Bible verse of the month
Telling the Epic Mark
Justice and Outreach
Why Young People Are
Leaving the Church
Jesus wept.
Eleanor Johnson reports
How two parishes are
And how to get them
on dramatic storytelling
responding to the needs
back, according to Sierra
John 11:35
of Mark's gospel
of their neighbourhoods
Robertson-Roper
Page 5
Page 7
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www.niagaraanglican.ca
A section of the Anglican Journal
May 2015
A Gathering Place and a Sounding Board for the People of the Diocese of Niagara
Celebrating a special anniversary —
pray. share. give.
Marwan and his family
Recently sponsored refugees in
Niagara
Photo: Submitted
Pray
We hope you'll find a moment
to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the ministries God has
This is a milestone truly worth
celebrating!
enabled throughout the Diocese
of Niagara. You may choose to
Bishop Thomas Fuller may not
do so using the following prayer,
have fully comprehended just
joining together with Anglicans
what God was up to 140 years
from across our Diocese:
ago when the Diocese of Niagara
Ever-present God, we give
was carved out of the Diocese
thanks for an Anglican pres-
of Toronto. Over these years of
ence in this corner of God’s
ministry, our charisms and char-
creation for 225 years and we
acter have borne faithful witness
celebrate the formal creation
to the Church and world about
of the Diocese of Niagara 140
what it means to follow Christ
years ago. We give thanks for
passionately. Lives have and will
our forebears; the prophets and
continue to be transformed by
sages, the teachers and visionar-
God through our many min-
ies, the justice seekers, the risk
istries. In recognition of this
takers and the builders whose
special time in the life of our
ministries have been the hands
Church, Bishop Michael invites
and feet of God's transforma-
you to join him in three simple
actions: pray, share and give.
Changing role
of women
How far we’ve
come
Margaret Murray
See PRAy. SHARE. GIvE.—Page 6
of ministry by women; in 1885, Roberta Tilton
was given permission to form the W.A. (Women's
When I was 13, I was told I could not be a server
because I was a girl.
When I was 33, ACPO assessors told me I was a
suitable candidate for ordination to the diaconate
and priesthood.
The emergence and recognition of the ministry
Auxiliary).
• It is 90 years since one diocese elected a woman
to General Synod. Sadly, Synod refused to let her
sit. It took 20 years for General Synod to amend
the constitution to permit female lay delegates.
• Next year, we will celebrate the 40th anniversary
of women is a bit like the Reign of God – already
of the first women ordained to the priesthood
and not yet. Niagara Diocese can celebrate its
in four Canadian dioceses on the same day—
engagement in the changing role of women within
November 30, 1976. In Niagara, Bishop John
the larger Anglican Church. Within our own
Bothwell ordained the Reverends Mary Lucas
context, it is a journey from exclusion towards
inclusion. However, we know less about the
invisible stories – the experiences of rejection and
and Beverley Shanley.
• 2014 marked the 20th anniversary of Canadian
women in the episcopate.
conditioned acceptance. Let this anniversary trigger celebration, not complacency – while the visible
leadership by women is shrinking, not growing!
On our 140th anniversary, let’s recall these impor-
I wish we shared with our Jewish faith communities the value of midrash, which makes possible
ongoing reflection and interpretation on sacred
tant moments:
• This is the 130th anniversary of the recognition
See CHANGING ROlE —Page 2
2
May 2015 | For the latest news and events visit niagaraanglican.ca
Changing role of women
Continued froM Page 1
became a Rector in 1988, my hus-
inclusion, and so youth, women
band Greg was delighted people
and men have been exercising
texts and teachings grounding
did not expect him to pour tea at
leadership in this diocese for
the Jewish faith. In our Christian
parish functions! Only one fam-
years!
Anglican context, we get mired
ily left the church because the
in debates about what can and
new Rector was a woman. When
enough. It is still commonplace
cannot be changed. If we could
I began ministry in a mid/large-
for a woman to voice an idea that
value the place of midrash, we
sized parish, it seemed some of
is only heard after it has been
might recognize this anniversary
my male colleagues struggled
restated by a man. Inclusion
as an ideal time for intentional
with that kind of change in the
is not easy or expeditious. It
reflection and refreshment in
status quo.
only exists where people decide
this ongoing journey.
During those years, there were
I’ll risk this hunch: that (now)
But visible inclusion is not
to keep watch! Constituting
only a few women clergy and a
our gatherings to reflect our
most people in Niagara Diocese
kazillion diocesan committees, so
convictions about inclusion is
believe the ministry of women
it was easy to see women assum-
sometimes awkward. But here
is proving to be a gift and grace
ing leadership roles. The canons
in Niagara Diocese, we actually
for the Church. However, within
and election procedures were
prefer working groups that are
our personal journals and diaries,
adapted to ensure women would
inclusive!
the details of our ministry stories
be represented at every level of
For women in ministry and
carry an almost somber tone
leadership. Women have offered
leadership, the movement from
spanning every human emotion.
leadership as Executive Officer,
complete rejection to greater
Archdeacons, Regional Deans
acceptance is an “unfinished
and committee chairs.
symphony”. Perhaps this anni-
I was ordained a deacon in
1987 and a priest in 1988. In
those years, ordination would
Canon Margaret Murray
be postponed if the postulant
At 13 she was told she could not be a server because she was a girl.
Clearly, we have much to
became pregnant and questions
Photo: Submitted
of maternity leaves and benefits
created bitter, hurtful debates.
Then we assumed female
versary can be a call to reflection
celebrate. Nonetheless, I am sad-
on the values embodied in our
dened when I hear Synod might
Vision and recognize the leader-
consider changing the canons
ship development challenges
that we face.
istries). Far from shrinking, this
same person hadn't walked out
—omitting the diligence and
reality is becoming the norm!
when I'd preached two weeks
effort needed to create balanced
clergy might often be appointed
When I was ordained deacon
earlier as a lay person. Some
representative membership in
Canon Margaret Murray is
to part-time positions (part-time
and entered the pulpit to preach,
parishioners refused to receive
our committees. A hallmark of
retired and can be contacted at
pay for full-time/full-service min-
one person walked out—that
communion from me. When I
our diocesan story is our hope for
[email protected]
Youth becoming leaders
Su MCLeod
“I am thankful”—these are the words of one of year
three participants from the 2015 Youth Leadership
Training Program (YLTP). These are words that truly
summarise the deep appreciation and sentiment of those
who are just entering into this opportunity and those
who are being commissioned as leaders.
Thankful:
For a place that allows for personal and
spiritual growth
yLTP year three participants ready to
continue the adventure, wherever it
might take them.
Photo: Submitted
“There is always a place for you with God”
“I learnt lots about the people here and God”
“When we were planning the Eucharist”
“Thank you for opening my eyes to different ways to
worship”
For a place that holds me accountable to
whom I am and each other
“We have gone through a lot, but we have made it”
“... everyone belongs”
For the time to learn about myself, in a place
that allows for question and thought, where I
can make mistakes and learn
to share in your journey.
This year’s YLTP gathering took place in March at
Jericho House, Wainfleet—a youth leadership, social and
“Never procrastinate”
ecological justice and spirituality centre in the Niagara
“They (leaders) were a great inspiration and helped me
Region—serving southern Ontario and beyond.
realize skills that I didn’t know I had”
The Youth Leadership Training Program thrives
“To be ready to move on”
“How to use better teamwork”
because of the support, encouragement and mentoring of
“We value you”
“Being and working together”
parishes and parents with participants. As well the par-
“For time spent with friends”
“You all helped me become who I am today, and I am
ticipants have to be commended for their commitment,
“At the quarry, when I saw my group all laughing and
truly grateful”
throwing snow at each other and I felt like a family”
“When we walked together”
questions and creativity during the three year program.
