A HEALTHIER & SAFER CHURCH THE PASSING PRINCIPLE I'M A GRADUATE OF NOTRE DAME If you were in charge would I be safe?, PAGE 4 Lessons about life from behind the wheel, PAGE 7 Being a 'big' Church, PAGE 19

A section of the Anglican Journal

NEWS • PERSPECTIVE • REFLECTION • FOR A GROWING CHURCH • DECEMBER 2007

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

An Advent letter from Bishop Michael Bird Out of the Cold Dear Friends, for a sign that something important present on every page: There is a stretch of highway on lies ahead. Two inspiring services of ordina- the way up to the Algonquin Park As we, in the Diocese of Niagara, tion. Churches open their doors to bring area, our summer northern retreat, move into this season of Advent, it A coffee house for university stu- Hamiltonians "Out of the Cold" this winter which is particularly diffi cult to feels very much like we are on a dents and community members. drive at night. First of all, by the time very similar journey. Sometimes, A challenge and encouragement you have reached this area you have the road ahead of us seems uncer- to embrace the sacred messiness needs of shelter food and warm been in the car almost four hours; tain and diffi cult to navigate. The of life. clothing, deeply human needs of it has already been a long period of common Advent themes of wait- Niagara Synod and regional Jesus said... But when you compassion, dignity and feelings of waiting to reach the destination and ing and anticipating a new begin- churches taking up the urgings of self worth. patience has never been one of my ning and a new vision for the fu- our diocesan youth to focus on the give a banquet invite the poor, Anglican, United, Presbyter- strong suits. ture are very familiar ones for our environment. the cripple, the lame, and the ian and Baptist churches in down- Secondly, this part of Ontario is diocesan family. Constructive and concrete ideas blind. And you will be blessed, town Hamilton open their doors deer and moose country so it is not The midst of our waiting, this for making social justice and pov- because they cannot repay and above all their kitchens to uncommon for one or more of the holy season is also a time for vigi- erty reduction a reality in our serve meals, and some to provide beasts to wander up onto the road lance, a time for watching and being midst. you, for you will be repaid at the beds, to many of Hamilton's poor and so you have to be very careful open to signs of God's presence and A plea for a new understanding resurrection of the righteous. and homeless every winter. Every as you motor along. To make things love all around us. In the coming of of what it means to be the church, From Christian tradition, Luke 14:12-14 evening except Sunday, soup is even more diffi cult, when darkness Jesus Christ, the reality of humanity's to continue in dialogue with one stirred, food is cooked, juice is falls in this particular region it is hope and peace found its full expres- another and in doing so becoming made up, tables are set, meals are completely black. For long stretches sion and for those who are watchful a parable of the Kingdom. JUDITH PURDELLLEWIS served and cleared, pots, pans and of the highway, the driver cannot see and ready to receive these blessings, A new radio and newspaper cam- ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST plates are washed, and cleaning up anything beyond the reach of the the coming of Christ's peace and paign that will once again invite The Hamilton Out of the Cold Pro- is done by around twenty fi ve to headlights. You strain to be vigilant love continue to be made real in our people to our churches over the Ad- gram strives to respond, in a mean- fi fty volunteers in one or more of and watchful, as the lights of the car midst over and over again. vent and Christmas seasons. ingful way, to the needs of the most these churches. push aside the darkness ahead; you In last month's Niagara Anglican abandoned of our city's poor and work at being ready and you wait those signs of peace and hope were  CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 homeless people—basic physical  CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 2 NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 PARISH NEWS Outreach to the youth in our community Friday night dances at St. Michael's in Hamilton are a huge hit

SUE CRAWFORD Matthew McDonald has on several ST. MICHAEL'S, HAMILTON occasions entertained us with his Our recent Hallowe'en dance was a live band. And are they good! great success. Many youth in ghoul- Without the support of the ish and unusual costumes came "older" parish folk, Janine and through the door. The young dan- her Parish Kidz outreach has once cers were certainly not shy about again proven successful. 75% of dressing up. the attendees are families from We started with 25 at our fi rst the community. Janine never has dance just over a year ago and we to worry that there will be enough have now grown to as many as 150 adults to chaperone. We have be- attendees at our Youth Dances for come so successful that we now the 9-13 year olds. What better way have to limit the number of tickets to show the community that we sold and the number of children care and are a vibrant parish than who come to the "Fireside Room" to invite children to a fun evening. for their snacks. The snack room is Where else can they fi nd a safe en- a magnet for the groups to social- vironment, well chaperoned and ize. I personally prefer the "quiet" an inexpensive evening for their of the snack bar than the Parish kids? For just $5.00 the children Hall with the music. It is the fast- are entertained for two hours once est two hours of the week for me. the washroom area, Joyce Russell, up for their annual fi shing weekend are able to use the excess to buy a month with D.J. Alex (who has The other regular snack bar ladies, Carolyn and Mike Thornton mon- until AFTER the dance. more prizes, snack food and put some occasions given freely of his Mary Farrell, Audrey Beatty and itor the numbers in the snack room I was a little reticent to write money back into our Parish Kidz services). Each child receives 5 Pat Melmer all enjoy being there to while Lori Wilcox, Jennifer Fedus, this article as I know Janine is con- programs. I know Janine is very tickets to "spend" in the snack shop. help out. Mary's husband and some- Kathy Stott, Joanne Chrapko and cerned about more children learn- grateful to ALL the parishioners Pop, chips, and pizza are available times Pat's husband Gord keep the Terry Charters help with the tickets ing about our dances, but I am sure who help and if I have left anyone's for one ticket each. Candy goes for pizzas coming from the kitchen and and keep an eye on the hall (and if other churches tried this venture name out it who is a regular I apolo- three items for a ticket. There are provide a well deserved cup of tea the kids!). Jennifer's son Eric was they would fi nd it extremely worth- gize! All of us who help out know spot dances and some great prizes for us! so excited that he was fi nally old while. We didn't start out with the that we are contributing to a worth- were given out at the Hallowe'en Other regular adult helpers are enough to attend the dances that he idea to make money, but the dances while cause—providing a very Dance. One of our parish youth, warden, Anne Young who "guards" wouldn't let his grandpa pick him have proved so successful that we valuable community service. Beautifying Chi Rho fellowship celebrates St. James, Fergus 60th anniversary

MIKE MCDEVITT to do painting, landscaping, paving, PEOPLES WARDEN  ST. JAMES, FERGUS and fencing—I told you things were Our parish has been very busy moving and shaking. You should drop in the past months. This activity by to see the all that is afoot. coupled to the action over our last The church has been painted couple of years reads like a con- and the other projects are well struction job site plan. We have had underway and coordinated by the a major expansion and renovation various committees. over the last three years and took on Please keep your eyes posted to a loan to cover our extension. Well the Anglican or the St. James web- the plan was to repay the loan over site (www.stjamesanglicanfergus. a fi ve year period and to the credit com) for updates. of all involved this project was paid I just want to extend an invita- The Chi Rho Fellowship of Christ by the rest of the members who to be a fellowship, to serve and pro- off in three years. What an accom- tion to all to come and see us- check Church, Niagara Falls, celebrated were present on that day. mote spiritual, intellectual and social plishment for all those hard work- out all the changes and acquaint their 60th anniversary on Friday, Jean Giddens presented a short programmes and always welcomes ing individuals. Hoorah! yourselves with our parish—in the September 14, 2007 at their regu- history of our Chi Rho Fellowship new members. Our Chi Rho currently Well now we are again in the near north. lar monthly meeting. Father Kevin from the founding meeting in Sep- meets on the second Friday of every throws of some renovations and spru- Thanks again to all who have Block joined original members tember of 1947 to the present. Jack month from September through May cing up, our beautifi cation project is helped our parish to grow and fulfi ll Jean Giddens and Jack Stevenson Stevenson has served as president for a Pot Luck Supper. During the well under way and we have many the hopes and aspirations of the con- for a picture with the 60th Anniver- of the group since 1963. summer months, one or more mem- people hard at work. Plans are afoot gregation. Moving with the spirit. sary cake. They were then joined Chi Rho continues to fulfi l its aim bers hosts a picnic at their home. NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 3 Proud of my green church

DEAN SUTTONGREENHALGH weeds around the church; they waste and saving trees. At our ALL SAINTS, HAMILTON were just dug out. During the weekly after service coffee hours, I, for one, am proud of my church winter we use a removable sealer we use china cups and glasses for of All Saints, Hamilton. I'm proud on some of the window and door coffee and juice again so we are of the people, the clergy, the com- cracks to cut down on the cold air not using paper cups. At our Par- munity and, of course, our way that gets into the church, and this ish Council meetings, members of helping the environment. At ultimately cuts down the heating receive minutes via email which A Gift All Saints, we have made a com- cost and use. The thermostats are saves us from printing a hard from mitment to being on top of things also on timers thus preventing copy for everyone—again saving The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund when it comes to the environment. the use of the furnaces (wasted trees and creating less waste. To all supporters and partners We always try to do whatever we energy usage) when no one is in As I said before, I am very with whom we continue to journey together can to help out in taking care of the the buildings. Monthly Rummage proud of my church for the way we Earth from using energy-effi cient Sales not only allow us to con- care for the environment. I hope As we approach the cusp of the 50th anniversary for PWRDF light bulbs to our way of watering nect to our community but also that other churches will start or we have created a 2008 Family Calendar as a gift for families to the grass. help the environment by recyc- continue in the long fi ght to prevent learn more about this significant ministry. The calendar is also a We do many things as good ling clothing and other household global warming and take care of the way to say thank you. Thank you to every Anglican in Canada for stewards of the environment such items preventing them from end- earth that we have. For more infor- your continued support since 1959. as using compact fl uorescent ing up in landfi ll. The yearly yard mation about what your church can bulbs as opposed to the incandes- sale helps accomplish this as well. do, check out: Join all of us at PWRDF in the journey as we begin to celebrate cent ones that we used before. All When we have our monthly pot http://www.niagara.anglican.ca/ 50 years of sharing gifts and talents in order to create a more year round we recycle everything luck lunches after the Sunday ser- green/ just and peaceful world. that can be recycled. During the vice, we ask people to bring their http://www.greeningspirit.ca/ Together we are making a difference! summer the grass wasn't watered own plates, cups and cutlery so http://www.elcic.ca/Steward- and it looked just fi ne. There were we don't have to use paper plates ship/Stewardship-of-Creation/ Sincerely, also no pesticides used on the and cutlery thus cutting down on Other-Resources.cfm

Cheryl Curtis, PWRDF Executive Director To order a copy or copies of the calendar, please send an email to: Debra Pickfield, dpickfi[email protected] or tel: 416.924.9199 ext 205 On earth and in heaven THE PRIMATE’S WORLD RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT FUND The Anglican Church of Canada "Heaven is another world, but it's in this one." 80 Hayden St. Toronto, ON M4Y3G2 • www.pwrdf.org Charitable Registration 8663 43640 RR0001 "Heaven is pure music."

ELEANOR JOHNSTON respecting the God of other people: the impulse of "safety fi rst" in- ST. THOMAS', ST. CATHARINES "How myopic to think one tradition stead of being able to rejoice in Alan Jones, Dean of Grace Cath- has a monopoly on the defi nition service. And he regrets that those edral in San Francisco, engaged his of God!" being called to ordination seem to audience at St. Mark's in Niagara- The Bible is transcendent to have so little discipline for spirit- on-the-Lake by reminding us, from our human experience but must ual exercises and so little respect his perspective as a progressive be interpreted by each genera- for church traditions. traditionalist, of the value and joy tion. Disagreements handled as Jones provided a provocative of worship. "holy arguments" can encour- title for his two lectures: "Down Jones focused on his under- age growth. We should be able to with Religion and Up with God." standing of heaven, God, the Bible "object without being objection- The religion he wants to pull down and the church. able." Jones's positive model is is what he calls "the curse of literal- Heaven, according to him, is the Jewish tradition of midrash ism" of both "fanatical Muslims our being fully alive: courteous, (the ancient method of scriptural and brain-dead Christians" that is joyful, peaceful and creative. It is exegesis). He mused that scientif- poisoning contemporary life. He our sense of the Presence of God ic understanding has evolved over dealt with this theme primarily in and our falling in love with all the past two thousand years and, the fi rst lecture, while assuring us creation. It is a longing for both while everyone accepts current that the current "sad but small" harmony and adventure. It is the rather than fi rst-century science, turmoil in Anglicanism is no more mystical glory of seeing the world we still cling to ancient theo- momentous than the restructur- shine and the giving of ourselves logical understandings which are ings it's undergone throughout in service to God and others. It is at times superstitious and limited its history. the feast. Jones referred to numer- in their world view. That said, the I found the following "up with ous authors, including C. S. Lewis Bible, read with humility, is never God" lecture more valuable. It who described being "surprised exhausted in what it can teach us seems to me that we spend far too by joy" as he learned to believe about God. much time criticizing and mock- that one cannot possess anything Finally, the Anglican Church ing our fellow Christians and not truly wonderful, such as autumn; and, by extension, all open-hearted enough energy worshipping God one can only enjoy it. Hell, in and open-minded churches, is by loving and encouraging each contrast, is turning away, in fear, where people catch glimpses of other. Advent is a good time to set from God. God. Our primary response to the aside our power struggles and theo- To be human is to long for God sacred is awe and gratitude and logical differences (often one and who, in turn, longs for the human the church is doing its job when the same) and refl ect on the ways response of choosing total love. it points us to such mystery and in which Heaven is available to God's bounty calls us to rejoice in fails when it makes things small. us here and now, as Christ is born every act of appreciation, creativ- Churches are needed in the big anew in us. ity and generosity. Jones referred moments of life and death and Although Jones made so many frequently to his rebuttal of Chris- should value these opportunities to joking put-downs of conservative topher Higgins' bestseller, God Is serve people's needs, not disparage Anglicans that he at times under- Not Great: How Religion Poisons those who only appear at church cut his own point about fi nding Everything, as "clever but empty." for special occasions. People do Christ in those who are different, Jones's greatest fear is "the horribly need institutions; he dismisses as he succeeded in challenging and destructive undertow of nihilism" parasites those who say that they encouraging his listeners to over- that, manipulated by leaders such are "spiritual but not religious." come "small" divisions and share as Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot, has The church is, ideally, a place of in the mystery of divine love and been "responsible for many more conversation and openness to God creation. murders in the 20th century" than in others. And it should always be Many thanks to Father Bob those committed in the name of countercultural. He is concerned Wright for bringing yet another ex- religion. We need to interpret God that so many clergy are depressed, cellent speaker to the people of the for our time and our culture while barely hanging on, acting out of Diocese of Niagara! 4 NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 Healing and reconciliation brings hope

to take another path; a path that is dress the core causes of homelessness will be placed in a trust fund that is the contributions to your parish is not content with simply paying off and domestic violence and begin the dedicated to the work of the healing forwarded on to the General Synod, our liabilities and thereby forgetting healing process for the participants. and reconciliation fund. This will which oversees this ministry. our wrongs. As Christians, we are The project's goal is to engage Ab- permit us to double the amount of Yet our work for healing and rec- called to the ministries of healing original men and women in a culture- healing and reconciliation work in onciliation is not done with fi nancial and reconciliation—ministries which based group healing process in order which we as a church can support. support alone. We—each and every take months, years, and perhaps even to "recognize, address and begin to One of the issues before our one of us—need to open ourselves generations; ministries that are not resolve the healing issues" as a con- Diocesan Synod is what to do with to God in order that we might begin BILL MOUS simply the completion of our share sequence of abuse they might have the money our parishes contributed to heal. Many of us have begun this DIVINITY STUDENT, DIOCESE OF NIAGARA of a legal agreement. The conclusion experienced at residential schools. to the Residential Settlement Fund journey as a result of the attention On a warm autumn afternoon a of our Residential schools agreement It is through projects like this in that exceeds our commitments to brought about by the Residential group of parishioners from St. is just one more step on this jour- which we live out part of our call to the amended agreement with the Schools Settlement Agreement. Yet it James Dundas gathered together for ney that began when we withdrew be reconcilers. It is a call to which government. It seems to me that seems to me that healing and recon- our monthly Prayers for Justice and from the Residential schools system many have dedicated their lives. Our transferring these funds to the ciliation also requires a change of atti- Peace service. Our worship on this and that continued with the work of former Primate, Andrew Hutchison, Healing and Reconciliation Fund tudes as reconciliation cannot happen particular month took the form of an people like our former Primate Mi- is one such person who spoke often makes sense not only because they in earnest through fi nancial transfers, evensong service for Aboriginal Jus- chael Peers who offered an apology about the importance of the ministry were designated for this work, but but only if it such actions are coupled tice; adapting resources provided by to those affected by the school sys- of reconciliation as one of the central because it would be a way in which with a transformation one's self. To the General Synod for the National tem on behalf of our church. themes in his ministry. We also—as our diocese might fully live out its do this, we must shed our racist and This work of healing and recon- a corporate body—participate in this corporate call to engage in the min- colonial attitudes and transform them ciliation with our Aboriginal brothers ministry in several ways. We see this istry of healing and reconciliation. into ones where we acknowledged and sisters must continue today. The participation through corporate ac- Within the next month or so, as that we are all God's children. We must shed our racist and good news is it is going on in many tion such as the apology offered by part of the Residential Schools Settle- The work of healing and recon- colonial attitudes and trans- places throughout the Canadian our former Primate on our behalf ment agreement, a Truth and Recon- ciliation brings hope to commun- church. Our speaker at our evensong or by our commitment to provide ciliation Commission will be formal- ities and individuals that have been form them into ones where service, Dr. Ellie Johnson, the Direc- anti-racism training to our national ly established by the Government of oppressed because of injustice. This we acknowledged that we tor of Partnerships for the Anglican committees and boards or by the Canada. All Canadians will be called work, however, is not solely con- are all God's children. Church of Canada and a member of establishment of a National Indigen- to participate in this work—for it will fi ned to our relationships with our our diocese, shared with us many ous Bishop to continue our commit- be an important part of our own rec- Aboriginal brothers and sisters. For stories of the ministry of the Healing ment to Aboriginal peoples to self- onciliation. At the end of this process each one of us has areas in our lives Aboriginal Day of Prayer. It was an and Reconciliation Fund in its mis- determination. the Prime Minister will offer a formal which are in need of healing and opportunity for us to reconnect with sion "to assist the Anglican Church We also participated in this apology on behalf of the government reconciliation whether through our an issue that I suspect has fallen to of Canada in continuing to respond to ministry of reconciliation through to those affected by the residential being or our doing. In Advent—a the back of most of our minds these the healing needs of communities and our donations to the Residential schools systems. season of hope—there is perhaps no days: our church's history with Resi- dioceses with regards to the residen- Schools Settlement Fund. As a re- This corporate action is yet an- more fi tting a time to consider how dential Schools. Given that most of tial school abuse and other ongoing sult of some amendments to our other important step towards healing you might participate in this min- our parishes have paid their share of abuse arising out of assimilation poli- agreement with the federal gov- and reconciliation, but I think that istry to which we are all called; to the Residential Schools settlement, cies, to the end that Christ's healing ernment, these donations which for healing and reconciliation to be more fully live out Jesus' call for us it is only too easy to pretend that and reconciliation will be realized." formed our compensation payments fully lived out, we must also par- to be reconcilers, to transform the at- this chapter in our life as a church The Healing and Reconcilia- to settle the abuse claims brought ticipate in this ministry individually. titudes and values in our lives which has been dealt with and that we can tion Fund supports ministries like by former students are now going True, all of you reading this paper bind ourselves and others, and to move on to the next issue. the "Better Day Coming" Project in to be refunded to us by the federal today have contributed to the work take a step towards more fully living Nevertheless I think we are called Brantford, Ontario that hopes to ad- government. The refunded money of the Healing Fund because part of out God's kingdom on earth. Healthier church, safer church

times when people come to us to him to be rather manipulative. Yet Well, Canon Leslie was not at all escalated quickly between the two discuss circumstances pertaining another cleric, a woman, found that amused. She asked that the work be of them, anxiety was high, and to their employment. At other he would sometimes try to get his stopped immediately so she could overreaction, on both of their parts times, lay people come to discuss way by exhibiting his considerable consult with the Wardens and the was the order of the day. Quickly, a climate that has developed within fl irtatious charm with her. Over Parish Council. Mr. B. was outraged Canon Leslie and Mr. B. adapted their congregation. time, both male and female clergy at how ungrateful Canon Leslie was "fi ght or fl ight" behavior. Neither found him to be a force to be reck- for all of his generosity and initiative. one of them demonstrated regard, Diffi cult behaviour in the oned with. There was no doubt in That moment was the beginning of respect or empathy for the other. I MARNI NANCEKIVELL church is not new anyone's mind that his intentions a complex, antagonistic relationship suspect that simply sitting down at DIRECTOR OF INTERIM MINISTRY Never has the Christian church been were good. However, the way that between Mr. B. and Canon Leslie. the kitchen table over a cup of cof- This past week, I sat in the pres- a problem free environment. In fact he went about trying to achieve his From that time forward, hostility fee to talk things through would ence of the Very Reverend Alan in the epistles, we fi nd letters from goals frequently caused problems. grew between them. Canon Leslie have been a good way to talk about Jones, Dean of Grace Cathedral in the early church, which outline wasn't sure how things went in this why Mr. B reacted the way he did San Francisco. He provided his lis- many varieties of "problem behav- Hostility grew part of the country, but she wanted and why Canon Leslie responded in teners with what I found to be an iour". Diffi cult behaviour within At Saint Swithin's, there was a new things to be done "by the book", and the way she did. intriguing test of "orthodoxy". In the human community and indeed Incumbent in town. Canon Leslie every time Mr. B. stepped out of Now the Diocese of Niagara's this current moment of the history diffi cult behaviour in the Christian had come from another Diocese, line, Canon Leslie made sure he got Safe Church Committee's mandate of the church, his "test" struck a community is not new. and was still trying to discover the back in line—preferably at the back isn't that of settling concerns about chord deep within me. The simple Every lay person and every cultural norms of this part of the of the line. And each time he felt church décor. But we are concerned question was this: "If you were in cleric can recount stories of things country. Things were done differ- that he had been treated badly, Mr. to ensure that the church is a safe charge, would I be safe?" that shouldn't have happened in the ently in this part of Canada than B. mounted yet another campaign to place, where all people can engage I am the chair of the Bishop's community of God's people. Let from the area from which Canon oust Canon B. from the parish. He in Christian community without Committee for a Safe Church. In me tell you one particular story. Leslie had come. So you can im- initiated everything from whisper- harassment, fear or persecution. A the time that I have been involved The details have been changed, but agine her surprise when one day, the ing campaigns to a barrage of letters healthy church is a place where dif- in "safe church" issues, I have met the core of the story is true. good Canon walked into the church to the Bishop. After one particularly ferences can be addressed openly many who do not fi nd the church to In my favourite fi ctitious parish one day to fi nd that the nave was in diffi cult Parish Council meeting, he and freely, in a spirit of mutual be a "safe place" for them. Origin- of Saint Swithin's in the Swamp, the process of being repainted—and hired a local "n'er do well" to slash respect and integrity, with people ally, this church task force grew out there was a particular lay leader, redecorated. There was stenciling Canon Leslie's tires. It was an ugly working collectively towards the of concerns around the protection "Mr. B." who was the head of the and Celtic ornamentation where, and unhealthy situation. resolution of differences. of children, and then developed Men's Club. Now this club had been only the week before, there had been If you want to read more about to embrace issues of misconduct. very active over the years. They plain paint. And, you would be cor- Healthier ways healthy responses to confl ict within We have found that our mandate devoted energy to fundraising and rect if you guessed that "Mr. B." was How might this situation been dealt the church and beyond the church, has grown. Now our attention also activity both inside and outside of behind the "surprise". with in a healthier way? I recommend Never Call Them embraces those who are vulnerable the church community. The leader Now, he hadn't consulted the Rec- Clearly this situation quickly be- Jerks: Healthy Responses to Diffi - through age, ability, or some other of this group had been found by a tor, or the Wardens in this venture. It came adversarial. There was little cult Behavior by Arthur Paul Boers. issue that marginalizes them. As succession of clergy to be a diffi - hadn't been discussed by the parish evidence of mutual respect between It is an Alban Institute Publication, a Diocesan Committee, there are cult type. One clergy leader found council. It was "Mr. B's" idea alone. Mr. B. and Canon Leslie. Tensions copyright 1999. NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 5 Getting to know you The Reverend Michael Pryse - Bishop of the Eastern Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada

