A SECTION OF THE ANGLICAN JOURNAL SERVING THE OF ATHABASCA &

MARCH 2021 www.edmonton.anglican.ca sets date for resignation; reflects on 13-year ministry MARGARET GLIDDEN show God you’re willing Edmonton Editor and up for the next bit, he sometimes opens up a he Rt. Rev. Jane Alexander, whole box of possibilities 10th Bishop of the for you to have a go at.” Tof Edmonton, will give her When COVID-19 final episcopal blessing on Easter struck, Bishop Jane set Sunday, April 4, 2021 at All Saints’ aside her plans to step Cathedral. But the results of her down from episcopal extraordinarily compassionate, ministry to continue to prayerful and loving ministry will be a calm presence for continue to bless the Edmonton clergy and parishes facing diocese long into the future. unfamiliar challenges and Consecrated 10th Bishop of growing uncertainty. To Edmonton on May 11, 2008, Bishop help curb the spread of the Photo by Ryan Girard. Jane has inspired clergy and parishes virus and protect vulnerable to always be looking ahead while people, she made the with “supporting clergy and parishes Lee Bezanson, of St. living faithfully, as individuals and proactive decision to close churches while making tough but wise Matthew’s Anglican Church in St. as a Christian family, into the Marks to in-person gatherings and worship. decisions.” Albert. of Mission. “Certainly, we miss being able Bishop Jane was elated when “A flexible, to meet, pray and worship members of the 66th diocesan synod permeable church “Bishop Jane is a strong, steady and together in person,” says decided, in October 2019, “to put the moves into new above all faithful presence. Her love for the Bishop. “But by making Marks of Mission – the marks of the things, responding to Christ and her love for God’s people is truly prayer, the Daily Offices and Gospel – into our Constitution,” and what needs to be done a gift to our diocese and our communities.” study more accessible, more she rejoiced when parishes shared right here, right now,” - the Rev. Dr. Renée Desjardins people have been able to all the ways they are listening to says Bishop Jane. incorporate them into their and responding to the needs of their She appointed “We haven’t put church on hold, lives.” communities. Archdeacon Richard King to help we’re just doing things differently “The pandemic has made us let “It’s that thing of being able to members of the diocese identify right now,” Bishop Jane says. go of something that, perhaps, was tell people: ‘you want to know what and nurture their God-given gifts “I think the pandemic has holding us back and it’s been quite we’re about? The Marks of Mission through the I.D. initiative, a process underlined what we’ve always phenomenal. We’ve been talking are what we’re about,’” she says. modelled on Jesus’ example of known about the importance of about doing church differently for Nurturing loving communities discipleship found in the Gospel of pastoral relationships,” says Bishop such a long time, and now that we’ve is at the heart of Bishop Jane’s Luke, chapters 7- 9; and Archdeacon Jane. “We’ve been moving away had to people are saying, ‘I can never ministry. She has welcomed Filipino David Tiessen to help Anglicans in from a clergy-centric church to imagine leaving this behind.’” worship communities and St. Mark- the Edmonton diocese discern their equipping all members Jieng Dinka parish to vocation. of the church for God’s “She opened the world to us and helped the diocese. She has joined with Canon Scott “I always believe that God is work.” us see beyond our own backyards.” calling us to more,” says Bishop Sharman in building For their part, clergy - the Rev. Rebecca Harris Jane. “To look outwards and always in the diocese have ecumenical and be moving into the world and really appreciated the Bishop’s interfaith relationships looking to see what’s out there. leadership through the pandemic. Bishop Jane has helped through initiatives like Common What’s not right? What can we do “Strong and decisive,” “committed the Edmonton diocese “move Word Alberta, an annual event something about? If ever you feel to safety,” “compassionate,” and collectively from a posture of enabling Muslims and Christians to you’re done, you’re not listening, “reassuring” are some of the words maintenance ministry to mission- share their faith and fellowship. you’re not looking. When you used to describe her approach, along oriented ministry,” says Archdeacon Continued on page 8.

Manna Market p. 4 Fond Farewell p. 5 Come to the Desert p. 7 2 THE MESSENGER COVID-19 Pandemic MARCH 2021 One Year Later: Clergy Reflect on Pandemic Experience The Rev. SHELLY KING Alberta began to climb dramatically. physically exhausting. Messenger Staff On November 16, Bishop Jane With all its challenges, however, “Leadership has been called again for the closure of church finding new ways to “be church” has March 2021 marks one buildings. They have yet to open at had sometimes surprising benefits. building up other’s gifts year since the first COVID-19 the time of printing. Not surprising: the way lay lockdown took place in Alberta. that respond to this unique This roller-coaster ride has been people have stepped up, taking The Messenger reached out situation; exercising a season of unprecedented change the initiative to connect with and to Bishop Jane and clergy in and challenge. encourage each other, putting to use graciousness to others; and Edmonton diocese for comments Weddings. Funerals. Hospital their gifts and creativity in new and and reflections on ministering inspiring others...” visits. Eucharist. Every aspect of imaginative ways. Many parishioners through this unprecedented life and ministry has been upended. with experience in technology have experience. Most clergy faced a massive shared their skills and expertise with “We have been able to see arch 15, 2021 was the learning curve in figuring out how their rectors! talents and skills come from first Sunday that church to provide virtual worship services More surprising: the way almost our people that could only be Mservices in the Diocese and pastoral care. Online platforms all congregations have accepted and of Edmonton were disrupted due that are familiar now were much less utilized online platforms. Several tapped on-line.” to