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

THE essengerSEPTEMBER 2017 www.edmonton.anglican.org reconciliation and a new beginning.” M As chaplain of the Trauma Made New in Christ Centre for Victims of Violence and Torture, Lapsley assisted with South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation “Extraordinary Christian” to inspire 65th Synod Commission. This led to the establishment of the Institute for of Edmonton diocese in living reconciled life Healing of Memories (www.healing- memories.org), an MARGARET GLIDDEN through us. We implore you on is present and organization which Edmonton Editor Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled we listen to each enables many more r. Michael Lapsley SSM, to God. God made him who had other reverently South Africans to director of the Institute for no sin to be sin for us, so that respectfully and tell their stories in Healing of Memories in Cape in him we might become the non-judgmentally, workshops where F righteousness of God. it may be a Town, South Africa, will share they work through his inspiring message of healing Born in New Zealand, Lapsley watershed their trauma. The and forgiveness with members of is an Anglican priest who has spent moment on the organization now the 65th Synod of the Diocese of most of his life in South Africa. long journeys of works with groups Edmonton, gathering September 29 While serving as the National reconciliation.” around the world and 30, to explore together what it Chaplain of Anglican Students in Bishop Jane including those means to live a reconciled life in 1976, he was exiled by the South Alexander calls affected by political Christ. African government for speaking out Fr. Michael an violence; those “Made New in Christ,” the against apartheid and other social “extraordinary affected and infected theme of this synod, is based on the injustices. In 1990, after returning Christian.” The by HIV and AIDS; Fr. Michael Lapsley leads a Diocese of scripture 2 Corinthians 5:17-21: to Zimbabwe from a speaking two met at an refugees and asylum engagement in Canada, he opened a international Edmonton workshop on “Reconciliation, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, Healing and Justice” at The King’s seekers; prisoners the new creation has come: letter bomb which was hidden inside conference University in 2012. He returns to and war veterans. two religious magazines. He lost on peace and Edmonton as a guest of the 65th Synod, The old has gone, the new is September 29 and 30, 2017. Working alongside here! All this is from God, who both hands and the sight in one eye reconciliation other victims of reconciled us to himself through to the blast, suffered serious burns in Korea. After hearing Lapsley’s terror, he helped to create the Christ and gave us the ministry and permanent hearing loss. courageous story, Bishop Jane International Network for Peace to of reconciliation: that God was “It is clear from what St. Paul invited him to Edmonton to present promote effective and nonviolent reconciling the world to himself tells us that reconciliation is part a workshop on “Reconciliation, solutions to terrorism. in Christ, not counting people’s of our vocation as Christians,” Healing and Justice” in 2012. “When something terrible sins against them. And he has says Lapsley. “It is not an optional Dr. Stephen Martin, Associate happens to us, it either causes us to committed to us the message of extra. When people tell each other Professor of Theology at The King’s diminish or to grow, but we are never reconciliation. We are therefore their stories in a safe space it is the University, has described Lapsley the same,” says Lapsley, who will be Christ’s ambassadors, as though commonality especially of their as a “national treasure of South welcomed by members of the 65th God were making his appeal pain which will connect them. Pain Africa - the living embodiment of Synod later this month. is transcendent. When ‘the other’ that nation’s journey to forgiveness, ID - 65th Synod offers unique invitation to be disciples MICHAEL HARVEY as His Body, and very real role in the spreading the Ephesians says: we are God’s Unlocking the Growth, Founder the Church, of the Gospel, which the Church workmanship, (the Greek word for s we look at the next in sharing His desperately needs them to carry workmanship is poema). We are 10 years in the Diocese Love, Grace out with the authority, creativity all, clergy and laity, God’s poem of Edmonton we see and Truth. and power that the Holy Spirit has “created in Christ Jesus to do good A This task given us in baptism. Therefore it is works which God already had in opportunities all around us to Proclaim the Gospel, Make is not just important to create a culture where mind.” Disciples and Further the Kingdom for clergy. the ministry of every member is Continued on p. 2. of God. Together as clergy and Laypeople recognized, honoured, utilized See News for 56th Synod of laity, we are invited by God to work have a distinct and nurtured As Paul’s letter to Diocese of Athabasca Auggie’s Cafe P. 10

Base Camp P. 8 St. George Canada Day P. 16 2 THE MESSENGER News SEPTEMBER 2017 56th Athabasca Synod looks to “Renewal in Mission” PETER CLARKE In addition, we will welcome and relaxation. We Athabasca Editor two speakers from Nassau in the will learn songs from he 56th Synod of the Diocese Bahamas to share the evangelistic different parts of the of Athabasca invites all message of the LEAD program in world, in celebration members of the diocese their Holy Cross Parish community. of the new dynamic T Our own Archdeacon for Mission created by clergy and (not only delegates) to the Catholic Conference Centre, located at 10307- Development, Canon Terry Leer, parishioners from 99 Street in Peace River, Thursday, will present a workshop on Everyday various countries. So October 12 to Sunday, October 15, Evangelism, and the Rev. David bring your singing 2017. Greenwood will hold a workshop on voice! Entitled “Renewal in Mission,” Healing Prayer. Parishes are this synod builds on previous In keeping with recent synods, encouraged to bring a diocesan events such as the Unity this gathering will be part conference form of entertainment in Mission gathering at Providence (including four workshops that all to share during the Renewal Centre in May. The theme members of the Athabasca diocese program after our is inspired by Ephesians 4: 7, 11- are encouraged to attend), and traditional banquet 16, and our guest speaker will be part synod business. In order for (who can forget Canon the Rev. Gene Packwood from the people to experience more than one Leer as Noah and Diocese of Calgary. workshop, each workshop will be Moses at past events), offered twice on Saturday October and pictures of church Bishop Wilson Kamani, who synod. Check with your parish for 14th. Participants can select their community events, to be shared with is visiting from our companion registration details and register workshops when they arrive at the everyone attending. Diocese of Ibba in South Sudan, early. Synod is sure to be an event to conference centre. There are many fine hotels in will bring news and details of what remember, learn from and be uplifted At times during this full and Peace River and two have offered is happening in that part of Africa. by. active synod, we will pause for joy special rates to those attending this ID discipleship invitation cont. Edmonton diocese Continued from Front Page. and further the kingdom of God launches new website This fall, to equip us for is being developed and piloted these good works, the Edmonton as part of the ID ethos. Mentors diocese will pilot the ID initiative, will assist laity in discerning their recognizing our God given invitation gifts and talents given by God, as to be disciples. ID will aim to help well as the opportunities to use individual parishes identify the those gifts and reflect upon their unique gifts and opportunities given use. The desirability of mentoring to clergy and laity in order to live our relationships is widely recognized in diocesan mission. ID will also aim the sporting and commercial worlds. to increase the capacity of courage Working with people, one on one, to and equipping in God’s people, aid development and performance, empowering us to step out in faith is now viewed in many aspects of and be formed in the context of a life to be a good thing. No aspiring missional challenge. ID builds on the athlete, of any discipline, would good work of many previous years, dream of seeking success without SYNOD OFFICE STAFF specific to these areas. as God’s people in the diocese have the aid of a coach. The mentor/coach Diocese of Edmonton Our intent was to create a user- friendly website that appeals to responded to the call of God, to make will listen carefully, ask pertinent n August 1, the Diocese members of the diocese as well as a difference in the communities they questions and reflect back honestly. of Edmonton launched a any member of the general public serve. As part of ID we want to tell new website. We hope that The fundamental task of the stories of what God is doing in O seeking general information about the you are more easily able to access Anglican community and growing in Church is discipleship; to form us and through us as we take the information about people, parishes, faith. people in the likeness of Christ. opportunities to use our and develop events, mission and discipleship in We have redesigned our site As Bishop Jane Alexander says: our gifts. We believe this will inspire the diocese. with the assistance of Church OS “The church is about the business others to develop in their faith We are excited about our new (www.churchos.com) a BC-based of knowing Christ and making Him journey, and one person taking a step “Find-a-Church” and “Bible-in-a- company that works with Anglican known.” In order to do this, as part of of faith will cause a ripple effect, as Year” features. If you have visited churches and dioceses across Canada. ID we will be piloting some practical others are impacted for Christ and the site, you know that our Events They will provide ongoing technical ways to help each other in our the kingdom of God is expanded. As Calendar and weekly Synod Scene support and hosting services. journey of faith. Paul says to the church in Corinth: e-newsletter also have a new look. Some time ago, we reached In helping one another, we must “For there are different kinds of We no longer host RSS feeds. out to parishes and ministries for have the faith to believe that God gifts, but the same Spirit distributes Instead, Synod Scene subscribers information about their communities really is calling us. ID will include a them. There are different kinds of have an option to be notified when and programs. We have also enlisted gifts-based approach to developing service, but the same Lord. There there are new posts to the various the help of Synod Office staff and disciples. We believe that each of us are different kinds of working, but sections, including indigenous news ministry leaders to keep the website has been invited by God to our own in all of them and in everyone it is and events. current and dynamic. Please visit us specific vocation and mission and the the same God at work. Now to each We have created “Parish Info” at edmonton.anglican.org and program will help discern gifts. one the manifestation of the Spirit and “Clergy Info” toolboxes at the send your feedback to A celebration of our mission to is given for the common good” (1 top of our Home Page to house and [email protected]. proclaim the gospel, make disciples Corinthians 12:1-3). organize information and documents SEPTEMBER 2017 3 THE MESSENGER Bishop`s Corner “Big Fall” widens Athabasca’s gateway to mission think it would year to celebrate as they open their new cathedral. be the rector of St. James’ Cathedral and Dean be appropriate Please keep these plans in your prayers! of Athabasca. This may seem to be quite a list of I to call these We are also continuing to refine our agenda disparate things, but they do all have something next few months and plans for our diocesan synod, October 12- in common. Each of these events and each of the “the Big Fall.” We 15, in Peace River. Once again, the focus of our appointments are meant to serve the WHY of our are trusting God time together is going to be on building up our being. the year ahead people and parishes. You may have seen Peter We are not simply doing these things because will be an exciting Clarke’s article on page 2 of The Messenger, we are “supposed to,” because “that is what we and powerful and we are looking forward to an exciting slate do,” or even because “we have always done it this time. We held our of speakers and workshops. All members of way.” It is important for us to only continue in annual Youth Daze the diocese are welcomed and encouraged to things that further the mission God has given to conference at the attend. Congregations and parishes will see the us. The things that we do do, we do in a way that BISHOP FRASER LAWTON start of September, greatest benefit by ensuring a “critical mass” of serves the mission. When we became a part of the Diocese of Athabasca with guest speaker parishioners take part in the gathering. It will be church, we became a part of what God is doing in Jane Jones. Later in full of practical