DIOCESAN POST Celebrating the Diocese of A Section of the ANGLICAN JOURNAL DECEMBER 2017

Faith in Action

YEAR OF RECONCILIATION

Photo by Diocesan Post

Anglicans from across the diocese gather at the legislature buildings in a Circle of Support for First Nations demonstrators Circle of Solidarity: Voices from the Salmon Frontlines

by Terry Jones Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of we all, with the Musgamagw of God’s work—to be here with the Declaration on the Rights of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs the Broughton Archipelago, and people today, prayerfully standing Indigenous Peoples.” Let’s hope On Thursday, November 2, travelled from the Okanagan to we are encouraging them in their with them. and pray this government lives up members of the diocese joined join the protest. He said he was reassertion of their rights to the to its promises. a gathering of First Nations, encouraged by the success shown traditional territories that they Craig Hiebert, regional dean environmentalists and concerned by First Nations working together have farmed for 14,000 years.” (Tolmie) and rector, St. Mary the citizens in front of the B.C. to stop projects such as Northern He continued, “the bishop asked Virgin, Oak Bay, said, “we have legislature to protest against Gateway and Pacific Northwest me to say that this is not about the been operating on the illusion that open-net fish farms. The protest LNG. science of fish farms, it’s about the we are people of privilege when, all follows the occupation of two reassertion of land rights which the time, we are ignoring people Marine Harvest farms by First There was a strong diocesan are already established and already who have been here before . . . Nations and environmentalists in turnout at the demonstration— there, and we stand with them, and pretend that we have all the the Broughton Archipelago at the with representation from the top offering any support we can.” answers when in fact we don’t. northeastern coast of Vancouver of the island to the southern tip We need to be here in order to Island. Protestors wanted to in Victoria. Lincoln McKoen, stand shoulder-to-shoulder with remind the provincial government incumbent at Christ Church, our sisters and brothers so we of their campaign promise to Alert Bay, St. George, Kingcome can learn from them and also so “make sure that these territories Inlet, Fort Rupert, and St. Olaf, we can be partners in a matter of and the North Island are cleared , attended with his justice.” of fish farms.” wife, Tanya Packer-McKoen, Terry Jones Terry

Incumbent, Manager and The fight against open-net fish

Chief Ernest Alfred, traditional Facilitator at Kwakwaka’wakw farms is nothing new—it has leader of the ‘Namgis First Nation Contextualized Anglican Church been active for more than 30 Photo by merry watched as a sacred fire was lit Society. He said, “One of our First Nations’ protestors in front years. Willie Moon, Chief of the below the steps of the legislature. commitments to reconciliation of the sacred fire Musgamagw Dzawda’enuxw christmas He said, “the sacred fire is is to support Nations’ territorial First Nation believes that without to all our donors. important because it’s the sound of rights—to support them in their Lon Towstego, archdeacon of change the next generation won’t our ancestors.” He told protestors, struggle for the rights that they’ve Selkirk region and the rector of know wild salmon. Thank you for a great “it is important to break down the always had that were taken away St. Peter & St. Paul, , 60th anniversary year! barriers that cause these problems. and are being abused.” said, “We are honoured to be here NDP MLA Leonard The coastline coming all the way today standing in solidarity with Krog spoke to the crowd, saying, down is our territory—the land Alastair McCollum, Archdeacon our sisters and brothers from First “You have a new government in claims have not been settled here.” of Tolmie region, said, “I am Nations around this island . . . we Victoria that is committed to standing here in solidarity, as are feel that it’s Faith in Action— implementing the United Nations

Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits, Renewed People 2 . DIOCESAN POST . DECEMBER 2017 Advent • Christmas • Epiphany and most unexpected ways. hard to hear; to hear the ones we normally might not notice, Christmas - God with us those on the hills and outside We celebrate the incarnation the margins of our sight. As we Bishop’s Calendar of God performing this great journey again through these act. The apostle Paul tells us familiar stories, let us pause and December that when the time was right wait and hear as ambassadors 1- 2 Ministry Discernment Weekend God sent his Son into the world. of Christ, for God is making us God is present and active in our ministers of reconciliation. As 3 Church of the Advent, Parish Diocesan Post

world. God engages humanity individuals and as a diocese, Visitation & Confirmation

Photo: and invites us to join in the work what new way will God lead us of the kingdom. God invites all today and tomorrow? 5 CCC Buildings Ltd. AGM and Directors’ Meeting to meet and greet the babe who 7 Archdeacons’ meeting will become the Prince of Peace, May God richly bless you as Bishop Logan 12 Ordination of Paul Schumacher, the one through whom God will you journey through these Writes bring his reconciliation. seasons of the church year. St. Peter & St. Paul, Esquimalt We have begun our annual May you know the humility, 14 Finance Committee meeting journey through three great Epiphany - Back to their own the perseverance and the 21 Diocesan Council meeting seasons of the church. A sacred country, a different route community of shepherds and journey that has the potential, We, like the Magi, follow the magi; and in all your journeys 24 Christ Church Cathedral possibility and promise to shape star and take the good news may you be blessed by the peace and transform us as individuals home—this home where we live. of the Christ Child. and as a community of faith on These islands, these inlets, these the islands and inlets. mountains and valleys are our home. How are we sharing the Incarnation and Journey Advent - Prepare the way of light of Christ in our homes? On a hillside and in a manger, Through the pain and celebration, the Lord How are we living a different with the poor and by the prophet, by the memory and in the story, We begin our year again hearing way? How are we, each alone in the traveler and the resident, with the old and through the young, the words of the prophet calling or as a parish, manifesting the a voice of heaven and humanity, in the song and by the poet, us to get ready because God is reality and presence of God in the silence of eternity and the city. at the dance and with the feast, about to perform a great act. our midst? Prepare, get ready, be expectant In all of this we are called to see Weary legs and tired minds, God comes to us and anticipate, for something is and hear in new ways—to see sleepy eyes and troubled souls, in the heart and through the journey. about to take place. We are called and hear beyond the obvious; eager and reluctant, to be attentive, to stay awake, to to see in the ordinary and the expectant and surprised, watch and be surprised because unexpected and to hear the on the edge and at the core. God will appear in the strangest voices that are difficult and

