Thanks to your Receiving God’s generosity we grace through raised over Spiritual Direction. $30,000 for the See page 7. Bishop’s Action ANGLICAN Appeal!

Spring 2021 • A section of the Anglican Journal Official Publication of the Diocese of Montreal Q&A with Jesse Zink about Dio’s New Strategic Alliance

NICKI HRONJAK work together but retain brought more fully into Dio and independent existences, much made available to our students In January 2021, Montreal as we did 100 years ago. and the churches we serve in Diocesan Theological College In the past year, it became Montreal and beyond. (often known simply as Dio) clear that UTC would need and the United Theological to sell its building to achieve Is Dio closing? College (UTC) in Montreal financial stability. That opened No, absolutely not. This announced a new strategic up new conversations about alliance is about expanding alliance. new ways of cooperating. Over Dio’s programming and Under the terms of the course of the summer and diversity of its student body. the agreement, UTC will fall of 2020—and a lot of time Serving Anglican churches in complete the process of on Zoom—we were able to and around the world selling its building, which it see how a strategic alliance will remain a core part of what announced last summer, and between the two colleges could we do. end independent operations enhance our common work and this summer. Dio will launch change our structures so they How does this alliance work a United Church Studies are better suited to the time we financially? program that will enroll UTC’s are living in. Over the last couple of years, students and incorporate UTC’s Dio’s financial position has faculty. The Rev. Canon Jesse From Dio’s perspective, what improved, thanks to increasing Zink, Dio’s current principal, benefits do you see coming enrollment and generous will continue to serve as from this arrangement? support from a growing principal of the college which At a very basic level, I think number of donors and the will be located in Dio’s current that it is good for our students Diocese of Montreal. We still building on University Street in to learn in an ecumenical have medium- and long-term Montreal. environment with students financial challenges to address Initially, the strategic alliance from other traditions. They may to get to a sustainable position will last through summer not always agree with their and we are working hard on 2022. Over the course of the United colleagues but being those. coming year, the two colleges in the same classroom helps This improvement made us will explore the possibility them understand what they a serious conversation partner of longer-term cooperation believe and why. This alliance when UTC was figuring out towards a combined Anglican- preserves that environment, what to do after it decided to United college. Dio will retain and that’s good. sell its building. all of its existing affiliations At a broader level, I’ve Over the course of this Montreal Diocesan Theological College opened in 1873. with McGill University, The long been impressed by how alliance—through summer Presbyterian College, and the UTC and the United Church of 2022—UTC will contribute Montreal School of Theology. Tell us about how this about whether our structures more generally have its revenue and income to We talked with Dr. Zink strategic alliance came about. best serve our mission. significantly invested in French- Dio to allow us to pay for about the new alliance and For the last couple of On University Street, we language ministry and French- the new commitments we what we can expect going years, we’ve been having have three parallel theological language preparation for are undertaking. Part of the forward. conversations among the colleges—Dio, UTC, and The ordained ministry. Part of our discernment and planning the theological colleges in Montreal Presbyterian College—that alliance is that this work will be continued on page 8 Can Anything Good Come from a Pandemic? For those in Rural Ministry, the answer is yes!

TYSON ROSBERG Out in the Eastern and prayers are offered by Townships — where I began my different people; we have a rota The Rev. Tyson L. Røsberg is the ministry as a newly pandemic- for online preaching, including assistant curate for the regional ordained priest — we have some truly amazing sermons ministry of Brome-Missisquoi in been hosting our Sunday from lay members of our the Eastern Townships morning worship services on congregation. And our organist Zoom since March 2020. It provides music from the grand Recently in an Education for has now been almost a whole piano in her home; we sing Ministry (EFM) Zoom session, year since Covid19 has forced hymns and the day’s psalm, as we were exploring the question the temporary closure of our well as metrical settings of the posed in John’s Gospel (1:46): church buildings for our own Gloria and the Creed. Except “Can any good thing come health and safety. Yet, while for the musicians, each of us from Nazareth?” We quickly our buildings might be closed, remains muted to preserve the expanded the question to: “Can Covid19 has not closed the sound quality on Zoom, but we any good thing come from the Gospel, nor has our ministry to still raise a joyful noise to God, Eastern Townships?” And then God’s people been shut down. each in our own homes. asked further: “Can any good We opted for Zoom as Going online has also thing come from a pandemic?” a worship platform as it expanded our worship style, At least for those of us engaged provides for a wide range of allowing for creativity and in rural ministry, the answer is congregational participation. experimentation; sharing a unequivocally yes! Each of the Biblical readings continued on page 3 Images from the region often accompany our worship. 2 anglican montreal • march 2021

Bishop’s Message Lent 2021 Message de l’évêque Carême 2021

Anchored in hope! Ancrés dans l’espoir!

Our Diocesan coat of arms was created in 1850 when the Diocese Nos armoiries diocésaines ont été créées en 1850 lorsque le of Montreal was formed out of the Diocese of Quebec. Over my diocèse de Montréal a été formé à partir du diocèse de Québec. front door is a stained-glass image of the arms, given to me by a Au-dessus de ma porte d’entrée, se trouve un vitrail des friend when I became your bishop. Designed by Bishop Francis armoiries qui m’a été donné par un ami lorsque je suis devenue Fulford, first bishop of Montreal, it contains a pastoral staff, a key votre évêque. Conçu par Mgr Francis Fulford, premier évêque pointing up and outwards, an open book, a six-pointed star, and de Montréal, il contient une crosse, une clé pointant vers le haut an anchor – all heraldic symbols. The anchor relates to Montreal et vers l’extérieur, un livre ouvert, une étoile à six raies et une being a port city but it is also a symbol of faith and hope. ancre - tous des symboles héraldiques. L’ancre rappelle que The original heraldic design shows an anchor with a rope. It’s Montréal est une ville portuaire, mais elle est aussi un symbole the usual 19th century symbol for “hope”. Anchors are used to de foi et d’espoir. keep a ship in place during a storm and to keep them safe once Le dessin héraldique original montre une ancre avec une safely moored. My mother used to sing the hymn “Will your gumène (câble). C’est le symbole habituel du XIXe siècle pour anchor hold in the storms of life”. As a young person, I never “l’espoir”. Les ancres sont utilisées pour maintenir un navire gave much thought to what exactly the anchor meant except en place pendant une tempête et pour le garder en sécurité une something to help a believer in tough times. The letter to the fois amarré. Ma mère avait l’habitude de chanter l’hymne «Will Hebrews says “We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the your anchor hold in the storms of life». Dans ma jeunesse, je n’ai soul”. (6:19) jamais vraiment réfléchi à la signification exacte de cette ancre, This last year has been a stormy one for sure, filled with si ce n’est pour aider un croyant dans les moments difficiles. La uncertainty and suffering and fear. The letter to the Romans lettre aux Hébreux dit : speaks about how suffering is part of life and it can toughen us up and point us to hope for God’s plans and purposes: Cette espérance, nous la tenons comme une ancre sûre et solide pour l’âme (Héb.6, 19a) “And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and L’année dernière a été une année orageuse à coup sûr, character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because remplie d’incertitudes, de souffrances et de craintes. La lettre God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that aux Romains explique que la souffrance fait partie de la vie et has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5 qu’elle peut nous endurcir et nous inciter à avoir confiance dans les plans et les desseins de Dieu : “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.”Romans 12:12 Bien plus, nous mettons notre fierté dans la détresse elle-même, puisque la détresse, nous le savons, produit la persévérance ; la What has been anchoring you in this last stormy year? persévérance produit la vertu éprouvée ; la vertu éprouvée produit What has been your spiritual lifeline? I’m sure that there have l’espérance ; et l’espérance ne déçoit pas, puisque l’amour de Dieu a been times when you did not know what was coming next and you were very été répandu dans nos cœurs par l’Esprit Saint qui nous a été donné. (Rom. 5, 3-5) worried. No one likes suffering and no one likes being worried and afraid.And yet, our faith tells us to hold on and to trust that God is bigger than what we are Ayez la joie de l’espérance, tenez bon dans l’épreuve, soyez assidus à la prière. (Rom. 12,12) going through. And that God is with us always. Because of the power of God’s love, we can lean hopefully into what is ahead. Qu’est-ce qui vous a ancré au cours de cette dernière année de tempête ? While many of us may have grown as disciples through this time, I want to Quelle a été votre ligne de vie spirituelle ? Je suis sûre qu’il y a eu des moments assure you that no one has all the answers to the questions of faith. The letter to où vous ne saviez pas ce qui allait arriver et où vous étiez très inquiets. the Corinthians encourages us: Personne n’aime souffrir et personne n’aime être inquiet et avoir peur. Et pourtant, notre foi nous dit de nous accrocher et de croire que Dieu est plus “We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But grand que ce que nous vivons, et que Dieu est toujours avec nous. Grâce à la it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, puissance de l’amour de Dieu, nous pouvons anticiper avec espoir sur ce qui see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! But for nous attend. right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that Même si beaucoup d’entre nous ont grandi dans leur rôle de disciples au consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the cours de cette période, je tiens à vous rappeler que personne n’a toutes les best of the three is love.” 1 Corinthians 13: 12-13, The Message réponses aux questions de la foi. La lettre aux Corinthiens nous donne courage :

