THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA PARISH NEWS FROM AROUND AND EVANGELISM - PG. 4 OUR DIOCESE - PG. 10 Niagara Anglican NEWS • PERSPECTIVE • REFLECTION • FOR A GROWING CHURCH • FEBRUARY 2006 Where do we go from here? PETER WALL a great deal to me said that if we DEAN, CHRIST’S CHURCH CATHEDRAL were really trying to attract peo- piphany. As a Feast, we cele- ple on Christmas Eve, then per- Ebrated it some weeks ago in haps it should not be such a long early January. and involved service, The Church though, but maybe some- continues to celebrate thing simpler, more Epiphany as a season, accessible, easier for right until Ash Wed- the visitor, the neo- nesday. Long after the phyte, the lapsed. 'Spirit of Christmas' And so, while we has left Canadian soci- are aware of the ety, the Church would wonder of the have us ponder the Epiphany message whole business of God and showing the becoming human, and Peter Wall Incarnate Christ to how this effects our individual the world, we need to reflect on and common lives. what we do and how we do it... We, who keep Christmas, Christmas and Easter know that Epiphany (indeed, even How many of us have heard the the very word epiphany) has to do lament in the narthex, or at the PHOTO: MARION VINCETT with revelation, with manifesta- church door, on Christmas Eve tion, with showing something The little church of St. Mary, and the ruins of St. Cuthbert's priory, on the Island of Lindisfarne. and on Easter Day - where are Read more about this ‘thin place’ on Page 9. wondrous to the world. Earlier in they all the rest of the time? (I January, we gathered in parish remember one notable Easter offices, clergy groups, and vari- when a relatively new and very ous ecclesiastical 'moments', and Moving Furniture: A Reflection on Change involved parishioner, thrilled at reflected on Christmas 2005 - LYNNE CORFIELD was now clear. the crowd on Easter morning, RECTOR, ST. JOHN’S, NIAGARA How was it? What did you do? asked me if I had all their names Although a somewhat temporary measure Who did you see? have been serving St. John the Evangelist (because I actually had a few different layouts we and addresses so that we could I(Stamford) for five and a half years now and we could try), it has required people to think about their The good old days incorporate all these newcomers have certainly accomplished a great deal together in faith and what they value most and what we as a Often these conversations end up into the parish. There was a crest- that time. Most of the building has had a facelift and community value most. focusing on Christmas fallen response when I replied now reflects a truer picture of the life and vibrancy For example, I expected flack because the most holy Eve/Christmas Day attendance that, out of over 300 people, only that is St. John's. The area that now needs our atten- of holies, The Altar, had been moved. Not so, in fact it and how much better it used to be; a handful were visitors - the rest tion is the worship space and we all know that it is has had a huge positive impact on people and several how good the old days were; how were all parishioners who only risky business to mess with the worship space. have actually been able to put into words that when they increased our attendance was showed up once or twice a year!) On the first Sunday of Advent we moved the fur- see how central the altar is to our worship, so indeed before everybody else started We all read late in 2005 the niture around in the sanctuary; from the chancel we should God be central in our lives. They get it. doing late Christmas Eve servic- dramatic predictions that, at the removed the choir pews and the chairs, a font and One unfortunate, and not particularly planned for es, etc. etc. In reflecting on our current rate of loss, the last other items that served to block the view of the altar, change, is that people can no longer come to the rail experiences here at the Cathedral, Canadian Anglican will close the and then moved the altar forward into the space that Continued on Page 6 one person whose opinion means Continued on Page 19 Diocesan Resource Centre Survey: Synod 2005 MARION VINCETT about how we can be more were "somewhat satisfied" We workshops which are currently kinds of praise from the respon- EXECUTIVE ARCHDEACON, NIAGARA responsive to your needs. To that should like to improve on that offered and of those which might dents, so if you are not already hank you to close to a hundred end, the survey which was circu- first number and will strive to do be added if there was sufficient using it regularly please make that Tsynod delegates who took the lated at Synod is now on the web- so this year. interest in the diocese for us to one of your new year's resolutions. time to fill out a survey which was site so that we can hear from even In some cases, the improve- introduce them. It really is a mine of information distributed at Synod in more of you about the ment needed is simply to make The most popular of these and will help to keep you informed, November. The staff services offered from the experience of calling the options were: and, in some cases inspired, about at your Diocesan this Centre. DRC easier by changing the way • Year Round Stewardship (39); what is happening in the diocese Resource Centre is It looks as if the we run our phone system. This • Outside Funding Opportunities and in the wider church. Our web- looking for ways in Episcopal office is has already been modified for Outreach ministry (37) masters are always keen to get which we might serve the busiest when it recently so we are hoping that • Joint Youth Ministry Opportun- feedback too so that they can make you better and so a comes to contacts things have already improved. ities for a cluster of parishes; (35) our website an even more useful simple survey was cir- from clergy and However, we are open to trying • Puppet Ministry (32) tool for our parishes and the whole culated amongst synod synod delegates other new ways of making your • Understanding Evangelism for diocesan family. delegates to assist us in although the Finance call-in experience even more our Context (31) Your Diocesan Resource our planning. department and Jane user-friendly. There were others that scored Centre - formerly known as The The following is a Marion Vincett Stewart who coordi- Another area for improvement nearly as high, like the ongoing Synod Office, - is here to serve summary of the responses. We do nates conferences and youth pro- seems to be helping people to Wardens and Treasurers the parishes and ministries of the know, however, that we have only grams were not far behind in know whom to call and thus Workshops which take place annu- diocese of Niagara. The staff is scratched the surface with this sur- numbers of contacts which extension they need. We ally but if you want to see what else always willing to assist with vey and that there are many others 50% of respondents said that are thinking about how we can is on offer please take a look at the answers to questions and with in our parishes who use our serv- they were satisfied with the improve in this area too. survey on the website. helping you access information ices and who may have thoughts response they received and most We offered a list of those Our diocesan website got all from other sources if necessary. 2 Niagara Anglican February 2006 FOCUS ON YOUTH Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe of the White Witch. The White Witch nat- en (the parable of the Prodigal Son). urally assumed that the four Pevensie sib- When the White Witch came to take back lings were the ones in the prophesy. She Edmund, Aslan instead gave himself up would do anything to stop them, including for death on the stone table. First, they cut tempting Edmund to betray them all. off Aslan's mane (Cutting off Sampson's When all four children got into Narnia, it hair), then he is killed. Lucy and Susan wasn't long before Edmund betrayed them mourn over Aslan after everyone leaves and went to the White Witch by announc- (like Mary Magdalene and Mary, Jesus' ing where they were. The other three with mother, over Jesus). Thankfully the witch the help of their beaver friends now had to didn't know that the deep magic states find the only person powerful enough to that if someone is killed on the stone table help them - the almighty lion, Aslan; the for no reason, that person would receive true King of Narnia. new life. Aslan has risen as did Jesus! Not only is this a great story, but the Aslan then heads off to the war with Lucy whole story is filled with elements of and Susan. When Aslan kills the White Christian allegory, as we explored in our Witch, he says "It is finished" and all the discussion afterwards. There are some dead people suddenly move very fast like obvious relationships between characters, they are finally going to heaven. like Aslan as Jesus, Edmund as Judas (the Similarly, when Jesus died for all of our betrayer), and the White Witch represent- sins, evil was killed to allow is to all go to (From Left) Maggie Kerr, Allison Lorimer, Allison Verroche, Bill Mous, Ross Shelton, ing evil. We started our discussion by tak- heaven. Finally, when they all got back Scott Lorimer & Katie McCann pose for a photo at the end of their discussion. ing the sections of the Baptismal home, Lucy confides in the Professor, KATIE MCCANN a seemingly wonderful world of creatures Covenant and relating them to parts of who now you can tell represents God. she had never laid eyes on, where animals the story. uring the Christmas vacation, the "God is our refuge and strength, a very talk... and it is always winter, but never youth group that I am in (Holy Christian Connections present help in trouble. Therefore we will D Christmas... Narnia. It hadn't always been Trinity, Fonthill) spent an evening seeing not fear though the earth should change, winter, but ever since the White Witch The connections are plentiful: when the The Chronicles of Narnia, then after- though the mountains shake in the heart of "ruled," it was under her spell. Nobody children are at the beaver's house eating, wards, went back to the church for dinner the sea; though its waters roar and foam, would believe Lucy, but Edmund got it was like the last supper because and a discussion. though the mountains tremble with its through the wardrobe too! moments later Edmund betrays them to This movie is based on C.S. Lewis' sec- the witch. The three others leave with the tumult." - Psalm 46:1-3. ond book in his Chronicles of Narnia Good and Evil beavers to find Aslan and they meet Santa The professor was always Lucy's series. Four siblings, Peter, Susan, In Narnia, he met up with the White Witch Claus. He gives them each gifts. This refuge. These are just some of the many Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie, were sent to herself, who claims to be the Queen of symbolizes the coming of Christ/Aslan. allegories to watch for in this wonderful live in the house of an old professor dur- Narnia. There was a prophesy that when This is the first step in overcoming the movie. Even more than my popcorn, I ing the war. On a stormy day, in a game of two sons of Adam, and two daughters of spell. Soon, they find Aslan, and he helps loved watching this film, and exploring hide-and-seek, Lucy accidentally steps Eve sat in the thrones of Cair Paravel, the them rescue their brother. Aslan of the meaning behind everything with my into a magic world inside a wardrobe. It is evil would recede and Narnia will be free course, talks to Edmund and he is forgiv- youth group. Resource Review for Youth Ministry Good Friday Children and

MARY GORDON The Story, Life, Stuff, Friends, ask questions and trying not to Bodies, Choices, Prayer, and get the standard answer of "that's Family Ministry Resources o you have questions about Forgiveness... just to name a few. the way we've always done it." The re you beginning to make In response to the query "what Dhow to live a better life as a Each chapter also refers to scrip- natural questions asked by youth Aplans for Good Friday and can we do with children and fam- Christian? I did and still do. I have ture readings and how they fit into are 'Why?' and 'Why not?' and are looking for resources? The ilies for a Good Friday program?" been looking for some resources the real world. This is a book that important steps in anyone's process Children & Family Ministry there are a variety of craft ideas to help myself as well as the youth you don't have to read from page 1 of making good decisions. The Library at the Diocesan Resource such as creating an Easter I work with and was recommend- to the end; you can jump all over. chapter goes on to give a couple of Centre has just what you need. Garden, a Tree of Life poster, ed the book Way to Live: Christian The one chapter that jumped different scenarios about making A lovely picture book called Flower Cross, and Resurrection Practices for Teens. It is a great off the page for me first was the good choices. It finally ends with a The Legend of the Three Tree cookies (make on Friday, serve book to keep you questioning and one about Stuff. It talks about list of ways to help make good retells the classic story of three on Sunday). Also available to also give you some insight to good stuff, bad stuff, how do we choices and not to forget to bring young trees who dream of being borrow are plans for a children's some answers. This book has been tell the difference between the God into those decisions. a treasure chest, a ship and a day at the church, creating a written by 18 teens and 18 adults two and how does this all fit in Those are just a couple of the marker on the mountain pointing Seder meal, and recipes for mak- and tackles questions and offers with God and living a Christian chapters and what they have to to God. Instead, they become a ing prayer pretzels. Instructions different points of view on how to life. After reading this chapter I offer. This is a great resource for vehicle for God's dream illustrat- for a variety of ways to live a better life as a Christian. realized how I need to make some youth group leaders, parents with ing that God often has bigger and make/decorate eggs which sym- At the beginning of each chap- changes in my life concerning my teenagers, teenagers and of course more wonderful dreams for us bolize new life from fingerprint- ter or section there is a quote or an 'stuff' and how it fits into me liv- anyone on the journey of life. than we can imagine. There are a ing eggs to string art eggs might opinion from a teen based on the ing a good Christian life. Kenda Creasy Dean says about variety of other story books also be of interest to you. Another topic of the section. Each chapter is The next chapter I read was this book, "If you're up for some including Love is..., an exquisite possibility is using the diocesan written by a teen and an adult and about Choices and how many dif- life-rattling, world-shaking, head- illustration of Corinthians 1; The puppets to create puppet plays for offers different points of view, ferent choices we have to make in a turning, boat-rocking twists and Jewel Heart, which uses a ballet Holy Week or Easter Day. Each activities to do and more questions. day. One of the big questions of turns in your life journey, then story to show the transformative bag contains 8 large puppets and Some of the sections/chapters are this chapter was about starting to Way to Live is your global posi- power of love; In God's Name by a dozen sock puppets, a variety tioning device... You can't just Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, which which allows children of all ages read this book. You do it." celebrates the diversity and unity to manage the puppets. The Reverend D. Linda Corry I really enjoyed this book and of people and their belief in Each of these resources can be will add it to my resource library. one God; and several offerings borrowed for a three week period. B.A., B.Th., Dip.Min., OACCPP It is a book that I will keep on from Max Lucado. Finally, you If you're interested in any of Psychotherapist reading and using for a long time. might want to borrow Brian these, please contact Christyn 526 Guelph Line, Burlington You can borrow this book from Wildsmith's vividly illustrated Perkons at 905-527-1316 ext. 460 905-634-7858 The Program Department. For The Easter Story, The Legend of or [email protected] more information please contact the Easter Egg or the Veggie lican.ca. Let us know if there's a A safe place to become… Joyce Wilton or Christyn Perkons Tales' video God Wants Me to good resource that's missing from at 905-527-1316. Forgive Them." our repertoire! February 2006 Niagara Anglican 3 The Lutheran Youth Event Getting to Know You Cheryl Barker & Matthew Griffin ple... It was a training ground to pay attention discussion? It's a supportive environment." n the summer of 2004 the FRAN DARLINGTON to more than words... We tend to minimize the What lies ahead? Matthew admits to "a ICanadian Evangelical Lutheran importance of quietly listening, being actively degree of uncertainty, nervousness. I feel a Biennial Youth Event was hosted cross the Diocese of Niagara, men and present, (which is) a big part of my conception vocation to the priesthood, (but) I don't know in Hamilton and for the first time Awomen are exploring a 'call' to ordained of ministry. God calls us to do two things: to what the Diocese of Niagara thinks… I don't in its conference history, ministry. It is a time of discernment, excite- be present, and to love. It isn't always the think there's much we can do but be unsettled. Anglicans were invited. We saw ment, apprehension, joy, uncertainty - and Hallmark version, but far more complicated. It God calls us to be unsettled… As I read the this as a wonderful opportunity to deep prayer and reflection. Spirituality is one can even look not nice, but still be love." Gospels, if I find 'Hmmm, I can be comfortable join our Lutheran community in a of the most mysterious elements of being Doing "virtual classroom work" in an and relaxed here,' then I haven't entered deeply local youth event. The Rev. Canon human, and everyone involved in the discern- Ottawa research centre while he considered enough..." He speaks thoughtfully, "Most of Barry Randle was on the confer- ment process discovers new challenges in doing an M.A. at the what I've hoped for in ence planning team for a 2 year responding to the infinite mystery we call God. University of Western “... So long as I'm open and doing terms of specifics over term as our Anglican representa- A third year student at Trinity College, Ontario, Matthew real- my best to follow Christ. I believe the years has ended up tive. Niagara sponsored 6 teens Toronto, Cheryl Barker has almost completed ised that "the call to ordi- I'll end up essentially okay..." looking remarkably from across the diocese and Christ the academic and experiential preparation for nation would keep com- different... so essen- Church, Flamborough sponsored ordination. Matthew Griffin has completed his ing back." Accepted at - Matthew Griffin tially it means I have three others. first semester of study, also at Trinity College. Trinity College, he ap- to be open to whatev- Well the summer of 2006 is fast Together, they bring years of study in other proached the Reverend Brian Ruttan, a priest er happens... Working on the M.Div. gives me approaching and we have again fields, several degrees, professional experi- and faculty member at Trinity College, to the opportunity to learn, to meet new people." been invited to attend the upcom- ence, participation in the Church, and deep inquire about the process, and had "a chat with Diocesan discernment ing Lutheran Youth Conference, commitment to their recently chosen path. Marion" (the Venerable Marion Vincett, this time in Winnipeg Manitoba, A member of St. Jude's Church, Oakville, Executive Archdeacon of Niagara). Given Matthew has also begun the Diocesan discern- from August 17 - 20. The exciting since the age of four, Cheryl admits that she application forms and essay questions, ment process. "I've submitted my application part is that Ontario participants will "walked away from the Church when I was Matthew "went away and prayed, and had long and essays, and hopefully the parish recommen- be chartering a bus and heading out about 15 or 16. I felt I didn't have a place there; talks with my spiritual director. I was pretty dation (will be in soon). Then there's the around August 15 and be returning I wasn't good enough to be there... I always had convinced, had that feeling that it was coming Candidates Committee, where I'll be inter- around August 22, just think of the a good relationship with who I now understand together. It makes sense, feels right." viewed by three people, who will discuss me, and make a recommendation to Marion fun. Parishes along the way will be as Jesus, said my prayers." She admits, "I Signs hosting the overnight accommoda- thought about the priesthood, but had no young (Vincett) and the Bishop, and hopefully accept tions. The cost of the conference women (as role models)... Then Nissa came! Cheryl too wrestled with the question of ordi- me as a candidate." Matthew is pragmatic about for each participant (including She taught confirmation classes, and showed nation. "I kept questioning, pushing it aside. I his quest: "I don't know if that's worth worrying transportation, conference fees and me maybe women can do this" (The Reverend got married and divorced, dated again." about, (but) a huge part of me hopes they do! hotel lodging and travel food) will Canon Nissa Basbaum is Co-Rector of the Looking at her pictures, she found "God speak- Whatever happens, I'll learn a lot... Whatever be approximately $1000. Church of the Transfiguration, St. Catharines). ing to me. Every single one had a scriptural ref- happens, I'm going to grow in my faith; it won't erence! I asked 'How can I be a priest?' I'd had be wasted time. It's that simple - and that com- Anglicans can be part of this Journaling conference in two ways; we can many experiences, but done nothing really bad. plicated! So long as I'm open and doing my best Cheryl began nurturing a talent as a photogra- either create our own "home I was a C & E (Christmas and Easter) to follow Christ. I believe I'll end up essentially pher. As well as art, it was also "a conversation group" or base group or individuals Christian, but I was excited. It felt right!" okay - it may not look like what I'm hoping now." with myself and with God. It was my way of can be matched up with a local Cheryl applied to audit classes at Trinity Cheryl too admits that "it's exciting and journaling..." (Many people, both spiritual and Lutheran home group before the College. The Reverend David Neelands, Dean scary at the same time, when you don't know secular, find help in discerning what is hap- conference. Just think of all the of the Faculty of Divinity, invited her to an how it's going to work out, to manifest. I love pening in their lives by entering daily great team building on the bus ride! interview with himself and Brian Ruttan. When the idea of being a parish priest, but (I love) thoughts, feelings, and ideas into a notebook The most exciting aspect of the she said "But I just want to learn a little!" they teaching and photography. It's nerve-wracking for that specific purpose. Matthew Griffin conference is that over 1,000 replied, "We don't think you should be doing at times, (but) when all the doors are flying comments on journalling: "The process of young people and leaders will this halfway," and, to her amazement, offered open, you know something's going to happen. careful attentive reflection is the real teacher...) gather at the Winnipeg Convention her a place. "I threw up all kinds of roadblocks It's a very definite process." Her formal prepa- After earning a B.A. and a B.F.A. (Bachelor Centre to share their faith and to be (money, accommodation, etc.) but when I got ration and examination process almost com- of Fine Arts) in art history at the University of in community with one another. home I had four phone calls." The first was a plete, Cheryl has experienced Candidates' Toronto, Cheryl realised that she had "devel- We are looking for interested request for her to help in her father's office, the Committee and A.C.P.O, a weekend of exami- oped a really spiritual base... a very personal young Anglicans between the ages second an uncle offering a two bedroom apart- nation by the Acceptance Committee for awareness of God being in images... (In) the of 14 - 19 and leaders over 21 to be ment in Oakville, the third her real estate agent Postulants for Ordination from several Dioceses Book of the Revelation, my favourite book in part of this experience. If you saying that her house had sold, and the fourth a of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario. She the bible, the images appeal to artistic sensibil- would like to know more about the friend looking for a roommate! "I said, Okay, comments philosophically, "Everything's done. ity, (identifying) God as ultimate Creator." As event, check out the web at God! I get the message! I'll do it!" I basically have to finish school and hope they well as nurturing her own gifts, Cheryl has www.youth.elcic.ca or contact During a course for seminarians and newly have a place for me. The Diocese never promis- taught photography courses for the Halton Joyce Wilton at the Diocesan ordained men and women from around the es until right before (ordination)." Board of Education. Resource Centre at 905-527-1316 world at Canterbury, England, in 2005, Many ways to find God Matthew's Anglican mother and or by email at joyce.wilton@niaga- Cheryl's vocation was 'cemented'. "I learned so Presbyterian father "left us to discern" the per- For both Matthew and Cheryl, the presence of ra.anglican.ca. much (about) what it means to be part of the sonal choice of denominational affiliation. He Anglican Communion!" Meeting the Most God is revealed in many ways in daily life. grins, "The extent of my religious upbringing Reverend Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Matthew says, "Anything and everything you was an illustrated children's Bible! I had fun Canterbury, "I thought, 'What's he going to can enter into can become prayerful." He enjoys exploring, responding to the power of the sto- think of me? I've never been one for smells many activities both with friends and in soli- ries." In high school, friends brought him to St. and bells!' (But) there's something about him, tude, and learns about life from his family and James' Church, Dundas. Matthew was baptised he's down-to-earth, never more than his alb their pets, an Irish Wolfhound, an English and confirmed on the same day by Bishop John and cincture. It moved me most how easily Sheepdog, and two cats. Cheryl too loves ani- Bothwell. "I had gone to a bunch of different people came up to him after services to request mals: "One thing that informs my ministry of churches, (but Anglican) was the one that felt prayers." Her experience was fulfilled when late are dog guys!" Over time she has adopted right - not just St. James'... There's something "they asked me back to be chaplain in 2006!" three Great Danes through a Rescue Organisation for the breed, and they have in my response to Anglican services that con- Fun vinces me, 'Yeah, I'm in the right place." accompanied her in her work in the Church. Both Matthew and Cheryl are energised by Inevitably, she enjoys "the media/art world in The importance of listening their experiences at Trinity College. Matthew the sense that it can teach us. I discover who I Matthew holds a B.I.S. (Bachelor of says, "I keep using that word, 'fun'! It really is! really am going to art galleries." Independent Studies) from the University of I truly believe God wants us to be happy, so I Two very different people who share a com- Waterloo. He comments "It seemed ludi- think if we're not doing something we enjoy... mon goal, Cheryl and Matthew have come to crous... (but) more reading than anything" lead (something) meaningful, rewarding, then we're this point in their lives with courage and faith- to his thesis on myth in the works of Robert not doing what God is calling us to. It's been fulness, offering themselves, their experiences Kock, whose works include "magic realism, my experience (observing others) that if you and energy to the Church's strenuous examina- some pretty strange things!" At Waterloo, love it, even if it frustrates you to no end, then tion and training for the life of ordained ministry. Matthew served as a Don at Renison College, it's what you're meant to do." Cheryl enthuses However the Diocese of Niagara responds to the Anglican residence. "It was an incredible about "all the stuff I find so stimulating. Where their gifts, God will surely fulfill his will in them experience, to be able to sit and listen to peo- else can you go and have lunch and theological to the benefit of his Church and his people. 4 Niagara Anglican February 2006