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Some costs associated with the production of the Anglican Journal and the Diocesan All material is subject to editing. Address: 900 Vancouver Street, Victoria, BC V8V 3V7 Post are offset by parish contributions to the diocese. In return, parishioners receive Telephone: 250-386-7781 ext. 299 a copy of the Anglican Journal, including the Diocesan Post at no cost. Other Editorial E-mail: [email protected] Online: bc.anglican.ca/the-diocesan-post subscriptions: $20/10 issues or $2/issue. The Anglican Journal and Diocesan Post do Volume 51, No 10 The Post is printed and mailed by Webnews Printing Inc., North York, ON not share subscription lists with outside organizations or businesses.

Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits, Renewed People DECEMBER 2017 . DIOCESAN POST . 3 Humanitarian Aid for Myanmar Refugees

churches. The combined effort will squalid, muddy refugee camps Gurung, says that Rohingya this writing, the situation is being PWRDF provide about 18,000 Rohingya in Bangladesh since August 25, refugees “are making huts wherever complicated by tropical storms refugees with emergency rations of when the military began a wave of they find some space, but they are battering Bangladesh. Corner rice, lentils, oil, sugar, salt and high rape, killing and village burning, running out of space in the existing By Geoff Strong energy biscuits for three months. following attacks on security posts settlements, with a majority of If you would like to give a gift CFGB program manager, Matthew by a Rohingya militant group. The people staying in the open. Many to a needy family through the “Give to everyone who begs from Van Geest, indicated they “are Myanmar government responded people are arriving hungry and PWRDF Global Relations program you, and do not refuse anyone continuing to monitor the situation against the Rohingya with exhausted, with no food or water. this Christmas, consider the 2017 who wants to borrow from you”. - of the Rohingya refugees closely, disproportionate violence. Entire Most of them have walked 50 to PWRDF World of Gifts catalogue Matthew 5:42 to see if there is an additional food villages have been destroyed, and 60 kilometers for up to six days, in your November and December response needed. This coordinated there has been widespread panic and are in dire need of food, water, Anglican Journal, or at www. The Primate’s World Relief and response means less administrative and flight. The United Nations high shelter and protection.” A UNICEF giving.anglican.ca/worldofgifts. Development Fund (PWRDF) work for individual NGOs, and less commissioner for human rights report indicates that more than half Many of these gifts are matched contributed $20,000 in October risk to local partners working on called the campaign a “textbook of the refugees are children, many 6X by Global Affairs Canada. towards a food relief project in the ground in difficult situations.” example of ethnic cleansing.” of them orphaned, starving, in need And visit www.pwrdf.org for Bangladesh for Muslim Rohingya of medical attention, and at risk more information on PWRDF, refugees, recently escaping violence For decades, the Rohingya have Bangladesh is a reluctant host, of being captured by roving gangs or contact the PWRDF Diocesan in Myanmar. This project is suffered discrimination and loss being an extremely poor country and thrown into human trafficking. Representative, Geoff Strong at carried out through the Canadian of basic rights in Myanmar, a with a population of over 160 These children are seeing ‘hell [email protected]. Geoff is also Foodgrains Bank (CFGB), also majority Buddhist nation. Almost million. PWRDF Humanitarian on Earth’. PWRDF continues available to give a presentation on partnered by many other Canadian 600,000 Rohingya have fled to Response Coordinator, Naba to monitor this situation, and at PWRDF at your parish.

