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

SUMMER 2021 www.edmonton.anglican.ca Farewell gift provides fresh water access in Burundi MARGARET GLIDDEN occasion of the 10th Edmonton Editor anniversary of Bishop n honour of Bishop Jane Alexander and her Jane’s consecration in ministry, the Edmonton diocese has gifted 2018. At that time the I$19,350 USD to Bishop Sixbert Macumi and offertory collection the Diocese of Buyé. The funds collected for helped fund a community Bishop Jane’s farewell gift will be used by Buyé well in the village of diocese to help build water spring improvement Kiziba. projects in 19 more communities. Burundi’s water Bishop Jane is amazed and grateful: “I am infrastructure system overwhelmed at the generous response to the was severely damaged water projects in Buyé as a farewell gift,” she by civil war from 1993 says. “Your generosity will ensure clean water to 2006, and clean water in 19 parish communities and this will be life- uncontaminated by changing. I have seen firsthand what a difference bacteria and parasites is it makes to the community to have a clean, fresh especially hard to get in water source and I thank you from the bottom of rural areas. More than Kirundo villagers collect clean natural spring water fIltered through elevated pipes. my heart. Bless you.” half of residents rely on for people in Buyé, to be polluted by erosion and “Thank you so much for such good news,” lakes, rivers and swamps for their water. livestock. said Bishop Sixbert Macumi. “I am so thankful to While Burundi is blessed with abundant, clean Each improved spring supplies an entire everyone who contributed to the donations.” groundwater, it is difficult for people to access it village and reduces the incidence of waterborne “In Burundi we have much water, but it is without contamination. It is common for natural diseases, which are a major cause of illness and not well managed,” said Bishop Sixbert on the spring water, the primary source of drinking water death, particularly in children. Diocese to Elect 11th Bishop in Virtual Synod June 26th The Rev. Deacon SHELLY KING candidates were still being received and the Holy Spirit to guide us in electing someone Messenger Staff assessed by the Diocesan Search Committee. who will faithfully lead and serve this diocese.” n the month of June, the Diocese of Edmonton Each candidate had until May 29 to provide a One other deadline of note is June 23. This enters the final phase of the process for curriculum vitae, along with their responses to is the final date by which members of synod electing its 11th bishop. questions posed in the diocesan profile. This and may nominate a candidate they feel the search I any other information the committee has deemed process may have missed. The purpose of this The list of delegates to the electoral synod is finalized and preparations are underway for a helpful must be presented to Dean and Diocesan type of nomination is not that members of synod virtual election on June 26, 2021. On that day, Administrator, the Very Rev. Alexandra Meek, no circumvent the process of the search committee, key diocesan officers will gather at All Saints’ later than June 5. Meek will, in turn, share that but that the range of candidates from which the Anglican Cathedral in Edmonton and all other information with members of synod no later than synod makes its selection is not limited by the members of synod will gather virtually via Zoom. June 12. Meek asks that delegates, and the diocese decisions of a single group, even one as thorough Delegates will vote using an app called Simply as a whole, will recognise and honour the step and trusted as the search committee. Voting which was created specifically for this each nominee has taken. Finally, at the electoral synod on June 26, purpose. The diocese has contracted a company “Those who have allowed their names to 2021, the Diocesan Search Committee will called Data on the Spot, Inc. (DOTS) to manage stand have felt called to be a part of our process in present its report, including a complete list of all the use of this app and all technical aspects, discerning who is to be the Bishop of Edmonton nominated persons. Then members of synod will, following the approach used in the dioceses of and have stepped out in faith to do so,” she says. under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, elect the New Westminster and BC, which successfully “This process has required nominees to sincerely 11th Bishop of Edmonton. Meek asks all members held virtual electoral synods in 2020. Practice consider how God might call them into a new of the diocese to be in prayer until that time. sessions will be held leading up the synod to ministry and then to share with everyone their “May we be people who pray and who then ensure all delegates are confident using this hearts and minds on the subject. So, as we receive listen and act with confidence in the answers we technology. DOTS will have support persons the names of nominees on June 12, I encourage all receive together as a diocese.” standing by on the day of the election to deal with of us to join with them in prayers of discernment. Visit the diocesan website at https:// any technical difficulties. Honour the vulnerability they have offered by edmonton.anglican.ca/synod/67th-synod-2021 At the time of writing, proposals for listening generously to their videos and written for complete information about the electoral responses and pray with them for direction from process.

