The Saskatchewan Anglican, Sept. 2009

Lobster in Saskatchewan?

September 2009

A Section of the Anglican Journal

by Ivan Millard REGINA - Lobster night may be any night in the Maritimes but at St. Philip's church it is only one night each spring. But a big fun night. Whole lobsters are fun to eat, or some may say difficult, but patrons are given the tools and a placemat with instructions and diagrams. It is messy too, so bibs and serviettes are provided. Add a beverage, a potato, special salads and of course the hot butter, then finish with desserts and coffee - how good can it get?

The event is not only about the food. Five years ago this was an experimental fundraiser to support St. Philip and its outreach projects. It seemed to be worth continuing, and so it has been. It has even

Photo by Jim Harris

grown into something of a party. The lobsters are flown in from New Brunswick in the morning and cooked outdoors in an open boiling pot.

It may be considered something of an inconvenience that the boiling pot only holds about a dozen lobsters at a time and therefore someone has to be served last (usually those who were friends of the host earlier in the evening).

Entertainment was added and this year the volunteer trio's performance became a sing-along enjoyed by all, lobster lovers or not. There are also prizes to be won including a five-pound lobster to take home.

What is common in the Maritimes is a highlight here, and maritime lobsters are better than prairie oysters!

Demonstrating how to enjoy lobsters are: Ivan Millard (left, closest to camera), Al Huber, Sandy Nicholson (hands poised ready to attack her lobster) and Merv Nicholson; with Marj Millard at the right.

Rupert's Land Provincial Synod - One Delegate's Impressions

Photo courtesy Mary McKay

Mary McKay (flute) and Ian Luke (piano) entertain at the Rupert's Land Provincial Synod

Photo courtesy Mary McKay

The Right Reverend Rod Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon and Mary McKay share a laugh at the Rupert's Land Provincial Synod

By Mary McKay - SASKATOON - Being selected to be a lay delegate for the Diocese of Saskatoon to the Provincial Synod was an honour. To attend the synod was a remarkable experience that gave me a deeper awareness of the Anglican Church's richness and diversity.

I have often read and heard about the Dioceses of Athabasca, Keewatin and the Arctic. But to actually meet the people of these dioceses as well as all the other dioceses of Rupert's Land, and to hear of their missions and worship, significantly widened my understanding of the Anglican Communion. Hearing the Gospel read by The Reverend Loie Mike in Inuktitut at the opening service was very moving. Likewise, experiencing the joyous simplicity of faith expressed by a woman from an Arctic community who said, during Dr. Marilyn Johns' workshop, “Good Things Come in Small Packages”: “I just want to dance my love of Jesus”, left a lasting impression on me. It also affirmed my opinion that small parishes sustain vital Christian faith and need to be supported.

Photo by Tim Christison, Editor of the Sower

The Provincial Bishops, Archbishop and Primate at Provincil Synod, June 2009, Calgary: (left to right - front row) Larry Robertson, Regional Bishop of the Western Arctic; Jane Alexander, Bishop of Edmonton; Andrew Atagotaaluk, Bishop of the Arctic and senior bishop of Rupert's Land province; David Ashdown, Bishop of Keewatin and new Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert's Land; Greg Kerr-Wilson, Bishop of Qu'appelle; Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon; Jim Njegovan, Bishop of Brandon; Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada; Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatchewan; (back row ) Don Phillips, Bishop of Rupert's Land Diocese (and acting metropolitan since John Clarke's retirement); and Derek Hoskin, Bishop of Calgary.

Unable to attend the synod and therefore missing from the photo were Ben Arreal, regional Bishop of the Eastern Arctic and the retiring metropolitan John Clarke who is still Bishop of Athabasca.

It was a learning experience for me to be a participant in the election of the new Metropolitan. When the third ballot gave David Ashdown a slight majority over Andrew Atagotaaluk, David accepted only on the condition that Andrew, being the senior bishop, share the load with him. It was an amicable decision demonstrated by a mutual embrace. The installation service at the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer in Calgary was truly glorious. The dignified atmosphere, the magnificent choral and organ renditions, the Eucharist, the Installation of David as the Metropolitan as well as the stirring yet always assuring words of our Primate, Fred Hiltz in his sermon, were all inspiring.

The most memorable part of the Synod for me was the presentation about PWRDF that was given by Bishop Philip Poole.

His impassioned account of the tangible hope and empowerment that The Primate's Fund brings to so many stricken people was absolutely invigorating. All who desire justice should hear Philip's advocacy of PWRDF's work. *-*-What else? Well, I got to play my flute for some of the worship services! I had fun preparing, as well as delivering, with Canon Michael Stonhouse's help, the Diocese of Saskatoon's PowerPoint presentation about our missions and outreach.

I also got to know our own delegates from the Diocese of Saskatoon: the Reverend Canon Michael Stonhouse, Jessica Nicklin, the Reverend Alex Parsons, the Very Reverend Glen Burgomaster, Ken Bos, the Venerable Dan Hughes and Nestor Machasiw better. But over all, and most importantly, my attendance at this year's Rupert's Land Provincial Synod was a positive experience. I went out from the Synod feeling grounded and secure in both the Christian faith and the governance of our beloved Anglican Church.

2 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, September 2009

Bishop’s Message Pilgrimage through the Cycle of Seasons

by The Right Reverend Gregory KerrWilson, Bishop of Qu'Appelle Several years ago I read a book called “The Gift of the Jews” in which the author contends that in the ancient world, before ancient Israel, humanity's perspective was that time was cyclical; in fact, that there was no sense of going in a straight line at all. Things went on and on in a never ending cycle of cycles. The “gift of the Jews,” in the author's analysis, was that they provided a sense of linear movement. They understood from their encounters with God, that things had a beginning and will have an end; that events affect and influence other events that will come later; that history is a story with meaning, that moves and progresses toward something.

There is no question that western culture implicitly accepts this. We talk of progress. We assume, most of the time, that what we know now is better and fuller than what was known then. And yet, there is clearly a continuing, or perhaps renewed, awareness, born of our human experience in nature, that we live a perpetual series of cycles as well. Rooted in the planting and harvesting cycle and ultimately then in the seasons, we have all been formed into a school and business cycle which tends to get busy in the fall.

In the events of our world, this fall may present us with a juxtaposition of these two realities. While the patterns of back to work and school after holidays will continue “as usual,” we are also being warned of a potential return of the H1N1 flu virus, and, some say, another possible downturn in the economy. The comfortable pattern may well be interrupted by singular events - which could affect us significantly. And what that might change into the future is anyone's guess.

These two perspectives on time, the circle and the straight line, are always present in

The Rt. Rev. Greg Kerr-Wilson, Bishop of Qu’Appelle our church seasons as well. We move each year through the circle from Advent to Christmas to Easter and on to the Reign of Christ, telling the stories and marking the events of Jesus' life and ministry. And yet, the content of that story is that Christ came to us, lived, died and rose, once for all, and that event has changed the world and humanity forever. We celebrate and live into them because in them and through them the Holy Spirit works to transform us - growing us in grace and into more committed disciples of Jesus.

We grow into God's love and into love for one another. The cycles of our seasons form a basis for a pilgrimage.

September is certainly not a “Church season,” but it is a recurring opportunity to renew our commitment and discipline in our journey of faith. Whatever may come in the next few months, the challenge to place our trust in God ever more fully will continue to be before us. The baptismal covenant asks “Will you put your whole trust in His grace and love?” How we address the events of life and make our choices this fall will reflect our answer to that question.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea; Though its waters rage and foam, and though the mountains tremble at its tumult. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.”

(Psalm 46:1-4)

Photo contributed

Saskatchewan bishops with the new Metropolitan of Rupert’s Land.

L. to R. Gregg Kerr-Wilson, Bishop of Qu’Appelle, Rod Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon, Metropolitan David Ashdown, Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatchewan.

Qu'Appelle Notes and Events Rev. Carlos Roberts has been appointed interim priest for St. Matthew's, Regina.

Carlos returns to the Diocese of Qu'Appelle from Saskatoon. He had previously been the priest at Holy Trinity, Regina.

Venerable Rob Hardwick has been appointed Assistant to the Bishop and Executive Archdeacon of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, effective September 1. Rob has been Rector of Swift Current Parish and Archdeacon of the Swift Current Archdeaconry, which includes Cypress and Kinrose Deaneries.

Rev. Blair Dixon has been appointed interim priest at St Phillip, Regina.

Rev. Derek Nicholls has been appointed interim priest at St Luke, Regina.

Upcoming Events Rev. Susan Salo will be ordained to the priesthood on Sunday, October 25 in St. Paul's Cathedral at 4 p.m. with a reception to follow.

Ring Out Loud and Clear!

A Bell for All Saints, Katepwa

by Marian Powell KATEPWA (Qu'A) Sunday June 28, Dean James Merrett, Priest-in-Charge of All Saints' Church Katepwa, blessed a church bell and bell tower, as well as a restored kneeler for the communion rail of this resort community church.

The idea to acquire a bell came from All Saints' Board Chair, Fred Weekley. His search included the Internet where he located and successfully purchased a bell from a church in Lakeview, Arizona. The bell had been cast in 1886, the same year that All Saints' Church was built. In April the bell was installed by a team including Corry and Terry Hodson, who donated professional construction services, Morris Amyotte, who built the free-standing tower, and volunteers Wayne Thompson, Ken Krahn, Fred Brown, Ron Lawrance, Murray Pratt and Fred Weekley.

The nine-foot communion kneeler was originally worked in needlepoint by Mrs. Eileen Jackson (wife of Archbishop Jackson) and Marian Powell, and was installed in 1985 when the church was designated a Municipal Heritage site. The design was taken from an adaptation of the ancient 8th century cross on the south wall of Canterbury Cathedral. Time had taken its toll on the fabric, and over the winter, the kneeler had been lifted and restored by Marian Powell and re-worked as a cushioned pad by Dorothy Zwaal in time for this summer season.

Located towards the southern end of Lake Katepwa on Highway 56, this historic church offers services throughout the summer months. Clergy from St. Paul's Cathedral and Regina provide the sacraments.