We wish you luck wherever your journey and leadership
It is a beautiful thing to see, the awakening and
take you.
“Sleeping half in the hall to be with the SQUAD and
empowerment of the young people in our midst, as they
listening to a bedtime story”
learn who they are in themselves and grow to live wholly
Su McLeod is the diocesan Program Consultant for Youth
in their communities with integrity, creativity and joy.
and Family Ministry.
And for that we are thankful to be gifted this opportunity
EMAIL: [email protected]
| May 2015
3
HOLLIStorial
Sagas from Dorothy, Judy, Chrissy and Jesus
First read the real life experi-
door opened and he had permis-
worn most of his life. He seemed
Her father had died a year
ences people have related to me;
sion to enter; then he settled
to be having trouble removing it
earlier when she was nine. Her
afterwards ponder my questions.
down and waited peacefully.
as his fingers were swollen. While
mother not only was grieving her
“I was heartbroken,” said
trying to loosen the ring, he kept
husband and their memories, but
Dorothy, “but I know I was doing
looking up into the corner of the
also for her daughter who would
the right thing.”
room and motioning, as if giving
soon follow in his footsteps.
Dorothy
Dorothy and Gord met 73 years
ago and spent 70 plus years as a
At Gord’s funeral Jesus’ words
a sign to tell someone he was
Chrissy slipped into a coma
eternity.
Her mother gave me permission to tell her story at her
married couple. Gord was spend-
from Matthew’s gospel (7:7-8)
not ready to go. This happened
and stayed there several days. On
funeral. We both believed it
ing his last days on this earth in a
were read, “Ask and it will be
several times until finally he was
Wednesday she suddenly opened
would be reassuring and uplift-
long term care facility. Dorothy sat
given to you; seek and you will
able to slip off the ring and place
her eyes to her family’s surprise
ing for the grieving community.
with him all night—caring, hold-
find; knock and the door will
it in my hand. Again he looked
and amazement.
ing his hand and talking to him.
be opened to you. For everyone
up into the corner, signalling he
In the middle of the night, he
who asks receives; the one who
was ready and then settled back
family and friends to her bedside,
Why am I telling these stories?
began banging his fist against
seeks finds; and to the one who
into bed. I leaned over, gave him a
spoke to them individually, gave
Maybe to get us thinking.
the wall.
knocks, the door will be opened.”
kiss, he was resting very peace-
them assurances and told them
fully. He died shortly afterwards.
what they could do for her and
questions about relationships
each other.
and communications with a
Dorothy spoke to the nurse
who told her he had been doing
the same the previous night. The
nurse suggested, “Tell him you
will let him go.” Dorothy asked
Gord knocked and the door to
eternal life opened.
Judy
“See my new ring,” Judy
Gord if he was waiting for the
exclaimed, showing me the ring
door to open.
her father had just given her.
Judy believed someone was
gesturing for him to leave, but he
Maybe because Jesus, shortly
for me. I saw Dad and someone
after his resurrection, appeared
who looked like Jesus with him.
to two men walking home to
They told me everything was
Emmaus and to the disciples and
alright and they would be wait-
others on separate occasions.
Chrissy
hospital during her 10 years on
him to go, but he could go to the
been in palliative care for many
this earth than most people who
garden; “take care of the roses
weeks.
live 80 plus years.
She continued – when I came
We visited her in the children’s
ing for me on the other side.”
Note … the experiences of
She slipped back into the coma.
Dorothy, Judy and Chrissy go
On Friday, while cloistered
from “here to there”, but Jesus’
in the Cathedral electing a
in about two hours ago, he
hospital regularly, most times to
bishop, I received a telephone
said, “and he never knocked on
recognized me and started to
comfort her mother; Chrissy was
call. I rushed to the hospital,
the wall again.” It seemed like the
take off his ring which he had
often asleep.
but Chrissy had already entered
“He squeezed my hand,” Dorothy
realm, virtually unknown to us.
take off his ring and give it to her.
retirement home, where he had
but save a place for me.”
Maybe because Easter triggers
want you to worry or be afraid
Chrissy spent more time in
She said she did not want
She told her mother, “I don’t
Jesus
wanted a few more minutes to
I was visiting Harvey in the
He nodded.
For two days she called her
came from “there to here”.
Is there a connection or
message?
What does it all mean?
Bible Verse of the month
The passage for May was chosen by Dennis Hurst.
Send us your favourite or meaningful Bible verse and why you
Yes, you——can help celebrate the
60th anniversary of the Niagara Anglican.
have selected that verse or the story behind your choice.
Have your photo taken with your copy
of the Niagara Anglican …
• in your own community
• elsewhere in Canada
• or around the world.
To the Editor
Spending LENT with MARK
(February and March Niagara Anglican)
Thoroughly enjoying these readings and especially the concept
Send your photo (in high resolution) to
the Editor by August 25 for inclusion in
our October 2015 special anniversary
edition of the Niagara Anglican.
of MARK dictating a letter to Hollis Hiscock.
May God continue to bless you in your work.
From a 92 year young active member of the Church of St. John
the Evangelist Hamilton.
Jean Shepherd
sent from my iPad
The official publication of the Diocese
of Niagara, published 10 times a year
from September to June as a supplement to the Anglican Journal.
The Diocese of Niagara lies at the western end of Lake Ontario, encompassing
the Niagara Peninsula, Hamilton,
Halton Region, Guelph and portions of
Wellington and Dufferin Counties.
Publisher: Bishop Michael A. Bird
905-527-1316
[email protected]
Editor: The Reverend Hollis Hiscock
905-635-9463
[email protected]
Advertising: Angela Rush
905-319-2521
[email protected]
Art Director: Craig Fairley
Imagine Creative Communications
Proofreader: Helen Hiscock
Niagara Anglican Publication Board:
In addition to the above…
Pam Claridge
Paul Clifford
Dennis Hurst
Christyn Perkons (Bishop's Designate)
Geoffrey Purdell-Lewis
Carol Summers
Printed and mailed by:
Webnews Printing Inc., North York, ON
Subscriptions:
$15/year. For new subscriptions or
changes, please contact your parish or
visit www.anglicanjournal.com.
Submissions:
We welcome letters, news and articles.
Each must include writer’s full name
and contact information. We reserve
the right to edit or refuse submissions.
Contact the Editor or a Board member
if you have any questions, feedback
or ideas. Submission deadlines are
printed elsewhere in the paper.
