PARISH NEWS STEP UP TO THE PLATE MIXED ECONOMY CHURCH Living the Gospel throughout the diocese, PAGES 2-4 Encouraging lay leadership, PAGE 4 A new perspective, PAGE 11

A section of the Anglican Journal

NEWS • PERSPECTIVE • REFLECTION • FOR A GROWING CHURCH • APRIL 2009

A transformative encounter The status quo is not an option MICHAEL THOMPSON RECTOR, ST. JUDE’S OAKVILLE Of the fi ve priorities in the emerging diocesan vision for ministry, the one that stirs me strong and stirs me deep is "Life-changing worship experi- ence". The language worries me a bit, because it can sound like one of those grim attempts to change people in which the church has been tangled up in every age. In modernity, those attempts were often framed in terms of worship techniques or mechanics that drive the emotions of participants in the desired direction.

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Renewed, inspired and nourished PETER WALL DEAN, RECTOR OF CHRIST’S CHURCH CATHEDRAL  Michael Patterson and others from Diocese of Niagara In the Diocesan vision statement being join together in a vigil of prayer for the poor and those introduced throughout the Diocese, aff ected by the recession held at Queen's Park. which forms a signifi cant part of our Synod on March 28, one of the petals of the vision fl ower is life changing MICHAEL PATTERSON Church had to change; he was passionate worship experience. This is within EXECUTIVE ARCHDEACON, DIOCESE OF NIAGARA about that, there was no doubt. There is no turning back the overarching vision statement: Fol- Early in the spring of 2008, Bishop What began to emerge was not lowing Christ passionately, we pursue Michael Bird stuck his head in my unlike a gathering wind. Soon thereafter excellence, practise justice, and grow. offi ce and stated, “I have an idea.” “Say the Bishop, with the help of Susan Gra- CHRISTOPHER GRABIEC an ecclesial reality, we love the comfort- more”, I said. The Bishop then went on to ham Walker and John Winncup (Angli- EDITOR able pew. I remember once going to a  CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 articulate a sense that he was beginning can consultants), gathered together thirty As you can see from this edition of the Roman Catholic Church and choosing to feel that business as usual within the members of our diocese who assisted newspaper, the unending journey has my seat at a Saturday evening liturgy. life of the church was no longer work- in fl eshing out the Bishop’s emerging begun. The Diocese of Niagara has a A middle-aged couple came up to the Justifying justice ing. He believed deeply that the Church vision. It did not take long before those relatively new pastor/leader and he has pew, stared at me, then told me that I was being called by God to something involved recognized that something declared the headline that the status quo had taken their seat. They had been sit- ELEANOR JOHNSTON new but, at that time, was unable to really different and unique was beginning to is not an option – we are journeying ting in that pew since they got married! I ST. THOMAS’, ST. CATHARINES discern what that ‘something new’ was. emerge. There was a commitment and toward “excellence in ministry”. Like politely moved. In 1824, a Scottish shepherd and What Bishop Michael was able to do passion from those involved that we the Israelites in the Old Testament we I also remember two Christmas’ man of letters, William Hogg, wrote was to identify through the personal needed to set a new agenda as a dio- are now offi cially in the desert. The ago attending St. Thomas Church Fifth a satiric novel, The Private Memoirs experience of his family and ancestors, cese, fi nd new priorities and return to a journey will be long and arduous and we Avenue in New York for the Christmas and Confessions of a Justifi ed Sinner, that the status quo is no longer an option. place where the Church played a pivotal will at times question the leadership and Eve midnight Eucharist. We had walked in which the main character steals, We, the Church, needed to re- claim the role in our society. Over the succeeding wonder if we would have been better off many blocks to get to the “world famous” rapes and murders his way through place of justice making and again be the meetings, there were fi ve priorities that staying in Egypt – but there will be no church. When we arrived we discovered a life, confi dent that his sins will be for- voice for those who could not speak for were identifi ed that served to inform turning back. Like the Israelites seeking line-up that wrapped around the building. given on Judgment Day. Claiming to themselves. We needed to be, once again, this new diocesan priority, (each being the Promised Land, many of us – in fact (I detest lining-up to get into a church!) be saved by Jesus, believing himself advocates for the poor and the margin- addressed by others in this paper).; all of us - will never see the end. Unlike As we stood in line, I noticed a good to be of the elect, justifi ed by faith, alized. And’ equally, we have an innate Prophetic Justice Making, Cultures of the Israelites seeking the Promised number of people going in the side-door. sanctifi ed, and predestined to eternal responsibility as Christians to look after Innovation, Effective Leadership, Life Land, not seeing the end is a good thing. I was annoyed, thinking that they were joy, he was both extreme Calvinist and our environment and fi nd all means and Changing Worshiping Experiences, It’s the journey that counts. allowing the “privileged” into the church madman. ways to reverse the damaging effects Effective Resource Management Michael Patterson makes reference while the rest of us stood in the cold. of climate change for which we are all to Pierre Berton’s book “The Comfort-  CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 responsible. The Bishop knew that the  CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 able Pew”. Undoubtedly, a human and  CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 2 NIAGARA ANGLICAN APRIL 2009 PARISH NEWS

 Men's cake decorating contestants Canon Fred and Al Olsen. Cards, cakes and cookies We mixed fun and laughter with ST. SIMON OAKVILLE, Padre Steele Lazerte, a Priest from the Diocese of Niagara currently serving with the Canadian Forces recently received a CEFCOM Commendation from Lieutenant-General Gauthier, Commander of Canadian Exped- outreach once more itionary Forces in Afghanistan, presented by 4 Wing Commander, Colonel St-Amand (Cold Lake, AB). The Commenda- tion is signifi ed by a silver bar bearing 3 maple leaves and is worn when appropriate, on the left lapel below any medals. SUE CRAWFORD awarded in twelve categories. The Padre Lazerte was the Battle Group Chaplain for Joint Task Force Afghanistan from February to August 2007. ST. MICHAEL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH judging team really had to stretch In February, the Fellowship Group of their imaginations to come up with St. Michael’s met for an evening of the twelve categories, but they did. culinary creativity. Originally the date We didn’t want any man to feel their set was February 14th to coincide with cake was not worthy of an award. A Valentine’s Day but a few of the key couple of the men made a team and players needed to run the evening were worked really well together to win the away that weekend celebrating Family most professional looking cake award. Day. The event was headlined “Men’s (Matt Farrell and John Lintack). There Cake Decorating Contest”. But we were a variety of talents shown. Kudos couldn’t let the women just sit back to Bruce Honeysett who designed the and watch the men have all the fun so Theme Award Cake. His cake was a we had them creating something as tribute to the Tiger Cats. Canon Fred well. Tucked away in the kitchen (oops Roberts was awarded the “Fortino’s” that sounds awfully like stereotyping), Gourmet Cake Award for his deli- some of the ladies decorated heart- cious looking cake and hats off to shaped cookies that Anne Young had Gerry Wase, (most resource Award) made. Anne had ingeniously devised who brought some of his own decora- coloured icing sacks for easy appli- tions to put on his cake. The best cake cation. She had also brought some went to Gary Miller who also took the nifty decorations to add as well. The certifi cate for most original. His prize result – some extremely fancy cook- – a year’s supply of cake mixes – no ies were created. Although the cookies just kidding he was awarded a bottle were not judged for prizes as were the of wine. From the positive feedback cakes, many cookies were certainly to the evening it sounds like people worthy of praise. hinted at this becoming a yearly event! Out in the main hall some of the Following the awarding of the other ladies took advantage of the certifi cates, each cake was auctioned materials provided to create St. Pat- off to the highest bidder. A maximum rick’s Day cards. This activity had amount was suggested and once that been changed from Valentine’s Day amount was reached the bidding cards. Shirley McGill, one of the plan- closed. With the exception of a few, ners of the evening had suggested I believe that most of the designers this as an alternative and it worked of the cakes bought their own! Most Bishop kicks off 50th anniversary out really well. The cards were made cakes went for the maximum amount for our Macassa Lodge volunteers to ($5.00). The total amount collected take to the seniors in March. It just was $57.00. The Fellowship Group celebration at Transfi guration so happens that one of our volunteer conducted a vote and it was decided teams will be at Macassa just prior that the money would be sent to St. to March 17. Hopefully the creations Mathew’s House. On February 22nd, Church of the Members of the parish, in particu- trip to St. Catharines on that day from will brighten up the residents’ day. A simple idea, yet it was a great Transfi guration, St. Catharines was lar those who have been at Transfi g- his home in that city. Now for the main event - the men’s deal of fun and fellowship and for us at delighted to welcome to the parish for uration since the beginning of the min- On May 2nd, an afternoon tea will cake decorating contest. The team St. Michael’s still another way for our the fi rst time since he was ordained, istry in 1959, are looking forward to be held at Transfi guration at which responsible for the evening had pre- church to show its support to two of Bishop Michael Bird. The bishop pre- a visit by the Rev. Ted Heaven, who we hope to see many old friends and baked 12 cakes. We did keep the cake our Outreach Projects. Thanks to the sided and preached at both regular ser- will preach at the 10:30 service on acquaintances. For complete details of shapes to hearts (shamrock shapes team of Ellie MCaughey, Joyce Rus- vices. The occasion for his visit was the Sunday, April 26th. The service will the year’s events, please visit Trans- would have been a little tricky!) We sell, Shirley McGill, Hyacinth Wood inauguration of Transfi guration’s 50th be followed by a lunch in his honour. fi guration’s 50th Anniversary blog at were really pleased that all the men (who unfortunately was unable to join anniversary celebrations, for which Mr. Heaven currently resides in Port www.transfiguration50years.word- who came out took part in the decor- us for the evening but she did call her several events are planned in 2009. Hope, Ontario and will be making the press.com. ating. Certifi cates were designed and list) and the writer of this article. NIAGARA ANGLICAN APRIL 2009 3 An Oakville response to baptismal vows

ROSEMARY ANSTEY because they could not afford the fees ment? There is a lack of funds, of health oomama group and York Region a core the grandmothers, who bury their own ST. SIMON’S OAKVILLE and they all survived on just one meal care workers and infrastructure. group of members from St. Simon’s children and care for their orphaned At every baptism held at St. Simon’s a day. An autoimmune disease, later and St. Jude’s Anglican Churches and grandchildren; and supports associa- church where I am a member, we Why is the impact of AIDS so called Acquired Immuno-Defi ciency Walton Memorial United Church was tions of people living with HIV/AIDS – renew our baptismal vows including: great in Africa? Before AIDS, Africa Syndrome or AIDS was fi rst described formed. Additional members were courageous men and women who have Will you seek and serve Christ in was dynamic, hopeful and joyful, even in North America in 1981. When the recruited and the team agreed on our openly declared their status so that they all persons, loving your neighbour as though many of its residents were poor causative virus of the illness was iden- mission with an emphasis on build- can educate themselves and share infor- yourself? they were not starving and dying. Now tifi ed and named Human Immunodefi - ing awareness of the situation in Sub- mation with their broader communities Will you strive for justice and peace virtually every country in East and ciency Virus (HIV) in 1984 a test for Saharan Africa. It was also made clear on prevention, treatment, care and the among all people, and respect the dig- Southern Africa is a nation of mourners. the virus was quickly developed. that this campaign was asking for dona- elimination of stigma. The projects nity of every human being? In the 1980s and 1990s the Inter- Meanwhile in Africa a new illness tions over and above the donations funded by the Foundation work because Bishop Michael Bird has been national Monetary Fund (IMF) and had been noticed since the 1970’s, named already being made by each resident. An they are designed and run by the people reminding us of our responsibility to the World Bank lent money to African ‘Slim disease’ because the illness caused ambitious target of $1 million donated to of Africa for the people of Africa and strive toward the Millennium Develop- nations – but with conditions. The con- extreme weight loss before death. The any organization for the relief of those they strive to become self-sustaining. ment Goals, and these vows resonate ditions ranged from the sale of public world-wide medical community took suffering the effects of the HIV/AIDS The fi nest outcome of the cam- within me as we affi rm our baptismal sector corporations including water little notice of this disease, the reasons pandemic in Africa was declared. The paign has been the cooperation of many promises to our God as they so refl ect supplies, to the imposition of user fees why can only be surmised as due to a lack campaign was launched in late 2007 and schools and different community groups the aims of the MDG. for health and education, and to savage of concern for deaths in a non-American will conclude at the end of 2009. in Oakville including the faith commun- The people of Africa are our neigh- cut-backs in social services including a or European community. Once a test for With our campaign now at the half- ities. A recent fund-raiser was held in bours, but they have little experience ban on hiring additional professionals in HIV was available, patients in Africa way mark we are convinced that aware- a United church with volunteers from of justice or peace and are forced to health and education. In 2002 Malawi were tested and Slim Disease was con- ness has indeed increased. The oomama fi ve of the Anglican churches and two live lives of poverty and hunger with was refused permission from the IMF to fi rmed to be AIDS. Researchers, using group (Grandmothers to Grandmothers) United churches. Many of the Oakville a high risk of death from many infec- hire more doctors or nurses or pay better the known data of the rate of virus muta- of the Niagara area have been con- churches have held fund-raising events tious diseases including HIV/AIDS. In salaries even though they had only one tion have shown that the virus jumped ducting education in many of the Oak- and much of our printing has been pro- Oakville a group of concerned Chris- third of the nurses needed and only 10% from a chimpanzee to a human about ville schools and service organizations. vided free of charge by a member of the tians formed the $Million or More of the doctors. There were 300 doctors seventy years ago and had been spread- Oakville citizens have together contrib- Zoroastrian faith. The spirit of cooper- Oakville fundraising campaign for for a population of 12 million – mean- ing amongst the population since then. uted over $330,000 to projects in Africa. ation between the faith communities HIV/AIDS in 2007 with the objective while there were more Malawi doctors Can you imagine how many people in Fund-raising events have been held by will surely remain after this year and of raising awareness within Oakville in the UK than in Malawi. According North America would be infected if the churches, schools, the Engineers Union, give us strengthened ability to confront and coordinating efforts to raise at least to Lewis one of the critical reasons for virus of HIV had been around untreated oomama, Oakville artists and individ- the many issues of injustice in our local one million dollars for the relief of the Africa’s inability to respond adequately and unchecked for so long here? uals. We pray that 2009 will be full of communities, aboriginal communities suffering of those with HIV/AIDS and to the AIDS pandemic can be explained Stephanie Nolen, in the introduction fund-raising events in order for us to and throughout the world. those impacted by the disease. by user fees in health care and educa- to her wonderful book ‘28 Stories of reach our fi nancial target. Through the $Million or More Oak- Stephen Lewis, the UN Secretary- tion. The poor cannot afford treatment AIDS in Africa,’ states “I know some- Funds raised during events organ- ville campaign we have the opportunity General’s special envoy for HIV/AIDS and are without education. thing about what makes news. In the fi f- ized by the Million or More committee to serve Christ in all persons and love in Africa gave the 2005 Massey lec- We have become prosperous through teen years I have worked as a journalist, are donated to the Stephen Lewis Foun- our neighbour as we strive for justice and tures entitled “Race against Time.” He trade. The commodity in Africa is food, I have reported on some of the biggest dation. The Foundation was chosen peace for the people of Africa and respect reported visiting a hospital in Malawi in but they cannot export at a profi t. This stories in the world. There is an undeni- because of their objective of easing the the dignity of every human being. 2002. Every patient was a near cadaver; seems preposterous, but the farmers in able thrill that comes with being in the pain and giving dignity to those suffering there were two people to every bed and, Europe and the United States are subsid- centre of a big story. But nothing I was the effects of HIV/AIDS and low oper- Recommended reading (I found in most instances, someone under the ized in the amount of $350 billion (US) sent to cover anywhere in the world ating overhead of less than 10%. both in my local library): bed on the concrete fl oor. On the ten- a year. In the European Union every compared to what I saw AIDS doing in The Foundation provides care at the Race Against Time by Stephen hour night shift there was one nurse to cow is subsidized with $2 per day, while sub-Saharan Africa. And yet this story community level to women who are ill Lewis (book and tape) care for 60-70 patients. In 2003 he went between four hundred and fi ve hundred never made the news at all.” and struggling to survive, so that their 28 stories of AIDS in Africa by to a village in Uganda where he found million Africans live on less than $1 per Various groups in Oakville had been lives can be free from pain, humilia- Stephanie Nolen. there a family consisting of the blind day. With so many of the AIDS victims raising money for the Stephen Lewis tion and indignity; assists orphans and 86 year old patriarch, his two wives being women, much of the starvation Foundation prior to 2007, but the efforts other AIDS-affected children in every Recommended websites who were 76 and 78 years old and 36 now is due to the fact that the infected were not coordinated. Beginning with conceivable way from the payment www.millionormoreslf.ca orphan grandchildren aged from 2 to 16. women no longer have the strength to a dream of raising a few thousand dol- of school fees to the provision food; www.stephenlewisfoundation.org The older children were out of school farm – why are they not receiving treat- lars and inspired by the example of the bolsters the unsung heroes of Africa, www.giveaday.ca Food for life | Parish-level social justice initiative

