By Diana HuttonEditor

“We keep talking about evan-gelism, so let’s go out and

do it,” said Bishop Ralph Spenceemphatically. “Invite your neighbours,families and friends to come with you toa service on Pentecost Sunday.”

Pentecost Sunday is May 15.The bishop said he wants to see the

move from “talking to doing.”“My hope is yes, we’ve been able to

talk about evangelism but here is some-thing practical we can all do.”

In his April editorial in the NiagaraAnglican, Bishop Ralph wrote:

“I am ... challenging all of us to livein a world of action ... on this day whenwe celebrate the aliveness of God’sSpirit in our midst.”

Pentecost is often seen as the day thatgave birth to the Christian Church.

Resources for the Pentecost Sunday

challenge are available on the diocesanwebsite www.niagara.anglican.ca underEvangelism.

Canon Michael Patterson, director ofevangelism, has assembled an easy-to-follow and effective plan for parishesinterested in taking the Pentecost chal-lenge.

Resources availableHis resource kit includes suggestions

for homilies, hospitality notes, bulletinsand more to encourage parishes to takeon the challenge. Visit http://www.niag-ara.anglican.ca/Evangelism/pentecost.cffor more information.

“I am asking rectors and parish staffs

to prepare for this day, to open ourparish doors with marvelous celebra-tions and welcoming homilies,” BishopRalph wrote.

“Make certain that our hospitality isthe best that it has ever been.

I am asking our parishioners to do theevangelizing. Invite your son, daughter,mother, aunt, neighbour, friend or evensomeone who is difficult to join us forthis special celebration. A few will turnus down, but many will not.

“Welcome them with open hearts andshow them the best of Anglicanism.

“What a day this could be in our localchurch!”

Pentecost Sunday challenge

Vol. 59, No. 9 May 2005

Evangelism,change andthe futureThe following interview with retired dioscean BishopJohn Bothwell was conducted by The Reverend CanonMichael Patterson, Director of Evangelism

MP: Bishop Bothwell, when you heard that evan-gelism was a priority within the diocese and BishopRalph Spence was committed to hiring a directorresponsible exclusively for evangelism, what wasyour initial thought?

+Bothwell: As a previous diocesan bishop, I knewwhat the present bishop was experiencing; feelingpressures from a variety of places, seeking to realize avision of a new Church in a new millennium.

I had been appointed years ago, by Bishop WalterBagnall, as the Canon Missioner of the diocese, a rolenot that much different than what I believe the direc-tor would be today. However the atmosphere haschanged. The role would be perceived differently bydifferent people; the evangelicals would expect onething and the liberals would expect another and the laypeople would be more concerned with local issues sono one would really know what this role would entail.

I think what Bishop Spence was saying was thatthis new emphasis on evangelism would be a programand support type job to enable people to do their min-istry, rather than an outreach or literal evangelism rolegoing out and filling the churches.

This role would be to prepare churches to receivenew people, encourage them to be invitational andhelp them to offer the gospel in new ways.

MP: In 1985 you wrote your book, “Taking Risks andKeeping the Faith”. There have been many changeswithin our Church over the past 20 years?

+Bothwell: Yes, and in the 20 years prior to that, therewere more changes than in the prior 50. Change accel-erates. That’s its nature

How healthyis your parish?By JIM NEWMAN

The recent development of a Parish AssessmentTool by the Bishop’s Task Force on Parish

Viability has raised numerous questions about how toensure that parishes are spiritually vibrant, outwardlooking, and financially stable.

A Parish Health Check List developed by theDiocesan Mission Strategy and Planning Committee,which can be found on page 2, identifies numerouscharacteristics of a healthy parish.

The check list is not intended to tabulate specificfindings or statistics but to prompt meaningful discus-sion among parish leaders and set short term goals tomeet ministry needs.

It is suggested that a diocesan staff member ortrained volunteer parish consultant be enlisted to helpensure that the discussion considers all of the issues.

See HEALTHY PARISH / page 2

See TIMES / page 6

Bishop s Itinerary.. .....12Deadlines.................... 4Editorial........................4

Getting to Know You.. ..11People In News............. 9Viewpoints......................5

May 2005

By DIANA HUTTONEditor

‘I thought I lost my life and now Ifeel like I’m getting my life

back,” said a tearful and relievedSaadia Hetaj on her return to CanadaApril 14.