I become in part the face of the uni- well and doing wonderful things versal expression to local Churches, on Planet Earth, some... being done and the opposite is also true. They through the life of the Church, but are both very important expressions also through many other means. One of what the Church is. In order to of the things Christians ought to be do that I've got to visit; the most im- doing is identifying signs of God's portant part of what I do is visiting breaking into the world, pointing with clergy and leaders. to them, celebrating and giving FRAN DARLINGTON "If I identify a locus for my work, thanks." Bishop Michael names HONORARY  ST. JAMES, GUELPH it's the table; the reading desk and the environmental and peace move- Wise, soft spoken, and with a gentle the Eucharistic table, presiding and ments, the fi ght against HIV/AIDS: humour, Michael Pryse offers leader- convening gatherings at the table, "God's Spirit is alive and well and ship, care and compassion to many to bring people together to talk, to infusing those movements." people as Bishop of the Eastern vision, to solve problems—I spend Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran a lot of time at tables." Neighbours, friends, leaders Church of Canada. In Anglican trad- Bishop Michael comments: in ecumenism ition, bishops acquire particular titles "Paul planted, Apollos watered (1 Anglicans in the Diocese of Niagara according to their position in Church Corinthians 3:6), but somebody's are aware of the friendship between hierarchy; not so in Lutheran trad- got to pull the weeds. That's part Bishop Michael and the Right ition: "We have no 'Rights' or 'Verys'," of a Bishop's job. It's like (Jesus' Reverend Ralph Spence, Diocesan chuckles Bishop Michael. "When- parable of) the wheat and the tares Bishop. In 1988, after four years ever I write to you guys I always (Matthew 13); they're not always in his fi rst parish at Mildmay and check who is a 'Right' or a 'Most'!" easy to distinguish, so you want to Neustadt in Ontario's Grey-Bruce Bishop Michael pastors the clergy be careful that you're not ripping county, Michael became Pastor at and people of two hundred Lutheran the good out with the bad. Burlington's Holy Cross Church. congregations, about eighty thou- The Rector of neighbouring St. sand people, from Sault Ste. Marie in Our mission with and for God Luke's Anglican Church was the northwestern Ontario to the Atlantic "I see myself trying to call people then Reverend Canon Ralph Spen- coast, an enormous area compared to a broader vision of mission. I be- ce: "We've had many adventures the capital fund-raising dinner was at gathering accepted the Waterloo to Diocese of Niagara, the smallest lieve that God has a mission in and together," laughs Bishop Michael. St. Luke's, and the fi rst cheque was Document, which sets out the mu- in area of the Anglican Church of for the world, and God will accom- Holy Cross Church was one of the from Ralph Spence." tual understanding and acceptance Canada, but the most densely popu- plish God's mission whether with fi rst Lutheran parishes across Canada In the stairwell of the offi ce of between the two denominations of lated per square kilometer. us or in spite of us. I would like it to be linked to an Anglican parish the Eastern Synod of the Evangel- each other's doctrine, theology and "I travel a lot; I'm afraid to count to be with us... The Church is not to explore possible cooperation and ical Lutheran Church of Canada practices. The Anglican Church of the days. There's no other way to do the only tool in God's toolbox, and acceptance. "We held joint services, is a colourful banner, one of four Canada and the Evangelical Lu- the job." Bishop Michael explains, we're deluding ourselves if we think study groups and social events— created to cover the clock at Kitch- theran Church of Canada are in "As Bishop, part of my self-image we are. God is not limited!" one was a tobogganing party which ener Hockey Arena when the Lu- "Full Communion," welcoming is as a visible link between the local Considering the unfolding hu- Ralph advertised as 'Push-a-Luther- theran National Convention and members of both traditions to each Churches' expression and the uni- man partnership with God, Bishop an-Down-the-Hill Day'! When Holy the Anglican General Synod were versal expression of the Church, so Michael says, "God is alive and Cross began a building expansion, held jointly there in 2001. That  CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Lessons from Hurricane Katrina on how to prepare for a pandemic

DAVID LONG ities prepare for emergencies and so much, and the world is very ur- verity of the virus. How can we get into the wine. Our hands carry DIOCESAN RESOURCE CENTRE a Pandemic. banized. You can get anywhere in ready for a Pandemic? germs. On a good day the germs Speaking at The Faith Community Larry Bredensen is the Regional the world in 24 hours." Every year, on average, 4,000 may be relatively benign. But only Summit on Pandemic Preparedness Coordinator for Emergency Pre- "Together with our higher Canadians will die from the results on a good day. In order to protect this past June, Larry Bredensen, paredness and Response for the density living, viruses can be spread of seasonal fl u; many of them are the health of all the people of our noted "the people who suffered most Public Health Agency of Canada. very quickly. In addition to the the most vulnerable people in our diocese, the Bishop—in consulta- during Hurricane Katrina didn't have "We absolutely do know there will health effects of pandemic fl u, so- church and community. By doing tion with Public Health people- has connections... it's not just that they be another pandemic," he stated. ciety would be greatly disrupted by all we can to prevent seasonal fl u asked everybody to refrain from didn't have a car [to escape New Or- "We just don't know when, where or the illness" he said, noting "stores we will do two things. First, we will this practice in order to reduce po- what the virus will be." Bredensen today depend on "just in time" make our churches healthier places tential health risks. For some of us, added that "we cannot count on delivery of everything from gro- and secondly we will be ready to this has been a painful transition. vaccines to protect us," noting "it ceries to medicine. If truckers get help reduce the effects of a Pan- We thank you for complying with Faith groups, like other sec- takes between four to six months sick in large numbers, or there are demic Flu. this directive. tors of society, have a duty to bring the appropriate vaccine on increased border delays, consum- Go to your neighbourhood clinic "The people who suffered most line once the virus is identifi ed." ers might not be able to get food and get a fl u shot each year. during Hurricane Katrina didn't have to act—morally, ethically He went on to say, "there have and drugs. Ensure that all Communion as- connections". It is fair to assume that and legally... the pandemic been three pandemics since the turn Faith groups, like other sectors of sistants wash their hands before ad- there will be a similar situation in the clock is ticking. of the 20th century: The Spanish society, "have a duty to act—mor- ministering Holy Communion. event of a Pandemic fl u. Our church- Flu in 1918-20, which killed be- ally, ethically and legally," he said, Make antibacterial hand cleanser es have an incredibly important mis- tween 20 and 40 million people; the adding that "we can delay it [the available to all parishioners. sion in this situation—to make con- leans], they didn't have connections Asian Flu in 1957, which killed one pandemic], by doing things such as Be informed about why The Dio- nections. Sick people living alone to someone who had a car." He went to two million; and the Hong Kong hand washing or staying home from cese of Niagara does not practice will need food and medications de- on to say, "The most important rela- Flu in 1968, which killed about work, church and social events when intinction (dipping the wafer into livered to their homes. Parish halls tionships occur in daily settings, like 700,000 to one million. So far, 12 sick. But we cannot stop it... the pan- the wine). may be needed for isolation centres in a faith community. countries have had human cases of demic clock is ticking." Stay away from work and church or for inoculation clinics. The list is Faith groups can play an im- the most recent avian fl u, and 191 What can we do in The Diocese when you are ill. endless. Has your parish begun to portant role by making sure people people have died". "What makes fl u of Niagara? Sometimes it appears Wash your hands frequently and prepare? It's in your hands. are connected to sources of assist- pandemic so virulent" he noted, "is that we are trying to put our fi nger thoroughly. A number of resources can be ance during an emergency". Dur- victims tend not to be bed-ridden into the dike to stop an impending Don't cough into your hands, found on our web site. On the left ing a pandemic, "we will all have once they become ill, but will con- fl ood. First of all, we need to put learn to cough into your sleeve. side of the home page look under a role to play, to help each other," tinue to move around, go on vaca- those numbers into perspective. Both scientifi c studies and ob- Resources and follow the link to he concluded. The challenge to tion, go to work and go to church, Yes, millions of people may die in servations have concluded that a Emergency Preparedness. Don't our diocese is to fi nd ways to help even though they are sick. Adding the world around us but 95-99% of signifi cant number of people who hesitate to contact the Rev. David our parishioners and our commun- to the problem is that people travel us will survive depending on the se- practice intinction dip their fi ngers Long at the DRC. 6 NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 Inter-faith dialogue is an Anglican necessity

fi guration, St. Catharines, has had Muslims in particular. Church in Canada is that we haven't formed by the experience of read- multi-faith Sunday morning work- The fact is, we can't really been educating our clergy in other ing II Corinthians 3 and Exodus shops. The diocesan youth ministry understand our own Christian faith religions (unless the clergy were 32-34 together with Jewish rabbis website lists a book of interfaith without understanding Judaism. trained at McGill). Before I retire and students. My understanding resources. St. Peter's, Hamilton, There probably isn't a passage in from the Toronto School of Theol- of Muhammad has changed after sponsored an address on Christian- the whole New Testament that will ogy, that's going to change. reading sura 96 of the Qur'an in the ity and Islam by Archbishop Josiah fully open itself to us if we don't ap- The University of Toronto has light of the story of the Annuncia- Idowu-Fearon, who holds a doctor- preciate its Jewish context. taken impressive leadership in pro- tion to Mary. The parallels between ALAN L. HAYES ate in Islamic studies and has many Islam, too, has infl uenced Chris- moting a peaceful future for Canada Mary and Muhammad never before THE ITINERANT CHURCHGOER unhappy stories to tell from Nigeria tianity in lots of ways. Our second by encouraging people of different occurred to me. Both received the Every term I give a short course in about what happens when Chris- most infl uential western theolo- faiths to talk to each other in a safe angel Gabriel, who brought to them the adult education program at my tians and Muslims don't acknow- gian, Thomas Aquinas, got most of environment that respects diversity. the word of God and commissioned parish church, St. Simon's. Usu- ledge each other. his philosophical texts, some of his This year it opened a stunning Multi- them to a holy duty to which they ally it's a bible study or a topic in It's a big world, and Anglicans method, and several of his topics faith Centre which operates under a humbly submitted themselves. church history, and it draws a dozen spend way too much time talk- from Muslim commentators and Vice-President for Student Life and It would be great to see this stalwarts. ing to Anglicans about Anglican philosophers. The western univer- has a co-curricular program. movement take root at the congre- Last spring I gave a course on problems. And the Church has sity, including its faculties of theol- It's thought to be the most am- gational level. Islam and Christianity. Over forty a big mission, and whatever our ogy, is historically, in large part, an bitious such undertaking of any folks packed our room every week. priorities—evangelism, peace and adaptation of a Muslim creation. publicly funded university in North Interfaith councils What drew them? Part of it was justice, knowledge of God, spiritu- Inter-faith understanding isn't America. Regional interfaith councils are just that many of our layfolk (not ality—interreligious understanding helped by some of the practices I I meet there once a month with another great idea. The Interfaith our clergy) work and study along- is part of our task. meet in my itinerant churchgoing. a group of Christian, Jewish, and Council of Halton, which I know side people of other faiths. They just Of all the world's religions, the Preachers who use older commen- Muslim professors, doctoral stu- best, was founded in the months want to understand them better. other two great monotheistic trad- taries have an unfortunate tendency dents, and chaplains, and together after September 11, 2001, and is For another thing, lots of people itions, Judaism and Islam, are the to make negative and ill-informed we read and discuss the Tanakh, the led by an executive comprising a are realizing that a good future for ones that it's most vital for Chris- comments about fi rst-century Juda- New Testament, and the Qur'an. Christian minister (who happens to the world depends on interreli- tians to meet. Not only do we share ism. For instance, I sometimes hear be married to me), a Muslim imam, gious understanding. If we leave a faith in one God, but we all rec- that fi rst-century Jews were very Scriptural reasoning and a Jewish rabbi. It's supported global leadership to people who ognize Abraham as a patriarch and anti-feminist, and Jesus showed This is part of the new movement by the mayor's offi ce and the police don't have a clue as to why every- model of faith. them wrong, or that fi rst-century called Scriptural Reasoning. You department. Once or twice a year it one else doesn't think exactly the Jews were very legalistic, whereas can fi nd out more about that at organizes a faith fair for schools in same way they do—and you can Lambeth bishops Jesus preached love. http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/jour- Halton. Just meeting together and fi nd such folks in quantity in Wash- The world's Anglican bishops, nals/jsrforum/gateways.html. talking about common issues has ington, in Riyadh, in Copenhagen meeting at the Lambeth Confer- Skin crawls In October the Furlong Sympo- built bridges among these religious and Amsterdam, and, yea, even in ences of 1988, encouraged "the A new unauthorized liturgical prac- sium at St. Michael's College in To- leaders and their communities. Niagara—well, we have a lot of Churches of the Anglican Com- tice that makes my skin crawl is ronto was dedicated to this move- If Anglicans can stop arguing mayhem ahead of us. munion to engage in dialogue with hearing a reading from, say, Gen- ment. It's possible that by the time about Anglican identity and Angli- Jews and Muslims," and in 1965 esis or Jeremiah followed by, "Hear you read this the texts of the talks can instruments of unity for a little Anglican leaders the Second Vatican Council of the what the Spirit is saying to the will be posted at www.utoronto.ca/ while, they could take a lead in Besides St. Simon's, several other Roman Catholic Church, in its churches." Say what? Don't Jews stmikes. something that would actually make Anglican groups around the dio- breakthrough Nostra aetate, had have some kind of interest in Gen- This monthly Abrahamic dia- the world a better place for our chil- cese of Niagara have been seek- already exhorted dialogue and col- esis and Jeremiah? logue is changing my life. My dren. Thanks be to God for those ing a greater understanding of laboration with members of other As a theological educator, I have understanding of the New Tes- who have already done so; I pray other faiths. Church of the Trans- religions. It identifi ed Jews and to confess that a big problem for the tament Church has been trans- that many more will be so inspired.

WARNING: This is defi nitely one for the grown-ups, treat with re- spect. It also uses raw eggs. I have never had any diffi culty with it (the alcohol probably kills off any bacteria!) If you have any con- cerns about the eggs this is not the recipe for you. Serves 10 to 12 adults.

Submitted Byy Carol Summers ADVENT bbyy PPaulaul RRowleyowley

OOhh AAdvent!dvent! OOhh AAdvent!dvent! EEmanuelmanuel comes,comes, 6 Eggs 1 pt milk TToo ppalacealace andand village,village, toto ghettoghetto andand slums.slums. 1 pt. whipping cream Grated nutmeg FFromrom tthehe rrichich wwarmarm darknessdarkness ofof a mother’smother’s womb,womb, 6 Tablespoons sugar ½ bottle whiskey TToo tthehe ccoldold ddankank blacknessblackness ofof a hillsidehillside tomb.tomb. 3 Tablespoons peach brandy ½ pt dark rum Ingredients TThehe aangelsngels andand shepherdsshepherds havehave gatheredgathered around.around. HHosanna!osanna! Hosanna!Hosanna! TheThe echoesechoes resound.resound. 1. Separate eggs. Beat yolks until smooth. Add sugar and ½ pt of milk. Mix to dissolve sugar. TThehe mmotherother andand fatherfather whowho know...know... yetyet notnot all,all, 2. Pour into punch bowl. Add whiskey, mix well. Add rum. Set this aside. AArere hhuddleduddled inin aweawe byby thethe bleakbleak cattlecattle stall.stall. 3. Whip egg whites until they are stiff . 4. Add cream, brandy, nutmeg and egg whites to punch bowl. Stir to mix. TThehe pprophetsrophets foretoldforetold it,it, twastwas Bethlehem’sBethlehem’s fate,fate, 5. I put the punch bowl in a very generous bed of ice to keep it cool. TThishis ssavioravior forfor whomwhom allall inin IsraelIsrael diddid wait.wait. OOhh AAdvent!dvent! OOhh AAdvent!dvent! TThehe rroundelayoundelay rings,rings, BByy aangelsngels toto shepherdsshepherds andand farfar awayaway kings.kings.

""AllAll gloryglory toto God,"God," aarere thethe wordswords fromfrom onon high.high. HHosanna!osanna! Hosanna!Hosanna! ItIt pealspeals ‘cross‘cross thethe sky.sky. NNowow comecome letlet usus gogo seesee thisthis thingthing thatthat hashas passed,passed, TToo BBethlehemethlehem city,city, aass hhadad beenbeen forecast.forecast. Advertise with the Niagara Anglican O ggloriouslorious dayday thatthat thethe prophetsprophets foretold,foretold, WWhenhen IsraelIsrael wouldwould fi nnallyally bebe consoled.consoled. GGod’sod’s planplan forfor hishis childrenchildren atat lastlast isis revealed,revealed, Contact Ted Manning at [email protected] OOurur ffateate aandnd ssalvationalvation isis fi nnallyally sealed.sealed.

OOhh AAdvent!dvent! OOhh AAdvent!dvent! EEmanuelmanuel comes,comes, TToo ppalacealace andand village,village, toto ghettoghetto andand slums.slums. NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 7 The Passing Principle I'm not Racist, but...