COVID-19. At the time, no one familiar at the start: from Zoom, to congregations report a wider reach anticipated the full extent of that video recording and editing, to live- with online services, even to other “It has proven to me that disruption. streaming on Facebook or YouTube. countries around the world. Others “I don’t think any of us imagined Keeping parishioners connected report higher ‘attendance’ at online church is not only the building that one year later we would still has been difficult; some do not have mid-week prayer services than they by any means.” be dealing with this virus,” says easy access to online platforms. ever had prior to the pandemic. Bishop Jane. “At the beginning we Phones and physical mail have seen No one is entirely certain what thought of it as a deadly super-flu, a comeback as tools for ministry and these changes will mean in the long “For all the jokes about but one that would be under control outreach. run. Some are pleased that parish Anglicans wanting things by summer. I had hopes of in-person Many clergy report the sadness boundaries have become more fluid Pentecost worship. However, it was and difficulty of providing pastoral and people can find the community never to change, I’ve been not to be.” care when they cannot be physically they need, without abandoning tremendously blessed The next update on April 3 made present with those who are suffering; their current parishes. Others are it clear we were in it for the longer to pray with them, sit with them, concerned that the ability to choose by the willingness of our haul. Parishes scrambled to figure visit them in hospital. They worry from countless online services may congregations across the out how to do mission and ministry about the health and well-being of decrease motivation to attend in diocese to adapt, try new from a distance. parishioners they cannot see. Even person and increase a consumerist Spring and summer 2020 offered the simple pleasure of connecting approach to church. One thing is things, and engage in new and a reprieve. Many parishioners were face-to-face while preaching a certain, our experience of church will exciting ministries.” still not keen to risk in-person events. sermon or leading worship has been never be the entirely the same again. Others enjoyed carefully orchestrated a loss. It is a struggle to speak to “Things will not return to how gatherings and the freedom to meet a camera instead of to people. All they were before.” says Bishop Jane. “I have experienced the outside through summer and fall. have faced a completely new and “We have been shaped and molded pandemic as liberating In October, however, daily new constantly changing work pattern, by the pandemic. We will be a new case numbers for COVID-19 in which has been mentally and church for a new age.” because it gave me time and space to connect with what All Saints’ Cathedral Tracks “Having our people people outside the church are looking to us for answers looking for.” Pandemic’s Tragic Toll to technological issues that One unmistakable marker of the COVID-19 pandemic is the display of paper hearts we didn’t feel competent to “My greatest joy has been on the windows of All Saints’ Cathedral in Edmonton. Administrative Assistant reaching out to the larger Sara Kate Edwards lovingly places one heart for each person who dies of COVID-19 deal with. That has been very in Alberta. At the time of writing, stressful. ” community (by email and there were 1,722. Bishop Jane writes, “Each time I go physical mail) it has been to the cathedral I see the hearts on “I have struggled most with a true blessing and has the windows spreading the full length of the building. Each heart a person finding a rhythm and a clear increased the number of who has died. We pray for them daily, we pray for those who grieve. sense of what ministry looks people we are in contact One of the places I find comfort like when parameters are these days is in the words of Malcolm with to a point where they Guite, poet and chaplain, who wrote always changing…” could not all come to church about the numbers in the UK.” together as our church would At close of day I hear “It has been taxing the gentle rain be too small. Amazing! God Whilst experts on the radio explain psychologically and has made Mind-numbing numbers, it difficult to maintain a sense is touching so many and I am rising by the day, filled with awe.” Cyphers of unimaginable pain of purpose and to be fully #100000 Behind Each Number, engaged.” One Beloved Face “I pray we don’t just go malcolmguite.wordpress.com “I miss people.” back to business as usual.” MARCH 2021 3 THE MESSENGER Bishop’s Corner Lent is a time to strengthen our spiritual muscles t’s beginning to the custom of sprinkling ashes on those who were hearts for all that may separate us from God and look a lot like... declaring public acts of penitence. turn our paths to more life-giving and Godly ILent??!!??? In the early centuries, fasting rules through ways. In this, Lent can be a time to grieve over Lent is Lent were strict. People were allowed one meal what we have done wrong and acknowledge our definitely not each evening and meat, fish, eggs, and butter were responsibility for it to our Lord and Saviour. looked forward to forbidden. Fasting is a way to participate with In summary, Lent is a time of preparation, and in the same manner Christ, re-enacting his fasting in the desert before in that way very similar to Christmas. Christmas as Christmas, is it? he began his ministry. It’s also a way to re-order is a celebration of the first coming of Christ, in Where Christmas our lives to try and get rid of (fast from) everything which he came to save us, and a looking forward is a celebration of which tries to replace God in our lives. Fasting is to his second coming in which the new world, the Christ coming, with essentially building up our capability to restrain new heavens and earth, are fully revealed. Where Bishop DAVID GREENWOOD gifts, fellowship, ourselves in love, in order to more deeply link Christmas is a joyful and celebratory preparation, Diocese of Athabasca and joyful music, with our Lord and Saviour and truly realize our Lent is a somber and reflective preparation, quite Lent seems to be dependence on Him alone. Fasting