The deported Hamilton womanarrived at Pearson International

Airport with her son, Hetem (Timmy)to the waiting embrace of their hus-band and father, Suad.

They had last seen and held eachother on January 29.

“I’m so happy to be back,” Saadiasaid. “I want to say thank you to somany people.”

Archdeacon Rick Jones, whoseparish, The Church of the Resurrection

in Hamilton, was instrumental insecuring Saadia’s return, said hecouldn’t believe his eyes.

“I just had to come, I had to seeher,” he said tearfully.

Saadia was deported to Morocco,when her claim for refugee status wasdenied. A claim to stay on compas-sionate grounds became mired in redtape with a change in immigrationministers. Before the claims could besorted out, Saadia ran out of time.

Archdeacon Jones and parishionerKevin Beattie worked tirelessly withpoliticians, government officials andbureaucrats, while a prayer team at thechurch prayed in earnest.

“we worked as a prayerful team andnow, she’s home!” said Nancy Clause,parishioner and rector’s warden. “Wehave much to celebrate – five yearsyoung on May 8, Hetem’s birthday onMay 5 and of course the victory ofhaving Saadia back in Canada.”

HOME AT LAST!Pentecost issue

Photos by Ann-Marie BeattieSAADIA AND HUSBAND SUAD HETAJ embrace at Pearson Airporton the day she re-entered Canada. After living like a prisoner in hernative Morocco, Saadia was allowed to return to Canada on April 14.(Inset) The newly reunited Hetaj family, including son, Timmy.

Toronto Bishop AnnTottenham will be one of

the guest speakers at the thirdannual Ecumenical Stewardship

Conference being held May 12-14in Barrie.

Also speaking at the confer-ence, which will includeLutherans, will be the ReverendKaren Hamilton, of the CanadianCouncil of Churches.

GrantAt its March 4 meeting, the

Anglican Foundation granted$5,000 towards cost associatedwith the Ecumenical StewardshipConference.

Entitled “Return to Sender”,this is the third in a series of con-

ferences for the EcclesiasticalProvince of Ontario. NiagaraDean Peter Wall is on the board ofthe Anglican Foundation. He willserve as communications directorfor the conference.

The first conference was called“Grace in Our Lives”. Second inthe series was “Pushing theEnvelope”.

“Return to Sender” convenesMay 12-14 at Georgian College inBarrie.

To register, visit www.ontar-iostewardshipnetwork.ca/conference.

2 NIAGARA ANGLICAN May 2005

Cursillo - Building up the Body of Christ

The Cursillo Method approaches lay ministry as a very natural act of beingChrist-like within each of our daily activities. While most people would like to livetheir lives in a Christ-like manner, the pressures of the world often make thisdifficult. The Cursillo Method provides individuals with the tools, the strength, andthe support to equip each one for the ministry of building up the body of Christ(Ephesians 4:7, 11-12).

The Cursillo journey typically starts with a 3-day weekend experience of living inChristian community, developing a deeper understanding of what it means to beChristian, and discovering your personal calling in the church. Weekends areheld in the spring and fall each year.

If you would like more information on Cursillo:

• visit our website – www.niagaracursillo.org

• join us at one of our monthly gatherings (called an Ultreya) in your region,or attend one of our educational events. Dates and locations can be foundon our website under Ultreyas and Coming Events, or on the NiagaraDiocese website (www.niagara.anglican.ca) under Parishes – Events

• contact either our Spiritual Director: Rev. Susan Wells 905-547-8851,Spiritual.Director@niagaracursillo.org; or Lay Director: Brian Galligan905-875-2800, Lay.Director@niagaracursillo.org

If you would like to have a presentation on Cursillo at your church, pleasecontact Ted Moore 905-875-0611; pre-cursillo@niagaracursillo.org

���� The Cursillo Movement operates under the authority of the Diocesan Bishop ����

Healthy parishcheck list

Carefully review the following list and check all charac-teristics that describe your parish:

Our parish has:- A strong sense of community- Increasing attendance- Evidence of “parish shoppers” or “seekers”- A high degree of spirituality - Spiritually and socially connected children - Spiritually and socially connected youth- Engaging and needs-oriented programming- Active outreach beyond the parish (e.g. Breakfast program)- The ability to recruit and keep volunteers for various ministries- Capable and healthy leadership- The ability to “love, mend, equip, and send” parishioners- Parishioner awareness of our financial situation- Giving that is increasing sufficiently to meet needs "- A giving pattern that shows wide distribution among parishioners- Revenues that regularly exceed expenditures - An endowment fund established- An endowment fund that is growing- Minimal liability owing to the diocese- Minimal line of credit with a financial institution- Year end operating surpluses- Average household giving above diocesan average (avg. = approx. $750/yr)- Core supporters of ministry from all age groups- Long range planning in place and well-defined- A realistic and detailed budget that reflects expected monthly cash flow- A widely distributed Narrative Budget- A year-round stewardship program in place and regularly refreshed- A Corporation that talks about stewardship passionately and often - Clergy that talks about stewardship passionately and often- A congregation that talks about stewardship passionately and often- A Planned Giving program in place, well promoted, and understood - An organized and comprehensive hospitality program

Total missing check marks ______

If your survey finds an average of eight or more missing checkmarks, your parish may be at risk. It is recommended that theRector, wardens, parish treasurer and several parishioners completethis checklist at least quarterly.

For further information please contact The Venerable MarionVincett at the Anglican Diocese of Niagara at (905) 527-1316 ext.340, or email: marion.vincett@niagara.anglican.ca

VALERIE TRYON, (LEFT) international concert pianist played an inaugural piano recital at St.James, Dundas. The new Kawai grand was a gift form parish member, Mary Newitt (right).

By DOUGLAS BROWNLEE

Concert pianist Valerie Tryon played an inau-gural recital Feb. 20 at St. James, Dundas.

The parish was celebrating a generous gift, a newKawai grand piano.

The church was filled to hear the internationalconcert pianist, Artist-In-Residence and Associate

Professor at McMaster, play an afternoon recital ofBrahms, Schubert and Chopin.

Through the generosity of a member of the parish,Mary Newitt, St. James was able to acquire an instru-ment that will serve them and community for gener-ations to come.

Douglas Brownlee is Director of Music at St. James Dundas

Valerie Tryon at inaugural recital

Return to SenderStewardship Conference

By BEV GROOMBRIDGENiagara diocese’s partnership

with the Diocese of Cuba ends inDecember and the Partners inMission Committee would likeinput as members begin to looktowards a new partnership.

Points to consider:language (will translation be

required for correspondence, canour parish find a translator?)

distance (visiting partnerdioceses can improve relation-ships, is it easily accessible?)

economic situation (ThirdWorld countries will seek more ofa financial commitment. Is yourparish prepared for this?)

Please submit your commentsto Karen Nowicki at karen.nowic-ki@niagara.anglican.ca.

Bev Groombridge is chair of thePartners in Mission Committee.

PIM lookingfor newpartnerships

PWRDFSunday at St.Simon’sBy DOROTHY WILSON

Young people at St.Simon’s, Oakville, have

raised more than $250 for thePrimates World Relief andDevelopment Fund

“PWRDF - The Strength ofMany Hands” was the theme forboth services Feb. 27 at St.Simon’s, Oakville.

This theme was animated bythe actions of many hands belong-ing to St. Simon’s parishioners.

Thirteen of the parish’s youthgroup and a number of adultsworked together to make the day asuccess.

During both homilies, theyouth informed the congregation,through their words and actions,about the work of The PrimatesWorld Relief and DevelopmentFund (PWRDF)) in many coun-tries around the world and withsome indigenous communities inour own country.

We were encouraged to offerour own hands “to join PWRDF inweaving a culture of peace with

justice, building a moral economyand accompanying communitiesin crisis”.

After having a children’s talkfocused on hands during the sec-ond service, the youngest mem-

bers of the congregationadjourned to the parish hall wherethey cut out and decorated paperhands that were later distributed toother parishioners. Many of thesehands were used to put a finishingtouch on the PWRDF display onthe bulletin board in the hall.

Following both services “TheStrength of Many Hands” videowas shown to educate those inattendance about PWRDF.

In keeping with the PWRDFgoal of helping people help them-selves, Fair Trade coffee, choco-late and tea were sold with a smallportion of the proceeds from eachsale going to PWRDF.

After the 10 a.m. service, a sim-ple lunch of tomato soup, made bySt. Simon’s parishioners, and tor-tilla chips, donated by theArmadillo Restaurant in downtownToronto, was offered along withdrinks and homemade cookies.

Over $250 was raised forPWRDF between the free willoffering for lunch and the sale ofFair Trade products. PWRDF willtruly appreciate the strength ofmany hands at St. Simon’s.

