A SECTION OF THE ANGLICAN JOURNAL SERVING THE DIOCESES OF ATHABASCA & EDMONTON

THE MessengerOCTOBER 2017 www.edmonton.anglican.org Open a school; close a prison Professors open window of freedom for Edmonton prisoners ARLETTE ZINCK teaching time and raise money to Officers were preparing to cover tuition for a small group of move Alex, but before they As the iron door slammed incarcerated learners. The group did, Alex begged a favour of shut behind him, Peter fixed now also facilitates correspondence the senior officer. He wanted his eyes on his professor courses for students who have to meet with his professor. He and began a litany: “Why transferred from Edmonton had a paper to hand in. Rolled didn’t anyone tell me? Why? Institution to other prisons across into a tight scroll was a In all these years, I had no the country. 9-page A- essay in English lit. idea people thought about The teaching happened by Many inmates are not ready for these things, talked about accident. The core team had university studies, but the ones these things, wrote about worked with the US military who are, those like “Alex,” take these things!” He dropped to provide education to Omar it seriously. For these committed Frederick Coppleston’s Photo supplied by Correctional Services of Canada. Khadr, the Canadian Guantánamo students, few things get in the way History of Philosophy on detainee, while he was in Cuba. of the work. Correctional Services of the metal table before him. to visit the prison to ensure that When Omar returned home and Canada is committed to education, Peter had spent the week Peter had the chance to see things moved to Edmonton, the group of but they focus on the greatest need reading Plato’s Republic. differently, to make a better choice. friends continued their work. Before in the K-12 program. In medium The last 10 years of his life Moments like this one are long, parole were spent behind bars, but plentiful for the small team of local officers in the previous week he had professors who volunteer at the He who opens a school door approached been set free to encounter the Edmonton Institution in a program the professors closes a prison. Victor Hugo world beyond. The issues of called The Ephesus Project. The with requests justice burned brightly within project is named for the great library from other inmates. him, and here, for the first in the ancient city of Ephesus which Slowly, carefully, time, in these books, he found was a centre of culture and learning the team expanded evidence that he was not on the outpost of the Roman Empire its ranks to include alone. The invitation to study in the years after St. Paul walked instructors from philosophy turned out to be its streets. Like the great library, University of an invitation to see himself The Ephesus Project seeks to bring Alberta, MacEwan, as a citizen, as someone who wisdom and culture to the prison and Athabasca both understood the civic ‘outposts’ of Canadian society. Over Universities. The project and could therefore the last four years, these professors, team now serves a see a way to contribute to it. many from The King’s University small but growing n earlier years of his life, and several of whom are Anglicans, list of eligible Peter—not his real name —was have taught post-secondary courses incarcerated learners, Photo supplied by Correctional Services of Canada. full of rage and out of control. to incarcerated students at the I Edmonton Institution, the local and incidents like the He hurt others. He hurt himself. In encounter with Peter are regular fare. security facilities like Bowden prison, everyone has time on their maximum-security federal prison. The shock of dark, straight Institution in Innisfail, Alberta, hands, and some use it to think. Motivated by the call to “love mercy, hair hung in his sunken eyes vocational job training is also Peter thought about justice, what do justice and walk humbly with as he slid into the seat beside offered. While correctional statutes it meant for him and for others. their God,” the professors visit the his instructor. Alex was gaunt make room for post-secondary The opportunity for study put these prisoners and bring the small gift with fear and sleeplessness. studies in federal prisons, since the thoughts in a new frame. For his of post-secondary education with Life in a maximum-security 1990s inmates have to foot the bill prof, Peter’s earlier story was not them. It is, of course, what they prison can be rough, and the themselves. Few are able. necessarily the only story, nor the do. The gift arises directly out of past week had been tougher last story, Peter’s life might tell. what these professors have to offer. than most. The Correctional Continued on p. 2 The professor volunteered his time The team members volunteer their

Common Ground P. 9 PWRDF P. 11 Vermilion Fair P. 16 2 THE MESSENGER News OCTOBER 2017 Local professors open window of freedom cont. Continued from front page. the costs of support for families biblically-informed direction, of prisoners, and costs associated but the case for public For those who do study at the with mental illness and other funding will be challenging post-secondary level, the data is related expenses, the figure readily to develop. In the meantime, clear. Post-secondary teaching doubles or triples. Given the the local professors are in our prisons returns impressive potential savings, post-secondary finding ways to persevere results. Recent reports in Canada schooling is not only the right and build capacity. They demonstrate convincingly that post- thing for some inmates, but also have formalized their work. secondary study reduces recidivism, a bargain too good to pass up. As They are now incorporated while it also generates “higher good as these justifications are, as The Post-Secondary prospects for employment, increased however, for the members of the Prison Education Foundation self-esteem, and improved behaviour teaching team, these reasons for (PSPEF), and they are during incarceration” (Dubois, offering post-secondary studies applying to Ottawa to become 2016). Canadian evidence about in our prisons only scratch the a registered Canadian charity. reduced recidivism is corroborated surface. The local group is raising by research in the United States. In “Prisons are ‘the school of Vocational training is offered in some prisons in the prairie private funds, and they are upstate New York, for example, a Joseph,’” says Professor David region. Photo supplied by Correctional Services of Canada. hoping to attract new fully small liberal arts college has been Goa, the Founding Director by successive federal governments qualified academics to the offering post-secondary studies to of the Chester Ronning Centre have removed government funding. volunteer teaching. They intend to local inmates for over a decade: “all at University of Alberta, and one Rather than build a vision for make a positive difference to real [incarcerated students] have been of the original members of the post-secondary education that people now, while also helping convicted of felonies and are nearing volunteer teaching team. “Those of could enfold all who are capable to build the case for correctional the end of relatively long sentences. us privileged to enter this confined and interested, opponents object programs in general, and post- Few [have] finished high school. But and closed world read, think, and to “cons” being offered valuable secondary education in particular. while the national rate of return to talk with Joseph. As in that most education. As a consequence, even Long ago, French novelist Victor prison in the United states is more compelling of Biblical narratives, those who could pay for their own Hugo penned a telling phrase: “He than 50 percent, the recidivism rate we witness the love of learning, the education have fewer and fewer who opens a school door closes a for graduates of the Bard Prison dawning light of understanding, and courses to choose from. Incarcerated prison.” It is still true, and Edmonton Initiative is two percent, and for we draw life from death. Over the students cannot study online. profs are helping to make it happen. those who have taken some classes great library at Alexandria, chiseled They have no access to internet, If you are interested in learning but did not complete a degree, the in Greek, were the words, ‘For the so universities have to develop more, or interested in helping, please rate is five percent” (Lagemann, cure of the soul.’ For some prisons entirely text-based courses for this send us an email at 2016). The Bard Prison Initiative is become monasteries and the world of environment. Since so few can afford [email protected]. funded entirely by private money. learning becomes the healing oil of to study, the selection of available Arlette Zinck is a member of In Canada, the average cost gladness.” courses has diminished significantly the Anglican parish of St. John the to taxpayers of incarcerating Since the late 1990s, however, since the 1990s. Evangelist, Edmonton, and Associate one individual is estimated to be very little of this healing work has The narrative in support of Professor of English and Dean of $112,000 per year (Public Safety been possible. Various iterations post-secondary study in our prisons the Faculty of Arts at The King’s Canada, 2014). If you add to this of the “tough on crime” arguments moves in a more logical and University, Edmonton. OCTOBER 2017 3 THE MESSENGER Athabasca News All Saints, Athabasca celebrates Canada’s 150th in song MARY GISLASON big screen. All Saints Anglican Church No fewer Athabasca than 35 songs ll Saints Anglican were introduced Church, Athabasca and performed. celebrated Canada’s The bulletin 150th Birthday on April included pictures 23,A 2017 with a concert to remember. of the provincial Mary Olson and the Golden flowers and Memories Senior Choir sported summary white tops with large white print-out descriptions. medallions bearing the Canadian Some of the songs were: BC, Pictured above and left: What a display! The Golden Memories Choir flag. Even their music bookcovers decked out for the occasion; a uniformed Royal Canadian Mounted were decorated with red and white “Springtime In Police Officer posted at the church entrance near the donation box; a flags. Red and white balloons and the Rockies;” red uniform hung beside pictures of provinces’ birds, animals, etc. colourful printouts of the provinces Alberta, “Four and territories adorned the walls. Strong Winds;” Granddaughters of the choir Saskatchewan, members, also wearing white tops, “We Love This “Heaven By the paraded in the provincial flags which Place;” Manitoba, “Red River Valley Sea;” Yukon, they displayed on the north side Lullaby” and “Men of the Royal “Mountains of the church. Canada’s flag was Mounted;” Ontario, “Maple Leaf of Gold;” flown from the southeast overhang. Forever;” Quebec, “The Canadian Nunavat, “In While the flags were carried in and Boat Song” and “Bon Soir Mes the Northland.” the choir, accompanied by a pianist, Amis;” New Brunswick, “The Number one was The lunch served in All Saint’s Hall featured special baking decorated Lonely Fiddler;” Prince Edward “O Canada” and with the provincial insignias. Some of the offerings were: New violin (fiddle) and flute players, Brunswick, Raspberry Pudding; Ontario, Beaver Tails; Newfoundland sang the provincial songs, images of Island, “PEI is Heaven to Me;” number 35 was and Labrador, Partridge Berry Jelly; Nunavat/Yukon, Bannock; fields, animals, mountains, forests, Nova Scotia, “Beautiful Island “They All