Caledonia TimesSeptember 2013 - Double General Synod and Summer Issue

The Caledonia Diocesan Section of the Anglican Journal

Mounting up on wings like eagles

Photo Credit for front page Picture: Violet Hopkins, Prince Rupert

God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. The will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow

weary, they will walk and not be faint - Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)

Bishop’s Notes

Learning to wait upon God

to the path that God wants us to take and sooner or later we become disillusioned and frustrated. This is why God forces us to wait on the side-lines, because it allows us to open ourselves to God and to begin to see clearly what we should know, but rarely understand, that we can get so caught up in doing things for the Church and God that we forget that our goal is to be the glory of God. And so God forces us to wait so that He can change our hearts, our motives and our thoughts. It is easy to despair when we feel that we’ve been left behind, no longer needed by the Church or God. We need to remember that even someone of St. Paul’s stature spent much of his ministry waiting for God. And he ends his life waiting, this time not in some small village, but in a dark and dirty dungeon that barely fit him standing up, waiting for his execution. This isn’t the way any of us want our service to God to end, but if we follow Christ and do what He wants, then we will suffer. God promised us as much. So let us learn to wait on God. Let us learn to be still, to listen and to wait. Study, pray, prepare and then pray some more. God will lead us through the doors He wants, to serve Him when we are ready to run the good race and to fight the good fight.

+William: Caledonia

The theme for the Caledonia Times this edition is On Eagles’ Wings. There is a hymn by this title that has been

very popular since 1979 when it was composed by a Roman Catholic priest, Rev. Michael Joncas. It is based on Isaiah 40; 31.

But those who wait on God shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not hunger.

This is one of those passages, one of those im-ages that people connect with quickly and easily. Living in our part of the world, we can so easily imagine an eagle soaring on the currents of wind that blow through our mountains and valleys, graceful and majestic. Ironically, the ease by which the imagery and the tune capture our hearts and emotions (which is one reason why this hymn is immensely popular at funerals) is at odds with part of the message Isaiah was conveying when he wrote these words. Read in context the passage belongs in a sec-tion of the Book of Isaiah that speaks of God’s tireless faithfulness. God persists when all others tire and fall by the wayside. So it is understand-able that when we tire and are hungry, when we despair, comfort should come in knowing that we have a Father in heaven whose love for us is re-lentless and unstoppable. But, and there is always a ‘but’, isn’t there? But this passage isn’t only about God - it is also about us. To understand this, ask the question, “Who are those who rise on eagles’ wings?” The answer is “Those who wait on God…” The sentimental idea that those who rise up on eagles wings are every-one and anyone simply is not faithful to what Isa-iah says. Those who rise up are those who wait on God, not those who ignore God. This idea of waiting on God is found through-out Holy Scripture, but it is one that people often struggle with. After all, waiting on God means ac-knowledging that God may have something to say to us, or do to us. It also means being prepared to surrender to God, not something popular in a cul-ture that encourages the cult of ego that ours does. The question of how God works, and why our efforts locally seem to be falling short, are, I think, linked. I think we don’t understand why God seems not to be rewarding our efforts to build our parishes and to spread the news of His King-dom. Instead we seem to be languishing in some frustrating dead-end situation desperately seeking a magic bullet to solve our problems. Except that is God’s way - waiting. We must wait on God, feeling as if our usefulness is just fading away. Isaiah writes: “From of old we have not heard, nor have our eyes seen any God but You, and Your works, which You shall do for those who wait for Your mercy. For mercy shall meet with those who

do righteousness…” (Isaiah 64;3, 4). As the orthodox theologian John Kapsalis points out, “God keeps us waiting because that is where He trains us. It is in our obscurity that we begin to learn that it is not about us, it’s about God; it is in our insignificance that the scales of self-importance fall off and we begin to see that we are here to exalt God and not ourselves. Through humility and patience our hearts are taught by God alone.” Former Archbishop of Canterbury Donald Coggan in his book Paul: Portrait of a Revolu-tionary describes the impact waiting in the desert had for the apostle Paul:

That period in the desert was for Paul a period of dialogue with his Lord. He could not have done what he did had there not been these months in Arabia, getting clear the dimensions of God’s plan for his world, envisaging his part in the fulfillment of that plan, a time of prayer, worship and communion. In Arabia, Paul was in the making. The missionary was emerging.

Paul eventually understood that everything we do in Christ’s name “does not depend on human will or effort” (Romans 9:16), but on God’s plan. God takes our insignificance and begins to use it significantly. God has a plan for every one of His followers. We are all called to and expected to serve Him. Paul Wright in his commentary on the book of Thessalonians writes:

There are thousands of dif-ferent callings, most of them not nearly as spectacular and obvious as Paul’s. Each of us has his own work of love to perform, whether it be quiet and secret or well-known and public ... [All] should be challenged and encouraged, by this forward look, to learn and live the faith, to celebrate the hope, to consolidate and practice the love revealed in the gos-pel.

