SEE PAGE 5

SEPTEMBER 2010

RupeRt’s Land NewsPuBliShEd By ThE diocESE of RuPERT’S lAnd – A SEcTion of ThE AnGlicAn jouRnAl

6 Diocesan Synod Gathering beginsSeptember 30

7 Transition The new gifts ofadvancing age

8 St Andrews on the RedRev Stephen Sharmanretires

3 From the Bishop Why St Catherine's had to close

Synod oPEninG woRShiP – ThuRSdAy SEPT 30, 7 PM

SEE PAGE 4

Leap of faithPreston Parsons bounces back

Archivist

Gloria Romaniuk appointed

September 26: Back to church

Holy Trinity Winnipeg holds a homecoming on Back To Church Sunday. See story on page 2. PHOTO: TERENCE MOORE

2 Rupert’s land news SSeptember 2010hoMEcoMinG

Invite a friend

Recently, Manitobans in other provinces have heard of a

homecoming event. Folks in Manitoba have been encouraged to invite friends and family who have moved away to return to Manitoba for a homecoming. In a similar vein, the Anglican Church of Canada is joining with various parts of the Anglican Communion worldwide in offering a homecoming. In an era when many churches experience low attendance, the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) has introduced “Back t o C h u r c h S u n d a y ” September 26, 2010, as

a way of reaching people who may not be attending a church community. General Synod members watched a Back to Church presentation in Halifax in June and local clergy at the Residential Conference in Pinawa saw a presen-tation earlier. The campaign i nvo l ve s m e m b e r s o f churches inviting a friend to church September 26. Guests are invited to come where they will find a warm welcome, experience

community and inner peace or find a place to pray. If you are lost, it is a way home; if you are hungry, it is a place to find food; if you are lonely, it is place to find friends. On many occasions, former Primate, Archbishop Michael Peers, has told the story of his own return to church in his youth. He recalled how he left church after his confir-mation and returned some years later on the invitation of a friend. Once at the church, it was the love of the

community that kept him going to church and the rest, as they say, is history. Parishes that decide on participating in Back to Church Sunday can make use of materials offered by the national church. As well, the Diocese of Rupert’s L a n d h a s p u rch a s e d materials for distribution. It is an opportunity to reach the community and the neighbourhood in another effort to partner with God in His mission in the world.

By MuRRAy STill

Ancestral connectionsDowntown parish seeks its scattered flock

Holy Trinity Anglican Church at Donald Street and Graham

Avenue is reaching out to its extended family of former members around Manitoba and across the country to call them home for a church homecoming on September 26. B a r b a r a T i l l e r, t h e parishioner who is leading

the search, was christened at Holy Trinity. She has belonged to the parish long enough to remember some of the former parishioners named on memorial plaques on the pews and on the walls. She has long wondered about some of the others. Mrs. Tiller thought of delving into the old records and trying to renew contact

with families who have ancestral ties to Holy Trinity. Merv Lanctot, Rector of Holy Trinity, loved the project and thought of tying it together with Back to Church Sunday, the September 26 outreach project of the Anglican Church. The project coincided neatly with the Homecoming campaign of the Manitoba

government, which is urging Manitoba ex-pats across Canada and around the world to visit the province this year. The result was Holy Trinity’s Homecoming project. "It's fascinating to follow these old threads and see where they lead," says Barbara Tiller. The pews she prays in each week bear name plates from Winnipeg families who have passed through Holy Trinity. Now, for the homecoming project, she is getting in touch with those scattered families. "It's been a joint effort with people who have had various connections with Holy Trinity over the years." "We are sending out invitations to as broad a list as we can compile of people who have a connection from the past to invite them back to this homecoming service to reconnect with the home church of their grandparents, or where their parents were married at Holy Trinity.

