ALGOMA ANGLICAN January 2016 Official Voice of the – A section of the Anglican Journal Vol. 59 – No. 1 Inside Rev. Barbara Graham ordained Algoma to the priesthood

Is the Muslim my neighbour? In his January Letter, Bishop Stephen Andrews empahises our need to overcome igno- rance and educate ourselves regarding Islam and the rela- tionship with Christianity. See p. 3

We all need to reduce and share what we have In his monthly column, Rev. Canon Bob Elkin writes of our need, in the face of all we have, to welcome refugees and those in need. See p. 6

Reach out to family at home and abroad Charlotte Haldenby looks at the world in her monthly NEW PRIEST IN THE DIOCESE : On Sunday, November 8, 2015, clergy from the Deanery of Muskoka and beyond column writing how we must gathered at St. Thomas’, Bracebridge for the ordination to the priesthood of Rev. Barbara Graham. The preacher at the count our blessings and think service was Bishop Caleb Lawrence, retired bishop of the Diocese of Moosonee. about those beyond our doors. See p. 8 Algoma’s newest priest never the hospital will be able to receive Assistant at St. Thomas’ until his great blessing to everyone in- saw it coming. On Sunday, Novem- the Eucharist more frequently and death in 1991. She then plugged volved. Several clergy and lay ber 8, Bishop Stephen Andrews with greater ease. away at theological studies for readers from both Muskoka and ordained Rev. Barbara Graham to Married to William Graham, a years, first as a lay person and then Temiskaming, and a few visitors Next deadline the priesthood at a standing room former Archdeacon of Muskoka, as a deacon, most recently earning from outside the Diocese, joined The deadline for the next only service held at St. Thomas’, Rev. Barbara Graham spent 18 a Master’s in Theological Stud- the congregation for the celebra- issue of The Algoma Anglican is Bracebridge. At the age of 86, and years in the Diocese of the Arctic, ies from Trinity College, Toronto, tion. The guest preacher, Most Saturday, January 2. Send items to: having happily served as a deacon first on Baffin Island and then in in 2013. A faithful and dedicated Rev. Caleb Lawrence, retired, Di- Mail or courier: for over a decade, Rev. Graham did Northern Quebec. They then relo- member of St. Thomas’ Braceb- ocese of Moosonee, gave a heart- P.O. Box 221 not expect to be made a priest. But cated to Milford Bay where they ridge, Rev. Graham fulfils many felt and much appreciated sermon, 1148 Hwy 141 now that she has been, one ben- stayed until her husband retired in roles both in the parish and in the complete with a personal touch, Rosseau P0C 1J0 efit is that those who receive her 1988. They moved to Bracebridge wider community. as Bishop Lawrence knew both E-mail: ministry at an area prison and in where he became the Honorary The ordination service was a [email protected] See Family – p. 2 Time of remembrance at St. Mary’s, Aspdin presence, and service in their and we could have called the Fifth man, builder and leader, Ted. moved off and away, but return- Folks from tiny village near, and now part of Fleet had they been nearby to join On this occasion, Mrs. Turner’s ing to their home church for this Huntsville. After a wonderful ser- in, so laden were the tables. brother, Dr. Reid Keays and his occasion. down-under find vice of thanksgiving an Holy Eu- Over conversation, many of wife Linda, were visiting from With absolute delight, Dr. and charist in a full church, everyone thevisiting guests poured over the Melbourne, Australia. They come Mrs. Keays found a picture show- themselves “up-over” trooped over the short walk to the photo books lovingly prepared to this service every year that they ing his confirmation back, so far By the Rev. Judie Cooper Aspdin Community Centre where and lugged about by Warren Irene possibly can to be part of the great as one can tell, in 1957. With him St. Mary’s, Aspdin held their volunteers had been busy prepar- Turner. Lugged over many years reunion of the St. Mary’s “dis- was Fr. Lawrence Firth, Society patronal festival this past summer, ing a substantial barbeque for sup- with some help, no doubt, from persion”, so many people, once of St. John the Evangelist, also celebrating 129 years of worship, per. The food was magnificent, her husband and church handy- pioneer families in this area, now See Fr. Firth – p. 5 (2) Algoma Anglican, January 2016

Diocese of Algoma Family travelled Anglican Church Women from near and far devotions FOR january for the occasion Aren’t you glad there is always harder but generally we still go to tance ever. We know the care of a chance of a new beginning? church each week. However we this planet is in our hands and we Continued from Front reception. St. Thomas’ give thanks The excitement and exhaus- are usually in a car; no outward will look after our own. Barbara and Bill Graham from for Rev. Barbara’s ministry among tion of Christmas are past and a sign to our neighbours of where Resolution 3. Show by our ac- their time in the Arctic. Her fam- us, and for the wonderful celebra- New Year is here. Resolutions to we are going or the strength of tions that waste in any form is ily travelled from near and far to be tion everyone was able to share change thing will be being made our commitment. bad. Be thrifty and not over pos- with her for this occasion, and St. with our Deanery and Diocesan throughout the world. Most will Resolution 1. Be open about sessing; recycling, sharing, not Thomas’ ACW put on a wonderful family. Congratulations Barbara! be broken by the second week your commitment to regular at- replacing, just because! of January. How about making a tendance and the benefits of wor- These are three simple resolu- really challenging resolution this shipping with likeminded peo- tions which reflect just some of year and keeping it? ple. As Christians we are meant our joy of being a Christian and If you look back over your to be the happiest people around; part of the whole family of man. own life I expect you will all we know what the future holds I am sure you can think of many see how the church has changed. for us and that it is for our good, more but settle for one and keep I am sure many of you will re- so where are our happy faces and to it. The world as a whole will member Sunday being different our eager feet? be a better place for it. to any other day in the week. Resolution 2. Greet every A New Year; A New Begin- Just by putting on your best coat person you come across with a ning, yes but with God every day and hat and walking to church smile. Show enthusiasm in the can be a New Beginning! you were making a statement to most menial tasks and hopefully all who saw you. On that day at people will ask you why? What Pam Abraham least, Jesus came first in our lives. an opening!!! As the adopted Diocesan ACW Devotions Chair Today there are many more calls sons and daughters of God we on our time which makes it much are heirs of the greatest inheri-