suggestions and resources for the world, and gave ourselves to Him and to serve the month, we will welcome the Rt. Rev. Wilson people to take home and put to use. His purpose and agenda and ways. Each of our Kamani from the Diocese of Ibba. Tickets are This fall we also see a change in our personnel. various committees and events will intentionally booked, and plans are underway for his time with We bid farewell to both the Revs. Clive and be examining its life and work in light of this so us. I encourage you to take the opportunity to Deborah Scheepers, who have taken up new that we serve the why of our existence of living for come and spend some time with him when he is positions in The Territory of the People/APCI); Jesus and His kingdom. in your community or nearby. He will share with and the Rev. Christine Boyce, who has moved us about life in South Sudan, life in the Diocese with her husband out of the diocese to be with The Lord be with you, of Ibba and what God is doing among the people family. The Rev. David Greenwood is now priest- +Fraser there. A small group of us from Athabasca are in-charge of Athabasca, and we were delighted already preparing to go to South Sudan later this to welcome the Very Rev. Jason Haggstrom to Ecumenical parish gathers books for Zimbabwean children room for books. well and the parcel arrives safely. Meanwhile, Recently, St. Peter’s had a huge garage St. Peter’s anticipates sending more books and sale and Florence took advantage of the sale to supplies in the future. replenish the children’s books left behind in Zimbabwe. The next day in church, she remarked that the Shambare’s church back in Zimbabwe would love all those books. There, it is up to the teachers to tell stories to engage the more than 120 children in the junior church Sunday school. St. Peters decided to gather books to send to Zimbabwe. We still had some very good gently used books from the garage sale and we purchased some new books for older children. Our Janet Parks and Florence Shambare with some of the books they are sending to Zimbabwe. biggest expenditure we knew would be the postage, which we paid for with JANET PARKS contributions from the congregation and St. Peter’s Ecumenical Church, Slave Lake local donors who responded to our story. hen the Rev. Blessing Shambare, his Hearing that Zimbabwe schools wife Florence and their three children were also short on supplies, we filled Wflew from their home in Zimbabwe our box of 60 books with pens, pencils, to begin their ministry at St. Peter’s Ecumenical erasers and pencil sharpeners. Our gifts Church in Slave Lake, they packed all their are now enroute to Africa and may take belongings in five suitcases. There was not a lot of several months to arrive. We pray all goes SUBMISSIONS DUE 1 MONTH Peter Clarke (Athabasca) THE MESSENGER TEAM PRIOR to PRINTING DATE [email protected] A $15 annual donation is suggested. Please send donations to the EDITORS Dioceses of Athabasca or Edmonton, DEADLINE for OCTOBER, 2017 Read Online: Margaret Glidden (Edmonton) c/o The Messenger. ISSUE: September 1 www.edmonton.anglican.org/ Peter Clarke (Athabasca) The Messenger is published under messenger the authority of the Dioceses of LAYOUT & DESIGN Athabasca and Edmonton. Opinions Submissions: Margaret Glidden expressed in The Messenger are not We welcome letters to the editor, Find Us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/anglican. Shelly King necessarily those of the editor or news, stories (max 500 words), event publisher. notices, book reviews and photos. edmonton PROOFREADING Send to: The Messenger is a section of the Subscribe: Charis St. Pierre Anglican Journal, printed 10 times a Margaret Glidden (Edmonton) year (no issues July and August) by www.anglicanjournal.com/ [email protected] REPORTING Webnews Printing Inc. subscribe North York, ON. or Margaret Glidden Shelly King 4 THE MESSENGER SEPTEMBER 2017 Edmonton Diocese 2017 brings “bunch of blessings” for prison chaplain MARGARET GLIDDEN Eager to experience “interesting you visit me? You visited me when Edmonton Editor places,” he began volunteering in I was in prison, when I was sick, the inner city. Before accepting a when I was poor.’” or the newest Anglican contract with Bridges of Canada as At the maximum security chaplain at the Edmonton a prison chaplain in May of 2017, Edmonton Institution, one of seven FInstitution (aka The Max), Isenor served alongside Pastor Rick federal penitentiaries in Alberta, the opportunity to bring faith to Chapman as a pastoral associate he works alongside a Roman men on the fringes of society and with Inner City Pastoral Ministries Catholic priest to provide spiritual further serve individuals who find (ICPM). As part of the ICPM team, nourishment for all inmates. themselves marginalized due to life he helped lead Standing Stones “Many of these guys have a difficulties is a blessing. services at the Gunn Centre (a sense of spirituality. Whether they Billy Isenor’s own faith journey men’s addiction treatment facility) are Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, began in B.C. Born and raised in in Onoway. There he met former Jewish, even Wiccan, and we Penticton, he relocated to Edmonton Anglican prison chaplain the Rev. help them connect to their faith,” in 2005 as a Master of Theology Barry Rose, who now serves parishes Isenor says. “There is also a student at Newman Theological in Barrhead, Lac La Nonne and Muslim Imam who leads Muslim Billy Isenor College. After a chaplaincy Sangudo. prayers, and Aboriginal Elders placement at Alberta Hospital, Isenor says he “stumbled” upon who offer smudging and teachings. - even for five minutes. We try to where he completed a unit in prison ministry back in 2011 when, Often inmates will practice a lot of show them that even though it looks clinical pastoral education, he began during his last year at Newman, he different things and find a spiritual like society has given up on you, pursuing “ministry on the fringes.” was asked to fill in for someone on path while they’re in jail. Sometimes God doesn’t give up on anyone. He At Alberta Hospital, Isenor leave from the Edmonton Institution the teachings they’ve been brought doesn’t just disappear. He is present says he learned a lot about people for Women. A self-described up with don’t make a lot of sense among all of us and He knows our with mental health issues. “I had “rebel,” his initial thought was: “Are to them and they discover a faith heart,” he says. a wonderful supervisor Barbara you mad? Four walls, restrictive tradition that does.” In addition to beginning a new Meyers (a member of the Unitarian movement, this is totally not my Isenor says fellowship and ministry the Edmonton Institution, Church and fellow Newman alumni), personality.” dialogue about life and faith are Isenor is preparing for a new who lit a fire in me,” he says. Before long, however, Isenor an integral part of the Anglican vocation as a transitional deacon. recognized that services he leads three times a week. He, along with nine other members prison ministry “My services are loosely structured of the Edmonton diocese, will be fills a great need. around the breaking of the bread. ordained on September 14th at All “A chaplain’s Institutional life is challenging for Saints’ Cathedral. It is a journey he leadership brings everyone. I set the table for people to says has been made possible by a unity and is critical be able to speak, to be open and to be “fantastically supportive” family and to the spiritual vulnerable.” church. He and his wife Dana and wellbeing and “Prayer and a compassionate their two-year-old daughter Alison mental health of ear can go a long way. The men we attend St. Stephen the Martyr parish, everybody - staff work with don’t come with the best where Isenor serves as people’s and inmates,” histories. They’re so entrenched warden. The family is expecting their he says. “What in street culture and that’s all second child in December. we do goes back they know. We try to give them “They recharge and rejuvenate to Matthew’s the courage and faith to walk in a me,” he says. “This year has been Gospel. (Jesus different way - different ways to a bunch of blessings coming all at The maximum security Edmonton institution northeast of Edmonton. asks): ‘When did cope and express their frustrations once.” Boys’ school legacy benefits indigenous and Buye ministries JOHN GEE schools at the time. One of the groups the foundation It has been an unexpected joy Treasurer, Diocese of Edmonton The school operated from 1967 has assisted is the Diocese of to participate in sharing the benefit until 2008. Its buildings included Edmonton. The Ezra Mission of this legacy from the school I n 1973, at the age of 12, I the original St. Faith’s Anglican Committee is a partnership between attended so many years ago. embarked on a remarkable Church which was moved there the diocese and St. Paul’s Anglican adventure. I from Edmonton and renovated as Church which receives annual I was uprooted from the the school chapel. Its alumni include funding from the Legacy Foundation. Edmonton public school system and a number of members of various In 2015, the diocese received $5,000 sent to St. John’s School of Alberta, churches in the diocese. for a planned youth trip to Buyé a boys’ boarding school located in When it closed, the property was diocese which, unfortunately, had what was then a remote rural area, sold to Mother Earth’s Children’s to be cancelled. Instead, the funds about 20 miles south of Wabamun Charter School, a day school with were directed to the summer youth on the North Saskatchewan River. It a curriculum based on Indigenous camp in Buyé. In 2016, $7,000 was was one of three schools (the others teachings. contributed to support the bible were in Manitoba and Ontario) The Company of the Cross college in Buyé and the construction operated by the Company of the decided to use the proceeds to of churches there. This year, more Cross, an Anglican lay order. The establish the Saint John’s Legacy than $8,000 was contributed to curriculum was unusual. It included Foundation, whose purpose is to support the work of the Rev. Lori 1,000-mile canoe trips, 50-mile invest in individuals and groups who Calkins in indigenous ministry, snowshoe hikes, daily chores, and positively impact the world in their including the Maskihkîy Âcimowin much more challenging academic own community and beyond. Medicine Stories project. work than was offered by the public John Gee, 13, at St. John’s School SEPTEMBER 2017 5 THE MESSENGER Edmonton Diocese Entering the priesthood, ordinands share stories of faith On September 14, 2017, Bishop Jane Alexander, god willing, will ordain the Rev. Cheryl Boulet, the Rev. Donna Gauthier and the Rev. Rita Milne to the priesthood; and Sandra Arbeau, Christopher Cook, Rebecca Harris, Billy Isenor, Sheila Moorey, Ruth Sesink-Bott, and Andreas Sigrist to the diaconate. Rejoicing in this occasion, we share a selection of their faith stories. The series will continue in the October Messenger along with coverage of the ordination service. Stay tuned! The Rev. CHERYL BOULET The Rev. DONNA GAUTHIER am a cradle did not grow Anglican, although I have not up in a family that talked about I always been a practicing one. I God and rarely ever attended My family members were not avid church. The only time I entered a church-goers. I do remember going church was to attend a wedding or to Sunday school as a child, but I do funeral. not remember going to church, as It was after a major tragedy a family, much after the age of five in February 2005, that I attended or six. I would have to say that my St. John the Evangelist Anglican active faith journey started when Church in Cold Lake. I selected I was in high school. We lived on the Anglican Church because I was a military base and a group of us told that my great-grandmother teens attended a youth group offered was Anglican. Whenever she had a by the Protestant chapel. It was chance, she would quietly teach me great fun and I met some wonderful about God. She passed away when I people! Very slowly, over a number was seven, but in that short time she of years, I permitted the Lord more taught me to love God. and more into my life. I found well as two great-grandchildren! In 2007, my eight-year-old by Bishop Jane Alexander on May myself depending on Him more and In August I finished serving as son and I were baptized by Bishop 1, 2016, and serve as deacon-in- more, and now He is completely in deacon of All Saints’ Cathedral and Victoria Matthews. It was during charge of St. John the Evangelist, my life! began as deacon-in-charge at St. my baptism that I received my call Cold Lake. God has blessed me with I have been married to my John the Divine in Onoway. My time to ordained ministry. With a young many wonderful parishioner and husband for 35 years and we have at the Cathedral was a wonderful family and a business to run, I did priests, who have walked with me two daughters and sons-in-laws, experience. I am looking forward to not have the time to attend school on my spiritual journey. I am excited eight grandchildren (ranging in ages getting to know my new parish, and immediately. to continue to share with them the from 16 months to 22 years old), as seeing what exciting things the Lord I was ordained to the diaconate plan that God has for our amazing has planned for us!