Mailing address:
Cathedral Place
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Hamilton Ontario L8R 2L3
For a complete staff directory and
more information, visit our web site
www.niagaraanglican.ca
4
May 2015 | For the latest news and events visit niagaraanglican.ca
A journey into storytelling – part two
was the gospel reading for my
Induction at a previous parish.
telling is to learn and tell Bible
church and a calling to each
stories. This can and ought to
person to strive to bring people
be done in a variety of contexts:
to Christ despite obstacles and
at home, in the hospital or from
opposition. Later in another ser-
the pulpit. Most certainly it is
vice, a young girl in a wheelchair
powerful in pastoral settings and
was literally carried up the stairs
is foundational for the pastoral
into the same church by three
ministry of spiritual direction.
men. It was a powerful incarna-
One great joy of proclaiming
tion of this story. The longer I
the gospel from heart, rather
linger with a story the more con-
than reading from a text, is the
nections are likely to rise up and
frequent exclamation that this
the deeper the meaning becomes
telling brought the story to
for me. Lingering with and
life for the hearer. I am always
dwelling in the story is another
hopeful it will lead to deeper
essential piece of learning and
engagement with the scripture
telling biblical stories.
in their lives. I long for the day
Mastering a biblical story
(Editor’s note: Susan sees Bible
p Susan Wilson puts her story telling talents to work during
the "Epic telling of Mark" evening at Christ's Church Cathedral
Hamilton.
Photo: James Gould
storytelling as “a five step pro-
The purpose of biblical story
It was for me a parable of the
PRACTISE
SuSan WiLSon
PROCLAIM
when people begin to learn to
tell stories themselves. As Tom
Boomershine observed, telling
requires that the text is listened
the gospel story changes people’s
to and learned, and the story
lives. Indeed, our baptismal
learner has lingered with it
covenant calls us to “proclaim by
for some time. It settles into
both word and deed the Good
the body, mind and heart, and
News of God in Jesus Christ”.
cess: listen, learn, linger, practise
tion, the pray-er is encouraged
the mat lest it too came down
comes back to life in the telling.
Learning the Gospel stories by
and proclaim the story.” In part
to enter the story in a variety of
on his head. Praying this way
The only way to consolidate the
heart transforms our being and
one of the series (April Niagara
ways – as an observer, character
is a powerful experience and
story is to tell it, out loud, again
doing in the world.
Anglican page 8) she explored
or narrator – to experience a vari-
can help shape how the story is
and again. I had the privilege
the first two steps - Listen, Learn
ety of perspectives and to notice
heard and told.
of work-shopping a story with
has been a strong resonance
– this month she completes the
which resonates with him/her. As
John Epp at last year’s Canadian
between my growing passion and
process with Linger, Practise,
a story teller, being able to enter
connections between the story
Festival of Story Tellers. John
skill in Biblical Storytelling and
Proclaim.)
the story and connect with all
and our lives rise to the surface.
encouraged me to tell the story in
the development of my gifts for
five senses – sight, sound, smell,
Connections can illuminate the
many different ways – fast, loud,
spiritual direction and preaching.
taste, touch – allows the scripture
meaning of the story, or it can
silly, quietly and seriously. This
My journey continues.
to become more vivid and real.
shed light on the experience
achieved two things. It made me
the story, it is vital to dwell with
When I was praying with Mark
of our lives. For example, Jesus
tell the story a number of times,
Canon Susan Wilson is Rector of
the story. Contemplative prayer
2, I experienced the story from
walking on the water connects
and it offered opportunities to
All Saints Church Erin. EMAIL:
and lectio divina are particularly
the perspective of Jesus who felt
with experiences of fear and
“try on” different expressions to
[email protected]
suited to biblical story learning
the debris fall on his head and
faith in many people’s lives. The
see what fitted or connected and
and telling. In the Ignatian tradi-
who moved out of the way of
healing of the paralytic (Mark 2)
what didn’t.
LINGER
Having listened to and studied
In lingering with the story,
Over this past decade there
Witnessing God at work
derek anderSon
donating directly to the work of
the Council of the North and our
I recently spent an afternoon
with the committee evaluating
applications and awarding Hands
Across Niagara (HAN) grants. The
process is rigorous. The integrity
and attention of the members
are inspiring. The process we use
national indigenous ministries,
Hands Across Niagara
for building consensus about
The Spirit is also at work in
the sense of accomplishment
carried out by our partners
in Jerusalem, Cuba and the
Solomon Islands.
Together we make a difference
in parts of the world in great
need of our faithful attention.
our decisions invites the Spirit to
direct our deliberations.
and to life changing ministry
Your support means the world
folks who make these decisions
that this year’s grants will focus
part of something larger as we
to our partners abroad and our
together.
on: environmental advocacy,
respond to God’s call to prophetic
neighbours at home. Pause over
relationship building taking place
social justice-making.
the letters and consider becoming
I sense the Spirit is also at
we feel about directing financial
work through the ministry proj-
around food production, commu-
support to projects that match
ects we approved for funding. As
nity kitchens and the integration
letters from Bishop Michael and
around the world with God’s
HAN’s ideals: Anglicans partner-
I write (late March), we are in the
of parolees back into society.
our Primate Fred Hiltz about
compassion, justice and care.
ing with community organiza-
process of communicating with
Anglicans are responding to
this year’s HAN campaign. You
tions to address the root causes
applicants about the success of
God’s call to justice in our world.
will see that gifts made to HAN
Canon Derek Anderson is Chair
of injustice in the natural world
their requests for funding. It’s
We are learning to come along-
foster inspiring stories in our
of Hands Across Niagara.
or in the lives of our neighbours.
too early to reveal much about
side the lives of our neighbours.
diocese and far beyond. When
EMAIL: derek.anderson@
I am grateful to the dedicated
the class of 2015; but I can say
Together, we are becoming
you give generously, you are
stmatthewburlington.ca
You should have received
part of something that reaches
| May 2015
Telling the Epic Mark
5
Spend Lent with Mark
… an update
The Niagara Anglican featured Spend Lent
with Mark as the 2015 Lenten devotions based
on the earliest written gospel.
Here are some facts …
• 38 lay and ordained writers penned the 40
devotions
• Two other diocesan papers printed Spend Lent with Mark
• Available anywhere through the Niagara Diocese website
• Several parishes used the devotions for their Bible study groups
• Many individuals followed Mark in their daily spiritual journey
• Potential print readers … over 15,000
• Potential online readers … who really knows?
• “Epic reading of the Gospel of Mark” presented at Christ’s Church
Cathedral on Palm Sunday with over 20 storytellers participating
Thank you to all who contributed to Spend Lent with Mark.
eLeanor JohnSton
John Epp entranced the audience with his telling of the story of
Jesus’ Passion.
Photo: James Gould
Seven centuries after Homer
celebrated the epic conflicts of
the Greek gods and heroes, Virgil
Jesus was in near-constant con-
Susan Wilson, who organized the
told the Romans’ version of the
flict against demonic as well as
evening, made a brilliant choice
Trojan War by focusing on their
human enemies—temple officials
in involving John Epp, a Toronto
similarly heroic leaders. A few
and Roman soldiers.
friend who brought subtlety,
decades later a new hero brought
Jesus taught a new way of
an amazingly radical understand-
living, one of deep wisdom and
concentration to the telling of
ing of triumph to Mediterranean
being in God. And his warfare
the whole Passion story. He had
civilization. The stories Mark
was not against other people
the audience entranced—when
and most of the New Testament
who want to harm us. He would
he whispered a phrase, we could
writers told were as distinctively
have us love these enemies.
hear every syllable.
original now as then.
Unfortunately, when he enters
Jesus brought to Western
acting skills and enormous
Susan’s enthusiasm enhanced
into Jerusalem and we all sing
the energy of the telling of the
stories new themes and new
“Hosanna,” what do we still do?