COME HOLY SPIRIT: Rev. Barbara Graham is pictured cutting a celebratory cake at a reception held in Browning Hal at St. Thomas’, Bracebridge following her ordination to the priesthood on Sunday, November 8, 2015.

BREAD, BUNS AND MORE: A number of different baked goods and other items were, available at St. Thomas, Ulls- GETTING READY: Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Andrews is pictured with Rev. Barbara Gra- water/Bent River’s “Treats and Treasures” Luncheon and ham. moments before Rev. Graham’s ordination to the priesthood at a service held at St. Bake sale held at the Ullswater Community Hall on Sat- Thomas’, Bracebridge on Sunday, November 8, 2015. urday, October 24, 2015.

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The Algoma Anglican is the Official Voice of the Diocese of Algoma. Address: P.O. Box 1168, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. P6A 5N7 The Right Reverend Dr. Stephen Andrews, Bishop EDITORIAL Peter Simmons, Editor Letter from the Bishop Is the Muslim my neighbour? The word ‘Islam’ conjures up images of war in the actually glamourized those terrible Crusades to re- of Whom we know. We are like the man born blind in Middle East, terrorist cells in Western nations, and cover the holy places from Islam – an unholy blunder John 9 when he replied to questions about Jesus: ‘All has engendered a growing fear for the security of our which Muslims have never forgotten.’ Even though I know is this: I was blind and now I can see.’ world and our very selves. Meanwhile, the humani- St. Francis of Assisi would instruct his followers to This is what we mean by Christian witness, by tarian concerns over the four million Syrian refugees avoid quarrels and disputes with Muslims, Christians evangelism. We are not true to our baptismal voca- fleeing the brutal Assad regime, and the political op- have always understood Islam to be, at least, a heresy, tion if we see our job chiefly as critics, as disparagers portunities this has opened up to polarise communi- while Muslims have always believed that Christian- of the way of the world or as denigrators of culture ties into being either xenophobe or xenophile, has ity teaches an impoverished view of God’s unity and and competing perspective. In fact, our real strength made it very difficult to engage in any kind of ratio- transcendence. And, as we all know, conceptual dif- is in compassion, not argument. For it is as we care nal discourse on the matter of ‘who is the Muslim ferences such as these can for our Muslim neighbour in the name of Christ, as and is the Muslim my neighbour?’. The Muslim for become significant points we become vulnerable in our relationships with those most of us remains hidden not by the hijab of piety, of contention, especially who are very different from us, that we find opportu- but by characterisation borne of ignorance, for the where land is involved. nities to speak of God out of our faith in God. Here, majority of those who feel free to criticise Islam as Now, it is usually in we shall share our gratitude for all that God has given a ‘religion of violence’ have neither Muslims among the face of some inter- us and done for us. Here, we shall testify to the mercy their friends nor have read the Qu’ran. faith rivalry that I hear and forgiveness we have received at the foot of the How are we Christians to think of Islam? And, as well-meaning church- Cross. Here, we shall demonstrate the power of love, the religion grows even in our own back yard (a new goers say something like, animated by God’s Spirit living within us. Here, we mosque has just appeared in Sault Ste Marie), how ‘Why can’t we all just get shall give evidence of the hope that lives within us are we to treat our Muslim neighbour? along? I mean, in essence, that one day God will heal the human heart and the First of all, it seems clear that we need to educate we human beings are all wretched suffering it has caused. ourselves. It is human nature to fear what is not un- the same, with universal- In this Christmastide, we celebrate the world’s derstood, and knowledge itself gives a certain power ly shared weaknesses and most extraordinary cross-cultural encounter. With- to reason that can help in allaying fear. It may be longings. Moreover, does it really make a difference out surrendering the integrity of his Godhood, Jesus comforting to some, therefore, to learn that there is what one believes? All religions lead to God.’ came into a world that is the antithesis of heaven, much that Islam and Christianity share in common. Those who have taken a course in Religious Stud- a hostile world of selfishness and hatred. His com- They both come from Semitic soil and are monothe- ies will recognise this as the ‘pluralist’ approach to ing was subversive, to be sure. But the purpose was istic. Muslims and Christians are both ‘people of a religion; the others are the ‘exclusivist’ (religions are identification, and not rejection. The holy war that book’. Indeed, Islam and Christianity both acknowl- mutually exclusive) and the ‘inclusivist’ (all religions ensued was perpetrated not by violence, but by self edge Jesus as one of the great prophets and affirm are one) models. A problem with any of these ways of sacrifice. Jesus came as God’s messenger of love, and his virgin birth, sinlessness, miracles, inspiration and understanding religious systems is that they are inher- chose to serve rather than to dominate, to die rather future return. Islam is not irrational. Were it not for ently arrogant. And they are arrogant insofar as they than to kill. the intellectual curiosity of Muslims, we might know claim something to be true for a belief that does not Is the Muslim my neighbour? Yes. Just like every nothing today of Aristotle, the Dialogues of Plato, the belong to them. In the encounter with the Muslim, we other neighbour created in the image of God and medical texts of Galen, or the cosmology of Ptolemy. shall never find a path forward if we insist on telling needing to know about God’s love for them in Jesus. And there are historical instances where Christians Muslims what they believe or ought to believe, just and Muslims have peacefully, if gingerly, coexisted. as we should not take kindly to the suggestion that But it is also true that the relationship between we have misunderstood or misrepresented our own Christians and Muslims has been marred by conflict, religious tradition. Indeed, how can we presume to and this cannot be minimised. As early as the 7th cen- understand another religion when Christians have a tury, a Syrian Patriarch averred that ‘[Islam] is a pow- hard enough time agreeing among themselves where er that was established by the sword and not a faith the boundaries of Christian belief belong? Stephen Andrews confirmed by divine miracles, like Christianity and No, the aim of our encounter with non-Christians Bishop of Algoma like the old law of Moses’. By contrast the 20th cen- is not to engage in a battle of claims to truth. It is, tury, Anglican author John Stott could ask, ‘How was and always has been, to testify to the truth as it is in it that the Christian conscience not only approved but Jesus. That is, to speak of what we know; or, rather,

