April 2005 Bishop s Itinerary ...... 16 Getting to Know You.. .1 1 Deadlines...... 4 People In News...... 16 Editorial...... 4 V iewpoint s...... 5

V ol. 59, No. 8 April 2005 Bishop supports primate’s efforts By BISHOP RALPH SPENCE the Primates’ meeting in Ireland on our been some cross-boundary interference by church. It’s not the first, and it certainly will Dear Friends in the Diocese of Niagara website (www.niagara.anglican.ca) and in Archbishop Gregory Venables, who went not be the last. It’s interesting that this is various other places. into the Diocese of New Westminster after happening during the season of Lent, as we ecently we have seen a good deal Secondly, you know that the Archbishop the Primates’ meeting. This was clearly dis- begin to reflect on the Easter mystery. As of press coverage about the inter- of Canterbury has chosen not to meet with couraged by the primates when they met in followers of Christ, we know that suffering Rnational Anglican Communion. Canadian and American Bishops in May. Ireland. and death is followed by life. This is the First of all, you can read about the results of Thirdly, you have read that there has This is time of political turmoil in our See TURMOIL / page 2 Positive vibes at DM&M meetings By PETER SWIRE

n response to some questions raised over the way in Iwhich the DM&M is calculated, Bishop Ralph Spence established a task force under the leadership of Archdeacon Bruce McPetrie to look into the way in which we, as a dioce- san family, share in the cost of running the diocese. The task force, whose membership is broad in both expe- rience and geography, is presently on a fact finding mission to see how our present method works; how it could be improved and how it compares to other dioceses. As part of the fact finding mission, four regional town hall meetings were held to listen to the thoughts and concerns of parishes. At press time, only three of the four meetings had been held. With over 100 interested souls attending these meetings, there seemed to be a few developing trends. Given the issues raised on the cost of running the dioce- san church at this past Synod, it would have been reasonable to predict that these town hall meetings would have been negatively charged and clearly “anti-diocese”. Nothing could be further from the truth. The one item that came through loud and clear was the need for better communication regarding the DM&M. Parishes are clamouring for a better understanding of the top line item on the expense side of their vestry budgets and matching that to the DM&M invoice with the basic question, “where does it go?” Parish leaders are asking for more information on how to complete the forms, ensuring they get all allowable deductions. NEWLY-TRAINED PUPPETEERS shine during the closing Eucharist at Servers’ Fest held recently. “Timothy” sings out the Good News with Michael’s help. For story, see page 2. See DM&M meetings / page 2 Guarded optimism for Saadia, Timmy’s return Synod needs to be more By DIANA HUTTON representative but less costly Editor Help improve Synod, have your say including staff – but we have big objectives. here is “guarded It would be a daunting prospect if we felt we had to optimism” that a T By BRIAN GROSE depend solely on our own resources, but we are conscious Hamilton woman there is a wealth of talent, experience and ideas waiting to deported to Morocco he Task Force, appointed by Bishop Ralph Spence be tapped. and her Canadian-born T“to consider options for conducting Diocesan We have the benefit of the material produced during the son will soon return to Synod and to develop recommendations concerning the Open Space Meetings held last fall as well as feedback Hamilton. content and focus of future synods”, held its first meeting from recent Diocesan Synods. But that’s just the start. Archdeacon Rick on Feb. 15. We will contact dioceses across North America to find Jones, whose parish – We shall feel that we have met our objectives if our rec- out how they have improved their Synods in recent years. Church of the ommendations produce Diocesan Synods that are more Current technology allows us to do that inexpensively, Resurrection, Hamilton representative, more effective, more participatory and less just as it allows any reader of this article to let us have the – has been pivotal in costly than those of recent years. benefit of his or her ideas, wisdom and advice, virtually assisting the family, said If we can include “more interesting”, “more stimulat- cost free. We urge every reader to submit ideas and suggestions SAADIA AND TIMMY Canadian government ing” and “more enjoyable”, we shall have exceeded them. See GUARDED / page 2 Ours is a small task force – there are seven of us in Morocco See MAKING SYNOD / page 2 2 NIAGARA ANGLICAN April 2005 Guarded optimism for Saadia’s return Servers’ Fest. ’05: A Continued from page 1 Archdeacon Jones said. “It’s been this kind of thing all officials here have been helpful in “They say he cries every day along,” he said. moving the case along. But the for his father.” At the moment, the marriage glorious celebration! bureaucracy in Morocco has been In order to leave Morocco certificate was being expedited in By JANE STEWART Over the lunch hour, servers slow to respond. However, legally, Saadia must have a hopes Saadia will then be granted were able to connect with friends progress is being made. Moroccan passport. But to be a passport. hose who didn’t attend new and old. Saadia and Timmy have been issued a passport required the per- “We’re guardedly optimistic,” “Tmissed a great day!” is The afternoon saw everyone in in hiding in Morocco since Jan. mission of her husband, Suad. Archdeacon Jones said. how 71 servers from 20 parishes their workshop of choice. The 30. Saadia is at risk of an “honour Suad sent his permission to the With “profound” gratitude, he from all the regions across the dio- Reverend Audrey Conard, St. killing” since she fled her family Morocco government. But the said his parish is set to welcome cese felt on Feb. 19. Twenty-two Cuthbert’s, Oakville, led a group and married Timmy’s father, her government refused to accept him back the two. volunteers, workshop leaders, through Tending the Soul – explor- husband Suad, himself a refugee as Saadia’s husband since the “We have enough money in round robin leaders and diocesan ing and enjoying our deep connec- from Kosovo. country does not recognize the hand, thanks to the tremendous staff supported these servers, tion to the God who gives us life. For the moment, Saadia and authenticity of Christian minis- generosity of others, to pay all the young and old. Another eager group danced Timmy are safe but “the longer ters. charges we’re required to pay.” Servers gathered in the morning around the Cathedral preparing a they are there, the more likely it is “They requested we send them He noted the Church of the and were welcomed by the Dean, liturgical dance for the Eucharist that Saadia’s father will find her.” anything from the government Redeemer, Stoney Creek, held its The Very Reverend Peter Wall, to under the direction of Heather Archdeacon Jones said there is indicating Saadia and Suad were own fundraiser to help out Saadia, Christ’s Church Cathedral which Grant, St. Christopher’s, concern for two-year-old Timmy, married.” Suad and Timmy. hosted the day’s learning, celebra- Burlington. Donna Ellis, Christ as well. Since arriving in An application was made to the “Hats off to them,” he said, tion, creation and play. Church, Woodburn, taught servers Morocco, his exzema has wors- Ontario government for an official adding people stepped up to the Servers spent the morning par- basic puppetry principles in prepa- ened. He also misses his father, certificate of marriage. plate in terms of donations. ticipating in four round robin activ- ration for a performance in the ities. Eucharist. Turmoil in Church is nothing new Servers learned about the min- Creative arts, instructed by Continued from page 1 our church is a priority to him – and this will contin- istry of serving with the Dean. Sarah Clarke, Church of the ue as he works through this difficulty. They explored vestments with Transfiguration, St. Catharines, promise of the Risen Christ and His Spirit – alive Please offer your prayers and your support for The Reverend Dan Brereton used a batik technique to create among us today. Archbishop Hutchison. Christ’s Church Cathedral, vicar, individual collages which they I do want to make one thing clear. As a member of While you are praying, take some time to reflect and then modeled the various vest- could take home. ments for each other much to Music filled the Choir Room as the house of Bishops and as the chief pastor of this on the death and resurrection of Christ. Knowing that everyone’s amusement. servers worked with Mary Jane diocese, I throw my support behind the work of our the Spirit is among us, we can be confident that this The Reverend Canon Charles Price and musicians from St. Primate Andrew Hutchison. I know that this is a dif- situation will bring life and hope to all God’s people. ficult time for him and I’m certain he had hoped that Stirling, of Christ’s Church Christopher’s, Burlington to learn Cathedral, guided the round robin the music for the closing Eucharist. during his ministry as Primate, a division like this With warm regards groups on an interesting tour of the Mary Jane led an enthusiastic would not have happened. I cannot think of anyone Cathedral providing a brief history singing group in a mix of contem- who is more able to help build a united Church, +Ralph lesson. porary songs. nationally and internationally than Archbishop Bishop of Niagara The Reverend Canon Elaine The closing Eucharist was cele- Andrew. The pastoral well-being of all members of Wednesday March 09 2005 Hooker, (diocesan Interim Priest) brated by The Very Reverend Peter facilitated labyrinth walks using Wall. Many of the servers were the Creation and Chartres diocesan involved as prayers, readers, pup- Making synod more effective labyrinths. peteers, dancers and singers in a Continued from page 1 erings of dedicated individuals, Michael Bird, Terry Jackman, Bill Judy Worsley, St. Luke’s, glorious celebration of who we are for consideration and to help us enthused at the prospect of partic- Mous and Mark Tiller; assisted by Burlington, and her helpers pulled and whose we are. broaden our horizons and expand ipating in a process that is not Steve Hopkins and Karen off a pizza lunch – 27 extra large Patricia and Amberle from St. our vision. only challenging and invigorating Nowicki. pizzas, 350 Timbits, carrots with Alban’s, Grand Valley summed up The more submissions we but which is leading towards the Submissions should be sent, dip, and litres of pop, juice, the day, “It was a good experience receive, the better equipped we “New Niagara” we are trying to preferably by e-mail: c/o Karen tea/coffee and water. and we learned a lot.” will be to produce Synods that create. Nowicki at karen.nowicki@niag- delegates look forward to attend- Members of the task force ara.anglican.ca) ing. Synods will be inspiring gath- DM&M meetings draw out include Chair Brian Grose, the positives of diocesan life The group who brought you “God in Transition” and “God Beyond Genders” presents Continued from page 1 The more affluent parishes Most people seemed pleased to made mention of sharing their IMAGINING ANEW: hear that the formula focuses on abundance with the struggling sis- A gathering time for those who desire to explore and expand ministry rather than buildings. ter churches of this diocese. Some questions were raised on Whatever the outcome of the their experience of the Divine added deductions or a move to a process, the participants clearly flat tax. Many raised the idea of had a positive outlook and eagerly standardized accounting systems want to be part of the solution. and reporting.

Cursillo - Building up the Body of Christ

The Cursillo Method approaches lay ministry as a very natural act of being Christ-like within each of our daily activities. While most people would like to live their lives in a Christ-like manner, the pressures of the world often make this difficult. The Cursillo Method provides individuals with the tools, the strength, and the support to equip each one for the ministry of building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:7, 11-12). The Cursillo journey typically starts with a 3-day weekend experience of living in Workshops will include: Christian community, developing a deeper understanding of what it means to be Christian, and discovering your personal calling in the church. Weekends are held in the spring and fall each year.

