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![S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS P A G E 1 5PAGE 14 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5
Reimagining the ChuRCh in the PubliC SquaRePage 2 SEPTEMBER 2015 ECCLESIASTICAL PROVINCE AND PROVINCIAL SYNOD OF ONTARIO Page 3SEPTEMBER 2015
Ven. Dr. Harry Huskins
The Provincial Synod
meets every three years.
The work done between
those sessions is guided
by the priorities set by the
Synod and its Council. From
2012 to 2015, those priorities
were:
Advocacy
Social Advocacy
Housing and child poverty
have been our key areas of
focus.We have continued
our long-standing work of
building relationships in
the area of social advocacy
with government and other
groups working to better
our society. Our partner in
this has been the Interfaith
Social Assistance Reform
Coalition (ISARC), to which
we provide one of our largest
funding grants. We are
represented on this coalition
of more than 20 Christian
churches and faith groups by
Murray MacAdam.
Government Relations
Decisions made by the
Ontario government
and its agencies touch
the lives of our parishes
and ministries every
day. Wherever possible,
our discussions with
government have been done
in collaboration with the
Lutheran, Roman Catholic
and United churches in the
Province. Examples of these
discussions with government
include:
• the Ontario Human
Rights Commission and
its re-writing of its poli-
cies on creed and conflict-
ing rights;
•the government’s reorgani-
zation of cemeteries and
the creation of the new
Bereavement Authority of
Ontario and our represen-
tation on it;
• the Ontario Heritage Trust
and how its policies affect
our buildings and what we
can do with them;
• the new College of Psycho-
therapists and how much
control it will have over
what our clergy and laity
do in our pastoral work;
• on-going conversations
with all three political
parties about other mat-
ters of concern to Angli-
cans in Ontario.
Education
& Vocations
Our Commission on
Theological Education
(OPCOTE) brings together
representatives of our
theological colleges, dioceses
and bishops and enables
them to work collaboratively
to improve the quality of
theological education in
Ontario. The commission has
donated more than $350,000
to our colleges over the last
three years from money
contributed by our dioceses.
We are continuing to help
our dioceses in their work
of encouraging Anglicans
to undertake new lay and
ordained ministry. The
national church’s Advisory
Committee on Postulants for
Ordination (ACPO) plays a
central role in this. ACPO
enables those studying
for ordination and trained
assessors to come together
for weekend discernment
sessions that provide the
candidates, dioceses and
bishops with guidance about
these potential ordained
ministries.
These ACPO sessions take
place once a year in the
rest of Canada, but our
Provincial Synod provides
$12,000 of funding to enable
these to take place twice
a year in Ontario. This is
our single largest program
expense.
Sharing of
Resources
There are seven dioceses
in our Province and every
day they deal with many of
the same opportunities and
problems. Our Provincial
Priorities:Provincial Synod prepares to set agenda for
next three years
1
The Provincial Task Group
on Communications
was asked to consult with
the individual dioceses, and
then consider and make
recommendations on matters
such as:
• the future of our diocesan
newspapers and the
potential for developing
shared regional
newspapers;
• social media policy;
• public relations.
The task group has meet
three times. The members
are:
Algoma: Kelly Baetz, Huron:
Rob Towler, Moosonee:
Deborah Lonergan-Freake,
Niagara: Bill Mous, Ontario:
Mark Hauser, Ottawa:
Stephanie Boyd, Toronto:
Stuart Mann, Chair: Andy
Chisholm.
The complete report and
other documents can be
found on the Provincial
Synod Website at http://
province-ontario.anglican.
ca/communications.htm.
COMMUNICATIONS
better sharing of resources
Moosonee
Our last Provincial Synod session reorganized the Diocese
of Moosonee. This has been very successful, bringing
renewed vitality to its mission and ministry along with
financial stability.
Theological Education
Our seven theological colleges work together with our
dioceses to provide some of the best lay and ordained
education and training in the world, through our Ontario
Provincial Commission on Theological Education
(OPCOTE).
Ordination Discernment
Some of the hardest decisions in our Christian life have
to be made by those who feel called to the ordained
ministry and the dioceses and bishops who have to decide
who should be ordained and become members of our
clergy. Our Provincial Synod makes its largest single
funding grant to the Advisory Committee on Postulants
for Ordination (ACPO), which plays a key role in this
discernment.
Human Rights
Our Provincial Synod has taken the lead for the Anglican,
Roman Catholic and United churches in discussions
with the Ontario Human Rights Commissions in its first
re-writing of its Policy on Creed and the Accommodation
of Religious Observances since the policy was put into
place in 1996. The Anglican Church in Ontario was one
of the key movers in pressing for the establishment of the
Human Rights Commission in 1961.
Heritage Buildings
Our Provincial Synod is in discussions with the Ontario
Heritage Trust about its policies and their effect on our
buildings. The Christian churches are the second largest
holder of heritage-designated properties in Ontario. We
are working jointly with the Lutheran, Roman Catholic,
and United churches in these discussions that seek to
preserve our heritage buildings for generations to come,
while at the same time enabling us to adapt them to
better ministry uses such as Out of the Cold, youth
ministry, elder support and other programs.
Anti-spam legislation
We discussed new federal
anti-spam legislation
and circulated in our
interim report a document
previously shared with the
House of Bishops on this
matter. Canada’s Anti-Spam
Legislation (CASL) requires
all organizations that send
“commercial electronic
messages (CEM)” to obtain
either express or implied
consent of the recipient.
The legislation is not of
significant concern as most
messages our churches send
do not fall into the CEM
category, but advertising
for an event or selling a
product or service would
normally fall within the
definition of a CEM. Many
free electronic newsletter
services are available to help
meet these requirements
of the legislation, with
MailChimp being among the
most popular and used by
many faith groups, like the
Anglican Church of Canada
and KAIROS for their
monthly communications.
Social media policy
We spent considerable time
Rev. Canon Andrew Chisholm
HIGHLIGHTS
DID YOU KNOW:
“Ienvision a church
engaged with the
culture and context that it
finds itself in. We need to
join where God is already at
work in the world. We serve
the world God loves. We
don’t hide from it.”
— The Rev. Jon Martin
(Diocese of Ottawa) [Not a
delegate to Provincial Synod]
“Isee the church’s
community expanding
to include whole
neighbourhoods and the
church’s building as a
foundation all people
associate with acceptance
and belonging.”
— Erica Howes (Diocese of
Ottawa) [Not a delegate to
Provincial Synod]
“As Anglicans in a non-Anglican
world, the language of church
can sometimes be overwhelming for
non-Anglicans and non-Christians.
A revisiting process doesn’t have to
involve changing our parishes but
rather how our identity and message
are received by others. This will keep
the church centered on ministry,
clear and focussed liturgies, and
prayerful communication.”
— Meg Stewart (Diocese of Ottawa)
[Not a delegate to Provincial Synod]
“Although it seems somewhat
heretical coming from
someone who has worked for
the Anglican Church all of his
life, I think that reimagining
the church in our culture today
requires us to come forward with
what it means to be a disciple of
Jesus Christ first and foremost
- and only then a member of the
Anglican Church”
— David Embury (Diocese of
Huron), Lay Member
“Idon’t think there is one answer to
the question. It is going to depend
on the circumstances that present
themselves. Each situation is unique
and may /will change depending on the
issues in each parish and diocese. We
need to be open to the Holy Spirit to see
what that looks like. Some may close
and others may thrive. I fear that some
may see it only their way and not be
open to the changes required.”
— Canon David Ricketts (Diocese of
Niagara), Lay Member
STREET TALK: what does ‘Reimagining the Church in the Public Square’ look like to you?
Synod helps them work
together on many of these so
that they are more effective
in what they are doing and
can lower the costs involved.
Over the last three years, we
have:
• brought our bishops and
senior diocesan staff
together to talk about and
plan this kind of coopera-
tion;
• brought our diocesan
human resources staff
together to discuss how
best to help each other
in their work and to dis-
cuss this with lawyers
who specialize in this
field. As a result, our
smaller dioceses that
cannot afford their own
human resources staff can
now consult with the
fulltime experts working
in our larger dioceses;
• brought the senior dioc-
esan staff together twice
a year to talk about new
ideas that are working to
strengthen and develop
our ministries and
solutions to the common
problems they are
facing.
The Ven. Dr. Harry Huskins
is Executive Officer, The
Ecclesiastical Province of
Ontario.
2
3
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made
it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what
lies behind and straining forward to what lies
ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize
of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
“
on social media policy. We
discussed best practices as
well success stories in our
dioceses. Some dioceses and
bishops are active in social
media (Algoma, Moosonee,
Niagara, Ontario, Toronto),
some dioceses and bishops
make almost no use of social
media (Huron, Ottawa). A
summary is below. There
are a number of social
media policies for dioceses
available online. We found
the Toronto policy for Synod
Office staff to be helpful as
well as the Diocese of Bath
and Wells guidelines for
parishes and individuals.
These are posted on
Provincial Synod website
communications page.
We also provided a summary
of what each of the dioceses
were doing in using social
media.