Narnia and Evangelism Part 1 of 2 "The heart of Christianity is a myth which is The little trickle of transferences from List John Bowen teaches evangelism at Baptist - there are nevertheless two distinct also a fact. The old myth of the Dying God, A to List B is a great comfort.” Wycliffe College in Toronto, and is a ways in his writing in which he fulfils this member of St. John the Evangelist without ceasing to be myth, comes down He developed an understanding that differ- role. One is epitomised in Mere in Hamilton. from the heaven of legend and imagination ent people with different gifts contribute Christianity, the other in the Narnia stories. to the earth of history. It happens - at a par- different things to the process of evangel- Mere Christianity began life as three JOHN BOWEN ticular date, in a particular place, followed ism, and that evangelism was best done by series of radio broadcasts on the BBC. They by definable historical consequences." any churches, particularly in the a team. He wrote: were finally published in the form in which MUSA, regarded the release of the Lewis and evangelism "I am not sure that the ideal missionary we know them in 1952. At the beginning of movie version of The Lion, the Witch and Once he had acknowledged that Jesus team ought not to consist of one who the series, he wrote to Dr. James Welch, the the Wardrobe on December 9 as a wonder- Christ was the Son of God, he started going argues and one who (in the fullest sense producer of the series, to explain what he ful evangelistic opportunity. I thought it to church again, and of the word) was trying to do: was a wonderful movie, but was it evan- began to explore and preaches. Put up "It seems to me that the New Testament, by gelistic? I suppose it depends what you write about his new- your arguer first to preaching repentance and forgiveness, mean by evangelism, and what C.S.Lewis found faith. From that undermine their always assumes an audience who already thought he was doing in his Narnia stories. time on, he published intellectual preju- believe in the law of Nature and know they Lewis is clear about both. on average one book dices; then let the have disobeyed it. In modern England we First, it is helpful to know something of per year till his death evangelist proper cannot at present assume this, and therefore his background. He was born in 1898, and in 1963, every one launch his appeal. I most apologetic begins a stage too far on. grew up as an Anglican in Northern demonstrating a deep have seen this done The first step is to create, or recover, the Ireland. He was alternately bored and terri- integration of his faith with great success." sense of guilt. Hence if I give a series of fied by church, and by the age of thirteen with his learning and talks I should mention Christianity only at Heart and head declared himself an atheist, which he his life. the end, and would prefer not to unmask my remained for fifteen years. During those So what did Lewis He had seen it done battery till then." years, however, he had what he later came think about evangel- because he had Right and wrong to recognise as spiritual experiences, flash- ism? Certainly he was been involved in His intention, then, was to start where he es of what he called "joy" which spoke to ambivalent in his atti- just such a sce- believed his hearers were at - with him of something beyond present material tude to conventional nario. When Lewis humankind's innate sense of right and experience (hence the title of his autobiog- evangelism. In an int- started doing lec- wrong - and to work back from there to the raphy, Surprised by Joy). These experi- erview with Decision, tures to the RAF necessity of a lawgiver, and thence to a ences came to him through the beauty of the magazine of the during the Second sense of sin (our failed responsibility to the nature and through ancient mythology, par- Billy Graham organi- World War, he lawgiver), and to a saviour from sin. It was ticularly Norse mythology. sation, he said, "There worked with an a rational, logical, step by step approach, For years, he made no connection between are many different ways of bringing people English bishop, A.W.Goodwin-Hudson, illustrated profusely with brilliant analogies his experiences of joy and Christianity. into His Kingdom, even some ways that I to whom he said: and metaphors. Indeed, his head told him there was no God specially dislike." Among other things, he "I wish I could do the heart-stuff... I For many, Mere Christianity has been, and that life was meaningless, and the cry clearly disliked evangelical jargon. When can't... I wish I could... I wish I could as he intended, a preparation for the of his heart that "joy" still mattered went Sherwood Eliot Wirt (the editor) asked press home to these boys how much they Gospel. I spoke just last night to a theolo- unheeded. Then, at Oxford, he made friends him: "Would you say that the aim of need Christ... You do the heart stuff and gy student for whom the book had been the with Christians who were thoughtful aca- Christian writing, including your own writ- I'll do the head stuff." first step in her coming to Christian faith-- demics and delightful people, and he began ing, is to bring about an encounter of the They agreed that Lewis would first of a couple of years before she ventured to to get worried. reader with Jesus Christ?" Lewis replied: all do a 20-minute lecture presenting the step inside a church. "That is not my language, yet it is the pur- No God rational case for Christianity, and The paths people take to arrive at pose I have in mind." Goodwin-Hudson would then follow up Christian faith are many, and have many dif- One of those friends was J.R.R.Tolkien. At the same time, Lewis had a high view with the evangelistic appeal. ferent starting points, like the spokes of a When Lewis argued (as others have done of evangelism itself. He wrote: "The glory Lewis clearly sees himself as playing a wheel. The "spoke" he followed in Mere since, most recently Tom Harpur), that of God, and, as our only means to glorying part in the work of evangelism, though not Christianity, the one which begins with con- Christianity was just another of the world's him, the salvation of human souls, is the the only part or necessarily the most science and reason, is perhaps not as often great mythologies, Tolkien offered a differ- real business of life." And for him, this was important part. The way he understood his followed as it was fifty years ago. What ent point-of-view. He said (in effect) that of not merely a theory. He wrote in a letter in role was as preparation for the Gospel Lewis was doing in the Narnia stories, how- course these mythologies are universal, 1949: because they contain glimpses of God's rather than the Gospel itself, "preparatio ever, was to pursue a quite different spoke - truth, but that the point of mythology is to “I have two lists of names in my prayers, evangelica rather than evangelium" the path of imagination - which was in fact prepare our imaginations for their fulfill- those for whose conversion I pray, and If this is how Lewis sees his own role as much closer to the one he himself had fol- ment in Christ. As Lewis wrote later: those for whose conversion I give thanks. an evangelist - as an intellectual John the lowed in his own journey to Christ. Diabetes Hamilton Answers Some Frequently Asked Questions the presence of diabetes. • members of high-risk ethnic What are the types of diabetes? groups (i.e. Aboriginal, Hispanic, Why is diabetes so important? Asian or African descent) Type 1 Type 2 Diabetes costs Canadians about 10 • overweight billion dollars a year. It is the most How common? 10% of all diabetes 90% of all diabetes • diabetes during a pregnancy common cause of kidney failure • high blood pressure Age of diagnosis Usually before 35 Usually over 40 and amputation, and people with • high cholesterol and glucose Family history of type 1 diabetes or thy- diabetes are at much greater risk • giving birth to a baby over 4 kg Who is at risk? See below roid disease of heart attack, stroke, and eye dis- • the presence of complications of No insulin is made because the immune Insufficient insulin is made for unknown ease. The reason that diabetes is so diabetes (e.g. heart disease) What’s wrong? important now, is that research has system attacks the pancreas reasons Can Diabetes be proven that it is possible to pre- Prevented or Cured? id you know that diabetes aff- body to use the glucose as fuel. people with type 2 diabetes don't vent (or at least delay) almost all Currently, there is no cure. ects 1 in 8 adults over age 45 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas have any symptoms, or may dis- of these long-term complications. D However, researchers are busily and 1 in 5 adults over age 75? does not make enough insulin to miss tiredness as due to stress. In Should people be checked looking for one, as well as new There are about 40,000 people with properly use all of the glucose. fact, many people with type 2 dia- regularly for diabetes? ways to prevent diabetes and its diabetes in the Hamilton area alone. Glucose levels then start to rise. betes are diagnosed "by chance" Yes. People over age 40 should complications. For example, we on routine blood tests. What happens in diabetes? What are the have a simple blood test to meas- now know that modest weight loss The body uses glucose (a form of symptoms of diabetes? How is diabetes diagnosed? ure their glucose level every 3 and moderate physical activity can sugar) as fuel. Glucose comes from The most common symptoms of Diabetes is diagnosed with a fast- years. Earlier or more frequent reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes both the diet and from the liver diabetes are fatigue, thirst, fre- ing blood test. A glucose level of testing should be considered for by more than 50%. The future is where it is stored. Insulin, which is quent urination, blurred vision, 7.0 mmol/L or higher, taken on those with additional risk factors: likely to provide lots of new app- made in your pancreas, allows your and weight loss. However, many two different occasions, indicates • a parent or sibling with diabetes roaches to this common disease. February 2006 Niagara Anglican 5 This Is My Story… The Niagara Anglican is beginning a series titled This Is My Story. As the title says, the articles will be the journey, and the ongoing Christian faith, of Anglicans in the Diocese of Niagara. We look for- ward to telling what God is doing in their lives today. Anglicans in our Diocese are invited to let the Niagara Anglican Editor know if they would like to tell their faith story. The "reporters" - Geoffrey Purdell- Lewis and Carol Summers - have a series of questions to help guide the interview process in order to write the article. We are looking for- ward to presenting exciting and interesting stories - truth is better than fiction any day. The first Story is that of Hal Devins, a long time member of St. John the Evangelist in Hamilton.