God uses us to fulfill His purpose. The problem is that there is a kind of invisible greed that sets in even when we are trying to serve God. We want our efforts to be acknowledged. We want to be a part of the biggest and most active Church. We want to run all the programs, do all the talking, and receive all the praise. All of us are prone to a kind of self-assertive importance. The problem is that our absorption with our own goals blinds us

St. Peter’s Church, Hazelton, BC

Page 2 Caledonia Times — September 2013

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Wait just an Editorial Moment...

Sure, it floats... but is it sea worthy?

God without all the cachinnations, calculations and frustrations of the last four decades. They want to be on a mission with God and with each other. Today’s 20-somethings want to know what a real community and family are like without the fire walls and algorithms of the internet. They are looking for something that is real and relational. In a day and age of being isolated in our urban and suburban castles we call home and living with “blended” families, the next generation is looking for something they can put both their faith and their stock in. Millennials want to know that faith is worth having. When they buy in to having faith and being a part of the Church as community they will bring new energy and a new direction. Which brings us back to the theme of the most recent General Synod. The national church, the dioceses and many of our parishes are chasing after the unrequited love of people in their cities, towns and villages who call themselves “Angli-can”. The focus is on who is “Anglican” and how can we get them in the door so that they will love us, will pay like us so that we can keep our build-ings and our structures going as we always have. Reality is, the Church I began serving nearly a quarter of a century ago doesn’t exist anymore. This means that the church is going to have to change and become something that it once was but is not now: the center of authentic community. We are being called to create healthy communities of and for ministry not to maintain monuments – physical and organizational. Otherwise, are we not just rearranging the furniture in the living room while the kitchen is on fire hoping the place looks good when the fire department arrives? Are we really together for the love of the world? Is it not possible that we want is for the world to love us so they will pay and support our structures with us? We proclaim that making disciples is a priority of us but how many com-munities are we actually forming, growing and maturing from the national level of the Church? Maybe if we learn to love God first, then we can as individuals and as communities for love of God and the joy of the kingdom, be there for the sake of others in the world. God is here first. We are here with God. It is God’s kingdom and it is God;s Son that we first learn to love. Christ is the Church’s first and true love. We need to learn and

When I was in Metlakatla recently, we happened on an interesting sight. A smallish aluminium fishing boat barely

afloat, bobbing up and down as it was tied to the wharf. The sight of it made me think of the life of the Anglican Church of Canada, the good, the bad and the ugly. And as I was thinking, someone who was standing alongside me looking at this sight, piped up and said, “Hey it still floats!” To which I also quipped, “Yeah, but is she seaworthy?” So perhaps I am getting cynical in my thinking about Church. After nearly a quarter of a century in full time ministry, I have had to wonder aloud where we are going as a church. I have been read-ing, watching and reflecting on the current session of General Synod against my first General Synod nearly 25 years ago. I was a member of the 32nd General Synod. It was held in St. John’s, New-foundland late in the Spring of 1989. The theme for that session was “Launching Out”, based on Luke 5 and the story of Jesus calling on those around him to put out into the deep and let the nets down for a catch. 24 years ago, there was this new green book which had been out for 3 years. It was hailed by many in urban areas as a great thing. It was touted an evolution away from the cold and stout yet still revered faith of the Book of Common Prayer. There were many who loved it and still many more who loved to hate it. There were challenges within the Church to try and have voided all the ordinations and confirmations which had been done according to the newly minted Book of Alternative Services. There was a court held dur-ing that General Synod which upheld the validity of the new liturgy and thereby the ordinations and the confiramtions, including my own con-firmation. Over time, the BAS has been come a mainstay for many parishes across the country while seldom being considered as a companion to the BCP, which was the original intent. 24 years on we are still with the BCP and the BAS. There is talk of a new liturgy series and revision of the BCP but something tells me that most of the country will stay where they are. Why, you ask? Simple. Even the more ardent and optimistic people in the Church are starting to realize something: the agenda of the last forty or so years isn’t working. The churches aren’t full. Budgets are dwindling. Infrastructure is crumbling. Those who promote a socially aware, inclusive styled gospel are find-ing that they cannot sell it to the next generation because the younger generation (to which my two own sons belong) won’t buy it. And let’s face it, full churches don’t fall down. Only 18% of millennials (those in their 20’s and in their teen years) even go to church even though research says that 80% of them believe in God.. They will not buy into the church of the last four decades. What they are looking for is the Church of their great, great grandparents They want a traditional Church with good music, straight forward liturgy and some godly type mys-tery to faith and belief. Most of all they want see and hear about God. They want to peer into all the mysterious ways and being of God. Millennials want to experience the mystery that is the triune

On a recent trip to a village off the the coast of BC, we came upon and interesting site - Ed.

Caledonia Times — September 2013 Page 3

then to demonstrate that we love God first. We need to love God with all of our heart, all of our soul, all of our mind and all of our strength. Then we will be ready to reach out to others with love, grace and compassion. And so it would seem, it is time to launch out yet again for a catch... even after all this time and even though there is water in the boat. Bail it out. Fix the holes, make the boat ready and let’s get sailing and fishing again!

