JOURNEY TO DAMASCUS - HOW DO YOU START SHARING A PRIEST IT'S PHISHING SEASON, AGAIN!! A PANDEMIC VERSION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PANDEMIC? MEDIA BYTES: A few tips to help Recognizing the injustices to Learning Church: News from across the protect yourself from the deluge of which we have been blinded. Diocese of Huron. scam emails. Page 9 Page 6 Page 10 uron hurch ews HANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON • Huron ChurchC News is a section of the Anglican Journal • J U N E 2 0 2 1 N Come, Holy Spirit, come: Church in a liminal time Pentecost and the insurgency of the Spirit – Pentecost then and now: From Bishop Todd Townshend's sermon (following Willi James Jennings' commentary on Acts) at the 181st Diocese of Huron Synod opening worship service, London, Ontario, Sunday May 16, 2021 Think back to that first here is something about experience of Pentecost. Those living in the Spirit that listening that day – after waiting Tfeels a little windblown. long time for something to It feels a little like casting lots happen – those listening were to decide. It feels less “strategic” amazed and perplexed. They that we might like... when what asked, “what does it mean?” we really want is control. “What are we supposed to do?” But the reality of Christian – it was not obvious. life—is that every common mo- What was obvious was that ment, every administrative act, God was doing something. The every organizational gesture has Holy Spirit of God was taking ALWAYS been best taken in the them into the lives of people posture of praying and waiting, they didn’t know yet. People asking for the power of the Spir- who they didn’t understand yet. it to come, waiting in expecta- They were being joined together tion and readiness, standing in in love. The love that cannot the shadow cast by the presence be tamed, controlled, or fully of the Holy Spirit. And then, planned. when the time is right, the wait- It is the same Spirit un- Bishop Todd Townshend at St. Paul's Cathedral on May 16. The Synod opening worship service was leashed on us— even though ing-in-prayer moves forward in livestreamed for the entire diocese, as were the Synod sessions on Sunday afternoon and Monday. an action fully of God. God knows that we’re sleepy, It’s like learning a new lan- I pray that this will be our Instead of this, repudiating the right distance. This is space weary, anxious people. But guage. You have to submit to WAY in what I also pray will these ways, we can learn to in which we can relate to one God also knows, we are faith- ful, committed, loving people. the ways, the structures, the be a post-colonial period of life “join”… To join with one anoth- another. Without trying to blur Eager-to-know-the-Spirit peo- cultures of the people who can in this church. We have come er, not to conquer one another. the other into our life. Without ple—that’s all we need to be. speak it. All of the sounds, say- to confess that the ways of our Join together with something swallowing the differences that Come, Holy Spirit, Come. ings, practices, habits of mind colonial past led to catastrophic or someone a bit different from can create new relationship. We and body, and all of the hopes. outcomes. Our colonizing ways us. To trust that our differ- can work to create a new space (Full text of Bishop Todd's We are learning, continually, the revealed our utter helplessness ences will create just the right together that works for more sermon: www.diohuron.org) language and culture of Christ. in the face of difference. We distances between us. We join people. Thereby making it a Bishop's Charge to Synod: And the Spirit is our teacher. tried to conquer it. together but leave room for just better place for us, too. Pages 4-5 A year in review and a glance into our future SYNOD POPULAR REPORT: Shaping our mission and ministry by yielding to the Life of the Spirit

By Allie McDougall declared that he has never felt shape us for mission and min- The 181st Synod of the Dio- more hopeful for the future of istry as a diocese. Bishop Todd cese of Huron opened on Sun- the church. He encouraged us shared that he believes we are day, May 16 with the Synod ser- not to follow trends but to dis- already equipped to dive into vice livestreamed for the entire cern individual communities’ life yielding to the Spirit by vir- Diocese from St. Paul’s Cathe- gifts and needs as we strive for tue of our existing practice and dral in London, Ontario. the spiritual health of congrega- traditions, but that we must be The service started at 10:30 tions and wider communities. centred on generating new life, a.m., with The Right Reverend He highlighted the importance and not simply operating effi- Todd Townshend, Bishop of of sharing of good financial ciently. The cultural context of Huron, as celebrant and preach- stewardship through wise in- the Diocese of Huron has shift- er. vestment, collaboration, and ed from the idyllic post-World As in the last year’s annual exploration. He also took time War II period, and the limin- gathering of the Huron repre- to give thanks to Canon Paul ality of this moment calls us to sentatives that took place in Sep- the 181st Synod of the Diocese gerty then offered a touching Rathbone for 20 years of faith- respond with the assets we have tember, no faithful were present of Huron was convened to its Commemoration of the Faith- ful service as Diocesan Secre- at our disposal to adapt to our in the cathedral’s pews due to first working session after the ful Departed, remembering all tary-Treasurer as he embarks new reality. the pandemic restrictions in service, at 12:30 p.m., broad- synod members who have died on a well-deserved summer A summary of the finan- the province of Ontario. Thanks cast live from Church House in in Christ. sabbatical. cial report for 2020 indicated to the new video equipment downtown London. Following a “year in review” Bishop Todd’s charge to Syn- a diocesan operating deficit of installed at the cathedral, the Bishop Todd Townshend be- slideshow, Bishop Todd offered od this year was delivered in two $3,000, a $15,000 surplus from faithful across Huron were able gan the proceedings with a land an informal reflection on our parts, serving as an extension of Camp Huron, and a diocesan to watch the service at which acknowledgement, followed by current context. He acknowl- last year’s charge, this time fo- accumulated surplus of just Ven. Rosalyn Kantlaht’ant Elm an opening word of prayer. He edged and thanked the Dioc- cussing on the theme “Yielding over $300,000. The full report is was collated as Archdeacon for took a moment to acknowledge esan Executive staff for their to the Life of the Spirit”. available from the office of the Reconciliation and Indigenous the efforts of all who have made incredible hard work in navigat- The first part of the charge Secretary-Treasurer. Ministry. a second virtual synod possible, ing this challenging time. explored what it means to live With participants gathering and welcomed a number of new Considering the reports of yielding to the Holy Spirit’s di- Synod Popular virtually for the second year, clergy. Rev. Canon Marian Hag- the archdeacons, Bishop Todd rection, and how this might Report: Go to Page 3 PAGE 2 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS J U N E 2 0 2 1

Signs of hope in the times of fear and doubts Huron Greetings to the 181st Synod of Huron from the companion diocese of Amazonia Church

By Bishop Marinez Bassotto clergy and laity of the Diocese News of Huron, praying in commu- reetings to the esteemed nion with us. This cheers us Volume 71, Number 6 brother in Christ, Bishop up, and encourages us a lot. GTodd and to the dear friends In all this challenging time, we felt the presence of God of the clergy and laity of the Bishop Marinez Submissions Diocese of Huron at this time Bassotto at the by our side and we never felt Huron Church News welcomes of meeting of the Diocesan cathedral in alone. Since the beginning of news articles, commentaries, Synod. Belem the pandemic, we have been photographs and story ideas. Our dioceses are experienc- supported by you through your Publication is at the discretion ing companionship in a way prayers, your constant pres- of the editor. that a few years ago could not ence in our morning prayer have been imagined. In the lives, through messages from life of humanity, we live times Bishop Todd, through frequent Editor of fears and doubts, times of contact with members of the Davor Milicevic social isolation and restrictive of the poorest communities, and in the entire metropolitan Companionship Committee, [email protected] measures of all kinds, times of causing hundreds of deaths. region, and also in lockdown in and also through financial 519-434-6893, ext. 251 darkness and great pain. Para- COVID-19 spread through assistance that was sent to us c/o Huron Church House the entire Episcopal Anglican 190 Queens Ave. doxically, this has also been a the entire region, the second Church in Brazil until at least and that helped us to maintain the ministries in the Amazon, London, ON time of solidarity, of concrete wave with the new Brazilian Easter. N6A 6H7 gestures of love and looseness variant has been a tsunami for But we have not only bad and to carry out our solidarity through social networks. the Amazon region. In some news; we also have many signs actions for the most vulnerable I want to briefly report our states, like in the Amazonas, of hope. Vaccines are arriving people and for the indigenous communities. Proofreading reality here in Brazil and espe- there was a sharp increase of slowly, but they are arriving Terri Ellison cially in the Amazon. more than 200% of cases. It and this is cause for great joy. Our hearts are filled with Since last year, the would be ironic, if not tragic, We managed to carry out our deep gratitude to God, and to COVID-19 pandemic made to know that the people in the solidarity actions with the dis- each one of you! Deadline inequalities worse, exacerbating middle of the Amazon – one of tribution of basic food baskets You make a big difference Monday, August 2 hunger, racism and hate speech, the places tht helps the whole and hygiene kits to many fam- in our lives and in the lives of for the September edition the extermination of black, planet to breath – has suffo- ilies. We maintained our unity the people of the Amazon. We indigenous, riverside popula- cated to death. Suffocated by a through various online events want to express our gratitude tions, be it for disease or for lack of oxygen, suffocated by and permanent training with for the willingness, support, Subscriptions violence. It has unmasked the the irresponsibility of author- the clergy and laity. We are hav- care and affection that you have To subscribe, unsubscribe, greed of those who do not have ities who should have acted in ing moments of worship and towards us and affirm that it is change address or name, report any commitment to the life of time. Suffocated by the actions virtual services on Facebook reciprocal. We pray daily for a delivery problem, contact: our common home, the lack of of a denialist government that and Youtube every morning our family in Huron. We pray Circulation Department of the lives of your leaders, 1-866-924-9192, ext. 245 or 259 love and care for environmental likes to flirt with death. Suffo- since mid-March of the last Fax: 416-925-8811 justice. It increased our pain, cated by a society that subjects year. These moments of adora- especially for Bishop Todd, for his family. Email: circulation@national. suffer and fears. weak, sick and poor people to tion bring together people from anglican.ca The neglect of the politicians, all kinds of injustice and death. all over Brazil and other parts Be sure of all our love for you. Via Web: www.anglicanjournal. above all the federal govern- At this moment when I send of the Anglican Communion. com/subscribe ment, and lack of rapid action this greeting, we are again in We have had the constant +Marinez, Diocese of had a direct impact on the lives lockdown in the city of Belem, presence of people from the Amazonia Individual suggested donation: $15 per year in Canada. Prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit $23 in U.S. and overseas. Huron Church News shall not be liable for damage arising out of By Linda DeBurger from us for five years. I prayed My husband and I owned errors in advertisements. each day that the Lord would and operated a funeral home Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement by s I reflect on my faith give us back the relationship he for many years in a small town. wanted us to have. One day, We felt this was a ministry the Huron Church News or the journey prayer and the Anglican Church. Apower of the Holy Spirit is a big our son called needing us, as he that the Lord had given to us. part of the journey. was at rock bottom. He did not We prayed for each family we Prayer has deepened my faith know how we would respond. served for comfort and strength and my relationship with the We reached out with love and for the coming days ,and also Publisher fai h The Right Reverend Lord. Prayer and the power went to him, and yes, we have healing for their broken hearts. wi ness We also prayed for ourselves Todd Townshend of the Holy Spirit gives me a new relationship. The rela- Bishop of Huron strength in dealing with daily tionship the Lord wanted us to that the Lord would give us wisdom, knowledge, and com- Diocese of Huron life especially during the pan- t have. Huron Church House demic. In my life I have worked as a passion when helping the griev- 190 Queens Avenue I pray little prayers during seen many prayers answered Registered Nurse. Each day as I ing families. We were amazed London, Ontario N6A 6H7 the day. Lord I need help, I over the years. These prayers went to work, I prayed for wis- at how the Lord helped us with Phone: 519-434-6893 need wisdom, and sometimes are not always answered the dom, knowledge, and discern- this ministry. the words to say in certain way I think they should be ment to be able to handle what- Prayer gives me strength, Huron Church News is situations. answered. Sometimes it is yes, ever came through the door. I courage, and comfort knowing that the Lord is only an ask away. published by the Diocese I meet weekly with three no or wait. worked in a first aid room in a of Huron as a section of the ladies to pray for our needs of What I thought was impossi- factory, so I never knew what Linda DeBurger is the Parish Anglican Journal. our community, and world and ble the Lord has made possible. might happen. Each day I felt Outreach Representative from Approximate circulation 3,500 the needs of others. We have Our oldest son was estranged the Lord was with me. Christ Church, Dresden.