Photo: Marian Powell

Dean James Merrett blesses All Saints' Katepwa Bell Tower.

An elderly woman walked into the local country church.

The friendly usher greeted her at the door and helped her up the flight of steps.

"Where would you like to sit?" he asked politely.

"The front row please." she answered.

"You really don't want to do that", the usher said."The pastor is really boring."

"Do you happen to know who I am?" the woman inquired.

"No." he said.

"I'm the pastor's mother," she replied indignantly.

"Do you know who I am?" he asked.

"No." she said.

"Good", he answered.

For change of address, undeliverable copies and subscription list updates contact: your parish, circulation@national.anglican.ca or send to Saskatchewan Anglican c/o Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Street Toronto ON M4Y 3G2 Published by the dioceses of Qu’Appelle, Saskatoon and Saskatchewan.

All submissions must be sent to the Associate Editors by the beginning of the last week of the month preceeding publication.

Managing Editors: Fred Stephens, 51 - 10th St. NE, Weyburn SK. S4H 1G8 Phone 306-842-7235 Email: candfstephens@sasktel.net Qu’Appelle: Joanne Shurvin-Martin, 6927 Farrell Bay Regina SK S4X 3V4 Phone: 306-775-2629 Email: wsmartin@accesscomm.ca Saskatoon: Peter Coolen, 820Avenue I South Saskatoon SK S7M 1Z3 Phone: 306-244-0935 Email: ptrcoolen@sasktel.net Saskatchewan: The Reverends Julie and Steven Page, P.O. Box 274, Hudson Bay, SK, S0E 0Y0P Phone (306) 865-3488; Email: HudsonBayArborfield@SaskTel.net

Published monthly except July and August Published from 51 - 10th Street NE, Weyburn SK S4H 1G8 Printed and mailed from Signal Star Publishing A division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Goderich ON N7A 4B6 Subscription rate: $15.00 in Canada; $22.00 outside Canada Whole No. 292, Vol. 33, No. 5 Publications Mail Agreement No. 40069670 A Section of Anglican Journal

The Saskatchewan Anglican, September 2009 - 3

Diocese of Saskatoon: Announcements for September, 2009 In order to be included in a timely manner brief notices for events should be supplied to the Associate Editor by Fax, e-mail or “snail mail” by the last week of the month, two months before the month in which the insertion is desired (for example, July submissions will be in the September issue). Detailed and longer texts of events will not be included in this section but, should space allow, could be the subject of additional articles or notices elsewhere in the Saskatchewan Anglican.

The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews' Schedule: Tuesday, September 1st, Ordination to the Deaconate of Mr. Quenton Little at All Saints Church, Saskatoon; Wednesday, September 9th, Parish Day, Parkland Parish; Thursday, September 10th, Parish Day, Unity Central Parish; Sunday, September 13th, River Valley ;Parish; Wednesday, September 16th, Parish Day, Biggar; Thursday, September 17th, Meeting of Dean, Archdeacons and Regional Deans; Sunday, September 20th, Battle River Parish; Wednesday, September 23rd, Parish Day, Lloydminster; Sunday, September 27th, Quill View Parish; and Wednesday, September 30th , Parish Day, St. Mark's, Saskatoon.

“Starting Now” A conference on Mission and Church Building; Advance Notice: As part of the mission-building action of the diocesan Strategic Plan, “Turning Hope Into Action” the Diocese will be holding a conference entitled “Starting Now” October 30th and 31st. The keynote speaker and facilitator will be the Reverend Canon Harold Percy of Trinity Church, Streetsville, Ontario. It is hoped representatives of all parishes will participate. Please mark your calendars now and make plans to attend this vital conference on the subject of church renewal. See the formal announcement elsewhere in this issue.

Integrity Saskatoon: Except for the Summer season, meetings are held at St. James', Saskatoon on the second Saturday of each month at 7 p.m. During the summer there are several social events, for information on these please call or E-mail. During the Winter to Spring season, the regular meetings include a talking circle and Eucharist with fellowship to follow; babyitting is available during meetings for those with children. For more information contact the Reverend Ann Marie Nicklin at: (306) 948-3460 or: benjie60@gmail.com. For further information and to view related articles, links and photographs of Integrity events: www.integritysaskatoon.blogspot.com.

Saskatoon Native Ministry: Meetings are held every second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. A Sacred Circle Worship is held Sunday at 4 p.m.; worship is followed by a community meal at 5 p.m. All events are held at: St. Thomas Wesley United Church, 808 20th St.. For information call: 244-1381 or E-mail: snm@sasktel.net.

Living Water's Women's Retreat: The retreat will be held September 18th to 20th at The Manitou Springs Hotel. The retreat costs: $85.00. To register please send payment (by cheque made payable to Diocesan A.C.W.) to: Marge Parchewsky, 47 Brown Crescent, Saskatoon, Sask. S7J 2R9 by August 28th. Hotel rooms are: $50.00/night, based on double occupancy; to reserve a room call 1-800-667-7672.

Pie Social: The annual St. George's A.C.W. Pie Social will be held in the parish hall on Saturday, September 26th, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at 624 Ave. I South, Saskatoon.

FYI - News and notes for the Diocese of Saskatchewan Staff Recent Deaths o Lena Burns, a faithful Lay Reader from the parish of St. Luke in Fort à la Corne; o Leslie Opoonechow, brother of the Rev'd Martha Stonestand and of Lay Reader Bill Opoonechow Upcoming Events o Church Blessing Service, Sept 12 at 1:30 in Glen Mary, SK. The Rev'd Chris Harper to officiate, pot luck to follow. o Clergy Retreat at St Peter's in Muenster, Sept 14-16. Retreat leader will be the Rev'd John Paul Westin. o Diocesan Synod at the Cathedral Church of St Alban the Martyr, Prince Albert, Oct 16-17.

Other News and Notes The Diocese of Athabasca will hold an Electoral Synod on Sept 19, 2009. Please keep this Diocese in your prayers.

The deadline for applications for the Order of Saskatchewan in Sept 15, 2009.

Dolls on their way to Africa

APPOINTMENTS, RESIGNATIONS ETC: On Thursday, June 11th, The Provincial Synod of Rupert's Land, meeting in Calgary, elected the Right Reverend David Ashdown, Bishop of Keewatin, to be the 16th Metropolitan of Rupert's Land, on the third ballot. Archbishop Ashdown was installed in the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer, Calgary on Saturday, June 13th. Archbishop Ashdown has strong connections to the Diocese of Saskatoon; he was born in Preeceville and his home church is Okla from the Lintlaw/Endeavour Parish .

The Right Reverend Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon has announced the date of his retirement as February 28th, 2010.

A special diocesan synod has been announced, to elect a new bishop, for November 14th, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Saskatoon. Nominations for the position of bishop, may be submitted to the Office of Synod, by members of Synod.

Members of the Diocesan Search Committee were elected at an Emergent Meeting of Diocesan Council held at Christ Church, Saskatoon on Saturday, July 4th. The Members elected were: For the Laity, Mrs. Elaine Hrycenko, Mr. Monty Zadorozny and Mr. Chris Wood; for the Clergy, The Reverend Canon Michael Stonhouse, The Reverend Karen Sandell and The Reverend Ann Marie Nicklin. Three remaining members of the Search Committee were appointed by the Metropolitan of Rupert's Land: the Right Reverend Gregory Karr-Wilson, Bishop of Qu'Appelle, Archdeacon Michael Rolph, Diocese of Edmonton and Ms. Noreen Hareuther, Diocese of Saskatchewan. Peter R. Coolen was appointed Secretary to the Search Committee.

The Reverend John Seib, who was ordained Priest on Friday, May15th, at Christ Church, Saskatoon by the Right Reverend, Rodney Andrews, Bishop of Saskatoon, has been appointed Rector of St. Matthews, Saskatoon. The Reverend Canon Stanley Cuthand, The Reverend Canon Beth Marie Murphy and The Reverend Canon Neil Haines were appointed Honorary Assistants.

The Reverend Canon Neil Haines has been appointed Priest in Charge of St. George's Church, Saskatoon effective September 1st, 2009. Neil is currently Honorary Assistant of St. George's Church; his appointment as Priest in Charge will be in effect until a new Incumbent has taken office.

Mr. Quentin Agnew has retired as Registrar of the Diocese of Saskatoon; Mr. Andrew Mason has been appointed as the new Registrar.

Canon Lorea Eufemia has been appointed representative to the board of the Saskatoon Native Ministry.

A Celebration of New Ministry for the Reverend David Tyler and the people of the Good Shepherd Parish will be held on Friday, September 11th at 7:30 p.m.

The Reverend Canon Michael Stonhouse, Rector of St. John's Minister, Lloydminster has been elected Prolocutor of the Provincial Synod of Rupert's Land for a three-year term.

The Bishop of Masasi in Tanzania has ordained Dr. Michael MacGregor a deacon on August 2nd, 2009 in the Cathedral in Masasi. Patrick is a member of All Saints Church, Saskatoon and a member of Diocesan Council. He will spend part of each year in the Diocese of Masasi (where he is canonically resident) and the remainder of his time in Saskatoon, where he is Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan.

The ordination of Mr. Quenton Little as deacon will be held at All Saints Church, Saskatoon, on Tuesday, September 1st .

photo by Sue Boxall

Rev. Mary Gavin blesses a basket full of Izzy African Comfort Dolls, made by parishioners of St. John, Fort Qu'Appelle, for children in Africa.

This is an ongoing outreach project for the parish. The dolls were blessed on Sunday, May 31 before being sent ICROSS Canada and their eventual journey to young children with AIDS in Africa. After the service everyone enjoyed bidding on lovely lunch boxes brought to the hall by members of the congregation. The funds raised from this went to the Habitat for Humanity fund and all joined together to enjoy their purchases.

Detective: How did you get into counterfeiting?

Criminal: I answered an ad that said, "Make money at home."

4 - The Saskatchewan Anglican,

September 2009

Prayer Walk and Service of Healing organized in Shoal Lake

Photo contributed

. Chief Kevin Bear led the community in carrying the cross.