is emphasized the opposite in mood. Celebration and restraint are the total opposite. And it sort of is. through Lent as a method of getting close to God; both appropriate, each in its season, as we walk Formalized at the First Council of Nicaea in giving alms (money for those in need) as a method with Christ and live our redemption in him. Lent 325 AD, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts of caring for our neighbour; and prayer as we and Christmas both point, ultimately, to the glory until Holy Saturday (40 days plus the 6 Sundays, seek to talk with God at all times. Note that these of Easter. which traditionally aren’t viewed as part of Lent). three actions (restraining ourselves in love, prayer, May this Lent be a time of strengthening your Lent is a time of preparation for baptism as well and giving to those in need) are asked each day spiritual muscles. May you restrain yourself in as a time of asking God to forgive us our sins. It from the followers of Christ. Lent is just a time love, renew your care for others, and reinvigorate is also a time to demonstrate that we are striving to strengthen those disciplines. You may think of your closeness with God. to show behaviour free from those sins. Ash them as ‘spiritual muscles.’ Be blessed in your walk with Christ, Wednesday, the first day of Lent, got its name from In prayer, Lent is also a time to search our +David Come Sunday - oh come Sunday - that’s the day miss singing! but I miss you my brothers and sisters and There, I’ve said I can’t wait to be with you again. If it is Lord, dear Lord of love, I it. I miss the after April, then just look for the somewhat God Almighty, God above, hymns, the psalms, familiar woman sitting in the back pew Please look down the choruses. I miss singing her heart out in an embarrassingly and see my people through. the new tunes and loud way! I believe that God put sun the old faithfuls. Hang in there folks, Sunday is coming. and moon up in the sky. I miss standing in I heard an old song recently by Duke I don’t mind the gray skies the midst of the Ellington, written in 1943. It’s called ‘cause they’re just clouds passing by. congregation lifting “Come Sunday” and the words are included my voice in sung here: Lilies of the valley, Bishop JANE ALEXANDER prayers surrounded If you want to hear a great they neither toil nor spin, Diocese of Edmonton by that cloud of recording of this song, find it on And flowers bloom in Spring, witnesses in earth YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/ and birds sing. and on heaven. Never, never again will I take watch?v=2Iq3TiR8T64 He’ll give peace for granted the beauty and joy of congregational I cannot wait until our first time to meet and comfort to every troubled mind, singing. I have been thinking about this a lot for a together again, unmasked, not physically Come Sunday, oh come Sunday, year now, ever since singing became a dangerous distant and able to sing, pray and take the that’s the day. activity. I wonder, have you missed singing too? holy sacrament together – what an amazing Are there parts of our common worship life day that will be. We know it is coming Often we feel weary but he knows together that you cannot wait to get back to? and even now I can feel the anticipation our every care. My daily prayers and reading centre me, my growing in me. I suspect there will be an Go to him in secret, meditation calms me, my conversations with God explosion of joy signified by tears and he will hear your every prayer. and the stories of how God’s children are faithfully croaky voices getting back into practice. Up from dawn till sunset, showing God’s love every single day inspire me. I Come Sunday, oh come Sunday, that’s man works hard all day, am singing along in the house with YouTube, I’m the day. Come Sunday, oh come Sunday, singing traditional hymns with Maddie Prior, the that’s the day. St. Matthew Passion, Taizé chants and it helps, +Jane

SUBMISSIONS DUE 1 MONTH Send to: A $15 annual donation is suggested. PRIOR to PRINTING DATE Margaret Glidden (Edmonton) LAYOUT & DESIGN Please send donations to the Dioceses of Athabasca or Edmonton, [email protected] Margaret Glidden DEADLINE for APRIL 2021 c/o The Messenger. Peter Clarke (Athabasca) Shelly King is Monday, March 1, 2021 [email protected] The Messenger is published under PROOF READING the authority of the Dioceses of Jennifer Wirun Athabasca and Edmonton. Opinions www.edmonton.anglican.ca/ MESSENGER TEAM expressed in The Messenger are not blog/the-messenger necessarily those of the editor or REPORTING publisher. EDITORS Peter Clarke Submissions: Margaret Glidden (Edmonton) Margaret Glidden The Messenger is a section of the We welcome letters to the editor, Peter Clarke (Athabasca) Anglican Journal, printed 10 times a news, stories and book reviews (max Shelly King year (no issues July and August) by 500 words), event notices and high Webnews Printing Inc. resolution photos (min 300 dpi). North York, ON. 4 THE MESSENGER Missional Discipleship MARCH 2021 Fruits of the Spirit equip disciples for the mission of God the mission of God. peace of Christ abides! own personal benefit. Let’s It is so much easier to be Today we consider How can this not fail to get be clear. They are for our a blessing to those around peace. Like love and joy, us up onto our feet and out benefit, but they are also for us when we abide in him, it is easy to see how each the door each day with a a purpose beyond ourselves. for the love, joy and peace of these can flow into swagger and purpose. These are fruits given as we share is the result of the others. We rejoice in And what is that we abide in him so that we Christ’s ongoing work in the love God has for us. purpose? It is that you become more like Christ and us rather than mere feelings Knowing that God considers will be a blessing to those are thus provided with what of love, joy and peace us worth the life of his Son, in your life: your family, we need to participate in that we may or may not a deep joy is created in the friends, neighbours and the mission to which Christ experience depending on our depths of our soul. From that work colleagues. You do not himself calls us. personality and the weather. flows peace, a “peace that go out on your own. You When we