Christ as at St. John te Divie

Advent Procession Sunday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve A moving sequence of readings, hymns, anthems, and Sunday, December 24 at 4:00 p.m. motets exploring the themes of Advent. Sung by The All-Age Celebration of the Nativity Story Choristers of St. John the Divine. Bring the whole family and rejoice at the birth of Christ. Children, especially, are invited to participate Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 10 at 4:00 p.m. in the telling of the Christmas story in word and song. Urban outdoor retelling of the Nativity Story – rain or shine, dress appropriately! Barbecue & hot apple cider. Holy Communion for Christmas Eve at 7:00 p.m. An opportunity to share in a Eucharist for Christmas if Lessons and Carols for Christmas the Midnight Mass is a little late. With the Community Sunday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. Choir of St. John the Divine. The traditional carol service first made popular Midnight Mass at 11:00 p.m. through the Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College The festive Christmas Eucharist including Cambridge. Traditional Christmas hymns, readings, and traditional carols and candlelight. choral carols sung by The Choristers of St. John the The Choristers of St. John the Divine Divine. Christmas Day Monday, 1611 Quadra Street (near Pandora) December 25 at 10:00 a.m. Phone: 250-383-7169 Christmas Communion Website: stjohnthedivine.bc.ca Refugee Program Update By Brian Rendell refugees to 350 in just under two Some time ago the diocese agreed benefit of a long-term strategy. sponsorship is due to an amazing years, making us one of the largest to cover the costs of two part-time Over the past several months the partnership across our Anglican The reality of a growing and sponsoring programs in BC. staff as program coordinators to do DRC has undertaken a program parishes and with other churches overwhelming population of this essential work. review and planning process to and the larger community. The refugees needing assistance, and This program, which previously remedy this shortcoming. This DRC, led by chairperson Sandra a huge surge in public interest in had been run almost exclusively Sponsoring refugees, which in past Saturday the DRC presented Scarth, has had the benefit of supporting refugees to Canada, through Anglican parishes, many cases amounts literally to the Diocesan Council with an dedicated and able volunteers and presented the country and our now includes a large number of saving lives, is supportive of the in-depth view of the program, program coordinators, Tony Davis diocese with a major challenge in volunteers from other churches diocesan vision, in particular its successes and challenges, and and Rebecca Siebert. However the 2015. Many churches and groups and the broader community. As “Engaging In God’s World.” asked for guidance on the level of need is great, the work of the DRC became active in refugee work, the volume of the work increased, This program has been hugely continuing involvement, and for is growing, and the committee is and those previously engaged the refugee coordinator and the successful in sponsoring refugees, continued funding. The Council, small. We would welcome with upped their game. Notable among Diocesan Refugee Committee raising the work of the church in clearly moved by “the song of open arms additional volunteers these is the Diocese of British (DRC) required administrative the eyes of the community, and the spirit” of compassion for the with a passion to support “the Columbia, which, responding to support to process the large forming ecumenical connections. refugees, unanimously supported stranger in need.” If you would like a pressing humanitarian need, a number of applications and to train However, the dramatic growth the continuation of the program to join us please contact Rebecca Christian moral imperative, and and support the growing number was responsive to an emergency and increased financial support. Siebert ([email protected]. a demand-driven process, went of sponsorship groups, which need in 2015 and the program ca) or Tony Davis (tdavis@ from sponsoring less than a dozen represent over 800 volunteers. grew organically without the Diocesan success in refugee bc.anglican.ca).

Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits, Renewed People 4 . DIOCESAN POST . DECEMBER 2017 The Inaugural Cowichan Camino Pilgrimage by Phyllis Thompson morning and people reached in time for a After some overseas experiences special Vespers service in the and discovering how much church, then a full Thanksgiving walking can be “a way of dinner put on by the parish. The emotional and spiritual healing pilgrims enjoyed sharing that and renewal,” the Rev. Selinde meal with parishioners, families, Krayenhoff and husband, the Rev. and neighbours. Overnight Jim Holland, dreamt of creating accommodations were available “a route in the for the saunterers, so all but that would allow Anglicans to two were there on Sunday for Chelsea McMenamie experience pilgrimage without breakfast, again well provided by the expense and effort of traveling the parish, and the Thanksgiving

abroad. Pilgrims would enjoy the Eucharist. The hospitality Photo by joys of walking while journeying continued at the post-liturgy Cowichan Camino pilgrims set to begin their journey. L to R: Sr. Dorothy Grace Tam, SSJD; Sr. Brenda Jenner, SSJD; between different churches in the coffee hour, and one thing the the Rev. Jim Holland; the Rev. Selinde Krayenhoff(kneeling); Lois Herda; Ruth Dantzer; Peter Fowler; Bishop Logan; diocese.” (see DP, May 2017) pilgrims could not say enough Hamish, the bishop’s 9-year old grandson; Rachel Reynolds; Sr. Amy Joy Wong, SSJD; and Tony Reynolds was “Thanks” at how gracious The Cowichan Camino’s and wonderful that hospitality the trek. All found the time and All the pilgrims spoke reverently intentional to hold the inaugural inaugural trek took place this was, in every detail, those two walk prayerful, others healing as about their response to Nature— walk on the Thanksgiving past Thanksgiving weekend days. well; all indicated they trusted the trees, the fascinating blend weekend. Its success, as the (Oct. 7/8): a 25-km distance that aspects of what they’d of maples rising up from within bishop said, means an annual from the Glenora trail head near I was able to interview the experienced would “percolate” the dense conifers, the mosses, Cowichan Camino is not only St. John the Baptist, Duncan to pilgrims Sunday morning; I in mind and heart later. Some the variegated shades of green, do-able, but may work into the Sts. Christopher and Aidan, asked if any had made this kind indicated they appreciated the the blend of silence and bird creation of more trails of different Lake Cowichan; twelve people of journey before, what their combination of having some song. This kind of walk allowed lengths, perhaps interconnected, walked. At an opening brief time expectations were if any, and how “alone time” mixed with various them to stop, listen and absorb. where parishes can be involved of prayer, the pilgrims heard they felt about the experience—as conversations along the way. Connectedness to God’s creation along the way. The retrospective that “one should saunter, and individuals and as part of a group All sensed the fellowship of a was palpable: here was this design, benefit to each pilgrim, to each reverently, not hike” on trails of fellow travelers on the same shared endeavour, felt it created not orchestrated or manipulated, heart and mind, can only be a like this – “our Holy Land” (John journey. What follows is a blend an atmosphere of mutual energy. yet not chaotic. Here a person plus. As Krayenhoff wrote in Muir)—and that “pilgrimage is a of their comments. Aware that this was different than could just let it be and rejoice; May: “When on pilgrimage, the kind of journeying that marks a what’s thought of as a retreat, here one could be fed by part of walk is the way. Not what one had move from mindless to mindful, A number of the travelers said they felt that a pilgrimage gives God’s gift to us. hoped for, expected, or intended. soulless to soulful, travel. The they walk regularly, some daily, a sense of accomplishing the Whatever one is presented with is difference may be subtle or and some take hikes; but most same thing at the same time, that Selinde Krayenhoff had to return what the pilgrimage is all about. dramatic: by definition it is life- were unfamiliar with this kind a bonding occurs when sharing to her home parish Sunday What happens is the walk. How changing.” (Phil Cousineau) of walk, and were prepared to something outside one’s usual morning, but Jim Holland and one deals with it is the learning.” The journey began in the be open to whatever occurred on daily activities. Bishop Logan both said it was