People across a broad section of this community have a connection with Holy Trinity." C o m b i n g t h r o u g h parish registers and other records, Mrs. Tiller and her committee found thousands of names of people with some old connection to the parish. Then came the slow and difficult work of locating those people or their descendants to invite them back to Holy Trinity. The committee consulted pe r sona l reco l l e c t i on , memorial plaques, baptism and marriage registries, alumnae lists of Rupert's Land Ladies School (now B a l m o r a l H a l l ) . T h e parish by early August had a list of more than 100 people to invite to the homecoming. "We can't reach everybody and not everybody can come, but the connection we have with Canada and the broader community is quite interesting," Tiller said.

By TEREncE MooRE

RuPERT’S lAnd nEwS

ocToBER dEAdlinE

Deadline for the October edition of the Rupert’s Land News is

September 1, 2010

Send your material to Terence Moore, Editorrlnews@rupertsland.ca

1-204-992-4205

ColumbariumBurial Niches

Arrange your ash burial nowCall 783-8208

Available at St James Cemetery(South side of Portage Avenue

Opposite Polo Park)

Rupert’s land news 3September 20101 fRoM ThE BiShoP

The closure of a parish

As r e f e r r e d t o elsewhere on this page, the Parish

of St Catherine’s (Bird’s Hill), Winnipeg is closing as of September 30, 2010. The closing of a parish is always difficult, but in a way similar to a person dying, it is more difficult when a life is cut short, rather than coming to an end “naturally” after a long and prosperous living. We are in the midst of journeying with the members of this parish and the air is full of the same kinds of questions one struggles with when an important person in their life is suddenly gone. The implicit plans people

had for future baptisms, marriages and funerals are all “turned on their heads.” (Even if these do happen in the same church building, it will be vastly different without the parish family being present.) For many, the community that was at the heart of their spiritual identity has evaporated. There are feelings of anger, remorse, frustration and discouragement – all of which I share as well. Spiritual writers have often reflected on the fact that when the “spiritual foundation on which we stand is kicked out from under us”, God is always there to catch us! And some have even suggested that sometimes God actually uses such a tragedy to help us discover a new and deeper reality of our identity as children of God and our rootedness in Christ. When this kind of tragedy strikes an immediate family member, we instinctively

reach out to the rest of our family – immediate and extended, and they in turn reach out to “catch and hold” us. In a completely analogous way, St Paul describes the Church as being one “family.” He says, “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it, if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it” (1 Corinthians 12: 26) In one sense, the closing of a parish implicates all of us. There are lots of questions. Why didn’t we realize this was happening sooner? Could we have done something to bring about a different outcome? Why was the parish left to itself to struggle with this for so long? For neighbouring parishes – did we ever involve ourselves in their lives, and if not, why not? However, those are only fruitful questions for us now if they help us to become more aware of the mutual love and responsibility that

The Right Reverend donAld PhilliPS

Bishop of Rupert’s land

we need to exercise with each other in the future. There is no point in brooding over them with respect to the past. What we are now called to do is to “catch and hold” the members of St Catherine’s w h o a r e h u r t i n g a n d searching. One of our great strengths as an episcopal and synodical church is that we are part of one larger body. No parish or mission is autonomous – left to fend for itself. At such a time as this is, it is critical that the members of St Catherine’s know that they are also part of larger families – the Deanery of Kildonan, the Diocese of Rupert’s Land, the Anglican Church of Canada. We need to embrace all who are open to us, to assure them that they “belong”, and to help them find a new place to grow and flourish in the Body of Christ. C a n w e r e p l a c e S t Catherine’s? Of course not. But what we can do is help members re-discover some of

the same love, same support, and the same opportunities to share in ministry and mission in a new community – and yet one that is part of the same family. Can we learn from the closure of St Catherine’s? I know that I am working on that – and I hope you do too. What has taken place has already impressed on me the depth and importance of the local church family; the need to know and care about “what is going on inside” as well as what is expressed in reports and diocesan meetings; and the importance of staying in touch and supporting local leaders – lay and ordained. I thank God that we know God to be One who brings resurrection out of death. I pray that individually and corporately this might once again be our experience as we seek together to follow the One who has overcome death. May we, in this loss, find God’s grace together.

