Scan In 2014, may God give light to us … and guide us to access the latest diocesan into the way of peace (Luke 1:79) news www.niagaraanglican.ca A section of the Anglican Journal A Gathering Place and a Sounding Board for the People of the Diocese of Niagara JANUARY 2014 Just in case you think we have come to the end of the road, let me remind you that immediately after the miracle of Bishop’s Charge “the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus follows that up with the miracle of to Synod walking on water and so I look forward Bishop Michael Bird ended his charge to the 139th Synod of the Diocese of Niagara with the words to the left. The Niagara to seeing what that miracle looks like, in Anglican thought we should begin with the ending. Now your parish, as I make my visits and as we continue reading the remainder of an edited version of his address to the 215 members of Synod and through them and engage in this ministry together, in the other media to the people of Niagara Diocese and the wider year that is to come.” community. For the full text of the Bishop’s charge, go to the —Bishop Michael Bird, Charge to Synod diocesan website, www.niagaraanglican.ca. It includes much more than our abbreviated version. This year we are particularly upon this passage, the mountain Has Christ been divided? focusing upon and celebrating top experience and the echoes in the partners whom God has this story of others throughout Theme for special week of prayer given us as we engage in God’s the Hebrew Scriptures. There is mission for the world. Jesus’ desire to feed the hungry Hollis Hiscock According to Niagara’s When he looked up and saw a and to nourish those who follow Ecumenical Officer Canon large crowd coming toward him, him. Of course it is difficult for Canadians have prepared Sharyn Hall the materials Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we us to hear these words with- material for the third time in developed this year for WPCU to buy bread for these people to eat?” out connecting them to the the 106 year history of the “reflect our Canadian Christian He said this to test him, for he him- Eucharist, which will continue Week of Prayer for Christian context.” Resources are avail- self knew what he was going to do. to unfold throughout this Synod, Unity (WPCU). “Has Christ able from the Canadian Council Philip answered him, “Six months’ as we too take bread and give been divided?” based on 1 of Churches (www.councilof- wages would not buy enough bread thanks, standing together as Corinthians 1:13, is the theme churches.ca). for each of them to get a little.” One members of the body of Christ for this year’s focus. The Lutheran-Anglican- of his disciples, Andrew, Simon around the table of our Lord. “Every year Christians gather Roman Catholic Interchurch Peter’s brother, said to him, “There As we begin this Synod today to pray together across denomi- Committee (LARC), writes is a boy here who has five barley I want to think for just a minute national boundaries—and Hall, encourages neighbouring loaves and two fish. But what are about Jesus’ question to Philip every year a different country parishes of all denominations they among so many people?” Jesus about the resources they had produces resources to be used to mark the Week of Prayer by said, “Make the people sit down.” at hand: “Where are we to buy around the world,” wrote using or adapting the Canadian Now there was a great deal of grass bread for these people to eat?” Anglican Church of Canada materials for local events. in the place; so they sat down, about The question wasn’t, “Are we writer Jesse Hair. LARC suggests joint worship, five thousand in all. (John 6:5-10) able?” or “Do you think we Hair quoted General Synod’s a pulpit exchange, a shared Countless sermons have been should?” coordinator for ecumenical church school party, a social ser- preached on the miracle of the It was a question that pre- Bishop Michael delivers relations Bruce Myers: “It tries vice project or social gatherings. feeding of the five thousand, a supposed an affirmative and his charge at the beginning to offer a glimpse not just of the In 2014, WPCU is being story that appears in one form or proactive answer. It was a chal- of Synod, held in Christ’s diversity of the church, but also celebrated around the globe another in all four gospels. There lenge and commission to seek Church Cathedral Hamilton the diversity of humanity.” from January 18 to 25. are so many things one could Photo: Hollis Hiscock focus upon when reflecting –See BISHOP’S CHARGE Page 4 2 JANUARY 2014 | For the latest news and events visit niagaraanglican.ca Synod 2013 cuba and Niagara sign covenant The Bishops of Niagara and I am filled with admiration for Cuba signed a covenant for- the work they are undertaking malizing their relationship as in Cuba. We are so honoured