Call It Alberta, Butter Tarts; BC, Nanaimo Bars; Saskatchewan, Saskatoon waterfalls, etc., were projected on the of Sunshine;” Newfoundland, Canada.” and Blueberry Tarts; Manitoba, Jambusters. St. John’s, Manning celebrates unity and new beginnings LESLIE SNYDER Easter Sunday 80 people was shared with the congregation on life, then seamlessly weaving left or St. John’s United Anglican gathered in our sanctuary. The Easter morning it spoke of the power right to partake in the cup that speaks Joint Parish, Manning Rev. Terry Francis presided, with of Jesus in our lives. to their own tradition. After more Diocese of Athabasca congregation members leading the We shared in the eucharist than 30 years of shared ministry, our t was a Holy Week to remember psalms, prayers and hymns. There following Anglican and United congregation is comfortable with this at St. John’s United Anglican was much to celebrate with three traditions, offering both wine and shared style of worship; communion IJoint Parish in Manning. Our baptisms – two babies and a young grape juice to the congregation. It’s being one of the few times when you small congregation enjoyed a well child. The child, age five, attends our always wonderful to see everyone can tell “who’s who.” attended Good Friday celebration Sunday school and a few months ago make their way to the altar, blending Our church rang with music that that seemed to be a harbinger of she asked to be “baptized like Jesus Anglican and United in the same celebrated the joy of the Risen Lord. the good things yet to come that was.” When this wonderful story queue as they accept the bread of Following the service we enjoyed weekend. a feast together. It gave us time to continue our celebration and was another reminder of the one common table that we share. When two faith congregations commit to shared ministry, there is a unique sense of community, with the power of our shared prayers taking on a warmth and significance that lasts well beyond our Sunday service. Jesus has risen! Hosannah in the highest! The Rev. Terry Francis baptizes five-year-old Karleigh Henitiuk, then Clara Schmidt, and Autumn Vreeling during Easter Sunday services in SUBMISSIONS DUE 1 MONTH Peter Clarke (Athabasca) THE MESSENGER TEAM PRIOR to PRINTING DATE [email protected] A $15 annual donation is suggested. EDITORS Please send donations to the DEADLINE for November, 2017 Read Online: Margaret Glidden (Edmonton) Dioceses of Athabasca or Edmonton, ISSUE: October 1 www.edmonton.anglican.org/ Peter Clarke (Athabasca) c/o The Messenger. messenger The Messenger is published under LAYOUT & DESIGN the authority of the Dioceses of Submissions: Margaret Glidden Athabasca and Edmonton. Opinions We welcome letters to the editor, Find Us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/anglican. Shelly King expressed in The Messenger are not news, stories (max 500 words), event necessarily those of the editor or notices, book reviews and photos. edmonton publisher. PROOF READING Send to: Subscribe: Donna Cookson Martin The Messenger is a section of the Margaret Glidden (Edmonton) Anglican Journal, printed 10 times a www.anglicanjournal.com/ [email protected] REPORTING year (no issues July and August) by subscribe Webnews Printing Inc. or Margaret Glidden North York, ON. Shelly King 4 THE MESSENGER Missional Discipleship OCTOBER 2017 The greatest challenge of our age is re-thinking Church as each day goes by - the to them to come or even to Edmonton in February 2013 • A group of people Unchurched. So what does notice the efforts we make. as part of our diocesan ‘Vital from a Sunday morning this mean for us? So how do we connect Church Conference.’ What congregation who also make Well, to start with, if with people who do not a gift to the diocese that up the entire congregation of we are wondering ‘what attend? This is the challenge conference was. an experimental service held must we do to encourage of the age for all Christian So what is a ‘Fresh in the same church building people to come to Sunday churches in the west. In Expression?’ Here are some is not a Fresh Expression. morning services?’ we are short, we need fresh ways of indicators: • An outreach project asking the wrong question. thinking about what church • A Fresh Expression’s from an existing church that Why? Whatever ideas we is. aim is to be a new group or seeks to be a bridge back come up with, the Fringe ‘Fresh Expressions ‘further group;’ a Christian into the existing church is won’t come. They are of Church’ was the name community in its own not a Fresh Expression. comfortable coming on the given to these new ways right, rather than just a • Doing something The Ven. RICHARD KING occasions they do. The Open of thinking about church modification or adaption of new, even like ‘Messy Archdeacon for De-churched won’t come, in the hugely influential an existing group. Church’ just a few times Mission and Discipleship Diocese of Edmonton because they already would Mission-shaped Church • The starting group a year is not a Fresh if they could. The Closed Report published in 2004. seeks to engage with ‘non- Expression. ast month we De-churched won’t come The report has been very church goers’ with the It is too easy for us to do reflected on those until the reasons that led influential across the intention of the new project the same things in different who are not attending to them becoming ‘closed’ Anglican Communion becoming its own ‘church.’ ways and think we are doing L are dealt with, and the and worldwide in other • It meets at least once something new. our services and found we could describe four Unchurched most certainly denominations, too. a month. We’ll pick this up next groups: the Fringe, the won’t come. Not only are Indeed, the chairperson There are more criteria, time in part two... Open De-churched, the they not interested, they are of the group that produced but these will do for now. Closed De-churched, and sufficiently not interested the report, the Rt. Rev. The report also defines what May God bless you richly, the group which gets bigger that it would never occur Graham Cray, visited is not a Fresh Expression: Richard Canadian dream goes global October 1 Archdeacon confesses a AMY CROY friendly ‘archdiaconal envy’ Alpha Coordinator Diocese of Edmonton The Ven. TERRY LEER of God’s mission.” Archdeacon for Mission is God’s hat began as Mission Development plan, intent and goal for a Canadian Diocese of Athabasca the world, which He is experiment has W recent survey of actively fulfilling. That gone global. Jason Ballard, mission is to reconcile all of Vancouver, wanted to congregational people to Himself in love create a resource similar development officers A (achieved in Christ Jesus) to a video series he had in the Province of Alberta and to have all people used in high school to revealed a certain level of accept that reconciliation engage friends in faith professional envy amongst for themselves. Using God’s conversations. His dream office-holders. mission as the template for became a reality when The controversy, labelled the Church’s ministries does the Alpha Youth Film by some as a “tempest not necessarily result in Series launched in 2013. in a teapot,” centers on positive responses to God’s Jason, along with his Alpha Coordinator Amy Croy introduced Alpha Youth to the Ven. Richard King, invitation to be loved. youth pastor and friend teens from the Diocese of Athabasca at Youth Daze in 2015. Archdeacon for Mission and However, enabling Ben Woodman, hosted the Discipleship for the Diocese it has been used to reach conversations about faith, people to become Christ’s series which has run in 49 of Edmonton. It appears his out to youth, launch youth life and God, but now it disciples (apprentices of countries in 19 languages. position title more accurately ministries, empower will be even more global the Master who both learn Hundreds of thousands of describes the ministry of students to invite their in scope, featuring stories the Master’s content and youth have explored the those involved in mission friends and as confirmation from different cultures and live the Master’s life in the Christian faith using Alpha development. The Ven. Terry preparation. contexts. Jason and Ben current context) always in schools, homes, coffee Leer, the Archdeacon for With the success of will be joined by young co- results in disciples who are shops and churches. Across (only) Mission Development the Canadian experiment, hosts for the series, which committed to God’s mission. Canada, youth workers for the Diocese of Athabasca, Alpha has reimagined launches October 1. Thus, to develop mission have coordinated efforts to has been heard to be openly and redesigned a new You can download all requires the development empower students to run complaining about the lack Alpha Youth Series to 13 episodes, training videos, of effective disciples who Alpha with their friends. of discipleship development inspire a new generation. and other resources for free are empowered and enabled In the Dioceses of in his position title. It is still designed to help at alphacanada.org. to develop other disciples. Edmonton and Athabasca Mission and discipleship engage 13–18-year-olds in development officers in the Developing mission does province are largely agreed not always create effective Correction: In the September, 2017 issue, contributor Dudley on a central proposition: disciples, but developing disciples is always expressed Baker, “Global Justice Roundtable,” was incorrectly identified as a “Developing mission in effective mission. member of St. John the Evangelist, Edmonton. In fact, Dudley is an does not always result in developing disciples, but Archdeacon Leer is in active member of St. Paul’s, Edmonton. The Messenger regrets this developing disciples always the process of petitioning for error. results in the implementation an official change in his title. OCTOBER 2017 5 THE MESSENGER Community Faith communities key in preventing gender-based violence LISA FEDERSPIEL levels, political representation, Social Planner, Community Inclusion access to health and education, and Investment, Citizen Services and less power to make their Department own decisions. In the context of City of Edmonton Christianity, women have had fixed ou have probably heard the gender roles over time that restrict term domestic violence, or the opportunities they receive. Yfamily violence – but maybe However, “if we look at the not gender-based violence. Gender- life of Jesus,” says Buchanan, “He based violence is the abuse of power was radical in the ways in which and control over another person He engaged with people, He spent because of their gender identity and time with the oppressed, He was makes them feel unsafe or limits on the side of the marginalized. He their freedom. It has many forms, saw men and women as equals, and such as harmful attitudes, harassment He rejected the traditional attitudes and abuse. It can be a one-time to women as inferior, or men’s or repeat problem in any kind of property.” relationship. “These messages of compassion, As a member of the Edmonton & District Council of Churches, the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton is a supporter of the City of Edmonton “It’s Time” initiative to end gender- It is important that faith equality, justice and love are at the based violence. The goal of the initiative is to shape attitudes, initiate conversations and communities in particular look heart of not only Christianity, but build awareness to prevent all forms of gender-based violence by targeting