Bishop Jane’s Farewell p. 2 Rural Road Trip p. 5 Red Dress Day p.6 2 THE MESSENGER Farewell Service SUMMER 2021 Service of Thanksgiving & Celebration for Bishop’s ministry MARGARET GLIDDEN God’s work.” “She challenged us all to Edmonton editor Meek said Bishop Jane has become more environmentally eople from across the Edmonton and Buyé celebrated with us when “we concerned and proactive in dioceses, the Ecclesiastical Province of use our gifts to join in with the being better stewards of our Rupert’s Land, the Anglican Church of work of God as we see need and Good earth. Bishop Jane’s P opportunity in our daily lives. vision and pastoral influence Canada and of Southern Africa, the Church of England, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in And so today it is only right to were destined to reach beyond Canada, the City of Edmonton and beyond, took be reminded of the gift that this the geographical boundaries part in a livestreamed Service of Celebration and leadership has been...” of this diocese when she Thanksgiving for Bishop Jane Alexander, 10th The Gospel of John (7:37- initiated and nurtured a Bishop of Edmonton, and her ministry. 39), proclaimed by the Rev. blossoming relationship Although a third wave of the COVID John Gee, All Saints’ Honorary with the Diocese of Buyé in pandemic prevented a large gathering and Vocational Deacon and Diocesan Burundi in Central Africa. reception (as one might expect for a beloved Secretary-treasurer was, as Meek “Bishop Jane exemplified Bishop), a small congregation including members said, Jesus’ welcoming call to all Bishop Jane gives a thumbs-up. her penchant for prophetic of Bishop Jane’s family, diocesan staff and who are thirsty to “come and to ministry as she took her place archdeacons, assembled at All Saints’ Anglican drink living waters; and the believers being taught amongst the councils of both our National church Cathedral while people from around the world they would be parts of this river, that they were and the Worldwide Anglican Communion,” he participated in the service, held April 17, 2021, being called to live lives that would flow with the said. “She was known as a voice; that if it was not from their homes and on their mobile phones, with living water of God, for the sake of all they would always heard or listened to, was, nonetheless, a an outpouring of prayers and farewell messages. meet.” voice which would not be denied or ignored, and At the time of writing, the service had been viewed Offering Prayers of Thanksgiving for which always spoke the truth.” more than 1,200 times on All Saints’ YouTube Bishop Jane’s ministry, the Ven. Richard King, Dean Alexandra Meek shared a letter from channel. Archdeacon for Mission and Discipleship, said: Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson who said “with The tribute was a “You (Bishop Jane) have certainty” his experience of co-chairing the End reflection of Bishop Jane’s faithfully led us into deeper Poverty Edmonton Task Force alongside Bishop visionary leadership which relationship with God, Jane, in 2014-15, “is one of the highlights of my has encouraged people of the and with our neighbours. time on City Council. Edmonton diocese to grow in Emphasing the importance of “Your service and leadership have always faith and use their God-given mission and discipleship, and been defined not only by your work within the gifts to help others to, in her the expansive love of God Anglican Church, but also your work in leading own words, “grow to love and for all of God’s creation, you and convening faith communities on a wide variety to trust the church; to see it have called us to remember of life and social justice issues,” said Iveson. as a safe and wonderful place that God is not done with us “Edmonton’s faith leaders have remained way where they can experience the yet.” ahead in their response to COVID-19 since the presence and love of Christ in Following the Prayers of pandemic’s early days due, in no small part, to action.” the People, led by Canon (lay) your advocacy for community and congregations’ The service held on Barb Burrows, and the Holy well-being, health and safety. I am grateful to have Treaty 6 Territory began Eucharist presided over by gotten to work with you and learned from your with a moving Smudge Meek, Bishop Jane gave The leadership example.” Ceremony, led by the Ven. Dean of Edmonton Alex Meek preaches the homily Blessing which was followed “God bless you, sister,” said the Rt. Rev. giving thanks for Bishop Jane’s ministry. Travis Enright, Archdeacon by her favourite hymn, “For Victoria Matthews, 9th Bishop of Edmonton, in for Indigenous inistry. All the Saints,” played by her contribution to a video tribute that included a In her homily, the Very Rev. Alex Meek, Dean All Saints’ Organist and Music Director Jeremy montage of pictures of Bishop Jane’s ministry and of Edmonton and Diocesan Administrator, said Spurgeon. clergy waving good-bye, an “Ode to Bishop Jane,” from the moment of Bishop Jane’s consecration At the conclusion of the service, the Ven. written and performed by Dr. Alexandra (Sandra) on the Feast of Pentecost, in 2008, “she has loved Lee Bezanson, Executive Archdeacon of the Munn, accompanied on piano by Mary-Lou deeply and proclaimed God’s love in word and diocese, led a physically distanced reception Cleveland; and messages from the Most Rev. Greg action, not just within the bounds of the church which was also live-streamed for people taking Kerr-Wilson, Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical walls, but to everyone we meet, knowing that part off-site. Province of Rupert’s Land; the Most Rev. Linda God’s love was never meant for just a few, but “In 2008, the Edmonton diocese won the best Nicholls, Primate of the Anglican Church of always and forever, for everyone.” lottery,” said Bezanson. “Not a hockey draft lottery Canada; the Rev. Larry Kochendorfer, Bishop of The scripture passages: Isaiah 61:1-3; Psalm (Connor McDavid was just the Synod of Alberta and the 104:24-35; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, read by the 11 years old), but we won the Territories of the Evangelical Ven. Jordan Haynie Ware, Archdeacon for Social lottery for life with the arrival Lutheran Church in Canada. Justice and Community Connection, were chosen of a woman with a vision, a Bishop Jane’s dear friends from Bishop Jane’s service of consecration and her woman with a desire to make Michael Harvey, founder 10th-anniversary service. that vision our shared story of Back to Church Sunday “These scriptures remind us that God’s love is and our future. and Director of Unlocking not small and stale, but strong and full of life and “Bishop Jane the Growth; and Fr. Michael truth,” said Meek. “Over the past 13 years, Bishop passionately championed Lapsley, SSM, the Edmonton Jane has been reminding us of the love we have the causes of reconciling diocese’s Honorary Canon for received from God and how that love is always relationships with our Healing and Reconciliation; meant to be shared with others. She has called us Indigenous brothers and sent friendly greetings from to be people who love our neighbours, and our sisters; of advocating and Manchester, UK, and Cape neighbours’ neighbours. To remember that the