DIOCESAN POST Celebrating the Diocese of British Columbia A Section of the ANGLICAN JOURNAL FEBRUARY 2018

Faith in Action Photo by John Ducker

Bishop Logan thanks Canon Flett and presents him with a gift A Morning With Victor Flett, Aboriginal Veteran

By Faith Magwood After 36 years, when he returned their culture and revitalization that racism is being replaced by to civilian life, he sought to of their languages. reconciliation, but there is still On December 2, St. Peter and apply his training in the navy a great deal of work to be done. St. Paul’s, Esquimalt, hosted to jobs in Dockyard or at the He gives great credit to Anglican an Aboriginal Neighbours’ ammunition depot. Again, he Primates Ted Scott and Michael In thanking Victor for his presentation by Victor Flett attributes his rejections to racism. Peers for their courage and presentation, Bishop Logan entitled From Racism to Eventually he found a job with leadership in speaking out for McMenamie invited Victor’s Reconciliation. Flett, who the Commissionaires where he First Nations and is encouraged son, Victor Jr. (Buddy), to now lives in Sooke, is of Cree worked for over 20 years. by the 94 Calls to Action of stand with them at the front. descent from the Peguis First the Truth and Reconciliation Then he delighted all present by Nation in Manitoba. Quietly, There were two significant Commission. He mentioned, bestowing upon Victor the status and with great dignity, Flett told journeys that had great meaning especially, the call to repudiate of Lay Canon of the Diocese. his story of growing up on his for Victor. The first was a the Doctrine of Discovery. He There were cheers, hoots and grandfather’s land in Manitoba, return to Korea for ceremonies believes it is the root of the hollers of applause. joining the Navy, and his of acknowledgement of the racism that has followed in the civilian life after his discharge. Canadian contribution—Flett last 400 years. Faith Magwood is the former The audience listened intently. served in Korea on the destroyer Chair of Aboriginal Neighbours HMCS Crusader. The second Returning to the story of his and is the current bell ringer at Flett’s mother died when he was participation in the 100th family, Victor told of being Christ Church Cathedral. was three years old, so he and anniversary ceremonies at the called to his second oldest

his older siblings were brought Vimy Memorial. To complement John Ducker brother’s bedside when he was up by his grandmother whose Victor’s story, John Ducker, dying. His brother thanked him husband had fought and died at People’s Warden at St. Peter for coming, and Victor thanked Photo by Vimy Ridge in the First World and St. Paul’s, presented an Canon Victor Flett him for teaching him to pray. War. The grandmother was very exceptionally moving photo strong in her Christian faith and essay on Canadians returning actively trying to build bridges When asked what he was praying delegated Victor’s second oldest to Vimy. between the people in the pews for now, Victor emphatically brother to teach him to pray. and his First Nations brothers said “Justice.” In a land as rich YEAR OF and sisters. In recent years, Victor remained firmly grounded as Canada, where most of us lead RECONCILIATION Flett told of his experience in the faith his grandmother had he has seen the Royal British comfortable lives, it is a disgrace of racism at school and in the taught him. Attending three Columbia Museum and the that so many First Nations navy. He said he learned early Sacred Circles meant a lot to University of Victoria reach out people live in poverty and under to be ashamed of his aboriginal him. In Aboriginal Neighbours to First Nations with initiatives boil water advisories. He said heritage to avoid confrontation. he found friends who were to increase acknowledgement of he is encouraged to see signs

Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits, Renewed People 2 . DIOCESAN POST . FEBRUARY 2018 Light Up the Darkness house and shot him down. Two of the Epiphany, we listen to the days later he walked out on the call for us to make manifest the stage and sang. Somebody asked Christ in our midst—how will him why. He said the people who we reflect the light that we have Bishop’s Calendar were trying to make this world come to know in the Christ? How, worse are not taking a day off. by our words and actions, will February How can I? people know we are followers of this Jesus? How will they see the 13 Educational Trusts Board Light up the darkness.” light reflected in our lives? Diocesan Post 15 Finance Committee