The Sabbatarians ALGOMA ANGLICAN offering bread, milk, cheese and Unfortunately for Campbell, all the basics. It was the Spring Stornoway was the home of an Official Publication of the Diocese of Algoma The Right Reverend Dr. Stephen Andrews, Bishop of 2012. Angus Campbell sighed active chapter of the Lord’s Day Peter Simmons, Editor Jane Mesich, Treasurer with deep satisfaction. What a Observance Society (LDOS). wonderful addition to his garage Their campaign to save Sundays Produced Monthly by Peter Simmons Send articles for publication to: from the clutches of mercantil- P.O. Box 221, 1148 Hwy 141, Rosseau P0C 1J0 History ism covered not only the Isle Phone (705) 732-4608 Fax (705) 732-4608 of Lewis, but the entire West- E-mail: [email protected] Byte ern Isles, fifteen in total. Once Campbell’s monumental vending Please send subscription renewals and changes of address to: and gas bar. And just think, not machine was sighted the LDOS The Algoma Anglican, Anglican Journal, Circulation Department only was it the only vending flexed its muscle. They protested 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ontario M4Y 3G2 The Rev. Richard White machine like it in the port town of to the town council; the machine He stood back and admired it. Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis in had to be shut down, at least for Postmaster: Please send all returns and changes of address to: The Algoma Anglican, Anglican Journal, It was big, it was bright blue. It western Scotland, but it was one the Sabbath, the Lord’s Day. The Circulation Department, was a 24 hour, seven day a week of only two such vending ma- request seemed reasonable to 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ontario M4Y 3G2 vending machine, almost a one of chines in all of the British Isles. It them and their many supporters. Synod Address a kind. It was so big it was a veri- would make the papers for sure. After all, every other shop was P.O. Box 1168, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 5N7 table corner store in one machine, Campbell was right. See The – p. 4 (4) Algoma Anglican, January 2016 The Society was deeply committed to their cause Continued from p. 3 closed on Sunday, vance Society was founded in 1831 by Rev Daniel Wil- loved to hear children playing and after church he took his including Campbell’s son. Wilson was a forceful and even-handed figure in the family to the pond in Clapham for outings with his friends. own garage. So why shouldn’t this one-stop shopping vend- Church. He was Oxford educated, a college vice-principal, God, he said, had given us the Sabbath to “refresh our ing machine close for the day as well. Campbell served a seasoned parish priest, and would end his years serv- exhausted bodily and mental powers and restore us with re- on the council, and shutting down the vending machine ing for over twenty-five years as the Bishop of Calcutta, newed vigour.” Others agreed. Another citizen of Clapham seemed unreasonable to him. The food would spoil, and India. It was Wilson’s hand that spelled out the aims and went to church and then held an open house at his home. besides there was no legal reason for it. The community objectives of the Sabbatarian cause. In 1831 they were as It would be a mistake to see the Sabbatarians as a fringe was divided. clear as they are today: to set aside Sunday as a day when group. Their cause was broadly embraced. Political candi- Similar controversies have cropped up many times no commercial activity would take place, and the broader dates were asked their position on how the Sabbath ought across the U.K. and over the years, and predictably society would honour Sunday as a day for worship and rest. to be observed. Different Sabbatarian groups were formed: Anglicans have been in the thick of it. Even as early as the Beneath that, Wilson and fellow Sabbatarians had a larger the National Lord’s Day Rest Association, the Working 16th century Church leaders decried the habit of “sport agenda: to encourage the development of a Christian world Men’s Lord’s Day Rest Association, The League Against and pastime” on Sundays. In the 17th century a faction on view across society in which all the commandments of God Sunday Travelling, and the Imperial Sunday Alliance. And our Church wanted the strict enforcement of the Sunday as would be taught and upheld. well into the 20th century Sabbatarians questioned the need a day of rest, a day without commerce. They were called The lobbying work of the Society was relentless. Its to sell newspapers on Sundays, and scrutinized Sunday Sabbatarians, deriving their name from the Fourth Com- cause seemed noble and Biblically defensible. Both the radio and television programming for their tone of decency, mandment heard every Sunday at the start of the Commu- Church and the Government got behind it. Railways re- or lack of it. And we must remember that many countries, nion service: “Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath duced their Sunday service. The Postal Service reassessed including Canada, imposed so-called “blue laws,” designed day. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thou hast to do, the need for Sunday mail delivery. The hours of museums to restrict or ban shopping or sporting events or public but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” and places of amusement were limited. It became the norm entertainment on Sundays. (BCP p. 68). to set aside Sunday as a day of worship and rest. The Soci- In the end, Angus Campbell got to keep his magnificent In the 18th century renowned Anglican theologian and ety was so respected that in 1895 its general secretary was vending machine. To this day it continues to provide a evangelist, John Wesley, wrote that he was pleased to see invited to address the House of Lords’ Select Committee, genuine public service for those who need it. The Lord’s hundreds being prosecuted for “Sabbath-breaking.” The at which he said that “Anything (on Sundays) that is not Day Observance Society has simplified its name to the Day Sabbatarian cause was so widely embraced that John New- strictly religious is wrong.” We can well imagine the many One Society, and it continues to be a respected political ton, author of Amazing Grace, couldn’t even imagine a day heads nodding in approval. voice on the west coast of Scotland. As a footnote, Bishop when the laws of England would allow someone to break Still some felt its demands went too far. After all, their Daniel Wilson’s grandson, Edward Francis Wilson served the Sabbath. In the early 19th century John Bird Sumner, friendly critics said, shouldn’t Sundays be a time for both as a priest among the Ojibway in Garden River and Sault who later became Archbishop of Canterbury, wrote that worship and leisure? A time for fun and family outings? Ste Marie. No doubt he too was sympathetic to the Sabba- “England as a nation…stands or falls on its keeping of And didn’t Jesus hold a relaxed view of the Sabbath that tarian cause, as most clergy and Church members probably Sunday…civil society is contained and held together by the got him into trouble with the Pharisaical Sabbatarians of were in the 19th and early 20th century. Sabbath.” his day? One such critic was the good-natured, anti-slavery Such was in this climate in which the Lord’s Day Obser- campaigner, and parliamentarian, William Wilberforce. He Canada Briefs - January 2016