BLAIR RICHARDSON to over 40 community agencies and 25 regional program. Strategic Object- page is that you want to instill a sense the Georgetown Bread Basket Food ST. JUDE’S OAKVILLE outreach programs, located in Hamilton, ives in Toronto advised on fundraising of ownership.... it’s really something for Bank was hired to solicit corporate Food For Life is a “food recovery” pro- Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Acton and events and media relations. the people in the complex, it’s run by the food donations, and a Program Direc- gram started by George Bagaco in 1995 Mississauga. The outreach programs To measure outputs accurately, we people in the complex, we’re not service tor was hired in September, 2008. An in Oakville. He would stop at a friend’s are located in social housing complexes gathered statistics on the weight of providers, we’re coming together and agreement was signed for Burlington bakery on his way home from work, and low income neighbourhoods. Here food delivered to agencies and out- we’re working together.” warehouse space and related servi- and fi ll his trunk with baked goods, a trained volunteer coordinator receives reach programs in 2008. The daily There was signifi cant progress with ces. The Ontario Association of Food for distribution to needy families in his food deliveries, promotes the availabil- average weight was 754 pounds. our new regional program, ReFresh Banks has given its permission, so that neighbourhood. George said, “No man, ity of the outreach program and ensures A survey was done on a randomly- Foods. In October 2007, the report on ReFresh Foods now participates in the woman or child should have to go to that food is distributed equitably to fam- selected day to determine the retail the feasibility study was distributed Provincial Food Distribution Network bed hungry while stores, restaurants and ilies and individuals in need. The num- value for all the food donated; it was to stakeholders. It recommended the and in the National Food Sharing Sys- other food suppliers are tossing food into ber of outreach programs has more than almost $3.00 per pound. By extension, establishment of a central warehouse tem. ReFresh Foods was offi cially our landfi lls. Food for Life has grown, doubled in the last 12 months, and we in 2007/08, Food for Life delivered and refrigerated transportation to launched in December, 2008. In two with help from many, including Rotary are working with new partners, includ- food worth approximately $825,000, bring a fresher and more nutritional months, over 30,000 pounds of food clubs, which donated a vehicle and the ing Tapestry Church, Clearview Church, for an expenditure of about $85,000. mix of food to food banks and front- has been donated. Kerr Street Ministries, which provides and the Halton Children’s Aid Society. This calculation of costs and benefi ts line social service agencies. It also With its outreach program model, garage and storage space for freezers Volunteer involvement continues omits the value of waste disposal costs recommended collective solicitation requiring no new infrastructure costs, and coolers. Food for Life is incorpor- to grow: almost 5,700 volunteer hours and landfi ll fees which were avoided. of food targeted at the corporate food and offering ease of access to fam- ated, a registered charity and a United were contributed in 2007/08. In addi- In 2008, the Centre for Community sector in Halton Region. The Food ilies in need, Food for Life is a worthy Way funded agency. We operate seven tion, a signifi cant contribution comes Based Research conducted an evaluation for Life Board volunteered to lead the candidate for parish support. This days a week, picking up surplus food from volunteers with special expertise. of our outreach programs. The results project to full implementation and this parish-level initiative would fi t neatly from grocery stores and restaurants; Pigeon Design in Oakville produced were very positive indeed. For example, offer was accepted by stakeholders. To in the prophetic social justice making mostly baked goods, fruit and vege- a new logo for Food for Life. Insite one volunteer coordinator said: “One date, $500,000 has been raised, includ- component, which is a part of the plan tables, but also meat, dairy and prepared Design in Burlington gave us the new thing that Food for Life really stressed ing a grant to buy our new hybrid entitled “Pursuit of Excellence in Min- foods, too. We deliver the food same day name, logo and tag lines for our new to us which we were totally on the same refrigerated truck. A volunteer with istry” of the Diocese. 4 NIAGARA ANGLICAN APRIL 2009 The parishioners of St. George’s Lowville wish Reverend Susan Wells a Happy Birthday

While Susan counted her 65 years on to celebrate Holy Communion or pray a walks before we arrive on Sunday mon sense, business acumen and experi- us that we are all called to serve—always February 25th, we at St. George’s (Low- simple prayer for healing and comfort. mornings; mopping our church fl oors ence, she evaluates a situation and moves ready to reach out with love everywhere ville) were counting our blessings. Susan is a faithful fan of the St. when the plumbing freezes; building into decision making mode with ease. We just as Jesus Christ taught us to do. Susan: Our Priest, Servant, Friend and George’s baseball team—rain or shine maintenance when the wind blows the trust her and respect her and are proud to Susan may not be described as “tall” Leader—always at work on our behalf! (second only to her beloved Hamilton shingles off. She makes sure that all be associated with her at all times. physically but we know her to be very She is a fair-minded, non-judg- Tiger Cats). She is a fun-loving person the little corners of the church (cup- With a great love for her son, daugh- ‘tall’—from sermon to sermon, crisis to mental woman who cares about each and does much to bring us together, e.g. boards included) are being kept clean ter-in-law and the little grandsons (and crisis and in times of pain and happiness, of us—in any time of sickness, loss, or regular Sunday morning breakfasts, and tidy—bringing honour, respect and playful pet ‘ball-chasing’ Buddy) Susan we get to experience her great gifts. hurt, we can expect a house call. Susan picnics, monthly get-togethers for the order to God’s house. has a great heart for Christian ministry. On February 25th, we counted our is ever ready to serve as our priest and whole church family at a local pub. A proven-to-be wise, honest, plain- The example of her life is having a com- blessings while Susan counted her friend—sometimes this has meant to For Susan, her 'calling' includes the spoken and fearless leader, Susan does pelling impact on us. She inspires all of birthdays. Many happy returns of the just stand alongside. She is always ready whole package: shovelling our church not procrastinate. With her innate com- us to participate in ministry and assures day, Susan! Let’s celebrate! The church on the Corner Amateurs | Step up

ETHEL PELL got was very warm and friendly. You collect for St. Matthew’s House weekly. ST. ALBAN’S, HAMILTON know, we are not angels and like most PWRDF and Bequia Mission are also to the Plate The Church on the corner is situ- parishes have our disagreements, but part of our outreach. ated on Cope and Britannia Streets then we are a family! We have over the years sponsored there is something of immense and named St. Alban the Martyr. It is If you like daffodils, then come and four students on the Island of Bequia and importance here for the Commun- surprising how many people say they see, St. Albans next spring. Thanks to now help the Sunshine School which ity of Faith (we call it Church). For did not know it was a church. Many a parishioner and some of the young is for children and young people with years and years we have talked about times during my hospital ministry, I people and the years, our garden is a disabilities to help them develop what the ministry of the laity but, at least would tell people from the East End of show place and as good as the RBG... or skills they have. At Christmas we have from my perspective, it is just that: Hamilton about St. Alban and describe as I see it, even better. When the daffo- our ‘Jessie tree’ and the gifts collected talk. where it was situated. It does not have dils are fi nished summer and fall fl owers would bring tears to your eyes when you IAN DINGWALL The laity are still, to a great extent, a steeple or large bell tower and before are in bloom and the lawn looks its best. see them around the altar. We also have a RETIRED ARCHDEACON DIOCESE OF NIAGARA a frozen asset. Instead, we place our my time there it was just a basement. The garden refl ects what goes on inside. family from St. Matthew’s House. “If a thing is worth doing, it is worth trust in the specialists. Sometimes My late husband Reg and I were Your warm welcome, joyful worship We have had good Rectors who doing badly.” these specialists are called Vicars. looking for a new parish home in the and 'get togethers' for coffee after the by their gifts have helped St. Alban’s I remember commending that piece A Vicar is one who does a task for 60s after St. Matthew’s was destroyed service. Old and young can feel at home. grow in the faith and we pray that God of advice in a sermon and receiving someone who cannot, or doesn’t by fi re. It was not easy to start in a The largest part of our congregation at will help the Church on the corner quite a spirited critique at the coffee care to, do it him or herself. Some- new parish after being at St. Matthews the time of writing are thirty nine years grow. We need a few more people less hour following the Service. My critic times they might be tagged with the for twenty years, but the welcome we plus and many are on pensions, but we than thirty nine years. was disturbed that I seemed to be pro- title of Rector. Here’s a word that moting a compromised work ethic. originally meant “ruler”; the idea The quotation is from What’s being that we have a whole group of Wrong with the World?, a well congregants who meet together and received book written in 1910 by wait to be told what they must do if Lessons from my garden G. K. Chesterton. But, returning to they wish to further the Kingdom. I 2009, what was my sermon critic so acknowledge that we have improved worried about? somewhat from the image of being father-in-law, who has loved gardening, now stretch beyond reverie into action. As I stated above, her fear was God’s Frozen People which was the and has often pitched in when I have In the Diocese of Niagara, we are that if one took the advice literally, title of a l950’s book which con- stalled out is very ill, and I am missing blessed by the visionary leadership of our it would produce shoddy results. tended that the Laity were bottled up his wisdom and practised experience Diocesan Bishop Michael Bird who is But, in fact, Chesterton’s suggestion, in a system that was hierarchically about just to what level our roses prefer fi rmly helping us to encounter why “what if taken in the way he perceived it, paralytic. Improved somewhat: but to be pruned. I have lost over the win- has been” is no longer suffi cient, and would do the opposite. The follow- not enough. ter too, another valued friend who had a who has the imagination, faith and will to ing are a few of the points he made We need the “amateurs” to step MARNI NANCEKIVELL passion for gardening and an artist’s eye, challenge us into enacting what might be. in his own defense. He stated that the up to the plate and assume leader- DIRECTOR OF INTERIM MINISTRY and could imagine and inspire me with I am profoundly grateful, both as a per- people who found his words danger- ship. And, as they do their job, allow I am what I playfully call a “theoretical what kind of a silk purse might be made son of faith, and as one who is engaged ous were trapped by a fear of failure. the “specialists” (vicars, rectors etc.) gardener”. As winter turns to spring, I out of the sow’s ear of our little lot. in ministry for the model he is living out They would accept a challenge and to be resource people who are ready can imagine how exciting it would be So there is no doubt that this year, I in our midst. Our Bishop is living out because their fundamental concern and able to assist. That would mean to plan my garden for the coming year. will have to rely on my own devices in the Easter message; that out of the risks was that it might (or would) fail then a real change for the church for it Having a Garden Center down at the end order to maintain what we have, and to that surround us can come the power of that, at all costs, was to be avoided. would involve all of us to adjust our of my street, and having lived in our cur- create a little more than what we had vibrant life, as certain as the New Resur- They rejected the theory that risk is priorities. For example, our congre- rent house for fi fteen years, I know well last year in our domestic plot. rection Life of that fi rst Easter Day. almost always present in any worth- gational life would change with the which plants do best in our eastward It seems to me that our inner life is a This year as I contemplate my gar- while endeavour. laity as the vanguard leaders who facing house, where the front lawn gets lot like that. We can appreciate the sup- den, I promise you that my contem- Chesterton however would chal- make the decisions along with the relatively little sun, and the back yard gets port, encouragement and wisdom of plation will be translated into action. lenge us to proceed and, if we seem clergy and other full time paid min- a great deal. So it is easy for me to take a others (aka: the saints), but when push I can rely only on my own will and to be failing in the task, then resist isters. The change would also affect jaunt down to Cudmore’s on Lakeshore comes to shove, what we make of our muscle. For what has been is no longer being crestfallen for “If a thing is the church outside the parish. The and breathe in the inspiration of fresh spiritual journey is often up to us. possible – and I know through experi- worth doing, it is worth doing badly”. diocese would see itself as a family seed packets, shiny new tools, garden The lesson of Easter though is ence that new life dwells below the That advice, well taken, should give of churches bound together by our accessories and the icicle pansies and that out of deadness comes life, out surface of the earth that surrounds us. us courage to tackle diffi cult tasks common allegiance to the Gospel imagine with renewed enthusiasm just of hopelessness blooms hope and joy This week, I hope to see born into our (knowing we might not succeed) but with the bishop as the commun- what I can do with the garden this year. beyond our imagining. garden the tulips and daffodils that I the more we attempt, the more we will ity’s symbol of unity and purpose. But then, reality strikes me. The Elsewhere in this paper, you will planted on a particularly sad, cold fall succeed. The governing synod and its work- lawn which as I write is losing its snow read that “what has been” is not enough day in 2008. They will be a reminder From Chesterton we learn that ing arm in the synod offi ce would cover of winter looks none to promis- neither for us as individuals, nor for that all that is required on my part is a perhaps the amateur is more import- become a center that exists solely for ing. There are sticks and dried leaves to our church as we live and minister in bit of faith and action. Out of that ven- ant, at times at least, than the profes- the benefi t of the parishes. We would gather up still. There are mushy spots these diffi cult waning days of this fi rst ture, I trust, will be borne something sional. The amateur attempts to do become a servant church, not only in where the backyard is at its lowest. The decade of this millennium. We can no beautiful and new. good out of love and not remunera- the “talk” but also in the “walk.” And lawn will need rolling and feeding. longer rely on ways of being, models May you too have a blessed and tion, as does the generalist compared we could do all this because we’d Quite frankly, I lose heart. It is all too of ministering that have been tried and life-fi lled Easter, rich beyond all to the specialist. The amateur’s love dare to take risks remembering... easy for me to sigh and go inside, where true. There is no doubt in my mind, as imagining. May you too recognize all accepts the risk of failure and moves “that if a thing is worth doing, it is I don’t have to think about pruning and we look at our balance statements, and that is necessary for each one of us is ahead. In this we fi nd the importance worth doing badly”. trimming, planting and aerating. the increasingly empty pews in many of a little faith, and a lot of action, as we of ordinary people called to accom- Thank you Gilbert Keith Chester- This year especially, my beloved our churches that our imaginations must cultivate the Garden of Life. plish extra-ordinary things. Surely ton for your helpful advice! NIAGARA ANGLICAN APRIL 2009 5 Understanding the fall Whose vision is it