Printer More awards for the Huron Church News Printed and mailed by Our newspaper won two third place prizes at this year's Canadian Christian Communicators' Association (CCCA) competition. Webnews Printing The 2021 CCCA Awards of Merit were given to Rev. Chris Brouillard-Coyle's article "Breaking bread: live from the kitchen floor", North York, Ontario printed in the Huron Church News June 2020 edition; and to Rev. Andreas Thiel's "excerpts from a chaplain's diary" titled "Surely the Lord is in this place..." published in October 2020. CCCA (formerly Canadian Church Press) is regarded as one of the most active and broadly based ecumenical organizations in This newspaper is printed on Canada. Some 60 Canadian church publications are members of CCCA. Huron Church News won third place in general excellence partially recycled paper using category in 2020. vegetable-based inks. J U N E 2 0 2 1 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS PAGE 3 Examining diocesan structures and culture

From Page 1: Popular Report phrasing of Canons XVIII and XXI was carried in both the lay A video greeting from both and clergy orders. Bishop Marinez Bassotto of our As in the first session, the day companion Diocese of Ama- was featured several video up- zonia and the Companionship dates from the congregational Committee were shared. coaches, the Anglican Founda- Bishop Marinez spoke of the tion and their new “Say Yes to shared struggles between our Kids” post-pandemic initiative, dioceses and reported on the the Justice League of Huron, the hardships and victories of the Refugee Committee, and Proud Amazonian people. She as- Anglicans of Huron. sured us of the ongoing prayers Mr. Peter Andersen offered and deep love for Huron held another thoughtful reflection by our sisters and brothers in as a faith witness. Rev. Canon Amazonia. The Companion- Greg Smith supplied an update ship Committee encouraged on the tremendous fundraising us to persist in prayer and con- effort of the diocese in raising sider offering financial support. $386 417.55 for the Primates’ We continue to offer prayers World Relief and Development and solidarity with our trea- Fund. sured companions. Collation of Ven. Rosalyn Kantlaht’ant Elm as Archdeacon for Reconciliation and Indigenous The election of lay and clergy Throughout the day, multi- Ministry. Synod opening worship service, Sunday, May 16, 2021 delegates and alternates to Pro- ple video updates were shared vincial and General Synod were about the ongoing work of Synod reconvened at 9:30 main well-positioned to contin- Huron, a motion sponsored by announced and accepted, as ministries, partners, and com- a.m. on Monday, May 17th fol- ue to persist in mission. Dioce- SEJH members Ms. Caroline were the deanery nominations mittees around the diocese. lowing a brief service of Morn- san Council will be working to Sharp and Rev. Andrew Wilson for Diocesan Council. These included updates from ing Prayer led by Ven. Kristen develop resources for parishes that Synod encourage Church With the business of the day Canterbury College and Re- Aikman. A letter of support and as they navigate this season. The House and all churches to adopt drawing to a close, the 181st nison College, Camp Huron, encouragement from Rt. Rev. structures and culture of the the “Moving to Light Green” Synod of the Diocese of Huron and an encouraging testimony Anne Germond, Archbishop of diocese will be examined to de- initiative and its recommen- concluded with many thanks from faith witness Ms. Linda termine what might be changed the Ecclesiastical Province of dations by 2022, with progress and acknowledgments to all DeBurger. Ontario, was shared prior to the or altered to ensure we are not who contributed to making our The first session concluded presentation of the second part limited by them. to be tracked in vestry reports second online synod a success. with a video honouring recent re- of the Bishop’s Charge. The charge concluded with a beginning in 2023. The motion tirees and their accomplishments Part two of the charge focused revisitation of the four-fold vi- was carried. Synod will reconvene in-per- was shared. We look forward to on the stewardship of our mate- sion outlined at last year’s synod Another motion from Canon son in May 2022, conditional on celebrating these individuals and rial resources, particularly the and how we have already begun Chancellor Mr. Jim Ferguson the safety of public gatherings at their faithful service in a more question of our buildings. the work of being a learning, and Vice-Chancellor Mr. Chris that time. fulsome way once this is safe to With hope and optimism, just, diverse, and new church. Sinal to allow for the use of Allie McDougall is a Huron do and give hearty thanks for Bishop Todd highlighted that After a presentation from electronic means to hold elec- postulant for priestly their numerous contributions. while we face decline, we re- Social and Ecological Justice toral synods, and to amend the ordination. Where the faith is: Building something we'll never see finished

By Peter Andersen a mating flight. Once she has thousands of honeybees to generations of work, and its when we need to be, when done that, she won’t leave the create the necessaries of life for remaining workers, added that intentional intervention is hen I was asked to colony again, and will spend a colony, a viable community. onto the top of a queen right required. do a Faith Witness her days laying brood, her For all this work and invest- colony will not only allow the The efforts of a faithful old Wsegment for Synod I really had pheromones fill the hive and let ment, should things begin to queenless hive to survive with worker laying a stone foun- to think about what to focus the 100,000 or so bees at work go wrong in the colony, disease, all its lifetimes of resources, but dation of a church for their on. It’s not that easy; thank you know that she is alive and well. lack of space, or something make the new combined colony community generations ago to those who’ve written years of Worker bees are all females, else, they’ll leave. The queen stronger, more viable. The shouldn’t be lost because the homilies for me to listen to. daughters of the queen. They will decide it’s time to go and added population adjusts to the Spirit is moving in a new di- I’ve decided to share with you spend the day harvesting pol- be gone; the brood laying pheromones of the new queen, rection. We need the courage, a story of something I love to len, nectar, and building wax will stop. Her pheromones and often leads to successful the faith to follow, to preserve do, which is work with my bees. foundation for brood and hon- in the hive will cease; things overwintering. Some of these the generation after generations We began keeping bees in ey and raising up their sisters, will become very broken. The colonies become the strongest work, and to put it to the use it 2015, in part as a reaction to the colony's next generation. generation upon generation of in our yards was intended, for the building the news of the decline of hon- Spring and summer workers work of the colony will be lost I see God at work in our lives of the community of Christ, in ey-bee populations, and in part live a substantially shorter life without their queen. and in the Church as I see the whatever new form that takes. because I’ve always loved agri- than the queen, only 15 to 40 For a time, a queenless hive work in a bee yard. The queen Like the old worker, and like cultural work. We thought we days; their winter counterparts is still full of hard working and is like the Holy Spirit, life our beloved bees, we’re build- would keep some bees, harvest will live longer between 140 viable bees, resources like pol- giving, providing comfort and ing something we’ll never see some honey and wax, maybe and 300 days. Their job is to len, honey and wax foundation. reassurance when we’re go- finished. That’s where the faith sell some and put a little money protect the queen through the As time goes on, if the colony ing in the right direction, and is; that’s what the bees have into our church. What began cold of winter and see her into is allowed to remain without letting us know when we aren’t. been teaching me. to happen as we spent time the spring. The late summer a queen, when summer ends I think we can feel Her absence Peter Andersen is a parishioner with these creatures was really bees will raise up the winter they’ll die. There’ll be no winter like the pheromone leaving a of St. Aidan's Church, London. something quite different. ones for a spring they will nev- bees, and the generational work hive. It doesn’t mean all is lost, Honeybees are an entire- er see; they will have faith that will be gone. The countless it means we’re going the wrong ly social insect with distinct their work has been done well hours and energy of building way and we need to do some- roles within the colony; there and that the next generation is honey and brood founda- thing different. We need to couldn’t be a colony without secure. tion will be lost to moths and intervene to make intentional each other. Honeybees are one Bees work very hard to mould. The frames will be change In my experience, the of the few creatures on earth create the structures they need useless, and will most likely be sense that the Spirit is moving that work as a community to to survive. One bee will visit burned. It is a surprisingly sad in a new direction, and de- build a home and then work between 75 and 3000 flowers a event to witness. ciding to follow, has brought together to create food stores day; she’ll produce 1/12th of a An intentional intervention the most needed renewal and fai h and raise their young. teaspoon of honey in her for- by a beekeeper stops this. The greatest reward. Queen bees live for 4-5 years; aging life. The wax, honey, and queenless but viable hive with We don’t need God to be the wi ness they will generally only leave brood foundation they create is all it’s resources, wax foun- beekeeper, but we do need to the hive once, and that is for many lifetimes' of work. It takes dation, pollen, and honey, its pay attention for the moments t PAGE 4 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS J U N E 2 0 2 1