Young people at St. Simon’s,Oakville, have raised more than$250 for the Primates WorldRelief and Development Fund

3May 2005 NIAGARA ANGLICAN

St. John The Divine, CayugaIs celebrating its 168th Anniversary

June 12th, 2005 at the 11 a.m. service

The Rev. Canon MichaelPatterson, Director of

Evangelism, is preaching.Everyone is invited,

especially present & pastparishioners.

An interactive lunch follows.

HHaappppyy AAnnnniivveerrssaarryy!!

‘The strength of many hands’

MANY HANDS HELPED CREATE backboards St. Simon’s PWRDF Sunday.

THIRTEEN YOUNG PEOPLE, with the assistance of parish adults, helped educate parishionersabout the Primates World Relief and Development Fund.

ST. SIMON’S YOUTH LEADERS

St. Paul’s Anglican ChurchWestdale. Hamilton

St. Paul’s places high value on musical celebration andmeditation. Our worship respects and encourages inclusive-ness, innovation, diversity and tradition. We are looking for a musician who will work co-operative-ly and creatively with a Worship Committee under thedirection of the new rector at St. Paul’s.

The congregation likes to hear the Blair Batty two-manualpipe organ and the Yamaha C7 grand piano at each service.Therefore the musician we seek will be proficient with bothpiano and organ. To develop further our volunteer choir,he/she must also be an experienced choir director and havestrong leadership skills.

For full position description, please contact the churchoffice at 905-528-3724, or e-mail at information@stpauls-westdale.ca.

4 NIAGARA ANGLICAN May 2005

EditorDiana Hutton(905) 573-0962

dihutton@mountaincable.net

Director of MarketingTed Manning(905) 680-0615

advertising@niagara.anglican.ca

Mailing Address:Cathedral Place

252 James Street NorthHamilton, Ontario, Canada

L8R 2L3

Diocesan Website:www.niagara.anglican.ca

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Anglican Diocese of Niagara.

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Please note: some of the

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Niagara Anglican may appear on

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Advertising PolicyThe Niagara Anglican reserves

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Letters to the Editor PolicyThe Niagara Anglican welcomessubmissions from readers asLetters to the Editor. All submis-sions must include a name, tele-phone number, e-mail address orphysical address of the authorfor verification purposes. Thenewspaper reserves the right toedit submissions.

Letters to the Editor

Editorial

Re: Synod council ‘blew it’for men’s ministry, Letter tothe Editor, April 2005, NiagaraAnglican.

We read the letter fromKeith Milks, people’s

warden at St Paul’s, Dunnvillewith concern.

Mr. Milks has every right toquestion the need for diocesanregulations to govern parishadditions and alterations tobuildings.

However, we should like topoint out some misunderstand-ings which have obviouslyoccurred in both the transmis-sion of the purpose and contentof these regulations and, thus,have likely influenced Mr.Milks’ opinion in a negativemanner.

The regulations to which Mr.Milks has taken such offencewere written, and have been ineffect, since 2001. These regula-tions dealt only with proceduresto be followed if a parish is con-sidering hiring an architect orother professional help or enter-ing into a construction contract.

It appears that St. Paul’s is notdoing any of these things, sothese regulations do not apply. Itis certainly not the intention ofthose regulations, in any event,

to prevent qualified volunteersfrom completing much of thework to be done. (This) so longas those volunteers have theappropriate skill sets and alicensed operative can sign offfor each task.

Many of our parishes use vol-unteers for the work around theirchurches and we should be lostwithout such a wonderful supplyof labour.

MisunderstandingIt is most unfortunate that the

regulations should have beeninterpreted in this way and weshall do all in our power toensure that this kind of misun-derstanding does not occuragain.

It is, unfortunately true, how-ever, that there have beeninstances where a parish hasemployed, on a volunteer basis,people who think they have theability to do the work in handbut do not have the necessaryskills.

When this happens, there arefrequently liability issues forboth the parish and the dioceseand so the regulations wereintroduced to reduce such risks.

The only change to the regu-lations that Synod Councilapproved recently was to insistthat a parish which is about to

embark on a large-scale project(i.e. one requiring a buildingpermit from the municipality)should first have had a fullbuilding inspection done withinthe previous five years.

This was to reduce the risk ofinvesting large sums of moneyinto a building that may be struc-turally unsound or in need ofmajor maintenance. Forinstance, a parish desiring tobuild an extension onto a build-ing will likely be spendingupwards of half a million dol-lars.