The Par i sh o f S t Catherine’s, Bird’s Hill, ceased operations

on June 27 and will be formally disestablished on September 30. This was done upon the recommendation of a Diocesan Commission formed according to Canon 19. St Catherine’s parish began in the 1890s as a mission of St Paul’s, Middlechurch. It was part of the River North cluster of parishes in the 1970s and 1980s after which it decided to go on its own, and in 1990 had its first full-time incumbent. During the 1990s, while the parish grew, internal problems developed – partic-ularly around the priest at that time – resulting in his resignation in 1999. Since then there have been two incumbencies and a two-year period of intentional interim ministry. However, both of these incumbencies ended prematurely after approximately four years. While some strong outreach ministries continued with a core of persons dedicated

to the i r congregat ion, throughout this decade the parish experienced deeply-embedded and long-standing areas of conflict, mistrust and unhappiness. Both incumben t s a s ked fo r diocesan intervention to address these issues. Early in 2009, Archdeacon Godfrey Mawejje and I began working with the incumbent, wardens and ves try to address the main issues. The incumbent and parish-ioners were invited to make confidential submissions to me about their experience of the parish – and many did. These were collated and their substance shared with a meeting of the parishioners in April 2009. The archdeacon (or the bishop when Mawejje was not available) began attending vestry meetings. Five newer families left the parish in 2009. Others withheld their regular giving, creating a financial crisis. The annual meeting in February this year voted to reduce the time and stipend of the incumbent. Within a

month, the incumbent was ordered by her doctor to take a stress leave, after which it was determined that the incumbency should end. At this point, further support and guidance from the diocese were needed. As outlined in Canon 19, I called together a Commission and asked them to review the past 10 years of the parish, to meet with the vestry, and to prepare a report recommending how best to meet the needs of the members. The Commission asked vestry members how the appointment of a new priest might work in light of recent experience, and asked them how they thought parish members’ needs should be met. The Commission reported to the Executive Committee at the beginning of June. The executive and I accepted the report. The Commission wrote: “It was clear that many people within the parish care deeply about each other.” However, “it was clear that conflict within the parish ... has made it impossible for this congre-

gation to exist and function as an Anglican Parish.” Their first recommendation was “that the Parish of St Catherine be disestablished as soon as possible.” Accordingly, I issued a “Declaration of Intent to Disestablish the Parish” on June 25, and the parish ceased operations on June 27. In that declaration I wrote: “After years of trying to believe otherwise, and with much regret and sadness, I have had to accept the concluding statement in the Commis-sion’s report”, as referred to above. The Commission also recommended that the church property and building not be sold immediately. The diocese is retaining the

property for the time being, and a community Montessori Nursery School is continuing to function this fall. Since meeting with the congregation after worship on June 27, I have been working with the wardens and a small committee to address the pastoral, legal and administrative issues of this transition. I have led two midweek evening worship services to enable members of the congregation to gather for worship, mutual support and exploration about a future church home. A final Service of Thanksgiving for St Catherine’s Parish will be held on Sunday September 19 at 3:00 pm. All are welcome.

St Catherine's – what happened?By don PhilliPS, BiShoP of RuPERT’S lAnd

4 Rupert’s land news SSeptember 2010ARchivES

Rupert's Land finds a new archivist

In July, Gloria Romaniuk assumed the position of Archivist for the Diocese

of Rupert’s Land. She will continue three days a week in her capacity as archivist for the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg at 233 Scotia St. in Winnipeg, where she has served since 2003.