Lessons about life from behind the wheel Taking a step in the right direction

watching another car pull into that God who is as close as breath? For JOSHUA MORRISON lowers of Christ, the people who passing lane. But if we are not eating with outcasts? Touching lep- CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION, HAMILTON took up the cross to follow Jesus paying attention, if our mind is ers? Disregarding the boundaries "I'm not racist, but we all know in the fi ght against injustice and to somewhere else, if cruise control that divide us from one another? the Indians in Caledonia only want promote equal love and treatment is not in the picture, or if we just That make life sensible? Predict- money from the government to for all. give in to instinct, it is inevitable able? Safe? build a casino." But if you really listen, how that The Passing Principle comes It was inevitable that Jesus "I'm not sexist, but women often do you hear statements like into effect for all of us. would be brought down. That he don't get promoted in the work- this? Sometimes the "I'm not" MARTHA TATARNIC Why? Because we don't like to would realize that what he was force because they're just going statement is implied or more ASSISTANT CURATE ON MATERNITY LEAVE  ST. JUDE'S be passed. And we especially don't doing wasn't safe, that he would to go have babies and leave the subtly added into the conversation, My husband Dan and I love to get like to be passed in our cars. get scared off, pipe down, back workplace anyways." but it's there. Every time someone in our car and drive places. Es- The car culture has become so off, disappear. And if he didn't, "I'm not a homophobe, but bi- says, "I'm not racist but..." they are pecially when we can escape the much a part of the fabric of our he would be silenced. He would sexuals are just gays who are too about to make a racist statement, traffi c of the GTA, we look for- existence that we hop into these be used as an example to scare in denial to be totally out of the and some part of their mind knows ward to cruising along, watching steel and glass contraptions, we off anybody else who didn't want closet yet." that it's racist. The same goes for the scenery, taking catnaps in the careen around at speeds that are to toe the line. "Don't you know I "I'm not ageist, but people all of the other, "I'm not" state- passenger seat (an indulgence of not by any stretch of the imagina- hold your life in my hands?" Pilate need to retire by 65 so they don't ments above, and any that weren't mine rather than Dan's), playing tion safe, engaging in all kinds of asks. Don't we all know the truth steal jobs from young people. mentioned. Our Canadian culture, music and singing along, talking distracting behaviour. While do- of Pilate's question—that we're not Their pension will take care of and often our Anglican-Christian ing so, we honk our horns and get made of steel? Those soft spots in them anyways." culture lets us so easily feel like angry at the practices of our com- our lives are used over and over "I'm not anti-disabled, but come we're good people, and with that panions on the road; we invest a again to build up fences between on, we don't need wheel-chair ac- preface say things that go against The Passing Principle is great deal of money in our cars and us, to keep the given power struc- cessible alters." the teachings we believe in with just one small, mundane sometimes even believe that what tures in place, to make sure that "I'm not anti-Islam, but all those impunity. we drive has the capacity of saying our lives with one another are terrorists are Muslim." As Christians, it is our com- example of how small and something about who we are. We managed, controlled. "I'm not heterosexist, but it's mitment when we are baptized afraid most of us feel, even drive around as if we have all the The Passing Principle is just okay to let gay people just have and later confi rmed that we follow if those feelings usually confi dence in the world, as if we one small, mundane example of civil unions, we don't need to the teachings of Christ, in which remain buried. are made of steel ourselves, as if how small and afraid most of us use the word marriage; it's all the racism, sexism, ageism, hetero- we cannot be touched. feel, even if those feelings usually same rights." sexism, and homophobia, anti- It is a façade that matters a remain buried. It is one example of These are all statements that I religious, and anti-disabled senti- out problems or imagining our fu- great deal to the average person; it how that smallness and that fear myself have heard in person, in the ments and other prejudices are not tures, laughing at the antics of our is a façade that is very easily shat- make us suspicious of one another, media, or had recounted to me by welcome. It's such a simple thing baby Cecilia, and sometimes just tered. If you have ever been in a antagonistic toward one another, friends. I've heard them at school, to think about what we're saying, sitting quietly and spending time minor fender bender, let alone a one example of how easy it is to in church, at home, with my and stop ourselves if we hear one together in silence. serious accident, you know how slip into the stance of 'me against friends, out in public and on TV. of the "I'm not" statements coming We also love to rail against quickly that illusion of invulner- the world.' It is one example of They've been spoken by students, out of our mouth. What's harder the driving habits of everybody ability disappears, how much raw the inevitable: we are vulnerable priests, the young, the old, teach- is stepping up to the plate to call else on the road, and as you may emotion and panic gets tied up in and we need to surround ourselves ers, politicians and the everyday other people on making the same imagine, or know from your own the scratches and bumps that hap- with a lot of steel and speed to "normal Joe". And it disturbs me. statements. I myself have made experience, there is never a lack pen to our cars. make ourselves feel okay. We Canadians are good people the mistake of staying silent when of annoying behaviours being ex- And when I am on the road, Except that this is not the inevit- right? This is the perception we I hear one, which is really just im- hibited. I could list them, Dan and cruising along in my car, mind- able. Jesus stands before Pilate, have of ourselves. Canadians: plicitly agreeing with it. Standing I have noted them all, but there is ing my own business, driving at a with no steel and no speed. Open, peacemakers, peacekeepers, de- up for what you believe in and for one behaviour that has ascended speed, and in a manner, which I be- empty, entirely vulnerable. Every fenders of multiculturalism, lib- justice is never easy, but maybe above all the rest as being the most lieve to be adequate, and suddenly possible threat is levied against eral individualists, fair, good this is one way to make a small annoying and the most common. It I am being passed, all subconscious his body, his mind, his soul, every people. We Christians are also change in our normal lives to fol- is "the Passing Principle", a term alarm bells begin ringing: threat to play on any secret anxiety good people, yes? We are the fol- low the path. coined by Dan. The Passing Prin- I am not fast enough. of his heart that will make him fall ciple occurs when Car A is driving I am not good enough. into line. He faces the inevitable— behind Car B and Car A wants to I am not enough. that his vulnerability will destroy go faster. In an 80 Zone, A would I am being left behind. him. And the strength and the life like to go a comfortable and con- Whether any of these thoughts to which he bears witness in the sistent 90. B is having trouble even ever come anywhere close to be- midst of that vulnerability destruc- maintaining a speed of 80, some- ing articulated in my conscious tion, open up choice and possibil- times slowing down to as little as mind, the damage is done, my foot ity where none existed before. 70 and then speeding up again to gets heavy, and my speed in on the Maybe it is the case that most max out at 82. A has an opportun- incline. I am trying to, needing to, of us will still unwittingly behave ity to pass B and seizes the mo- keep up. according to The Passing Prin- ment. This is when an odd thing ciple. Maybe it is the case that happens. Suddenly, B starts driv- The Passing Principle. Inevitable. our anxieties will continue to be ing faster. Faster. And faster. And Jesus didn't have a lot to say about hooked, sometimes without our faster. A has to drive at 110 or even cars and highways and roadway even realizing it. But if we take 120 in order to pass the previously etiquette, but Jesus did have some- Jesus' Gospel seriously then those puttering B. thing to say about vulnerability. anxieties don't get to defi ne us. He did have something to say what The fear of inadequacy, the fear of The Passing Principle is or is not inevitable. being left behind, the fear of hav- Now, I would like to imagine that Jesus stands before Pilate, ac- ing that soft spot exposed, this is The Passing Principle is a behav- cused of blasphemy and rabble not what gets to defi ne us. Instead, iour in which I myself never en- rousing, his enemies closing in on we are defi ned by those moments gage. You, the reader of this paper, him, demanding his death. Pilate when we see beyond, and move are likely telling yourself that this says to him, "What is wrong with outside, our structures of steel, is something that you, thankfully, you? Why don't you speak to me? when we dare to encounter one an- never do. However, after a great Don't you know that I have the other in the manner modelled for deal of observation and thought, power to save your life or the power us in Jesus—Jesus who gave his it seems to me that The Passing to kill you?" Pilate is saying to whole life and being to the project Principle occurs far too frequently Jesus the same thing that those with of making known the God who to conclude anything other than power have been saying to Jesus creates us with those soft spots so the fact that we all do it. Sure, we throughout his ministry: don't you that we may learn the art of loving, can use cruise control. And we can know that you can't do that? Don't the God in whose image and like- make the supreme effort of keep- you know that you'll get in trouble ness we are once more fashioned ing our eyes glued on the speed- for talking to people who don't as we fi nd the capacity for mu- ometer, consciously not allowing count? For healing wounds that are tual tenderness in the face of one the needle to rise upwards while unmentionable? For speaking of a another's vulnerability. 8 NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 Grace and St. Paul's present cantata

SOLANGE DE SANTIS wrote in a foreword to the published the twelve songs in The Winter Rose, sanctuary features a huge stained- Grace. "They couldn't have been MILTON, ONTARIO sheet music. which lasts about one hour. glass rose window. more hospitable, so I made a do- The adult choirs of Grace Anglican "It is beautiful and there's lots of A cantata is a story told through The two choirs got together last nation to the music program," said and St. Paul's United churches, both variety to the music. It uses some music, usually with choruses, solos spring when they both happened to Ms. Hunter. Ms. Anderson used the in Milton, will perform together for traditional melodies, such as the and sometimes narration. The rose is be involved in a choir festival in Mis- donation to buy The Winter Rose the fi rst time on Sunday, December French folk song Bring a Torch, often used to symbolize Christ. The sissauga, said Ms. Anderson. "We and suggested the dedication. Ms. 9 when they present the cantata The Jeannette Isabella, which be- rose of Sharon is a hibiscus shrub were trying to learn some diffi cult Hunter said "the idea of the beauty Winter Rose by American composer comes an Advent song, When Will that usually blooms in September, music and I got an e-mail from Judy of the fl ower and the gentleness of it Joseph M. Martin, with narration He Come?" said Sue Anderson, when other fl owers are gone, how- suggesting we work on it together," reminded me of her." written by Pamela Martin. choral director at Grace Church, in ever a winter rose refers to a miracu- she said. The Winter Rose, presented by "It is our sincerest prayer that as an interview. lous blossom. The joint concert resonates fur- St. Paul's United and Grace Angli- Christ, the Rose of Sharon, opens "I like the themes—the whole Isaiah 35:1 uses fl oral imagery to ther through its dedication to Ms. can churches at St. Paul's United before you this Christmas, your idea of the rose unfolding," said tell of the effect of the Lord's com- Hunter's mother, Alma Wicks, who Church, 123 Main Street East, Mil- spirit will be encouraged by the Judy Hunter, music director at St. ing to his people: "The wilderness died in February 2007. "Mom had ton, Ont., Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007 at beauty of God's greatest gift. Let Paul's United. Her 45-voice choir and the solitary place shall be glad grown up as an Anglican. When she 7:00 p.m. Free-will offering. Re- the words and music of this cantata will blend with Grace's 25 voices, for them and the desert shall rejoice married my father, she went with freshments following the perform- remind you that even in the deepest accompanied by a 14-piece orches- and blossom as the rose." Coinci- his family (to the United church)," ance. For further information con- winter, we are people of joy and life, tra and piano. Ms. Anderson and dentally, the passage is also the explained Ms. Hunter. The family tact Grace Church at 905-878-2411 children of the garden," the creators Ms. Hunter will each conduct six of motto of St. Paul's church, where the asked that the funeral be held at or St. Paul's at 905-878-8895. Christmas, a time to laugh

JERRY SALLOUM us laugh. Situations make us laugh. "I thought you said your dog does not prime time parenthood! Why should GRACE be a sur- ST. ALBAN THE MARTYR, GLEN WILLIAMS The howling laughter of others bite". The man replies, "That is NOT Looking further into the stories prise? I believe the reason is ob- I was sitting in my offi ce fl ipping the makes us laugh. However, one of the my dog". Who would have expected of the Bible, we fi nd further evi- vious. Our world writes on our pages of a magazine when I uncov- most common triggers for laughter such a misunderstanding of Clous- dence of a divine sense of humor. minds the indelible message that ered a cartoon. It showed a lion speak- is surprise. Something sudden inter- seau's question? And who would How incongruous it was that an apart from lotteries and sheer luck, ing to Noah who is about to launch rupts the expected progression of have expected that within a heated elderly woman named Sarah would our only hope of moving out of the the ark. The caption reads, "You'd events and thought processes in our gun battle, there would emerge a far- conceive. How equally incongruous category of loser into the category of better get two more gazelles!" lives. The insertion of the incongru- cical birthday celebration? Insertion it was many years later that a virgin winner can only come when fi ngers Funny? I managed a slight grin, ous, that thing that does not belong into any situation of the unexpected named Mary would conceive. Were are worked to the bone and when nothing more. At the time, I tried in our lives at that moment, is a and incongruous is a powerful trigger there hints of laughter in the words noses are kept to the grindstone. to recall the last time I had a really laughter-generating tool common to for laughter. she uttered in the Magnifi cat. Later, What counts in this world is human good laugh. By this, I am not refer- many funny situations. Some might The Bible tells us that Jesus cried. was there joyous laughter in the effort! We are taught that nothing is ring to those small chuckles that we recall that outrageous Monty Python But it never mentions him laugh- Lazarus household when Martha free! Even love is conditional! frequently force ourselves to make scene when a group of British sol- ing. We wonder if the Godhead has and Mary confronted the incongru- But GRACE smashes this rule. in order to be polite. Rather, I am diers in the heat of battle are told that a sense of humor. If the litmus test ity of life coming to a decaying According to the One who writes referring to those side-splitting, it is the birthday of one of their pla- is evidence of Him inserting the un- body? There was certainly laugh- all the really important rules, eternal often embarrassing muscle-tiring toon members. Suddenly, all interest expected into life's situations, then ter among the Israelites when they life does not depend upon human explosions which, once triggered, in the battle ceases when, through God is the quintessential Funny Guy. confronted the incongruity of free- effort or human merit. The Pearl of are virtually impossible to control. the smoke and dirt, a grimy soldier Look, for example, what he did with dom coming to a people who, for immeasurable price IS free. Grace Short-lived manageable chuckles appears with a cake complete with Abraham and Sarah. He informs generations, had known only cap- means that nothing we can ever do are common. Regrettably, howling candles. Totally oblivious to the roar Abraham that his wife would bear a tivity. The Psalmist cried out, "Our can make God love us more, and sustained laughter is not. of bullets whizzing overhead, and son. Abraham immediately falls face mouths were fi lled with laughter, nothing we can ever do can make The best laughs are not only blind to the dangers that surround down laughing. Later, when Sarah our tongues with songs of joy". God love us less? Given our condi- sustained; they are spontaneous. them, members of the platoon con- hears the same news, she also laughs. Somewhere out there in our giant tioning in this world, such a message Like breathing and digestion, they gratulate the birthday boy, deliver I doubt that theirs was a mocking cosmos, I imagine a Face that bears is almost impossible to accept. are involuntary. We don't choose some outrageous speeches, then laughter. I am certain it was not a sub- a smile. It is the face of a God with Was your mouth fi lled with to initiate our best laughs. And few watch him blow out his candles. dued forced chuckle. Rather, I sus- a wonderful sense of humor. At the laughter and your tongue with of us have the power to end them. In one of those memorable Pink pect it was that hilarious laughter of centre of human history and in the songs of joy the day you discovered Frequently, they are triggered when Panther movies, the bungling idiot delight that comes to each of us when fullness of time, with His eyes fi xed that you are saved, not because you laughing is anything but appropriate Police Inspector Clousseau comes we are surprised by the incongruous. fi rmly on all humanity, God inserted are good, but because God is good? behaviour. I recall such an episode upon a barking dog and a man who We imagine Sarah saying to God, the mother of all incongruities into our This central message of the Gospel of laughter at the funeral of one of appears to be the dog's owner. Fear- "You've got to be kidding!" But a few world. While we were a people walk- is so foreign to our thinking and so my relatives. At some crucial point ing the dog, and with this thick months later, there was Isaac, whose ing in darkness and in the shadow of unexpected as to be preposterous. in the service, something struck me French accent, Clousseau asks the name means "He laughs". Laughter death, a shaft of Light shone forth Who would have ever thought that as humorous, and though I tried man, "Does your dog bite?" The man was their natural response to a situa- to extinguish darkness. Conception at Christmas we "repeat the sound- hard to impose control on what is replies, "No, my dog does not bite". tion that appeared downright crazy! came to a virgin. God appeared at eye ing Joy" because we are celebrating normally uncontrollable, I lost it. Confi dently, Clousseau proceeds to God had done something in the lives level and pitched His tent among us. a God who, beholding our broken The more I tried to put a lid on my walk past him. Suddenly, the little of a wrinkly old couple that was And in that little town of Bethlehem, world, acts outrageously, converts laughter, the more I laughed. mutt lunges and locks onto Clous- utterly unexpected and completely God unwrapped and inserted into our the mother of all tragedies into the But why do we laugh? Many seau's pant leg. Managing to shake off unnatural. At the time, Abraham was world the ultimate surprise of all: the mother of all Comedies and enters things make us laugh. Words make the dog, he turns to the man and says, 100 and Sarah was 90. Not exactly surprise called GRACE! our world in diapers! What a God! NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 9 Ignorance may indeed be bliss

around December 10th. In those between he and I, is that Alan really choose to connect with or reach to choose to say Yes to all these days, maternity leave (and it was lives his life out of this seemingly out to other people—knowledge, things. Without doubt, if those of only maternal at that time), lasted innocent faith, whereas I continue rather than opening us up to the us who are now followers of Jesus four months. The amazing thing to fi ght it. He is now a retired and unknown, has a way of closing us exhibited her kind of strength, the which we had accomplished was charming senior citizen. Perhaps, off from this. Innocence or naiveté, church would look quite different that my leave enabled me to pass as I continue to age I, too, may one on the other hand, seems to instil a than it does. most of Advent, and all of Christ- day reach such an esteemed state of greater sense of trust, encouraging Pretty much deaf, dumb and mas, Lent and Easter into Robin's "Zen" being. All I can do is pray for us towards the unknown rather blind to the consequences of Gab- NISSA BASBAUM capable hands. Not bad planning, this to happen. than away from it. riel's message, innocent of all that RECTOR  TRANSFIGURATION, ST. CATHARINES really…until the next year when What does it look like to choose was to lie ahead, Mary still chose A few simple vignettes we two clergy parents were try- a life in the midst of naiveté or ap- Saying "yes" to say Yes to the Spirit's action in I converted to Christianity from ing frantically to balance home parent ignorance which is faith- Should it come as any surprise that her life. It is something that those of Judaism in 1978. I thought I knew life with church life; desperately based? I would hazard a guess that a goodly number of the people us who often see ourselves as wise, what I was doing when I chose to endeavouring to fi gure out which most, though not all of us have healed by Jesus were deaf, dumb knowledgeable and responsible in become an Anglican. Yet, it was held the higher priority, the birth done so at some point in our lives. and blind? Surely, their physical the life of the church consistently only after I was baptized that I of Jesus or the birth of Ben. If this were not the case then few ailments are a metaphor for a lack fi nd ourselves unable to do. Perhaps realized women had barely been To this day, we have not sorted of us would be married nor would of knowledge or a lack of informa- we, too, need a good dose of deaf, ordained in the Anglican Church this out! many of us have children. Indeed, if tion that enabled them to reach out dumb and blind in order to respond of Canada, and they were nowhere These are merely three instan- we waited for certain knowledge or to him, to move towards a relation- to the Spirit. near being ordained in the Church ces in my life when, if I had known clarity on either of these two things, ship with him. Given that the more of England. I was a product of better, I might have thought twice I daresay we all might be single whole and the more wise among The warmth of a sunbeam the late 60's, early 70's femin- about doing what I did. Yet, they and childless. There simply is no those who followed Jesus—includ- Exactly what does it mean to say that ist movement, concerned as were have taught me a valuable lesson amount of preparation that could ing his chosen disciples—often my Christianity can be summed up others with issues of equality and about at an essential ingredient in come close to defi ning what it will were not the ones who "got" him, in something as simple as, "Jesus opportunity. Before taking the the life of faith: that is, the cap- be like to share the rest of one's it would seem that a certain naiveté wants me for a sunbeam?" Well, plunge, so to speak, I wonder how I acity to live with a degree of in- life with another person, and no or ignorance is a helpful resource in a sunbeam provides warmth for missed this? nocence or naiveté that borders at amount of planning to describe the a life of faith. those on whom it shines. As Mary I was ordained as a deacon in times on ignorance or just plain impact that the advent of children The advent of Advent has chose to say Yes and, by this Yes, the Diocese of Niagara in 1984. stupidity! has on single or married adults. In caused me to ponder all of these to provide warmth and comfort to Perhaps I was a bit less naïve than fact, if we were able to discover this things, much the same way as we the unknown mystery she carried when I was baptized six years be- Praying for innocent faith beforehand, it's highly likely that are told that, upon receiving the in her womb, I pray that more than fore but even at that point, I found Years ago, an extremely learned many of us would say "thanks but visit of the angel Gabriel, Mary anything, I am able to provide this myself in for a shock when I real- member of Transfi guration who no thanks," and move on to some- "pondered in her heart" all the same kind of warmth and comfort ized how vast the chasm was be- taught medieval history at Brock thing much less invasive and, quite things that had been revealed to to the unknown God that visits me tween the seminary and the parish University told me he could sum frankly, less stressful. her by him. in all whom I meet—and I hope I and, considerably more troubling, up his Christian faith in one line: Many of the major decisions we Mary often is regarded as a can do this without question and between Jesus and the church. "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam," he make in our life are made in rela- rather submissive female. Person- without judgement. When our fi rst child was born, said. I remember being appalled by tive ignorance because, without ally, I never have thought of her It won't be knowledge or right I thought we had accomplished this and, what's more, not believing this ignorance we probably would as such. Instead, she strikes me belief which I need in order for this something amazing with our tim- him. It took me many years before be paralysed by all our fears and as stronger than most of us, for it to happen. Instead, it will require an ing. Due on December 16, Ben I fi gured out that, not only was it our "what ifs?" When it comes must take enormous strength to innocence and a naiveté—a form of was born on December 21. I began true for Alan, it was also true for to stepping out in faith—which ponder the surprising, the unknown ignorance perhaps—that is prob- my maternity leave somewhere me. Unfortunately, the difference is what each of us does when we and the utterly unimaginable, and ably a lifetime in the making.

You are Invited to Celebrate the Ministry of Bishop Ralph Spence When I was a child my mother would always make a Yule Log. It was covered in butter cream and decorated to look just like a wooden log dusted with snow. It wore a sprig of holly and we even had a little robin perched on the top! She stopped making that very sweet one quite a few years ago in favour of this version which is much lighter. Submitted By Carol Summers

Roulade Filling 6 oz dark (bittersweet) chocolate ½ pint whipping cream, lightly whipped, 5 eggs fl avoured with brandy or rum or vanilla 8 oz sugar essence.