working tirelessly as the co- Town, South Africa. church exists always to be grown in love because chair of this city’s campaign the love of God continues to flow into this world to end homelessness and Continued on page 3. and God continues to welcome us to be a part of poverty,” said Bezanson. Bishop Jane Alexander blesses congregants. SUMMER 2021 3 THE MESSENGER Bishop’s Corner The extraordinary can happen in Ordinary Time he drama was over. The In our relationship with God, ongoing conversations with God. Be in your daily intense pain was gone, we may encounter one or more scripture reading. “Be.” Nothing grand is asked of Tthe euphoria at the end “mountain-top” experiences, where you; nothing grand expected. It is a retrenching, now a memory. In striving to we may feel a spiritual high, a close an establishing, a time of steady, unspectacular finish the race as fast as possible, connection with God, a euphoria of growth. A time to feed yourself. A time to train the swimmer had given their all emotion. Sooner or later, however, your spiritual muscles, yes, and also grow all and had been rewarded, maybe the mountain-top experiences end aspects of your life that are needed for health: not with winning the race, but and we have to walk back down into mental, physical, and social, as well as spiritual. coming very, very close; and in the valleys. And we may ask, “what’s It is a time to be blessed, and to bless. the process having a personal best next?” COVID-19 has had a huge impact on our time. Their lungs had felt like Ordinary Time is all the parts society – it is what it is. Ordinary Time is a space bursting, the muscles of their arms Bishop DAVID GREENWOOD of the year that aren’t included where you can work on adaptations and routines to Diocese of Athabasca and legs had felt like they were on in Advent, Christmas, Lent, and help with living day-to-day. It is a space where you fire, and the race, the culmination Easter. Ordinary Time is where can be proactive, anticipating and experimenting. of literally months of training and effort, was now the extremes of emotion, intensity of liturgy, It is a space where you can positively anticipate over. And their first thought was, “what’s next?” focussed intercessions, may all be less – however, changes as challenges, as positions to grow June may feel like that. The celebration of ordinary time is where the real work happens. from. Most of all, it is a time to celebrate, and Christmas, the intensity of Lent, the pain and Ordinary Time is where you take all the lessons be thankful for, the capability to “be.” May depravity of Christ’s passion and crucifixion, and you’ve absorbed from your encounters of Advent, your Ordinary Time this summer be a time of the glorious life-giving resurrection of Easter are Christmas, Lent, and Easter, and let them become rejuvenation, of growth, of blessing. May you feel now memories. The season of Easter is done, as is part of you. It’s a time where you don’t exhaust Christ’s hand in yours as you walk, ordinary step Pentecost and Trinity Sunday. And you may think, yourself in frenetic activity or extremes, but, by ordinary step, along his way. May it be a time “what’s next?” instead, can focus on fine-tuning daily restorative for you to take a huge, recuperative, breath. May The church liturgical calendar is now practices. These are times where you can just you be greatly blessed, indeed, as you “be.” quieter. There are a few saints’ days, a few “be.” Be in your daily morning and evening prayer commemmorations, but not too busy. We’ve routines. Be in your weekly community worship +David entered what is known as Ordinary Time. (online or in-person, if possible). Be in your Service of Thanksgiving & Celebration for Bishop, continued Continued from page 2. baptisms, parish celebrations, synods, a centennial, it’s Jesus. TRC hearings, conferences, blanket exercises, “To the clergy, lay readers, lay evangelists, Bishop Jane and her grandchildren unwrapped learning circles - there is simply too much to hospital visitors, pastoral care teams, Sunday a beautiful, framed picture of rural scenes mention. I am so sad that we cannot be together in school and youth leaders, and to every single one presented by the Rev. Canon Chelsy Bouwman on person, but please know that you will always have of you in parishes across this diocese trying to behalf of the rural parishes of the diocese. my love, support and prayers. become ever more like Jesus - Thank You. Bishop Jane’s husband, Dr. Tim Alexander, “When I look back, it is the day-to-day growth “And to my family: Tim, Mark, Sarah, Rachel, said her ministry “has been exciting since the of folk as disciples that has been the most exciting Peter, Amanda, Ryan, Graham, Jennifer, Olivia, moment she was ordained as a deacon. She would thing to see. Worship services, absolutely! But also Zoey, Ben, Jackson, Liam and Molly. To my end her sermons with a call to quiet reflection, messy churches, VBS programs, food programs sister Anne. Thank you for loving me through this and then, just in case that felt too comfortable, and food banks, TYP TOP bakery, chaplaincies, ministry. For being so understanding of all the a call to get out of your pew and act - right now, the ACW, Cursillo, community gardens, Common times I had to be away, or rush off at the drop of today and always. If, on a personal level, or in Ground and A Common Word. It’s End Poverty a hat (a pointy hat!) to be doing other things. For your community, or in the wider world, you see Edmonton, camps, intentional communities - so sharing in all the joys and concerns of episcopal something isn’t right, go out and help fix it. many ways in which we have all been finding ministry - Thank You, I love you to bits!” “You have led us well in difficult times, our voice and our ministry as followers of Jesus: While serving as a seminarian in the West always towards where we should be,” he said. women and men, and boys and girls all finding Coast First Nations’ village of Kingcombe Inlet, “You have made me, your family and all who have ways to serve, ways to show their faith, ways to Bezanson said he learned there is no word for truly known you, proud of you. For your faith, love. goodbye in the Kwakiutl language. Rather, the leadership and determination…we thank God for “Because, at the end of the day, that’s what it’s preferred and customary word is “Alakazla,” all you have achieved.” all about isn’t it? There is an African proverb that meaning “until we meet again.” Bishop Jane leaves her ministry as Bishop of goes like this: ‘You can’t pick up a pebble with one “Alakazla, Bishop Jane Alexander. Until we Edmonton with “many memories and celebrations finger.’ You can’t build a church with one person, meet again! And, thank you.” of what we have done together and in a spirit of either. Anything we have done, we have done great thanksgiving. Confirmations, ordinations, together and if anyone is to be singled out – well,