GEOFFREY PURDELL-LEWIS God first became real to Hal in ST. GEORGES, LOWVILLE 1972 when his first daughter was al was born in Saskatchewan born. You see, Hal had promised Hand moved to Hamilton with Adrienne that when they had chil- his family when he was five. Since dren his priorities would change then he has lived in Hamilton, and he would move church ahead retiring from Stelco in 1998 after of hockey, so now his family start- 33 years in their finance depart- ed attending the 11 o'clock service ment. He played competitive with Adrienne rejoining the choir. baseball until he was forty and At that time Hal promised God In 1988 Hal and Adrienne becoming more aware of the peo- he has volunteered his service six competitive hockey until he was that if He helped him in his mar- attended a Billy Graham Crusade ple in his parish who actively times at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer fifty. Today, Hal is blessed with a riage, helped him raise his family, and what impressed him most was talked about their faith and what it in Haiti. God has taught him that wonderful wife, three great daugh- and helped him be successful at when Dr. Graham talked about the meant to be a Christian. "This was "everything that we have is a gift ters, three great sons-in-law, and work, he would do all that he unconditional love that Jesus has totally foreign to me." Around from Him and that we are to use two wonderful grandchildren (two could for His church. for each one of us. In 1995 Hal this time, Hal began feeling guilty these gifts of time, talent and treas- more due to arrive in early 2006). "A deal was a deal" so Hal got was part of the Future's Planning about making the "deal" with God ure to help others." Hal has a long linkage with the involved and served on Parish Committee at his church. All the until a friend of his suggested that What would he do differently if church; a grandfather was a Council, on the Finance members worked extremely hard it was not a deal at all, but rather he could have his life over again? Lutheran minister and his parents Committee, as a Warden three and after four months one of the a covenant, and that he had As Hal did not always recognize belonged to the United Church times, was a Lay Delegate and a members made the comment that formed a relationship with God. the opportunities God put in front and they were always brought up member of the old Central Deanery "we were not in charge", but rather What has happened since of him, he would want to be more in a faith in God, but didn't really and the new Undermount Regional "God was in charge." This had a then? Hal started to do God's aware of them and act on them. talk about it. As Hal got into his Council, and also served on the big impact on Hal and although work in the church out of love And Hal's advice to a new teens, going to church became Diocesan Grants Committee. the work didn't get easier, they rather than fear, and began to Christian is "Open your heart to less appealing. That was until he Hal looks back to the support could bear the burden more easily. build a different relationship with the Holy Spirit, surround yourself met his wife-to-be, Adrienne he received from older members In 1996 Hal and Adrienne God, built on prayer, thankful- with Christian friends, and be open Walker, "whose faith was greater of his congregation - they were attended the Christian Festival in ness, and the realization that all he to opportunities that God puts in than mine." He joined her at St. mentors to him. Hal also notes Hamilton and heard Jean Vanier had was a gift from God. front of you each and every day." John the Evangelist where he was that most of the work he did dur- speak about the unconditional God has taken Hal in the direc- It is Hal's wish that by telling confirmed in 1968 and they were ing that time was done out of fear love that Jesus had for each one of tion of serving others. He works his faith story first it will encour- married later that year. At this - fear that if he didn't live up to his us. He also heard James Forbes in his parish mainly with Congre- age other Anglicans to tell their time, hockey was higher on the part of the deal with God, God talk about the "J" and "E" words, gational Care, he and Adrienne faith story to the Niagara priority list than church. wouldn't live up to his. Jesus and Evangelism. Hal was support St. Matthew's House and Anglican and in their parish. Transforming Lives, One Woman at a Time BRIGITTE FOISY pare the city for revival in His name. What by getting involved. port that God places on your heart," con- a privilege to be called to such a partnership "The organizing committee has cludes Anne Graham Lotz. "I look forward sunamis, hurricanes, wars, terrorist with The Living God." embarked on this exciting journey by faith to coming to Toronto as together we pre- Tattacks, outbreaks of a new virus for For the last six years, Anne Graham on behalf of the Churches in Greater pare our hearts for revival." which there is no cure - all seem to be signs Lotz, best selling Christian author and Toronto. Please prayerfully consider To learn more about Just Give Me Jesus of God calling. Closer to us in Canada, vio- daughter of internationally renowned evan- opportunities and ways you can come Toronto, the March kick-off events or how lence, gang shootings and even the recently gelist Billy Graham, has traveled the globe, alongside them: with your prayers, with to get involved, visiting www.jgmjtoron- introduced anti-Biblical legislation, are on the invitation of Pastors and influencers, your presence at the Kick-Off and the to.ca, www.annegrahamlotz.com, or call unmistakable "wake-up calls" from God to to bring revival to the hearts of His people Revival, and other practical means of sup- 416-467-3174. His people. through the Just Give Me Jesus crusades. What an encouragement to learn that hun- God has already poured out His Spirit in dreds of Christians in the GTA have heard twenty-four cities through these free-of- that call and are taking action to ask God to charge events enabling thousands of people The Cathedral revive His Church. Women from across the to be born again into God's family and supporting city are working together in unison to bring thousands more to recommit or totally sur- Shoppe cathedral outreach to the Air Canada Centre, in September 2006, render their lives to Him, as they experi- a two-day revival event called Just Give Me enced a fresh encounter with Jesus. WE CARRY A LARGE VARIETY OF BOOKS, NEW AND Jesus. Their prayer? That 20,000 women will USED, GIFTS AND PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL ITEMS. Until Then… be on fire for God to transform the GTA. "I've never been involved with anything This journey will start in March, as Anne Representing the Anglican Book Centre that I have felt had such eternal value," will be coming to Toronto for a kick-off (Order your study guides through us!) explains Co-Chair Cathie Ostapchuk. "I feel event for both Clergy and Women of privileged to be part of God's greater purpose Influence. Along with long-time friend Niagara Authors for Toronto; To see this city bear lasting fruit, Henry Blackaby, Anne will first be speak- Working with the Spirit: Engaging Spirituality to Meet Challanges of see lives transformed, one woman at a time." ing to pastors on March 8 at the Richmond the Work Place by Lucy Reid and Fred Evers of the University of Guelph: $22 "Nothing is impossible with God," con- Hill Chinese Community Church, to inspire tinues her co-Chair Hilary Price, author of them to pray and support the group's effort Kriegie’s Lament: Wartime Diaries of George V. Neale The Life that Changed my Day and wife of through their local church. On March 9 at 7 by George V. Neale, Member St. Stephen’s, Hamilton: $25 Charles Price, the Pastor of Toronto's p.m. at People's Church, Anne will be People's Church. "I'm grateful for the addressing 2000 Christian women's min- See our line of olive wood crosses, candlesticks, rosaries and angels from Bethlehem's Christian wood carvers. women that stepped up to obey Christ's istry leaders and other key influencers to great commission to 'go make disciples of encourage them to be part of this citywide Stop in and check our current collection of antiques and all nations'. In Toronto, we have the world transformation by inviting friends, family collectibles. Always something new! at our doorstep and He has called us to pre- and colleagues, praying for the revival or 6 Niagara Anglican February 2006 A Greater Appreciation A Reflection on Change Continued from Page 1 each week about the return trip to receive communion, and due to from the altar rail because his space restrictions and safety mat- vision is so bad and his depth per- for What Lies Ahead ters, must now receive commun- ception, or lack thereof, has daily walk down Bloor Street was with me. I think the band Blue ion standing up at the chancel caused him to fall on occasion BILL MOUS with a smile from ear to ear think- Rodeo had it right with their lyrics steps. I have had one or two nig- and he is always worried about h February! It's the shortest, ing about how blessed I was "and if we're lost, then we are lost gly comments about this... okay, falling, even though he has never Ableakest and perhaps most to be able to hear God's call, to together." Though I often couldn't more than that. Comments like "it complained, and prefers not to wintery month in our be at Trinity taking see the forest for the trees in my does not seem reverent some- receive in his pew), a woman with year which by the time the courses and to be first few months at Trinity, God how," "I like to kneel," and "I feel a walker, and a woman who has it comes along most of in a city with so was with me, allowing me to pick like I am lining up for groceries." had a stroke. They can come and us are crooning for many Thai and Sushi out signposts that would guide me You get the picture. It is true that receive the Eucharist, all by them- summer. Perhaps that restaurants! along the way. It was during these we are just trying something and selves, and yet together with is why there are so It wasn't until late 'God moments' - as simple as a it is not perfect, and the point is to everyone else. An elderly gentle- many unique days October, however, game of Settlers with friends in 'play with the space' until we have man from the early service (BCP) which have landed when I realized that I the Divinity Common Room or a the money to lay new carpet, and has also expressed that he cannot in the month of was lost. As so often quiet informal prayer service paint the walls... but none the less put into words the feeling when he February: Ground- is the case, we do not before an exam - that carried me it is change. comes for communion now and hog's Day, Valentine's realize we're lost until through the semester despite a I had not prepared myself for stands and looks me in the eye - Day, National Flag Bill Mous we've been lost for feeling of being lost. the huge impact it would have on too powerful an experience to of Canada Day and every once and some time. I think it may be I think my experience of start- me as celebrant! I am not particu- describe in words. God has made a while (just to keep things inter- because we live in hope that the ing out at Trinity is a lot like that larly moved by the BCP Eucharist us worthy to stand in God's pres- esting) a Leap Day! next town will be familiar and not of many people's experience of as a rule, but found myself bathed ence. And they came, the weak Being born in February, I feel another unknown town like February. While we generally in light (from the spotlights over- and the lame, the blind and the that I should be a loyal supporter of 'Drumbo' in the middle of have a high from Christmas and head) and being able to see the infirm, and Jesus welcomed them. this month, and reject the assertion nowhere. Yet with an ever New Years celebrations that people and feel so much closer to So even though I am not the that it is the month of the February increasing amount of reading and euphoria generally fades by the them, literally. worlds most popular person just blues. Well... so much for loyalty. It essays, a growing feeling of dis- end of January and thus we find When it came time to receive now, (who would want a quiet turns out that my favourite month connectedness from home and my ourselves in February - lost in a communion I noticed that the life?) we are learning together of the year is September - the friends, and a deep desire to feed bleak and wintery month. But woman in the front row was the that more by accident than design beginning of fall and the time when an ever increasing desire for spir- while February may keep us first to move forward and stand in we were excluding the most vul- school begins again! itual nourishment, I found myself indoors and leave us with a feel- line to receive. What is the big nerable in our midst from partici- Last September, as you may in Drumbo: lost. ing like winter will never end... deal about that? Well in all the pating in as full a way as the rest recall, I started out on a new path As I wandered around Trinity look for God in times of blueness! five and a half years that I have of us in the most important part of in my journey. I began my Master over the coming weeks I came to God will be there with you, and served this congregation she has our worship. If many more people of Divinity studies at Trinity an understanding that being lost guide you on your journey - never been able to come and have been made to feel uncom- College in Toronto. Like most was okay. I think sometimes we through February and through receive because she walks with a fortable now that they have to new beginnings it was full of need to be lost in order to find our- life! Though we may be lost, we cane, and therefore cannot man- receive standing up and don't par- transitions: a new city, a new selves - especially in a world are not alone, and perhaps in our age all the steps. As I gave her ticularly like it... so that even one apartment, a new peer group, and which has constant demands on us blueness we will learn more about communion the tears (the prayers in our midst that was excluded a new spiritual centre among and bombards us with continuous ourselves and have a greater of my heart) began to fall down can now be included, then is it other novelties. It was an exciting amount of information and stress. appreciation for what lies ahead my cheeks and continued to do so worth it? A resounding yes! time in my life! I often made my Yet in these circumstances, God of us on our journey. throughout this amazing and Then let this be a lesson to us overwhelming experience. At the when we also consider our broth- later service a woman who could ers and sisters who are gay and no longer process with the choir lesbian in our midst and who are since her hip replacement last excluded from full participation year is now able to join in with in the life of our community... so them again. During the week I if some of us need to feel uncom- have heard more personal stories fortable in order for even one per- from a man who has macular son to be included is that okay? A degeneration (and was worried resounding yes, I would say! February 2006 Niagara Anglican 7

CHRISTYN PERKONS Gift Shoppe. The Reverend Canon Charles e've all gazed in awe and The Handmaids of the Lord Stirling, chaplain to the group, has Wwonder at the linens of the a multi-faceted role. Opening each church; the altar frontals, the pul- season of work with prayer, week- pit falls, the antependia, veils, ly visits to the meeting, and being a burses, purificators, corporals, pastoral presence for group mem- fair linens and even funeral palls. bers are the parts of the assignment The beauty of the chasubles, one might expect of a chaplain. copes, and stoles adorning our Charles does those with love but he priests and bishops has filled us also frames the salvaged needle- with wonder. The fine workman- work that the Embroidery group ship, the glorious fabric and the sells, assists in setting prices for powerful images have delighted commissioned work and "markets" us and heightened our sense of the the work of the group in his travels sacred in our worship. Chances around the diocese. Charles, who are we have, at one time or anoth- has made some of his own vest- er, been gazing in admiration at ments (with help from the group) the work of the Diocesan Altar celebrates their selfless work; "art Guild - Embroidery group. given to the glory of God." This dedicated group meets Like to embroider or want to weekly to serve the Anglican learn? Interested in meeting week- Church in Niagara in the creation World. Bonnie, who knew basic Pearce, as a gift on the occasion The group also repairs linen ly (or less often if travel is an of vestments and church linens. embroidery, decided she wanted to of his priesting. They found them- and vestments for the Cathedral issue) with a charming, welcom- Pure Irish linen, silks from the East be part of the ministry that provid- selves in dire need of guidance and churches across the diocese. ing and talented group of embroi- and embroidery thread in more ed such beautiful linens and vest- and sought the advice of "the Worn edges, tears and holes are dery artists/teachers? This might colours than you can imagine are ments for the church while at the pros". The stoles duly created, expertly mended and linens sent be the ministry for you - come and the stuff of their service. Their most same time supporting those we are Brenda remained fascinated by back into service. Fair linen that is visit them as they work! recent large commission, the green all called to care for. the work of the group and vowed beyond repair is transformed into Linens or vestments need some set for St. Paul's, Jarvis seen in the Edith Austin to investigate further upon her lavabo towels, purificators, bap- restorative work? Want to pur- accompanying photograph, took retirement. Five years ago, retire- tismal towels and corporals. chase linens or discuss commis- Twenty years ago, Edith Austin, this group of five talented needle- ment began and avid participation Linens are salvaged from parishes sioning a piece or set (their design who had never embroidered before, work artists 10 months to com- in the group ensued. A high point that are closing and renovated to fit or yours)? Have questions about came looking for linen for the plete; roughly 600 hours of work. for Brenda is that moment when the altars in their new church the care, folding, and storing of church near the family cottage in Unlike much of the other church Christine looks at her work and homes. When old linens are disin- linens and vestments? Please call Magnetawan. Once again, a cus- soft goods in the marketplace, all of compliments her with "That's tegrating but gorgeous fine Christ's Church Cathedral (905- tomer was invited to participate in this work is hand stitched. absolutely wonderful!" For embroidery remains intact, the 527-1316) or visit on Tuesdays the creation of the work. Brenda and the others, working gorgeous stitchery is between 10am and 2pm. Ask for Christine Bernal-Twist Overwhelmed by her lack of on linens and vestments at home lifted from the linen and framed the Geddes Room and you'll be in Group members come from across knowledge, Edith was unsure how in the evenings is part of the fab- for posterity. These framed pieces touch with this gifted and creative the diocese and were called to this to begin. "Grace told me to draw a ric of their daily lives. can be purchased at the Cathedral band of handmaids to the Lord. ministry in a variety of ways. leaf and imitate the stitches I saw Christine Bernal-Twist, the presi- the others creating." A needlework dent, learned to embroider as a artist was born! Currently, Edith is child at school in England where working on an elaborate lace-edged Are You Ready for a Fresh Start? standards were such that if the back fair linen for her home parish of St. MARNI NANCEKIVELL A Multi-Dimensional Program didn't look as lovely as the front, John's, Ancaster. Fair linens typical- DIRECTOR OF TRANSITIONAL MINISTRIES Fresh Start is multi-dimensional in its program. the work had to be ripped out and ly take 80 hours of work. Edith Clergy, who meet about once a month, work in small begun again. This Grace Church, loves to see the look on people's he scenario is a familiar one. The Incumbent of a groups to learn from the "modules" provided on Hamilton parishioner came to the faces when they see the quality of Tparish has departed, and after an interim period, everything from entrances and exits from church Embroidery group looking for a the work of the Diocesan Altar a new Incumbent has been appointed. Spirits are communities through understanding a frontal. Then president, Grace Guild - Embroidery group. It gives high, and there is a renewed spirit of congregation's history. Issues such as the Hornby, agreed to provide one on her a deep sense of satisfaction to optimism about the new phase of min- reality of the new ministry (in contrast to the condition that Christine join create work that awes people and istry which is about to begin. what the new Incumbent might have them in working on it. She never enhances their worship experience. How do we make the most of "expected" the new ministry to be) are left, and took over as the intrepid this new opportunity? Pam Leslie discussed. Facilitated by both trained leader when Grace stepped down. Pam Leslie, from Christ Church, People who are wise in the ways of clergy and lay people, newly appointed Christine is the standard bearer for Flamborough, was invited to join church growth and development tell us clergy reflect together both on their the group. She can identify the by Christine. She knew basic that the time of a new appointment is one experience and their hopes. Case studies work of each member by her embroidery but nothing of the of the most fruitful "learning moments" are presented by the group. Not only is mitered corners. Bonnie echoes the intricacy and caliber required by in the lives of both clergy and congrega- this a time of learning, but of deep per- sentiment of all the members when church linens. Since beginning in tions. It is because of this that the Bishop Marni Nancekivell sonal support. Patterns of healthy min- she says with a grin, "When I bring 2000, she has learned as she goes; of Niagara has made this program available to istry are begun that will make the best of this new in my work and Christine says, feeling intimidated at the start of parishes and clergy in the Diocese of Niagara who appointment. There is a program designed for lay 'Let's have a look', I shake." large new projects but well satis- have recently experienced a change in pastoral lead- people as well. Lay people are invited to gather at Bonnie Vanni fied with her new skill as each ership - the Fresh Start program. designated times for learning, both on their own and Bonnie Vanni from All Saints, piece is completed. Pam assures Fresh Start is a wellness resource for clergy and with the new incumbent several times a year. At the Hagersville joined the group after readers who are intrigued by the congregations in transition. Initiated originally by beginning, we suggest that the Wardens or others on seeing their work displayed at a possibility of participating in this the Episcopal Church in the United States, the pro- the Parochial Committee might accompany their Diocesan Altar Guilds gathering ministry that it's easy to pick up. gram has been enhanced by the creative contribu- priest to the first Fresh Start meetings. However, on (held biennially in the spring). When the group took on the com- tions of the Anglican Church of Canada. Clergy par- the Diocesan website (www.niagara.anglican.ca) While she was very impressed mission from St. Paul's, Jarvis, ticipation in the program is an expectation of the Fresh Start section (under Programs) there is a listing with the quality and reasonable Pam's first reaction was "I'm in Bishop that is written into every new appointment of meeting topics as well as dates and times for cler- cost of the hand-sewn work, she over my head here." but she soon within our Diocese. But equally important is the par- gy and lay leaders. It is best if two or three lay peo- was equally excited by the work mastered new techniques and is ticipation of the lay people within the congregation. ple accompany their cleric to clergy and lay days - supported by the Embroidery proud of the finished set. At the arrival of a new clergy person, everyone is and "who comes" in time, may be determined by the "paying attention" to the new beginning. In a time of topics being discussed. group. All proceeds, after the cost Brenda Moss of supplies, are given to support heightened sensitivities, when everyone wants to Although Fresh Start originally was an initiative the work of God's people in vari- Many years after an initial inter- "make a good impression" and get this relationship of the Episcopal Church, Fresh Start Canada held its ous areas of outreach; among them est, Brenda Moss of Holy Trinity, off to a good start, it is a time for both clergy and lay first training session which is tailored to the realities the North End Children's Centre, Hamilton joined the Diocesan people to express who they are and what they hope of the Canadian Church last year, in this Diocese. St. Matthew's House, Doctors Altar Guild - Embroi-dery group. for in their ministries. Inevitably, there is concern Another time of facilitator training will take place Without Borders, The Bishop's Around 25 years ago, she, Charles about how this relationship will work. Fresh Start, after Easter this year. Discretionary Fund, the Salvation Stirling and a group of others which is designed to pick up where the interim The goal of Fresh Start is to provide tools and Army, Northern Anglican Clergy, were determined to make a set of process ends, is an opportunity to offer guidance and training for a healthy relationship in a new time of and Sleeping Children Around the stoles for their lay reader, Jack support both to the congregation and new Incumbent. ministry. Is your parish ready for a Fresh Start? 8 Niagara Anglican February 2006 In the parking lot, we meet up live as Christian people in a multi- with Christine, a woman of great faith world? Clearly (though I Shalom, Salaam, Peace Be With You energy and humour. She has only know there are many Christian ing about Islam. "This is such a were thrilled. Zakia told us that she recently moved to St Catharines churches who would disagree) we In the November issue, we fea- chose to begin wearing Hijab (head and misses big city life in are moving out of a crusader-like tured the first half of this article good thing to do. The world would about how the Church of the be better if we all tried to learn covering) while she was in univer- Toronto. She is one of our tour notion that our role as the Christian Transfiguration approached about each other and understand sity, and told the children about that guides. Christine grew up church is to convince the world Multi-Faith learning in their each other." My eight year old choice. "It reminds me, all the time, Christian and became Muslim a that ours is the correct and only Sunday Morning Children's looked around the whole store, that I am Muslim, that I submit to couple of years ago. She and I talk way of thinking and believing. But Program. The first sessions - and tried on different garments. is multi-faith awareness a process and the November article - My six year old was less of polite acquiescence to which we focused on Judaism. Read on impressed with Muslim clothing; give lip service? Is learning about how they embarked on learn- his attention was riveted by "The other faiths something we ing about Islam, and came to a approach with a faintly arrogant or deeper understanding of Lion King," dubbed in Arabic, Christian faith in the process. playing on Sayid's VCR. paternalistic air? - as if to say, 'we know we are right, but we want to "Asalaam Aleikum" tolerate your quaint but rather JUDY STEERS TRANSFIGURATION PARISH, ST. CATHARINES In the Sunday morning workshops, incomplete/uninformed theology.' we took our usual approach of Is our role in a pluralistic society to earning about Judaism was a using a variety of learning modes. water down any and all religious Llittle easier for us, as one of In the creative art room, we made practice so that our spiritual lives our priests grew up Jewish, and mosaics, and learned something become an amorphous pool of had the stories, foods, experiences, about Muslim theology - that no "spirituality." Do we borrow things symbols, 'props' and books, and religious art should contain images from any faith practice that strikes she could resource us in the plan- of humans, thus we are reminded our fancy. Does pluralism mean ning and preparation of this pro- to worship God alone. In the com- Part of the celebration of Purim includes dressing up as characters that we have to find the lowest from the Story of Esther. gram. But the next program pre- puter lab, we did an on-line scav- common denominator so as not to sented a whole different challenge. enger hunt to answer questions God and should live and treat other about getting together to have 'offend' anyone? I think the answer Learning about Islam about faith practice: people in a good way. If I am about coffee one day to share stories. is clearly 'no' to these questions. to do something I shouldn't, like, I am amazed how people in our How do we live as Christians in We were eager, but tentative to • Can you eat something called say something bad to someone group respond to the visit - but a multi-faith society? By following embark on learning about Islam. "Haram"? What is it anyway? else, my wearing Hijab reminds me then, how often do we do 'field Jesus, and not apologizing for it. None of us knew anything, though • What do you take off before you not to. Nobody told me I had to trips' at church? We leave our Followers of Jesus are people who we all had casual or work acquain- go in a mosque? wear Hijab, and nobody forces me shoes inside the door, and are first embrace and embody a life of for- tances who were Muslim. How do • What would you not serve on to wear it. I chose it for myself." taken to the wash area for "Wudu," giveness, love of enemies, inclu- we teach this with integrity? How pizza if a Muslim friend came to I ask the children if they have and Christine takes us through the sion and welcome, prayer and do we accurately and fairly teach your birthday party? ever worn something that reminds steps. A couple of eager volunteers humility, servanthood, caring and about a faith tradition we do not • How do you greet a Muslim? them to practice and live their among the children go through the compassion. Followers of Jesus know? We didn't want to merely do • What have you seen in Muslim faith. A few of the children had Wudu - washing hands, mouth, proclaim the love of Jesus. Stanley this as a quaint 'cultural study', but practice that reminds you of worn a cross. One had a 'fish' nose, head, arms and feet - and get Hauerwas, Christian theologian to engage with Islam as a faith that what we do as Christians? symbol on the back of the family very wet in the process! We go to and ethicist spoke last spring about shares some of the same heritage In response to the last question, car. These Christian symbols of the main space for prayer, divided 'the end of pluralism' at a public that we do. We wanted to learn most children discover that "Peace faith took on a new relevance for into men's and women's areas. I lecture in London, Ontario. He about their spirituality, and what do be with you," our greeting in wor- children in light of someone who am conscious that many churches stated that pluralism - the melting- they have to teach us about prayer, ship, is the very same as "Asalaam chooses to wear Hijab - rather in the Middle East and Asia have pot approach to religion - is not a their understanding of God, their Aleikum" - peace be with you - the than proclaiming something, men and women sitting on oppo- movement with any integrity. faith practices and how that is inte- usual and daily greeting for maybe these symbols are also site sides of the worship space - Christians must be Christians. grated with family life. We wanted Muslims. "What would that be meant to be a reminder for the this practice is the norm in, but not Jews must be Jews. Muslims must to know, as we had with our like," I ask them "if every time you wearer of why they wear it! restricted to, Islam. We hear be Muslims. We have much to encounter with Judaism, if there came home from school, your Zakia taught the children the Qu'ran in Arabic, take photos, are teach each other, and much to learn are things to learn that would family members said 'Peace be form of prayer, and why they pray given a variety of treats: guava from one another. In all our human enhance our understanding of God, with you' to you? What if every in the direction of Mecca, and three juice, grape juice, Turkish delight imaginings, writings, theologies, and help us to live our Christian time you walked into a store, or children demonstrated the body and... Timbits! Our visit is a source scriptures - God is greater than all faith with more depth and integrity. met someone on the street, they movements of prayer. "We put our of giggling intrigue for the chil- we can imagine. God will be God, Equipped with a few books and looked at you and said 'Peace be forehead and nose on the ground" dren in Arabic classes. We end up despite all our attempts to confine a passing familiarity with 'Google' with you'. What if Christians made Zakia told them "to remind us to be back in the prayer space and one of and describe why or how God is (finding an amazing number of those words part of their every day humble before God." She played a the men from the Mosque leads us God. This is at once discouraging helpful websites about Islam in life, instead of just saying it to each tape with the call to prayer on it - in prayer. They are surprised, but and yet liberating. the process), we got a handle on other once a week in church?" One "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar." glad that we ask to pray with them. the basics and designed a series of small voice in the group said shyly, Why Jesus? What does this phrase, "Allahu Zakia helps us by showing us initial workshops that would help "That would be really nice. I'd like "I like learning about Islam, Akbar," say to me as a Christian? the movements; when to kneel, us to learn some of the founda- that if my mother said that to me Mum" said my 8 year old enthusi- It is again a call to humility. when to stand. Suddenly some- tional ideas. The more we read, every day!" Another voice said astically. "So, why are we Whatever I think God is, God is thing feels very familiar to the more interested we became. I "People would have to think about Christians when some people are bigger than that. It's a good thing Anglican experience - visitors don't visited Zam Zam, a Muslim store how they treat each other, if they Muslims?" It's funny how children to remember when I think I've got know all the 'moves' in liturgy! We in St Catharines (named for a said that all the time!" have a way of coalescing our God in a box, or believe that my smile at our own fumblings. I won- famous well in Mecca) to buy figs All that week, unprompted, my thoughts into blunt questions. I theological understanding is the der what everyone is thinking. I'm and 'Halal' treats to serve during daughter starts saying "Asalaam considered her question for a 'right' one. God is Greater. I find sure different people have different the workshop. I was overwhelmed Aleikum!" to me every day when I moment. "I think," I replied, "That this thought very freeing and yet reactions to this very new experi- by hospitality and generosity at leave for work. I wonder what all what I know about Jesus, and what grounding at the same time. ence. Just a few adults choose not the shop. My children were given our daily lives would be like, if we he taught leads me to follow him." The children think about hum- to join in, mostly I think because of sweets, and the shop owner insist- were all committed to being such I went on to describe how, for me, ble approaches in our own practice difficulty with alternately kneeling ed on giving me bottles of guava, intentional peacemakers? Jesus was about three main things: - we kneel for prayer, and bow our and standing on a carpeted floor. mango and melon juice from Forgiveness, which makes human A visitor from the local heads - perhaps we too have prayer The adults are beaming by the end Egypt. "You won't find this in community and relationships pos- Islamic community rituals that remind us to be humble of the visit - fascinated with their 7/11!" he smiled as he handed me sible: Welcome and inclusion, before God. new understanding, warmed by several bottles of juice. The shop Through the family of one of my which tells us that everyone is a such open and gracious hospitality. next door sold clothing, and we daughter's friends at school, I was Anglicans at the Mosque part of the love of God. Finally, Our whole congregation is went to buy 'Hijab', the traditional referred to the local mosque, who The following week, we loaded Love. In the Holy Spirit, Jesus invited to their open house next head covering for women, just so passed on my name to Zakia into cars and headed off to visit unleashed our capacity to love. It month. we could show the children what Hamdani. Zakia teaches middle Masjid Am-Noor, the mosque on is the power that made you and it looked like and they could try it school grades at a public school in Geneva Street in St Catharines. How then shall we live? me, the power that made the uni- on. Sayid, the shop owner, told me Grimsby and she is involved in "Noor" is the Arabic word for As Christian people, what is our verse, the aspect of the "Divine about coming to Canada from education and awareness at the Light. Over thirty children, youth approach to Multi-faith aware- Milieu" which draws us beyond Sudan. He talked with me about mosque in St Catharines. and adults from our congregation ness? How do we teach our chil- ourselves into a relationship with our plans and was delighted that After Easter, Zakia joined us go on this visit - about one quarter dren about living in a multi-faith our selves, one another, the world Christian children would be learn- one Sunday morning. The children of our congregation that day. society? How are they meant to and the Creator. February 2006 Niagara Anglican 9 ThoughtsThoughts fromfrom AwayAway