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, Nous voyons actuellement de manière confuse, comme dans un miroir ; ce jour-là, nous so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 verrons face à face. Actuellement, ma connaissance est partielle ; ce jour-là, je connaîtrai parfaitement, comme j’ai été connu. Ce qui demeure aujourd’hui, c’est la foi, l’espérance et la charité ; mais la plus grande des trois, c’est la charité. (1 Cor. 13, 12-13)

Mes prières vous accompagnent :

Que le Dieu de l’espérance vous remplisse de toute joie et de paix dans la foi, afin que vous débordiez d’espérance par la puissance de l’Esprit Saint. (Rom. 15,13)

Editorial Office: Diocese of Montreal Congratulations 1444 Union Ave Montreal, QC H3A 2B8 Phone: 514-843-6577 to Joel Amis [email protected] The Rev Joel Amis was appointed as Incumbent of Published four times a year. $10 per year ANGLICAN Christ Church Beaurepaire For subscription changes: Anglican Journal as of December 24, 2020. MONTREAL 80 Hayden St, , ON M4Y 3G2 Prior to this appointment, 416-924-9199 or 1-866-924-9192 Ext. 245/259 Joel had been serving as assistant curate at Official Newspaper of [email protected] St Michael and All Angels, the Diocese of Montreal www.anglicanjournal.com/subscribe Deadline for June 2021 alongside Archdeacon issue: April 26, 2021 Anglican Journal & Montreal Anglican Michelle Eason, since A section of Anglican Journal. September 2018. Editor: Nicki Hronjak Legal deposit: National Library of Quebec, A Celebration of New Editorial Assistance: Peter National Library of Canada. Ministry has yet to be Denis, Wendy Telfer scheduled. Circulation: Ardyth Robinson Printed and mailed by Webnews Printing Inc., Production: Nicki Hronjak North York, ON Photo by Yevgeniya Amis anglican montreal • march 2021 3

Diocesan Anti-Black Racism Task Force - Inspired to Tackle Racism

EDWARD YANKIE hate groups still want to tear it The Rev Deborah Meister and rolling up our sleeves, for the laity, and for all who down and burn it. Yes, here in devoted a tireless energy to literally and metaphorically, wish it, will ensue. This is just Mr Edward Yankie is a member of Canada too. our group, and, with the help to get to work. An old Zen the beginning. Christ Church Cathedral and co- The banner was of the Rev Deborah Noonan- saying comes to mind. “After Many people still think chair of the Diocesan Anti-Racism certainly not intended as an Zink, worked to bring us all the ecstatic experience comes that racism is simply about Task Force announcement that we, as together. Dean Bertrand Olivier needing to do the laundry.” having bigoted feelings, or a religious community, had met with us and gave support, The task force is still being being prejudiced against dark Sometimes history reaches a arrived at our perfect utopia. It though he was recovering assembled, and is growing. skin or otherness. But we often breaking point, and something is generally recognized that we from surgery from a nasty bike Most of the original group don’t see or understand how like A Way of Transformation - especially those of us who are accident. Bishop Mary also are still involved, though new deeply inequality is forged into takes place because things can’t not Black - have to try to live listened with her whole being, faces and names are showing the very fabric and make-up go on like before. In addition up to it. To see more--to listen, and gave kind and encouraging up, for which we are grateful. of our society. So there is still a to other uproars, including a understand, and support more. words. But people in our group We are still a mix of Black and lack of understanding for the pandemic, there is now such a with more experience than I White, Canadian born and need for systemic change. To breaking point—a saturation of still worried that the motion immigrant, English and French, cite a solitary glaring example too much bloodshed of Black How could we make to create Diocesan Anti-Black which, for the work we have to of injustice, many families people. Too many people who things better in our Racism Task Force would not do, is important. within the Haitian community know the weight of oppression diocese, in our city, our pass at Synod, and no doubt are being separated, even province, and in the with good reason. and can’t breathe because they But we often don’t see or children from their parents, by have knees on their necks. wider world? Fast forward to Synod, deportation practices that are when the reverend James understand how deeply Along with this comes a great inequality is forged nothing short of cruel. This we deal of denial, apathy, self- In the midst of this growing Pratt, Dion Lewis, and need to look into, and not away Camille Isaacs-Morell spoke into the very fabric and righteousness, and blindness in awareness, a number of people make-up of our society. from. As James Baldwin said, Canada and Quebec regarding from various churches within powerfully and convincingly “Nothing can be changed until our own history of slavery, the diocese all came up with and the members voted it is faced.” racial oppression, and violence. the same idea at pretty much overwhelmingly to approve A survey has been prepared Meanwhile, a bilingual, No systemic racism in Quebec? the same time: What if we were the creation of the Task Force. that will go out to all the diocese-wide Black History (OK!) Say what you want to address anti-Black racism on There was much rejoicing. church leaders to determine Month Celebration has been against the idea of being woke, a diocesan level? How would Dion and his partner Chris where we are on this issue planned for the final weekend but in the face of a statement we go about doing that? How Grocholski hugged each as a diocese, what people are of February by members of such as this, wokeness can’t be could we make things better other with an instantaneous, thinking, feeling, and doing. the task force and others, all bad. in our diocese, in our city, our passionate embrace. Private And workshops are being including Bishop Mary In response to this other province, and in the wider messages were passed among planned, so that we can figure and Dean Bertrand. It will ugly pandemic of denial (an world? the group that said: “Yes!” out how to be on the same page certainly be, among other obvious sin of wilful blindness So, we reached out to folks, “Hallelujah!” “Thanks be to as a diocese. things, a celebration of love as Covid continues to lay our both clergy and laity, to form a God!” It’s no exaggeration to Following the advice of and thanksgiving for Black structural inequalities bare), group from all over the diocese, say that the Spirit descended Socrates, we are hoping to diversity and excellence within Christ Church Cathedral hung and met regularly to share upon all of us. We exhaled understand together and agree our diocese. a Black Lives Matter banner stories, voice ideas, and figure deep sighs of joy and relief that on what systemic racism is And so we launch into facing Saint Catherine Street. As out the best way to present our time and effort had not before we begin to have a our new year into challenge, statements go, it’s pretty basic. our ideas to Synod. Much time been in vain. dialogue about it and work celebration, and promise. You could even call it humble. and effort was put into this, Now, as 2021 continues with on the problem. History will If you are interested in But many white people still and our hearts were a hundred all its challenges, hardships, be discussed. Definitions will joining the Task Force, write can’t bring themselves to say percent involved, especially as promise, and drama, we are hopefully be agreed upon. And us at Antiracism@montreal. it without a qualification. And the stories began to flow. brainstorming our next moves, training for church leaders, and anglican.ca.