The Rev. Canon
Andrew Chisholm is
Communications, Honorary
Clerical Secretary, and Web
Manager for Provincial
Synod.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/2305f109-c719-49a1-be14-469dfa46d7c5-150826132130-lva1-app6892/85/September-2015-HCN-web-8-320.jpg)
September 2015 HCN web
- 1. By Rev. CanonGaye Whippey and John Montgomery Can you see what Creator is doing? It’s new and it’s touching the hearts of ordinary people who are listening and want to share in the story of hope and resurrection. Be a part of what has been un- folding through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Canada’s former system of Indi- an residential schools — and get ready to climb mountains. Justice Murray Sinclair, who chaired the commission, pro- posed the outline for the next chapter of this story by saying: “We have described for you a mountain. We have shown you a path to the top. We call on you to do the climbing.” At the bottom of this moun- tain, we stand with each other in the pain of the Indian resi- dential school experiences and the loss of many missing or murdered aboriginal women. A period of 22 days of remem- bering marked the end of the commission’s monumental un- dertaking. The Gospel asks us to face the historic reality of the doctrine of discovery (which said any non-Christian land could be claimed for a Christian mon- arch) and of colonialism, open- ing our eyes to all that contra- dicts our vision of Canada as a country where justice and hu- man rights are respected. After learning about the doc- trine of discovery and the im- pact of its colonizing culture on indigenous peoples, we be- come aware that the dominant Western culture has had a di- sastrous effect on First Nations’ life, teachings, and culture. Im- posing Western standards and world views has limited their experience of Jesus in their own encounter with the Gospel. The hurts and wounds of the residential schools are now pub- lic knowledge. In the Church, we have reached out with an apology and payments to those who suffered. The next step is the healing of relationships. The next step is the healing of relationships. Dr. Tom Peace, an assistant professor of history at Huron University College, shared with Huron’s Bridge Builders group that indigenous peoples in East- ern Canada had a much more complex history of schooling than is often recognized. He pointed to day schools created by a handful of indig- enous communities as early as the 1780s, long before the residential school system was established. His research into this early history and the rela- tionships that emerged from it points toward possibilities for restoring relationships through knowledge of the past. For seven years, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission lis- tened to survivors of “the dark- est and most troubling chapter in our collective history,” as Jus- tice Sinclair called it (Toronto Star, June 6). The truth has been told and our minds and hearts need to respond to the commis- sion’s recommendations. Provincial Synod: Re-imagining the church in the public square, Pages 13-16 Huron Church NewsANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON • Huron Church News is a section of the Anglican Journal • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 Huron Church News named best overall paper at the 2015 Anglican Editors Association conference. Page 6 BishopTerry Dance talks about his upcoming retirement. Page 2 Taking joy in the unexpected with Anglican Churches in Cambridge. Page 3 Inside Truth The General Synod Archives, Anglican Church of Canada The Mohawk Institute, the Anglican-run residential school on Six Nations, was known to the children as the Mush Hole for the poor quality of its food. Named the Best overall newspaper at the 2015 Anglican Editors Association conference, Huron Church News is the official publication of the Diocese of Huron. CLOS Huro in pr onli Clo M Ta C C National Display Advertising Rates • Effec Reconciliation Photo by Art Babych Thousands of people took part in the walk for reconciliation on May 31 as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada prepared to release its report. See Are You Ready, Page 5
- 2. S E PT E M B E R 2 0 1 5 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS P A G E 3PAGE 2 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 Huron Church News Volume 65, Number 7 Submissions Huron Church News welcomes news articles, commentaries, photographs and story ideas. Publication is at the discretion of the editor. Editor Sandra Coulson huronchurchnews@gmail.com 519-649-4339 c/o Huron Church House 190 Queens Ave. London, ON N6A 6H7 Deadline Tuesday, September 1 for the October edition Subscriptions To subscribe, unsubscribe, change address or name, report a delivery problem, contact: Circulation Department 1-866-924-9192, ext. 245 or 259 Fax: 416-925-8811 Email: circulation@national. anglican.ca Via Web: www.anglicanjournal. com/subscribe Individual suggested donation: $15 per year in Canada. $23 in U.S. and overseas. Advertising Contact the editor, as above Huron Church News shall not be liable for damage arising out of errors in advertisements. Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement by the Huron Church News or the Anglican Church. Publisher The Right Reverend Robert F. Bennett Bishop of Huron Diocese of Huron Huron Church House 190 Queens Avenue London, Ontario N6A 6H7 Phone: 519-434-6893 Huron Church News is published by the Diocese of Huron as a section of the Anglican Journal. Approximate circulation 12,500 HCN Board of Trustees Canon Robert Towler, Chair Printer Printed and mailed by Webnews Printing North York, ON This newspaper is printed on partially recycled paper using vegetable-based inks. by Cheryl Highmore In September 2011 at Water- loo deanery council, Archdea- con Peter Townshend asked for volunteers from each of the five Anglican churches in Cam- bridge — St. James, St. John’s, St. Luke’s, St. Thomas the Apos- tle, and Trinity — to form a joint community outreach group. The group’s first meeting was filled with enthusiasm and overflowing with possible proj- ects. However, as we spoke to people in the congregations, we realized choosing a project that everyone could buy into was not going to be easy. Each church had grown independently and many skeptics said co-operation would never happen. But we had come together in faith and in faith we decided to take a different approach. It would take more time and ef- fort, but we decided to learn about each other and build fel- lowship, friendship, and under- standing. Then we would see how we could work together. From that beginning, the An- glican Churches in Cambridge (ACIC) has built a relationship based on shared faith, hope, and respect. Representatives from the five churches meet monthly to ex- change information on what we are doing and post important events on each others’ websites, bulletins, and Facebook pages. We come together as equal part- ners, in honest conversation, fostering understanding of each others’ abilities and problems. We discuss what is possible for us to accomplish together. We are mindful of each oth- ers’ traditions and the good works in which each congrega- tion is engaged. We appreciate how hard each congregation works. We are aware of financial needs and limitations. We chose the motto “Each unique but one in faith” to rep- resent this coming together. Our logo is a cross composed of five pieces representing the churches. Each church has its own his- tory, has developed to accom- modate the people in its com- munity and has found creative ways to use its members’ talents to work. We honour each one. The first ACIC joint event was at Easter 2012, hosting a free movie night for the congrega- tions. There was a small turnout but it was a start. We also organized an around- the-clock Easter vigil, with each church taking over in rotation; again there was a small re- sponse, but it was there. After each event the ACIC group reviewed what went well and how we could do better. We still do this at each meeting. We decided to hold a joint pic- nic in September 2012. Groups in each church came forward to donate what was needed: barbe- cue food, refreshments, gener- ators and entertainment. It was supported and encouraged by the clergy. The people came, the sun shone, volunteers cooked and musicians led a singsong. For many it was the first time they had met and talked with someone from one of the other churches. It was such as success that all five parish councils voted to provide annual funding for ACIC events. Our community outreach projects have also been success- ful. In December 2012, a team participated in the local Out of the Cold walkathon to help the homeless in Cambridge. Over three years, we have collected more than $3,800. We also collected hundreds of sweaters for the Sweaters for Syria campaign run by the local Lutheran church in 2013. In 2013 and 2014, we built a float for the Cambridge Christ- mas parade. One church found a sponsor of a flatbed truck and a driver; others made costumes and decorated the float; mem- bers of several men’s groups built it; one church loaned its premises to assemble the float and provided food and refresh- ment to the volunteers. We had young and old from all five churches on the float. Our churches came togeth- er again for a Lenten project in 2015 for the prisoners at the Grand Valley Institution for Women. Young mothers in the prison can videotape them- selves reading a storybook to their children. The video and book are sent to the child to comfort and strengthen bonds during separation. ACIC asked the congregations to donate new children’s books for the program and we were able to provide nearly 400 books. Our clergy have been part of our team since the beginning. They support and participate in events and, most importantly, they talk and work with each other for all our benefit. In 2015, all five congregations gathered at St. John’s to observe a beautiful Holy Saturday ser- vice of first light. It was a pow- erfully moving service as we renewed our baptismal vows, prayed and sang our praise to the risen Lord. It will now be an annual service held at each church in rotation. In June 2015, we had planned a outdoor worship service fol- lowed by our fourth ACIC pic- nic in a city park — one fam- ily in faith, open, visible and welcoming within the broader community. However, last-min- ute weather conditions forced us inside at St. James. The service was jointly planned and led by our clergy team. With great enthusiasm, they involved the congregation in acting out the parable of the sower and the congregation re- sponded with equal enthusiasm and joy. It was an extraordinary experience as we shared prayers, bread and wine, and praise and thanks to God. Nearly 200 peo- ple then enjoyed the picnic in the parish hall with music and entertainment. Despite the weather, it turned out to be a fantastic, Spirit-filled day. We pray we will continue to have this bridge among our churches. By working together on projects, we introduce mem- bers to each other. We encour- age the leaders to call on one an- other if they need help. Where several churches may want to set up a program but individ- ually do not have enough peo- ple or resources, we encourage them to work together. Has everything we tried worked as we thought? No. Do we believe it is worth the time and effort? Yes! At one of our recent events, a church member who was skep- tical early on said she had sat at a table with people from all five churches for the first time and then, smiling, said, “It felt good to break bread together”. We have learned that the five churches, clergy and laity, can work together to build a good foundation for the future. We pray we will continue to dialogue and share, help each other and be a presence of our faith and for our faith in our community. Cheryl Highmore is a member of Trinity, Cambridge. Step by step Despite early skepticism, occasional bad weather, and a cat photo-bombing the Easter vigil, Anglican Churches in Cambridge have learned that even when things don’t go as expected, they can build a strong relationship Despite bad weather forcing the outdoor service and picnic indoors, it was a Spirit-filled day. Working together helps the five churches of Cambridge. Rev. Greg Jenkins of Trinity, Rev. Canon Linda Nixon of St. James, Rev. Stephen Berryman of St. John, Rev. Paul Silcox of St. Luke and (absent) Rev. Vicki Edgeworth-Pitcher of St. Thomas contribute to the joint work of ACIC. HCN: What has it been like being a bishop? Bishop Terry Dance: It’s been incredible. I was ordained 32 years before I became bishop and there was a dramatic change in my ministry when I became a bishop in terms of being able to be part of giving leadership in the diocese and beyond. It has opened up so many doors and possibilities and given me so many extraordinary experienc- es I would never have had. Being on the joint Anglican-Lutheran commission — that’s been one of the best committees I ever served on in the church and I met some wonderful, committed Luther- ans and Anglicans from across the country But I know when Dec. 31 comes, what I will miss more than anything is Sunday morn- ings. I just love Sunday morn- ings being around the diocese and worshipping with different parishes. That’s the greatest joy of being a bishop. You’ve talked about wanting to continue to do the contextual Bi- ble studies that you started to do on your sabbatical. That certainly is a hope. It’s an opportunity to offer something to the diocese and the church. When you’re the rector of a par- ish, you’re always looking for resources. What is different about con- textual Bible study that you find helpful? It’s designed to really get peo- ple interacting with one anoth- er. It really is designed to use appropriate questions to engage people in conversation. But it also involves looking at the Scriptures in terms of historic sociological context, in terms of literary context and then apply it into our contemporary con- text. I have never found another way of working with Bible study that creates more conversation and more enthusiasm. It really becomes hard to shut it down. What do see as Huron’s strengths and its difficulties? I think Huron’s strength in terms of our size, we have the potential to have a lot of sup- ported ministries with clergy and parishes working together at the deanery level. We’ve got an awful lot of par- ishes at this point in time that are starting to see real value in that and are starting to under- stand that together we can do more than we can individually. And there’s some really ex- citing stuff that’s beginning to emerge in London, in Cam- bridge, and around the diocese with parishes beginning to say, “Together we’re better.” And I think our difficulty would be that we’re a diocese that is probably about 60-per- cent rural and a lot of our rural communities, through chang- ing demographics, through ru- ral depopulation, are starting to struggle in terms in having the critical mass required to main- tain congregations. It’s part of the situation where a lot of smaller communities have been losing their hospi- tals, they’ve been losing their schools, and their churches — not just Anglican — are strug- gling. It’s going to be one of the most significant challenges the diocese faces in the next decade. How do we continue to provide ministry in areas that are deal- ing with demographic change and decline? It reminds me of the list of churches you have served in and there was a Westmount Shopping Centre storefront ministry. The great thing about that is that I worked with a group of about 30 lay volunteers. We were there from 9 o’clock in the morning to 9 o’clock at night ev- ery day the mall was open. By the time it wrapped up, we were getting over 200 people a week in. People were coming in just to have someone to talk to. Unfortunately, as marvellous as it was, it was really expensive and it didn’t have any income coming in. The cost of main- taining a storefront in a mall that size was prohibitive. It struck me as a back-to-the- future moment in terms of the lay ministry we may be looking at in Huron in rural areas. We were ahead of our time. This interview has been edited and condensed. BishopTerry looks to past and future Bishop Bob Bennett, in consultation with Archbishop Colin Johnston, has accepted the request of the Rt. Rev. Terry Dance to retire, effective Dec. 31. Bishop Terry was deaconed May 1, 1976, priested April 25, 1977, and consecrated bishop on June 6, 2009. He has served the parishes of St. John the Evangelist, London; the Norton Estates-Westmount Experimental Ministry; Holy Trinity, Chesley, Church of the Ascension, Paisley and Christ Church, Tara; St. John’s (Sandwich), Windsor; Trinity, Simcoe; and St. Paul’s Cathedral as well as on diocesan, provincial, and national committees, councils, and task forces. Jason Dance, Have Heart Photography. Huron’s bishops Terry Dance, far left, and Bob Bennett, far right, ordained five new deacons in June at St. Paul’s Cathedral. From left are Rev. MaryLynn Forrest, Rev. Fred Walther, Rev. Rosalyn Elm, Rev. Brad Johnson, and Rev. Dr. Stephen McClatchie. We’ve got an awful lot of parishes at this point in time that are starting to see real value in that and are starting to understand that together we can do more than we can individually. Bishop Terry Dance This month’s bishop’s column — written jointly by Bishop Bob Bennett and Bishop Terry Dance — can be found on Page 10 in a special report on the federal election.