Ingredients 3-4 Tablespoons of water Tin of chestnut puree (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Line 12 x 8 jelly roll pan with parchment paper, spray or oil paper with melted shortening. 3. Melt the chocolate gently in a bowl over a saucepan of hot water (not boiling). The chocolate should be the consistency of thick cream. Take off the heat. 4. Separate eggs. 5. Put sugar in bowl, gradually add egg yolks and whip until the mixture is lemon coloured. Add the cooled, but still melted chocolate and mix thoroughly. Sunday, January 6, 2008 6. Whip egg whites to soft peaks. 7. Gently fold whites into yolk mixture. Choral Evensong at 4:00 PM followed by a Reception 8. Pour mixture into prepared tin. Guest Preacher: The Right Reverend Colin Johnson, 9. Bake 10-15 minutes until fi rm to touch. Bishop of Toronto 10. Remove pan from oven. Leaving the cake in the pan, cover with a damp towel and let cool over- night in fridge. Christ’s Church Cathedral 11. Dust a piece of parchment paper with icing sugar. 252 James Street North, Hamilton 12. Turn pan over onto paper. The cake should drop out. Carefully remove the lining from cake. 13. If using the chestnut puree, spread that over the cake. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND 14. Spread whipped cream and then gently roll the cake up to make a log (don’t expect it to look like the commercial jelly rolls, it's not meant to). Don’t worry about it splitting a little. Dust with icing sugar. 10 NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 » Out of the Cold Giving birth to faith just mean that Jesus didn't have a human father, but that Mary so let the seed of God's spirit (charity, joy, peace, patience, goodness, and compassion) take root in her that it began to grow into actual fl esh. As we know, conception is not followed immediately by childbirth. MICHAEL PATTERSON A long, slow process fi rst occurs— EVANGELISM DIRECTOR gestation. In the silent recesses of In my work and ministry of evangel- her heart and body (and surely not ism, I am occasionally asked "Can without the normal morning-sick- you prove that God exists?" The ques- ness that accompanies pregnancy) tions always irks me because it often an umbilical cord began to grow feels as though someone is throwing between Mary and that new life. down the gauntlet challenging me to Her fl esh began to give physical sus- a 'dual' of sorts. The question is al- tenance to the life of God and this most always asked by someone who steadily grew into a child which, at has already made up their mind that a point, as in all pregnancies, de- God, in fact, does not exist and there- manded to be born into the world. How did all this start? church, but by last winter, between es, synagogues and mosques. These by they ask it in the hope that they Then was the agony of giving It started in Toronto in 1986. The November and March, fi fteen thou- include Anglicans from many will see me squirm. They know that birth. Only with much groaning death of George, a homeless man, sand guests were fed in fi ve church parishes. One parish, St. John the by even asking the question, "Can and struggle can a child emerge brought together the students and locations, six evenings a week. Evangelist, has chosen HOOTC as you prove that God exists?" I am at a into this world. It is always excruci- teachers of St. Michael's High Three of the churches were also one of three local mission projects distinct disadvantage. atingly painful to birth something School. They arranged a location, able to provide overnight accom- to support. There are twenty-one So is it possible? No, at least not to the outside world, to take what's food and volunteers and opened a modation and did so last winter for church members who volunteer at in a way that would compel anyone precious inside and give it birth out- small storefront on St. Claire Av- almost two thousand guests. three different locations. One of to make an act of faith on the basis side. Mary, despite all romantic no- enue. From this humble beginning these is also a board member and of a mathematical or scientifi c argu- tions that would make Jesus' birth in January 15, 1987, the Out of the The spirit of Hamilton Coordinator at James Street Baptist ment. The existence of God can't be something unnatural, experienced Cold program has spread through- Out of the Cold Church and another is also the Vol- empirically proven because God the normal birth-pains common out Toronto, Ontario and across Hamilton Out of the Cold, started unteer Coordinator at the Church doesn't work that way. God doesn't to all mothers. Nothing gestated is Canada. In the Niagara Diocese by a Catholic nun, is now held in of the Ascension. In response to appear in the world as the conclu- born into the world without pain, a specifi c need, this year church sion to a mathematical equation. Jesus included. members will be fi lling a basket God, as we know through the way An infant is then nurtured into of new men's and women's under- Christ was born, comes into our adulthood. Henri Nouwen once The pious are the socially conscious wear for the Hamilton Out of the lives at the end of a gestation pro- suggested that we always fi nd God who recognize in their wealth, a right for the indigent and the deprived Cold Program. cess on which we refl ect through in our lives as Jesus was found in whom they help for the sake of God alone, this season of Advent. Bethlehem on Christmas, a help- What can you do? That also describes how faith is less infant in the straw who must be without any desire for recompense or thankfulness Pray. born in our lives. God never dyna- picked up and nurtured into adult- from those whom they help. Volunteer: As there was such a mites his way into to our lives with hood. Mary gave birth to the baby, a force so powerful that we can't Jesus, but what she ultimately gave From the Muslim tradition, "Ethic of Compassion and Sharing" good response to this year's request for volunteers no more will be resist. God doesn't slap us up-side the world was the adult, Christ. Like needed until next September when the head to get our attention. No. all mothers she had to spend years there are programs in St. Cathar- Baptist, United, Presbyterian and it is hoped to start a new program at God always enters the world in nursing, cajoling, teaching, and nur- ine's, Fort Erie and Niagara Falls as Anglican churches. Last year the a different location the same way that Jesus did on the turing an infant into adulthood. well as in Hamilton. Church of the Ascension, on the Donate: As food is purchased in fi rst Christmas. God is gestated in In the Incarnation, and in looking The Hamilton Out of the Cold corner of Charlton and John Streets bulk quantities, cheques (payable a womb and appears as a helpless at how Mary gave birth to Christ, we Program started in the hearts of served almost three and a half thou- to Hamilton Out of the Cold), will infant that has to be picked up, nur- are given a blueprint that invites imi- Sister Carole Anne Guay, a Sis- sand guests on Mondays and Satur- help keep the program afl oat. tured, and coaxed into adulthood. tation not admiration. Mary is the ter of St. Joseph, and her friend days. If you can help, contact Sister The presence of God in our world, model of faith. What she did, each of Ms. Gloria Colizza, retired teach- An Anglican coordinator of vol- Carole Anne at (905) 308-8447 or at least within the dynamics of the us too is called upon to do, namely, ers from Hamilton. They saw the unteers, refl ecting on the ecumen- [email protected]. Incarnation, depends upon a certain give birth to God in our lives. Christ- need, started to pray about what ical spirit of the program, said that human consent and cooperation; mas is for marveling at what once God wanted them do about the it is a joy to have Muslims say their Start a program in your area we're partners in this process. took place, but it's also for imitation, need, and visited the Out of the prayers in the parlour of a Baptist If you are interested view, read and/ For God to take on real fl esh and for continuing to give God fl esh in Cold Program in Toronto. Having Church while volunteering in a pro- or download the Revised Manual power in the world we must fi rst do the world. invited others to share their vision gram organized by a Roman Cath- on the HOOTC website http:// something. What? The answer to that How do you prove to anyone, and dream of feeding the poor and olic nun. www.hamiltonoutofthecold.free- lies in the way Jesus was born. Mary, yourself included, that God exists? giving them a place to lay their servers.com. Jesus' mother, shows us a certain You don't. The object of our faith heads, they started the program How are Anglicans involved? blueprint, a pattern for how God is and worship doesn't appear as a December 1, 1997, at James St. The nearly 400 volunteers come Judith Purdell-Lewis, who is new to born into our world and how faith is compelling proof at the end of a Baptist Church. from the community: adults, uni- HOOTC, enjoys washing up at Central born in our lives. What's the pattern? rational experiment. God has to be The program has steadily grown. versity and high school students, Presbyterian Church, and thanks all Mary, we are told, became preg- gestated into the world in the same Back in 1997, meals were served to husband and wife teams, parents those who supplied the information nant by the Holy Spirit. What an way as Mary did all those years ago nearly fi fteen hundred guests in one and children, mainly from church- to write this article. extraordinary notion! This doesn't at the fi rst Christmas.

Insurance and risk management sub-committee

The Financial Advisory Committee of the Diocese is looking for people who are interested in serving on the Insurance and Risk Management Sub-Committee. They preferably, but neces- sarily, should have some insurance knowledge and be interested in serving on a volunteer committee that meets twice a year. If you are interested please contact Bob McKinnell, Dioc- esan Treasurer at 905-527-1316 ext. 520 or [email protected] NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 11 Leave your worries on the doorstep

God. While this is true it is not why we go to church; we go to church to worship the God we love. Perhaps it is time for all of us to put aside the pain we feel as the problems of the church inten- sify and the political nature of the church seems to engulf us from GRAHAME STAP every side. On Sunday morning, RECTOR  ST. ALBAN THE MARTYR, GLEN WILLIAMS just go to church to worship the During the last part of October my God that created us all. wife and I had a holiday in northern This does not mean we should Ontario near to the town of Temag- not have an opinion nor does it ami. Much to my disappointment, mean we should change our opin- on the Sunday we went to the local ion. Perhaps it just means we Anglican Church we found that it should start to separate the political was Morning Prayer. Not only was from our worship and know that at it Morning Prayer but it was led by the time of worship God loves all two lay readers. things God created; each of us have Imagine my surprise when I a personal relationship with God found it to be one of the most mov- through Jesus Christ our saviour ing services I had ever been to. It and redeemer. was from the heart. The scrip- There is a word in ancient Greek From left: Ilana Landsberg Lewis, The Reverend Jeff Ward, Peter Knox, Irene Richards, Mary Anna Beer, and Peter Jensen. tures were interpreted without it is 'Anamnesis.' We have trans- any thought other than to impart lated this to mean 'Do this in re- the word of God in an honest and membrance of me' which is a very meaningful way. There were only poor translation of what it actually Oakville reaches out to help eight of us in the church but the means. In the Greek tradition it number did not matter to the two means Jesus was with us in the past, lay readers who were there to wor- is with us now and will be with us ship the God they loved. in the future. At that time and place it did not I believe we need to hang on to the Stephen Lewis foundation matter that the church was being this and know Jesus will help us pulled in many different directions weather this storm just as Jesus has by the ongoing struggle of whether or helped us weather all the storms IRENE RICHARDS The Stephen Lewis Foundation decided that the Stephen Lewis not to marry same sex couples. It did the church has encountered since STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER estimates that without adequate fi - Foundation was a progressive and not matter if the Bishop of Ottawa Jesus walked on this earth. When In December 2004 tsunami struck nancial aid, the infected population practical means of getting resour- would give his agreement or not. It we to go to the church, we love to Southeast Asia wiping out villa- of dead and dying could reach 100 ces to those who are in greatest was not that they were not concerned worship the God we love. Leave ges and killing 140,000 people. million before the pandemic's end. need. The Foundation is a grass- about these problems of the church the problems of the church on the Concurrently, an even larger catas- We must not allow this to happen! roots operation with all donations it was that they were not concerned doorstep. Accepting the scriptures trophe was underway in Africa, An idea was planted several reviewed and approved by associ- at the time of worship. They came to we hear as being interpreted with- where, without signifi cant interven- months ago and has quickly ger- ates representing the Foundation the church they loved to worship God out any thought other than to impart tion from the world's developed na- minated to the point where a com- in Africa and most often Stephen and that was all that mattered. the word of God in an honest and tions, the HIV/AIDS pandemic was munity-wide initiative is rapidly Lewis himself. For each dollar I realized I had learned a lesson meaningful way. killing just as many people EVERY gaining support. A core group of donated, 90 cents reaches people on that Sunday morning; a lesson I I know I will try from now on to MONTH. Oakville residents came together to of concern, including food, school hope will stay with me for the rest be more like the two lay readers we Incredibly, more than 20 million build awareness of and support for uniforms and even coffi ns. of my life. The church is political listened to on that Sunday morning. people have died from this disease children and families suffering with If you would like to know more and there is nothing we can do to I will try very hard to worship the to date and 13 million children have HIV/AIDS, with the goal to raise a about our community initiative, change this. It has been political God I love in the most meaningful been orphaned, yet there has been no "Million or More $" email us at millionormoreSLF@ since James and John asked if they way I can, leaving my worries on real political or fi nancial response to After meeting with the Stephen sympatico.ca or check out our web could sit at the left and right hand of the door step. help the people of Africa. Lewis Foundation the committee site at www.millionormoreSLF.

Are we forcing people to work for beans? Not if we drink fair trade coff ee... good taste, fair price, easily available

Visit www.niagara.anglican.ca/outreach/pwrdf.cfm

Niagara Cursillo www.niagaracursillo.orgww 12 NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 LITURGY IN THE ANGLICAN CHURCH Liturgy... and stuff

both lectionary and liturgical intinction than there is from receiv- texts, to fellow Christians across ing from the common cup. Still, the world. many are uncomfortable with the In a 2005 statement from the expectation that all should receive International Anglican Liturgical wine from the chalice. Thus, re- Consultation, meeting in Prague, ceiving in one kind is suggested— the following sentence is found: always an acceptable Anglican 'We believe that our worship con- practice, and one which gives the PETER WALL veys and carries the historic faith communicant full communion— RECTOR  CHRIST'S CHURCH CATHEDRAL of the Church, and recognize that it is not, in any way, 'half' of the Several years ago, Bishop Spence we be are blessed with reason, sacrament, as the writer of the named me the Diocesan Liturgical memory and skill we are called November letter suggests! Indeed, Offi cer—an interesting, relatively to use our gifts in crafting liturgy in the community which I serve, stress-free, low-key kind of 'job' that honours our received and liv- there are several who receive in which involves answering ques- ing faith in this time and context.' one kind—including some who tions about matters liturgical, advis- That, I hope, strengthens our com- only receive wine, because of glu- ing the Bishop on such things, and mitment to lively planning of ex- ten or wheat allergies. Similarly, generally keeping one's antennae uberant and meaningful liturgies! there are some who receive only both open to what one hears from We are the inheritors of a rich litur- the bread, for reasons which have around the Diocese and also tuned gical tradition—it becomes our gift nothing to do either with intinction to what is happening in the broader to develop, expand, and pass on to or the common cup. These people Church elsewhere. those who follow. all know that they are partaking In last month's column I tried to I am asked questions from time fully of communion. The restric- speak about liturgical planning— to time about guidelines, about tion about intinction has, in my its importance and its gifts. We live authorization of liturgical texts, view, taught us much and given in a church imbued with a dynamic about new texts, and other gen- us other gifts which have included and profound sense of 'movement' eral enquiries. While there are au- people in the sacrament! in weekly liturgy and readings. thorized texts, there is also a hope This issue, not unlike others What we speak and read during from us all that local patterns of about which we have some dis- this Advent leads us to the mys- worship, local preferences, and comfort, underscores what it is to tery of the Incarnation and the joy local creativity will also be a be part of a catholic, Episcopal brought to the world by the Nativity hallmark of parishes throughout Church. There are common under- of Jesus. The sweep of the Christ- the diocese. standings and, if you will, rules mas narrative carries us through A letter in the November Niag- which are not meant to deny indi- Epiphany and into Candlemas, and ara Anglican addresses the mat- vidual or community freedom, but ant cornerstone of Anglicanism. including, in this Diocese, the use so it goes. ter of intinction. While this is not rather to keep us as one in the cath- Equally important is the idea that of intinction. We are people both of The a new issue, there continues to be olicity of the Church, in commun- we understand things in a com- As we approach the annual re- Book and of several books—we degree of misunderstanding and ion with each other, and with the monly accepted way, without hav- membrance and celebration of the hold The Word, both the Incarnate disagreement about this practice. universal Church. The principal of ing to agree on every understand- great and world altering Incarna- Word and The Word of scripture in On the soundest of medical and the local Bishop, functioning as ing or interpretation. There are, for tion of God in our midst, may our the highest regard—we immerse theological advice, Bishop Spence Ordinary (the use of that word re- example, as many understandings celebrations refl ect the wonderful ourselves in scripture and fol- has directed that intinction not be lating to 'Order' not to plainness!) of what we actually 'do' at the diversity of Anglicanism, carefully low a pattern of lections through practiced in parishes at Sunday with authority to guide and direct Eucharist as there are people ex- planned within local communities, the year. We aim, as Angli- services. The epidemiological evi- worship in his or her Diocese, and periencing it. That does not mean linking us to each other and the cans, to celebrate our 'common dence is quite sound: there is far the commonality of understanding that we do not agree on Eucharis- world as we keep Christmas. Every prayer' which links us, through more risk of spreading germs from of liturgical action, is an import- tic elements, form, and practice, blessing to us all. Liturgy of the mind, of the heart and of the body

DAVID HOWELLS the BAS offers frequently are found inine. Jesus called her "she". That's there are two classes of Christians, people of a particular place. It is an RECTOR, ST. DAVID AND ST PATRICK, GUELPH to be inadequate to meet new situa- just a single example. Next people those in robes and those who aren't. expression of a community in wor- In October a group of folks from tions, new expressions of the ancient arrive at the idea that early Chris- Does that sound like Jesus? When ship. Often, in our Anglican trad- our diocese met to talk about what faith we share, and new longings tianity was a shockingly egalitar- the choir and clergy process in or ition, which is, in the nicest of all is happening in the development of for God. Up and down our diocese ian organisation. Rank, status and out, what does it say? Does it not possible ways, a bit clergy- domin- liturgy in our churches. The BAS, there are churches where people are race were wiped away in the table imply that God is arriving in some ant, it is the priest in charge who now in its third decade, was a brave striving to use different images, lan- fellowship where nothing counted special way? Do we think that? Do charges ahead on liturgical reform. fi rst step out of the rigid liturgy guage, feel and idiom to communi- any more except being in Christ. we want to say that? It should really be the people who of the BCP. The change between cate our relationship with God. The mediaeval Church which had And when the sacrament is cele- bring liturgy to life. the two books is not actually just been woven into the state, had ar- brated in the most distant part of the Here the tone of argument chan- about ancient or modern English, Remembering lost images mies and immense power. It had building from the people, up steps, ges. In the fi rst section it is about but about rekindling Cranmer's vi- In my church, St. David & St Pat- become anything but egalitarian. away beyond the choir, in a fenced- thinking things through. But com- sion that the liturgy should suit the rick in Guelph, the main service has New liturgies attempt to share off sanctuary, where only people munity is not thought through. people it is being used by. Cran- been using "beyond the BAS" litur- the worship among the people. wearing robes may step, does it tell Community is an odd thing that mer rejected the idea that Rome's gies for 8years, and is a growing Dropping domination language the story of the God who comes must be absorbed, learned by feel liturgy fi tted the English people. church not least because of that. about God, like power and might, among us as a helpless infant in a and gradually entered. Rather like The BAS rejects the idea that Eng- Often the reasons for change king of kings, sovereign lord, al- stable? Did Jesus keep himself at interior home decoration you may land's liturgy of centuries past fi ts begin with a sense that we are losing mighty and so forth, struggle to a distance, in the holy of holies? recall dark wall colours and heavy the Canadian people. This is a very half of God. Men and women make restore the Abba, Daddy intimacy Does Jesus not enter the hearts of furniture may have been a home- Anglican decision. When the BAS up the church, but our language is which was in the teaching of Jesus. the most unholy people today to fashion once, but it only really was written it wasn't just a re-doing often masculine when it comes to It matters immensely that we heal and transform lives in the most worked with a few families. Was it of the BCP, like a translation, but it God. Orthodoxy teaches that God change the words. But words are un-sanctuary-like of places? right? Was it wrong? Better to ask, recognised that liturgy needs to be is neither male nor female, yet trad- not enough. When you have a Liturgical reform has a long Did it fi t? It is the same with litur- fl exible and adaptable to fi t all sorts ition says "He's a 'he', actually". church set up like a lecture hall it way to go beyond merely working gies, they have to fi t the people of of moods and contexts. So we have So new liturgies often begin segregates worshippers into passive with words. God in that place. several eucharistic liturgies, lots of by remembering lost images. The receivers without voice and active Once, working in a francophone resource material for the offi ces of Holy Spirit for example. In Latin players who hand out teachings and However there is more still to liturgy community in Northern Ontario, prayer and so forth. he is masculine, a translation from sacraments, often from behind a Liturgy is also, and very import- where the anglophones had lost Over 20 years later a lot has Greek where it is neuter, a transla- boundary step, rail or other demar- antly, the work of the people. It changed in Canada. The resources tion from Hebrew where she is fem- cation. The furniture speaks. It says belongs to the people, the particular  CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 13 Electing for a new Outreach A new way for the church to politic