Nouveau site web en français Good from the Pandemic continued from p. 1

MARK GIBSON ET THOMAS Notre objectif est de PowerPoint liturgy makes it Our worship is titled community gathered in his NTILIVAMUNDA fournir au moins une simple easier to move around prayers, “Sunday Morning from name. In my not quite-two- page web pour chaque incorporate new elements, the Eastern Townships,” years in the country, numerous Thomas Ntilivamunda et Mark communauté francophone include poetry and videos, and but in reality we are joined local church buildings have Gibson sont co-fondateurs de la pour qu’elle apparaisse dans borrow from other traditions. by St. George’s Church in been recommended for sale CMAQ les recherches Google, et de Likewise, images and artwork Châteauguay every other due to dwindling numbers, leur permettre à tous d’accepter (often photos of the region taken week, and regularly draw in population movement, and Souhaitez-vous faire connaître des contributions financières by myself or Archdeacon Tim people from beyond the region, lack of finances — sad yes, l’Église anglicane ou votre numériques. Smart) accompany our worship, including regulars from but also an opportunity paroisse à quelqu’un ? Il ou elle Pour l’instant, nous giving new life and beauty to and Montreal, others from for resurrection and new ne croit pas que « anglican » ne reproduisons pas la prayer and Scripture, in a way Vermont, British Columbia, beginning. n’équivaut pas à « anglais » ? grande variété de ressources that isn’t easy when we only and Europe. We have even seen As much as this new priest Voici des bonnes nouvelles disponibles sur le site web en ever open to page 174 in our a few new faces, as it seems loves sacred architecture, God d’un nouveau site web que nous anglais : il y en a trop, et ce Book of Alternative Services. easier for people to invite is not tethered to any particular espérons utile pour tous ceux et n’est pas tout le matériel qui We end our Sundays with newcomers for the first time by place or building, but found celles qui veulent promouvoir est disponible en français. Nos a digital coffee hour, dividing sharing a URL link or a phone in the weekly remembrance of l’Évangile de Jésus-Christ en capacités sont très limitées. the online congregation into number, than it is to invite God’s mission of salvation for français sous la forme Anglicane: Entretemps, nous sollicitons smaller groups using the Zoom someone to deign to cross a all through Jesus Christ. God généreuse, ouverte, biblique, votre aide pour vérifier les “breakout room” feature, church threshold and take a is not being weighed down inclusive, ancienne-et-moderne, informations et nous fournir for a time of more intimate pew (heaven forbid, one might by bricks and mortar. God is diverse...même innovatrice ! une rétroaction sur la clarté, conversation and catching up. unknowingly sit in someone’s on the move! And how much Visitez fr.montreal.anglican. le langage et la « capacité Those who do not have internet usual spot!). easier it is to see this now, ca pour découvrir une vitrine d’attraction » de ce qui y may still join us on the phone. The best part of Sunday when our Sunday worship isn’t sur toutes les communautés apparaît. Écrire à l’adresse It truly feels like worship — the morning might just be the centered in any one building, chrétiennes anglicanes [email protected]. community is gathered around cacophony of voices at the and instead is centered on the francophones au Québec, y Avec votre participation et Word and prayer and song. beginning as everyone logs Holy One who calls us all. inclus sur le territoire des votre créativité, l’Évangile sera Ironically, despite being in, smiling faces greeting each So, “Can any good thing diocèses de Québec et d’Ottawa, mieux présentée à nos voisins closed, Zoom has also really other. Communal bonds and come from Nazareth?” “Can et pour avoir un aperçu de et ils auront la possibilité de blasted open the doors of friendships are deepening, any good thing come from the l’approche de notre diocèse répondre à cette bonne nouvelle. our congregations. Normally ministry teamwork is forming, Eastern Townships during a anglican. our region is comprised of 16 and there is a real sense of life, pandemic?” Yes! A renewed small, rural churches spread joy, and vitality. The Holy Spirit sense of community, ministry, out across over 80 km, most is present even through wifi prayer, and vitality in a rural of which rarely get more and computer screens! pocket of the diocese. I only Save the date! than a dozen congregants Lastly, worshipping online pray that this new sense of on a Sunday. Yet, by going has also helped to open our regional teamwork can be Diocesan Conference Synod online and by hosting a single, eyes to what it means to be the maintained and grown post- regional service our attendance Church in 2021 rural Quebec; pandemic, whenever that may May 14th - 15th numbers are upwards of 80 re-directing our attention be, because it has to. people. Last Easter we had away from buildings and over a hundred people online. back to Jesus and the living The Rev Deacon Jessica Bickford is

