o u r v i s i o n s t a t e m e n t The Diocese of Moosonee – called by God to live and proclaim the Gospel

THE NEWSPAPERn OF THE DIOCESE OFrthland MOOSONEE • www.moosoneeanglican.ca • A SECTION OF THE ANGLICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2017

Evensong beside a teepee was led by Archbishop Colin Johnson, Bishop of Moosonee, at the leadership conference in Timmins, ON Gathering at the Teepee Artists in the Article by the Reverend Patricia Dorland, St. Mark’s, Iroquois Falls, ON Cathedral URING THE WEEK OF congregations in the area of Mahone Article by Nicky Alexander, St. Matthew’s SEPTEMBER 12TH TO Bay, and Bishop Elaine Cathedral, Timmins, ON DTHE 15TH, the Dioces- Sauer, Lutheran Bishop of Manito- N SEPTEMBER 15TH, an Leadership Gathering (former- ba/Northwestern . 2017, DELEGATES from ly known as Clericus) was held in Pastor Adam provided for our the Northern Ontario Art As- Timmins. Normally, this event is pastoral needs as chaplain and led sociationO gathered at St. Matthew’s a time for fellowship, for building the worship times which drew on Cathedral for a social afternoon of relationships, and for educational the rich and creative Lutheran li- drawing and fellowship. The artists training. This year was no different, turgy resources as well as using the had travelled from all over North- except that it had a special interest Lutheran hymnal. In his reflections, ern Ontario for their Annual General component. he invited us to see God in unexpec- Meeting and the opening of the 61st The global Lutheran community is ted places and in unexpected ways. NOAA Annual Juried Exhibition commemorating the 500th anniver- This ‘unexpected’ can seem like a which was being held at the Timmins sary of the Reformation Movement disruption and we were asked about Museum:NEC. They were hosted by and they are using this 2017 anniver- our openess and willingness to al- the Porcupine Art Club who are fa- sary year as an opportunity to gain a Lutheran Pastor Adam Snook was low God to disrupt us for the future miliar with the stained glass art of St. deeper understanding of the events joined in the same teepee with his of God’s world. Pastor Adam refe- Matthew’s Cathedral and identified it of 500 years ago. Across Canada, Anglican brethren Lay Reader renced two literary works publis- as an excellent opportunity to share the Evangelical Lutheran Church in James Lonergan-Freake and the hed by Citizens for Justice. This is the work of two of Canada’s foremost Canada is encouraging their local Reverend George Westgate. a national organization based out of and respected stained glass artists. communities to raise awareness of of God’s people in this 21st century. and consisting of members In 1978, the congregation embarked these historical events and to conti- At our diocesan gathering we had inspired by faith to act for justice on an ambitious project: through do- nue converstions about what it me- the pleasure of welcoming Pastor in Canadian public policy. Both ar- nor and memorial funding they set ans to be One Body in Christ with all Adam Snook who serves Lutheran See “Gathering at the Teepee”page 2 See “Wondrous Windows” page 3 Lay and clergy leaders from all parts of the diocese gathered in Timmins to participate in the 2017 Leadership Gathering. Anne Dyas and the Reverend Valerie Issac gathered at the teepee. Gathering at the Teepee continued from page 1. ticles informed us and challenged us tions, the Waterloo Declaration of we watched was well worth the time pioneers who immigrated to Canada in to see disruption in some instances 2001, the joint partnership of joint taken to view it. The subsequent day’s search of freedom and justice; we are as a necessity. We were asked how ministries between the Lutheran conversation led by Pastor Adam and Finnish Lutherans; we are Anglicans. the church disrupts society to call the and the Anglican Church, and some Bishop Elaine was a good exercise in In all of this, God calls us to walk to- earth to accountability. of her own faith story and how she medieval church history. gether as he proclaims that he is our The theme of disruption, both po- witnesses to the Gospel of Christ as a The few days that we all gathered God and we are all his people. sitive and negative, was followed Lutheran bishop. made a time of remembering that we, through and further explored as Bis- On Wednesday evening, we all in the Diocese of Moosonee, are mul- hop Elaine gave two focus sessions. watched a 2003 production of Luther ti-faceted. We are made up of First She presented some background featuring Joseph Fiennes. Martin Nations people who have lived on the information on: the Reformation Luther was a seminal figure in the land for centuries; we are settlers who Movement and Martin Luther, on Reformation and whether for good or have come from eastern and western the Evangelical Lutheran Church in ill he was a disruptive figure for the Europe, from the British Isles, and in Canada and how that structure func- Church of Rome. The movie which fact, from all global countires; we are W. Peter Colbert: 1939 - 2017 Article by Susanne Colbert-Mavor, Warden of St, Matthew’s Cathedral and niece of Peter Colbert. Edward became very active in the ment Center and the Trillium Foun- parish. Peter also played high school dation. He was actively involved in football and was