Photo: Candlemas is my favourite At the end of the movie I Am 17 Nimpkish Regional Gathering, festival of the church year. It is Legend, Robert Neville, through St. John the Divine, Courtenay the feast of the purification of the his blood, discovers a cure that 22 Diocesan Council Bishop Logan Blessed Virgin Mary. The date is will save humanity and he dies February 2 and is the 40th day of in the process. At the end of the 24 Tolmie Regional Gathering Clergy Writes the Christmas-Epiphany season. movie another character who is Day, St. Mary the Virgin, Oak Bay In the movie I Am Legend, the There is no connection at all with also immune, named Anna, says main character, Robert Neville, Groundhog Day! It is the time these words: an army virologist played by Will when we bring our candles to the Smith, is immune to a disease that church to be blessed. It is a time “In 2009, a deadly virus burned has affected humanity because when we bring ourselves to be through our civilization, pushing of his blood type. He looks for a blessed, a time to live as a light humankind to the edge of cure for the disease, a disease that in the world. We are called to extinction. Dr. Robert Neville causes the population to live in light up the darkness and shine dedicated his life to the discovery NOTE: SUBMISSION DEADLINES the darkness during the day and light into the places where hope of a cure and the restoration of HAVE CHANGED TO THE 25TH OF roam the streets at night. As he is is needed. We do this by both our humanity. On September 9, 2012, going out again to face the world, words and our actions. at approximately 8:49 p.m., he THE MONTH (TWO MONTHS IN he plays music by Bob Marley as discovered that cure. And at 8:52, inspiration. We live as Christians to a rhythm he gave his life to defend it. We ADVANCE OF EACH ISSUE). of life. Our calendar which began are his legacy. This is his legend. He says, “He [Bob Marley] had on Advent Sunday is there for this idea, it was kind of a virologist us to adjust our lifestyle in Light up the darkness.” NEXT SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS idea, he believed he could cure accordance with God’s time racism and hate, literally cure it and God’s season. During this Go therefore and be a light on FEB 25TH (FOR THE MARCH ISSUE) by injecting music and love into season, we examine our lifestyle these islands and inlets. people’s lives. One day he was to see how we are living as lights scheduled to perform at a peace in the world. As we continue our concert and gunmen came to his journey through the season

An Invitation to join DIOCESAN POST WELCOMES The Friends of Christ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Church Cathedral Join with many others from Victoria and across Canada as a Friend of Christ Church Cathedral Support us in enhancing this glorious building and its surroundings Become part of a community that enjoys many shared activi- ties, including music events, excursions and social events LOOKING FOR MONTHLY Provide knowledge, skill and expertise to promote special projects Help to ensure the long tradition of worship and praise INTERCESSIONS? continues for future generations Download a membership brochure from our website www.christchurchcathedral.bc.ca bc.anglican.ca/resources Quadra@Rockland, Victoria BC V8V 3G8 A Cathedral for the City 250.383.2714 www.christchurchcathedral.bc.ca

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Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits, Renewed People FEBRUARY 2018 . DIOCESAN POST . 3 Personal Hardships in South Sudan Sharmilla Reid from ADRA PWRDF Canada visited the food distribution site in June, Corner listened to many of the people By Geoff Strong, receiving food, and shared the PWRDF Diocesan following stories: Representative Awi Lorumu is the youngest of This winter, PWRDF has six wives and expecting her first been leading a $375,000 food baby. The other wives have 18 assistance project in South Sudan children among them. Before that aims to feed thousands in the drought, they had farm Eastern Equatoria State, near animals, planted sorghum, and the border of both Uganda and ate three times a day. All their Kenya. This project is carried animals have since died and out through PWRDF’s equity crops have failed because of the in their special partnership drought, and now they eat only with the Canadian Foodgrains wild fruit that Awi walks half a PWRDF Bank, which includes a 4:1 match day in the forest to find. Food from Global Affairs Canada, rations distributed by ADRA plus a generous contribution last only one day because of her Photo by of $100,000 from the United large family, and the children Many South Sudanese walk for more than a day to get to ADRA food distribution sites Church of Canada. These funds are malnourished. purchase sorghum, beans, the drought. Nakine appreciates with other community members, Visit www.pwrdf.org for cooking oil and salt, as well Nakine Lochile is the fourth of ADRA support during this many of whom are subsisting on information on other PWRDF as paying transportation and six wives, but her husband died period, and asks for God`s whatever scarce wild fruits they relief and development projects, staff support. Naba Gurung, some time ago. She has two blessing, and more seeds. can find. If the situation does not or contact the PWRDF PWRDF’s Humanitarian daughters and five sons. The girls improve, many will die and others Diocesan Representative, Geoff Response Coordinator, oversees help around the household by Sharmilla was struck by the will be forced to become refugees.” Strong at [email protected]. the supply, monitoring and picking wild fruit, so they cannot enormity of the situation in Geoff is also available to give evaluation of this project, while go to school. With no support South Sudan, and reported that A more detailed account of the a presentation on PWRDF at food distribution is handled from a husband, Nakine depends “while we were providing food for South Sudan project is reported your parish. by local partner, Adventist on wild fruit and some products thousands of people, thousands at www.pwrdf.org/2017/the- Development and Relief Agency that she grows. However, her more were still in need. Every one happiest-day-of-my-life-has- (ADRA) of South Sudan at three crop-seeding attempts of the people we spoke to said they finally-come/. several secure sites. this past year failed because of were sharing what they received