COLIN C. M. CAMPBELL survival. In our economically divided as excellent as it was in the fi rst human TEACHER, DIOCESE OF NIAGARA world, the rules, which we live by, fail beings. However, due to ancestral sin, anyway? The traditional doctrine of original sin us all. Based on growth and consumer- it now has a “propensity to sin.” It is states that the human race fell from a ism, our developed society motivates possible to reconcile these viewpoints. state of original perfection in which by pride and greed; and the fear of God has assigned responsibility for a We are all invited to Catch the Vision... there was no suffering, confl ict (not even unemployment, if we lose our market- child’s moral development to its par- among animals) or death. God infl icted ability. In the developing world, fear of ents and society. Ancestral sin results guard the integrity of creation and sustain these evils on everyone as a punishment poverty is the norm. When it is to their in faulty conditioning. The Eastern and renew the life of the earth. Then we for the sin of Adam. As well as being benefi t and there is no rule against it, Church is correct. However, since God reviewed the eight Millennium Develop- historically untenable, this viewpoint people sin quite readily. When the rules cannot work perfectly through fl awed ment Goals, and our Baptismal Coven- has always been beset by theological threaten their survival, people also sin parents, he is unable to infuse the ant’s fi ve ‘will you questions. After this problems; such as, if everything was quite readily. They create a class of grace necessary to accomplish his pur- important ground work was laid we perfect, what could have tempted Adam “bad” people. Fortunately, in Canada, poses. He “punishes” all for the sake moved on to spending in-depth time on to sin? Is it not unjust to punish every- the rules work for enough people that of “Adam.” The Western Church also LYNNE CORFIELD the fi ve buckets or petals of The Vision. ARCHDEACON, RECTOR, ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST, one for one man’s sin? Then, there were our society coheres. Law-abiding cit- is correct. To be able to infuse grace NIAGARA FALLS It is possible to download a PowerPoint the issues of the salvation of the heathen izens create a class of “good” people. perfectly, God would have to create a presentation from the Diocesan website and the fate of unbaptised babies. It is However, if the rules cease to work for new humanity. That is what he does in “Twentieth century Italian philosopher which makes for an easy presentation! time to restate the doctrine in a more them, they quickly become “bad.” If the person of Jesus. By adoption, as Antonio Gramsci discussed the relation- In small groups with each group looking acceptable way. To jettison it, however, the marginalized plead that they need we surrender our wills to the operation ship between those who lead and those at a different petal we worked for about leads to other diffi culties, such as estab- special rules to help them, “good” of grace within us, our psychological who follow in his Prison Notebooks. 45 minutes asking where do we support lishing the necessity of Christ’s death, people respond with token support integrity is restored. He argued that in any revolution there this vision and where are we challenged? traditionally viewed as required to atone and so show that they are “bad,” in a Shifting the effect of original sin is intellectual elite which leads the mass We allowed lots of time to hear back from for Adam’s sin. The present article will different sort of way. With the current from the genes to the memes is import- of the population forward into its next each group and it was surprising for us to present a view of original sin, which is social norms, individual sinlessness is ant. If our genes were fallen, then our stage of historical evolution... In other realize how much we were already doing, compatible with historical anthropol- impossible. Fallen memes and healthy very nature would have been fallen. If words, the successful leader has a vision but also how many places we faced ogy, resolves the theological issues, and genes lead to social Darwinism, with Jesus took on that nature then he could with which he/she will take his/her challenges. is consistent with Scripture, though not self-centred winners and embittered not have been sinless. On the other hand, people into the future which is simul- After sharing a nutritious lunch we with traditions which are derived ultim- losers – hardened sinners both. if he was sinless, then he could not have taneously visionary and grounded in the gathered for a time of brainstorming. ately from St. Augustine. The genes were created by God taken on our supposedly fallen genes and passion and experience of the people.” The participants were invited to dream Augustine believed that, once upon and are not “fallen.” Memes were so could not have redeemed our nature, (Quoted from ‘Beyond a Walled Garden big dreams and to wonder - if time and a time, a perfect couple lived in a per- created by society and are! Human since his nature would have been differ- by Wendy Fletcher- Marsh) money and resources were no problem fect world, with an eating prohibition, beings need to receive their memes ent from ours. We could never become What this means is to affect change what could we do, with God’s help? imposed by God. When Adam sinned, from God. Jesus reveals who God is, like him and he would become merely there needs to be a leader who can Many more great ideas were generated at Eve’s prompting, God not only what he expects from us, and how he a device used by God to justify us. On articulate a vision and a grass roots and shared with the larger group. affl icted the world with disease, natural helps us to fi nd happiness. He lives the other hand, if it is our memes, which movement who are working to bring We ran out of time with so much disasters, animal confl ict, and death, but out “the way, the truth, and the life,” are fallen, then Jesus could battle against about the same end. Wendy’s book tells energy and enthusiasm in the room so also withdrew the gift of integrity from which God requires of every person. them with our nature, just as we have to. the story of the successful movement we decided that we needed round two. Adam’s soul and from the souls of all No one can come to God in any other Paul does not shrink from this conclu- for the ordination of women in Canada Another group met in February with a his descendants, so that everyone now way. This is the standard by which all sion, saying that Jesus “was made sin for versus the long and arduous struggle for facilitator who helped us to choose two necessarily sins. According to Augus- other faiths must be judged. us.” Whereas we lose the battle, he wins the same end in the Church of England. or three projects that were manageable tine, this fault was transmitted, like any Although there never was an ori- the victory, creating new memes – God’s The premise of her book lies in Gram- and would have a signifi cant impact other genetic characteristic, by sexual ginal perfection, as Augustine under- memes, which are counter-intuitive to sci’s theory... to affect change there for our ministry together. The facilita- intercourse, making sexual intercourse stood it, it is reasonable to believe that the ones, which are “natural” to us. This needs to be a leader with a vision and a tor of our part two visioning day, Brian sinful, in his view. This is his explana- God used evolution to create human means that he had to be radically differ- grass roots movement working towards Lloyd, who is a professional project tion for the universality of unhappiness, beings with the capacity for sinless- ent from us, in one respect. The Holy the vision. We are fortunate that in the manager developed these ten com- despite his belief in a mysteriously lov- ness. Animals and children are not Spirit was able to operate perfectly in Diocese of Niagara we have that in mandments of running a project. ing God. A survey of the Latin and held accountable for their actions. him, unlike in us, making him “a new place and the grass roots movement is Greek Fathers reveals that not one of When human beings act like animals creation” and “the fi rst-born of many beginning to grow. There are other arti- Ten Commandments of Project them held Augustine’s views. Regret- or adults act like children, they are. brethren.” This is the difference between cles in this issue of the paper that will Management tably, the Western Church adopted Human beings retain instincts, which Jesus and us, which Augustine and the explain the evolution of the vision that 1. Set a clear project goal (begin with them, admittedly in a milder form. The enable animals to survive. However, Western Church sought to affi rm, with- began with Bishop Michael but is now the end in mind) Eastern Church never accepted them. their capacity for advanced cooperation out the help of modern psychology and much bigger and more widely owned. 2. Determine the project objectives It is helpful to consider the reality gave them an evolutionary advantage, genetics, echoing Paul’s words, “As in We will only be successful in Niag- (goals) of original sin separately from theories, which required them to discipline their Adam all fell, so also in Christ shall all ara with this new culture of innovation 3. Establish checkpoints (milestones), which explain its cause. It is a scientifi c animal instincts. God evolved in them be made alive.” Paul probably believed if we all get on board, get behind, join activities, relationships (how tasks are fact that happiness depends on having the genetic ability to “love [him] with in a literal Adam. He had no reason not the movement, rejoice in change and the interrelated), and time estimates successful relationships. Human beings all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, to. We do! Our new understanding does opportunity for growth... ultimately the 4. Draw a picture of the project schedule are genetically determined to need and their neighbour as [themselves].” not affect Paul’s central point - that “all opportunity to share the Good News... 5. A project is as much about people people. Mutual love and respect are the Traditionally, Anglicans have fall short of the glory of God” and that in isn’t that our reason for existence? as it is a goal basis for successful relationships and believed in the inspiration of Scripture. Christ “all shall be made alive.” At the parish level it is import- 6. It is important that everyone healthy parental conditioning teaches If we look beyond its mythological Theologies, which insist on a lit- ant that we provide many and multi- believes in the goal(s) children the memes necessary to accom- imagery, Genesis explains the origin of erally perfect couple, living in a literally layered opportunities to speak of the 7. Keep everyone connected with plish this. (I am borrowing Richard sin and its consequences. We fi nd there perfect world, with an eating prohibition vision and to encourage people to updates about progress Dawkins’ term, meme, as a synonym that basic sin is the desire to usurp the and a talking snake, are anachronisms, share in the vision. At St. John’s in 8. Build a plan that vitalizes (win/win) for a rule of conduct.) Memes shape, as place of God and to live without refer- which are best abandoned. Once this Niagara Falls we held a Parish Plan- team members “shoulds,” the need for friends, coded in ence to him. God’s punishment for sin is done, a new understanding of God’s ning Day in January which is a hang- 9. Empower yourself and others involved the genes. Human beings share with ani- is exile from fullness of life, but he cares purposes becomes possible. Whereas over pattern from the days of the David 10. Encourage risk taking and creativ- mals such basic instincts, as the need for for sinners by protecting them. These suffering used to be seen as a sign of sin Gordon Stewardship campaign. This ity but manage it closely food and shelter. These are coded in the elements must have operated in the past, and alienation from God, it may now be year we dedicated our time together to genes, as “wants.” A person’s genes may creating a state in which society could seen as the companion of all adventure focussing on The Vision for Niagara We are pilgrims on a journey and our urge conduct, which the memes forbid. no longer correct itself, requiring God to and achievement. When I want excite- and asking ourselves where our work work has only just begun. In following In mentally healthy people, however, do it in the person of Jesus Christ. ment, God gives me setbacks and the as disciples of Christ supported this this simple format in a four hour time there is no confl ict between shoulds and A major difference between the courage to persevere. When I want Vision and where we were challenged. frame we discovered how much fun it wants. Such persons want to do what theologies of the Western and East- wisdom, God gives me problems and A simple format began with look- is to be part of this grass roots move- they should. In theological language, ern Churches is their interpretation of inspires me with insight. When I want ing at the Five Marks of Mission of the ment that can and will affect change, they have the gift of integrity. original sin. The Western Church has friends, God gives me broken people Anglican Communion: 1. To proclaim together! Memes represent a contract traditionally believed in an inherited to help. When I want God to help me, the Good News of the Kingdom 2. To If anyone would like help with between society and the individual. If guilt, infl icted on us all, as punishment he asks me to help him. In other words, teach, baptize and nurture new believers facilitating a Visioning time such as this the memes are defective, the individual for the sin of Adam. After the Fall, the God has given me everything that I 3. To respond to human need by loving please contact me and I will be happy to will break the rules and follow his ani- soul was different. The Eastern Church wanted but nothing in the way that I service. 4. To seek to transform unjust assist in any way that I can as we pursue mal instincts for emotional or physical teaches that the human soul, at birth, is wanted it. Thanks be to God! structures of society 5. To strive to safe- excellence in ministry together. 6 NIAGARA ANGLICAN APRIL 2009 Our God is too small

Humanity seems to have been But humanity has this propensity creatures had created their god in a light that had previously been seen endowed with the sense that this for belief in the Divine and is taking their own image because that was the in the so-called heresy of Akhenaton, earthly life is not the whole story. a very long time to come to terms only "thing" with which they could a Pharoah of Egypt, who had tried to This is fundamental to the believ- with it. Inevitably it has had to start compare the godhead. turn the whole religious system of ing Christian: Jesus died and rose simply, for humanity's concepts are This was not good enough for Egypt upside down by proclaiming a again. As St. Paul reminds us If in limited and take time to develop. God, who was (and still is) trying to monotheistic religion represented by this life we who are in Christ have Somewhere in the cradle of civiliza- reveal the Godhead to the Creation. the symbol of the sun only hope, we are of all men most to tion people began to think of powers Early in the Old Testament God Where are we going? Our God be pitied (1 Corinth. 15:19). There beyond their control. Since learning reveals himself in human form to has been revealed as human in form, Humanity has a propensity is a purpose in life and that is to do begins from the known and proceeds Abraham and Lot, where God may carried to extremes by Michel- for belief in the Divine and the will of God. How do we know to the unknown, the interpretation of be confused with the accompany- angelo's painting on the ceiling of is taking a very long time to what is the will of God? Why have these powers had to be put in terms ing angels. As humanity becomes the Sistine Chapel in Rome. The come to terms with it. we been given that annoying and well-known to the people trying to more sophisticated God's appear- Godhead has been portrayed as Fire, disturbing thing that we call a con- understand them. They therefore ance changes and, by the time that as the Sun and as Light. Jesus is science? Unfortunately, it follows imagined them in the form of crea- Moses comes into the picture, God portrayed as bringing Light into the SUSAN WESTALL "why do some people seem to have tures with whom they were famil- is revealed as something much more world, the knowledge of God. What ALL SAINTS, HAMILTON no conscience?" iar, in human and animal form. We powerful. The Godhead is now fi re are all these but examples of pure What a challenge the Niagara Angli- Is it possible that the conscience is peoples of the so-called Western as revealed in the Burning Bush energy? From whence comes our can presents us! I have not found a an echo of some purpose that we were World have been so conceited as to —a fi re so powerful that the very strength? God is all-encompassing. single article during the past three given before we left the "heavenly think that this god spent time reveal- ground is holy and yet the bush is Surely, St. Paul had a revela- or four years that has not given me home" to which we are destined to ing the godhead to us without any not destroyed. tion when he proclaimed the god some food for thought, and yet I return? Is it impossible that God has a consideration that there are others, God's relationship with fi re con- remembered as "unknown" on an have not found that much discussion purpose for each one of us that we can living in other parts of this world, to tinues in the Old Testament, as wit- altar in Athens is indeed the God In of the articles. Last month I wel- choose either to pursue or to reject, in whom the godhead was also being ness the pillar of fi re that led the (whom) we live and move and have comed the comments of Roger Tulk; whole or in part? As Michael Thomp- revealed. Different cultures inevit- Israelites into the desert by night our being (Acts 17:22-28). Our God this month I fi nd inspiration, not for son reminds us, God endows human- ably envisioned the Godhead in dif- and the pillar of cloud that led them encompasses everything, that is, the fi rst time, in Michael Thomp- ity with freedom and power, but that ferent forms. by day. the chariot in which Elijah all of Creation, our Universe and son. Our editor deems it unneces- freedom and power involves the use After millennia there arose a is carried away into heaven, but as others that may yet be revealed. Our sary to identify the clerical authors of freewill and humanity's self-inter- people in what we now call the Mid- time passes and as the Children of human nature fi nds such a concept as "Rev,", as many of them are. I est invariably leads to selfi shness and dle East who came to believe that Israel learn of other ways of pictur- beyond our comprehension, but in hope that I may raise the voice of the lack of concern for others, resulting the true God had been revealed to ing the Divine as the result of their this 21st Century, with all the recent laity. Our Primate is asking for our in pain on earth and the destruction them. Of course, they suffered from exile in Babylon, God is transcended discoveries since the Renaissance Anglican dreams for the church of of our environment. the human weakness of self-interest into a heaven full of cherubim and (re-birth), the Industrial Revolution the future; I believe that he may fi nd What of this god who has given and therefore claimed that this was seraphim. Cherubim may be seen in and the recent Scientifi c Revolu- them in these pages. us the choice of doing as we like in their God and that they were there- the ancient statues of Babylonia and tion, have we not learned that God is Is there a rosier side to this "vale his creation? I have called it a Great fore God's chosen people. They were they are no innocent little cherubs as everywhere—the Godhead's energy of woe", to this "republic of pain"? Adventure. Where would have been not the only people to believe this of seen in mediaeval paintings. By the is even in the rocks, for there we Can we accept a god that has set out the adventure if we had all been their own particular god, but it stuck. time of the Book of Daniel, God has have discovered radio-activity? The on a great adventure to fi nd out what puppets on strings, predestined to What was this god like? Well, to become the "Ancient of Days" on a atom was considered indivisible may happen—a god who has not do just what this authoritative god start with "he" was a very natural, throne of fi ery fl ames and "a stream when I was born; today we study decided in advance to impose a godly demanded of us? There would be human god; he enjoyed taking a stroll of fi re issued and came forth from nuclear physics. will upon the creation, but is instead no need for religions of any kind; around his garden in the cool of the before him" (Daniel 7:10) If these thoughts are just a bit too letting that creation fi nd out what that we would know who (or what) is in evening looking for the creatures that When we enter New Testament much, perhaps we should settle for will is? It seems to me that that is the command and would have no choice he had created. His self-interested times the image of God changes Michael Thompson's conclusion "it very essence of the Lord's Prayer— but to obey. I would imagine that a creatures promptly decided that their again as Jesus opens up a vision of is enough that he is with us, that he thy will be done on earth, as it is in god like that would be a very uninter- god looked like them and proclaimed Love and of Light, which is further teaches and heals us, that he allows heaven. Humanity is responsible for esting character and life might very that they were made in the image of developed in the Gospel of John. us to lament what is broken and bringing that will to earth. well be exceedingly boring. this god. In actual fact the created God is now the Light of the World— dream of what is whole." Answering Bishop Michael’s Call

two other parishes to spend a week in accomplished worldwide but for El 25 little boys tried out their new beds Amarateca Valley and the agricultural Tegucigalpa, Honduras, working with Hogar they are its reasons for being. for the fi rst time. There were smiles school located in Talanga. With ninety The team saw children who El Hogar Projects which comes under The team saw children who are everywhere, not to mention a few and sixty boys respectively, these two are classifi ed as being the the auspices of the Episcopal Diocese classifi ed as being the poorest of the tears. centres provide much needed skills poorest of the poor brought of Honduras. poor brought to El Hogar to break the Days were long; the work at times along with three years of high school El Hogar de Amor y Esperanza, cycle of poverty and become trans- challenging but each morning the education so that the students may to El Hogar to break the (The Home of Love and Hope), now forming agents for change in Hon- team was eager to get on with the obtain gainful employment at the end cycle of poverty and become in its thirtieth year, responds directly duras. Through education in a loving, work knowing how anxious the rest of of their time at El Hogar Projects. transforming agents for to most of the eight goals which the Christian environment, these children the children were to get into their new Each evening before falling into change in Honduras. nations of the world have promised to learn that God loves them and that rooms. bed, team members got together to accomplish by 2015: anything is possible. It was a joy to spend time at the share thoughts about their day and to reduce poverty and social The team worked on the unfi nished end of the day with 107 wonderfully examine one of the eight Millennium ROSALIND REYCRAFT exclusion, dormitory for the children which energetic children, who to our stan- Development Goals. To be in such an MISSION TEAM LEADER, ST. LUKE’S BURLINGTON achieve universal primary should be ready by April. Since the dards have so little but knew that car- environment gave a new perspective A team of parishioners from the Par- education, school year starts in February space ing people from far away, who did not on just what the MGDs are meant to ish Church of St. Luke’s in Burling- promote gender equality and was at a premium for returning chil- speak Spanish well, were working hard accomplish. How satisfying it was to ton has responded to the Bishop’s call empower women, dren. The fi rst lot of children had to for them. Playing soccer-baseball after see what a difference a few people tak- in the area of prophetic social activ- reduce child mortality, move into the only completed room. a tiring day was a challenge which the ing those goals to heart can make. ism in his vision for the Diocese of improve maternal health, Team members painted, lugged younger members of the team took on St. Luke’s team was challenged Niagara. Members of the team have combat HIV/AIDS and wood, took down construction fences, without a second thought. and transformed by time in El Hogar. seen the results of the commitment to tuberculosis, cleaned the site to make it safe, assem- To get a complete picture of what They now challenge other churches to the Millennium Development Goals ensure environmental sustainabil- bled fourteen metal bunk beds and El Hogar is accomplishing, time see how they can answer the Bishop’s in action. ity, and generally did whatever was needed was taken to visit the other two cen- call to prophetic social activism. In early February, the team of partnership for development. to make this happen. By 9 o’clock on tres – the technical institute, (Insti- More information is available at nine joined with three others from These goals are far from being Sunday evening, an excited group of tuto Tecnico de Sta Maria), in the www.elhogar.org. NIAGARA ANGLICAN APRIL 2009 7 Resurrection | The ultimate challenge to the Christian believer