its root causes: at domestic abuse through a also many other faiths.” inequality and discrimination. From left: Lisa Federspiel, Social Planner, Community Inclusion and Investment, Citizen Services Department, presents a plaque to Bishop Jane Alexander gender-based lens. In an article Gender-based violence creates and EDCC President the Rev. Kevin Kraglund. You can learn more about “It’s Time” on for the Scottish Women’s Aid abusive environments for people Facebook. Fiona Buchanan said, “The roots of all genders. People in abusive challenge gender roles and champion way to end gender-based and sexual of many of the world’s religions situations are likely to blame safety for all. Let’s make our faith violence in Edmonton. are very much based in male- themselves. They fear they will not communities safer, non-judgmental It’s time to notice, speak and act. dominated cultures and societies, be believed and experience shame. places by talking openly about The City of Edmonton’s Gender- and through the creation of texts “The extent to which patriarchy gender-based violence, looking at based Violence Prevention Initiative and the ways in which these texts has distorted the scriptural teachings ourselves and our communities. raises conversations and builds have been interpreted, our views and messages of the world’s Notice when you stay silent when awareness about preventing all forms about men, women and sexuality religions has meant that until now, you hear hurtful words, or when your of gender-based violence. For more have been upheld for centuries.” many women have remained silent actions perpetuate gender inequality. information, visit itstimeyeg.ca, (www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk/ and accepted abuse,” said Buchanan. No one should face violence or and join our conversation on social node/4379) The dignity of all people is discrimination because of their media at To this day, women have lower a central belief. The church is an gender identity. @itstimeYEG or It’s Time social status, employment, income ideal place to show leadership, Working together is the only Edmonton on Facebook. Edmonton Bishop Recognized as Exceptional Community Leader he University of Alberta The College of Emmanuel recently recognized the Rt. and St. Chad, an affiliate Rev. Dr. Jane Alexander, College of the University T of Saskatchewan, and ’93 MEd, ’97 PhD, with an Alumni the official accredited Honour Award for her leadership in Theological College for the local and international human rights Ecclesiastical Province of initiatives. Rupert’s Land, awarded UAlberta President David H. the Bishop Jane Alexander Turpin presented Bishop Jane and a Doctor of Divinity degree 20 other alumni with their awards on May 5, 2017, during during the 2017 Alumni Awards, the college’s convocation held September 25, at the Northern ceremonies. Bishop Jane, Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in pictured alongside the Edmonton. The Alumni Honour Rt. Rev. Michael Hawkins, Award recognizes the significant Bishop of Saskatchewan and the Very Rev. Jonas achievements and contributions over Allooloo, rector and dean a number of years by University of of St. Jude Cathedral in Alberta alumni to their profession Iqaluit, received special and/or their community. recognition for her work in Bishop Jane Alexander In Edmonton, Anglican Bishop Photo: Akemi Matsubuchi Photography the church and community. Jane Alexander, might be most missing and murdered indigenous Alexander was a music and special closely identified with the city’s end poverty in the city within women. Within the church, she education teacher in northern anti-poverty initiative. Alexander, a generation. Alexander also has advocated for same-gender England, and then was a student the 10th bishop of Edmonton, co- gives close attention to the work marriage, and in 2012, the Anglican in the Department of Educational chaired the Mayor’s Task Force of the Truth and Reconciliation church agreed to bless these unions. Psychology at the University of for the Elimination of Poverty in Commission - inviting the Her diocese also helped build an Alberta, leading to a PhD thesis on Edmonton and now serves as co- Edmonton diocese to reflect deeply HIV clinic and provided education cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s chair of EndPoverty Edmonton, on reconciliation with indigenous and medical support to a community disease in persons with Down working with community leaders to peoples - and to grassroots in Burundi, Africa. movements drawing attention to Prior to her ordination in 1998, syndrome. 6 THE MESSENGER OCTOBER 2017 Edmonton Diocese Entering the diaconate, ordinands share stories of faith On September 14, 2017, Bishop Jane Alexander ordained the Rev. Cheryl Boulet, the Rev. Donna Gauthier and the Rev. Rita Milne to the priesthood; and Sandra Arbeau, Christopher Cook, Rebecca Harris, Billy Isenor, Sheila Moorey, Ruth Sesink-Bott, and Andreas Sigrist to the diaconate. Rejoicing in this occasion, we share a selection of their faith stories. Watch the November Messenger for coverage of the ordination service. Stay tuned! The Rev. SANDRA ARBEAU The Rev. REBECCA HARRIS y calling came to me as y faith journey started a young person while when my husband and I Mattending a church that Mdecided our family would helped the poor, street people. At attend church, so our children would first I did not see my help with have Christian knowledge to make bagging groceries and sorting informed choices as they grew up. clothes at Brunswick Street United Soon this decision for the benefit Church as a calling. However, of my children became my own wherever I have lived: Nova foundation for church life. It was not Scotia, New Brunswick, Nunavut, long before I was actively involved or Alberta, I have always been in all aspects of the church. I have involved in a mission church. They served on the altar guild, been a say our Heavenly Father works in member of vestry, taught Sunday mysterious ways. When He calls school, represented our church at you, be assured He will not give up. synod, and I have even performed My journey came alive when I liturgical dance at several churches moved to Edmonton to live with my trained to provide pastoral care to throughout the diocese. Eventually are a wonderfully diverse group of daughter Felicia and her husband, those who are in hospital. These I became a licensed lay reader people and they are my constant Scott. I attended the Anglican experiences have led me toward and was able to lead worship, and supporters. Church of the Good Shepherd for diaconal ministry. preach. This journey has been 38 Now that I have been ordained six years, and it was there I finally I am a widow and have three years in the making. a vocational deacon, I am deeply realized my calling to help those daughters: Sandy, who resides in Although I enjoy many parts humbled. To serve God in this way who needed to fed and clothed Halifax, NS, with her husband Peter of church life, my passion lies with is an honour and I do not take this and to be a friend who listens and and their daughter, Ashley (Ian); helping the elderly and sharing my responsibility lightly. My hope is prays with them. I began to seek out Sophia, who resides in Jamaica creative talents with them in order to to serve others and share with them opportunities to follow my calling. with her children Will and Leah; brighten their day. what I have come to know from a I began helping feed members of and Felicia who lives here with her I have been attending Holy loving and forgiving God. I pray the Alberta Avenue community husband Scott. Trinity Riverbend since its inception, that I can be of comfort, and give at PrayerWorks Common, and I As my Heavenly Father, Creator, and I think of every member of the comfort, to those I meet on my now attend St. Faith’s. I have also continues to open doors for me, parish as my extended family. They continuing journey. pursued every opportunity to deepen I hope that, with His help, I can my understanding of Christian continue in my journey to be a The Rev. RUTH SESINK-BOTT faith. I enrolled in the Education friend to people in need by helping aving lived all over Alberta, for Mistry (EfM) course to study feed their physical and spiritual as well in Ontario, I am theology. I am a Lay Reader and will needs, listening and praying with grateful to finally be setting complete my Licensed Evangelist them. God is good all the time. All H down roots and to be doing so in training in November. I am also the time God is good. Amen. Edmonton. I live in the Alberta Avenue area with Dawson, my husband of eight years, and our two cats. We enjoy the lively community spirit and uniqueness of the neighbourhood. While blessed to be nurtured in a faith-filled home that exposed me to many branches of the Christian family tree, I did not grow up with much knowledge or experience of the Anglican tradition. In college, both myself and my husband were Avenue neighbourhood, and St. introduced to Anglicanism through Mary’s, where I have just been some close friends. Over the ensuing appointed curate. Over the past two years, we have found a spiritual years, I have loved working with home in Anglicanism and a means numerous community members and of living out Christ’s call to ‘come volunteers through PrayerWorks, our and follow.’ community building meal program. I Currently, while I have been look forward to continuing working finishing up a graduate degree with PrayerWorks, and Dawson and from the Institute for Christian I look forward to getting to know the Studies in Toronto, we worship members of St. Mary’s. at both St. Faith’s in our Alberta OCTOBER 2017 7 THE MESSENGER Edmonton Diocese God’s unmistakeable call: ordinand faith stories continued The Rev. SHEILA MOOREY The Rev. ANDREAS SIGRIST dmonton y has always been my earthly spiritual journey as a child Ehome; the Anglican Church Mwas shaped primarily by the spiritual basis on which I have my parents’ participation in a group built a foundation, leading me on a rooted in German Pietism. When I quest to the diaconate. However, my was a teenager my questioning and faith journey began long ago. I was seeking was welcomed and even baptized as an infant and called to be encouraged by the pastor and leaders a child of God. of the local German Lutheran State About 17 years ago, as a young Church. I discovered what it meant widow, my children established in for me to follow Jesus as I was successful careers, I moved to my introduced to a God who wanted to current location in the Oliver area. be sought after with all my heart, Almost immediately, I felt God’s mind, and strength. power and the call to Christ Church. God touched my life I became involved with various in His healing, transforming, committees and outreach projects, and challenging manner at the I have long had a dream to and I was asked to become the encouragement of my children: Torchbearer Discipleship/Bible talk about Jesus with others and it coordinator of the Christ Church my son Sean, his wife Aileen and School called Klostermuehle. It has remained with me while working Community Dinner Program. To their children: Megan, Nicole and was not a coincidence that I met as a lumberjack in the Black Forest this day, I love this ministry and Daniel; and my daughter Shannon my wife there. Because my wife is (Germany), immigrating to Canada continue to be inspired by those in and her children: Bradyn, Jayce and Canadian, I ended up immigrating and studying theology. My curacy need and those living on the margins Alexandrya. Their encouragement to Canada. I discovered a new at St. Luke’s, Edmonton has been of society. of my dedication to faith is one of community, developed meaningful so invigorating partly because it is a For many years I had heard God’s great gifts. relationships and started a journey place where I can be obedient to the God calling me and eventually He Recently, I found a note I had of emotional healing. I would not call I have discerned. Two questions had my attention. I was prepared to written to myself at the beginning be the person I am today without drive my thinking about ministry: spend more time with Him, to be of my discernment. I wrote: ‘I am the love, acceptance, support, and “what does it mean to be the church committed to His service, have my determined to give myself wholly to encouragement of my wife Melanie. in our context?” and “what does it faith grounded in Him and to be part His service.’ That being said, I will Without her, being the kind of dad mean to follow Jesus?” I am excited of a visible ministry. continue my spiritual journey. I want to be for our sons Luke to witness what happens when these I am thankful for the love and (2.5 years) and Owen (8 months) questions are asked and answered would be impossible. Their love and by the community called church, the acceptance allow me to become who The Rev. CHRISTOPHER COOK body of Christ. I am meant to be. hristopher Cook has been Cconducting weekly services Priest Authors Prairie Love Story as the theological-student-in-charge of St. John the Baptist Anglican The Rev. Tim Meadowvale, Church in St. Paul. There, he resides Chesterton, rector of St. but has been with his wife Cynthia and three Margaret’s, Edmonton nursing in Jasper children Holly, Jared, and Shelby. and warden for lay for a year. As He was appointed by Bishop Jane evangelists in the a teenager she Alexander to this role in August, Diocese of Edmonton, stepped away 2016. has written a tale of from her family’s During his high school years, love, faith and family Mennonite faith, Christopher sensed the call of on the Saskatchewan but recently God to the public ministry while prairie. Tim was born she has begun attending youth group, and soon in central England, but to think again. thereafter completed a BA in biblical has lived in western and theological studies at Nyack Canada for 42 years. Meadowvale is College. He then completed a MA professor at Nyack College. He His debut novel the biography of Tom in church history from Gordon- aspires to become a priest with the features two of his and Kelly’s marriage, Conwell Theological Seminary diocese and feels a sense of peace favourite places: small- a story of life and followed by a ThM in theology from and rightness in responding to town Saskatchewan and Jasper love, struggle and loss. Their journey the Toronto School of Theology, the calling God has given him to National Park. unfolds against the backdrop of the where he also completed all but his shepherd God’s church. community of Meadowvale, with its dissertation in a PhD in theology. With church attendance on the Tom Masefield has just network of extended families and rich Christopher was active rise, Christopher has have been graduated from Oxford characters. As their story continues, throughout his education in working working hard to make St. John’s an University, but he chooses Meadowvale explores the central with the homeless of New York inviting and welcoming space to all. to take his first teaching job, truths of human existence: strength City, a food bank, doing street Christopher is thankful for all those not in England, but in the and weakness, anger and forgiveness, evangelization, and served on a in the diocese who have supported small town of Meadowvale, doubt and faith, life and death. missionary team to Thailand and his journey, especially Donna, Bill, Saskatchewan, far away Meadowvale is available Laos in the summer of 2000. He Aubrey, Chelsy and, of course, from everything and electronically on the Amazon, taught theology, church history, Bishop Jane. everyone he has ever known. Chapters/Indigo and Kobo websites. and biblical studies as an adjunct Kelly Reimer grew up in 8 THE MESSENGER OCTOBER 2017 Parish Life St. Matthew’s, Viking solves bee problem and saves bees The Rev. LAURETA BLONDIN Now, require almost Rector, St. Matthew’s, Viking it is well daily to stay Edmonton Diocese documented alive. The great his summer the rural parish that “Mankind will not survive the scientist, Albert of St. Matthew in Viking worldwide honeybees’ disappearance for Einstein once more than five years.” discovered they had a bee bee Albert Einstein prophetically T populations remarked, problem – a big bee problem. Long- time parishioner, Frances Gotobed, have been in a “Mankind will opened the church one day in mid- steady decline not survive the July to discover there were a number for years. honeybees’ of honey bees flying about inside. Since the late 1990s, beekeepers disappearance for more than five She also found a number of dead around the world have observed the years.” bees lying throughout the church. mysterious and sudden disappearance It was with this knowledge that As a farmer, she deduced that the of bees, and they have also been the parishioners decided they would dead bees were the result of no food reporting unusually high rates of have to try to solve their bee problem source being found inside the church. decline in honeybee colonies. Yet, but, at the same time, save the bees! But the bigger questions remained: bees and other pollinating insects Fortunately, Frances’ son, Where were they coming from? How play an essential role in the world’s Darren, is a beekeeper. She called Darren, St. Matthew’s bee saviour. intricate ecosystems. As much as him to come and take a look; to see did they get in? very old wooden church. He said the one-third of all our food depends on if he could locate the hive as well hive was not just big but there was their pollination and a world without as the actual point of entrance into lots of honey in it. With the location pollinators would be devastating for the church. Upon his arrival in early quickly identified, Darren took some food production. In fact, no other August, it didn’t take Darren long to of the wood boards off the exterior single animal species plays a more determine that a very large beehive wall, exposing the hive, and then significant role in producing the was located between the exterior and went to work to relocate the bees fruits and vegetables that humans interior walls of the narthex in the into a hive that he had brought with him. He then removed the hive from inside the wall. He left the new hive outside the church for a few days in order for any stray bees to return. The pictures tell it all. But as we enter this “Season of Creation,” the parishioners of St. Matthew are grateful that they were able to help save one of God’s smallest but most industrious creatures. Tofield and Vegreville parishes gather for confirmation The Rev. LAURETA BLONDIN confirmation project Rector, Holy Trinity, Tofield; - will now continue St. Mary the Virgin, Vegreville; to be a place where St. Matthew’s, Viking young children can Edmonton Diocese learn about Jesus’ “When the day of Pentecost had and God’s love, come, they were all together in one just as it was for place.” Acts 2:1 her when she was younger. n Pentecost Sunday, June On behalf of the 4, 2017, the parishioners parishioners of St. of Holy Trinity, Tofield Mary’s, Holy Trinity O and St. Matthew’s, and St. Mary the Virgin, Vegreville Pictured with Bishop Jane, from left: the Rev. Laureta Blondin and Holy Trinity Tofield server were all together in one place at St. Olivia Sanchez; Heather Scriver, god-mother and sponsor of confirmand Courtney Gottselig Viking, the Rev. Mary’s to celebrate the Sacrament from St. Mary the Virgin, Vegreville; Colin Hopchin, financé of confirmand Janet Julian of Holy Laureta Blondin of Confirmation at an evening Trinity, Tofield. Courtney sang a solo version of Amazing Grace following the eucharist. Janet presented Bishop service. and Colin married at Holy Trinity only weeks later on July 1. Jane with more than Bishop Jane Alexander led $1,500, collected the music and young 9-year-old truly feel the Holy Spirit blowing the service and preached and, as in just one week in Olivia Sanchez from Holy Trinity in this place today!” always, her words were inspiring. response to the famine in Africa. served as the Bishop’s Chaplain. Following a potluck supper, Fourteen-year-old Courtney Bishop Jane was moved by Highlights of the service included featuring a main course of Gottselig from St. Mary’s, and the generosity of the three small an anthem solo sung by Courtney, delicious beef ribs prepared by Janet Julian of Holy Trinity, then parishes, and assured everyone that and young Olivia confidently the Gottselig family, a DQ ice publicly declared their faith in these monies would be quickly leading everyone in the Children’s cream cake and plenty of side Jesus Christ, reaffirmed their forwarded by the Synod Office Chancel prayer. The celebration dishes and desserts, Bishop Jane baptismal vows and received the office to PWRDF. The donations was a true coming together of these joyfully blessed the newly painted, laying on of hands by Bishop Jane. were matched by the Canadian two rural parishes in worship and refurbished and updated St. Mary’s St. Mary’s own Companions Government, resulting in more praise and, as one parishioner said Sunday school room. Courtney on a Journey music team provided than $3,000 in famine relief aid. following the service, “Wow, I can hopes the room - her missional OCTOBER 2017 9 THE MESSENGER Acts of Reconciliation Our Common Ground - Wisdom gathering celebrates indigenous and non-indigenous traditions and builds bridges of understanding The Rev. RICK CHAPMAN Pastor, Inner City Pastoral Ministry ur Common Ground – Wisdom, the second of Ofour Gatherings in 2017, celebrated “living well in the land,” a time of sharing and celebration offered by “wisdom keepers” of both the indigenous and non-indigenous community. Anticipating National Aboriginal Day, the gathering was held at 101 Boyle Street Plaza, June 17, with the imaginative leadership of Michelle Nieviadomy, Oskapewis, Inner City Pastoral Ministry, and the Rev Canon Travis Enright, Diocese of Edmonton. The day’s events began with indigenous song, Clockwise from top: Common Ground – Wisdom participants hold hands and form a sacred circle around drummers story, drumming and dance offered Carol Powder and family; Travis Enright leads participants on a journey across blankets representing the seven sacred teachings: honesty, wisdom, humility, truth, love, respect, and courage; dancer Sarah Paquette receives a by talented young people from the hug of encouragement; ICPM pastor Rick Chapman blesses participants in the “water” circle. Photos: Margaret Glidden Capital Region of Edmonton. The teachings of the Wisdom Keepers followed with reflections Reconciliation cannot happen without change. Part of this change is on Earth, Air, Fire and Water Canada seriously taking on the 94 calls to action. relating the teachings and traditions of indigenous and non-indigenous I will know we have arrived, the day indigenous people are no longer peoples. Similarities in creation the most vulnerable community in our country. story, fire and spirit, and respect for Michelle Nieviadomy and the care of mother earth, our island home, celebrated bridges of future that respects the whole of understanding between two cultures the many communities that