Jason+Editor, Caledonia Times.

National Church Life - General Synod and Joint Assembly

When Primate Fred Hiltz delivered his presidential address to the General Synod, he offered snapshots of life in the

Anglican Church across the country, of some of the challenges that are ahead and the reasons why he is full of hope. In Winnipeg, St. Matthew’s Anglican Church is transforming its historic buildings to include 25 units of affordable rental housing, a neighbourhood resource centre and a worship space. The Northern Ontario Area Mission asked this General Synod to consent to the creation of a new diocese in northern Ontario. “Hope abounds in these First Nations com-munities—the dream of the elders taking on flesh and bone and soul and spirit,” said the Primate. The Primate travelled to Edmonton when it launched its Centenary celebrations at Pentecost. About 1,300 Anglicans from across the diocese attended a praise and prayer event at the Winspear Centre concert hall in Edmonton. Hiltz rejoices that the Five Marks of Mission “have become household language in the family of our church.” New generations of Anglicans will be able to learn about them in a new Sunday school curriculum, ‛The Compendium of the Church Mice.’ He also praised the work of The Primate’s Commission on Theological Education, which has produced a report on the qualities, skills and charisms that can reasonably be expected of those called to priestly ministry. “I believe it holds great hope for consistency of standards across the church. I trust the Synod will heartily endorse the report and its several recommendations. “ Also in keeping with decisions from General Synod 2010, the Primate said he convened a na-tional consultation to “identify desirable changes in the structures of the General Synod, that would enable the national church to effectively carry out its national and international ministries.” Hiltz paid tribute to all those who serve in the north. “While all our ministries across the whole church are sacrificial in nature, those who serve in the north make particular sacrifices. They live with challenges in geography, huge distances between communities, issues associated with isolation, the high cost of food, particularly perishable food and numerous social challenges. Bishops and clergy receive a bare minimum stipend. Many clergy receive no stipend. I can only stand in awe of their deep devotion to Christ, their labours of love among those they serve.” The Primate said he thought there is still some distance to go, but he believes the church is mak-ing “good progress” in walking with indigenous peoples. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the church’s apology for its role in running Indian residential schools. National Indigenous Anglican Bishop Mark MacDonald and the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples have advised the Primate on ways to mark the anniversary. Plans are being made to pay tribute to Archbishop Michael Peers “for his leadership, which was truly humble and holy, compassionate and courageous, far-sighted and firm. He set us on a trajectory toward healing and rec-onciliation from which we have not, nor ever will, turn back,”. The Primate said he is also prepared to establish a commission that will follow through on actions associated with the repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery by General Synod 2010, but that he has prayerfully discerned that the mandate should be broadened. The Primate said the commis-sion should also examine a question posed by Truth and Reconciliation Commission chair Justice Mur-ray Sinclair to all parties in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, “What is reconcilia-tion?” It should also consider “the church’s commit-

ment to addressing longstanding injustices borne by indigenous peoples in Canada” and racism within our society.

GovernAnCe reformSAfter some debate, General Synod on July 4 voted to abolish all but two of the national church’s standing committees, as part of proposed changes to its governance structures. The house of bishops and the clergy and laity approved, by a two-thirds majority, Resolution A041, amending Section 39 of the General Synod Handbook, to allow the pension committee and the financial management committee to remain as standing committees and five others to function as co-ordinating committees. Archdeacon Bruce Bryant Scott of British Co-lumbia, spoke out against the motion, expressing concern that “the process that produced this pro-posal has been too narrow and insufficiently consul-tative.” He questioned whether dioceses and bishops were consulted and raised concerns that proposals were being presented as “fait accompli.” Restructur-ing “is too important to rush,” he said. Bryant Scott urged members to defeat the motion, adding that it would also result in “more top-down decision mak-ing” and concentrate “more power in the centre.” Jennifer Warren of Nova Scotia and P.E.I. spoke in favour of the motion, saying her own diocese has moved in the direction of streamlining committees. “Change is always scary, and there is respect for the fear of the top having more control than we might like,” she said. But Warren added that her diocese has seen the opposite: restructuring and fewer face-to-face meetings actually encouraged more lay peo-ple ‛ who don’t have time to travel — to volunteer and be involved in the church’s work. Restructuring “frees up more funds to put our money where our mouth is—mission, mission, mission,” she added. Before voting on the resolution, the recommend-ed changes were presented by Toronto’s Archbishop Colin Johnson, a member of the structures working group appointed by the Primate. “How we meet together is evolving,” said Johnson, adding that all national church gatherings need to be considered. The idea is not to make all meetings web-based, but to have a mix that includes face-to-face meet-ings. He noted that a single meeting of the Council of General Synod (CoGS) costs about $30,000. The increased use of technology allows greater consul-tation and timely decisions, Johnson added, and results in fewer costly meetings. The approved constitutional amendment pro-vides that co-ordinating committee membership be limited to five, a reduction from the previous range of between seven to 12 in standing committees. The co-ordinating committees are: faith, worship and ministry; partners in mission and eco-justice; resources for mission; communications and infor-mation resources; and Anglican Journal. Dean Peter Elliott, of New Westminster, explained that the Pen-sions Committee was kept as a standing committee “for reasons of fiduciary responsibilities,” while the Financial Management Committee “has a great deal of work before it.”