Photo contributed

People came from Cumberland House to support the community and to join with them in prayer.

Shoal Lake (SASK) - About one hundred people, including many youths and children, gathered on July 3, for a Prayer Walk in Shoal Lake beginning at 2:00 p.m. Chief Kevin Bear, Mr. Dennis Whitecap and the Reverend Gerald Bear led in organizing the event.

The Prayer Walk started with a service at St. Thomas' Anglican Church. The Reverend Gerald Bear spoke about how important it was that the community was gathered on a Friday, the very day on which our Lord Jesus carried the cross for us and for our salvation. The Right Reverend Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatchewan, preached on the text, "the joy of the Lord is your strength" and spoke of the examples of Elijah and Jonah and their relation to suicide, sadness and anger. Chief Kevin Bear welcomed all to the service, and there were speeches from the Band councillors and Youth Worker.

Following the service, the congregation joined in the Litany and walked around the entire community of Shoal Lake, stopping to offer prayers for the Chief and Council, the School, and Children and Youth. In addition, special stations were made and prayers offered at those homes where suicides had taken place in the past year.

After the Prayer Walk, the congregation gathered at the school gymnasium for a Service of Healing, where some fifty people were anointed for healing, with forty receiving the laying on of hands. The afternoon concluded with a feast of food and fellowship.

Photo contributed

. Young children and youth participated fully in the afternoon of prayer.

Photo contributed

. The congregation gathered outside the church after the walk, before proceeding to the school gymnasium for a Service of Healing and a Feast.

Let's Make A Difference

Fundraisers for Habitat for Humanity - The Goal is in Sight! staff - with files from Marilyn Dean, Donalda Ford, Eric Haaland, Dorothy Jessup, Russel Parr, Betty Wagner, Olive White.

REGINA - Many parishes around the diocese held fundraising events in support of the Habitat for Humanity build.

Each event was different, but all for the same project, and all involving many parishioners and others in the preparation and participation. Regina was particularly busy in the summer, with five events in June and July.

The parish of St. James raised $1100 with a chicken dinner on June 12. Elegantly set tables and bright decorations set the theme for the catered meal, which 75 people attended. Marilyn Dean of the diocesan Habitat for Humanity Build Committee was a special guest at the event, which was convened and catered

by Anne Marie and Ed MacNeil and Cyndi Sigurdson.

A coffee house and folk music concert at St. Mary's hall on June 20 raised more than $2200 through ticket sales, silent auction, pledges and the sale of refreshments including homemade cheesecake. Local musicians Brandy Moore, Kim Weiss, Jordan Fieseler, Kris Alvarez, Eric James, Jim Alvarez, and Glenn Sutter all donated their performances, and Dennis Coutts described the work of Habitat for Humanity for the audience.

St. Matthew's parish held a ham supper on June 25, and donated $500 of the proceeds to the Habitat project. In addition to enjoying ham and all the trimmings, the capacity crowd was entertained by the Regina Ethiopian Association Dance Group. St Matthew's ACW has also donated $500 to Habitat for Humanity.

A charity golf tournament on July 23 raised $6840. Russell Parr of St. James parish works at the provincial Ministry of Advanced Education,

Employment and Labour. He arranged a partnership between his employer and the diocese, and organized the golf tournament at the Joanne Goulet Golf Course. The event included a barbecue and silent auction with many sponsors, and attracted 114 golfers, who each paid $40 for golf and the meal. Two former Saskatchewan Roughriders, Matt Domingus and Marcus Crandall (now a 'Rider coach) joined the golfers, and also signed autographs. The majority of the golfers were provincial government employees, with several from St. James and other Anglican parishes, as well as some individuals who learned about the tournament through the news media.

All Saints' parish held a steak night at a local sports bar on July 28, and raised more than $2000.

One of the organizers, Donalda Ford, said it was not a labourintensive project, because all parishioners had to do was sell tickets and buy tickets for themselves. They charged $20 for the

steak dinner and a beverage and half the price went to the charity.

She said she was surprised by all the visiting and laughter, "not what you might expect from a church crowd at a sports bar, but a bonus from the event."

As of the end of July, more than $97,300 had been collected from throughout the diocese, and diocesan organizers were confident that they would soon have the $100,000 required to actually start construction on the home in September.

By Pastor Val From, Saskatoon Native Ministry Editor's Note: The following article appeared in the June, 2009 issue of the “H.O.P.E. News”, the newsletter of Saskatoon Native Ministry (SNM).

Over the last while, we in Saskatchewan have been reminded again not just of the wide range of incomes within our province, but also the wide range of health of its residents; differences in health that are directly related to the difference in income. It's incredible to hear that infants born into poverty in Saskatoon are four times more likely to die in their first year of life, or that children of low income families are two times more likely to be depressed and to consider suicide than their peers. It is remarkable to think that low income alone makes one almost three times more likely to have heart disease… and that homelessness (according to calculations made in B.C.) ends up costing society $17,000 more per person in health care, social services and corrections than providing the required low-income housing…

When we read those statistics, we know they are not just statistics, but they represent realities that affect the day today lives of our neighbors; other moms and dads; aunties and cousins. When I consider how my families' life was affected when my dad had a heart attack 16 continued on page 5

Saskatchewan Anglican, September 2009 - 5

Saskatoon Native Ministry; A Witness to Christian Faith and Aboriginal Traditions

by Pastor Val From, Saskatoon Native Ministry - SASKATOON- Over 20 years ago, Saskatoon members of the ELCIC began meeting with members of the Saskatoon aboriginal community, making plans for a ministry in the core neighbourhood of Saskatoon. Over these years, the location of Saskatoon Native Ministry has changed several times; for the past 6 years we have met Sunday afternoons in the basement of St Thomas Wesley United Church at Avenue H and 20th. Depending on the Director of ministry at the time, (of whom there have been a few) this ministry has taken on slightly different emphases, but always the aim has been to provide a place where residents of the core neighbourhoods can gather in Christian worship that honours the rich traditions of the aboriginal heritage that so many of them share.

In recent years, we have gathered weekly in a circle to share our lives, and gain strength from God as witnessed to in both our Christian faith and aboriginal traditions. We begin with a prayer to the four directions, seeking vision, courage, maturity and wisdom for ourselves, the rest of the Church and all God's children. We hear Scripture and sing hymns, new and old, and celebrate the Eucharist monthly.

We pass the talking stick, so that people have the chance to share their presence, their names, their stories and prayers with each other and with the Creator. Most Sundays we finish off the afternoon with a community meal of soup and bannock (famous for miles around!).

The goal has also been to provide a place where bridges can be built between aboriginal and non-aboriginal peoples in our community: Lutheran churches in the northern half of the province have often sought that connection, bringing their confirmation classes to Saskatoon to experience a different style of worship in a community which is so different from their own, or inviting participants in Saskatoon Native Ministry to worship with them, sharing stories from their lives and church in Saskatoon. The sharing is wonderful; those of us who speak to parishes in the city, or travel to rural congregations always enjoy the conversation and the welcome received.

For the past 4 years we have been blessed to have an Anglican connection in this ministry. At that time, Rev. Shawn Sanford-Beck became the “Pastor” of what was then Saskatoon Lutheran Native Ministry; (we dropped the “Lutheran” of the name shortly thereafter, in recognition of the diversity of the community). Shawn worked within the agreement between the ELCIC and the ACC in which clergy from one of our denominations can serve in a ministry of the other. It was under his guidance that Saskatoon Native Ministry first received a grant from St. Luke's Healing Fund, by which a position for an aboriginal assistant director could be funded. Ethel Ahenakew (who grew up an Anglican at Red Earth and attended the Anglican residential school in Prince Albert and the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad ) became assistant director in 2006.

These days, the Anglican connection is stronger than ever. Our board and Pastor

Members of Saskatoon Native Ministry in Saskatoon lead the prayer to the four directions at a retreat with Augustana Lutheran Church at Camp Christopher… Ethel Ahenakew is to the right of centre in the photo.

Val From, our current director, were thrilled when our ministry received a second grant from the St. Luke's Fund. This grant will support the wise, strong, and good-humoured work that Ethel offers for another three years, and will allow for the creation of another part-time position for an aboriginal person, or resident, of the core neighbourhood to work specifically in empowering area residents.

Our work goes on, and our little community continues to grow in strength, faith and stability. This fall we want to begin to share in a new way, the faith of our circle and the blessings that God gives us with the parishes of the Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon. If you would like to hear our stories face to face, come and join us for worship on a Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. in the basement at Avenue H and 20th. Or, if you'd rather that some from our community come and join in worship in your parish, please give us a call; we'd be most happy to get to know you better!

ACW Embraces the Future

by Lovella Jarvi SWIFT CURRENT (Qu'A) Marion Saunders, President of the National Anglican Church Women, was the guest speaker and a guest of honour at the 44th annual meeting of the ACW of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, on April 18. Other guests were Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson and a representative of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Rev. Rob Hardwick also participated in the day's activities. Six out of eight deaneries were represented.

Marion Saunders, who had flown from Toronto specifically to attend the meeting, spoke at the morning session. She compared the ACW members to dandelions, with determination to survive and grow in all kinds of soil and conditions. They never give up. She also spoke about the National ACW conference held last fall in Kingston, Ontario, and how the Primate, Rt. Rev. Fred Hiltz, who was in attendance, is very supportive of the women's group. The national group is asking for suggestions for a new ACW prayer, one that can be used across the country.

Suggestions can be sent to the diocesan president, Edith Maddaford, and she will take them to the national conference in the

fall.

The reports of the diocesan officers which include social action, Juniors, Little Helpers, life members, book of remembrance, calendars and Camp Harding, were all very positive.

Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson was the guest speaker for the afternoon. He stated that the ACW are the backbone of the church, a ministry to which they are called by the Holy Spirit. The theme for the annual meeting was "Embracing the Future" and the bishop explained that embracing the future is embracing God now.

The project for the year was making afghans to be distributed to care homes, hospitals and any place where a warm afghan would be of comfort. The members passed a motion to continue this project in the following year.