Gospel.
heroes. For instance, the epic
Desert him, like all his disciples.
stories of the Medieval King
The story of Salome's dance
At least we are not called
was equally inspired as the story-
Arthur include symbols of peace
to fight with him against his
teller, Jane Bubba, entranced the
and equality such as the Round
spiritual enemies. Or are we?
audience in that story of grue-
Table and the Holy Grail, as well
How many Christians still feel,
some injustice.
as earlier motifs of bloody battles
in our honest moments, that we
and tragic love. Mark reported
don’t totally get what Jesus was
who threw themselves into
the parables and miracles Jesus
all about, that our questions are
learning and performing their
used to demonstrate his message
predictably uninformed, that
excerpts in the large space of the
that the will of our one God is
his witty, obscure answers zoom
centre of the cathedral. The tell-
done in acts of healing, teaching,
right over our heads? Why did
ers seemed honored to have been
feeding and love.
he want his identity as Messiah
asked to study their passages and
kept secret? Still, if puzzled, we
learn them by heart, and then to
worship an unarmed, secretive
are touched by wonder when we
stand and tell.
Messiah. So we came to listen in
hear his story.
How is his story still epic? We
the cathedral on the evening of
“Epic” now has a new mean-
Congratulations to all those
Advertise
Af
o
where your
le reAders Are
rdab
Advertise in the Niagara Anglican
Contact Angela @ 905-319-2521
or [email protected]
HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE
with Bishop Tom Corston
(retired Bishop of Moosonee)
November 2 – 12, 2015
For costs & itinerary contact
[email protected] | 705-690-3046
or
Janice at Aufgang Travel, Thornhill | 905-771-7800
Eleanor Johnston is the author
Palm Sunday. What kind of hero
ing—great effort and achieve-
of Churchland, a humorous novel
would our storytellers portray?
ment. The act of storytelling
of a young female priest in the
What struck me, in listening to
demanded great engagement
fictional Diocese of Niagara Falls.
the almost three hours non-stop
with the Gospels to bring us good
To purchase, email eleanorijohn-
telling of this Gospel, was that
news about the central character.
[email protected]
deadlines and Submissions for niagara anglican
D L Corry Coaching
... serving Servant Leaders
Rev. Linda Corry
Personal Coaching Seminars Quiet Days
526 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON L7R 3M4
[email protected] www.corrycoach.com
(905) 634 - 7858
Deadlines:
September 2015 – July 25
October – August 25
November – September 25
Submissions:
News – 500 words or less
Articles – 750 words or less
Letters to the Editor – 300
words or less
Reviews (books, films,
music, theatre) – 400 words
or less
Original cartoons or art –
contact the Editor
Photos – very large,
high resolution, action
pictures (people doing
something). Include name
of photographer.
Questions or information:
contact the Editor at
[email protected]
or 905-635-9463
6
May 2015 | For the latest news and events visit niagaraanglican.ca
World day of prayer
Jean LePan
The Church of the Ascension
Hamilton hosted the World
The World Day of Prayer: how
did it come into being?
According to the Women’s
Day of Prayer service on March
6, 2015. A committee of nine
downtown churches prepared
Inter-Church Council of Canada,
this year’s events: Church of
it is a worldwide movement of
the Ascension, Christ’s Church
Christian women of many tradi-
Cathedral, MacNab Presbyterian,
tions who come together on the
St. Paul’s Presbyterian,
first Friday of March each year to
Centenary United Church,
observe a common day of prayer.
Steward Memorial, St. John’s
Through World Day of Prayer,
Lutheran, St. Charles Garnier
women affirm their faith in
and St. Stephen’s of Hungary.
Jesus Christ and engage with the
We welcome other downtown
world, are enriched by the faith
churches to join the committee
experience of Christians of other
to represent their church.
countries and cultures, and share
The Bahamas … what a won-
the burdens of other people—by
derful country in which to be
praying with them and for them,
celebrating as we weathered an
and using their own talents in
extremely cold winter in Canada!
the service of God’s world. Prayer
For a short time we could escape
and action are inseparable and
the cold by visualizing through
both have immeasurable influ-
the World Day of Prayer service
ence in the world.
the warm sun, the green trees
The First World of Day Prayer
blowing in the warm breeze,
service was begun by women in
the inviting turquoise sea, the
Canada and the United States in
bright yellow sun beaming down
1922, ninety-three years ago, and
to warm us up and the pink
is now observed in more than 170
sunrises and sunsets.
countries. The country being cel-
The altar was draped with the
Bahamian flag over the map
of The Bahamas and other
artifacts.
People gathered for the World
Day of Prayer service written
this year by the church in The
Bahamas.
To create this atmosphere the
Photos: Submitted
ebrated writes the service to be
congregation transformed the
used around the world. This year
church with many artifacts from
we joined with 2,000 communi-
The Bahamas, which included
ties across Canada honouring
a beautiful gold and turquoise
The Bahamas.
cloth placed on the altar, with
to creating the mood to trans-
on transformations that had
seashells, The Bahamian flag
form ourselves in our minds
taken place in our own lives or
service stay in each country
was draped over the map of The
to The Bahamas by playing
lives of others we have known.
tunity to escape the cold winter
to provide grants for numer-
Bahamas, tablecloths of sand
Bahamian music prior to the
A luncheon fellowship, put
in worship and fellowship. Mark
ous projects in that country.
colour with artifacts, coloured
service. Parishioner Rena Woods
on by the World Day of Prayer
There were 15 grants for
napkins of pink, yellow and
gave a wonderful homily reflect-
Committee, followed worship.
various projects given out across
green to represent the colours of
ing on her beloved homeland,
Canada. Examples of projects
The Bahamas, and a CD illustrat-
The Bahamas.
include Elders in Transition,
ing highlights from the beautiful
Building Bridges Across Barriers,
country, which surely would
Cloverdale Program Beyond
Trauma and Abuse, and the
The offerings received at the
Student Christian Movement of
Plan to come next year to
Hamilton.
Once again we have the oppor-
your calendars to join us.
Jean LePan is a parishioner at
another enriching service that
the Church of the Ascension
will touch your heart, soul and
Hamilton and was Chairperson
focused on God’s radical love:
spirit. We will be celebrating the
of the 2015 World Day of Prayer
entice one to go for a visit to get
lives being transformed and
country of Cuba at the World
Service. Facts for her article were
out of the cold.
transforming lives together for
Day of Prayer service to be held
provided by the Women’s Inter-
those who accept this radical
at 12:00 noon on Friday, March 4,
Church Council of Canada.
love. We took a moment to reflect
2016 at Stewart Memorial Church
John Laing, organist at the
Canada.
Church of the Ascension, added
pray.
share.
give.
Continued froM Page 1
The Bible reading (John 14:1-17)
or two, a thanksgiving petition or
but if we all make a donation
an image. Whatever you choose
that comes from the heart we
tional work in people's lives.
to post, we invite you to conclude
will surpass our goal. For those
Like those who have gone before
with the words: God is good!
looking for a specific figure, a
us, we long to share how your
Give
Good News has transformed
our lives. Give us the courage to
As part of our anniversary
gift of $140 or some multiple
thereof has been suggested.
You can donate online (go to
be witnesses to your life-giving
put a post on our Facebook page
celebrations we hope to spon-
niagaraanglican.ca and follow
love and to be equally bold and
(Anglican Diocese of Niagara)
sor as many as 50 refugees. You
the link to donate, select 140th
creative, determined and faith-
inviting you to do just that! Let's
can watch the YouTube video of
Anniversary Campaign – Refugee
ful co-workers for your mission
flood the streams of our friends
Marwan and his family to see
Sponsorship in the “I would like
in our time. In the name of Jesus
on Facebook with the many ways
firsthand how refugee sponsor-
to give to” box) or by mailing a
Christ, we pray. Amen.
the ministries of the Diocese of
ship can change lives (http://
cheque to the Synod Office, with
Niagara have transformed our
niagaraanglican.ca/140refugee).