The AnGlICAn CovenAnTGeneral Synod on July 5 approved a motion that urges its faithful to continue conversations on the proposed Anglican Covenant and delays a final deci-sion on whether to accept or reject it until 2016. The Covenant is a set of principles prescribed as a way of healing relationships among member prov-inces of the Anglican Communion, which have been damaged by divisions over human sexuality. It was recommended in the 2004 Windsor Report, writ-ten by a group of bishops, priests and theologians

appointed by then Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams. “At this time, there is no clear consensus within our church on whether to accept or reject the Covenant,” said the new prolocutor, Archdeacon Harry Huskins, who presented the resolution on behalf of the governance working group (GWG). He added that the motion “allows us to hold our place at the table of Communion discussions.” The motion was met with mixed reactions on the floor. The Rev. Malcolm French, of Qu’Appelle, argued that “there’s more consensus than one might believe.” French, moderator of the No Angli-can Covenant Coalition, likened the Covenant to demanding “a pre-nuptial agreement when you’re already married.”Archdeacon Edward Simonton of Quebec, wondered, “Is this not a motion that is basi-cally a very Canadian, polite way of saying no?” He added: “It seems like a good way to hedge our bets, one way or the other…” Canon Gene Packwood, diocese of Calgary, expressed concern about the “standing” of the Canadian church in other parts of the world. Others argued, however, that the church’s rela-tionships with other members of the Communion are not only being healed but are flourishing through the bishops’ dialogue with their counterparts from Africa, companion relationships between dioceses in Canada and overseas, and through partnerships. The approved motion asks the Anglican Commu-nion Working Group (ACWG) to “monitor contin-ued developments” around the proposed Covenant. It requests that the ACWG render a report to the spring 2016 meeting of CoGS, and directs CoGS “to bring a recommendation regarding the Covenant” to the next General Synod in 2016. In 2010, General Synod had approved a resolu-tion that received the final text of the Covenant, requested the ACWG to prepare study and con-sultation materials for parishes and dioceses, and requested that the faith, worship and ministry com-mittee and the governance working group provide advice on the “theological, ecclesiological, legal and constitutional implications of the decision to adopt or not adopt the Covenant.”

reDuCInG numberS AT GenerAl SynoDA new formula for deciding clerical and lay mem-bership at General Synod, which is projected to

Page 4 Caledonia Times — September 2013

The 40th Session of the General Synod - Highlights

decrease its size 10-15% was approved. Member-ship to the General Synods will now be calculated based on average attendance at four liturgical celebrations—Easter, Pentecost, the second Sun-day in September and Christmas—over two years. Currently, membership is determined by the number of licensed clergy in the diocese, a situation that has been regarded as problematic because licensing practices vary across the church. After a lengthy dis-cussion, Motion A042, which amended Section 8(f) of the church’s constitution, was approved on sec-ond reading by a two-thirds majority of each order at General Synod. The for dioceses having an aver-age attendance of 4,999 persons or less will send two clergy and two laity as well as their bishop(s) and youth members. The new formula, which will use attendance statistics provided by dioceses to the national office, was met with some criticism on the floor. Several speakers stood up to question the accuracy and integrity of those statistics. Chancel-lor David Jones acknowledged that not all dioceses comply with the request for statistics, but expressed the hope that this new method would encourage them to comply. Some members questioned the reliance on counting “membership and not disciple-ship,” and expressed concern that this could mean less representation for rural-based dioceses whose demographics are shifting. But others said bigger dioceses actually stand to lose some representation as a consequence of this new formula. “Our ministry to the wider community is increas-ing, even as official membership is dropping,” said Geoff Peddle of Eastern Newfoundland and Labra-dor. “There are other ways of measuring affiliation. If we use attendance, let’s make sure it’s accurate.” Dean Kevin Dixon of Huron, said that with a grow-ing number of people moving into urban areas, a trend could arise where decisions will be made “by places where people are wealthy.” This view was echoed by diocese of the Arctic Bishop David Parsons, who said that his diocese has a small repre-sentation even if “almost all” in the north, who have no access to churches or a minister, will say they’re Anglican. Archbishop Colin Johnson of Toronto urged cau-tion against “stereotyping one part of the country as more powerful than another.” Southern urban areas are often viewed as “centres of great wealth,” but

the reality is that power, privilege and education be-long only to a few, he said. He noted that big cities like Toronto are “enormously diverse” and include people struggling with unemployment, poverty and low education. Statistically, one in five Anglicans lives in Toronto, said Johnson, and potentially Toronto could have 44 members. But he added, “We are represented well enough with the 24 that we have.” New Westminster Bishop Michael Ingham said that with the new formula, his diocese would actually lose its current representation. And yet, he said, “I rise to support this motion…Wealth and size shouldn’t play a part in our deliberations.” He added that “there is no perfect formula,” and if the formula results in improper distribution of representation, it could be amended down the line until “a smaller and more efficient” way of working is found.