One of the fun events at the annual meetings is a silent auction. The funds raised will be divided between Camp Harding and Habitat for Humanity, a project which the diocese is supporting in celebration of its 125th anniversary.

Members feel that gathering once a year is a very good way of keeping in touch. The ACW has an important mission, and as the theme stated, they are determined to embrace the future.

photo by Jennifer Wells

Twenty-one handmade afghans were displayed at the Diocese of Qu'Appelle ACW annual meeting in Swift Current.

Let's Make A Difference continued from page 4 years ago, it is shocking to realize that a person of low income would be three times more likely to have that experience and their family to experience the attendant worries and stresses In January, the Saskatchewan Synod of the ELCIC sponsored a conference on congregation-based community organizing; we called it Tansi, which in Cree means “Hi, How are you?”, because we knew the point was for all of us to stop and ask how our neighbors are doing (and to listen for the answer…).

In April, Ethel Ahenakew (the Assistant Director, SNM) and I traveled to Chicago with four other pastors from Saskatchewan (through the generous support of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) to participate in a conference of church folks who are involved in congregationbased organizing in their own communities.

Community/congregation based organizing is a process in which people who are concerned about the way life is unfolding in their community, come together, discuss what is happening and together formulate a plan that will benefit the community as a whole. It is a process in which people who may not have thought their experience or opinion mattered, or who may never have spoken in public find out that their experience does matter, and that together with their neighbors, they can work for good for all in their community. Community organizing takes democracy very seriously: that participation as people is not limited to voting, or even to writing letters to our MLAs or MPs, but it is based on people getting more people involved in the conversation about what change we need in our community and deciding what kind of action we need to take together for the good of the community. When congregations are involved, it is very clear that the vision of the world we are aiming for is shaped by our faith; God calls us as God's people to work for good for all: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God.” These next months, together with our neighbors in the city and the churches, we will begin learning to speak our mind. Come and join us!

6 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, September 2009

The Rt. Rev. Eraste Bigirimana, Bishop of Muyinga, Burundi and his wife, Consolate, visit the Diocese of Qu’Appelle

photo by Margaret Ball

photo by Edith Maddaford

St. Paul's Cathedral servers present gifts to Bishop Eraste and his wife Consolate.

Visit of Bishop Eraste Bigirimana to St. Paul’s Cathedral

photo by Patty Pratt

(l - r) Consolate and Eraste Bigirimana show off some of the gifts they received during a Celebration of Friendship at Gordon's First Nation. Also shown are Chief Sinclair and Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson.

by Marian Powell REGINA The Rt. Rev. Eraste Bigirimana and his wife, Consolate, from the Diocese of Muyinga, Burundi, visited the Diocese of Qu'Appelle May 28 - June 9, 2009.

Events began in Regina with a Clergy Day held at St. Paul's Cathedral May 29 and a meeting of Diocesan Council at St. Philip's May 30. On May 31 Dean Merrett, who had earlier visited Burundi and the Diocese of Muyinga, was delighted to welcome the couple to the Cathedral where Bishop Eraste preached and presided at the Solemn Eucharist of Pentecost.

Bishop Eraste spoke movingly on the power of the Holy Spirit. With the acceptance of the Holy Spirit we become new and seek new ways of living. He also spoke of the suffering in Africa and the need for the things of everyday life. In the Holy Spirit there is life and peace. He challenged those present to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, faithful generosity, gentleness and self control in their daily lives.

The morning concluded with a congregational lunch in the Cathedral Green Room.

St. Matthew's Turns Over Turf With Community Gardeners

By Gary Brown, Garden Coordinator, St. Matthew's, Saskatoon At St. Matthew's Anglican Church an outreach committee idea is growing into a fresh way to 'do church'. The historic parish was planted, in what is now Saskatoon's Sutherland community, in 1907.

Throughout the years, St. Matthew's large plot of land has been home to a tiny wooden church, a parish hall and a rectory. In 1984, the old buildings gave way to a new church surrounded by a considerable yard. Today it's in the centre of a mixed-income neighborhood with a range of apartments and single and duplex homes.

With the prompting of the Outreach Committee, this year the vestry made a decision to use some of this land as a way to connect the parish with the people around it. A large (60 foot x50 foot) part of our yard is cultivated and has in past years been used as a garden by members of the parish. We decided to divide the space into small plots and invite members of the community to share the gardening experience with us.

With advice from CHEP (Child Hunger Education Program), a local agency that works with community gardens throughout the city, detailed plans were developed and implemented. A call for applicants went out and a meeting was held with interested gardeners.

May 23rd was chosen as planting day. This fun filled afternoon provided a great opportunity to get to know our neighbors in the community. The gardeners reflect the demographics of the area, including seniors, young families, and students. Several gardeners came with children and grandchildren to participate. The following day we celebrated Rogation Sunday, concluding with a formal blessing of the community garden.

At the midpoint of the summer, the gardens are growing vigorously; a joy to gardeners and parishioners alike. The project has been well supported by parish members. Tools were donated and a lockable cover built for our water supply built. A brightly colored sign was added to draw attention to the garden.

St. Matthew's Community Garden will be included in a city-wide tour of community gardens in August. A corn roast/harvest celebration is

Bishop of Muyinga visits Gordon's First Nation

Bishop Eraste Bigirimana and his wife Consolate, spent a couple of days visiting Yorkton and the Missioners in the Pelly Deanery, Revs. Kim and Susan Salo. They attended Wednesday morning eucharist and lectionary study, and Consolate, who is president of the Mother's Union, visited with the Qu'Appelle ACW president, Edith Maddaford. (l r) Consolate and Bishop Eraste Bigirimana, Revs.

Susan and Kim Salo.

by Victoria Young GORDON'S FIRST NATION (Qu'A) Bishop Eraste Bigirimana and his wife, Consolate, from the Diocese of Muyinga in Burundi, Africa, and Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson visited Gordon's First Nation on June 4. The Gray Buffalo and many dancers honoured all present at the "Celebration of Friendship" with several songs and dances. The student body and staff sang the "School Song" and several favourite songs. On behalf of the community, Chief Ken Sinclair presented Bishop Eraste and Consolate with a Star Blanket. The student body made several presentations. St. Luke's Church presented a Circle of Life necklace to Bishop Eraste and a jewel and beaded necklace to Consolate, both made by a local artist, Wanda McNab. The celebrations ended with all present taking part in a Round Dance. Everyone then enjoyed a delicious lunch and fellowship together. What an amazing, glorious morning of love and sharing!

Following the festivities in the school, Bishop Greg, Bishop Eraste, Consolate and Rev. Vicki Young toured the community. This included the school, water plant, clinic, band office, day care centre, head-start, online satelite school, St Luke's Church and the buffalo farm managed by Eddie and Laverne Bitternose.

The buffalo gave a great show for the visitors! Eddie took them out to the pasture in a half ton truck. After sitting in the truck admiring the cows and calves, they decided to get out of the truck and all the herd thundered across the pasture. It was easy to imagine the sound of herds stampeding over the open prairies in years gone by.

The group then went to the bulls' pasture. They also put on a tremendous show. First, they pawed the ground where they were, sending great clouds of dust in the air. Then they rolled in the dust to show they are masters of their space. Suddenly the animals ran around the truck several times, snorting, kicking up their heels and giving a display of their strength and power. The visitors were delighted and honoured by the beautiful animals.

May God keep Bishop Eraste and Consolate safe and blessed in their home and diocese, Muyinga, Burundi and may we never forget them in our prayers! To God Be The Glory!! being planned for the Fall. Once the produce is all in, the project will be evaluated and possible plans to cultivate more of St. Matthew's yard may become a reality.

We would like to share our experience with other parishes who may be interested in this form of outreach to their community. For more information, feel free to contact our garden coordinator, Gary Brown, at 306-978-4383 or email: gary.brown@sasktel.net.

Photo byLisa Shiffman

Two girls at the tap at the St. Matthew's Garden opening.

Photo by Alice Brown.

Gary Brown beside the St. Matthew's Community Garden sign

Martin had just received his brand new drivers license. The family troops out to the driveway, and climbs in the car, where he is going to take them for a ride for the first time.

Dad immediately heads for the back seat, directly behind the newly minted driver.

"I'll bet you're back there to get a change of scenery after all those months of sitting in the front passenger seat teaching me how to drive," says the beaming boy to his father.

"Nope," comes dad's reply, "I'm gonna sit here and kick the back of your seat as you drive, just like you've been doing to me all these years."

The Saskatchewan Anglican, January 2009 - 7

A Wet Ascension Day Balloon Launch

Angie Tysseland: What's She Up To?

By The Reverend John Seib; St. Matthew's Saskatoon

Photo contributed

Photo contributed

Elaine and Marshall Kapeller receive their balloons for the launch.

Linda Coates awaits the balloon launch

by the Reverend Steve Page, co-Priestin-Charge, Church of the Ascension

Golding Page, and Betty Edwards led the prayers of the people. The Reverend Steve Page led the singing and delivered the message, lengthening them somewhat in an effort to outlast the falling rain.

However, it was to no avail as the rain did not stop. Since a balloon launch into the rafters of the hall seemed to lose its power and symbolism, everyone ultimately went outside into the wet evening. Nothing could dampen the spirits of the children, however, who became more and more excited as the balloons were distributed.

On cue, everyone launched their balloons, to ascend into the heavens.

Alas, the weight of the rain overcame the lift provided by the helium, and as a result only half the balloons cleared the trees on the edge of the church yard. Seeing the balloons stuck in the branches caused some in the crowd to reflect that Jesus, who calmed storms and walked on water, would not have had his ascension thwarted by a spring rain.

Everyone returned to the shelter of the parish hall, to dry out and to enjoy coffee, tea and dessert. The centrepiece dessert was a cake shaped and frosted by Jo-Ann Edwards to look like a fistful of balloons.

Arborfield (SASK) - The Church of the Ascension in Arborfield, Saskatchewan, held their annual Ascension Day service and balloon launch on May 21st this year, in a downpour.