Yielding to the Life of the Spirit: building upon sheer possibility

Bishop's Charge to the 181st Synod of the Diocese of Huron, May 16-17, 2021

By Bishop Todd Townshend The 1950’s and 60’s were a the scary part. The outcome is time of settling, and building, not pre-determined. or seven straight Sundays and expanding in the Diocese This is why yielding to the in the season of Easter, of Huron. Some of you lived power of the Holy Spirit, the Fwe’ve heard a passage from that through these years and will giver of life, is a good focus for unique book in the Bible, The remember it. As Canadian today. We are in a time of fol- Acts of the Apostles. society settled into the post- lowing, of trying simply to keep Like the book of Genesis, it’s war boom, the church thrived. up, not really seeing where we a story of new beginnings. Jesus Some of us think of those days are going. We can make some has lived, he’s died, he’s been as the “norm” for church—the educated guesses about our raised from the dead, he’s ap- golden era of church—but I likely trajectories, but we are al- peared to his disciples in many don’t. When compared with two ways stepping into an unknown ways, and now he has ascended thousand years of Christian life, future—we walk by faith, not by to the right hand of God the those years were not normal. sight. At some point, even trav- Father, the Creator of all. The They were an anomaly of sorts, a elling in a fog, we decide that we book of Acts begins with the blip on the long timeline. are going to put it into gear and Ascension story, and the people Bishop Luxton’s vision at the really get going with the Spirit. of Jesus waiting for the coming time, and it would it have been And as we follow the Spirit and of the promised Holy Spirit. mine too, I’m guessing, was to watch for her movements, we Willie James Jennings, in his build the church out into every keep up the work of preparing commentary on Acts, says that direction possible. They came ourselves, pruning our branches, this isn’treally about the birth together and built schools, hous- and cultivating whatever seeds of the church, as we sometimes es of worship, parish halls, gyms, God sows into our soil. say; it is more about how the offices—and they gathered the Our “soil” is fertile in many disciples of Jesus were drawn We will remember to take on central importance in people in. They did it. It was places, thanks be to God, we into the disrupting presence of our life together. Which refers an incredible accomplishment, have been given many assets. We the Spirit of God. The stories that structures are to that idea of “shifting the and we are the inheritors of that. have two kind of assets. The first show the willingness of God to meant to support centre of gravity”of the activities We have inherited incredible is people, wonderful people. In invade their every day and every around which our common life assets, spiritually and physically. them we see the divine-human moment to send them, and lead and uphold us, as we revolves. However, some of these assets relationship coming to life in them, down pathways they nev- are faithful. Not the I continue to believe that our were built for a different time. faith and action. The assembly er imagined. Acts teaches how other way around. Strategic Goal: is to shift the A time of stability and growth, gathered for worship. The disci- people of faith can yield to the centre of gravity in our practices when the church was one of the ples sent out into the world. Spirit—how people of faith can from an emphasis on operations central places in society and The second kind of asset is yield to the life and movement to the spirit of the times, nor to to an emphasis on renewal and in the neighbourhood. It was physical. We have land, build- and disturbances of the Holy the spirit of our own will, but new creation, better revealing a buffer against anything that ings, vessels, the scriptures, Spirit of God. rather to seek the direction of the marks of mission by becom- smelled like the chaos and death water, bread and wine. All of By one definition, “to yield” the Holy Spirit of God, the giver ing: a learning church, a just of a World War. these non-living physical assets to something or someone, is to of life, the one who makes all church, a diverse church, a new Today we do not live in a are simply “media”. Each of them give up possession of it, or your things new. church. stable, monocultural, peaceful, is a medium in which, or with claim on it. In our case, it is to Again, this is not as easy as The KEY: to be willing to go growing church-society relation- which, God relates to us. We surrender our possession of, to it sounds; the movement of the more deeply into the practices of ship. Some have spent the last consider them holy, but they are relinquish our position over, Holy Spirit can be hard to see. the church, fully open to God’s forty years recognizing that and only holy because God brings to submit ourselves to... God. Sometimes, it takes practice. desire for us and for the world, lamenting it. Some have even them to life as “a means to an Yielding to the Spirit can be a +++ focusing on Jesus and yielding felt the burden of responsibility end”. The “end” is you, me, us— beautiful thing. The penalty for I believe that our inherited, to the life and movement of the for this so-called “decline” of the living—and our relationship failing to yield is the loss of rela- in-culturated, incredible Chris- Holy Spirit. the church. The leaders over with God. tionship to the power that drives tian practices—seasoned and How we operate, how we the past forty or fifty years have Physical assets are the means the universe, and the frustrating shaped by the Anglican expe- function, is very important. So, been just as good, or better, by which God will reach out and inability to know and experience rience and its wisdom—are all the operations of our churches than the leaders of the church in embrace us. They are necessary. the fruits of the Spirit, which we need right now as a central can be renewed, too, as we keep any other time. It’s just that the They are crucially important. We are: love, joy, peace, patience, “strategy”. Practices like: Prayer. our eyes on our primary mis- entire milieu, the environment, need to make sure that we are kindness, generosity, faithful- Fasting. Study. Worship. Con- sion. Most of what happens in had changed and continues to using the best media possible. ness, and other excellent things. fession. Forgiveness. Sabbath. our church happens locally, in change. More and more of the We know that God will use any To yield to the Spirit is to ac- Scripture. Sacraments. All of the congregations and parishes people in our churches do not means necessary to love us. It’s tually believe in God the Spirit. it leading us to love and serve and in your lives at home, at recognize—and do not desire— the nature of God, who has no To trust that the Holy Spirit the poor, the weak, the lost, in work, at play. I’m asking you the 1950-1970 Anglican Church physical body, to kindle life into is trust-worthy. To know that Christ’s name. God is found in to imagine ways to shift the of Southwestern Ontario. I’m an matter, to breathe life into clay— this is not just any spirit, this these practices. Or better, God centre of gravity there. But this old guy—a grey-beard bishop — or whatever else is at hand—and is the same Spirit that moved finds us in and through them. Synod concerns itself also with and I don’t remember that time. to love the creature infinitely. over creation, that moved in the In every generation we learn the working of the Diocese of Never lived it. I was three years Right now, we are beginning patriarchs and matriarchs, in the and re-learn them anew and we Huron as a whole. So, I’d like to old when it was effectively over. pour some of our energies and prophets, in Mary—by whom practice them together. These focus now on some of the ways Which, if that’s true, means that focus and money into devel- Jesus was born—the Word, now activities shape us, then we go we will begin to renew opera- for fifty years we’ve been simul- oping digital media spaces for in the flesh, who sends us the deeper into them seeing that tions and shift energy to Chris- taneously living a kind-of-death communication, community Spirit. This Holy Spirit is the they become richer and richer as tian practices in our diocesan and a kind-of-embryonic-de- building, and Christian forma- very breath of God who brought you go, and we find that we are structures. veloping-new way of living and tion. That’s another “land” we you into existence. The same drawn into a way of being in the +++ being. can inhabit for the sake of the Spirit that helps you in your world that allows us to live more As I learn more about how we Some people call a season Gospel. Over the past fifteen weakness; for we do not know fully and abundantly in Christ. operate as a diocese, I am both like this a liminal time. It comes months, we’ve seen that God how to pray as we ought—we do It’s one of the ways that God grateful for the incredible work from the Latin limen, meaning makes good use of it for meet- not know how to do anything as makes us “new”. that people have done, and con- “threshold”. Something is ending ing, learning, seeing and hearing we ought—but that very Spirit If there is a way though all tinue to do, and I’m recognizing and something else is beginning, one another. intercedes with sighs too deep for of “this”, it will by mediated by that much of the current system and the two exist overlapping As we go, we will challenge words. This is the wind of God our participation in the simple, or “platform” was designed to and at the same time. Already, ourselves to hold the physical as- that powers the world; every central, Christian activities that serve another time. Some of it but not yet. It’s still the same sets lightly and to think of them molecule, every atom, every su- have proven, over time, to make still works very well. Some of it faith, we still carry out the same as a beautiful, cherished, means per-string of vibrating energy in disciples. I think that’s what we does not. practices in community, but we to an end. Not the end itself. the cosmos... the One who brings need to focus on right now. We need to go back in time a slowly begin to practice them We also remember to hold the us real hope, and a real future. And, as I said last fall, we will bit to see how much the things in new ways and in new places. creaturely, living, assets closely. So, we make way for that need to make room, make time, around us have changed. Think This is potentially transforma- We will challenge ourselves to Spirit. We do not want to yield make space for these practices back to about 1950. tive—for good or for ill. That’s cherish the expansion of the J U N E 2 0 2 1 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS PAGE 5

We have assets. They are God-given. Maybe this time of challenge will also liberate us for something new in our communities.