Gloria has known Rupert’s Land archivis ts Myrna Brownlie, Anne Morton and Doreen Oliver professionally for several years, meeting at events of the Religious Archives Special Interest Group of the Association of Manitoba Archivists. A longtime resident of Cook’s Creek, Gloria was

drawn to archival practice because of her interest in the life and works of Fr. Philip Ruh, OMI, architect of the Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church in Cook’s Creek. In former years, she has accepted archival contract work at the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, and

the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre. For 30 years, she and her husband have operated Cook’s Creek General Store, across from the church and grotto in Cook’s Creek. During Gloria’s intro-duction to the Archives Committee, she learned about Phase I of the conservation project which is currently underway. Conservator Jane Dal ley, of Dal ley Froggatt Heritage Conser-vation, was in attendance and demonstrated to the committee the ‘before and after’ effects of her work with the1839-1877 Baptisms Register of St Peter’s Dynevor Church. Gloria will be spearheading ongoing work in the planned phases of the project to ensure the longevity of similar invaluable registers which require specialized care. With the help of Myrna, Doreen and Jane, Gloria plans to produce an exhibit for the Synod, showcasing the St

Peter’s Baptisms Register, together with the 1870-1884 St Andrew’s Burials Register, the second book completed in the project. During the orientation process with Myrna Brownlie, Gloria expressed high praise for the obvious dedication of staff and volunteers, past and present. She was impressed that every effort has been made over the years to care for the records, to make them accessible, and to meet the needs of the community who rely on the records. She said: “I feel privileged, indeed, to accept this opportunity, and to contribute in every way I can to protect this trust.”

Gloria can be reached in the diocesan archives at 935 Nesbitt Bay on Wednesdays, online at archives@rupertsland.ca, or by telephone at 1-204-992-4203.

An evening of music and stories by Sierra Noble and Edwina Gateley, emceed by Dr. Moti Shojania to mark the

Opening Celebration of the 40th Anniversary Year of St. Benedict’s Retreat & Conference Centre

Singer, song writer, fiddler, Sierra Noble has been called a “fiddle virtuoso” who breezes through every style of music with stunning ease. A recipient of many humanitarian awards, she recently performed in the Opening Ceremo-nies for the 2010 Olympics

Edwina Gateley is a poet, theologian, artist, writer, lay minis-ter and modern-day mystic and prophet and single mom. She currently gives talks, conferences and retreats in the U.S.A., Canada, Britain and Ireland and continues to reach out to women in recovery from drugs and prostitution.

Tickets: $40.00 ($20 tax receipt provided) - Available at St. Benedict’s, Ave Maria Gift Shop,

Christian Supply Centre, Hull’s Bookstore & McNally Robinson Booksellers.

CALL 339-1705 FOR MORE INFORMATION

Friday, September 17, 2010—7:00 p.m. At Jubilee Place Concert Hall, MBCI—180 Riverton Avenue, Winnipeg (off Henderson Hwy.)

Reception to Follow

Tel 1-204-956-2096 Fax 1-204-947-0451236 Osborne Street Winnipeg, Manitoba

GIFTS THAT LAST

CANADIAN JEWELLERS

ASSOCIATION

WEDDINGSGRADUATIONS

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Featuring the work of 36 Manitoba artists

Friday, Oct. 15, 6 - 9 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 17, 12 - 4 p.m.

We invite you to browseand buy at your leisure

Wine and Cheese Friday evening

Light refreshments availableat the BrushWorks Café

Intersection of Point Road and North Drive

2010

7th Annual Brushworks • 2010

Rupert’s land news 5September 20101 fundRAiSinG

Leap of faithSt Mary Magdalene priestjumps at the chance

Rev Preston Parsons, incumbent of St Mary Magdalene

parish, kept his promise this summer and jumped off a bridge to encourage fundraising for the parish’s partnership with St Peter’s Lubaale and the Diocese of Central Buganda. Tethered to a bungee cord, he plunged from the bridge at Whistler Bungee, near Whistler, BC. “It was an amazing feeling

– not so much like falling, more like floating,” Parsons said later. “I was, surprising-ly, only nervous as we drove up. But once I was on the bridge I didn't feel anxious or nervous anymore. In truth, there have been times when preaching has been a far more fraught experience than bungee jumping.” The project raised $2,233 of the $3,861 the parish col-lected for Uganda.