scouted for the the Lord’s Kitchen and the Full Gos- The Northland Montreal Alouettes. Unfortunately, a pel Businessmen’s breakfast. A publication of the back injury ended his football career. Peter’s love of travel took him Anglican Diocese of Moosonee Peter was actively involved in all across Canada and to: England, A Section of the aspects of the life and ministry of Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Europe and Anglican Journal St. Matthew’s. A lay reader since Israel and Russia. He will be remem- Editor: George Cribbs 1976, he was the parish treasurer bered by his family for his humour, Published Quarterly. for many years as well the Vestry story-telling and his legendary ren- Materials may be sent Clerk. He was also a Church School ditions of songs by Spike Jones and electronically to: Peter Colbert of St. Matthew’s teacher, hospital visitor, and men’s his City Slickers. [email protected] Cathedral, Timmins, ON breakfast coordinator. He was also He is survived by his wife of 55 or mailed to: HE PARISH OF ST. MAT- Shrove Tuesday pancake maker and years, Faythe Colbert (né Brauen), Diocese of Moosonee THEW’S CATHEDRAL, in trusted advisor to the Dean. He had son Michael Colbert (Natalie Du- c/o Administration Office, Timmins, mourns the loss of an incredible memory and was of- gas), grandchildren Jasmine Maher 2-113 B Third Street, oneT of its long standing parishioners, ten called upon to recall historical and Jareth Colbert. He is also sur- Cochrane, ON W. Peter Colbert who passed away details of the cathedral or diocesan vived by nieces and nephews on the P0L 1C0 peacefully on Monday, August 28th, ministry. Colbert side and numerous sisters- 705-272-4310 2017 at the age of 78. Funeral ser- Peter was the Secretary-Treasurer in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and- vices to celebrate his life were held for the Diocese of Moosonee from nephews from the Brauen family. Printed by at St. Matthew’s. 1979 until his retirement in 1994. He He is predeceased by his parents Webnews Printing, Inc. Born in Timmins on March 20, was a member of the National finance William and Mary Colbert and his North York, ON 1939, Peter was the youngest son committee, a member of Provincial brother Edward Colbert. www.facebook.com of William and Mary Colbert. At an Synod, and he sat on ACPO for the Well done good and faithful ser- Anglican Diocese of Moosonee early age, Peter committed his life diocese. Peter also sat on the Board vant; you are now in the loving arms to Christ and along with his brother of Directors for the Children’s Treat- of God. May you rest in peace.

2 NORTHLAND • DECEMBER 2017 The cowardly dragon fled before the swords of the righteous. ran away like the wimp that he is be- cause, as the kids learned in their Eu- charist, that prayer and Scripture are indeed the sword and shield against all the evil intentions of the devil. Young dragon fighters Hugo Alexander, Paige and Scott McCord of St. Matthew’s Cathedral prepared their swords and That dratted dragon will think twice fought the good fight against the Dragon also known as ‘Satan’ or ‘The Bad Guy’. before harassing these kids again! After the Eucharist, we sat down Article by the Reverend Phelan Scanlon, St. John’s Folyet, ON to a feast in the spirit of Michaelmas having learned all about St. Michael HE BOOK OF REVELA- as ‘Number One Angel’, ‘Archan- School in Timmins. The kids were by, in effect, re-enacting that passage TION speaks of a war raged gel’, and ‘Good Guy’). So, on St. ready to reprise the role of St. Mi- from Revelation 12:7-17. Thanks in heaven between the Drag- Michael and All Angels Festival, a chael as they artfully smacked that be to all fourteen worshippers of all Ton (‘Satan’ also known as the ‘Bad nasty dragon interrupted the floor old dragon around ... some of them ages who partook of the service on Guy’) and St. Michael (also known hockey game at Pine Crest Public even had two swords! The dragon September 29th, 2017. out to replace all the nave’s windows the feeling that underneath our storm- with stained glass. The windows Wondrous Windows continued from page 1. tossed tempest are the everlasting would depict scenes from the life arms of strength and support.” of Jesus but, rather than opting for The artists completed this window readily available commercial win- in collaboration. Williams, at the age dows, the congregation sought out of 83 and with over 50 years of ex- one of Canada’s most well known perience, wanted to experiment with and respected stained glass artists - a new technique. Her intention was Yvonne Williams. to achieve a richer colour using over- In the central nave, Williams’ ini- lays of glass and less paint. In other tial five windows, characterized by words, she proposed a ‘double win- dynamic bands of blues, reds, and dow’ - a second window of colour, golds, were completed as a series in separately leaded, that would filter 1979. Williams was a bold choice for light through to the painted image the northern congregation. Over 75 in front. The result makes this win- years of age when she took on the dow distinctly different from the oth- St. Matthew’s commission, her pio- Nicky Alexander, on the far left, introduced and explained the stained glass ers in the nave but it is one that the neering and contemporary style had windows to the visiting artists