JERRY SALLOUM ing but a vain lament. Humans cannot son of the widow of Nain or the daugh- no lies or deception. Everything about only one who benefi ts from your power RETIRED VICAR "turn back time". But an omnipotent God ter of Jairus, each at the command of Him must be true. And that includes His to raise the dead? Echoing the psalmist, Recently, I turned on the car radio for can. God runs one huge restoration busi- Jesus and each in an instant. If we are to Resurrection. we cry out, “Lord … do you show won- some music and heard pop singer Cher ness. Each example of human restoration believe in the resurrection of Jesus, we ders to the dead? Do those who are dead lamenting her regrettable behavior toward recorded in scripture is a window through must do so 2000 years after the alleged In this world, hints of another world rise up to praise you?” (Psalm 88). The her lover. Repeatedly, she expressed her which we are permitted a glimpse of how incident, without hearing Him call our abound answer from Scripture is clear. Jesus is wish, "If I could turn back time!" it was in the beginning before the Fall in names, without being able to feel or see I recall an old tune made popular by NOT the only benefi ciary of resurrec- Many of us wish the same thing: that Garden where nothing went wrong his wounds, without him treating us to Peggy Lee: “Is that all there is?” This tion. But he is the fi rst. A hole in the "If I could turn back time … if only, in with our sight or with our hearing, and breakfast by the shore of some lake. You depressing lament confronts the dis- ground was not the fi nal resting place for relation to our serious car accident, our where there was no death. Each example and I are in that category of people who appointment that many feel about this the Son of God. And God will not allow children, our health, our missed oppor- of human restoration recorded in scrip- cannot look to our senses of sight, touch, life, namely its inability to satisfy. Is it to be the fi nal resting place for anyone tunities, or our fi nancial decisions. If ture is also a preview of a glorious cosmic hearing or taste to add credence to the this life “all there is”? Is this as good as else. All will be raised. This remarkable we could only rewind the fi lm of our restoration promised by our Father, but is resurrection. We are in the category of it gets? But the song, “Is that all there truth is found in both the Old and New life story to that spot before regrettable yet to come. people to whom Jesus referred when is?” does not answer the question it asks. Testaments. Listen: events occurred so we could bring about To believe in Christ’s resurrection addressing doubting Thomas: Rather it makes an important statement. “Your dead will live; their bodies a more acceptable ending”. is to link up with something altogether “Because you have seen me, you With uncertainty, the singer concludes, will rise. But Cher's lament for a turning back unnatural and other-worldly. Yet certain have believed; “If that’s all there is my friend, then let’s You who dwell in the dust, wake up of time, though wishing for the impos- people in the Bible did just that. Many Blessed are those who have not seen keep dancing, let’s break out the booze and shout for joy!” (Isaiah 26) sible, yearns for very little! Hidden in believed, not because they heard about and yet have believed.” and have a ball.” “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of a secret room of the human heart is a it, but because they were witnesses to And so, without the tools I normally As we hear the lyrics, we wonder, the earth will awake: longing for far more than this -- a turn- it. People who were initially skeptical use to authenticate truth, namely intel- “If this is all there is, how can anyone some to everlasting life, others to ing back of time not to before a single had their skepticism smashed. Mary lect and my senses, why would I or keep dancing? Do you recall those brief shame and everlasting contempt. incident in one's life, but rather a turning believed after she heard the Lord call anyone else accept as true the bodily cartoons that used to begin the Saturday Those who are wise will shine like back of all time, to when Life worked the her name. Thomas believed after he saw resurrection of Jesus Christ? How is it matinee at the local movie theatre? In its the brightness of the heavens, way it was meant to work, when there and felt Jesus’ wounds. Two disciples on possible to believe it without “seeing” fi nal seconds, Porky Pig would appear and those who lead many to was no slow deterioration of our bodies, the road to Emmaus believed after Jesus it? Consider the following three personal and stutter those fi nal words, “Th-th- righteousness, no disappointment, no warfare, no lone- opened to them the scriptures and after refl ections on the issue: that’s all folks”. For many of us, Porky like the stars for ever and ever.” liness, no pain, no crying, no death. And He broke bread with them. And other Pig’s statement answers Peggy Lee’s (Daniel 12) because of this deep universal yearning, disciples believed during a fi shing trip. TRUTH always travels in the company question. With the myopic vision that The trumpet will sound, we are arrested by those Bible stories But despite what we declare pub- of GOODNESS seems to characterize our world, there and the dead will be raised imperish- that declare that the restoration of what licly each Sunday during the Creed, we When all is said and done, belief is appears to be nothing more. Death is the able, and we will be changed.” (1 Cor 15) was lost is more than merely the vain struggle to believe an event that, though ultimately a matter of choice. I choose to end and no one survives the grave. But The testimony of Easter (and Christ- cries of the human heart for something recorded in Holy Scripture, has never believe in the resurrection, but not merely at the cinema, we all knew there was mas) is that a new and fresh purifying that this world cannot provide. been a part of our experience. On this because it is recorded in all four Gospels something more. That eagerly-awaited wind has blown through the Cosmos. Our minds are drawn to biblical stor- topic, it is natural to be skeptical. Nobody or because I was taught it as a child. I something was the feature fi lm, still to Shafts of radiant light have penetrated ies of restoration. Blind from birth, a man has been successful in escaping death. choose to believe it because I believe it come after the cartoon faded to black. every nook and cranny of our planet. We suddenly receives his sight. Dead for four Death is inevitable. Death is irreversible. to be true. But how does one know that The cartoon was never meant to satisfy. who live under a menacing shadow of days, Lazarus walks out of his tomb. At While people have been resuscitated after something is true? This is a good ques- It was never intended to be more than the death and have long endured the infl u- the command of Jesus, a distraught father cardiac arrest, nobody to my knowledge tion! If I desire to know if something is lead-up to the main attraction. The scrip- ence of a foreign presence in our midst sees his dead daughter stand up. In a gar- has come back to life after being dead 3 true, I investigate the company it keeps. tures offer repeated hints that this world, have been visited by Goodness itself. A den, a mourning woman hears her name days. Given the nature of Nature as we Truth always keeps good company. It though resplendent in the beauty of its cosmic battle has taken place between called out by the very One whose death know it, the grip of death is too strong has matchless companions. And Truth’s many patterns and processes, is not the Good and evil. The occupying power she had witnessed three days earlier. to permit release. And so, while we give best companion is Goodness. I look for main attraction. Though glorious in itself, has been struck a fatal blow from which Fictional stories? I wonder. If they are, polite assent to the resurrection of Jesus ultimate Truth in the place where I fi nd this world testifi es to another world, an it will never recover. The resurrection then we must explain why such longings Christ in church, most of us, like Thomas, ultimate Goodness. There is reliability to invisible world of greater Glory of which of Jesus Christ is God's declaration in are so universal and so persistent in the have doubts that are legitimate and that Goodness that cannot be found in evil. this present world is a mere foretaste. advance that death and evil have been human heart. However, if such stories must be addressed. We need convincing At the heart of evil is malevolence. Evil’s vanquished and that the end is NOT actually happened, then we must con- that the supernatural is real. Or we search intent is to twist, to confuse, to cause dis- Resurrection is not restricted to death, but life, not unspeakable sorrow, clude that the very thing that is our deep- for some natural explanation of an event cord, alienation and ultimately death. At God’s Son but everlasting joy. Resurrection is NOT est longing, namely that pain will stop, that is so UN-natural. the heart of Goodness is benevolence. In contemplating Easter and the Resur- for Jesus only, but for all believers. Death that loneliness will cease, that suffering I have never witnessed a resurrec- The intent of Goodness is to generate rection, we might well ask God, “Is is dead. Cher's yearning for reversal has will be terminated, that death will be no tion. I saw my father 3 days after he harmony, wholeness, intimacy and Life. restoration, a new beginning, reversal been achieved, not by human effort or more, is God’s longing as well. At the died. But I saw him dead. The same with Goodness is on my side. Evil is not. I of death, in fact, RESURRECTION, by wishful thinking, but by God’s action center of God's heart is the desire to do my mother, my sister and my mother- trust the One who is on my side, not the something you reserve only for your on behalf of his children. Thanks be to the very thing we long for, namely to set in-law: I saw each of them dead. None one who is my adversary. For this reason, SON? Is He the only one who is the God who gives us the victory through right what is wrong. Cher's song is noth- came back to life as did Lazarus or the I trust Christ in whom there is no evil, recipient of the mother of all treats, the our Lord Jesus Christ. Parishes should build on strengths, not weaknesses

Keys to an Effective Church. Callahan stewardship is clearly about compas- tural references and solid preach- grateful for the compassion and gen- is brilliant, instantly likeable, and dis- sion. But if a parish’s stewardship ing about stewardship. It “prays the erosity of God’s gifts in our lives... we armingly direct. He sees the role of the campaign is not scripturally related campaign” with active prayer about are thankful for the hope which God church through the lenses of commun- to compassion, it’s attempting to stewardship. It recruits parishioners to blesses us... we generously pledge $$$ ity, compassion and hope. Commun- build on an inherent weakness, and write a newsletter based on compas- to advance God’s mission in 2009”. ity, he says, is good fun, good times, that increases passive aggressive sion and people news, and expands it Strong parish leaders are able to belonging, and family. Compassion behaviour, anger, and subliminal into a long range plan and a narrative associate compassion, community, JIM NEWMAN is sharing, caring, giving, loving, and resentment. Meanwhile in the secu- budget built on compassion. Then it and hope with challenge, reasonabil- CHRIST’S CHURCH CATHEDRAL serving, and hope is confi dence and lar world, charitable giving has been fi nds others who speak passionately ity, and commitment. Callahan says I think often about a conference I assurance in the grace of God. increasing as people give to causes and often about their own particular think about what your parish has fun attended several years ago. Dr. Ken- Callahan began his presenta- that stir their compassion such as tsu- area of ministry and why it’s import- doing, and about your strengths, gifts, non Callahan, a researcher, profes- tion with this advice: build on your nami relief in South East Asia. ant to support it. It utilizes a “compas- and competencies. According to him, sor, author, and internationally known strengths, not your weaknesses. So how can a parish build on its sion card” rather than a commitment that’s the mission to which God invites church consultant, spoke about Twelve Here’s an example. As he defi nes it, strengths? It starts with lots of scrip- card, with wording like this: “we are you. 8 NIAGARA ANGLICAN APRIL 2009 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 » Life changing The status quo is not an option worship

stories about Jesus around the fi re, enacting the story of Noah with ani- mal masks, creating a ‘joy’ mural, blessing each other with presence and prayer, and ending with a com- mitment to life/renewal of baptismal vows at sunrise. And now we’re part CHRISTYN PERKONS of this church’s Facebook prayer ST. CHRISTOPHER’S, BURLINGTON group!’ What will worship in the Diocese of ‘My parish offers so many ways Niagara look like in 2012? People to worship – on Sundays, a traditional across Canada will be talking about Eucharist and a contemporary Eucha- the breadth and depth of worship rist with lots of music and storytelling; experiences to be found in this cor- a Saturday evening prayer created by ner of the Anglican Church. What a team of interested people over din- will people be saying about those ner before the service starts; a week- experiences? day participant-led morning prayer ‘A welcoming community for my at a restaurant near the GO train sta- partner and me from the fi rst time we tion; ‘messy church’ where families encountered this church at the local gather for activities and simple wor- Greening Our Town fair, and then ship around a Bible story and have again at a demonstration supporting a dinner together; two youth transitional  Michael Patterson, Archdeacon of Niagara and Colin Johnson, Bishop of Toronto prepare for Interfaith Prayer Vigil. living wage! What they say when they housing residences where we offer life gather together is refl ected in how they skills classes that now begin and end “The status quo is no longer an option”- from the ‘comfortable pew’ to a place and support effective means of leader- live their lives.’ with the residents’ prayers…it’s amaz- this expression has become a mantra in of activism and response, effectively ship. It is the hope of the Bishop that ‘This church that seemed irrelevant ing how many different people God my refl ections and thoughts. In 1964, motivating and equipping its’ members over the coming months and years, when I left in my teens is talking my connects us with!’ the great Canadian icon Pierre Berton to a place of impatience with the social we may create covenants between language about the issues that concern ‘Taking advantage of the liturgy wrote the remarkable book, The Com- ills of our culture. Berton was well parishes, priests and the Bishop that me and my kids - fair trade, human conferences and the days on liturgy fortable Pew at the request of the Angli- ahead of his time and the questions he clearly articulate the expectations and rights, the environment, and purpose- the Diocese offered, we developed can Church. I do not think our church raises are no less relevant today than direction of where the parishes of this driven living.’ a worship planning team that frames expected to get what Berton offered; he they were 45 years ago. diocese are called. We will outline ‘Our lives felt empty until we all our worship around the question was prophetic. The social/ethical issues The church is called to be the how and what may be achieved in a stumbled across a group in our neigh- ‘where are we encountering God? he raised were real and most of them prophetic and moral voice of society given period of time and ensure that bourhood pub watching movie clips We’ve changed some of what we do are still with us. What is the church's and what we have in this emerging the resources necessary to get there and exploring the relationships that but more importantly, we’ve changed role and record with respect to Canada's vision is a means by which we can are made available. give meaning to our lives. After join- the intentions we bring to worship – fi rst nations? How free are churches, begin to corporately and individually As diffi cult and challenging as this ing in a lively and engaging discus- and that has transformed us!’ locally or their hierarchies, to be critical get back to the biblical imperatives new vision may feel to us, I trust that sion, we prayed and ate together – we By 2012, the Diocese of Niagara of prevailing economic institutions and to ‘love your neighbour’. That is to God is calling us to a new beginning, a were hooked!’ will be recognized for offering wor- practices? What about homophobia? respond to the local needs of the neigh- new reality. The challenges are great, ‘My friends and I were walk- ship experiences that make the Gos- Berton saw it as a scandal on the same bourhoods in which we live, worship the risks are immense however the call ing home after a party last Easter pel accessible to the wider world both level as the most blatant forms of and be in community. We are called is clear and we are not given an option weekend, and stopped to check out by using the diverse range of avail- racial discrimination but, in his view, to listen to the narrative of the neigh- but to re- think what Jesus had in mind a fi re burning in a park. We ended able technology and by connecting the churches were totally unwilling to bourhood and effectively utilize the when He commissioned us to ’Go into up staying all night – at fi rst just with people where they are; engaging face what we now call different sexual resources that God has given us to be the world and make disciples of all watching and then walking a candle- the heart, the head, the body and the orientations. The Church had to move innovative, take risks and encourage people.’ – Mt 28:19 lit labyrinth, listening to people tell soul.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 » There is no turning back