The Rev. RITA MILNE uring my Global Justice Rountable confirmation (in England), On Saturday, July 8, It is also important to involve at age 14, I knew God was representatives from St. David’s, St. youth and Sunday school children in D John the Evangelist, St. Margaret’s mission activities and fundraising. calling me in some way. Thus began my spiritual journey. I responded and St. Paul’s, Edmonton met at One of the parishes represented by serving in church ministries, St. John’s to pool their wisdom and in the roundtable discussion had often doubting my call. But God do some ‘synergizing’ on issues of actually had youth go on a mission. continued to guide my life, teaching global justice. The consensus also seemed to me and moving me steadily forward. The discussion was chaired be that it is most effective to allow I was blessed with a loving by the Rev. John Gee, Diocese of individual parishes to respond as family: husband Jim (deceased Edmonton Treasurer. John began they are led to the issues that come 2014), daughters Shauna (deceased by asking us to outline what we their way, as opposed to having the 2000), and Jody(Jord), son Jake thought global justice meant and to diocese organize parish resources (Rose), and son-in-law Rick give a brief statement about how in support of one or two diocesan- (Shauna’s husband). Grandchildren our parishes were involved in global wide undertakings. In other words, are: Jellisa, Darien, Daylene and justice issues. It seems each parish a bottom-up approach is preferred Bryson (Jody’s children), Chelsey has a different view of what “global over initiatives driven from the top I have never doubted that, in justice” entails and, not surprisingly, down. (Jake’s daughter) and Jode (Rick’s every experience, whether joyful son). Jim witnessed my ordination to parishes have developed their own Having said that, several or sorrowful, God was and is with way of reacting to the issues God representatives felt that it would be the diaconate and my appointment me; preparing and equipping me for as Deacon-in-Charge at St. Patrick, brings their way. very useful for them to know what the future when I would completely A few things stood out as a result other parishes in the diocese are Whitecourt; both pleased him surrender my life to Him. God greatly. of our discussions. Firstly, engaging doing so that they could exchange taught me that I can trust Him as in social justice issues is not a one- ideas with other parishes and share As soon as I entered the church, I obey His will. This journey He I knew that God had called me here. shot, quick fix. It requires a long- experiences. Perhaps a section on has called me to is challenging but term approach and the intentional the diocesan website or some form What a privilege it is to minister wonderful. Now, as I await my in this place to such an amazing development of a relationship. It of diocesan Facebook page would ordination to the priesthood, I thank also requires that we put our western provide a marketplace for visiting congregation! Together God is God that He has called me to do enabling us to spread His love by expert ‘we know what you need to and sharing, or simply periodic get- what I love, in His name and for His do’ approach in the waste bin and togethers might do it, as well. sharing the Good News as we reach glory. out to others in need. learn to listen and ask questions and Submitted by Dudley Baker, St. then respond as we are able. John the Evangelist, Edmonton 6 THE MESSENGER SEPTEMBER 2017 Companionship Eclectic group extends compassion to family from Syria MARGARET GLIDDEN coordinator for the Edmonton Editor Diocese of Edmonton, and hen an exhausted approached her for guidance. family of four “She was great, very from Syria responsive and supportive,” W says Catherine. stepped off their plane at the Calgary International They found a co-sponsor Airport in the wee hours of in St. John the Evangelist, the morning last November, Gail’s home church, and their faces lit up as they made connections with the “It was wonderful to meet you and I pray you will have a happy and safe life here in Canada,” said Bishop Jane Diocese of Edmonton, a Alexander during a visit with Kamal, Nadia, Helen and Mahdi at the Diocese of Edmonton Synod Office in July. looked upon a beautiful Also pictured are Sadaqah Group members Catherine Scott (left), Neil Scott, Judy Bauer, Marilyn Scott (right). woman, her heart full of Sponsorship Agreement welcoming and positive children’s progress. In need us,” says Catherine, hope and compassion, Holder. Gail also told the experience, with Nadia November Mahdi and Helen who even when she is in waiting to take them to their group about Kamal and exclaiming to Marilyn knew almost no English, California, keeps in constant new home in Edmonton. Nadia, their son Mahdi and afterward, “Now I am now they chatter away to contact with Nadia via It has been 10 years daughter Helen. When their famous!” each other and their new cellphone communication since Catherine Scott home city of Homs, Syria One member of the friends. and WhatsApp. moved from Edmonton was destroyed by war, the Sadaqah Group is a real Another member of “On a personal level, this to Huntington Beach, young family fled to Beirut, estate agent who helped the the group, a retired school experience has taught me the California, to begin a new Lebanon, which was where family rent a duplex close principal, volunteered each limits of what you can and life with her husband Mike. they were living when they to their “Canadian parents” week in the children’s can’t do for someone,” says In 2015, after news broke of received an email from in Capilano. Extremely classrooms; helping them Catherine. “Both Kamal and three-year-old Syrian boy Catherine. “driven and anxious to get with their readings and Nadia have large extended Alan Kurdi found drowned “They were so surprised settled,” they did not want relaying any parent/teacher families (15 siblings on one in the Mediterranean Sea, to hear from us,” she says of to move to the north end concerns. This fall Mahdi side and 11 on the other) Catherine and her American their initial email exchange of the city, which already will be entering grade six back home in Syria and I friends began wondering in May, 2016. “They didn’t has a significant Arabic at Hardisty School. He won know that’s been difficult for what they could do to help. even know someone had population. a bronze medal with his them,” she says. Catherine knew just who to agreed to sponsor them.” “We offered to help U12 team at the city soccer Members of the Sadaqah call. Catherine took a them look there,” says finals. Helen will be starting Group have created an “We’re used to her sabbatical from her job as an Catherine, “but they were grade three. After attending ever-widening circle of coming up with all kinds international development concerned it would impact a Concrete Theatre summer kindness and compassion. of ideas,” says Catherine’s worker, taking on contract their ability to learn English. camp for Syrian children, Through Action for Healthy mother Marilyn Scott. “She work instead, which gave They are very adventurous. she was glowing and said, Communities, Marilyn visits called one day and said, ‘I her greater flexibility to Within three months of “I’m very. Very happy. This several Syrian families new think we can do this.’ My assist the family, whether being here they set off on is most wonderful camp!” to Edmonton and is often husband Neil and I had been from her home in California their own to a festival at In Syria, Kamal worked now accompanied by Nadia. talking about sponsorship or in Edmonton, where she Faculty St. Jean where they as a construction engineer “Some of the women ourselves. We invited friends has been spending more went tobogganing.” for 15 years, specializing are quite lonely,” says and family to join our group. time. Marilyn says that despite in welding. “He would Marilyn. “Nadia talks to We thought we might know The family stayed with a language barrier and really like to get back into them in Arabic. They are five people who would be Marilyn and Neil, whom unfamiliar surroundings, construction. I think that will really appreciative of that willing to make a year-long they consider their Canadian the family has adjusted be the final piece to helping connection with her.” commitment and wound mother and father, the first remarkably well. “In the this family feel settled,” says Unfortunately, up with a core group of 10. few nights they were in beginning they often said Catherine. government-sponsored We couldn’t have asked for Edmonton. One night Kamal ‘everything different here. Nadia volunteers once a families do not receive the a better group of people. brought out a copy of the Everything different.’” week at the Dr. Gerald Zetter same level of support as They’ve been fabulous.” Quran and a copy of the They have learned to Care Centre. “One of the privately sponsored families. Thanks to Catherine’s Bible. “Both are good,’ he use bank cards and Nadia pastors has said she is doing Social service agencies like organizational skills, said. ‘Both together.” keeps a household budget, a ‘lovely job of connecting’ Catholic Social Services, members’ roles and “They have a strong mindful of the funds that with the residents she brings the Mennonite Centre for responsibilities were clearly desire to learn about have been donated. Kamal down for chapel,” says Newcomers and Action outlined, and she facilitated what is important to us,” loves to poke around at Catherine. “She is a natural for Healthy Communities the first meetings of the says Marilyn. “They are Value Village. Nadia is not caregiver.” do what they can to fill the Sadaqah group (Sadaqah Muslim and often ask as convinced. Catherine and Marilyn gap, but sometimes it is not is an Arabic word meaning us ‘for Christians, is this Since arriving in are helping the family enough. giving to others with love important?’” Nadia attended Canada, Kamal and Nadia to become financially To find out more about and compassion) remotely an Easter service at St. have been taking English independent by November. helping newcomer families, via SKYPE. Augustine’s of Canterbury lessons; first with Marilyn “It’s that dance of or to contact Marilyn Scott An eclectic mix of Anglican Church. and other group members, ensuring they’re ready to go about contruction industry people that is not affiliated “I want to go,” she said. and then at Solomon and forward on their own, but employment possibilities for with any particular church, “It’s very important for Norquest colleges. They also knowing that we’re here Kamal, please call 780-465- the group heard about Gail Christians here.” have been amazed by their for them should they ever 1854. Millard, refugee sponsorship It turned out to be a SEPTEMBER 2017 7 THE MESSENGER Education Annual chaplaincy dinner celebrates pursuit of truth SHELLY KING ‘out of this world.’ Guest by NASA’s 2020 Rover The Messenger Staff speaker, Dr. Chris Herd, mission to Mars. He is has curatorial responsibility also a regular attender ood food and for the Alberta Meteorite and valued parishioner great company, Collection and was able to at St. George’s by the U engaging speakers G provide samples of meteor of A. and multiple ways to spend rock for two lucky bidders to The theme for money – what better recipe take home. the evening was for a successful fundraiser? Dr. Herd is a professor “Whatever is True,” All these things came in the Department of Earth the English version together on May 3rd for and Atmospheric Science at of the U of A’s latin the annual dinner event About a dozen students were able to attend the Educational Chaplaincy the University of Alberta. motto: “Quaecumque Dinner, thanks to patrons who purchased extra tickets for that purpose. in support of the Diocese His impressive list of Vera,” which is also of Edmonton Educational Host for the evening over last year and, according accomplishments in the a reference to chapter 4, Chaplaincy. and Educational Chaplain, to Sharman, “will make world of science includes verse 8 of St. Paul’s letter Supporters bid on a the Rev. Dr. Scott Sharman, a tremendously valuable a position on a NASA to the Philippians. In his variety of items generously described the ministries of contribution towards another advisory board, which will speech, Herd explored donated for the silent the chaplaincy as being “all year of campus ministry in examine rock cores collected connections between science auction, including two in the service of helping 2017-18.” and faith, encouraging that were literally from others in their pursuit of Since this story was his listeners to “let whatever is true.” Those first published in May 2017, science speak for itself. ministries include the the Rev. Dr. Sharman has Implicit in this,” he Worship Room student stepped down from the said, “is the recognition supper and eucharist each Educational Chaplaincy to that the universe is week, regular Pub