from the Northern Ontario Art Association. artist and her peers considered to be a tendency to challenge traditional great European cathedrals. After the and abstract quality that she want- among her very best. convention. To this day, visitors widespread destruction of WW II, ed in her painting if she switched Although conceived and sketched might be startled to observe, on clos- interest in the medium was revived. to stained glass for a while.” Kil- out, the last window - the Healing er inspection, a feathered headdress Stylistic practices may have changed bourne observed that both engrav- Window - was never completed due on one of the wise men. but the process of production re- ing and stained glass are concerned to a shortage of donor funding. In- The windows are a remarkable and mains much the same as that of the with “light, brilliant contrast and tended to depict Jesus’ miraculous exuberant body of work. After visit- early Gothic masters. black lines.” She asked Williams healing of a paralyzed man - it is ing the cathedral in 1982, fellow art- In Williams’ Toronto studio, artists, to take her on as an apprentice and the only remaining window glazed ist Rosemarie Kilbourn noted in pri- glaziers, and apprentices worked to- they established a close working re- in original blue / yellow tinted-and- vate correspondence to Dean Fowler gether in a collaborative arrange- lationship which lasted more than 25 pebbled glass panes. The artists had of St. Matthew’s Cathedral: “How ment. Shortly after completing the years. Kilbourn’s three windows are envisioned all windows to be com- special to have a whole church given initial series of five windows, Wil- situated at the back of the nave. They pleted in stained glass and it is hard over to Yvonne Williams’ work - as a liams fell ill and so the commission depict: The Last Supper, The Cruci- to determine the effect this window group they glow and sing properly.” was passed on to one of her students, fixion, and the Children’s Window. has on the interior light and sur- Stained glass was introduced to the previously mentioned Rosemarie The Storm Window depicts Christ rounding windows. Now 30 years churches in the early Gothic. It was Kilbourn. with raised arms drawing light onto later, perhaps it remains as a gentle developed further through the Re- Kilbourn, who was foremost a the storm-tossed vessel above. Kil- reminder of the original church- naissance to become an established wood engraver, thought that she bourn wrote to Diocesan Secretary, builders and as a challenge to the and characterizing feature of the “might achieve more of the colour Peter Colbert, that the artist “liked present congregation.

NORTHLAND • DECEMBER 2017 3 A ‘medley’ of musicians brought delightful music to the ears of the people of St. Diane Thompson brought enjoyable Chief Marcia Brown Martel of the Peter’s and Kirkland Lake. music to the people of St. Peter’s. Beaver House First Nation drummed. Music in Moosonee: I Article by Diane Thompson, St. Peter’s on-the-Rock, Kirkland Lake, ON HE MEMBERS OF ST. a true community effort, there were songs were written by Canadians and North. PETER’S ANGLICAN musicians from other churches and played in honour of Canada’s 150th The Beaverhouse Drummers were CHURCH have a lot to be other towns besides our own. anniversary. The second set of songs quite a hit and the highlight of the thankfulT for. In particular, at this David Gillette and Elfriede Moya were a mixture of folk, rock, and concert. The Chief is one of the time we are thankful for being able from Holy Name of Jesus Church blues songs from the 50’s and 60’s. drummers and with each of the three to put a new roof on our church and joined Diane Thompson from St. Pe- We invited the Beavershouse First songs, she gave a description of what for the new friends we have made in ter’s Anglican Church to play their Nation Community to participate in the drum beats and chanting meant our journey. We wanted to be able to flutes. It was the first time that the trio our concert and were delighted when in each of the three songs. In the first give back a little to the community had played together in Kirkland Lake they accepted our invitation. We song of the ‘Eagles’s Flight’, the that has supported us in all of our roof and they played: Leonard Cohen’s wanted to have a variety of musicians drums were beating to the wings of fund-raisers so we decided to put on a Hallelujah, Dona Nobis Pacem, and and it was such a pleasure to have the eagles as they start their ascent free concert. “The Blessing” by John Dailey. the drummers involved. Many of in the air, slowly at first and then in- We gathered a few musicians to- The Diamonds in the Rough group the people in our area did not known creasing in speed and strength until gether who volunteered their time consisting of Marshall and Diane what the drums would sound like and they reach the top layer of air where and skills to put on a small concert Thompson of Kirkland Lake and we thought it would be wonderful for they soar. The drum beats together so that anyone and everyone could at- Joanne Haskim of Swastika played people to be more aware of the rich with the chanting gave the impres- tend free of charge in celebration. As two sets of twelve songs. The first six native culture we have here in the sion of being an eagle rising in the air.