They eventually opened the doors and goal in the distance and yet continues He criticized the very people that so buried and forgotten. thing is for us to realize that the time we entered. By the time we got into the faithfully no matter what obstacle is many of us have become. The com- Easter teaches us that God’s work has come for change. Undoubtedly, building we were relegated to the gal- before us – is what this is about. The fortable pew is nothing new. Jesus saw goes on and on and on. It also beck- we will not like someone sitting in our lery. When the rector began the hom- “comfortable and reserved pew” has it and fought it. ons us to consider our part in that pew and we will not like giving up our ily, he started by saying that those of only served to empty our churches and The difference in his day was that work. The Bishop’s message about delusion of privilege. But as we do us who stood in line may have noticed to create a society that feels that those those who he called to renewal and the status quo and the journey toward let go, we will experience a reforma- all the people who came in early and who still walk through their doors change turned on him. They put him true and authentic ministry is noth- tion beyond any reformation that this were seated in the good seats (aka belong in a reliquary or museum. on trial and executed him. The wonder- ing more than a call to cooperate with world has known. “comfortable pews”). He proceeded to It is Easter-time. What a wonderful ful good news was that they were all Easter and hence baptismal faith. The The journey has begun and there is tell us that they were the people who time to set ourselves upon this jour- delusional. There was no stopping the moment water was poured on us – we no turning back. We can fi ght or we had made donations to the church in ney together. Think about the life of work of God. Instead the real message were called to die to our temptation to can walk. We can close doors or we advance. If we did not want to stand Christ. He did not have a home that was that no matter how hard we try to complacency and to rise to the diffi - can open windows. We can die or we in line next year, he concluded in an we know of. He did not own anything preserve the status quo, God’s work cult and yet rewarding journey toward can live. God’s work in the world will unapologetic manner, then we could more than the clothes on his back. will continue. Jesus conquered death justice and renewal in our world. continue – with or without us. Our make a donation and get in early. I He lived for others and never, ever and lives in a way that has turned the You’re going to read about the fi ve leaders in the Diocese of Niagara are stood up and walked out. This was not claimed any glory or privilege for world upside down from that moment petals – or put more simply for some of challenging us to change so we be part my church. himself. In fact for those of us who on. This common crucifi ed criminal us – fi ve areas that we need to consider of God’s work in our communities in Opening doors, ridding ourselves may have our noses in the air feeling would stand on top of this world as a as we move on this corporate journey this day. It won’t always be a comfort- of comfortable pews, removing all the some kind of superiority over others symbol of life, while all of those com- through the desert of our lives to the able journey, but I believe that each of barriers between privileged and not- in society because of our income level, fortable people who struggled to pre- reign of God established on this earth. us will choose the journey through the privileged people, walking an authen- status in the church, sexual orientation serve their lives in dignity and comfort They are the guideposts – but they are desert knowing its rewards and the life tic Christian journey that only sees the or anything else – he stood against us. – at the expense of others – are dead, only starting points. The important that it will produce for all time. NIAGARA ANGLICAN APRIL 2009 9 Claiming our gifts | A fl ourishing Outstanding leadership culture of innovation for ministry

and ministry, with this lowest common individuals where they are but rather JEFF WARD creativity in the whole people of God denominator usually expressing what seeks to make these same individuals ST. LUKE PALERMO Build relationships in the commun- has always been done. For the church conform to one or other of these two Leadership is an elusive term. In their ity around us & respond to their needs to try and accommodate individual moulds. book, Leaders: Strategies for Tak- Create intentional experiences that needs and regard with excitement For an institution that is almost ing Charge, Warren Bennis and Burt relocate resources to areas of need individual gifts is too often considered 400 years old, the bishop’s vision is Nanus reported at least 850 defi nitions Gilbert Rendle (Leading Change in to be impossible. The institution lacks extraordinarily scary. Even for a dio- for leadership. We share the same The Congregation) defi nes Covenants NISSA BASBAUM Jesus’ ability to recognize the import- cese that is less than 150 years old it is struggle in the church. We demand of Leadership as a means of offering RECTOR, TRANSFIGURATION ST CATHARINES ance of calling people by name, rather frightening, as it asks us to stop effective leadership, but we are chal- “goals that are in keeping with the val- In John’s Gospel, it isn’t until Jesus thereby acknowledging the holiness functioning like church and to start lenged to articulate what we expect of ues and teaching of our faith.” “They says her name that Mary is able to each one of us possesses. acting liking Jesus. It begs us not to ordained leaders and lay leaders alike. give us a way to talk about the behaviour recognize him as anything but the A vision of people who come operate in just one or even two ways Outstanding Leadership for Ministry and practices that we adopt in our work gardener. Once he calls her by this together to form an institution in in order to proclaim his original mes- is one of the elements, or “petals”, of together.” They are not rigid rules, but a name, she encounters the resurrected contrast to a vision of an institution sage but in a multitude of ways. the Diocesan Vision. If we struggle with framework that guides us in our work Christ, and because of this, we have that has formed and continues to In the document that describes the how to defi ne leadership, we are hard together. For ordained and lay leaders in been blessed to inherit the celebration form these same people, describes bishop’s vision, the word repeated pressed to determine what outstanding the Diocese of Niagara, the values that of Easter. the intention behind the phrase “a many times over is risk and, indeed, it leadership looks like or how to measure shape our actions are those offered as Our names are hugely import- fl ourishing culture of innovation,” the is risky to fl y in the face of a history it. Leaders in the church are fi rst, and the basis for our vision. The desired out- ant to us, perhaps for no other reason fi fth petal of the bishop’s vision. For that has often denied our individual foremost, called to be spiritual lead- comes of our vision for leadership are: than they have a way of symbolically too long, our church has functioned goodness and has forgotten how to ers—to follow God’s agenda. Though Diocesan-wide Vision-based proclaiming our individuality. Often, without an acknowledgement of the allow that goodness to fl ourish. I look leaders are required to offer a vision— covenanting process for Bishop, one of the diffi culties with an institu- individuality of the people who walk forward to this actually happening. that is, foresight for the future as well clergy and parishes tion like the church is the loss of this through our doors. Instead of offer- Indeed, I look forward to a dio- as perception of the present—they are Empowered clergy and laity who individuality. Instead of welcoming ing what is for the moment being cese comprised of parishes that are also called to manage the affairs of the lead creatively the possibilities which each person in described as “fresh expressions” of made up of people who refl ect the parish effectively and effi ciently. Bennis Education resources available to sup- a community offers, churches defi ne church, we have settled for one – at face of Jesus, a face that has many and Nanus remind us that “Managers do port training in the covenant and vision and encourage a kind of lowest com- most two – articulations of church, more expressions than we have yet to things right. Leaders do the right thing.” The vision is the touchstone that mon denominator approach to worship neither of which seeks to engage encourage or experience. Our vision for leadership articulated directs decision making in all aspects in “The Pursuit of Excellence In Min- of ministry. Effective church leaders istry” offers fi ve criteria for achieving keep people focused on the vision. Outstanding Leadership For Ministry: They also assist people in identify- Create covenant partnerships among ing and developing creative methods bishop, clergy, and laity for living out baptismal ministry in a Eff ective management Intentionally live out our baptismal manner that is tailored to the situation covenants in shared ministry in each worshipping community and of resources Support and encourage initiative and is consistent with the vision. WILLIAM CONNOR require a greater expenditure of time, and for some it may not be possible, Prophetic social ST. ANDREW’S GRIMSBY wisdom and effort. but for others it is something that can There are many challenges to be over- Effective management requires an and should be done. And if we agree come if our vision for the diocese, ongoing commitment on the part of that we need to embrace a theology ‘Pursuing Excellence in Ministry’ is all who share oversight responsibility, of abundance rather than scarcity justice making to be realized. I think we would agree, clergy and laity alike, to communicate as Bishop Michael and others have given the fi nancial challenges con- to the fullest extent possible not only stated, the time has come for all of BILL MOUS committed both himself and the Dio- fronting the diocese at this time, that what the vision is, but how it can best us to reconsider what we are willing ST. JAMES, DUNDAS cesan Resource Centre to speak out the most immediate and critical issue be accomplished. It requires too, a to give of our time, our talent and our Prophetic Social Justice is at the heart more often on these issues and to be an to be addressed is the effective man- readiness to listen, to seek advice, and treasure. It is a sad commentary that of who we are as a people of faith. It example for the rest of the diocese. agement of our resources. To achieve where necessary to reassess the viabil- other denominations often appear fl ows from the words of the prophet The vision is already giving new life this, the diocese must develop a real- ity of a direction or a decision that has to have less diffi culty than we do in Micah to “act justly”, from Jesus’ to other initiatives. The Greening Niagara istic and sustainable budget that not previously been taken. Additionally fi nancially supporting the work and commandment to love God and our committee is working on a Green Parish only accurately refl ects anticipated it will require the development of a ministry of their respective churches. neighbour, and from the waters of our Accreditation program to animate and revenues and expenditures, but also collaborative diocesan ministry strat- The challenge before us is to develop baptism where we commit to strive for affi rm parishes in their Greening work. A makes the case for increasing steward- egy that attempts to share and utilize an effective stewardship program that justice and peace among all people. coordinating committee has been formed ship capacity throughout the diocese. resources in the most effi cient and cost touches the minds and hearts of our The pursuit of excellence in ministry to organize a national Community Jus- We do well to remind ourselves that effective manner. brothers and sisters in Christ, an initia- calls on us to renew our commitment to tice Camp, which will gather Canadian however diligent we are in establish- In our individual parishes perhaps tive that draws people and resources seek the development of a just society. Anglicans of all ages together in 2010. ing priorities and developing a com- an important fi rst step is to determine together in support of our common Our strength as church is our capacity to But the vision of excellence in min- prehensive action plan, we may be to what extent our vision of ministry vision and ministry. bear witness and give voice to the injus- istry calls for much more. It calls us to required to make diffi cult, perhaps and outreach is consistent with the Some months ago I asked the ques- tice and suffering that surrounds us in develop tools and training to integrate even painful decisions regarding pro- wider vision of the diocese and what tion, can we do this? My answer was our communities whether that is in our justice-making into the lives of our con- grams and initiatives that have served opportunities exist for us to more a resounding yes. Over the past few neighbourhoods or as members of the gregations and their members. It chal- us well in the past, but now have to be effectively use the resources that are at months I have no cause to believe global community. God’s justice requires lenges every congregation to take on an set aside in the interests of accomplish- our disposal. I am told some parishes otherwise. On the contrary, I am per- a response from us; standing idly by in additional initiative related to prophetic ing something else that needs to be have begun the process of reassess- suaded more than ever that it can be the face of injustice is not an option. social justice making, be that an act of done. It is also acknowledged by those ment and are already exploring oppor- accomplished if we are willing to rise Through a process of discernment, advocacy, an event or an educational who have been directly involved in the tunities for greater collaboration and to the challenge and accept our share Bishop Michael and our diocese have project. The vision also calls for an ani- process that it will be necessary, par- shared ministry. of the responsibility. And in the pro- come to identify two areas of focus for mator to be recruited in the coming years ticularly in the early stages of imple- I would stress that if we are to suc- cess we may arrive at a deeper appre- this work: poverty reduction and the to assist us as we live out the vision. mentation, to identify and encour- ceed, the laity have a special obliga- ciation of what discipleship is really care of creation. By pursuing excellence in prophetic age alternative forms of ministry and tion to assist the diocese in obtaining all about and the demands it places on Bishop Michael has already social justice making we have an oppor- where feasible to reallocate existing the fi nancial and human resources each of us. But I am also aware that spoken out for the need of a compre- tunity to more fully live out God’s reign resources to bridge the present budget necessary to support this journey unless we believe God is leading us to hensive poverty reduction strategy for on earth. The result? People’s lives and short fall As in any endeavor, there of faith and renewal. Increasing our a place where we need to be, it will not Ontario, committed us to the Millen- God’s creation will be transformed and will undoubtedly be issues that are fi nancial support for the diocese in the happen. May God help us fi nd within nium Development Goals, and called Niagara will be recognized as leader more urgent than others, some more midst of a serious economic down turn ourselves a spirit of joy and wonder upon all of us to be better custodians with regards to poverty reduction and easily accomplished, while others will is not something to be taken lightly that compels us to act. of creation. To add to this, he has also environmental sustainability. 10 NIAGARA ANGLICAN APRIL 2009

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 » Day Camps (ages 5-10) Residential Camps (ages 7-15)

A transformative encounter A unique ‘Child-centered, De-centralized, Unit-based’ approach

and consumption between a group kill a Sunday morning. It is madness Phone: 905-648-2712 called “leaders” and a group called to wear ladies hats and straw hats Fax: 905-648-3268 In worship, we encounter “members”, we will not be able to and velvet hats to church; we should Email: [email protected] the otherness of God, who give these questions the thoughtful all be wearing crash helmets. Ush- Web: www.canterburyhills.ca

consideration they deserve. Instead, ers should issue life preservers and HILLS CAMP

seeks our transformation, CANTERBURY and the otherness of those the producers/leaders will be locked signal fl ares; they should lash us to in a cycle of surveys and defensive our pews. For the sleeping god may with whom we gather... self-justifi cation, and the consum- wake someday and take offence, or ers/members will be locked in a the waking god may draw us out to But the idea that something happens cycle defi ned by the satisfaction or where we can never return. (Teach- in worship that changes our lives is a disappointment of their expressed ing a Stone to Talk) powerful idea with deep roots in our preferences. The Book of Common It seems likely, then, that only out Jewish and Christian heritage. Prayer has something to say about of a profound, relentless discomfort The agent who changes lives in this, so it’s obviously not a new with things as they are could we ever worship is not the leader, the plan- problem: be willing to run the risk of embra- ning team, the choir, the preacher And whereas in this our time, the cing things (including ourselves) as or the intercessor. The agent who minds of men are so diverse, that God would have them be, and the changes lives in worship is God, some think it a great matter of con- volatile process by which the one who promises to be present to us science to depart from a piece of the is transformed into the other. We as we hear and respond to scrip- least of their Ceremonies, they be so cannot easily wish for ourselves an ture enlivened by the Spirit, as we addicted to their old customs; and encounter with God without fi rst receive, bless, break, and share bread again, on the other side, some be so telling the truth about our heart’s in the name of Jesus, as we reset our newfangled, that they would innov- desire. And we cannot with integ- intentions to align our lives with ate all things, and so despise the old, rity offer others what we will not God’s purpose – with God’s mission that nothing can like them, but that is embrace for ourselves. in and for the world. And when our new: it was thought expedient, not so God is as hungry as we are for worship is transparent to that pres- much to have respect how to please a different world. God is at least as ence, transformation follows in the and satisfy either of these parties, as sick of a planet governed by fear, lives of those who encounter it. A how to please God and profi t them hostility and indifference, by our life-changing worship experience is both. (“Of Ceremonies, 1549) heedless unconcern for one another, possible when we actively foster the Those who compiled the Book for the creatures among whom we encounter with Jesus in the breaking of Common Prayer could not have live, for the creation whose oceans, of the bread. foreseen the church we are today. winds, and continents are expres- Last summer, our young adult So, while a caste of scholars, cler- sions of God’s truth and beauty. daughter, Rachel, celebrated a birth- ics, and civil servants might have Human transformation isn’t an day. As a surprise, we invited Paula, been trusted in that age to fashion advertising jingle to lure consumers who cared for Rachel – and our other worship that would “please God into our religion shop. It is a vital children – from infancy through and profi t them both”, in our time part of God’s mission in and for the much of childhood, to join us for the that work is the work of the whole whole creation, which “waits with party. When Rachel stepped out the community. eager longing” (Romans 8) for a patio door, it took her some time to “To please God and profi t them real – transformed – human being to see Paula there, maybe fi ve or six both” means, I believe, to shape show up for a change. feet away and right in front of her together practices of common wor- Beyond our willingness to eyes. Then with great shouts of joy, ship in which the presence of God embrace such an encounter are mat- she ran and embraced this woman at the heart of our common life ters of hospitality, matters which who has, over time, moved from becomes apparent. It is not our are not, as it turns out, exhausted by Niagara Cursillo care-giver to friend and confi dante errand, but God’s, to invite partici- a warm welcome and directions to www.niagaracursillo.org in our daughter’s life. pants into transformation, into the coffee hour. Real hospitality encom- It took her some time to see Paula, process by which our lives deepen passes a willingness on our part to as it took Cleopas and his compan- into our own heart’s desire, and into be disrupted not only by the pres- ion some time to see that the one a growing capacity for God’s mis- ence of God, but also by the pres- An Enrichment Course in who walked with them was Jesus. sion of love and justice. It is our ence of the friends he has invited Christian Living and Discipleship Perhaps Paula made some character- errand to create conditions in which to meet him in our church (or what istic gesture – a smile, the promise God’s invitation can be heard. we thought of as “our church” until of embrace, just as the characteristic A transformative encounter with God broke in) this Sunday. Their gesture of Jesus – blessing, breaking God in worship is not a promise we desire may be less refi ned than ours, and sharing bread – allowed those can make. But some things might their hunger more obvious or angu- Emmaus disciples to see him. increase the likelihood of such an lar. They may just be different and How we will fashion worship encounter. The fi rst is our own will- therefore discomfi ting. that fosters encounter with the life- ingness to enter into such an encoun- It is, of course, their difference Need Assistance with Parish transforming God who waits to meet ter. Am I the only one with a sneak- and our discomfi ture that vindicates us there? What practices of word ing suspicion that one of the reasons our worship as something more Accessibility? and action, song and story will make for arid worship is that we like it than the activities of a religion club that presence evident? What dye in that way. After all, the God whom designed for the pleasure or comfort In the spring of this year the Federal Govern- the tissue of the church’s life will we encounter is not a tame God, of members. To welcome the dif- ment made available funds to assist large and help us to see what is always there, and Jesus who stands at the door fi cult, challenging presence of the small organizations with accessibility. to see who is always waiting to meet and knocks has a pickup truck in the other is what makes us a church, a us, to heal and renew us, to confront driveway and a crowbar in his hands. community of the disciples of Jesus. and challenge us, to draw out of the About our expectation that we would In worship, we encounter the If you have any intentions in improving your depths of our lives the truth about us, meet God in worship, Annie Dillard otherness of God, who seeks our accessibility issues in the parish please and to call that truth into action? has this to say: transformation, and the otherness These are not questions for a few, Does anyone have the foggi- of those with whom we gather, who contact Ken Schroeder, Bishop’s Advisory for a little group – sometimes a group est idea what sort of power we so may well be the instruments in his- Committee on Church Buildings, at 905-561- of only one or two – who make litur- blithely invoke? Or, as I suspect, tory by which God works our trans- 7023. He will be pleased to help you with the gical choices on behalf of others. does no one believe a word of it? formation. And around our worship, process. These are questions for a commun- The churches are children playing the universe waits expectantly, with ity to probe together. As long as on the fl oor with their chemistry eager longing, and with hope for its there is a relationship of production sets, making up a batch of TNT to future and for ours. NIAGARA ANGLICAN APRIL 2009 11 Mixed Economy Church