catechetical formation. Part of the to cause the most confusion. It reason is that we were restrict- may have also revealed that not ed from getting together so we everyone wants diversity in the embraced digital media which, as church. Some organizations, it turns out for many of us, made some churches, are affinity participation easier. groups—based on shared char- There is still a very import- acteristics and interests. We are ant place for gathering to learn drawn to people who are similar in-person and in-community, to us, who like the same things. but this has been a huge gift that That’s ok, it’s often good. It just will supplement what we have can’t be all that we do. In some always done to support learn- locations, it’s just the demo- ing and formation. In the next graphic reality that there is little year, we hope to provide more diversity in the population. But content, accessibility, path- even that will change soon. human. We will challenge our- to weigh us down and put us out learned the truth that manage- ways, and programs for being a I still maintain that if we want selves to grow disciples of Jesus. of business. They were built to ment guru Peter Drucker made continuously learning church. to see a beauty that we’ve never To expand the number of people serve communities. famous, “culture eats strategy for Stay curious about Christ, my seen before in our churches, who are good disciples and good Twenty-five years ago, we had breakfast.” friends! then we should foster a more di- disciple-makers. And only then 250 congregations. Now we have The Diocese of Huron has a A just church verse membership. The future of to consider what physical struc- about 170. That is down about a culture, is a culture, of sorts. Justice, in our religious tradi- Canada is going to be multi-tra- tures we need to support that third. Several groups that study Culture is simply the ideas, tion, is “to make right”, to put ditioned, multi-cultured, activity. We will remember that this stuff anticipate that one- values, customs, patterns, and right. We seek to be a church multi-lingual, multi-racial, structures are meant to support third of existing churches in social behaviour of a partic- that makes wrongs right and multi-gendered—and so needs and uphold us, as we are faithful. Canada will close over the next ular people or society. It’s our avoids injustice in the first place. to be the future of the Anglican Not the other way around. ten years. Let’s say it’s not quite habits, it’s our automatic ways of What does God’s justice look Church. like when it happens? What does Stewardship of our Inherited that bad, and we are left with 125 being, and it seems like the most Maybe “unity in diversity” it look like in the lives of faithful Resources in a Liminal Time church buildings in 2031, when natural things in the world—un- will become our motto someday, I’m about to retire – about half less you’ve come from another people? A just church prioritizes when we are a more radically In this time, perhaps any time, of what we had when I was first culture. Part of the reason we’ve relationships and lives in right hospitable church, joyfully em- the ministry of a bishop is to ordained. been able to be resilient in the relationship with God, one an- bracing difference and diversity. receive the Holy Spirit, and to Even then, if you took a pandemic is that part of our other, and the natural creation. A “new” church stir up the grace of God, with- person who was gripped by culture is very healthy and good. Here, I would like to point to In a liminal season like this out fear. Ours is spiritual work, the Holy Spirit and trained in It serves us well. the work being done to learn one, we ready ourselves for in service to Christ, who loves discipleship and ministry, and Parts of it do not serve us well, and do more about dismantling new beginnings. Like the new us into loving the world, by the you said, “here you go, we want however, and it’s hard to see racism, reconciliation with in- beginnings we see in the Acts of power of that same Spirit. But you to be the Anglican Christian what’s what. Therefore, we will digenous peoples, creation care, the Apostles. A new beginning is spiritual work happens in phys- presence in Southwestern Ontar- have to experiment with some addressing economic injustices, usually a very satisfying reori- ical, fleshly, people and places. io, and you can have these 125 things, try them differently, ex- equitable vaccine distribution, entation, a sense that we finally How can we open ourselves buildings, and these 25,000 or so periment, assess it after a while refugee sponsorship, and so on. found a new equilibrium, and to the leading of God when it Christians, and this bit of money and see if it’s better. If it is, great, These things can become more a renewed sense of identity and comes to the spiritual use of our in trusts and all that—to start a keep going. If it’s not, try some- central for more of us and we mission starts to come better assets and our operations? diocese—she or he would say, thing else. This will create some can follow those in our churches into focus. First, I think, we do this by “Alleluia! The LORD provides!” discomfort and some conflict, who have been up to their el- I don’t know if this will hap- being brutally honest with our- Ask any church planter, that’s but we can embrace that. bows in the work for decades. A pen over the next few years or selves about some of the biggest a seriously good start. That’s not By this time next year, we special thanks for the leadership over the next few decades, but I challenges. building from scratch. That’s a will have had a close look at the given by the Justice League of believe it will come. 1. Physical Structures: prop- golden opportunity. Right now, following things to see if the Huron, the Refugee committee, For those who love the idea of erty and buildings we have 30 % more human and current arrangement still serves and many the other justice-seek- everything becoming new, this is What percentage of your over- physical assets than that scenar- us well: Diocesan Council, the ing teams and people in our fun. For those who dread it and all budget goes to the mainte- io. That’s a platinum opportunity. committee structures, vocation- church. are concerned for what will be nance of your church buildings? Not to mention that—the power al discernment and formation, We also will have to exponen- lost, this is not fun. The “new” We live in Canada, we need a of the Holy Spirit wants to clothe Deaneries and Archdeacon- tially ramp up our response to I’m referring to here is neither of roof, walls, windows, plumbing, us with power from on high! We ries, and the ways in which we the climate emergency. When those, merely. electrical, and heat. Some of our have assets. They are God-given. exercise and share episcopal we can circulate again in relative This is the deepest, truest, communities have inherited a Maybe this time of challenge will ministry. safety, our eyes cannot veer from form of “new” possible. The building already paid for, others also liberate us for something +++ the two things that threaten us kind that is good news for all. It have mortgages; all have main- new in our communities. Every organization has more than this coronavirus: in- is the kind of “new” that we hear tenance. By this time next year, I expect structures AND dynamics. They equality and environment deg- described in the creation stories. This year alone, the insurance that the Diocesan Council and work together. What about the radation. By this time next year, It is the kind of new that what increases on those buildings— I will have found a way forward dynamics, the movement, the we will have worked through experience at the empty tomb of the increase to the premiums with policies, guidelines, re- activity that these structures ways to lead our communities in Jesus. Sheer possibility. That is alone—took another $625K out sources, and training to support intend to support? Here, I’d like making a real, measurable dif- what our church is built upon. of the system across our diocese you in preserving, restoring, and to comment on the four over- ference in these areas. The work Faith in the possibility of a new (on average, a 92% increase). repurposing our physical assets arching priorities I laid out last has begun and it continues and creation, a new creation that is Altogether, our buildings are to serve our neighbourhoods in September. These describe our there will some updates about all stretching out before us and that insured for over $440M. This the name of Christ for genera- activity, our dynamics, the forces of this work as we go, through the Holy Spirit of God prom- assumes that we would replace tions to come. This will be your that provide movement. videos and other means of com- ises to lead us into. The whole our buildings just as they are, decision. I want to see church Since September we have munication. I look forward to history of the people of God has should there be a total loss. How communities thrive, not close. aspired to be a more learning that work. included liminal times like this. many of you would actually do So, I’ll do everything in my pow- church, a more just church, I also look forward to con- God always led them through— that? I love church buildings, er to make sure we are looking a more diverse church, and a tinuing to work with Indigenous each and every time—to the new they are holy and often beauti- at all of the options. There are church open to every kind of Anglicans as we partner in new thing promised. ful. But we don’t need $440M resources out there and we will Resurrection “newness”. and creative ways to be togeth- Therefore, we embrace it and worth of them—for ourselves. bring some of them together for A learning church er in Christ. This is something continue to ask, in every deci- Because there is only one insur- you over the next year or so. A disciple is a pupil of Jesus, Archdeacon Rosalyn Elm and sion, every grief, every opportu- ance company left who will sell 2. Organizational Structures: learning of him and living in him. I will be launching into more nity, “could this newness be the us insurance, we are setting up a the people and processes that Well, I’m delighted to say that we deeply both on-line and in-per- work of God? Is this a possible task force to do the research and make it happen, or not are a church eager to learn. There son this September. We seek place where God’s new creation to negotiate some new options. In the many attempts I’ve has been a marked increase in God’s justice together. may take root?” There are options, even with this made, over the years, to have study groups, workshops, speaker A diverse church (This is the edited version of one company. Please stay tuned. a big strategy for reorganizing series, podcasts, reading groups, In the feedback from last Bishop Todd's Charge to Synod. This points to a critical issue. myself, my workplace, or my listening groups, EFM groups, Synod and in the time since, this For the integrall text - and video - These buildings were not built community, I’ve repeatedly and all kinds of learning and was the area where I seemed visit www.diohuron.org) PAGE 6 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS J U N E 2 0 2 1

St. George’s and St. Columba share in a new way

By Rev. Margaret Walker slightly, the priest can stay for Facebook page was set up for coffee and fellowship, no inap- worship so that parishioners go o how do you start sharing propriate rushing (no speed- to the same place to watch the a priest between two ing tickets or accidents), and service regardless of where it is Sparishes in the middle of the mileage costs are significantly being streamed from. pandemic? Could we envision reduced. And if sickness or Since September, we have a way of doing church now and weather stop a parishioner from made several upgrades includ- into the future? If you don’t coming to church for the service ing increasing the number of A way of doing church that need a pulpit then they will still be able to cameras from one to two, and would take advantage of the for preaching watch it on Facebook. We are adding more microphones so technology that is now so it makes a ready for the next ice storm. that no one shares. The priest prevalent and would also work good stand for For the first six months of the is very appreciative of the new when we are permitted to gath- the TV pandemic, neither parish was overhead lighting at St George’s, er in our churches, and share streaming their services over which greatly reduces the shad- time together over a coffee. Facebook or YouTube, so most ows on speakers faces. One of the challenges of of the technology for stream- We are looking forward to sharing a priest is that the ing needed to be acquired. We the time when we will gather service at each location has were shopping in August for together for worship. Sharing to be at different times, times large screen TVs, computers, a priest is not so obvious when that are about two hours apart cameras, and selecting stream- everyone is watching from to allow enough time for the ing software. The set-up in home. Will it be more or less first service and then driving vices were at almost the same would be live and in-person, each location uses the same comfortable to watch from a to the second church. Anoth- time, either or both parishes the other week the priest would technology, which means that pew with fellow parishioners er challenge is that the priest would have had to make major be live and on-TV. The benefits tips can be shared, if needed. compared to watching from the rarely gets to spend much time changes to their service times. are that everyone can meet in The operators can run the set- sofa alone? with the church with the first The plan was to stream from their parish for worship and up in the other location, and Rev. Margaret Walker is Priest- service. Since prior to sharing one church one week and from fellowship every week (once there is a chance that between in-Charge at St. George's New St Columba Waterloo and St the other church the following COVID-19 restrictions are lift- them they can train the priest Hamburg and St. Columba George’s New Hamburg’s ser- week. One week the priest ed), service times only changes to use it for funerals. A joint Waterloo.