Advent Concert Series CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL Wednesdays, 12:10 – 12:50 pm Nov. 22 Quartet Luna Advent and Christmas 2017 Ukrainian Carols 1701 Elgin Rd Nov. 29 Big Sounds Oak Bay, Victoria DEC.1 7.30 pm COMMUNITY CHOIR from small hands Christmas Concert 250.598.2212 DEC.3 4.30 pm ADVENT CAROL SERVICE Dec. 6 www.stmarysoakbay.ca DEC.4 7.00 pm VICTORIA CHILDREN’S CHOIR Music for the Cello Christmas Concert from the University of Victoria Admission by Donation DEC.6 6.00 pm ST MICHAEL’S UNIVERSITY SCHOOL Proceeds in support of Christmas Concert Dec. 14 Duet Pianists The Victoria Hospice DEC.10 9.15 am CHILDREN’S NATIVITY PLAY Bereavement Fund 4.30 pm ADVENT II: CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY Jeanne Campbell and Lorns Bjorglund Tales of generosity, hope, and belonging DEC.13 7.00 pm GLENLYON NORFOLK SCHOOL Christmas Concert DEC.17 4.30 pm A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS & CAROLS Spirituality Without Borders DEC.20 6.00 Pm CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL Christmas Concert bethlehem centre DEC.23 7.30 pm THE NIGHT BEFORE THE NIGHT BEFORE with CapriCCio Vocal Ensemble Nestled amongst tall trees on Westwood Lake at DEC.24 8.00 am SAID EUCHARIST 10.30 am SUNG MATTINS the foot of Mount Benson on , the 4.00 pm FAMILY EUCHARIST Centre provides a peaceful and serene environment 10.00 pm SOLEMN HIGH MASS OF THE NATIVITY for exploring your spiritual path. DEC.25 8.00 am SAID EUCHARIST 10.30 am SUNG EUCHARIST We invite you to call us to find out more about our DEC.31 8.00 am SAID EUCHARIST programs and how we can work with you to provide 10.30 am STORY SUNDAY COMBINED EUCHARIST A Cathedral a nurturing environment for your next gathering. 2.00 pm MESSIAEN’S NATIVITÉ DU SEIGNEUR for the City performed by Donald Hunt, Director of Music at CCC 2371 Arbot Road, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6S9 • T: 250-754-3254 Quadra @ Rockland, Victoria BC. 250.383.2714 www.christchurchcathedral.bc.ca [email protected] • www.bethlehemcentre.com

Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits, Renewed People DECEMBER 2017 . DIOCESAN POST . 5 Women’s Retreat: Faith in Formation Rekindling the Fire Within