140th Anniversary Campaign in
lives and world. The transfor-
In order to meet this goal,
Share
Part of what it means to be
mational ministry moment you
Bishop Michael is asking all of us
a disciple is to share the Good
choose to share in reply to our
to give generously. That will look
News of God's loving ways. We've
post could be a simple sentence
different from person to person,
the memo line and payable to the
Diocese of Niagara.
Visit the diocesan website at
niagaraanglican.ca
| May 2015
7
Journey towards JuSTICE
Mike deed
t Making hot soup to warm
up the nearly 400 people who
participated in the 2015 Coldest
Night of the year.
Church of the Resurrection
on the west end of Hamilton
Mountain rests in a deceptive
Photo: Irene Campbell
could bear fruit—by establishing a support group for local
women, especially for the high
percentage of single mothers in
our neighbourhood. This kicked
space—not far from affluence,
off one Thursday morning in
not far from some attractive
October 2014. Now a growing
cul-de-sacs; but walk around the
number gather weekly to enjoy
right corner and you’ll find a very
with them, it became clear we
each other’s company, find
different story.
could make a big difference on
support and be guided through
the mountain, but not alone.
relevant topics.
A March 2012 study of neighbourhood profiles by Social
Together with our Mountain
Planning and Research Council
Ministry cluster of St. Stephen’s
found change has happened at the
of Hamilton revealed that
on the Mount, Holy Trinity and
Resurrection. More green shoots
Rolston Neighbourhood, where
St. Michael’s, we hosted the
keep growing from the partner-
the church finds its home, has
2015 Coldest Night of the Year.
ships we are cultivating within
higher than average poverty
We raised $60,000 and nearly
our neighbourhood. The doors
rates, highest on the Mountain.
400 people passed through St.
keep opening; we are exploring a
In a relatively short time, a pro-
The proportion of poverty
ful was the way God opened
fied mental health as a need and
Stephen’s, coming together to
partnership with the Hamilton
among seniors living there is
doors, created opportunities and
hosted three evening talks for
support Neighbour to Neighbour.
AIDS Network and another which
higher than the city’s rate (20%
brought us into partnership with
our community. As our learning
vs. 17%). Over one third of the
others.
grew, so did our desire for action.
families with children are led
Where to start? Once we
We started simply—we opened
Food continued to be a theme
(isn’t it always in an Anglican
supports LGBTQ youth.
In 2015, we are hosting a free
Church?). Following the replace-
community workshop support-
by female lone parents (35%),
become aware of the need in the
our doors on a Wednesday
ment of our roof and the removal
ing those suffering with anxiety
compared to less than a quarter
world, the need we read about on
afternoon for a seniors' drop-in,
of a tree, the opportunity arose
and depression, undertaking
of families in the city overall.
news sites and webcasts, it can
a chance to connect and build
to start some community
positive space training, seek-
appear overwhelming.
relationships, provide support
gardens. In partnership with
ing to understand the pain of
and care in a safe place. The
Hamilton Victory Gardens we
homophobia and transphobia
At the Resurrection we are
putting our mission as a Church
But we’re stubborn at the
into practice in seven areas of
Resurrection and always up
Canterbury Connection, as we
are building 13 raised community
and looking into some greening
ministry, including “Justice and
for a challenge. We decided
now call it, started to grow and is
gardening beds this spring. We
initiatives.
Outreach.” So in spring 2014 a
we needed to learn more. The
now a part of our week; we have
hope to provide a significant
cluster of parishioners gathered
Reverend Bill Mous launched our
a vision to develop it into a lunch
harvest of fresh organic veg-
Planting seeds in our community
to talk about how we could
Lent 2014 program about Social
program.
get involved, and through our
Justice. Doug Farraway from
actions be good news to our
community.
There’s a lot more to come too!
etables to our local food bank.
will, we pray, bring change—as
By this time we were into
Volunteers are coming both from
much to us as to others.
our local food bank spoke at a
our third or fourth seasonal
within our congregation and the
service describing the need in
food drive pioneered by our
community.
our community. We hosted guest
youth group for Neighbour to
as we researched and started to
speakers on housing, Fair Trade
Neighbour, our local food bank.
to Neighbour, we discovered
Resurrection. EMAIL:
identify needs. What was power-
and food insecurity. We identi-
As we built our relationship
another way our partnership
[email protected]
It was a humbling experience
Talking with Neighbour
The Reverend Mike Deed is the
Rector of the Church of the
A question about outreach revealed interesting answers
program that excites me the
“Breakfast Club”, as Janine likes
of reasons. For some families it
most is our breakfast program
to think of it, so a wide range of
helps financially; other parents
at Montclair Public School. St.
ages is represented.
are glad to have assistance
Simon’s has been involved in
nutritious one: eggs, pancakes,
for the day. For a number of
children in Oakville for over 10
yogurt, fresh fruit, cereal,
students, having breakfast there
years. Financed by a generous
cinnamon-raisin toast. And the
first can actually act as an incen-
donor, we do the rest - planning,
favourite? Pizzas on pitas! Well, I
tive to attend school.
volunteer staffing and admin-
never would have guessed.
“Does the church really reach
out and help here, in our own
community?”
Photo: Janine Maxwell
Have you been asked this
question? When confronted with
I asked Janine if she sees
Breakfast Club is that members
monitored by the Halton Food
friendships form amongst the
from our church who volunteer
for Thought organization.
kids. Her reply is swift and
there often form a firm bond
unequivocal, “Definitely!”
which carries over into the
For her, one of the great joys of
rest of their lives. So, as well as
shopping list to one of the men
being involved in the program is
students who eat breakfast at
from our congregation. He shops
watching children as they prog-
school, the community that is
and then delivers the provisions
ress from kindergarten to the
St. Simon’s is also nourished by
to the school where they are
higher grades, gradually develop
breakfasts at Montclair.
properly stored for our use.
confidence within the group.
Every day school is in sesWe all know about food drives,
Another bonus from the
istration. The whole program is
program coordinator, provides a
p John MacKenzie, Jill Howe
and Pat Lee are ready to serve at
the Montclair School "Breakfast
Club" nutrition program.
getting their children prepared
providing breakfasts for school
Each week Janine Maxwell, the
aiLeen CoateS
The menu is a varied meatless
The answer to my initial ques-
They find friends and learn to
tion is, simply, yes. We do make
sion, three volunteers from
socialize in a place less formal
a difference in the wider com-
it recently, I felt I couldn’t answer
pastoral care and Christmas
St. Simon’s prepare and serve
than a classroom, a place where
munity in a practical way, one
adequately. So I resolved to do some
hampers associated with church
nutritious breakfasts to about 20
it is easy to fit in. For those who
breakfast at a time.
digging to find out exactly how
outreach. But what else do we do
students. Everyone is welcome.
are newcomers to Canada, this is
we at St. Simon’s Oakville extend
that is hands on, reaching out, at
Some children come every day;
especially important.
a helping hand in the day-to-day
a person-to-person level?
others choose to just drop in.
life of the wider community.
The St. Simon’s outreach
Students of all grades attend the
Students take advantage of the
breakfast program for a variety
Aileen Coates is a parishioner at
St. Simon's Oakville.