Outdoor Learning Church: Holy Week tour in Cottam and Essex...... and an Easter Garden in Thorndale

As we were putting up the signs and decorating, a resident from nearby came to see what we were doing. We explained and she offered thanks and prayers Easter Garden in for our work. front of St. Most parishioners from both George's, churches attended the Holy Thorndale Week "tour" and with the help of a welcoming sign near the road, many from the community also attended. We heard time and time again how wonderful and On Palm Sunday Weekend, before the current shut down, St. how meaningful it was to many. Last Supper on the Holy Week Tour George's, Thorndale was able to have a masked outdoor family We look forward to doing this gathering to create an Easter Garden at the front of the church. again next year. We knew that we were not go- Rev. Chris Brouillard-Coyle It was so good to be together, and the children and adults enjoyed Later in April, some ladies ing to be able to hold Easter ser- created QR codes so that those working together to make the empty tomb, the crosses, and to place - vices within the church building with cell phones could scan the from Trinity visited each mem the flowers to make the garden. The children also painted the Hap- this year, but wanted to make it a codes. This then brought them ber of the church to bring some py Easter banner and butterflies to add on Easter Sunday . memorable one for everyone. to the parishes’ website to read cheer and encouragement. We left the Tomb closed until Easter Sunday, when I had the We came up with an idea for full Bible verses. Each stop/place Those visited were serenaded pleasure of rolling the stone away, adding more flowers in bloom a parking lot "Holy Week " tour of reflection was adopted and with song from a safe social dis- and the butterflies. The children did a great job of working togeth- and within two weeks, we had decorated by members of Trini- tance and presented with a plant er to make this beautiful garden for Easter. We learned all about it planned out and put together. ty, Cottam and St. Paul's Essex. and prayer cards. It's important the empty tomb and the resurrection of Jesus and we hope that it Each stop had a sign with a short One stop offered free seeds to to stay connected with members brought as much joy to the many people who walked by the church bible verse and reference, along visitors to help in creating beau- of our parish family. as it did for the people of St. George's. The Lord is Risen, Alleluia. with questions for reflection. tiful gardens. Pat Jackson, Trinity, Cottam. Rev. Patty Dobbs Luxton

All Saints’ bell tolls 99 times to honour late Prince Philip The bell at All Saints’ Anglican Church tolled 99 times Thursday April 15 in honour of Prince Phil- ip who died April 9th at the age of 99. Beginning at one o’clock in the afternoon, the rector Rev. Robert Clifford led a small group of social distanced volunteers to ring the historic bell, every minute to toll the life of the Duke of Edinburgh, the consort to Queen Elizabeth II. Among the volunteers were Father Clifford, Mary Beth Swain (People's Warden) who timed the one minutes toll, ringers included Justin Skalaa, Reverend Bev Diet, Gale Carter. Joan Carter, and Sharon Hillier. There has been a bell at All Saints’ for almost 165 years. All Saints’ has held royal memorial ser- vices since Queen Victoria. We are in the Windsor city hall square, center for many memorials for the community. Within the chapel is a tapestry from the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey. As well, near our pipe organ is a cross fabricated from a wooden beam from St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. Thom Smith Rev. Robert Clifford was one of the volunteers ringing the historic All Saints' bell on April 15 J U N E 2 0 2 1 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS PAGE 7

Anglican Church Women Bloom where you are planted!

sense of restraint, and we must everal years ago, I bought listen. Am I striving to work a sewing/embroidery for God or myself? You can In Memory Smachine. As it had so many never give another person what features, I took several classes you have found, but you can to learn its many complex cause him to have a desire for functions. it. We cannot dedicate our gifts One of the classes was a sun- to God, as we cannot dedicate flower with the caption “Bloom what is not ours. One thing we Where You Are Planted” It can dedicate to God is the right crossed my mind that this to ourselves. God wants us to would be a good topic for an submit completely to His will. article. We have no business being Quite often, we are unsatis- concerned about where or Waterloo Deanery fied with what God has given “body is the temple of the Holy normally, but if we need some- how He engineers our circum- us. We want more, a better car Spirit.” thing we don’t hesitate to ask. stances if you are truly trust- The Church of the or home. We want to be pros- Living a life of faith means Life is full of uncertainty and ing the Lord. He has saved us Holy Trinity, perous and successful. We want, never knowing where you are expectancy, and on occasion completely, and it is an insult Kitchener we want. Do we ever ask Jesus being led, but it does mean we feel lost, but God is always to Him for us to ask Him to where we should go or where knowing and loving the One there if we turn to Him. He do what He has already done. Win Yardley we could be used most? Do we who is leading. wants us to walk in faith. As Don’t make plans without first Christine Irish consider that we are not our Never seek anything other the Bible says in many places, consulting God; He seems to Gwen Linley own but His? God takes us be- than the approval of God, and Jesus asks us “will you follow have a way of upsetting plans yond our own aspirations and be prepared to go where He me?” God said to Abram “walk made without consulting Him. Remember, bloom where you ideas for our lives. He molds us will send us. before Me”. "Behold I have St. John for His purpose like a potter. How often are we satisfied come to do your will, O God." are planted in God’s beautiful If you select your own spot with what we have? Are we (Hebrews 10:9) garden. “Harvest what you the Evangelist, to be planted, you will be like always asking for more? God The Lord expects an unre- plant” Plant good and you will Kitchener harvest good. Thank God for an unproductive empty seed. has planted us exactly where He strained adventurous spirit in Jean Davidson If you allow God to plant you, wants us to be, where He feels those who trust in Him. all His blessings. you will be very fruitful. I will we are most useful to Him. Do God guides our everyday Barbara Jackson Pamela Fisher begin to recognize His claim of we thank Him for the blessings choices. If we choose what He Diocese of Huron ACW ownership on me and that my He has bestowed on us? NO, not doesn’t want He will give us a Council President Matching gift and diocesan teams boost AFC’s Pastoral Progressions Say Yes! to Kids Campaign the Bishop’s Chaplain Commit- By Michelle Hauser teams registered, championed tee, the Parish Education Com- by bishops, diocesan staff, AFC’s mittee, and the Congregational “We really didn’t know what Coaches. She also served as the to expect when we launched the diocesan representatives, and individuals who are passionate Regional Dean of Essex and was Say Yes! to Kids campaign,” says named to the Cathedral Chap- the Rev. Canon Dr. Judy Rois, Say Yes! to Kids about ministry and outreach to young people. ter of Canons in May 2012. May Executive Director, Anglican Sue rest in peace and rise in glo- Foundation of Canada (AFC). “These teams are putting the fun in fundraising,” says Dance, ry. “This is AFC’s first-ever peer- Mrs. Elva Farmer died on to-peer fundraising effort—a “From community cleanup ini- tiatives to Epic Online Game Saturday April 3rd. Mrs. Farmer new idea for an established was the mother of the Reverend charity—and we have been sur- Nights, Canadian Anglicans are Saying Yes! to Kids in so many Karine Snowden, now serving prised and impressed by the in the Diocese of Niagara. May spirit of creativity and generos- creative and wonderful ways.” In some dioceses, teams are Elva rest in peace and rise in ity with which it has been em- glory. braced across the country.” April 5 to June 30 rallying around specific minis- Rest In Peace tries they hope will benefit from Margaret Kennedy, the wife Say Yes! to Kids is AFC’s Please keep in your prayers response to concerns about the campaign. of the Reverend Gordon Ken- Since 2011, and the launch the family and friends of The nedy, retired deacon from All COVID-19’s impact on young Help raise $100,000 Reverend Canon Susan (Sue) people. This national campaign of the Kids Helping Kids Fund, Saints’, Waterloo. Margaret, who to fund post-pandemic Paulton who died on April 1. died peacefully on Sunday, was is meant to have local impact by programs for children, youth, AFC has invested over $1 Mil- lion in ministries that bene- She is survived by her hus- a long-time parishioner at All supporting champions for chil- and young adults. band, Robin, children Hannah, dren, youth, and family minis- fit children, youth, and young Saints’ and received the Bishop’s adults in Canada. Canon Christian and Bonnie and many Award of Excellence in 2010. try across the country as we face grandchildren. a post-pandemic world. anglicanfoundation.org/kids Rois says AFC will rely on the May Margaret rest in peace and “The donors I have talked to strength of its granting program Canon Sue was ordained a rise in glory. in the Diocese of Huron under- to quickly turnaround Say Yes! deacon November 8, 1998 and a priest May 11, 2004. She served stand the importance of helping way point of its $5,000 goal. to Kids campaign proceeds by the parishes of the Church children in our communities,” Nationally, between online and funding a Request for Proposals of the Ascension, St. David’s, says Diane Dance, AFC Repre- offline donations, the campaign (RFP) for youth-focused initia- St. Barnabas, St. Luke-in-the- sentative for Huron, and captain is nearing the $20,000 mark of tives in fall 2021. the overarching $100,000 goal. Say Yes! to Kids launched on Fields, St. Mark’s, St. David’s of the Huron Says Yes! to Kids and St. Mark’s and St. Andrew’s fundraising team, “Those of us The target is achievableApril 6 and will run until June thanks to an extraordinary 30. Visit www.anglicanfounda- (LaSalle), all in Windsor. She re- supporting the campaign feel tired as the rector of St. David’s this is our way of building a bet- matching gift of $25,000. The tion.org/kids and join the Hu- generosity of donors in the Di- ron Says Yes! to Kids team or and St. Mark’s and St. Andrews ter, more compassionate world. at the end of 2020. The Say Yes to Kids campaign is ocese of Huron will be matched, make a direct donation to the a step in the right direction.” dollar-for-dollar. local effort. Canon Sue was a member of Locally, the Huron Says Yes! To date there are close to ten Michelle Huaser is the AFC the Deacons’ Board, the Corpo- team is closing in on the half- Say Yes! to Kids fundraising Development Consultant. ration of Canterbury College, PAGE 8 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS J U N E 2 0 2 1