Theology take on the role of Animator a source of truth, nights, Interfaith Dialogues, for Ecumenical and alongside scripture, opportunities for community Interfaith Relations for the personal experience, outreach, and times of prayer Anglican Church of Canada. and learning from each and bible study, or “simply The Rev. Sarah Holmström, other in faith-based just giving out free soup or who served as chaplain at Pictured left: Scott Sharman and community. Pursuing pancakes or hot chocolate NAIT this past year, has Chris Herd organize meteorites on science is part of when things are stressful in been appointed Interim the silent auction table. ‘whatever is true, noble, the middle of term.” Educational Chaplain, Above: Bidders browse through a right, pure, lovely, wide variety of items donated in Supporters raised based out of the U of A, as generous support of the Educational admirable, excellent or approximately $9,000 at the the 2017-18 school year Chaplaincy. praiseworthy.’” dinner, which is an increase begins. Flexible ‘Certificate in Anglican Studies’ now available The Rev. Dr. SCOTT SHARMAN saintly and brilliant personal interest, or as ministry in the future. All of Newman Theological College theologian who was one part of a ministry these things are tremendous influential in shaping training program blessings. his fall Anglican both churches. for various lay and The motto of Newman students in pursuit Newman ordained ministries Theological College comes Tof a ministry career Theological College in the Diocese of from that great description will have access to a flexible is a Roman Catholic Edmonton. Students of the study of theology and local educational option. institution which has a can complete the that is variously attributed Beginning in September, long relationship with Newman Theological College, Edmonton. certificate on a part- to both St. Augustine of 2017, Newman Theological the Anglican Diocese time basis over two Hippo and St. Anselm of College will offer a of 10 courses, six of of Edmonton. Over the which (Introduction to or more years, and it can Canterbury: “faith seeking Certificate of Theology in years, it has welcomed many be done entirely online or understanding.” May God Anglican Studies. Sacred Scripture, The Anglican students, teaching Synoptic Gospels, Church through a combination of on add blessing to this sacred Newman Theological faculty and members of the campus and online courses. endeavor for years to come, College is named for John History, Introduction to Board and Senate. Our own Theology, Christology, and Another advantage of for our good and for the Henry Newman, a complex Bishop Jane Alexander is a this program is that it can good of all his Church. figure in the context of Introduction to Pastoral distinguished alumna, and Theology) are offered in be completed alongside If you have questions Anglican and Roman there is currently a cohort of of other work, family, and about the Certificate, feel Catholic relations. Newman common with the wider at least 10 Anglican students student body and taught ministry commitments. It free to contact the Faculty was an early evangelical, actively taking courses at the also enables the diocese to Adviser for Anglican then leader of the Anglo- by the core faculty. The College. remaining four requirements customize ministry training Studies, the Rev. Dr. Catholic Oxford Movement, It is on the foundation that meets the particular Scott Sharman, at scott. and finally received into the (The Anglican Tradition, of this positive history Ritual in the Anglican needs of students and the [email protected]. Roman Communion and that a next chapter in church in this place and You can also visit the made a Cardinal later in Tradition, Preaching in the the relationship between Anglican Tradition, and time. The opportunity for website at life. While from one angle Newman College and Anglican students to study www.newman.edu for more his story could be seen as Missional Ministry in the the Anglican Diocese of Anglican Tradition) can be and grow together alongside information. divisive, I prefer to focus Edmonton is now being of those preparing for If you want to register, on a unique bond of unity met by Anglican specific written. The Certificate electives taught by local ministry in other traditions contact the Registrar at which Anglicans and Roman of Theology in Anglican lays the groundwork for [email protected]. Catholics share in this Anglican professors and Studies is comprised clergy. It can be taken for an ecumenical approach to 8 THE MESSENGER SEPTEMBER 2017 Summer Camp Base Camp 2017: canoes, hoodoos, and ghost towns too!

DR. MARK ARMSTRONG Base Camp Director he clouds were ominous on July 9, as 10 staff and 17 Tcampers headed south to spend the first night of Base Camp in Red Deer. But as our bright yellow bus cruised through rain, a beautiful double rainbow was an omen of good times ahead.

Pictured clockwise from top: 17 campers and 10 staff braved the southern Alberta badlands for “Bad Donkey Base Camp 2017;” campers haunt the ‘ghost town’ of Rowley, Alberta; three intrepid campers survey their surroundings in the hoodoos; off in the distance, campers Adam Walker and Jed Kwaw explore Horsethief Canyon; staff member Dan Helm navigates rapids in the Red Deer River with camper Claire London; canoers take a break to ‘raft-up’ and enjoy the view, with staff members Leah Marshall and Heather Liddell in the foreground; camper Ian Pretorius poses with a double rainbow that appeared in the sky as the bus left Edmonton on the first night of camp.

Monday morning we unloaded seven canoes at Content Bridge and 13 camper voyageurs were ready to paddle downstream. Four base campers went ahead by bus to Trenville Park, where they picked Saskatoon berries then on to the Passion Play in which were shared with Drumheller, which was fantastic. everyone at breakfast the next campfire and compline. We sat, shaded by the hoodoos in day, with enough left over for Susan Throughout the week our a beautiful natural amphitheatre (camp cook) to make a compote! campfires were a highlight. and watched an epic performance Along the river, canoers spotted There were old songs, new spanning the history of the Bible bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, geese, songs, skits and improv, from the Garden of Eden to the swallows and many other birds. We stories, and ‘mugups’ with Resurrection. Afterwards, we headed had lunch in the canoes, and later cookies, s’mores, muffins back to our base to celebrate three successfully navigated the Backbone and other good things. birthdays (Happy Birthday Shelley! Rapids. Some new rocks were The blazing sun out of Nice of you to share the cake with found, but all successfully made it clear blue skies sapped our Richard and Mark.) through, adrenaline coursing through energy, and as the week Saturday was another scorcher of our bodies. Onwards we went, and went on we often sought a day. There was lots of time to cool found, to their discomfort, that cacti towards the end of the afternoon out the shade of trees. off in the river and we had a canoe are part of the Badlands flora. were happy to see Trenville Park When things got too hot, our life- game upstream from our site. Some Thursday night most campers come into sight. guard Emily was there to supervise persons may have been splashed in spread their sleeping bags out on Tuesday morning, several cooling off in the river. Despite the the process! tarps and counted shooting stars. voyageurs opted for the bus as a heat, there always seemed to be Sunday came too soon. We It was a beautiful clear night with means of travel for the next leg, lots of energy for a hike and a little took down the tents and cleaned up billions of visible stars and a breeze while one took up the bad donkey exploring, though several campers the campsite. At the beginning of to keep the challenge to canoe! Apart from the eucharist, Richard blessed a stole, bugs away. The occasional herd of cows and few decorated by campers and staff, Milky Way and visible farms, we were paddling for Heather to wear. After sharing several familiar in the wilderness, much like First bread and wine, we posed for our constellations Nations, voyageurs, and coureurs final group picture, then onwards were visible. de bois before us. The bus-travellers to Stettler for a pizza lunch, camp Friday had time for a hike through the awards and saying goodbye to people afternoon we Dry Island Provincial Park, took heading off in different directions. At went to explore in the Buffalo Jump and enjoyed a 5:00 pm we were back at the Century Rowley, a leisurely lunch. Park LRT, where we were greeted by Badlands ghost At Tolman Campground, we expectant parents, sorted out luggage town. From there, soon settled into base camp routine: and belongings and sent everyone we spent the waking up early to the songs and safely home. afternoon hiking cries of birds, morning worship, And so ended Bad Donkey Base in Horsethief breakfast, activity sessions, lunch, Camp 2017! See you back next year! With temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius, the only Canyon, and group activities, dinner, games, way to cool off was in the trees or in the Red Deer River. SEPTEMBER 2017 Social Justice 9 THE MESSENGER Rediscover the meaning and practice of social justice JIM GURNETT beaten and robbed as they make are ignoring or condemning. It may Social Justice Committee their journey on life’s highway. True involve recognizing how much we Diocese of Edmonton compassion is more than flinging ourselves have been drawn into the he prophet Amos declared, “I a coin to a beggar... It comes to values and perspectives of a fallen want to see a mighty flood of see that an edifice which produces Creation and have lost the vision justice.” beggars needs restructuring.” of God’s word. It may be lonely. It T Good works may enable may lead to derision or attack. And The Church and individual Christians have a good record injustice, or keep us so busy we it is hard work. It calls for time to taking action to address the hurts fail to see underlying issues of research and educate and organize. experienced by many. We understand discrimination and greed and hate The Bible tells us social service the lesson of the Good Samaritan that lead to the need for social in needed. But often this is linked to help those who are suffering or services. Good works can be to admonitions about social justice wanting. We have a commendable paternalistic or undertaken with as an equally critical concern. Early history applying bandages to an unnoticed condescension, the in his ministry, Jesus quoted Isaiah wounds, necessary and useful work. feeling those who are more able will that he was sent to set free the This is the Gospel call to social “look after” those who are weaker, oppressed. We must not only attend and so reinforce power imbalances. to the injuries, but demand a safer, Jim Gurnett is an organizer of the annual service often called “charity.” outdoor way of the cross, a Good Friday Without the faithful commitment of The focus becomes individual: fairer world, where injuries are not walk raising awareness for society’s most the Church in this area, life would be this refugee or that woman disproportionately experienced by vulnerable citizens. much more miserable for many. experiencing domestic violence. We some. Church in New York City in 1967, But if such social service miss recognizing broad social and Dom Helder Camara captured named the “giant triplets” of racism, preoccupies us, we never address the systemic wrongs that are at the root the tension of charity and justice militarism and materialism that question of why the acts of charity of people being hurt. when he noted, “When I give food to continue to plague our world today. are needed. We need renewed energy to the poor, they call me a saint. When I “On the one hand we are called to Martin Luther King Jr. said, explore the biblical call to change the ask why the poor have no food, they play the Good Samaritan on life’s “On the one hand we are called to things that cause the problems. This call me a communist.” roadside; but that will be only an play the Good Samaritan on life’s is the Gospel call to social justice. In the Diocese of Edmonton, initial act,” says King. “One day roadside; but that will be only an Justice believes there is a correct and the Social Justice Committee invites we must come to see that the whole initial act. One day we must come true way for things to be, God’s good all to rediscover the meaning and Jericho road must be transformed to see that the whole Jericho road Creation, and that when that is lost practice of social justice. The Church so that men and women will not be must be transformed so that men there is a need to restore it. sometimes slides gently in the consistently beaten and robbed as and women will not be constantly Social justice can be direction of social service. But the they make their journey on life’s