Every year, this little church, part of the Mission Parish of Arborfield and Hudson Bay, uses their Ascension Day service as a way to connect with their town and neighbours, by inviting them to an evening of fun with a focus on Jesus Christ.

The evening began as usual with a pot luck supper. More than two dozen people attended and enjoyed the variety of foods a pot luck brings. As the time for the service and balloon launch approached, more and more people began to gather in the hall.

Normally, the Ascension Day service and balloon launch are held outdoors, in the yard around the church. But the service was driven indoors this year due to the heavy rain that evening.

Inside the hall, where it was warm and dry, the Scripture lessons were read by Munden Coates and the Reverend Julie

Many Anglicans know Angie Tysseland for her composition and direction of the cantata, 'The Refiner's Fire'; a project developed for the 90th Anniversary of St. James', Saskatoon in 1997. The work was recorded, toured extensively in Saskatchewan and Alberta, then made its way to Montreal and New York in 2002.

Since then, Angie has been working on other many other projects, several of them spiritually-focused; particularly a recording and performances of her opus, 'The Gospel of Mary Magdalene'. This is a musical work that dramatically and musically expresses the feminine experience of Jesus in a particularly riveting cycle of songs and dialogue with Tysseland's typically lush piano scoring.

For the last 3 years, Angie's taken time off from her work as a parish musician and returned to the University of Saskatchewan where she's been completing work on a Master's degree in conducting. For those who caught it this spring, her graduate recital project, the staging and direction of actors, singers and orchestra in two contrasting settings of Igor Stravinsky's 'A Soldier's Tale', was a spellbinding master work.

Always busy in the local music scene as a writer, director and performer, Angie's been challenged this past year by ovarian cancer. This has resulted in a re-shaping of her lifestyle to include a daily regime of yoga, a deepened interest in spiritual healing, and a return to sacred chant. She also expresses profound gratitude for the prayers and practical support offered by so many in the church and larger community.

Her health issues necessitated a long period without income, so, last fall a large group of musicians and friends hosted

'Trials by Fire'; a stellar benefit concert that was videoed by SaskTel in October, 2008 and is available on D V D through Saskatoon's Cosmic Pad Studios.

Photo courtesy Angie tysseland Angie continues to Angie Tysseland write, perform and direct; sharing her considerable keyboard talents with many performers.

She is planning a second 'Trials by Fire' concert this October that will feature her Magdalene work in a fully-staged and multi-media performance that will include dance, drama, singers and herself as a soloist backed by instrumentalists led

by Ross Nykiforuk. Funds from this concert will be directed to Saskatoon's Complementary Cancer Care Network.

Most recently, she has returned to be a part-time interim musician at St. James'.

In addition, she's developing a range of other creative projects. In late summer and early fall she will begin rehearsals with her Mysterium Healing Sound Choir. This ensemble will perform chant and choral works ranging from traditional sacred repertoire through Sanskrit chant and more contemporary works by composers such as Bobby McFerrin. She will also be directing the non-auditioned LiftMe-Up Singers, a community choir based in Saskatoon's Riversdale community.

Angie will be sharing her personal explorations with healing sound in a series of workshops that are advertised on her website.

To contact her or get more information and soundbites, please visit Angie's websites www.angietysseland.com or www.magdalene.ca/Mysterium.

Special Service at St. Bart's

by Gladys Crofts

Photo contributed

Potential balloon launchers examine the expected flight path of their balloons.

Photo contributed

The balloons make their way into the rainy sky

REGINA BEACH (Qu'A) United Church members held a service on June 7, in the quaint St. Bartholomew Church at its new museum site in the resort community on Long Lake, north of Regina.

St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church became an entity in Regina Beach in 1910. The parish received funds from a missionary photo - Gladys Crofts association in England known as Historic St. Bartholemew's Church is now the "Girls Friendly Society" to located at the Regina Beach Museum. build the first church in the community. Church services were held regularly until the last service on May 29, 2005. In the summer of 2007 the church building was moved to its new location on the Lakeside Heritage Museum site. The solar-lit cross on the roof of the church is a welcome beacon to Regina Beach.

United Church minister Darrel Reine conducted the service on June 7. Christians from six-month old Oliva Draper to 98-year old Rene Barber enjoyed the opportunity to worship in a church nearly 100 years old. They plan to hold a service at St. Bart's every year if possible.

The "Friends of St. Bart's" also plan to hold a service every year, to coincide with the feast day of St. Bartholomew on August 24. A special service will be planned in 2010 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of (as it's lovingly called) St. Bart's.

8 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, September 2009 To all Rectors and Wardens of the Diocese of Saskatoon: Turning Hope Into Action

Spanish Service at St. Thomas

By The Reverend Peter Norman, North Battleford Editor's Note: This letter was distributed in early June as a backgrounder for the “Starting Now” conference along with copies of the conference poster and application forms. Additional copies of the poster and the registration form may be obtained through parish offices, the office of Synod or from the Diocesan Web site. The Reverend Peter Norman may be contacted at Phone Nos.: (306) 4454155 or (306) 445-3404 or, E-mail: stpaulnb@sasktel.net I am delighted to forward to you the documents pertaining to the “Starting Now” conference, which were promised by mid-June. All of us on the 'Turning Hope Into Action' team are excited about having Harold Percy here on October 30th and 31st to help us in our mission and ministry in this diocese and we hope that you can help us generate further excitement through your promotion of this event in the months that remain.

As I put forward to the clergy at our May Clergy Conference at Jackfish Lake, we are hoping to have each parish send a minimum of ten percent of their attending members to the conference. The aim is not just to secure a decent audience but rather to ensure that a reasonable group from each parish be equipped to carry enthusiasm and ideas generated by the conference/workshop back to their parishes and to implement those ideas into practical ministry. The opportunity for positive results at the parish level is greatly enhanced if more than one or two people are the recipients of the information. When teams are energized and inspired, things happen.

The Reverend Harold Percy is well equipped as our Keynote Speaker.

He is a priest who has built a successful, dynamic ministry in his parish of Streetsville, Ontario. He is also an accomplished author, a sought after speaker, and the first director of the Institute of Evangelism at Wycliffe College. He is passionate about congregational development, evangelism, and mission, and, having been apprised of the tough, present day realities of ministry in our diocese, is excited about coming and leading us in our time together. In addition to our Anglican parishes, an invitation has gone out to our Lutheran partners and we hope that they can join us for the conference as well.

The conference begins on the Friday night with a catered banquet at Christ Church, Saskatoon where Harold will give his first address.

We sincerely hope that beginning with table fellowship this way will draw us together in a celebratory way as we begin to think about our common purpose of proclaiming the Good News of Christ in the varied places to which he has called us.

On a practical note, if your parish is in the Saskatoon area, I would like to ask that you help us if you can in securing billets for those from out of town who may need them. We, on the planning team, have done everything we can to make the conference affordable and our efforts would be significantly helped by the provision of accommodation for those who would find it difficult or even impossible to attend if faced with hotel costs. There is a place on the registration form both for requesting and for offering billets. I would also appreciate having billet information forwarded to me at peterdebbie@me.com. I would then pass the information on to those who are putting the final details together.

I look forward to a great turnout and a great conference.

Peter Norman, on behalf of the whole “Turning Hope into Action” Team.

Retirement party for the Reverend Canon Wayne Sturgess

By Marilyn Cay St. Matthew's Church, Tisdale (SASK) The congregation of St. Matthew's Anglican Church in Tisdale honoured Canon Wayne Sturgess and his wife, Janet, with a special evening on Friday, May 29, to mark their retirement.

Canon Sturgess led a Compline service in the church, and then a social evening took place in the hall. Cake and coffee were served to those in attendance. short program followed. Jack Wilson from the local Pentecostal Church gave an account of his friendship with Canon Sturgess, which included his appreciation for their work together in the Ministerial Association in Tisdale, and for their fond memories of meeting the Sturgesses for coffee at Robin's Donuts and other places.

Allan McMunn also gave a short talk and had everyone laughing at a very funny story and joke.

Rob Cay, the Rector's Warden, gave heartfelt remarks to Canon Sturgess and thanked him for the opportunity to be his warden.

Canon Sturgess began his ministry in St. Matthew's Parish in January 2004. We will miss his excellent sermons and his loving, easy rapport with the children.

Sunday mornings always included him sitting down and chatting with them at the front, giving them some important truth about Photo courtesy of Susan Rosvold

Photo credit: Marilyn Cay

Confirmation at St. Matthew's Church - L to R: The Rev'd Canon Wayne Sturgess, Lay Reader Susan Rosvold, Confirmands Rachel Cay, Brooklyn Dagg and Daniel McAdam, and the Rt. Rev'd Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatchewan.

. Retirement Party - L to R: Robert Cay, Tina McMunn, the Rev'd Canon Wayne Sturgess, Susan Rosvold, Norman Cay.

God and saying, “God is good all the time.” And they would join in by chanting, “and all the time, God is good.” Then they would race out for Sunday School, but rejoin the congregation as Holy Communion was served, to receive their special blessing at the rail with the “big people.”

Anglican clergy who travelled to Tisdale for the retirement event included the Reverend Steven Page of Hudson Bay and the Reverend Richard Hetke and family of Nipawin. The Reverend Hetke also spoke of his association with Canon Sturgess as Dean and friend.

A beautiful cake, made and decorated by Eileen Godson of St. Matthew's Church, graced the head table, while another lovely cake was served.

The Sturgesses thanked everyone for coming that night. Their final service in St. Matthew's Church was held two days later, on May 31, a service of Holy Communion followed by coffee and more goodbyes. The church was full that morning, as the Lutheran congregation and other friends and family joined our congregation.

We all wish the Sturgesses a happy retirement, with many years to enjoy life. They will be living in Melfort with an intention of eventually moving to Saskatoon, where their son and daughter and their families live.