CO-ED CURSILLO WEEKEND 2018 March 1-4, 2018 Camp Imadene 9175 South Shore Road Mesachie Lake Application forms can be found at cursillobc.com and ask people in your parish about CURSILLO! Through this spiritual retreat the Cursillo Community works to revive the spirit and rejuvenate the church through the people. This weekend will provide a one of a kind opportunity to learn more about how to live your life in the way our Lord taught us, deepen your commitment to your faith walk and gain an amazing faith community to walk along and encourage you on your faith journey.

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Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits, Renewed People 4 . DIOCESAN POST . FEBRUARY 2018 Faith in Formation The Ordination of Aneeta Devi Saroop: Affirming Shared Ministry by Dawna Wall Each part of the service reflected and affirmed the shared On a cold and snowy evening ministries of the denominations. in Victoria, Grace Lutheran Church was ablaze with light and Bishop Logan appointed life as Aneeta Devi Saroop was Aneeta to serve at St. Mary the ordained to the Ministry of Word Incarnation in Metchosin, and and Sacrament on her baptismal many members of that parish anniversary, December 19. were present. Aneeta’s stole was The partnership between the presented to her by her husband, Anglican Church of Canada Tom, and children, Eric, Maya and the Evangelical Lutheran and Aleesha. In his sermon, the Church in Canada was fleshed Rev. Lyle McKenzie reflected on Dr. PamelaDr. Giles out in significant ways as the the importance of grace-filled clergy from those denominations communities who welcome, partnered up for the procession console, challenge, comfort and Photo by and as their respective bishops confirm God’s call to individuals Aneeta Devi Saroop with Bishop Greg Mohr, BC Synod (ELCIC) on her left and Bishop Logan McMenamie on her right shared in leading the service. for strengthening, encouraging Other partnerships included and building up the community. pastor currently serving a joint Lutheran Church, Aneeta says, the greatest gift I could have ever music ministries from the Abbey The community who gathered Lutheran and Anglican parish in “I found some community there, been offered.” (a ministry of the Emmaus to lay hands on Aneeta and to Port Alberni, and who has played was baptized with my children Community) and from Lutheran affirm God’s call to her stretched an important role in nurturing there, and never looked back. I The Rev. Canon Dr. Dawna Wall Church of the Cross. In addition, across the Malahat as treacherous Aneeta’s faith. never would have guessed that is rector at St. Michael and All Grace Lutheran and Lutheran roads kept many praying from living the joys and the agonies Angels’ Royal Oak and regional Church of the Cross joined a distance, including Brenda In describing how Aneeta of life together in Christian dean of Selkirk. together to host the reception. Nestegaard Paul, a Lutheran and her family came to Grace community would have been Paul Schumacher Ordained as Transitional Deacon

Bishop Logan McMenamie church of St. Peter and St. Paul. presided and ordained. He had Paul’s journey as a ‘locally raised help and assistance from people up’ lay person moving along of multiple parishes. The Rev. the path to non-stipendiary Patrick Sibley was an amazingly ordination is a milestone in the calm master of ceremonies. He life of this parish. lined us all up well and kept this rector relatively calm. We look to our diocesan vision Christ Church Cathedral Choir for wisdom and guidance. All members joined with St. Peter parishes are called under Faith and St. Paul Choir under the in Formation, Lay Ministry & leadership of Zachary Windus. Leadership Formation to: The music was simply incredible. Bruce Bryant-Scott

Ann Easton, and a team, “Celebrate and lift up the hosted attendees in a beautiful ministry of all the baptized;