MusicArticle by Susanne Colbert-Mavor,in Moosonee: Warden of St, Matthew’s Cathedral II N UNIQUE FUNDRAIS- helpers from the parish. Dessert was ING EVENT took place at provided by Christopher’s Coffee St. Matthew’s Cathedral House and Unforgettables decorated thisA fall. Dave Carroll, who is also the tables with autumn centerpieces. known for the Sons of Maxwell with The main event took place in the his brother Don, told the story of his nave of the Cathedral. Dave engaged “” experience. the audience with his story of how It’s been almost a decade since he wit- he came to write the “United Breaks nessed his Taylor guitar being thrown Guirtars” song and video and the ef- on a tarmac at Chicago O’Hare Air- fect on his life once the video went port and this has led to him sharing viral. He told us of his upbringing in his story and viral video around the Timmins, how his family life shaped world. him and how he has taken the experi- Dave, a former altar boy at St. Mat- ence and turned it into a career. Dave thew’s, was happy to return to Tim- also entertained us with several songs mins to share his experiences and which he had written; he was accom- his rise to fame in support of a fund- panied by Sue Steel on piano. Every raising effort to repair the church’s song had a personal message behind stucco and bell tower. it and he related the impact his music For those who purchased the VIP has had on others. package, the evening started with a Dave’s story is an unique and up- meet and greet with Dave Carroll fol- lifting tale. It is also a Christian mes- lowed by a roast beef dinner prepared sage of love, compassion, and humil- by our own ‘Chefs’; Greg & Valerie ity. The Cathedral was a fittingvenue Gilson and supported by kitchen to hear his message.

4 NORTHLAND • DECEMBER 2017 her to lead them in bringing others into the fellowship. It was a joyous - if somewhat raucous service! In Wemindji’s St. John the Bap- tist Church, the Bishop used the same format and prior to confirm- ing another twenty-two candidates, he inducted the Reverend Gladys Matoush into her new ministry. For the past number of years, Gladys has served at St. Peter’s Church, Waska- ganish on a part time ministry while she taught full-time for the Cree School Board. At Wemindji, Gladys is serving as Rector in a full-time capacity. Twice during the service, the congregation broke into applause The Wardens of St. Mark’s Eastmain passed the keys of the John Marrk, the Warden of St. John the Baptist Church as her wardens ‘passed the keys.’ A church to Agnes Flam, the new ‘Parish Evangelist’. in Wemindji, welcomed the Reverend Gladys Matoush. grand feast followed the happy ser- er, in each parish I had the pleasure vice. The Passing of the Keys to induct new clergy. At. St. Mark’s Gladys and her husband George Article by Bishop Tom Corston, Assistant Bishop, Diocese of Moosonee Church, Eastmain, prior to the con- accompanied us to Waskaganish the FEW WEEKS PRIOR TO primarily for the Confirmations in firmation of eight young people, Ms. next day to present one for baptism travelling north, we received the Quebec Cree Territory. Our visit Agnes Flam was inducted as the new and two for confirmation in a quiet a question from an interested started in the most northern commu- ‘Parish Evangelist.’ Agnes is not yet joyful celebration. Gladys con- parishionerA asking about the appoint- nity of Chisasibi. This year, with the an ordained minister having gradu- tinues to minister monthly to Was- ment of their new incumbent, “When scheduling changes with Air Cree- ated from the Church Army Training kaganish for the time-being which will the service of the ‘passing of the bec, there was no time to relax once College, the forerunner of the pres- pleases her people immensely. Once keys’ be held?” As we boarded the we landed. Confirmation took place ent ‘Threshold Ministries.’ Agnes back in Val d’Or, in the midst of a plane in Val d’Or for the week-long within a couple of hours after our feet comes to Moosonee and to Eastmain heat wave, we enjoyed a quiet ser- visitation to the east coast commu- touched the ground. It was a beauti- after serving in a variety of differ- vice at the Golden Valley Church nities on the James Bay, I chuckled ful, well planned service for seventy- ent ministries across Canada, as well where Canon Cliff Dee assisted and to myself and mentally checked my six young teens that saw well over as working in the secular field. She provided music leadership. preparation list that I would not for- three hundred in attendance at the comes originally from the Miramichi It was a busy yet joy-filled week get to include that item in the various end of a normal work-day for many area of New Brunswick and brings among the faithful and old friends celebrations planned in each commu- in the community. Four of our five with her a love of: evangelism, youth, along the Bay blessed by beautiful, nity. clergy in the parish all participated. music, and crafts. During the short warm weather. As we left for home, We planned to induct two of our The following two days were spent service, Agnes’ new church wardens we were conscious of the blessing clergy into their new parishes; how- in Eastmain and Wemindji for the assisted the Bishop and ‘passed to our new ministers are to our people ever, the annual Episcopal trip was same celebrations. This year, howev- her the keys of the parish’, inviting and to the Church in Moosonee.