moTIon To brInG mArrIAGe QueSTIon In 2016 General Synod on July 6 approved a resolution that will bring the issue of same-sex marriage to a vote at the meeting of the Anglican Church of Canada’s governing body in 2016. General Synod passed Resolution C003, asking the Council of General Synod to prepare and present a motion to change the church’s Canon 21 on marriage “to allow the marriage of same-sex couples in the same way as opposite sex couples.”Michelle Bull and Jennifer Warren from Nova Scotia and PEI, made the motion approved by a two-thirds majority of the orders of bishop, clergy and laity. Using clickers—a handheld electronic device—25 bishops, 72 clergy and 101 laity voted in favour of the resolution; 11 bishops, 30 clergy and 27 laity were opposed.The resolution asks that this motion include “a conscience clause so that no member of the clergy, bishop, congregation or diocese should be con-strained to participate in or authorize such marriages against the dictates of their conscience.” It also sets additional criteria contained in amendments intro-duced by Algoma Bishop Stephen Andrews and Dean Peter Elliott of New Westminster. The amend-ments, approved by a vote, state that the 2016 mo-tion should include supporting documentation that: “demonstrates broad consultation in its preparation; explains how this motion does not contravene the Solemn Declaration (of 1893); confirms immunity under civil law and the Human Rights Code for those bishops, dioceses and priests who refuse to participate in or authorize the marriage of same-sex couples on the basis of conscience; and provides a biblical and theological rationale for this change in teaching on the nature of Christian marriage.” Several members stood up to speak for and against the resolution. “Those of us who believe that same-sex relationships are a normal and natural part of God’s creation, and are blessed by God, are having to turn away same-sex couples against the dictates of our consciences,” said Bull. “We’re hav-ing to say no to people when we believe God wants us to say yes. We have to choose between obedience to the church and what we believe is obedience to God…” The Rev. Bob Derrenbacker of Algoma, de-scribed the resolution prior to the introduction of the amendment, as “prematurely conceived,” saying that what the church has debated in past General Synods was the blessing of same-sex marriage and not same-sex marriage itself. “One is a pastoral response; the other would be a sacramental rite,” said Derrenbacker. “Blessings are not the same thing as marriage.” He added that a number of dioceses, which have developed guidelines for same-sex blessings, have recognized this difference, with at

least some of said dioceses making such a distinc-tion in those guidelines. Derrenbacker supported the amendment, saying it would «ensure that the proper and requisite study, consultation and prayer would take place in advance of any proposed change to one of the canons of our church.» Archdeacon Peter John Hobbs of Ottawa, said the motion “allows us to move forward in transparency and begins the long process that will see culmination six years from now.” Leona Moses of Huron, spoke out against the motion and said she was represent-ing the views of all six Anglican churches on the Six Nations Reserve. She explained that, “Traditionally, we look to seven generations before we make up our minds about what we should or should not do today.” The resolution was voted upon twice, after the Primate acknowledged that he had made a proce-dural error. Some members pointed out that Hiltz failed to ask whether the house was ready to close debate on the resolution. Some members also intended to request a vote by orders, but Hiltz said he was unaware of it. “I own that mistake,” he said, expressing concern that “a number of people within the family are feeling angry that due process was not followed.”

TowArDS ToronTo for GenerAl SynoD In 2016As the first-ever Joint Assembly wound down, at-tendees stepped up to the mic with sincere praise and constructive gripes that may help the next assembly go even more smoothly than this one did. Iris Veinotte, a Lutheran from Newburne, N.S., expressed appreciation of the prayer time provided in the agenda and said attendees were “wonder-ful, fine Christian people. You could talk to anyone about anything, and they shared their very depths.” She was critical, however, of time misspent on the minutiae of punctuation and wording in resolutions. “We have so many more important things to do.” The Rev. Bruce Bryant-Scott of British Columbia pointed out that it would have been better if, instead of sitting at regionally mixed tables, Lutherans and Anglicans from the same regions could sit together for discussion in order to be able to take back to their home regions “a common spirit and vision to work together.” He also asked: “What is stopping us from doing more work together?” In poignant commentary on the five days of Anglican-Lutheran fellowship, Bishop David Par-sons of the Arctic spoke of “a great earthquake in the Communion,” and said, “My knees are shaking.” He also asked, “Are we really prepared to listen to each other?” Parsons stressed that we must listen to the aboriginal peoples. “I do not believe we are together...Why don’t we really talk?” Speaking of General Synod’s groundbreaking decision to create a new indigenous diocese, an aboriginal attendee said, “I had goosebumps up and down my spine and my arms.” For her, the historic event shows that “with the Creator, everything is possible.” The Rev. Duke Vipperman of Toronto comment-ed on how easily and unselfconsciously indigenous people speak about their faith, and suggested that General Synod consider inviting indigenous people of the north to come to the south and “teach us how to speak naturally and comfortably about Jesus.”