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6 Rupert’s land news 'deSeptember 2010Synod

On S e p t e m b e r 30, all members of our Diocesan

family are invited to gather in St John’s Cathedral for the Opening Service of the biennial Synod. On October 1 and 2, clergy and lay representatives will meet to discern how God’s Spirit is leading our Diocese into the future. We will reflect on Scripture and pray together; participate in discussion and debate; and ultimately make decisions which will guide our diocesan life over the next two years and beyond. Although the shape of Synod is governed by our Canons and Rules of Order, the meetings are set within a context of worship, prayer, and respectful listening. Our theme acknowledges the ‘desert times’ in which we find ourselves – declining membership and reduced financial resources; but, our theme also proclaims our confidence – we are not alone; God is with us; together we will ‘make paths in the desert’.

A much l e s s fo r ma l gathering of Synod members will take place on Sept 18 in the Parish of St Chad. This Pre-Synod Forum is designed to enable conversation rather than debate, and to build relationships among our diocesan family. We will hear about key actions of the recent General Synod with opportunity for questions and discussion.

There will be time for open dialogue on topics which may arise from reports in the Convening Circular or they could be matters of particular importance to individuals and/or groups. Members of Synod are encouraged to submit topic requests in advance of the Forum.

Making paths in the desertThe 110th Session of the Synod of the Diocese of Rupert’s LandBy MARGARET clARkE

110Th Rupert's land Synod: when and where

Pre-Synod forumSt Chad's Church, 3390 Portage aveSaturday, September 18Registration at 8:30 a.m.

opening worship service of SynodSt John's Cathedral, 135 anderson aveThursday, September 30, 7 pm

Synod sessionNorth Kildonan Mennonite brethren Church, 1315 Gateway RdFriday, October 1Registration at 8 am

Local backers finance juice plant

The fruit juice plant at Nabusanke will be owned and

financed through shares issued to the Diocese of Central Buganda and other backers of the project. The share-capital scheme was proposed by the board of the plant and endorsed by a meeting of 150 backers of the project April 24. Shares will be sold at 10,000 shillings ($4.60 Canadian) each for a total value of 50 million shillings ($23,000). Shares will be allocated among the different backers as follows:

Diocese of Central Buganda 10%

Mothers’ Union 40%

Parishes 10%

Fathers’ Union 5%

Children’s ministry department 5%

Individual Christians 10%

The April 24 meeting saw the biggest attendance in the recent past in the diocese. People submitted ideas very enthusiastically and demonstrated love and determination to get the factory working.

The meeting was opened by the Rt. Rev. Jackson Matovu, the diocesan bishop. He requested the people to own the church projects developed in the diocese. Each parish was asked to grow a parish fruit garden and sell mangoes, passion fruit and pineapples t o t h e f a c t o r y. T h e planning and development department of the diocese will also establish a five-acre fruit orchard. The factory will also buy fruit from other growers. Once the factory starts to operate and make profit, the diocese departments will be able to function better with this source of income. The individual growers and share holders will be happy too.

By lP MulondowRiTinG fRoM uGAndA

St john's college faculty of Theology is offering the following courses in the upcoming academic year:

• SJH100AnglicanHistory.3credits. Sept 7 - Nov 23, 2010. 6:00 - 9:00 pm. St John's College.

• SJM151AnglicanExperienceI.2credits. Sept 7 - Nov 23, 2010. Supervisedin-parishexperience.

• SJT101AnglicanSpirituality.3credits. Jan 4 - March 29, 2011. 6:00 - 9:00 pm. St John's College.

• SJM152AnglicanExperienceII.2credits. Jan 4 - March 29, 2011. Supervisedin-parishexperience.

• SJL110Intro.toNewTestamentGreek.6credits. Sept 7 - March 29, 2011. Directed study. St John's College.