Judy Paulsen, rector of Christ dren (2 to 6 year olds). Messy Church morning faith community. Now there out to the unchurched or dechurched Church Oshawa, wondered and she at Christ Church is a once-a-month is some form of family worship every who are uncomfortable with trad- decided to fi nd out what was going hour on Saturday mornings, when Saturday afternoon. The Parish of St. itional or inherited church. on. For her it was the fi rst step on a parents and their kids can worship and Michael & All Angels has become a One of the great fears we face dur- fresh expression journey. Judy began learn together about the great stories mixed economy church by listening ing this current economic crisis is the by contacting the parents of children of the Bible through songs, games, to what God was calling them to do in possibility that countries will raise who had been baptized at Christ storybooks, painting, crafts, and DVD their community. protectionist trade barriers and further ANDY KALBFLEISCH Church, but didn’t bring their chil- clips. Parents get to stay and learn Why is it so diffi cult for us to lis- exacerbate the recession we all fi nd MISSION STRATEGY COMMITTEE dren to worship or attend themselves. with their children. And to reach out ten, to look at things from a different ourselves in. Yet we don’t think twice Today, more than any time in recent Parents were asked a variety of ques- even further, a Contemporary Eucha- perspective, to accept that God calls about the barriers we place in front memory, the economy seems to be tions about their relationship with rist (at 11:15 Sunday) was developed us to fi nd new ways to reach out to of those who have yet to know Jesus. foremost in our collective thoughts. God and with the church. Many of which most of the families with Sun- his people? Why do we try to force Perhaps it is time to look at things dif- We worry about it, we know people the answers suggested that the status day school age children now attend. A square pegs into round holes? Isaiah ferently and fi nd new ways to provide who are hurt by it, and we pray for its quo was no longer an option. “Sunday BAS service at 9:15 continues to serve 43:18-19 says, “Forget about what's opportunities to welcome and embrace recovery. So let’s keep that thought, doesn’t work for us; we don’t like the the traditional Anglican community. happened; don't keep going over old the unchurched and dechurched into but instead of worrying about some- traditional worship styles; we work By adding these innovative wor- history. Be alert, be present. I'm about our faith communities. If they are thing we have little or no control over, all week and don’t want to come to ship communities, Christ Church now to do something brand-new. It's burst- searching – and indeed they are – they let’s worry about our churches. Let’s church and be separated from our chil- has a mixed economy church embra- ing out! Don't you see it? There it is! will fi nd a spiritual home somewhere. worry about the decline in attendance; dren; when the kids make a noise in cing not only traditional Anglican I'm making a road through the desert, One way of doing this is to attend let’s worry about closures; and most church it bothers the seniors and we worshippers, but inviting those who rivers in the badlands.” a Fresh Expression Vision Day. The importantly let’s worry about how we feel embarrassed” and so on. Many are uncomfortable with tradition to Mixed economy churches aren’t Diocese of Niagara is sponsoring a have failed to do what God has called church leaders would say well, that’s become followers of Christ in new and just about Messy Church or Saturday Fresh Expression Vision Day at St. us to do – spread the Gospel and the how we do things here, we’re sorry if different ways. Judy Paulsen says, “I family services. They are about meet- James Dundas on Saturday May 9 good news about Jesus far and wide. it doesn’t work for you. believe the 'mixed economy church' is ing everyone’s needs; a early morning from 10:00 to 4:00 at a cost of $20.00 Have you ever wondered where Harold Percy, author and rector not only here to stay but is a gift from BCP service or a choral BAS service per person. For more information and all the newly baptized children and of Trinity Streetsville, says it best, God, so we can connect with more for traditional worshippers and a ser- to register visit www.niagara.anglican. their parents have gone after we, as “Whenever Anglicans gather to refl ect people where they are at.” vice designed to meet the spiritual ca. You may wish to bring a team from a Christian community, celebrate the upon the ministry of our church, we Sam Rose, the Mission Priest at needs of those who are not comfort- your parish. Space is limited to 60 so sacrament of Baptism with them? Par- congratulate ourselves on the nature The Parish of St. Michael & All Angels able with traditional Anglican worship register soon. Your mixed economy ents and sponsors answer the question, and quality of our worship. Never- in St. John’s Newfoundland, started a styles. They may be in a pub, a café, a church is just around the corner! “Will you be responsible for seeing theless, people continue to stay away Messy Church, once a month on Sat- parish hall, or someone’s living room. As they say in the infomercials: that the child you present is nurtured from our services with amazing urday afternoons, some years ago for They may include a band or different “But wait, there’s more...” Developing in the faith and life of the Christian consistency.” the same reasons. When parents asked styles of music from jazz to contem- Fresh Expressions of Church is an community?” with a resounding “I After carefully listening to what for more ‘church’ he started a Satur- porary to rock. They may include a integral part of the Vision of the Dio- will with God’s help” and then we the people said, and prayerful discern- day afternoon Family Worship gath- liturgy or just a meditation and prayer cese of Niagara to create a fl ourishing don’t see them again. Have you ever ment of God’s call to reach out to all, ering that reaches out to those who, or the reading of scripture and conver- culture of innovation. So join us on wondered if they are being unfaithful Christ Church Oshawa started a Messy for whatever reason, fi nd it diffi cult sation. Whatever form they take, these May 9 and learn how Fresh Expres- to God? Church for families with young chil- to be a part of the traditional Sunday services or worship gatherings reach sions can inspire your parish. God bless aunts | Easter in the Great Depression

taken to jail. Adele went up to the room ties everybody had bought stock on Then the diary, that March 24: “I sleeping separately, unable to comfort on the top fl oor that she shared with her margin. There had to be a scapegoat. did a lot of washing and mending...” each other. little brother. She stood in front of the It came one early morning, in the Adele was used to taking care of her Adele's second cousin had a cloth- mirror, combing her hair and weeping, dark. Police did a raid on the brok- clothes – usually hand-me-downs ing allowance, and a new party dress alone. Aunt Frances came up the stairs, ers, in their homes, Adele's home. from her sister. She was living on a every year; Adele was the benefi ci- saw her, and said, “Don't worry, Adele, Rounded them up, from their beds. farm now and going to a village school ary of last year's, and from time to it's going to be alright...” Reassuring The Daily Star had the headlines two miles away; some of the girls wore time her Aunt Jerry in Chicago sent FRANCEAN CAMPBELLRICH words to a little girl of eleven, who ready, big success story. dresses made by their mothers from her lovely, smart castoffs of her own, CHRIST'S CHURCH CATHEDRAL didn't understand what was going on. Adele heard nothing, yet. She was fl our sacks.“I went for a ride on Sandy while Aunt Mary managed to pay for It was March 24th, a big day in the life Bless Aunt Frances. only nine. Soon after, they moved in with the dogs...”, leftovers from hap- the music lessons. of Adele,13. She wrote in her diary, in The Great Depression had hit, hard. with her grandparents down on Huron pier days. “I am going to throw out my Adele's mother had by now found pencil: “I didn't go to my fi ddle lesson It was not even called that until many Street. Adele didn't mind; she took the toothbrush because I dropped it in the the heat in the kitchen too much, took today because Mr. Knox isn't giving us years later, looking back on it from streetcar to school; the music lessons toilet”, she wrote. Big deal; she might off to the USA , got a Reno divorce a lesson any more in the afternoon..." the perspective of the 1930's and on. continued and there was the Children's be able to buy another in the village. and married a younger man. As a Mr. Knox was the beekeeper in the It was just 'hard times'. Nobody had a Library nearby. She played the part of She went to school on her bicycle, or social consequence of that day, the village of Orono; he also taught an job. Men came up from the Union Sta- Ellen in The Lady of the Lake, at the on Sandy, or the cutter in winter, with two parental families were split for orchestra of kids in the United Church. tion, men who 'rode the rails', on foot library; Lou Applebaum was Roderick the buffalo robe, or walked. years to come. Enter Adele's aunts Adele learned to play "Holy, Holy, to Rosedale, they had seen the name in Dhu. And there was always Aunt Mary. Hard times continued; architects once more – Aunt Mary and her Holy" in the key of C. And it was a chalk on a post, where they might get Her mother seemed too distracted were selling apples on the street; mother, Aunt Jean, moved in, held the big day for another reason: she had a meal in exchange for a little work, to pay much attention to anything; doctors were paid in produce, if they family together, and carried on – gen- become a woman that same day; she or no work. Families pooled their food they called it being 'absent minded', were lucky. Adele's sister, a medical erously, and with affection. And like a recorded it in her diary, but she wasn't and shared what they had, making a but her life had changed. Her friends student, sold her blood, waited on blessing from above, Adele had a call sure how to spell it. party of it, if they could. had drifted away, her social frame- tables, anything else for tuition and a from her Aunt Edna, on her mother's Easter was coming soon, and with Adele remembered the day when work collapsed. In time she became microscope. Marg Grinstead's father, side, who had shepherded Adele to it, a visit from Aunt Mary, who would her mother told George, the chauffeur ill; Adele went to visit her in the West- an Irish immigrant, rode the rails, and Sunday School, assuring her that she bring her an Easter present – she she had to let him go. They were on the ern Hospital. They called it a 'nervous when, for a family, the Salvation Army was always welcome in that family. always did. And her father was com- way to her ballet class at Casa Loma. breakdown'. And all this time, Aunt offered a Christmas basket, he politely It was now 1934. The depression ing, with her sister, too. As always, she The next school year they took her out Mary kept things going, good spir- turned it down. was deeper and more severe, but Easter was glad to see him, but he seemed to of Branksome and sent her to Miss its and good music. She took Adele Adrienne Marks's mother regularly was nigh, with the message of joy and be so sad, these days... Railton's school; she could walk there. to hear Paderewsky; the great Polish marched her fi ve children to Goodwill hope. Thanks to Aunt Mary, Adele had It went back to that day in March, Of course it was the brokers' fault, pianist who became president of his Amity to pick out necessary cloth- been confi rmed by Bishop Renison at two years ago. She had watched as her the stock brokers, all nine of them. country. He played the famous minuet. ing from neatly arranged piles. At St. Paul's on Bloor Street. All would be father drove off in the back seat of a Everybody said so, especially the He patted Adele on the head and gave the movies, and in print, there was a well after all. God bless aunts. car, with two men, one on each side; newspapers. Everybody lost money her a little doll that was being sold to touching story called How Green Was (Very thinly disguised, 'Adele' was his head wagging gaily, as though he – whole fortunes. In the frenzy of the raise money for Polish relief. Bless My Valley: a young miner and his wife, me. And the little diary reads, “Got a was singing a little tune. He was being post Great War and the Roaring Twen- Aunt Mary again. too poor to take chances of pregnancy, new toothbrush.”) 12 NIAGARA ANGLICAN APRIL 2009 PARISH NEWS

Monthly Dinner April 5, 3:00 PM hol/drug addictions, workaholism. He St. George's, St. Catharines Cost: $16.00 per person St. James, St. Catharines fi rmly holds the belief in the connection Our annual Parish Dinner for the Feast April 25, 5:00 PM Chicken a la king, cold pea salad, pine- Christian Education between mind and body health. Sup- of St. George. Our guest speaker will be apple upside down cake. St. George's, Georgetown port for this lecture is being provided Bishop John Bothwell. For more infor- Ham Dinner Cost: $5.00 per person The Book of Genesis. Do you ever won- by Guelph's Homewood Health Centre, mation please contact the offi ce. St. John's, Ridgemount April 1, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM der what the Bible says? This week, an internationally recognized mental April 22, 6:00 PM Joseph's Final Years, Genesis 50. After- health facility. Tickets available from Wonderful ham dinner with all the trim- Spring Card Party noon session will be repeated in the church offi ce. Call 519-822-1366 for 60th Anniversary Parish Dance mings and a 50/50 draw. St. John's, Ancaster evening. more information. St. David's Parish, Welland Cost: $12.00 per person Cost: Price of materials and handouts Cost: $10.00 per person Come and celebrate with us at the Lion's Lunch, cards, prizes. Come enjoy the April 25, 5:00 PM afternoon. Bring along your friends. April 7, 1:30-2:30 PM and 7:30-8:30 PM April 14, 7:30 PM Community Centre (414 River Road, Tickets can be purchased at the offi ce. Welland). There will be a DJ, fi nger food Newfi e Night Cost: $13.00 per person Community Potluck Annual Dinner and Silent Auction buff et, cash bar, door prizes, raffl e and April 3, 12:00 PM St. Matthew on-the-Plains, Burlington St. Columba, St. Catharines more. Everyone welcome! St. Paul's, Dunnville Bring your favourite dish to share and Beef-on-a-bun, salads, dessert, bever- Cost: $15.00 per person A Newfoundland themed dinner with Palm Sunday Choral Evensong make new friends. age and entertainment. April 24, 7:00 PM-12:00 AM screech, humour and song! And a cel- St. Cuthbert's, Oakville April 7, 6:30 PM Cost: 15.00 per person ebration of all things "Newfi e"! Join us in marking the beginning of Holy April 18, 2009 - 6:00 pm Dessert and Card Party Week with a BCP Choral Evensong. Messy Church Christ's Church Cathedral, Hamilton Cost: $15.00 per person Cost: Donation for choir robes St. George's, Georgetown Annual Treasures Sale Hosted by the Anglican Business and April 25, 7:00 PM April 5, 7:00 PM 'This is not your Granny's church!' Come Holy Trinity (Chippawa), Niagara Falls Professional Women's Association. Join and share a meal, meet new friends and Come and check it out. Yard sale, bake us for great desserts, good prizes and Road Hockey Sunday Palm Sunday Cantata create wonderful crafts. Music and wor- table, and lunch consisting of peameal lots of fun! St. Cuthbert's, Oakville Grace, Milton ship for all ages. bacon on a bun will be available in the Cost: $8.00 per person Join us for our annual road hockey game "Once Upon a Tree" by Pepper Choplin. Cost: Free will off ering parish hall. April 25, 2009 - 1:00 PM-4:00 PM This is a Palm Sunday Cantata including April 8, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM April 18, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM when we take over our church parking anthems and the story of Christ's jour- Penny Sale lots. Four games underway with diff er- ney from Christmas to Easter. Sedar Meal A Dramatic Presentation All Saints, Hamilton ent ages of players. Adults and youth Cost: Free will off ering St. John's, St. Catharines St. Elizabeth's, Burlington Doors open at 10:30 AM, draw at 12:00 playing together! April 5, 7:00 PM Authentic sedar supper followed by foot Mark Tiller will present St. Paul's First Letter PM. The kitchen will have hot dogs and Cost: Donation for pizza washing and stripping of the altar. to the Christians in Corinth. Come watch pies for sale. Film, Faith and Food April 9, 5:30 PM as Mark Tiller brings to life the 2000 year- April 25, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM April 26, 11:15 AM St. Paul's Anglican Church, Shelburne old biblical texts and shows the timeless An interactive Lenten Series which uses First Annual Anniversary Lecture nature of these scriptures. "There is pas- Murder/Mystery Fund-raiser 1st Letter to the Christians in Corinth feature fi lms as a basis for our conversa- St. George's, Guelph sion, understanding and deep sincerity in Holy Trinity (Chippawa), Niagara Falls St. Paul's, Fort Erie Dr. Gabor Mate, physician, author and "Beyond the Grave" - Join us at 5:00 tions about faith and life. Pre-registra- his performance. It is captivating." A dramatic presentation presented by tion is appreciated but not necessary by public speaker, will give the fi rst Annual Cost: $10.00 per person p.m. for a wonderful roast beef dinner. Mark Tiller. calling 519-925-2923. This week's fi lm is Anniversary Lecture. Mate is widely rec- April 21, 7:00 PM The murder begins promptly at 5:30 The Prince of Egypt. ognized for his unique perspectives on p.m. Call Sue Hicks at 905-374-6841 for Cost: $10.00 per person Cost: Please bring a dish to share addictions of all kinds, including alco- Parish Dinner ticket info. April 29, 7:30 PM

Could you reach out to make a real difference Watch your step in a child‛s life this summer?