Montreal parish to be replaced by London cathedral needs $500,000 in A wood-carving project funded by the Anglican committee that works to facilitate ‘plant’ on U.K. model ‘urgent’ repairs Anglican Church in British Columbia has refugee sponsorships has been busy, having A 150-year-old parish in Montreal is slat- The priceless stained-glass windows of turned into what some are calling a powerful helped with the sponsorship of 10 families ed to be replaced over the coming months by London, Ontario’s historic St. Paul’s Cathe- memorial to victims of the Indian residential and 50 individuals—from both Syria and a new “church plant” project aimed at new dral are at risk until money can be raised for school system. Africa—at press time. parishioners through a model of evangelism $500,000 of repairs, cathedral officials say. On October 20, a work by Ivan Rosyp- Until September, Diocese of Ontario recently developed in the U.K. “A couple of months ago we received skye, a wood carver from the Heiltsuk First Refugee Support (DOORS) had facilitated “It is with great joy that the Anglican word that immediate repairs to the North Nation, was unveiled before a gathering of the sponsorship of only about one family Diocese of Montreal hopes to ‘plant’ a new wall of the Cathedral must be done to en- some 150 people at Sycamore Commons a year on average over the past 10 years, church congregation into the historic Mon- sure the structural integrity and safety of Permaculture Garden, on the grounds of St. says chairwoman Debra Fieguth. In the two treal-centre parish building of St. James the the building,” Paul Grambo, the cathedral’s David and St. Paul Anglican Church in Pow- months that followed, however, the group Apostle in 2016,” the bishop of Montreal, communications director, announced in an ell River, B.C. The work was a carving made was flooded with requests for help, and has Mary Irwin-Gibson, announced recently. online post October 1. “Our best guessti- into the remains of a 12-metre-high cypress aided numerous Anglican, Catholic and oth- The goal, she said, is to attract young, ur- mates at this time indicate that we may be tree. Rosypskye had been approached about er community groups with sponsorships. ban professional and multicultural people looking at a price tag approaching $500,000 doing the carving two months earlier by Ron Those sponsored, Fieguth says, include “through a modern Anglican form of wor- before all is said and done” to repair the Berezan, co-leader of the garden project, an Eritrean widow and her three daughters, ship and evangelism,” and the project is part damage, he said. which has been funded by the diocese of who had been living in Sudan for more than of the diocese’s exploration of “what [the] While looking into water leaks inside the New Westminster for the last two years. 20 years; a Burundian family of 11 (two par- 21st-century church will look like in Mon- cathedral, officials discovered long-term The stump features various symbols from ents and nine children ages three to 23); a treal.” water damage to masonry under the build- nature: a sun at the top, an eagle, a killer Congolese family of four; and several Syr- The project, according to a statement from ing’s eaves and “substantial” damage to at whale, a bear and five salmon. In addition ian families. the diocese, is in line with the diocese’s 2010- least one roof truss. If the damage is not to carving these figures, Rosypskye also One family, which had been living in 2015 Mission Action Plan, which stressed a repaired, the cathedral’s walls will be un- embedded into it, about halfway up, a brick India after fleeing Afghanistan, had had to need for “the planting of vital churches.” It der more pressure. This, in turn, will put at taken from the ruins of St. Michael’s Resi- wait five years for their paperwork to be pro- follows research into work done at the dio- risk four stained-glass windows, the work of dential School in Alert Bay, B.C., which was cessed, Fieguth says. cese of London, England, which has enjoyed 19th-century American artist Louis Tiffany, attended by the artist’s mother and aunts. DOORS has also been speaking with a a 70% increase in the size of its adult wor- two of which were signed by the artist him- The brick, interrupting as it does the natu- number of individuals and families hoping shipping population in recent years, and then self. The water leaks have already damaged ral flow of life that unfolds in his carving, is to bring in family members still overseas, the establishment of a relationship between inside gold-leaf scrolling and plaster work. an apt symbol of the way residential schools she says. the diocese of Montreal with a London The cathedral already has $100,000 avail- interrupted the flow of First Nations culture “The new awakening has made people church, Holy Trinity Brompton. This church able to start the repairs, and is applying to and community in Canada, he said. aware not just of the Syrian crisis, but other is where the Alpha Course, a program intro- the diocese and other sources for additional Rosypskye’s decision to include the brick refugee situations in the world, such as the ducing newcomers to the basics of Christi- funding, but it is also urgently appealing for “gave such an incredible additional meaning protracted Eritrean conflict,” Fieguth says. anity, was first developed. private donations, Grambo said. to the power of the work,” Berezan said. “It has been extremely heartening to see Many current parish activities and ap- The cathedral was built in 1845 in the A short documentary, “Carving Recon- people put compassion into action. DOORS pointments, including that of its incumbent Gothic style, and features, among other ciliation: Art and Conversation at Sycamore is grateful for the hard work, the enthusiasm, priest, are scheduled to end by Christmas, historically significant elements, gargoyles Commons,” has already been produced the commitment, the financial contributions and there will be a basic program of worship carved from stone from the same quarry about the carving. and everything else that generous people in until Easter. Then the new project will take used for the building of St. Paul’s Cathedral Topic our diocese and communities have offered.” over. It will be headed by the Rev. Graham in London, England. DOORS facilitates the welcoming of Singh, a Canadian priest who has already Huron Church News Ontario group continues to help with refugees by helping with the paperwork and “planted” three churches on the model of refugee sponsorship overseeing sponsorships. Holy Trinity Brompton. In Powell River, B.C., rotting stump Since the photo of drowned toddler Alan Dialogue Anglican Montreal transformed into powerful memorial Kurdi first appeared in early September, an