uncomfortable or difficult. It may biblical message offers the healthy highway. Trust compassion is more “The Church involve resisting or calling to reminder the story is only complete than flinging a coin to a beggar. It account people and institutions when we work for justice. is not haphazard and superficial. sometimes slides and structures we have been taught Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his It comes to see that an edifice gently in the direction to respect or obey. It may involve speech, “Beyond Vietnam: A Time which provides beggars needs publicly standing with those others to Break the Silence,” at Riverside of social service.” restructuring.” Foundation rejoices in six decades of “wonderful deeds” MICHELLE HAUSER have been brought together other textile artists and their next step in the Hope Bear every year.” t has been a year to in the book Imagine That: explorations into the realm ministry, which has gained What’s next for the rejoice in six decades Dreams, Hopes, and of the sacred. in popularity as part of foundation? Continuing of “wonderful deeds.” Realities—Celebrating The special exhibition the Foundation’s “Kids to inspire generosity and I 60 Years of the Anglican coincided with the Helping Kids” initiative. creativity within healthy, These are words embedded in “I Will Give Thanks to Foundation of Canada. foundation’s official 60th And there’s more! Click on vibrant faith communities, the Lord,” the choral anthem “If you want to know anniversary launch on Anniversary on the website from coast to coast to composed in honour of the how Canadian Anglicans May 25 and drew more and you’ll find a short video coast and generation after Anglican Foundation of have overcome challenges than 3,000 visitors. It also that highlights the diversity generation, by actively Canada’s 60th anniversary. in pursuit of their dreams,” reinforced the present-day of ministries the foundation engaging Canadian The anthem is one of says Canon Judy Rois, reality that the foundation supports across the country. Anglicans. many commemorative Executive Director of the is about much more than There’s also now a beautiful It’s safe to say that projects developed in foundation since 2011, “steeples and roofs” and is neck tie and silk scarf helping bring more ministry honour of this milestone “This book is filled with true “branching out in support of available through the AFC dreams to life will be top in the foundation’s history. stories of hope, imagination, really interesting things.” store. priority for the foundation Established in 1957 to and innovation.” Also part of this 60th Canon Rois wants for the foreseeable future - ensure a generous flow of Indeed innovation, anniversary year has been parishes and individuals for the next 60 years at least. funding for infrastructure particularly the need the publication of Children’s to see the foundation as a For more information and ministry projects, the for artistic exploration Prayers with Hope Bear, an “powerful resource pool” or to order copies of any foundation’s growing legacy and the sharing of new illustrated book featuring that grows and deepens of the foundation’s 60th of grants and bursaries have perspectives, was the driving prayers for seminal moments alongside a sense of anniversary resources, please proved transformational in force behind “(in)finite: in a child’s life, everything collective responsibility visit the lives of thousands of spiritual conversations in from starting school to for ministry. “The best way www.anglicanfoundation. individuals, parishes and cloth,” the free exhibition dealing with grief and loss. to make a big difference org/60th or call 416-924- faith communities. at Christ Church Cathedral Canon Rois says, “Helping from coast to coast to coast 9199 ext. 244. Some of these stories in Vancouver, featuring a children find words for their is for every parish to give number of indigenous and prayers” is an important something to the foundation 10 THE MESSENGER SEPTEMBER 2017 Social Justice Keiskamma Trust partnership improving South African lives of people living with HIV/ addition to funding AIDS. project activities, According to Zaida PWRDF also Bastros, who is in charge of provided funds for the PWRDF Development two vehicles to Partnership Program, allow Keiskamma PWRDF began to work with Trust to transport Keiskamma Trust during the patients living in height of the HIV crisis in remote villages. South Africa. At the time the Overall, it was a very South African government large project and was in full denial about throughout the years PWRDF support of the Keiskamma Trust has helped improve the lives of people living HIV. Since then, however, Keiskamma Trust with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. a lot has changed. The received substantial Keiskamma Trust is now Providing support for DOROTHY MARSHALL government has set up support from PWRDF, far Diocesan Representative stronger. There are a number people to improve their PWRDF social programs to provide more than any other HIV/ of donors that continue to own lives and communities monthly government grants AIDS project that PWRDF support their work and they sounds like a “good news” o you ever have the to people living with AIDS funded in South Africa. In are also receiving funding story to me, and I am feeling the world is and HIV/AIDS orphans. 2011, Keiskamma Trust support from the South happy to be able to share D“going to hell in a Patients have access to also informed PWRDF African government. this successful project with hand-basket?” These days, free antiretroviral drugs that this funding would Partnerships are you. If you would like to I’m afraid I have stopped my (ARVs) and social support. allow the project to become discontinued only after learn more about the work breakfast ritual of reading PWRDF is very happy with sustainable by June, 2017, as careful assessment by of PWRDF and read more the online news. All the the level of government they would be in a position PWRDF. Several factors uplifting stories about how negative reports tend to be engagement, and we believe to transfer all health-related are considered, including: projects have changed disheartening, and not a that we contributed to these activities to the government. project goals and objectives, lives, please check out our great way to start my day. happy outcomes through our The project included country’s economic website at www.pwrdf. As part of my mission support of Keiskamma Trust, initiatives such as youth situation, government org . You can also donate to focus on “good news,” advocacy work and funding resources and education, response to the needs of its to support this worthwhile I would like to share a of other South African music and arts programs and citizens, length of PWRDF work on our site, or through positive success story, organizations. hand-sewn fabric products presence with partner/ your church envelope. I stumbled upon when PWRDF submitted which are available for country, and the partner’s If you are interested in someone asked why we were a five-year, two-million- purchase online. ability to source funding. sharing information about ending our funding of the dollar Keiskamma Trust After 10 years of According to Zaida, South this work in your parish Keiskamma Trust project in proposal to Global Affairs support, the objectives Africa is a middle income community, please consider South Africa. I was familiar Canada and was approved set at the beginning of the country with a reasonable becoming a PWRDF parish with this wonderful project, in 2011. PWRDF funded Keiskamma Trust project social safety net when representative. For more which PWRDF has been approximately 30% of the have all been met. While we compared with most information, contact your involved with since 2007, total budget. The project know that the needs are still countries in Africa where the rector or Dorothy Marshall to help improve the lives ended in June, 2017. In there, we also believe that needs are far greater. at [email protected]. Everyone Welcome at Auggie’s Cafe in Spruce Grove n July 4, nearly 140 of whom are core members. When the Rev. Joanne community guests Belinda Watling (second Webster became rector of St. Odined on barbecued from left), a member of Augustine’s Parkland parish hamburgers and hotdogs at the Spruce Grove Alliance three-and-a-half years ago, Auggie’s Café in Spruce Church, has been serving Auggie’s was welcoming Grove. regularly at Auggie’s since an average of 60 guests Members of St. praying that God would each week. Now, the church Augustine’s Parkland show her opportunities to prays it has enough space to Anglican Church started “do something bigger than accommodate everyone. Auggie’s Café six years ago myself.” Not long after “Auggie’s is a diaconal she says. I might be interested in,” and have been providing leaving her job, she spotted ministry connecting church Oil distribution said Teri, who is president free lunch every Tuesday an article about Auggie’s to the world and the world company Chris Page and of her high school interact (with few exceptions) ever Café in the local paper. to church,” says Joanne, Associates Ltd. has been an club. “This is a very positive since. Some who in addition to Auggie’s Café supporter for and friendly environment “This is Christianity in guests come to providing pastoral five years. Three members and I can’t wait to come action,” says Auggie’s Café Auggie’s for support to adults, of the company were back.” Coordinator Dianne Brown. their only meal is always looking flipping and serving burgers St. Augustine’s Parkland “This is the purest form of of the day, while to invite young at the barbecue. Eighteen- member Betty Squance serving our community.” others come to participants to year-old Teri Kennedy- (above right) has been a Auggie’s Café began as an socialize, and an upcoming Flynn was having an familiar face at Auggie’s outreach of the parish and is all are treated camp or Vacation “absolutely amazing time” since the first planning now run by a network of 17 with dignity Bible School. busking tables and serving meeting. “You always go ecumenical and community and respect. “We welcomed refreshments. “I met Dianne home feeling better than you relationships that fund “Everyone is several kids from at the Rotary Club year-end did when you walked in the and support the ministry, welcome here,” Auggie’s to our event and she mentioned she door,” she says. including 160 volunteers, 60 says Dianne. Bob Coates Easter Camp,” had a volunteer opportunity SEPTEMBER 2017 11 THE MESSENGER Relief and Development Partners against poverty: sane approach to fighting insanity MATT CHAFFEE member of the St. John team. for us on our trip, and a St. John the Evangelist See the full version difficult symbol to interpret, Diocese of Edmonton of Matt’s article on the simultaneously watering The May edition of The FH Canada blog (posted crops and bathing children Messenger included an July 4, 2017): http://blog. while it aggravates ground article on an ‘End Poverty fhcanada.org/2017/07/a- water contamination in a Boot Camp’ presented by sane-approach-to-fighting- community without latrines. Food for the Hungry Canada insanity.html We’re met at the border and hosted at St. John the by the Food for the Hungry Evangelist Anglican Church he rain in Haiti is team coordinator, Jean- in Edmonton. As that article intense. As we make Marie. His sincerity and The Food for the Hungry team in Haiti provides local expertise. was going to print, a team Tour transition through passion for his mission are proximity to Belladere, the Luke 12:48, “From everyone from St. John’s was making the armed checkpoints immediately apparent, as region’s urban centre, the who has been given much, its way to Haiti to visit the that divide the Dominican is his excitement to receive tiny villages of Cachiman much will be demanded; and villages of Cachiman and Republic and Haiti, our visitors. He tells us that his and Mategouasse are from the one who has been Mategouasse, with whom first picture of Haiti is a region only sees about three distinct, with individual entrusted with much, much the church family has land in deluge. We pass team visits in a year, and the ways of responding to the more will be asked (NIV).” partnered through Food for broken gutters rushing with days when the teams arrive needs of their residents. The fruits of this the Hungry. Following is garbage, and naked children are his favourite. It’s in the recognition of approach are readily a description of that visit, bathing in the runoff. The Our preconceived these distinctions that we apparent. We witness written by Matt Chaffee, a rain is a regular presence notions – or at least my see the strength of the community gardens pre-conceived notions – of local FH team. Blanket overflowing with seedlings international relief work are solutions are eschewed under the stewardship shattered as we meet the in favour of collaboration of local agricultural