JOHN RIPLEY ous Anecdotes: Equally Honorable to Him- MISSION STRATEGY COMMITTEE self and Exemplary to His Young Countrymen. Dealing with the truth can sometimes be a chal- This story was fi rst published in the fi fth edi- lenge. The challenge is particularly formid- tion of his book published in 1806. Apparently able when the truth that one believes is called Weems’s only supporting documentation was into question. As a former elementary school his own statement that the tale was “too true to teacher I was responsible for sharing truths with be doubted.” There are many other examples, Please support St. Matthew‛s House Camp Fund my Grade seven and eight students that may in life, where what is accepted as a universal have had a grain of plausibility, but a modicum truth on further examination is not quite what for disadvantaged kids. of certainty. I remember, for example, teach- it was. Revelations about historic events are ing my charges the spelling rule—"'i' before often turned upside down as the facts are known With your help St. Matthew‛s House hopes to send at least 'e' except after 'c'". Now, this ‘rule’ does not about specifi c events that are a part of the his- 75 children who face daily challenges of living in poverty to always work. Often my daily crossword puzzle toric record. camp this summer. The average cost is approximately $350 demands a word that simply does not follow What we cannot accept as fact we accept in that simple rule—for example feisty, height, faith. Faith is fundamental to who we are as a per child for one week residential camps. Individuals, reign, veil, etc... Now I am aware that there are Christian people. Fundamental faith does not parishes, groups and organizations can make summer other rules that trump the 'i' before 'e' rule, but, depend on fact. The sense of the ultimate truths camp a reality for kids whose families cannot afford camp it was always taught with the certainty that it of our faith come not from a handbook, but, from fees. Campers’ families contribute what they can. was a truth. our personal understandings of our relationship If you wish to help sponsor a child, I have a series of books that are very informa- with God. Faith is a function of conviction, not tive and somewhat authoritative. Their name of coercion. The convictions that are essential to please send your donation to: belies their value as a source of information. our faith are shaped by Scripture, Tradition and They are called “Uncle John’s Bathroom Read- Reason. Each of us faces the daunting task of try- St. Matthew‛s House Camp Fund ers”. These books are packed with a considerable ing to give shape to our faith through our experi- St. Matthew’s House amount of information specifi c to a whole variety ences in life. 414 Barton St. East of different topics. Often they twig the “I didn’t Some need the certainty of scripture to be know that!” response. comfortable with their faith convictions. Others Hamilton, Ontario L8L 2Y3 American history for example has taught as can live with ambiguity. Whatever your source Every donation is greatly appreciated. a truth for many years that Young George Wash- of faith the reality of the spirit of the risen Christ Thank you for reaching out and making a difference in a child’s life. ington chopped down a cherry tree. Apparently can exist, and does exist, within the hearts of Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $10 or more. when his father found out, as the story goes, believers – not because they fear, but, because George stepped forward and confessed to the they trust. The journey of faith is not a sidewalk dastardly deed. As late as the 1950’s this story but a rugged trail through the woods. Each step was being taught in American schools as a is fraught with the potential of a twisted ankle. fact. The truth is that the story was fabricated We must walk focused on the next step. Faith is by the writer of a book about George Washing- not a mindless encounter with God, but, an active ton named Parson Mason Locke Weems called engagement of the totality of who we are. Watch The Life of George Washington with Curi- your step! NIAGARA ANGLICAN APRIL 2009 13 The Niagara Anglican

The offi cial publication of the Anglican Easter victory over evil and death Diocese of Niagara is published ten times a year from September to June by The Dunham Group in Hamilton, Ontario. job and gone home, he did not cease Have mercy on yourself. To destroy Sermon on the Mount. And yet what to think of Maria Semenovna, both somebody’s soul... and worse, your did she gain? She was brutally mur- Editor: Christopher Grabiec what she had said and what she had own...” dered in cold blood. We expect life read to him.” He couldn’t block these words to be fair; to receive only justice. She Phone: 905-312-8444 (ext. 101) I too was impressed by her, from his mind, as he’s haunted by received neither fairness nor justice. because up to that point there had her face and demon faces taunt- In her death Maria offered no Advertising: Colin Jacobs been a litany of one aggressive act ing him. He gives himself in to the resistance, but she did speak to her committed, one after another, ending police, but in prison he meets a man murderer about what he was doing Phone: 905-526-0154 in murder, not one, but several, and infl uenced by the tailor who had to his own soul, rather than to hers. Resurrection is to be found they are so gruesome that one won- worked for Maria, clearly a God- Stepan killed no one after Maria. He in surprising places; in ders why Tolstoy is telling this story. incidence. This man teaches him had killed fi ve before her, and if she Publishers Advisory Board It starts with a father, Fedor from the scripture, and he repents in had resisted he may have continued people whom we would Pam Claridge least expect. Mihailovitch Smokovnikov, being prison and his life is completely and his killing spree. To one who loves Phone: 519-941-6804 so infuriated with his boss that his utterly turned around. Long before the Lord Jesus, and who tries to fol- whole family suffer, especially the in his childhood he had learned the low his example, self defense is no Geoff rey Purdell-Lewis son, Mitia. He asks his father for Lord’s Prayer, though he was illit- option; no justifi cation for taking MICHAEL BURSLEM Phone: 905-628-4176 ST. GEORGE'S, GUELPH some extra money to return to a erate. A prison guard kindly shows life. To have killed Stepan would Easter is the season when we cele- friend with whom he had gone to the him the place in the Bible where it have blocked God’s marvellous brate God’s victory over evil and theatre, and from whom he had bor- is found, and he teaches himself to work of sanctifi cation in him. Charles Stirling Phone: 905-383-1088 death, through the death of Jesus rowed the money, and the friend has read by comparing the words of the In the face of evil we should Christ at Calvary and his resurrec- sent a letter requesting its return. prayer with the words on the page. never underestimate that God can tion. Easter comes and Easter goes, This request is instantly denied, Then thereafter every day he still perform miracles. This is what Carol Summers and yet with our natural vision so but his father grudgingly gives him reads from the Gospels to his brings tears more than the barbar- Phone: 905-772-5641 little has changed. If God really has his monthly allowance of three fellow inmates, and this changes ism in the story. It’s the resurrection conquered evil and death, why are roubles, a coupon of two roubles their lives, such that when they are to New Life in Stepan that I fi nd so Staff they so prevalent? What could, or and fi fty kopeks with fi fty kopeks released there is true reconcilia- thrilling, which brings the Easter should, we do to confront them? In change. tion all the way up. There is even a story to life for me; perhaps more Design/layout: Kayn Leduc mulling this over my thoughts go, Mitia, in desperation, goes to priest, who had totally lost his faith than in another of Tolstoy’s novels, Proofreading: Bryan Stopps not this time to the Bible, but to Leo another friend who forges the cou- but continued to practice the empty aptly called Resurrection. In that a Tolstoy’s story The Forged Coupon, pon by putting a 1 before the 2.50. religion of Tsarist Russia, of which young nobleman tries desperately Submissions and in particular to the central fi g- (I suppose the coupon was a kind Tolstoy is very critical. His life is to atone for the evil he has commit- We welcome letters from our readers. All ure, Maria Semenovna. of cheque, but was not signed.) turned around by observing other ted, and at the end of the very long submissions must include the full name Maria Semenovna is a widow Together the two boys pass this onto lives being transformed. In the fi nal novel that takes us into the highs and contact information of the author. The caring for her alcoholic father, a the unsuspecting wife of a photog- chapter there is even reconciliation and lows of Tsarist Russia he dis- newspaper reserves the right to edit sub- useless sister, as far as help is con- rapher, and the debt is paid. between Mitia and Fedor. Maria, covers that it’s been done for him. missions. Submissions must be received cerned, and her alcoholic husband, The photographer, when he and not the priest, is the pivot That’s another aspect of the Easter one month prior to the newspapers publication date. all living off Maria’s meager pen- returns to his shop, discovers the around which the story is told. She story; but in The Forged Coupon it sion. An itinerant tailor doing some forgery, and after cursing his wife, is the Christ-like fi gure who stands is that resurrection is to be found in Subscriptions work in the home observes how she passes the coupon on in payment to tall over everybody. surprising places; in people whom is treated by her family and tells her, a peasant for a load of wood. He in How do we confront evil? The we would least expect. Yearly subscriptions cost $15.00. For new “You alone do the work, and you are turn loses his whole livelihood, as he short answer to that is that we don’t. We need to fully understand that subscriptions or to make changes to your so good to everybody, but they don’t is accused of the forgery. From there We just continue doing our best in the Lord does indeed fi ght our battles existing subscription, please contact your repay you in kind, I see.” on it is just a cascade of one crime all circumstances we fi nd ourselves, for us, and we should leave it to him, parish. He then says that books say that after another, which makes very no matter how adverse. No doubt and not muddy the waters ourselves she will be rewarded in heaven, to depressing reading. Maria prayed, as the psalmist, for with our petty crusades. Then only which she replies, “We don’t know Then Maria is introduced. She ‘wings of a dove.’ No doubt she felt can we have ‘peace in our time,’ ‘the that, but we must try to do the best herself is murdered by a man who useless and helpless in her effort to peace that passes all understanding.’ The Diocese of Niagara we can.” She then reads to him the has committed fi ve previous mur- change her lot. But, once again, we need eyes of The Diocese lies at the western end of Sermon on the Mount, and Tol- ders. With her hands not trying However, she persisted to serve faith to really see the victory over Lake Ontario, and is defi ned roughly by stoy notes, “...the tailor was much to resist, sighing heavily, her last her family in spite of so little thanks. evil and death that God has indeed the Niagara Escarpment from the Niagara impressed. words, to her assailant, Stepan, were, She received her inspiration from won for us through his son’s death River in the east to the Dundas Valley in When he had been paid for his “Oh, what a great sin! How can you! the scriptures, and especially the and resurrection. the West and north to Shelburne, Mt. For- est and Orangeville.

Bishop of Niagara: Michael A. Bird

Phone: 905-527-1316

Is out of sight always out of mind Administrative Assistant: Alison D'Atri

Phone: 905-527-1316 (ext. 310) She fi rst said, "We have come Surely as Christians we must take the wealthy of North America I am together today to pray for a country a stand not just against the violence sure Jesus would not have taken kindly torn by strife. Where between 60 and in the world but also against the greed to a few taking advantage of others. Executive Offi cer: Michael Patterson 85 percent of the women are illiter- which seems to be invading every level We as Christians cannot put these ate and violence against women is a of society but most acutely investment things out of our minds. We should Phone: 905-527-1316 way of life and where HIV and AIDS bankers who began packaging mort- and must be the voice of reason in, if are becoming an epidemic. Today we gages and offering high returns to all not the world, at least our own com- Program Department GRAHAME STAP pray, and we know the power of prayer who jumped on the band wagon to munities. One of the cornerstones of RETIRED PRIEST. is incredible, for peace and under- reap the high returns offered. the ministry of Jesus was social justice Christyn Perkons Ina and I have just returned from standing and an end to the violence The consequence of these actions and the rights for all to be received Phone: 905-527-1316 (ext. 460) St Simons in Temagami where we that causes so much suffering." is the resulting world economic crisis into the love God offers. To Jesus it attended a wonderful ecumenical ser- Then came the challenge: “What in which we fi nd ourselves. I am sure was never out of sight out of mind. So Joyce Wilton vice World day of Prayer. about tomorrow? We will leave this all of us, one way or another, have let us not forget the women of Papua Phone: 905-527-1316 (ext. 430) We prayed for the women of Papua place and go to our warm and com- been affected by the recession caused New Guinea or those who suffer at the New Guinea. It truly was a moving fortable home. When we wake tomor- by the greed of a few. hands of others. experience; Anglicans, Catholic, and row will we think of the women of Jesus did not throw the sellers Let us, as the letter of James sug- Contact the Diocese United were all represented. We sang Papua New Guinea?” out of the temple because they were gests, not just pray but actually do Cathedral Place hymns, held hands and shared the love The answer is probably not or selling but because they were taking something by reaching out to others 252 James St. North God has for us all. maybe for a day or two. Then it will advantage of others. and letting our government know how Hamilton, ON L8R 2L3 However, one speaker struck a fade to the back of our minds where it Whether it is the violence of Papua we feel. But as always it is only my Phone: 905-527-1316 chord I have not been able to shake. will be out of sight out of mind. New Guinea or the greed of some of opinion. Website: www.niagara.anglican.ca 14 NIAGARA ANGLICAN APRIL 2009

AGED RECEIVABLES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008 PAYROLL DMM MISC TOTAL 2008 Prior Years 2008 Prior Years PEOPLE IN THE NEWS St. Alban's, Acton 15,044.10 15,044.10 Canterbury Hills - Canterbury Hills Camp - The Reverend David Hamilton effective date January 1. St. John's, Ancaster - Grace Church, Arthur 6,471.22 17,253.92 23,725.14 passed away on February 6. David The Reverend Mark Gladding has St. Alban's, Beamsville 8,571.84 8,571.84 was ordained in 1977 and served in been elected Regional Dean of Brock St. Christopher's Church 13.55 13.55 the parishes of St. Mark’s, Orange- Region, effective February 11. St. Elizabeth's, Burlington - St. John, Burlington - ville, St. Paul’s, Shelburne, St. James, Congratulations to Susan Gra- St. Luke's, Burlington 1,025.06 1,025.06 Dundalk, Christ Church, Whitfi eld ham, Administrative Assistant at St. St. Matthew's Church - and St. James, St. Catharines. Funeral George’s Church, Georgetown, who St. Philip, Burlington - service was held on February 13th at celebrated her 20th anniversary of St. Paul, Caledonia - St. John The Divine, Cayuga 377.00 377.00 St. James, Merriton (St. Catharines). employ on March 1. St. John's, Cheapside - Deepest sympathy to Anne, and the The Reverend Nancy Moffett St. James Church, Dundas - bereaved family. issued a bishop’s permission as asso- Dunn Parish, Dunnville - St. Paul, Dunnville - The Reverend Patrick Blagrave ciate priest at Grace Church, St. Cath- St. John's Church, Elora 7,139.28 5,214.79 409.10 12,763.17 passed away on February 20. Funeral arines, on a part time basis, effective All Saints Church, Erin 84.00 84.00 service was held in New Brunswick March 1. St. James. Fergus 963.07 963.07 on February 23. Elspeth Newton, O.N., a long time Christ Church, Flamborough 162.31 4,801.40 1,351.30 6,315.01 Holy Trinity, Fonthill - Erika Massimi was issued a bish- and faithful member of St. James the St. Paul's, Fort Erie - op’s permission as Coordinator of Apostle. Guelph, as well as former St. George's, Georgetown 3,127.24 3,127.24 Children and Family Ministry at St. President of Mother’s Union, passed St. Paul, Glanford 189.26 189.26 St. Alban's, Glen Williams - James, Dundas, effective date was away on March 4. Funeral service was St. Alban's, Grand Valley 2,028.84 2,028.84 January 1. held at St. James on March 7. St. Andrew's Church, Grimsby - The Reverend Robert Brownlie The Reverend Aaron Orear has St. Philip, Grimsby 12,819.84 300.00 13,119.84 was issued a bishop’s permission as accepted the appointment to be Rec- St. David's & St. Patrick's - St. George's, Guelph - Honorary Assistant at St. John the tor of St. Alban the Martyr, Glen Wil- St. James The Apostle, Guelph 61,417.80 29,670.66 91,088.46 Divine, Cayuga, and St. John, York, liams, effective May 4. St. Matthias, Guelph 7,620.04 46,297.07 2,278.58 26,998.16 182.00 83,375.85 All Saints, Hagersville 29,845.79 145.00 29,990.79 All Saints, Hamilton 10,963.86 21,769.08 23,078.64 25,999.59 81,811.17 Church Of The Ascension 76,743.28 76,743.28 Christ's Church Cathedral 64,719.70 43,542.06 108,261.76 LETTER TO THE EDITOR Holy Trinity Church, Hamilton - Church of the Resurrection - been that kind of event when I was a St. Alban, Hamilton - Thank you St. John The Evangelist 8,075.65 8,075.65 teenager. St. Luke, Hamilton 15,041.84 82,000.00 97,041.84 I sat down for my usual read of the Then later I found "Which God is The Church of The Nativity - Niagara Anglican, and I thought the it?" by Nissa Basbaum and the one on St. Matthew's House - St. Michael's, Hamilton - March issue was especially good! On "St. Elizabeth's parish pays off its debt", St. Paul, Hamilton - the fi rst page I noticed two articles, which was inspiring, and others which St. Peter's, Hamilton 70.00 70.00 one by Bishop Bird on his trip to Eng- were encouraging in a way we all need St. Stephen, Hamilton 25,293.87 1,110.11 1,134.43 27,538.41 St. George's, Homer - land and visit to the Archbishop of in these days of much doom and gloom. St. Stephen, Hornby - Canterbury and the other about "Spirit So I just wanted to write and say a St. Paul's, Jarvis 19,611.45 19,586.48 14,162.40 27,087.59 474.43 80,922.35 Quest" After reading the bishop's big thank you to all involved, includ- St. John's, Jordan 604.76 604.76 account, I was proud to be a member ing the paper itself. St. George's, Lowville 36,405.52 2,484.56 7,772.32 3,002.73 13,003.14 62,668.27 Christ Church, McNab 2,806.85 150.00 2,956.85 of the diocese of Niagara; what a good Grace Church, Milton (250.61) (250.61) bishop we have ! And after reading JOAN BOTHWELL St. Paul's, Mount Forest 2,203.40 2,203.40 about SpiritQuest, I wished there had Burlington, Ontario Christ Church, Nanticoke 5,620.80 3,648.60 9,269.40 St. John, Nassagaweya - Christ Church, Niagara Falls - Holy Trinity, Niagara Falls (58.10) (58.10) St. John's, Niagara Falls (971.10) (971.10) St. Mark's, Niagara on the Lake - St. Paul's, Norval - Epiphany, Oakville 269.08 269.08 Church Of The Incarnation 38,297.96 5,250.75 1,295.10 44,843.81 St. Aidan's Church, Oakville (218.91) (218.91) St. Cuthbert's Church 300.60 300.60 St. Hilda's, Oakville 5,575.51 5,760 22,098.60 325.47 33,759.08 St. Jude's Church, Oakville 339.39 339.39 St. Simon's, Oakville 32,637.80 976.30 33,614.10 St. Mark's, Orangeville 600.00 600.00 St. Luke's Church, Palermo 6,179.54 10,995.30 2,340.39 44,794.11 327.92 64,637.26 St. James, St. Brendans, Port Colborne 399.83 399.83 St. James, Port Colborne-Youth (20.25) (20.25) St. Paul's, Port Robinson 8,155 25,359.57 3,717.48 487.68 37,720.16 St. Saviour's, Queenston 2,021.95 2,021.95 St. John's, Ridgemount - All Saints, Ridgeway 28,387.42 43,194.15 . 71,581.57 St. John's, Rockwood 11,523.91 300.00 11,823.91 Church Of The Good Shepherd 373.90 413.96 787.86 Grace Church, St. Catharines 156.96 156.96 St. Barnabas, St. Catharines 63,242.18 63,242.18 St. Columba, St. Catharines - St. George, St. Catharines - St. James, St.Cath. (Merriton) - St. John, St. Catharines - St. Thomas, St. Catharines - Transfiguration Church - St. Paul's, Shelburne 2,500.56 23,019.96 247.00 25,767.52 St. Luke's, Smithville 2,285 2,285.22 St. John's, Stewarttown (3.95) (3.95) Our Saviour The Redeemer - St. John's, Thorold 15,616.50 4,114.32 19,730.82 Christ Church, Wainfleet - Grace Church, Waterdown - All Saints', Welland - Holy Trinity, Welland - St. David's, Welland 4,256.28 4,256.28 Christ Church, Whitfield 120.00 120.00 St. John's Church, Winona (46.04) (46.04) Christ Church, Woodburn (10.01) (10.01) St. John's, York - MISCELLANEOUS 5,658.27 62,360.66 68,018.93 SUB-TOTALS 285,283.20 154,126.41 286,864.75 440,045.20 168,347.34 1,334,666.90