8
May 2015 | For the latest news and events visit niagaraanglican.ca
Learning to live locally—growing your own food
MaC arMStrong
We are past the point of no
return for environmentalism,
and though it’s disheartening,
it’s not an excuse to fail to take
action. Since as Christians we are
stewards of creation, we should
help support local businesses,
Mac armstrong
and be leading the way on social
Photo: Submitted
justice issues.
I know the struggle of finding
a Good Food Box. Often the
a starting point, but I will share
cost of these food boxes is very
some ways my family and I have
affordable for the amount of
begun this quest, and hopefully
produce you receive. However,
some ideas you may find worth
the choice is often based on avail-
starting as well.
ability throughout the year, and
One of the easiest ways to start
therefore may not be for those
is growing your own vegetables
who are picky about fruits and
at home. By growing your own
vegetables.
food as a family, you gain the
Community gardens are a good way to get involved with growing vegetables.
benefit of offsetting costs that
Niagara youth get first hand experience in 2014 as part of Youth Synod in Action.
This is just a small way in
Photo: File photo
normally would go into fresh
which you can promote environmentalism and eating locally in
produce trucked in from else-
vegetables no one eats. Also, this
where and the carbon footprint
would be an excellent opportu-
associated with it, plus the bonus
Once the ground is no longer
is not worth the supposed
your own life, and it can have a
frozen, these plants can be
insurance of productive plants.
significant impact.
nity to have members of the fam-
moved outdoors and grown in a
Instead, use composted material
of having a fun family project.
ily help by choosing their three
garden plot, being sure to cover
whenever possible, and protect
and sometimes a crop may not
The benefits at a parish level are
favourite fruits or vegetables.
the plants at night until frost is
your plants by encouraging
yield anything due to too much
no longer a problem.
predators of insects, like birds, to
water, not enough water, too
hang around your garden.
much cold or too much heat. It
Results vary from year to year,
also worth the effort since it can
The planting period makes a
be a great fellowship activity to
difference on where and when to
tend a parish garden. The yield
start growing. It may be wise to
cally engineered to produce
can either go into dinners or
invest in an indoor greenhouse
higher yields and seem enticing,
for a small garden plot, you can
results both good and bad are
services the parish may host or
(often called plant shelves),
but if your plan is to remain as
still grow produce in planters.
learning experiences.
partake in, be it food bank dona-
which can extend your growing
environmentally friendly and
tions or catering.
season by allowing you to begin
local as possible, look for seeds
produce just before it ripens to
Mac Armstrong is a former youth
your plants indoors before the
that are labelled as “Heirloom”
encourage continual growth
ministry participant, leader of
time to consider what produce
ground softens. As part of the
varieties: non-hybridized, non-
from the plants, and multiple
Diocesan programs and a former
you can grow based on the type
experience, encourage younger
GMO seeds.
harvests.
youth ministry leader at his par-
of plant, room to grow and what
kids to check on the growth of
your family is willing to eat. The
Before you begin planting, take
Many seeds are now geneti-
If you don’t have enough space
Make sure to pick your
While it is enticing to use
If you don’t have time or
the plants, watering them when
chemical fertilizers and pesti-
space to grow a lot, you could
latter is very important as it can
dry and alternating the direction
cides, the harm they do to your
get in touch with a local farmer
avoid being stuck with a lot of
to the sunlight the plants face.
health and the environment
or find a place that provides
Paintings convey messages
Eight paintings depicting the church seasons
from Advent to Pentecost, as well as other special
days, grace the walls in the Nave of the Church of
the Nativity Hamilton (Bartonville).
The parish’s Honorary Assistant, the Reverend
Jack Pearce, conceived the idea for the images and
painted them as well.
Left: a crown of thorns worn on the head of Jesus,
mingled with flashes of red, depicting the blood
our Lord shed at his crucifixion.
Right: a dark room with three steps moving up to
a doorway filled with a bright light. Our Lord waking from his three-day prison, moving to a new
day … Easter Day! The day our Lord promised his
people both the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life.
Submitted by Churchwarden Linda Westfall
will be a slow-going process, but
ish, St. John the Divine Cayuga.
EMAIL: [email protected]
| May 2015
9
Supreme Court and physician assisted suicide—an explanation
roderiCk MCdoWeLL
tion (including an illness, disease
law allowing physician assisted
thorough review of the original
or disability) that causes endur-
suicide with similar safeguards
decision of the trial judge, and
ing suffering that is intolerable
the Supreme Court later reached.
even admitted new evidence.
is to bring the concerns of the
to the individual in the circum-
Quebec, however, would only
world to the church. Based on
stances of his or her condition.”
extend this right to residents of
already reacted to this decision
One primary role of a Deacon
Our Primate Fred Hiltz has
my background, I thought it
Let me break this down.
the province and only when the
and you can go to the Anglican
important to try and explain
1.
person was dying.
Church website to read his state-
this important decision in more
simple terms.
It does not take effect
until Feb. 7, 2016.
2.
The decision is known as
It only deals with the case
The government of Canada
ment. The Primate references a
has several options. First, it can
church commission in 1998 that
of where a doctor assists
that cannot be relieved or
do nothing. This is exactly what
recommended a stand against
Carter v. Canada (Attorney
someone in committing
cured.
happened when the Supreme
assisted suicide.
General) and can be found by
suicide. Assisted suicide is
It can be an illness, disease
Court struck down the abor-
going to the website of the
still otherwise a crime.
or disability.
tion laws over the prosecution
issue. I have written this article
Supreme Court and typing in
3.
2015 SCC 5.
6.
This is a complex and serious
It only applies to a com-
7.
It must cause suffering.
of Henry Morgentaler. Second,
to help you try and understand
petent adult. This means
8.
It must be intolerable in
it can enact or change the law
what the Supreme Court decided
and why.
It is 39 pages long.
a person must be over 18
the circumstances of his
to reflect the decision of the
At page 37 the Supreme Court
and can clearly consent.
or her condition.
Supreme Court. Third, it can use
It is now up to all of us, as the
the “the notwithstanding clause”
people of God, to study and pray
wrote the following declaration,
Someone who is mentally
The Court also held that no
but said it would not come into
ill, suffers from dementia
doctor should be forced to assist
of the Charter. This part of the
about how our governments
force for 12 months from the date
or advanced Alzheimers
in a suicide.
charter allows the federal or
should respond. We will have a
of the decision, which was Feb. 6,
could not consent. No one
provincial government to put on
federal election this year.
2015. The declaration is:
can consent on behalf of
Lee Carter who suffers from
that person.
ALS. Justice Smith of the British
“Section 241 (b) and s. 14 of
the Criminal Code unjustifi-
hold a court ruling for five years.
Essentially the Supreme Court
The question we must ask is
“what would Christ do?”
The person must under-
Columbia Supreme Court made
found that the law preventing
ably infringe s. 7 of the Charter
stand death will result if
a ruling similar to the conclusion
physician assisted suicide takes
The Reverend Roderick McDowell
and are of no force or effect to
they consent.
reached by the Supreme Court.
away a person's right to life,
is a Deacon serving at St. Paul's
The condition must be
The B.C. Court of Appeal said no
liberty and security of the person
Fort Erie. He is a part time Small
physician-assisted death for a
grievous and irremediable.
to the trial decision and there
as per Section 7 of the Charter.