Further details, including downloads, can be found at the theology web page: http://umanitoba.ca/colleges/st_johns/programs/theology/index.html

So, how can all of us prepare for the coming meetings of Synod? • upholddelegatesinpersonalandcorporateprayer• meettodiscussSynodasavestryorparish• askyourdelegatesabouttheissues• offeryourviewpoints

As a member of Synod, come to the meetings as an informed participant: • beginbyreadingallthematerialyoureceive•meetwiththeotherdelegatesfromyourparish• talkabouttheissueswithfellowparishionersandinvite

their input• considersubmittingatopicfordiscussionatthe

Pre-Synod Forum• bringanopenheartandahumblespirittoourgatherings

Let us gather in peace and hope, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us through and out of the desert.

Rupert’s land news 7September 20101 TRAnSiTion

RuPERT’S lAnd nEwS

Publisher The Right Reverend Donald Phillips, bishop of Rupert’s LandAdvisory Group The Venerable Norm Collier, Len Carlson, Lorraine West, Donald benhamEditor Terence Moore Layout and Design Gwendolyn Penner

Subscription $20 per year Printer Signal Star Publishing, Division of bowes PublishingChange of Address Notify your parish or write to Rupert’s Land News, c/o anglican Journal, 80 Hayden St., Toronto, ON, M4Y 3G2 or email circulation@national.anglican.caOctober deadline The deadline for the October edition of the Rupert’s Land News is September 1, 2010The Rupert’s Land News is published as a section of the Anglican JournalPhone 1-204-992-4205 Fax 1-204-992-4219 Email rlnews@rupertsland.ca

AnGlicAn cEnTRE

Address 935 Nesbitt bay, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 1W6Fax 1-204-992-4219 Website www.rupertsland.caAnglican Centre Toll Free 1-866-693-4418

Executive Assistant to the Bishop Susan Suppes 1-204-992-4212

Director of Finance bernice Funk 1-204-992-4201

Office Administrative Assistant Cathy Mondor 1-204-992-4200

Diocesan Archives Tuesdays and Thursdays usually 9:00 am to 4:00 pmPhone 1-204-992-4203 Fax 1-204-992-4219 Email archives@rupertsland.ca

nAncy PhilliPS

This past while, I have become aware of a turning point in

my adult life. I have found myself beginning to engage in a caregiver role for those who have played the role of parent in my life. For me, this marks a transition in adult life, away from caring for our children i n a m o r e immediate and tangible way and closer to facing my own p r o c e s s o f aging and what t h a t m i g h t mean. M a n y o f t h e m a j o r developmental psychologists would describe this t ime of life as a period o f t h e f u l l development of the genuine self. In a review of theories of aging, Kathleen Fisher identifies that Carl Jung talked about the midlife crisis as the collapse of inadequate, one-sided definitions of the self, opening one to the core self at the centre of the psyche. Erik Erikson proposed several tasks as integral to reaching adult maturity: developing the ability to love and commit oneself to other persons, assuming respon-sibility for what one has generated, and discovering the meaning and value of one’s life. Erikson described

midlife as an invitation to generativity, and old age as a call to integrity. Still another v i ewpoin t by Gi l l i gan challenges the exclusively male s tandard used in theories of development, and maintains that women’s developmental experience is by way of attachment, by developing identity in relationship with others, by way of intimacy. This results in an awareness of

the interconnect-edness of human be ings and an ethic of care and responsibility. K a t h l e e n F i scher, in an explorat ion of the spirituality of aging, identifies several themes that characterize the journey towards old age.

Embracing the present moment. Fischer points out that awareness that our life span is limited can lead

to the wisdom and wonder that come from opening to the grace of the present moment. With a move to greater interiority as we age, Fischer says we can come to appreciate the preciousness of time and the elemental in life, learning the art of being rather than doing. Those who suffer from dementia can open us to the gift of the present moment.

Finding meaning in memory. Fischer reminds us that scripture recounts how people

find strength in positive memories. Practical ways of pursuing a life review may include keeping a j o u r n a l , w r i t i n g a n autobiography or a memoir, re f lec t ing on s c r a p b o o k s , photo albums or old letters and returning to the location of our birth, childhood or youth. Life review is a way of passing on our life and its meaning to the next generation and encompasses the giving and receiving of a spiritual heritage.