- 3. S E PT E M B E R 2 0 1 5 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS P A G E 5PAGE 4 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 From Page 1 Of the 94, some speak directly to the Church (59-61). The first of these recommends ongoing education so that con- gregations can learn about the Church’s role and why the An- glican primate’s apology was necessary. The next calls for developing courses for clergy, especially for students offering themselves for ministry. The third focuses on community-controlled healing and reconciliation projects that will provide historical knowl- edge and address the legacy of religious conflict in aborig- inal families. These include community-controlled culture, language, vitalization and rela- tionship building with special reference to opportunities for youth to discuss their indigene- ity, self-determination and rec- onciliation. What can we do in the Dio- cese of Huron to be part of the action and foster relationships where we can be equal partners? How do we stand with First Na- tions people as they become self-determining? How do we ensure that our canons, struc- tures and projects are inclusive of indigenous rights? Bridge Builders has begun to explore oral history and to consult indigenous Christians within our diocese. During the past year, we have read the Scriptures with fresh vision and in the light of colonization. We have been and are committed to truth telling and listening to one another. Now we are going to open another chapter as we bring out our insights through workshops with the hope of seeing more Bridge Builder groups through- out our diocese. Why not begin your action by reading the executive summary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission online? Or have study groups read Unsettling the Settler by Paulette Regan or The Comeback by John Ralston Saul? Enjoy worship in a First Na- tions community where their language, imagery and ways are fostered. Request a workshop with some of the Bridge Builders. Grow in your awareness of First Nations issues, spiritual values and practices, and the nature of third-generation impacts of co- lonialism. Contribute to a bursary to assist and support indigenous Christians in theological studies that embrace indigeneity. Above all, we need hope for the future. Misunderstandings will happen and long-grown stereotypes will take time to heal. Can you see what Creator is doing now? Can you feel the winds of change through the Holy Spirit? Are you ready for mountain climbing? You may be afraid of the heights but the view from the top will be amaz- ing. Rev. Canon Gaye Whippey and John Montgomery are members of Bridge Builders. Photo by Art Babych John Moses passes Parliament Hill during the reconciliation walk with survivors of Indian residential schools holding a photo of his father Russ and aunt Thelma taken at the Mohawk Institute residential school in Brantford in 1943. fall courses: Anglican Church History, Christian Ethics, Old Testament Saturdays from 10 am—3 pm in Waterloo workshops and events: Justice and Peace in Jewish, Christian & Muslim traditions (3 afternoon sessions from 2 to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays—FREE) coming in January: Trinity Institute 2016 partner site and more! Contact: Marilyn Malton 519.884.4404 x 28628 mmalton@uwaterloo.ca Come be part of the learning community at the Renison Institute of Ministry! non-credit courses and special events LTh courses in partnership with Huron University College for lay people, clergy, and parish teams details at http://uwaterloo.ca/institute-ministry/ Are you ready for the climb? Remembering murdered and missing aboriginal women Archbishop Fred Hiltz, pri- mate of the Anglican Church of Canada, asked churches to ring their bells daily for 22 days to call attention to the 1,200 murdered or missing aborigi- nal women and girls in Cana- da. Here are some responses in Huron. St. Luke’s, Broughdale — photo at right Eleven individuals and four church groups, plus the Korean Antioch Presbyteri- an Church that shares the building and a local Chinese church, signed up to ring the bell 60 times daily. One of the bellringers, John Mackey, did so in honour of his grandmother, who attended one of the Indian residential schools. Another was a visitor from Mississauga who was at St. Luke’s when the project was announced. She was so touched by the idea that she signed up and drove back from Mississauga just to par- ticipate. The congregation also viewed one of the videos posted on the 22 Days web- site during sermon time on June 7, giving members an opportunity to discuss the issue with each other. “When we lead with a sense of empire and power, we (realize) how much damage we can do,”said Rev. Canon Adele Miles. St. Matthew’s, Florence When you ring a church bell more than 50 times daily for 22 days in a small village, you get questions. The answer from the members of St. Matthew’s, Florence, always included,“Every ring is for a missing mother, daugh- ter, friend.” The reactions were undivid- ed, and lovely.“I prayed each time,”said one neighbour. “That’s so beautiful,”said another.“I cried.” Any worry that the bell- ringing would annoy some, for instance, shift workers, was for naught. Parishioners encountered nothing but support for the ringing. St. George’s, Owen Sound Parish council — after receiving requests from the non-church community — voted to continue ringing its bells on a daily basis and to erect a semi-permanent sign noting it would continue to do so until the federal gov- ernment holds an inquiry. — from Anglican Journal Ascension, London With no bell tower, rector Rev. Canon June Hough in- stead posted the Sacred Sto- ries videos and other reports from the national church on Ascension’s Facebook page throughout the 22 days. The Facebook page is actively followed by 126 members. St. Andrew’s, Chippewa of the Thames, and Zion, Oneida The congregations used the drum as a way of connecting with the heartbeat of Creator as they prayed. They have also started a special garden at one of the churches. Rev. Canon Gaye Whippey reports the great response from the grassroots, if not the government, in taking the Truth and Reconciliation Commission seriously has given some hope to the peo- ple with whom she ministers. John Mackey, Joyce Coghill, Doug Higgin and Rev. Canon Adele Miles were among the bellringers during 22 Days at St. Luke’s, Broughdale. John’s grandmother attended one of the Indian residential schools. • Business Cards • Envelopes • Letterhead • NCR Forms • Tickets Brochures • Catalogues • Flyers • Computer Forms • Four Colour Process Tel: (519) 681-0470 • Fax: (519) 681-0471 966 Leathorne Street, London, Ontario N5Z 3M5 MIDDLESEX PRINTING CORPORATION Proudly owned & operated by the Hull Family since 1979 One London Place 255 Queens Avenue Suite 1400 London, ON N6A 5R8 Tel: 519-433-3441 Fax: 519-433-3853 Insurance Brokerage • Risk Management What does the word renew mean? One dictionary says: “to make or be made new again; to give new life to; to make as good as new; to begin again; to give over again.” The parishioners at Canon Davis Memorial Church, Sarnia, have done all of this and much more. This small church family has built a sense of community and self-renewal to make our parish hall more usable for our own congregation and other groups in the community by in- stalling a lift to make the stair- way accessible, automatic doors, and an accessible washroom. This has not been an easy feat for a small (although mighty) Accessibility key to reaching out Nancy Dease, Rev. Ray Jenkins, Bishop Bob Bennett, People’s Warden Wendy Heasman, Rector’s Warden John Hayter and Charlie Lavigne celebrate the Renew project at Canon Davis Memorial Church, Sarnia. By Rev. Canon Sue Paulton On her wedding day in May 2014, Valerie Horner received a call from her doctor to tell her she had cancer. She was told she should get her life in order as she would not likely survive a year. She got married and a few weeks later started chemother- apy. RoseAnn Davies told Val that if Val lost her hair as a result of the chemo, RoseAnn would shave her head, too, and walk through this trial with her. These two ladies, who are al- ways thinking of others, then cooked up a plan to raise money for Huron Church Camp. Members of the Church of St. David and St. Mark, Wind- sor, supported their campaign and started donating pledges to- ward the head shaving for HCC. On May 31 this year, Valerie’s 65th birthday, RoseAnn’s head was shaved during hospitality time following the church ser- vice. Their goal was to collect $1,000, enough to send two kids to camp. At the end of the day they had enough to send eight kids to camp. This was a wonderful cele- bration of life, hope and the joy found in caring for others. Rev. Canon Sue Paulton is rector of St David and St. Mark, Windsor. RoseAnn Davies, right, gets ready to have her head shaved in solidarity with her friend Valerie Horner, left, as she went through cancer treatment. The pair turned the occasion into a fundraiser for Huron Church Camp. Friends fight cancer, and help church camp Big hearts and a little rock ’n’roll By Stephanie Donaldson and Lynda McGregor The serious issue of pasto- ral support for clergy and their families combined with the fun of rock and roll as Huron and Perth Deanery held its first Bishops’ Friends event. More than 100 people attend- ed the evening on April 29 at the Mitchell Golf and Country Club, where they had an oppor- tunity to chat with old friends and make new ones from the deanery’s 24 congregations. Bishop Bob Bennett spoke passionately about the need for resources to assist Huron’s clergy when they are faced with unforeseen crises. Our bishops have, as part of their ministry, the pastoral care of clergy and their families. There is no diocesan budget for these emergencies and oth- er crises. That ministry requires the strong support of the peo- ple of Huron. The five Bishops’ Friends events around the dio- cese provide that vital support as part of the Renew campaign’s Empowered Leadership Fund. After the bishop’s thought-provoking remarks, the mood of the room changed when Huron and Perth’s special entertainer, Rev. Matt Martin, hit the stage. Nostalgia reigned as we rocked and rolled with Matt’s unbelievable imperson- ation of Elvis Presley and his most memorable hits. No one in the room could resist singing along with those familiar tunes as the King of Rock and Roll took many of us back to another time. And if we happened to forget the name of a tune, each table card featured an Elvis song. Throughout the evening an attractive silent auction table drew bidders. Items donated by parishioners — from theatre tickets to home-made pies to one-of-a-kind children’s teddy bears — created some friendly competition among the guests. It was a great evening as the people of Huron and Perth came together to support the bishops in a vital area of their many ministries. Special thanks go to the re- gional dean, Rev. Grayhame Bowcott, for his leadership and support; to the evening’s emcee Gail Trewhitt, a lay reader from St. George’s, Goderich, for her polished wit and wry humour; to Rev. Matt Martin for his generous contribution; to Shari Cartright, of Trinity Blyth, for her event administration and design assistance; and to all who came out to support the event. We look forward to anoth- er great gathering of Bishops’ Friends in 2016. It will be diffi- cult to top our initial effort. Watch for upcoming Bishops’ Friends events: Bishops’Friends North: Oct. 8, St. Paul’s church hall, Southampton. Contact: Scott Saunders, scott@ saugeenteam.com Kitchener Waterloo: Oct. 28, Galt Country Club. Contact: Don Davidson, fr.donald. davidson@rogers.com London Area: Nov. 12, Sunningdale Golf & Country Club. Contacts: Bette Ferguson, baferg@ sympatico.ca, or John Thorpe, jbmthorpe@gmail.com Essex Windsor: Dec. 9, Macedonian Hall, Windsor. Contact: Amanda Gellman, amanda@manan.ca Huron Perth: April 2016. Contact: Stephanie Donaldson, juniper@hay.net Archdeacon Allan Livingstone, emcee Gail Trewhitt and Bishop Bob Bennett enjoy the first Huron and Perth Bishops’Friends event. group, but it has shown that working together for the greater good and purpose brings sub- stantial gain to all. At Canon Davis Memorial, we have opened the doors to many new adventures: a Lim- ber Up group for our parishio- ners and community, a monthly quilters’ group and quilt work- shops, Young People for Dynas- ty martial arts lessons, and our monthly dinners. These activities are just a por- tion of our resolve to continue to make this church a viable community. Congregational Coaches Visit our new website: coaching.diohuron.org