Pride and the pandemic: drawing our rainbows outside the box

By Sydney intimate partner violence, and as movie streaming or games Brouillard-Coyle declining mental health con- nights. Fly the rainbow pride tinue to escalate, day after day, flag in-person at your church, here are those who with no clear end in sight. share pride-related things on may find pride parades As we enter the month of your social media and website, Tfrivolous and superficial, while pride, many queer and trans and engage in conversations others find them to be outright people are mourning what with queer and trans people disgusting (often those who are used to be – the joy of hearing about how to be allies once queerphobic and transphobic). Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” pride month is over. However, for many queer and blasting from the speakers on There is so much about our trans people, this is a place the float in front of you; the society that has changed in the of safety, of belonging, and rainbow outfits and pride flags last year. But one thing that community. wrapped around so many of the we need to work to keep is We are often erased from attendees; the smiles, greet- the community that is created mainstream media; spoken ings, and hugs as a community Mika Baumeister/Unsplash during pride – a safe space over by those who claim to be comes together to celebrate of love and celebration. Yes, allies; and altogether banished There is so much queer and trans individuals can who we are with the annual we may not have a traditional from the church. So, in the say the same. pride parade. While it is essen- parade – but there are so many midst of a global pandemic, about our society As the pandemic hit, queer tial to continue to keep each options to provide this space of how do we celebrate pride? that has changed in and trans individuals who uti- other safe by social distancing, love and visibility. We just have When pride parades are shut lized local pride centers as safe wearing masks, and avoiding to brave enough to draw our down, where can the queer the last year. But one drop-in spaces found the doors large gatherings, it is also essen- rainbows a little outside the box and trans community gather closed, or the programming tial to find a way to preserve this year, in the hopes that next to celebrate who we are? How thing that we need to moved online. Queer and trans this opportunity for a commu- year, we can gather together can we continue to highlight work to keep is the people are at higher risk for un- nity to be with one another. again as one beautiful, rainbow the voices of queer and trans How do we celebrate pride family. individuals through masks and community that is deremployment or unemploy- ment due to discrimination, during a pandemic? It starts, social distance? created during pride first and foremost, by reaching Sydney Brouillard-Coyle (ney/ harassment, and invalidation I am fortunate that my own out to local organizations who nem/nir) is co-chair of Proud – a safe space of love of their experiences. Gender pride community has, in many work with queer and trans Anglicans of Huron and music ways, grown since the begin- and celebration. affirming surgeries and hor- individuals to find out what director at St. Paul’s Anglican ning of the pandemic. mone replacement therapy is they need. Many are suffering Church. Ney were the diocesan I work at Trans Wellness ible clients and been able to continuing to become harder to from a lack of funds or dona- youth delegate to General Ontario, an organization who see them flourish through my access as waiting lists grow and tions, and are having difficulty Synod 2019, and serves as a seeks to “enhance and sus- ministry as a peer mentor and medical procedures deemed in maintaining their programs consultant to Faith, Worship & tain the health and wellness group facilitator. I have collab- “non-essential” are de-priori- or adapting them to virtual Ministry on developing Trans of transgender, genderqueer, orated with organizations and tized. Organizations servicing settings. Liturgies. two-spirit, non-binary, queer communities seeking to better queer and trans individuals Work with your church and questioning communi- understand how to be allies to have been de-privileged, with leadership to offer pride-related ties and their families”. I am the trans and queer commu- workers unable to access initiatives for your congrega- surrounded by an excellent nity through our educational vaccinations, despite the fact tion and community – invite team of people who use my real programming. It is incredibly that they often provide vital a guest speaker, or host an pronouns, who celebrate me for fulfilling work that has made outreach work. Queer and trans educational workshop taught who I am, and help lift me to me more confident in myself, individuals are more likely to by queer and trans activists. my greatest heights – in many and created a pride community be isolated from their typical Consider fun events that can ways, we are family to one that I never thought I could community or school supports, be done safely, such as a social another. have. or stuck in households that do distanced pride drive-through, At Trans Wellness Ontario, I know that I am very lucky not affirm or accept who they creating pride-related sidewalk I have worked with incred- to have this community. Not all are. Rates of suicide attempts, chalk, or online events such Understanding the water in which we swim

By Rev. Canon Val Kenyon Central to the approaches within

s anyone, anywhere not Education for Ministry is an understanding talking about life post- of context, in particular the context out of Ipandemic? So much of what I am read- which each of the book of Scripture were ing lately is, not unlike the phe- written. nomenon of Covid itself, trying to grasp something that in Education for Ministry is spiritual, theological, liturgical, and time or all at once, and if writ- out of which both our sacred many ways is still taking shape. practical formation for laypeople. EfM is about integrating ten over time, just how many readings and many centuries of I think it would be fair to say faith and life, and communicating our faith to others. years does the story they are traditions in the Church have that long-range planning of any telling span? Were they written taken shape. kind is especially challenging as in the time they are describing If you are interested in learn- birthed, the characteristics worlds. Covid has reminded us ing more about all that EfM has we know that a post-pandem- of this, and I think we are slow- or later, perhaps benefiting of the environment in which to offer, we will be hosting an ic world will be different, but something or more importantly ly getting more adept at under- from the gift of hindsight? Open House on we are not exactly sure of the someone is striving to exists standing or at least becoming What do we know about the Tuesday, June 8th at 7pm by details of that difference. That matters. For our context, our aware of the water in which we writer and about her or his Zoom is to say, we are trying to plan environment, the situation in swim. impact or perspectives on what for a time, in which the context and out of which we operate Central to the approaches was written? Did peculiari- If you, or anyone you know, still remains unclear. And if have a definite impact on what within Education for Ministry ties of language, customs and would like to attend, or have there is anything we have seen is born, produced, or even is an understanding of context, writing styles long since passed, any other questions about EfM, displayed in a very vivid man- possible. While a prayer of in particular the context out influence the writing in any please be in touch with Libi ner before us over the past year the faithful on a sunny day is of which each of the book of way? Was there a particular sit- Clifford, the Diocese of Huron or so, it is that context matters. a beautiful expression of their Scripture were written. Were uation, crisis, or need to which EfM Coordinator or myself To be fair, this is not exactly faith, that same prayer uttered they born in times of celebra- the writer was responding? Val Kenyon at EFM@huron. news. For example, we knew in the midst of a storm, takes tion, of opulence, of battle, of At the core of an EfM group anglican.ca that the quality of ground on a whole different meaning, exile, of occupation or of wan- lies a commitment to and real Rev. Dr. Canon Val Kenyon is out of which something is inviting us into unfamiliar new dering? Were they written over engagement with the context EFM Animator in Huron. J U N E 2 0 2 1 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS PAGE 9

A journey to Damascus − a pandemic version

By Rev. Chris which we have been blinded? and shareholders received sig- Brouillard-Coyle ocial and cological To what extent might we find nificant bonuses last year. “Now as (Saul) was going S E ourselves called to transform Added to their reality is the along and approaching Da- our relationships with God and fact that most have little power. mascus, suddenly a light from JuSticE the world? Might self-explora- In some cases, they have been heaven flashed around him. He tion invite us to ‘yield to the life exposed to COVID without fell to the ground and heard a of the Holy Spirit’ in new and their knowledge as infected voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, profound ways? workers continue to come to Throughout these pandemic why do you persecute me?’” work to ensure they can put (Acts 9:3-4) times, a lot of time and energy has been expended on exploring food on their tables. what is needed to keep people How many of these individ- uals have we looked in the eye e know from the safe and what we can do to Book of Acts that Saul engage in familiar experiences, in our efforts to respond to hu- Wwas a devout and powerful Jew like worship. Dig a little deeper, man need with loving service? who saw those who followed and we may also be aware of What might we gain when we, the Way of Jesus as perverting the reality that this pandemic is like Saul, remain open to the the Jewish faith. highlighting the ways in which working of the Spirit challeng- Using the weight of the high priorities and privileges have ing us to reflect deeply on our priest, he vigorously sought to enabled injustice and inequality. faith and life choices? Can round up and bring to justice We see this most profoundly we do more to embody the these disciples. He wanted in the realities of those who love revealed in the life, death, to hold all who practiced this have been called ‘essential Luca Giordano. Conversion of St. Paul and resurrection of Jesus as it evolving faith accountable for workers’ while all too often particularly relates to these, our the ways in which they differed Dig a little deeper, and we may also be being treated as expendable. neighbours? ‘Saul, Saul, why do from tradition. These are some of the poorest you persecute me?’ God had a different plan for aware of the reality that this pandemic is paid workers in society, often Saul. His conversion on the highlighting the ways in which priorities making minimum wage which There are people in our very way to Damascus provides a is far below what is needed for midst who are persecuted by the profound reminder that God, and privileges have enabled injustice and survival. In fact, many church- injustices that are enabled by the working in us, can do infinite- inequality. es provide food and clothing ways in which we participate in ly more than we can ask or for these hard-working people this world. The pandemic has imagine. For this conversion which we adhere that demon- There is a reason we say through food banks and cloth- revealed some of these chal- to be complete, however, Saul strate our faith as Christians: we ‘practice our faith’. It is a ing cupboards. lenges. How might our choice had to be open to the working Attendance in worship, gen- reminder that we have yet to These workers lack the to ‘yield to the life of the Holy of the Spirit challenging him to erosity in giving of our gifts of perfect it. There are always privilege to work from home. Spirit’ be inviting us to engage reflect deeply on his faith and time, talents, and treasures, an things we can learn and ways in Early in the pandemic, it was differently? To what extent are life choices. active prayer life. These mark suggested that they be given a which we can improve on our we being invited to transform The fact that you are reading us as people of faith. While all wage increase to compensate the unjust structures of society a Church-based periodical of these are wonderful things, efforts to embody what God for the risk of coming to work has revealed in the life, death, through a pandemic version of a suggests that you are already what might we gain when we, so that we could continue to journey to Damascus? converted. You don’t need to like Saul, remain open to the and resurrection of Jesus. have access to essential goods. be knocked to the ground to working of the Spirit challeng- How might a deep reflection Even where this was given, Rev. Chris Brouillard-Coyle is a believe in Jesus Christ. There ing us to reflect deeply on our on our faith and life help us it has long since been halted. tri-chair of SEJH and a tri-chair are standards and practices to faith and life choices? to recognise the injustices to Meanwhile CEOs, executives, of Justice League of Huron.