The Power of Myth Faith and Film If you would like more information on Cursillo: Stages of Faith Coping with the Creeds A Christian-Buddhist Dialogue The Practice of Meditation • visit our website – www.niagaracursillo.org • join us at one of our monthly gatherings (called an Ultreya) in your region, or attend one of our educational events. Dates and locations can be found on our website under Ultreyas and Coming Events, or on the Niagara When: Friday April 22, 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday April 23, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Diocese website (www.niagara.anglican.ca) under Parishes – Events • contact either our Spiritual Director: Rev. Susan Wells 905-547-8851, Where: St James Anglican Church, Melville St, Dundas [email protected]; or Lay Director: Brian Galligan Cost: $25 905-875-2800, [email protected] What to bring: Bag lunch (drinks and snacks provided) and comfortable clothes If you would like to have a presentation on Cursillo at your church, please To register: Please call St James Church at 905-627-1424 contact Ted Moore 905-875-0611; [email protected]

' The Cursillo Movement operates under the authority of the Diocesan Bishop ' April 2005 NIAGARA ANGLICAN 3 Parish Assessment Tool is now ready Undermount, Port Colborne first to use it By JIM NEWMAN ment process will be used he Bishop’s Task Force on throughout the diocese. TParish Viability has made 5. The diocesan assessment its final recommendations to process will be based on an exam- Bishop Ralph Spence following ination of the financial, mission four months of intensive study and leadership characteristics of and development. parishes. Diocesan clergy, archdeacons, 6. The impact of diocesan and senior staff of the diocese choices may be painful for the were given an overview at a parishes that can no longer be sus- Clericus Meeting held at St. tained. Matthew on-the-Plains March 8. Parishes that are no longer sus- The Task Force’s primary goals tainable will be treated with digni- were to develop a framework for ty and consideration. collecting benchmark data and to At the outset the Task Force create effective assessment tools reviewed the work of the Diocese for evaluating parish and regional of Toronto’s Strategic and viability. Sustainable Ministry Working The Task Force focussed on Group and the Diocese of finding objective ways to help Niagara’s Mission Strategy and parishes understand the reality of Planning Committee. their situations through assess- This facilitated the develop- ment, providing more useful ment of criteria and a methodolo- information, tools, and processes, gy for evaluating parish viability. and assisting parishes with effec- A process was designed to tive interventions. gather additional parish statistical Home for Mothering Sunday Task Force members information, and integrated with Archdeacon Lynne Corfield, The the year-end on-line collection of Parishioners of St. John’s, Thorold, filled the pews of their beloved church on Mothering Sunday Reverend Amy Cousineau, data by the diocesan Finance March 6. The service was the first since a devastating fire in November destroyed part of the adja- Catherine Cumming, Archdeacon Department. cent office and hall space. The church and kitchen also sustained smoke and water damage. An hon- Dr. Fred Gosse, The Reverend The primary outcome of the our guard was invited to help commemorate the faith and hard work of those who helped with Canon David Howells, Pat Leece, Task Force is a Parish Assessment cleaning and refurbishing the church. Thanks in large part to the generosity of St. Andrew’s Diocesan Treasurer Bob Tool that uses a seven-step Presbyterian Church, Thorold, the congregation at St. John’s has been able to function. McKinnell, Jim Newman, chair, approach to determine parish and the Reverend Canon Michael health and viability based on eval- Patterson based their work on the uations of parish mission, parish Did your parish earn 8% last year? following principles, beliefs, and finances, and parish leadership. assumptions: The process is self-guiding and By MARK SKUSE 30 per cent into Canadian stocks, usually within 24-48 hours. There 1. Throughout their lifespan all self-documenting. 30 per cent into foreign stocks and are absolutely no withdrawal parishes will experience cycles of It is intended for use by the ver the past few years, the 40 per cent into fixed income charges as there are with some growth, stagnation, decline and bishop, the executive archdeacon, Oamount of monies that investments, such as bonds. mutual funds. renewal. Failure to thrive does not and the regional archdeacons. parishes have invested with the In essence the mix is consid- Diocesan Treasurer Bob necessarily indicate a lack of Other senior staff may be diocese has doubled to more than ered to be balanced. McKinnell, along with members parish will or commitment, but involved in assembling data and $16 million. The diocese conducts a review of the Investment Sub-Committee, may be due to forces which may assisting parishes with remedial There are several reasons why every five years, utilizing an out- can answer questions and obtain be external to the parish and tran- and other consultative roles. a parish should put long-term side consultant to ensure that more information for your parish. sient in nature. Volunteer parish consultants monies with the diocese. They Russell is doing the job it should If your parish didn’t earn 8 per 2. Viable parishes are neces- may be requested to work with include: be for the diocese. cent last year, start asking why. sary for a viable Diocese. All parishes under the direction of Fiduciary Responsibility Availability of Parish Monies Mark Skuse is a member of the parishes are committed to the Synod staff. The corporation of a parish is If you invest through the dio- St. John the Evangelist, long-term health and viability of Task Force Chair Jim Newman legally responsible to ensure that cese but need to make a withdraw- Hamilton and sits on the the diocese and the diocese is acknowledges that assessment is decisions regarding investments al, you can obtain your monies Investment Sub-Committee committed to building viable min- almost always disconcerting, but are undertaken in accordance with istries in its parishes. suggested that clergy and parish- Trust law, the highest standard 3. The diocese’s financial ioners in Niagara should be much required under legislation. Where does the Anglican resources are currently the major more alarmed if such a process Should just one parishioner or limiting factor to its ability to sus- were not being implemented. deceased’s person family member Church Go Now? tain parishes. The diocese must He said learning more about question decisions made, legal make difficult choices in allocat- matching parish’s needs with action can result. You are invited to an evening of ing its financial resources to available resources should lead to The diocese invests parish hope and encouragement at parishes most likely to become or more effective application of time, funds through Frank Russell of remain viable. While the diocese talent, and treasure. Canada Investment Group. St. Peter’s Anglican Church may continue to sustain parishes More details and information Russell invests the monies with 705 Main Street East, Hamilton for a time when their viability is will be provided at clericus meet- 24 of the top investment compa- challenged, it cannot financially ings, clergy days and workshops. nies in North America. Friday, April 15, 7:30 pm sustain any parish indefinitely. Two areas, Port Colborne and Can your parish diversify to 4. The diocese requires a Undermount, have requested first that extent? process that is comprehensive, use of the assessment tool. If your parish feels that invest- • Speakers: Canon Charlie Masters and fact-based, objective and partici- The Parish Assessment Tool is ing in GICs is foolproof, think patory to facilitate decision mak- a living document and further again. Mr. Michael Edward, former Prayer ing about resource allocation and modifications may be recom- Parishes can still be held to task parish viability. To be equitable mended as more familiarity is for not obtaining the return that Book Society chair and comprehensive, this assess- developed with its use. stocks and bonds would have given. • Refreshments afterwards Parishes may also forget about Waltman completes IIC exam the $60,000 limit for Canada t is with great pleasure that the Insurance and Risk Management Deposit Insurance. ESSENTIALS ICommittee and David Ricketts, O.N., announce Kim Waltmann, Rates of Return Sponsored by Essentials - Niagara administrator of Insurance, Investments, Trusts and Assessments in the Russell of Canada provided a Finance Department of the Synod of the Diocese of Niagara, has suc- net 8 per cent return to parishes cessfully completed the Insurance Institute of Canada examination for that invested through the diocese Principles and Practice with a B, representing a mark in the range of in 2004. Ask and Imagine. 75-79. Well done Kim. The guidelines the Investment The Insurance Institute of Canada is the leading national provider of Committee of the Diocese stipu- Visit www.askandimagine.org/aypo insurance courses through examinations set four times a year. late are monies are to be invested 4 NIAGARA ANGLICAN April 2005 Editorial Evangelism – time to take the leap Editor s I write this article, which has to be On Nov. 9, 2001, in my charge to the churches on this day when we celebrate Diana Hutton Awritten a couple of weeks before the 127th synod, I announced that our diocese the aliveness of God’s Spirit in our midst. (905) 573-0962 publication and delivery of the diocesan was going into “evangelism” mode and What a wonderful thought. Let’s not [email protected] paper, I am still looking at piles of snow out that we would soon be appointing a direc- leave it as a thought. It’s not a difficult my window and still feeling the chill and tor of evangelism to assist us in opening thing to do – it just means each of us has Director of Marketing cold of winter. our doors to the world around us. a few weeks to invite someone to join us at Ted Manning Yet Lent is coming to an end and by the The director has been appointed, and he our parish on Pentecost Sunday. (905) 680-0615 time you read this, Easter will have passed has been working diligently to give us the I am asking rectors and parish staffs to [email protected] and I have every hope that we will begin to tools we need to open some of those rusty prepare for this day. Open our parish Mailing Address: sense spring in the air and the new life of doors to anyone who wishes to journey in doors with marvelous celebrations and Cathedral Place nature around us will faith with us. But tools are welcoming homilies. Make certain our 252 James S treet North become ever more evi- only good to those who hospitality is the best it has ever been. Hamilton, Ont ario, Canada dent. New life is the Bishop are willing to us them. In I am asking our parishioners to do the L8R 2L3 hope of spring. that same charge, I said evangelizing. Invite your son, daughter, Ralph Diocesan Website: Our Church has cer- the following: mother, aunt, neighbour, friend or even w w w.niagara.anglican.ca tainly felt and known the Spence “Right now, we see someone who is difficult to join us for this winter of our existence about 1 per cent of the special celebration. The official, independently over the past number of general population in our A few will turn us down, but many will edited publication of the years and perhaps even more intensively churches on an average Sunday. Are we not. Welcome them with open hearts and Anglican D iocese of Niagara. during the past months. The topics which prepared to see that figure double? It’s an show them the best of Anglicanism. What Published 10 times a year (no this could raise would take columns of this awesome challenge. It would mean a a day this could be in our local church! issue in July or August) in paper which are not available to me. So I church where the majority of our members This is a serious challenge. It’s based Hamilton, Ont ario. Printed by will not raise them – not only because will have been raised outside the Anglican on my faith in a Risen Lord, in this Church Signal Star Publishing, Goderich, there is no space, but because I believe Church, where most of the people will and my hope that life abounds and that a division of Bowes Publishers winter is over and spring is upon us. have been baptized in the last five God will not ever abandon us. Limited. I have and will continue to have a great years…” It is based on the love that I have for Please note: some of the deal of hope with respect to the life of our Pentecost you and this world around us, and the love editorial material sent to the international, national and local Anglican That was in 2001 and this is 2005. I that I know you have for your Church and Niagara Anglican may appear on Church. cannot help but think that now is the time your neighbour. the diocesan web site as well. With all the difficulties and division we to begin to take up this challenge; to use Rectors, staffs, and people of Niagara – have experienced, some might say the the tools we have and to open our hearts let’s do it. Let’s take the evangelism chal- Advertising Policy Bishop’s Mitre is a bit too tight these days and our doors to many people that could lenge and begin to open our doors and The Niagara Anglican reserves and that it’s causing me not to think too both benefit from our community and con- hearts to those who need us and want to be the right to decline any clearly. Well, let me tell you that it’s not – tribute to its life. one with us. What a glorious spring, what advertisement. Publication of an I’m thinking clearly and positively. I’m So, I want to issue a very hopeful chal- a glorious Easter and what a glorious advertisement does not imply endorsement by the diocese or not in a dream world with my hope, but lenge. In a few weeks we will celebrate Pentecost we will have this year. any of it s princip als. Advertisers rather I am currently living – and chal- Pentecost Sunday, often seen as the day and advertising agencies lenging all of us to live – in a world of that gave birth to the Christian Church. +Ralph assume liability for all content s, action. What would it be like if we filled our Bishop of Niagara including text, represent ations and illustrations, and also assume responsibility for any Letters to the Editor claims and cost s arising therefrom. Subscriptions Synod council ‘blew it’ for men’s ministry $15 per year New subscriptions, cancellations, ’m reminded of the Joe Bazooka cartoon lated to the point of bureaucratic confusion or female attendance ratio in church and the num- changes of address (please Iof the little boy desperate to earn a merit even worse, to a point of ‘forced’ exclusion of bers are always the same – there are three att ach label) should be sent to: badge for helping others in the recent Synod mainly male-oriented ministry opportunities times more women in church than men. It’s sad Council approval to changes in the Cannon for the men of the parish family. to see Synod Council taking action to further Circulation Dep artment 4.6.1. Yes, men are good at fixing things and reduce that ratio. Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Some parishes may in fact need the help of building things. With this proposed regulated A final separate point, I’m pretty sure the Street, Toronto, Ontario, both the FAC and the BACCB to develop a tendering process, the BACCB has in fact diocese received a strong message from Synod CANADA, M4Y 3G2. vision for their parish that includes statements forced our men into an inactive state. this past January concerning financial waste. (416) 924-9199 of requirements, conceptual plans, final plans, We have gentlemen, some retired, others This action taken by Synod Council is wasteful [email protected] specifications and the tendering process. Some that are professional engineers, craftsmen, to the point of selfishness. Circulation parishes have been blessed by God with a vol- tradesmen and contractors all willing to lend a Should our parish be ‘forced’ to not use our 16,175 unteer ministry team that has the professional hand to help reduce cost so we can do more mostly male volunteers on our kitchen project Deadlines for skills and abilities to develop these require- with less. by complying to this proposed tendering Submissions: ments without the assistance of good, but in We have qualified electricians willing to process, I respectfully request the diocese or its May 2005: April 1 my opinion, misguided third parties. These complete the electrical requirements for our volunteers on the FAC or BACCB chip in the June 2005: May 1 third parties really have no personal invest- kitchen expansion plan, we have a master cab- additional money we will now have to raise to Sept. 2005: Aug. 1 ment in the life of any parish other than maybe inetmaker willing to build our new kitchen complete our parish vision. The Bishop s Publishing Advisory their own. cabinets at cost, yet now, with a swipe of the Any volunteers? I didn't think so. Board includes: In 2003 our parish council struck a pen Synod Council has made a serious mistake As to our financial vision, it was completed Pam Claridge Visioning Committee for our short-term future and should make provisions to ensure the men in one year. (519) 941-6804 that included financial, physical and spiritual of the Diocese of Niagara do not have their We have work to do for the Lord Jesus John Janisse (905) 312-8444 x102 components. At our 2004 Financial Vestry ministry opportunities taken away by a discon- Christ in our community. If you can’t help or if The Rev. Canon Charles Stirling Meeting our Vestry approved the Vision pres- nected diocesan volunteer staff eager to do your help isn’t needed, get out of the way. (905) 383-1088 ent by this committee. “good”. Don’t make it more difficult to serve God or to Carol Summers This was a five-year vision that would Our parish is a case in point; we have been find ministry opportunities for the men in the (905) 772-5641 The Rev. Canon Kristine Swire address some immediate physical asset con- faithful to the call of Bishop Ralph to use the parishes of the Diocese of Niagara. (905) 527-3505 cerns (facilities maintenance) and the five-year training tools provided by the diocese to devel- Believe it or not Synod Council, you blew it time period to raise the capital for these needs. op our vision and the financial vehicle to this time. Letters to the Editor Policy The Niagara Anglican welcomes Our vision went beyond just facilities mainte- achieve our vision. The information required Yours, a servant of Christ Jesus submissions from readers as nance to include a new kitchen, so our bi- in the cannon change reported by the Niagara Letters to the Editor. All submis- weekly Soup and Sandwich outreach program Anglican can be provided, but at what cost? Keith Milks sions must include a name, tele- to our community can grow and so we can This change is the most discouraging action People’s Warden phone number, e-mail address or meet current health regulations. Synod Council could ever take when it comes St. Paul’s, Dunnville physical address of the author for verification purposes. The A parish wishing to invest in its own future to ministry for men. As a scientist and statisti- newspaper reserves the right to should be supported by the diocese, not regu- cian I’ve conducted repeated studies of male to edit submissions. April 2005 NIAGARA ANGLICAN 5 Viewpoints A pivotal point in Church life In many ways, however, the Church con- the way I am’.” By saying yes to the ques- The question for us within the Church as tinues with business as usual, making plans tion, he changed the course of his life. we say yes to God’s call is to ask whether or What was, as if we could will the 1950s back into exis- Southern suggests that our congrega- not we are willing to pay the price for tence. tions, like the man at the pool, renewal and growth. Loren Mead also also need to answer the ques- Can we let go of some of the time-hon- what will be observed, “We find The Rev. Canon tion, “Do you want