- 4. S E PT E M B E R 2 0 1 5 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS P A G E 7PAGE 6 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 With Canada Day falling on the day as its regular Wednesday said eucharist, Church of the Ascension, Windsor, concluded the service by singing the national anthem and, in the parish hall afterward, enjoying Dorothy Danby’s cupcake flag. Best across Canada – and on kitchen floor By Sandra Coulson Editor Huron Church News When I started out in jour- nalism, one of my earliest ed- itors said to me, “If we don’t blow our own horn, no one is going to blow it for us.” With those words ringing in my ears, I am actually pleased to announce Huron Church News was named Best Over- all Newspaper at the Anglican Editors Association confer- ence in June. The association comprises the editors of diocesan new- papers across Canada. The judge, Bill Musselwhite, said he began his assessment by laying out all the newspa- per on his kitchen floor. He had this to say about the best overall: “This choice is very sub- jective and harks back to that mess on the kitchen floor. Was there a paper which, somehow, made me want to pick it up and read it? Might someone else, not necessarily an Anglican, want to pick it up and read it? Having picked it up, did it keep its promise? My choice, for those reasons, is Huron Church News.” Newspaper updates web edition By Sandra Coulson Editor Huron Church News The pdf just doesn’t cut it anymore. As more people move on- line for their news, Huron Church News has updated its online version to a blog-style format that will be more fa- miliar and useful to the on- line reader. The new site, at hcn. diohuron.org, features in- dividually clickable articles. Articles can also be accessed by categories and by a search function. But if you like the pdf format, that’s available too through this website. Six months of past issues on pdf are still located at http:// www.diohuron.org/news/ hcn/hcn.php. The new online format does not change the print edition of the paper. Named the Best overall newspaper at the 2015 Anglican Editors Association conference, Huron Church News is the official publication of the Anglican Diocese of Huron. Huron Church News accepts advertising for products, services, events, and programs from companies and organizations. All advertising must be honest and in good taste, as determined by the editor or his or her designate. Churches and ministries within the Diocese of Huron are undergoing substantial and bold renewal, which includes visioning, repositioning, renovations, and technological updating. Simultaneously, many of the traditional activities of the church carry on. Advertising opportunities exist in renovations, technology suppliers, recreation and leisure, funeral services, property maintenance, seniors’services, florists, and among many others. The print edition has a circulation of 12,500 households. The readership area covers most of Southwestern Ontario, including the cities of London, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Windsor and as far north as the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. CLOSING AND PUBLISHING DATES Huron Church News is published 10 times a year in print (compact/tabloid size on newsprint) and online (hcn.diohuron.org). Closing date: First day of the preceding month. MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS Tabloid Page: 11 3/8”x 16” Column Depth: 14”(5 columns) Column Width: 1 column . . . . 1 7/8” 2 column . . . . 3 15/16” 3 column . . . . . 6” 4 column . . . . . 8 1/16” 5 column . . . . 10 1/8” Supplied ads are required to be PDF Press Ready format with all fonts embedded. NOTE: Colour ads MUST be CMYK. Ensure black text is 100% black, not process black. RATES: Full colour ads Full page . . . . . . $1,235.60 Half page . . . . . . $617.80 Quarter page . . $308.90 Fifth page . . . . . . $247.12 Column inch . . . . $17.65 Inquire about inserts. CPM $100 CONTACT Email to the editor at: huronchurchnews@gmail.com National Display Advertising Rates • Effective September 2015 Issue Lighthouse atTobermory Oh, for goodness snake By Lawrene Denkers It was supposed to be a rou- tine maintenance visit to the church for Bill, a parishioner at St. Matthew’s, Florence. Instead, he saw something both startling and wondrous. An eastern fox snake, about a metre long, was stretched out in the church and raised its head, cobra-like, when Bill walked in. Beyond the rare sight of a snake in a church was the lat- er discovery that eastern fox snakes are so rarely seen in the Carolinian region (southern Huron Diocese) that they are listed as endangered. Milk snakes are also rare- ly seen — in fact are listed as a “special concern.” But a day lat- er, one of them was found coiled on the inside of crossbar of the church cellar door. It was obvious we needed some advice about what to do with them, although both types of snakes are harmless to hu- mans. Fox and milk snakes are species at risk, but so are small rural congregations. The best way to thin us out further was to put it about that the church was full of large-ish snakes. We phoned the St. Clair Re- gion Conservation Authority, who gave us some advice, and the Ministry of Natural Re- sources, who gave us more ad- vice, and a few wildlife experts and mouse control experts, who gave us yet more advice. We called the mouse control experts because it was clear our problem was not snakes, but the mice they had shown up to eat. We learned there are fines up to $1 million and jail time up to five years for killing, capturing or harming either of the two species found in the church. We also learned that dealing with them is fairly easy. Get rid of the mice and the snakes will move along. In our case, they will be apt to move along to the wetlands just metres down the road from the churchyard. The wetlands own- er has been very gracious about accepting them, should we get permission from the conser- vation authority to move them ourselves. At press time, we are wor- shipping for the summer in the parish hall across the road from the church in order to give the snakes time and space to move on. Garden of Eden apple refer- ences are popular. We are looking into safe methods of controlling the mice so we are less attractive to future snakes, endangered or other- wise. The fifth of Huron’s Marks of Mission is “to strive to safe- guard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.” Sometimes that means giving sanctuary to a few snakes. Lawrene Denkers is a member of the Parish of Transfiguration, which includes St. Matthew’s, Florence. Photo by Janice LeBoeuf This milk snake was one of two endangered snakes that took up residence in St. Matthew’s, Florence, this summer. By Jane Buttery A significant historical com- memoration of veterans from the War of 1812 took place on May 23 at the Old Methodist Cemetery beside St Andrew’s, Harrow, and at the Hutchins’ Pi- oneer Cemetery near Lake Erie. This ceremony came about as a result of historical family re- search by Ruth Hutchins Nich- olson and her sister, the late Mary Hutchins. Another sister, Susan Hutchins, a member of St. An- drew’s, asked rector Rev. Jon Forbes to bless the sites. It took two years to arrange this re-dedication, but the fed- eral government recently grant- ed money for veterans’ graves from the War of 1812, with spe- cial plaques being placed at the sites. Each plaque shows the Brit- ish lion defending the Canadian beaver; it also contains a copy of the 1847 medal, which was giv- en to each 1812 veteran. The May 23 ceremony was the first Essex County re-dedi- cation. Two Hutchins ancestors were veterans of the War of 1812, serving initially in the 1st Mili- tia out of Fort Malden. Isaac Ferriss, whose head- stone is at St Andrew’s, partic- ipated in several battles. After the Siege of Detroit, he was a Butler’s Ranger under Capt. William Caldwell in the battles at River Raisin, Maumee and Lundy’s Lane at the early age of 17. He received his medal in 1847. The other ancestor, William Hutchins, a 65-year-old carpen- ter at the navy yard in Amher- stburg in 1812, died in 1832, 15 years before his medal was awarded. He was buried in the lakeside cemetery, where we are told about 43 family burials had been located. It is hoped that more local pioneer sites will be found and acknowledged in Essex County. There will be an ongoing Na- tional Genealogical Database. We had a beautiful sunny af- ternoon for these ceremonies. Three men dressed in peri- od costume participated. One dressed in white as a soldier of the 41st Regiment. Anoth- er came as a member of But- ler’s Rangers, dressed in green. And the captain was a govern- ment official dressed in civilian clothes, such as an Indian inter- preter would have worn. He was acknowledged as a captain and would also have fought. A military salute was given after the national anthems were sung and the plaques were un- veiled. Many of the extended Hutchins family attended and younger members helped unveil the plaques. This was an important event for the Essex County Loyalist Association, in which Ruth and Susan are involved. Altogether, with local history buffs, about 60 people attended. A reception took place after- wards at the Paglione Winery. Jane Buttery is a lay reader at the Parish of Southern Trinity, which includes St. Andrew’s, Harrow. For decades, Huron Church News and the Anglican Journal have partnered to bring stories that matter to you, your parish, your diocese and the national church. Together, we have been at the forefront of providing thoughtful coverage of Anglican, religious and other news, and viewpoints that enrich a Christian life. Whether encouraging a response to a humanitarian need, informing you about new and thriving ministries or helping you make sense of the ever-evolving religious landscape, Huron Church News and the Anglican Journal help spark meaningful conversations and action. This year marks the 140th anniversary of the Anglican Journal. With your help, we can keep the connection and conversation going in both the Journal and Huron Church News. Please fill out and return the enclosed postage-paid donor reply card, or call 416-924-9199, ext. 259. Alternatively, you can email mross@national.anglican.ca or go to www.canadahelps.org to make your gift today. Thank you. Church helps rededicate 1812 graves Parishioners in their 90s given special celebration By Rev. Rob Henderson “Nonagenarian” — I didn’t have a clue what it meant, but I’ll save you opening your Web- ster’s app and tell you that a no- nagenarian refers to someone who is between 90 and 99 years of age. Nonagenarians are preva- lent in the parishes of Huron. Whether they are regular at- tendees or away from parish- es living in seniors’ homes or with families, our nonagenarian brothers and sisters in Christ are an integral part of Jesus’ holy family. They paved the way for the mission and ministry. They are the keepers of many chapters of our parish story. They are the earthen vessels who have car- ried and continue to carry God’s love to the world. So when Mary Bromley of St. James Roseland in Windsor emailed me a few months ago with an idea to celebrate those in the parish who had reached this milestone, the way was pre- pared to celebrate Nonagenari- an Sunday on May 31. Eighteen members of the parish were honoured. Those able to