TOTALS PER CATEGORIES 439,409.61 726,909.95 168,347.34 1,334,666.90 NIAGARA ANGLICAN APRIL 2009 15 Shoot Ready Aim | These boots were made for walking...

HOLLIS HISCOCK one of these days these boots are a sign of respect, being in the pres- INTERIM RECTOR, ST GEORGE'S GUELPH gonna walk right over you’. ence of God. SHOOT - The photograph MARK OF HUMILITY. People Ash Wednesday morning, we drove READY - Words behind the photo heralded John the Baptist (Matthew into the Church parking lot for the In the Bible foot apparel performs 3:11) as the coming Saviour because beginning of Lent service, where a myriad of functions which have of his riveting preaching and cease- our foreheads would be marked with varied meanings. Here are some less baptizing. He quickly dampened ashes to symbolize our mortality, examples for your consideration. their expectations by issuing a state- and where our bodies would receive LEGAL TENDER (Ruth chap- ment denying the fact, and reassured the Holy Communion as a sign of ters 1-4). Ruth, after following her them that he was not worthy enough our eternity. Near a chain link fence mother-in-law to a new found land, to carry the sandal of the Messiah. shadowed by mighty cedars were captured the affections of Boaz, a John was placing himself lower than two abandoned shoes, one with its wealthy land owner. In order for him the lowest slave, whose task it was sole covered and the other with its to take Ruth as his wife, he had to to carry and clean the smelly sandals sole exposed. They were probably purchase a plot of land (Ruth would of his owner. tossed by their owner last autumn, come as part of the deal). With 10 SYMBOL OF PEACE. When then enveloped by fallen leaves and elders as witnesses, Boaz and the Paul compared the clothing and blanketed by winter’s snow, until man who was next in line to buy equipment of the soldier’s armour the warmer days of the approaching the property negotiated a deal in the with the components of the Christian spring melted their tomb like-exist- ‘meeting place near the city gate’. virtues, he reserved special atten- ence, leading to their resurrection. The deal was fi nalized when the tion for the feet. He explained to Two days later, I returned to man removed his sandal and gave it the Ephesians (Ephesians 6:10-20), photograph the scene, which by then to Boaz. According to their custom, that their shoes were to be always had been washed with torrents of ‘in those days, to settle a sale or an ready to ‘announce the good news of rain, making the shoes appear even exchange of property, it was the cus- peace’ from the one who called Him- more forlorn. My camera caught the tom for the seller to take off his san- self the Prince of Peace. moment for posterity. dal and give it to the buyer. In this TOKEN OF RESTORATION. Why a picture of shoes? Recently, way the Israelites showed that the When the prodigal son (Luke 16:1- the lowly shoe has soared to promin- matter was settled’ (Ruth 4:7). Pre- 32) returned from squandering ence on the world stage. We watched viously in Canada, such deals were his inheritance and being reduced the former President of the United settled with a handshake; today they to eating what the pigs refused to States play a game of ‘throw and are completed with a legal docu- consume, his father restored him to duck’ to avoid a shoe thrown by a ment, signed and witnessed. a place of respect and dignity by, protesting reporter; we noted the SIGN OF RESPECT. When among other actions, asking the ser- look of unbelief on the face of the Moses (Exodus 3:1-20) met a talk- vants to ‘put shoes on his feet’. President of China as a student ing, burning bush in the desert, Foot coverings have been hurled a shoe at him, but the project- where he was tending his family’s employed as outward, visible, ile did not have the velocity to reach sheep herd, he was somewhat sur- human signs of God’s inward, spirit- What actions can you take to tired priest, is presently serving as the intended target; and we can only prised, awed and amused. His curi- ual meaning and grace. ensure that feet around the world can Interim Pastor at St. George’s Par- imagine the surprise and shock to the osity forced him to move closer to be the best that they can be? ish in Guelph. He is available to do prosecutor’s system when a robbery examine and understand this strange AIM - Questions and actions for you Sit and contemplate the well being multimedia presentations on spiri- suspect fl ung his shoe, in court, and phenomenon. He froze in his tracks, Refl ect on the variety of shoes and purpose of your feet, then stand tuality, the Bible and the Christian hit her in the back of the head. These when the ‘bush voice’ commanded you wear during any seven day per- and walk or run to where your feet Faith. events bring new meaning and appli- him to ‘take off your sandals because iod and what signifi cance each has want you to go. cation to Lee Hazelwood’s hit song, you are standing on holy ground’ for your physical, spiritual and emo- ‘These boots are made for walking... (verse 5). He removed his sandals as tional development? The Reverend Hollis Hiscock, a re-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 » Renewed, inspired and nourished

from us, and goals which will both tecture or church building, by any changing worship only in terms of action with the Church takes place stretch and empower us as worship- one specifi c type of church music, that which is new or different; as only on Sunday mornings, in the context I do know that liturgies ing Anglicans in this diocese. nor by any one particular type of lit- happening when we are experiencing of public worship. That means that which include well done Most of us (I hope all of us) can urgy. They were, in all probability, something which is a departure from we hope that people leave church music, powerful preaching, probably remember a time when defi ned or shaped by the care and the familiar. But our own experience refreshed and renewed, inspired we experienced worship which was preparation which were taken with tells us, of course, that oftentimes we and nourished, re-claimed as God’s and sincere praying can deep, transforming and, yes, life- the liturgy, by the authenticity of can be deeply moved by that which people. That means that careful and move me very much. changing. It might have taken place the worshiping experience, by the we know well, by that which is well sensitive planning, well prepared when we were particularly open or spiritual care shown by those who known and comfortable. I have been and thoughtful preaching, uplifting vulnerable; it may have taken place led the worship, and by the nature aware of deep transformations in my and appropriate music, a gracious We further inform the petal with fi ve in the context of one of life’s great of the worshiping community. These life at the most traditional of Book and enthusiastic welcome, and a affi rmative statements: We aim to passages - a wedding, a funeral, a deeply moving experiences may have of Common Prayer liturgies, just real appreciation for the beauty that respond to different expectations, baptism. It might have taken place happened on a beach, at a camp, in a as I have been powerfully moved is (and always has been) Christian meeting people where they are at a time of deep darkness and need Cathedral, at a parish church. They by large and diverse contemporary worship all must be integral parts of inspire Christian social activism in our own lives; it might have may have happened at the early ser- liturgies, sometimes taking place in what we do. Liturgies which seem through worship taken place at a time of inexpress- vice or the main service; they may non-traditional places and spaces. I stale and unexciting; services which engage clergy and laity together ible joy and hope. It may well have have happened at a darkened even- do know that liturgies which include seem to be simply dull and rote rep- in the creation of life-changing wor- taken place at your Church, it may ing vespers service. They may have well done music, powerful preach- etition, music and preaching which ship for the congregation and the well have taken place in another involved a ‘normal’ Sunday or they ing, and sincere praying can move are only ‘ho-hum’ simply no longer wider community church. You may well fi nd every might be associated with high feasts me very much. are acceptable. initiate and communicate a Sunday morning to be a time of life- and holy days. They could have If the church is to grow and The vision of Niagara, through diocesan-wide vision of hospitality changing worship for you! Would involved deeply physical acts, such deepen faith, if the church is to reach its people, is that worship should encourage a positive, inclu- that that were true for us all. as washing of feet, or marking with out to the world, if the church is to (indeed, must) be life changing. That sive, and diverse participatory What can be said about these ashes; they could equally have been gather in both friends and strangers, gives us much to ponder and much to environment experiences is that they were not at the simplest and most regular of it needs to take seriously the role and do. It is what we as Anglicans have These are important and lofty defi ned by a choice of rite or book, church services. the power of its liturgy. For most of always done best. May it continue to goals - goals that will call for much by any one particular kind of archi- There is a temptation to see life us, our single most meaningful inter- be so! 16 NIAGARA ANGLICAN APRIL 2009

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 » Justifying justice

permeated all academic disciplines, more genetically modifi ed foods, longer enough. We can’t simply ism and at the time of King David including seminaries, causing confu- overfi sh another species, cut down claim, like Hogg’s character, to be all debts were forgiven every fi fty We are criticized as the sion but also excitement. Here is an more trees, pump more toxins saved and thus justifi ed in commit- years. Is this not the kind of compas- hypocritically soft glove of attempt to explain post-modernism into our soils, rivers and skies. ting injustice. Our actions matter sionate justice that the world needs, the hard hand of the colo- as it affects our church. The underlying reality causing the as well as our claims of what we that God calls us to? It is, in a theological context, the stock market’s collapse is that the believe. As Archbishop Desmond There are many great contempor- nialism and capitalism that search for love before truth. Trad- planet is fi nite while capitalism is Tutu famously said, “When the ary theologians who focus less on have triggered our present itional theology concerns itself with predicated on growth. Continuing missionaries came to Africa they the economics of biblical societies, economic and environmen- correct belief and creed; post-mod- to damage the earth as we do is had the Bible and we had the land. but they too see God in ways that tal crises. ernism looks to one’s relationship our species’ compulsive addiction When we opened our eyes from a thoughtful citizen of today does of love with God, other people, and to more, more, more. The environ- praying we had the Bible and they not consider antediluvian. These the earth and to the work for peace ment is still a low priority because had the land. Now on the basis of theologians, including Teilhard de Let’s look at the Christian church. and justice. Post-modernists con- it requires long-term thinking and this Bible you have given us, I call Chardin, Thomas Berry, Hans Kung, How do we describe and understand clude that what you see and what most people think short-term. you to give us back our land.” We Matthew Fox and Marcus Borg, do it today? Usually we start with the you believe and think are shaped by Political audit: Americans, how- church-goers are slow to give up not yell or threaten but rather offer somewhat worn labels, “liberal” your point of view and your source ever, have come to realize that their power and amazed to realize that the reader intellectual challenge and and “conservative,” “left-wing” and of information, yet there’s no justi- last eight years were tremendously we are criticized as the hypocritic- inspiration. “right.” Although familiar, the argu- fi cation for sinful actions. Post- destructive. Their former President, ally soft glove of the hard hand of Finally, there are the contem- ment between these two traditions modernists assume that the mis- a devout, born-again Christian, was the colonialism and capitalism that porary theologians who seem com- is the spark that can ignite quar- treatment of any individual or group content to make the rich richer, to have triggered our present eco- pelled to challenge the establish- rels within a congregation as well because of race, religion, gender, make war on other peoples, to turn nomic and environmental crises. ment: J. S. Spong, Tom Harpur and, as wars between tribes and among sexual orientation, etc. is wrong, the clock back on social justice. Traditionalist theology, searching most recently, Brian D. McLaren. nations. and that world faiths, including Wars on everything from terrorism to articulate truth and orthodoxy, is Like Martin Luther fi ve centuries In our global village today, all Christianity, have acted badly over to drugs pulled the US further into largely irrelevant to the person with- ago, they are lightening rods draw- wars are civil wars. To compound the years. debt. He told his people to keep out clean water, without a home, a ing the fury of those who stand this irony, in war civility is inevit- Church energy audit: What topic shopping, but consumerism, the job, a friend. Because we are our to lose power. The 2007 book by ably lost. All wars are just (only) drains the most energy from your fun face of capitalism, is implicit brothers’ and sisters’ keepers and McLaren, Everything Must Change, wars; there is no just (good) war. If church? Something meaningful in our systematic (Aren’t you glad so many of our siblings lack these is the wake-up call of an evangelical you fi nd this play upon the mean- such as the length of the drapes in I didn’t write “systemic”?) destruc- essentials, the only viable theology turned post-modern prophet. ing of words intriguing, you may be the rectory, the volume of the sound tion of planet earth and draws us teaches how God wants us to estab- The active membership has interested in a concept that is quite system, the power of the parish vs further away from the simplicity and lish his kingdom of justice here and been shrinking at Kleinburg United puzzling: post-modernism. The term the diocese, the superiority of cradle integrity of spiritual life, away from now. Any other theology is as self- Church where Pierre Berton’s family itself, “post-modernism,” seems Anglicans to converts? Absorb- doing justice. indulgent as the medieval debate worshipped when he published The illogical. It provides, nonetheless, a ing ourselves in these predictable Motivational speakers are another about the number of angels that Comfortable Pew in 1965. Recently frame of reference that may throw squabbles, we snipe away and the greedy twist on Christianity with could dance on the head of a pin. they had trouble deciding what per- some new light on the familiar argu- unchurched, watching us, grow more their message to workers chasing the Who are the new theologians? centage would be needed to close: a ments between left- and right-wing disenchanted. As a church, we are American Dream: believe in yourself, J. Dominic Crossan argues that simple majority, 60%, 80%? They belief systems. spiritually energy-ineffi cient. work hard, you’ll get rich, you’ll be both Old and New Testament writ- could have skipped that discussion: Post-modernism began in Eur- Why is this a problem? Read on. “self-made.” Their empty clichés are ers proposed radically liberal eco- when it came to the vote, 100% ope as an early 20th century reac- Earth energy audit: To keep traditionalist Christianity at its most nomic systems and opposed the top- chose to close. How have churches tion against “modern” arts and was human economies working, we blatant. down capitalism and colonialism of changed since 1965? Pews are no applied more widely after the world have to exploit the earth more, The conventional profession empires such as the Roman. Jesus longer comfortable. wars, after Hiroshima. It has now take more oil, more water, use of Christ as personal savior is no and Paul advocated a kind of social- PS: Were they ever?

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Affordable Burial & Cremation

www.affordabeburialandcremation.ca

2-697 Mohawk Road East, Hamilton (North East Corner at Upper Gage)

Family Owned and Operated Dean Hallet: Managing Director Martic McManus: Funeral Director