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Continued from Front him at the Festival in August. known as the Cowley Fathers. So Linda Keays is a renowned ar- many years between his confirma- tisan, making original gold and tion as a teenager had passed, and silver pieces of unique design and yet for a moment the entire fam- craftman ship sold throughout ily was transfixed in the time long Australia, and now, of course on past, honouring a spiritual mile- the internet. Google her and see stone in the life of Reid Keays and some beauty! Upon going home all of his family. after their visit, she created and Dr. Keays and his sister then intricate and beautiful small pin related stories of the inimitable and donated it to St. Mary’s to be Fr. Firth, a long time Rector of used for fund raising purposes. St. Mary’s and travelling pastor Whoever’s jacket it may find itself throughout the district. He was upon, it will be a gorgeous adorn- made an honourary Legion Chap- ment and conversation starter. All lain at the age of 85, having served are very grateful for this generous the Muskoka area churches from gift. Reid Keays is an internation- his base, the Mission House in ally respected geochemist, pro- Bracebridge, from the time of his fessor of geoscienes at Monash arrival in Muskoka in 1933 until University, a former professor at his death in 1978. All remembered Laurentian University and current- him as the Father with the print- ly a major consultant on numerous ing press in his trunk, or back seat, projects, programs and conferenc- TRANSFIXED IN TIME: This past summer St. Mary’s, Aspdin marked their patronal as the one who brought order out es throughout the world. Google festival celebrating 129 years of worship. The celebration provided an opportunity for of chaos in terms of dealing with him and you will learn some new paper, as one of the great pioneer words and concepts and scientific people to reminisce about the past and view historic photographs. Dr. Reid Keays found communicators of the deanery. facts that can wow your next din- a photograph of he and Fr. Lawrence Frith at his confirmation in 1957. Dr. Keays is pic- His great love of people, and his ner party by sharing. tured holding a book of photographs. Pictured with him from left are Margaret Trussler, warm pastoral heart endeared him Having Dr. and Mrs. Keays Kathy Earl, Linda Keays and Irene Turner. to everyone he met, although his with us was wonderful! St. Mary’s brothers at the Mission House continues with its outreach and also noted his quick and well mer- community presence in fine style. ited reprimands when things went Their latest accomplishment, mak- awry in publications or service ing 120 pies and donating the en- schedules. A man of deep prayer, tire $1,586 to a local resident with he served his God and his people a special need. The family at St, very well. Hence the excitement Mary’s knows how to BE the fam- and joy experienced by the Keays ily at Mary’s, all to the honour and and Turner families and all of the glory of God! parishioners as they remembered