4 anglican montreal • march 2021 The Staying Power of Old Names Une nouvelle vague d’Anglicans francophones St Martha’s Chapel (in the basement) MARK GIBSON ET THOMAS communauté développera des students have enthusiasm for NTILIVAMUNDA groupes de louange et de soutien JEAN-DANIEL O DONNCADA a name that does not limit us, à l’intégration dans des lieux Thomas Ntilivamunda et Mark physiques appropriés. a name that calls us across Gibson sont co-fondateurs de la Jean-Daniel O Donncada is the Le responsable de cette denominations and schools to CMAQ Chaplain of the newly branded unite and emulate someone we initiative, le père Thomas St Martha’s Chapel admire. Ntilivamunda, est prêtre Pour seulement une deuxième St. Martha is described anglican originaire du Rwanda, For decades, under varying fois, des Anglicans arrivent pour in the Gospel of St. Luke as que lui et sa famille ont dû fuire names and leaders and s’installer au Québec sans être distracted by all she has to pendant le génocide. Bénévole participating churches, the anglophones! Tout comme les do. Jesus himself says she is actif pendant son séjour dans les McGill Ecumenical Chaplaincy immigrants d’origine Haïtienne worried and upset about many camps pour réfugiés au Congo et has been a ministry connecting qui sont arrivées pour travailler things. She boldly questions au Kenya, il a aidé à construire young people with their faith dans la santé, l’éducation et Jesus in Luke, and in the une approche d’intégration and with one another. d’autres domaines, maintenant Gospel of John even more basée sur les communautés A chaplaincy by definition les personnes qui parlent le boldly says, “If you had been chrétiennes multi-ethniques, ce is the church’s outreach into français plutôt que l’anglais here, my brother would not qul continuera la CMAQ. the world. A chaplain is a arrivent sur sol québécois, have died.” Est-ce que des communautés pastor outside of the church. originaire du Rwanda, du In St. Martha I see a autour d’une simple ethnie (les Of course, most people I have Burundi et du Congo, entre holy example of one who anglicans de la R.D. Congo, met both in and out of the autres. is committed to hospitality, par exemple, s’ils étaient church do not necessarily La Communion anglicane who is committed to justice, assez nombreux) se formeront know that. Ecumenical means est fortement présente dans ces who is committed to working éventuellement? Est-ce qu’une denominations working pays, et les nouveaux arrivés hard, who is committed to communauté et multi-ethnique together. And again, even cherchent des communautés accountability, and who et anglicane pourrait accueillir within the churches who avec lesquelles pratiquer leur foi. is fiercely honest in her non seulement les personnes qui generously support our work, Les nouveaux arrivés au relationships, including with arrivent déjà comme membres people do not always know Québec connaissent des défis Jesus, God incarnate. de l’Église Anglicane, mais aussi that, nor do students who grew de taille en s’intégrant à notre I see a Biblical saint des iraniens, des chinois ou les up in a church community culture, notre langue, nos recognized as an example in all hispanophones à la recherche with a specific name know that saisons, ainsi qu’à nos systèmes The new logo for St Martha’s our sponsoring denominations spirituelle? Seul Dieu le sait! “Ecumenical” means them. scolaire, gouvernementaux et Chapel. Visit the website at who embodies so many of Entretemps, nous avons And finally, McGill implies économique. Bien qu'il existe www.stemarthe.ca. the best traits in our young grand besoin de votre aide pour we only accept students from de généreux programmes de adult community. We can assurer une large diffusion one university or that that formation pour le français, I know this name because become distracted by our (Aimez, Partagez et Suivez-nous university itself funds or l'adaptation est longue et of how dear it is to so many studies, by our relationships, sur Facebook); songez aussi à directs our work. And that is l’isolation est grande. alumni who have told me their by our work, by what we see jouer le rôle de « parrain(e) » simply not the case. En réponse, les diocèses stories of being at St. Martha’s as wrong and unfair in the (québécois(e) bien établi(e)), et So we have decided that anglicans de Montréal et de in the Basement. world, but we are not going contribuez généreusement aux we need a new name to Québec lancent conjointement My interfaith colleagues to stop working hard, loving coûts de publicité, d’expertise et communicate who we are la nouvelle Communauté at McGill at the Newman our sisters and brothers who de prise en charge du personnel and what we do. And after multiculturelle anglicane du Centre and Hillel House have have different approaches to pastoral. Que le royaume de brainstorming many things Québec (CMAQ), afin d’offrir shown me that a distinct Jesus, or stop asking God the Dieu soit bâti ici par nos efforts! “new” we fell in love with partout dans la province une identity does not mean the honest questions in our study, something old. In the past, long communauté virtuelle. Selon Catholic or Jewish students worship, and prayer. Visitez fr.montreal.anglican. before my time as chaplain, our l’évolution de la pandémie et won’t find them. Alumni have We are St Martha’s Chapel ca/cmaq et cherchez la page Bible study was once known as sous un leadership partagé shown me the staying power (in the basement). CMAQuebec sur Facebook. “St Martha’s in the Basement.” of the old names. And today’s avec les nouveaux arrivés, cette

AFC Commemorates 20th Anniversary of the Kenneth Maguire Trust

Submitted by Anglican “I send the gift a few weeks “His heart for the homeless Foundation Staff before Christmas. That way I and marginalized in Toronto feel the joy of Bishop Maguire’s lives on through the care we In 1996, four years before his generosity as well.” provide the youth of today.” death in October 2000, at age “Bishop Maguire confirmed Like many frontline service 77, Kenneth Maguire, 8th me in 1967,” recalls Bishop providers whose call to Bishop of Montreal (1963- Mary who is equally delighted address community needs 75), entrusted his legacy to by the notes of appreciation increased dramatically during the Anglican Foundation of that she receives from the pandemic, funds from the Canada. recipients: trust were instrumental in “He was described by those “Bishop Maguire’s legacy, the development of LOFT’s who knew him as a witty, to those of us in the Diocese Transitional Age Youth warm, kind and generous of Montreal and to the other program, “which provides person who lived frugally and beneficiaries of his trust, is a street-involved youth support managed his investments,” wonderful way to bless people with mental health and says the Rev. Canon Judy Rois, who have given much!” addictions.” Executive Director, Anglican “Thank you for your “When I think of all that has Foundation of Canada. “Bishop Christmas card and thank you, been accomplished in Bishop Maguire had a singular vision and Bishop Maguire, for the Maguire’s name, these past two for his beneficiaries: that his cheque. I always forget it's decades, I am beyond grateful generosity would benefit them coming, so it's always a nice for his spirit of generosity. I for generations to come.” surprise—and a welcome one!” am also proud of the effort of Since the first grant in "What a nice surprise it was AFC’s volunteer committees, 2001 to the present day, the to open the Diocesan mail to and how faithfully they carry Kenneth Maguire Trust has discover your good wishes and out their duties as guardians of disbursed $1,645,000 to three a cheque, courtesy of the late Robert Kenneth Maguire, March 21, 1923 – October 14, 2000. Photo the sacred trust he, and others, beneficiaries, including his Bishop Maguire. What a nice from Diocesan archives. have placed in us.” beloved Diocese of Montreal. gesture.” On the 20th anniversary of “It has become part of my “Just a note to say what a According to Will Postma, in Africa, as well as a fourfold Kenneth Maguire’s legacy, AFC Christmas practice to include lovely surprise when I opened Executive Director, Primate’s funding opportunity from the is inviting Anglicans across the a cheque from the legacy of your card today. What a kind World Relief and Development Canadian Foodgrains Bank.” country, but particularly in the Bishop Kenneth Maguire to and thoughtful gift. Thank Fund (PWRDF), gifts from Heather McDonald, Diocese of Montreal, to give our retired clergy, and widows, you so much for thinking of the Kenneth Maguire Trust CEO, LOFT Community thanks for this faithful servant and to our non-stipendiary the Deacons. Sincerely, with made it possible for PWRDF Services, and the Trust’s of the church who continues clergy of retirement age in appreciation.” to “leverage sixfold funding third beneficiary, says her to bring joy and comfort to so my Christmas card to them,” Canon Rois says she from the Government of organization is deeply many, and who will continue to says the Rt. Rev. Mary Irwin- has heard from the Trust’s Canada for COVID-19 response moved by the legacy of do so for decades to come. Gibson, Bishop of Montreal. other beneficiaries, as well. programming in four countries Bishop Kenneth Maguire. The Rev Deacon Jessica Bickford is

anglican montreal • march 2021 5 The Surprise Twist of the Story - The Good Part of the Journey