dwell and spiritual traditions. and share in this land of Canada, Concluding reflections, offered considering especially the indigenous by Canon Enright, pointed the peoples of Canada. way forward in reconciliation “I believe we all are meant to and healing. Seven blankets were walk on this land together in a good laid on sacred earth, each blanket way. A way that honours our Creator, representing one of the seven our neighbour and ourself,” said sacred teachings: honesty, wisdom, Michelle Nieviadomy, a creative humility, truth, love, respect, and force behind Common Ground. courage. We were called to walk the “Our Canadian history journey of the seven sacred teachings demonstrates that this has not been the community of Emmanuel. – Thanksgiving,” December 16th. leading us through the valleys and done well, particularly with the “We are in a time where this “Our Common Ground” is offered, heights of reconciliation and healing. injustices of indigenous peoples,” truth of our history has come to with respect, in response to the Truth A child was placed in the centre of says Nieviadomy who as the ICPM light and we need to create space to and Reconciliation Commission the sacred circle and the community Oskapewis (Cree helper) helps build listen and dialogue with one another. Calls to Action. gathered was encouraged to reflect bridges with faith communities, These gatherings, hopefully, create on the ways to stand in solidarity including the Sunday morning moments for all us to come together with the young. We were challenged volunteers who prepare and serve in a good way that allows the gifts, to seek ways forward to a strong lunch to the indigenous members of the voice and the contribution of indigenous peoples be shared,” she said. With thanks, Our Common Ground – Wisdom recognizes the gift of leadership, support and financial contributions of Inner City Pastoral Ministry, the Diocese of Edmonton, United Church Edmonton Presbytery Moving Forward with Reconciliation Group and the Anglican Foundation of Canada. Watch for news of additional Common Ground gatherings, including “Our Common Ground – Healing,” September 23rd; and “Our Common Ground 10 THE MESSENGER OCTOBER 2017 Acts of Reconciliation Education critical step toward reconciled Canada FIONA BROWNLEE Anderson is a Cree woman means here and now. Many and she gives me a big hug Aboriginal and Rural from Saskatchewan who of them responded with and says let’s do this again Communities Liaison has settled in Wetaskiwin feelings of sadness, but also and soon. Connecting with Diocese of Edmonton and is working with the determination to make things local indigenous leaders here are blankets Cree children at the school. better now and in the future. like Sharon has been such spread out on a We decided she would be They passed Sharon’s eagle a gift for me in the work Tschool gym floor the narrator (Indigenous feather to each other with that I do. Connecting with surrounded by a circle role), and I would play courtesy and respect. Their school children and sharing of chairs. Students come the part of the European responses give me hope. with them our shared history rushing in and then slowing settler. Each session would The children at this is even more important. down, uncertain of what they consist of 30 to 40 children school come from many They are the ones who will are seeing. They don’t know and teacher participants. different backgrounds, First live out our dreams of a what is coming. They sit The Blanket Exercise is The opportunity to engage in Nations, settler families reconciled Canada. in the chairs, take off their a way for indigenous and a Kairos Blanket Exercise was and newcomers to Canada. Together working offered to elementary grade shoes and put their sock- settler people to learn They come to school with community partners, children at Clear Vista School in feet on the blankets. They about our shared history Wetaskiwin. and are friends with each the church can be part of look at each other, giggling, and to have a new place to other. They recognize each this reconciliation work. standing in groups with their start from to move towards began to get angry. Then we other as being part of their I am looking forward friends. Some of them are reconciliation. started to tell the history of school family. They will to spending more time handed baby dolls, others are I looked across the circle the residential schools and leave school with a better with the Wahkotowins in handed traditional items for at my new friend Sharon many became sad. It was at understanding of the shared Wetaskiwin to plan more trade. They begin to wander and we began the Blanket times hard to watch all these history of indigenous and Blanket Exercises for both around the blankets. Still not Exercise. I watched the emotions play across their settlers in this country. They the students and the staff sure what is coming. children’s faces as I began, faces. will leave school prepared of the local schools in that This past spring I was as the European, to turn up As we finished the to continue the work of community. invited by the Wahkotowin the corners of the blankets. exercise, Sharon and I reconciliation. Education If you want to join me (Cree helper) from one of I observed the expressions invited the children to sit truly is reconciliation. working for neighbourly the local public schools in on their faces as so many once again in the circle. The children leave the reconciliation in rural Wetaskiwin to assist her in (the victims of European We shared what we had gym and head off to their communities, please contact facilitating three KAIROS diseases) were removed learned, how we felt by next class. Sharon and I chat me at Blanket Exercises. Sharon from our circle. They were the end of the exercise for a few moments as we f.brownlee@edmonton. confused and some of them and what reconciliation tidy up. I get ready to leave anglican.ca. St. Saviour’s Savours The Battleford Trail Walkers 2017 The Swift Current- These are Pow Wow Experience Battleford Trail Walk some of the most took place this year awesome people from August 3rd to I have ever met. 20th. The walk raises They cared and awareness of this shared. They historically important reminded me trail, used extensively of the book of from 1883-1890 by Acts: ‘they had Metis freighters, by It’s about reconciliation. everything in the North-West Mounted So I joined them for a common.’ It was a profound Police and, most tragically, brief time, for a tour of the revelation. by First Nations people Ancient Echoes Interpretive Shared experience is who were ‘cleared’ from Centre, which includes glue that can bind together. the plains to make room petroglyphs, a turtle effigy, My connection was so deep, for settlers. Oskapewis for ceremonial circles and other I grieved when I left. Was the Diocese of Edmonton, sacred sites. It was intense, I grieving leaving my new The Rev. Elizabeth Sharon Pasula, took part in and not just for me. I really friends? Was I grieving that Metcalfe and three this year’s walk for two days connected with the land. My I couldn’t finish the journey members of St. in August and shares her spirit was rejuvenated. with them? Was I grieving Saviour’s, Vermilion The next day I joined had the privilege of experience. with my ancestors’ cry attending the Onion them on the walk. How from the land? Or all of the Lake Pow Wow on I met up with them optimistic I was. Forty-five above? July 14. What a almost half way on the walk minutes in and it felt like I It had only been two moving experience! at Herschel, Saskatchewan. had been walking for hours. nights and two days. I am You could feel the Some were friends; others Unexpectedly, the heat and honoured and humbled that pride, joy and were strangers who became sun took its toll, forcing they let me in. They know spirituality in the friends. me into the truck for a rest. we are all treaty people. arena. Hundreds of They were there to walk But the walkers persevered. dancers, adorned a trail – a mere 230 miles or Blistered feet, injured shin, For more information, see in rich, decorative so – but, of course, it’s about pulled muscles, dried skin… the Saskatchewan History regalia were accompanied by traditional drums and singing. the people. some rested periodically and Folklore Society website We were thrilled to be part of the experience. Photos by It’s about the story. so they could continue. at http://shfs.usask.ca Gordon Barrett, Lakeland College Marketing department. Quitting wasn’t an option. OCTOBER 2017 11 THE MESSENGER Social Justice PWRDF, refugee camps and film: a good news connection appropriate for these times; who have known no other as acupuncture, traditional term accommodation for refugees are a big news item life. There are currently herbal medicine, yoga, thousands of people in lately. I had a lot to learn around 100,000 Karen living physical activity and our world and supporting though, as I knew nothing in these camps. nutrition. projects in the refugee about this particular group of This is where the The movie All Saints camps is important and refugees – the Karen people PWRDF comes in. In 2000, is about a group of Karen necessary work. If you are of Burma/Myanmar. an addiction counsellor refugees who become interested in learning more Burma is a former from Toronto, Pam Rogers, involved with a church. I about the work in Burma or British colony and although developed a program enjoyed it and learned a lot, other refugee camps, please predominately Buddhist, specific to the needs of the and especially appreciated check out our website at some of its people came to refugee camp residents and that it didn’t have the www.pwrdf.org. If you know Jesus Christ through PWRDF became one of its expected “Hollywood would like to financially the Anglican missionaries supporters. DARE (Drug ending.” Don’t worry, I support this work, who were active in the and Alcohol Recovery and won’t give it away. I thought you can do so on the DOROTHY MARSHALL country for many years - Education Network) is it was a great reminder that, website or through your Diocesan Representative PWRDF hence the tie-in with the the only substance abuse when given the opportunity, parish envelope. If your Episcopal parish. program within the refugee refugee families can become parish needs a PWRDF ast month I was After the British left, and migrant population an important part of our Representative and you surprised to get an Burma suffered many years along the Thai-Burmese Canadian communities; feel called to be involved Linvitation to attend a of political troubles under border and currently by enabling them to help in this ministry, please pre-screening of the movie a military dictatorship and operates in five camps themselves we all benefit. contact your parish priest or All Saints, representing the has been home to one of the as well as in the migrant I am also reminded Dorothy Marshall by email Primate’s World Relief and longest running ongoing community. The work has that, unfortunately, refugee at [email protected]. Development Fund. I had civil wars on record. The grown and PWRDF has camps are often a long- to wonder what PWRDF Karen are one of several continued to support this was doing in the movie ethnic groups who have been very successful program promotion business, but a forced to flee the violence, which has a 61% non- little research showed what a leaving their traditional relapse rate. On average, good fit this project was. lands and hiding out in the most western addiction The invitation didn’t jungle or wasting away in recovery