MARION VINCETT like a step through history for me, raised as other in this endeavour. But this is not a even though they may have long since EXECUTIVE ARCHDEACON, NIAGARA I was on the stories of Aidan, Cuthbert, group of people who are seeking to escape ceased to be functional or useful for the pur- t is a gentle winter's day on Holy Island. Hilda and Bede. This is holy ground, "a the evils of the world. Rather, they are pose for which they were built, they cannot IWaves break lethargically in the sun- thin place" as the Celts would have said; committed to being informed and involved be altered without great trouble. Like us too, light. The wind has withdrawn for a spell "thin" because the veil between the sacred in issues of justice, ecology and peace. there is a workforce of dedicated clergy and and a quiet sense of expectancy hangs and the ordinary seems to be diaphanous in Celtic Christianity is more than a few lay leaders who are just as challenged and unseen. The long island grasses, tangled some special places on earth. earthily simple prayers offered in the litur- bewildered as we are in Niagara about how and rough, are springy underfoot. They gy on a Sunday morning. In its purest form, to address the great need for mission to a North Wind hold a myriad secrets in their dampness - it calls for a deep commitment to the world society which is clearly seeking for spiritu- ground nesting birds from four continents I am here on an early Advent retreat as part - an incarnational presence. ality and wholeness. I had some fascinating nest here during the winter. The tiny bouf- of my two month sabbatical from my work conversations with some of these leaders Research fant castle guarding the entrance to the at the Synod Office. Today, is the first day and visited some exciting projects. I shall harbour at the far end of the island, with since my arrival four days ago, that the I came here after three intense weeks of report on these in a future article here. its steep, worn, stone steps, looks almost wind has abated and it is heaven! Normally visits to urban dioceses in England: I am on Lindisfarne now and enjoying the comical - a mere child's construction. even the sound of the waves is drowned out How could anyone ever have hoped to by the roar of the ferocious north wind that keep out marauders in such a flat and predominates here in the winter. Today, uncluttered landscape? without that roar, there is room for other A little cluster of buildings further sounds: gentle waves, sheep, bird calls and towards the centre - and clearly visible wings, the rustle of tiny animals in the from all parts of the islet - announces the grasses, the soft sounds of footfall on the presence of a village, along with a water muddy paths, the distant call of a shepherd tower, three churches and Cuthbert's ruined to his dog. There is no traffic here, not priory. Further off, on the mud flats, a today anyway while the causeway is flood- causeway is slowly emerging. Soon the ed by the tide. There is simply no where for island will be an island no more but con- folks to go. nected, until the next high tide, to the rest Halfway along the island, between the of Northumbria. causeway and harbour, but facing out Welcome to Lindisfarne, the Holy isle across the isthmus towards the mainland sit of the Celtic saints who brought the ruins of the Norman priory. This priory Christianity to pre-Norman England. was itself the replacement for the original Lindisfarne is one of a group of tiny Saxon one which was savagely destroyed islands, the Farnes, in the North Sea, just by the Viking raiders in 793 A.D. The little off the N.E. coast of England and only a church of St Mary is part of this complex few miles south of the Scottish border. No and built from the stones of the ruined pri- Sheffield, Nottingham, Coventry, time to reflect on all I have heard and to give more than 1.5 miles from causeway to cas- ory. It is charmingly simple inside and, Southwark, and Newcastle. My goal was to God thanks for the inspiration of the Celts tle and 1 mile wide, it is home to a great despite the minute island population, still view and learn more about creative who came here to teach the good news of many more sheep and birds than people. maintains a rhythm of thrice daily prayer approaches to urban ministry and I was not Jesus to the hooligans of the Saxon north. The permanent population of the island is for all comers. disappointed. The ecclesial urban scene in They found a way to tame these unruly and approximately 150 souls, but this number As on Iona, from which the first monks England is similar to that in Niagara in frightening people through prayer and is regularly enhanced by visitors and pil- who settled here hailed, a dispersed com- many respects. There are shrinking and patient, loving presence, waiting on God for grims like me. Most of them arrive during munity of Christians from many denomina- aging congregations here too - except guidance in their work. We too are called to the summer months, but a winter visit, like tions has evolved from here. People who where immigration swells the numbers as witness in a culture which seems alien to mine, will give you a much better feel for seek a simpler life, like that modelled by in London. There are too many, often large, many of us. Perhaps this place, and other the mystical quality of the place. Every step the early Celtic saints, close to nature and church buildings, many of which are "list- "thin" places like it, can provide us with the on the path which circuits the island feels with respect for all creatures, support each ed" as heritage buildings. This means that key to our search for answers. Amen.

Bruce Kuhn presents: Developing a Blueprint The Gospel of Luke for Evangelism The Gospel of Luke is a solo performance of these stories, memorized word for word from the New Testament and told with the same passion and surprise as the first telling. In 90 min- A day for evangelism reps, clergy and those passionate about evangelism utes the words come alive with the urgency and humour of someone who was there.

The day will include: • Congregational Leadership and Evangelism Performances: Bruce will also be leading workshops: • Evangelism in our Post Christian Culture • Friday, May 5, at 7:30 pm -Theatre • Public Speaking, Preaching and • Evangelism and the Twenty- something's; Where are they now? Aquarius, Hamilton Storytelling - Tuesday, May 9 from 9:30 What have we done? • Sunday, May 7, at 7:00 pm - The to 3 pm at St. Matthew's, Burlington Arborteum, University of Guelph • Evangelism in the Parish; Needs, Challenges, Inhibitors • Dramatic Reading, Public Speaking and • Friday, May 12, at 7:30 pm - Holy Trinity Communications - Saturday, May13 from Roman Catholic School, Oakville 10:00 am to 2 pm at St. George’s, • Sunday, May 14th, at 7:00 pm - Ridley Lowville Saturday, February 18: 9:30 - 3:00 College, St. Catharines St. Christopher's, Burlington Ticket Information Coffee and Registration at 9:30 a.m. • Session begins at 10 a.m. • Lunch will be provided Tickets are $20 each for general admission and are available from TicketMaster at www.ticketmaster.ca or by calling Ticketmaster at: Phone: 905-527-1316 Hamilton: 905-481-4444 Tickets also available through Ruth Anne Martin at the ask for: Ruth Anne Martin or Kim Henhawke Guelph: 519-763-9277 Diocesan Resource Centre ruthanne.martin@niag- RSVP no later than February 14, 2006 - Please! Toronto: 416-870-8000 ara.anglican.ca or 905 527-1316 (ext. 200) 10 Niagara Anglican February 2006 PARISH NEWS Acknowledging Important Work uring the Season of Advent, as they prepared for Christmas, the parishioners of DSt. Stephen-on-the-Mount, Hamilton kept in mind the important work done by St. Matthew's House as well as Neighbour to Neighbour. On the First Sunday of Advent parishioners were given to take home an Advent coin folder and scripture passages for each day in Advent, as well as a brown paper grocery bag to fill with canned goods and non-perishable items to be returned the following Sunday. The Chancel steps were filled with these brown paper grocery bags on the Second Sunday of Advent, and then sent to St. Matthew's House and Neighbour to Neighbour. On the Third Sunday of Advent all the parishioners brought mitts, gloves, hats, scarves, and socks to decorate the ‘Mitten Tree’. It was hard to see the tree as the final decorations of toiletry items and toys were placed around the tree. These dec- orations were also sent to St. Matthew's House and Neighbour to Neighbour. On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, not everyone was in Church that morning, some were in the parish hall practicing for the Christmas Eve Pageant, while others were in the kitchen preparing the food for that day's annual Christmas Luncheon. Now it's time to celebrate Christmas! Parishioners decorate the ‘Mitten Tree’ with mitts, gloves, hats, scarves, and socks. Christmas Dinner at St. Alban's Broadway Bound? nity joined with parishioners in CATHY HORTON surprises as Archdeacon McPetrie fellowship. The food was fantas- donned various costumes and pro- tic, the laughter and joy that filled ould be! On Thursday, vided props (the smoke machine our parish hall was wonderful. CDecember 15, 2005 Bishop and Marley's chains proved espe- D. Ralph Spence reprised his role cially effective!) To borrow from "Let them all come" as Ebenezer Scrooge in a dramat- the Ghost of Christmas Present Local businesses contributed food ic reading of Rev. John Ripley's "You've not seen the likes of this and gifts, including the adaptation of Dicken's, A before." It was a great success and McGibbon Hotel in Georgetown Christmas Carol. The reading was so much fun. Many parishes in the who cooked the turkeys with the first venture of St. Catharines city pulled together to promote this stuffing, the Glen Oven Bakery City Parishes, a laity-led group event, sell tickets and participate. who provided rolls, and Ares working together to integrate The result of this collaboration Restaurant who donated the salad. parishioners from various was a successful fundraiser with People from the community came Anglican parishes to collaborate, donations going to both the break- in on Christmas Eve and share ideas and pool resources. fast program at St. George's Christmas morning, with desserts, Held at St. Columba Church, St. Church and the Kate Leonard cookies, gifts and other extras, Catharines, the fundraiser featured Circle crisis program at the YWCA making it a truly festive event. the talents of Bishop Spence as on behalf of the Anglican Parishes It made us realize that this Scrooge, Archdeacon Bruce in St. Catharines. A big thank you event must be held every year and McPetrie as Marley and all the to Bishop Spence, Archdeacon that 2005 has now become St. Spirits, with narration and other McPetrie, John Ripley, Fran Inglis, Alban's First Annual Christmas roles read by The Rev. John Ripley, John Laroque, the good people of hristmas Day saw about 50 ceived by Pastor Grahame Stap as Dinner. God willing, next Fran Inglis, John Laroque and St. Columba Church who were Cpeople gathered at St. an outreach for anyone in the December 25 we will be celebrat- Cathy Horton. Music was provided very gracious hosts and all who Alban's, Glen Williams, after the community who would otherwise ing with those who would like to by Diane Williams, the Anglican participated in any way - big or morning service for a traditional spend Christmas Day alone, it be part of the fellowship and fun Singers and St. Columba Choir. small. City Parishes is hoping to Christmas dinner of turkey with became a joyous occasion for all, that we experienced Christmas This production of A Christmas pursue more projects, and hopeful- all the trimmings. Originally con- as members of the local commu- Day 2005. Carol proved to be chock full of ly another fundraiser. St. Christopher's, Burlington Hosts Special Guests n the first weekend of Advent, parish- and with passion about the nature of advent Oioners and members of the community and social justice. were delighted to host The Reverend Dr. Twice during Christmas celebrations, Randall Bailey, and his wife Jean. Dr. the congregation - young and old - were Bailey lead three public sessions that week- pleased to have Nicholas, Bishop of end. The first lecture, open to the public Myrna, Asia Minor, preach at services. dealt with issues of interpretation: "Sex and Bishop Nicholas responded enthusiastical- Sexuality in the Bible". Bailey delighted ly to the opportunity to share his story of the audience with a mix of solid scholar- charity and faith with those assembled, ship and humour. The next two days were bringing renewed meaning and signifi- spent in Advent preparation with the theme cance to the tradition of gift-giving. Leo "For whom are we waiting?" Dr. Bailey, Podetz, who arranged the visit, says that a member of the International Denomina- Nicholas has international appeal, "Over tional Centre in Atlanta Georgia, took to the years many countries adopted his histo- the pulpit at St. Christopher's, six years to ry to their cultures. In Russia he became St. the day he was barred from doing so in his Nikita, in Switzerland St. Niklaas; in own Baptist denomination because of his France, Pere Noel, and in many places sim- 'progressive' ministry. He spoke eloquently ply Father Christmas." Reverend Dan Tatarnic, Reverend Dr. Randall Bailey, and Reverend Steve Coombs. February 2006 Niagara Anglican 11

