luke the Physician
photo: photographer Steve Busch
l to r: Archbishop John Clarke, Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson
bishop here in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. . . to serve amongst you and to serve you as we serve God together. . . I think it is right to say, to remind us all, that in the life of Christ there is no dignity nor honour than to be one of the baptized, to be one of the children of God. Peter said, ‘You are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people,’ and that was addressing all of you down through the ages; for you are God’s own; for you are a holy nation and you are a royal priesthood. Of course, the second half of that verse reminds me that not only should I honour you today as God’s holy people and a royal priesthood but also that I should begin by challenging you
because, of course, the verse says, ‘You are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.’ And so . . . I challenge you so that together we might proclaim those acts of God, proclaim the love of God that we have known and together let us witness to the world of the great depths of God’s love in the person of Jesus Christ in the strength of his holy spirit.” This memorable occasion brought together a people sharing rich and varied lives to welcome in a new bishop for the church of God.
Arborfield Sunday School Pageant
Region 14 Conference October 13 & 14, 2006 Central Lutheran Church, Moose Jaw
Setting the Captives Free Guest Speaker: The Reverend Dale Gillman The Reverend Dale Gillman was born on Gordon's First Nation and was the first person on her reserve to go to university. After working as a medical technologist and teacher's assistant, she retired and became an Anglican priest in 2000. The Reverend Gillman is currently the director of the Gordon's Wellness Centre. Registration fee: $50 (single), $90 (couple) Pre-register on or before September 29 A limited number of billets are available. For further information, contact: Maureen Whalley - mbwhal@sasktel.net or The Reverend Joanne Beacon, Regional Director - beaconsfolk@sasktel.net
The Sunday school at Arborfield´s Anglican Church of the Ascension perform their Christmas pageant in the church chancel. Photo: Leonard Gray.