programs have offer much explanation; refugee camps along the a 25% success rate. This a movie based on the true border in Thailand. These success is attributed to story of a young priest in camps offer safety from the the program being based the Episcopal parish of All danger at home, but little in the communities and Saints in Tennessee, and the else….and no hope for a run by the people of the profound impact a group better future. Consequently communities. It combines of refugees had on their there is a huge drug problem the best of western ministry and the future of the among the residents, knowledge with culturally parish. The content was very especially the young people appropriate therapies such The movie All Saints is a production of Affirm Films, a Sony company. Deacon serves families struggling with addiction “Fred Says” Videos to share one aspect of my crystal meth use was for God’s face to brightly Inspire Teen to Act role in the community. becoming a trend. It was shine. As a result of the In 2014, as I was soon too visible to ignore monster rearing its ugly working the front-line and people began to head, I and two partners, with families in crisis acknowledge this tragic a probation officer and a in Sherwood Park, I felt reality. mother of a meth addict, a stirring - maybe that I recall walking co-founded Parents word is too strong - an naively into this new drug Empowering Parents awareness. Most of us environment, witnessing (PEP), a not-for-profit know the words of that the ugliness of addiction which operates through The REV. MARALYN BENAY beautiful hymn ‘will you stealing the souls of the grace of God on a Vocational Deacon come and follow me if I beautiful young people. shoestring budget. Parents St. Columba, Beaumont but call your name…’ and I I was aware of how this and families are significant Inspired by a PWRDF s a vocational know, without a doubt, that was propelling me to in the prevention, presentation that featured two God was directing me in a lean heavily on God with intervention, and recovery deacon, I am “Fred Says” videos, Maria, a Aoften asked “what new area, an area I was not my fears and lack of process, and they needed young member of St. Patrick’s, that is and what I do.” at all sure about. knowledge. I recall praying our support. Whitecourt Parish, decided to start Sometimes I find myself Crystal methamphe- in my car for God’s My two partners have a project in support of PWRDF’s answering, “I am a foot tamine had raised its ugly protection before I entered since moved away and work. The creative teen made soldier for Christ.” To head with local youth. As some homes. I recall I am the only founding whimsical dogs out of colourful myself I think, “I take a family support worker, feeling very uneasy in a lot member left. Each Tuesday beads and gave them away in Christ to people who may I was asked by the RCMP of situations and praying night, either in Sherwood exchange for a donation. not know He is present in to counsel families for God to walk with me. Park or Millwoods, we “No one is too young or too our relationship, working dealing with substance Crystal methamphe- bring together parents old to respond to others’ needs,” says St. Patrick’s PWRDF Rep Judy at what He does best – abuse. At that time, there tamine, ugly as it is as a of children in or lost to Danks. “And no project is too small was no professional destroyer of young and addiction. healing, empowering and or too big to make a difference. comforting.” I would like acknowledgement that old, was a birthing ground Continued on p. 12. Thank you, Maria!” 12 THE MESSENGER Social Justice OCTOBER 2017 How Should We Do Social Justice? What motivates us? DOROTHY MARSHALL most important person in the office,” writing at a time when he has Social Justice Committee he said. For many years after, while returned to his family farm in Diocese of Edmonton walking with Mum, we would be Kentucky and is struggling to come y mother had a great approached by strangers on the street to terms with his family’s history influence on how I see the who would share their lives with her. of slave ownership and his own idea of social justice work. Later, she would quietly explain that relationship with the black people of M they had been one of her “clients.” his childhood. He is speaking about Mum died last spring after a lengthy illness with dementia, and since then It was much later that we learned pity, and, paraphrasing, he says: I have often thought of her. These mum’s retirement had been the only Reform and revolution come times of remembering are certainly time they had ever held a banquet – from affection (love) for a blessing when the person you are and she had been the receptionist. difference, not from feeling thinking of lived a good life and had One of the readings we chose for sorry for it… Pity maintains an extraordinary capacity to love; the Mum’s funeral was 1 Corinthians the abstraction between memories become welcome friends. 13, which includes “if I speak, but ourselves and others. People Dorothy Marshall with her mother and her When I was growing up my do not have love, I am like a noisy may feel genuine sorrow for constant inspiration, Mrs. Joan Greenwood. family was, by all accounts, very gong or a clanging cymbal” and “if someone’s suffering, but this within your heart; you see the poor. Yet, our crowded home usually I gave away everything I owned to is useless if all it does is give beauty of love; you learn to had an extra “family member” the poor I would gain nothing unless them the satisfaction that they look upon loving and serving living under our roof: someone I loved others.” This got me thinking have paid attention… Pity and saving your fellow men as Mum had welcomed in, a young about how we do social justice - a re- culminates in feeling good the highest privilege a disciple unwed mother, a troubled teen or occurring discussion at our diocesan about feeling appropriately of Jesus can have… The very a homeless boy. My mother was a social justice committee meetings. bad… Pity does not lead to spirit of the Vine is love; the person of strong faith who never I have been reading a book by participation in other’s lives. spirit of love streams into the talked about it – she lived it. When Dr. Joseph Wiebe, who teaches at To pity maintains a divide, branch that abides in Him. our family circumstances changed the U of A, Augustana Campus, and leaving nothing to do but gaze in her mid-life, Mum went back has studied the works of Wendell at others across a chasm. What How does the Lord want us to do to school. She then got a job with Berry extensively. His book The is needed is affection (love). social justice? Of course, the answer Alberta Social Services, where she Place of Imagination – Wendell is not with pity, but with love. worked for many years. On her Berry and the Poetics of Community, In his 1894 spiritual classic, retirement, they rented a large hall Affection, and Identity examines Abide in Christ, Andrew Murray Dorothy Marshall (email and held a banquet in her honour. some of Berry’s work as a novelist, wrote: [email protected]) is the Her boss spoke at length about how poet, environmentalist, philosopher Abiding in Jesus, you come Communications Coordinator for the mum lovingly treated everyone she and farmer. One particular passage into contact with his infinite Diocese of Edmonton Social Justice dealt with respectfully: “She was the resonated with me. Wendell is love; its fire begins to burn Committee. Deacon serves families cont. Arctic Diocese Extends Continued from p. 11 stop and talk with my Lord, asking for nourishing and replenishment to ready Thanks! for Rebuilding of On an average Tuesday, we myself for the next call which, sadly, welcome 30 family members from all always comes. St. Jude Cathedral faiths or no faith, all cultures and all Once a year, we hold our annual vocations. Love You Forever event. We held The Rt. Rev. DAVID W PARSONS rebuilt so that the message of hope Bishop of the Arctic At the same time we started the our sixth annual event at the end continues to be proclaimed. parent meetings, we started a group of September at Festival Place in he Diocese of the Arctic A cathedral is the house of the for the young people in varying Sherwood Park. I wear my clergy wishes to thank all who bishop’s chair. The bishop is not stages, or no stage, of recovery. To collar and humbly emcee the event. have and continue to support to stand on that chair to lord over address the widespread impact of There is healing and the Creator’s T the community, but reverently Christian ministry within the substance abuse, we started another presence is felt through music, stories, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut sit and ensure that the gospel group called MEDD-X for convicted poetry, grief and tears. God plainly and Nunavik (northern Quebec). truths, precepts and principles are ex-drug dealers and became a true works miracles that night – not Most recently, many people faithfully and compassionately wraparound support group. We get quietly, but loudly! helped rebuild our cathedral and proclaimed. Interestingly enough, referrals from Drug Treatment Court, At a recent meeting with associate eliminate the debt. For financial although St. Jude’s Cathedral was probation officers and counsellors. I health minister Brandy Payne, PEP and prayerful support, we are most destroyed by fire the bishop’s chair also answer a support line 24/7. was encouraged to continue to ensure grateful. was not. Be assured that the most Where is God in all of this? In our that the voices of parents of children During a recent sabbatical, my northerly cathedral in the Anglican wonderful professionals who facilitate dealing with substance abuse are wife Rita and I read the history of Church of Canada and the Anglican groups for almost nothing. In our heard by our elected and unelected those who came north in response Communion, will remain faithful executive director, Lerena Greig, provincial leaders. Once again, I hear to God’s call to go into the world to the gospel message that has been who will tell you that God called her God asking ‘will you let me answer with the good news of Jesus Christ. entrusted to us by our LORD Jesus to PEP, and often says she witnesses prayer in you and you in me?’ Once History reveals that the southern Christ. God walking and working softly at again, I am a foot soldier For Christ Church was of one mind, heart and God willing the new St. Jude’s our meetings. God is present lifting and I pray every day that God still soul with Arctic missionaries. We Cathedral will be consecrated on me up personally up and giving me wants and needs me. held common Christian beliefs; October the 1st. Please remember wisdom to support a family in crisis; If you would like to know or hear beliefs that have strengthened and us in prayer and by God’s grace to comfort a parent whose child has more, please call 780-293-0737 or encouraged the Inuit and indigenous continue to support us. not survived a fentanyl overdose. visit our website at people of the Arctic. We are so Sometimes all I can do is cry. When www.pepsociety.ca. thankful to have our cathedral it appears the evil side is winning, I OCTOBER 2017 13 THE MESSENGER Perspectives Ministry today - messy, confounding and joyful experience The following reflection by the Rev. Stephanie Female Deacons London marks the final installment of our series and Priests of the celebrating the 40th anniversary of the ordination Diocese of Edmonton of women in the Anglican Church of Canada 2012-present: (ACC). Women were first ordained in the ACC in 1976, following the approval by General 2012: the Rev. Maralyn Benay (deacon) Synod of a resolution authorizing the ordination 2013: the Rev. Susan Ormsbee of women in 1975. Six women were ordained 2013: the Rev. Arlene Young in four dioceses: Cariboo, Huron, Niagara and (deacon) 2014: the Rev. Laureta Blondin New Westminster. By 1991, every diocese in 2014: the Rev. Krista Canada had permitted the ordination of women Dowdeswell (deacon) and, in 1997, the Rt. Rev. Victoria Matthews was 2014: the Rev. Sarah Holmström 2014: the Rev. Jessie Pei consecrated Bishop of Edmonton. 