This is a large expense andmay prove to be deadly shouldthat same parish then find, a yearlater, that the main building’sstructure or envelope was defec-tive in some manner.

Large claimsUnfortunately, it is not

uncommon for a parish to dis-cover that its building, especial-ly if there is a tower involved, isin need of major and urgentrepair.

While we understand thefrustration that this kind of delaycan cause a parish like St Paul’s,we should also like to remindpeople that a large insuranceclaim for any parish where suchdetails have not been taken seri-ously puts the whole diocesan

family at risk for higher premi-ums on the insurance bill –something none of us wants.

The Bishop’s AdvisoryCommittee on Church Buildingsand the Decennial InspectionsCommittee, which is alsoresponsible to the bishop, wereeach introduced for the good ofthe whole diocesan family toprevent serious liability issuesfrom occurring. (It was) also(introduced) to provide knowl-edgeable and supportive adviceto parishes wishing to undertakebuilding projects.

The members of those twocommittees, who are themselvesall volunteers, are anxious to fol-low up with Mr. Milks and tofind ways to ensure that misun-derstandings like this do notimpair the good relationshipwhich these groups have workedhard to foster with Niagara'sparishes.

Archdeacon Paul Jackson,Chair of the Bishop'sAdvisory Committee on Church Buildings

William Parker,Chair of the DiocesanDecennial Inspections

Committee

Let’s hear it for the men!

As this editorial is being written(April 14), Saadia Hetaj and her

son Hetem (Timmy) have just landed atPearson International Airport, leavingbehind the Moroccan nightmare thatkept them hostage since Jan. 30.

Their arrival into the waiting arms oftheir husband and father, Suad, bearswitness to God’s grace.

Their return to the community whichfirst welcomed them bears witness toGod’s gifts.

FaithIt was faith that kept alive the hope

that Saadia and Timmy, 3, would returnhome safely.

Words could not do justice to theoverwhelming sense of relief and grati-tude expressed with such raw emotionby the Hetaj family. It had been nearlythree months since they had seen andhugged each other; three months ofuntold anxiety and fear. For Timmy,there was also confusion.

In relatively fluent English, Saadiatold the Niagara Anglican she had felt asthough her life had ended. But today, shefelt as though she had gotten it back.

“I’m so happy,” she said over andover again.

Her “thank you” was profuse.Relief and thanksgiving was also felt

by supporters of the young family, inparticular parishioners at the Church ofthe Resurrection, Hamilton.

Young congregationIt was this young congregation, under

the direction of Archdeacon Rick Jones,that intervened in the deportation ofSaadia and which secured her return.

In a story detailing Saadia’s plight inthe March issue of the Niagara Anglican,Archdeacon Jones called the deportation“a gospel issue”.

He was right. With the blessing ofBishop Ralph Spence, the Church of theResurrection hired a lawyer to helpweave through the frustration of bureau-cracy.

Archdeacon Jones and Kevin Beattiecalled on people to write to theirMembers of Parliament, ImmigrationMinister Joe Volpe and Prime MinisterPaul Martin, expressing their outrage.Executive Archdeacon Marion Vincettwas one of hundreds of people who did.

Rick and Kevin called on people toget involved, to donate money if at allpossible. But mostly, they called on peo-ple to pray. And they did.

It was with a guarded sense of opti-mism that Archdeacon Jones informedothers two days prior to her arrival thatSaadia was on her way home.

So great has been the battle, so manywere the hurdles that no one could quitebelieve “this” was it.

Their faith strong that Saadia andHetem would return “soon”, emotionsran high when the pair emerged from theArrival Gate.

Archdeacon Jones’ description of theHetaj’s situation as a “gospel issue”three months ago was an accurate one.

Our gospel is rife with examples ofgiving food to the hungry, shelter to thehomeless, safety from harm.

JusticeThe Hetaj’s story – the relentless pur-

suit of justice by members of the Churchof the Resurrection and others – is a dra-matic example of the living gospel ofJesus Christ. It demonstrates the powerof prayer and of faith.

Well done, folks!

Next month, the Niagara Anglicanwill feature an interview with

Saadia,Suad and Hetem.