broaden our We are to be love, The Ven. RICHARD KING passes all understanding” are not sent alone to play horizons and see that the joy and peace; a living Archdeacon for (Philippians 4:7). Love, joy your part in God’s ongoing fruit of the Spirit has a embodiment and out- Mission and Discipleship and peace! These are fruits mission of redemption with missional purpose, we can working of the inner work Diocese of Edmonton of the Holy Spirit in us. just your own resources. see how wonderfully Jesus Christ is doing in our lives, Jesus calls us and chose us Neither are the fruits of love, equips for the task we are as we abide in him to the ello again! “to bear fruit; fruit that will joy and peace given to us sent to do. We abide in him benefit of those around us. We now continue last.” And we produce fruit so that we would just feel so that we produce good May God bless you in Hour series on the as we abide in Jesus (John better about ourselves or be fruit. It is only by abiding all your endeavours in his importance of the fruit of the 15:1-16). comforted. We so often veer in him that such fruit can name. Spirit as listed in Galatians This is who we are as we towards practices that seem possibly be produced. He 5:22-23, and how this fruit abide in him. We are people to encourage the idea that then sends us with his love, Richard equips us for participation in in whom the love, joy and these fruits are just for our joy and peace. Manna Market 2.0: Still Meeting Needs One Bag at a Time The Rev. RUTH SESINK BOTT this vital ministry. And so, as we are limited to three and Canon BARB BURROWS Manna Market 2.0 came volunteers per shift, but for All Saints’ Cathedral, into existence. Instead of many the market is still a Edmonton a selection of produce set highlight of their week. Our very week for the out in the hall every week, customers tell us how great past three years, we now pre-package low- it is that we were able to still volunteers at cost bags of produce. All be open as many of them E the bags are the same, but have mobility challenges All Saints’ Cathedral in Edmonton have ordered each week the contents and in the grocery desert fruits and vegetables differ. The pre-filled bags of downtown Edmonton, from Fatima’s Wholesale contain an assortment of procuring affordable Distributor for the Manna six or seven different fruits produce and transporting it Market, a food security and vegetables such as home is incredibly difficult. project of the Cathedral’s bananas, apples, oranges, There are challenges Reach Committee. Produce potatoes, tomatoes, with our pandemic friendly is priced at cost – one- carrots, cucumber, set up: our customers don’t half to one-third of prices broccoli, and salad kits. get to choose their produce, in supermarkets – and in In the summer we were there is a smaller selection pre-pandemic days, the able to include seasonal of items and there isn’t hall then transformed every produce like cherries and that community-building Wednesday into a bustling berries. In addition to coffee time. Yet we are ordering for the market, grateful that Manna Market market. Approximately Volunteers carefully choose fresh fruit and vegetables each week for pre-filled, seventy customers, many we also order extra low-cost grocery bags. Photo by Jennifer Wirun continues. We are grateful from the senior’s complex bananas and oranges to for the support and work beside the Cathedral, came supplement the Cathedral’s ends as they are a hit with meal programs, or to the of Cathedral clergy and in to select and pay for their breakfast program. our customers. Food Bank. In the summer, volunteers and we are produce. Most stayed after For the past year we The grocery bags are we took produce and meals especially grateful for our their shopping for coffee, have been in partnership sold for $5 each at the to Pekiwewin Relief and supplier and our customers. snacks and a chat – building with Trinity Youth Project, entrance to the church. Prayer Camp that was Volunteers continue to community. Whether which is based at Holy The actual cost is usually set up just down the hill make an effort to connect physical or relational, Trinity in Old Strathcona between $7 and $8, with the from the Cathedral, to with each person who meeting these needs has and is now known as TYP additional cost covered by help our housing-insecure comes. Even if it looks always been at the heart of TOP Bakery (find them at our Reach funds. Over the neighbours. different these days, we are Manna Market. typtopbakery.square.site). past year we have prepared A year ago, we weren’t thankful that the Manna Then in March 2020 the In return for a donation, they between 36 and 60 bags per sure how customers and Market is still able to help pandemic hit. supply us with packages of week; this winter we have volunteers would react to our downtown neighbours Like all outreach two buns to put into each stabilized at 48 bags per the necessary changes and afford healthy produce. initiatives we needed bag each week, as well week. We usually sell all the new challenges these Relational and nutritional to quickly rethink our as buns for our breakfast the bags, but if we have any changes created. However, needs are still being met, procedures and pivot into program. remaining, we take them to volunteers have adapted and the connections formed a new method of delivery The buns may need to parishioners, to St. Faith’s to and remained enthusiastic. and forming during this time if we wanted to continue stay even after the pandemic supplement the PrayerWorks They miss working together, are precious. MARCH 2021 5 THE MESSENGER Athabasca Parishes, diocese say farewell to valued Fort Mac Canon PETER CLARKE Athabasca Editor n January 31, 2021, the parishes Oof All Saints’ and St. Thomas’ in Fort McMurray joined together in a Facebook Live service for Morning Prayer and to celebrate the ministry of Fr. Christopher Tapera, now former rector of St. Thomas’ Pictured from left: Fr. Tapera delivers his final farewell to Anglican Church. parishioners in Fort McMurray in a service streamed live on Having arrived five the St. Thomas’ Anglican Church Facebook page; Lay Reader years ago from Zimbabwe, Brenda Singh of All Saints’ presents a gift from parishioners. there were significant