Camp Huron Day Trips and Stayovers Overnight camp operations have been suspended for another season due to COVID-19 This summer we will once again welcome visitors to enjoy our beach, sit in shady spots for picnics, watch sunsets and marvel at the starry night sky. A much smaller staff will be employed to maintain the grounds, beautify the site, say prayers in our outdoor chapel, and safeguard our corner of God’s wondrous creation, as we tend the spark of camp spirit and fan the flames of a Christ-light that will shine in and around this holy place and guide us back to the camp programs we know and love next year, next year, next year. Registration will open on June 14, 2021 at noon For more information and to sign up, please go to cam- phuron.ca PAGE 10 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS J U N E 2 0 2 1 Reintroducing prayers for relational growth

is to begin praying for this to begin praying together for llow me to start this change regularly! We pray to that change and transformation month’s article by God when we are sick. We pray to take place. Athrowing out an argument when we are dying. We pray Where to start? Here are new for us to consider; one that, when we come together in wor- prayers to consider including whether your agree with it or ship and thanksgiving. Why is within your primary worship not, is likely one of the most it that more congregations don’t services. significant challenges facing pray to discern growth in their EMBRACING/GATHERING Anglicans at this particular communities? Prepare us, O God, to wel- time in the life of our Church. Not only does prayer bring us come the guests that You are into a closer relationship with inviting to be embraced, served Growing God and with those whom we and loved by Your Church. Beyond the are praying for, but prayer also Help us to appreciate the gifts Doors has the power to shape and of diversity that each guest will Ravi Roshan/Unsplash change us. bless us with. May we place Rev. Grayhame in our diocese (my research congregation ever talk about a If we are praying to God for the needs of others before our Bowcott estimates 71 years), 88% of the desire to grow?”, 45% shared more bums in the pews and own in order to foster new participants of the conference – “all the time!”, 41% said dollars in our bank account, relationships in You. This we then we are far more inclined pray in the name of Jesus who Okay, here it is: Anglicans were over the age of 60. Rough- “sometimes” and 14% admitted ly half have been attending “r are l y.” to see new members only for summons all people to Himself. (at least, Anglicans in Huron) what they can provide for us Amen. are losing our capacity to foster their home congregation for Returning to my opening more than 20 years. Newbies argument, throughout the (the Church of generations PROCLAMING/SENDING new relationships. Do you past). However, if we pray to to their congregation (less than conference I laid out some of God of Mission and Renew- agree? God to invite others into our three years) only accounted for the challenging statistics of al, may the faith that sustains This past weekend Anglicans faith communities to be served 16% of attendees. our diocese that reveal that the us and the love that You have from across Huron gathered by us, embraced by us and shared with us spill out beyond virtually for the Bishop of When asked about the re- vast majority of our congre- celebrated, then our prayers lational vitality of their home gations have not been seeing the walls of this sacred space. Huron’s Prayer Conference will become a reorientation Equip and enable us to speak of congregation (the patterns of the same levels of membership hosted by the Anglican Fel- away from the fear of losing our relationship with Your Son incoming new relationships vs. growth and ministry vitality lowship of Prayer. Immediately things that are familiar to an to others and to invite them to prior to the conference, partic- membership loss) 14% report- that had been experienced in embracing of the diversity and “Come and See” for themselves. ipants were invited to fill out ed that they were seeing growth past decades. There are differ- vibrancy that comes from each This we pray in the power of a questionnaire to provide a (new members) in their faith ent responses to this reality: and every new relationship. Your Holy Spirit. Amen. glimpse as to who they were community. The remaining congregations can choose to I think that prayer is the and how they perceived the participants shared a mixture of see it as a challenge requiring starting place for relational Rev. Dr. Grayhame Bowcott vitality of the congregations experiences from sharp decline engagement, adaptation and a growth. I also think that many is passionate about fostering they call home. Roughly half of to “holding our own”. new approaches to ministry, or (most) of our congregations congregational relationships the attendees were AFP repre- The final questions put to they can choose to lament these struggle with finding new and sharing our Anglican sentatives, the remaining were the conference attendees were trends in a much more passive ways to meaningfully connect vocation with others. divided up between clergy, lay regarding their perception of way. with non-members. If we, as a He serves as rector of St. leaders and parishioners. congregational motivation My proposal for those con- diocese, are truly called to be George’s, The Parish of The Perhaps reflecting the average around growth. In response gregations deliberately seeking an invitational, diverse Church, Blue Mountains. age of Anglicans in the pews to the question: “does your to foster new relationships perhaps now is the time for us [email protected] It's phishing season, again!!

until you pay a ransom to have All Saints’ Waterloo was not ecently, there has been access restored) from a diohuron.org address, a barrage of phishing 3. Scammers are great at that is used by all clergy in the Remails sent across the diocese. mimicking official websites, diocese, but was from “Marty fonts, and other details. Just be- Levesque ”. This was an attempt to official does not mean that it is. impersonate me and prey on Bytes Even Caller ID can be faked. the generosity of the people at Always contact the compa- All Saints’. Rev. Marty ny directly by opening a new The World Wide Web, much Levesque browser window, or by calling like the world itself, is a won- and speaking to someone at the derful place full of interesting organization. information and great people. A Phishing email is made to it best to update this piece as (those cannot be traced and are 4. Never share personal But much like a market in a impersonate someone; in our there are a variety of ways to as good as cash). Pick up the information with someone who tourist centre, where the best case it is often the parish priest. protect yourself from falling phone and call the person to has contacted you unsolicited, deal is available only to you and The email then asks for help victim to such scams. Here verify it is them. whether it’s over the phone, by pickpockets lurk around the or a favour. The unsuspecting are a few tips to help protect 2. Don't click on links or email, on social media, even at corner, we need to take a few recipient responds, and then yourself: open attachments in an unso- your front door. Best practice steps to protect ourselves and will be asked to purchase Goo- 1. Never send money to licited email. Links can down- is to thank them, and call the each other. gle Play or iTunes cards. This is someone you have never met load malware onto your com- company back to verify the call just one of many scams that are face-to-face. And don't do it if puter and/or steal your identity. was legitimate. Rev. Marty Levesque is the used to prey upon people. it's someone you know asking Recently, a major pipeline oper- 5. Always check the email diocesan social media officer I wrote on this phenomenon you to use a wire transfer, a ator in the US fell victim to this address or URL to see it is legit- and rector of All Saints’ in before, but with the recent del- prepaid debit card, or a gift type of ransomware (malware imate. Case in point, the recent Waterloo. uge of scam emails, I thought card like iTunes or Google Play blocks access to your computer email sent to parishioners at [email protected]

THE LAST WEBSITE YOUR CHURCH WILL EVER NEED! Join Tithe.ly now! For more information contact Kyle at [email protected] J U N E 2 0 2 1 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS PAGE 11 Hope springs eternal I am delightfully captivat- drift into pride. Because to er unto itself…unconditional. henever I fall into any ed by his inferences to the think that God's general plan And I thank God for that! wounded thinking almighty power of God that has 'Me' specifically in mind Nonetheless, as I see it, Wpatterns, I cannot find my way moves us towards what St. is bordering on unrestrained humility ought not to distract out until I return to Hope. Paul would call "something ego. us from the notion that we are greater than we ask or imag- Pope writes: created as significant parts of ine." Ask for what end the heav'nly the greater whole. Ego or not, As I See It In fact, the entirety of Pope's bodies shine, we are essential. And Pope Epistle (from which this verse Earth for whose use? Pride had an excellent grasp of the was taken) speaks to future answers," 'Tis for mine: systemic importance of each Rev. Jim glory. It infers that we are For me kind Nature wakes her element (humans included) dancing together in some har- Innes organized into some more genial pow'r,… extensive plans. That we are For me, health gushes from a monious unity. but a tiny part of an incom- thousand springs; So, in Hope and towards Until such time, I endure the prehensibly complex universe. Seas roll to waft me, suns to Hope, let me end with the final slow drift of cloud that blocks Everything that happens, light me rise; verse in Pope's first Epistle. the sun's warm embrace. It is happens for a reason. And in My foot-stool earth, my cano- “All nature is but art, un- often a painfully sad wait. And, known to thee; Unsplash that reason, God has a specific py the skies."… at times, my mind is shrouded purpose for every element of "No, ('tis replied) the first All chance, direction, which by an increasingly cold shad- "What future bliss, he gives the created order. Almighty Cause thou canst not see; ow. not thee to know, Despite this idea contain- Acts not by partial, but by All discord, harmony, not As I ponder this sense of But gives that Hope to be thy ing a nasty fatalism (which gen'ral laws; understood; Hope, what pops to my mind blessing now." exemplifies Pope's times), it (Epistle 1, section 5) All partial evil, universal is the phrase "Hope springs Hope springs eternal in the provokes warm thoughts of I must admit there is enough good: eternal." It was coined by the human breast: a supreme power that holds truth in this 'verse to pull me And, spite of pride, in erring poet Alexander Pope (1732). It Man never is, but always to my life in some graced-filled up short. Its caution is a wind reason's spite, speaks to his sense of how men be blest: purpose. And, such power gust of humility that takes my One truth is clear, Whatever and women keep on hoping The soul, uneasy and confin'd has been, and always will be, breath away. is, is right.” despite circumstance. He be- from home, embracing me in ways that are Too often, Hope is condition- Rev. Jim Innes is the rector of lieves it is a Hope grounded in Rests and expatiates in a life both seen and unseen. al on circumstances going our the Regional Ministry of South an innate sense of a future walk to come. Yet, I am afraid that Pope way. When the truth is, I would Huron. in glory. ('An Essay on Man') may find such sentiment can argue, Hope is a source of pow- [email protected] Does success equal happiness?