LUNCH IS SERVED: Soup, sandwiches and sweets were on the lunch menu at St. Thomas, Ullswater/Bent River’s “Treats and Treasures” Luncheon held at the Ullswater Community Hall on Saturday, October 24, 2015.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EVENT: The Outreach Committee of St. Peter’s, Callander recently held their annual fund raising dinner at the Municipality of Callander Com- munity Centre. This event provides financial support for church and community activi- ties for children within Callander and the surrounding communities. The decor and displays of fall colours inside and out added to the event. The dinner was well attended and enjoyed by all. The church was most thankful to all who contributed and supported this endeavour. (6) Algoma Anglican, January 2016 He ain’t heavy The journey with God is part of By the Rev. Canon Bob Elkin ing to share. A knight in days of old decided I’m very pro ‘bring the refugees to go to the wars and wanting to here!’ My wife and I were heavily a larger narrative be ready for any emergency, he involved with the Vietnamese packed carefully. He wore his boat people years ago and that By Rev. Carrie Irwin riching and bringing colour and across the courtyard, and that sin- best suit of armour, strong Span- was awesome. They came, they In the following, Rev. Carrie texture to God’s creation. gle whisper of music was joined ish steel and chain mail with a worked, they settled in, they did Irwin looks back at a transforma- It was Christmas Eve of 1992 by another and then another. huge sword and a battle axe and well and they still do well and tive time in her life. Rev. Irwin is in Kuwait City. It was our first As I stood watching and listen- a massive shield decorated with we had a lot of fun and enjoyed a member of the Anglican Fellow- Christmas there. Our son John- ing, the windows began to flicker the family crest so he was ready them very much. There were some ship of Prayer Huron. Ross was three months old, and with lights all around me, in a cultural misunderstandings and I recently saw a little sign that our daughter Sarah was 17 months powerful moment of shared wor- Letter the odd problem with language read: “You are not on a journey old. Life had settled into a rhythm ship. I ran into the kitchen, and but nothing that couldn’t be sorted to God; you are on a journey with of sorts within sharia law. There found our one emergency candle, from Bob out. I remember the young woman God.” was no visible Christian commu- and raced back to the window, to who told her support group that As I sat down to write this col- nity for us to connect with, music join in this collective moment of to fight if he met an enemy. On she’d met a nice “Poppa” who was umn for the Anglican Fellowship was banned, and the country was praise. his pack animal he loaded his coming over to bring her a TV. of Prayer, I thought about that sign in mourning for the lives lost dur- In a land far from home, thou- tent, sleeping robe, food, ale, wine At the appointed time we were and it got me thinking about my ing the Iraqi invasion. sands of miles away from the and everything he might need to all there ready to put the run on own journey with God. Somehow, John found a small beautifully decorated churches, eat and to protect him from the this sugar daddy when he arrived While the particulars of my life white Christmas tree, which we I stood enthralled in one of the weather. with his TV and turned out to be journey are unique to me, we all decorated with the few ornaments most powerful moments of wor- He packed a large medicine the local Roman Catholic Priest are on a journey, not in an isolated we had brought with us. Our cele- ship of my life. Every candle was chest in case he got sick or was called Father of course or Poppa moment in time but as a part of bration of Christmas was a private a mighty prayer, an unshakable wounded and he made sure he if your English isn’t very good. a bigger picture. As Christians, one, as was our worship. witness to the majesty and might had lots of extra clothes and robes We had to get the men to stop we believe we are part of a larger It was late in the evening and of our creator God. And in that so that when he was with other holding hands when they walked narrative, that our lives fit within a warm breeze was blowing, so moment, I wondered about all the warriors in camp he could dress in down the street and we had to get the lives of those who have come I opened the windows of our other lights I couldn’t see, all of- his finest. He added several sacks all the newcomers to stop pointing before us and will be a part of the seventh-floor flat overlooking the fering their own witness to God on of oats and feed for his warhorse in amazement whenever they saw story told by those yet to come. courtyard of the Muthana Centre, that night. and for the pack horse in case he an especially large Canadian but The new year is a perfect time an enormous complex with a shop- In those few minutes while couldn’t get it on his travels and it went well and there were many for reflection. It is a time for look- ping mall underneath. Many of the the music played and the candles made sure he had considerable success stories. It happened then ing back at our collective story and city’s expatriate workers lived in burned bright, I knew God was gold with him so that he might and I don’t see why it can’t hap- connecting with our memories and these buildings. There were seven there. I knew I could believe in buy anything needed as he went pen now. traditions. Then looking forward, towers of apartments, each with the promise of God’s Kingdom on his journey. Finally he got his I know that people have le- we bring with us those pieces that 17 floors that looked out over that because I could see it and hear it servant mounted on top of the gitimate concerns regarding jobs shape us and create the landscape courtyard, right in the middle of and feel it. pack horse and sure that he was and the needs of the poor in this of our current lives. Kuwait City. Three minutes, more than 20 prepared for anything that might country but surely we are able Looking back, I am reminded I had my Christmas carols play- years ago, and I can still see it, I happen he had them lower the to handle all of these needs and of a time that was transformative ing ever so softly, and as I stood can still hear it, and I can still feel castle drawbridge and rode out take in refugees? I recently read in my life, and I thought I would by that window, feeling a little it. If we are indeed meant to share leading the pack horse to begin that one of the fastest growing share that story with you. I believe homesick, I heard the faintest our stories and we were pressed to his quest. Unfortunately the industries in Canada is the storage we are created to tell stories, as a whisper of music coming from say what Christian faith and life drawbridge wasn’t in great shape industry and I’ve seen many self way to add richness and depth to another open window. There were are, we can hardly do better than and the weight of the animals storage places sprouting up in that tiny portion of life’s collective very few lights on, but as I stood to say that it is hearing, telling and and the gear and the servant and the towns and cities near where story that we are called to live, en- by my window, a candle flickered living a story.” the knight was too much for the I live. If one of our problems is worn old boards and they broke that we can’t fit all our stuff into and the knight and all his stuff fell our houses than surely we have through into the moat and he was enough to share? And isn’t it our drowned. Christian calling? We’re not told Well here we are celebrating the to admire the Good Samaritan: birth of a baby boy to a middle we’re told to be him. Eastern family that were far So unpack the horses and sup- from home and couldn’t find any ply chests. Take off the armour. place that would welcome them. Get rid of the weapons. Lose the Doesn’t that sound familiar? Tune weight of everything you pack into the news any night and you’ll around. And then walk across the see a similar story being played worn, old boards of the draw- out in the middle East but on a bridge and take the needy by the much larger scale. That first story hand and lead them back inside I spoke of came out alright but to safety and a new life. Those we have something to say about boards will hold that weight. how the second story ends. It all depends on how much we're will-