During an election season, the church shouldn't take direct sides in the debates; we are a large group of people who have differing views and we could never hope to fi nd a political party that supports every- one's ideals. Besides, Canada as a whole made the historical decision JOSHUA MORRISON to separate church and state a long CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION, HAMILTON time ago. But that doesn't mean we After having witnessed several can't go out and promote aware- synods and the election of Mi- ness of issues like referendums or chael Bird, I have had to face the the main issues in an election in an reality that our church, our dio- impartial way. cese and our communion is full of Every parish in our diocese is politics that just can't be avoided. a large organization with a large Humans are political beings, and pool of volunteers who want to since matters of faith are so close make a difference for their com- to our hearts, we can't get away munity. Awareness comes in many from involving them in our pol- different forms. Churches can itics and vice versa. It's also shown make displays to educate parish- On the way to Bethlehem me though that there is a real heart ioners about the parties involved in behind politics; we politic because an election. Parishioners can make we care. pastoral visits to people who can't SOLANGE DE SANTIS Once again, I will probably whine a tour guide, shepherding groups to Having come to this realization, get out of the house and old age MILTON, ONTARIO about the cold and how tired I am Mary's house for the annunciation, I was very shocked to see the very homes and talk about an election Several Decembers ago, early in the from standing on my feet for four through Herod's court where the low voter turnout numbers in the with people outside the church. Christmas season, I was bemused hours—but we are back every year, terrible-tempered king bellowed his recent Ontario general election. We could have volunteers take to fi nd myself clad in biblical robes, as are many of the cast members. jealousy at the idea of a rival king, Does Ontario just not care? I can't people who want their opinion to trudging up a path at Country Herit- Some 25,000 visitors have trav- past three magi with gifts who asked answer that question, but I'd like to remain anonymous to vote on the age Park holding the Baby Jesus' eled On the Way to Bethlehem— directions and a Roman soldier who believe that isn't the case. So what's big day so they don't have to be bottle. I had been asked to go warm busloads of seniors, families push- demanded to see passports. the problem in this picture? driven there by someone affi liated it up in a microwave, a journey that ing strollers, dads carrying little The charms of the pageant are This election provided a new in- with a political party. involved a quarter-mile hike from kids on their shoulders, couples, many, for both actors and visitors. sight to me that was brought about his Bethlehem manger scene to the youth groups. Cast members come There are real animals—donkeys, by the Mixed-Member Propor- A helping hand with no park's administration building. from a number of local churches camels, goats, sheep. The costumes tional Government Referendum. It strings attached Grumpy with cold as wind- working under the umbrella group and decorated pavilions look great. was overwhelmingly voted down, This is but one way that we can go blown snowfl akes stung my face Milton Area Christian Churches It is interactive; my tour group is but most of the media coverage out into the community and make (unusual weather for the Middle Working Together. my "family" on the way to Bethle- after the election spoke about how a difference without being "overly East, I thought), I irreverently mut- Although many hands make the hem to pay our taxes and they often the general public was confused religious" or "scary", which are tered, "He's the Son of God. Can't pageant work, it is a testament to the chat with me or the actors. The about what they were being asked common criticisms about church he work a miracle and heat up his strength of one person's idea. An- script structure creates little dramas and what MMP really was. It would outreach, both from parishioners own bottle?" drea Rowbottom, of Grace Angli- at each station. You knock on the seem to me there are two causes for and the general public. It's a way to The answer was no, of course. can Church, looked at the 19th cen- door of a real inn and an innkeep- this general ignorance on the issue. spread good will, promote the val- In this case, Jesus was not only a tury buildings that had been moved er comes out and tells you there's First, it would seem that the major ues of the church, and get our par- girl but a nativity pageant stand-in to the park—barns, cabins, school- no room. political parties and elections On- ishes known in their communities for the real thing. houses, shops—and saw a nativity All those things, however, serve tario didn't advertise the referen- as a force for good even more than This year, I and my daughter pageant where the audience would the power of the story and the eternal dum very well. The other though is they already are. Florence, who is now 10, will par- stop at stations containing scenes wonder at the possibility that there that the general public did not take This is the kind of thing we can ticipate for the sixth year in one of from the biblical drama. was a night in human history here it upon themselves to research the be doing to turn our outreach pro- the largest nativity pageants any- The fi rst year and for several after on earth when God became man. issues at hand. grams around. To go out into the where—both in terms of cast mem- that, Florence was one of the little You can walk the paths and enjoy world we don't always have to talk bers and acreage. Its correct title is angels serenading the baby Jesus in the spectacle and see the fellow We are responsible to about religious issues and describe On the Way to Bethlehem, but most the climactic scene in a large barn in who usually sits in the pew behind promote awareness faith; people need a helping hand of the 100+ people in the cast call the middle of the property. My title you, tonight dressed as a centur- So, could this be a chance for the in many ways, and we should be it "the Walk to Bethlehem," as in, was Manger Mom—not the Virgin ion. Then you see a barn up ahead parishes in our diocese to take on a the people to offer that hand with "Are you doing the Walk to Beth- Mary, I hastened to assure friends, and you look up into the black sky new kind of outreach? In the church no strings attached, no expectations lehem again this year?" It takes just there to take turns opening the dotted with stars and you dream a we all have a great passion for pol- and no preaching. If we can make a place Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 at Country barn door, assist visitors and shuttle little. The distant whoosh of cars itics. We also have a duty to go out positive difference in peoples' lives Heritage Park in Milton (www.on- angels to washrooms. Florence and on Highway 401 drops away; you into our community to help others in mundane ways, they'll remem- thewaytobethlehem.ca). her fi ve- and six-year-old comrades ignore the un-Holy Land cold and and spread our Christian values like ber the kindness of the church, and Once again, we will struggle were real troupers, sitting on hay think, "Maybe, just maybe, this is equality and fairness for all. Many maybe they'll want to explore that to get our costumes over parkas, bales around the Holy Family, sing- how it was..." of the values democracy promotes kindness further. But if not, it's ok, waddle to our stations and drink ing Jesus, Gentle Jesus and even are the same that our church does, because we've still made a differ- Tim Hortons coffee and hot choco- signing the lyrics for the deaf. Solange De Santis is a writer for the so why not combine our passion for ence and done God's work for an- late during breaks—a very Can- Last year, Florence moved up Anglican Journal and a member of politics and our passion for helping other human being. And isn't that adian version of the timeless story. to another angel chorus and I was Grace Anglican Church in Milton. others through political outreach? the point of outreach anyways? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 » To the clergy and people of the Diocese of Niagara

The expression of how, in the cry in Christ our blindness of intolerance am fi lled with a renewed sense of In this season of Advent, we coming, be a light that shines upon of a new born baby, we can fi nd a and prejudice will be healed, that we hope and peace as I acknowledge discover that the diffi cult work of the road on which we walk together metaphor for our hunger for God's are encouraged to push back the shad- the signs of Christ's "coming" that I watching and waiting helps us to and may it lead us all to the glory of table and our relationship with God. ows of a violent and unjust world and see in every corner of our Diocese. prepare ourselves for the great cele- the kingdom of God. The scripture readings that we to break down the barriers that hinder These are exciting and awe-inspir- bration of the coming of Christ; His hear in Advent, challenge us to jour- the gifts of community, fellowship and ing days to be engaged in ministry, coming to Bethlehem long ago, and Wishing you that wonderful gift in ney out beyond the reach of our own communion with one another. even if the road ahead is challenging His coming into our lives here and this Holy season, comfort zones. They remind us that As your Coadjutor Bishop, I and uncertain. now. May this joyous gift of Christ Bishop Michael 14 NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 GODLY PLAY The desert is a dangerous place New encounters with sacred stories through Godly Play

I moved to Guelph with my re-telling it on one's own. family in June this year. In a mo- What inspires me the most ment of what can only be described about this approach to children's as 'God-incidence' I received an religious education is the under- email out of the blue from David lying theology and principles; the Howells, the rector of St David centrality of the narrative itself, and St Patrick while I was away at and that children are not empty that course in the US. He described vessels who need to be fi lled up JUDY STEERS how the parish had a wonderful with the 'right knowledge', rather, YOUTH MINISTRY  ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA space, a group of eager volunteers they already have an experience "The desert is a dangerous place... seeking 'something different' for and awareness of God, and only People don't go there unless they the children's education program lack the language to articulate that have to. During the day, the sun and lacked only direction and a experience and consciousness. is hot and can burn you. At night, plan. He wondered if I might be Godly Play engages children with it is very cold. When the wind able to come to share some ideas the stories, the liturgy, the rituals blows, the sand stings your skin or offer direction. At the very same of our faith, to give children a and hurts your eyes. People wear time that he sent that email, I was language to express their emer- lots of clothing to protect them- sitting in a Godly Play classroom ging relationship with God and selves from the sun, the cold and wondering if there was a parish to see their connectedness to the the stinging sand. There is little who would be interested to take wider story of the People of God. water and no food in the desert a leap of faith to try something The invitation "I wonder..." in- and you can die without water to new and engaging. And, since vites learners to question, to seek, our move, my spouse and I were to explore the deeper meaning looking for a new parish home. for themselves rather than hav- Trainer Linda Clapp shares the lesson on The Eucharist at the Godly Play Sometimes, circumstances come ing that meaning handed to them Teacher Accreditation Training at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Belmont, Children are not empty ves- together in extraordinary ways pre-packaged. Massachusetts. sels who need to be fi lled and a plan, people, a place and a Is it just for children? No! We vision coincide. Though it is early are already planning an even- up with the 'right knowl- days, the results have so far been ing Lenten Learning program for edge', rather, they already very exciting. adults which will be a weekly have an experience and We have a very small Sun- Godly Play lesson. As Val, one awareness of God... day Morning children's program. of our parishioners commented "I Each week, fi ve to eight children want the chance to reconnect with gather in our children's worship the stories I was told as a child, drink. The sand is always shift- space to hear and see a story un- but now as an adult, and to engage ing, so it is easy to lose your way. fold. Certainly, the stories in the with their deeper meaning and The desert is a dangerous place. Desert Box (Abraham and Sarah, signifi cance without layers and People don't go there unless they Exodus, the "Ten Best Ways to layers of interpretation overlaid have to..." Live" (ten commandments) and on them. To let the stories speak So begins many of the les- the Exile) have emerged as fa- for themselves and to make mean- sons in the 'desert box' (we never vourites. Stories focus also on the ing from them for my life." say 'sandbox') in the Godly Play stories of Jesus or on liturgical We have only just begun to ex- classroom. As the stories say, 'so lessons such as Baptism, Advent, plore the fullness of Godly Play many important things happened "The Circle" (seasons) of the in our parish, but if you'd like to to the people of God in the desert church year, Eucharist and Lent. experience what Godly Play is all that we have to have a little piece What amazes me the most is about one Sunday, please call the of it here in our space'. Using how 'sticky' the stories are. It was church offi ce at St. David and St fi nely crafted wooden fi gures, the quite something to hear 7 year Patrick to let us know you'd like desert box, fabric, painted cards old Jordan patiently explaining to come. We'd welcome you into and other beautiful props, the to adult volunteer Brent Klassen our circle. Watch for news of an story teller engages the learners in how the previous week she had upcoming training event in the Adult volunteer Brent and Jordan work on their own creative refl ection of the Sacred Stories, Parables of Jesus, learned how Abraham and Sarah new year. Creation story. and lessons about Liturgy. listened to God, traveled far from I fi rst encountered 'Godly Play' their home, how they learned a year ago at a workshop given by that "all of God was in every a trainer from the United Church. place" how Abraham and Sarah Listening to the story and watch- came to have descendents 'more ing it unfold before me with than the stars of the sky and the three-dimensional materials, I felt grains of sand in the desert' and as though I was being wrapped in how we are all part of that great the story. At the end, the whole family of God's people. At coffee group of adult learners was invit- hour, 5 year old Rebecca shared ed to wonder together. To wonder with her mother Chris that when aloud about the signifi cance of God's people left Egypt they had the story, the important moments, no time to let their bread rise, so and to fi nd the deeper meaning for the bread they ate was fl at. The each of us. At the risk of using a matzoh, she explained "...tastes loaded word, the experience was like the story—when you eat it, mystical and, dare I say, magical. you remember what it was like in I knew I wanted to fi nd out more the desert". about this incredibly engaging Creative refl ections in clay, method of Scripture story-telling paint, plasticine, wood, paper cut- and meaning-making. I borrowed ting, collage, Fimo and more help books from our Diocesan Re- children to make the story their source Centre, shared a story or own. Rather than a pre-determined two with a seminary class and in 'craft' project, learners respond to early September, found myself the story in a way that is mean- in Belmont, Massachusetts for a ingful and chosen by themselves. three day accreditation course as Sometimes, that means just sit- At St. David and St. Patrick, Kieran, Scott and Rebecca watch and listen to the Exodus story unfold. Teacher/Story-teller a Godly Play Teacher. ting with the story materials and Judy Steers helps children to connect with Sacred Stories using the Godly Play method. NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 15 Children experiencing the spirit

dom parables allows children to the Theology of Childhood. ing the story but rather is an explor- Godly Play encourages, creates make their own responses. The goal While Godly Play uses similar ation with the children about where a safe space for children to explore is to experience the liturgical life as presentations and materials to the God is present in their experience. the elusive presence of God—where opposed to being taught about Jesus Good Shepherd Catechesis, the Questions the storyteller might ask and how they encounter the Divine. and the church. This method high- focus on sacred stories, parables, are; "I wonder what this could real- As Berryman writes in Godly Play: lights the centrality of the Eucharist liturgy and silence refl ects a some- ly be?", I wonder what part of the An Imaginative Approach to Reli- and the God/Jesus experience rather what more ecumenical approach as story you like best?" or "I wonder gious Education, "Godly play is the than the historical Jesus. The Good well as using a broader spectrum who you are in the story?" playing of a game that can awaken CHRISTYN PERKONS Shepherd Catechesis is quite com- of materials. The goal of Godly Once they have explored this us to new ways of seeing ourselves DIOCESAN RESOURCE CENTRE mon in Roman Catholic parishes in Play is to familiarize children with through language, the children are as human beings. It is the way to Last month, I talked about how a Europe and North America and can the art of using the vocabulary of invited to respond using a variety of discover our deep identity as Godly Sunday morning might look with- be found close to home in Anglican our worship tradition to express media; tempera paint, watercolours, creatures, created in the image out separate children's program- parishes in both the Toronto and their encounters with God and to pencils, markers, clay, small bits of of God." ming. For some, it's appealing to Ottawa dioceses. fi nd a God-centered direction for wood, cloth, stones, different kinds If this approach resonates with worship and learn side by side More information can be found their lives. and sizes of paper. This "work" (the you, more information can be with the children of the parish. For at http://ottawa.anglican.ca/shep- The fl ow of Godly Play follows creation of meaning) is followed by found at http://www.godlyplay. others, there's a sense that children herd.shtml. As well, you can fi nd the basic structure of worship; to the feast; a simple drink and snack org and in the writings of Jerome have different learning and wor- information about training and enter, to get ready to listen to God's shared in community that echoes Berryman, many of which can be shipping needs so here are a couple certifi cation at ww.utoronto.ca/ Word, respond, prepare for the feast, the joyful celebration and thanks- borrowed from the Children's and of models that are quite different stmikes/cont_ed/certificate/good_ share the feast, receive a blessing giving of the Eucharist. The feast Family Ministry Resource Library from the typical curriculum-based shepherd.html. You can explore this and go out into the world. The ex- is not about what is served or how at the Diocesan Resource Centre. Sunday School. approach further by reading Caval- perience is not intended however to much can be consumed but is about There are both theory and "how to" The Catechesis (means oral etti's preeminent work, The Reli- duplicate the liturgy but to prepare how you feel when you share what books available for lending. Also teaching) of the Good Shepherd, gious Potential of the Child, pub- children to participate more fully in you have. available through the Resource Li- developed by Sophia Cavaletti, a lished by Catechesis of the Good the Eucharist experience. The process fi nishes with a clos- brary is a fi ve session unit written Hebrew professor and Gina Gobbi, Shepherd Publications. ing ritual that allows children to by a British Anglican priest called an educator who worked with Maria Spirit-knowing integrate their time of being and Living in a Fragile World: A Spirit- Montessori, focuses on enabling Expressing encounters with God The process begins as children en- their time of doing and enter back ual Exploration of Conservation children to respond to their innate Godly Play is an imaginative ter the space when they are ready into the everyday world. The story- and Citizenship Using the Methods longing to know God utilizing method for engaging children with to engage with the presentation; to teller acknowledges that they have of Godly Play which is appropriate Montessori techniques. The setting scripture stories developed by Jer- sit in a circle with a storyteller who been on holy ground; encountering for both adults and children over is the atrium, a room transformed ome Berryman, an Episcopal priest tells a parable or sacred story mov- the Divine in a way that will have the age of seven. by simple but beautiful child-sized trained by both Sophia Cavaletti ing wooden fi gures, sand, or other relevance to their daily lives. Each You might also be interested in tables and chairs, a prayer table, and Maria Montessori. Berryman sensorial materials in a manner session ends with the facilitators a training weekend for creating the a model of an altar and a wooden developed Godly Play (an expan- that evokes an experiential dimen- staying after the children leave to Godly Play experience that's cur- sheep pen with fi gures of the Good sion of the Montessori approach sion for both the children and the refl ect on the God moments for rently in the planning stages for late Shepherd and the sheep. to religious education) through his storyteller. Following the telling of each child; to assess how effect- March/early April. Call Christyn The teacher's role is to introduce work with children in churches, the story, the storyteller invites the ively the story and work engaged Perkons at 905-527-1316 (ext. 460) the children to this sacred space schools and hospitals as well as children to wonder with him/her. each child in developing their own to get your name on the list for where the quiet sharing of King- through the work of the Center for Wondering is not about regurgitat- Spirit-knowing. continuing updates.

Looking for a special way to share your Christmas with someone less fortunate? St. Matthew's House invites you, your family, group or parish to help make Christmas more joyful for a family by participat- ing in our Christmas Adopt-a-family Program.

For over 44 years, St. Matthew's House has given Christmas new meaning for thousands of families. Last year, St. Matthew's House helped 4,584 family members and individuals at Christmas time. This year, as many or more families will be affected by poverty, unemployment and economic hardship.

Three ways you can sponsor a family:

Provide the food or grocery store vouchers for Christmas Dinner for the family. Provide new, unwrapped toys for children or gifts for teenagers. (These should be taken to the registry no later than December 12). Complete Sponsorship - Sponsor a small or large family by supplying the Christmas Dinner, as well as one to two gifts for each child. St. Matthew's House gives sponsors fi rst names of family members, plus ages and sizes of children. We suggest gift certifi cates from major grocery stores to cover the cost of meat for the size of family chosen. You can also supply the potatoes, vegetables and dessert. As a guideline, you should be able to sponsor a family of four for $150 - $175. Sponsors are asked to bring their donations to the Wentworth Campus, Mohawk College, 196 Wentworth Street North, (main fl oor, south-east door), on December 10, 11 or 12 for distribution to families.

Or, you can sponsor a family by giving a donation to St. Matthew's House Christmas Program. Income tax receipts will be provided.* Families registered at St. Matthew's House are eligible for assistance from only one agency, thereby avoiding duplication.

For more information about how you can help, please call Debra House at (905) 522-4584.

*If you require an income tax receipt for in-kind contributions, please take all gift receipts to St. Matthew's House, 414 Barton Street East prior to delivering parcels to Christmas Program site. Families registered at St. Matthew's House are eligible for assistance from only one agency, thereby avoiding duplication. 16 NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 New Beginnings Belonging

realising that we must make new that they have felt driven towards for activities that build confi dence, beginnings. procreation. Security, because par- friendships and feelings of belong- ents have had to depend upon their ing that we want for our children. Living in a self-centred way children, especially male children, I believe that God is on the move. If for their livelihood in the declining Inclusive Community God is indeed the God in whom we years. Society has yet to learn how In 2005 the City of Burlington live and move and have our being, to overcome these problems. through Community Development then we must accept that he is call- What has caused our excess? Halton participated in a national SUSAN C. HUXFORDWESTALL ing us to join with His Holy Spirit Surely it is because of our own COLLEEN SYM project on how to build inclusive ALL SAINTS, HAMILTON in making all things new. self-interest. Society has taught us SOCIAL JUSTICE COORDINATOR communities. Inclusive Cities Can- A baby is born: new beginnings. Two millennia of Christendom always to want more. We have had "Belonging. Such an achingly sim- ada: A Cross-Canada Civic Initia- A Bible begins: new beginnings. have passed, but the world has not to "keep up with the Joneses"; we ple word. It conjures up some of our tive was a collaborative venture of A Bible ends: Behold, I make chosen to follow the will of God. have always wanted to outdo our deepest yearnings, and for some of fi ve social planning organizations everything new: new beginnings. Jesus taught us to pray Thy will be neighbour. How do we show how us, perhaps our most painful mem- across Canada and the social infra- A church is de-consecrated: new done, and the world has lain back powerful we are? We must have ories. Equality claims begin and structure sub-committee of the Fed- beginnings. A parish vestry agrees and left it all to God. It's up to us to more of this world's goods, whether end with a desire for belonging, for eration of Canadian Municipalities to pull down the old buildings: make sure that God's will is done; it is the Masai who counts his worth community. Ideas of equality lie at (FCM). The aim of Inclusive Cities new beginnings. God has given us more than enough in cattle, the Bedouin in camels, the heart of the Canadian promise Canada was to strengthen the cap- Advent heralds the birth of a pointers. but we bungle along in our or the Canadian in loonies—now of community. Yet we know that acity of cities to create and sustain baby: new beginnings. That birth own sweet(?) way, just as the An- worth more than the ubiquitous communities are built in two ways: inclusive communities for the mu- American greenback. by welcoming in, and by keeping tual benefi t of all people. One cit- out." (Frazee, 2000) izen surveyed in Burlington defi ned Are we living in a dictatorship? Poverty keeps people out. Liv- an 'inclusive community" as: Turn back, O Man, foreswear thy foolish ways. Ever since the days of ancient Ath- ing in poverty means feelings of ex- "A place where everyone can Old now is Earth and none may count her days, ens the western nations have touted clusion and isolation and a loss of enjoy all the amenities. Where poor Yet thou, her child, whose head is crowned with fl ame, so-called Democracy, which it personal dignity. For me, pizza day children can participate in sports claims, as did the ancient Greeks, is at school is a welcome break for a and arts and crafts alongside rich Still wilt not hear thine inner God proclaim— Government of the people, for the working mom from having to prepare children. A place where people have "Turn back, O Man, foreswear thy foolish ways." people, by the people It is a decep- school lunches. The dollar a slice in lived all their lives and don't have tive doctrine. We have only to look my mind is cheap versus the cost of to leave because taxes are high, be- Clifford Bax, 1919. at the recent provincial election to my time and the emotional energy cause rich people live here in greater recognize that half the people who of thinking up and preparing a lunch numbers and raise house prices." gives rise to celebration: Christmas. cient Hebrews ignored their proph- were entitled to vote considered the that my kids will actually eat. One of Elsewhere in the report it was Do we regard that birth as heralding ets. God sent Jesus to straighten us election to be a waste of their time. my clients on social assistance de- noted that there was a belief that the a new beginning, or do we lapse into out, but we've continued to live in Under such circumstances democ- scribed for me what a horrible stress overall affl uence of the community sloppy sentimentality and use it as our own self-centred ways. racy becomes government of the hot dog day caused for her. Her chil- exacerbates the diffi culties faced by an excuse to over-indulge? Pass out Look at the result! We are wor- people by half the people who vote dren wanted to feel part of the group; poor families, by increasing expect- the cigars and have a drink! ried about global warming. How has for other people whom they believe she wanted them to feel that way. To ations in schools and community Our forebears placed Christ- this arisen? It is by our own greed will serve their own self-interests. get the money to pay for the hot dogs groups that parents can pay more for mas close to the winter solstice: and misuse of God's gifts. When the The people who are successful in involved calling her worker and ask- activities. Further, it was observed new beginnings. The days begin world's population was very much the election are also, by and large, ing if there was any way she could that the under funding of education to get longer and a new year was less than it now is, the thoughtless interested in their own self-interests, get assistance to cover the cost. The has been the source, not only of user heralded in the Roman world: new use of wood and coal (or peat) was having chosen politics as a career. worker then had to verify with the fees, but also of increased fundrais- beginnings. That sense of new not a threat to the environment, but The present government in Ottawa school principle that the request was ing by schools, placing additional beginnings has continued in the we have been so concerned about is a good example; the party caucus legitimate. Another client of mine pressures on low-income families. Christian calendar, which has only our own pleasure, reputation and obeys the dictates of the P.M.O. and just found it easier to keep her child very recently been accepted as the security that we are now over-popu- a very few have obeyed their own at home on those days and hope he Church community measure of a Common Era: new lating this globe. Pleasure, because conscience and defi ed the Prime didn't fi nd out what he was missing. As Church we have an obligation beginnings. 2007 draws to an end; sex is a God-given gift that we Minister's dictates. Are we, in fact, From the perspective of the chil- to build inclusive communities that six years of the new millennium have exploited and abused. Repu- living in a dictatorship? dren the impact of exclusion brought provide opportunities for the opti- have already slipped by; we must tation, because people have been on by poverty is obvious. In an arti- mal well-being and healthy develop- not let another slip by without so concerned about their virility  CONTINUED ON PAGE 21 cle "Social inclusion advances chil- ment of all children. We can do this dren's well-being" Christa Freiler, of by being open and welcoming and the Laidlaw Foundation documented creative. In my home parish of St. that when asked what poverty meant George's, Georgetown the hiring of to them, students in a North Bay, a church school coordinator and the Ontario elementary school focused Messy Church are great initiatives. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR on the ways in which their families' But overall dwindling church at- inadequate incomes prevented them tendance tells us that children in our from participating in their schools cities and towns do not have expos- read, neither side wishes to leave "a place where people gathered to Agree to Disagree and communities like other children. ure to the church community—as the communion. Both sides have hear the word of God" and a "conduit To those children poverty means: the churches have nothing to offer issues with each other. What hap- that led many people to our wonder- The Anglican Church was founded Not getting to go to birthday par- their parents—and in fact to those pened to 'Agree to Disagree'? To ful friend Jesus". As a result many on a schism of Roman Catholi- ties because we can't afford to buy living in poverty churches may seem the leaders I say "Grow up and be ministries were formed to meet the cism and Protestantism. Both sides a present. like places for the rich. How do you the leaders god called you to be!" equally passionate and both sides needs of others. Not being able to go on school make a weekly offering, contribute thinking the others were heret- CATHARINE BENNETT St. Philip's may not have been trips. to the capital fund and donate a tray ics. Gradually with the use of the St. John's, Ancaster unique; but many of us, who had Not buying books at the school fair. of fancy cookies or baking for the Book of Common Prayer, each side come from other churches , experi- Not being able to go camping. baked goods table when you visit began to respect the other. Some- enced more caring and greater in- Hiding your feet so the teacher the food bank once a month? times the policy of 'Agree to Dis- volvement in living faith-fi lled lives won't get mad that you have no boots. A friend of mine on the board at agree' was used but the church grew The closing of St. Philip than we had in previous churches. Feeling ashamed that my dad the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club is to be known as a church that was This has been a highly emotional can't get a job. trying to convince "them" that they inclusive and respectful, and open the apostle time for all of us; but we do wish Being afraid to tell your mom have to concern themselves with to other points of view. Now we to express our gratitude to the Rev. that you need gym shoes. children and poverty in the North have another schism over the bless- As former parishioners of St. Susan Wells for her pastoral care The vast majority of people living end of Hamilton. He wants them to ing of same sex unions that is tear- Philip's church, we would like to through this time of trial; and for tell- in our Diocese have likely never seen start offering sailing lessons, water ing us apart. Unlike our forebears, express our sincere and heartfelt ing St. Philip's story. a welfare cheque and would have no safety lessons etc. to some kids who some leaders, who in my opinion, thanks to the Rev. Susan Wells for We would like to thank the Ni- idea how the amount of fi nancial would never dream of having that are acting like children who say, "If her articles in the Niagara Anglican agara Anglican for publishing these assistance is calculated. There is a opportunity. He truly believes that you don't play the game my way, Journal. She truly portrayed St. articles. portion allocated for "shelter costs" if they get them involved in some of I'll take my toys and go home." or Philip's story. Sincerely Margaret Brisley, and a "basic allowance". The basic these activities that are "normal" in "You can't play with us because Some of us have accepted, what Linda Frape, Ida Glancie, Frances allowance is to be used to meet your the experience of our more affl uent you're different" Personally, I am in appeared to be the inevitable fate of Gransaull, June and Gary Hillier, basic needs. Basic means basic. No kids, they will have a fi ghting chance favour of blessing same sex unions, our beloved church. Some are still Marilyn Husted, Margaret Pitcher, frills, no hot dog days, no sports, no at succeeding in life and perhaps however, I'm not about to breakup angry; but all of us grieve the loss of Lynette Royeppen, Jan Savory, dancing lessons, no swimming les- even at succeeding as leaders who lifelong friendships with those who our caring and nurturing community. Shirley Stagg, Marilyn Summer- sons, no hockey, fi gure skating, kar- live with values—and maybe even disagree with me. From what I've As Susan wrote, St. Philip's was hayes, Sharon Thompson. ate etc. None of the opportunities within a "new" church structure. NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 17