Photo by reception following the service. where all are engaged in the Bishop Logan McMenamie ordains Paul Schumacher, assisted by Patrick Sibley, deacon, St. John the Divine and mission of the church. Equip and MC for the service Paul has trained and been enable both lay and ordained mentored by leadership at Christ leaders, so they may exercise By Lon Towstego knows that it is also a gift walked with Paul on a pre- Church Cathedral, St. Peter and their gifts for the benefit of all.” grounded in, and arising from, ordination retreat. St. Paul and St. Michael and December 12, 2017 was an our baptismal promises and All Angels. He is now assigned The path to ordination is one of exciting day of celebration for covenant. All that we do is done We were observing the day to the Church of the Advent numerous possible directions this diocese of island and inlets, with God’s help. of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Colwood with leadership to which people are called. It for Selkirk region, for the parish drawn from the Spanish and offered by rector, the Rev. Sandra is my hope and prayer that our of St. Peter and St. Paul and In case the rest of us were at all Catholic tradition of our Hounsell-Drover. parishes and regions see and live definitely for Paul Schumacher fuzzy on the depth or the details church. This made for very into this opportunity and send as he was being ordained. of this, retired Archbishop Caleb interesting readings for the day Paul senses a call to being a God’s people to the missional Paul is keenly aware that Lawrence preached articulately and enriched the sermon and priest, and we will watch what outposts of this diocese. ordination is about the about the history of the three- the service. Clergy turnout was God has in store for him. Our whole church and is a deep fold ordained ministry of our tremendous and we were a sea diocesan archivist, Jacquie The Ven. Lon Towstego is rector responsibility, privilege and church and specifically about of red. Nevin, confirmed this was the of the parish of St. Peter and St. humbling experience. He also the diaconate. He had also first ordination in the parish Paul and Archdeacon, Selkirk.