By Barb Coleman everything as prayer and be In the Loving Self with Body, practice) and work from our In Loving God, Dawna open to making connections of Mind and Spirit session, Dawna gifts and strengths. commented that we have a desire Rule of Life: Love God, Love our own stories to God’s story noted that for us to live a to return and stay in spaces Neighbour, Love Self. This as we reflect on the two great wholehearted life we need to In the session Loving Neighbour where we have experienced was the theme of October’s commandments, scripture, accept God’s mercy and accept and focusing on stories of God, but she challenged us to Diocesan Women’s Retreat held literature and mystical writers. that we are worthy to stand in Martha, Mary, Lazarus and see the Holy in everyday things. at Camp Pringle. Facilitator The meditation and worship God’s presence. This takes being Jesus, Dawna pointed out that at We are called to put our whole the Rev. Canon Dr. Dawna sessions, led by the Rev. Clara vulnerable, willing to embrace times our gifts or needs overlap self into loving God. Dawna said Wall incorporated the theme Plamondon, with music by and be embraced, to forgive and and may cause us to open up or it is important to remember we of Trinity within Trinities Diane Bell (including the be forgiven. She encouraged us cause us irritation. The challenge are made in God’s image. She (Hildegard of Bingen) as she theme song I Will Kindle My to engage in what nurtures us is to keep our egos in balance encouraged us to seek ways of encouraged us to see God in Fire), supported the retreat’s and to hold on to those who and use God-given gifts from a holding emotions and needs everything and see how each conferences. A focal point care for us. She asked, “What balanced place. Noting anxiety in balance in a pattern that aspect of the trinity symbol can throughout was the altar set are we modelling to others if not is a major ‘binding’ today that rekindles the deep, deep joy be stretched or shrunk as we with icons of Hildegard of taking care of self?” We need to needs to be ‘unbound’, Dawna within and helps us let go of all bump up against the complex Bingen, Teresa of Avila and shift gears and move to a quiet encouraged us to work from our fears. A part of loving God characters we meet in daily life. Brigid of Kildare, a golden space to grow, see the Light an enabling perspective and is to seek signs of Mystery— In her opening conference she bowl and a shifting ‘fire pit’ and find God’s place inside of make space for the gifts of internally and externally in our acknowledged that we come around which stories were told. us. Just as God’s story weaves the ‘other’. Grateful that God worlds—and continue to tell the from many places, bringing Dawna commented that the through complex characters, so is ever present, we should go story of God’s love for us as we many spiritual experiences. bowl, representing the centre does ours. We need to create with gratitude at the pace of the continue as companions on the One common experience of our being, is God filled with safe boundaries and live from most vulnerable in relationship- journey. within each journey is a time “a spirit of power, love and self- this “interior castle.” (Teresa) building. We should strive to of “longing to rekindle the fire discipline” (2Tim.1:7) which She encouraged us to pray create safe spaces in which to within.” She hoped we would enables us to live a wholehearted through every moment of every seek common ground. make space for everything, see life. day (Benedictine rule, Celtic Shalom in the City By Rev. Alastair Hunting people to be more engaged with of our towns and cities,” ways in Paul’s travels and letter-writing ever that the gospel of Christ their neighbours, community, which the church can influence, happened in urban areas. In the is a gospel of inclusion and This past summer I had the and the world outside. It advocate and effect greater Hebrew Scripture, Abraham that our church here is called opportunity to take an intensive asked students to consider peace, friendliness, health, is called from his homelands to be “salt and light.” Let us, week-long course at Tyndale the spaces we inhabit in our prosperity, and closeness for in Mesopotamia, in search of therefore, as the local church Seminary in Toronto. The homes and churches and to all in the community.” We a “great city.” Cities provided and diocese, continue to seek course was called “The Mission seek opportunities to widen looked at the role of towns and and still provide, a place of ways of outreach and inclusion, of the Church in the City.” It our spheres. cities in the Hebrew Scriptures refuge, safety, and community, broaden our horizons, and ׁ ָשלֹום offered perspective and insight and in the New Testament. especially for vulnerable people. above all, seek the LORD’s into ways of being the Church The course also looked at the In many ways cities often get (shalom). in 21st century Canada, paying politics and dynamics which a bad rap in our thinking as Overall, I took a lot away from particular attention to engaging shape urban life—ways in which Christians and in the way we this course. My current ministry Rev. Alastair Hunting is the with people, community and wealth and power contribute interpret the Bible. In fact, in brings me and rector of St. Columba’s in Port institutions outside the walls of to poverty and homelessness. cities played an important our church at St. Columba’s Hardy. He has a background in the church building. The course The course encouraged us as role in the social, cultural and face-to-face with many street ministry and chaplaincy. looked at contemporary urban individuals and as a church to religious world of Israel and complex contemporary social and town planning models get involved in civic politics and the Ancient Mediterranean. and deeply-rooted spiritual which are seeking to combat concerns in our communities in Jesus’ ministry took place questions and issues. I left the shalom) on the outskirts of cities and course more convinced than)ׁ ָשלֹום backyarding”—encouraging order to “seek the“