Bethlehem revisited

this experience to everyone. I had present structure rests on the site of two Palestinian refugee camps in a sniper tower and on to passport previously studied at the college in an earlier church build by Constan- Bethlehem (Aida & Dheisheh) and control before passing through to '96 and since I knew the lay of the tine early in the fourth-century. one in Hebron. Independent ob- the other side. Returning is even land I decided to arrive six days be- Since all Arab buses must stop at servers, to describe what life is like more unnerving. Bags and belong- fore the course began. I wanted time the "fence," we disembarked there. here, have used the terms apartheid ings are electronically checked to recover from jetlag, time to do Some fence! It is eight meters high and ghetto. And... standing in juxta- while soldiers walk back and forth some reading and time to do some with sniper towers, video cameras position to this imposed squalor is on catwalks over head. I particularly exploring. Especially, I wanted time and razor wire! Little wonder de- a new Israeli settlement built three noticed one Israeli soldier who car- GORDON KINKLEY to see for myself the situation in spair and unemployment are running years ago in Bethlehem by ultra- ried an Uzzie as well as a holstered RECTOR  ST. JOHN'S, ST. CATHARINES David's city, Bethlehem. I had read high here. One Bethlehem merchant conservatives in contravention of pistol and another pistol pushed into This Christmas in Shepherd's Field, much about "the fence" and as I said told me that for him the wall made both the Oslo Accord and the Road his belt at his back. One can never Bethlehem, do not expect to hear the before nothing could have prepared him feel "like being in prison." What Map to Peace. They see the Hebrew be too well armed or too intimidat- sounds of angels singing choruses of me for what I was about to see. is that expression? "If it looks like a bible and Yahweh's promise in Gen- ing! Being the only non-Arab on "Peace to Earth". In fact it hasn't been Near to the Damascus Gate duck and quacks like a duck, it's a esis as their deed to the land. It is, an Arab bus didn't bother me but I a very catchy tune in this part of the leading into the Old City of Jerusa- duck." Indeed, he is imprisoned. If I believe, the ultra-conservatives in must confess that soldier did. world for a long time. Over the years lem you can catch a local Arab bus he wants to go to Jerusalem for one Islam, Judaism and Christianity who For any relationship, building I have come to know some of this for Bethlehem and the cost is 3.5 day he needs a permit and that takes pose the greatest obstacle to peaceful walls is never a solution. In the New Israeli Shekels (about 75 cents two weeks to obtain. Not surpris- co-existence here. letter to the Hebrews (Heb. 9.11) Cdn). Bethlehem is only 10 kilom- ingly, unemployment in Bethlehem Meanwhile in Jerusalem, Chris- the Christ is described as pontifex eters down the road but now for and throughout most of the West tian and Jewish ultra-conservatives (literally: the bridge builder). By From the ashes of our many Palestinians it's a world away. Bank is running at between 35 – dream of the day and plan for it when nature of who the Christ is, and as hopelessness spring the I was the only non-Arab on the bus 38%. In some cities like Hebron the third Temple will be build. Plans his followers, we are to be inclusive that day and for that matter every- unemployment is much higher. It's have already been drawn up and a not exclusive; a builder of bridges fl ames of our hope. day I traveled on it; no one spoke 50%. At St. George's College, with huge golden menorah, crafted for the not a builder of walls. Message from the wall English but there was no mistak- the exception of the Dean and the third temple's entrance, sits encased It is often argued that language is ing their Near Eastern hospitality. I Warden, all of the staff is Palestin- in glass in the Old City's Jewish Quar- more powerful than the sword. The had not been to Israel since the 2nd ian and the maintenance staff at both ter waiting for that day. It's all very lecterns in many of our churches land reasonably well. I fi rst studied Intifada (Sept.28, 2000), provoked the college and the guest house are nice but to build the third Temple, provide us with a subtle reminder here in 1972 under the tutelage of you may recall, when then op- divided equally between Christians Temple Mount must fi rst be cleared of this truth. The bible often rests Monsieur Rene Leconte a Roman position leader Ariel Sharon heav- and Muslims. These workers require of the third holiest site in Islam and upon an eagle and the eagle was Catholic priest and translator of the ily guarded by Israeli soldiers and permits to travel to Jerusalem from that would probably mean WW3. For a standard for the Roman Empire. New Jerusalem Bible who was part- policeman walked into the al-Aqsa their homes in Bethlehem and Beth- some that's OK for then the Messiah In the primitive church the bible time professor at Lille, France and mosque – the third holiest site in any and must reapply for permits will come. Make no mistake thought was placed on top of the eagle as part-time professor at the University Islam. In my earlier visits to Beth- every three months. That is every the majority of Palestinians and Is- a reminder that the word of God is of Ottawa where I was studying for lehem the local bus would bring me three months they must make a new raelis are good and moderate people above and more powerful than all my M.A. In all, I have been to this directly to Manger Square and very application; they must start over like who want peace and are willing to the legions of Roman. History has Holy Land ten times now but noth- near to the Church of the Nativity: they have never made an applica- make major concessions to achieve proven that true. ing could have prepared me for what the oldest church in Christendom. tion before and the college must it. I believe this. Unfortunately it is Both Palestinians and visitors I was to about to see. This is the site where tradition says similarly provide supporting docu- an entrenched minority on both sides have written messages of hope on In mid-October I returned to that Jesus was born and services mentation as though it had never that is holding the process hostage. that Bethlehem wall. Maybe the Israel to study once more at St. have continued here uninterrupted given this information before. It is Meanwhile back at the wall, angels are singing this Christmas George's College in east Jerusalem. from the six-century—from the all about control and harassment. after leaving the bus one must walk after all—if we have ears to hear As an aside, I highly recommend time of the Emperor, Justinian. The The situation is desperate. I visited down a long concrete pathway past and eyes to see. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 » Liturgy of the mind, of the heart and of the body power and control, the Anglican tender spots on the body of Christ But even then there is more to in- part of the whole sensual physical- er, mythically powerful and trans- church community needed sta- that need to be held, healed and clude in our work. ity of the sacrament. To walk in a formative. bility, comfort and safety. They gently tended? Is this a commun- line towards a person who meets Canadian Anglicanism needs to needed, in their church, to feel se- ity (as many early BCP eucharists We need to keep going your eye, and places the bread or keep going on liturgical reform. The cure in their relationship with God are) of quiet, introverted people Lastly there is a liturgy of the body chalice in your hands as you stand, BAS was never meant to replace the from the threats and changes that who have a deep, instinctive love and of space. When I am teaching with others waiting behind you, is BCP, but to be a new beginning. In the were all around in the town. My of God? Is it a church which wel- people about private prayer I ask another experience and expression. two decades of trying new things we ideas for liturgical development comes people seeking intimate them what they are doing with their They are very different. have learned that change is not just were theoretically well-founded, community and friendship? Is it a body when praying. If you pray the What is the difference in bod- in the head. Liturgy is not composed but the pain they caused was un- place where there is lots of energy Lord's Prayer in an armchair it feels ily experience between receiving only at a desk. Liturgy needs also to acceptable. Cerebral theology was looking for an outlet, or a refuge different from praying in an upright communion in a small circle of listen to the heart and the body, to the trumped by community theology. for those coping with busy work, chair. Try it on a prayer stool or people around an altar on the one individual and the community. I learned about the liturgy of the busy families, sick parents and fl at in bed. Your body affects your hand, and, on the other, walking This is not a counsel of conserv- people there. People may have dif- too many friends? There are any prayer. In church what we do af- up through a narrow chancel of atism, but of depth. There is a thirst fi culty articulating it, but it is real number of descriptors of a church fects how the community experi- singing choir members to kneel for God and people come to our nonetheless. which should predict the kind of ences worship. at a high altar rail and receive churches looking for living water. liturgy which will give words and Altar rails are often the place communion there? The liturgical Deep liturgy, of word, of heart Rooted in the reality of place gestures to help people fi nd the where people take their stand ideas of the gathered community and of body can quench that thirst and people language of their hearts in offering against the liturgist. To kneel and, expressed by the former, and the which is felt by the whole person. So what is the community of your worship to God. with head bowed, extend your journey of faith to God by the lat- As the next phase of liturgical re- church needing to express as it Liturgy must be rooted in the ac- hands to receive communion is an ter only begin to touch the somatic form in our church unfolds we must gathers for worship? What are the tual reality of the place and people. experience, and expression and a realities which are so much deep- remember this. 18 NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 » Getting to know you other's Communion, and enabling Eastern Synod. "In our world, we balancing things as years go by. It's clergy of both to serve in either. function with a Bishop and three not easy for my family (his wife, Bishop Michael was co-chair of the Assistants, who are something like Lois, and their four daughters aged Joint Anglican-Lutheran Commis- a cross between (Anglican) Suf- between nineteen and twenty-fi ve), sion with the now Right Reverend fragan Bishops and Executive Of- but they're all incredibly support- Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican fi cers, but they aren't ordained to ive." He continues thoughtfully, Church of Canada, but previously the the position and can't ordain." Cur- "We clergy need to realise, as do Anglican Bishop of Nova Scotia, part rently there are only two Bishop's the laity, that our fi rst vocation is to of Bishop Michael's territory. "He's Assistants, as a previous Assistant, our families. It's sometimes a hard the real deal," says Bishop Michael. the Reverend Canon Susan John- lesson for us to learn." "Now it's Peter Wall and me!" son, was elected as National Bishop Like most clergy, Bishop Mi- In June, 2007, the Report of the at June's Lutheran National Con- chael is a "readaholic; I devour Joint Commission (representing both vention. (In 2004, Susan took sab- stuff! I like fi ction, most contem- Who do we denominations) to the National Con- batical leave to work at Niagara's porary Canadian literature. I'm a vention of the Evangelical Lutheran own Christ's Church Cathedral, music nut, everything from soup Church of Canada and the General and Bishop Ralph appointed her a to nuts, all genres. I like the out- Synod of the Anglican Church of Canon of the Cathedral.) doors, canoeing and fi shing... I love think we are? Canada said "we need to be doing After eight years service as As- to clean the house, the garage, the more collaborative work. The World sistant, Michael was elected Bishop yard! I think it's because I can do Council of Churches articulated the of the Eastern Synod in June, 1998. things there, get everything in order, Lund Principle: that we only do sep- "Next year will be my tenth anni- that I can't do in Church work!" ought to have done; we all know arately what we cannot do together." versary," he smiles, "but I will have For Michael, the biblical theme what that is, and it's not just about Bishop Michael is proud of been seventeen years in this offi ce, of being adopted and claimed by styrofoam cups and blue boxes. how the two denominations have (fi rst) in an offi ce tower in down- God is "a very powerful image... Reduce, reuse, recycle, restore—all come together: "It's terrifi c! We've town Kitchener. Then we bought I was adopted as a two-year-old, good and well enough. European made a lot of headway. A lot of re- this building, renovated and ex- by a wonderful family who gave countries are way ahead of us on lationships are being built between panded it." me much love. My parents are de- all these and more. China and India people, and we're coming to know Daily worship is shared in the ceased, but I have an adopted sister have hardly yet begun, and the each other as brothers and sisters in simple chapel. High on one wall is in Windsor. My Grandfather in my FRANCEAN CAMPBELLRICH USA lags behind. The human foot- a whole new way." Now, "we have a stained glass window of Luther's adopted family was a Baptist minis- CHRIST'S CHURCH CATHEDRAL print is now the mark of condemna- to start moving to a mindset where seal, designed by Martin Luther, ter who did almost all his ministry at Certainly not stewards of the earth. tion. Life on earth is not endlessly 'together' is the default position— comprising a black cross, red heart, Oshweken. He was given a Mohawk Too much time has passed. Too resilient. that's a cultural shift." a white rose on a sky blue fi eld, all name that translated as 'Big Heart.' many voices have spoken. Too How many trees died today to Bishop Michael is "really excited surrounded by a golden ring, mean- That's just the kind of guy he was. many scientists are agreed. Climate provide the printed paper, mostly about the ELCIC/ACIC (Evangel- ingful symbols for all Christians. He was an inspiration to me." is changing—more quickly than we ads, that arrives on our doorsteps? ical Lutheran Church in Canada/ None of the three member of- Ten years ago I connected with might ever have imagined. Observe the number of bags Anglican Church in Canada) present fi ce staff is Lutheran, but all spoke my birth mother and three other In less than one lifetime we have of garbage weekly on our streets theme, 'The Church in Mission for warmly of Bishop Michael: "When siblings. Family roots on her side seen the evidence: wildfi re, hur- headed for landfi ll. Other.' (It) is the only organisation I I started, I'd never heard of Mi- are Anglican in Nova Scotia! It has ricane, fl ood, drought, dwindling How much of our donations to know of that exists for no other rea- chael Pryse, but I felt immediate been a wonderful experience." icecap, rising/receding shorelines, the church will go to solar panels? son than to meet the needs of those respect for him" "He's doing what Bishop Michael has become a tsunamis, diminishing wildlife, To rainwater collection? To heating who are currently not its members. he's meant to be doing." "It's a feel- real presence among Anglicans in pandemic disease—and we are re- controls? I fi nd that as individual Christians ing you get when he walks into the Niagara. His warmth, wisdom and luctant to look at it. How many of our churches pro- look beyond the Church to fi nd that room." "He's perfected the balance, spirituality are gifts to not only his To liars and deniers—we con- vide or arrange shared transporta- Mission Focus, they become en- holds his authority." good friend, Bishop Ralph, but to all tinue to listen to them. tion? livened in very exciting ways." of us who journey with him as fellow To fundamentalists and literal- How much carbon dioxide did Faith, family and fun—and faith again Christians, setting aside labels of ists—we continue to tolerate them. we add to the air this week? From Parish Pastor to Bishop Bishop Michael probably would Lutheran or Anglican, and fulfi lling To Genesis creationists—we Regard and repent. We must In 1990, Michael was called to be not agree that he has "perfected Jesus' prayer that we may all be one misread 'dominion'. change our ways, and do better. the Assistant to the Bishop of the the balance," but "I've got better at in his name and in his service. We have left undone what we God help us. NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 19 No room at the inn

VAL KERR When a suitable piece of land ASSISTANT PRIEST  ST. GEORGE'S, ST. CATHARINES was found both the Anglican and "And she gave birth to her fi rstborn United Churches gave substantial son and wrapped him in bands of monies in the early stages to al- cloth, and laid him in a manger, be- low the development to continue. cause there was no place for them In February 1988, the doors opened in the inn." (Luke 2:7) and the fi rst residents moved into our Was this a symptom of the soci- earliest facility, Bethlehem Place. ety in which the Holy Family found The word Bethlehem is Hebrew, themselves when they had to make meaning "House of Bread" and their trek back to the city where Bethlehem Place provides nourish- ment to its residents on their jour- ney to independence.