Claims Court judge, a retired law-
competent adult person who (1)
Note that Court did not
was an appeal to the Supreme
The Court noted that presently
yer and member of the Research
clearly consents to the termina-
say the person must be
Court. The Supreme Court was
a competent person can refuse
Ethics Board of the Niagara
tion of life and (2) has a grievous
dying. They simply must
unanimous in their decision.
treatment that would prolong
Health System.
and irremediable medical condi-
have a terrible condition
life. The Court went into a very
EMAIL: [email protected]
mal as we have them written in
affairs … God influences human
The Reverend Rob Roi is a parish
the gospels. His teachings were
affairs through understanding …
deacon at St. James’ Dundas.
conversational, and most likely
In the wisdom tradition, the role
EMAIL: [email protected]
took place at many private meals,
of God is to help us understand.”
the extent that they prohibit
4.
The case was brought by Ms.
5.
Quebec has already passed a
Book Review
Jesus as historical teacher of wisdom
Taking Caesar out of
Jesus: Uncovering the Lost
Relevance of Jesus,
by Robert M. Wills
Xlibris Corporation 2013
no doubt given by the wealthy,
where he would mingle with the
rob roi
other guests.
In the Jewish tradition the
WOW! What a great book!
focus was on God and the
Great that is, if you find it
sacrifices in the temple. In the
difficult to take the bible liter-
wisdom tradition the focus was
ally, and if you’re interested in
rather a combination of ancient
on how humans lived their lives,
the contemporary approach to
ideas of a national hero based
and how to deal with frustra-
Christianity. The author has
on the figure Augustus Caesar.
tions and problems of every
attempted to guide us in read-
The titles we attach to Jesus
day life. Wills writes, “Wisdom
ing the Bible and adjusting our
– Lord, Saviour, King of kings,
is individualistic. God’s purpose
understanding so that it cor-
Son of God – were assigned by
for you … not the issue. You find
responds with contemporary
St. Paul to appeal to Gentile
your own purpose as long as it
secular and scientific thinking.
Christian converts. These titles
is in accord with God’s principle
were Caesar’s titles. The result-
concerns – love, justice, mercy
the writers of the gospels did not
ing divine figure known to
and compassion.”
have a clear understanding of
Christians as Jesus Christ is an
Palestine, Jesus’ homeland, and
Imperial hero.
He brings to our attention that
they were very influenced by
The historical figure, a
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Nazareth. This sage revealed a
is not about us, it’s about a new
were hindered in grasping Jesus’
new kind of humanity, helping us
way of living together in a just
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to understand the human-divine
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relationship.
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about Jesus the person, but
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is not a historical figure, but
Robert M. Wills is a retired
Episcopal priest.
view God does not act in human
Telephone: 905-335-8286
E-mail: [email protected]
Unit 100 - 2301 Cavendish Drive, Burlington, Ont.
10
May 2015 | For the latest news and events visit niagaraanglican.ca
Why young people are leaving the church
and how to get them back
Sierra robertSon-roPer
This would make a very big
will to all, and our role in justice
must change. Youth Ministry
difference. The Bible needs to be
making. Yet, our Church budgets
programs need to be lifted up
s a 17 year old proud
made accessible to the younger
leave little room to improve and
and constantly supported.
Anglican, it’s hard to admit
generations. Discussing how to
expand our outreach programs.
Worship should be pertinent to
I don’t really talk about my faith
understand its archaic language
New creative thinking needs to
social and political issues, with
with my peers. It’s not for lack of
and highlighting the root pillars
be put into finding solutions.
frank discussions and open
desire, but sometimes it feels like
of our faith in the readings
Being justice conscious and mak-
vulnerability. Diversity has to
more trouble than it’s worth.
would have a huge positive
ing a difference in our society
be celebrated. New and interest-
impact in keeping the church
is extremely important to me
ing music must be continually
alive.
and to many young people. We
adopted into the Eucharist.
need to be loud about our calls
Everything we talk about in
A
Youth today are moving
further and further away from
the church, and I can see why.
Talk more about what we do
Young people are inundated by
believe, and less about what we
for justice, and adopt causes
Church needs to be clearly tied
images in the media. In regards
don’t believe.
reflecting the changing social
to our day to day lives. Above all
and political climate of our times.
else, the church must be open
negative institution which gets in
The Anglican Church should
to the feedback and needs of its
the way of social change. While
be known far outside our faith
young members.
we Anglicans may see ourselves
community for the outstanding
to Christianity, these images
are almost entirely negative.
The church is often seen as a
Sierra Robertson-Roper
They depict extremist groups
Photo: Submitted
that almost never accurately
Soon young people will be
represent our faith. The posi-
young people are looking for in
differently, to people outside
good we do in fighting for human
the ones inheriting the church.
tive impact of the majority of
their religious community.
our community, Christianity is
rights, demanding proper treat-
I’d rather not think about what
often seen as one big group of
ment for all of God’s creation
would happen if there was
people beyond denominations,
and having justice making at the
almost no one there to take that
who often get in the way of
forefront of our faith.
on. It is absolutely necessary to
churches is rarely represented. A
our faith continues to make the
Focus less on words, and
more on meaning
loudest noise in the media. That
While the Bible remains an
small group that misrepresents
vital social change. We need to
Make the Church more
open to young people
bring young people back to the
integral part of our faith, we
differentiate ourselves from this
need to recognize that it can be
image. It is important to discuss
to return to the Church, there
confusing and at times contra-
the ideologies our faith does and
needs to be real change in how
dictory. I am not saying it should
does not represent, but the focus
the next 20 years, we need to
we present ourselves and an
be phased out, but rather that
needs to be on the deeply rooted
make it accessible to young
even deeper change in how the
its meaning and importance be
truths: love, justice, freedom,
people. Niagara Diocese has
Sierra Robertson-Roper, a youth
church is run. I do not have all
emphasized, regarding it as a
diversity and openness.
an incredible Youth Ministry
delegate to Provincial Synod,
the answers, but my experiences
history of humankind and our
can be reached at sroberts8845@
and interactions both inside and
faith rather than seeing it as a
in more ways than I could ever
gmail.com
outside the church have given
book of laws (some of which are
Put our money where our
mouths are
program, which changed my life
me a pretty good idea of what
no longer pertinent) set in stone.
We talk so much about good-
needs to change.
If we want more young people
If the Church wants to survive
church, and for that to happen,
there need to be major changes
in the way our faith community
functions.
explain. Yet, it’s constantly under
the threat of budget cuts. This
African Bishop
celebrating Celtic liturgy
in Oakville
Bishop Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith from
Ghana will join some 25 Oakville Celtic
Fiddlers, the church choir and the
congregation at St. Cuthbert’s Oakville
to celebrate St. Columba Day on Sunday,
June 14 at 10:00 a.m.
According to Rector Joseph Asselin,
having the bishop visit St. Cuthbert’s
will be unique: “To me, having an African
Bishop celebrating with a Celtic liturgy
Bishop Cyril Kobina BenSmith of Ghana
and such festive music speaks to the truly
Photo: Submitted
can help celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Niagara Anglican
global church that we are.”
Bishop Cyril is leading the annual conference for clergy in Niagara
Diocese.
While planning his visit to Niagara Diocese, Bishop Cyril made a
special request to visit St. Cuthbert’s. He knew Father John Rye who
was Rector of the parish in the early 1960s and went to Ghana as a
How many years have you been reading the paper?
What article or photo had the greatest impact on you?
Tell us about a highlight or memory from the paper.