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Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits, Renewed People 6 . DIOCESAN POST . DECEMBER 2017 The Doctor Who Wrote a Bestseller cap it all, a fire had started in community meant when they At first he had dismissed the Yes, John, Mark and Matthew the slums, devouring much of claimed Jesus of Nazareth was news as wishful thinking in the had written manuscripts; but, the city, following which the somehow alive among them. Christian community. When it by background and his extensive growing Christian community Only when he himself later persisted he again sought Saul. travels, he would write for had become the scapegoat. In became one of the community This time he could not believe Greeks and Romans and Syrians the last few months he had heard did this begin to make sense to the difference in what he found. like himself. He, Luke, could of the deaths of many friends. him. Saul claimed to have had a direct write about Jesus for the empire. Now death had ended the great experience of the presence of friendship of his life. Saul, on the other hand, had Jesus of Nazareth. He even And so Luke did. As evangelist, been adamantly against the refused to bear the name Saul physician, historian, he has He began to reminisce. He and group. He would never forget anymore, declaring himself given us an incomparable record Saul, as he then called himself, the day he told Saul he had ready to become the champion of Jesus’ compassion—of his Reflections had met in the university in become a follower of the rabbi of the Christian movement. This wisdom, his gift of healing, Tarsus: Luke himself from of Nazareth. Curtly, Saul had he would do as Paul of Tarsus. his death on the Cross and his By Herbert O’Driscoll Syria, trying to decide if he declared their friendship ended. rising. For over two thousand really wished to do medicine, He had been devastated. Everything had changed. Their years humanity has been in Dante called Luke “The Scribe Saul quite certain he would do friendship had rekindled. Paul Luke’s debt, and will be so as of Jesus’ Gentleness” and the Jewish Law. They didn’t meet for a decade. gave the community a much long as men and women seek title is richly deserved. To meet He heard of Saul’s becoming an larger vision of the significance of the grace and love of the Man Luke we go to Antioch, capital He had often wondered how in implacable enemy of the Jesus Jesus and of what he could mean of Nazareth. of the Eastern Roman Empire. the world their friendship had movement. He recalled taking for the world. The movement The year is 66 AD. Luke is in his begun, much less lasted. They the risk of seeking out Saul, had grown exponentially. Perhaps most important of all is early to mid-sixties… had been utterly different. He trying desperately to reason a gift that Luke alone has given himself easy-going, sensitive, with him. The encounter had But now Paul was dead, executed us. It may have come from his When the letter arrived, open to the world and to been painful in the extreme by a lunatic who wielded meeting Jesus’ mother, by then hastened by courier from Rome, people; Saul, restless, intense, and had ended in utter failure. ultimate power as Emperor. in her mature years. Perhaps it is he knew even before breaking argumentative. A few months later he had been In his grief, Luke let the letter from that conversation that Luke the seal the news it was bringing appalled at being told that his drop from his hand. He leaned could give us the incomparable him. Still, when he did bring More memories came. In old friend had actually hounded down to pick it up and in that language with which we express himself to read it, it was no less those days a group in the a young Christian leader named moment, in a kind of blinding to this day the beauty, wonder saddening. Paul was dead. university was forming around Stephen to his death. flash he discovered what he had and majesty of the season we the teaching of a rabbi from to do with the rest of his life. He will soon call Christmas. He had already heard of the Galilee who recently had Then out of the blue he had would become chronicler of all disintegration of political life been executed by the Romans. received the unbelievable news that was happening in the new in Rome, all brought about by Back then Luke had found it that Saul had had a complete Christian movement. the viciousness of Nero. To difficult to understand what the and astonishing change of heart.

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YOUTH OPENING DOORS FOR

HOMELESSNESS PREVENTING

Invest in today’s youth and leave a legacy for the future. / Contact 250-383-8830 or visit ThresholdHousing.ca CO-ED CURSILLO WEEKEND 2018 March 1-4, 2018 Camp Imadene 9175 South Shore Road Mesachie Lake Application forms can be found at cursillobc.com and ask people in your parish about CURSILLO! Through this spiritual retreat the Cursillo Community works to revive the spirit and rejuvenate the church through the people. This weekend will provide a one of a kind opportunity to learn more about how to live your life in the way our Lord taught us, deepen your commitment to your faith walk and gain an amazing faith community to walk along and encourage you on your faith journey.

More Information cursillobc.com • Facebook: Cursillo BC • More information about the venue: imadene.com

Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits, Renewed People DECEMBER 2017 . DIOCESAN POST . 7 Christmas Without Gordon by Adela Torchia upbringing contained various had been with such cases for so factors to which this “interfering long. Amazingly they also allow At Christmas, many people’s grandmother” objected—but in other street friends to visit the hearts have holes in them retrospect it’s quite possible that dying patient if family allows, so where a lost loved one resides. everyone involved was doing the we got a close-up view of these Increasingly in our province best they could understand to do. deep and caring street family of B.C., such loved ones may relationships. Seeing Gordon’s have been lost to opioid drug Even without a problematic life support breathing tubes and overdoses, with over a thousand upbringing, many young people his unconscious state, some said such deaths by the end of August in our society today reach terrible to us, “But he’s gonna be okay, this year. Our family joined these levels of alienation and despair right? He overdosed before as swelling numbers on September in a culture where they may many of us have also done, and 11 when my twenty-year-old never be able to afford a family we all recover, right?” No, we grandson, Gordon, succumbed to home, and where the world is so had to tell them, no—Gordon this epidemic. His death was no challenged by violence, greed and was likely brain dead and would surprise since he’d spent winter indifference towards so many probably have to be taken off life