rest of the Belladere team. and discernment. Rather leaders taught by the FH Every member is a Haitian than throwing more money specialists. Our team is national, and well trained at problems, we see an impressed by this work, in their respective fields. organizational leadership but also troubled by the All are able to passionately culture that insists that handful of communities explain how their specialties community members that still struggle with the affect change in this, demonstrate ethical resource implementation steps. Jean- their home country. It’s a management with the small Marie tells us, “Growing powerful testimony to the things before the large: things is easy. The hard part model of relational change chickens before goats, goats is changing people’s minds.” The St. John’s team poses with locals and FH team members from within. around a key-hole garden, a project that has met with success before cows. It’s hard not Despite their close in helping villages become self-sustaining. to see the close parallel to Continued on page 12. Barrhead nurse spends a month with medical team in Uganda CAROL TYRRELL rather than a burden. Each killers of children today; Republic of Congo). I spent average. The mortality rate St. Mary Abbotts family is given a plot of land pneumonia, malaria and the first few days with the has decreased to 61 deaths Diocese of Edmonton to grow food. They are also diarrheal diseases, are traditional midwives; lovely per 1,000 births. In contrast, The May edition of The allowed to start businesses, responsible for more than girls who have been trained the infant mortality rate Messenger reported that at get employment and have the 50% of all under-five to give pregnancy care, in Canada is 4.5 per 1,000 the end of March, deacon same access to services as deaths annually in Africa. delivery and after pregnancy births. With an improved Carol Tyrrell RN, from St. native Ugandans. One study showed 37% care to both the mother and probability of their babies Mary Abbots, Barrhead, This does not mean of all children diagnosed their newborn. The care was surviving infancy and living would join a team from that there have not been with malaria also had excellent, but the facilities past five years old, Ugandan Medical Teams International problems; some farmers pneumonia, which makes were less than optimal: the mothers are now more likely (MTI) to work in a refugee complain that the refugees recovery that much harder. new maternity wing only to use birth control. camp health facility in drive the amount they had room for about 20 beds, During our last two- Uganda for a month. MTI receive for their produce or the month of April, the lighting was poor and plus weeks in Uganda, we is a Christian-based, non down, the educational I worked as a nurse in the mothers had to bring worked with clinical officers governmental organization system is becoming Fa refugee settlement their own sheets and food. I in the Nakivale Settlement that works in areas of the even more crowded and in the southwest of Uganda was able to donate enough and saw up to 100 patients world with sub-optimal healthcare is over stretched. (50 km from the Democratic money to get the lighting a day! We sometimes dealt healthcare due to disasters; Medical Teams fixed up but when with conditions I had only be they natural or man- International has I left it still had read about. We also treated made. been given the task of not worked its ills more common to us, Uganda is a land-locked providing healthcare, way through the such as arthritis, colds and country, 1/3 the size of in particular, to bureaucracy. chicken pox. There was a Alberta with a population newly arriving Until recently, common misconception of 37 million. There are refugees. the infant that because we are from 584,000 refugees living Malaria is rampant, mortality rate was the developed world we can there, more displaced particularly among 162 deaths per cure everything with the persons than the whole of small children, 1,000 births, and right pill or an injection. I Europe has taken in. Uganda and can cause Ugandan mothers had to disappoint them. views the presence of dehydration and Up to 100 outpatients are seen each day at the used to have refugees as an opportunity, death. The deadly Nakivale Refugee Camp. six babies on Continued on page 12. 12 THE MESSENGER Relief and Development SEPTEMBER 2017 Partners against poverty: sane approach to fighting insanity cont. Continued from page 11. The children are shy of the house in Belladere, human.” It seems ludicrous Gabriel, and Seth; and at first, that is, until we where we run through the to us that people could be has been married to the We see how peoples’ start kicking soccer balls various encounters from so affected by our visit. It love of his life, Melissa, minds are changing in the around with them. We then the day and prepare for our seems insane, but this is for 15 years. The Chaffee community savings group recognize that these children eventual return to Canada. an insane world in which family attends St. John the that we visit. Over 30 are just like our own: they We leave Haiti feeling this half of a tiny island Evangelist Anglican Church members, almost all women, come alive in play. They thankful and uplifted. We (so close to unimaginable in Edmonton. The Chaffees meet to pool their resources scream with delight as they see needs being met, and wealth) struggles to meet have been sponsoring a and lend to one another. We easily outmaneuver their we’re thankful to have the most basic of needs. It child in Haiti for the past hear testimony of successful visitors, and we laugh at borne witness. At the same was amazing to see a group three years, and have begun business start-ups and the absurdity as we fall flat time, we’re humbled by of people working to meet sponsoring a second child educations funded through in the mud trying to defend Jean-Marie’s interpretation these needs as they walk since the trip in April. Judah these micro-lending groups. against our fleet-footed of our visit, “These people out Deuteronomy 15:7, “If and Caleb, the two oldest It was apparent that these attackers. are so thankful that you anyone is poor among your boys, are proud to be the incredible women were Despite our busy have travelled so far just fellow Israelites in any of the primary correspondents. doing it, making their world schedule in Haiti, our team to be with them, to talk towns of the land the Lord St. John the better themselves. It was is left with time to reflect. with them, to play with your God is giving you, do Evangelist plans to fulfill apparent until we asked how Mornings of prayer are them. It helps them to feel not be hardhearted or tight- its commitment to walk we might pray for them. The book-ended by evening fisted toward them with the communities of staggering response of “we sessions sitting on the terrace (NIV).” Cacheman and Mateguasse have Jesus; he will take We are awed until ‘graduation’ when care of rest,” reminded us by such a sane they become fully self- that these women were not approach to sufficient. This will mean doing it alone at all. fighting insanity. regular, hopefully yearly Our team spends much trips, sponsoring children, of the trip visiting the Matt Chaffee meeting and praying children and communities lives in Sherwood together monthly in the St. that our church family Park, Alberta John’s ‘Friends of Haiti’ sponsors. We’re met in where he works group and giving through front of houses smaller as a firefighter the Food for the Hungry Gift than most Canadian garden Above: Matt Chaffee shares and paramedic. Guide. For more information sheds by children dressed pictures of his home and family He is a father or to attend a meeting or in their finest to meet their with his sponsored child. to four boys: fundraiser please contact St. “god parents.” Right: Football is an effective Judah, Caleb, John’s at (780) 434-8955. international icebreaker. Barrhead nurse spends a month with medical team in Uganda cont. Continued from page 11. were quiet. When he went to a PTSD group that met at usually caused by nations back, the only people left the settlement. promising funds and then The Ugandan way of in his village were dead, so We treated another not writing the cheque. This life is healthy for many he walked for four or five teenager with a big keloid happens quite a lot. reasons: smoking cigarettes days through the jungle to scar on his back. He had Uganda has taken in is practically nonexistent the Uganda border. This was been in his hut when it 1.3 million refugees. About and a diet of homegrown three years ago and the boy was set ablaze and he was 3,000 come each day mostly vegetables and fruits, as was only nine at the time. unable to get out before the from South Sudan due to well as walking everywhere, He has no idea where any of roof caved in. We referred famine and war, and from means few Ugandans his relatives are and has been him to a dermatologist in a the Democratic Republic experience high blood living with “an old lady,” bigger centre. of Congo (DRC) where the pressure and obesity. helping her out as she has no Carol Tyrrell with clinical officer We saw people with fighting is the fiercest. Each person had a one either. from Medical Teams International. infected cuts and gunshot Uganda views the unique story to tell. I will Another young man wounds, lots of skin refugees as a resource. they reached the next one in share some of them which came to me because his conditions like scabies, For the most part, these line, asked “which hand?” may give you an idea of hands were shaking. I and very sick people who people are resourceful, When a man answered life in a war zone. I spoke tested his neurological we admitted to the small hardworking, tough, very “left,” the rebel leader would to a 12-year-old boy who signs and asked him a few hospital for IV rehydration motivated and very thankful chop off his left hand with a tested positive for malaria. questions. Myself and the or antibiotics. I saw four to be safe. machete. He told me he had been clinical officer felt that he people with active TB, Each refugee is given My patient, who would living in Congo with his was suffering from Post three patients with HIV/ food, a mosquito net, a have rather been shot trying parents and younger siblings Traumatic Stress Disorder. AIDS, patients with syphilis, machete, a jerry can, clothes, to escape, than waiting to when, one night, a gang of His English was very good parasites of all kinds and a small plot of land for be mutilated, ran into the either rebels or government so he told me the story of many cases of malaria. growing food, health care, jungle and kept running soldiers came to his village, how he got to the refugee When the United and the opportunity to build until he could not hear called all the men out, and settlement. He was at his Nations High Commission a shelter and go to school for anyone coming after him. took them away, probably village, working in the on Refugees (UNHCR) primary education. Eventually he made it to the to shoot them. His mother fields, when a gang of rebels runs short on money, food This trip was an amazing Uganda border and to the objected and the men shot arrived and herded all the rations are cut. Mothers go experience. I am very Nakivale settlement, but his her. The boy then ran as fast men into a line. They shot hungry in order to feed their thankful to go and be of hands started to shake once as he could into the jungle every second man and, when children. The shortage is some help to people. he was safe. We referred him where he hid until things SEPTEMBER 2017 Missional Discipleship 13 THE MESSENGER Our Context: why people aren’t coming Sunday mornings we close the ‘back door,’ The Open De-Churched: hurt, pain and withdrawal. hope that people will come, too. But what about the vast These are the ones who used Going back to the place who exactly are we hoping majority of the population to come but have stopped. where the hurt was caused is will arrive at the door? The who will not come through Perhaps this is due to a unlikely without at the very Unchurched won’t – why our doors at all? How can change of circumstance such least a great deal of love, would they? The Closed De- we connect with them? as their work schedule, or care and reconciliation. Churched won’t, for they are To help aid us with they’ve had a new baby, that hurt. The Open De-Churched this conundrum, a piece of makes getting to Sunday The Un-Churched: This won’t if our services are the research came out in the morning worship too much is exactly as described. It’s usual Sunday mornings. This Mission-shaped Church of a challenge. Perhaps not that they choose not to leaves just The Fringe. Report (2004). This report they have moved to a new come to our services. The So as we can see, the old swept across the Anglican neighbourhood and simply idea simply does not occur ways will not work anymore Communion and, although haven’t