JESSICA BICKFORD Creativity was sparked when elements like content, format, The Rev Deacon Jessica Bickford presentation, and platforms is a co-founder of the non-profit were being reconsidered. Phoenix Community Projects. With this new configuration, we have been able to connect In literature, the greatest with parishioners who were journeys begin when the main previously disconnected characters least expect it. Like because they were unable to when Alice falls down the physically attend services. rabbit hole, or when Peter, With respect to pastoral Susan, Edmond, and Lucy care, it seems that more go through the back of the hands are on deck to make wardrobe into Narnia. A whole phone calls to ensure that our world of impossibilities and communities stay connected , unseen realities come into light emotional isolation is limited, and the main characters’ sense and additional resources are of normalcy is transformed by provided. Finally, parishes the end of their journey. During have strengthened previously the pandemic, the church at established partnerships or every level – from the national have created new ones, to office to individual parish - has help address the needs of our been vaulted into a journey neighborhoods. Take a moment that no one could have ever to pause, celebrate and the church has needed. A Healthy Roots will be experts in growing that expected. appreciate the work, efforts familiar motto of the Anglican Healthy roots are needed for one kind of plant. By planting a Since the beginning of our and development that has Church is “We have never the sustainability of the plant. variety, we truly represent the pandemic journey, most of us taken place. done it that way before.” I By definition, being radical beauty and differences God has have experienced some form Yet with this wildflower have been wondering, have is getting back to the roots. provided. of loss. Through this grief there garden of ministry blossoming, we never done it that way At Phoenix Community, we is a yearning for things to go there is still a longing to return before, because we don’t know have taken this time to learn Bees back to “normal”. As I scrolled to our favorite potted plant. any other way of doing it? about church symbols and Bees are essential to the through my Facebook on New Our current scenario is like the Continuing on this path of rituals as well as history (both survival of all plants and are Year’s Eve, my newsfeed was parable of the tares and wheat. thinking: if we don’t know positive and negative). With necessary for cross-pollination. flooded with messages of relief In our parable the enemy comes another way, then how do we this knowledge of where we It is imperative that our that 2020 would soon be a into the field and “sows weeds know what questions to ask or come from and establishing churches work together memory. It was almost as if the among the wheat”. For some, process to engage in so to we our core values, we have been and with other community New Year was pressing a reset the changes we have made might envision something new able to determine what type of organizations. Flower pollen button. If you could press that are weeds; the changes are or try something different? community we want to be and is what a flower needs for new button, where would you set uncomfortable, maybe even a I admit that I am among share with others. life and, through collaboration, your “factory setting”? Would thorn in our side, it’s not how those who have seen our we too can find new ways and you set it back to just before the church is supposed to look current situation producing the Supports new life. COVID where everything was or grow. For others, the changes beautiful flowers of the garden In our parable, the field normal, or would you set it are wheat; it has created space and I don’t think I can go was owned by one person. Our Although I have expressed back even further? for the Holy Spirit to inspire back into the potted plant. For churches are community gardens. my experience as a garden, I do It is easy to get caught up new ways to commune with those who are unsure or need Both members and non-church realize that it may feel like we in the grief and the longing. God, strengthen community some encouragement to stay members have something they are out in the wilderness. Even Although, the pandemic has and empower those who may in the garden, below are some can contribute to the wellness, though it may feel daunting, taken away many things we have been marginalized. In gardening tips I have learned: beauty, growth and health of remember “There’s a voice in the find normal, at the same time the end, we must do as the these gardens. By working wilderness crying, a call from we have been given many owner in the parable said and, Dig Deep together, we share the load. the ways untrod.” I encourage hidden gifts. Our parishes “let both grow together until As you and your church you to take this opportunity have been pushed out of their harvest time.” move forward, take time to Plant more than one kind to discern and hear what that comfort zones and forced to I fully believe that the pause and remember who you of seed voice may be calling you to. Our think outside of the box. With Kingdom of Heaven is at hand are and what your core values God has created an eclectic journeys are far from over. In regards to our worship, church and this crisis - this turning are. These values are your variety of plants. If we plant fact, I feel we are getting to the leaders had to find different point - is the junction that seeds and the beauty you sow. only one kind of seed, then we good part and the surprise twist ways of providing liturgies. of the story. Appel de Kinshasa Kinsasha Appeal VICTOR-DAVID MBUY MICHAEL ROBSON Notable Online Sunday School Au cours de l’année dernière, notre diocèse a établi une relation Over the last year our diocese has established an informal friendly Winter– Spring 2021 amicale informelle avec le diocèse de Kinshasa en République relationship with the Diocese of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic Christ Church Beaurepaire démocratique du Congo. of the Congo. Dans une lettre récente, Mgr Achille (Évêque de Kinshasa) a écrit In a recent letter, Bishop Achille wrote about a project they are putting Christ Church Beaurepaire au sujet d’un projet qu’ils sont en train de mettre en place pour together to communicate to people in the villages basic information is a community of faith that communiquer aux habitants des villages des informations de base sur about safety precautions in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is believes we are all God’s les mesures de sécurité en contexte de pandémie de Covid-19. Ce information that we here have been hearing for months but that has children. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s sont des informations que nous entendons ici depuis des mois mais not been communicated widely there. Addressing this need will cost journey, you are welcome here. qui n’ont pas été largement diffusées chez eux. Répondre à ce besoin them about US$6,000, of which they have raised a third. Our diocese We invite all children and leur coûtera environ 6 000 dollars US, dont ils ont récolté un tiers. has agreed to send another third from our Partnerships budget but families to join our Sunday Notre diocèse a accepté d’envoyer un autre tiers de notre budget de if individual donors feel able to make further gifts, this could make a School at any time throughout partenariats, mais si les donateurs individuels se sentent capables de real difference in the lives of people there. Kinshasa is not a wealthy the year. You will learn about faire d’autres dons, cela pourrait faire une réelle différence dans la vie diocese but they are trying to do what they can to help with the limited God’s love for you and engage des gens là-bas. Kinshasa n’est pas un diocèse riche mais ils essaient de resources that they do have. in sharing that love in fun faire ce qu’ils peuvent pour aider avec leurs ressources limitées. and practical ways in your Donations can be mailed to: everyday lives. Les dons peuvent être envoyés par la poste à: Diocese of Montreal We have joined with Bureau du Synode du Diocèse de Montréal Attention: Jennifer James-Phillips another church Sunday À l’attention de: Jennifer James-Phillips 1444 Union Ave, Montreal, QC H3A 2B8 School and use Zoom. We 1444, avenue Union, Montréal QC H3A 2B8 also do a weekly email to Please make cheques to The Synod of the Diocese of Montreal and families containing bible study Veuillez faire les chèques à l’ordre du Synode du diocèse de also mark them “Kinshasa Appeal” on the memo line. resources for two age ranges – Montréal et précisez qu’ils sont destinés à «Appel de Kinshasa». You can also donate online via Canada Helps at www.canadahelps. 4 to 7 years and 7 to preteen. Vous pouvez également faire un don en ligne à www.canadahelps. org/en/charities/the-anglican-diocese-of-montreal/. Please mark the To find out more call 514-697-2294 or email org/fr/charities/the-anglican-diocese-of-montreal/. Veuillez indiquer donation as going to the Kinshasa Appeal in the box for applying your [email protected] or que le don va à l’Appel de Kinshasa dans la case réservée afin que votre donation to a specific fund. don soit mis dans ce fonds spécifique. christchurchbeaurepaire.com. 6 anglican montreal • march 2021