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Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits, Renewed People FEBRUARY 2018 . DIOCESAN POST . 5 Lent: How Can We Not Rejoice? By Phyllis Thompson will be preached on the theme After his baptism, newly frailties and shortcomings, joy to the Lord” (Ps.100) and of Joy, often with reference to acknowledged and empowered, we also are encouraged to give thanks for the faithfulness Given the usual deadlines for the joy we experience even as Jesus is led into the desert by sense possibilities for change, and merciful love the Mighty submissions to the Diocesan we anticipate the birth of our the Holy Spirit. During his conversion and growth. Lent One proffers. We can “ring out Post, I sit here a few days before incarnate redeemer. time there, he’s challenged, offers, (goads us into), the our joy to the Lord [and] hail Advent’s Gaudete Sunday writing and seemingly bereft of any opportunity to become more the rock who saves us.” (Ps.95) something for the February But Lent? Can we envision Joy support. As he contends with self-aware, more aware of our These words and those heard on issue and Lent. The focus on as part of this season in the the elements, his aloneness, his relationship with our Creator- Gaudete Sunday can be uttered Advent III is Joy and rejoicing. church? I’m bold to say “yes” humanity, his sense of others and Parent, with others close and far, daily in Lent: indeed Emmanuel An entrance antiphon tells us to even though Joy isn’t something his world, and his relationship and with our earth. Although is near, with us as he promises “Rejoice in the Lord always; again we typically associate with Lent. with his Creator-Parent, I have Lent may present us with desert “always, to the end of the I say rejoice for indeed the Lord is The Byzantine divine office says no sense the Spirit leaves him. aspects, like the beauty of desert age.”(Mt.28:20) How can we not near.” (Phil.4:4-5) The psalm for it’s our “Lenten Spring,” a season This is a mindful time, a time flowers that spring forth from rejoice, and always? the day is replaced by a canticle: we’re to enter “with joy.” St. of real awareness—guided, and prickly cacti, Lent is a season rich Mary’s song. “My soul magnifies Benedict, in his Rule, tells his goaded, by the Spirit as Jesus with rebirth, renewal as we—like In Lent we can look forward the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in monastics they should engage discerns the direction his life’s Jesus—discern the direction our to Holy Easter with “joy and God my Saviour . . . for the Mighty in this holy season “with the journey is meant to take. lives, our spiritual journeys, are spiritual longing”—the joy and One has done great things for me.” joy of the Holy Spirit,” looking meant to take. longing that began in Advent (Lk.1:46-47,49) The offertory forward “with joy and spiritual So, Lent for us? Ah, a season as we awaited the Incarnation prayer asks God to “renew in us longing” to Holy Easter. Lastly, special for its particular kind Like Jesus, we are not bereft of continues in Lent, coming to the joy of your salvation” and the the liturgical Preface for Lent I in of mindfulness. A season that support. Acknowledged and fulfillment with the Resurrection. prayer after Communion asks the Catholic sacramentary tells draws us into challenging empowered at our baptism, we The entire Paschal Mystery God that “this eucharist free us us that God “gives us this joyful terrain where we too face our can rejoice that the Spirit guides should fill us with unending joy. from our sins and fill us with season each year.” humanness, both personal and us through these days. We can, May it be so. unending joy.” Sermons likely communal; yet as we face our with the psalmist, “cry out with No Pain, No Gain By Adela Torchia though my devout Catholic waste anything after I left their religions had foundational Gandhi once made the mother cautioned against home, and was appalled at a ideas that some kind of self- provocative claim that earth Ash Wednesday falls on making such an “impossible” throwaway culture. denial or asceticism was an provides enough for everyone’s Valentine’s Day this year— pledge. And I’m among many important spiritual practice. need, but not for everyone’s perhaps not the best day to who consider what meat-eating Then, lo and behold, ecology’s Asceticism and frugality are greed. Mind you, world give up chocolate. Even if you’ve does to the planet and to our foundational concept of closely related, or as the athletes population when he died was never seen the excellent 2000 fellow creatures, though I’m more-with-less comes say: No pain, no gain. One has about 2.5 billion compared to movie, Chocolat, you might glad someone invented the term along—a more meaningful to stretch past what used to be our c. 7.5 billion just 70 years well be aware that giving up ‘flexitarian’. Growing up as a life with less consumerism comfortable in order to excel later! Nonetheless, one hopes chocolate for Lent has deeply daughter of Italian immigrants or materialism—a giving in a worthwhile goal. that Gandhi’s idea might still be entrenched roots in our church who’d come to Canada out of up of many pleasures and true, and that world population and culture. Although there have economic desperation after conveniences for the sake of And so we’ve come full circle in will somehow stabilize. What been many modern attempts WWII, frugality was deeply the higher cause of planetary a way. As responsible citizens do we need to give up as to get people to “go deeper” for embedded in our lives and surviving and thriving. Now of Planet Earth, we’re asked individuals and as a society Lenten practice, it seems that psyches. Wasting anything, frugality was in style, with to re-evaluate, among other in order to help earth survive, giving up sweets, especially especially money or food, was the term Elegant Frugality things, all the ways we might be and to nurture and sustain all of chocolate, remains anchored as a terrible sin; with the overall gaining ground in recent harming our fellow creatures, God’s children worldwide? No the mainstay of Lenten spiritual plan being that we kids were years. Strangely enough, this like the fact that 20% of the easy answer—no pain, no gain. discipline for many Anglicans not to waste our fantastic positive view of frugality was world’s population (us) uses up and other Christians. opportunities for education in ascendency—just as the more than 80% of the world’s as Canadians. I was often churches’ historical teachings resources. How impressed Full disclosure: I give up neither embarrassed at the extent of about the dangers of profligate would God be if two of God’s chocolate nor wine for Lent. By my parents’ frugality, but found wastefulness and a life of luxury children use up what is meant age 12, I’d given up TV for Lent, myself nonetheless unable to were declining. Most world to nurture eight or ten of them?

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Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits, Renewed People 6 . DIOCESAN POST . FEBRUARY 2018 Agents of Change: Confirmation in the 21st Century

By Annalise Wall, aka Lois Lane, confirmation is an opportunity biblical stories and the history Roving Reporter for them to choose to say “yes” of Christianity, as well as how to and wholeheartedly accept faith lead a prayerful life. A candidate In a parish far, far away, into their lives. One candidate for confirmation added that it Anglicans gathered for “a huge mentioned that in baptism, there helped them learn more about stepping stone into Church was no chance to have a say in how interconnected different life”—confirmation, as described the process—that it was others concepts can be, “science and by one of the candidates who were repeating words for them, and faith seem to me like jigsaw confirmed in Colwood’s Church that confirmation was “a choice puzzle pieces that look like they’ll of the Advent on December 3. you make for the rest of your be on opposite ends, but end up Bishop Logan McMenamie life.” Another argument for the right next to each other.” called confirmation “a reality, importance—and relevance— and an invitation to stop and of confirmation is that it offers When asked to offer John Hounsell-Drover evaluate the inward relationship a bridge over the gap from recommendations about between God and self.” When Sunday School to becoming confirmation, a confirmand interviewed, the candidates a contributing member of the mentioned that it was a fun and Photo by agreed that confirmation was congregation. Confirmation, the accessible way to connect and Confirmation candidates William Hounsell-Drover, Peter Hounsell- an important rite for them. candidates agreed, showed them grow in faith. Another candidate Drover, Sera Lowry, and Maggie Weatherall their place in faith. spoke about how it filled in the The word “choice” was often gaps about religion and explained Anglican faith” for them. These the 21st century, agreeing that repeated by the candidates. Their preparation process biblical content in a new light, as youths, an important part of confirmation helped make them Many of the confirmands took place for one hour once a well as a comment that it was the diocese, are boldly bringing agents of change in their worlds. were baptized as infants, thus week, and instructed them in “the most important part of their beliefs and leadership into