world. Martin Luther fully intended the guise of conversion, of witness to ecumenical partnerships, within our to address the injustices found in his God’s redeeming love. We must ac- political structures, within the body faith community and in their time. knowledge this wrongdoing and tell of Christ. This transformation has He felt a call to renewal and reform our story from a perspective of true already begun as we learn from one that expressed itself in the beginning caring for humanity. We need to ac- another: in our worship, in our study through the posting of his 95 The- knowledge that God loved the whole of God’s word, in our languages, in ses. He never meant for his actions world and not just a certain segment our cultures, and in our common to result in a division in the body of of humanity. We lost our way as a re- witness to God’s saving grace for Christ but that is what happened as a sult of our experience of the divisive all. result of his writings, his actions, his aspects of the Reformation but fortu- It begins with living a renewed and collaborations, and also the resultant nately for us, God has the last word. liberating life through our Waterloo reactions of others. Good intentions God is calling us to a ministry of Full Communion Agreement. As created fresh approaches to the scrip- reconciliation and healing, to be wit- Anglicans and Lutherans we have tures, worship, and church leadership nesses of God’s liberating grace. been given an unique opportunity but they also created divisions within The Reformation may have begun to work for a common witness with the church and they had a lasting ef- as division but it must be upheld our Indigenous neighbours, with our fect - division that has perpetrated and commemorated now as a place immigrant and refugee neighbours, violence against other humans, mis- of healing, of unity. Martin Junge, with our rural and urban commu- Lutheran Bishop, Elaine Sauer, ad- trust within communities, and dys- Secretary General of the Lutheran nities. Common witness means a dressed the clergy & laity of Moosonee functional systems that continue to World Federation used the image of recognition that God is our refuge, find their way into the church today. the body of Christ as “having differ- even in our own changing contexts Good Intentions We must acknowledge as Lutherans ent branches of the same vine.” The and in our renewed relationships Article by Lutheran Bishop Elaine Sauer that we have initiated, nurtured, and Reformation is now providing us with one another. Common witness HEN WE BEGIN ANEW imposed an ideology of mission and opportunity to grow together in our means a recognition that the living we most often begin with exclusiveness that grew out of dis- witness of Christ’s redeeming love God is inviting us into reformation good intentions. We want sent and division, power, and influ- for the world. This will happen as and renewal all the time and not just whatW is best for our communities, for ence. Missionaries were sent to Afri- we recognize transformation within through a commemoration of 500 our faith, for our families, and for our ca and Asia to colonize people under our faith communities, within our years since the Reformation.

NORTHLAND • DECEMBER 2017 5 Canon Grace Delaney and Martha Westgate worked together to master the Evadney Blackned and her son Matthew, from St. John the Evangelist, technology needed to bring Canon Grace’s message to the school group. Mistissini, QC. were some of the happy participants in the School of Ministry.