St. Cuthbert’s, Oakville Anglican Church Ministries Foundation, Niagara ROBERT MCKINNELL Training for Leadership in the totally separate from the ongoing DIOCESAN TREASURER AND CFO Church - Endowment Fund. In activities of the Bishop's Caring and Sharing he Anglican Church May of 2001 the Foundation Company wherein the proceeds TMinistries Foundation, received a cheque in the amount are normally distributed each Niagara (ACMF, Niagara) was of $452,041 being the first trans- year. The purpose of this fund was incorporated by an act of the fer from the Survive & Thrive to ensure there was an income Provincial Government of Campaign. As of September 30, stream available to future Bishops Ontario, assented to 2005 the cumulative that was not dependent on the on January 1, 1999 amount raised has now annual success of the Bishop's and is a registered reached $1,692,910.24. dinner. The fund balance has charity under the The first monies dis- grown to over $60,000 and was Income Tax Act. tributed from these the recipient of the net proceeds The ACMF, funds occurred in 2005 (almost $6,000) from the diocesan Niagara has been set when $10,000 and annual golf tournament held in up to receive and $20,000 respectively September of 2005. We anticipate maintain funds and were transferred to the this golf event will become a new to apply all or part of Diocese. Any amounts tradition and grow over the years. the principal and unused by the Diocese In the case of this fund, as well as income, from time Robert McKinnell in one year will be for- all the funds mentioned above, the to time, for charitable purposes, warded for use in the next year. principal sum is to remain intact and in particular to assist The When the Board of Directors of the with only the earned income Synod of the Diocese of Niagara, Foundation met in November of being available for distribution. its Bishop or Archbishop: to 2005 they approved a further dis- In April 2000 we assisted the preach, promote and advance the bursement of $25,000 and $50,000 McMaster Chaplaincy Program by Peg Coleman with David and Mary Ann Knowland. spiritual teachings of the respectively for 2006. At the same setting up the McMaster Campus Christian faith; and to support and time the Board allowed for infla- Foundation Trust - Chaplaincy ach year members of St. Cuthbert's Outreach Ministry Team in maintain churches and the mis- tionary increases by approving a Fund. This fund, like those of the Oakville partner with the local Salvation Army and volunteer to E sion of the Church in order to 3% growth allowance in the fund Diocese, will protect the principal "staff" one of their kettles. In December, the parish sponsored two full propagate and express the at the end of 2005 to be added while providing a future income days in the Oakville Place Mall and the Salvation Army kindly produces Christian faith. to the 1.5% growth allowance stream when needed. a poster to thank the parish for their support. The project supports fam- The Foundation operates at approved at the end of 2004. This I have met with a number of ilies in need at Christmas time and demonstrates to the wider commu- arms length from the Synod of the was only achievable due to the parishes that are considering set- nity that St. Cuthbert's joins with the Salvation Army in caring about Diocese of Niagara which effec- great rate of return for the past few ting up endowment funds. These their neighbours. tively creates a 'firewall' from years from the Niagara Investment funds can be placed under the legal issues that might arise with- Fund where the Foundation's umbrella of the foundation with- Church of the Redeemer, Stoney Creek in the Diocese. This is important monies are invested. out parishes having to set up in ensuring all funds are protected their own corporate structure. Five New Funds as evidenced by recent liability This is a significant factor for concerns stemming from the Five new funds have been set parishes and also meets an objec- Residential Schools matter, which up within the Foundation as fol- tive of the Diocese when the has since been dealt with. lows: Divinity Students' Endow- foundation was originally set up. Initially, two funds were set up ment Fund, Clergy in Transition I am available to meet with to receive monies raised through Endowment Fund, Youth Min- parishes and discuss how this the Survive & Thrive campaign. istry Endowment Fund, Evan- would work best for them. The case for that campaign gelism Endowment Fund and the Individuals may contribute to included 37.5 % of net proceeds Bishop's Company Endowment any of the ACMF, Niagara funds being placed into two endowment Fund. mentioned above and receive a funds. The division was one-third The Bishop's Company tax receipt for their donation. If into the Outreach in the Name of Endowment Fund has been the there is significant interest in set- Christ - Endowment Fund and most successful, to date, of the ting up a new fund please call and two-thirds into the Education and above five funds. This fund is we can discuss that possibility. Terrific Teens Elate Elora his year at St. John's in Elora, the Terrific Teens Tdecided to try something a little different for he Ladies of the ACW, Afternoon Group, at the Church of the the Christmas pageant! With a little creativity they TRedeemer have been very busy knitting and quilting this past year managed to put three skits together in order to max- and have completed the following: 64 pairs Mittens, 30 Scarves, 11 imize the number of children that could take part. Headbands, 4 pairs Gloves, 39 Hats, 11 pairs Slippers, 1 Vest, 2 Dolls, Our play opened with Curtis asking some of the 1 T-Shirt, 1 Sweater, 1 Child's Jumper, 1 Knitted Baby Jacket, 9 Baby Sunday school children what gifts they would Quilts, 5 large Quilts, 8 Knitted Afghans, and 10 small Quilts. These bring to Baby Jesus if they could take a gift to him, pieces were all donated to St. Matthew's House recently. to discussing with Holly and Andy the wonderful world of the Internet and how it portrays Christmas through dancing candy canes, singing jingle bells and Santa Claus. Calee and Erin with the help of the other Youth group and Sunday school children explained the true, wonderful meaning of Christmas. Our band of Angels sang the joyous news of the birth to our little herd of sheep being lead by Anna and Aidan our little Shepherds and our Lead Shepherd Steve. Gabriel, (Gavin) announced very boldly the great news to our Wise people, played by Maggie, Camille and Erik. Joseph (Darren) watched on proudly as Baby Jesus (Narissa) was in awe over all the excitement. Everyone had a great time from the littlest sheep to littlest singing Angel. As tradition would have it the Terrific Teens At St. John's Thorold Epiphany Eve Celebration (left to right) and Gavin then took their show on the road to Sophie Irving and Melanie Riley and Martin Irving help the Maji the Wellington Terrace, where they delighted the visit the newborn Christ child. residence! 12 Niagara Anglican February 2006 ORDINATION REFLECTION We asked the people ordained to the priesthood in December 2005, to write a reflection on what they felt as a result of their ordination. This is what they said:

STEPHANIE PELLOW happy but not particularly excited. Two parts of the service stand s a person of "riper years," out most for me. I wanted to Amy path to ordination has truly pray the litany and not be been lengthy. Various lay min- caught up in the pageantry of the istries and a full career in the procession. As I listened to the field of education gradually led words being sung clearly and to the discernment that I could beautifully, I had a wonderful follow Christ, help others along image of the catholic nature of their paths and serve most fully our church and our faith not only as an ordained person. Three as worldwide but also in its com- years of training in the Master of prehensiveness. The words of Divinity program proved to be the litany brought forth the very intense - academically, thought that all our human con- emotionally and spiritually. I dition of faith and doubt, fortune was ordained deacon in May and misfortune, good decisions 2005 riding high on the crest of and bad ones, our celebrations excitement that comes with the and desert times are held inside sense of having accomplished the body of Christ. something difficult and the The second moment of anticipation of beginning a new insight came as the bishops and job. Seven months later as a can- priests laid hands on me. Their didate for ordination to the touch was very firm. As I physi- priesthood, I believe I came to cally resisted crumpling I had a the event with a matured aware- sense of the weight representing ness and sobriety. the heaviness of responsibility The immediate journey began placed upon me. At the same with our pre-ordination retreat. time, the warmth and steadiness Another ordinand shared that she of the pressure was reassuring. was reviewing her journal as part There was nothing tentative of her preparation. As I also read about the action. This physical New priests and consecrating bishops at the ordination: (From Left) Sue-Ann Ward, Jeff Ward, Bishop through the past year's writing, I sign really did mark an inward John Bothwell, Bishop Ralph Spence, Stephanie Pellow and Eleanor Clitheroe. could see more clearly where I spiritual grace. I felt both the had been led by the Spirit to deep- responsibility of the promises I ELEANOR CLITHEROE I was looking for. I was looking for those moments, had made and a comfort in the where I would be able to press deeply into the en my understanding or to assurance that my work will not y friend stood beside a lake under a cloudy sky sphere. Those moments were not necessarily the per- respond in faithful action; both be done in isolation but in the after a long day. He was tired and feeling fect moments with the happy endings. Sometimes when I had recognized that lead- M company of the Spirit and in the unsure about what lay ahead of him tomorrow. As he those moments are the sad moments. Sometimes ing and when I had missed it. body of the Church. stood there, a big full moon slipped out from behind they are the loving moments. Always they are the Most strong was the voice of In some ways the deep calm I the clouds and bathed the lake in light, lighting up moments when I can see the good in others, the affirmation that said, "You are came with was disturbed. It was the beauty of the rocks and water around him. Christ in others, the divine in others; and when they becoming what you are meant to disturbed with joy, which for me In that moment, he had an image of the moon, can see that reflection in me. be." So, I came to Christ Church has more substance and is more being lit up and casting this beauty, by the sun I had an experience of that a few weeks ago, when Cathedral on December 11 with a lasting than excitement. behind it, which he could not see. The moon reflect- after a very stressful morning, I felt I needed to take feeling of deep peace and calm, ed the light of the sun. And he a little break and went down- had an image of himself as “Amid all the leaky roofs, stretching stairs in the building I was in that moon, a piece of rock, of budgets, and everyday concerns to the Timothy's coffee shop circling the earth, until he was and hectic pace, be joyful.” that was on the main floor. I lit up by God and reflected sat in the window, on one of God's light on the earth. And he caught for a moment those stools, that face the street, looking out into what an image of the relationship between God and him- was a very dismal rainy day, and asked God why in self, and who he is. the world I was doing what I was doing. To be hon- I related this story to the other five people who est, I said that I thought that I had been through were ordained together, with me, on Sunday, enough stress, and I didn't really want any more. December 11. We were led in a pre ordination retreat As I sat there, a man that I had met in the drop in the week before ordination at Canterbury Hills. center at Sanctuary downtown, and seen around on the We were led in the retreat by another priest, who streets, a homeless individual, came in and quietly sat opened our retreat, prior to beginning the silent peri- down on the stool beside me. We sat there quietly, ods, by talking about joy. His words were "Be joyful companionably for about ten minutes. Neither of us priests." Amid all the leaky roofs, stretching of budg- had a coffee, we didn't speak. We just shared that time ets, and everyday concerns and hectic pace, be joyful. together. Then he got up and walked out. That was a Joy is a forgotten word in our society. We are moment of joy for me, because I believe that Christ interested, busy, sometimes sad, or troubled. But too came in and sat down beside me. Because the reflect- infrequently, are we joyful. ed glory of Christ shone for me from that human being. What puts joy in our hearts? What brings a tear of What is joy? Joy is being wherever or whatever joy to our eyes? Is joy something that just happens to reflects the light of Christ to others and allows us to us, or is joy something that we can develop, and be see the reflected light of Christ in them. It is finding receptive too? Is being joyful the same as not having those opportunities where we can be more than just any troubles at the moment? Can you think of some- a pile of rock circling the earth, but a big full moon, one who is a truly joyful person? reflecting the glory of the sun, and shedding that One person that I know who is joyful says that he light in the world around us. has learned to smile from the heart. I have tried to It is being and seeing Christ in others, in this new stop and smile from the heart, but for a long time I age, that all the prophets, from Isaiah through to couldn't figure out what that meant. John the Baptist prayed, hoped for, and announced. One day someone handed me a Hoberman's Let us look for those moments when we can be and sphere and said to me, press on the sphere. Press see Christ every day. hard enough to show me how joyful you feel. On that My journey has been one of Spirit. My ordination day, I realized that, truly, I could only press the was a day filled with the Spirit and of my call to be sphere together a very little bit. But it taught me what and see Christ in others always, with God's help. February 2006 Niagara Anglican 13

SUE-ANN WARD having failed Me. If you would always with me and that all I need having two bishops preside at our was awash in a tide of emotion. I work for Me, then you must be to do is to rest in her. ordination service. Bishop Ralph knew that I was starting to cry, and he day before my ordination ready for the valley of humiliation During the service, as I wit- Spence has been a rock of support I could feel myself begin to shake, to the priesthood, I read, in a T through which all My followers nessed my friends being ordained, and wise guidance to me in my when a priest who stood behind book of meditations, these words: have to pass." I promised God that I would work ministry. Bishop John Bothwell is me squeezed my shoulder. I did "You grieve that you have failed every day to bring her love to all the bishop who ordained the first not know who it was, and it did not Me. Remember it was for failures The spirit came to me with those whose lives touch mine. I women in our diocese on St. really matter. What mattered was that I hung on Calvary's Cross. It these words of comfort, encour- thanked God for the gift of jour- Andrew's Day, 1976. I am thank- the Holy Spirit acting through this was a failure I greeted first in the agement, and warning. I had been neying with my partner through all ful for Bishop John's leadership as hand, these hands, these souls, all Easter Garden. It was to one of feeling a profound sense of of the experiences that brought us our Church grew (and reached intimately connected with mine, the failures I entrusted My unworthiness. I had been reflect- to that moment and into a future of back to its roots) in its under- and yours, and Jesus', and the souls Church, My Lambs, My Sheep. It ing upon the many mistakes and serving God and God's people in a standing of ordained ministry. I of every person present, past, and was to one who had thwarted and poor choices that I have made new way. I remember reaching out experienced a profound sense of future. We are all called to minister despised Me, who had tortured throughout my lifetime. God took to take Jeff's hand and rejoicing in gratitude to Bishop Ralph, Bishop on God's behalf, comforting each and murdered my followers that I me in her arms and crooned words the fact that he was close enough John, and all saints and prophets other, sustaining each other, loving gave My great world Mission to of comfort against my cheek. She to hold onto as we shared the who have worked and sacrificed each other, communing with each the Gentiles. But each had first to told me that she loved me for who prayers that prepared us for the to keep Christ's Church on the other. I have never felt less alone learn to know Me as Saviour and I am, not in spite of who I am. She laying on of hands. path God would have us walk. and more a part of community than Lord by a bitter consciousness of reminded me that her spirit is I wondered at the privilege of During the laying on of hands I at that moment.