2015 in Victoria’s Tent City; then aspects of earthly suffering. support soon. The great tears of Adela Torchia after the summer months back Lies, corruption, dishonesty anguish that were shed not only home in Winnipeg, he headed to and apathy can easily seem by blood family but by street Vancouver just before Christmas overwhelming, and drug dealers family members was a sight Photo by last year. Promising his mother are lurking on many corners to to behold, and the caring staff Gordon Daniel Matthew Torchia, high school graduation that he’d try to get home for try and hook the discouraged treated everyone with the utmost the summer, instead he stayed youth into a quick fix or euphoric dignity. his circumstances and mine so who also cherish the memory to enjoy Vancouver’s lovely dry high—and of course, each strongly, that I was apparently of their lost loved ones, and summer this year—a treat for the time the high and its duration Just before Christmas 2016, very poor company and will amongst the heavenly chorus, homeless after winters of being decrease, creating the craving Gordon messaged me to ask likely never be invited there now potentially including these continually wet with foot rot and for bigger doses consumed more for a Christmas gift of bus fare again (phew!). lost souls who could not manage other attendant afflictions. often. from Calgary to Vancouver, to make their way in this world, and I told him that I could not And what will this Christmas who ‘burned too brightly’ so On one level, Gordon was After the paramedics found countenance paying his way hold for me and for so many who their light diminished and homeless by choice since his Gordon on the street in cardiac to the fentanyl drug capitol of mourn the loss of a loved one disappeared too soon. Perhaps Grandpa in Winnipeg kept arrest, did extensive CPR to Canada. So he said, with his in such circumstances? It will with the ears of our hearts we’ll a bedroom for him; but after restart his heart, and brought characteristic affection and be sad, of course, remembering hear them humming soft carols graduating high school and him to St. Paul’s Hospital in humour, “Okay Grandma, then the sweet little boy as he grew filtered through the starlight— being unable to find a job (partly Vancouver, his mother, uncle I’ll just have to hitchhike my up, the affable teenager so caring angels we have heard on high due to his step-dad not allowing and I travelled there for what frozen ass over the Coquihalla.” and loving to so many—seeing sweetly singing … jobs during high school), he would become the last few days The Christmas before when he others about his age enjoying the became increasingly desperate of his earthly journey. The ICU was in Victoria’s Tent City, and gifts and the feasts all around. O come thou Day-Spring, come and alienated from a culture in staff was fantastically caring I was up-island at a sumptuous And yet we know we are not and cheer … and death’s dark which he could not succeed. His given how swamped the staff feast, I felt the contrast between alone both amongst the living shadows put to flight. St. Peter and St. Paul Embraces New Ministry Centre in Esquimalt by Lon Towstego with them. We seek to be action takers with the 94 Calls to Action At the parish of St. Peter and St. of the Truth and Reconciliation Diocesan Council Meetings 2018 Paul, we live by the parish vision, Commission. We are consulting “Embracing and Spreading and asking for their wisdom as St. Paul, Nanaimo Jan 20 Saturday Trinity Church, God’s Love.“ We also walk with we move forward. St. Dunstan, Gordon Head Feb 22 Thursday Jun 28 Thursday the diocesan vision close to our St. John, S. Cowichan Mar 24 Saturday St. Philip, Cedar Sep 27 Thursday hearts. As keepers of the vision, it The Navy Base, Military St. Matthias, Victoria Oct 27 Saturday is our belief, hope and prayer that Family Resource Center and SYNOD 2018 Apr 20-22 Christ Church Cathedral Nov 22 Thursday the new housing complex and the others have raised the need for Church of the Advent, Colwood St. John the Divine, Victoria Dec 20 Thursday ministry centre will further God’s intergenerational opportunities May 31 Thursday work through us in the area. and this is another area of focus.

Our preparatory role has been We see the new facility as offering to drill deep into our parish life, modern amenities for 2018 and vision, ministries and activities beyond—as offering an open ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FAIR & HOLLY TEA to identify and answer important community centre feeling that St. Peter, Lakehill Saturday, December 2 10:30am-2pm “why” questions about this we trust will Engage God’s World. development. We are hearing and We see this in the form of being Free Admission responding very specifically to an inviting, open, warm God- Christmas Gi s for Everyone! the voices of partners around us. centred, Christ-led space for people to gather and to live well St. Peter's Kitchen Cupboard: • • The Township of Esquimalt has together. We are excited to live Christmas Baking Preserves • • identified a need for affordable this next chapter in the story of Meat Pies Fresh Christmas Greens • Holly • Poinsettias • Swags seniors housing and for responses our parish community. • Attic Treasures • Jewellery • Books and alternatives to social isolation. The Ven. Lon Towstego, is rector of 3939 St. Peter’s Road We are in ongoing conversation St. Peter and St. Paul, Esquimalt High Tea: $10 (one street south of Reynolds Rd. o uadra) with the Songhees and Esquimalt and Archdeacon, Selkirk Two Sittings: 11:45am and 1:00pm Info: 250-384-7757 First Nations and look to find Tickets sold in advance [email protected] ways to further our relationships

Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits, Renewed People 8 . DIOCESAN POST . DECEMBER 2017 Faith in Foundation Priorities Set at Diocesan Personnel Updates Council Meeting Inductions , Oct 1 Mary-Jane Leewis-Kirk— Blair Haggart—regional access for ministry and mission requests of council: St. Peter, Quamichan, Sep 9 dean, Haro, Oct 1 Fly on the Wall in their local context. • The diocesan council approves, Meagan Crosby- Anthony Divinagracia— By Catherine Pate • Increase capacity in parishes, by in principle, the continuation Shearer—St. Matthias, interim regional dean, providing professional assistance of the program as an integral Victoria, Oct 16 Nimpkish, Oct 4 This regular column reports on the in fundraising which might program of the diocese. Bruce Bryant-Scott— activities and decision of Diocesan otherwise be beyond their reach. • That council approve a five-year Ordinations interim priest-in-charge, St. Council—the “synod between • Ensure that the diocese program plan. Paul Schumacher— St Dunstan, Victoria, Oct 16 synods” of our diocese. can continue to provide • Help recruiting for the committee Peter & St Paul, Esquimalt, John Steele—incumbent, financial, human resources, and constituent (sponsoring) Dec 12 at 4PM St. John the Baptist, South Ansley Tucker (Christ Church communications, asset groups. Cowichan, Oct 16 Cathedral) and Tony Davis (St. management and episcopal Appointments Philip by-the-Sea), members of support and ministry to parishes. Diocesan Council acknowledged September Resignations the newly-established diocesan • Encourage a culture of and thanked the committee for its Alan Naylor, interim September stewardship committee (other stewardship and regular hard work and moved a motion of priest-in-charge at St. Philip Wadham—interim members: Joy Adams Bauer— fundraising in the diocese. support to seek ways (referred to Paul, Nanaimo, Sept 1 priest-in-charge St. St. Paul, Alastair Hunting—St. • Continue to build trust between Finance Committee) to financially Ruth Dantzer, permanent Mary of the Incarnation, Columba, Stephen Martin— the synod office and parishes. support the program into the UVic chaplain, Sep 1 , Sep 3 synod office) presented possible • Allow for responsiveness to new future. Brian Evans, diocesan Rob Szo—incumbent, diocesan-wide financial or emergent ideas and needs. stewardship officer, Sep 1 Parish of Central campaign models for input Committee on the Elections of Greg Lynn, interim Saanich, Sep 25 by Diocesan Council. This More information regarding the a Bishop priest-in-charge St Mary committee will work with Brian diocesan stewardship plan will The committee is working on of the Incarnation, October Evans, diocesan stewardship be shared in future issues. making changes to the canon to Metchosin, Sep 10 John Steele—incumbent, St. officer, over the coming months bring it up-to-date with national Dunstan, Victoria, Oct 15 to develop a five-year financial Refugee Sponsorship Program guidelines and practice. October Bill Poppy, Deacon, Oct 16 campaign plan for the diocese Presentation Peter Parker— interim Richard Stetson, Parish of which will be presented to Synod Sandra Scarth, chair of the Catherine Pate is the diocesan priest-in-charge, Parish of Salt Spring January 31, 2018 2018 for approval. Diocesan Refugee Sponsorship communications officer. Program committee, along Stewardship Plan Guiding with Brian Rendell (Bishop’s Principles representative) and Rebecca There are several ways someone may find themselves serving on Diocesan Council. Each region Siebert and Tony Davis, diocesan • Emphasize our partnership in of the diocese elects a clergy and a lay representative. Additional members are elected from refugee program coordinators, the continued implementation the floor of Synod. Others may be appointed, either by the bishop or by Council itself. There presented an update to council of our shared diocesan vision. is provision for one or more youth representatives (aged 16 to 25 according to the Canons). • Generate additional diocesan on the committee’s work over the Diocesan officers are ex officio members, while synod office staff attend with voice, but no vote. resources which parishes can last year and made the following Update on Esquimalt’s New Ministry Centre by Peter Daniel The result is a new building church. It will also require officer; and so many professional We all expect this project to concept which physically links a subdivision of the property to consultants and advisors. energize the parish, residents of the One of my first challenges as new Ministry Centre on the main protect the Hermitage Seniors new building and the Hermitage Asset Manager was to meet with floor of a new five-story building Life Lease project located here, Importantly, Bishop Logan has building and be a sustainable hub folks from St. Peter and St. Paul’s with the heritage church. Finally, the diocese as underlying land played an instrumental role in parish that will partner with the Esquimalt to start the process of after 150 years, the church will owner, and BC Housing to secure conceptualizing this important community. We anticipate that this building renewal with them. Now, have direct connection with its it as project lender. new project by pushing us and flagship project may shape other after several years and countless Ministry Centre. The church may the parish to understand the new initiatives in this diocese. reports, meetings and input, be used for a lot more activities Staff at the Town of Esquimalt importance of our vision in the project has been submitted and the Ministry Centre can offer have been particularly helpful connecting the new and the You may enjoy seeing a brief video for rezoning with the Town of a wide range of services for public in recognizing the needs of this heritage church buildings. of this project by connecting to Esquimalt. This journey has not engagement. The upper four levels complex redevelopment project https://youtu.be/e-mFlbgf5VI been without a lot of study, concern of the new building will provide and offering suggestions for I think when you see the images for and change to plans and process. 24 affordable rental units for solving some challenging issues. this project, you will find the result Peter Daniel is Asset Manager for independent seniors. They have recognized the need for compelling and exciting. the diocese. Throughout, Lon Towstego affordable seniors’ rental housing. has participated as an anxious Financing is being provided by the We have met with our neighbours. “Shepherd” for his parish flock. diocese and BC Housing through Now it is up to the community to Many have been involved deeply; their Provincial Initiative for offer its input through the rezoning the project is where it is thanks Affordable Housing. The diocese process. to Lon, Bob Brandle, Chris and CMHC have provided pre- Pease, Ron Wall, the residents development funding. Rogers Thanks to the team who has been of the Hermitage, wardens and Court Society is sponsoring the so deeply involved with me on parishioners and many others project as BC Housing requires this journey—Barry Cosgrave sharing and working towards a “not for profit” Society sponsorship and Sian Porter at Number Ten solution that meets our diocesan to qualify for funding. Architecture; John Dam of John vision. That vision calls us to use Dam and Associates; Deane Number TEN Architectural Group our assets more effectively by As the project proceeds through Strongitharm at City Spaces sharing them more widely to create rezoning, it will require a Heritage Consulting; Nathan Lampard, new community partnerships. Alteration Permit to connect the diocesan registrar; Catherine Photo by new building with the heritage Pate, diocesan communications Architectural rendering by Number TEN Architectural Group

Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits, Renewed People