With faith, justice prevails

5NIAGARA ANGLICAN May 2005

ViewpointsBeauty aboundsat 2 St. GeorgesI’ve been using this column to talk about the diverse worship

styles of our very interesting Diocese of Niagara. To makethe point, I’ve been describing patterns that aren’t widely familiar,such as locally written liturgies, Celtic eucharists, seeker services,and informal inter-generational worship.

In looking at the unusual I’ve been ignoring a very obvious kindof Anglican Sunday worship, a style that many of us immediately

picture when we think of “anAnglican service.”

In fact, it’s what attractedsome of us into the Anglicanfamily in the first place. It’sthe style you’ll find at the prin-cipal Sunday services at St.George, St. Catharines, and St.George, Guelph.

Both are historic parishesfounded long before Confederation, and both take justifiable pridein their heritage. Both are located near the old centres of theirtowns. Both have well maintained, fine old buildings (old byCanadian standards) in which you feel the “beauty of holiness”(Psalm 96). Both have sizable congregations, highly capablestaffs, and first-rate choirs and music directors. The liturgical lead-ers conduct the service in a reverential and assured manner, and thesermons are strong and positive.

These are also, by the way, well-dressed congregations!Accustomed to suburban informality, I arrived at one of thechurches in a turtleneck, and found that most men were wearingjacket and tie. Still, I don't think my appearance bothered anyonetoo much. For those who prefer it, St. George, Guelph, has a 9:30a.m. family service that’s more informal.

Style?What can we call this style of service? Its ethos isn’t contem-

porary or populist, but “traditional Anglican” wouldn’t be accu-rate, either, since both churches use the eucharist from the Book ofAlternative Services.

Would “cardinal church worship” evoke the right idea? In anyevent, I personally found my visits to these two churches verymoving. The worship helped root me in the deep things of thegospel while at the same time lifting up my spirit.

At first I assumed the two churches were called “St. George”because colonial Anglicans wanted to affirm their loyalty to themother country, and St. George is the patron saint of England.

Why else would they commemorate an almost entirely leg-endary figure? But, no, St. George in Guelph was so namedbecause the town was founded on St. George’s day, April 23, 1827.So declares a wonderful parish history edited in 1982 by ourretired diocesan Archdeacon Peter B. Moore.

And St. George in St. Catharines may have been so named incompliment to one of the first wardens, George Adams. That’s thesuggestion of George Luxton in a parish history of 1935. (He waslater the colourful and plain-spoken bishop of Huron.)

Both churches began in pioneer contexts. In St. Catharines,Anglicans began raising funds for a church in 1796, and they builtit on a hilltop in the virgin forest around Twelve Mile Creek. Theyhad no resident minister for 35 years. Sometimes Robert Addison,the minister at Niagara, or another cleric came to take services, butvery often local laypeople led the worship.

The second and present church was built in 1840, when St.Catharines had a population of about 1,200. I say “the presentchurch,” but actually, except for the walls of the nave, the 1840church has been almost entirely changed.

Arthur PalmerSt. George, Guelph, was organized by the Anglican pioneer

priest of Wellington County, Arthur Palmer, who was as energeticas he was autocratic. A graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, hecame to Canada in 1832. He ministered for over 40 years inGuelph, and at several other congregations which he helped foundin the county. He taught school besides. He was still rector whenthe present church building was opened in 1873.

The stained glass at St. George, St. Catharines, is beautiful andworth a visit, particularly the east window depicting the pilgrimson the road to Emmaus, but the magnificent glass at St. George,Guelph, is in a class by itself. As I stood captivated by a gorgeousnorth window picturing the empty tomb, a friendly parishionerdirected my attention to the even more stunning west window,showing Christ’s ascension, in a breathtaking design with sublimemellow colours.

TheItinerant

Churchgoer

The Reverend Alan L. Hayes

“I give you all plants that bear seed everywhereon earth….” Genesis 1:29a

With some regret, I find myself unable toreport back anything new on the potentially

bogus request for tuition support from the Africanparish. At the time of writing, our national churchstaff at the African desk had not yet been able to ver-ify the parish on whose letterhead the requestappeared, nor the diocese to which it might belong.To be continued…..

Meanwhile, a story of pomelo,the Massey Lectures, and a winterstorm in April.

First the pomelo — for thosewho haven’t encountered one, it’slike a supersized grapefruit, butmuch sweeter. I encountered it forthe first time in February, whenteaching a course in Transitional Ministry out inSouthern California.