JEFF WARD We are reminded throughout the ordination service, right up to the remember feeling a deep sense moment of consecration, of the In the Meantime: Transfigured Iof dread a few days before I was awesome responsibility that we are MICHAEL THOMPSON can say that there is no way out, our energies can turn ordained to the Diaconate. Deep called to accept as priests; a away from all our frantic pretending and deliberate reflection and prayer surfaced a responsibility that none of us wish- s Jesus stands on the top of the mountain, glow- inattention. And once we embrace that piece of truth, sincere sense of unworthiness at es to fail at accomplishing. Aing bright and huddled in conversation with however hard, we become a friend of Truth, who the prospect of serving God and the Fortunately the moment passes Moses and Elijah, it is not hard to believe greets us with other truths as well. Jesus, community as an ordained person and a new sense of calm and confi- that this is the moment, to leap with Peter having assented to "going down" as the in the Anglican Church. I had been dence builds and for me reached a to the obvious conclusion - that Jesus is only way, also embodies those other fortunate that some very faithful crescendo at the moment of the lay- entering into his glory. Peter's response is truths, truths for the downward journey. and deeply spiritual - and signifi- ing on of hands. Many small things a desperate embrace of that possibility - Truth one cantly wiser - people than I, had happened just prior to this moment: because the alternative, the journey Jesus counseled me against this feeling The litany procession caused me to outlined six days earlier, is the road to a There is no way out, but there is a way as they were more convinced than I feel an overwhelming sense of love violent death. This shining moment on the together. The people Jesus had the most that I was in fact worthy. This con- and solidarity with family, friends, mountaintop seems to promise a way out trouble with were the people who could viction seemed to fade as I colleagues, and sisters and brothers of that suffering, a lifting of Jesus into still pretend. They had power, or wealth, or approached the day of ordination. in Christ; The sermon inspired me glory. Peter wants the story to end here. He status. With a little cultivated inattentive- Further prayer and reflection and a and gave me a renewed feeling of wants Jesus to stay here. He proposes a Michael Thompson ness, they could imagine themselves as ris- restful nights sleep resulted in a purpose; Someone, I cannot say dwelling for him, and one each for Moses and Elijah. ing above instead of sinking into the human predica- mental space of accepting God's whom, adjusted the hem of my alb, He wants what he cannot have, a safe and painless ment. Sinking people seemed drawn to Jesus, not will for me and placing my life in just before it was my turn to be journey for Jesus - and for himself. because he could bend the road upwards, but because her hands. I figured if she and the consecrated so that I would not A safe and painless journey around him on the downward journey people found church knew what they were stumble when I rose to move for- each other in new and life-giving ways. Around him Peter is not the first or last to want to stay on the doing, then I should stop arguing ward; I was blessed to be conse- shone something that brought people together, that mountaintop. But the wedding day is not the marriage and do my best to serve her and the crated by two Bishops, both of contradicted the estrangement that plagues our com- and the birth is not the life. Weddings and births can church to the best of my ability and whom had demonstrated immense mon life. Once they were not standing on each other to be and often are transcendent times; marriages and I hoped that I would grow into the love and support toward me; and rise above, they could embrace each other, we can lives are lived lower down. Down where there is pain, new demands presented to me. then the breathtaking feeling of the embrace each other, meet each other, see and serve and and loss and betrayal, down where dreams don't come As I approached my ordination physical and spiritual lifting up love each other as pilgrims on the same downward way. true and hearts break, down where people hurt one to the priesthood this feeling of within me caused by my fellow another, down where life's sharp edges wound us, Truth two unworthiness to serve as a priest in priests as they reached out to me. wound those we love. All the way down to death. There is no way out, but there is a way that is worth the Anglican Church faded and I I was not expecting a bolt of it. The spending of self as a gift to others is a choice became much more comfortable lightning to strike when I was A dangerous and costly journey we can make; the loss of self to our circumstances with my place as a clergyperson. ordained, but I wondered how I Between Jesus and glory there is a long road of and the grasping choices of others is the only alterna- What I found myself considering would feel; whether there would be downward mobility, of loss, of dereliction. So Jesus tive. The choice the world poses is not honest - self- the week before ordination was a perceptible change in my physi- turns away from Peter without a word and begins his giving or self-preservation. There is no such thing as more the overwhelming sense of cal and spiritual being and what descent. Down the mountain, down the road, down self-preservation on the journey all the way down. responsibility and the knowledge form that would take. I was emo- into the deepest of the depths of grief and terror. But there is giving that is worth it, and if you have that this responsibility would grow. tionally overwhelmed by the expe- Down to what wakens us in the howling night and ever waited in emergency with a sick or injured child, I found myself ruminating on the rience; felt the air in my lungs and will not let us sleep. Down to the jangling dissonance if your heart has broken at the suffering of your demands that would come, not as around me pulled from my imme- that dissolves every attempt to make sense of our beloved, if you have stayed up way past your bedtime much as the spiritual leader, but as diate surroundings and a feeling of lives. Down to the cold silence where there is no to listen to a friend pour out grief or betrayal, if you the one responsible for the care and great warmth overtook me. I felt longer a life to be made sense of. have done your best when you don't feel like it for the development of a congregation. close to tears, yet I could not wipe It is the journey we all must make, the journey we sake of a customer you will never meet - if you have This was not a feeling that caused the smile off my face. all are making. It is not that there is no beauty or done any of those or a thousand other things, you me to freeze, but certainly one that My feelings of being blessed, warmth or goodness in the meantime. It simply is a have touched the hem of this healing garment. You caused me to pause and reflect very especially from having my col- journey all the way down, and if there are moments have spent a bit of yourself on something worth it. seriously on what it would mean to league and mentor Bishop John that seem to shine with the light of eternity, those me and to those I love. Bothwell present for the consecra- moments do not steal us out of time forever. This Truth three I imagine that most people feel tion, was only surpassed by my journey will cost us everything. There is no way out, but there is a way home. A way a sense of dread at the moment in feelings of happiness for my But we have some choices about how that cost together and a way that is worth it is the way that the presentation of candidates friends being ordained. Only will be exacted, about how we will make the journey. Jesus illuminates. It is the way on which he travels where the Bishop says, "Therefore, moments later I witnessed my life We can be deliberate about the meantime. We can with us, all the way down. Down to Jerusalem and its if any of you know any impedi- partner Sue-Ann being ordained a embrace the cost and direct it towards a purpose. We toxic whispering power. Down to the pavement in ment or crime for which we should priest and I was overcome with joy can spend ourselves for something worth it, some- front of Pilate's home, down to the chief priest's not proceed, come forward now, and pride for her. The glorious thing worth us. Because we know we are going house. Down hostile streets before pitiless eyes. And and make it known." It is not that church we are a part of had recog- down, we can be tenacious in telling truth - telling then, lifted up for the first time, and redefining glory you know of any reason yourself nized her calling and her gifts and I truth with our words and truth with our bodies. Our for ever, down to death. that there is an impediment, after knew that she was finally home. lives, downward arrows, can begin to probe the And yet, on every step of the way, the hungry fed, all, the many hoops that one jumps God is great and good and our life depths into which time and its losses drive us, can the sick healed, the lost found, the leper cleansed, the through in the process usually sur- together in ordained ministry had begin to find, in those depths, surprising things. outcast welcomed home, sinners and tax collectors faces such obvious barriers. It is begun in earnest. We were blessed This meantime, this downward mobility that lays sharing the heartbeat hospitality of Jesus' table. All just the nightmare of seeing some- in so many ways; a touch and a such an absolute claim on absolutely all of us, can lead the way down he goes, all the way sowing seeds and one jumping up or running forward glance and a wink from Sue-Ann us home. When the scales drop from our eyes, when promises of a life that God yearns to give, and that is an image that is hard to avoid. confirmed this reality. we see, and when we know, and most of all when we we can enter by joining in the giving. 14 Niagara Anglican February 2006 EDITORIAL sands was filling very quickly. In a country. Clergy were decorated in pings, efforts and good inten- matter of minutes three women their finest robes of gold and hon- tions of our hosts had left our Three Wise Women... wanted to sit in front of us, but oured lay folks were displaying all hearts untouched. seemed very careful about whether their medals and hoods. Banners and Looking back on that night, or not someone else had already streamers were everywhere. The thu- I can't say that I felt the love of claimed the seat. "No," we said, rifer was skilled at swinging the an incarnate God at the hands "we haven't seen anyone else." incense in full 360's and in every of those who planned and exe- And so it began. We chatted direction. Frankly, as I was standing cuted this magnificent service. with these women for most of the at the end of the pew, at one point I I can say, however, that I had a two hours before the service, and did tilt to the left exhibiting a small visit from the Magi that night. ultimately found out that they were amount of fear that I could possibly They were not men and they not Christians but were of Jewish be clobbered should he go slightly off were not Christian. They were heritage. We were fascinated by course! The choir (men and boys) was three Jewish women who laid their stories of faith and life and fabulous and of course the organ down their gifts before us. The they seemed fascinated by ours. roared. The symphony orchestra and service was "great," but the After fifteen minutes of conversa- trumpet section were amazing. The love was in a fast relationship tion, Rita grew concerned about Dean's homily was filled with wit and that developed between John whether John and I had had a humour and the Bishop exhibited a and I and our "wise women." chance to have our supper! We told great deal of humility and yet strength I have realized that we as her that we had, and in her loving as the president of the assembly. Christians have not even way she seemed quite relieved. The Jewish women were as warm scratched the surface of our They explained to us that one as could be during the exchange of call to gather in Christian of them had been to the cathedral peace and seemed to truly enjoy the assembly. We are there to hear for the Christmas Eve service festivity of the evening, but when it the Word and to break bread before and she thought that her came time for communion - they and share the cup not only friends would enjoy the festivity. looked at each other and then us and among ourselves but with the However, as the cathedral began bid us farewell. This was the place of world that so desperately to fill after a time, I could not help exclusion. What a sad moment. Just a needs God's love. As the but overhear one of them say that short while before that, the great women left I had protested: they should leave because they doors of the Cathedral were opened "Stay," I said, "there's lots of were taking up spaces that didn't and the gospel was read from the food, bread and wine - lots for Grace Cathedral, San Francisco belong to them. I was somewhat middle of the church - the reader fac- everyone." But truly they CHRISTOPHER M. GRABIEC arrived two hours early for the appalled and leaned over to them ing out the doors - symbolizing the could not. I know God is born Christmas Eve service. The early and told them that they should not gospel being read to all humanity. among us... but my wise ohn and I were standing at our service was coming to an end, and move and that they had every But when it came time for commun- friends taught me that we real- Jhotel; up the street three blocks the magnificent organ was roaring right to be in the cathedral on this ion - the essential moment in our faith ly haven't come to understand away from us was the imposing and rumbling to the point that I special night. They seemed sur- lives - these three women did not feel how we should live that out. gothic Grace Cathedral of San wondered if this was the day that prised by my insistence and after welcome. We could not break bread I shall never forget the wise Francisco. The difficulty, for the "great" earthquake would take talking for a moment together, and share the cup with them. women, Rita, Eryn and Tirzah, those who know San Francisco, the city into the sea! two of them were somewhat teary As we walked back to our hotel and I know now how much was that those three blocks were We rushed up to claim a seat, and they were all delighted with (this time straight down hill), we more I must do to live out the virtually straight up! I felt like a with many other people, as soon as the hospitality. admitted to each other that the serv- joyful and inclusive Christmas hot air balloon could have easily the previous crowd cleared out. The service went on and truly it ice itself was a great show, but it left message that has been entrust- got us there. So we took a cab and The cathedral which seats thou- was one of the finest shows in the us spiritually empty. All the trap- ed to me.

greed and lust, and yes about human sexual- One individual or group has no moral or Enough Already and Listen Up! ity. It reflects the search of a people to find, legal right to control, censure, coerce or define and come to know, praise, worship disenfranchise another individual or group CHARLES STIRILING I recalled another occasion when a (I and love their Creator. .In the New in terms of what is or is not to be believed, HONORARY, CHRIST'S CHURCH CATHEDRAL hate to use the word) clergyman, no doubt a Testament, where caution still must apply, read or seen on the screen. Such action is a he 'great sexuality debate' goes on and graduate of the Billybobjoe School of there is a focus on loving God, neighbour direct rejection of God's gifts of memory, Tmany people wish it did not. But, it Theology, proclaimed that God hated fags. I and self, of story telling as teaching aid, of reason and skill, given to each and every must in the interests of love, justice and can't seem to find love, justice or truth in his healing and new beginnings, all from the human. Yet conservative elements continue truth. Speaking personally, I don't find version of Christ's Church either. I can see perspective of clarification of the Old to use every dubious trick in the book to these in abundance in the Church these ignorance, perversion and hate. There is Testament and the Good News of Jesus block liberal justice and equality issues, days. One is more likely to find these also a fear out there among these folk, Christ. Somehow there is virtually no reflec- which they never fully comprehend in the virtues among those who choose to remain which I cannot define nor understand. What tion on human sexuality. The Bible was not first place. outside of the Church for any number of was more terrifying was a blind belief that intended to be used by choosing a verse here It is time to call a truce and come to the good and valid reasons. God truly works in this way. Not my God! and a verse there, or cobbling verses togeth- realization each of us comes to God along One day while coincidentally working I would like to proclaim the Good News er to make points, more often than not, unre- different paths, with different understand- on a homily about the lack of these three that God is still at work in creation. We lated to the point that is being made. ings of the role and being of the Creator in virtues in our midst the TV was on and I learn, we discover and we are enabled as I have always been somewhat galled by our lives. When I was a teenager, going to was arrested by parts of a program in which God continues to reveal the many facets of the overuse of 1st Corinthians 13 as the A.Y.P.A., I recall a priest from the Mar fundamental American Christians, in inter- his creation and of the human condition to definitive scripture for weddings and the Thoma Church, explaining Christians were view, avowed the New Orleans natural dis- those willing to embrace them. Those who sentimentality of locking it and what it says all making their way to God by way of a aster, which we were in the midst of at that don't want to come to personally own all of to us in that context. To be sure it can say ladder, and people were on all different time, was God's vengeance, brought upon the realities of creation are under no obli- much to the bridal couple, but it has more to rungs, but all on one ladder. There are far that city because of its openness toward gay gation to do so. I defend their right to work say to the way we live as Christians. It has greater issues of global poverty, AIDS, and lesbian people. These enlightened folk out their own personal relationship with much to say to Christians who are bent on social justice, education, advocacy and seemed to have overlooked any number of God on a level they can comprehend. beating up on other Christians and denying those elusive issues of truth justice and people who perhaps held opinions like their Conversely those who choose to embrace love, peace and justice for everyone. I poverty on which to be expending our con- own, but none-the-less lost family mem- what has been and is being revealed, and to would encourage them to read it, mark it cerns and energies. Listen up. bers, home and the means to earn a living. marvel at the wonder of God, must be free and inwardly di- I would suppose this is some curious scrip- to understand and appreciate what they dis- gest it. Then I tural version of God's equal treatment of cover and work out their living relationship would like them to the just and the unjust and that is supposed with God accordingly. tell what they have to make it alright. This begs the question, The Old Testament, on which many con- discovered and are these folk, who lost so much just more servatives want to base their beliefs, has to how they intend to cannon fodder toward the great victory in be handled with extreme care. It is a mix of alter their lives which the arch-conservative groups will tri- myth and historical reality, of rules for life, from that discov- umph against their more liberal brothers of wars and natural disasters, of music and ery toward the and sisters? wisdom, of prophecy and fulfillment, of common good. February 2006 Niagara Anglican 15 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

DAWN VANSON seventeen years of challenges. have been waived had we been married at DAVID KNOWLAND Of course, the most troubling part of the All Saints by Gale; while it may not seem a Dear Bishop Ralph, Greetings this Advent day was that Gale could not be the one to significant amount, it was a sacrifice for our A year ago, the whole word was shocked season and blessings to you and yours this marry us, nor could we be married in the family during the Christmas season - my by the news of the tsunami in south-east- Christmas and New Year! I am writing to parish we have called home for many years. spouse is under-employed and I am only ern Asia. There was a terrible loss of life thank you for the permission you granted to While we were blessed to be married in a able to work part-time so it means this sea- and devastation of people's homes; there the Rev. Gale Macaulay - Newcomb to lovely little country church by a wonderful son, there will be some doing-without. was a world wide response of money and attend at and participate in our marriage United Church minister who welcomed us Emotionally, we felt quite abandoned. help. There is an ongoing catastrophe and ceremony on December 4, 2005. Since whole-heartedly and yielded to all our myste- Please understand, we did not feel aban- even greater loss of life, every month, in Gale has been such an integral part of most rious Anglican ways, that we could not be doned by the people of All Saints, but by Africa and yet this is largely ignored. of the crucial moments in our lives togeth- married by the priest who has been our pri- the larger Anglican community. More people die needlessly of HIV/AIDS, er, it seemed only appropriate that she par- mary spiritual support for almost twelve Finally, there is a spiritual cost. To us as tuberculosis, malaria and starvation every ticipate as fully as possible in our marriage. years in the parish where we have, between we continue to struggle to reconcile that God month than those who died in the tsunami After almost seventeen years together, the two of us, held roles as vestry clerk, lay loves us even if some of God's people choose disaster. the day was an appropriately happy one. delegate to synod, member at large to parish differently. To the people of All Saints who What are we, as Anglicans doing to We were surrounded by folks who care a council, nursery coordinator, convenor of want desperately to shine as a community help alleviate this suffering? Are we prac- great deal about our family and the support chalice bearers, and deputy rector's warden, that welcomes and appreciates all. And I ticing what is preached in our churches? we felt was phenomenal. Our (nearly) eight and for the past several years, parish secre- believe, to the larger Anglican community. As in the parable of the Good Samaritan, year old son was pleased to participate in tary. We were grateful that some folks from At a time when you as bishop have direct- we seem to be passing on the other side of many ways, and while many people say our parish, including clergy and their fami- ed the focus of this diocese to the "three- the road. There was a wonderful story, that on wedding days brides often glow, on lies, the wardens, the organist and his wife, legged stool", I find myself asking several woefully buried almost at the back of the our day, it was our son who glowed the part of the choir and some parishioners did questions. To whom should we evangelize, January Niagara Anglican, What Can I brightest. He has, after all, waited his whole manage to carpool for the journey out to the the members of our gay-lesbian community Do? This should have been on the front life for this event! country on that snowy day. That they came who are not fully welcomed into the sacra- page. I hope that in 2006 we will see some For my spouse and I, while there was out to support us had a huge impact not only ments? With whom should my spouse and I leadership from our church and other much joy, there was also considerable jux- on us, but on our son who sometimes strug- share our time, talents and treasure if we are churches to help alleviate the suffering of taposition. On a day which brought us great gles in his community about the acceptance not fully welcomed? What viable roles in these people. What St. Paul's, Dunneville delight, some from our immediate families of our non-traditional family. leadership do we have in this diocese when is doing is a fine example to the whole and many from our wider (church) commu- I am aware, from Gale, that you extend- we are not valued for the richness of our dif- Diocese, where are our leaders who will nity considered it troubling and painful. ed your best wishes to us and expressed dis- ference as well as our sameness? make this happen throughout the Diocese? While it was a day about freely declaring comfort with the fact that we could not be This Advent, our little family is celebrat- Let's make it happen in 2006. We need our commitment to each other, it was some- married by her at All Saints and I thank you ing differently than the past many years. to make a lot more noise to get people's thing which could not be publicly celebrat- for your caring. I still, however, feel the This year, we understand the waiting of attention to this terrible situation. ed within our parish. While it was a day to need to express to you the deep hurt we've Advent differently; for us, this year, there is celebrate love, it also emphasized how dis- experienced through the recent events of the a deeper understanding that with waiting, tressingly separated we are from some last two diocesan Synods. As I said from the sometimes great things come; we know within our Anglican community; it's diffi- floor of Synod last year during the discus- because after seventeen years, we are final- cult to not experience the position of con- sion around the motion on the affirmation of ly married. We also understand hope differ- The official, independently edited publi- servative members within the diocese who same-sex relationships, neither individuals ently; for years we have hoped, but this year cation of the Anglican Diocese of are prepared to attempt to bring the work of nor the Anglican community can even begin we learned that seeking fulfillment in what Niagara. Published 10 times a year (no the diocese to a halt (by failing to pass a to heal when there is no decision, only wait- one hopes does not necessarily require pas- issue in July or August) by The Dunham budget) as anything but the polar opposite ing; that waiting is much like a wound that sive patience, but sometimes requires action Group in Hamilton, Ontario. Printed by of love. This sense of juxtaposition led us to is constantly disturbed - it will never heal. to come to fruition. And this year, we are not Signal Star Publishing, Goderich, a divi- begin our ceremony with anointing for For us, we made the decision that it was celebrating Advent as part of any organized sion of Bowes Publishers Limited. healing; it felt like an essential place to time to begin the healing regardless of what Anglican community; this year, the sense of Editor: begin, and Gale, the spirit-filled pastor she this diocese chose to do. Within two days of separation is too raw and so we choose a Christopher Grabiec is, helped us sense God's touch of grace this year's Synod, we made the decision to more private way. But, chronic pessimist 905-312-8444 (ext. 101) through it. And, while Gale may tell you proceed with our marriage, and within two that I am, I still know this, Bishop Ralph: [email protected] that I'm a chronic pessimist (and my spouse weeks, it was a fait accompli. It was not love conquers all. So our family's wish to is a chronic optimist!), I do believe that without cost. you, your family and this diocese is for the Advertising: Ted Manning Financially, we incurred costs for the love conquers all - at least if we give it the peace of Christ and the love of God to shine 905-680-0615 opportunity to do so. I've learned that after church and the clergy, both of which would on you and light your way. Blessings. [email protected]