attend were greeted at the door with corsages for the ladies and boutonnieres for the gentlemen. All were ushered to seats of honour in the front pews. (The joke of the day was that it took 90 years, but we fi- nally got some Anglicans in the front row.) All were awarded certificates of appreciation. Through prayers, a sermon about how God has a fondness for calling the aged to God’s service (remember Abraham and Sarah, Elizabeth and Zech- ariah), and an inspiring anthem from the choir, we gave thanks to God for all they have given to us over the years. We visited those who were unable to attend later in the week to present their gifts. Our hope at St. James is that other parishes will use this idea and will set aside time to cele- brate the nonagenarians in their parishes or community. Rev. Rob Henderson is rector of St. James Roseland, Windsor. Those in their 90s at St. James Roseland, Windsor, include, in the front row, left to right, Harry Phillips, Mary Hodgkinson, Ethel Furtaw, and Mack Bower; back row, Roy Bourque, Jean Lindsay, Murray Reed, Marjorie Merrill, and Bill Merrill. Susan and Ruth Hutchins, left, pose at the War of 1812 memorial site in the Hutchins’Pioneer Cemetery with Ken Turner, president of the Essex County Historical Cemeteries Preservation Society, and Linda Iler, president of United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada bicentennial branch. Cafe a new venture in Otterville As we reach out beyond the four walls of the church, we take bold steps of living our faith and expressing our spirituality in a variety of forms. At St. John’s, Otterville, that’s taken the form of St. John’s Café, where the goals are to provide an outreach program of encour- agement, give non-professional caring support to adults 50-plus and provide a drop-in centre for recreation, socialization, re- freshments, and entertainment. Friendship is one of the great- est joys in life, but so many miss out. St. John’s Café focuses on the powerful dynamic of getting people together regularly and providing a great atmosphere for discovering and strengthen- ing relationships. St. John’s Café operates at the church on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. This program is run by volun- teers from St. John’s, including providing light, home-baked refreshments. The number of people who have attended range from 10 to 20, depending on weather and other factors. The first café opened on March 19. Information about it has been shared via posters, newspaper, radio, the church’s website and Facebook, with Facebook being the most suc- cessful advertising. Dianne Clark, the church’s organist, helps to organize the events held at the café. “Where else can you have cof- fee, good food and conversation for free?” Dianne said. “To be happy most humans need social activity, fun, relaxation, to meet new folks, have good conver- sation, and the opportunity to learn what is current and rele- vant for all adults. The café offers this opportunity by designing a place where adults can drop in for this and so much more.” Dianne has arranged for a variety of speakers, including a new chiropractor to the area, a local dowser/water witcher, a chigong instructor, a local wildlife rehabilitor with her pet skunks and a representative from the Alzheimer’s Society. Coming in the future are an up and coming country singer, Reiki instructors, a dietician from the local board of health and a group of square dancers and more. St. John’s Café focuses on the powerful dynamic of getting people together regularly and providing a great atmosphere for discovering and strengthening relationships. Also available throughout the morning is the opportunity to play a game of euchre or other card games or crokinole or to just sit and visit, laugh and share with friends and neighbours. Rev. Jim Carr said the cafe also provides a way for St. John’s to have a larger presence in the community. “We thought there was a need in the community for some- thing,” he said. “We don’t have a seniors’ centre in Otterville. This is a sustainable ministry in our congregation and we are in- credibly grateful to all who give of their time, their money, and their energy in helping us pro- vide for the community. Are you interested in Christianity? Are there aspects of Christian Spirituality you would like to explore? Do you want to increase your Christian knowledge and deepen your faith? Canterbury College can help! Check out the ecumenical and collaborative Licentiate in Theology program at: www1.uwindsor.ca/canterbury/ licentiate-in-theology Fall 2015 Courses: Introduction to the New Testament Living Spirituality through Music II In addition to the café, the congregation decided to offer an onsite foot care clinic, so that those who have difficulty cut- ting their toenails can be looked after by a foot care nurse. The café has been well accept- ed in the community and those who attend look forward to coming back in two weeks’ time. For more information, see www.stjohnsotterville.ca. Stay connected
- 5. S E PT E M B E R 2 0 1 5 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS P A G E 9PAGE 8 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 By Rev. Bill Crosby One of the limitations of out- reach thinking and planning is our relatively wealthy North American perspective. We rare- ly see the priorities that would have the most impact. Earlier this year, St. Augustine of Canterbury, Windsor, target- ed an outreach initiative to sup- port rural development in Tan- zania, specifically for children orphaned by AIDS. The Windsor chapter of the Canadian World Education Foundation (CWEF) and Said- ia Agriculture and Social Care Organization (SASCO) in Tan- zania support a foster-family model, rather than orphanages, as the most effective environ- ment for the children and em- phasizes the empowerment of young women. As a parish we thought we understood the principal need: money for school fees and sup- plies. We were aware that corn was a key source of income to the program. But we didn’t see the critical issue of harvest stor- age to enable the community to sell corn throughout the year, rather than only at harvest time when the commodity is widely available and prices are low. Likewise, other needs never occurred to us: feminine hy- giene kits that enable young women to attend school throughout their menstrual cy- cle and a “kjaj” or small motor- ized van that enables a commu- nity to generate a stable source of funds for the foster families. SowiththehelpoflocalCWEF co-ordinators Rick and Wendy Caron, the parish identified an urgent need: funds to purchase and install a 10,000-bushel corn storage tank in the village of Moshi. The $3,000 was quickly raised by the parish in its largest Lenten project yet. Anglican Church Women Scenes from the ACW Annual April 18, 2015 The worship service packs St. Paul’s Cathedral. Some members of the ACW have a chance to see people they haven’t seen since the previous year’s annual meeting. Keynote speaker Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, with ACW vice-president Brenda Clingersmith, left, and president Catherine Henry. Delegates greet each other over coffee and muffins before the worship service. ACW members design beautiful banners to illustrate distinctive features of their parish or deanery. Here are two examples — from Christ Church, Amherstburg, on the left, and from Delaware on the right. ‘Therapy’comes with flour power At Canon Davis Memori- al Church, Sarnia, the Ladies Guild and one of our wardens have a “therapy session” every Monday morning for approxi- mately 10 months of the year. This gathering makes meat pies — turkey, beef, and shep- herd’s. The process of making these delicious, savoury pies amid humour and laughter gives all some physical and mental ex- ercise and a sense of belonging. The conversations are fun, in- formative and uplifting. The re- sulting product is excellent and, at a reasonable price, sought af- ter by many. Since last September, the group has made more than 3,500 pies. The group is one of the hardest-working, friendliest and fun-loving at Canon Davis Memorial. The “therapy” in belonging to such a fine fellowship of peo- ple is that you don’t want the pie-making to end for the sum- mer but are raring to go and looking forward to meeting up again in the fall to share more good times. Essex Deanery Fall Tea St. Mark’s by the Lake 150 St. Mark’s Ave. St. Clair Beach, Ont. September 26, 2015 12 – 3 p.m. Each church bring one loaf of sandwiches and one pan of baked goods and Donations for the Country Store Preserves, crafts, baked goods, etc. Tea & Coffee will be supplied In Memory London Deanery St. Anne’s, Byron Hilary Davies Marion Curran, left, Pat Wood, John Hayter, Ruth Lavigne, Myrna Andrews, Joan Dew, Jerry Rinker and Carol Spence make meat pies monthly at Canon Davis Memorial Church, Sarnia. Willingness to learn improves outreach A man in Tanzania paints a thank-you to St. Augustine of Canterbury, Windsor, on corn storage tanks that the parish funded as a Lenten project. Anglican Fellowship of Prayer’s Fall Gathering Saturday, October 3, 2015 10am-2pm St Anne’s Byron Praying In Times of Change and Transition with Sister Elizabeth Ann Eckert, SSJD We live in a time constant change and transition of all kinds. Some of these changes we welcome yet others challenge us, unsettle and disturb us on many different levels. We might even have times when we find ourselves wondering how to be faithful in prayer in the middle of the storms of daily living. Join us as Sister Elizabeth Ann shares with us her thoughts and experiences of what it is to live the hope we know as disciples of Jesus gleaned from her many years from both her role as a religious sister and as the Rev’d Mother. Our time together will include both presentation, and practice, discussion and dialogue. Freewill offering to support the ministries of SSJD and the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer. Snacks provided . Please bring a bag lunch. … prayer resources ... … book browsing … ... fellowship... Please register with Rev’d Val Kenyon at: (519) 854-9998; or vvkenyon@rogers.com photo by Evan Agnew St. George’s, London, hosted a sell-out performance on May 14 by The Three Cantors — Rev. Canon Bill Cliff, left, Archdeacon David Pickett and Dean Peter Wall, accompanied by maestro Angus Sinclair.“Just fabulous”,“tremendous evening”, and “a fantastic night”are a sampling of the comments about the concert, which was in support of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund and St. George’s Accessibility Fund. With a wall tumbling down, St. Paul’s Cathedral is seeking financial assistance for a repair that could cost $500,000. The cathedral had about $100,000 to start the work before launching Project Jericho this summer to raise the rest. It has applied to the diocese and other funding groups for grants. It is also asking for donations from others in the diocese. Donations can be sent to St. Paul’s Cathedral, 472 Richmond St., London, ON, N6A 3E6, Attn: Project Jericho. Envelopes dedicated to Project Jericho are also available at the cathedral. All donations will be recognized with an income tax receipt. The success was in large part due to the parish’s clear under- standing of the material need and the benefit of its contri- butions. Upon forwarding the funds, SASCO representative Timothy Massawe — no doubt with the benefit of having cash in hand — negotiated the pur- chase of two tanks, which were installed within the month. The success was in large part due to the parish’s clear understanding of the material need This 2015 Lenten outreach project is a story of education, co-ordination, trust, and belief in an investment that would benefit a far-away future. The needs are many, and often obscure to us. In that regard, we are encouraged to work and wit- ness together so that our world might come to experience God’s love in one little corner, and one little bit at a time. Rev. Bill Crosby is the deacon at St. Augustine of Canterbury, Windsor.