Confronting limitations and death. Fischer poses the fundamental questions of life: “What is our end?” and “What purpose guides us?” She points out that the fact of aging reminds us of our finitude; that the midlife challenge is often described as a crisis of limits. Old age can also be a time of multiple losses – health, job, spouse, friends, home – and a sense that death is near. Moving deeply into the death/resurrection mystery enables us to live with the losses of aging and retain the hope that new gifts are to be found in the midst of this passage.

Seeking reconciliation and forgiveness. Fischer reminds us that memories can be painful as well as joyful. When our memories lead to a sense of incompleteness and failure, they need to be embraced

by the larger stories of faith, stories of a God who heals and forgives and calls us

to forgiveness. Healing of past hurts can open up new energies for love.

Expanding the circle of one’s love and compassion. Middle age and old age are times o f con t inued responsibility to serve others and

of commitment to larger causes. Fischer tells us we are ca l led to be transmitters o f s p i r i t u a l t r a d i t i o n s , p r o m o t e r s o f eco log ica l a w a r e n e s s , a r b i t e r s o f tolerance amidst d i f f e r e n c e s , and advocates o f p e a c e f u l set t lement of conf l ic ts.This l ov e c a n b e ex p re s s e d i n small ways, even when limitations accompany the later years, in prayer for others, grief ministry, visits and letters to those who are ill or alone, as well as giving witness to the power of faith and hope in the face of the mystery of suffering and dying.

Eliminating ageism. Fischer points out the importance of a commitment

to countering stereotypes that may endanger the dignity and uniqueness of aging persons. A faith perspective calls us to eliminate the losses which are not intrinsic to aging but which result from that discrimination based on age that is still prevalent in Church and society.

I have been aware lately of the challenge of transi-tioning to a style of caring for our adult children in ways that respect their space but also provide support and guidance. But in addition, this transition involves taking on the role of caring for a parent

experiencing a lengthy hospital-ization. W h i l e this period of time has been challenging, it has also felt like an enor mous privilege to be d r a w n i n t o an immediacy o f ca r ing in tangible ways. T h i s mu t u a l interdependence b e t w e e n g e n e r a t i o n s provides a sense of cont inuity and immortality, a connection to the past and the fu ture wh ich s e e m s r i c h , life-giving and satisfying. The

path that we have travelled in earnest, can provide us with strength, vision and grace for the path that lies ahead as we move deeper into the centre, to discover more of who God has called us to be.

The new gifts of advancing age

Erikson described

midlife as an invitation to generativity, and old age as a call to integrity.

Many of the major develop-mental

psychol-ogists would describe this time of life as a period of the full

development of the genuine

self.

This mutual interde-

pendence between

generations provides a sense of continuity

and immortality, a connection to the past

and the future which seems rich,

life-giving and satisfying.

8 Rupert’s land news September 2010 PARiSh lifE

On M o t h e r i n g S u n d a y t h e Sunday School

children participated in the beginning of the service at St Andrews and handed out “teapots” with a tea bag tucked inside to all the

It was once said that no incumbent would surpass the 17-year

span that Archdeacon William Cockran spent at St Andrew's-on-the-Red from 1828 to 1845. But then a young priest named Stephen Sharman arrived 23 years ago. These years of service have made him a part of our parish's history. Hi s love o f arch iva l research and history soon b e c a m e e v i d e n t . H i s concern and attention to detail played a large part in the implementation of

St Andrews on the RedSunday School joins in the services

St Andrews on the RedThe Reverend Stephen Sharman retires after 23 years of serviceBy BARBARA GESSnER

mothers attending. On Palm Sunday the Sunday School acted out parts during the reading of the Passion, sang Give Me oil in My Lamp as an anthem, and took up the collection. They also sang an anthem for Rev.