VERNON (Qu'A) Despite not being in a tourist area, St. Thomas Anglican Church often has more visitors than regular parishioners attending its regular services. St. Thomas is a country church located midway between Qu'Appelle and McLean and Edgeley. One of their parishioners, Octavio Flores, a Mexican exchange student living near Qu'Appelle, graduated from Grade 12 at Indian Head High School this spring. On June 9 four members of his family arrived from Mexico to attend the graduation events and spend a few days with Octavio and his host family. Unfortunately, his family does not speak English, so the Vernon congregation decided to organize a bilingual service.

Revs. Duncan and Beverly McLean, who celebrate the Eucharist at Vernon once a month, agreed to conduct most of the service in Spanish.

Duncan McLean read the Eucharist in Spanish and the congregation responded in whatever language they knew or decided to use. Prayers of the People were led by Octavio's two mothers. His Canadian Mom (Cathy Farrer) spoke in English, and his Mexican Mom (Gabriela Cepeda) read the same prayers in Spanish. Hymns were sung in English, but internationally known tunes were used.

Everyone in Mexico knows Beethoven's Allegria (Ode to Joy), and in there anyone in North American who doesn't know "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory"?

For those Anglicans in the congregation who were well acquainted with both the BAS and BCP it was easy to follow the service in Spanish, and even though they didn't speak the language, the Mexican visitors discovered that the liturgy used in Roman Catholic churches in Mexico is very similar to what the Anglican Church of Canada uses as well.

The Sunday sermon had gone on and on - and on.

And a little girl, who really had been trying to behave herself, knew that after the sermon, there was still the offertory to go, and probably a final hymn. She began to grow more and more restless.

Then she had an idea!

Leaning over toward her mother, she whispered quietly into her ear, "Mommy, do you think that maybe if we just went ahead and gave him the money now, he’d let us go?"

The Saskatchewan Anglican, September 2009 - 9

Sod turned for new church in Red Earth Red Earth (SASK) - On Friday, July 3, the sod was turned for the construction of a new church to serve the people of Red Earth Cree Nation.

The sod-turning program began in the community hall with readings, prayers, a sermon and speeches organized by Mr. Weldon Whitehead. Chief Miller Nawakayas welcomed those in attendance and the Reverend Rita Nawakayas led in

Arthur Anderson receives Multifaith Award

the prayers. The Right Reverend Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatchewan, brought the sermon.

Following the program in the hall, everyone went outside for the official sod turning, which was followed by a lunch in the hall. Completion of the construction of the church is anticipated in September, with consecration of the new building to follow later this autumn.

photo by Elizabeth Steadman

Arthur Anderson receives an award from the Regina Multifaith Forum from Iris Dennis. The semi-retired Anglican priest has worked to bring together "the people of the cross and the people of the feather."

photo contributed

The sod is turned for the new church building

photo contributed

The sod-turning ceremony is completed.

REGINA - Rev. Arthur Anderson received the 2009 Regina Multifaith Individual Achievement Award, in recognition of his work to improve relationships between aboriginal people and the Christian church. Quoted in the Regina Leader Post, the spokesman for the Regina Multifaith Forum, Dinesh Kashyap said Anderson is "building bridges, basically.

That's what the Regina Multifaith Forum is all about - connecting, building and creating understanding."

Anderson was born on the Gordon First Nation, and after a 29-year military career, he became an Anglican priest. He was ordained 21 years ago by Bishop Eric Bays at St. Paul's Cathedral. The dean was Duncan Wallace, whom Anderson worked with as an assistant priest. Then he served the parishes of Plain and Valley, Lakeside, and The Parish of the Cree People. He also worked with the Anglican Council of Indigenous People for 21 years, which he describes as "a very rich and rewarding experience. Two co-ordinators helped me a lot - Rev. Laverne Jacobs and Donna Bomberry."

He was the first person from Gordon's to be ordained, the first aboriginal person to

be on the Episcopal Church Executive Council, and one of the first indigenous people to go to the World Council of Churches, which he attended in 1998 in Zimbabwe. He also has attended six General Synods.

When Anderson was ordained deacon, his late uncle, Hilliard McNab, presented him with a cross joined to a feather. McNab, who was a Saskatchewan Indian Nations Senator, told him to work to bring together "the people of the cross and the people of the feather." Throughout his long career and now in semi-retirement, Anderson has worked to do just that. He is now co-keeper of the cross and feather with Irene Walter, who is McNab's daughter.

On September 14, 2008, Anderson was inducted as a Diocese of Qu'Appelle Elder

by Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson and National Indigenous Bishop Mark MacDonald.

Although the Multifaith Forum award is called "individual," Anderson stresses, "I didn't do this alone. The people in the parishes were very generous, and I give a lot of credit to my wife, Elaine, who helps me with all these ministries. I believe this is an 'us' award, not an 'I' award."

A Century of Service in Outlook

by Lauren Featherby OUTLOOK (Qu'A) Bright sunshine and warm temperatures greeted past and present parishioners and guests of St. Mark's Anglican Church on May 17 as they gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their church. The day began with a communion service led by James Merrett, Dean of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle. A special candle was lit at the beginning to remember all the past members of the congregation who had done so much to keep St. Mark's going throughout the years. Dean Merrett concluded the service by re-dedicating the bell from the original building to all members of the congregation, past and present.

Everyone gathered at The Heritage Centre for lunch and a time of visiting. Members of St. Mark's congregation organized a display - including photographs and accounts of weddings, confirmations and baptisms - to document the enduring presence of the church in Outlook.

The first Anglican service in Outlook was held on May 9, 1909. It was attended by five communicants and the offering was $1.25!

It would be impossible to pay tribute individually to all those who have worked so tirelessly from the first days of St. Mark's until now. Each minister, lay-reader and member of the congregation has played an important part in the Church. The circumstances are different from those that existed 100 years ago but the needs are the same: the need for knowledge of God's love, the need for comfort in the difficulties of life and the need to enrich our lives by serving and connecting with God. May it please God that St. Mark's continues for many years to hold its place with honour in the community of Outlook. photo - contributed

Historic photo of St. Mark's, Outlook, now 100 years old.

10 - The Saskatchewan Anglican, September 2009

St Stephen’s Game Show

Obituaries

Rest in Peace: the Venerable Percy Ross Sturgeon Lake (SASK) - On Friday, May 15, the Venerable Percy Ross died of a heart attack.

Mr. Ross celebrated his 80th birthday this year on February 23. He was ordained as a Priest on June 24, 1993, and was put in charge of St. Bartholomew's Photo by Christine Senkow, Parish Secretary Parish in Pelican Narrows. In Wade Win-a-lot (Tanner Wur Lucko, left) and Professor Wordsmart (Amy Bunce) 1994, he was appointed co-hosted Studio Go! Vacation Bible School at St. Stephen's Anglican Church, Archdeacon of Saskatchewan by Saskatoon from July 20th to 24th. More than 20 kids learned to lead, take good Bishop Burton. He was then risks, obey God, serve others, and tell everyone who Jesus is during this exciting, appointed Priest in Charge of fun-filled week.

Holy Trinity Church in Prince Albert on June 1, 1996, until he and his wife, the Reverend Ruth Ross, moved to Deschambault the famous Mr. Darcy and Hollywood and in society at Lake in 2003. He retired in 2004, Elizabeth never physically touch large. and he and Mrs. Ross moved to during the entire book. He may My advice to others who, like Sturgeon Lake. hand her into a carriage, a polite myself, read this book years ago?

The following is an excerpt social act, but that is the extent of Read it again, with your radar on from Bishop Michael Hawkins' it. Such contact is hardly signifi- - and prepare for a treat! And sermon at the Holy Communion cant or even noticeable by don't miss the BBC's 1990s DVD service for Mr. Ross at St. version of this story, starring today's liberal sexual standards.

Alban's Cathedral Church on Pride and Prejudice certainly Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy.

May 16: makes the best case that I have “It was a gift of God to the read in a long time for the Clergy of this Diocese that Percy was with us for our Clergy Day just Church's traditional and biblical two weeks ago, in full form, encouraging us, and then he was present stance on sex - that sex belongs at the Indian Council with the Clergy and Lay Readers, directing the in marriage alone. However, the choir and letting us know when our singing was too quiet or slow! story does not specifically argue Percy had been talking more lately about retirement and going home, this point, nor does it present a and we may not have fully understood what that meant, but now we prudish and truncated descripknow that he has found rest from his labours, that he is at home with tion of romance. Instead, the the Father. main characters, Mr. Darcy and Percy Ross was a priest, and retired or not, he was in his heart always Elizabeth, provide an extremely a teacher and a preacher. There was passion, conviction and clarity in By the Reverend Julie Golding attractive portrayal of keeping all what he taught and preached. This came out of a real faith. Percy contact of a sexual nature for Page knew who Jesus was and he knew who he was, a Christian, a man of Hudson Bay (SASK-) This marriage. In the story, chastity is Christian faith and obedience. His clear convictions and his summer, it seemed that whenev- not only attainable but desirable unashamed speech could make people squirm, but that is part of the er I went into a bookstore, I in fact, the lack of physical conrole of a teacher and preacher. You knew where Percy stood, whether could not get away from Jane tact actually increases the level it was on the question of Bingo or the Bible. And here is where our Austen's Pride and Prejudice. of romantic excitement. If anyremembering this Christian gentleman should stir us all up, especialWritten in 1796 and published in one has any doubt about whether ly the clergy and lay readers. Percy knew his Bible, he knew the 1813, this famous novel has or not sexual restraint and selfScriptures and in his own language. Percy was also committed, he spawned many sequels over the control can be sexy, then this wanted to see things get done.” years. However, one of this sum- book will be a thought-provokThanks be to God for the life and witness of Percy Ross, and may he mer's offerings, Pride and ing read. Readers from all over rest in peace.

Prejudice and Zombies, became the world, who have admitted to a hot commodity, spending much falling in love with the undemonof the summer at or near the top strative Mr. Darcy through the of the Globe and Mail Best-sell- pages of this book, will testify to er Fiction list. A rash of other the fact that the story positively retellings and sequels of this sizzles!