us a wonderful Fr. Christopher, his wife adjustments to be made in analytical aspect Juliet, and daughter Lisa, his new life in the parish at to events, but flew to his new parish in Fort McMurray, not least always in a Bathurst, New Brunswick, the cold winters that we loving and taking with them the love are used to. However, with kind manner. I and best wishes of both Fr. Christopher’s kind and valued his calm parishes and the diocese. gentle demeanour he soon approach in He also received a painting, settled into his new home what was a very a gift from Bishop David and eventually became emotional and Greenwood on behalf of the involved at the diocesan disturbing time. diocese. The painting is by level as a member of had the privilege of working long discernment process We spent a lot of a local Fort McMurray artist the Diocesan Executive with Fr. Christopher in a parish that was in time in prayer together. and depicts a wooded scene Committee. and the Rev. Fariborz distress. Fr. Christopher’s On February 1, of a trail in that city. I (Canon Peter Clarke) Khandani during a week- background as a lawyer gave Holy pragmatism: getting on with the job in the love of Christ proverbial window. to the traditions we have the attempt. Plus, the ashes that whatever we do, we This pragmatism known. are not sacraments, so why should do it so that others begged for attention in my Secondly, we scheduled worry about a little mess? might experience the love preparations for Lent. The a Zoom Ash Wednesday It is true that my of Christ. I’m more than three congregations for Service (BAS, pp.281- pragmatism can sometimes happy to sacrifice liturgical which I have responsibility 286, service to be shared neglect important theological finesse for the sake of God’s were craving opportunities on screen) complete with principles. Why and how love. I don’t need to stand for relationships and a packets of ashes to be you do something can be on my priestly prerogative return to what they used to distributed in advance of more important than getting to distribute the ashes, if know. That’s part of being a the service. Sure, ripping something done. But that’s so doing will inhibit the churchgoer in a pandemic. open the tea sachets filled why we have , deans worshippers’ experience of We’ve all “been there, done with last year’s ashes could and regional deans whose grace. There is very little I The Ven. TERRY LEER that.” So, we chose to do the be disastrously messy, but ministry includes reminding won’t sacrifice for the sake Executive Archdeacon best we could. it will work. And those pragmatists of principles. of others’ salvation—except, Diocese of Athabasca First, we scheduled who wish to participate will There is one principle, well, maybe, my cherished am a theological, a Zoom Shrove Tuesday find their hunger for the however, of which even I identity as an introvert. spiritual and Pancake Supper. Everyone traditions they love eased by don’t need to be reminded: organizational who wishes to be involved I will make and enjoy pragmatist. Most people Athabasca Diocese Virtual Worship think I’m a perfectionist, their own pancakes in the but that is obviously not safety of their own homes. Resources and Opportunities true. I do like doing things Participants will set up their For access to online precisely, but I never strive device on one end of the services, both mid- Or, search Facebook.com for: dinner table and sign into for perfection. Perfection week and on Sunday, can never be reached and Zoom before they all sit please visit the • The Diocese of Athabasca trying to reach it will always down to eat and chat over **NEW** diocesan • St. James Cathedral frustrate you and it could pancakes. Everyone knows website at www. • St. Mark’s High Prairie even kill you. Nope—a that this pales in comparison athdio.ca or one of • St. Thomas Fort McMurray perfectionist I am not. What to a real Pancake Supper the following parish • Christ Church Grande Prairie I am is a precise pragmatist. (what with the men cooking websites: • St. Anne’s Church Valleyview So, get something done and the women enjoying • All Saints Church Fort McMurray and do it with precision— being served, as it’s done • www.stjamespr.org • St. Peters Church Slave Lake particularly in language in many parishes). But it’s • www.christchurchanglicangp.org • Anglican Church of Athabasca • www.sttom.ca • St. Helen’s Anglican Church and processes. But toss something. In a pragmatic • www.allsaintsanglican.ca • St. Bartholomew’s Anglican way, we achieve our goal of petrifying perfection with • www.parishnorthernlights.org Church its impossibilities out the relationships and a return 6 THE MESSENGER Introducing MARCH 2021 St. Andrew’s rector appointed from Moravian Church The Rev. Deacon SHELLY KING searching as she waited on God to be a good place to be about God’s Messenger Staff reveal the next steps. work. I was excited when they “What does a pastor do when offered me the position.” he Rev. Trina Holmberg there is no church for them to Holmberg’s experience of the joined the Diocese of serve?” says Holmberg. “I spent diocese and the parish have been as Edmonton on January 1, 2021 T a year trying to discern if there positive as a pandemic will allow. as rector of St. Andrew’s parish was a church for me to serve in; “The people have been gracious in Camrose. It was her first day a chaplaincy; or something else. and helpful. There are about seven working as a priest in the Anglican COVID-19 slowed any possibilities of us working to bring worship church, but not her first day as an with churches and institutions together. It feels so wonderful to ordained minister. The journey that locking themselves down.” lead worship with people around, brought her to this post is unique. “The Moravian and Anglican yet so hard to connect with people The Rev. Trina Holmberg joins her first diocesan Having grown up in Dawson clergy Zoom meeting, December 2020 churches are currently in discussion you haven’t met yet by staring into Creek, BC and various places in to move into full communion, so I a camera. I long to meet everyone will join in.” She also hopes to have Alberta, including Edmonton, Fort contacted Bishop Jane Alexander to in person.” Zoom gatherings that are more social Saskatchewan, Bruderheim