I discovered that it is apparently from south eastAsia, but in more recent years, has become anincreasingly popular fruit now grown in southernCalifornia.

On returning home, I was astounded to discoveran abundant supply in my local grocery store. Andwas assured they’d been around for some time – butI just hadn’t noticed them. I was even more astound-ed at how inexpensive they were, and that they weresold by the piece, not by weight.

What I had regarded as a rare delicacy and specialregional treat, was well on its way to becoming com-mon fare.

The Massey LecturesEvery year, the CBC radio program “Ideas”

broadcasts the Massey Lectures. The Massey Lectures are a prestigious annual

event in Canada, in which a noted Canadian or inter-national scholar gives a week-long series of lectureson a political, cultural or philosophical topic.

In the 2004 series, Ronald Wright, was summariz-ing the ideas in his book “A Short History ofProgress”.

One of his observations really caught my atten-tion. In talking about the role of agriculture, he tracedhow it originally supported tremendous populationgrowth. Then, specialization driven by economic fac-tors, inevitably led to environmental degradation,and the collapse of the civilization that supported it.

Outstanding examples in the past included the fallof Sumeria and Mesopotamia , whose irrigation skills

eventually led to a massive build-up of salt in thesoil, and the formation of desert.

Or the deforestation of Greece, and the subse-quent flooding and development of malarial swampsin the lowlands.

He concluded the program by observing that ourpresent Western practice of gathering food from allover the planet, and the increasing industrializationof our native food sources, had given us a dependen-cy on food sources that is now so specialized and

sophisticated that we are on a paral-lel with the saber-toothed tiger.

And that, if we don’t start chang-ing our destructive, energy inten-sive forms of agriculture and distri-bution, we will have about the samechances as the saber-tooth tiger ofsurviving more than a millenniumor two.

The snowstorm in early AprilAfter a week of warm spring weather, the snow-

storm on April 2 seemed to demonstrate that weOntarians have lost all our driving skills and commonsense.

Early that morning, I took the calculated risk ofdriving a front-wheel drive van through the valleyroad from Dundas to Ancaster (the road which leadsto Canterbury Hills).

There was about 10 cms of wet slush on the road,which made it greasy, but not impossible. But at theupper end of “the devil’s elbow” I rounded the curveto meet, halfway up the remaining hill, a car jam offive vehicles.

The first was an SUV that had tried to pull a largelandscaping trailer filled with wood up the hill, hadlost traction, and jack-knifed. Fortunately he was stillon the right side of the road.

Beside it was on older rear-wheel drive van withworn tires, clearly unable to complete the pass.

Another car was stuck trying to turn around to goback down the hill. The rest had stopped, bumper tobumper, on the slippery hill, as did those whostopped behind me.

I was appalled that, until I got it organized,nobody had figured out that: if you push, most carswill move; in winter, lock the transmission in secondgear, so you don’t put too much torque to the wheels;if traction is poor, you don’t crank the front wheelshard over when trying to start -you keep them asclose to straight ahead as possible; once you startmoving, you don’t rapidly try to speed up, nor do youstop until you are on level ground or have good trac-

Making choices

See ST. GEORGES / page 6

Signs & W onders The Rev. CanonW illiam C. Thomas

thomasbj3@sympatico.ca

My Dear Friends,

In the April edition of the Niagara Anglican, Ioffered a challenge to all parishes of our dio-

cese. This was a gentle challenge for all of us tobecome an evangelizing community and to invite ourfriends, neighbours and familymembers to church to celebrate onPentecost Sunday, May 15.

This is the day we commemo-rate the birth of our Church sowhat better time would there be toinvite people to come and share inone of our grand celebrations?

We have faced, and will continue to face, manychallenges in the coming months. This Pentecost, wecan remind ourselves of who we are and what we arecalled to be.

We are a Resurrection people grounded in thehope and faith that in Christ Jesus all things are beingmade new. We, as individuals, as a diocese and as anAnglican Church are being made new in our resur-rected Lord and we should be proud to invite peopleto share in this hope.

I know the time is short before Pentecost, howev-

er, I urge you to consider embracing this challenge inwhatever way you can. Be ready to “welcome” thestranger.

Work hard at your worship celebration, pay atten-tion to your hospitality ministry, offering welcominghomilies, invite people to social time, and as I wrote,

let’s show them the best ofAnglicanism.