What can we do to make the paper better?
missionary after he left Oakville.
“While it’s just a coincidence he is visiting us on this particular
Sunday … it will be great fun for us and we hope for Bishop Cyril,”
concluded the Rector.
St. Cuthbert’s is located at the corner of Maple Grove and Oakhill in
southeast Oakville. www.stcuthbertoakville.ca
Tell us your story in 200 words or less.
Send it to the Editor (contact information on page 3) by August 25
for inclusion in our October 2015 Special Anniversary edition of the
Niagara Anglican.
| May 2015
11
I’m a Bible Believer, but …
MiChaeL burSLeM
In the courtyard of our church
I’ve also noticed those with whom I now
there is one. Further, I’ve discovered that if we try to follow the
human, humble Jesus, whom
Muslims as an end in itself,
we meet in the Bible, we experi-
not with the express intent to
ence heaven, not hell. This is the
convert them. Our rector, Paul-
greatest, goodest news we need
Gordon Chandler, was much
much more raucous than we.
to proclaim. I’m still evangelical.
more passionate about interfaith
Fortunately we met at separate
But heaven is not only for those
friendships than interfaith
times. My wife and I did attend
who say they believe in Jesus,
dialogue, because it involved
in Cairo, St. John’s Maadi, the
Maadi Community Church met
out in the open air. They were
worship are also far less judgemental. We’re a
more inclusive bunch, not exclusive.
their services occasionally when
in fulfillment of Isaiah 19:1, “The
lesson. We love the stories so
but for those who do the will of
the investment of oneself in the
we first settled in Maadi. We
Lord comes to Egypt, riding
much that we tend to disregard
the Father. However, it’s not just
other. It was immaterial what we
enjoyed their fellowship and we
swiftly on a cloud,” and 19, “In
the lesson, to fight one another
a reward for being good.
believed about Jesus, but what
made a few friends, but as soon
that day shall there be an altar
over the interpretation. Is this
as they suspected we weren’t
to the Lord in the midst of the
quite one of them, I noted
land of Egypt, and a pillar at the
their friendship seemed rather
border thereof to the Lord.”
superficial.
To be one of them, we had to
During my stay in Egypt, I
It’s not that I’m no longer a
really mattered was what Jesus
an example to the world of being
Bible believer, but I do interpret
believes about us. This saves us.
Christian?
the Bible differently from Bible
The lesson of Christmas is that
God is always with us, in good
Were we less faithful
Believers. The Bible is the Word
Christians because we chose
of God; not the Word of God.
to worship at St. John’s, and
wondered whether what we call
times and bad. He also appears in
I’ve also noticed something
not at the Maadi Community
be Bible Believers. By that they
faith isn’t really gullibility, and
the most unlikely places, such as
else since then: I’ve become far
Church, and to remain in the
meant we had to interpret every
what we thought to be funda-
a stable, and in the most unlikely
less judgmental. Even though I
Anglican Church of Canada, not
word of the Bible just like them,
mental not necessarily so.
people, simple peasants like
didn’t often speak judgmentally
the Anglican Network? Does it
literally. No deviation from their
On our return to Canada
Joseph and Mary, and even in an
to others, I certainly thought it.
matter what anyone thinks? I
interpretation was permitted to
we discovered our church, St.
unmarried mum. Supremely, he
And, of course, thought myself
think not. I know whom I have
be in full fellowship.
George’s Lowville, had acrimoni-
was in Jesus.
far better than they, like Jesus’
believed, and his banner over me
story of the Pharisee and the
is love; but it’s also over everyone
In Egypt the Copts have beliefs
ously split over the authority of
The stories of Jesus’ resurrec-
not shared by other Christians.
scripture. Jesus unites; scripture
tion tell us that this life isn’t all
publican. I’ve also noticed those
else; Bible Believers, the rest of
In addition to the fundamentals,
divides. I became even more of
there is.
with whom I now worship are
us Anglicans and even infidel
they believe that after his resur-
a sceptic. While not denying the
also far less judgemental. We’re
believers too.
rection Jesus revisited Egypt
historical Jesus, I considered
not bound by space and time. It
a more inclusive bunch, not
on a cloud with his 11 remain-
stories about him as mythical as
has neither beginning, nor end.
exclusive.
ing disciples. They came to lay
Santa Claus.
It’s not just after this life. Our
the foundation of the altar at
Muharaq, at the centre of Egypt,
A myth is a story with an
essential significant take home
There’s a parallel life with God,
Michael Burslem is a member of
One big difference between
heavens and hells are indeed real,
St. John’s and the MCC, was that
but of this life, not the next, if
we were encouraged to befriend
rekindling the Contemplative fire
Jan Savory
For a while we had a thriv-
to those who are looking for a
who seek to follow a rhythm of
on Saturday, May 2, from 10:00
contemplative expression of
life grounded in the example
a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at St George’s
Church. We recognize more than
of Jesus. We are a Christian
Lowville (7051 Guelph Line,
ever that there are people who
community, but we don’t insist
Campbellville at Derry Road).
Christians from across Niagara
feel the need for a different kind
we have all the right answers.
Come, rest in quiet simplic-
Diocese afire with joy and
of worship than we get from the
We know God and yet are very
ity and learn about us and our
working to spread the message
conventional Church. Some of us
aware that there is so much that
rhythm of life: travelling light
of a God who could be known
have remained with our parish;
we don’t know. We enter, even
and dwelling deep. Beverages
and worshipped in many ways.
the fellowship nourishes us, but
uneasily, into the mystery of God,
and snacks will be provided, but
But the fire died down and
perhaps the liturgy no longer
yet eagerly looking for God in
a contribution to a shared lunch
Contemplative Fire Niagara went
does. Others have left the church,
the present moment. We long
table would be appreciated.
into hibernation until the time
searching in other faiths or new
for silence, stillness, spacious-
would be right to start up once
age beliefs. Contemplative Fire
ness and simplicity in our lives
niagara.contemplativefire@gmail.
more.
can be a home for all of these.
and worship. We slow down and
com or visit our Face Book page
listen to God and then live out of
“Contemplative Fire Niagara”.
The Holy Spirit is again nudg-
What is Contemplative
Fire?
ing us to awaken Contemplative
It’s not easy to describe. We are
Fire in this diocese, to reach out
a dispersed community of people
For information, contact
our deepest callings.
To have a better understand-
EMAIL: [email protected]
Next Month
ing group of contemplative
That time is now.
St. George’s Guelph.
Jan Savory is a lay reader at St.
ing of Contemplative Fire,
George’s Lowville. Email:
come to our “Come Away Day”
[email protected]
in the
Niagara
Anglican
Sharyn Hall reports
Religious leaders
combat slavery
and trafficking
The Logos: Ontology
for Christians
by Colin C.M. Campbell
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May 2015 | For the latest news and events visit niagaraanglican.ca
Celebrating lives transformed
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Diocese of Niagara
140
years and
counting
From our
history
Mother’s Day is the second
Sunday of May, and we are
featuring from our Diocesan
archives this photo of a Girls
auxiliary/Junior auxiliary (Ga/
Ja) mother-daughter banquet
held at St. James in Merritton
St. Catharines. Photograph by
Dick Titley, staff photographer
with the St. Catharines Standard
(reprinted with thanks).
If you recognize anyone in the
photo or when it was taken or
have memories of Ga/Ja motherdaughter banquets contact
archivist John Rathbone at 905527-1316 ext. 450.
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