found a new church to them. As each day goes with the vast majority of The Ven. RICHARD KING somewhat dated now, it still home. These are open to by in our post-Christendom people. This is why we must Archdeacon for Mission and contains good information. return given the right event world, so the percentage of move toward ensuring that Discipleship Diocese of Edmonton The research sought to at the right time or on the the Unchurched grows. I can our discipleship is truly a identify those who no longer right day that works for perhaps illustrate this most fully missional discipleship o here we are! Back come to church. It described them. simply by describing how I in which each of us is living at it after the summer the situation using four met someone last year who our faith and engaged with break. I hope it was a headings. The Closed De-Churched: came along to a Christmas our family, friends and S These people have stopped pageant. It was her first community. It is essential, good summer for you. We have spent the last The Fringe: These are the coming to church and time in a church. It was the along with exploring more few articles looking at our people who come along for very serious reasons. first time she had ever sung inventive ways of being missional context. We saw to church occasionally; Perhaps a crisis of faith, Christmas carols. She was Church. We’ll pick this up the importance of being Christmas, Easter and disillusionment with church, 27 years old! next month. welcoming and having a perhaps several other times an argument with a church So when we think wide open ‘front door’ in during the year, but no more! member or the priest; about arranging our church May God bless you richly, our churches, while ensuring something has resulted in services and events in the Richard Alan Hirsch “Brilliant Utterly Brilliant” Reluctant Evangelists soldier The clergy of the Edmonton his research for well on in Valleyview Parish, diocese gathered in May over 10 years; as he for their annual conference said to us more than Diocese of Athabasca at Star of the North Retreat once: “I don’t have an In follow-up to the Discipleship Training Session on Centre in St. Albert. The unpublished thought.” Evangelism provided by Archdeacon of Mission Development conference was led by Such is the global scope Terry Leer, St. Anne’s Anglican Church in Valleyview had mission-strategist Alan of Alan’s ministry (from its first meeting of the Reluctant Evangelists on May 10. Hirsch, author of 5Q: Edmonton he made his Clockwise from the left they are Lin Cole, George Howell, Reactivating the Original way to Israel) that I was the Rev. Rose Howell, Lewis Watson, Jean Carter, Sherry Intelligence and Capacity frankly astonished when Watson and Liz Gordon. of the Body of Christ. I heard we had arranged The Ven. Richard King, for him to come. So it Archdeacon for Mission was truly a gift to have and Discipleship, shares Alan with us. his perspective on the Alan shared about gathering: the challenge we face and how we often try to Alan Hirsch How do I describe address the problem of Jesus is Lord,” or start the Clergy Conference? a post-Christendom culture, thinking through these Three words come to mind: still using Christendom crucial issues for yourself brilliant! Utterly brilliant! methods. In order to re- by reading his foundation We were most blessed as a calibrate the Church to be book The Forgotten Ways group to have Alan Hirsch a truly discipling Church (2nd ed.). as our keynote speaker. It in these rapidly changing is not an exaggeration to times, we need to go back Since the conference Two new evangelists have already joined the group say that Alan is one of, if to Jesus and allow who He in May, more than a dozen and were given a verbal summary and the highlights of not the, foremost thinkers is and what He calls us to clergy have expressed Archdeacon Leer’s course by other members. about what it means to be do to inform our mission interest in meeting together The group plans to meet monthly, sharing the Church now that we are no and thus shape the way we to follow up on the ideas opportunities for evangelism that God provides, as well longer in Christendom in are as Church. It was a feast Hirsch presented, in order as the challenges and successes they experience.They the west. By that we mean of wisdom and practical to begin to ‘digest and will also study a section of the Gospel. “We agree that that Christianity is no longer suggestions of a kind that apply’ them. to be a source of overflowing love and for evangelism to the dominant world-view will take us some time to Please contact the come naturally, disciples must have a clear understanding in our culture, as it was for digest and apply. Ven. Richard King, of Jesus’ teachings. The transformation from Reluctant centuries. You can catch an intro Archdeacon for Mission Evangelist to Enthusiastic Evangelist happens by being in a Alan has been to Alan’s thoughts in the and Discipleship, if you are strong relationship with God by reading scripture regularly researching and sharing YouTube clip “Alan Hirsch: interested in knowing more. and by loving one another.” Story and photo submitted by Anke Jadatz 14 THE MESSENGER SEPTEMBER 2017 Perspectives A reflection on 40 years of the ordination of women Throughout 2017, in honour of the 40th Female Priests of the anniversary of the ordination of women in the Diocese of Edmonton Anglican Church of Canada, we will highlight Ordination Dates: the lives and ministry of women who have been 2004: Stephanie ordained as priests in the Diocese of Edmonton. London, Emma Vickery, This month features a reflection by Sheila Hagan-Bloxham, the Rev. Alex Meek. Ann Marie Nicklin 2005: Madeleine Urion arrived in the Anglican Church as the 2006: Susan Oliver, result of a search for a church where my Elizabeth Metcalfe I gifts would be welcomed and I might have 2007: Lori Calkins, Colleen Sanderson, opportunity to serve as a pastor. Joanne Neal (vocational deacon) I was raised in a different Christian 2008: Joanne Webster tradition, a tradition that opened me to faith 2009: Chelsy Bouwman, Robyn King, and a tradition for which I am very thankful. Alexandra Meek, Donna Willer It was, however, also a tradition that believed women should not serve in pastoral leadership. Watch upcoming issues of The Messenger for Not being aware of all the politics that can, and The Rev. Dr. Scott Sharman and the Rev. Alex Meek reflections from women ordained after the do, exist in the church, I began my study of with their sons Felix and Elliot. year 2009. theology relatively unaware and unconcerned call home. serve the church in this capacity might not be about the restrictions that would be placed on Newly married, Scott and I began attending right, and what I heard from God so clearly on my role should it be discerned that I was called an Anglican Church that had a female priest that day was that I had questioned, and been to ministry in the church. I was 19 and at first, as the associate. It was incredible for me, not afraid, and studied, but that I had never simply I wasn’t even sure that I wanted to work in the that she was serving behind the altar, but that thanked God for this call on my life. And so church anyway, so I wasn’t really worried. there wasn’t an explanation consistently made today I am thankful. I am thankful for those who I studied and served the church in a variety for why it was okay for her to serve. She just were courageous enough to break the tradition, of roles as a student, and as I did I began to be did. She preached. She celebrated communion. and to see and affirm the vocation of women. affirmed by teachers and pastors in a call to She visited us in our home as new members I am thankful for those who affirmed my ministry. At one point, a mentor took me aside of the community. Just like that. As if it was own gifts when it would have been easier to and said to me that he had no idea what it would nothing. Living out her call did not make her a remain quiet. I am so very thankful for the cost me to be part of the church, and that he problem, or even a hero. From what I could see other women in this diocese, and in the broader was sorry for the pain he thought would follow she was called and simply affirmed in that call. church who have served as mentors and my path, but that he believed I needed to be For someone who had had to debate (and I am colleagues in ministry and I am thankful for the in pastoral ministry despite the restrictions in no good at debate), and argue (also not a strong gift to serve in the church. front of me. I took this, and other affirmations, skill of mine), and study and pray and study, and I am the fourth consecutive female rector of very seriously because they came from those question whether or not women could be called St. George’s. I am not sure if this is a record but who should not, by their own understanding to ordained ministry, this was amazing for me. It my guess is that it must be close. Forty years of scripture and tradition, have seen in me the was pure gift. of ordaining women has not made everything calling that they did. As I continued my studies, It took me time to learn the language and right in the church, and I am well aware now of I continued to work through a discernment the tradition, but I had found a new home in the politics that still surround this decision. But process within this community and what became the Anglican church, where, if I was called I give thanks today for my community, and for very clear was that my heart was to work within to be ordained, being a woman wouldn’t be this church, that sees that there is work to be the church but that I would not be able to stay the deciding vote. And I was so glad. On my done and who trust me to do the work. within my own tradition in any positive way if ordination retreat I prayed that God would help Alex Meek serves as rector of St. George’s this was actually what I needed. And so I began me be certain that this was okay. Because still by the U of A and as coordinator of hospital to look for a new church community that I could there was a fear in my heart that my desire to visitors for the Diocese of Edmonton. St. Saviour, Vermilion celebrates 50th anniversary of ordination The Rev. ELIZABETH METCALFE Alberta, Aubrey in the Diocese of Huron (Bedford, Leamington, Rector, St. Saviour’s, Vermilion continued with and Bayfield). Around this time, while serving as rinity Sunday, June 11, 2017, dawned military life in chaplain at Camp Borden in Alberta, Aubrey met bright and sunny as the parish of St. Victoria. He and married his wife Hilda. Saviour’s, Vermilion, gathered for a double completed his Together they purchased a home on the Isle of T theological Skye in Scotland, in 1983, intending it to be their celebration. Along with the celebration of the Trinity, we were also marking the 50th anniversary training at the retirement home. Aubrey officially “retired” in of our much-loved honorary assistant, the Rev. University 1993. Three years later, Hilda was invited to take Aubrey Bell. of British part in a mission to Belize and Aubrey joined her Aubrey was born in Vermilion Alberta, where Columbia and there. Never one to sit back, within a short time, his father was the town dentist. He was the oldest was posted to Aubrey was ministering in the town of Placencia. of four brothers and, when he was eight-years-old, his first parish He really enjoyed his time there, especially moved with his family to Calgary. With a strong in Squamish. working with the children. He recalls how it could He lived in be challenging to try to compete with the sound of family history of military service, Aubrey became The Rev. Aubrey Bell celebrates the hospital the cicadas while preaching. Aubrey describes this involved with the Cadet movement, an interest he communion at St. Saviour. continues to have today. It is not uncommon to be while awaiting time as a perfect balance as they spent the winter met on a Sunday morning by a snappy salute when completion of the rectory, and spent his summers months in Belize and summer months on the Isle of greeting him. as chaplain at the Cadet Camp in Vernon. A Skye, thus enjoying summer year-round. After graduating from the University of move cross-country was in store for Aubrey as he relocated to Ontario to continue his ministry Continued on next page. SEPTEMBER 2017 15 THE MESSENGER Special Events Four teens confirmed; challenged to be a force for change GEN ASHWELL St. Timothy’s Anglican Church Diocese of Edmonton ishop Jane Alexander officiated at the confirmation service for four teenage Bmembers of St. Timothy’s Anglican Church in Edmonton on June 11, 2017. She asked those of us in the congregation if we were about to see something incredible this morning. “Yes,” she answered for us, “we are.” She asked Sarah Joy Ketchum Walker, Christopher Stephen Moore, Jedidiah Kwaw and Emanuel Kwaw if they wished to be confirmed, and they also replied, “yes” to following Jesus.