www.edmonton.anglican.ca/ Send to: LAYOUT & DESIGN Please send donations to blog/the-messenger Margaret Glidden Margaret Glidden the Dioceses of Athabasca or Edmonton, c/o The Messenger. (Edmonton) Shelly King SUBMISSIONS DUE 1 MONTH anglicanmessenger@gmail. The Messenger is published PRIOR to PRINTING DATE com PROOF READING under the authority of the Jennifer Wirun Dioceses of Athabasca and DEADLINE for September 2021 Peter Clarke (Athabasca) Edmonton. Opinions expressed [email protected] in The Messenger are not is Monday, August 2, 2021 REPORTING necessarily those of the editor or Peter Clarke publisher. We welcome letters to the MESSENGER TEAM Margaret Glidden editor, news, stories and book Shelly King The Messenger is a section of reviews (max 500 words), event the Anglican Journal, printed 10 EDITORS notices and high resolution A $15 annual donation is times a year (no issues July and photos (min 300 dpi). Margaret Glidden (Edmonton) suggested. August) by Webnews Printing Inc. Peter Clarke (Athabasca) North York, ON. 4 THE MESSENGER Missional Discipleship SUMMER 2021 Fruits of the Spirit flow from foundation of love that is crying out for them. epistle. (1 John 4:19) God’s never will I forsake you.” know all is well and we are That is equally true of the great love and grace has (Hebrews 13:5) The Living reconciled to God. Patience next of these fruits listed in reached out to us in Jesus. God walks with you in every flows from our God to us Galatians 5. Let’s remind We have been redeemed, moment. in our ongoing walk with ourselves again as to our key forgiven, justified, sanctified I know that many of us him as by his grace we are text: and chosen; “chosen to bear feel uneasy when we are transformed more and more “But the fruit of the fruit, fruit that will last.” reminded of the great love into the likeness of his Son. Spirit is love, joy, peace, (John 15:16) God has for us. None of us God is patient, and patience, kindness, That we should be so considers ourselves worthy. God is kind. That, too, is goodness, faithfulness, loved is a thing of wonder. Yet, to hold on to a sense of an expression of the nature gentleness and self-control.” That the Living God, the unworthiness is to refuse to of our God who is love. (Galatians 5:22-23b) Ancient of Days, considers see ourselves as God sees And as we experience and The Ven. RICHARD KING Kindness is next after us worth the life of his us. We find that hard to do, remember God’s patience Archdeacon for patience. Before we go Son, who gladly endured particularly when we are not and kindness with us, we Mission and Discipleship any further, however, it’s the cross for us and “is not growing as quickly as we are enabled to be patient and Diocese of Edmonton important to note that we ashamed to call us brothers think we should. But God kind with those in our lives should now be able to see a and sisters” (Hebrews 2:11), is patient with us because who need to see Jesus in elcome back to pattern emerge. We can see is all so amazing that it patience flows from love. us. We don’t manufacture it our series on that each in this list builds brings to us a wondrous joy! Indeed, there are a number ourselves. It grows as fruit Wthe fruit of the on the foundation of the We are so loved! Wow! (I of verses that directly link on a branch that is fed by the Holy Spirit, and how these first fruit, love; and, indeed, hope you have not lost that patience and love together. Vine. attributes are important they build on each other ‘wow’ of how special you Perhaps the most direct is 1 More on kindness next indicators of what missional sequentially. are to God.) Corinthians 13:4: “Love is time. discipleship looks like. “We love because he From this flows peace, patient. Love is kind.” With every blessing in We concluded last time first loved us,” as John for all is well with us if God Joy flows from knowing all your endeavours in His that love, joy, peace and memorably and succinctly is with us. He has promised! we are loved. Peace name. patience speak to a world described it in his first “Never will I leave you; accompanies that joy for we Richard Thanksgiving may be our best motivation for sacrifice God with all that you are, sermons might be, they We have received from must flow out to others in and love other people in a don’t really tend to motivate God life and the power to generous abundance. parallel way. The faithful, people. Does “take up love. We have received our That abundant said Jesus, are to love each your cross and follow me” abilities (not our training) overflow must be other even to the point of really propel people into to work and achieve. Time practical and tangible if personal sacrifice and death. making sacrifices for others? and opportunity are two it is to be meaningful. We are to demonstrate our It occurred to me of his greatest gifts to us. Our thanksgiving must love for God by meaningful that “greater love has no And then he capped it all be as practical as God’s and tangible sacrifices for one than this, than to lay off with sanctification and gifts. Our generosity to other people. In personal down one’s life for one’s salvation. Knowing what we others must reflect God’s sacrifice and tangible love friends” is really a sombre have received, our primary generosity to us. The chief we proclaim the salvation of translation of thanksgiving response to him must be sign and demonstration of The Ven. TERRY LEER Christ. That’s the consistent and generosity. Sacrifice thanksgiving. God’s generosity is Jesus Executive Archdeacon lesson of the RCL from on behalf of others is just a Generosity is an Christ, his life, death and Diocese of Athabasca Easter to today. tool to say thank you to God inevitable expression of resurrection. ince Easter the Honestly, all those and to demonstrate God’s thanksgiving. Our God