200-year-old story also hit the An interesting question is just

by Fiona Brownlee; Communications Officer, Council of the bookshelves this summer, why this book, with its old-fash- North appearing even in unlikely places ioned - and, many would argue, Ministry is not easy wherever you live across Canada. In urban comlike major department stores. outmoded - morality, is generat- munities churches face many issues - homelessness and environmenThe immense popularity of this ing so much interest these days. tal concerns being just two of the many. In rural communities churchseemingly old-fashioned book Could it be that our society is tir- es also face many issues - rural depopulation and loss of community made me wonder what all the ing of its permissive sexual resources just to name a couple. In the northern parts of this country fuss was about. I decided to dig mores and craving something providing pastoral and sacramental care to isolated communities can out my copy of the original story, deeper? It seems an ideal time be even more difficult. which I last read sometime in for the Church to introduce In this month of September, parishes across the country, are being today's romantics to a biblical asked to support the work of the Council of the North through a spehigh school in the 1980s.

What a treat this book proved be! version of sexuality, which is cific fundraising project of the Anglican Appeal.

Pride and Prejudice is undoubt- truly exciting, deeply meaningful So why September? Why not another month? September is traditionedly one of the most passionate and, arguably, even more plea- ally the time across the country when, as Christians, we give thanks to and romantically exciting books surable and romantic than the our Creator God for the harvest of the year. Many of our parishes celserial monogamy that we see in I have ever read - even though ebrate this by Harvest Festivals. It is also the time of the year when

Pride and Prejudice isn't Prudish

Supporting Ministry in Canada's North; A Fundraising Appeal

The Hunt for Missing Saskatchewan Anglican Subscribers

By Peter R. Coolen, Associate Editor, Diocese of Saskatoon It is the intent of all of us at the Saskatchewan Anglican that all parishioners in the three dioceses of Saskatchewan (ie. the Dioceses of Qu'Appelle, Saskatoon and Saskatchewan) receive both the Saskatchewan Anglican and the Anglican Journal unless they specifically refuse it. It is not well known that the subscription cost for members of all parishes is paid by the respective diocese and the annual Anglican Appeal and is thus available at no charge, bundled with the Anglican Journal; nonparishioners within the diocese must pay a small annual fee to receive the papers.

Over the last few years, the subscriber base of the Saskatchewan Anglican has declined while there seem to be more people in church without subscriptions and no idea as to how to get them. On many occasions each year I meet people who ask me “how do I subscribe to the Saskatchewan Anglican?” or, “how do I change my address?” or, more rarely, “How do I cancel a subscription?”.

How to address all of this? Well, If you, or anyone in your parish who you are aware of, wishes to receive the Saskatchewan Anglican and the Anglican Journal and are not currently receiving them, you or they may be added free of charge by contacting the Anglican Journal, at: www.anglicanjournal.com/subscription changes, or by contacting the Editor or an Associate Editor (for your diocese) of the Saskatchewan Anglican (contact information is in the Saskatchewan Anglican).

The Saskatchewan Anglican and the Anglican Journal are the main means of communication for us to trumpet our successes, inform as to both good and bad news and to share together as a Church family; let's communicate!.

people in northern communities go out onto to the land to hunt; to hunt, caribou, geese, duck, deer, and moose, in order to provide for their families and communities.

The Council of the North is inviting its brothers and sisters in the faith in to join with them in celebrating and supporting the ministry that goes on in our communities by participating in this special appeal. Parishes will have received packages over the

The Saskatchewan Anglican,The Saskatchewan Anglican,

Supporting Ministry in Canada's North; continued from page 10 summer with a number of ideas in them on how to educate each other about the Council of the North and how to support the ministry that happens in northern, isolated communities. Suggestions include selling buttons with the logo for the Council on them, sermon ideas and finishing up the month with a community feast of stew and bannock.

As Archbishop David Ashdown, chair of the Council of the North, said, “There are many significant opportunities for us to provide pastoral and sacramental ministry in the vast area covered by the member dioceses yet we often lack the resources.

By taking part in Anglican Appeal's special focus on the Council of the North your parish will be helping us to continue and advance these opportunities.”

Thank you, in advance, for taking the time to hear the stories of your sisters and brothers in the faith and for supporting your brothers and sisters by taking seriously that this mission is a ministry of the whole church by the whole church.

For more information on the Council of the North please contact: Fiona Brownlee, Communications, Council of the North.

Anglican Church of Canada www.anglican.ca/cn; ph: 807-547-3353, ext 5; Fax: 807-547-3356.

New U2 album speaks from Christian perspective By the Reverend Julie Golding Page, Co-Priest-in-Charge, Mission of Hudson Bay & Arborfield (Saskatchewan)

Die-hard U2 fans finally have their wish, after waiting five long years since the release of How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. U2's new album, No Line on the Horizon, is a carefully crafted series of songs about being lost, finding the self in God, becoming disoriented and lost again, and becoming re-oriented to God and the world. Musically, the album continues the U2 tradition of vigorous rock tunes, complete with the classic guitar riffs, but with the addition of Middle Eastern overtones in several songs, giving homage to the band's time recording in the unusual location of Fez, Morocco.

As usual, U2's lyrics give a combination of scathing critique and encouraging hope to the Western world. More particularly, the band's political and religious exhortations are addressed to the USA and, it could be argued, equally to the Christian church.

The title track and first song, “No Line on the Horizon,” begins the album's journey with a feeling of disorientation or lostness, with no distinguishing marks to provide perspective in modern life. This track is followed up with “Magnificent,” whose driving beat, proliferation of biblical imagery and confident, soaring expression of purpose under God - the Magnificent - make it the album's closest facsimile to a gospel song and reminiscent of their 1987 hit “I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.” U2 lead singer Bono sings to God, “I was born to be with you in this space and time.” Yet this song is not a blithely upbeat denial of the very real disorientation we all feel in our personal lives in the modern world. He continues, “After that and ever after I haven't had a clue.” This combination of honest confusion and hope in God is what attracts many to U2.

The next two tracks address God's call to us but in modern idiom, using technological metaphors. “Moment of Surrender” speaks of a moment of clarity and surrender when one goes down on one's knees and recognizes “vision over visibility” or, in other words, invisible faith over what is physically seen. Love, often used as a placeholder for God, appears in this song and throughout the album. “Unknown Caller” uses the metaphors of computer and telephone to instruct hearers who are “lost” to listen to God: “cease to speak that I may speak. Shush now.” Both songs employ organ music interludes to allow hearers time to ponder, as if in church after an altar call.

Now that the listener has been called by God and had the chance to be made right with him, the album invites participation in the political and religious realities of the world.

“Get on Your Boots” and “Stand Up Comedy” are particularly pointed injunctions for Westerners, Americans and the Church to get ready and begin engaging in the world. If there was any doubt about equating the oft-mentioned “love” with God, it is made explicit in “Stand Up Comedy,” which says baldly, “God is love.”

Those who remain unsure of U2's Christian content will appreciate “White as Snow.”

Sharing its melody with “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” the song is a haunting retelling of the Advent hymn in U2's vernacular. Bono sings of the great longing for the lamb as white as snow, who brings forgiveness to all - both Westerners and their current archenemies, the people of the Middle East, from places like Fez. These “enemies” are considered thoughtfully in many tracks. The album leaves the listener with this poignant thought: “Choose your enemies carefully...Gonna last with you longer than your friend.”

No Line on the Horizon is satisfying musically for its fusion of rock and Middle Eastern melodies, and lyrically for its astute observations and insistence that political and religious inertia can be overcome. U2's answer is God. May listeners come to the same conclusion.

September 2009 - 11

The Struggle to Become Self-Supporting Vignette #3 This year the Diocese of Qu'Appelle celebrates 125 years of ministry and witness to the Christian faith in southern Saskatchewan. This is the third in a series of historical vignettes prepared by the 125th Anniversary Committee at the request of the Bishop to recognize this milestone in the life of the Church.

by Trevor Powell In September 1975, Archbishop Frederic Jackson (1960-1977) announced that the College Avenue property in Regina had been sold to the Government of Saskatchewan.

Interest from the proceeds of the sale allowed the Diocese to become self-supporting.

To become self-supporting had been the dream of every bishop from Anson through Jackson, but the goal had proven elusive for close to 90 years! Following his visit to the Canadian northwest mission field in 1883, Canon Anson established the Qu'Appelle Association to support mission work. Using his church and aristocratic connections, he set up a network of associates throughout England to raise support through prayer and subscriptions. All western Canadian dioceses relied on annual grants from the missionary societies, so the establishment of another society was seen as fostering needless competition. Anson's foresight, however, would pay huge dividends in the long run.

If the Church was to stand on its own two feet, it was absolutely necessary for everyone to contribute towards regular ministry and mission. At times, bad harvests or economic downturns worked against systematic giving. The Dominion Churchman reported that Bishop Anson felt many settlers with their Church of England background were not used to voluntary giving, rather they had become “…so accustomed to rely on what former generations have done for the ordinary maintenance of religion, that it is difficult for them to realize that all here depends on themselves.”

In 1896, cuts to missionary society grants led to calls for the newly-formed General Synod to pick up the slack, but such appeals largely fell on deaf ears. As a result, the Diocese increasingly relied on the Qu'Appelle Association for funding which it dutifully provided over the next 60 years. o world wars caused hardship for the Church as overseas funding dropped, but increased giving by members partially offset this shortfall. The Great Depression and drought of the thirties were an entirely different matter! Even though the income of the average churchgoer fell, Anglicans made a determined effort through their weekly giving to ensure churches in the more depressed areas of the diocese were kept open. Bishop Edwin Knowles (1935-1949) eventually closed or consolidated missions acknowledging that “…the interest paid on the debt alone could have supported the stipendiary grants for several missions.”

Even during the increased prosperity of the fifties and sixties, Bishops Michael Coleman (1950-1960) and Jackson lamented clergy shortages which prevented sustained missionary effort. While diocesan financial campaigns brought greater stability to the balance sheet, Qu'Appelle continued to rely on funding from outside sources until the seventies.

MEET THE METROPOLITAN Conversation between David Ashdown Metropolitan for the province of Rupert's Land elected June 2009 and T.M. Christison, editor of the Sower.