HILARY AINSLIE CLASSIFIEDS Mailing Address: To the Editor, Cathedral Place FOR RENT 252 James St North I read with disconcerted astonishment, Hamilton, ON. L8R 2L3 "Correction and Clarification" in December's England, Herefordshire. Modernized, well equipped 15th Century cottage, Niagara Anglican which aimed to correct the Sleeps four. Picturesque, Great Historical centre for touring. Close to Wales and Circulation: 16,175 contents of Miss Schroeder's letter to the within 2 hours of the Cotswolds and Bath. Tel. or Fax 905-634-2852. Editor, published in November, with regard Subcriptions: $15 per year to the 150th Anniversary of All Saints, Teenage to Old Age... with Psalms on the Side Niagara Falls. Quoting from her letter, I see Featuring John Bell Deadlines for Submissions: that she says, "We look forward with antici- March 2006: Feb.1 pation... as we enter the 150th year of our 4th Annual St. Christopher’s Leadership Conference April 2006: Mar. 1 church at All Saints, Niagara Falls, in 2006." May 2006: Apr. 1 Your corrections says that, "It is necessary to March 3 - 4, 2006 point out that All Saints Church will not cel- Publishers Advisory Board: St. Christopher’s (662 Guelph Line, Burlington) Pam Claridge: 519-941-6804 ebrate its 150th Anniversary as the parish has John Janisse: 905-312-8444 (ext. 102) been dis-established." Miss Schroeder, John Bell, an ordained minister of the Church of Scotland and a member Geoffrey Purdell-Lewis: 905-628-4176 organist at All Saints for over 50 years, does of the Iona Community, will lead four workshops. Canon Charles Stirling: 905-383-1088 not mention the parish of All Saints, but Carol Summers: 905-772-5641 rather the church. Indeed, All Saints will be March 3 March 4 celebrating the 150th Anniversary of its his- 9:00 am Faith and Frailty 9:00 am God in Touch with Teenagers toric building in 2006 and will do so with 1:00 pm The Last Journey 1:00 pm Rediscovering the Psalms Let Your Voice be Heard: pride. The fact that the Parish of All Saints The Niagara Anglican welcomes submis- has been dis-established has no bearing on Participants may register for one or all workshops! sions from readers as Letters to the the age of the Church of All Saints. Your Fee (including lunch): Whole Day $40, Half Day $25 Editor. All submissions must include a Registration Deadline: February 26, 2006 name, telephone number, and e-mail or commentator, whoever it might have been, physical address of the author for verifi- makes the usual mistake of thinking that For more information contact Helen Hicks at 905-634-1977 or cation purposes. The newspaper reserves the right to edit submissions. "Parish" and "Church" are one and the same check out the web site www.stchristophersburlington.com thing. Miss Schroeder made no mistake. 16 Niagara Anglican February 2006 OUTREACH experience of Uruguay, as most of the reli- dous black tobacco cigarettes and flicked our gious population of Uruguay is Roman ashes into sardine-can ashtrays. Each night I Uruguay: A Land of Contrasts Catholic. That worked fine for me, but it would be exhausted from the effort of think- proved to be, for the Roman Catholics, too ing in Spanish during the day. much of a theological hurdle regarding Bill At the end of those ten days I moved and Susan, for, not only were they married, into the parish of San Alberto in Peñarol. It but they were both candidates for ordina- was a squarish modern-looking stucco tion! Bill and Susan lived in a small sublet building with had seen better days but apartment in the old city and worked with included the Church, small living quarters, the Anglican Diocese of Uruguay, and I was meeting rooms and a courtyard with citrus placed in the North at the edge of fruit and other trees, a chicken coop and a Montevideo in the Pueblo of Peñarol. German Shepherd dog named Tiana. It During our second day there we had a was here that I would be welcomed into a big meeting with those who would be our warm and lively community of working- mentors and supervisors during the four class Uruguayans. months, including the Anglican Church Uruguay had only been two years free team, the Priest with whom I would live, Fr. of the military dictatorship which had bru- Pepe Bonifacino, and Maria Teresa Porcile- tally ruled for 12 years. During those years Santiso. She had been a nun and was a Uruguay became known as the torture Roman Catholic Professor of Theology who chamber of South America. The social and had taught in Europe as well as Uruguay. psychological effects of this regime were (From Left) Bill Welch, Susan Snelling, Stuart Pike and Judith Godfrey (wife of Bill Along with her was a Lutheran Deaconess, still very much in evidence in the gentle Godfrey, the then Bishop Uruguay, and current Bishop of Peru). Traute Bodien, who was doing a two- people amongst whom I lived. Uruguay, I year field placement in the poorest barrios would learn, was truly a land of great con- H. STUART PIKE docks of a marina. Lifting the eyes you see in the North of trasts: amongst RECTOR, ST. ANDREW'S, GRIMSBY the larger bay of Montevideo with a beautiful Montevideo not these people t was over 18 years ago in August, 1987 wide white beach curving to the south to far from Peñarol. who so greatly Ithat I packed up my couple of suitcases form a peninsula which juts out into the sea. For my first valued their lib- and hopped aboard a Varig Airlines flight to Most of the peninsula is covered with grace- ten days, howev- eration walked Rio de Janiero and then on to Montevideo ful white buildings. Hints of dark green give er, I lived with their former tor- where I would spend the next four months the lush promise of a park to the west. What some theology turers; there on a practical field placement in Uruguay. you are seeing is just part of the city includ- students and existed a play- It was organized by the Director of Field ing the promenade called the Rambla Gran attended an inten- ground for the Education, John Chapman, who is now the Bretaña and the Ciudad Vieja, the Old City. It sive course on wealthy elite Dean of Theology at Huron College where looks like a jewel of a city: a place you would Catholic Social not so many I studied. Two other seminarians went with love to visit. This picture, by the way, is the Ethics with them. miles from the me, Susan Snelling and Bill Welch who first you will see if you search for The Fathers who San Alberto Parish in Peñarol poorest barrios were married earlier in the year. Uruguay is Montevideo under Google images. ran the seminary were imports from Quebec of San Vicente and Santa María. Above all, the second smallest country in South and having spoken French most of my life, I remember the solidarity of a people of Arrival America and is on the coast of the South and only recently learning Spanish, we got amazing hope who taught me that sharing Atlantic Ocean, nestled in between Brazil We landed at Carrasco International Airport along wonderfully speaking our own particu- is a matter of survival, and who showed me and Argentina. and were met by Bishop Bill Godfrey and a lar dialect of Esperanto. Every day the dozen the true meaning of community. There is a wonderful photo by Gustavo contingent from the Anglican Diocese of students and I would take copious notes and This article is the first in a series which Moreira of Uruguay's Capital City, Uruguay. Our adventure had begun. listen to the professor speak to us about I hope will give readers a glimpse Montevideo, taken from the air looking west. The original idea was for the student to everything from marriage and birth control to of Uruguay as we start a new com- Closest to view is a small bay enclosing be placed with the Roman Catholic Church God's preferential option for the poor as we panion relationship with the Anglican some ninety sailboats dotted around the few in the north of the city for an authentic all, students and professor, smoked horren- Diocese of Uruguay.

stay on the course to wholeness. and helping them with their home- The Bridge also offers help to work, attending parent-teacher Supporting Prison Ministry meet very practical needs: interviews, etc. were more likely to • A start-up toiletry kit of sham- succeed; similarly, ex-offenders DOROTHY JOHNS room and now no adult education AND RON CRAWFORD opportunities, etc. poo, razor, shaving cream, who have family or community courses are available and profes- Following incarceration, serv- washcloth, toothpaste and tooth- volunteers who encourage them in alling for change in the crim- sional drug counselling has been ices for ex-offenders are centred brush, soap, etc. the pilgrimage to wholeness, are Cinal justice system is to feel reduced. With the de-emphasis of at Bridge House, a few blocks • Bus tickets to get to appointments, likewise more apt to succeed in like "the voice, crying in the programming for rehabilitation, west of St. Matthew's House on find work and accommodation attaining their goals. wilderness." The Bridge is valued by inmates Barton Street East. In fact, St. • Meal tickets and food staples The Bridge is grateful for the Our society envisions only and staff alike for its maintenance Matthew's House is one of the • Free laundry facilities support it has received from the harsher and longer penalties for of a positive force with the community agencies that The • Emergency clothing Diocese's outreach budget for our every offender. Therefore, Institution to serve the rehabilita- Bridge "bridges" our clients to. These services are critical as work including the hosting or our Eleanor Clitheroe's excellent arti- tive needs of our clients. The welfare often takes a week or web page noted below. Many Concentrate on services cle on Restorative Justice gives Bridge's Discharge Planner, Ron more, following incarceration, to individuals and parishes have not offered fresh encouragement to the Crawford, is a retired teacher, provide such requisites. caught the vision and we would Bridge Program here in Hamilton. who prior to his retirement, used The Bridge's philosophy is to uti- We leave it up to the imagina- be pleased to make a presentation We have been preaching, promot- to tutor inmate-students enrolled lize services in the community tion of our readers what recourse to a parish Council or Outreach ing and practicing Restorative in correspondence courses. In the already available and concentrate our clients might otherwise have to committee, or indeed preach or Justice, right here in Niagara face of the decline and eventual on services not offered by other resort to for survival. As Clitheroe speak during a service about the Diocese for over 15 years. The elimination of the education pro- agencies, but which complement points out, these folks, often seri- Gospel Imperative of our mission Bridge operates both within the gram at the Detention Centre, he them. One of these specialized ously disadvantaged, have life to "visit those in prison" (St. Matt. Hamilton Wentworth Detention has assumed the additional role of services is transitional housing for experiences from an early age that 25) Please contact our office at Centre, which is the catch basin Executive Assistant of the Bridge, those not able to return to their most of us can scarcely imagine. A 905-523-0388 or email us at for most of the Diocese, leading administering its finances. previous residence. This diverts simple gesture like a $5-10 dollar [email protected] or self-help groups and providing Self-help groups, led by volun- clients from already overcrowded kit of toiletries, a word of encour- visit our web page at www.hamil- discharge planning, but also after- teers, help inmates reflect on their hostels and is a "step-up" from agement from a mentor-volunteer, tonbridge.ca care for community reintegration lives, what brought them into being on the street and makes sta- a meal ticket, etc. is a real tangible Canon Dorothy Johns, Past following release from detention. detention and help to change their ble long-term accommodation sign of respect and belief in their Chair of the Bridge, Church of the During the past two decades lives around. Inmates are referred more attainable. Individual and value as a human being. As Ron Resurrection, Hamilton there has seen a decline in pro- to Ron for Discharge Planning to group counselling is offered in its has observed: "During my teach- Ron Crawford, Executive grams offered during incarcera- deal with such issues as drug meeting rooms and offices. Teams ing career, it was evident that chil- Assistant and Discharge Planner tion. For instance the library was or other treatment, welfare of volunteers are matched with dren whose parents encouraged with The Bridge, Christ's closed and turned into a staff and/or employment, educational clients to provide mentorship to their children, by reading to them Church Cathedral. February 2006 Niagara Anglican 17 Endowment Fund Will Our Children Outreach in the Name of Christ be Good Stewards? and objectives are to increase he Diocesan Division of address critical youth at risk JIM NEWMAN Thinking she was about to buy TOutreach committee awareness of the role of the issues, and included will be an DIRECTOR OF STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCIAL something else to eat, I was taken DEVELOPMENT announces that the following Ecumenical Chaplaincy in the Art from the Heart program and aback when she tossed it all Outreach initiatives in the com- McMaster and wider communi- The Bridge Library program. bring my 12 year old grand- straight into the basket where munity have received grants from ties and to help secure the future I daughter to church occasionally. parishioners voluntarily make the Survive & Thrive Outreach of the Chaplaincy by highlight- She's full of life, fun to be around, donations for coffee supplies. Endowment Fund in 2005. ing the ministry and the opportu- and a gifted student both academi- Instantly I thought about how All Saints Church, Hamilton nities for services and support. cally and musically. Much to my often I have mentally objected to St. Alban the Martyr, chagrin she hasn't grown up in a that basket for voluntary donations. The GLBT Parent Support Group Glen Williams church-attending fami- After all, didn't provides a warm and welcoming ly. Maybe I'm overly Andrew Weeks (the drop in centre for Gay, Lesbian, Transitional Housing Project in concerned about that - Magnetic Church Bi-Sexual and Trans-Identified Conjunction with Halton Hills some things are hap- Conference guru) (GLBT) parents looking for sup- Community Support and Information (HHCSI) provides pening that show me strongly advise us not port and mutual self help. Working with you to transitional housing for families that God is working in to put out a plate for Bethlehem Projects of Niagara create healthy, vibrant, that find themselves in financial mysterious ways. such donations when outward-looking congregations Bethlehem Projects of Niagara's difficulty and/or an abusive situ- Take last Sunday - he said "You wouldn't New Affordable Supportive ation. The objective is to give the day of the annual expect your house The Survive & Thrive Outreach Housing Project aims to build 40 families a place that they can call Christmas Bake sale. It guests to pay for cof- Endowment was established to affordable, supportive apart- home for a period of up to three was also Intention fee, would you?" But I provide funds to parishes wishing ments on James Street in St. months. During this time help Sunday - the day when Jim Newman guess Andrew wasn't seed money for new parish-based Catharines for people of moder- will be given to establish a per- parishioners are asked to return an thinking about 12 year olds. It was- outreach initiatives and new pro- ate to low income, including manent residence and financial Intention Form on which they indi- n't much, but the gesture touched jects from affiliated historical those with specific needs; such help given to help families stand cate their intended weekly or annu- my heart in a way that was quite diocesan outreach ministries. The as people with disabilities, vic- on their own. This project is sup- al giving for the coming year. The unexpected. goal of any long-term projects Stewardship Committee of which tims of violence and the home- ported by ten local churches. There is a direct connection, I should be for them to become I'm part was hosting Coffee Hour - less. The housing project will think, to the story told in Mark The Bridge Prison Ministry self-sustaining by the end of the sort of a wrap up to our year-round provide a safe, affordable and 12:41-44: "Sitting across from the "The Bridge - Youth at Risk grant period. A plan for future stewardship efforts. pleasant environment for tenants offering box, he was observing how Ministry" provides volunteer financing will be required on ini- My granddaughter had helped and most importantly, a coordi- the crowd tossed money in for the programs that might "bridge" the tial applications, as well as a my wife wrap a variety of Christ- nated support service will be collection. Many of the rich were gap between institutions and the progress report by April 30 of mas cookies and cakes that morn- available to assist people with making large contributions. One street. The goal is to provide pro- subsequent grant years. ing. Wendy dropped the baking off the transition to greater personal poor widow came up and put in grams for the youth incarcerated All grants will be determined in the parish hall on her way to an independence. two small coins--a measly two in the Hamilton-Wentworth by June 30 in each calendar year. early choir practice, and when my cents. Jesus called his disciples McMaster Campus Ministries Detention Center. These pro- The 2006 application deadline is granddaughter and I arrived about over and said, "The truth is that Hymn Festival for Chaplaincy grams might better help them Friday, April 28. 45 minutes later, she proudly point- this poor widow gave more to the Outreach consists of choir deal with their issues, offer To download an application ed out the cookies she'd help to collection than all the others put anthems, congregational singing, opportunities to build skills, form go to www.niagara.angli- wrap. She noted that the cakes together. All the others gave what and a mass anthem sung by develop self worth, grow in faith, can.ca/outreach. For more infor- were already sold. they'll never miss; she gave extrav- choirs from the greater Hamilton and to hopefully feel a part of mation contact Karen Nowicki at My granddaughter is in a good agantly what she couldn't afford - area. Prayers, readings and and become contributing mem- 905-527-1316, ext. 380 or family where there's enough but she gave her all." reflections will be offered in- bers of the community. The through email at karen.nowic- not much extra. So, just as she ran between the music. The goals Bridge Support Group will [email protected]. off to church school I gave her a lit- It was certainly not a widow in tle money - $2.75 to be exact - to this case, just a 12 year old girl. buy a snack from the Bake Sale And she didn't give her all, just the table. After the service she leftover change that she had that appeared at coffee hour, smiling. morning, but something or some- She was holding a small, partially one along the way set an example eaten plate of cookies; and change for her about giving. of 75 cents which she promptly We're all setting, and living, returned to me. examples about giving all of the Initially I declined, but she time. We do it by what we say, and To create and strengthen responsible relationships which promote insisted, so I put the three quarters do. That's how we'll create a culture peace, justice, and the stewardship of creation in my pocket. A moment later she of stewardship in Niagara, and we politely asked for them back. never know who may be watching. Gift Planning: What's in it for Me and My Parish? JIM NEWMAN Workshop will be of particular • Why it's absolutely essential to Brandihil Inc. importance to Clergy and Parish have a valid will... and other Supplier of limestone cut to ere's what every clergy and Gift Planning Representatives. important documents Hlay leader needs to know Archdeacon Robertson is • How to do gift planning and still your specifications about gift planning - and how it extremely well versed in all be alive to see the results! would make a very significant aspects of gift planning. His • Wonderful opportunities to wit- difference in parish ministry. workshops are upbeat and lively, ness about your faith Jake Hildebrandt The Venerable John M. and filled with personal anec- • Gift Planning vehicles such as Robertson, National Gift dotes. He stresses the impor- annuities and listed securities, 4 Lochinvar Dr. Planning Officer for the Anglican tance of planned gifts by the liv- and tax considerations St.Catharines, ON Church of Canada will lead a Gift ing, noting that gifts which result • Preparing your parish to receive Planning Workshop on Saturday in the realization of a Diocesan planned gifts L2T 2B6 March 4, 2006 from 8:45am- or parish vision bring much joy John will share with partici- 11:45am at St. Matthew on-the- and satisfaction to the heart of pants 11 brand new colour Plains Anglican Church, 126 the giver. brochures and 5 detailed guides Bus: 905-685-0036 Cell: 905-736-0672 Plains Road East, Burlington. The workshop will be largely for light bedtime reading. Everyone interested in the non-technical, and include topics To register contact Karen Fax: 905-685-5122 tremendous potential of Gift such as: Nowicki at the Diocesan Re- Email: [email protected] Planning to parishes, to the • What Gift Planning is all about source Centre at 905-527-1316 Diocese, and to individuals is • Gift Planning - a sacred and pas- ex. 380, or karen.nowicki@niaga- encouraged to attend. This toral ministry ra.anglican .ca. 18 Niagara Anglican February 2006 Cathedral Gives Distinguished Leadership ALAN L. HAYES Oxford movement by the architect who created the Actually, some members of tor-in-charge. THE ITINERANT CHURCHGOER When Anglican cathedrals finally 72-room Dundurn Castle for Christ's Church would have pre- Interesting pieces of the he church where I worship did begin to appear in North Allan MacNab. Not coincidental- ferred to move to a new location Cathedral's history regularly Tmost often, next to my own America in the 1840s, it was in the ly, MacNab was the chair of the altogether. By the 1870s, James appear in its newsletter Contact. parish church, is Christ's Church wake of the big international church's building committee. Street North wasn't a particularly The author is the archivist, Cathedral. That's true of many Anglican catholic revival called the The congregation had to nice neighbourhood, and most Katharine Greenfield, a descen- Niagara Anglicans. Oxford Movement. The catholic decide on a name for the church. wealthy Anglicans lived south of dant of Geddes. Many of us go to the Cathedral revivalists valued the traditions of The story goes that someone sug- King Street. But the Anglican Today, Christ's Church Cath- when our friends and family mem- medieval Christianity, and cathe- gested "Geddes' church." Geddes churches that were already south edral has an excellent dean and bers are confirmed, or drals represented the protested that it should certainly of King, such as All Saints and assistant curate, several fine and when our new clergy romantic past of gothic not be that, but Christ's Church. Ascension, wouldn't have wanted hard-working honourary assistant are ordained, or when architecture, elaborate He got his wish. This explains the competition. clergy, a very capable staff, a our senior clergy are liturgy, and episcopal why the cathedral is called first-rate music director and choir, Too high church installed as canons, or discipline. Some peo- Christ's Church instead of the and a growing and generous con- when laypeople who ple liked that, and more usual Christ Church. Although Christ's Church did gregation. The dean reports "a have made a signal some didn't. In 1873 it was decided that a become the cathedral, its rector dramatically refreshed sense of contribution to the Most evangelicals new diocese of Niagara would be didn't become bishop. Many con- vision and mission." The bishop Church receive the didn't (and in the carved out of the diocese of sidered Geddes too "high- recognizes the cathedral's strate- Order of Niagara. 1840s most Canadian Toronto. It seemed proper and church," and brandished placards gic position and gives strong sup- We go to the Anglicans were evan- natural to the people of Christ's warning the electoral synod, "A port to its work. Cathedral when we Alan L. Hayes gelicals). But there Church that their rector should vote for Geddes is a vote for pop- With its long history intimately want to attend a beautiful even- were exceptions. Archbishop become the first bishop, and their ery!" The episcopal election went connected with the city of song with a stellar choir. Robert Machray of Winnipeg, our church should become the cathe- to his more evangelical seminary Hamilton and the diocese of Sometimes when the diocese first primate, and a hugely effec- dral. Since the existing church roommate, Thomas Brock Fuller. Niagara, an impressive ministry needs to discuss a serious issue, as tive missionary, was the most building, in their opinion, wasn't We're kinder now, of course. both inside and outside its walls, it did in recent memory concerning prominent Anglican evangelical in worthy of a cathedral, they tore it Geddes continued as dean and and a vision and a will for distin- Indian residential schools, its rep- the country in the late Victorian down and built a new one - the rector in name until 1891. But in guished future leadership, the resentatives meet in the Cathedral. era, and he enthusiastically pro- present church. The expense of it 1879 he was involuntarily pen- Cathedral - our Cathedral - is a Symbol of unity moted cathedrals as strategic almost deep-sixed them. sioned off and replaced by a rec- place to watch, and a place to visit. instruments of evangelism, church A cathedral is the bishop's church. growth, mission, theological edu- Like the bishop himself, the cation, charitable work, and social Evangelism… It's all about Good News cathedral symbolizes our unity in justice. Frankly, I think that his our common faith in Christ. In our MICHAEL PATTERSON ciated financial concerns. These resource, the Evangelism Tool kit vision for the role of a cathedral is conditions have only served to was created and offered with own times, and indeed in all the still a compelling one. times of Church history, issues t hardly seems possible that our test the very spiritual fabric of all countless hands-on resources and have threatened to divide us. Cathedral history Idiocese is two and a half years our communities. ideas for evangelism. Presen- These symbols of our common Our own Christ's Church into the five year commitment to Yet in the midst of it all, much tations have been made to faith can remind us of St. Paul's Cathedral isn't the oldest church evangelism that was identified as a has been accomplished and evan- Essentials, to the Niagara Contin- exhortation to try to "keep the in the diocese (that's St. Mark's, priority by our Bishop in 2001. To gelism is happening in wonderful uing Education group, as a keynote unity of the Spirit in the bond of Niagara), but it's the mother reflect on this time, I ways across our dio- address at an Alpha Conference, to peace" (Eph. 4). Anglican church of the see city, cannot but lament that cese. Presently the Provincial Synod, to a conference There's nothing really wrong Hamilton. The congregation we have only just evangelism working on evangelism at Renison College about having confirmations and began as a handful of Anglicans scratched the surface of group is made up of at the University of Waterloo, and ordinations in parish churches, meeting for worship in the village this elusive and some- nineteen people from at Huron College. The Broadway and indeed there's a practical courthouse. They borrowed the times difficult area of across Niagara who actor Bruce Kuhn came to our advantage: they're a more con- priest from Ancaster to lead them. ministry; it feels like actively and regularly synod in the fall of '05 to give us a venient location for parishioners. They got their own minister in we have only just engages in develop- taste of his one man show "The But on the other hand, for a spe- 1835. He was John Gamble begun. The time has ing, implementing Gospel of Luke', that he will per- cial occasion, it's nice to gather Geddes, aged 24, a Nova Scotian, passed by more quick- and supporting evan- form in its' entirety at four per- in a special place. For the events who had spent seven years study- ly than I would have gelism initiatives formances in May of this year. The Michael Patterson that are central to our diocesan ing in Chambly at the seminary liked and, half way in, from major diocesan word is out that Niagara is embrac- life together, it's very fitting to sponsored by the bishop of there is so much more I thought we wide conferences to local parish ing evangelism because consulta- meet in the symbolic centre of Quebec. Geddes and his lay leaders might have accomplished at this events. Over the last two and a half tions have been provided to the the diocese. were the ones who decided to build juncture along the way. years, now that I really look, much Dioceses of Huron, Toronto, No doubt about it, though, the church at its present location on However, as would be the case has been introduced and much has Keewatin, Ontario and Saskatoon. cathedrals have been controver- James Street North. This was (and with good friends, one of mine been accomplished. Most Sundays are full with invita- sial. After the American is) a few blocks north of the centre reminded me of my stubborn In this time, 59 parishes have tions to the evangelism working Revolution, the Episcopal Church of town. In those days it was on a impatience and tendency to set invited me or members of the group for parish visits and it is our in the U.S. steered clear of them. stream feeding into Burlington unrealistic goals! What he also working group into their commu- hope that all parishes will have Its leaders criticized them as Bay. The rationale for this location, reminded me of was that what we nities for consultations or preach- been visited by the end of 2007. relics of old-country tory hierar- apparently, was that it was reason- are doing is in God's time and not ing engagements on evangelism. Looking at it from the perspec- chical thinking. Even today, you ably accessible by boat. our own, what has happened was Of those, 24 are growing parishes tive of where we have come from, won't find cathedrals in sixteen The site has had two church meant to happen and at the pace it and an additional 17parishes have it has been a fruitful time over Episcopal dioceses. buildings. The first was designed was meant to have happened. And developed a specific and detailed these couple of years. I think for that's it! "Why not come at it from plan for evangelism. There have me one of the key indicators of the other angle," he encouraged. been two Magnetic Church confer- progress is that the word 'evangel- "What angle?" I questioned. ences; two of the better attended ism' is becoming, more and more, >À>iˆ *iÌiÀà -V]Ê "Take a look at what really has conferences of our diocese in a word commonly heard as part of " /", "
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hymns and kept lists for future reference. was a contemporary cantata called "Rescue Twenty Years as Organist The tools available to me now make this part in the Night," the story of Daniel in the of the job easier. The "Book of Common lion's den, in which we were able to involve DON PELLOW with the worshippers at St. Mark's. The choir Praise" includes biblical and topical refer- players from eight to just under eighty. One ORGANIST, ST. MARK'S, ORANGEVILLE goes "on the road" when we are invited to ences for the hymns. I use it extensively but helpful children's Christmas cantata called n my twenty years as organist/choir join the cathedral choir in Hamilton for not exclusively. Also, McCausland's "Order "Sing the Christmas Story" came from my Idirector at St. Mark's Anglican Church, events such as Ordinations, Confirmation of Divine Service" provides weekly lists of teacher/wife's Scholastic book orders. It Orangeville, it has been my experience to and the annual Order of Niagara service. The hymns related to the readings. Sometimes it contains a particularly poignant response of embrace much in the way of variety, choirs of Anglican parishes in our geograph- is helpful to turn to the authorized hymnals a youthful Mary to the Angel Gabriel, in change and challenge in our music pro- ical area (St. Mark's Orangeville; All Saints, of other denominations and non-denomina- "Lord, why choose me?" Preparing special gram. Early in my tenure, I worked with Erin; the Parish of Shelburne, Dundalk and tional materials. This provides richness and music with the choir and presenting it in the both a junior and a senior choir, each with a Whitfield; St. Alban's, Grand Valley; St. variety in the selections made. context of worship is one of the greatest joys respectable number of members and a John's Mono/Hockley, (Diocese of Toronto) For major festivals, our choir is called I experience in my ministry. diversity of musical talent and training. meet three to four times a year for an upon to produce special music in the form Other times Children have so many opportunities avail- able in sports and the Arts these days, that a Besides preparing the regular music for junior group is assembled only occasional- Sundays and festivals, there are many other ly for an event such as a Youth or early occasions when the services of the church Christmas Eve service. The number of ded- organist may be required. Preparing for a icated members in the senior choir has funeral can be challenging if requests are remained consistent although the names hard to fulfill on short notice and difficult and faces have changed. It is a pleasure to when the deceased has been a member of our prepare and perform music with such a own choir. Requests for special wedding hard-working group of people who willing- music has challenged me to do everything ly embrace a variety of styles of music. from learning the throne room march from Mainstream churches observe a pattern "The Empire Strikes Back" in the Star Wars of worship called "The Christian Year," series to reproducing a complete service from such that the life of Jesus Christ is reviewed the 1930's to match the bride's mother's wed- annually. The year begins with anticipation ding. At St. Mark's, stewardship dinners and of the coming of Christ in the season of fund raising events have provided parish- Advent (December) followed by a celebra- ioners, choir members and myself an oppor- tion of Jesus' birth at Christmas and the tunity to use our talents for entertainment arrival of the Three Kings at Epiphany purposes. I have accompanied budding and (early January). In winter, the penitential accomplished instrumentalists and soloists, season of Lent leads up to Palm/Passion singing as themselves or disguised as anyone Sunday, Good Friday and Easter. After forty from Sophie Tucker to Cher. It has been great days, the celebration of Christ's Ascension fun to work up comedy routines in which I and the coming of the Holy Spirit to the dis- have played Mozart and Victor Borge. ciples (Book of Acts, Chapter 2) introduce In the 1980s the only instrument available the long season of Pentecost. "The Reign of in the church was a large electric organ. On Christ" in late November brings us around Evensong. This ancient form of daily wor- of anthems or cantatas. At St. Mark's, we rare occasions I enjoyed playing a pipe organ to the beginning again. The music chosen ship is noted for beautiful service music and are blessed with a good musical library, when the choir visited other locations. In for worship services should relate to the gives the choirs the opportunity to work collected over the years. We have material 1992, I purchased a synthesizer. This major yearly festivals and others like All together on anthems and hymns. We sing composed by the likes of Bach, Handel, allowed me to develop much greater variety Saints and special saints' days found within psalms in the cantor/response model, taken Mozart and Beethoven as well as time hon- and fullness in the music and to record and them. Psalms, hymns and anthems are cho- both from the authorized Psalter and more oured works from the nineteenth and early "play over" the basic tracks as well. The first sen to emphasize and augment the biblical modern settings by George Black in "In the twentieth century. As time moves on, time I moved to direct the choir and left the readings for each Sunday. In addition, in the Midst of the Congregation." The next though, so does our musical taste. synthesizer playing it caused a bit of a stir in Anglican Church, we observe international Evensong is to be held at St. Mark's on Nowadays, we try to strike a balance the congregation but everyone is quite used events like the "World Day of Prayer," and February 26 at 4:00 p.m. Everyone is wel- between the "old masters" and contempo- to the technology now. St. Mark's has recent- national holidays like Canada Day, come to attend and enjoy an hour of worship rary works. I have found a good source for ly purchased an electric piano for the sanctu- Thanksgiving Day and Remembrance Day with excellent music and a special preacher. contemporary cantatas and anthems to be ary and a parishioner donated an acoustic with music suitable for each. Sometimes we even get a bishop! "The Canadian Choral Society" located in piano for practise. This allows for flexibility Winnipeg. CD's or tapes are provided along in accompaniment and also enables visiting Ensemble Common themes with sheet music. The recorded music is a musicians to play at joint events. Such com- At St. Mark's, we also have a special reper- The aim in selecting music for a worship valuable learning tool to acquaint the choir mitment is most appreciated. toire of music for "Taize" worship (based service is to achieve a common theme in the with the work and to help those who do not Being organist/choir director at St. on the model of the ecumenical community spoken word of the readings, sermon and read music fluently to rehearse individual- Mark's, Orangeville has been my "other job" in Taize, France) and for a monthly Celtic liturgy and the "sung word;" a theme that the ly. Our choir has enjoyed preparing and for twenty years but, as I hope I have been Communion service. At some Celtic servic- worshippers can "take home with them." As I performing several Christmas and Easter able to show, it is also my ministry. It is the es, I direct an ensemble of musicians from mentioned above, the yearly cycle and cantatas. We often invite members of the gift that I have to offer in the work of the the congregation playing flutes, guitars, Sunday Bible readings guide this process. congregation who like to sing but cannot church. It has been said that, "Music is the keyboards and sometimes bagpipes! This is Early in my career, I would read the lec- make a commitment to weekly rehearsals laughter of the soul." If this is so, then may a particularly enjoyable and interesting tionary for the Sundays, made my own choic- year round to join the group for special we, as musicians, continue to bring joy to all adventure that has proved to be popular es based on my knowledge of the words of events. One particularly memorable work who will listen with their hearts?