companion dioceses within the and proud to be your partners in Companion Diocese Program of Christ and delighted to have you the Anglican Communion. both with us at this Synod.” In his charge to the November Later at Synod, Cuban Bishop Niagara Synod, Bishop Michael Griselda told delegates how highlighted the relationship: important it is for the two dio- “At the beginning of our time ceses to walk together in friend- together, I want to celebrate ship and to sustain “ourselves our global partnerships, ecu- in spirituality.” She emphasized menically and in the world-wide the vision of churches working Anglican Communion. As a jointly with projects, and noted and encourage “participation in special instance of those partner- especially how the two dioceses projects in each diocese.” This ships, I want to particularly wel- are sponsoring projects of social is seen as a means to “share our come Bishop Griselda Delgado development in Cuba. Working gifts, our talents and insights to del Carpio from our companion together enhances our circles, enable us to further our mission diocese, Cuba, along with her she reiterated. to know and accompany each development officer Dr. José The Companion Diocese other in our journey of faith and Antonio Bringas Linares. Bishop Relationship Covenant spells out to learn of each other’s contexts, Griselda has ushered into her how Cuba and Niagara “might visions and priorities.” diocese a bold new vision and come to know, respect and pray Companionship Sunday will approach to ministry develop- for each other and accompany be the closest to the 5th of May ment by equipping lay leaders each other in our mission to be a each year, with parishes in both with skills to come alongside living testimony of God’s love.” dioceses being asked to celebrate God’s work in their communi- Effective for five years and the relationship. Regular annual ties. José is coordinating much renewable, the covenant calls Bishop Griselda and Bishop Michael sign the covenant on behalf of reviews and an evaluation will of this work, with the support of for people in both dioceses to their own diocese. The Reverend Bill Mous witnessed the signing. be held in 2018, the final year of PWRDF and other partners, and pray, visit, share information Photos: Hollis Hiscock the covenant. More money for wider church: 2014 budget Hollis Hiscock grow,” Clinkard explained in his “supports institutions and presentation. In overall terms, causes, goal-oriented projects “The Diocese is continuing employment and ministry and many other ministries of the trend of the last few years support related expenses are justice and compassion,” he said, towards improved financial estimated to increase by 4.3% including Hands Across Niagara, health!” Finance Budget subcom- (2013 through 2015), he said. Canterbury Hills, Refugee sup- mittee Chair Andrew Clinkard He pointed out to Synod port and PWRDF. told delegates at the 139th delegates “congregations “The second largest apportion- Niagara Synod. regularly consult with Diocesan ment of money in the Diocese’s Anticipating a surplus in 2014, staff seeking assistance on mat- annual budget goes beyond the Chair said that the budget ters ranging from negotiating Niagara, including General and reflects recommendations arising bank loans to funding a solar Provincial Synod, OPCOTE from four pre-synod meetings Dean Dunbar, Melanie Turner and the Reverend Pauline Head from panel project (Grace Church (Ontario Provincial Commission and consultation with other dioc- St. James Fergus participated in the budget process. Milton), to employment, insur- on Theological Education), the esan stakeholders. These include Photo: Hollis Hiscock ance, cemetery and investment Council of the North and our increasing financial support information.” companion diocese of Cuba,” for national endeavours, more added the small category “mon- In addition to being “the seat Diocesan Administration is reported Clinkard. funding for vision initiatives, ies allocated to Programs and of the Bishop and the diocesan expected to grow by 7% over He noted, “Niagara has controlling administrative cost Vision Initiatives is anticipated home for thousands of Anglicans three years, the Chair antici- proposed to increase the funds increases, attaining a cash flow to increase in percentage terms in Niagara,” he pointed out that pated. This includes a variety allocated to General Synod from break-even budget, continuing significantly over the three years Cathedral Place is also “home of activities, including support $600,000, where it has stood for to reduce debt and past deficit in question.” for Diocesan staff, numerous for divinity students, ordination a number of years, to $625,000 plus reducing DMM (Diocesan Cathedral Place building committees, as well as Christ’s retreats, clergy conferences, in 2014.” Mission and Ministry).