—this article was composed from articles online by the Anglican Journal staff during the 40th Sessions of General Synod and the Joint Assembly in Ottawa, Ontario, July 3rd to 7th, 2013. Many thanks for their hard work.

Caledonia Times — September 2013 Page 5

Diocesan Life in Pictures - What’s up Caledonia!

Just befiore Easter, Bruce Smith, retired National Di-rector of Threshold Ministries (Church Army in Can-ada)came to the Cathedral parish for a Quiet Day and preached at the regular service on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th . The quiet day was well attended with folks from the Anglican parishes in the Rupert Area and from other churches in Rupert.

The Bishop join the Cathedral Congregation for Eas-ter on March 31st. the service began outside with the blessing of the new fire and the lighting of a new pas-chal candle. during the service, there were 9 candi-dates for Baptism and 3 for Confirmation. There were about 170 people at the service at the 2 hour service.

All of the servers turned out for the Easter Service. One of the servers, Jamie Alexander (left), was baptized in January while Robbie Jongewaard (3rd from Left) was baptized on Easter day and then they were comfirmed together with another adult candidate from the Parish of Port Edward.

Picture at the Left: From Left to right The Rev. Dea-con Chris Ross, Ruby McBeth, Roy Higginson, Betty Long, Archbishop John Privett, and Mentor The Rev. Cathy Hall. First Education for Ministry (EfM) 3 on-line graduates include Ruby McBeth from the Dio-cese of Caledonia. On June 11th, three people were handed graduation diplomas by John Privett the Met-ropolitan of the Province of British Columbia at St. Andrews Church in Kelowna. This was in recognition of four years of study. The EfM program grew out of the TEE program which some of you will have taken part in. . Until four years ago people were only able to take the EfM program if they lived where there was a trained mentor. That meant that in isolated areas such as Fort St. John one could not do the program. Then the online program was started. Three people from the original group completed the four years: Ruby McBeth from Baldonnel, B.C., Roy Higginson from Berwyn, Alberta, and Betty Long from McBride. Each year others have joined the group some starting at year one and others carrying on from previous work they had done in a face-to- face group. Participants have joined in from all across Canada: Anyone inter-ested in the online program can google EfM Canada or contact Ruby through the Synod Office.

On the Day of Pentecost in May, Dean Haggstrom paid a visit to the Parish of St.Peter’s, Hazelton to celebrate the Eucharist and Baptism. There were about 50 people in attendance at the service. The Dean went to Hazelton on behalf of the Bishop. - Ed.

The Rev. Thelma Hill was spotted working away at the Chirst the King booth during the Prince Rupert Seafeast Parade. The members of the Port Edward Parish were running a booth selling traditional foods to folks along the parade route. - Ed.

Page 6 Caledonia Times — September 2013

From the Diocesan Archives

On the Left: St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Claxton Cannery: built by the Rev. Robert Winter Gurd about 1905 for people of Kitkatla while they were working in the cannery in the summer months. On the Right, when the cannery closed, it was planned to move the building to Sunnyside. It was moved to the water’s edge but the journey was never completed. The ruins remain at Claxton.

—pictures and notes from Diocesan Archives.

Books on the go with Ruby McBeth

Surfin’ for the Lord ~ Ruby McBeth

Looking for some fresh air and possibly discipline in your spiritual life? Then check out iona.org.uk the website of the Iona Com-munity. The home page has pictures of the beautiful island of Iona. Clicking on “Re-sources” led to Iona’s Wild Goose Publica-tions. These include a host of categories from Advent and Christmas to Work and Leisure. Under e-liturgies- prayers/ ageing there were a couple of intriguing items. The home page introduces you to a few members one from the Netherlands. It seems you do not have to live in Scotland to join up. A pleasant and informative website for this ecumenical group that works for its members spiritual growth and for justice for all. Worth checking out.

Happy surfing,Ruby

When I was a child I would lie in our alfalfa field looking up at the clouds. I was a farm kid and lived close to nature. Perhaps my rural roots explain why I felt so at home with Celtic spirituality when I encountered it this spring. I had been curious about the topic for some time and requested books on the subject for my birthday. My daughter Joyce came through in spades with a lovely personal prayer book called Celtic Prayers from Iona. J. Phillip New-ell has in this prayer book captured the style and closeness to nature of the Celtic Christians.

Celtic Prayers From Iona is meant to provide private morning and evening prayer Mon-day through Saturday. Each little service is five pages long. We begin with a line from a psalm and an invitation to be silent and aware of God’s presence. The second page gives an opening prayer. These two pages prepare us for the main part of the day’s prayer. Here on the third page we are invited to free prayers of thanks, the Lord’s prayer, and scripture readings. We are then asked to reflect on the gospel and on the theme for the day. The fourth page is an intercession prayer and the fifth page a closing prayer. For each day of the week Newell has supplied a theme. Friday’s theme is “Communion of Heaven and Earth.” Here to give you a taste for the prayers is the opening prayer for Friday morning.