to be oured traditions and values we hold dear? his is certainly my favourite time of many of our colleagues Michael healed?” Do we have a language and community Tyear for all the obvious reasons. The going on as they always Patterson Our renewal, growth, and ready to meet people of the post-modern have; we see people spiritual health, in all their age where they are at? warming weather, increased sunshine, the Director of greening of the landscape and the prospect and institutions making dimensions, are possible only Change of mindset of heading back to the cottage all enliven plans for tomorrow as Evangelism for those who take Jesus’ Jill Hudson, author of “When Better Isn’t one’s soul. if it will be a replica of [email protected] can.ca question seriously. Enough”, suggests it is more than just Change can be a very good thing! yesterday. Where we do Are our congregations another new program and tinkering with However for many of us, it can also be very see energy for facing difficulties, we find willing to embrace change in our post mod- congregational life that is necessary. It’s a difficult with adjustments to make and old little sense of urgency. We get the sense that ern society in order to be relevant and change of mindset, which is the pivotal habits to break. Sometimes we succeed in people hope that it will all go away if we vibrant spiritual communities? place between what was and what could be. adjusting to change and more often than we just keep our heads down and keep putting Are we ready and able to take a hard Hudson warns that in the 21st Century may admit, we fail. one foot ahead of the other.” look at what we do and what we might we have to let go of the notion that we have We know that change or setting a new So in the face of the immense challenges become? We can easily retreat to the com- a favoured place in the mainstream of cul- course for our lives is difficult. The road of before us, we can either brace ourselves and fort of the known and answer, “No thanks, ture. Congregations will be challenged to good intention is wide and long. circle the wagons against the forces of we'll stay the way we are.” give up such concepts as: So it is also for the life in the Church. change or we can embrace the opportunities However, we believe that God is calling If we build it, they will come Change is difficult that change provides. our parishes and our diocese to engage in New members join because of the clergy Change is difficult, old habits die hard; In the Gospel of John 5:2-12, we hear a renewal and growth. If we say yes to God’s If we reach children, they will bring we cling to that which is safe and well- story of an invalid who spent years by the call, we embark on a lifelong journey into their parents worn. Yet, as Bishop Ralph Spence stated in pool at Bethseda, waiting for the exact areas previously unexplored as we meet the The rector is the leader of the congre- his charge to Synod last November, we are moment when a healing angel would come challenges this new age presents to us. gation facing some of the greatest challenges the down to touch the waters. Meanwhile, he The good news, amidst the chaos, is that Adding a worship service will destroy Church has ever known. asked for contributions from passersby to interest in religion and spirituality is at an our community feeling Loren Mead, author of “The Once and maintain himself. all time high. Sociologist Reginald Bibby The list could go on. We could try to sit Future Church” wrote, “We are at the front Jesus approached the man and asked reports that 75 to 80 per cent of all back and wait for something to happen, edges of the greatest transformation of the him, “Do you want to be healed?” Without Canadians believe in God and consider trusting in practices, programs and struc- Church that has occurred in 1600 years. hesitation, the man said yes, and was themselves to be in touch with their spiritu- tures that no longer seem to be working. Or, “It is by far the greatest challenge that healed. ality. Even a casual glance at the shelves of as Alan Roxburgh encourages, we can “help the Churches of North America have expe- Richard Southern in his book “Cracking your local bookstore reveals growing inter- form genuine communities that are shaped rienced; it may eventually make the Your Congregations Code” uses this para- est in religion, spirituality and self-help. by the distinctive practices of Christian Reformation of the 16th Century look like a ble as a model for how we might deal with Religious themes are often the focus of identity” where people find a place where ripple in a pond.” change. He queries of the invalid, “suppose magazine articles and feature stories in they ‘belong’ unconditionally and where Canadian theologian Alan Roxburgh he had answered Jesus differently”. newspapers. No one can deny the rabid their hearts and souls are fed by God and by adds, “Make no mistake about it, every Southern observed that this invalid had interest in things religious recently as evi- the people they encounter. church leader must understand what has grown up with his illness and spent years by denced by the mainstream debate over the Regardless of what we choose to be or ended and be prepared for what is emerging the pool. People knew him, and he was used film Passion of the Christ, and books like do, things will never be the same. We can if they are to lead God’s people into and in to his lifestyle. He could have retreated into Brown’s “The DaVinci Code” and Harpur’s only pray that God will bless us in our the new century.” the safety net and said, ‘No thanks, I’ll stay “The Pagan Christ.” efforts. Learning from, with Lutheran colleagues ne of the real privileges in Omy life currently is spend- ing time with members of the The Very Evangelical Lutheran Church in Reverend Canada. We are lucky here at Peter Wall, Cathedral Place to have close ties with the Eastern Synod offices in Dean Kitchener, and many close part- nerships with congregations National Church Council which throughout our diocese. meets twice a year in Winnipeg, Each year for several years the location of their national now, we have been the guests of offices. Bishop Michael Pryse, who As partner churches in full- invites clergy of Niagara to join communion, we each appoint a with him and clergy of his Synod partner to each other’s national in Retreat at Mount Carmel in bodies and also welcome partners Niagara Falls. to our national conventions, syn- Again this year, over 20 ods, etc. These outward and visi- Anglican clergy joined with ble signs of our partnership are ANGLICAN AND LUTHERAN clergy celebrate their common bond during a retreat at Mount almost 30 Lutheran pastors for significant symbols of the depth of three days together, with both affection which we hold for each Carmel, Niagara Falls, recently. The Evangelical Lutheran Church each years invites Anglican cler- Bishop Pryse and Bishop Ralph other. gy to join them on this retreat. Spence leading in our many and I have now been lucky enough NCC is, like our Council of ments, worship matters, reports family. They ask me at each meet- wonderful worship services. We to be at my first two meetings of General Synod, a representative from divisions and committees, ing’s conclusion to offer reflec- were particularly honoured here at National Church Council (NCC) body, with elected representatives and, like us, the very important tions on what I have heard and the Cathedral last year when and am looking forward to the from all five Synods (dioceses) of issues of how the church deals experienced. It is an honour, Bishop Spence appointed The biannual convention, to be held the ELCIC, as well as the National appropriately and pastorally, and indeed, to represent the Anglican Rev. Susan Johnson, assistant to also in Winnipeg in July. Bishop and other officers. All five always with justice, with matters Church of Canada at NCC. Bishop Pryse, as a Canon of our The next convention will be in of their Synodical Bishops are of human sexuality. I also want to commend to you Cathedral! 2007, the same year as our next also present at each meeting, so it Many times, if I close my eyes, the rich resources of Lutheran I also am blessed by being the General Synod, and those two brings the whole church together I could be sitting at any number of worship. Our liturgies are very, partner to their National Church bodies will meet concurrently, in a most interesting way. Anglican meetings which I have very similar, and the ELCIC, with Council. As an elected member of also in Winnipeg, and will have Like our church meetings, their attended. The members of NCC, its sister church, The Evangelical the Council of General Synod, I joint sessions ; the first since the agenda includes many of the con- and particularly its bishops, have Lutheran Church of America, has was elected, last June, as the signing of the historic Waterloo cerns and issues which we also made me very welcome and I feel some superb worship materials. CoGS partner to the ELCIC Agreement in 2001. deal with: resources, official docu- like I am very much a part of their See LEARNING / page 6 6 NIAGARA ANGLICAN April 2005 Beyond the realm of sheer coincidence “Many false prophets will arise, and will neatly typed, complete the e-mail addresses were sored by the Anglican Essentials mislead many, and as lawlessness spreads, with reference number, on Signs & both on the “yahoo.com” Movement, a clear violation of the injunc- men's love for one another will grow coloured church letter- server, and there were tion against interfering in the jurisdiction of cold…” Matthew 24:11-12 head, and signed by a W onders those clumsy constructions another bishop. chaplain. The Rev. Canon and use of language. And A secondary site, “Anglicans On Line” t was a perfectly ordinary blue air mail It was perhaps no sur- W illiam C. Thomas the internet has been full was available, and did provide some listings Ienvelope, complete with red and blue prise that the first letter of scams originating in of dioceses and parishes in Uganda, but hash marks around the outside edges. It was was a request for financial [email protected] Africa. they were incomplete or not available. But I correctly addressed to me, in an uneven assistance. It contained The second reaction did find it fascinating how many African handwriting, as though the language was the name of the writer, a return address, and I’m even less proud of – a mean spirited ‘oh diocesan sites that were available were strange to the writer. an e-mail address. The author presented yeah - they threaten ex-communication over hosted by conservative or reactionary U.S. But what immediately caught my eye herself as “an 18-year-old orphan” whose our attitudes toward gay people, but they agencies or networks. I’m not a conspiracy were the two stamps. A small one depicting father died of AIDS, and “mother is also welcome our financial support.’ theorist, but some connections go well a Dogherty Bush Shrike ( a yellow breasted, HIV positive and bed ridden”, and the In fact, I don’t know either of the people beyond the realm of sheer coincidence. green bird with a red face and throat), and a writer was the “oldest in a family of four who wrote to me, nor do I know the stance Possibilities much larger one showing the smiling face children, all below 14 years.” of their bishop and diocese. So I set about There is the very real possibility that the of a young girl, beside which was a red Request trying to find out. request for help that I received is a genuine, label with white lettering saying “Straight The request was for 600 pounds for each The Anglican Communion web site, if irregular, one. If so, I’ll be repenting of TALK Foundation”. Below the label, in of the next two years, to enable her to com- which lists all the members of the commun- my suspicions and uncharitable thoughts, large black print were the words “PIO- plete her education as a “professional ion, was off-line – apparently deluged by and turning my energies towards raising NEERS IN ADOLESCENT HEALTH teacher”. heavy traffic. support. COMMUNICATION”. The supporting document was in the Curiously enough, the Google link to the And if it isn’t a legitimate request, I’ll be The postmark and stamps indicated that form of a “To Whom it May Concern” ver- Anglican news item of the day at the same doing everything I can to shut it down. I the letter had come from Uganda, in east ification of the identity, circumstances, and time was very slow, indicating a flood of intend to stick with the investigation, and central Africa. request of the writer. It assured me that she interest in an article in “the Guardian - Mar would welcome comments from anyone Inside were two documents. The first, was a faithful Christian, and an active mem- 2nd” commenting on the fact that one of the who’s received similar requests. Stay tuned written in the same hand that addressed the ber of the choir. Although neatly typed, it conservative bishops at the recent Primate’s To be continued… envelope, was on lined foolscap, with the contained several grammatical and syntacti- gathering in Ireland had immediately vio- standard red margin line down the left hand cal errors. lated the agreement by flying to New “..be wary as serpents, innocent as side – typical school paper. The second was My first reaction was one of suspicion – Westminster to address a gathering spon- doves.” Matthew 10:16b Closure services were immensely sensitive n recent months sev- was different in the two Christ. He particularly highlighted the gation’s faithful labour, devotion to Christ, Ieral parish churches The churches, but essentially church’s long record of service to the poor. and fellowship – and also of conflicts, have closed permanently Itinerant we thanked God for the A fine parish history human failures, and difficulties, since in in the Diocese of Niagara. sacrament of the font, and St. Margaret’s leaves a really first-class these, too, our sovereign and loving God The closing of a Churchgoer remembered all those “who parish history, David Jardine’s West somehow works to good. church is a little like the have here passed through Hamilton, a Village and a Church (1989). During the communion and during the death of someone we The Reverend the water of baptism.” The research is stunning, the text is final hymn at both churches, I saw tears in love. And the service for Alan L. Hayes Similarly, in turn, at the warm-hearted and thoroughly readable, and many eyes. Many, I’m sure, were feeling the disestablishment of a lectern, pulpit, and Lord’s the photographs, maps, and reproductions the heartsickness that Abraham and Sarah parish is a little like a table, those who had served of newspaper articles and advertisements must have known when they left their home funeral service. It’s a time when we can join in each place were invited forward, and an are absolutely engaging. in Ur, and Ruth her home in Moab, and so in the worship of God with those who share appropriate prayer was said. Probably the outstanding priest was A.N. many others when they “went out in faith.” our sorrow. It’s an opportunity to express to At both churches, as you can imagine, Barclay (1916-1925). An 85-year-old But thanks be to God, who called each of God and to one another our gratitude for the the crowd overflowed the pews. Many cler- parishioner told Jardine, “He influenced me them for a purpose, and calls each of us for life lived, our sense of loss, and our hope in gy and parishioners from earlier years personally more than any other person in a purpose, according to the plan of redemp- Christ. attended. my life.” tion which is both hidden and revealed in Two final services Rich memories The present church was built in his peri- Christ. Last spring, I attended the final How rich the history of each church was! od, and some in the congregation were Eucharists of St. James, Hamilton, and St. (Coincidentally, both St. James and St. inspired to become priests themselves. Margaret, Hamilton. The services were dis- Margaret opened in 1909 and closed in But another rector (1955-1961), young tinctly different in text, readings, music, 2004.) It must have been bittersweet for and strong-willed, provoked a split in the Learning from, and ethos, just as the two churches were. those who attended to share their memories. congregation, and many left. I’m not sure But in their different ways, both were At St. James, parishioners wrote some the church ever quite recovered, although with colleagues immensely sensitive to the situation. of their remembrances on newsprint sheets several able clergy followed. (This rector At St. James, a form was used for the which they posted in the basement. In later became a bishop in a western diocese, Continued from page 5 intercessions which allowed us to acknowl- World War I, 84 men from the church died where he earned a national reputation for From forms for Morning and edge our sadness. And there was an echo of in action. One weekend in World War II, the his refusal to ordain women.) Evening Prayer, through Compline, the funeral service when the leader said, young people’s association visited a syna- Authentic worship through excellent eucharistic liturgies, “Even at the grave our cry is,” and the peo- gogue. In the late 1950s, the parish list Let’s be frank; Sunday morning worship they are wonderful and should be both ple responded, “Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. included 1,400 families. can sometimes feel a little routine. But studied and used. The ELCA and the Amen.” During the service, when the font was these two special services felt deeply ELCIC are currently hard at work At St. Margaret, two laypeople read decommissioned, I was moved to see 55 authentic. developing a whole new resource for beautiful prayers which they had written. faithful people of all ages gathering around At the confession, I think we were all the Church, which they hope to pub- On our behalf they acknowledged with sor- it, all baptized there. remembering with contrite hearts things lish in 2006-2007. row the dying of the garden but gave thanks At St. Margaret, the preacher was the done and left undone. At the intercession, This project is called ‘Renewing for the years when it had bloomed. bishop, who in 1963, as a student at we had a particular sense of our human Worship’ and all of the materials can Both services included a lovely short rite McMaster (a few blocks away), had come insufficiency and our dependence on God. be both seen and downloaded from the for decommissioning the principal local here to worship. At the peace, what in some cases may have web site www.worship.ca For a limit- symbols and instruments of God’s grace. In a memorable and effective way he been a final opportunity for reconciliation ed time, through Dec. 31, 2005, these First there was a prayer at the font, while wove together anecdotes from the church’s must have seemed particularly precious. materials can be used by congrega- those in the congregation who had been history, the theme of grateful celebration, And in giving thanks to God, many must tions free of charge, with the only baptized there stood around it. The wording the note of sadness, and the good news of have offered up memories of their congre- request being that a reaction and feed- back form is completed and submitted. Express yourself in the Niagara Anglican! Bishop Spence has given his per- 9 Day Camps (ages 5-10) Do you want to: Remember a loved one? Announce a mission for these materials to be used Residential Camps (ages 7-15) 9 Birthday or Anniversary? Express your thanks? on an occasional basis, citing his authorization. I strongly encourage A unique ‘Child-centered, Say it in the Niagara Anglican! people to take a look. Remember that De-centralized, Unit-based’ approach For just $ 33.75 put your message in a business card sized these are still in the development Phone: 905-648-2712 ad. Just cont act me to say what s on your mind. stage, and, of course, must be properly Fax: 905-648-3268 W arm regards, Ted Manning credited when being used. Email: [email protected] Director of Marketing, Niagara Anglican Enjoy the richness of this wonder- Web: www.canterburyhills.ca Phone/Fax: 905-680-0615 ful relationship with our Lutheran

HILLS CAMP brothers and sisters!