“Do Your Best - Wake Them Up!”Article by Archdeacon Deborah Lonergan-Freake. S STUDENTS, STAFF, AND INSTRUCTORS gathered at Holy Trinity, Co- Achrane in mid October for Term III of the Moosonee School of Ministry, there was an atmosphere of energy and enthusiasm. Many of our stu- dents drive from 5 to 14 hours one way to arrive in Cochrane to partici- pate in this busy learning experience. Twenty-four students gathered at Holy Trinity along with the School’s Director, Bishop Tom Corston, our support staff, and this term’s instruc- tors. We are deeply grateful to: The Rev. Dr. Kara Mandryk, (New Testa- Two Minute Talk: ment), Bishops Philip Poole (Lead- Rev. Gladys Matoush ership), and Patrick White (Homi- letics), as well as The Rev. Canon Derek Neeposh, from Waswsanipi, Charles Bobbish, from Chisasibi, QC. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT Clifford Dee (Church History) for THE NORTH: the people & the their insightful and important in- QC. was one of the many students who was one of the persons who travelled a asked stimulating questions. great distance to attend the school. land structions. We were also blessed WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE to have had Canon Grace Delaney, beautiful Eucharist with Bishop can.” “Wake people up!” “Trust, ABOUT THE NORTH: Marion Maybee, and Standsinwater Poole presiding and Bishop White Commitment, Love”, “Minister to destruction of the environment Sutherland provide this term’s In- preaching. Students acted as lectors, the people who you have in the com- YOUR BIRTHPLACE: digenous teachings; also The Rev. intercessors, and crucifer. Prayers of munity”, “Speak the bold truth - be Waskagnish Patricia Dorland offered her time and the people were led in Cree and Eng- courageous.” “Encourage the heart YOUR BEST HIDDEN TALENT: talents as chaplain. We were blessed lish while the Communion hymns - challenge!” I’m a good cook to have all of these dedicated people were sung in Cree to the music of The students will gather again in YOUR FAVOURITE HOBBY: sewing & fishing share their knowledge and gifts with the guitar. Following the service, January, 2018 for Term IV but before YOUR FAVOURITE TEAM: the our students. everyone gathered once again in the that time, there is much to do: reading Montreal Canadians Assignments and field placement parish hall for a hearty lunch and an assignments, field placement work, YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK OR work from Term II were reviewed opportunity for parish members to meetings with mentors, projects to MOVIE: The Bible and students led worship throughout visit with friends from around the be completed, and, of course, daily YOUR FAVOURITE JOB: our time together. On the Saturday diocese. prayer and continued discernment. Teaching children their language evening, people gathered for a mini The Diocese of Moosonee very “God of wisdom and love, we YOUR FAVOURITE CHURCH Gospel jamboree with lots of instru- much appreciates the hard work, the give thanks to you for the Moosonee ROLE: every role ments and joy-filled songs shared. It warm welcome, and the hospital- School of Ministry. Bless all the peo- THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE was great that Kara Mandryk shared ity of everyone at Holy Trinity, Co- ple of our diocese that we may grow BEEN FROM HOME: her considerable musical talents. chrane. Hosting the school is a huge in strength, grace, wisdom, knowl- British Columbia YOUR BIGGEST FEAR: Prayers from Compline ended the project. edge and faith. Grant that we may all Heights wonderfully spirited evening. As everyone left on Sunday af- follow Jesus Christ, the way, the truth YOUR FAVOURITE MEAL OR On Sunday morning, students, in- ternoon, they did so with much to and the life, for ever and ever. Amen. DESERT: structors, and staff joined the mem- ponder: “As leaders, you have a (Excerpt from the Moosonee School Traditional Food bers of Holy Trinity Parish for a responsibility to do the best you of Ministry’s school prayer).