2014: the Rev. Adenike Yesufu (deacon) 2015: the Rev. Sally Harrison (deacon) am writing to you from the tail end of 2015: the Rev. Heather Liddell 2016: the Rev. Helen Northcott (deacon) Generation X. We are sandwiched between 2016: the Rev. Judy Purkis (deacon) the boomers and the millennials, between 2017: the Rev. Sandra Arbeau (deacon) I Stephanie and Steve London and family at St. 2017: the Rev. Ruth Sesink Bott (deacon) generations defined by the fight for change and 2017: the Rev. Cheryl Boulet the creative reckoning with what that change has Thomas’ 60th Anniversary celebration in October, 2016. 2017: the Rev. Donna Gauthier meant. The first women were ordained in Canada 2017: the Rev. Rebecca Harris (deacon) before I was born, yet I remember the last of over spaghetti in the evenings. Still, there are 2017: the Rev. Rita Milne 2017: the Rev. Sheila Moorey (deacon) the massive mid-century Sunday schools which challenges. Sometimes people aren’t sure how a continue to spark so much mystified nostalgia priest who is married to the rector might have a that is broken, yet is reimagining ways of learning among us. Seismic shifts of culture and form different role than a traditional pastor’s wife. Our and working together ecumenically, discovering surround and destabilize the church in which I family lives more publicly than is comfortable. deeper humility in reconciliation, and learning was raised and called. I am young enough that I Much of the church is still coming to terms with more of grace at every turn. will likely see still more significant changes in the priests who can be women, pregnant, parents, It is too easy to dwell on what is being lost to decades that remain of my formal ministry. I need breastfeeding. After all, alternatives to the pleated prepare the ground for this birth. My generation to be reminded that my security is in Jesus Christ. Edwardian blouse-style clergy shirt (what were has the unique task of ministering in both churches I – we -- need to remember. they thinking?) have only been around for a couple at the same time, as one folds into the other and Yet, my ordained ministry so far has been of decades, maternity clericals for even less. I have both are grounded in Christ. It’s challenging, defined most by something much more immediate. preached with a fussy baby on my hip and played exhausting, more than a little confounding, and Our oldest daughter was born just a year and a half hymns with a child on my lap because this life almost always there is joy. By myself, I don’t after Steve and I were ordained priests together. does not easily lend itself to strict divisions. know how to do it. More than that, I do not yet When she was a toddler and the strap came off And I know this sometimes presents know the church for which I was ordained. But I her grandpa’s white shoe, she knew exactly what challenges, because young children, even the see it beginning to bubble up in so many places, it was for. It was a collar, of course, just her size, most church-exposed, are still the quintessential and that gives me many reasons to hope. because that’s what so many people in her life unformed Anglicans. They don’t know the stories The Rev. Stephanie London was ordained a wear. She and her younger sister and brother have or the conventions. They don’t know the systems priest by the Rt. Rev. Victoria Matthews on March grown up in the church, because our vocation is of behaviour and the cultural nuances that we 21, 2004 in All Saints’ Cathedral, Edmonton. wrapped up with our family. observe but do not name. They contribute nothing She currently serves in family ministry alongside I have spent a good deal of the time since my to the collection plate or church committees. her husband the Rev. Steve London, rector of St. ordination outside of traditional parish ministry. Sometimes they are smelly and loud. I know what Thomas Anglican Church in Sherwood Park. This has allowed us at least to be in the same it is like to be whispered about and frowned at by building on Sunday mornings, and to escape both the ones who do not remember. Now, when I see of us having to lead services while a stomach flu someone who has gotten up early to bring a child 66th Annual rampaged through our household during Holy to church, and both of them are in clean clothes, Week two years in a row. Our children know how have had breakfast, and may even have brushed Bishop’s Fund Dinner to set up Netflix in the office so they can entertain their teeth, I know they really want to be there. It’s themselves during vestry meetings. They have a lot easier to stay home on a Sunday morning. My big multi-generational extended families, and children have taught me that how we minister to they know sometimes they don’t get along, and the smallest and newest among us is inextricably November 15, 2017 sometimes they struggle and suffer, and almost linked to how we open ourselves to all visitors and Mayfair Golf Club, Edmonton always there is food. They don’t like funerals, but newcomers. they love summer camp. Sometimes they sigh I am living the massive changes happening when we bring out the Bible, but then they ask in the way we experience and express our faith. I Guest Speaker probing questions and we know they’re really send my kids to Sunday school, even as I watch listening. Our church community is our work: our the whole Sunday school model dying. The Dr. Kenneth Rockwood colleagues and friends who live and die; is hard, is engines of Christendom that drive the structures “Medically Assisted Death; joyful, is draining, is life-giving. So far, our over- that support our family materially are rusting churched double-PKs are managing admirably out. In their place, we are discovering and The Devil is in the Details” (please pray for us). rediscovering paths of discipleship and ministry This life is very different from the centuries- that are less hampered by the wealth of empire, the For ticket information, please email old monastic priesthood. Boundaries and prestige of this office, its attractiveness and status. I think about this a lot, because I am raising my Neil Gower: [email protected] or expectations can be messy. Steve and I have to call: 587 463 7576. find new ways of working and parenting together. own children in the midst of it. We try to introduce It’s convenient when one of us isn’t feeling well them to Jesus in ways they can understand and that and the other can take a service or a pastoral visit. challenge them to grow. We try to show them as We can wrestle through issues and ideas together much as we can of the breadth of God’s activity in our lives. We speak honestly too about a church 14 THE MESSENGER OCTOBER 2017 This is Us

‘winter’ (I did, after all, spend seven writers, who in some ways have been ‘pastors’ years as an Arctic missionary!), but as to me over the years. I’d include in that list I get older I feel the cold more! Also, Eugene Peterson, Philip Yancey, CS Lewis, Marci and I love going camping and Wendell Berry, John Howard Yoder, Rudy hiking, and so I’d have to be honest Wiebe, Alan and Eleanor Kreider, Brian Zahnd and say that these days I enjoy spring – the list goes on…! and summer more than any other time What are you afraid of? of year. Finding myself in situations where I’m What is your favourite passage from called on to do something that I don’t feel the Bible? competent to do. For instance, in my current That’s very hard to pin down, there diocesan role as warden of lay evangelists, are so many! I think, if you pushed, I I feel very competent to mentor our trainee would have to say the Sermon on the evangelists in relational evangelism, helping Mount (Matthew: 5-7). A lot of people Christians grow, answering common questions, are intimidated by it, but I’m not, living a missional life etc. But I don’t feel very because I don’t see it as an entrance competent in the areas of community outreach exam we have to pass, but more as the and organization, because I’ve always been curriculum we will be following as we more of a one-on-one evangelizer, rather than live as learners in the School of Jesus. an organizer of outreach events/ministries. So I What is your greatest desire? tend to try to avoid situations where I think I’m im, where were you born, and what does To be more like Jesus. No going to make myself look foolish. home mean to you? question. What might people be surprised to know about I was born in the city of Leicester Where in the world are you most at peace? you? T I’m going to answer with three places. First, I’ve been a writer for years, and recently in central England, on a street rather like Coronation Street! It was 1880s industrial in my own home, which I love coming back published a (very long) novel for Kindle and revolution row housing; we lived in number to at the end of every day, and where I can be Kobo; it’s called Meadowvale, and if people 3 Woodland Road, my grandparents lived in completely myself. Second, in the little village want to find out more about it they can look number 8, and my great-grandfather lived in of Arborfield, Saskatchewan, where Marci and on those websites and read the blurb (and, number 20, so it was a bit like a village in the I lived for five years after we were married, and hopefully, buy it!). Sadly, it’s not available as inner-city! where we were accepted and loved and nurtured a physical book, because it’s too long for the But I left England at the age of 17 and as Christians and as newlyweds far away from publish-on-demand people to publish! have been in Canada now for nearly 42 years, anything or anyone we had ever known. Third, What is the best book you’ve ever read? so I’m thoroughly at home as a western in Jasper National Park, which we try to visit That changes from year to year as well! Canadian. ‘Home,’ to me, means family and every year and where I feel an incredible sense Other than the Bible, at the moment I’d say friends, and a land where I feel connected, and of connection to our Creator God. Dante’s Divine Comedy. I love his poetic when I drive out into the countryside outside What/who inspires you? imagery and his many insights into human Edmonton I feel that sense of connection to the I’m incredibly inspired by my wife Marci nature and the love of God. I’m especially in prairie landscape. Also, I’ve lived in my current who has an amazing sense of what’s important love with the final canto, his vision of heaven house longer than any other house I’ve ever and what’s not important in life, and who tries and the brightness of God. lived in, so it is definitely ‘home’ to me. harder than almost anyone else I know to put What is your favourite meal? What is your favourite season? the teaching and example of Jesus into practice I was raised on meat, potatoes and steamed Up until a few years ago I would have said in her daily life. veg, but in recent years I’ve come to love curry, I’m also inspired by some of my favourite in all its various manifestations!