churchman!) we must begin to Anglicans, in a way that is unbe- sand years ago? Is the Church of Where do we go from here? look seriously and critically at lievably arrogant, look at other hierarchical architecture, inacces- Continued from Page 1 we want sometimes to avoid it, our liturgical lives. Why would a churches and preen about how we sible stairs, fixed pews, and even 19 year old come to our have our liturgy, the beauty of more fixed attitudes the one door on the last church sometime most people experience Church Churches? At the other end of the Anglicanism, and its glorious his- which is going to survive past mid-century! And no matter how on Sunday mornings. Yes, mid- scale, in what ways do we make tory, and therefore all will be mid-century? much we may think that is only week services, bible study hard unforgiving pews comfort- well. We know, however, that we Is it not time that we asked somewhere else, or in another groups, parish education oppor- able for arthritic 90 year olds? are still seen as an irrelevant, probing and meaningful ques- parish, or another diocese that tunities, and social events all add How dare we assume that all unnecessary, even inappropriate tions about relevant and excellent such unhappiness could exist, we to one's appreciation and enjoy- coming to our churches know the place by so many. I am not advo- preaching; interesting, beautiful need to be honest and look at our- ment of parish life, but it is still Lord's Prayer, or any Creed, or cating throwing all the babies out and engaging music; and helpful selves and our own environments how and what we do as we wor- any hymns? Why would we think with the bathwater, not by any and sincere praying? as well. After all, we're doing our ship Sunday mornings that is at that any particular kind of lan- means. I am advocating serious It is, after all, until the very best here, aren't we? My parish is the heart of who we are and how guage from any particular centu- and intentional work - beginning end of this month of February, exciting, dynamic, and fun-filled we manifest the living God in ry would 'work' for a contempo- with study, about worship - its the Epiphany season - the season - isn't it? We're trendy, current, our midst, joyfully, reverently, rary 'audience'? history and its meaning. of manifesting forth, or showing and topical - aren't we? and substantially. In my opinion (and, believe me, appearances Can, or should we, continue, the world, of living lives of Facing Reality Sunday Morning and others' rhetoric to the con- for example, to worship in spaces incarnation. Surely it is time to The truth is that, however much trary, I am a very conservative All too often, I fear that we designed and conceived a thou- do it well! 20 Niagara Anglican February 2006 Becomings PEOPLE IN THE NEWS This world of spring surrounds • The Reverend Cheryl Fricker has Christopher's Church, Burlington. This • Permission renewed for Maurice Moss as me with becomings, accepted the position to be rector of St. will be effective February 13, 2006. He Licensed Lay Reader at Holy Trinity, The promise of new life Aidan's Church, Oakville. This appoint- will relinquish his duties as Secretary of Hamilton, under the direction of the rector, about to burst. ment will be effective on January 2. Synod as of January 31. effective December 19 And I alone in all of God's creation • The Reverend John Ripley has accepted • The Reverend Mark Gladding, rector • Permission to administer the chalice Remain in winter's static the position to be Priest in Charge of of Arthur and Mount Forest, has been issued to Darlene Moorse, Penny frozen curse. the All Saints Mission in Niagara Falls, elected Regional Dean of Greater Matthews and Jean Allen at St. Paul's, But I will join the wondrous working cooperatively as part of Wellington Region. Shelburne, under the direction of the rec- world of springtime, the Niagara Falls Ministry Team, effec- • Reverend Canon Fran Darlington was tor, effective December 1 Become what God intended tive January 8. appointed Priest Assistant at St. James the • Our thoughts and prayers are with The • The Venerable Dr. Richard Jones has Apostle, Guelph, on December 15. Reverend David Long and family on from the first. accepted the position to be rector of St. • The Reverend Mary Ranger was reap- the death of his mother, Hetti; Mrs. Ina Paul's Church, Hamilton, and Secretary pointed Honorary Assistant at St. Paul's, Stap and family on the death of her Ethel Paterson of Synod, beginning February 1. Shelburne; St. James, Dundalk; and mother Margaret Batty; Canon David St. Hilda's, Oakville • The Reverend Dr. Steve Hopkins has Christ Church, Whitfield effective Howells and family on the death of accepted the position of Rector of St. December 1. his mother, Nell. Canterbury Hills: Bishop's Calendar February 2006 Plans, Work, and Dreams 7th, 5:00 p.m. - Meeting of Synod Council 12th, 10:30 a.m. - Church of St. Columba, St. Catharines, Parish Visit 12th, 4:00 p.m. - Grace Church, St. Catharines, Evensong/Dedication 14th, 12 p.m. - Meeting of Mohawk Clericus 18th, 11 a.m. - St. John's, Ancaster, Anniversary Service for Sister Benedetta 19th, 10 a.m. - St. Paul's, Fort Erie, Parish Visit 19th, Evening - Mount Carmel Retreat Centre, Niagara Falls, Lutheran Retreat until 22nd after lunch 26th, 9:30 a.m./11:00 a.m. - St. John's, Hamilton, Parish Visit 26th, 3:00 p.m. - Christ's Church Cathedral, Trafalgar Regional Confirmation Gift Planning Workshop

For clergy, Gift Planning Reps, and everyone interested in financially assuring the future of our Church

Join us at St. Matthew on-the-Plains Burlington on Saturday, March 4

Coffee and registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the Courtney Evers is pictured here (second from right) receiving the Order of Niagara with workshop will run from 9:00 a.m. until noon. mother Susan, father and co-recipient Fred, and sister Jerry Humes. The workshop will be facilitated by COURTNEY EVERS dren to grow in a group of their peers - through Archdeacon John Robertson, National Consultant. problem-solving, compromise, and shared inter days don't seem so long any more. experience. I realized how the staff at Growing up, winter was never my Canterbury Hills do much more than lead crafts W Please pre-register with Karen Nowicki by Wednesday, March 1. favourite season. There are elements of it that and sing songs. A Canterbury staff member is [email protected] or 905-527-1316 (ext. 380) I loved: snow angels, hot chocolate, and the someone who can facilitate a group of campers joy of Christmas. I have never been, however, to an exciting decision, who works well in a a person who skis or skates or plays hockey or team environment, and puts the campers first, enjoys dog sledding or snow shoeing. Most always. I grew tremendously as a person, and winters, after the light and excitement of as a leader - in my work and in my faith. Christmas, I was ready for summer. I moved on from camp, but it never left me. When I reflect on this anticipation for sum- Last winter, I longed for the anticipation that mer, I realize that it had less to do with the cold summer used to bring for me. I craved the feel- furry of winter, and more to do with an all- ing of working in a team that I had at important event in my young Canterbury. To do work for life. An event that happened As a camper I loved something I believe in, a once a year, in the midst of Canterbury Hills for the ministry I am passionate sunshine and humidity, in the friends I made, the songs about. To work with skilled freedom of school-free days, we sang, and the activi- and energized people that I an event I looked forward to ties we did. care about; people who are all winter long: camp. As a striving to make a difference. camper I loved Canterbury Hills for the friends I started day-dreaming about where I might I made, the songs we sang, and the activities find that feeling again. It occurred to me, on we did. From crafts to ropes climbing to the front step of my apartment building, with archery to swimming, I loved them all. We snow falling lightly, that I knew where to find camped in the woods and saw animal prints it. I knew exactly where that magic, team, and near the creek. We laughed and had group contribution were waiting for me. cheers, and hiked to a nearby waterfall where I Now, heading into my first summer as saw a Fairy for the first time. Next year I will Camp Coordinator, I feel blessed. Winter days stand up at the wedding of one of my closest are not long any more. They are filled with friends - a friend who I met in Poplar cabin, at plans, work, and dreams for summer 2006. the age of 10. Canterbury Hills is now accepting camper As a Leader-in-Training, Cabin Leader, and, registrations and staff applications. The dead- later, on the senior staff, I started to love line for new staff applications is March 1, Canterbury Hills for different reasons. I learned 2006. For more information please visit how the unit-camping approach allowed chil- www.canterburyhills.ca, or call 905-648-2712.