- 6. S E PT E M B E R 2 0 1 5 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS P A G E 1 1PAGE 10 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 By Rev. Canon Linda Nixon On July 5, my co-chair in EnviroAction, Nancy Harvey, and I participated in the March for Jobs, Justice and Climate Action at Queens Park in Toronto. Gathered in that crowd of 10,000 were people from every age — from infants in strollers to the elderly using walkers — and every walk of life — poor and wealthy, healthy and not so healthy, excitable and stoic, many races, creeds, and cul- tures. There were many chants, each for their own cause. But there was one that stood out for me: “This is what democracy looks like! This is what democ- racy looks like!” As I looked back at the crowd, I thought, “Yes and this is what humanity looks like” — each with a need, a concern, a cause, valid in their own right but even more valid as we col- lectively care for one another. Jesus came with a message of hope, that we can make the world a better place with care and compassion. As followers of his, we have choices to make on a daily basis. Some of these choices have consequences that we may never fully understand or even be aware of, but it is becoming abundantly clear that many choices have a negative impact on the wellbeing of others. This is especially true concerning environmental changes that take away the livelihood, health, and status of other human beings. Justice, compassion, and care that will help sustain and renew the earth and its peoples are part of our everyday lives. We are challenged to make a difference every day in all parts of our life, in small ways and in more significant steps. As the committes that make up the Justice League of Huron have been meeting and working together, we have discovered how we overlap. Social justice topics such as reconciliation with indigenous peoples, racism, poverty, and fair wages all intertwine with climate change, which is a major concern of the EnviroAc- tion committee. We come from different per- spectives but have similar goals — the primary one being to live out the commandment to love God with all we are and love our neighbour as ourselves. As we engage in the federal election, it would be helpful to review the two great command- ments, our baptismal covenants and the Marks of Mission. These three statements can be guidelines as we listen to our potential leaders share their vision for our country. The statements can help us formu- late questions and priorities on which we would like our leaders to focus. May we seek the plans and policies that will lead us to a healthy future. Rev. Canon Linda Nixon is co- chair of Huron’s EnviroAction Committee. Jesus sits cross-legged on the ground, enveloped in a blanket. His head is down. We know this is Jesus because his outstretched hand bears the mark of his crucifixion. This statue of a panhandling Jesus is a stark re- minder of God’s love for the most vulnerable in our world. The Gospel stories are likewise filled with invita- tions to justice, compassion, and love. As Christians we have a choice: we can downplay the significance of these messages or take up our cross and act with justice, compassion, and love. Several committees in the Diocese of Huron focus on this challenge, providing tools to assist parishio- ners in living out the Gospel messages. These committees have come together from time to time for support and collaboration. This effort has grown to now include Social Justice Huron, Enviro- Action, Huron Hunger Fund, Lenni Lenape, Algon- kian & Iroquoian Council (LAIC), the Deacons Committee, the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer and the Companion Diocese Committee. We call this group the Justice League of Huron. Recent collaborations have included a prayer con- ference and common contributions to Synod. The Justice League is offering contributions to this edition of the Huron Church News to help parishioners reflect on some of the important issues in the Oct. 19 federal election. Each column comes from the perspective and gift of the individual com- mittees but all carry a hope that parishioners will recognize the Gospels, our baptismal covenant and our Marks of Mission call us to carry our faith into the electoral process — from the questions we ask of candidates to how we cast our votes. Who we are as people of God should not be separate from who we are as Canadians. The Justice League’s prayer as we continue to in this election time is that we all remember the words from Micah (6:8): “God has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Faith and the Ballot Box Faith and the Ballot Box A desk-size version of Tim Schmalz’s sculpture Whatsoever You Do. Marks of Mission communicate our values At our recent Synod, the focus was on the fifth Mark of Mission: To safeguard the integrity of creation and renew and sustain the life of the earth. Over the course of our time together at Synod, we made intentional decisions to reduce our ecological footprint with a minimal waste barbecue and reusable water bottles. We also heard about and reflected on the need to make significant changes to protect the environ- ment for future generations. Throughout Synod, we were reminded that we have a role to play both individually and collectively as we seek to fulfill the challenges of this mark of mission. Faith is lived. The Marks of Mission are shaped by understandings and beliefs stemming from the Gospels and must, in turn, inform our attitudes and behaviours. This includes the way we choose to engage in the federal electoral process in which we now find ourselves. To be able to vote is a gift and an incredible responsi- bility. Each conversation with candidates and representatives, each vote, makes a difference and has the capacity to com- municate our values to those who have offered themselves as leaders in our government. What do we want to see happen in this country in the coming years? What issues do we want to see addressed? In what ways are we prepared to challenge our leaders to ensure that all people are treated with dignity? How will our faith in- fluence how we vote on election day on Oct. 19? Thanks to the committees that make up the Justice League of Huron, this month’s Huron Church News includes a variety of reflections for us to consider during this election campaign. Through these contributions we see once again how the people of Huron care about Aboriginal Peoples, the most vulnerable in our communities, planet Earth, and more. These are important reminders of the ways we live our faith. Each of us has issues about which we are particularly pas- sionate. Now is a good time to further explore these issues and challenge those who would like to lead our country to consider the wider implications of their policies and practices on the environment, the most vulnera- ble and on future generations. This is one way in which we can fulfill the Marks of Mission. This is one way in which we can be a voice crying out in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord. May we each, prayerfully and intentionally, enter into this electoral process in the hopes that by our participation, the results might help to bring our country closer to the teaching of the Gospels and the fulfill- ment of the Marks of Mission. Bishop Bob Bennett Bishop Terry Dance Food for Thought Social Justice Huron Corinthians’ test has become our test By Rev. Chris Brouillard-Coyle “As it is written, ‘The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little’ ” (2 Cor. 8:15). The author of this letter reminds the Corinthians of this saying as a way to highlight the value of fair balance. Underpin- ning this passage is an appeal for the Corinthians to recog- nize the needs of those in Je- rusalem and, knowing they are brothers and sisters in Christ, to be generous in sharing their gifts. The same appeal could be made for brothers and sisters in our communities and beyond. We recognize there are those who struggle, unable to provide for their basic needs. So we respond to human need with loving service, offering food and clothing that have been donated by those who have an abundance. These are important minis- tries that make a difference in the lives of those in need. But can we honestly say that what we have donated and the work we have done have helped ensure “the one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little”? Recent estimates sug- gest the top 100 CEOs in Canada earn 195 times more than the average worker and 237 times more than the aver- age working woman. Meanwhile, those who visit food banks, cloth- ing cupboards, and meal programs include people who work full-time all year, but because they earn less than a living wage, can’t fully support themselves. Imagine the frustration of working hard but still having to ask for help? Imagine, on top of full-time work, having to continually worry about paying bills, providing stability for your children, and ensuring there is food to eat? Is this a fair balance? Do those who have much not have too much and those who have little not have too little? At what point are we willing to ask why there continues to be those in need and then choose to work to transform the unjust structures of society? A federal election is coming on Oct. 19. Political parties have begun to make policy promises. As Christians, we are called to consider the extent to which these promises benefit not only ourselves but also the most vulnerable in our society. Do these policies seek to ensure there is a fair balance? If not, what other options exist? Guaranteed income supple- ments could provide financial stability for all. For more infor- mation, search the Internet for “Mincome” to find out how one Canadian town nearly eliminat- ed poverty. To those who worry that increasing minimum wage to a living wage will cost jobs, yes, some jobs may be lost, but some will be gained as statistics have shown that raises at the lowest end of the pay scale are the most likely to translate into increased spending locally. There are a variety of social benefits if we ensure those who have little do not have too little. Statistics show the stress of financial insecurity has dra- matic implications on health, education, and victimization. Imagine how much could be saved in health-care costs, how education could improve and criminal costs be reduced if more people had a sense of financial security? There are also moral reasons to ensure a fair balance. Our baptismal covenant says the candidate will “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.” One way to respect the dignity of the most vulnerable in our society is to challenge those structures that perpetuate imbalance. The letter to the Corinthians also says, “I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of oth- ers. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:8-9). Like the Corinthians so long ago, we are being tested. How much do we truly love our brothers and sisters? Are we willing to show that love in the way that we participate in the electoral process? Will we ask questions of candidates about the ways in which they will ensure that those who have much do not have too much and those who have little do not have too little? Will we vote for those who commit to doing what is right not only for ourselves but for the least of these who are our sisters and brothers? Rev. Chris Brouillard-Coyle is co-chair of Social Justice Huron. EnviroAction Committee All concerns flow from Jesus’ message of compassion “Our march was worship. I felt my legs were praying,”said a leader of the March for Jobs, Justice and Climate Action, in which EnviroAction members and others from Huron took part. Prayer practices come in endless variety by Rev. Andreas Thiel How many different ways of praying are there? This is not a trick question. The answer is that there are likely as many ways of praying as there are people on the face of this planet, while each prayer is interwoven with particular life situations. In short, there is an endless variety of ways to pray. The Anglican Fellowship of Prayer serves to encourage us all to consider how we pray, and how it is that through prayer, we attend to our rela- tionships with God and the surrounding world. “Going Broader . . .Going Deeper” was the theme of this year’s Bishop of Huron’s Prayer Conference, presented in May by the Huron branch of the AFP. The conference, host- ed by our generous partners at Church of the Ascension, London, drew about a hundred people from across our diocese. In our time together, we explored a variety of prayer practices: Lectio Divina, Walking the Labyrinth, Prayer and Fasting, and Prayerfully Imagining the Scriptures. For some participants, the conference offered an intro- duction to something new; for others, the presentations were an opportunity to share person- al experiences and insights with others. We came away as enriched people, perhaps ready to try something different in our prayer lives. The diocesan AFP, under the leadership of Rev. Val Kenyon, has always felt wonderfully supported by our bishops, and it was Bishop Terry Dance who brought us special greetings. Bishop Terry spoke about some of his past personal challenges and how it was that through prayer, and especial- ly the knowledge that other individuals were praying on his behalf, that he discovered the strength to persevere through those challenges. Bishop Terry commended us all in our ministry of prayer, and the commissioning of AFP parish reps from around the diocese provided a meaningful way of lifting up their dedicated efforts. The AFP’s presence was also felt at this year’s diocesan Synod. Gathered at the London Convention Centre for numer- ous agenda items, all delegates were invited to participate in a “prayer wall.” Prayers, written on sticky notes, were placed on a large board to one side of the main platform. At regular in- tervals, we paused for moments of prayer over these bits of pa- per. Together, they represented some of the deepest hopes that we have for ourselves, our loved ones, our diocesan family, and the world. “Dear Lord, grant us clarity and comfort and strength . . . to do what is right.” — from Synod“prayer wall” As we move beyond the con- ference and Synod, we will no doubt encounter many other occasions to lift our prayers heavenward. Perhaps this one, simple prayer — posted to the prayer wall — might serve as a starting point for us all, wher- ever we find ourselves: “Dear Lord, grant us clarity and comfort and strength . . . to do what is right.” Rev. Andreas Thiel is an executive member of the diocesan Anglican Fellowship of Prayer and rector of St. Matthew’s, Windsor. Delegates to Synod were invited to write prayers on sticky notes and attach them to a“prayer wall”, a section of which is shown here, creating a colourful compendium of hopes. Anglican Fellowship of Prayer