6 NORTHLAND • DECEMBER 2017 Invited by the Maori chief, an go into debt at Christmas to pay Anglican missionary stepped off for something they can’t afford, to the ship into that space. His first make someone happy, to keep up words? “Behold, I bring you good appearances, to not disappoint, to tidings of great joy, which shall be prove love, to establish status? to all people. For unto you is born We mistakenly put so much em- this day in the city of David, a Sav- phasis on getting ‘things’ that we iour which is Christ the Lord.” forget that God’s gift to us is not It was Christmas Day, 1814. a thing but a person. Not an object I will not forget the intensity of to collect but a relationship to em- that Maori bishop’s joy in telling brace. God’s gift has the capacity that story. not to bind us but to set us free. Je- Christmas, the day we celebrate sus, “Creator Sets Free”, offers us the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, healing and liberty, hope and life, Emmanuel, “Creator Sets Free” as joy and purpose, even in the midst a new aboriginal translation names of the most troublesome and diffi- him. Jesus is God’s great gift to us. cult times. Jesus is a gift that we Christmas is a season of gener- will not grow tired of. osity, inspired by this overwhelm- St. John puts it this way: ing generosity and graciousness of “The true light, which enlight- God. God’s gifts of creation and ens everyone, was coming into the salvation, and the most precious world. He was in the world, and gift of all, Jesus, are freely given, the world came into being through given to the thankful and the thank- him; yet the world did not know less, the impoverished and the him. He came to what was his own, privileged, the deserving and the and his own people did not accept undeserving. him. But to all who received him, In our human world, gifts are who believed in his name, he gave complicated. The giving of gifts is power to become children of God, Archbishop Colin Johnson and his wife Ellen were presented with a lovely gift a sign of our love and affection for ... And the Word became flesh and of a hand crafted sculpture from the grateful people of St. Peter’s on-the-Rock, one another but gifts can also be a lived among us, and we have seen Kirkland Lake. The gift was given in love. method of exerting dominance and his glory, the glory as of a father’s exercising control over another. only son, full of grace and truth. ... God’s Christmas Gift to Us You become beholden to me be- From his fullness we have all re- Article by Archbishop Colin Johnson, Bishop of Moosonee cause I have given you such lovely ceived, grace upon grace.” [John 1] HEN I WAS AT THE on an almost waveless sea. gifts! This is why conflicts of inter- Some gifts really are free, pure 2008 Lambeth Confer- The Maori warriors gathered on est for government and authority grace, an expression of deep love ence of Anglican bish- the shore to await the ship. As the figures arise because of gifts they and care, of thoughtful compas- opsW from around the world, I was bishop told us, the men performed have been given. It is why the ac- sion, of true generosity of spirit. in a small Bible study group with a the Hakka, the traditional warriors’ cusation of influence peddling is They are given without any expec- Maori bishop from Aotearoa, New dance, with stomping, fearsome hurled at businesses or special in- tation of reciprocation. They evoke Zealand. He told us the story of the shouts, tongues out, spears bran- terest groups or individuals who genuine gratitude. Those gifts have coming of the Gospel to the Maori. dished, chanting: give those gifts to people with the capacity to change us - to open The Maori had a long-retold dream We step to the right, decision-making power. Gifts can our own capacity for generosity that important good news would We step to the left, bind us and manipulate us. and gratitude for others. Thanks be reach them from across the oceans We step forward, Even in dealing with those whom to God for such a gift to us, Jesus. brought on a flat, calm sea. One day Then we step back we love, we can feel obligated to This is the good news for Christ- in the early 1800’s, word came that a To make space give beyond our means. How many mas Day, 2017. ship had been sighted, sailing to port For the new thing that is coming. Article by Ann Westgate, Parish Evangelist, St. John When the Bishop Calls ... the Evangelist, Mistissini, QC. E CAUTIOUS WHEN THE serve a God who does the unexpect- slow to start but it was a lovely cer- Bishop calls you and asks: ed and a God who promises, I am al- emony and the little girl was cute “have you been on holi- ways with you. holding the sign ‘look now daddy, Bdays?” George and I went to We- We travelled to Val d’Or and over- here comes mommy.’ On Sunday, mindji where George celebrated a nighted at the Quality Inn. Then it there were two services and we spent wedding. That weekend there were was up early and off to Wemindji. a wonderful evening with Reverend four weddings on the James Bay What a rush of joy to see the spec- Gladys and her husband George Coast, one in Wemindji, one in East- tacular beauty of God’s creation! Matoush. main, one in Waskaganish, and one The words of the psalmist came to In Waskaganish, we went to in Chisasibi. Love was really in the mind “O Lord, our Lord, How ma- church for baptism preparation for air. jestic is Your name in all the earth, three candidates; later we celebrated I was nervous about travelling up Who have displayed Your splendour the services of Holy Baptism and the the highway to Wemindji and Was- above the heavens! When I consider Eucharist. It was lovely to have a kaganish. What if the vehicle breaks Your heavens, the work of Your fin- young child and his mother baptized. down? How do we contact anyone gers, The moon and the stars, which The next day we met with members The Reverend George Westgate, St. without a cell phone? It was the fear You have ordained”. We arrived in of the church about the plan for their John the Evangelist, Mistissini, QC. of the unknown and the unexpected. Wemindji just in time for the wed- new church. When we make another performed four weddings on the trip. However, I was reminded that we ding rehearsal. The wedding was such trip I will not be so anxious.