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RENEWED HEARTS Diocesan Council Meetings 2018 RENEWED SPIRITS RENEWED PEOPLE St. Dunstan, Gordon Head Feb 22 Thursday St. Matthias, Victoria Oct 27 Saturday St. John, S. Cowichan Mar 24 Saturday Christ Church Cathedral Nov 22 Thursday Church of the Advent, Colwood May 31 Thursday St. John the Divine, Victoria Dec 20 Thursday Trinity Church, Port Alberni Jun 28 Thursday St. Philip, Cedar Sep 27 Thursday SYNOD Apr 20-22

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Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits, Renewed People FEBRUARY 2018 . DIOCESAN POST . 7 The Garbage Dump very heart of their Jewish faith. am made aware that this is the such things as the Last Supper, has held me firm in faith to this For some, this pilgrimage to Kidron valley. Since I was a small the trial, the condemnation, the day. Jerusalem would happen only boy in my parish church choir I execution of Jesus is being brutally once in a lifetime. have associated the Kidron brook challenged. I can feel something Years later I would come across a with the terrible night that Jesus encouraging me to dismiss them poem of R.S. Thomas, Welsh poet Reluctantly turning away to begin spent before he was taken, tried as fables for children, simplicities and Anglican priest. the journey to my hostel, I walk and crucified. All these years I that have no place in a so-called towards the nearest city gate, have thought of this place in real world. And God held in his hand a small the ancient Dung Gate, under terms of solemn hymns and globe. the shadow of the city walls. psalms, glorious but sad music Just then, at the lowest point of Look, He said. The Son looked. I continue along the unpaved and passages of scripture that tell that feeling of hurt and despair, Far off, as through water, He saw road sloping down towards the the story of our Lord’s Passion. something wonderful happens. A scorched land of fierce colour. Reflections Kidron Valley. To my left, further It is as if a voice speaks deep The light burned there. up the slope from me, the great But then I become aware of inside me and utters a single Crusted buildings cast shadows. By Herbert O’Driscoll walls continue north. I can see something utterly different. unforgettable sentence. The voice A bright serpent, a river, uncoiled where the next city gate—the There in the dry bed of the says quietly, “But I came to you itself Once upon a time is as good a way Eastern Gate had been blocked up river, stretching up and down into a world of garbage.” Radiant with slime. as any to begin this story. After centuries ago to prevent pilgrims from both sides of the bridge, all, it happened a long time ago— trespassing into the temple area is a huge city garbage dump! In that moment all sorts of things On a bare hill a bare tree saddened or will seem so if you are young. itself. If I look to the right I can Strewn everywhere are old worn fade away—hurt, disappointment, the sky. see the incline of the Mount of automobile tires, bits of broken disillusion, even despair. It is as if Many people held out their thin It is late October, 1969. A long Olives. Somewhere on the lower furniture, battered stoves and a great shadow withdraws. arms to it sunny afternoon, getting on for part of that slope is my hostel. But refrigerators, old tattered As though waiting for a vanished the hour when it is time to get first I have to follow the narrow clothes—everything you can Years later I would read a French April back to the hostel for supper— road as it turns east and descends think of in such a place. scholar, Paul Riceour. He would To return to its crossed boughs. also the hour when the lowering towards a small bridge. speak of the necessity in our The Son watched them. sun shows the golden shadings in It is as if two orchestras have faith journey to pass from what some of the stone buildings and As I approach it, the terrain begun to play two utterly different he called first, or early, naiveté “Let me go there,” he said. walls of Jerusalem’s old quarter. begins to become clearer. By the thunderous chords in my ears. I to second, mature adult naiveté. time I reach the middle of the am much more than surprised. I would know exactly what he When I discovered that poem I have just turned away from the bridge, I can see what is obviously I realize I am utterly shocked. I meant. Years after I would realize years after my Kidron experience, south end of the temple area’s a dried-up river bed. am also aware of a deep sadness. how symbolic it was that I was I remembered the inner voice that great ruined steps that once What suddenly seems a naïve standing on a small dusty bridge spoke to me all those years before. carried crowds of pilgrims from It is at this moment I see illusion has been shattered by a when I had the experience. I all over the known world of the something that will remain in brutal reality. I have a feeling of would know that for me this was time—all of them making their my memory all my life. I realize being mocked for my naiveté. My a crossing over from that early pilgrimage to the temple, the two things very quickly. First, I memory of the gospel accounts of naiveté to a mature naiveté that Becoming a Synod Delegate Poetry Corner