- 7. S E PT E M B E R 2 0 1 5 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS P A G E 1 3PAGE 12 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 Rhetorical landmines lie in shallow thinking Some language, especially religious language, not only fails the test of pragmatism but also can leave one feeling skeptical, if not completely turned off. Some would call it rhetoric — at its best, eloquent and pointed; at its worst, insincere and shallow. I was watching a show de- picting a community baptism in a cold river. A 13-year-old boy was immersed while the pastor pronounced, “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. You have died to your Wondering What It’s All About? Licentiate in Theology LTh courses are also available individually to all. No previous study required. Fall 2015 God & the Problem of Evil with Jeremy Frost Why does a good God permit evil? As we reflect on this age- old question, we will familiarize ourselves with Classical Christian and Enlightenment writers’ attempts to answer this question. Dates/Time: Wednesdays, Sept. 16 - Oct. 28, 6:30-9:30 pm Cost: $300; At Huron. More details online. LTh Systematic Theology, Part II with Rev. Janet Anstead Explore the development of selected theological expressions from the Reformation to today. Completion of Part I preferred but not necessary. Dates/Time: Tuesdays, Oct. 13 – Nov. 17; 6:30-9:30 pm Cost: $300; At Huron. More details online. LTh Bible Studies, Part II with Dr. Murray Watson Completion of Part I preferred but not necessary. Dates/Time: Saturdays, Nov. 14 – Dec. 5, 10 am - 12 pm and 1 – 3 pm Cost: $300; At Huron. More details online. Coming in Winter 2016 LTh Homiletics Leadership Religion & Nature LTh courses also available at Canterbury College, Windsor & Renison Institute of Ministry, Waterloo For More Information about the LTh & To Register for Courses www.huronuc.ca/conted Faculty of Theology, Huron University College 1349 Western Road, London, Ontario N6G 1H3 519.438.7224, ext. 289; srice@uwo.ca • Interested in deepening your knowledge of discipleship? • Contemplating Ordained or Diaconal Ministry? • Seeking deeper understanding of expressions of faith in this world? • Or simply interested in further education for personal development? old life and have arisen to a new life.” When later interviewed, the 13-year-old said, “It was the most wonderful experience of my life. I have died to my old life and I have been raised to a new life.” The impressionable teenag- er’s half-grin made me uneasy. I couldn’t fail but to judge the influence of the crowd milling about him. And his repeating the pastoral language, word for word, stirred in me an awkward concern. Language — especially reli- gious or theological language — can be like that. A bunch of words spread too thinly on life. Though such rhetoric may arise from sincere devotion and be stated with great enthusi- asm, it can fail at having much substance, and by its often inti- mate yet vague undertones pro- voke a self-conscious unease. I use the word “intimate” be- cause much rhetoric, especially religious rhetoric, intends guid- ance, often wanting to touch us at a deeply personal level. An example many of us have experienced is being unexpect- edly confronted with the often insistent, “Have you been born again?” The vagueness of the question, and the deeply per- sonal intention behind it, can provoke a desire to be some- where else. I have come to feel comfort- able with the liturgical formats of my church, and most of the language used to describe the “mystery of faith” (more rhet- oric). However, I dare say that many newcomers find some phrases and wording in our creeds, prayers and eucharistic rites provoke a disconnected awkwardness. Rhetoric is everywhere. When it’s working, it conveys a message not otherwise easily communicated. Unfortunately at other times it can, as one philosopher said, “disturb the clarity of rational thought.” And in our well-educated, well-connected, post-(post-) modern world, there is an in- creasing demand for churches and other such person-centred institutions to express them- selves with rational clarity. I like rhetoric; we all like a bit of rhetoric. It tickles our senses and rolls smoothly off the tongue, but if we want our mes- sage understood and accepted, we must, at times, go deeper. For those of us in the church, this becomes an evangelical necessity, especially when conveying our religious notions and theological concepts, such as the Trinity, being reborn in the spirit, and many sacramen- tal symbols. The use of rhetoric, and in- deed the acceptance of rheto- ric, does not need one to fully understand the principles (and underlying agendas) involved. But it is good that in these days people are skeptical of institutional rhetoric and are demanding greater account- ability. And I do pray the above-mentioned 13-year-old has come to know the real heart of being “born anew” (in its deeply psycho-social pragma- tism). If not, he may become foolishly entrenched within a community-driven fog of obscurity. As I see it, rhetoric can open our minds to possibilities by engaging us in a provocative dance. However, when the rhetoric itself becomes the fact of the matter, it can fuel shallow devotion and elicit or trigger energy that will backfire. Rev. Jim Innes is the rector of St. John’s Church in St. Thomas. Rev.jiminnes@gmail.com Rev. Jim Innes As I See It Appointments Bishop Bob Bennett has ap- pointed: Rev. Michael DeKay as asso- ciate priest of St. Paul’s Cathe- dral effective June 1. Mike was previously assistant curate at the cathedral. Rev. Sharla Malliff as interim priest-in-charge of All Saints’, Waterloo, effective July 1. Sharla was previously assistant curate at All Saints’ and Holy Saviour, Waterloo. Rev. Grayhame Bowcott as rector of St. George’s, Clarks- burg, effective Sept. 1. Gray- hame was previously rector of the Regional Ministry of South Huron (St. Anne’s Mission, Port Franks; St. John’s-by-the-Lake, Grand Bend; and Trivitt Memo- rial Church, Exeter). Rev. Andrew Wilson as rec- tor of St. John’s, Leamington, effective Sept. 1. Andrew was previously associate priest for the South Huron Regional Min- istry. Rest in Peace Phyllis (Emberley) Fuller, mother of Rev. David Fuller of the Anglican Parish of Rondeau Bay died on June 1. Phyllis, 83, was the beloved wife of Rev. H. Douglas T. Fuller for 63 years. A private service was held on June 5. Rozelle Vokes (nee Col- lins), wife of Stephen Vokes and sister of Rev. Michelle Collins-Wongkee, died on June 25. A celebration of Ro- zelle’s life was held June 29 with Rev. Elise Chambers officiating Doreen Hutchens, 91, of Oneida, grandmother of Rev. Rosalyn Elm, assistant curate of St. Paul’s Cathedral, died peace- fully on June 28. The funeral service was held on June 29 at Zion, Oneida, with Rev. Canon Gaye Whippey officiating. Diane Woolley, wife of Rev. Paul Woolley, died July 5. The funeral was held on July 10 at All Saints, Sarnia. Right Rev. Terry Dance officiated, assisted by Rev. Canon Stephen Harna- dek and Rev. Mary Belnap. Jean Dodd (nee Ptolemy), widow of Rev. Percy Dodd, died July 18. Rev. Percy was ordained in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle in 1953 and came on the strength of Huron in 1960. He served the parishes of St. Stephen’s, Dut- ton, and Grace Church, West Lorne; St. John’s, Thamesford, and Christ Church, Lakeside; the Parish of Chatsworth; and St. George’s, Windsor. The fu- neral took place on July 22 at St. Philip’s, Walters Falls. Ruth Polley, mother of Mari- lyn Wickerson and mother-in- law of Rev. Peter Wickerson, retired, died July 22. The funeral was held July 25 in the chapel of the A. Millard George Funeral Home, London. Anne Pizzey, 94, mother of Rev. Doug Pizzey, died July 26. The funeral was held July 30 at St. Mark’s, Brantford. Donald Broadfoot, brother of Archdeacon James Broadfoot, died July 27 surrounded by his loving family. The funeral was held on July 30 in Stratford. Pastoral Progressions Archbishop Colin Johnson Thank you for learning more about the Ecclesiastical Province and Provincial Synod of Ontario. This insert will give you a brief overview of what we do as the Anglican Church beyond your diocese in this part of Ontario and Quebec. I’ve been the Metropolitan of the Province, or senior bishop, for six years, chairing the triennial Synod, the twice-yearly Executive Council and the House of Bishops. Because of a closer alignment of civil and church boundaries than most of the other ecclesiastical provinces, we have taken a very active role in engaging with the civil government on a number of issues, ranging from policies on human rights regulations, water, heritage buildings, accessibility, and oversight of cemeteries, to advocacy for poverty reduction, social housing and chaplaincy services. We have developed a good rapport with our elected officials and civil servants, in cooperation with other major denominations, not only for our own benefit but to contribute to the well- being of the people of our province. A key strategy has been to find ways of cooperating across diocesan boundaries to share resources and avoid duplication. Communications, training programs, theological education, human resources, financial management, and legal expertise are areas of consultation. The Province’s bishops also consider together strategic issues facing the Church today and take considerable leadership in bringing these before the national House of Bishops. The triennial Synod of the Province meets in Toronto this year, with the theme “Reimagining the Church in the Public Square.” The Anglican Church has always been engaged with its wider community, both formally in its connections with the civil leaders but also through our members who have served on countless boards, agencies and acts of service that have helped establish and maintain the well-being of our society. For a time we were a dominant, sometimes even dominating, voice. Recognizing the changes in our culture, we both voluntarily drew back, and sometimes were sidelined, in an attempt to accommodate the growing multifaith complexity of our province. For a while, equal treatment of faith traditions was achieved by studiously ignoring religious views in public discussion. But that can’t be done. Religious values undergird and inform the very heart of how people of faith understand the world and our place in it. Our baptismal vows include a very public dimension: “Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbour as yourself? Will you strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being? Will you safeguard the integrity of creation and respect, maintain and renew the face of the Earth?” So this year we will look at the theological background to our call to engage in the welfare of our society. We will hear politicians’ take on it. We will explore ministries that are actively involved in direct service, policy development and advocacy. We will learn how the seven dioceses engage in their own setting. And we will pray for our neighbourhoods to God who “by your holy prophet taught your ancient people to pray for the welfare of the cities in which they lived” (BAS p. 690). Archbishop Colin Johnson is the Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario. He is the bishop of the dioceses of Toronto and Moosonee. ‘Our baptismal vows include a very public dimension’ Much like diocesan synods, Provincial Synod gathers to review what we have already done and look forward to what more we are called to do. Much of our work is to continue ... • facilitating a sharing of resources and ideas, for the benefit of our dioceses, so those engaged in specific ministries in their diocese can benefit from the experiences of others. • overseeing the Advisory Committee of Postulants for Ordination, as part of the discernment process for those feeling called to ordained ministry. • supporting and promoting the work of OPCOTE (the Ontario Provincial Commission of Theological Education), which gathers representatives from around the province who are engaged in theological education. • working with the provincial secretariat, a small body with representatives from each of the political parties in the legislature, who engage in issues of justice and to help them stay connected with the grassroots. Provincial Synod also serves as a forum for delegates to reflect on where we focus our time and Looking forward energy over the next three years. With its theme of “Reimagining the Church in the Public Square,” synod will have no shortage of ideas and conversations as to where we believe the Spirit is calling us to go. The Rev. Canon Rob Towler is Prolocutor of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario Provincial Synod performs a lot of work on your dioceses’ behalf such as bringing stakeholders together around the table. OPCOTE The Ontario Provincial Commission on Theological Education (OPCOTE) meets twice a year. It brings leadership from the theological colleges and dioceses together to discuss mutual concerns. Provincial Synod provides significant grants to the theological colleges of our Province. SHARING IDEAS AND RESOURCES In the past three years, we have hosted meetings of executive officers, financial officers and communications officers to share ideas and resources and to develop recommended policies and procedures. ADVOCACY & REGULATION Provincial Synod Council meets twice a year and hears reports and makes recommendations on a number of matters affecting the Anglican Church in Ontario. This has included advocacy on issues of justice, government legislation and regulation on chaplaincy, cemeteries, heritage matters, and water usage. INTER-GOVERNMENTAL Provincial Synod employs two executive officers who do much of the inter-governmental work between meetings of the Council and Synod. The Provincial Secretariat is an important group with representatives from each of the political parties in the legislature. It works with the Provincial Synod’s executive officers to ensure that matters of concern to the church are directed to the appropriate government officials. In the last provincial election, Provincial Synod facilitated the “I’m Voting for a Poverty Free Ontario” campaign. This included lawn signs, press releases and social media postings. Triennial Provincial Synod: what is it exactly? Rev. Canon Rob Towler Reimagining the Church in the Public Square Provincial Synod Special Insert Provincial Synod 2015 The Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario includes the dioceses of: • Moosonee • Algoma • Huron • Niagara • Toronto • Ontario • Ottawa Archbishop Colin Johnson. Photo - Michael Hudson.