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS: On Saturday, November 28, 2015, the Church of the Redeem- er, Rosseau held their annual Christmas Bells and Blessings Lunch and Fair. A variety of Christmas gifts, hand sewn items, decorations, quilts, baking, lunch and much more were available at the event. Algoma Anglican, January 2016 (7) Algoma Moving toward reformation Cycle of Prayer By the Rev. Peter Simmons to civil authorities and be publicly occasionally. Following his death, deep burnt. One of the leading figures In parishes, parochial clergy, al- feelings remained regarding John in the movement was William though generally poorly educated, Wyclif and his movement. So Sawtre. He was seized, tried and were by no means totally ignorant, Sunday, January 3rd - Epiphany of the Lord intense were these feelings on burned to death on March 2, 1401. or immoral. They cultivated their Church of the Epiphany, Sudbury the part of some individuals, that Archbishop Arundel, one of the land and cared for the people. The Rev. Dr. Tim Perry in 1428, his body was exhumed, most fervent persecutors of the Some parishes were served by The Rev. Canon Michael Hankinson (Hon.) his bones burned and his ashes Lollards, moved to silence Sir monks, or friars. The laity were cast into the River Swift. He left John Oldcastle, as known as Lord beginning to play a greater role in Sunday, January 10th - 1st Sunday after Epiphany: The Bap- behind his views in a number of Cobham. the life of the parish. tism of the Lord rather controversial pamphlets, Sir John Oldcastle was a man Church wardens assumed St. John the Evangelist Thunder Bay and in a group of disciples who of great influence, connected to greater responsibility in the ongo- St. John the Evangelist, Sault Ste. Marie were prepared to put their lives one of the most powerful families ing affairs of the local church. St. John’s, Garden River in harm’s way and if need be die. They had oversight of the money The Rev. Pamela Rayment They came to be known as Lol- and stewardship aspects of church

lards. life. Wardens were also responsi- Sunday, January17th - 2nd Sunday after Epiphany The Lollards were a number of ble for the provision of books and (Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Begins) discontented clergy and educated other necessities of their church. Ecumenism throughout Algoma laymen who remained com- in England. He was a soldier, Chanteries were beginning to take mitted to Wyclif’s views. They scholar, a friend of royalty and shape during the 15th century. Sunday, January 24th - 3rd Sunday after Epiphany demanded reform in the church, a Lollard. He was taken into This phenomenon took place in (Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Ends) St. Mary’s, Powassan protesting against image worship, custody, tried and convicted, yet both large and small churches. St. John’s, Chisholm stating that private confession to managed to escape captivity in the These priests would say the daily St. Alban’s, Restoule a priest was not essential, held Tower of London. He remained at Mass for the Office of the Dead, St. Peter’s, Callander strong views on the nature of the large until his recapture, when in for the souls of benefactors and The Rev. Joan Locke Eucharist, and criticised the clergy 1417, he was hung and burnt. By their families. It could be quite and their conduct. The movement 1430, Lollary was, for the most profitable. Remuneration for this Sunday, January 31st - 4th Sunday after Epiphany: received a boost, because during part silenced and suppressed. The ministry was often quite generous. The Presentation of the Lord this time two rival popes were Church continued on as did soci- It was in this century the decline St. Thomas’, Thunder Bay vying for favour in Europe. Their ety and culture. of the Religious Orders began. The Rev. Doug McClure struggle for power led to warfare During this century, bishops After 1300, few new houses and further division. Many in were often seen as administrators were being built. Rather than England, having seen the follow- and law givers as opposed to lov- entering a monastery, men wanted ers of Christ taking up arms and ing and caring figures. The bishop to study in the stimulating envi- committing acts of violence in was a man of the king, chosen ronment of the academy. It must the name of Christ, turned to the after consultation with the pope. be noted that life in the monastic Lollards in admiration of their He would pay homage to the king, setting was not as austere and piety. This would not last. It was his election being academic in communal as in the past. Monks inevitable action would be taken most circumstances. He was then often had more than those outside against them. consecrated and enthroned. After the cloister, enjoying sport, time In 1401, the De heretico Co- undertaking a visit in his diocese, with friends and ample amounts murendo was enacted whereby checking on the clergy and ensur- of food and clothing. They contin- those would not renounce their ing all was in order, he would ued to give alms to the poor and views, especially regarding the most often turn the administration received the respect of the people. Holy Communion and the doc- over to officials such as the vicar- Yet something was in the wind. trine of transubstantiation, were to general. The day to day functions New ways, new thoughts: reform be tried by their bishop. If found of the diocese lay in the officials was coming. guilty, they would be turned over hands, the bishop visiting only More to come.