CANTERBURY Email: [email protected] April 2005 NIAGARA ANGLICAN 7 Worldwide Anglicans postpone their schism n a classic Anglican manoeuvre, the open long-term same- groups and supported by faithful, worshipping Anglicans. Iprimates of the international Anglican sex partnership, as its Guest conservative dioceses such Numbers of them are priests, and some Church have bought some time in the face bishop. as Sydney, have made are even bishops; Gene Robinson is cer- of the threat of a major split over the issue It was no maverick columnist homosexuality the “line in tainly not alone, though he is the only gay of homosexuality. act; New Hampshire's Dr . Muriel Porter , the sand”. bishop to have declared he is not celibate. At the conclusion of a crisis meeting decision to consecrate Over a period of a While some traditionalists, such as the held in Northern Ireland (in February), the Gene Robinson was The Age, Melbourne decade and more, they primate of Nigeria, may be celebrating, leaders asked the American and Canadian ratified by the whole have worked solidly and these vulnerable people are in deep dismay. Anglican churches to withdraw from full Episcopal Church of the U.S. through com- deliberately towards last week’s decision. Marginalized participation in world Anglicanism for the plex and demanding constitutional processes. Under the influence of this coalition, Like all gays, they are in constant danger next three years. At the same time, the Diocese of New known as the “Global South”, a hardline of being marginalized and even attacked for They have agreed. The intention is that Westminster, British Columbia, after anti-gay stance was forced at the 1998 their sexual preferences. there will be further discussion on the decades of careful consideration, decided it Lambeth Conference, the 10-yearly meet- In the Anglican Church, once tolerant issues during the breathing space. should offer church blessings for same-sex ing of the world’s Anglican bishops. and generous, they now fear personal pub- Postpone the inevitable partnerships. In one of the most bitter debates in its lic rejection. But few will hear their pain, But make no mistake, (this) compromise The real tragedy is the failure of more history, the conference resolved that homo- because they dare not speak. has only postponed the inevitable. Unless reasonable and inclusive church leaders. sexual practice was “incompatible with So moderate church leaders should the Americans and Canadians decide to Both these churches were legally and Scripture”, and condemned both same-sex speak out on their behalf. abandon the cause of gay clergy and same- constitutionally entitled to make their deci- blessing services and the ordination of gay They should vehemently reject the sex marriages by 2008 – and please God sions. people in same-sex partnerships. Global South’s claim that adherence to the they won’t – the threatened split will still The worldwide Anglican Communion is No jurisdiction authority of the Bible is centred in one par- happen. not an international church like the The Lambeth Conference, though influ- ticular interpretation of its (limited) refer- The traditionalists, championed from the (Roman) Catholic Church. ential, has no jurisdiction over the inde- ences to homosexuality. sidelines by Sydney’s Anglican Archbishop Rather, it comprises 38 separate, pendent churches of the Anglican Since when has sexual practice been the Peter Jensen, have had a major victory. autonomous churches loosely linked by Communion. It can only advise. supreme test of Christian orthodoxy? Dr. Jensen has issued a statement “cau- their historic relationship to the mother The real tragedy in the humiliating dis- It is a pity they have not instead publicly tiously welcoming” the temporary dis- Church of England. missal of the North American churches is named the conservatives’ power trip as a missal of the two North American churches, Canterbury not the behaviour of the Global South bul- form of abuse, and their bullying as a fail- describing it as “disciplinary action” for Their strongest connection is that they lies. ure of Christian compassion and a form of “transgressing scriptural teaching”. are all in communion with the Archbishop It is the failure of more reasonable and judgementalism, against which Jesus Some media reports have suggested that of Canterbury, who is a “first among inclusive church leaders, of whom there are specifically preached. the leading traditionalist primate at the equals”, not a pope. significant numbers in the Western church This is the scriptural teaching to which Northern Ireland meeting, Nigerian But the issue of homosexuality has at least, to stand up to them, to refuse to they should require Anglican allegiance. Archbishop Peter Akinola, went even fur- become the rallying point for conservatives give way so readily in the name of preserv- As the saying goes, evil things happen ther, holding a celebratory dinner as the pri- in a determined campaign to impose their ing church unity. only when good people do nothing. mates’ statement was being finalized. views on the rest of the Church. The fragile unity left to the Anglican All this dramatic posturing has come Traditionalist Anglican churches in Communion is no unity at all. Dr. Muriel Porter, an Anglican about mainly because, in 2003, one Africa, Asia and South America, financed It is an unworthy appeasement, bought laywoman, writes regularly for The American diocese chose a gay priest, in an by shadowy right-wing American religious at the price of the many gay people who are Age, Melbourne, Australia, on religion. Appreciation for Canon Doran St. Luke’s, Hamilton, will celebrate shippping season St. Paul’s, Westdale, Hamilton, will hold an Appreciation Dinner St. Luke’s, Hamilton, will Harbour’ on April 3, 7 p.m. with A reception will be held after- April 3 for the Reverend Canon Patrick Doran. The Sunday Supper proclamation the ‘Opening of the an Evensong. The church will be wards in the Burn’s Hall. begins at 5 p.m. Shipping Season of Hamilton ‘dressed’ in a full array of flags . Everyone is welcome. The dinner is being held to honour the ministry of Canon Patrick Doran who is retiring. The meal will be served family style in the parish hall. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. To Could you reach out to help make a real difference reserve tickets, please call the church at 528-3724. in a child’s life this summer? Children’s Festival 2005 Program Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. $2 per person

Support St. Matthew’s House Camp Fund Undermount & Mohawk Regions Saturday, April 23, 2005 for disadvantaged kids. St. John the Evangelist, Hamilton With your help St. Matthew’s House hopes to send 100 children who face daily 320 Charlton Avenue West challenges of living in poverty to camp this summer. The average cost is approximately $300. per child. Individuals, parishes, groups and organizations can make summer For more information contact Susan Little - 905-528-3326 or Susanne camp a reality for kids whose families cannot afford camp fees. Campers’ families Adams - 905-575-1815 contribute what they can. If you wish to help sponsor a child, please send your donation to: Lincoln & Brock Regions St. Matthew’s House Camp Fund Saturday, April 30, 2005 St. Matthew’s House St. Columba, St. Catharines 414 Barton St. East 7 St. Columba Drive Hamilton, Ontario L8L 2Y3 For more information contact Every donation is greatly appreciated. Elizabeth Elliott - 905-935-3266 or Thank you for reaching out and making a difference in a child’s life. Beth Kerley - 905-685-1286 Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $10 or more.

Greater Wellington Region Saturday, May 7, 2005 Supported by the Children’s Ministry St. John’s, Elora Advisory Committee, Henderson St. & Smith St. Anglican Diocese of Niagara For more information contact Judy-Anne Chapman - 519-579-2996 8 NIAGARA ANGLICAN April 2005 A brief history of Christian beliefs about sex (A lecture at St. Christopher’s the sensuous poems in “Song of and again in the incar- sidered “the end of all things” to Burlington and St. George´s Songs” as an allegory of the rela- nation . be close at hand? Guelph, in 2004) tionship between Yahweh and Yet there are some Yet in his later letters (perhaps Israel. passages in the N.T., written by Paul’s followers and By BISHOP JOHN BOTHWELL Later, including words attributed to him, e.g. I Timothy), Christian attributed to both family ties for both men and his address is about sex, theolo- Jesus and St. Paul, women are encouraged. Tpolitics and religion. gians fol- that reflect negative- But Paul did clearly condemn Please note the plural “beliefs” is lowed ly on sex and even homosexuals (Romans 1:27, I used in the headline and might their on marriage. Corinthians 6:9, and I Timothy cause some Christians to protest. example by N.T. scholar 1:8-10). The New English Bible They might argue that regarding Elaine Pagels gives even uses the word “homosexual” Christian sexual standards never Jesus Christ some examples in instead of “effeminate abusers” in change because they were as “the her book “Adam, the Revised Standard Version. revealed by God long ago, and lover” and Eve and the Jesus’ teaching ignored homo- “God is the same, yesterday, to- His “loved Serpent” sexual acts, while St. Paul con- day and forever”. one” as the (Vintage Books: demned them. But Paul also said People however, grow and Church. Random House “women should be silent in the change, and so do their beliefs, (b) The two N.Y. 1988.) churches ... they are not permitted both within each lifetime and in Old Testament * In St. Matt to speak, but should be subordi- each new generation. Different texts most quot- 19:12 Jesus nate...” (I Cor. 14:34). attitudes towards sex are evident ed against commends If we no longer treat this latter even in the New Testament and homosexuality “eunuchs advice as binding, in the light of differences continued in sub-apos- deserve special (celibate men) modern knowledge, is St. Paul’s tolic times, and indeed, ever since. attention because for the attitude to homosexuals not ques- So the debate about Christian of our present Kingdom of tionable too ? sexual standards today is nothing controversies. Heavens (d) The conflicting attitudes new. GENESIS 19 sake”. And towards sexuality in the N.T. con- This brief history has three sec- tells the story of in Luke tinued among bishops and theolo- tions and a brief conclusion: Lot being visited by 23:29 Jesus gians throughout the first four 1. Biblical and other beliefs two strangers, and says “the centuries . about sex up to 400 B.C. how “the men of days are About 270 C.E., St. Anthony 2. The influential teachings of Sodom” surrounded coming renounced the wealthy life he had St. Augustine of Hippo and St. the house and when inherited to establish monasti- Thomas Acquinas. demanded the they cism, which in these early days 3. The modern challenge to tra- strangers be brought shall say was particularly ascetic and her- ditional views. out “so that we may ‘blessed mit-like. The concluding section is a know them”. are the A very large number of comment on “Blessing Gay Obviously, this is the wombs that never bore Christians, for the sake of their Unions.” origin of the word And and the breasts that never gave spiritual development, followed Inevitably, a brief history like “Sodomy”. they are followed in the suck.’ ” Anthony into a rigorous life of this is more anecdotal than Apparently, it was to very next verse (vs,19) by an order Negative tone loneliness and self-deprivation in exhaustive, but I believe it is accu- be non-consensual sex, ie. rape, that forbids “the sowing of two Some scholars suggest that the the North African desert, with no rate and demonstrates clearly that and incredibly, Lot offered his two different kinds of seed in a field, negative tone of verses like these company, no sex and as little food conflicting views about sex have virgin daughters as substitutes – and wearing a garment made of simply reflect Jesus’ conviction as possible. always posed a challenge for an offer that was declined. two different materials.” that the “New Age”, the end of For example, St. Simon of Christian people. In the ensuing tussle, the But since few modern people time, would soon come rather than Syria in order to prove his devo- attackers were struck blind and the treat these latter injunctions seri- a negative view of sex. Still, they tion and chastity wore a spiked BIBLICAL AND OTHER strangers warned Lot and his fam- ously, might not the order “not to are puzzling! girdle and lived on top of a pillar CHRISTIAN BELIEFS ily to flee because God would lie with a man as with a woman” * But in St. Matt. 19, Jesus for thirty years. Many others could UNTIL 400 C.E. destroy the city. They did flee and be regarded as questionable too? seems to contradict himself on the be sited too. Sodom was destroyed. (c) Identifying beliefs about matter of divorce. He surely must In this same period “the ever- (a) In the Old Testament, pagan Was homosexuality the cause sexuality in the New Testament is have known that divorce was per- virgin mother of Jesus” began, as sexual practices included a spec- of Sodom’s destruction? more difficult than you might mitted for Jewish males. Still in did “clergy celibacy”, although trum of activities, including pros- Echo imagine. Chapter 19, verse 6 he canonical compulsion in titution (male and female), abor- Many people believe so but Certainly, the New Testament prohibits it completely. this was not imposed tion, contraception, infanticide alternatively, many scholars say writers rejected the lax standards Then in verse 9, he until medieval times. and homosexual acts. that this incident is really “an of pagans – both those of the Old reverses himself and On the other hand, But Judaism itself had much echo” of the Noah story a few Testament “fertility cults” and says males can divorce Clement of Alexandria, higher standards. The clear pur- chapters earlier, and that Sodom those of the more sophisticated if the wife is unchaste. circa 150-225 C.E, took pose of sexuality was was destroyed because pagans in the Roman Empire. * Interestingly how- “a more liberal, urbane procreation. of general sinfulness, not Imperial Rome’s paganism was ever, in the N.T. Jesus and sophisticated view, Ancient Jews treated just for sexual reasons. quite different from the OT kind never utters a single and “denounced celibates God’s command “be II Peter 2:5-9, in the because it was deeply influenced word about homosexu- and beggars who claimed fruitful and multiply” New Testament seems to by “Hellenism”, the culture that ality. Some Christians RICHARD HOOKER to imitate the Lord.” (Gen. 1:22) very seri- support this view by cit- the Roman Empire inherited from claim that as a Jew, he (Pagels, P.21 ously. ing the Sodom and Noah Greece. just assumed that it was Clement even dared For Jews therefore, stories together as an Moral freedom unacceptable: but if it really is the to suggest that Jesus’ commenda- prostitution, abortion, example of “what is And while some Greek major sin that some claim it to be, tion of “eunuchs for the Kingdom infanticide and homo- coming to the ungodly philosophies stressed the control why did Jesus apparently, com- of Heaven’s sake” was puzzling, sexuality were all day after day by their of human passions, others encour- pletely ignore it ? and refused to treat it seriously. ST. THOMAS taboo. AQUINAS lawless deeds.” aged greater moral free- Move on then to St. Clearly therefore, while all However, Jewish LEVITICUS 18:22 dom. Paul’s N.T. epistles. In Christians in the early centuries patriarchs like Abraham, David however, condemns homosexual So Christians contin- his earlier letters (e.g. I wanted firm sexual standards, and Soloman did practice both acts very explicitly. It reads, “you ued to believe that strict Cor. 7:1-20 & 25-31) some sought greater strictness polygamy and divorce, although shall not lie with a male as with a sexual standards were Paul suggests that sexu- than others. only males could initiate these woman”. important, but also con- al activity, and even In Summary because males alone were consid- Biblical scholars identify this tinued to debate just marriage, diminishes the * In the N.T. and all through ered chiefly responsible for pro- verse as part of the “Holiness how strict they should ability of both partners the early centuries, there were creation. Code” which enunciates some be. “to devote their energies debates and disagreements about Notwithstanding this Jewish important moral principles along- The N.T. as a whole to the Lord”. sexuality, just as there are now. emphasis on procreation, the Old side others that were important in emphasizes “the ST. AUGUSTINE St. Paul Everyone agreed that standards Testament book “Song of Biblical days but appear more like Incarnation”, the belief Further, he expresses should be high, but just how high Solomon” celebrates physical love cultural taboos from our modern that in Jesus Christ, God entered the wish that everyone was matter of contention. for its own sake; and since the perspective. human life and experienced every could be a voluntary celibate “for * There is not even complete Hebrew Canon of Scripture was For example, “...you shall love aspect of it. the sake of the Kingdom of agreement between Jesus and St. edited by rabbis as a means of edi- thy neighbour as yourself”, the This means that our human Heaven”, like he was. Paul in the N.T. And very early, St. fying and regulating Jewish life, words quoted by Jesus as the bodies and all their normal func- This suggests that sex is not Clement found some of Jesus’ this is surprising. Second Great Commandment, tions, including sex, have been really bad, only