is by So it is that Jesus said, Revised Common sermons about “death generosity to others. I think nature divinely generous. “Greater love has no one Lectionary (RCL) to self” (as in a grain of thanksgiving and generosity He always gives us more than this, than to lay down S wheat) and giving up can motivate disciples to than we need and more than one’s life for one’s friends.” has been bombarding the faithful with stories of the one’s life for one’s friends meaningful and tangible acts we can use—more than This is his expression of early Church as it worked can be frightfully heavy, of love. we can ask or imagine. He thanksgiving and generosity. to apply the two Great sombre and weighty with Thanksgiving to God gives us more than enough This is what the RCL has Commandments: love implications. And however is an acknowledgement of sanctification and salvation. been trying to tell us all true and well written those having received from God. His over-abundant gifts along. Athabasca Diocese Virtual Worship Resources and Opportunities For access to online services, Or, search Facebook.com for: both mid-week and on Sunday, please visit the diocesan website • The Diocese of Athabasca at www.athdio.ca or one of the • St. James Cathedral following parish websites: • St. Mark’s High Prairie • St. Thomas Fort McMurray • www.stjamespr.org • Christ Church Grande Prairie • www.christchurchanglicangp.org • St. Anne’s Church Valleyview • www.sttom.ca • All Saints Church Fort McMurray • www.allsaintsanglican.ca • St. Peters Church Slave Lake • www.parishnorthernlights.org • Anglican Church of Athabasca • St. Helen’s Anglican Church • St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church SUMMER 2021 5 THE MESSENGER Parish Life It’s a beautiful day to reach out to our neighbours MARGARET GLIDDEN sweater Edmonton Editor to match “All of us, at some time or other, need help… That’s one of the things that connects us as hroughout the her mood from a coat neighbours. In our own way, each one of us is a season of Easter, the giver and a receiver.” Fred Rogers Anglican Parish of rack placed T between the Christ Church explored the TV icon, whose quiet faith neighbours through socially- themes of justice, sabbath, empty choir stalls (in imbued his television show. distanced, summer garden love, neighbourliness, “In a world that has concerts, making snacks diversity, and faith using the amongst a rug, plants and become increasingly and lunches for vulnerable example of the life and faith polarised and divided, it children, providing of Fred Rogers. cozy bench). She would talk seems fitting to encourage a monthly dinner for Through weekly each other to not only know Prayerworks ministry, and Sunday worship and mid- to the children (often her our neighbour, but reach delivering Christmas meals week lessons on the parish out in love to them,” she to seniors. YouTube channel, as well own children Graphic by Anna Schroeder says. “Even though Mister Oliver, who is the as a podcast learning Amelia and Simon would Rogers was Edmonton diocese’s Canon series offered on the parish a children’s for Children and Family website, the Christ Church join her) about how they and entertainer, Ministries, says the parish community explored the themes he aims through scripture and Mister Rogers’, and Jesus’, others were feeling inside. explored on discussion to encourage message of love and being a his show were people to continue to expand neighbour to everyone. Then Madame McFeely never shallow their view of what it means “Being a good neighbour or simplistic. to be a good neighbour in is not only something for would pop by with a singing He practiced 2021. As a final part of the the church to recognise as radical Mister Rogers series, the an institution. It’s part of telegram and her guitar to hospitality parish has also planned a our individual callings as and helped virtual gathering to share Christians,” says Christ sing a song like “I’m build their learning and meet their Church rector the Rev. Rev. Sue greets virtual participants as “Mrs. Rogers.” supportive neighbours. Susan Oliver. “We are called Taking Good sad, mad and glad in the communities, “So many of us to love our neighbours as Care of You.” neighbourhood. challenged racism and found have found comfort in ourselves, and, as Jesus did, Guest preachers like Dr. Oliver recalls going to a healthy outlet for anger. the gracious welcome to love and accept people Stephen Martin (also Sue’s see the documentary Won’t It’s not difficult to find these Mister Rogers offered to “just the way they are.” husband) and lay evangelist You Be My Neighbour and same themes in the Bible!” us as children. Having On Sunday mornings, Dr. Alison Hurlburt were leaving the theatre overcome Throughout the experienced that grace Rev. Sue greeted families invited to the worship/film with tears, hope and a deep COVID-19 pandemic, for through his good example, watching at home as Mrs. space to share their views desire to quite simply be some a time of tremendous we know how important Rogers. She slipped on a and the Bible’s message “more like Mister Rogers,” loneliness and social it is to offer that same comfy pair of shoes and through scripture readings an ordained Presbyterian isolation, Christ Church welcome to others,” she chose a colourful cardigan and sermons about people, helpers, stories and being minister and children’s has connected with its says. Rural Communities Invite Diocese on Summer Adventure MARGARET GLIDDEN a story that deserves to be memories on these random communities, prompting turn off, Bouwman shares Edmonton Editor shared,” she says. “We all day trips.” viewers to pack up the attractions reccommended n May, the Rev. Chelsy love to share the history and Through her ministry, family vehicle and head out by community members. Bouwman, Canon Pastor attractions of the places we Bouwman is working to on a road-trip adventure. “I wanted to feature for Rural Ministry in the call home to visitors.” connect rural parishes which To lessen the workload of rural parishes and I Rev. Chelsy and her are isolated geographically. planning a day trip (deciding communities in a fun way Edmonton diocese, invited families to join her on a family love to take day trips Each week she posts the where to go, when to leave, so people might be inclined summer-time Rural Road around the province. When address and description