gave a letter to Bishop Jane. The Rev. Anthony Kwaw, father of two of the confirmands, noted the joy on the faces of the young people, who are involved and responsive and for you, and I say to myself (the congregation to their new lives in Christ. joined in) – What a Wonderful World.” Bishop Jane and husband Tim Alexander “Have you ever recommended a book to attended the potluck lunch following the service to someone, or a restaurant or a bottle of wine?” she St. Timothy’s four teenage confirmands, from left: celebrate this special, significant event. Sarah Joy Ketchum Walker, Christopher Moore, asked us. “So do we, as Christians, recommend Jedidiah Kwaw and Emmanuel Kwaw. Jesus to others. You can’t be confirmed unless Photos: Lloyd Ropchan someone or a community has helped you. So, congregation, pat yourselves on the back. Now these young people are taking on their adult status. You’re not just confirmed and let loose. You are now challenged to be a force for change. What differences do you see needed in the church? The congregation isn’t going to say, ‘We’ve tried that 60 years ago, long before you born, and it didn’t work.’ No, they’re going to say, ‘Let’s see. Maybe that will work. Let’s talk about that.’” “This is a time for recharging our batteries. We’ve made our promises, let’s practice what we’re going to say this week: ‘I saw something amazing this week!’ and then we’ll tell our story.” The promises were made by the confirmed and their sponsors and the church membership. The Bishop Jane delivered a sermon expressing Bishop performed the laying on of hands and gave God’s love in creation, citing Psalm 8, and singing diocesan gift bags to the confirmed, and the choir part of It’s a Wonderful World: “I see the trees sang the anthem Here I am, Lord (with support of green, skies of blue, I see them bloom for me from a very junior member). The confirmed each St. Saviour celebrates 50th anniversary of ordination, continued Continued from previous page. return home, so spent a During a trip back to Alberta Aubrey felt a very chilly Christmas strong call to home and he returned with Hilda to While in Belize, Hilda and Aubrey Day and night in the Vermilion in 2011. In spite of a badly broken arm, introduced the Cursillo movement to the only accommodation the result of a fall, Aubrey continues to minister, community which is a lasting legacy of available, the Youth serving as honorary assistant at St. Saviour’s, their time there. Hostel. The hostel had where he provides ministry leadership and In 2000, Aubrey reentered “retirement” been closed for the regularly celebrates communion at the Vermilion and the couple moved to Argyll, on the winter so they lacked Lodge, Mannville Lodge. The military continues to lake, on the Isle of Skye. The island was many of the basic be an important part of his life and he is chaplain remote and required a boat trip to Rosay comforts, including at the Vermilion Legion. Island, to access the mainland. Soon blankets! Aubrey and Hilda have been a wonderful gift Aubrey returned to ministry on the island In 2009, they to the parish, and was a great joy to celebrate this serving the parish of St. Columba’s, Isle. returned to the west milestone anniversary with him. We wish him The Rev. Aubrey Bell serves as One Christmas morning, the service ran late coast of Canada, first many more years of “productive retirement” as he Honourary Assistant at St. Saviour. and Aubrey and Hilda missed the boat to Photos: Leslie Bruce. settling in Victoria. continues to serve our Lord. 16 THE MESSENGER SEPTEMBER 2017 Special Events St. George, Fort Saskatchewan celebrates Canada 150! MARGARET GLIDDEN Edmonton Editor he Anglican parish of St. George’s Tsported its red and white colours, July 1, to welcome the community of Fort Saskatchewan to an all-day-Canada Day party. Hundreds of spectators lined the sidewalk in front of the church, conveniently “People’s Choice” challenge, located on the parade route, members of St. George’s Clockwise from top left: Jen, Brooke and Carter and draped with a gigantic quilting club sewed together Driscoll, along with St. George’s rector Chelsy Canada flag. Children had Bouwman, offer free lemonade to parade spectators; Sue Wilson pieces of red and white the opportunity to have their and Sharon Taylor make pompoms; spectators chat on the parade fabric and the results were faces painted and make route in front of St. George’s; children love having their faces spectacular. Motivational tissue paper pompoms to painted by Legion Padre Audrey Daley; the Canada theme wins the speaker Chris Robertson, wave during the parade. On People’s Choice Award in the Quilt Show. a member of St. George’s, this hot, summer day, people was on hand to autograph Soup for the Canadian Soul. will remember us for our were very appreciative of copies of his best-selling “Our goal during these love of Jesus and Jesus’ love the free lemonade being book To The Top Canada. events is to be light and salt of them!” served by St. George’s at Chris is the only person in in the community and their corner stand. Families history to travel from the to share the gospel enjoyed burgers and hotdogs bottom of mainland Canada in simple ways that, at picnic tables set up in 6,520 kilometers to the top we hope, will leave the churchyard, before under his own power. He has a lasting impression heading into the hall for since spoken to more than on peoples’ hearts,” a slice of homemade pie. five million Canadians about says the Rev. Chelsy The sanctuary was home unity and his inspiring story Bouwman, rector of to an array of colourful is also featured in Chicken St. George’s. “They and creative quilts. For the Dragonfly Festival an occasion for celebration at St. Saviour’s MARGARET GLIDDEN her husband the Rev. Mike things we can practice in our of reality, we always have struggles knowing that Edmonton Editor Lynch and a posse of daily lives to help us get out hope and joy and love from God loves you dearly? And musicians, strummed her of bed in the morning: the Lord.” We are given the will you throw yourself very June the guitar, tapped her red boots 1. Pray – “When Jesus gift of the spirit of the Lord or someone else a party in community of and partied with friends went about his work of that we can face what we celebration of the gift of the Wabamun anticipates E in celebration of God’s healing, he always went to have to face with joy and… life you have? Friends, when the hatching of thousands goodness at Jubilee Hall. pray after. When we have a 3. Party! – “No matter we do those three things that of dragonflies on Wabamun “The most important chat with the Lord we tell what is going on in our Jesus did, life is better. Give Lake to keep the summer thing that the Lord says to Him what’s going on in our life, we have an occasion it a try and see.” bugs at bay. And every June us today is do not be afraid. life. It is the very ordinary to party,” said Coleen who Much to Coleen’s folks anticipate members of Do not fear,” said Coleen, things (an upcoming doctor’s turned 65 on June 20. “Jesus surprise, at the service the St. Saviour’s Mission (AKA referring to the Gospel of appointment, transitioning went to parties and ate and congregation was ready the blue-shirt-clad Team Matthew, Chapter 10, verses from a home or job, concerns had a good time. Friends, to put her third suggestion Jesus), serving pancakes with 24-39. “Jesus always gives about our children, parents we have hope by sharing into action. Team Jesus and joyful enthusiasm, bottles of us what we need to live in and siblings) that we bring to our lives with others. What friends had planned for water during the parade and the day we’re in with the life God in prayer.” better way to do that, than at her a milestone birthday Country music and poetry we have…We are the only 2. Persevere – “Friends, a barbecue or over a cup of celebration! during Cowboy Church at faith tradition in the universe we have to face the life coffee and a muffin?” The 4th Annual Cowboy the Dragonfly Festival. that has a God who became we have. It’s a good life. “Will you pray for Church service concluded On June 25th the Rev. one of us.” It’s a great life. But it’s a yourself or someone else? with birthday cake, coffee Coleen Lynch, accompanied She suggested three challenging life. In the face Will you persevere through and lots of visiting. by

Cowgirl braids, shiny red boots and ‘Team-Jesus’ t-shirts always come out for Cowboy Church; and this year - a 65th birthday cake for the Rev. Coleen Lynch.