distracting. Was word in the N.T. to be confusing. Apparently the rabbis regarded occur in Leviticus 19:18. doubly blessed –- first in Creation this because Paul, like Jesus, con- See A BRIEF / page 9 April 2005 NIAGARA ANGLICAN 9 A brief history of Christian beliefs about sex Continued from page 8 much of Augustine’s * Although not mentioned other theology above, many early Christians who was positive held negative attitudes to sex jus- and creative, tified their stand by insisting that his sexual the- in the Genesis story, Adam’s ology has been “Original Sin” was sexual. proven erro- But there were also those who neous by mod- insisted “Adam’s Sin” was dis- ern scientific obeying God, not sex. And this studies. I will argument continued through all say more about the centuries that followed. this later. Nevertheless, virtually all (c) In the ancient Jews and early Christians 13th Century, did agree that the chief purpose of Augustine’s sex was procreation, and con- view was pow- demned homosexual acts. erfully rein- THE TEACHING forced by St. Thomas Acquinas OF SAINT AUGUSTINE (1225-74). OF HIPPO AND SAINT On the basis of the philosophy THOMAS ACQUINAS. of the ancient Greek philosopher (a) First, some background. Aristotle, Acquinas developed a When the Roman Empire adopted great new system of Medieval the- Christianity as its official religion ology which is still widely circa 324 C.E., the Church passed respected today. from persecution to privilege. And But as Dr. Hans Kung points because Emperor Constantine out (in his book “The Catholic expected this new religion to pro- Church: A Short History”) vide the “cultural glue” that would Acquinas assumed, as Aristotle bind together his far-flung empire, had done, that the male is the sole bishops began to expect greater active procreating partner in sexu- conformity and unity in their al intercourse, and that the female the “Enlightenment” in 18th flocks. So a new era of theological “is exclusively receptive and pas- Century Europe, that time when and ethical definition began. sive.” (The existence of the ovum, human reason and freedom began Scriptura”, that the Bible is the and chances of this mortal life.” Christians known as woman’s reproductive cell, was to be emphasized in a manner sole authority in matters of faith, (d) In this spirit and in keeping “Gnostics” insisted that special not demonstrated until 1829). that challenged traditional wis- even when science and reason with a long Christian tradition, knowledge or “Gnosis” attained So St. Thomas, who was so dom. question some of its teaching . Canadian Anglicans have changed through mystical experiences was brilliant in many ways, described The “scientific method” was * And on the other side are our beliefs and practices about essential, in addition to baptism, women as “defective” and “failed developed and demanded “empiri- those who insist that Scripture, sexuality in several ways in recent in order to be truly Christian. men”. cal” (tangible, measurable data) as Tradition and Reason are all years. Here are just a few exam- But gradually, they and many Acquinas also developed the the foundation for human reason essential authorities. ples: other believers with special teach- doctrine of “Natural Law”, by and study, rather than just person- (c) Since the time of Richard • Even in the old Book of ing, including special sexual which he meant those parts of al opinions or traditional beliefs. Hooker (1554-1600 C.E.) Common Prayer, the Marriage teaching, were accused of heresy God’s Law which are known Thus, “Divine Revelation” was Classical Anglicanism has Service declares that marriage if and condemned. The Church’s through human reason, and dare questioned for not being provable embraced the latter view. for “mutual society, help and com- structure was hardening, although not be disobeyed. scientifically: and this produced a Although there have been dis- fort” as well as for “the procre- there was still lots of debate. Clearly, this is the origin of the “crisis of faith” for some religious senters of course, usually ation of children”. Saints Robert Markus, an English pro- still very common belief that people. This was happening just as Anglicanism has sought a reason- Augustine and Acquinas would fessor of Medieval studies sug- homosexual acts are “unnatural”. empirical science was beginning able “via media” between consci- not agree with that! gests that Christian attitudes to It was assumed right up until to transform and enrich human life entious conflicting opinions, as • In the 1958 Lambeth sexuality were becoming less modern times that animal sex is enormously. Hooker recommended. Conference Report, it is stated that polarized about 400 C.E. exclusively for procreation, and (b) Many Christians embraced In Reformation times it was “family planning ought to be the Marriage as “a partnership of therefore that procreation must be modernity and came to regard reli- between Rome and Protestantism: result of thoughtful and prayerful equals” was being suggested and its sole Divine purpose for gious faith and scientific knowl- and later when modern science Christian decision”, an explicit monasticism was becoming much humans as well. edge as important in the quest for arose, between scientists and statement condoning responsible less rigorous. Some modern evidence to the answers to life’s mysteries. those who hold Sola Scriptura birth control. However, a formerly prolific contrary however, was summa- Archbishop William Temple of beliefs. • As a result, The Book of pagan named Aurelius Augustine rized in an article in the Globe and Canterbury in the 1940s, articulat- This is the reason for the three Alternative Services’ Marriage came along to reinforce Christian Mail on April 24, 2004. I will out- ed their view in these famous very different types of believers Rite goes further than the B.C.P. distrust of sexuality. line it later. words: “The theologian who quar- that Anglicanism embraces:- by saying that “man and wife may (b) In 395 C.E., Augustine Like Augustine, there is no rels with science on its own * High Church people who know each other with delight and became Bishop of Hippo in North doubt that Acquinas made an ground is a presumptuous fool. love Catholic theology & worship; tenderness in acts of love.” So sex Africa and one of the most influ- important contribution to But the scientist who quarrels with * Low church members who can be enjoyed! ential Christian theologians of all Christian theology. theology on its own ground, is no prefer Protestant ideas; Augustine and Acquinas must time. But their sexual theology is better! If there is mutual respect * And Broad church folks with be turning over in their graves! His most important teaching seriously outdated today, because and a common reverence for truth concern for religion & science. • Further, in spite of St. Paul’s for our purposes was aimed at they did not know what modern in all its forms, there still may be In my view, these three distinct explicit prohibition, women to- refuting an English monk named science would discover many cen- divergence (of opinion) but there “church parties” are not a problem day do not “keep silent in church”. Pelagius who taught that although turies later. God never changes – will be no quarrel.” that needs solving, but a helpful They may be lay readers, church the Grace of God is essential for but people and circumstances do! Other Christians however, and reminder that even devout and wardens, priests and bishops,- salvation, personal moral effort is (d) Since the 16th Century, people of other faiths too, simply serious Church people have diver- thank God ! important too. many Protestant Christians and could not accept a religion/science gent understandings of our com- • Responsible marriage after Augustine contradicted this in secular thinkers have been critical partnership. Many still can’t. mon beliefs. divorce is recognized too, despite his “Confessions”, by recalling his of the Augustine/Acquinas teach- Most of these respect science Like all humans, we Christians the N.T. words from Jesus own overwhelming sexual passion ing about sexuality. But the and welcome its benefits, but still are “pilgrims and sojourners” here Himself that forbids it, or at least earlier in his life, and insisting that Vatican still honours them and insist that when scientific discov- on earth, and absolute certainty is limits it to males with “unfaithful God’s Grace alone can overcome exerts constant pressure in support eries conflict with religious not available to us here and now. wives”. such powerful desires. of them. Different views are held dogma as defined in the Bible, the As St. Paul wrote, “...now we SOME THOUGHTS ON Further, he identified uncon- by many Roman Catholics outside Koran or by some other “infallible see in a mirror dimly...“ (I Cor. BLESSING GAY UNIONS. trollable sexual desire as the the Vatican. authority”, then religious truth 13:12); and again, “... we walk by Some people still regard homo- “Original Sin” and taught that it is For the discovery of the female must have the final word. faith not sight (ie, certainty).” (II sexuality as “unnatural”; some transmitted to every newborn per- ovum in 1829, and more recently In other words, religious truth Cor.5:7) Christians regard it as a sin; and son through the male semen at the that there is homosexuality always trumps scientific discover- Serious debates are inevitable others imagine, with no real evi- moment of conception. Thus, sex- amongst animals, together with ies, in their opinion. amongst us, and tradition and rea- dence, that gays are especially ual intercourse is sinful, except for other scientific discoveries have Therefore Christians (and son are important tools in under- likely to be to sexual predators. the purpose of procreation, and changed everything and intensi- believers of other faiths) often dis- standing Holy Scripture, so that Even amongst those who are even then it should be as dispas- fied controversy, as we shall see. agree amongst themselves. i.e. we are not guided by personal more accepting, many feel uncer- sionate as possible. MODERN CHALLENGE * On one side are those who feelings or group pressure as we tain about whether “gay unions” believe in the doctrine of “Sola Notwithstanding the fact that (a) It began in earnest during struggle to cope with “the changes See BRIEF / page 10 10 NIAGARA ANGLICAN April 2005 Going ‘round in circles Labyrinth Prayer Path Ministry in Niagara By THE REVEREND hall floor. CANON ELAINE HOOKER The Reverend Canon Paddy Doran brought the labyrinth to this lot has happened in the last diocese and with patience, skill Afew years that has made and wisdom created this beautiful the Labyrinth ministry popular. replica. Our world is beginning to I lead walks in a number of value things of the imagination. churches in the diocese with a full The circles and spirals of the natu- size Chartre’s heavy canvas ral world are more interesting as labyrinth. It belongs to my home metaphor for our lives than parish, St. George’s, St. straight lines and squares. Catharines. I delight in leading labyrinth Survive and Thrive grant walks for spiritual seekers as well The Survive and Thrive grant as those who walk as regular spir- also made possible the purchase of itual disciplines. two 18-foot canvas labyrinths. It is thanks to a Survive and One is a smaller Chartre’s, one Thrive grant that I was able to fin- piece, light canvas labyrinth that ish my training at Grace Cathedral fits most smaller parish halls and in San Francisco, becoming a is easy to carry. The other is the LABYRINTH WALKERS MAKE their way around the labyrinth under the watchful eye of Canon Veriditas Facilitator. Creation spiral labyrinth that has Elaine Hooker. On April 9, St. George’s, St. Catharines, hosts a springtime walk. St. Paul’s, Hamilton become popular with young folk The Reverend Cheryl Fricker (adults enjoy it, too.). This is the the Creation labyrinth or the lead them yourself? A springtime Please register in advance for also finished her training at the work of artist Mary Jo Gordon, of smaller Chartre’s, please call Jane walk will be held April 9 at St. the afternoon workshop with same time. We lead walks at St. Guelph and is a beautiful treasure. Stewart in the Diocesan Program George’s, 83 Church St., St Canon Hooker (905) 643-7095 or Paul’s in Westdale, Hamilton, at There are several parish walks Department at (905) 527-1316 Catharines. The program will [email protected]. 7:30 p.m. on the third Sunday of coming up, so watch your church ext. 420. include a walk in the morning A donation to the breakfast each month. This is with the per- bulletin. Are you interested in learning from 9 until noon. A workshop program at St. George’s is most manent full size Chartre’s on the If your parish would like to use more about labyrinths, perhaps will be held from 1-3 p.m. appreciated. Brief history of Christian views about sex

Continued from page 9 article entitled “The Gay Wild “Couchiching Conference” that United Church has already done). do not want them to “break should be blessed in church or Kingdom” in the Globe and Mail, “religion must have an ethical We should also make sure that Communion” with us: and if they described as “marriage”. (April 24, 2004). component ... (but that) religion is there is a “conscience clause” for do, that our fellowship and altars Most doubters are certainly It reported that studies at a a human activity, and like sex, it’s dissenters, (at least for a few still remain be open to them. sincere, but they are more numer- sheep station in Dubois, Iowa, hard to get it right.” years), just as we did for those For as we say so often in the ous amongst people over 50 and found that about 8-10 per cent of Still, historical and scientific evi- who opposed Ordination of Eucharist: “We, being many, are those without post-secondary edu- rams shun willing females in pref- dence, together with modern Women nearly three decades ago. One Body”; not because we cation, so this may be a “genera- erence for other males; and that Biblical studies, have led many of Because “change takes time”, always agree. “We are One Body” tional problem”. sexual preference is biologically us to the conviction that the con- and requiring immediate change because in our Baptism, we are all However, Dr. Ian Hay, a retired determined, possibly before birth. tinuing rejection of homosexual would condemn those who are joined to Jesus Christ. Burlington physician who was The Globe article also claimed acts is rooted in fear, misinforma- slow for conscientious reasons – And according to St. John, skeptical about homosexuality, that gay rams are not alone tion, and/or “Sola Scriptura” or because, in all sincerity, they Jesus said, “This is my command- now reports that his Internet because Prof. Perkins, chair of the beliefs which though sincere, simply don’t understand.This ment, that you love one another as search produced recent biological Psychology Department at Carroll seem to me unreasonable. would be especially true in the I have loved you” (St. John 15:12) and genetic evidence indicating College in Montana, has noted Inclusive “younger churches” of the Third Making appropriate changes in that homosexuality in insects and that “there is homosexual behav- However, lack of respect for World, where most Christians still the light of Scripture, tradition and rats is caused by hormonal and iour throughout the animal king- other people’s conscientious con- hold Sola Scriptura views for reason and doing all we can to genetic differences. These find- dom documented all over the victions, even if they seem mistak- valid historical and cultural rea- preserve mutual respect and one ings are not yet finally proven place, ranging from lesbian en, is unacceptable in an inclusive sons. fellowship are both Christian pending further studies amongst macaque monkeys in the forests of community like the Church. Special care must be taken imperatives! humans, but they are strong Japan, to gay penguins at Central We Christians, like Jews and also, to assure dissenters that we enough to convince Dr. Hay to Park Zoo in New York.” Muslims, affirm the ancient change his mind. Author Karen Armstrong O.T. Law “ ... love your Further data appeared in an pointed out at this year’s neighbour as yourself” (Lev.19:18) as God’s Second Great 13th Annual Niagara A W A R E Commandment. A women s weekend away Therefore, in my opin- ion, amongst Christians both homophobia and too Whom Have I But Y ou. ready dismissal of the sin- cere convictions of Biblical Ps. 73:25 literalists are equally unac- ceptable, especially those in the Third World. Most April 29, 30 to May 1, 2005 “Third World” Christians Guelph Bible Conference Centre may have a less sophisticat- Guest speaker is Nancy Revie ed understanding of both the Bible and modern science For registration information cont act Sharon Jenkins at than we, due to the normal, 905-849-6627 or email [email protected]. Cost is inevitable “culture lag”. That is why I am con- $215. Early bird special vinced that Canadian gov- ernments and the Anglican Come travel with women of the Bible Church should endorse and discover their relationship with God. “Gay Unions” now, (as the April 2005 NIAGARA ANGLICAN 11 A passion for learning, teaching hood, so they can find a place in time as an Aircraft Systems the faith community. It’s amazing Getting Engineer. Promoted to Captain, to be involved in a job like that!” Judy served with Search and “Ask and Imagine” comple- to Know You Rescue on P.E.I. as Maintenance ments her work as co-ordinator of Officer, before being posted to Christian Education at the Church The Rev. Canon Ottawa to work on systems engi- of the Transfiguration, St. Fran Darlington neering in