who do not have a clear vision in their lives. This moment of group I belong to about what the future, when clarity does not simply apply recently had the we are able to define it as being to ordained clergy. It applies to Aopportunity to listen to “post-pandemic”, holds for you. all of us who seek to nurture the Canadian author and Short-term goals of the past our ”true self”, and experience humorist, Terry Fallis, offer may not be sufficient in provid- true happiness in our own lives. an introduction to his book ing signposts for the way for- We yearn to discover how true "Albatross". ward. Bigger goals of academic happiness may be lived out in achievement, or employment relationships with those indi- A View from with promotional benchmarks viduals whose lives intersect the Back Pew measuring success may not with ours. sufficiently answer the question As people who build our Rev. Canon asked of us as we seek to define lives on a foundation of faith Christopher what brings us happiness or and in relationship with our how would we describe our B. J. Pratt Lord, these Covid days may ”true self”. Razvan Chisu/Unsplash indeed prove to be a gift, when I remember well what it used we have the opportunity to It is a worthwhile read for the screens of our computers. These questions of interper- to be like to be caught up in describe what would bring us those who want to explore We put ourselves on “mute”, so sonal relationships only take a crowd of people, who gath- true happiness. As a part of that some of the realities of rela- that we may listen to whomever on significance if they take part ered in celebration or protest. journey of introspection there tionships of friends, family, is speaking without being the when we are a member of a I have been part of the crowd will be moments when clarity and mentors who are placed cause of any technical glitch group in which we have made witnessing Stanley Cup parades of vision for the future begins in Toronto settings which are or audible feedback. The new a commitment. How many in Montreal and Philadelphia. to take shape. familiar to the writer. Any- politeness which is a part of social groups or activities used I was swept up in the enthusi- William Shakespeare caught one with a love for the use of these gatherings may be a to fill our calendars? Why did asm of the crowds who were these sentiments and placed fountain pens and golf will find learning we might take into the we affiliate ourselves with that brought together for the first them in the mouth of Polonius, these elements used to enhance post pandemic future… but I group? Was it to make a differ- Earth Day gatherings in 1970. in his play “Hamlet“ (I, 3): the story. doubt it. ence in the world or to advance I have protested increased This above all: to thine own self At the heart of the book the The politeness of our inter- our own status? Do they bring university student fees and the seed of a question is planted in actions is only one element in us happiness? Vietnam War. In those settings, be true the reader’s mind. our new pattern of life. After Jesus clearly outlined the the sentiment of the crowd And it must follow, as the night Does Success Equal Happi- spending time in the Internet challenge we all face. “What provided a great personal the day, ness? defined presence of others, all will a person gain by winning excitement. Yet it was not in Thou canst not then be false to In the midst of the pattern of we have to do is direct our ar- the whole world, at the cost of the energy of the crowd where I any man. life which we have been expe- row to the box that says,” Leave their true self?” (Luke 9 :25) found my “true self”. I suspect that if you put riencing in the cycle of lock- Meeting”,…and we are home! The experience of being In the peace and quiet of time and energy into defining down restrictions, which have No commuting is necessary. engaged in work which per- personal prayer, the opportu- for yourself what brings you been our reality for more than The complexion of the familiar mits us to live a pattern of life nity is there for you to listen happiness then you will be able a year, many of the “extras” of post-meeting parking lot con- which brings us comfort, or to the still small voice of God to look towards a future which life have been unavailable to us. versations where the content at least allows us to put a roof calling you to discern the way is filled both with hope and The concept of “going out” is an of the meeting is re-hashed, over our heads and food on the forward. I suspect that anyone promise. idea which we remember with reappraised and reviewed take table, may be a pattern of life who has experienced a vocation Rev. Canon Christopher B. J. Pratt fondness. extra effort. It is clear that any which shaped the framework to ordained ministry will be has retired from full time parish If we are still given the op- social media connection lacks of our world in the past. These able to identify that moment of ministry, but continues to offer portunity to connect up with the dynamics of a person to days, there are individuals, (you clarity when the framework for priestly ministry in the Diocese. others, we see their faces on person, in person conversation. may, in fact be one of them), the future began to take shape [email protected] PAGE 12 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS J U N E 2 0 2 1 'Love is the most excellent way' deeply. Bart recognizes this, but families. Bart's mom is thanked have an informal policy gently says, I can only be who by both her husband and son when I go book shopping: I am. Father and son are not for her part in the unfolding of II always pick up something a afraid to tackle any discussion. this relationship. What could little bit off beat. They go toe-to-toe on human- be really a weird family scenar- ism, grace, the cross and death io, remains one of love and care Mostly About – to name just a few subjects. because of the deep commit- So, here's what I found most ment to these relationships by Religion interesting. Because of the style all who are involved. of the discussion, and the deep Father and Son wrote sep- Rev. Canon honesty with which multilay- arately until the final chap- Keith ered positions came forward, I ter, when they penned their Nethery felt that I didn't have to defend thoughts together. They Hush Naidoo/Unsplash or prosecute. I had the op- discussed scripture, the need portunity to listen to two very to listen to each other deeply, Sometimes I find good a couple of times to read, and ly time intrigued me. I am very intelligent, very passionate, the pain of the lost connection. things; (author Peter Enns is an opted for something else. glad that I decided to purchase very caring people tell me what And they plead with all of us example) and other times not But finally, the time came for the book, and enjoyed it much they honestly believe, in a man- to step away from judgment so good (I'll not bother with “Why I Left/Why I Stayed.” more than I expected. In fact I ner that allowed me to process of the other and into a place any of the examples.) I usu- Tony Campolo is a learned a lot! the conversation and, perhaps of willingness to journey with ally go to the bookstore, even long-standing preacher, teacher, My experience of situations surprisingly, find places were I difference. though the selection in the and author in the Evangelical when an atheist and a believ- both agreed and disagreed with The closing words of their theological realm is much more tradition in the United States. er have a conversation is that each of them! chapter together moved me limited than shopping online, While I had heard of him and there is a lot of finger pointing, One of the most moving deeply. because, well, it's just the way I I think even read some short raised voices and claims of I'm parts of the book is when Bart “As we said at the beginning, like to acquire books. articles he had written, I didn't right and you, well you're nuts! describes in detail his work as while we come to it differently, I usually buy six, or eight, know that much about him. Maybe an exaggeration, but a humanist chaplain at a major each of us always reaches the even ten books at a time. They I remembered there was a bit makes a point. There is none of US university. I was struck by same conclusion about this cover a wide range of theolog- of controversy when he began that in this book. his deep love and care for peo- life: Love is the most excellent ical and spiritual opinions and to stand up for LGBT rights. Having two people who ple, especially those who were way. Moreover, each of us is options. Given the circles he travelled are in a deep, loving, familial the most marginalized and both sure and content that the The off-beat book I pick up in, it was a brave stance. I knew relationship talk openly about disadvantaged. It was foreign other has found that way. For usually gets left till last. Thus, nothing about his son Bart a current and painful dis- to think of someone putting now, at least, that is enough.” the book I want to write about Campolo, nor did I know that agreement in a mature, even their entire being into this work Life changing words that we all I purchased close to a year he had been a Christian pastor, life-giving way, allowed the without any faith motivation. I need to hear and understand. ago. I knew the name of one or that he had walked away, temperature to be dialed down felt like I'd like to sit down and of the authors, so I took it off now calling himself an atheist. and positions discussed polite- have a chat with Bart! Rev. Canon Keith Nethery is the the shelf, gave it the once over But the idea of a father and son ly, but with passion. There is It was heartwarming, but rector at St. James' Westminster, and popped it in the pile. After collaboration given what would no doubt that Bart's decision to a little edgy, to listen to the London. taking it home, I picked it up seem to be a very difficult fami- denounce his faith hurt Tony relationships between the two [email protected] Mountain climbing anyone?

The fatigue and weariness of any Canadians enjoy this pandemic has dissolved the opportunity to our saltiness. To have the words Mgo hiking during the summer of Jesus spoken within earshot months. to remind us again of our salti- ness. To hear his words to boost our light; to take it out from under a basket of tiredness. This summer, I could be Laurel Pattenden. drawn up that mountain. To aurel L Many Feathers, hear this sermon of Jesus. I Pattenden Ink and markers think that the priorities of the pandemic are the priorities touched on in this sermon. The We are drawn to wooded Lord’s prayer, praying for God’s trails in the wilderness, or kingdom and our daily bread, groomed trails in our parks. is a perfect pandemic prayer. The adventurous amongst us Hearing Jesus’ compassion in might seek rock climbing or saying “So do not worry about mountain climbing. tomorrow” would help us to I am not that adventurous! In contain, limit and ground our fact, when I think of mountain worry. Being guided to release climbing, my mind tends to mountain, fed the five thousand blessed, salty, beacons of light tain where Jesus sat, to hear the our judgements of our neigh- focus on Julie Andrew’s sing- on a mountain, was transfig- and humble in their piety? words he spoke, to listen to that bours’ behaviour during the ing “Climb Every Mountain”, ured on a mountain, taught and After many, many months sermon. Not for the sake of a pandemic. Being made aware and picturing her spinning commissioned the disciples on of the Covid 19 pandemic, I’m mountain climbing adventure, of our own behaviour during like a whirling dervish on the a mountain. not feeling all that blessed and but for the adventure of hearing this time of the pandemic. grassy hills. My adventure I think if we were quizzed definitely not all that salty. My the words of Jesus. To hear the The needed spoken words of would lean more to the “forge by someone about Jesus and light has certainly dimmed if blessings, and see them falling the Sermon on the Mount are every stream” line in the song! mountains, many of us would not totally extinguished some on the heads and hearts of the needed to be heard again. No need for me to reach any think of the Sermon on the days. poor in spirit, those who are Yes, this summer, I could be summit to enjoy the view of an Mount. Where Jesus was sitting How about you? Is your light mourning, the meek amongst drawn up that mountain. Bare eagle. No need for me to have with his disciples, teaching and under a bushel basket? Your us, those of us thirsty for righ- foot. To sit on holy ground. To that type of mountain-top ex- instructing them. What do you prayers languishing in the pan- teousness, the pure-hearted, listen to the sermon. To hear perience. I wonder what draws think the disciples thought demic fog or fatigue? and peacemakers. To hear, see, the words of Jesus. Priorities people to climb a mountain? during this long discourse This summer, I think I could and feel those blessings, the during a pandemic. Jesus frequented the moun- of instruction? While they be drawn up a mountain. Not beatitudes of Jesus, fall upon all Laurel is retired and likes to tains. He met temptation on a listened do you think they felt any mountain, but that moun- of us. spend her time in her art studio.