The word Bethlehem is Enabling people to help them- Hebrew, meaning "House selves... a hand up not a hand out. Bethlehem Projects Niagara helps of Bread" and Bethlehem people facing issues of poverty, Place provides nourishment abuse and family breakdown to to its residents on their rebuild their lives. It is the only or- journey to independence. ganization in the Niagara Region that offers supportive and transi- I'm a graduate of Notre Dame tional housing for women, men Joseph's family originated from? and families. Through individual How must they have felt when after counseling, support groups and life CHRISTOPHER GRABIEC more had walked on these grounds. take us to understand that Jesus was traveling all that way, Mary heavy skills seminars, people learn to be- EDITOR I really believed while I was there— far bigger than that? His love em- with child, Joseph tired, and I'm come more self-suffi cient. That's right; I am a graduate of Notre that there was hope in my life and braced all kinds of folks with various sure worried about his wife, being Former residents or people Dame University in South Bend In- hope for the world. And what really earrings in their lives. His word is fl u- told there was no room at the inn? living in the community who are diana. I did a Master's degree there amazes me, is that I have never for- id and dynamic. All of our different Do you suppose if they had have homeless or at risk of homeless- and there is not much about that gotten that feeling. understandings of that word contrib- had more money they might have ness fi nd safe, affordable, support- University that I have ever forgotten. The university has never let me for- ute to a vision of who we are called to been able to procure suitable hous- ive housing at Bethlehem Projects' I suppose most people who have get them. It doesn't matter where I live; be in this day and age. ing for themselves and their soon to two Community Support Homes. heard of Notre Dame, think of foot- they seem to track me down. They Thirdly, do we really believe that be born child? One home provides a family and ball (and that is unforgettable) but send me alumni literature and notices we are truly a 'big' Church? Big has How many in our society today single unit and Billies House pro- there was far more to it than that. of all sorts. They continue to make me nothing to do with size. It has to do have trouble fi nding affordable vides four self-contained units I was a fairly young priest at the feel like a member of the family. Be- with magnanimity. It has to do with housing or other desperately need- for singles. time and had decided that I would lieve it or not, they never directly ask acceptance. It has to do with hope ed supports? Our newest building opened in try to hide my identity and just be me for money either. Campaigns are and a perception of our movement Let me give you some statis- April of this year, Genesis Court one of the crowd. That actually didn't mentioned—but it appears that it is up into the future. Do we really believe tics gathered here in the Niagara (a new beginning), provides 40 work too well, and before I knew it to the individual to fi nd out more and that God's Spirit is alive—and. yes, Region. affordable, supportive apartments they had me presiding at services in get involved. alive among 'us'? According to Niagara Regional on James Street in St. Cathar- student residences around the cam- The other day I looked at a two Are we willing to set huge goals Housing over 4000 households ines for people of low to moder- pus. One of the ways that I had tried hour DVD that came rather incon- for ourselves and to believe that be- are waiting for affordable housing ate income, including those with to hide my identity was by going to spicuously in the mail. It was well cause of who we are (and because in Niagara (approximately 1500 specifi c needs such as people with the mall and having my ear pierced. done. In the beginning it drew me of who God is) that these goals will households in Niagara Falls alone), disabilities, victims of violence I remember being summoned into a in as a member of the Notre Dame be achieved? 46 percent of Niagara households and the homeless. The building professor's offi ce who was a Jesuit family. It also reminded me of their Are we able to stand up to every- pay over 30 percent of their gross design blends into the existing priest. He wanted to discuss a few commitment to the poor and to as- one around us and remind them that income for housing. Many are pay- community and provides a safe, things that I had said in class. He then sisting young people who could not as a church we are committed to ing 50 to 75 percent of their income affordable and pleasant environ- asked me what I did and I replied to afford the very steep tuitions. The helping the poor and the under-priv- on housing. ment for tenants. Most important- him that I was a priest. I remember numbers were actually astounding. ileged? Are we really able to stand Now you might ask what are we ly, a coordinated support service him cranking his head to the left so They announced that they were start- up and say that we do not want to here in St. Catharines doing about is available to tenants to assist that he could get a better look at my ing up a new fund raising campaign live out of our preconceived notions these statistics? with the transition to greater ear. He responded, "Anglican?" I said and the target was 1.5 billion dollars. and our prejudices, but rather we personal independence. "No, Roman." In a rather perplexed Not sure if you actually stopped to want to be open to the true human The History of Bethlehem way he responded: "Hmm... I guess read what I just wrote—but it is 1.5 and spiritual expression that every- Projects Niagara Together, we can make our commu- you learn something every day". billion! Notre Dame will undoubt- one among us brings with them? In December 1985 individuals met nity and world a better place to live I'm telling this story for two rea- edly achieve their goal. Ultimately, it is about our vision at St. Paul Street United Church Our next goal is to build 40 af- sons. One has to do with preconcep- So, why all the talk about Notre for the church in the 21st and 22nd to explore ways of meeting the fordable, supportive apartments in tions and living out of what might Dame? There is a reason. Perhaps centuries and beyond. It is about needs of homeless persons in their Niagara Falls for people of low to be considered out-dated models. the church has something to learn clearly articulating that vision which community. About 40 people at- moderate income, including those Don't get me wrong, he was a great from this great institution. must truly bring the church into mod- tended the Housing Conference, with specifi c needs such as people professor, a forward thinker and a First of all, they never forget their ernity. It is about buying into that vi- organized by Outreach Niag- with disabilities. We plan to cre- wonderful priest. However, a priest members. They follow you every- sion ourselves and believing that we ara. Representatives from all the ate another attractive, accessible with an earring just didn't fi t into where and make certain that you can change the world around us. It downtown churches as well as apartment building that will blend his understanding. He didn't know always feel like you are a signifi cant is about putting that vision out there Outreach Niagara were present. into the neighbourhood, providing me, but I believe he didn't want to part of the history of this institution. so that everyone can clearly see who The St. Catharines and Thorold a safe, affordable and pleasant en- know me any further because of the How many of our former church we are and what we are about. Social Planning Council had, some vironment. There will be one sup- way I presented myself. In the end, members do we follow around? If most of the above is true for us, time before, looked into the issue port worker on site and also a live- I do not think that this professor was How many Anglicans who have then we really should be able to run of affordable housing in the Niag- in superintendent. Approximately that much of an infl uence in my life. left the fold still feel the pride that I the biggest campaign that we could ara Region and produced a book- half of the units will be for families His vision of priesthood, at the time feel as a member of the Notre Dame ever imagine. Advent is a really good let called "The Hidden Problem". and half for single adults and 3 to did not include a young man sitting community? We must ask ourselves time to think about whether or not Using this material, the research 4 units will be completely access- in his offi ce with an earring. To his how we help those who have left the we really value being Anglican. Are arm of Outreach Niagara, a St. ible for those with disabilities. credit though, he obviously thought Anglican Church to feel like they we proud of it or not? Do we have Catharines based Christian social This is the fi rst opportunity in that the Anglican Church would have are still a very important part. reason to be proud? Each of us, as action group, went a step further the city of Niagara Falls for over been more open to acceptance of me Secondly, there will always be dif- well as each parish needs to examine and developed the specifi c con- a decade to create new, afford- than the Roman church would. ferent attitudes within any commun- our "raison d'être" and decide what cept called second-stage housing. able housing. Affordable hous- Juxtaposed, against that story, ity. Many of us have our symbolic it is that is important to us. I would A Steering Committee came from ing is key to reducing poverty and is the overall story of Notre Dame. 'earrings'. The question each of us think that if we can conclude that that original gathering and six improving the quality of life in all The very fi rst day I walked onto that has to ask ourselves is "Do we treat it's not about buildings—it's about months later, July 1986, Beth- our communities. campus, I took a deep breath and others who do not view life as we do, people and not about a particular lehem Project was incorporated What does the Lord require of realized that I was inhaling an air of as odd or outsiders?" Each of us, and 'brand' of people, but just people. with a 10-person Board of Direc- us but to do justice, and to love potential—it seemed like everything all of us together, might think that we Then maybe we'll see years of return tors. Their mandate was a chal- kindness and to walk humbly with was possible in this world. It seemed have life all fi gured out, and we may and growth among us. And by the lenging one, namely to locate and our God... to me that great people—presidents even think that we have a lock on the way, the bricks and mortar buildings purchase a piece of land, cen- For more information on Bethle- of corporations, successful lawyers "true and authentic" understanding of will most certainly follow! Oh, and I trally located, on which to erect hem Projects Niagara visit their web- and judges, famous politicians and God's living Word. How long will it am a graduate of Notre Dame. the Bethlehem housing Project. site at www.bethlehemprojects.ca. 20 NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 Embracing the Advent Curriculum

for which they compete to identify suspicion that the way things are is But there are moments along the fl awed nor less holy than they. the right question. not the best way they could be. learning way that seem set apart. In Aaron Copland's "Appalachian We wait for many things over Learning what to desire, to an- the middle of a horribly fl awed per- Spring" introduced me to a Shaker the course of our lives. For the fi rst ticipate, to wait for, is a hard and formance as a parent, some grace melody that forms the basis of Syd- day of school, and the fi rst day of lifelong curriculum. When I was a says, "Stop!" "Breathe!" Let go of ney Carter's "Lord of the Dance". holidays. For the fi rst child, and child, I wanted the apparent free- your desire to be right, and fi nd But before it accompanied those then for the child's fi rst words, fi rst dom and power of grown-ups. As your desire to be useful. "Repent words, it was called "Simple Gifts": steps. For the list outside the gym a grown-up on a sunny November and believe the good news. There is MICHAEL THOMPSON that says who made the team. For day, I want to go outside and play, another way. The kingdom of God Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift RECTOR  ST. JUDES, OAKVILLE the exam results—in school and in and wait for that apparent freedom has come near to you." Step out of to be free, As the gospel of Mark begins, the the doctor's offi ce. We anticipate and power to manifest itself so that the puddle of hurt you're so busy 'tis the gift to come round where people are fl ocking from Judean with longing and we anticipate with I can. Young people negotiate the enlarging, and into the orbit of heal- we ought to be, countryside and from Jerusalem to dread as well—for the other shoe rocky shoals of intimacy, learning ing that seeks to embrace you and and when we are in the place just John's wilderness ministry of bap- to drop, for the enchantment to about pleasure and responsibility invites you to share in its work. right, break, for the phone call we know as hearts and bodies meet. Parents In the midst of a horribly fl awed 'twill be in the valley of love and is coming. take on the simple feeding and performance as a friend, as a col- delight. Many of the things we wait for cleaning of a baby, witless as to league, as a neighbour, as a spouse When true simplicity is gained, Learning what to desire, to bring satisfaction, sometimes over what is coming, yet somehow— (though "husband" is the one I to bow and to bend we will not be anticipate, to wait for, is a a lifetime. But some of our antici- mostly—learning what their desire know best), some grace invites us ashamed; hard and lifelong curriculum. pation leaves us strangely empty for a child leads to, and what it calls to lay down the desire that will not to turn, to turn, 'twill be our when the moment arrives. Con- them to be and to do for the rest of bring life, and to take up the desire delight, sumer goods and Christmas pre- a lifetime. Activist middle age is that will. These are not the easiest till by turning, turning we come tism. John tells them of one who sents don't always measure up to perhaps the hardest stretch of learn- moments in our lives, but this sea- round right. is coming with power, more power our expectancy, even when the gift ing (or perhaps I write that because son of Advent at least makes them even than John. Expectancy sharp- is exactly what we hoped for. For that's the one I'm navigating just both more clear and more bearable. It is a song to hold us in hope as ens, and Jesus appears. He receives every bread maker in use, there are, now) about what is and isn't worth More clear because in Advent, we we embrace the Advent curriculum. John's baptism, a voice identifi es I suspect, at least two in more or amassing—stuff, status, power, practice desiring the Kingdom of It is a song to sing as the kingdom him as the beloved son, and the less permanent storage. generosity, relationship, encour- God, practice believing that there is comes near and invites us to turn Spirit drives him into the wilderness Desire and anticipation, then, do agement—and what those things another way, that another Kingdom and inhabit it. And it is a song that for forty days. He emerges from the not always set an accurate direction really cost. And aging brings the is nearby, and practice the turn- will bear our true weight, because forty days and utters his fi rst words: in our pursuit of what is good. All curriculum of loss, of learning to ing from and turning to that make it recognizes turning, not as some- "The time is fulfi lled and the King- the same, they are vital to us, be- want less, and to want it more pas- of our lives a dance of peace and thing we might have to do once, dom of God has come near; repent, cause without them there is nothing sionately, until the world condenses wholeness instead of "all the boots but as a lifelong vocation for us in and believe in the good news." to stir us into anything other than out of a mist of everything into the of the tramping warriors" (Isaiah our humanity, and in our disciple- Advent isn't just a season of "going along to get along." Even singular quenching pleasure of one 9.5). More bearable because the ship. And if we give ourselves to waiting. It's a season of learning our most dismally misdirected hand that holds one hand. None of season offers evidence that all of the song, it will remind us what what to wait for. It's like the TV desire and anticipation is a sign these curricula is easy, and we are our ancestors in faith had to learn is worth desiring, what dream is game show, "Jeopardy", whose of restlessness, and, though inad- mostly awkward and sometimes the same hard curriculum the same worthy of the dream God dreams contestants are provided an answer, equate, a vestige of our sneaking dangerous as we sort ourselves out. hard way. We are neither more when God dreams us into being. Advent at the Cathedral

EVENSONG With music and readings for Advent Sunday, December 2 at 4:00 PM

THE PROMISE OF CHRIST IN ART & MUSIC An Advent Program Featuring artist Susan Davis and musician Brent Fifi eld held in the Niagara Room. Tuesday, December 4 at 7:00 PM Wednesday, December 12 at 7:00 PM Tuesday, December 18 at 7:00 PM

CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE Sunday, December 23 at 7:30 PM NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 21 A seed of hope Praise and prayer matters

ing a new life always makes him else can of a magnifi cence beyond ing us a gift of His only Son, our confused with both joy and pain. our comprehension. Lord, to be a guide, brother, Sav- The straw in the stall smells stale, Perhaps we respond to this vis- iour, and friend. To be our prom- like iron, from the afterbirth and ual sight yearly, perhaps we come ise of salvation to all who believe urine expelled during the birthing step by step, year by year, nearer to in Him. That He was born, that He process. His mended plaid work praise and wonder to what the Al- died—and was risen again. He, the shirt is damp and clammy up to mighty God has in store for all who Son of a Holy God, came with mes- his forearms from his part in the trust and believe in Him? Blessing sages of redemption, and promises LINDA MOORE experience. ANNETTE HARRIS and gifts beyond measure. Could it of 'Forever' with Him and the Fath- CENTRE FOR LEADERSHIP AND HUMAN VALUES He thinks of his wife; so tired ANGLICAN FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER be more by the Holy Spirit's gifts er, and the Holy Spirit. Recently I attended a wonderful from her part in keeping their The season of thanksgiving is only to us, by which we see better, see Year after year we are reminded creativity and writing workshop family together. Eight children, just behind us; the fall season re- more clearly to what we are being of all this grace, let us be as con- held by my friend Martyn Ken- simply too many and yet he minds us annually of 'the outpour- called for? Praise and Thanksgiv- stant and faithful, let our Thanks drick. In the workshop we were achingly loves each and every one ing of The Almighty God's lavish ing to all that is Holy. and Praise be heard and real, not given one word and then asked to of them. At night he only wants to hand, to us and to all mankind; it The lavish hand spreads the only on our lips, but in our lives... "free write" for twenty minutes drink in the smell of their freshly is now we feel more than ever His table for all in plain sight, for rich So much was given, so much is without stopping and see where bathed heads and hold them tight- faithfulness, His giving to us from for poor, for all who believe or not. given, day after day, year by year. our writing took us. For months I ly to him. He knows that another His store houses, not with a meas- The promise 'fear not, I will be with Let us be aware from where all have been paying attention to my baby will kill her and yet Mary is uring scale, but with overfl owing you always, until the end of time', goodness and mercy daily attend ability and inability to be toler- his deepest love and their physical abundance. The wonder of the Jesu's own words to us. The baby us... in 'Thanksgiving', in 'Praise ant and compassionate. At times union is as close to breathing as glorious colour and beauty that sur- who came at Christmas, the wonder and Wonder' at such an Almighty I feel I am succeeding and then I his heart is to hers. rounds us, urges us to see as little of a gift from an Almighty God giv- love. Amen. fall back into old beliefs and hab- He knows his temper gets the its. One area that has been really best of him when he is worrying tough for me is related to men who about their future and he has more are abusive to women. As diligent than once lashed out with that red CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 New beginnings as I have been, feeling tolerance blaze of anger. Too often he has » and compassion for such men has left her bruised and battered. He been very challenging. silently weeps as he strokes the The anniversary of the birth of the Ruining the Garden of Eden ed and killed their prey. Human At the workshop I had a break- side of the new born calf. Buf- Christ child must herald a new In the fi rst place, it tells us that appetite became insatiable and it through. We were asked to write feted and baffl ed by his emotions, beginning. True democracy is God provided everything that spread from food to personal pos- on the word "seed". What follows confused and raw with a heart so Government of the people, for the could make for an easy life for his sessions. The woman left at home is the unedited story just as it big and a life so sad and so rich he people, by the people, under God. new creation. Adam and Eve had to look after the children also had came in one of my twenty minute looks up and sobs to the evening Jesus taught us to pray "Thy will only to go out and pick what they to look after her own self-inter- free writings. sky, "What will I do? Where do I be done on earth". With our usual needed from God's bounty. The ests and, in order to feed herself Seed, seed, the male, the one go from here? Lord, help me!" devil-may-care attitude we have Garden of Eden was a Paradise. and her family, became a gatherer. who plants his seed, the one who As I re-read what I had written said to ourselves "That's got noth- But God did not want his new cre- They were still living in the Gar- defi les, is defi led. The one who I knew I had been given a miracle. ing to do with us; it's God's busi- ation to be merely puppets on His den of Eden, but didn't know it. holds his hands open as midwife For the fi rst time a part of my ness". It is not God's business; it is strings; He gave human beings They put so many obstacles in the to the birth of a new calf... rough heart, that had been closed to the our business. freewill with, I am convinced, way that they did not recognise hands, calloused and thick from pain and suffering of abusive men, What is to be our new begin- the intention that humans should that Eden was still all around the hard physical demands of the by my own intolerance and judg- ning? We need to wake up and learn to follow His plans by using them; they had put themselves out small mixed farm in rural mid ment, opened and softened. As I recognise that the Bible is full of their God-given intelligence. But of the Garden! Ontario. His cow and her new wrote I felt what he felt. I became allegories from which we should man met woman, as intended by Look at the result! Today we are calf are getting acquainted as she that man, that human being. I felt be learning important truths about God for the continuation of hu- ruining the Garden in which God licks her babe clean of the blood a true and unconditional love for life on earth, rather than life in manity, and things went wrong. has placed us. We have raped the and mucous of birth. He sits back this individual in their deep pain heaven when we have escaped Instead of creating permanent and earth of its riches, producing disas- on his haunches and breathes and suffering. from all the hard work with which happy unions for the benefi t of the trous results. We have fought each deeply. The twilight sky shows a This experience has planted we think we are plagued on earth. children to be born, man became other in our own self-interests giv- soft ribbon of light; white, yellow in me a new and precious seed. The Bible begins with new be- a hunter. Self-interest required ing rise to mutual distrust, and now and pink on the western horizon. If in a matter of moments I could ginnings: the stories of Creation. something better than what was we are slowly killing ourselves by Tomorrow will be a good day know such deep compassion then The second Creation story is already good. The Bible seems to having ignored our God-given pur- for haying. so could we all. Indeed, a seed has that of Adam and Eve, the older indicate that the fi rst humans were pose (according to the Bible) of His heart feels bruised and been planted. It is the seed of pro- of the two. What does it tell us vegetarians, but mankind wanted caring for the Earth. It is time for a blessed at the same time. Birth- found hope. in allegory? to follow the animals which hunt- new beginning.

Father Earth Time is running out

There's a two million year old man no one knows. Time is running out to donate to the 2007 Anglican Journal Appeal. If you have already do- They cut into his rivers, peeled wide pieces of hide from his legs, nated, the Journal and Niagara Anglican thank you. Your donation will be split evenly by the Left scorch marks on his buttocks. Journal and Niagara Anglican. You may send your contribution to the Anglican Journal Appeal, He did not cry out. 80 Hayden St., Toronto ON, M4Y 3G2 or donate online by following the "Donate Now" link at No matter what they did, he held fi rm. www.anglicanjournal.com. You will be issued an income tax receipt immediately by email. Now he raises his stabbed hands and whispers That we can heal him yet. We begin the bandages, the rolls of gauze, Since its inception in 1994, the Appeal has raised more than $5 million for the ministry of the Anglican The unguents, the gut, the needle, the grafts. Journal and its publishing partners, the diocesan newspapers. We slowly, carefully Turn his body face up. And under him His lifelong lover, the old woman Is perfect and unmarked. He has lain upon his two million year old woman All this time protecting her With his old back, his old, scarred back, And the soil beneath her Is black with their tears.

Clarissa Pinkola Estes PhD 22 NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 BOOK REVIEW » The Spirituality of Narnia Why do we still Bowen and Lewis help us fi nd Jesus' other name keep Christmas?