and see if there were any possibilities. Holmberg and her husband, in nature and outside gatherings Lamont, Holmberg found her calling She had a couple of rural churches Ken, took possession of their home when the weather is nice and as to ministry in the Moravian Church. looking for . She contacted in Camrose in December and regulations are lifted. Her priorities She was ordained in May 2009 at the them and they were willing to meet spent Christmas unpacking. Now are for the congregation to stay Moravian Theological Seminary in me. We toured Camrose before comes the challenge of making the connected with one another and get Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She served knowing about any meeting and felt adjustment from the Moravian to to know her as well. in two Moravian churches in the U.S. comfortable here. When I met the Anglican forms of worship. “I am “Some have reached out by and spent 10 months in Nepal before people on the search committee, they trying to become acclimatized to email to welcome me and share some returning to live in Leduc, Alberta in were wonderful. I felt like this would being Anglican and honouring the of their story,” she says. “I hope this 2018. Then began a time of soul- rituals and traditions. I have had help continues. And when we can meet from a Moravian friend working in again I hope it will bring such joy Rector Retires after the Anglican Church, as well as from that it explodes out the door. There the Rev. Canon Chelsy Bouwman are many ways St. Andrew’s has Decade in Camrose [of the diocesan Rural Ministries been involved in the community Major (ret’d) the Rev. Jacques deGuise Vaillancourt Initiative]. And again, the people and other ways we may reach out stepped down as rector of St. Andrew’s Camrose in here are gracious.” and help. My hope is that we will the spring of 2020, staying on in an interim role until At the time of writing, Holmberg continue to do our part in keeping a replacement could be found. Due to pandemic Camrose a place where all are restrictions, parishioners have not been able to hold a was planning to move to a Zoom farewell for him, but have delivered to him a Book of format for worship “so we can have welcome and can find the help and Memories. Vaillancourt served as the rector of a coffee time after. I hope people support that they need.” St. Andrew’s for ten years. Moravian Church, Anglicans, Lutherans in ecumenical talks The Rev. Canon Dr. SCOTT SHARMAN order, the and the years. Because of this, the 2019 and ministers of our churches have Ecumenical & Interfaith Coordinator Moravian Church in Great Britain Synod of the Diocese of Edmonton had locally in Alberta for several Diocese of Edmonton mutually recognized one another approved the launch of a new years. It stands on the foundation ike the Anglican church, as churches sharing in the apostolic ecumenical dialogue with members of a lot of good ecumenical the Moravian church faith, and now enjoy substantial of the local Moravian community, work internationally which has has roots in the central connection and collaboration. In seeking to grow in our mutual demonstrated why and how such L the United States, the Episcopal understanding and to increase our a calling is possible here. And it European reforming movements in the of the 15th Church and the Moravian Church in capacities for sharing ministry and stands to be a blessing not only to the century (and earlier). Also similar North America went a step further outreach together ecumenically in parishioners in Camrose, but to our to the Anglican tradition, it is a to establish a relationship of full the neighbourhoods and initiatives Diocese as a whole, as we receive church that has sought to retain the communion in 2010, which implies a in which we often intersect. As of the many gifts which the Moravian ancient common tradition of the mutual recognition of one another’s late 2020/early 2021 this dialogue expression of the Jesus Movement early Church, a strong sacramental faith and sacraments, and the has expanded nationally, to the point has to share with the wider Church character, and an episcopal polity, transferability of ordained ministers that the Anglican Church of Canada of God. while also embracing the major between the two communities is now exploring the possibilities A trilateral Anglican-Lutheran- theological impulses of the 16th (including priests/pastors and for a full communion relationship Moravian task group has begun century Reformation. Today, though bishops). with Moravians which would allow work to build ecumenical dialogue. not especially large in numbers, In Canada, Moravian for broad ranging fellowship in According to the Anglican Church the Moravian Unity is a global congregations exist in 3 civil worship life, the transitivity of of Canada website, “its mandate communion of churches spread Provinces: Newfoundland and ordained ministers, and especially is to develop a proposal for mutual widely across the world. Labrador, Ontario, and Alberta. collaboration in mission. recognition of relations of full Anglicans and Moravians have There are 8 congregationally The calling of the Rev. Trina communion for approval by the been involved in partnerships and organized Moravian ministries in Holmberg to serve in the Diocese of Council of General Synod in spring ecumenical conversations for over Alberta, and 6 of these are in the Edmonton as Rector of St. Andrew’s 2022, and for potential consideration two hundred years, and these have Edmonton and surrounding areas. Camrose is, in many ways, a ‘first at the Anglican-ELCIC Assembly begun to bear significant fruit in Positive contacts and areas of fruits’ of something we are on the summer 2022.” In his national role more recent decades. In 1995, on the cooperation have existed between cusp of seeing extended across the as Animator for Ecumenical and basis of close collaboration in local Anglican parishes and Moravian whole of our two churches in Canada Interfaith Relations, the Rev. Canon communities as well as ongoing Congregations for quite some time, very soon. It builds on the history of Dr. Scott Sharman of Edmonton dialogue on matters of faith and and have been increasing in recent close relationship which members diocese is part of this ongoing work. MARCH 2021 7 THE MESSENGER PWRDF - Parish Life PWRDF & partners battle chronic hunger with knowledge DOROTHY MARSHALL a long period were benefitting PWRDF Representative of time, either from this knowledge. Diocese of Edmonton when people do Repeatedly we heard think most of us would consider not have enough that they had been ‘international development’ up food or enough hungry before but there with ‘mothers and apple nutritious food. It could now feed their I results in stunting families and could pie.’ It’s good, of course, but maybe kind of ambiguous? The Canadian the growth and afford to send children government supports international mental activities to school. Lives were development on our behalf, and of children and being changed and the some of us support it through our weakens the young people had hope Anglican Church’s Primate’s World immune system. for a better future. Relief and Development Fund It is estimated Women were being (PWRDF). The question is, how does that almost 700 empowered to be it actually work? million people equal partners in the A year ago at this time, I was do not have community. in India (pre-COVID) to see how regular access to Nothing could it works. I was invited on behalf of nutritious food. have prepared me PWRDF to be part of a food security Of those, 70% are Dorothy Marshall enjoys locally grown vegetables on CFGB tour in eastern India. for the poverty I saw farmers and 60 % in India. Yet I was learning tour arranged by the village have been taught new are women. also surprised by the joy of these Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB). strategies such as crop rotations to The most effective initiatives to resilient people; they fed us from The CFGB is a partnership of improve production and new crops address long term hunger include their gardens and showed their deep 15 Canadian church-based agencies, have been introduced to increase the communities facing hunger appreciation for the support and like PWRDF, working together nutrition in the diet. The lead farmers as active participants in creating for this simple knowledge transfer to end global hunger. It supports mentor others and each village is solutions for their unique challenges, that was enabling them to feed their projects implemented by its members supported by trained agricultural and this is what we saw on our families nutritious food and have through their own local partner field men. tour. My companions were a dozen hope for their children’s future. organizations in countries around This is basic knowledge transfer, people from across Canada; mostly So, how can we help? the world, meeting both emergency and it has transformed the way farmers like me. We visited projects We can pray for the work of food needs and achieving long-term people farm. People now have supporting sustainable agriculture organizations like PWRDF and we solutions to hunger. kitchen gardens, which has increased in an area of eastern India, several can support respected organizations There are two core beliefs at the their nutrition dramatically. They use hours by train north of Kolkata. Food financially, as we are able. Last year root of this work: that we are created compost and mulch. production has historically been very PWRDF allocated more than $6 in the image of God and that God’s Because of climate change, the low here and the farms are small – million to international development, desire is that no person should go monsoon rains come later now, and averaging two acres. The farmers use working with organizations like the hungry. Jesus makes it very clear rainfall is inconsistent. Farmers are traditional methods, and the soil is CFGB as well as local partners on what he expects of us in Matthew encouraged to diversify their crops very poor; they work long and hard projects like those I was able to visit. 25:45 when he speaks of helping the from rice production which requires and yet they struggle to simply feed I hope you will check out the website hungry and says, “Truly I tell you, a lot of moisture to vegetable crop their families. at www.pwrdf.org to read stories just as you did not do it to one of the rotations and to use mulch between The local partner organization of some of the wonderful work least of these, you did not do it to the plants to conserve moisture. has focused on conservation being done on behalf of Canadian me.” We were fortunate to hear agriculture. Lead farmers in each Anglicans. Hunger can be chronic over firsthand the voices of those who Parish offers Lenten invitation to ‘Come to the Desert’ ANGELA BOKENFOHR than most of us have known in commitments, no long to-do lists, would be invited to spend some St. Matthew, St. Albert our lifetimes. The empty church and no prescription on how to contemplative time in the desert. buildings on Sunday mornings, the engage the space. There would also This year, we opted to move this he Gospel of Luke holds intentional distance from friends be a weekly service in the evening engagement online with a weekly many reminders for us that and family, and for some, changes in in which, after the reading, attendees Tuesday night service at 7:00pm. even the Son of God found T how or where we However and wherever solace and rest in being able to step engage our day-to- you find yourself this away from the busy, the ministry, day employment. Lenten season: whether and the routine in order to find time St. Matthew’s in a desert of your own or to pray (Luke 4:1-2, 14-15; 5:16; Anglican Church on a pilgrimage for life- Luke 6:12-13). Even in the midst of in St. Albert, once sustaining streams of water, a vibrant and active ministry, Jesus again, has created or somewhere in between, remind us that we too, can give a desert space in know that the invitation ourselves permission from the many our sanctuary. The is always open to come to demands and pulls on our time and usual engagement the desert in an intentional talents, to find a quiet place to be would be that the way. Our services stream intentional in our prayer. church would be to our facebook page: St. There have been many open for lunch Matthew’s Anglican Church discussions about how our current hours during the St. Albert. Know that, even time of pandemic can make it week for people in light of the restrictions feel like we are in a desert; the to come in and and guidelines, this is one guidelines on who we can see and just sit and be: desert where you will never, how we see them are vastly different no conflicting St. Matthew sanctuary transformed into a ‘desert.’ Photo by Angela Bokenfohr. ever be alone. 8 THE MESSENGER Ministry Reflections MARCH 2021 Long-time friend accepts honour for ecumenism The Rev. Deacon SHELLY KING honorary title to Fr. MacDonald in Messenger Staff recognition of what she describes During the Week of Prayer as his “incredible commitment to for Christian Unity (January 18- Anglican-Roman Catholic relations.” 25) Bishop Jane Alexander asked The Rev. Dr. Scott Sharman, long-time friend of the diocese, Fr. Ecumenical and Interfaith Donald MacDonald, if he would Coordinator for Edmonton diocese accept the title of Honorary Canon says that, in spite of historic of the Diocese of Edmonton in divisions, bonds of affection exist recognition of his commitment to between our churches, and that ecumenical relations over many “Fr. Don has long been a piece of years. He graciously agreed. tangible evidence of this fact in his A member of the Franciscan very person. To have him named as religious order, Fr. MacDonald an honourary ecumenical Canon of Photo of Fr. MacDonald by Grandin Media, news website of the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton. served as a professor at Newman the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton Theological College in Edmonton were fortunate enough to study with Christ.” is a gesture which gives official and was, in fact, one of Bishop you. I pray for your continued health It is unusual that a person from symbolic recognition to a fact he has Jane’s teachers. In her letter of and well-being and I give thanks for the Roman Catholic church should lived out so admirably well through invitation, she said, “As you enter your extraordinary witness to Christ. be asked to take on a title in the his own ministry, to the great benefit retirement after 50 years of teaching, You have stirred God’s people to Anglican church, even one that is of both our churches, and to the I send you love and thanksgiving for action, and I believe you have been primarily symbolic. Yet in this case glory of our common Lord and your ministry from those of us who a true force for good and an icon of it is fitting. Bishop Jane offered the Saviour Jesus Christ.” Bishop sets date for resignation; reflects on ministry cont. Continued from front page. Canon Chelsy Bouwman, to help rural ministers and parishes serve The Bishop helped launch the the needs of their communities in the Edmonton Lutheran-Anglican- geographically diverse Edmonton Roman Catholic (LARC) dialogue diocese which, in spite of its name, is group on the eve of the 500th every bit as rural as it is urban. anniversary of the Reformation in Bishop Jane is an unabashed 2017; and, this January, welcomed proponent of dignity and equality Fr. Donald MacDonald as Honorary for all God’s people. With the help Canon of the Diocese of Edmonton, of her mentor Michael Harvey, during the Week of Prayer for founder of Back to Church Sunday, Christian Unity (see above). she has cultivated a culture of “Christians are a powerful voice intentional invitation and welcome. when we choose to live out the With another beloved friend, Fr. Gospel collectively,” she says. Michael Lapsley, SSM, founder To support emerging ministries of the Institute for the Healing of Bishop Jane launched the five- Memories in Cape Town, South year REACH campaign, raising Africa, and an Honourary Canon nearly $5 million for mission. It for Healing and Reconciliation, she is hoped people will renew their has reached out to people who have Reach pledges in support of ongoing Bishop Jane on her consecration day with husband Tim. “I started with incredible joy, but a lot not always been treated equally ministry. of trepidation knowing that only by the grace of God could I minister in this role.” by church and society, including Equipping people to do God’s and activist Brian McLaren, have the enthusiastic support of Canon Indigenous peoples and members of will is a cornerstone of Bishop Jane’s led clergy conferences and public Susan Oliver Martin, rector of Christ the LGBTQ2S+ community. ministry. She provides training and workshops in the diocese. Messy Church in Edmonton. support for clergy and lay members Church founder Lucy Moore Bishop Jane of the diocese, including licensed lay shared her creative, celebratory and gained a deep “Bishop Jane’s ministry to the diocese readers and parish evangelists. hospitable vision of being church appreciation has been good-humoured, inclusive, for families, for Christian encouraging, and down-to-earth.” “I have appreciated Bishop Jane’s especially presence and -the Rev. Kevin Kraglund constant reminder that we are part for those not ministry to rural of a faith that is alive and calls us to already part of a communities church. Several while serving in Wetaskiwin, Spruce There is much more to be said! creatively be a part of God’s great love parishes now Grove and Rexboro during her The Messenger’s reflection on in our world.” offer Messy diaconal and priestly ministry. She the episcopal ministry of Bishop -the Very Rev. Alexandra Meek Church, and visits rural communities as often as Jane Alexander will continue in have done her schedule permits, and has blessed the April 2021 edition, touching Church movers and shakers, “Messy” baptisms, inductions and the bounty of community gardens, on the Bishop’s work promoting like missional church movement confirmations. During the pandemic, served and sampled homemade pies Indigenous ministries and efforts leader Alan Hirsch, the late Phyllis some parishes have even provided at agricultural fairs and led Advent toward reconciliation, leading the Tickle, once a prophetic voice on the at-home Messy Church and Sunday lessons and carols in tiny, country fight against poverty in Edmonton, changing Christian church, and “a school activity kits. Children’s and churches. She established the Rural and forging our connection with the new kind of Christianity” theologian family’s ministries flourish with Ministry Initiative, now led by Diocese of Buyé, Burundi.