PWRDF Chris Belle Shares his Protecting the Right to a Cultural Birth Experiences of Racism at Monthly Meeting midwife she does not ANN CUMYN anticipate being given an VALERIE BENNETT Mrs Ann Cumyn is co-chair of the epidural painkiller. By contrast Mrs Valerie Bennett is a member of Montreal Unit of PWRDF when she refuses an epidural the Montreal Unit of PWRDF and in a large hospital she is often The Montreal unit of the parishioner of St Paul’s, Greenfield labeled as non-compliant, Park. PWRDF had great plans for which may lead to her being 2020! Now we dare to start mistreated. Disrespect and over. Our goal for 2021 is to abuse are too often the lot of The Rev. Christopher Belle was raise funds for the project to indigenous people in “white” the guest speaker on December “protect the right to a cultural hospitals. This abuse creates 10, 2020, at our monthly birth”, focusing on Indigenous a fear of what might happen PWRDF meeting. Midwives in Canada, Mexico under the “white” rules. He shared with us the many and Peru. In today’s world we tend indignities he experienced as At our January meeting we to think that newer and a child growing up in Lachine. had presentations from Jose bigger is best. We forget that Most of these incidents Zarate, who is overseeing the experience is often the best indicated just how many project, and from Cheryllee teacher and that inherited people in recent years had only Bourgeous, a Cree midwife knowledge tempered with stereotypic concepts of Black and Director of Clinical and recent experience often people. Professional Development provides the best way forward. I think what we learned at the Association of Ontario This concept is well known from these accounts is that Midwives. Jose explained in the indigenous community education was sadly lacking the history of the project, and is why PWRDF is working even among the seemingly Videos of the talks are on the Montreal PWRDF website. Please go to emphasizing that midwifery to promote the availability of intelligent population. www.montreal.anglican.ca/pwrdf. in indigenous communities indigenous midwives. It was a joy to hear him is related to the preservation All women giving birth praise the clergy of our Diocese where indigenous and non- woman finds herself in a place of values and the passing on need to be treated with respect, who were instrumental in indigenous potential midwives where she doesn’t speak the of knowledge. The PWRDF understanding and love. They helping him move along a learn together. (It should be language, is isolated from project is working with need to be surrounded by spiritual path. It is hoped that noted that there are indigenous her family and friends, and is indigenous groups in Canada, people who they can trust. our clergy will continue to midwives in other parts of among people who have no Mexico and Peru who have They need to know that their be inclusive in their actions. I Canada, but they are still understanding of her home been strengthened by sharing cultural background is taken understand that he was a very far too few.) The project also community’s cultural approach their triumphs and concerns. into account in the actions of conscientious Camp Counsellor supports birthing centres in to birth. There are many places where those around them. for the Anglican Youth as well. Nunavik, on the east side of There is a mistaken midwives in general and Indigenous midwives and Despite the number of Hudson’s Bay. There are also impression that pregnant indigenous midwives in those who support them are negatives, he has managed birthing centres in the villages indigenous women are particular are treated with often criticised but their critics to establish himself as a very of Salluit and Inukjuak and better served by giving birth suspicion. In some places they do not bother to learn about the well-respected Priest in the within the medical clinic in in large medical centres. are illegal! indigenous culture. Diocese. Specifically, he is the Puvirnituq, where mothers Although there are situations The work of the project If there was one theme that Priest-in-Charge of St. Joseph from smaller villages nearby that benefit from specialized came to the attention of the came through the PWRDF of Nazareth Church. can go. care, statistically there is no UN Forum on Indigenous session it was that the Rev. Belle is now part of a Cheryllee shared the difference in the outcomes Issues, where, in 2018 and indigenous people need to be task force in the Diocese that is harrowing stories of between those who give birth 2019 the three groups were empowered to be the leaders in dealing with anti-racism. We indigenous mothers who had in a small community and invited to make presentations; the birthing practices in which look forward to supporting the been forcibly removed from those who give birth in a large their recommendations were they are involved. Only they efforts being made by this task their home villages to give well-equipped centre. incorporated into the final truly understand the culture force and hope that the future birth in city hospitals. Some In Canada, close to 95% reports of those sessions. in which they live and which generations would not have to women are sent to a big city of new mothers request an In Canada, the project must be taken into account in deal with racism of any kind. hospital for as much as one epidural. When an indigenous supports the education of everything that affects them. Thank you, Rev. Belle, for indigenous midwives through month ahead of the presumed woman gives birth with the being so open and honest about a program at Ryerson College date of birth. Frequently a coaching of an indigenous your Black experience. Dialogue with Vaccine-Hananiah and Cure-Jeremiah

exile they were not allowed to religion has become scientific, Increase in number there; to Jerusalem; families even congregate or perform religious during the “COVID-19 exilic do not decrease”. Providing refused to farm thinking that, rituals which were central to period”, vaccine seems to be sustainable ways of dealing by the time their crops produce their identity. our immediate hope. with the exile made Jeremiah food they will be already back In the same manner - as the I would like to unpack to be termed, Cure-Jeremiah in in Jerusalem. Christian family - we never consequences that might have this article. Inasmuch as the message dreamt of existing without been caused by the “hopeful” of Hananiah seemed to be accessing our Churches. Worse, but false prophecy of Hananiah The Implications of Vaccine- the most appropriate for the from a “Mainline-Church” to the Israelites. This then Hananiah “hardly pressed” Israelites, it tradition, we never imagined becomes the basis of analyzing Lewis Mumford’s saying lacked the most important part going for months without the consequences that might which was later borrowed by of how to survive responsibly celebrating the Eucharist. be faced by today’s Christian many psychologists goes like, in an “irresponsible” In the ancient Jewish family because of the “hopeful” “A man can live three weeks environment. In the same TAPIWA GUSHA world where religion took but dubious COVID-19 without food, three days manner, the advent of precedence over science, when vaccine, which I have termed without water, three minutes COVID-19 vaccine was joyous The Rev Tapiwa Gusha is the faced with a hostile exilic Vaccine-Hananiah. without air, but he cannot live news to almost everyone. Priest in Charge at St Lawrence, situation, Israelites looked up I will also highlight some three seconds without hope”. However, the vaccines we have LaSalle to the prophets as their source important lessons which the Inasmuch as the message right now seem not to respond of hope. Two “prophets” contemporary Christian family of Hananiah was a message to a fundamental question COVID-19 presents an arose but with contradictory should learn from Jeremiah’s of hope, I condemn it not only which many people are asking. opportunity to the Christian messages; Jeremiah prophesied letter to the exiles, Jerimiah because it gave people false So far, two vaccines have family to practically experience that the Israelites were to spend 29: 5-6, “Build houses and hope but because it did not been unveiled. The Moderna what it meant for the Israelites seventy years in exile (Jeremiah settle down; plant gardens prescribe to people how to COVID-19 Vaccine (mRNA- to be in exile. 25:11) while Hananiah and eat what they produce. live during those two years of 1273) and the Pfizer-BioNTech Because their lives revolved proclaimed that the Israelites Marry and have sons and false hope. Because of that, the COVID-19 Vaccine (BNT162b2). around the Jerusalem temple, were to be in exile for not more daughters; find wives for your married chose to stop having Both vaccines are of the same Israelites could not imagine than two years (Jeremiah 28:3). sons and give your daughters children till they returned to type; mRNA, so the ingredients existing without having access In our sophisticated 21st in marriage, so that they too Jerusalem; the young chose and the side effects are the same. to it. Yet, when they were in century world whereby may have sons and daughters. not to marry till they returned continued on page 8 anglican montreal • march 2021 7 Spiritual Direction: Through Holy Listening the Flower Opens