- 8. S E PT E M B E R 2 0 1 5 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS P A G E 1 5PAGE 14 ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 Reimagining the ChuRCh in the PubliC SquaRePage 2 SEPTEMBER 2015 ECCLESIASTICAL PROVINCE AND PROVINCIAL SYNOD OF ONTARIO Page 3SEPTEMBER 2015 Ven. Dr. Harry Huskins The Provincial Synod meets every three years. The work done between those sessions is guided by the priorities set by the Synod and its Council. From 2012 to 2015, those priorities were: Advocacy Social Advocacy Housing and child poverty have been our key areas of focus.We have continued our long-standing work of building relationships in the area of social advocacy with government and other groups working to better our society. Our partner in this has been the Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition (ISARC), to which we provide one of our largest funding grants. We are represented on this coalition of more than 20 Christian churches and faith groups by Murray MacAdam. Government Relations Decisions made by the Ontario government and its agencies touch the lives of our parishes and ministries every day. Wherever possible, our discussions with government have been done in collaboration with the Lutheran, Roman Catholic and United churches in the Province. Examples of these discussions with government include: • the Ontario Human Rights Commission and its re-writing of its poli- cies on creed and conflict- ing rights; •the government’s reorgani- zation of cemeteries and the creation of the new Bereavement Authority of Ontario and our represen- tation on it; • the Ontario Heritage Trust and how its policies affect our buildings and what we can do with them; • the new College of Psycho- therapists and how much control it will have over what our clergy and laity do in our pastoral work; • on-going conversations with all three political parties about other mat- ters of concern to Angli- cans in Ontario. Education & Vocations Our Commission on Theological Education (OPCOTE) brings together representatives of our theological colleges, dioceses and bishops and enables them to work collaboratively to improve the quality of theological education in Ontario. The commission has donated more than $350,000 to our colleges over the last three years from money contributed by our dioceses. We are continuing to help our dioceses in their work of encouraging Anglicans to undertake new lay and ordained ministry. The national church’s Advisory Committee on Postulants for Ordination (ACPO) plays a central role in this. ACPO enables those studying for ordination and trained assessors to come together for weekend discernment sessions that provide the candidates, dioceses and bishops with guidance about these potential ordained ministries. These ACPO sessions take place once a year in the rest of Canada, but our Provincial Synod provides $12,000 of funding to enable these to take place twice a year in Ontario. This is our single largest program expense. Sharing of Resources There are seven dioceses in our Province and every day they deal with many of the same opportunities and problems. Our Provincial Priorities:Provincial Synod prepares to set agenda for next three years 1 The Provincial Task Group on Communications was asked to consult with the individual dioceses, and then consider and make recommendations on matters such as: • the future of our diocesan newspapers and the potential for developing shared regional newspapers; • social media policy; • public relations. The task group has meet three times. The members are: Algoma: Kelly Baetz, Huron: Rob Towler, Moosonee: Deborah Lonergan-Freake, Niagara: Bill Mous, Ontario: Mark Hauser, Ottawa: Stephanie Boyd, Toronto: Stuart Mann, Chair: Andy Chisholm. The complete report and other documents can be found on the Provincial Synod Website at http:// province-ontario.anglican. ca/communications.htm. COMMUNICATIONS better sharing of resources Moosonee Our last Provincial Synod session reorganized the Diocese of Moosonee. This has been very successful, bringing renewed vitality to its mission and ministry along with financial stability. Theological Education Our seven theological colleges work together with our dioceses to provide some of the best lay and ordained education and training in the world, through our Ontario Provincial Commission on Theological Education (OPCOTE). Ordination Discernment Some of the hardest decisions in our Christian life have to be made by those who feel called to the ordained ministry and the dioceses and bishops who have to decide who should be ordained and become members of our clergy. Our Provincial Synod makes its largest single funding grant to the Advisory Committee on Postulants for Ordination (ACPO), which plays a key role in this discernment. Human Rights Our Provincial Synod has taken the lead for the Anglican, Roman Catholic and United churches in discussions with the Ontario Human Rights Commissions in its first re-writing of its Policy on Creed and the Accommodation of Religious Observances since the policy was put into place in 1996. The Anglican Church in Ontario was one of the key movers in pressing for the establishment of the Human Rights Commission in 1961. Heritage Buildings Our Provincial Synod is in discussions with the Ontario Heritage Trust about its policies and their effect on our buildings. The Christian churches are the second largest holder of heritage-designated properties in Ontario. We are working jointly with the Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and United churches in these discussions that seek to preserve our heritage buildings for generations to come, while at the same time enabling us to adapt them to better ministry uses such as Out of the Cold, youth ministry, elder support and other programs. Anti-spam legislation We discussed new federal anti-spam legislation and circulated in our interim report a document previously shared with the House of Bishops on this matter. Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) requires all organizations that send “commercial electronic messages (CEM)” to obtain either express or implied consent of the recipient. The legislation is not of significant concern as most messages our churches send do not fall into the CEM category, but advertising for an event or selling a product or service would normally fall within the definition of a CEM. Many free electronic newsletter services are available to help meet these requirements of the legislation, with MailChimp being among the most popular and used by many faith groups, like the Anglican Church of Canada and KAIROS for their monthly communications. Social media policy We spent considerable time Rev. Canon Andrew Chisholm HIGHLIGHTS DID YOU KNOW: “Ienvision a church engaged with the culture and context that it finds itself in. We need to join where God is already at work in the world. We serve the world God loves. We don’t hide from it.” — The Rev. Jon Martin (Diocese of Ottawa) [Not a delegate to Provincial Synod] “Isee the church’s community expanding to include whole neighbourhoods and the church’s building as a foundation all people associate with acceptance and belonging.” — Erica Howes (Diocese of Ottawa) [Not a delegate to Provincial Synod] “As Anglicans in a non-Anglican world, the language of church can sometimes be overwhelming for non-Anglicans and non-Christians. A revisiting process doesn’t have to involve changing our parishes but rather how our identity and message are received by others. This will keep the church centered on ministry, clear and focussed liturgies, and prayerful communication.” — Meg Stewart (Diocese of Ottawa) [Not a delegate to Provincial Synod] “Although it seems somewhat heretical coming from someone who has worked for the Anglican Church all of his life, I think that reimagining the church in our culture today requires us to come forward with what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ first and foremost - and only then a member of the Anglican Church” — David Embury (Diocese of Huron), Lay Member “Idon’t think there is one answer to the question. It is going to depend on the circumstances that present themselves. Each situation is unique and may /will change depending on the issues in each parish and diocese. We need to be open to the Holy Spirit to see what that looks like. Some may close and others may thrive. I fear that some may see it only their way and not be open to the changes required.” — Canon David Ricketts (Diocese of Niagara), Lay Member STREET TALK: what does ‘Reimagining the Church in the Public Square’ look like to you? Synod helps them work together on many of these so that they are more effective in what they are doing and can lower the costs involved. Over the last three years, we have: • brought our bishops and senior diocesan staff together to talk about and plan this kind of coopera- tion; • brought our diocesan human resources staff together to discuss how best to help each other in their work and to dis- cuss this with lawyers who specialize in this field. As a result, our smaller dioceses that cannot afford their own human resources staff can now consult with the fulltime experts working in our larger dioceses; • brought the senior dioc- esan staff together twice a year to talk about new ideas that are working to strengthen and develop our ministries and solutions to the common problems they are facing. The Ven. Dr. Harry Huskins is Executive Officer, The Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario. 2 3 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 “ on social media policy. We discussed best practices as well success stories in our dioceses. Some dioceses and bishops are active in social media (Algoma, Moosonee, Niagara, Ontario, Toronto), some dioceses and bishops make almost no use of social media (Huron, Ottawa). A summary is below. There are a number of social media policies for dioceses available online. We found the Toronto policy for Synod Office staff to be helpful as well as the Diocese of Bath and Wells guidelines for parishes and individuals. These are posted on Provincial Synod website communications page. We also provided a summary of what each of the dioceses were doing in using social media. The Rev. Canon Andrew Chisholm is Communications, Honorary Clerical Secretary, and Web Manager for Provincial Synod.
- 9. PAGE 16 ANGLICANDIOCESE OF HURON CHURCH NEWS S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 Page 4 SEPTEMBER 2015Reimagining the ChuRCh in the PubliC SquaRe Rev. Canon Andrew Chisholm Provincial Synod does a lot of work on your behalf. One of the most important things we do is bring stakeholders together around the table. The Ontario Provincial Commission on Theological Education (OPCOTE) meets twice a year. It brings leadership from the theological colleges and dioceses together to discuss mutual concerns. Provincial Synod provides significant grants to the theological colleges of our Province. In the past three years, we have hosted meetings of executive officers, financial officers and communications people to share ideas and resources and to develop recommended policies and procedures. Provincial Synod Council meets twice a year and hears reports and makes recommendations on a number of matters affecting the Anglican Church in Ontario. This has included advocacy on issues of justice, government legislation and regulation on chaplaincy, cemeteries, heritage matters, and water usage. Provincial Synod employs two executive officers who do much of the inter- governmental work between meetings of the Council and Synod. The Provincial Secretariat is an important group with representatives from each of the political parties in the legislature. It works with the Provincial Synod’s executive officers to ensure that matters of concern to the church are directed to the appropriate government officials. In the last provincial election, Provincial Synod facilitated the “I’m Voting for a Poverty Free Ontario” campaign. This included lawn signs, press releases and social media postings. The Rev. Canon Andrew Chisholm is Communications, Honorary Clerical Secretary, and Web Manager for Provincial Synod. Triennial Provincial Synod What it does and how you can get involved How to Get Involved and Contact Information You can get involved in the Provincial Synod by speaking to your delegate about what you think our priorities should be as we move forward. You are welcome to contact any of the officers of Synod about matters of concern to you. For inter-governmental affairs, we recommend contacting the Ven. Dr. Harry Huskins, who does the bulk of that work on our behalf. Metropolitan The Most Rev. Colin Johnson, Archbishop of Ontario The Diocese of Toronto 135 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, ON, M5C 1L8 Telephone: (416) 363-6021/1-800-668-8932 ext. 250 Prolocutor The Rev. Canon Rob Towler Telephone: 519-743-0911 Email: robtowler@rogers.com Executive Officers The Ven. Dr. Harry Huskins The Ontario Provincial Synod Box 1168, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 5N7 Telephone: (705) 256-5061 Email: provsyn@soonet.ca The Rev. Susan DeGruchy The Ontario Provincial Synod 385 Lake George Road East, Echo Bay, ON, P0S 1C0 Telephone: (705) 248-1546 Email: micah6.8@vianet.ca The Rev. Canon Andrew Chisholm Telephone: (613) 548-7254 Email: achisholm@ontario.anglican.ca Honorary Lay Secretary Mr. Garry Barker Telephone: (807) 622-1176 Email: gbarker@tbaytel.net) The Provincial Synod will meet for its 35th session In Toronto from Wednesday, Oct. 14 to Friday, Oct. 16. The session will be held at St. Paul’s, Bloor Street in Toronto. Registration will take place from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The election of the Metropolitan (Archbishop) will take place on the Wednesday morning, with an installation service on the Thursday night. The business sessions will include an update on the success of the reorganization of the Diocese of Moosonee and debate over what the priorities should be for the Synod’s work in the next three years. Further information on registration, accommodation and the agenda can be found on the Provincial website: http://province-ontario.anglican.ca. MEETING INFORMATION HISTORY The Ontario Provincial Synod was created in 1912 when the old Province of Canada was divided in two, becoming the present day ecclesiastical provinces of Ontario and Canada. The old Province had come into being in 1861 and included the dioceses of Toronto, Huron and Ontario, along with Montreal and Quebec. The dioceses of Fredericton and Nova Scotia joined a few years later. The dioceses of Niagara (1875), Ottawa (1896), and Algoma (1873) were added later when they were created. The Diocese of Moosonee was transferred from the Province of Rupert’s Land to Ontario in 1935. The focus of the old Province’s work was its Domestic and Foreign Mission Society and its Woman’s Auxiliary. With the establishment of the General Synod in 1893 and the transfer to it of this work, much of the reason for the old Province’s existence was lost. The dioceses in the civil Province of Ontario wanted to re-focus their efforts on social reform work at the legislature in Toronto but, understandably, the dioceses in Quebec and the Maritimes were not very interested in this. This tension led to the division of the old Province in 1912. Bishop James Sweeny summed this up in his Charge to the 1914 Toronto Synod: “The formation of the Provincial Synod of Ontario has made it possible for us to deal more effectively as respecting the Church in this Province.” ELECTION OF THE METROPOLITAN The Metropolitan is the senior bishop of the Province and carries the title of Archbishop. The Metropolitan is the president of the Provincial Synod, its Provincial Council, and of the Ontario House of Bishops, and presides at the election of other bishops. Canon II of the Province’s constitution establishes a six-year term for the Office of Metropolitan, and only diocesan bishops are eligible for election. Our present Metropolitan is Archbishop Colin Johnson. Canon II provides that a present Metropolitan may be nominated for re-election by any member of the Synod. The election is by a secret ballot in two orders with the bishops and clergy voting together in one order and the laity in the other. A majority in both orders is needed for an election. Communications, Honorary Clerical Secretary and Web Manager Social Media and Website Twitter: @ontanglicans Website: http://province-ontario.anglican.ca/