JAN MULLALLY against anything that smacks of trad- MICHAEL BURSLEM eternity, not some time in the future. ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST, HAMILTON itional religiosity" ...and that "wake ST. GEORGE'S, GUELPH That grace is procured by Christ's John Bowen, Wycliffe professor and at the sounds of anything 'churchy' Those of us a certain age may recall death and resurrection. But only regular contributor to the Niagara and drive back any who dare to ap- the BBC radio program, ITMA— those who are 'last, least, littlest, lost Anglican, and C. S. Lewis, author of proach us with religious language It's That Man Again—that man be- and dead' can really enjoy the party. the Chronicles of Narnia, have more or ideas." ing Tommy Handley, ably assisted The rest make excuses not to attend. in common than the former would In Spirituality, Bowen accom- by his comic crew, Colonel Chin- readily admit. You might even say plishes three things. First, he intro- strap—"When I was in Poona..."— God is infi nitely merciful they share a common story. duces us to Big Stories, the stories "I don't mind if I do"—Mrs. Mop— God can only raise those to resur- Both Oxford-educated profes- that shape our beliefs about the "Can I dy' yer now , sir"—Miss. rected life who are already dead. sors, Bowen and Lewis were born world and our place in it. He claims Monalot—"(sob, sob) It's bein' so Actually we're all dead, but some and raised in the Anglican church, that all such Big Stories propose cheerful (sob, sob) that keep's me of us don't know it yet, not until albeit almost 50 years apart in dif- answers to a certain fi ve questions. goin'" and others They kept us in we're really dead. The saddest thing ferent countries. And yet, neither Then, he shows how the residents stitches during the darkest days of is that we all reject God's grace. Ca- came to know Jesus until many of Narnia would answer those the war. But now, listening to it by pon writes: "Free grace, dying love, years post-baptism: Bowen men- questions. Finally, he juxtaposes tape I can barely raise a smile. How and unqualifi ed acceptance might tored by a high school teacher and our world with Narnia in a way that could we possibly laugh at anything as well be a fi fteen-foot crocodile, Lewis by J. R. R. Tolkien. causes us to sit up and take new no- so inane and stupid? the way we respond to it: all our Living in a world increasingly tice of Aslan—er... Jesus—working In much the same way, when I protestations to the contrary, we suspicious of all things religious, in our own lives. The brilliance of heard the Christmas story as a boy will sooner accept a God we will be both men developed a remarkable Bowen's narrative, though, is that enjoyed, and quickly moved onto in the church, or out singing carols fed to than one we will be fed by." passion (and talent) for evangelism. he accomplishes these three pur- The Lion, the Witch and the Ward- in the village—living in the rectory That's when we receive his judg- Of course, both understood that many poses simultaneously. robe. I simply didn't enjoy the as one of six boys we had certain re- ment, and go to hell, not accepting evangelists come off as either pushy, For example, one of these fi ve second as much as the fi rst, and sponsibilities to take the message of his free gift of grace. But it's a judg- obnoxious academics or as ranting questions that Bowen claims a Big stopped reading. Thanks to Bowen, Christmas to everyone by means of ment by mercy, not anger; he's not a self-absorbed lunatics. As such, they Story or worldview must address I learned that the order in which caroling, and I thoroughly enjoyed vengeful God. He uses left-handed both feel, we often need to unlearn is: what is wrong with the world? Lewis published The Chronicles it—I was profoundly stirred in my justice, of weakness, rather than the our religion in order to see Christ and Of course, popular culture might is not the order in which they oc- heart by the wonder and awe of right-handed justice we prefer, of His church in a new light. phrase this differently. Why do bad curred in Narnian time. In fact, The the Christmas story. But now, even strength, reeking vengeance on all One of Lewis' many solutions things happen to good people? Why Magician's Nephew was the sixth to when I hear carols about the babe his, and our, enemies. This Capon to this problem was to write The would a loving God create a world be published, and, as Bowen points in the manger, shepherds watching proves in every one of the parables, Chronicles of Narnia, a series of 7 with such suffering in it? I imagine out, "it is left to the later books to their fl ocks in the hills at night, of even the parables of the wheat and children's books written between most Westerners would still know develop more spiritual subtlety and wise men coming from afar, it all tares and Dives and Lazarus. 1939 and 1956 that takes us to the that Christians answer this ques- psychological insight." It's that very sounds so ho-hum. I still love to God, you see, doesn't keep any magical world of Narnia, an "alter- tion with a Story about a serpent, subtlety and insight that Bowen ex- celebrate Christmas, but more for its score of our sin; he has even done nate dimension" if you will, populat- a woman and a fruit. I'm less sure plores so thoroughly that has con- rich food and the warm, fuzzy feel- away with all the score cards by ed by talking animals and ultimately they can recognize the serpents vinced me to read the remaining ing. I sometimes try to induce the Jesus' dying on the cross. We, how- ruled by (and saved by) its creator, and fruits they come across every fi ve Chronicles. awe by contemplating the creator of ever, love to keep scores on everyone Aslan the lion. In 2005, Disney pro- day. Bowen helps in this regard, That being said, you'd better this vast universe pitching his tent in who doesn't meet our standard of duced The Lion, the Witch and the by showing us some of the choices be the sort of person who fi nds this insignifi cant planet, but that only righteousness. Capon asks what if the Wardrobe, based on the fi rst of these made in Narnia and their conse- the journey that much more en- stimulates my mind, not my heart. publican, in the parable of the Phari- books, and it is set to release Prince quences. Edmund chooses to accept joyable when the destination is see and the Publican, doesn't clean up Caspian, (written second by Lewis Turkish Delight from the White clear, which is a fancy way of say- We thought only Christians his act after being justifi ed by God. but chronologically fourth if you Witch. Uncle Andrew devotes his ing that Bowen does give away could be saved We would expect him the following live in Narnia) in 2008. time to conducting a "great experi- the endings of both The Lion, the What spoiled it, I think, was learn- week on returning to the synagogue, According to Bowen, "Lewis' ment." Each creates havoc in the Witch and the Wardrobe and The ing that the angels' message bring- to pray just as the Pharisee had done intention is... that our experience lives of others, because, as Bowen Last Battle, and, as such, the en- ing joy to all people was hi-jacked the previous week. But Capon insists of Aslan in Narnia should give us shows, each "says 'No' to God" by tire Chronicles of Narnia series. by the faith squelching teaching of that he would still be justifi ed more a fresh understanding of who Jesus taking "an attitude of independence Of course, since you already know the church; that God was only a than the Pharisee, even though he really was and is." In fact, Bowen from the Creator." Since, as you re- the series is an allegory–wait–sup- Christian. It substituted the good doesn't meet all our expectations. We guides us to this fresh understanding call, we are "supposing" the same posal for the Christian worldview, news about Jesus with bad news of might allow him to go to the syna- in his own new book, The Spiritual- Creator made both our world, and then the ending should be fairly religion. Since we lived in Iran be- gogue three times; three strikes and ity of Narnia: The Deeper Magic of Narnia, Bowen subtly challenges predictable anyway. fore the war I've always suspected you're out, we say, but God doesn't C. S. Lewis. In it, he (rather success- us to look for such choices in our It is entirely possible that any- that God had something more for work that way. He's infi nitely more fully) attempts to "'dissect' the Nar- own lives. one other than John Bowen writing all people. Our teen-age house boy merciful than we are. nia stories—to show the Story that Since the narrative in Spiritual- about a series of books by anyone died suddenly of an insect or snake underlies the stories... with the hope ity comes at you in three different other than C. S. Lewis might run the bite, and my mother assured us that Keeping his birthday every day! of deepening [our] delight in them. directions, though, you only need risk of producing, in effect, a one- we would see him again in heaven. This God fi lls me with goose bumps. Bowen has spent the greater to be familiar with one of the three hundred-and-forty-three page literary But how could we, we learned later, I get excited about a God who was part of the last 40 years studying, to follow along. For example, I re- essay, an idea about as exciting as if he wasn't a Christian? in Jesus Christ through whom he teaching and even preaching Lewis' member a student of mine, Adam, Bowen and Lewis found their boy- That idea had been reinforced by has reconciled now, not will recon- work. You might say he has a vaca- who loved Narnia from adoles- hood churches. Bowen avoids this every thing I've heard, or read; until cile, the whole world to himself; in tion home in Narnia. He even seems cence through to university, but by maintaining a very conversation- this year, when I encountered Rob- which the losers of this world are to have mastered its local dialect. being largely skeptical of church- al, almost "C. S. Lewis style" tone ert Farrar Capon. Capon dares to say the real winners. But not even they, Consider the following words: es—or having exceptionally gifted throughout. He writes entirely in fi rst that the good news of salvation is for the 'last, least, littlest, lost and dead' Supposal (noun)—Bowen and watchful dragons working for person, making the entire book feel everybody, not just for those who will see their resurrection, but only Lewis insist adamantly that the world him—never knew Aslan's name in like a guided tour of another country. think they are saved. I recently re- death. "Death, you see," Capon of Narnia is not an allegory of our this world. For someone like Adam, And, like all good tour guides, John viewed his Fingerprints of God, and writes, "is absolutely all of the resur- world, but rather a supposal, in which Bowen's book might be the fi rst not only loves Narnia, but knows now I've read Kingdom, Grace, Judg- rection we can now know. The rest is we "suppose" our Creator created a step towards undragoning. every inch of its geography, every ment, a composite of three books, faith." It's all about faith in that one parallel world to ours and we "sup- However, Spirituality also has resident in every locale and has even Parables of the Kingdom, Parables of man Jesus, not Tommy Handley, or pose" that it too needs rescuing. a lot to offer someone who knows found a route to Aslan here in our Grace, and Parables of Judgment. It's anyone whom the world approves. Undragoned (adj) - Bowen shows quite a bit about the Christian Story world. And so, if you already love a mammoth work, with the feel that What could be a greater sign of left- how Lewis' word describes the state but who doesn't know Jesus' name Narnia and would like to further ex- they're transcripts of Capon's lectures handed weakness than to be born in of one who has been changed into a in Narnia. I myself fell into this cat- plore its spirituality, or, conversely, if on all Jesus' parables, spoken and a crude stable and to die on a rough dragon but whose scales have been egory. After renting Disney's ver- you already love Jesus but have never acted out. He's outrageously funny, cross? This left-handedness of God peeled away by the Creator to re- sion on DVD, I borrowed all seven been to Narnia, let John Bowen take but dead serious. His central theme is replenishes me with the childlike veal one's underlying humanity. Chronicles of Narnia from my you there. that God's grace is catholic or univer- wonder and awe I had lost. That's Watchful Dragons (noun, pl.): school's library. I started reading sal; it's showered on everybody alike, why from now on I'll strive to keep Highly skilled evangelists like Lewis them in Narnia's own chronology, The Spirituality of Narnia: The Deeper orthodox and unorthodox, believers Christmas each day, not only on De- and Bowen evade the fl aming breath meaning I started with The Magi- Magic of C. S. Lewis is available from and unbelievers; all are invited to the cember 25, as Jesus invites everyone of these "instincts that guard us cian's Nephew, which I thoroughly amazon.ca. party, the resurrected life, now. Now's to enjoy his party. NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 23 The Niagara Anglican

Shoot, Ready, Aim The offi cial publication of the Anglican Diocese of Niagara is published ten times a year from September to June by The Dun- ham Group in Hamilton, Ontario.

The real Christmas story Editor: Christopher Grabiec

Phone: 905-312-8444 (ext. 101) Email: [email protected]

Advertising: Ted Manning

Phone: 905-680-0615 Email: [email protected]

Publishers Advisory Board

Pam Claridge Phone: 519-941-6804 Email: [email protected] John Janisse Phone: 905-312-8444 (ext. 102) Email: [email protected] Geoff rey Purdell-Lewis Phone: 905-628-4176 Email: [email protected] Charles Stirling Phone: 905-383-1088 Email: [email protected] HOLLIS HISCOCK witnessed the Birth of the Christ would be born in a small town near- Gazing at the tiny child in the RETIRED PRIEST  BURLINGTON Carol Summers: Child, and sang praises to our lov- by. They encourage us to go with manger, we recall the narrator's Phone: 905-772-5641 SHOOT - The photograph ing God. them to see what had happened words at the beginning of the walk- Email: [email protected] When I arrived at St. John's York (Luke 2: 8-20). through. He said, 'the prophets pre- Mills Parish, Toronto in 1990, I de- READY - Words behind the photo Scene Six: We chance upon three dicted that the Saviour would be Staff cided that the Church property was Let me be your tour guide as we strange astrologers who have fol- born to save us from sin and bring an excellent location for a dramatic walk through 'The Real Christmas lowed a certain star for approxi- us to eternal life (Matthew 1: 18-25 Design/layout: Kayn Leduc presentation of the Christmas Story. Story' on a clear cold December mately two years, and now have and Luke 2: 1-7). That is the real Proofreading: Bryan Stopps I also concluded that Christians Ontario evening. 'lost it'. Fortunately, it reappeared. It message of Christmas. in the multicultural milieu of On- Scene One: The narrator welcomes led them to the Christ Child where Submissions tario needed a creative way to ex- us to a journey unlike any other and they could deliver their presents... AIM - Questions and actions for you We welcome letters from our readers. All plain the real meaning and story reminds us that 'on the quietest gold (a gift for a king), frankin- Before Christmas, give yourself submissions must include the full name and of the Birth of Jesus Christ to their of nights, in the most unlikely of cense (a gift for a priest) and myrrh a REAL CHRISTMAS STORY contact information of the author. The news- friends and neighbours from other places, a tiny baby is born.' (a gift for one who is to die). They, present. Either alone or with family paper reserves the right to edit submissions. religions and nations. Scene Two: Isaiah, 800 years be- too, invite us to follow them (Mat- and friends, gather in your warm- Submissions must be received one month Seven years would elapse before fore the birth of Jesus, predicts a thew 2: 1-12). est room, sit in comfortable chairs, prior to the newspapers publication. our daughter Allison Lynn and I Child to be called Mighty God and Scene Seven: We catch up with a sip on a favourite beverage and read would fi nally pen the script to paper. Prince of Peace will be born to a young Mary and Joseph who have aloud the real Christmas Story from Subscriptions In December 1997 I walked young woman, who will name Him been travelling from Nazareth to the Bible. Begin with the Old Testa- Yearly subscriptions cost $15.00. For new sub- through the Churchyard, stopping at EMMANUEL or 'God with us' Bethlehem to be registered in the ment prophets, Isaiah (Isaiah 9:2-7) scriptions or to make changes to your existing each of the eight stages, where ac- (Isaiah 9:2-7). census ordered by the government. and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 23:5-6). subscription, please contact your parish. tors portrayed the historical events Scene Three: We travel 200 years They tell us how God's angels ap- Then move to the Gospels of Mat- surrounding the coming of the Mes- through time and meet another peared to them and reassured them thew and Luke as they describe the siah, which culminated in a stable Old Testament prophet Jeremiah, that Mary was carrying God's child birth of Jesus Christ ( Luke 1:26- where two young parents celebrated who was also getting ready for the and Joseph was chosen as His 38, Luke 2: 1-7, Matthew 1: 18-25, The Diocese of Niagara the birth of their son. Tears of joy coming of the Messiah or 'Lord of earthly father (Matthew 1: 18-25, Luke 2: 8-20, Matthew 2: 1-12). The Diocese lies at the western end of Lake and thanksgiving, chilled by the ear- Righteousness' (Jeremiah 23:5-6). Luke 1: 26-38 and Luke 2: 1-7). Talk and think about the true Ontario, and is defi ned roughly by the Niagara ly winter frigid temperature, fl owed Scene Four: After journeying an- Scene Eight: We arrive in Bethle- meaning of Christmas in your own Escarpment from the Niagara River in the east down my smiling face. other 600 years, we drop in on a hem and are enthusiastically wel- lives, and what you are doing to to the Dundas Valley in the West and north to Since then, over 5,000 visitors rehearsal. Angels have been practi- comed by villagers who usher us to a celebrate the Birth of our Saviour, Shelburne, Mt. Forest and Orangeville. have walked through the live per- cing for thousands of years to pro- stable where a mother and father are Jesus Christ. formances of the Real Christmas claim the Messiah's birth with the caring for their new born baby. One Hollis would appreciate your Bishop of Niagara: Ralph Spence story, and over 100,000 viewed song, 'Glory to God in the highest, man explains that 'God is the light feedback on this series. Contact the broadcast on Vision Television and peace and goodwill to all God's of the world which shone through him at [email protected] Phone: 905-527-1316 across Canada. We also distributed people' (Luke 2: 8-20). ages past and guides people today Email: [email protected] nearly 500 copies of the video. A Scene Five: The lowest of the and into the future'. As people sing The Reverend Hollis Hiscock, a retired long run for any theatrical show. least of society—the shepherds— softly, a woman's voice proclaims, priest, lives in Burlington. He is avail- Administrative Assistant: Alison D'Atri The photo was taken at the cli- are scared and excited because 'God has become a human being and able to do multimedia presentations Phone: 905-527-1316 (ext. 310) max of the show where the choir, they were visited by angels, who dwells among us. Let us celebrate on spirituality, the Bible and the Chris- Email: [email protected] portraying citizens of Bethlehem, told them that the Messiah (Jesus) this holiest of miracles'. tian Faith. Executive Offi cer: Marion Vincett

Phone: 905-527-1316 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Email: [email protected] Director of Evangelism: Michael Patterson

The Reverend Aaron Orear and for all of his work at All Saints. The Reverend Katherine Feher The Reverend Carole Langlotz Phone: 905-527-1316 (ext. 257) The Reverend Paul Maynard will The Welland Horticultural Society has been appointed Priest Associate, was issued a bishop's permission Email: [email protected] be ordained to the priesthood along awarded All Saints a 3rd prize rec- half time, at Church of the Nativity, as honorary assistant at St. John's, with Ms. Nancy Rowe, who will ognition for the garden and envir- Hamilton, effective November 7. Burlington, under the direction of Children, Youth, Family Min.: Christyn Perkons be ordained to the diaconate, at the ons on Tuesday October 23. the interim pastor. Phone: 905-527-1316 (ext. 460) Christ's Church Cathedral on De- Congratulations to Delbert and cember 9 at 4:00 PM. Email: [email protected] Canon Michael Patterson, Diocesan Elizabeth Reed, faithful members The Reverend Maria Nightingale Director of Evangelism, has accepted of St. Mark's, Orangeville, who will was issued a bishop's permission as Youth Min./Adult Education: Joyce Wilton The Reverend Robert Tilbury, the position of Executive Archdeacon celebrate their 65th Wedding Anni- honorary assistant at St. Elizabeth's retired from ministry in July, 1986, of Niagara to be effective January 30, versary on December 24. Phone: 905-527-1316 (ext. 430) passed away October 23. The funeral 2008. Archdeacon Marion Vincett Church, Burlington, under the dir- Email: [email protected] ection of the rector. service will be held from All Saints will remain at Synod Offi ce until her Sympathy is extended to the family Church, Hamilton, on Saturday, Nov- retirement at the end of January. of Harvey Dewhurst, O.N., a long time Contact the Diocese Canon Laurie Duby was issued ember 3, at 2:00 PM. Please remem- and faithful member of St. Alban's, Cathedral Place ber to keep members of the Tilbury The Reverend Paul Maynard has Acton and St. Alban's, Glen Williams. a bishop's permission as honorary 252 James St. North family in your thoughts and prayers. accepted the position of Assistant Mr. Dewhurst passed away on Octo- assistant at Christ Church, Flam- Hamilton, ON L8R 2L3 Curate at St. John's, Ancaster, ef- ber 1. Funeral service was held from borough, under the direction of Phone: 905-527-1316 Congratulations to Don Porter fective November 1. St. Alban's, Acton on October 5. the rector. Website: www.niagara.anglican.ca 24 NIAGARA ANGLICAN DECEMBER 2007 EVENTS

Penny Sale teacher gifts, Christmas decorations and much, Youth Dance Cost: $10 per person Saint Luke, Hamilton much more. Once your shopping is done, sit St. David's, Welland December 16, 7:00 PM The best little penny sale in the North End is and relax at our café and enjoy a light lunch. Dances are held every other Friday for those in happening in the parish hall. For more information, please contact us by grades 5-8. Pizza and pop are available. Carols on the Green December 1, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM calling 905-845-8351 or sending an email to Cost: $5.00 per person St. John the Evangelist, Niagara Falls [email protected]. December 7, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Join us as we sing the Christmas story carols un- Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tour and Tasting December 1, 2007 - 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM der the stars. Hot chocolate provided. Free don- St. James and St. Brendan, Port Colborne Ladies Morning Out key and pony rides for the kids. All are welcome. The wine tour is free. We will be going to Betty's St. Nick's Shopping Day St. James and St. Brendan, Port Colborne December 22, 6:00 PM to eat following this event. Please sign up in St. Paul's, Fort Erie Hot and cold buff et style breakfast at Portal Vil- the Narthex. St. Nick's Shopping provides an opportunity for lage in the 'Pine Room'. Advent/Christmas Lessons and Carols Service Cost: $10.00 per person (if tasting wine) children to make three Christmas purchases in Cost: $6.00 per person St. Cuthbert's , Oakville December 1, 10:00 AM a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Assisted by December 8, 9:30 AM Join us for a special service of Lessons and Car- 'Elves' each child's gifts are given special atten- ols to celebrate the season. Music from our Se- Christmas Bazaar tion, wrapping and tagging. This all day event is Corporate Breakfast nior and Junior Choirs under the direction of St. George's, Niagara-on-the-Lake greatly anticipated by all. Mark your calendars. Saint Luke, Hamilton Bruce DuPlessis. Mixed gift baskets, various crafts, varied jams, December 1 Don't mind the stuff y name. It's just all of us December 23, 10:00 AM chicken pies, bake table, deli, books, candy sale, great fun folks at Saint Luke's setting down for a children's items, and lunch. Hetherington and Deans Memorial Service wonderful feeding after the Sunday Mass at the Christmas Eve Mass St. Cuthbert's , Oakville Cost: $7.00 per person Holy Trinity (Chippawa), Niagara Falls start of Advent. It really is a brunch and you are Join us for our traditional and late night candle December 1, 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM Memorial service for all who have lost loved asked to bring your favourite nosh to share with light service of the Eucharist with music led by ones and for whom Christmas is diffi cult. Recep- us all. Happy times! Canadian Orpheus Male Choir in Concert Cost: Optional donations the Senior Choir. tion following. St. George's, St. Catharines December 9, after 9:30 mass December 24, 9:30 PM December 2, 2007 - 7:00 PM Fundraiser for St. George's Anglican Church, 83 Children's Christmas Eve Eucharist Church Street, St. Catharines. View their website Kids Only Shopping Day A Christmas Carole at www.comc.ca for their accomplishments and St. Matthew on-the-Plains, Burlington St. Cuthbert's, Oakville St. John the Evangelist, Winona talents. Tickets can be obtained from church of- A performance of A Christmas Carole featuring Join us for our very popular Christmas Eve ser- This is shopping for kids only. They do their fi ce. For more information call 905-682-9232 or Bishop Ralph Spence as Scrooge! Don't miss vice designed with children and families in shopping for their friends and family. Every- send an email to [email protected]. this one! mind. Storytelling, favourite carols, and a child- thing is wrapped while Mom or Dad enjoy a cup Cost: $15.00 per adults, $10.00 per child December 13 friendly communion service. All are welcome! December 1, 7:00 PM of coff ee. December 24, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM December 2, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Bake Sale Craft Show St. Cuthbert's, Oakville Christmas Day Eucharist St. Luke, Smithville Raise the Roof Proceeds donated towards our sponsorship of St. Cuthbert's, Oakville Come and enjoy our annual Craft Show, featur- Church of the Ascension, Hamilton the Thursday evening suppers which we host at Join us for a quiet and cozy service to celebrate ing crafts, knitting, baking, jewellery, chocolate, This is the fourth of our series of Fun/Fund Rais- Kerr Street Ministries. the morning of our Lord's birth. Said Eucharist and local vendors. ers to help pay for our new roof. A fabulous meal December 15, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM with hymns. December 1, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM including ham and pineapple and sweet and December 25, 10:00 AM sour meatballs will be served. There will also be Roadshow Christmas Concert Christmas Market raffl e tickets and a cash bar for wine and beer. Transfi guration, St. Catharines St. James Gaudy St. Simon's, Oakville Please join us, it's a good cause. You could win 5th annual concert put on to raise funds for non- St. James, Dundas Come one, come all to our Christmas Mar- stuff . You'll have a great meal. There will be great profi t organizations outside the parish. A fun Join us for a festive night of Celtic music by the ket. Drop your school-aged children off at our conversation. You'll have a great time! and informal evening of wonderful music by the Allison Lupton Band and dinner. Contact the Craft Corner and shop without any distrac- Cost: $15.00 per person roadshow band, and a wine and cheese recep- parish offi ce for more information. tions. We have baked goods, hostess gifts, December 7, 2007 - 5:30 p.m. tion during the concert. Please come and enjoy. December 30, 5:00 PM

Niagara Youth Conference 2007

Participant at the recent Leaders Training Event in Youth Ministry, Looking Forward. This provincial training event attracted participants from the Diocese of Niagara, Toronto, Huron, and Ottawa. The theme of the weekend was "The Walls Fall Down!”, integrating practical youth ministry and the call to justice.