anti-submarine warfare. Catharines. She’s been there since “About that time, I thought, ‘I March 1, 2002. encouraged to sign up on AYPO at could be doing something to be Judy’s energy, creativity and www.askandimagine.org/aypo . more of a help to the world, to use enthusiasm enliven her “really Other pies? Judy is a member my gifts in a more creative and firm commitment to seeing liturgy of the Candidates Committee for life-giving way.’” as an opportunity for transforma- the Diocese of Niagara (part of the Judy left the military to go to tion by the way Scripture and his- discernment process for ordi- university, “definitely responding tory are communicated… for nands), and very involved with to an emerging sense of call.” learning as well as for prayer ... Canterbury Hills Camp program. At university in Ottawa, work- “It’s wonderful to be in a parish She teaches a module in Team ing towards her BA in theology where there are a lot of creative Ministry Formation for the and psychology, Judy attended a people and energy and desire to Diocese of Michigan’s education vocations conference in Niagara, draw on the gifts of the whole program, which is run by Huron and heard about the Centre for community and invite people to be College. Christian Studies in Toronto. part of … telling the story. Involved in congregational “I thought, ‘Great! This is what “They're always wonderful! development, group formation I want to do!’” People’s experience and reflec- and team building within and L’Arche tions are a vital part of the story.” beyond the diocese, Judy com- Graduating from CCS, Judy Special programs ments, eyes sparkling, “I'm really joined the staff at Richmond Hill’s The parish gets involved in excited about doing experiential L’Arche community, a worldwide JUDY STEERS IS program director of Ask and Imagine, and a special programs for festivals, education with groups. I think I’ve sheltered program created by Jean especially Holy Week when pre- Vanier for developmentally chal- licensed layworker at the Church of the Transfiguration, St. learned from young people how sentations develop awareness of transformational experiential edu- lenged people. She has been in Catharines. the meaning of Christ’s passion in cation really is!” Niagara since 2000, and lives in udy Steers’ quick, compas- Her application arrived three today’s broken world. Judy proclaims “my big pas- Fonthill with her children, Emily, Jsionate mind, bubbling days after the grant was awarded. “Each year we do something sion is science and theology,” an 8, and William 6, her partner and humour and vibrant enthusiasm “In the interview process, it different... (to) relate (themes of area she teaches in parish pro- two cats. are all essentials in her busy life as seemed like a good fit…” the Passion) to who we are.” grams, at “Ask and Imagine,” and In her busy life, Judy knows program director of “Ask and Given the grant proposal, Judy Judy comments on contempo- at Newman Theological College the importance of play, saying, “I Imagine”. was told, “Pull people together rary exploration of Scripture: “It’s in Edmonton. do a little bit of a lot of things. I’m She’s also a licensed Lay work- from Huron College, the Anglican not so much the stories, but how Anglican family a stand-up comic” with “an ambi- er for the Diocese of Niagara at Diocese of Huron, parish ministry we read Scripture. The stories are Judy comes from a committed tion to do stand-up comedy at 75!” the Church of the Transfiguration, and young people themselves. trying to tell us about our relation- Anglican family. From five to 23, She’s going to learn to scuba- St. Catharines. Then ask the question, ‘If we ship with God, where we came Judy was a member of St. Philip’s, dive in the Caribbean, “a birthday Based at Huron College, the could do anything, what is the best from, why we’re here.” Montreal West. Her parents, now present to myself.” Anglican theological college at thing we could do to engage She asks a pointed question: members of St. Jude’s, Oakville, Judy skates and swims with her the University of Western Ontario, youth?’’ “What are we teaching our six- were “part of the mass children. She reads, skis, and is a “Ask and Imagine” is a program Developing a vision and creat- year-olds that they don’t have to Anglophone exodus from Quebec “highly enthusiastic participant in offering Anglican youth opportu- ing a name for the program, “We unlearn when they’re 16?” in the early 1980s.” the high ropes course at ‘Ask and nities to explore, develop and inte- toyed with various ideas, song Adult education too “has to be Judy joined the military Imagine.’” grate theology, personal spiritual titles… part of a piece, not trying to pro- reserves at 16, went to college to Our youth, our diocese, and our formation, community building, ‘Leapt out’ mote unlearning, but to teach peo- study music, left to travel Europe, national Church are enriched with leadership skills, and a personal “Programs in the Diocese of ple not to be afraid to ask for ques- lived in England for a time, and Judy’s energy, enthusiasm and worldview. Toronto have taken many titles tions, look for what holds water.” came back to Canada to do a creativity, not to mention her Partnered but not funded by the from our liturgy. ‘Ask and Judy’s passion for learning diploma in Engineering sense of humour and all the lively Anglican Church of Canada, the Imagine’ just leapt out of the dox- opportunities includes interfaith Technology. questions and exclamation marks program offers two 10-day ses- ology! connections, helping people to She joined the military full- she puts before us! sions to transform and focus “It represents deep questions of “see parallels between young lives. There is one for peo- faith at the same time as dreams Christianity and other traditions. It ple aged 18 - 24, and another for and visions for the Church and the actually reinforces (our) faith (to CALLING YOUTH OF THE DIOCESE! high school students, at Huron world… see) how much (we) have in com- College and Niagara's Canterbury “Those words stick with me mon with other religions.” Hills. because I remember all I have ‘Multiplicity of pies’ CHILI CHOWDOWN Beyond Sunday School done and learned.” (For informa- Grinning, Judy admits to “a In 1998, invited by the Lilly tion, call 519-438-7224 ext 251, multiplicity of pies in which I find & YOUTH PRAISE Endowment Corporation (LEC) to or www.askandimagine.org .) my fingers.” consider experimenting with theo- In the first months of hectic She is working with other vol- SERVICE logical programs for high school activity, “we had our first meet- unteers through the Primate’s students and to apply for a grant ings in Feb. 1999, to put on a pro- Office to nurture the Primate’s for that purpose, Huron College gram in August, to come up with Youth Initiative, part of Saturday, April 23rd at St. John the Divine, 37 posed the question: “What if we the name and a brochure!” Archbishop Andrew Hutchison’s Ottawa St. N., Cayuga. Event begins at 5 p.m. in open up the seminary to young The hard work paid off for sev- commitment to develop a frame- the church hall downstairs with a Chili Supper students, making available to enteen youth from across Ontario work of Youth Ministry followed by a Youth Praise Service, in the them the type of inquiry available and two from Nunavut, in what Initiatives. to seminarians, going beyond Judy happily calls a “phenomenal One of those is Anglican Young Church, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with snacks to fol - Sunday School level questions to success!” She’s still in touch with People Online, AYPO, which low. Please call to RSVP the Church office with explore deeper faith, world issues, several participants. Two are men- “brings the old AYPA into a 21st approximate numbers: (905) 772 - 5077. and the encounter of faith with tors this year. Century context.” real life?” An article on “Ask and AYPO connects "groups of five Asked how she got involved, Imagine” in CCS’s quarterly pub- kids of similar age and interests Directions: Take Hwy #6 south (near Hamilton airport) Judy’s eyes sparkle: “I heard lication, Tapestry, began with the across Canada." Judy explains, through Caledonia. Turn left at centre of town onto Hwy through the grapevine that Huron words “Judy Steers has a dream “Eighty percent of the #54. Follow to Cayuga. Turn right on Echo St. just past had applied for the grant. I thought job.” Anglican Church is rural. Many the Town Office Buildings, short block, turn left onto I had all the skillset, a combina- Judy herself says, “My real young people feel isolated, so this Ottawa St., Church on your right. tion of… my formation and expe- passion is to mentor and accompa- is a way for them to connect.” rience. So I applied!” ny youth on their journey to adult- Youth are welcome and 12 NIAGARA ANGLICAN April 2005 Evensong is alive and well By CHRISTINE PRIESTMAN will indeed be able to face the challenges of a new day when Evensong is alive and well. morning has broken again. Some people would think that was The service is ended and we an oxymoron, but nothing could leave the sanctuary in the same be further from the truth as was quiet manner in which we entered. soon realized at All Saints Church But we are not the same. in Erin on Feb. 6. Something ancient has rekin- Like a mighty giant roused dled our hearts, making them from slumber, 110 faithful rose in fresh and new once more. It is that one motion while the rush of angel old-fashioned blessing from God Family Retreat wings fill the air as any dusty and from being with one another. Numerous families from across the diocese enjoyed a winter family retreat at Canterbury Hills Feb notion of having the doldrums is And all this from an ancient BCP 4-6. Families played, prayed and worshiped together and enjoyed an uplifting Eucharist based on swept from the sanctuary. Evensong. This is a traditional BCP When people dust off their old- “God’s Paintbrush” by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso. The event was sponsored by Niagara Children’s Evensong but the people’s hearts fashioned, traditional longing and Ministry. Also very popular were the puppetry shows, wonderful meals, and beautiful facilities, were attuned to the love for God and let Family Cabaret, high and low ropes initiatives, children & youth programs, relationship workshop, truth of the opening it move them in scrapbooking workshop, family ritual workshops and much more were all enjoyed. Thanks to all sentence and the ‘It is a service sundry places once who helped out especially to leaders Rev. Vicki Edgeworth-Pitcher, Rev. Owen Ash, Jane Stewart, surge of emotion to assist people more, something is Lindsay Stewart, Heather Grant and Marc Jenkins. was unanimous as to leave behind bound to happen. the Reverend Amy Evensong is an Cousineau put voice the cares of the day ancient, traditional ‘Partnership Sunday’ proclaimed May 1 to why we have all for God’s peace Anglican service t its annual Synod in 1998, The Dioceses of Cuba and als will be sent to parish Partners come. and assurance that which was experi- Athe Diocese of Niagara Niagara have joined to annually in Mission’s representatives after ‘I was glad when enced more fre- began a journey with the Diocese declare the first Sunday in May Easter. they said unto me, all shall be well.’ quently in days of Cuba – the Iglesia Episcopal de “Partnership Sunday”. It is a time The companion diocese pro- let us go into the long ago. The set- Cuba. to celebrate similarities and gifts. gram is coordinated by the house of the LORD’. Psalm ting is in the Book of Common It has been a journey of prayer, On May 1, churches through- Partners In Mission committee, 122.1. Prayer. It’s purpose is to bring learning and mutual support. out Niagara and Cuba will join in which operates within the The presence of God has come people together to worship God at In November 2003, the part- worship to celebrate this wonder- Division of Outreach. to be with us. The spirits of those the end of the day. nership with Cuba was extended ful partnership. If you would like to know who have handed the tradition It is a service to assist people to until December this year. One of the goals of more about Partners in Mission, down from generation to genera- leave behind the cares of the day Throughout the life of the “Partnership Sunday” is to raise please contact Karen Nowicki at tion are finally satisfied that in exchange for God’s peace and partnership, the two dioceses have awareness of our partnership and the Synod office 905-527-1316 Evensong will do what it was assurance that all shall be well. had the opportunity to work facilitate the process of learning ext. 380 or visit our website at meant to do. In Niagara Diocese there are together as partners in many dif- about life and worship in Cuba. http://www.niagara.anglican.ca/o Hymns five parishes that get together ferent ways. “Partnership Sunday” materi- utreachanglican.htm The words of the hymns are three times through the year to poured out from prayerful hearts offer Evensong. as people turn their thoughts It is circulated over a two-year Cathedral Shoppe importing from Bethlehem toward God, seeking comfort and period between these five parishes consolation at the end of the day. and the priests of these parishes he Cathedral Shoppe now selling the goods. The principle supplier is a 13th Scriptures are read and prayers do a wonderful job of organizing Tcarries devotional and gift Troubles in the area have con- generation Arab Christian operat- are prayed with passion and it. Each priest may invite a guest items, mostly in olive wood, from tributed to a decline in tourism as ing from a location in Manger authority by clergy. The, “amen” preacher for the evening they host Bethlehem. well as a decline in the numbers of Square. He employs a number of that follows is heartfelt and sure. Evensong. There are choir repre- Retired teacher Bob Native Christians. Crafters and carvers, who depend on him for The cantor rings out the words sentatives from each of these Bridgemen, who lives in carvers have had a difficult time their living. of the Psalm and the response is parishes and as a result the choir Pickering, Ontario, has a dedicat- making a living, often selling Olive wood repeated again and again, each can rage in number from 30 to 45 ed interest in promoting these below a fair price. Profits from the The olive wood used for carv- time resounding in agreement. voices at any service. goods to support Palestinian Shoppe are directed to outreach ing does not threaten producing The 30-voice choir takes us to The parish which hosts the Christian carvers and artisans. and the sale of these goods, of trees, but is gleaned from the trim- the quiet, healing waters edge as Evensong puts on a lovely lunch- He contacted the Shoppe about itself, is an outreach project. ming and pruning, necessary to they sing the beautiful 23 Psalm eon following the service where, keep the trees productive. and then later, petition the Lord on tea, coffee, wine, and juice are Two brands of Fair Trade cof- behalf of us all in prayerful offered. Plates of assorted sand- Altar, credence, lectern & book stand fee beans have also been intro- melody with, Lead Me, Lead Me, wiches and sweets along with duced, and are available at the Lord. platters of cheese and crackers, Shoppe. We hear the life-giving mes- and fruit and veggies are also gen- The Shoppe has been enjoying sage which God has sent to us erously offered. a steadily growing business since through Archdeacon Marion Five years opening at Easter 2004. Vincett. It has now been five years that Purchases can be made from Her words comfort and yet we have enjoyed this traditional inventory or ordered from the strengthen the same time. They service together and it has become Anglican Book Centre. fill us with renewed hope that we one of the highlights in the Church calendar year for each of these communities. The parishes involved in this The Christ s Church traditional Anglican Evensong are Altar, credence, lectern & book stand, suitable for chapel, All Saints, Erin, where The mission or side altar. Designed by an engineer and built by Reverend Amy Cousineau is Cathedral Shoppe priest. St. Mark’s, Orangeville, a blacksmith. Five foot wooden mensa 1½" thick with where The Rev. Peter Scott is inserted stone, steel pedestal base. Lectern & book stand is open Priest. St. Alban’s on the Hill, all steel; credence wooden top, steel base. Free to Anglican, Grand Valley, where The Rev. Devotional books, gif t items, cards, and Susan Wilson is Priest. St. Paul’s, Lutheran, Orthodox or Catholic with most worthy need. Anglican Book Centre publications. Shelburne where The Rev. Photographs available. 1½" brass candlesticks, linens and W e look forward to seeing you Richard Moorse is Priest. And the dust cover available. No cross or crucifix. Will need a van, Anglican Parish of Mono where when you visit your Cathedral. The Rev. Barbara Hammond is truck or car with large trunk. Base 130lb, mensa 45lb, (905) 527-1316 Priest. lectern 50lb. Location : Niagara-on-the lake, Ontario. 