what to see, what to pack), to venture outside their Trip Adventure. camping in the summer of one or two rural church which can sometimes be a own community,” she says. “It’s no secret,” she they plan their “It gives our rural folk said across the Rural destinations an opportunity to share Ministry Initiative’s social based on what they love about their media accounts and on the attractions community with others.” diocesan website, “we are they want to Followers of heading into our second see. @countryroadsyeg on pandemic summer, and “We Instagram and the Rural many of us will be planning usually pack Ministry Facebook Page can adventures closer to home. a picnic lunch fill in a RoadTrip BINGO What better time to hit the and hit the Card, and post selfies as open road for a day trip to road. We’re they visit featured churches. rural communities across the never in a Families are encouraged to Edmonton diocese?” hurry. We safely visit recommended “Where we live is a are happy to attractions while making part of our story, and it’s be together their own memories. and to make 6 THE MESSENGER Biography SUMMER 2021 Approaching 100, retired priest recalls ‘fascinating life’ The Rev. JOANNE WEBSTER that stage in life, and he very much Spiritual Care Chaplain misses his Anglo-Catholic parish and in the U.S., he is grateful for his CATHERINE BANGEL family’s support. Canterbury Foundation Now at Canterbury, Father asking in the sun, sitting in Harry likes the community feel. He his easy chair looking out the eats meals together with the many window of Canterbury Court, residents in the Court Dining Room B and enjoys walking in the outside is where you’ll often find the Rev. George Brant -- who is known to courtyard. He prays the daily offices many as Father Harry. each day and meets privately with Father Harry is a man of Canterbury’s spiritual care chaplain. great intelligence, a speaker of He is happy that other many languages and a lover of all residents have the availability things musical. While he loves the of the chapel especially now, traditions within an Anglican service during the pandemic. of chanting and music, he is equally His advice for those comfortable with the less traditional during this challenging time – having interfaith dialogues and in our history is, “While it meeting with people of all walks of is hard to be separated from life and beliefs. family, we are all in this Father Harry was born in 1921, Pictured clockwise from above: Fr. Harry serves together, we are not alone. We as priest in New Jersey; Fr. Harry with Bishop have each other and we have in England. His parents who had Oscar Romero in El Salvador; met and married in Saskatoon, found Fr. Harry pictured more recently program, Father God. Maybe God is in all the England stifling, so they returned in his home at Canterbury Court Harry traveled to knowledge we gain, and in helping in Edmonton. to the wide-open, blue skies of the Reymontaawka, us to solve the difficulty, (through Canadian prairies, where Harry grew place he speaks most Poland, in 1995, science). God is in the midst of us.” up. fondly of is Mexico. Xian, China, Father Harry often says he is still The family lived in many “I had so many happy in 1998, and to planning to go back to university. Saskatchewan small towns. Harry, memories of working Queretero, Mexico, What he means is, upon his death one of five siblings, studied in Mexico,” says Father in 1999, to teach he will donate his body to the music and learned French. As an Harry. “Learning about English. University of Alberta for medical accomplished pianist, he and his the people and their lives. When you research. His brother was a doctor sister Alice would perform together Sitting down with people ask Father Harry and Harry was so inspired by his at dances. She would sing; he would in whatever situation what he thinks work that he wishes to give the gift play. Alice adored her brother Harry, people found themselves his greatest of his body. and he loved her. In fact, when it to be in and to listen to them. It is so contribution to the For a man so well traveled, so came time to move back to Canada, hard to have lost all hearing now.” church was he says, “I think it is my well versed in languages and so he moved to Canterbury Foundation Father Harry moved from New gift of language and breaking down inspired by the world’s teachings, because Alice, his sister, was also Jersey to Mexico City in 1970 and barriers.” Father Harry has had a full life. there. Alice died a year ago, at the used his knowledge of Spanish for Through Elder Hostel, a When asked to look back age of 96. Harry is the last remaining ministry in the cities of Monterey scholarly educational adventures and reflect on his life, Father sibling in his immediate family. and Chihuahua. He also served in company, Father Harry went to the Harry simply says, “I have had a Today at age 99, Father Harry English-speaking parishes there. Centre for Cross Cultural Study in fascinating life.” mostly misses the sounds of music; In 1984 Father Harry traveled to Cuba, in 2000. he has complete hearing loss and is El Salvador where he spent time with At the age of 97, Father Article supplied by Canterbury unable to hear services and the music Bishop Oscar Romero and assisted Harry moved from New Jersey to Foundation. that accompanies. This is one of the him in Catholic services. Not long Canterbury Foundation, a seniors’ Canterbury has delivered the hardest things for Father Harry now after the photo above was taken, continuing care center in west promise of home to Edmonton in his later years. Bishop Romero was assassinated. It Edmonton, to be near his family. seniors since 1974. Please visit Father Harry studied theology at was one of the most notorious crimes His children live here in Edmonton. canterburyfoundation.com for more Immanuel College in Saskatchewan of the cold war. While he says it was hard to move at information. and, in 1944, he was ordained a From Mexico, deacon at All Saints’ Cathedral in Father Harry returned Edmonton. The then-Bishop would to the U.S. and not ordain him to priesthood for became rector of the some time because he felt he looked parish of St. James too young. Even now, people often in Hackettstown, do not think Father Harry looks his New Jersey. For 15 99 years of age. years, he continued Father Harry held the position of ministry in both