Sharman's last service on June 20. It is great to see them participating in so many of our services. On Good Friday the Senior Choir sang Surely He Has Borne Our Griefs (based on Isaiah 53: 4-5), and on Easter

We Have Seen the Risen Lord. On June 22 a special presentation was made to Gayle Gessner who has resigned from teaching Sunday School after 22 years of faithful service. She was presented with a cross necklace and each Sunday school student presented her with a flower.

the cost-sharing agreement signed with the provincial and federal governments. This resulted in a massive restoration of the historic old stone church on the banks of the Red River. His love of history carried over into his involvement with the St Andrew's Heritage Centre. He has been a member of that board since its inception and will continue after his retirement as rector of St Andrew's. Stephen's love of the Book of Common Prayer is well known in this diocese.

His adherence to its use in his parishes has been steadfast over the years. He is a committed member and chairman of the Manitoba branch of the Prayer Book Society. A b o u t 2 0 0 p e r s o n s attended a retirement party for Father Shar man at Larter's Golf and Country Club on his birthday, June 18. Many well-wishers spoke. In his response, he said the main goal of a priest, besides attending to his parish, is to be seen, known and available to the whole community.

His participation in events and services of several non-Anglican parishes in the community has resulted in mutual celebrations of special occasions throughout the year. All of us have been enriched by such outreach. The Rev SC Sharman celebrated Holy Eucharist at all three of his parishes on Sunday, June 20. One hundred persons attended at Old St Andrew's that morning. Following the s e rv i ce, those pre sen t enjoyed a luncheon hosted by members of the Anglican

Church Women from St Thomas, Lockport and St Andrew's. The message inscribed on a large cake – God's blessings on your retirement Father Sharman – was a sentiment echoed by his many friends as we wished our priest au revoir. Another party was held at St Mattew, Cloverdale, following their service later in the afternoon. As Stephen begins his retirement, we pray: God be with you in all your future endeavours.

ST BARnABAS AnGlicAn chuRch, 730 McPhillips Street is holding its annual Fall Fun Fair/Garage Sale on Saturday, Sept. 11, 10am–3pm. There will be a huge garage sale, home baking, gently used books and cloth-ing and much more. Everyone Welcome.

After a long two years of Interim Ministry, c o m p o s i n g t h e

parish profile and advertising for a new priest, the Bishop informed us on March 12 that Paul Lampman was appointed as the new incumbent of St Luke’s Winnipeg.

The Reverend Paul Lampman appointed to St Luke'sBy MARilyn jAckSon

Paul was previously the Chaplain and Dean of Residence at St John’s College. His employment started June 22, 2010. Paul is known as a gentle, caring, pastor and teacher. It is reported that he has developed many skills since he was ordained 18 years ago in Quebec. He previously

served as an incumbent in two parishes and as Chaplain and Dean of Residence in two Colleges. He has shared his gifts of leadership already in our diocese. Paul is married to Heather Skublics and they have three children: Luke (9), Gabrielle (8) and James 7 months.

• Our Sunday School registration will likely be on Setpember 12 even though classes haven't ceased this summer.

• Likely near the end of September, our popular Adult Ed movie nights will resume on Thursday Nights (6:30 pm) - contact office for details.

• Men's Fellowship: Usually held the last Saturday of the month (September 25); breakfast at 9:00 am; downstairs at the church.

• The A.C.W. meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 1:15 pm in the church hall; September's meeting will be on the 15th. New members always welcome.

• St George's Transcona gathers for BAS Eucharist service at 10:30 am, including Children's Sunday School. We also gather for a Contemplative Eucharistic Service on Monday evenings at 7 pm. Home communion, hospital visits and prayers for healing are always available as requested; we also provide a monthly service (2nd Wednesday, 10 am) for residents of Park Manor PCH - more volunteers needed.

For more information about our (scent-free) church or any activities, please visit www.stgeorgesanglicantranscona.ca/ orcallourchurchoffice222-1942.

Our newsletter "The Bellringer" is available on-line, link is on our website.

St Clement Mapleton Columbarium and Churchyard

1178 River RoadSt Andrews Manitoba

Call for info 204-482-7237

Serving all faiths as a place of final rest

St George's Transcona