252 James St. North, Hamilton Christine Priestman is a parishioner of All Saints Church, Erin. April 2005 NIAGARA ANGLICAN 13 Ontario Home Care Association Road to recovery helping folks stay home longer Home health-care allowed Dolores to ome care has evolved by responding to changes in delivery allow more treatment interven- convalesce in the comforts of home Hchanges that have occurred in the hospital tions at home versus in hospital sector. There have been bed closures, increases in Continued movement from facility-based to home By DIANA HUTTON ambulatory care clinics, and day surgeries. and community-based care Editor Long-term care facilities were also subjected to Changing public-private mix and increasing avail- change which resulted in waiting lists for beds, with ability of private services ome health-care allowed Dolores Janisse, 71, to conva- limited availability. Changing and growing human resource pressures Hlesce at home from a serious staff infection. After spend- As a result, home Expanding use of in-home medical technology to ing three weeks in hospital in January, Dolores was able to return care has emerged as an improve service delivery to the home she shares with her husband, Raymond, 81, knowing integral component of Strengthening data and information systems for a health-care worker would look in on her and give her a hand Canada’s health-care program planning an evaluation. every day. system and essential to OHCA Son John Janisse, a member of the Publishers Advisory Board its sustainability. The Ontario Home Care Association is an organi- of the Niagara Anglican, said he and his brothers were grateful Home and commu- zation of home health and social care service for the professional support the family received during that diffi- nity care comprises providers. cult time. 4.25 per cent of over- OHCA members deliver nursing care, home sup- “Mom was afraid of going all spending on health- port services, personal care, physiotherapy, occupa- home,” John said. “She was not at care within provincial tional therapy, social work. all sure she could manage with just budgets. Executive director of the OHCA is Susan (Sue) D. dad to help out.” SUSAN Maximizing indi- VanderBent, B.A., BSW, MSW, MHSc, CHE. The drama began just after VANDERBENT vidual health requires A Hamilton native and “enthusiastic member” of Christmas, when Dolores began to many inter-related the Church of the Ascension in Hamilton, Ms. Executive Director experience severe pain in her hip, services including ill- VanderBent currently represents the OHCA on unlike the pain to which she was Ontario Home Care ness prevention, health numerous Ministry of Health committees, the Association accustomed. Scheduled for hip promotion and protec- Ontario Health Providers Alliance, the Alliance for replacement surgery, her condition tion, diagnosis, treat- Community Care and the Ontario Community was deteriorating. ment / cure, rehabilitation, support and maintenance, Services Research and Evaluation Network. “Things got worse and all of a palliation, and social adaptation and integration. She has a distinguished background in health- sudden, the pain just went over the DOLORES JANISSE Home-care programs provide components of all care. Prior to joining the OHCA, Ms. VanderBent top and an ambulance was called,” these services by integrating health-care delivery was the Director of Rehabilitation Services and said John. services in home settings with com- Social Work at St. Admitted to Hotel Dieu, in Windsor, doctors’ first job was to munity services like Meals on Joseph’s Hospital, try to control the pain.That took several days. “She was in Wheels, respite care, volunteer serv- Hamilton, Ontario. agony,” John said. ices, etc. As part of that role, Medical tests Home care functions as a bridge she managed the St. Once the pain was better controlled, doctors ordered tests to between the various settings of care, Joseph’s Centre for see what was causing the pain. In the mean time, to the horror of including acute care hospitals, emer- Acute Injury her family, Dolores was diagnosed with malnutrition. gency rooms, supportive living, long- Rehabilitation, a “That really frightened us because mom has always eaten well term care facilities, hospices, and the business of the St. and was still eating,” he said. “We knew something was wrong.” physician’s office. Joseph’s Health Days later, Dolores was diagnosed with a staff infection in her These linkages enable home-care Centre Corporation. deteriorating hip. She was began a course of antibiotic treatment. programs to meet patients needs in an Ms. VanderBent As treatment dragged on in hospital, however, Dolores individualized and comprehensive was a member of the seemed to be getting worse emotionally. The family rallied to her manner. This goes beyond physical Sub-Care Task bedside, taking turns to keep her spirits up. and mental health care to social sup- Force for the Health John was convinced his mother would recover more quickly ports as well. Services and comfortably at home. Home and community care goals Restructuring But Dolores was still afraid to leave the hospital. include health promotion and teach- Commission and is “She didn’t understand what homecare could look like,” John ing, curative intervention, end-of-life intimate with the said. The oldest of four Janisse sons, John lives with his partner, care, informal caregiver support, pro- long-term care sys- Chris Grabiec, in Hamilton, only two brothers live nearby in vision of service to support, inde- tem in Ontario. She Windsor. The other lives in Toronto. The family couldn’t provide pendence and optimize functioning, co-chaired the the help their mother was going to need. And she knew it. and social adaptation and integration. Hamilton- Home health-care Home-care programs across Canada are trying to Wentworth Quick Response Project, a successful John began to investigate home health-care as an option. The stretch limited health-care resources to provide project which included several innovative design Community Care Action Centre (CCAC) determined Dolores did health and social support services to patients in need features unique to Ontario. need some assistance but not as much as John believed was nec- of assistance to remain at home. Ms. VanderBent is particularly interested in the essary. The family decided on home visits once a day for an hour In Ontario, publicly funded home care services area of continuity of care, systems management and and a half. are co-ordinated by Community Care Access Centres transition planning which supports integrated care “We figured the worker could come in, help mom bathe and (CCACs), which are publicly funded agencies that delivery. prepare a good breakfast,” John said. “We knew dad could han- provide information about care options. “I believe with a truly integrated support system, dle the rest.” CCACs were established by the Ministry of a person can choose to live at home for as long as In a matter of days, Dolores began to improve. With the assis- Health and Long-Term Care in 1996. There are 43 he/she wishes,” Ms. VanderBent said. “We certainly tance of some “wonderful” workers, life took on a more opti- CCACs throughout Ontario. have all the supports available to assist a person mistic view. In addition to government funded care, people wanting to stay home for as long as possible.” “I think people get better faster when they’re home instead of wanting to stay at home may access services by pur- Ms. VanderBent, a Certified Health Executive, is in a hospital,” John said. “Obviously there are times when people chasing services privately or accessing private insur- on faculty at McMaster University, Faculty of Health need to be in the hospital. But after a long hospital stay, I think ance or benefit plans (e.g. private health insurance). Sciences, a guest lecturer at the University of home is better when you’re convolescing.” While it is generally accepted that home and com- Toronto, Department of Health Administration and is That can only happen, however, if supports are in place to munity services enhance quality of life, are cost- an accomplished speaker. assist an ailing person at home. John is a big fan of home health- effective and prevent unnecessary hospitalization, She has spoken to many groups, both provincial- care for obvious reasons. emergency room admissions and premature institu- ly and federally, regarding long-term and communi- John said his mother is doing “very well” these days. While tionalization, funding of the sector is not a priority. ty care, continuity of care, communication skills her hip replacement surgery was postponed to allow for the However, pressures to increase resources in this management, integrated care delivery systems for infection to clear completely, she is able to accomplish most area will continue due to: patients and the role and value of the private sector things on her own. Growing expenditures as a result of consumer in home health and social care provision. And when mom’s doing well, so is the family. preferences and acuity changes, growing reliance on For more information about home health-care the sector, an aging population and health care services or providers, contact the Ontario Home Care reform Association, 19 Melrose Avenue South, Hamilton, Changing profile of users in many provinces/ter- Ontario L8M 2Y4. Telephone (905) 543-9474 Fax: S pecial rates for ritories (905) 545-1568 or Email : [email protected] Increasing acuity/complexity of client caseload as From the website www.homecareontario.ca churches & seniors, free custom tint s, free Next month, an inspiring interview with Sue VanderBent, 33 Princess St., Hamilton parking executive director of the Ontario Home Care Association 905/529-2205 or 905/529-2983 14 NIAGARA ANGLICAN April 2005 Small churches: A question of attitude? By CAROL SUMMERS or almost everyone. work. St. John, York, is a small Beyond knowing one anoth- In a small church everyone is “We are only a small parish” but vital church in the er, there’s a sense of “family”. known by name and has an identi- “We can’t do ministries Almost everyone feels (and ty within the community. People because we don’t have enough diocese. is) important and needed. are missed if they are not in their people” Organizational functioning place on a Sunday. Close bonds “We can’t offer all the is simple rather than complex and are more important than numbers. communication is rapid (!) Large churches draw people Church-of-the-Huge-Budget Small churches are known from great distances but small offers so people won’t want to by their personalities. churches draw from their sur- come here” Mission is understood in rounding community, one they personal and immediate terms. know well. o any of these phrases pass The minister is expected to This intimate relationship gives Dyour lips or ears? Do you be a pastor, friend and generalist. the church the ideal opportunity to belong to a small parish? Do you The small church is the bib- provide what the community feel you should try to follow the lical model. needs. large, successful, urban church People oriented Insight model and failing miserably, feel More likely to laugh and cry The small church has an insight inadequate and wonder if you than large churches. into the well-being and the soul of should give up the seemingly end- Primary activity is worship. the area of which it is a part. We less struggle? Operates on fluid people should take a look at our I heard some good news This attitude has set a standard healthy because it has seven chil- time (seasonal) resources, the community and recently for my parish and me and for success in our churches.But, dren and another family is Most parishioners would ourselves and see if there is a min- maybe for you. We need an atti- we are beginning to see that large unhealthy or weak because it has rather give what is needed, when istry we can do well. tude adjustment. size does not always equal success only two children. it is needed and in private. Many people live meaningful, Rural Evangelism nor should it be the only measure “It is ridiculous to assess the Lay people are more impor- spiritual lives in the midst of a In October, I participated in a of health. health of a biological family on its tant than the clergy. small church. They can find per- workshop led by Susan Baldwin, Andrew Irvine wrote in “Small size. Small churches are often sonal satisfaction in the value an ordained Anglican priest. The Churches - Being True to Who We “ So, too, with the family of harder to get into and harder to get placed on them by a small congre- Reverend Susan is director of Are: “The small church needs an God. Both large and small church- out of. gation and where relationships are Field Education at the Anglican attitude adjustment. It is not sim- es can be healthy or unhealthy.” They are tough paramount. seminary at Huron University ply a miniature version of a large A church is healthy when it They’d rather do it their way God seems to like variety in all College. church or a church that hasn’t knows who it is and what its role They are more effective than things so let us rejoice in the value It was an excellent workshop grown up yet.” is in the wider community. It efficient of the small church. on Rural Evangelism. For the first Radically different should be a witness to the commu- Better at events than pro- Who knows what a small time I saw my parish – or what “It is radically different. It can nity wherever God has placed it. grams and meeting immediate church could do if it felt confident looked exactly like my parish – do things and offer value that the In his book “The Big Small needs than long-range planning. and secure that it is God's will that used as a positive model. large church cannot. And it can do Church” David Ray defined 26 I have included this list here it should be there! We live in a culture in which those things well. It can offer to characteristics of a small church, because I think it gives an excel- bigger is better, in education, the broader church family a some of them are: lent picture of what the small Carol Summers is a member healthcare, cities, corporate con- unique ministry that no one else A small church is the com- church is really about. That pic- of St. John’s, York and a glomerates, and even our fast can.” mon expectations of its members ture will help us to see what might member of the Publisher’s food! “Imagine saying one family is Everyone knows everyone work and what is unlikely to Advisory Board Synod council approves sale of 2 church buildings hrist Church, St. The closing date was March Saints’, Niagara Falls, be used by CCatharines and St. James, 25. The deal was signed with the the treasurer to recover all debts Dundalk, have been sold. agreement that the parish may rent related to the property. The debts Elim Christian Fellowship the facility for $50 per use. include unpaid personnel expens- Church purchased the Christ St. James had been offered to es, unpaid DM&M to the end of Church property and parking lot the dioceses of Huron and Toronto 2004, unpaid residential school for $310,000. and neither wanted to assume the commitment, and exceptional per- They had been appraised at responsibility of the parish. sonnel expenses related to the dis- approximately $290,000. The The property was appraised at establishments. closing date was March 21. $100,000 if used as a church or The property has not yet sold. Conditions $120,000 for a residence. Clergy in Transition at the end of Conditions included in the sale A parishioner of St. James 2004, was in a deficit amount and were standard and some exclu- offered $110,000 to buy the the diocese was able to absorb sions are mentioned in the agree- church and rent it back to the these costs within the 2004 finan- ment of sale: memorial items, parish for $50 per use. cial statements. stained glass, the organ, and the The deed/covenant states if the The Reverend Dr. Steve memorial garden in remembrance parish is sold, the stained glass Hopkins told synod council mem- of Peter McKenzie. would be removed and returned to bers in the future, when All Saints, The financing is in place and the diocese. ST. JAMES, DUNDALK (pictured) and Christ Church, St. Niagara Falls sells, proceeds from the engineer’s report has been This will still be part of the Catharines, have been sold. All Saints, Niagara Falls is still on the sale cannot be used for Clergy received. three-point parish of Shelburne, the market. in Transition. Synod council approved the Dundalk, and Whitfield with the Diocesan Treasurer Bob sale at its March meeting. current rector. matically) and its share of the rec- ance will be held in trust for St. McKinnell said investment funds St. James, Dundalk was sold to St. James will pay $2,600 tor’s salary. St. James has a debt James by Synod. of the diocese were doing well and Maple Valley Acres Ltd., operat- annually for rent of the building of about $28,000 to the diocese Though an electronic vote, the DM&M was able to absorb the ing as Southgate Community and will be required to pay which will be recovered from the Dec. 16, synod council members cost of Clergy in Transition for Church for $110,000. DM&M (which will change dra- proceeds of the sale and the bal- voted that proceeds from All 2004. Understanding suicide: a challenge to ministry The Singles Group at St. Challenge to Ministry. or family member taking his or suicide who are grieving the loss As a former mayor of Christopher’s Church, Burlington, The event is on April 27, 7 p.m. her life, it is a topic for which we of their loved ones and suffering Burlington and a survivor of his presents Walter Mulkewich speak- Whether or not you have had all should be prepared to offer the guilt imposed? wife’s suicide, he is a facilitator of ing on Understanding Suicide: A personal experience with a friend support and spiritual sustenance. Walter Mulkewich will address a Survivors of Suicide support Each year 4,000 Canadians die these questions as well as explore group for the Burlington Letters to the Editor Policy by suicide, leaving many thou- common myths about suicide. Bereavement Council. sands more as survivors of sui- The Niagara Anglican welcomes submissions from readers as cide. Letters to the Editor. All submissions must include a name, Why do people choose to end Come early for the pie sale telephone number, e-mail address or physical address of the their own lives? The Ladies Guild of St. Sale on May 1. The sale begins at Can suicides be prevented? Stephen’s, Hornby, advise folks to 8 a.m. with a wide range of deli- author for verification purposes. How do we help survivors of show up early for the annual Pie cious selections. April 2005 NIAGARA ANGLICAN 15 Powerful signs for passersby By ANDREW CLINKARD front-page story and photo in the Columbus Dispatch, the city common sight throughout agreed to allow the cross to stay up Athe Lenten season in the after it was securely anchored. United States – particularly the “At dawn on Easter, the auto South – are three wooden crosses parts sculpture had been replaced on church lawns. with a white cross and the sign: A year ago, friends and I trav- ‘He Lives.’ The following year, eled to Myrtle Beach, South the church observed Lent with Carolina for March Break. three white crosses far back from We saw three crosses on the the road, adorned with 2,000 tiny lawn of every Methodist, Baptist, white lights.” and African Methodist Episcopal The third well known case is in (AME) church. Newport Kentucky very close to From majestic Methodist Cincinnati, Ohio. churches in the city, to the hum- After the 2002 Lenten season blest AME church in the country, had ended, Trinity Baptist Church the message the crosses gave was chose to keep their 20-foot crosses the same. erected and covered with black The Scripture that came to mind cloths. An official with the plan- was Luke 23: ning department paid two visits in 39 One of the criminals who June and July and demanded the hung there hurled insults at him: crosses be removed. Those visits “Aren’t you the Christ? Save your- were followed with a letter stating self and us!” the city considered the crosses to 40But the other criminal be “signs” requiring prior approval rebuked him. “Don’t you fear by the city and subject to a fee. God,” he said, “since you are In August 2002. the church and under the same sentence? 41We LENTEN CROSSES ADORN the front lawn of the Church of the Resurrection, Hamilton. During its pastor sued the city in U.S. are punished justly, for we are get- the Tridum, the front cross was draped in black and on Easter Sunday, it was adorned with flowers, District Court. It charged the city ting what our deeds deserve. But representing life. with violating the First and this man has done nothing wrong.” Fourteenth Amendments to the 42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me they always did for the Lenten season. pastor of a North Carolina Catholic congre- U.S. Constitution and RLUIPA. when you come into your kingdom.[f]” Their centre cross was a foot taller than gation placed an array of Lenten crosses on Along with the complaint, the church 43Jesus answered him, “I tell you the the side ones and prior to Easter they draped the front lawn of his little church. It wasn’t filed a motion for a temporary restraining truth, today you will be with me in para- the centre cross with a purple cloth. long before he received a call from the order enjoining the city from enforcing the dise.” That changed on Good Friday to a black Chamber of Commerce. He was told, ‘Look sign ordinance. As we encountered church after church one, and then for Easter Sunday the cross preacher, we’ve been getting complaints The city soon decided to settle the case, with those crosses, we were struck by the would be covered in chicken wire and short about those crosses in your church yard. and on August 30, 2002 a settlement was fact no other symbol shows God’s love for flower ends pushed into it resulting in a flo- Inside the church, who cares? But out front, reached which allowed the church to keep all people more than those three crosses. ral cross for Easter Sunday. where everybody can see them, those cross- the crosses erected year-round as long as Level at the Cross Some churches instead use a white cloth es are offensive. The retired people don’t permanent holders or footers were installed. The ground is level at the cross. We on Easter Sunday. The size of our crosses is like them, they find them depressing. The Strong message of love thought having three crosses on our lawn at patterned after theirs. Many we saw down tourists probably won’t like it, either. It’ll Let’s hope and pray our Lenten crosses the Church of the Resurrection would be a South were larger. be bad for business. People come down here at the Church of the Resurrection send forth powerful tool of evangelism. Lenten church lawn crosses are not lim- to get happy, not depressed.’ No, the world a strong message of God’s love for all. Perhaps a few of the approximately ited to just the Methodist, Baptist, and AME doesn’t want you to hear about the cross of The Lenten crosses are not a familiar 25,000 people who travel past our church churches. Christ.” sight in Southern Ontario and so I believe every day would take a few seconds to think I have read of a few Episcopal churches Excerpt from The Lutheran Hour broad- their impact will be great. why three crosses were there during Lent. as well who observe this custom. cast of: March 23, 2003: “At Reynoldsburg “The message of the cross is the power Upon returning to Hamilton, I The tradition also extends outside of the United Methodist Church in Ohio, the of God” - 1 Corinthians 1:18 approached Nancy Clause, rector’s warden, American South to as far north as Albany, church found itself at odds with the city Perhaps a few people passing by our and Archdeacon Rick Jones, our minister, New York, and Columbus, Ohio. during the Lenten season of 1996. They church will be struck by the message that with the idea. Many Roman Catholic churches, includ- erected a 12-foot tall cross constructed from God loves us all, and the ground is level at Both thought it a good idea, and so I ing ones in Canada, put numerous small auto fenders, wheel covers and bumpers the cross. researched the three crosses a bit further by crosses on their lawns during Lent. with a sign that said ‘Christ Repairs Wrecks I hope and pray a few come in our doors contacting the First United Methodist In three well-known incidents, the Here’. A city building official, after receiv- this Easter so we can do our best to assist Church in Myrtle Beach. Lenten crosses have been a thorn in the side ing a complaint, said the church lacked a them find God’s love. First United Methodist did not know of our secular society. In an oft quoted permit to erect the cross, and said it could how many years they had been putting up broadcast of The Lutheran Hour the follow- blow over onto the road, and he ordered it Andrew Clinkard is People’s Warden of three Lenten crosses, just that it was what ing story is relayed: “Some years ago the removed. The pastor refused, and after a Church of the Resurrection, Hamilton

DIOCESAN TREASURER BOB MCKINNELL, hard at work, enjoys some san- guine vibes from CC (Cathedral Cat). With warm sunlight spilling into Bob’s Assistant office, CC made herself at home on his immense stack of papers. While she basked in the sun’s rays, Bob worked on, perhaps calmed by her presence. CC is a resi- treasurer? dent of the Resource Centre and can be seem taking full advantage of her preferred status. She wanders freely throughout both the Cathedral and the Resource Centre. Bereavement workshop Ann-Marie Primeau, co-ordi- workshop regarding all types of nator of Bereavement for VON bereavement, the workshop is Halton, will lead a workshop on open to anyone who is bereaved bereavement on April 11. or knows someone who is The workshop is being held at bereaved. St. Matthew on-the-Plains, People interested in attending Burlington, 7-9 p.m. are asked to call the church office A general talk and educational at (905) 632-1233 Fire restoration fundraiser A Fire Restoration Fundraising ents of The Anglican Singers, concert is being held April 10 at under the direction of Dianne St. John the Evangelist, Thorold Williams, begins at 7 p.m. There

Photo by Jane Stewart The concert, featuring the tal- will be a free will offering. 16 NIAGARA ANGLICAN April 2005 Nancekivell named director Bishop’s Itinerary of Transitional Ministry April 2005 The Reverend Canon Marni the finance staff at the Synod April 3, 10 a.m., St. Mary’s, Hamilton, parish visit and dedica- Nancekivell submitted her resig- Office, died Feb. 17. The funeral tion nation as rector of St. Aidan’s, People In was held at Christ’s Church April 3, 4 p.m., St. James the Apostle, Guelph, Greater Oakville, effective April 3. Marni the News Cathedral, Hamilton, Feb 22. Wellington Confirmation has accepted the position of direc- Cyril Smith April 5, 5 p.m., Meeting of Synod Council tor of Transitional Ministry effec- Alison D Atri Cyril Smith, O.N., long time faith- April 6, 7 p.m., Christ Church, Niagara Falls, meeting with tive Sept. 1. (Canon Nancekivell ful member of St. Alban’s, Brock Regional Council will work in training after April 3 for his ministry at St. Paul’s. Beamsville, died Feb. 15. Our April 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cathedral Place, meeting of Regional with Canon William Thomas. sympathy to his wife, Betty, and Deans DeForest at Incarnation Happy Anniversary their family. April 7, evening, Niagara Falls, Fresh Start The Reverend Canon Terry Hogarths Margaret Jones DeForest was appointed interim Congratulations to Joy and Our deepest sympathy is extended April 10, 10 a.m., All Saints, Erin, parish visit pastor at Church of the Gordon Hogarth, faithful mem- to Archdeacon Richard Jones and April 10 to 12, 7 p.m., Toronto, Provincial House of Bishops Incarnation, Oakville, for the bers of St. Stephen’s, Hornby, who family on the death of his mother, and Provincial Executive month of April. Canon Marni celebrated their 62nd Wedding Margaret, on Feb. 20. April 13, 6:30 p.m., St. George’s Church, St. Catharines, Nancekivell will assume the role Anniversary on March 20. Olive Patterson Brotherhood of the Anglican Churchmen of Interim Pastor at Incarnation Appointments Olive Patterson passed away on April 14, 7 p.m., St. Paul's Church, Shelburne, congregational May 1. Sykes is honourary assistant March 8. Mrs. Paterson was pre- meeting Ranger interim in Shelburne, The Reverend Dr. Barbara Sykes deceased by her husband, the April 17, 10:30 a.m., All Saints Church, Hamilton, Parish Visit Dundalk, Whitfield was issued a Bishop’s Permission Reverend John Paterson. The April 17, 3 p.m., St. Jude’s Church, Oakville, Trafalgar The Reverend Mary Ranger was as honourary assistant at St. funeral service was from Holy Confirmation appointed interim pastor March 1 George’s, Guelph, under the direc- Trinity, Fonthill, on March 11. April 19, 6:30 p.m., Cathedral Place, meeting of Sexual Abuse at Shelburne, Dundalk and tion of the rector, effective Feb. 1. Bishop Derwyn Jones Whitfield, during the absence of Mason is honourary assistant Bishop Derwyn Jones’, retired Task Force the rector. The Reverend Frank Mason was from Huron, died on March 8. April 20, 10 a.m. thru day, Mount Forest visit Turner heads West issued a Bishop’s Permission as Bishop Jones was ordained in April 21, 7:30 p.m., Christ's Church Cathedral, Ordination of The Reverend Ann Turner, deacon honorary assistant at St. Alban the 1946 and served in a number of Deacons (Vocational) at Christ’s Church Cathedral, and Martyr, Glen Williams, Feb. 20. parishes across Canada. The April 25 to May 1, House of Bishops Meetings in Windsor co-ordinator of Fresh Start, has Administering the chalice funeral service was from St. Paul’s submitted her resignation from Doug Hicks, Sue Hicks and Doug Cathedral in London, Ontario, on these positions. We wish Ann well Robertson were given permission March 11. as she continues her journey in to administer the chalice March 1 Western Canada. at Holy Trinity, Niagara Falls, Halchuk in Europe under the direction of the rector. Give your troubles to God The Reverend Michael Halchuk has been transferred to the Passings herefore I bid you put He wants us to lean on Him Diocese of Europe, working under Rev. Paul Moore ‘Taway anxious thoughts and learn, and by accepting His the direction of the Bishop of The Reverend Paul Moore, retired about food and drink….and Anglican offer, we will become stronger, for Gibraltar in Europe. He is cur- priest residing in St. Catharines, clothes…. Surely life is more than Fellowship as Paul said in hardship and frus- rently ministering in Zagreb, died March 1. He was ordained food, the body more than tration, ‘For when I am weak, then Croatia. deacon in 1952 and priest in 1953. clothes…. Birds of the air, they do I am strong.’ Rev. Moore ministered in Niagara not sow and reap and store in of Prayer Prayer Retirements Diocese at St. Columba, St. barns, yet your heavenly Father By Roger Harris ‘But when you pray, go into a Canon Bill Thomas Catharines; Christ’s Church feeds them. Is there a man among room by yourself, shut the door, The Reverend Canon William Cathedral, Hamilton; St. you who by anxious thought can and pray to your Father who is Thomas submitted his intention to Augustine’s, Hamilton; St. add a foot to his height. …. future looks uncertain. there in the secret place, and your retire from full-time ministry George’s, Lowville and St. John’s, Consider how the lilies grow…., Whatever the problems may Father who sees what is secret effective Aug. 31. Nassagaweya; Christ Church, they do not work, they do not spin, be, Jesus is telling us to see them will reward you.’ Ven. Fred Gosse Wainfleet and All Saints, Dain and yet…. Solomon in all his through His eyes and to focus on –Matthew Ch. 6 v6. The Venerable Fred Gosse, rector City; St. James, Port Colborne; St. splendor was not attired like one the Father’s needs for us. ‘Set of St. Christopher’s, Burlington, Luke’s Burlington; St. George’s, of these. But if that is how God your mind on God’s kingdom and ‘Ask and you will receive, seek and Archdeacon of Trafalgar, sub- St. Catharines; St. John the clothes the grass in the fields…. His justice before everything and you will find, knock and the mitted his intention to retire from Evangelist, Niagara Falls. A Will He not all the more cloth else’. He is saying, ‘and all the door will be opened to you.’ full-time ministry July 31. Memorial Service was held at St. you…. Do not ask anxiously ‘what rest will come to you as well’. – Matthew Ch.7 v7 Canon Paddy Doran George’s March 21. are we to eat, what are we to One day at a time. The Reverend Canon Paddy Jack Brown drink, what shall we wear?’… All Troubles ‘And whatever you pray for in Doran’s last Sunday at St. Paul’s, Jack Brown, former Synod dele- these are not for you, because ‘Come unto me all who are faith you will receive.’ Hamilton, was March 6. Canon gate from All Saints, Hamilton, your heavenly Father knows that weary and heavy laden, and I will – Matthew Ch. 27 v22. Doran officiated at the service and passed away in early March. The you need them all…. give you rest’. the parish hosted a celebration funeral service was held at Christ ‘So do not be anxious about ‘Take my yoke upon you and Jesus opened the avenue of after the service to honour his Church, Flamborough March 8. tomorrow; tomorrow will look learn from me, for I am gentle and prayer for us, and showed us ministry. A parish dinner is Jean Bamford after itself. Each day has troubles humble in heart, and you shall through His relationship with the planned for April 3 to thank Paddy Jean Bamford, retired member of enough of its own.’ find rest for your souls.’ Father, how accessible God is to – Matthew Ch.6 v25-34. ‘For my yoke is easy, and my us, and how close we can be to load is light.’ Him by making prayer an impor- The world is changing so fast – Matthew Ch.11 v28-30. tant part and place in our lives. Cycle these days, it seems that life and Prayer is communication its expectations are moving more Can there be any more uplifting Prayer is our only way of com- towards life and its necessities. words for the burdened traveler? munication with the Father and of Our pursuit of happiness seems When anxiety becomes a bur- through our faith and His grace we to be changing into a drive to suc- den, we want to relieve ourselves can be sure that as with Jesus, our ceed, and along the way we are of the weight that we carry, and prayers will be answered. Prayer collecting a lot of unwanted cast around for answers to what Jesus prayed for us too while unease which directly affects the we alone can do to resolve it. He was among us (John Ch. 17 quality of our lives. Times takes toll v20-23), and it is comforting to It is becoming more and more Sometimes we are successful, know that even though He is with difficult to try and look at things but there are times when this does the Father, His spirit is among us HAS MOVED in isolation, because with the pas- not happen, and time takes its toll continuing the work He started. sage of time, there seems to be in personal hardship and the The message that He has given onto the Diocesan Web site interconnecting elements. They vision of an empty future. us is one of hope, and that through cannot be ignored and they intrude Once more Jesus is reaching prayer we can take all the anxiety into the way we think and act. out to us, and inviting us to place and trouble that a world full of tur- w w w.niagara.anglican.ca The more we try to accommo- our burdens on His shoulders, so moil is able to throw at us, and Resources date these, the more anxious we that He is able to give us the place them in the hands of a lov- answers to all that we are unable S pirituality and Prayer are likely to become, especially ing Father and Son when problems and situations to cope with, and to show us the What else do we need, where Churches are encouraged to copy it for use in their parish. become more personal, and the way ahead. else should we go?