I awake this morning In the presence of the holy angels of God. May heaven open wide before meAbove me and around meThat I may see the Christ of my love And his sunlit companyIn all the things of earth this day.

The daily services occupy most of the book after which we are given a schedule of Psalm and Gospel readings for Monday through Sat-urday for one whole year. We are also supplied with a table of moveable feasts for 1997 (date of publication) through 2025. The preface,

introduction, and end page fill us in on the his-tory of Celtic Spirituality and the Iona Com-munity.

For the reader not familiar with Celtic spiri-tuality a short explanation might be helpful. Celtic prayers were oral prayers of fishermen and farmers on the fringes of Europe. In the 19th century the prayers were researched and written down by a Scot Alexander Carmichael. A revival of Celtic Spirituality began on the Island of Iona in 1938 when George McLeod began rebuilding the abbey there. J.Philip Newell worked with the Iona Community, and it is from that experience that his book of prayers grew.

The lettering of the book is in calligraphy style which is simple but beautiful. This book would definitely qualify as Christmas present material. Recommended generally for Chris-tians.

Newell, J. Philip. Celtic Prayers from Iona. New York: Paulist Press, 1997.

As much of the rest of Southern Alberta return to their homes and businesses to take stock after the flood, PWRDF is providing $15,000 to the Diocese of Calgary to aid those in the greatest need. Christ Church, Calgary is already responding, and has been posting updates to their F page.

The diocese has identified three areas of priority in their response:

Siksika first nation: 280 homes have been de-stroyed. 1,000 people have been displaced. There is no drinking water and they are now trucking it in.

Calgary urban Projects Society (CUPS) has identified 70 clients who have been evacuated and out of their units for four days. CUPS is providing for basic needs such as food (all their perishable items had to be thrown out), transportation, and dia-pers. Donations are needed towards replacing their industrial laundry which was badly damaged in the flood. Some of their more immediate needs include non-perishable food items, steel-toed work boots, toiletries, clothing, and bedding.

PwrDf will also work with the diocese to provide aid in the town of High River.

PWRDF has prepared a pew bulletin insert for use in parishes, which can be downloaded.You can do-nate to this relief effort in the following ways:

on-line Donate on the website and can designate for “Alberta Floods”.by Phone For credit card donations contact Jennifer Brown 416-924-9192 ext. 355; 1-866-308-7973 Please do not send your credit card number by email or fax.by mail Please make cheques payable to “PWRDF”, mark them for “Alberta Floods” and send them to: The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund The Anglican Church of Canada 80 Hayden Street Toronto, Ontario M4Y 3G2.PwrDf Donations Contact: Jennifer Brown 416-924-9192 ext. 355; 1-866-308-7973

PWRDF reaches out to Southern Alberta

Caledonia Times — September 2013 Page 7

Calendar Intercessions List 2012

Comic Corner

The BIShOP: William (Margaret) Anderson

PRInCe RUPeRT: The Congregation of the Ca-thedral Church of St. Andrew. The Very Rev. Jason (Nova) Haggstrom, Rector and Dean, the Rev. Dr. Canon James Nuzzo, Deacon; The Wardens, Avis Hopkins, Lay Reader, and Church Committee.

PORT eDWARD: The Congregation of Christ The King. The Rev. Sam (The Rev. Bertha) Lewis, Priest in Charge, The Rev. Canon John (Lorna) Martinson, Rector Emeritus, The Revs. Ben and Thelma Hill, Yvonne Hill, Katherine Lewis, Anthony Adams, Peter Nelson, Associate Priests; for the Wardens, Lay Read-ers, Catechists and Church Army Officers.

KITKATLA: The Congregation of St. Peter’s. for The Rev. Matthew Hill (Joanne), Priest, the Wardens, for the Lay Readers and Church Army Officers.

OLD MASSeTT, hAIDA GWAII: The Congrega-tion of St. John. The Rev. Lily Bell, Priest; for the Wardens, Lay Readers and Church Army Officers.

ST. PAUL, MASSeT InLeT MISSIOn: The Congregation of St. Paul. For the Wardens and Lay Readers.

KInCOLITh: The Congregation of Christ Church. The Rev. Harry Moore, Priest; for the Wardens, Lay Readers and Church Army Officers.

TeRRACe: The Congregation of St. Matthew. The Ven. Ernest (Corrina) Buchanan, Priest; Jim Cain, As-sociate Priest; for the Wardens and Lay Readers. and

STeWART: The Congregation of St. Mark’s. For the Wardens and Lay Readers.

AIYAnSh: The Congregation of Holy Trinity. The Rev. Gary Davis, Priest in charge and for the Wardens and Lay Readers.