By Terry Jones regional gatherings and reporting by Joanna M. Weston back to your parish about them Have you ever wondered what goes • reading background materials on at Synod? Do you want to learn and praying about the issues firsthand about priorities and plans before coming to Synod STILL LIFE WINTER MORNING for our shared vision and ministry • reviewing a copy of the Canons within the diocese? and Regulations (these are available on the diocesan website voices fade from the room I lift a prayer Then why not let your name stand or from your parish) to be a delegate at Synod? It would • meeting with other delegates grapes gleam dully of grief and joy give you the opportunity to meet from your parish to discuss the to an overcast sky parish members from all over the upcoming Synod diocese and attend workshops and • praying for the bishop, delegates oranges glow as snow drifts debates at Synod. and other diocesan leaders and shadow the bowl through bare branches

Only lay people are eligible to be During Synod, it’s important to laying diamonds delegates to Synod. They are elected remember that you are representing my hands rise on dead leaves by a parish or region. All licensed only yourself (not your parish). You clergy are automatically members will be able to vote on important into silence of Synod. As a Synod delegate, issues affecting our shared vision you are expected to serve as an and ministry within the diocese. Joanna M. Weston has active, contributing member of prayer spills written and published your parish council and provide After Synod you are expected to over the table poetry, middle readers a critical link between your share the highlights and decisions and short stories for congregation and the diocese. You with your parish as a positive thirty years. will familiarize yourself with the ambassador for Synod. diocesan plans and priorities and help monitor and implement them. For more information, speak to There are many ways to prepare your parish clergy or warden. A yourself for Synod, including: comprehensive guide is available online at: bc.anglican.ca/resources/ • attending and participating in the synod-delegates

Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits, Renewed People 8 . DIOCESAN POST . FEBRUARY 2018 Faith in Foundation Emerging Ministries, Vision Implementation and Effective Communications

