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.