GReenVILLe: The Congregation of St. Andrew. The Rev. James Moore, Priest; for the Wardens, Lay Readers and Church Army Officers.

KITIMAT: The Congregation of Christ Church. The Rev. Luke Anker (Sandy), Priest; for the Wardens and Lay Leaders.

hAZeLTOn: The Congregation of St. Peter. For the Wardens and Lay Readers and leaders.

BULKeLY VALLeY PARISh: The Congregations of St. James, Smithers, St. Clements, Houston and St. John the Divine, Quick. The Rev. Daphne Moser, Priest; for the Wardens and Lay Readers.

STUART neChAKO LAKeS ReGIOnAL PAR-ISh: The Congregations of Holy Trinity, Vander-hoof, St. Patrick’s, Fort St James and St. Wilfrid’s, Fraser Lake. Roy Andrews, Priest in Charge; Gwen Andrews, Associate Priest; for the Wardens and Lay Readers.

MACKenZIe: The Congregation of Hope-Trinity. The Rev. Henry Dunbar, Priest; for the Wardens and Lay Readers.

hUDSOn’S hOPe: The Congregation of St. Peter. The Rev. Fay Lavallee, Deacon; for the Wardens and Lay Readers.

CheTWYnD: The Congregation of Chetwynd Shared Ministry. Marlene Peck, Lay Missionary; for the Wardens and Lay Readers.

nORTh PeACe PARISh: The Congregations of St. Martin, Fort St. John, St. Mathias, Cecil Lake and Church of the Good Shepherd, Taylor. The Rev. Jacob Worley pro tem; for the Wardens and Lay Readers.

SOUTh PeACe PARISh: The Congregations of St. Mark, Dawson Creek and Christ Church, Pouce Coupe. The Rev. Timothy Johnson (Bev), Pastor in Charge; for the Wardens and Lay Readers.

DIOCeSAn OFFICeRS AnD SYnOD OFFICe STAFF: Michelle Tanguay, Secretary-Treasurer (Kevin); Donna Demers Accountant; Cliff Armstrong, Diocesan Archivists. REGISTRAR: Desiree Read; CHANCELLOR: Deborah O’Leary; A.C.W. PRESI-DENT: Chris Broad

DIOCeSAn eXeCUTIVe AnD ALL OTheR DIOCeSAn COMMITTeeS

ReTIReD CLeRGY: Lance Stephens, Mike Monk-man, Lorna Janze, Peter Hamel, Mary Parslow, Char-lie Parslow, Fay Lavallee, Ray Fletcher.

SPeCIAL MInISTRIeS: Brent Neumann,

hOnORARY CAnOnS: Lance Stephens, Peter Hamel, John Martinson; hOnORARY LAY CAn-OnS: Jennifer Davies, Camilla Haines, Eleanor Kustas.

FOR ThOSe DISCeRnInG CALLS TO VARI-OUS KInDS OF MInISTRY, especially those considering becoming Lay Readers and those discern-ing ordination, those who are being considered for ministry in the diocese and those who will discern them; for the Bishop, the Examining Chaplain, and local clergy.

CAMP CALeDOnIA: The Rev. Luke Anker, Chairperson and the board members, paid staff and volunteers

BeneFACTORS AnD COnTRIBUTORS OF The DIOCeSe.

BIShOPS OF The PROVInCe for the elections and new Bishops in the Dioceses of New Westminster and British Columbia that will be elected this fall.

The Rt. Rev. Larry Robertson YukonThe Most Rev. John Privett KootenayThe Rt. Rev. Barbara Andrews, (APCI)

The PRIMATe & MeTROPOLITAnS The Most Rev. David Ashdown Rupert’s Land The Most Rev. Colin Johnson Ontario The Most Rev. Claude Miller CanadaThe Most Rev. John Privett BC-YukonThe Most Rev. Fred Hiltz Primate

ALL TheOLOGICAL COLLeGeS AnD TRAIn-InG CenTeRS – especially Wycliffe College, Trin-ity School for Ministry, Nashotah House and Regent College.

The PRIMATe’S WORLD ReLIeF AnD De-VeLOPMenT FUnD (PWRDF)

Almighty God, we pray for your blessing on all who share in the life and work of this Diocese of Caledonia: in the ministry of word and sacrament; in the teaching of believers and care of the faithful; in service of this diocese, the communities within our boundaries and those in need, in ecumenical fellowship and co-operation. We pray for all the members of the diocese and its various parishes, that in their various callings and vocations, they may advance your kingdom and bear witness to your grace and love, offered to us through Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen

(Adapted from a prayer by Basil Naylor)

Save us O Lord, as a parish, as a diocese from being inward looking or backward looking in the work you have for us to do. Help us to take our eyes off ourselves and turn them on the world around; to be less satisfied with what we have accomplished and more concerned with what is ahead of us to do. Enlarge our vision and renew our first love that we might attempt new and bold things for your king-dom and your glory in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Adapted from a prayer by Frank Colqulioun)

Words to pray by

Page 8 Caledonia Times — September 2013