MARILYN WRAY which involved the use of who are active in spiritual direction and meet regularly to Mrs. Marilyn Wray is the Chair my imagination. The Gospel narratives provide wonderful share in a time of meditation, of the Spiritual Direction Group to share in the news of events and lay reader/parishioner at The opportunities to enter into for us to consider and to plan Church of St. Michael and All the events of Jesus’ life. You meditation events. Many Angels, Pierrefonds. can role-play as one of the characters or be yourself as recent informative events have bystander. I remember praying been in the form of webinars I was introduced to Spiritual with the Gospel reading from carried by Zoom. We have Direction about fifteen years Mark 4: 35-41, the calming hosted two Quiet Days in ago when our priest thought of the storm. Using my recent years for people and that I might be interested imagination I placed myself in guests of the Diocese: one and recommended a spiritual the boat with the disciples on when we organized a day of director for me to call. He said that rough sea. In the stillness meditations, and another when that it was for people who of this gospel contemplation we focussed on Centering wanted a closer walk with God. God revealed my own worries engage in any other activity or Christian who has a sound Prayer. We have also taken The thought of having a closer and fears together with the distractive thinking and receive faith and attends church part in the Revive Program walk with God was inviting to terrified disciples. I also heard the grace. I kept a journal of regularly. It was never organized by Rev. Dr. Neil me, and so I called the spiritual Jesus rebuke the waves. As I my prayer reflections and intended to be a way to teach Mancor that makes use of director and we soon were sat with this image, I gradually any graces I received. During people the story of Jesus or an many of the same principles of meeting in her office every two saw Jesus calming the storms the course I met weekly with alternative to church worship. spiritual direction to support weeks. She taught me how to in my life. I loved the walk two other people who were That being said, today we and strengthen the spiritual select an uninterrupted time as my relationship with God doing the same thing as well are meeting people who are life in our churches. All active for daily prayer, how to sit in deepened. as a spiritual director, and we seekers of God in their lives spiritual directors are licensed a comfortable and supportive talked about our experiences. even though they have never by our Diocesan bishop every chair, how to use my Bible for Spiritual direction prayer We find God in all things and experienced church and three years. Stay tuned for prayer and how to write about is receptive, listening that can include being still with wonder if spiritual direction news of future events once we my prayer time in a journal. prayer or meditation. It music and art. (Barry, W. SJ, would help them. We interview have said goodbye to COVID, Meeting with my spiritual involves being still and, Finding God in all Things). them, being honest about who and check out our new page director was a warm inviting receiving God’s grace that Who was doing the directing we are, and determine if and on the Diocesan website. experience that I looked we cannot obtain by our in my spiritual direction? In how it is possible. We then www.montreal.anglican.ca/ forward to. Each time we met I own efforts. our meetings there were three prayerfully match them with spiritualdirection brought my Bible and journal to present: me, the director and a spiritual director who would If you are interested in review my prayer time with her. Praying with scripture has the Holy Spirit. My director best accommodate them as we finding out more about Spiritual direction prayer is been called “lectio divina” was involved in holy listening, do with all new candidates for Spiritual Direction, we can be receptive, listening prayer or after the Benedictine tradition listening for the work of the spiritual direction. reached at spiritual direction@ meditation. It involves being that means “a slow reading Holy Spirit and gently giving Spiritual direction is not a montreal.anglican.ca. still and, receiving God’s grace of divinely inspired texts. A me non-judgemental feedback substitute for psychotherapy. that we cannot obtain by our key event occurs when words, as I reviewed my prayer time. It is not a program to heal References: own efforts. I prayed with originally spoken by God In my own prayer time at home relationships or substance Barry, W., SJ. Finding God in All passages of scripture assigned or to God in the Bible many the Holy Spirit was alive in abuse. It is not pastoral care Things. Ave Maria Press, Notre by my spiritual director. I centuries ago, are expressed the meditation helping me go although, by its very nature, Dame, In. 1991 remember the first grace was or heard now between the deeper and blessing me with it is pastoral. However, it is the “knowledge of my Father’s Lord and this praying person.” God’s graces. My spiritual normal in the course of one’s Geunther, M. Holy Listening: care for me” from a book by (Wickham, J. SJ, Prayer director was a woman who life that there will be periods The Art if Spiritual Direction. John Wickham, SJ. At home Companion’s Handbook) had received her instruction of stress or joy over normal A Cowley Publications Book. in my quiet time I meditated A few years later, when my from the Ignatian Spirituality events, even COVID19! Toronto. 1992 on Isaiah 43: 1-7, “You are spiritual direction meetings Center of Montreal, a program Remember the storms on the precious in my eyes….” As I took a pause, I took a course that takes a minimum of four Sea of Galilee? The normal Wickham, J., SJ. Prayer reread it several times I sensed in contemplative retreat which years to complete. There are things of life come into our Companions’ Handbook. Ignatian God speaking to me. What a I did while taking nature centers across Canada that offer prayer time. Center Publications. Montreal, powerful experience receiving walks or sitting on my deck instruction in spiritual direction. The Anglican Spiritual QC. Third Edition. 1991. the blessings of God’s grace. and watching the birds. The Who can be a candidate for Direction Group of the Diocese Later I was introduced principles of meditation were spiritual direction? Spiritual of Montreal consists of people to gospel contemplation the same: be still; do not direction is intended for any

St Barnabas Bible Study an Enriching Experience

GUY TOMBS evenings around Lent and two different perspectives, literary, divisive discussions about have no idea what I was going before Advent. In 2019 the historical, theological and, doctrine or dogma. I would to say to lead off, setting the Mr Guy Tombs is a parishioner of late Ven John Lee led the talks most importantly, personal. occasionally say, when tone for the first evening. I St Barnabas, St Lambert. with me when we discussed In preparation for the asked for my opinion on a wouldn’t be at a loss for first Ezekiel and then Psalms. I evenings I would read the Book reading of a passage, ‘that is words – but I didn’t know Five years ago I offered to lead learned so much from him! His two or three times– from two a possible interpretation but what my words would be in occasional evenings of Bible erudition was remarkable. or three different translations. we don’t actually know for advance. While beginning to Study at the Church of St. What were my objectives I would also read about the sure’. I am of that school of talk I would discover right Barnabas in St. Lambert. Our in introducing Bible Study? I text, not from the Internet, but thought that sees belief less then what I thought about the minister at the time, the Rev. personally had been missing from books I have at home, or in terms of certainties and Book. I would remind myself Gwenda Wells, was supportive a close connection with entire borrowed from the library. My more a matter of asking tough that I was meeting friends and encouraged me to set out Books from the Bible in the maternal grandfather was a questions, some of which are that evening, many of whom on this path. For the next few experience of going to church. theologian and prolific writer unanswerable. While I see I have known for many years. years, from five to twelve of us Although the Bible is read in and had given me quite a few myself as liberal – I want the I could trust them and share gathered from 7pm to 9pm on church each Sunday, these of his books years ago. Reading riches of understanding ethical my observations with them: two successive Wednesdays. are short readings within a some of them for the first time conduct from reading the Bible. just as they could trust me Gwenda usually attended and weekly service. Also I wanted I felt I was re-meeting him as Reflecting on the books with their readings, and their occasionally led or began the to come to grips with Books I prepared for these evenings. and topics we studied over sometimes quite personal evenings. We had set books or from the Bible - especially I also relied on broad Bible the years, I can say it has been stories. Occasionally what one topics, each of us had a chance from the Hebrew Bible - that commentaries and dictionaries, quite a journey, including; The of us said was devastating to read from a Bible, and we I felt I scarcely knew. “To and on more specific texts or Letter to the Romans, Hebrews, or moving or both, but never always had fascinating talks what end?” you might ask. articles about the Book being Isaiah, Revelations, Genesis, hurtful. This reminded us of together. All were encouraged For years, many of the books studied. I prepared notes Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Daniel, how important reading the to share their views and have seemed like sealed- in advance, comprised of the Gospel according to John, Bible is for many people in most did, often drawing on up rooms – I was aware of passages, with chapter and Ezekiel, and Psalms. We also times of suffering. important personal experiences their presence but I never verse, important to me, and had two evenings on David The evenings have helped to show why a particular entered. I felt there would be various ideas and themes – in and two on Mark and one on me understand what it means passage in the Bible meant so a benefit to me and to others, no particular order. the practice of meditation. to be an Anglican, a Christian much to them. in becoming more familiar The evenings were On the first Wednesday and a citizen of the world. We have typically held two with many more Books, from inclusive. We did not have of the two, I would actually 8 anglican montreal • march 2021