diocesan manuals and guidelines, (2016-17) is almost $320,000. Fly on the Wall redeveloping the Diocesan Post A full report, including a list of By Catherine Pate and publishing articles online. In funded projects can be found on There are several ways individuals may find 2018, efforts will focus on helping the diocesan website bc.anglican. themselves serving on Diocesan Council. Each This regular column reports on the parishes develop communications ca/vision/vision-fund. region of the diocese elects a clergy and a lay activities and decision of Diocesan strategies and offering regional Council—the “synod between workshops on a variety of Finances representative. Additional members are elected synods” of our diocese. communications topics. • St Columba to receive a parish from the floor of Synod. Others may be appointed, grant of $3000 to cover 2017 either by the bishop or by Council itself. There is At its December meeting, Diocesan Emerging Ministries shortfall. Council heard presentations from Rob Crosby-Shearer and Craig • FTE salary and benefits for the provision for one or more youth representatives the diocesan communications Hiebert presented a number of Refugee Sponsorship Program (aged 16 to 25 according to the Canons). Diocesan models for emerging ministries to be supported through the officer, the vision implementation officers are ex officio members, while synod team for emerging ministries taking shape across the country as diocesan budget and vision and the Vision Fund jury which well as a few examples from within fulfillment funds in 2018 with office staff attend with voice, but no vote. administers funds in support of the diocese including a replant of subsequent COLA increases as vision-related initiatives across a historic parish in Ucluelet, the mandated by Council for fiscal the diocese. strengthening of an indigenous- year 2019-2021. settler church relationship in Port • An anonymous donor has Effective Communications Hardy, Emmaus/Abbey Church given $11,000 to support UVic Catherine Pate updated council monastic community and church chaplaincy and $1,331 to support Personnel Updates on the work done over the last two plant. Council was then asked to the curacy program. years to improve communications consider obstacles facing possible • A 2018 narrative budget will Appointments across the diocese. This included emerging ministries in the life reflect the diocesan vision • Anthony Divinagracia, regional dean, of the diocese and ways those and will be presented at Synod conducting a communications Nimpkish, Dec. 2, 2017. barriers could be removed to in April. The current deficit audit and updating synod office • Victor Flett, Sr., commissioned as Lay technology, rebuilding the ensure success. is $113,400. Canon of the Diocese, Dec. 2, 2017. diocesan website, parish town hall meetings with the bishop, Vision Fund Update For more information about • Paul Schumacher, deacon in transition, parish visits and consultations, Ian Alexander and Julie Poskitt Diocesan Council (including Church of the Advent, Dec. 13, 2017. frequent e-news from synod updated council on vision-related downloadable minutes) please • Jennifer Marlor of the ELCiC, incumbent at activities initiated across the visit bc.anglican.ca/diocesan- office, regional gatherings, We St. Columba, Tofino and St. Aidan Community, diocese over the last year and committees/diocesan-council Together conferences, diocesan- Ucluelet, February 18. wide website strategy, rebranding, the funds each project received vision promotion and education, through the Vision Fund. The Catherine Pate is the diocesan the publication of parish and total funds disbursed to date communications officer. AFC Awards $303,000 In November Grant Cycle DECEMBER 11, 2017, TORONTO, “Thanks to the generosity of for theological projects. It also award cycle must be submitted Leading the way in resourceful ONT.—The Anglican Foundation Canadian Anglicans for making disbursed $60,000 for special by April 1, 2018. ministry since 1957, AFC has of Canada (AFC) has announced this possible!” anniversary-year projects for benefitted dioceses, hundreds $303,000 in grants in support of the transformation of parish ABOUT THE ANGLICAN of parishes, and thousands of new projects across Canada in its Combined with those awarded ministry. The Diocese of British FOUNDATION OF CANADA Canadian Anglicans with the November cycle of awards. in May, disbursements total Columbia received $6,250 of these The Anglican Foundation of provision of financial support $707,000 in 2017, the AFC’s funds towards the restoration Canada seeks to foster Anglican from coast to coast to coast. “The Anglican church is alive and 60th anniversary year. Besides work being done to the exterior presence by providing abundant well. Great things are happening traditional infrastructure and of St Mary in Fulford Harbour resources for innovative ministry This December 11 press release from coast to coast to coast,” said restoration grants of $240,000, (Salt Spring Island). and diverse infrastructure is reprinted by permission of the the Rev. Canon Dr. Judy Rois, the AFC provided $71,00 for projects and theological formation Anglican Foundation of Canada. the AFC’s executive director. innovative ministry and $52,000 Applications for the May 2018 throughout the Canadian church. Creative and Tax-efficient Giving

Judy Rois, executive director All across our country, they have All of these initiatives have being tax-efficient and making a of a paid-up insurance policy. Life Anglican Foundation of Canada supported infrastructure projects, been supported by many of big impact. There are many other insurance is an excellent way for encouraged interfaith dialogue, you over the years, making the strategic ways to give than simply younger donors with limited assets When there is a need in this fostered youth engagement, Anglican Church of Canada a writing a cheque. to leave a substantial legacy. country, it seems that Canadian stimulated innovative and robust faith community for Anglicans are among the most imaginative ministries, cared for each new generation. If you have stocks that have AFC has prepared a guidebook generous donors. One of the many new immigrants, assisted seniors increased in value, you can that explains in detail the many ways they give is through their with housing and transportation, There are many ways you can give donate these to AFC and receive ways that you as a Canadian Anglican Foundation, established promoted music and the through the Anglican Foundation a significant tax rebate. Anglican can be creative and tax- in 1957 to financially assist people arts, attended to the needs of to ensure Canadian Anglican efficient in your donations this year. and parishes where need was children with homework clubs, presence in our country for years You can set up a gift annuity with Send us an email at foundation@ greatest. Sixty years later, Canadian end-of-life care and nutrition, to come. You may wish to speak AFC and receive income for the anglicanfoundation.org, and Anglicans have made it possible to and strengthened Indigenous with your financial advisor about rest of your life. we will send you a copy. It’s also disburse over $34 million to help communities on their path toward a new and creative approach to downloadable from the website at their fellow Anglicans. self-determination. your donations this year while also You can make AFC a beneficiary www.anglicanfoundation.org.

Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits, Renewed People