curate at the cathedral and then went Spanish and English, back to seminary to study Church retiring in the 1990s. History and Apologetics. During retirement, he After his father’s death, he continued to travel accepted a call to serve in Telford, the world teaching New Jersey, about an hour from English. Manhattan. Father Harry loved his Through the time in the United States, but the Global Volunteers SUMMER 2021 7 THE MESSENGER Social Justice PWRDF helping fathers support families through crisis une is the month given the chance. to celebrate Even their best Jfathers, and as efforts are not enough I think of mine, I without your support. remember growing On your behalf, up believing my dad as our Canadian could do anything. If Anglican relief he didn’t know how, and development he would get a library agency, Primate’s book (this was pre- World Relief and Google) and learn. Development Fund At a time when there (PWRDF) works with were meagre funds DOROTHY MARSHALL partners to support PWRDF Representative available, our large many projects which Diocese of Edmonton family always had enable both fathers food on the table, and mothers to feed and through his creativity, whatever their families. else was needed. I think his “can- One father who is benefitting do attitude” was the result of two from our work is Halefom Gebriel. Young mothers congregate in a displacement camp in Ayder, Ethiopia. attributes: he wasn’t afraid to try and Last fall a longstanding disagreement generosity of local people and local in your dad’s honour to support he was quite stubborn! between the state of Tigray and the churches who continue to carry the those less fortunate fathers and their Unfortunately, these character Ethiopian government lead to armed brunt of the emergency response. families who suffer through no fault traits don’t guarantee success for all conflict, which forced residents to PWRDF is now working of their own. They must rely on our fathers, and many families aren’t as flee their homes. Halefom fled with with our partner, Lutheran World generosity to survive. We, who have fortunate as we were. his wife Neguesti and their four Relief, who are active in the area. been so blessed, have the ability to If you have fled your home children to a safer area. Since then, LWF Ethiopia has been providing bless others; to give a gift that will because of conflict and are living the region has descended into chaos emergency distribution of food feed families, a gift that will sustain in an overcrowded refugee camp with 4.5 million people displaced and cash to displaced families and life! relying on food aid to keep your from their homes and in need of vulnerable host communities. They You can specifically support the family alive, no amount of positive humanitarian assistance. have also been advocating for the appeal in Ethiopia by donating to attitude is going to relieve your Neguesti and Halefom used to be government to resume delivery of PWRDF. Visit pwrdf.org/give-today circumstances. farmers. They worked two hectares subsidized commodities, prioritizing and choose Emergency Response. Likewise, when frequent and of land growing sorghum and sesame nutrition for pregnant and lactating Then indicate Ethiopia in the notes disastrous weather events have and earned a decent income to feed women. As a lactating mom, section. washed away a father’s family their family. The night they finally Neguesti has also been receiving If you would like to learn more farm and future, he is left with few decided to leave, their house and nutritional supplements through this about the relief and development resources to succeed. crops were burnt to the ground. They appeal. work of PWRDF, please check out All over the world today there fled only with the clothes on their As you remember your father our website at www.pwrdf.org or are fathers who would give anything backs. this month, please also remember contact me, Dorothy Marshall, your for the opportunity to feed and With no government support, the work of PWRDF supporting Diocese of Edmonton representative support their families, but they aren’t they have been living off the other fathers. You could give a gift at [email protected]. Reconciliation team leads Red Dress memorial event FIONA BROWNLEE On Saturday, May 1 a group of Wetaskiwin. Cheryl Immanuel, Wetaskiwin adults and children arrived in Jubilee Montour, from Reconciliation Team Park to participate in a smudge, to Maskwacis, sang ommunities all across the pray together, to watch the dresses an honour song for diocese found different ways being smudged, and then to help the murdered and to remember and honour the display them in the park. The team missing women, C went on to By the Lake Park to girls and two-spirit murdered and missing Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people complete the installation. Along the people. (MMIWG2S) in May. Many posted way, people asked the team walking Immanuel on social media to bring attention to the trail about what they were doing, parish and its this important issue. which led to lovely conversations. Reconciliation The Reconciliation Team of The team has also since noticed Team have made Immanuel, Wetaskiwin placed red people stopping to observe the reconciliation the dresses and educational information dresses and posting photos. mission of the in two of the city’s parks during the On May 5, Red Dress Day, a church. This work week of May 1 to May 8. Gloria small group gathered at the Peace includes education, Rogers, the lead on this campaign, Cairn in Wetaskiwin. This cairn conversation and said the team’s effort was to bring remembers the 1885 Peace Treaty action. The team the issue to the forefront of the between the Nehiwayak and the is grateful all three community. It was Rogers who Siksikawa peoples, a significant of these occurred brought the idea to the team, and event for both Indigenous and settler during this week. found most of the red dresses used peoples in Wetaskiwin. The group It is hoped that a in the installation. About 35 dresses was led in prayer by the Rev. Hugh similar event will Cheryl Montour, of Maskwacis, sings an honour song for the were hung in the two parks. Matheson, rector of Immanuel, happen next year. murdered and missing women, girls and Two-Spirit people at the Peace Cairn in Wetaskiwin. 