NORTHLAND • DECEMBER 2017 7 treats, candy, and candy bars and how you can share God’s sweet message with a sweet treat. When I began thinking of the mis- sion team, I thought of early family gatherings at Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving and realized that there were always the two tables - one table for the children and one for the adults. We tend to do that in our churches; the adults are upstairs and the children are at the back or downstairs. Yet, in- stead of separating them we should look at ways that we can bring those two tables together and bring the chil- dren into the family of God. However, the more that I looked at this image I found myself beginning to picture a third table. This table, over the years, has been forgotten, neglected, abused, and cracked and put in storage out of sight. This table, unfortunately, be- The Mission Team: Reverend George Westgate, Parish Evangelist Ann Westgate, Reverend Catherine Murkin, and longs to our indigenous brothers and Parish Evangelist Agnes Flam. Article by The Reverend George Westgate, sisters. We have in some places forgot- St. John the Evangelist, Mistissini, QC. ten, ignored, abused, and pushed out Mission in Moosonee and Mission Team Co-ordinator. of sight our Indigenous brothers and RCHDEACON DEBORAH Agnes Flam, Parish Evangelist in East- The team was introduced at the Di- sisters. We need to find ways to heal TALKED with the Archbishop main, the Reverend Catherine Murkin ocesan Leadership Gathering. Rever- the past mistakes and restore them about having a Mission Team in Kirkland Lake, Ann Westgate, Par- end George Westgate introduced the back to the table of the Lord. inA the diocese ... a group that would be ish Evangelist in Mistissini, and the team. The Reverend Catherine Mur- To contact the Mission Team or available to go to different parishes as a Reverend George Westgate also in kin reflected on using an experiment book them you can contact the Mis- team of either two, three, or four to pro- Mistissini and the Regional Dean of talking about our broken relationship sion Team Co-ordinator at: vide ministry, support and fresh ideas the James Bay Deanery. All of us have with God which was restored through St. John the Evangelist Anglican to these communities. When I was in had training in either the Church Army the blood of Christ. Though your sins Church, the Church Army I had a vision that or Threshold Ministries and have been are scarlet, or red as crimson they 112 John Street, every diocese would have a diocesan commissioned as evangelists. So we are shall be as white as snow or like wool. Mistissini, Quebec evangelist and that there would be and tapping into that knowledge and those Through Jesus’ blood on the cross, He G0W 1C0 evangelistic mission in each diocese. gifts that God has blessed us with. All washed away our sins and restored that The Reverend George Westgate, A mission team has come into being in of us think outside of the normal train brokenness. Catherine was accompa- Church Office: 418-923-2286; the Diocese of Moosonee. of thought and each one of us is crazy nied by the music and songs by Ag- cell phone: 418-820-5185; E-mail: The mission team is comprised of: for Jesus. nes Flam. Ann Westgate talked about [email protected]

Up to that point, the United Church Doris Ermel, along with her building was being used as the par- daughter Dawn, spent a week pol- ish hall. All of the essential Anglican ishing away at decades of dirt and furnishings were incorporated into a tarnish. It was revealed to the con- refurbished United Church building. gregation on Christmas Eve of However, one of the things that got 2016. While we were delighted left behind was the St. Matthew’s just to have the bell on display at church bell - or so we all thought. the church, I was determined that it In June of 2016, at a dinner par- could be put to better use. Although ty in the home of Dawn and Don we have the United Church bell, an Moore, I was given a tour of their historical artifact from one of the house which they had recently pur- railroad trains, why not have two chased from the late William Sa- bells ringing on Sunday? chowsky, a long-time leader in our This past summer, in June, we The Reverend Larry Armstrong and Don Moore laboured to install the Anglican bell so parish. They had acquired not only installed the St. Matthew’s bell in that it could harmoniously ring out with its companion United Church bell. the house but also all of its contents. the bell tower of the church. To the Don said that he had discovered delight of the congregation and the A Tale of Two Bells something unique and wanted my community both the United Church Article by The Reverend Larry Armstrong, Regional Dean, and incumbent at advice about what should be done. bell and the Anglican bell ring out St. Matthew’s / St. Paul’s, Hearst, St. Luke’s Hornpayne, and St. Stephen’s, In a corner of the basement, sus- every Sunday. It is a fitting tribute Constance Lake First Nation. pended from the ceiling, was a large to the 45 years of combined min- RIGINALLY, THE COM- together in the Anglican building. solid, bronze bell - the bell from St. istry between our two congrega- BINED congregations of St. In the latter part of the 1980’s, be- Matthew’s. He kindly offered that it tions. Significantly, we are the only Matthew’s Anglican and St. cause of structural issues, the Angli- should go back to the church and I two bell church in the Diocese of Paul’sO United Church worshipped can building had to be demolished. wholeheartedly agreed. Moosonee.

8 NORTHLAND • DECEMBER 2017