There are some questions that I would like to ask you and if there are other things you would like to add that would be helpful. What I am going to do with this is send it out to all of the editors - and then they can use what they want - exactly so I don't have make choices for them. And we will do the same with the photos. Thanks very much for agreeing to do this.

One of the things I wanted to ask you and I am not sure exactly how to word this but it seems to me that if you won or Andrew won, it really didn't matter.

I wouldn't want to use the word won - I was struggling with words - I think it's a question of which was chosen. And of course there is difference in style and all those sort of things, but I suspect, I can't speak for Andrew but I think this would be true for Andrew, I think both of us are people who don't want to impose a vision but draw out visions that are already placed there by God. In this case in the province, we would both be seeking God's will for the province and helping draw out the vision that God has placed here and then trying to help people to articulate that vision and bring it to reality.

And so that's one of the reasons that I said at the election with Andrew standing beside me that I would only accept election if he as senior bishop would work with me - which I knew he would - and he affirmed that so I really do see us working together quite collegially. But not just he and I working together collegially but modeling collegiality with the whole house of bishops and therefore beyond that with the people of God because this is not the ministry we are called to is not MY ministry and it is our ministry and it is not even our ministry it's Christ's ministry. So we have to always look beyond ourselves to our community, beyond our community to Christ. I really believe that we are called to be a Christ-centred community in an alienated world, we are sent to transform that world. I think Bishop Andrew is certainly a very Christ-centred person and I am really looking forward to having a ministry together with him, probably in ways that are new that the province hasn't seen before. We don't even know what it will look like but I am very grateful that he's going to be beside me.

It seemed to me that what you were doing was exemplifying the area ministry with this - there is a job to be done and we are going to do it together.

I think that's true but what you may also not know is that Andrew and I were at the same residential school. I was the supervisor and he was the student. But he is my senior by consecration. He became a bishop before I did. And so that is also something that we are trying to model is the healing of residential schools.

That is very important. If it had been Andrew [who became Metropolitan] would you have then been senior bishop?

No I wouldn't have been. It that would have been Bishop Phillips from Rupert's Land because he was consecrated before I was. continued on page 12

12 - The Saskatchewan Anglican,

September 2009

MEET THE METROPOLITAN

An Interview with the Primate, Most Rev. Fred Hiltz

(continued from page 11) I think you have said some of the things you want to do. What is the first thing that you see needs to be done - whether it is urgent, immediate or just what is the first thing you will be doing?

I think one of the things is to find ways to respond to situations in a meaningful way. For example, it seems that we may have a flu pandemic beginning to sweep a lot of our communities. It seems to me that we have a responsibility to provide pastoral ministry a ministry of presence in those difficult situations and help the church be very present to people but at the same time if necessary to act in an advocacy role. If we feel that governments are not doing their part. I think it really behoves me as metropolitan to speak up and say to government - Now look people are suffering here. But it's not only to speak up for situations like the pandemic but also for issues of justice right across the board, of healing and reconciliation, after all justice is the public face of love. So as metropolitan I have a very public ministry and been asked and I think to speak out on behalf of the church in consultation with the house of bishops and the synod. One of the most important things I think is to recognize that ministry is most effective at the local level.

That's where the witness takes place so I am very keen to find ways that we can work together, ways that we can coordinate ourselves across the province, sharing of good ideas, making Christ known right at the local level, transforming that alienated world by carrying the gospel of Christ there and carrying it there together, sharing of ideas, and working together in that way. So those are two areas that I think are very important and then the third area is new expressions of ministry and new structures.

I think passing the resolution to enable area bishops is a major step and it will have to be pursued carefully and thoughtfully but I think that is a whole new beginning of ways we do ministry more effectively. The issue is how do we take the good news of the love of God in Christ Jesus to every living creature and our structures need to be ones that enable us to do that.

And fourthly, I have been around the province for a long time I was the secretary, the registrar, the deputy prolocutor, prolocutor you name it I think I've been everything but chancellor but I don't think that's ever going to happen. I believe that the province has a central role to play in the proclamation of the gospel and so I want to see the province strengthened, renewed, transformed in its structures in some ways. I don't know how that's going to look. I just know that God's calling us on this great adventure. I'm very humbled, pleased and humbled to be given a major leadership role in finding that vision. And as one of the archdeacon of Keewatin said when the children of Israel arrived in the promised land, and they looked back and said oh that is where we were going. I have a similar feeling. I know that God is leading us. I know he's called us to walk together and so it is exciting. Not just for me. I think it is an exciting time for the province and the church.

I think it is too.

Would you like to talk more about your time at the residential school?

Not necessarily. I think there are stories that have to be told. I think the things I've said I've said at the house of Bishops. I've made it very clear that we also have to think about the story of the staff who for the most part were deeply committed people who had - I've said this to provincial synod deeply committed people who believed they were doing God's work in ministering in the residential schools as much as any other person in the province. Yes there were problems with the system. And yes there were bad people in the system.

But let's not forget all of those truly committed people who are now equally

with Tim Christison, editor of The Sower at the Rupert’s Land Provincial Synod in June, 2009 Are you in a position or of a mind to talk about this Synod?

It's actually the first provincial synod that I have been at as the primate. I've been at provincial synods of course in the province of Canada. And each one has a character and quality of its own. It's often said of the Canadian Church that the province of Canada is the most laid-back.

Photo contributed

Rt. Rev. Andrew Atagotaaluk, Bishop of the Arctic and senior bishop of Rupert's Land province; and Most Rev. David Ashdown, Bishop of Keewatin and new Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert's Land are co-celebrants at the Rupert’s Land Provincial Synod hurting. A few years ago the Council of the North at the T ???? nation and we had a gospel jamboree and we had prayers for healing on various things but Bishop Andrew and I stood together at one of the healing stations and we prayed for people who had suffered in any way at the residential schools. And it was a very powerful time because people came up and knelt. We laid hands and prayed for them but for people to see two bishops; one who had been the supervisor and the other who had been the student who had lived together in residential school and who were living together in the house of bishops and now who are living together as senior bishop and metropolitan. I don't want to speak for Andrew but it is a real privilege for us to be able to become a sacrament and a sign for healing and reconciliation and be able to carry our ministry together. I think that is all I want to say on the subject.

[The metropolitan was misty-eyed at this point] Thanks you very much. I don't mean to be intrusive.

No, no not all. That's not a problem. I am quite willing to talk about it.

Is there anything else that you would like to say?

No other than I am absolutely delighted with this particular synod. We have dealt with some difficult issues but there has been just a wonderful feeling within the synod. It's been a spirit-filled synod. People genuinely caring about each other and working with each other to find the best way forward. There has been lots of laugher. People praying together. And I know that we come from very different places. And I know that people disagree on any number of things within this body but being drawn together in our Lord Jesus Christ to do his work supersedes any differences that we have. And I think that is just great.

That which holds us together is clearly much greater than that which pushes us apart. And I think this synod has been and continues to be an example about how we can be the church in today's world. I'm grateful to the members of the synod. I chaired synod yesterday unexpectedly. I have chaired synod before as prolocutor but I was little more prepared because I actually had been part of the putting the circular together. Yesterday I took a long walk on a short pier and everyone was so gracious not just to me but to each other. It was a good feeling.

I think there has been a very good feeling and a willingness to listen to each other.

Thank you so much for taking this time with me. And I will send it to the other editors.

Did you find that to be true?

Well I think one of the things about this particular synod that added to the intensity of it was the amount of work it was asked to do by General Synod. Of course, that is going to be the same in all the other provincial synods as well - the piece around sexuality, the primate's review task group and the governance working group. That took the whole day yesterday when you think about it.

But as I said last night, I am really grateful that the regional synods are willing to take the time to have those conversations because it is really the only structure that we've got that has all the Bishops of the province together and clergy and the laity from each diocese. It would be almost impossible to do the kind of work the synod did yesterday in all 30 dioceses. And to have resource people coming to the synod so the provincial structures in that sense it seems to me are really really important in the life of our church because given the size of the church, the vastness of it in terms of its geography, it is the provincial structures really are such a valuable link between what happens in the dioceses and what happens at the General Synod. I mean canonically there are certain things that have to go through provincial synods before they are enforced but these kind of opportunities to have conversation are just invaluable. I am really grateful to the synod for taking that time yesterday and there was good discussion, I thought on all three topics. I thought it would have been - I guess I was surprised with the conversation around sexuality yesterday morning that there wasn't a little more opportunity for the synod to have some conversation about the Gallilee report and the Rothsay * report and the whole question of amending the marriage canon. It was a good presentation. It focused on the need for conversation and the way conversations are taking shape in Canada and between Canadian dioceses and African dioceses and so on. I just had a little bit of a sense of some people wondering whether or not there was going to be an opportunity to discuss these two significant reports that have emerged from the work of the Primate's Theological Commission and the Faith Worship & Ministry knowing they are going to be discussed at General Synod.

I think there was that feeling. Time is always a problem - Yes always a problem.

Do you think that discussions will go on?

Yes, I think so. That is the thing I was sort of left wondering a little bit from the discussion in the morning on human sexuality was - where does this go from here ? in terms of this provincial synod and the dioceses? It was quite clear I thought with the governance working group presentation. There was a lot of helpful and varied feedback to the governance working group, particularly around the notion of a fifth province. You could sense the variance in opinion within the room. And I thought that people were speaking from very different viewpoints but they had a rationale that they had thought through. So I think the governance working group was very grateful for that feedback that they got. I think you know there is a lot of opinion across the church about an indigenous province. I think what we want to be able to do is we want to do the right thing for all the right reasons in the right way. And I think what I was hearing yesterday was a real desire to honour the spirit of the governance working group and its intention in advancing self-determination for aboriginal peoples in terms of ministry within the Anglican Church of Canada. And I think that was affirmed very much in the discussion.

The biggest anxiety I heard yesterday around an indigenous province was a little fear that while it sounds like the right thing thing to be doing right now, would it have the longer-term impact of segregating indigenous people into their own province without the blessing consequently of having their voice, their perspective and their culture flavouring the life of the current dioceses and provinces.

To be continued