SHARING THEIR GIFTS: From left Paulette Mahon and her mother, Lillian Ross, shared their mutual gifts of sew- ing at the Christmas Bells and Blessings Lunch and Fair held at the Church of the Redeemer, Rosseau on Saturday, November 28, 2015. (8) Algoma Anglican, January 2016

SANTA’S HELPERS: On Saturday, September 7, 2015, St. James’, Gravenhurst held their annual Christmas Bazaar and Cafe. Pictured from left are, Elaine Smith, Betty Shakespeare, Bill Flavell, Judy Marriott, Susan Heidman, Ruth Ryan, Shirley Marsden, Sue Stockdale, Shirley Brunton, Pam Thornton, Ellie Kadwell, Peggy Lapierre, Marilyn Petsura, Helen Flavell and Carol Fraser. Reach out to family in the community and beyond By Charlotte Haldenby Maybe today’s my day to vol- ity through Religious Harmony” A friend who was once a As I write the Grey Cup game Looking unteer at a senior’s home, or at and we’re celebrating at Central refugee coordinator in PEI says has just finished! What a thriller! an after school program. Maybe United Church at 2 p.m. Check that Albanian refugees were And Black Weekend is almost at the World today’s the day I pass the great what’s going on near you. given vocabulary sheets to study over. The “Christmas season” has books I’ve finished on to the And can we join together to before they came here, but all the begun, or, did it start right after Christmas Eve! Aah! school library, or the library at help refugees come to Canada? terms were military/police com- Hallowe’en? And maybe you put a thou- the arena, the back of the church In Thunder Bay, check with mands. ‘Raise your hands!” Put By the time you read this, you sand klicks on your odometer or the community hall. Will this Marjorie Tutkaluk, or in the Sault that down now!” Not the basic may feel like that green creature and stressed yourself out trying be the week I have cleaned out with A New Beginning at Zion vocabulary we use here, right! at the end of Just for Laughs to drive through all that holiday the cupboards and have some- Lutheran with St. Matthew’s And check out traditional production, so sad,” it’s all over” traffic and the icy rain didn’t thing ready to donate when the and St. Luke’s partnering, or in recipes from an international You just want to sit in your own help, BUT isn’t it great to see the Kidney foundation calls? Can Muskoka, with Barb Gibbs the cookbook: can we find the chair again and have a quiet whole family together PWRDF rep in Muskoka ingredients here? And of course uninterrupted cup of coffee. And with the oldest child in Lakes parish. Of course “Hello!” “How are you?” and maybe count your blessings! that new generation say- “Maybe today’s the day to volunteer at money is important at this “ice cream”! Yeah! This might not be the week ing her wonderful grace, stage of the process, but And hey! As you’re check- you want the doctor to put you thanking God for all our a senior’s home, or at an after school what can each of us do to ing out the grocery store, give a on the scales, BUT you did have blessings, not just the make that refugee family smile to that mother who is try- three meals a day! Your blood food. It may go on for 10 program.” that has been through so ing to shop with a child who has pressure may be up after trying minutes, to the anxiety of much feel at peace, and his own ideas of good food! And to be nice to that relative who the cooks, BUT imagine at home and safe. How compliment that young mother is your opposite on just about if we took 10 minutes every day I drive someone to a medical would we prepare if we were go- with the beautiful baby, who is everything, or settling little to see beyond our frustrations appointment or to go grocery ing to their country when it was all eyes, while she’s trying to get people’s arguments BUT you do and anxieties, and counted our shopping? Or the neighbour’s at peace? Yeah! Study the history him settled in the shopping cart. have that family that deep down blessings and didn’t stop there, child to school when her parents to appreciate the monuments She’ll sparkle! And this winter cares about you. Isn’t it nice to but thought about those beyond have already gone to work, and and figure out what the govern- when you see someone trying be so quiet you can hear your- our doors. she’s missed the bus? ment stands for! And as one to get that loaded cart across the self think, rather than listening Every day my prayer of peti- Now that Canada includes of the women on The National snow and ice to her car, help out! to little kids chatter about Santa tions begins, “Dear God, bless all people from the whole world, tonight, who is hoping to take a Our family goes way beyond Claus and princesses and fairies the people in the world, every- can we make the transition to our single woman refugee into her our genetic links. In every (all girls in my family) or screech one, everywhere, that everyone wintry world easier, by learn- spare room, start on the vo- community we have so many op- as they chase each other all over may have at least one sparkle, ing more of the prayers and the cabulary of everyday things, so portunities to reach out to others, the house, BUT they were all or star or smile today that keeps teachings of the great faiths on you can say the words you both and it is in sharing our blessings quiet and snuggled up together them keeping on, and help me World Religion Day on January can recognize. She was putting that we are truly blessed! Amen! when you read that wonderful to be a person who helps that 27? This year’s theme in Sault bilingual signs on everything in story of the Baby in a manger on happen.” Ste. Marie is “Hope for Human- her kitchen.