8 THE MESSENGER Inspiration SUMMER 2021 ‘Fairyland’ of a book introduces Hidden Life of Trees MARION BULMER utilise wood. was reminded Utah, is actually a single St. Thomas’, Sherwood Park Instead, what is of human tree. Each of the 47,000 his was a wondrous at issue is how communities trees are stems springing fairyland of a book. we utilise, and throughout the from an underground root A gentle, lovely how we live world: both system. It is one genetically T with forests. the good and identical organism. Are read, but fully based on scientific research on the I believe the bad. Where we, somehow, one large, world of trees. When I the purpose of tribalism interconnected organism? spoke with Cidra Al Saadi his book is to supports one Like humans, trees fare about what I was learning, nurture kinship community, best in community. I like to she assured me this was and a respect while hurting think through God we are Trees help each other what they were learning for trees. others through all connected, and we also survive by sharing water in school. She is in junior Wohlleben, a tribal attacks or exclusion. do better with and because and nutrients. If a tree high. forester for many years, I was a bit sad to read of each other. is sick, other trees turn At times we take grew troubled by the that lone trees who are not their attention to that tree; pleasure walking in the management practices he part of a forest, are like Marion Bulmer is a sometimes restoring it to woods; the beauty, shade had been taught. He was orphans and do not fare as member of St. Thomas’ good health. They forge and birds and animals concerned about cutting well as trees in a forest. I Anglican Church in communication with each amongst the trees, enjoying down mature trees and think we know, scripturally Sherwood Park and an other via fungal networks. nature. For many of us many other practices. and spiritually, the lone avid reader of books from a Trees are quite tribal: trees are a utility we use Eventually, as manager individual without human variety of genres, including beech trees helping beech, without thinking. of a communal forest in community also fares memoirs, non-fiction, oak trees helping oak. But reading this book Germany, he was able to poorly. We all need to be spirituality and theology. They will try to outstrip has altered my perspective. implement more careful connected. In her words: “my joy other varieties in height Trees are truly incredible. practices, while at the same I read that a forest of of reading helps bring or width to force out other Peter Wohlleben does time teaching the general quaking aspens called balance to the busyness of trees. Learning this, I not suggest we do not public about trees. Pando, in Fish Lake, life.” “Tireless champions for young people across Canadian church” - Wall MICHELLE HAUSER disharmony at home, campaign. “We are working program to quickly for AFC depression, sleep “In our meetings through our network of turnaround Say Yes! to We really didn’t difficulties, and emotional across the country, we volunteers at the diocesan Kids campaign proceeds know what to struggles. Say Yes! to are seeing the emergence level to get people thinking by funding a Request for expect when we Kids will ensure there of a national story about about pilot projects,” says Proposals (RFP) for youth- “ is money available for outreach to children and Wall, “and what they focused initiatives in fall launched the Say Yes! to Kids campaign,” says homework clubs, nutrition youth,” says Wall. “It’s a might do if they had some 2021. the Rev. Canon Dr. Judy and food security, private story about compassion extra funding. In this way Say Yes! to Kids Rois, Executive Director, and group tutoring, safe in the face of crisis. There Say Yes! to Kids has the launched on April 6 and Anglican Foundation of outdoor recreation, mental are tireless champions potential to both seed and will run until June 30. Canada (AFC). “This is health supports, and the for young people across sustain ministry.” For more information, AFC’s first-ever peer-to- many other courageous the Canadian church who Since 2011, and the email foundation@ peer fundraising effort—a and creative ministries our have been undeterred by launch of the Kids Helping anglicanfoundation. new idea for an established church has the capacity to the pandemic. They know Kids Fund, AFC has org. To join a Say Yes! charity—and we have been offer.” exactly where and how invested over $1 Million to Kids fundraising surprised and impressed by Between online and new investments can be in ministries that benefit team, or to make an the spirit of creativity and offline donations, the used to make an impact.” children, youth, and young individual donation to generosity with which it campaign is nearing Helping to strengthen adults in Canada. Canon the campaign, visit www. has been embraced across the $20,000 mark of its existing ministries is only Rois says AFC will rely on anglicanfoundation.org/ the country.” $100,000 goal. one goal of the campaign. the strength of its granting kids. Say Yes! to Kids “It is an ambitious is AFC’s response to target,” says the Very concerns about COVID- Rev. Peter Wall, Gift All Saints’ Families Exchange Video Hellos 19’s impact on young Consultant for AFC. “But people. This national an achievable one. It is campaign is meant to have all that more achievable local impact by supporting thanks to an extraordinary champions for children, matching gift of $25,000.” youth, and family ministry Wall explains the matching across the country as we donation will be applied face a post-pandemic to the Say Yes! to Kids world. peer-to-peer portal and “Children have had double the efforts of online to endure so much as a fundraisers.” result of the pandemic,” In some dioceses, Although All Saints’, Drayton Valley has been closed to in-person worship since November 2020, church says Canon Rois, teams are rallying around members have found innovative ways to stay connected with their church and one another. At the end of each “social isolation, limited specific ministries they week’s live-streamed service, church members share video greetings and/or words of comfort. This came about recreation, exposure to hope will benefit from the as an idea of Tammy Flett, All Saints’ rector’s warden. Not only have church members been featured – but also their “extended families,” including their dogs, cats, and even Rev. Christopher’s cockatoo.