A Prayer from the Diocesan Representatives Dio and UTC continued from page 1 The Anglican Fellowship of Prayer - Canada two colleges will undertake in do. But in the course of Heavenly Father, we thank you reach out for intercessions and the coming year is whether we conversation, it became clear for the Anglican Fellowship of petitions, and readily offer have the resources to continue that we have sufficient overlap Prayer. We are grateful to you our confessions, but we seek this arrangement for the long- to be able to work together for the efforts being made to your guidance to teach us to term. and can be enriched where bring us together in prayer on incorporate adoration in every our visions are different. It a monthly basis. We lift up the prayer and oblation in every What lessons do you think also has a lot to do with trust. Executive as they seek ways to action. this has to offer to the The conversations that led up channel your guidance to help God of infinite possibilities, church? to this announcement were others draw closer to you. We we thank you for the advances In some ways, we are late marked by a high degree desire more than ever to attract in technology that created to the party. Across Canada, of trust in one another and as many people as possible to Zoom. This medium brings I know, Anglican and United a willingness to extend the this cause and to help them together AFP members from churches are working together benefit of the doubt to each expand their prayer life. Please across the country to pray as in new ways, including in this other. That has allowed UTC to assist us in our efforts so that one and to share our stories. diocese. Our students certainly make this decision to trust Dio we can help others realize We are delighted and grateful understand that they will to be a place that can further its how important and significant that so many people have need to work ecumenically in mission in Montreal. prayer is in our lives. joined this endeavor. Please their ministry. More broadly, Loving Lord, we have instill in us a profound desire I think what this alliance Any last thoughts? learned that prayer is the to pray without ceasing and shows is the possibilities that This is a moment of great Christian’s vital breath. We a promise that this desire will can come when we work possibility and excitement, not know that we should always never wane. together. It begins with asking only for Dio but for theological express our gratitude to you Lord in your mercy, hear basic questions about vision education in this province more for all your blessings. We our prayer. and mission. Dio and UTC generally. I’m looking forward For more information on AFP-C, contact Valerie Bennett and Stacey Neale at valstacey@bell-net do not have an identical to the work that is ahead of us. understanding of what we

Otterburn Park, and was rector of St. Andrew & St. Mark Vaccine-Hananiah in Dorval from 1976 until and Cure-Jeremiah retirement in 2003. He became continued from page 6 Archdeacon of St. Lawrence in 1997. The Rev. Canon Dr. Lettie One unknown about James recalls that Gordon both vaccines is how long was a courageous supporter the immunity will last after during the early discussions vaccination. Nor has it been over the ordination of women established as to how long and was the first priest to natural immunity will last after openly accept women priests. infection. These unkowns make For many years, Gordon the current COVID-19 vaccines Photo by Greg Rajewski was instrumental in leading only a partial response to this Marriage Preparation courses COVID exilic period like the The Ven Gordon Guy throughout the diocese. After prophecy of Hananiah hence 1934-2021 retirement he continued to lend termed, Vaccine-Hananiah. his wisdom and experience and The Venerable Gordon Guy to fill in where needed. Lessons from Cure-Jeremiah died peacefully at home on We give thanks to God Jeremiah 29:5-6 is not February 2, 2021, surrounded for the many ways Gordon necessarily discouraging people by his wife Myrna and his supported and contributed to from being hopeful of returning children Corinne, David and ministry in Christ’s Church. to Jerusalem, but Jeremiah Michael. A celebration of his life and was countering the influence Gordon studied at McGill witness will take place when it of the unsustainable prophecy University and the Montreal is possible to organize such an Three-year-old Wendel enjoys the Christmas pageant in his angel of Hananiah. Of much Diocesan Theological College event. costume. Photo by Sarah Conway. importance, Jeremiah was also and was ordained Deacon Rest eternal grant unto helping the exiles to face the by Bishop Maguire in 1965 Gordon O Lord, and let light reality that the Lord planned and Priest on March 26,1966. perpetual shine on him. May Virtual Pageant Brings Joy, Connection to leave them in Babylon for He served in the Parishes he Rest in Peace and rise in decades. In this regard, they of Mascouche, St. Martin’s glory. Amen. SARAH CONWAY their own costumes - and to had to devise mechanisms of Ms. Sarah Conway is a show them his angel costume. surviving and progressing in parishioner at St George’s, Wendel has attended St. that abnormal environment Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue George’s since he was 10 days so that when exile was over, old and the congregation is they would have been much developed than before. Notable In a year when nothing has very much a part of his family, The greatest lesson the been as it should be, our so being able to see everyone Church should adopt from New Music Director at Christ Church Beaurepaire Church (St George’s, Ste-Anne- each week at the Zoom services Jeremiah is that we might be de-Bellevue) has been making and attend Zoom Sunday Christ Church Beaurepaire is Degree in Piano Performance at in this COVID-19 environment every effort to maintain as school has maintained the very pleased to welcome our L’Université de Montréal. She for much longer time than we many occasions and traditions connection we have to the new Music Director and Choir has worked as an accompanist assume hence we should be as possible. church and its community. Master, Sylvia Bruns. at McGill University and the innovative and live as if we We were all affected when Through the season of For the past 30 years, Sylvia McGill Conservatory as well will be in this situation for the told that we could not gather Christmas and into the New has lived in the Montreal area as with various chamber next decade. This will force in person with our families Year, we haven’t felt alone or and has worked with several ensembles and singers. Sylvia us to invest in our streaming and friends for the holidays. disconnected from our church different congregations– also finds great joy in teaching equipment which will remain When all we wanted was to family. Instead we are together Presbyterian, Baptist, United, and maintains a full private useful even after the pandemic. cling to what feels familiar each week supporting and Anglican–playing the piano studio. and safe, our Church reached checking in with one another as and organ, directing choirs, Sylvia and her husband, Conclusion out its hand to be there for its we all navigate these unknown and organizing community cellist, Gerald Morin have three The COVID-19 vaccine congregation. waters. concerts. Sylvia is committed adult children. is good and important, but On the 13th of December There will come a time to congregational singing and We are grateful for Sylvia’s it is not a cure and people we held our Zoom Christmas when Wendel and I can meet believes in maintaining the rich excellent and inspiring need to continue with the pageant in which we were up with everyone at church hymn traditions of the past while contributions to worship recommended health practices. all encouraged to participate, and in person once again, and continually adding the best of services, both in-person and Vaccines may provide the regardless of age. We had when that happy day comes contemporary worship music. virtually. You can listen to needed, immediate, and short- animals, shepherds, Kings, I’m sure Wendel won’t feel Originally from British her music at 10 am every term hope but people need to and even a tiger, all smiling as though we’ve spent any Columbia, Sylvia has Sunday. Our worship services plan as if the situation will be together in the Zoom grid on time away from them, and the completed Associate Diplomas are currently being live- like this for the next seventy our computer screens. My connection will have remained at the Victoria and the Royal streamed on our Facebook years. Technology knows no three-year-old son Wendel just as strong. Conservatories of Music, a page (Facebook.com/ curfew, technology knows no was so excited to see all of his Concert Diploma at McGill CCBeaurepaire) and the videos “lock-down”, STAY SAFE BUT church friends - dressed up in University and a Master’s are available after the services. CONNECTED.