What is your favourite passage from Where in the world are you most at peace? the Bible? In Centering Prayer. I try to do it once a 1 Kings 19: 11-13 Elijah Meets day. God at Horeb: He said, ‘Go out What/who inspires you? and stand on the mountain before Jesus. the Lord, for the Lord is about to What are you afraid of? pass by.’ Now there was a great Poverty, in all its forms: actual poverty, but wind, so strong that it was splitting also poverty of compassion, kindness, serving, mountains and breaking rocks in sacrifice, spirit. pieces before the Lord, but the Lord What might people be surprised to know about was not in the wind; and after the you? wind an earthquake, but the Lord was Those who know me well know this, but not in the earthquake; and after the others may not know that I am addicted to earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not reading. in the fire; and after the fire a sound What is the best book you’ve ever read? of sheer silence. When Elijah heard And this is your hardest question for me. it, he wrapped his face in his mantle Jesus inspires me but books are next on that and went out and stood at the entrance list. A book I read in my 20s, called Audacity of the cave. Then there came a voice to Believe by Sheila Cassidy, affected the to him that said, ‘What are you doing course of my life, and I began to understand here, Elijah?’ what governments can do to people. They are arion, where were you born and What is your greatest desire? powerful and, if not good, can do the greatest what does home mean to you? Micah 6: 8 He has told you, O mortal, what harm to people. I began to seek out the refugee I was born in Lacombe Alberta in M is good: and what does the Lord require of you and understand their experience. 1954. Home is where the people I love live. but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to What is your favourite meal? What is your favourite season? walk, humbly with your God. Something not cooked by me. Winter OCTOBER 2017 15 THE MESSENGER Parish Life Good Shepherd VBS is a blast! Confirmations mark special days at St. Mary, St. Saviour St. Mary’s, Edmonton marked three important occasions in one special service on Sunday, August 13, 2017.

The congregation celebrated the confirmation of Bob Murray as well as the 55th anniversary of Jamaican independence. On a sadder note, the day also marked the final service and a farewell gathering for the Rev. Miranda Sutherland, who is moving to Hope, BC to continue her ministry there. Good Shepherd’s Vacation Bible School the bible and into early 20th century was a fun-filled “Blast to the Past!” Edmonton to visit many amazing Photos by Suzanne Brown We began our amazing week by churches at Fort Edmonton Park. travelling back in time through the We concluded our journey with Bible to the creation story in Genesis. discussions and activities about what it Then we zoomed ahead to Jonah and means to be ever-faithful and ever- the importance of trusting in our trusting Christians in the world today, as Saviour and being ‘fishers for people,” we walk together following our Lord’s (Matthew 4:19). We stepped out of plan for each one of us. We would like to thank our amazing volunteers, our Leaders-in-Training (who truly exemplified the meaning of being disciples), our congregation, and the entire diocese for being supportive, encouraging, and refreshing avenues of inspiration! We will meet again next summer. Until then, St. Saviour’s, Vermilion celebrated three confirmations and a baptism on Sunday, remember: we are all August 20, 2017. Pictured (from left) are: confirmands Alyx and Ethan Ward, on #TeamJesus! Rector’s Warden JoAnn Mones, Bishop Jane Alexander, Robert Watson who was both baptized and confirmed, and Rector the Rev. Elizabeth Metcalfe. Bishop Submitted by Jane presented the candidates with backpacks that included items to help them Danielle Lepine continue on their journeys of faith each and every day. Submitted by Tricia Polowy Rural parish shares blessing of an unexpected ‘God-Incident’

The Rev. SHEILA HAGAN BLOXHAM that they were not bothered by the since. For the members of St. John’s Thanks be to God! Interim Ministry Team music, in fact, they were enjoying it. congregation who minister to men in Alleluia! Edmonton Diocese As often happens when we respond recovery (some of whom regularly to God’s invitation to speak out, this attend services) at a nearby addiction The Rev. Sheila Hagan-Bloxham n the 23rd of July, a hot, exchange between strangers became treatment centre, Yvonne’s witness serves as a member of the Edmonton mid-summer Sunday in a conversation between Braxton’s was especially powerful. diocese’s interim ministry team. rural Onaway, the parish mom, Vicki and Norman. When Yvonne played O An unexpected blessing musicians were all away and music The family was passing through guitar and led us in our at St. John the Divine in was to be sung acapella. This Onoway en-route to the annual closing hymn “How Great Onoway. Because of a friendly fact alone does not make for an pilgrimage at Lac. Ste. Anne. Thou Art,” we proclaimed conversation in a local extraordinary situation. But with an Vicki invited them to church the the reality of those words restaurant, congregants are led in worship on Sunday interim priest running the show, this following morning and they said in loud, authentic voices. Sunday at St. John’s would turn out morning by Yvonne St. they would like to come. Yvonne We are all richer Germaine, 14-time Aboriginal to be anything but typical. even volunteered to sing if someone because of Vicki’s desire gospel music award winner. Saturday evening, I received an would lend her a guitar, as her own and willingness to speak email from peoples’ warden Vicki instrument had a broken string. the Gospel love to a Van Zanten. While waiting for their We later learned that Yvonne is stranger in a small-town dinner at the local Burger Baron, an award-winning Gospel singer, restaurant. If she had not Vicki and her husband Norman who has appeared on 100 Huntley initiated conversation, listened to a little boy seated nearby Street to share her miraculous story we may have missed an as he enthusiastically sang along to of healing at a previous Lac St. Anne opportunity to revel in Christian kids’ songs. As most moms Pilgrimage. In 2006, she humbly God’s presence among us would do, Braxton’s mom Yvonne shared with us before offering her by the Angel sent to raise asked him to turn down the volume first song, she was a cocaine addict. our Spirits and our voices so as not to disturb anyone. She prayed for relief from her in worship and witness to Our Vicki, a true disciple, said addiction and has been sober ever God’s love. 16 THE MESSENGER OCTOBER 2017 Special Events St. Saviour’s Paints Tiles for Parish Food Stand Serves 111th Vermilion Fair Canada 150 Mosaic “In 1915 the ladies served grandstand show, local flipped, poured, scooped, to 170 people. In 1932 high (8 feet). Vermilion JO-ANN MONES the booth netted $51. St. Saviour, Vermilion was one of 15 Alberta Not too many years later, Diocese of Edmonton communities to participate in 1943, the profit was in the project. Complete $500 and this money was anada Day, information can be found at used to install gas in the traditionally www.canada150mosaic. church.” celebrated on June com/the-project/ C - A History of 30 in Vermilion, included The mural represents St. Saviour’s Parish the official unveiling of our a local cultural mosaic, Canada 150 Mosaic. 1907-1967

ast forward to the year 2017. St. Saviour’s food booth crew hard at work during local fair. FThree beautiful days, July 27 to 30, brought more than 25,000 talent stage, sheep, beef, mixed and even found a people to the fairgrounds rabbit and poultry shows, little time to enjoy the food. in Vermilion. Kicking it off midway and fireworks. Records were broken as with the parade Thursday St. Saviour’s food we served 1,020 smokies/ morning, fair-goers then booth, located under the hot dogs, 720 beef on a attempted to take in all the grandstand, was bustling bun, 360 grilled cheese sights and activities, some with action. Our team, sandwiches, 820 pieces of Six of the 17 parishioners who contributed to the mosaic. of which included the trade reinforced by friends and homemade pie and rhubarb a time capsule, a visual fair, exhibit hall, petting 20 students from Lakeland crisp, 19 pails of ice cream, Between May 8 portrayal of history, an zoo, equestrian riding, College’s fire fighter 30 bags of ice in gallons of and 10, 530 young and art masterpiece. Lakeland heavy horse pull, tractor training program, cooked, lemonade, and 1,475 bottles old participants, which College’s Alumni Hall was pull, chuck wagon races, assembled, served, sliced, of water. included 17 St Saviour’s chosen to be the central parishioners, each painted a object and focal point of 4 x 4-inch tile which, when the mosaic. The college is Christ Church Nurtures Interfaith assembled, created the a huge part of our heritage masterpiece. and community. Relationship with Ahmadiyya Muslim To celebrate Canada’s The mosaic is now 150th birthday, since 2015 prominently displayed in Women’s Association across our nation, including the Vermilion Regional An interfaith journey all provinces and territories, Centre for all to enjoy for over 80,000 paintings and continued on August 10 at years to come. We at St Christ Church, as ladies and 150 individual murals Saviour’s are proud to have were created. If united they children led by Mrs. Samina this unique experience as a Mian, Ahmadiyya Muslim would form one gigantic parish project permanently Women’s Association mural mosaic which would etched on our individual Edmonton West Chapter be over 365 meters wide (4 tiles, which we created President, attended the football fields) x 2.5 meters together! 11:00 am church service. A question-and-answer session was held after the service, and then all continued on a church tour. One young fellow was even invited to ring the church bell. Christ Church parishioners and clergy have been invited to take part and attend the Ladies Annual Interfaith Symposium at the Ahmadiyya Mosque in the past, and this was a great opportunity to reciprocate hospitality. The interfaith relationship nurtured by the Ahmadiyya Mosque community and Christ Church communities through mutual ongoing love and respect, has been further strengthened by the Mian Family, who are regular contributors to the parish’s monthly community dinner program. Story: Sheila Moorey Photos: Iris Campbell