There have been a number ofresources produced that will assistyou in this endevour: invitationsthat may be used in your neigh-bourhoods, homily ideas, bulletinannouncements, hospitality ideas,

liturgical suggestions, etc. so I encourage you tomake use of them.

If there is anything more that you may need,please contact the evangelism office at (905) 527-1316 ext. 257.

I hope we all take this evangelism opportunity toheart – it is at the centre or our Christian faith tospread the Good News of Christ Jesus to the ends ofthe earth.

Again I say, what a glorious spring, what a glori-ous Easter, was a glorious Pentecost it will be!

Celebrating Pentecost

BishopRalphSpence

See CHOICES / page 6

The music was very fine atboth churches. I was particularlystruck at one of them by a motetby C.V. Stanford, a Church ofIreland composer (d. 1924) whocombined classical and Celticidioms in choral music.

I felt very welcomed at the cof-fee hours at both churches.

St. George, Guelph, has bene-fited from years of consistent,gifted, and well respected leader-ship.

As for St. George, St.Catharines, some parishionersshared with me during the coffeehour that attendance thereslumped badly a few years ago.

Numbers upHappily, under the present very

able rector, the numbers havebegun to bounce back nicely, and Isensed a great deal of positiveenergy.

“One thing I asked of the Lord:... to behold the beauty of theLord” (Psalm 27:4).

What a privilege to worship inbeautiful buildings, in light fil-tered glassed gospel pictures,amid the music of joyful voicesand the pipes of organs. They allrepresent the self-offering of gen-erations of faithful Christians allturning our hearts to the promiseof Christ revealed in Scripture, thepromise sealed in the sacrament.One day we shall see his beautyface to face.

6 NIAGARA ANGLICAN May 2005

tion; and, if the slope is greasy,you have more control going upthan down.

And if the present route isimpassable, always make sure youhave an alternate route.

Ten of the folks in that messdidn’t want to be on that road but“I don’t know any other way toget to the 403”.

So what do these incidentshave in common?

To me they are all signs of theconsequences of an approach tolife on this planet that says “wewill, just because we can”.

Every time we forget we areintimately wired into a creationthat can kill us just as easily as itcan sustain our life, we will makethe wrong choices.

Every time we figure we canget out of a difficult situation byour own individual efforts, wewill make the wrong choices.

Every time we think that weare in charge of creation, and it ishere for us to use as we wish, wewill make the wrong choices.

Every time we presume thepast has nothing of relevance tosay to the present, we will makethe wrong choices.

And every time we presumethat we will never be heldaccountable to a higher powerthan ourselves, we will make thewrong choices.

It’s not as though God hasn’tbeen trying to get through to us,and that some of us haven’tlearned.

But it does seem that everygeneration is continuing to stub-bornly learn the lessons in thehardest and most difficult waypossible.

“….guide me in the ancientways” Psalm 139: 24b

Continued from page 5

St. Georges’ beauty aboundsContinued from page 5

MP: You are still very involved in theChurch. As far as evangelism is concerned,what are the challenges we are confrontedwith now as opposed to when you beganyour ministry?

+JB: I began my ministry in 1951; it was atime of expansion. I had two curacies, onein Toronto, one in Vancouver and then Icame back to Oakville. The month I arrived,Bishop Walter Bagnall wrote in the NiagaraAnglican, the whole east end of the diocesewas busting. There were new parishes start-ing every few months. St. Aidan’s, Oakvillewent from 40-50 on a Sundayand 100 families, to 200-300 inchurch and 500 families in avery short time.

Social circumstances andthe work of God were at playin that day.

That is what is differentnow. The social circumstanceshave entirely changed. I thinkthat the Christian faith theolo-gy was right and true in the sense that it wasauthentic for those times. But the creeds,the doctrines of the Church were written inthe clash of the neo-platonic philosophy ofthe Church and the assumption, our dualis-tic assumption – which was contrary to theHebrew doctrine of God acting in creation–that God was separate and distinct from thecreated order. I do not believe that this dual-istic assumption of God now speaks to meor, I believe, the Church today.

I believe our theology is seriously, seri-ously outdated. My book “Old TimeReligion and Risky Faith” was on that exactsubject.

I keep saying that the creeds, even whenI say them now, they’re like poetry, they’renice, they’re true, but who the heck knowswhat “God of God, Light of Light, VeryGod of Very God” really means. The newwording of the creed is a bit of an improve-ment but doesn’t go far enough. I think wehave a serious theological problem.

MP: Where do we need tomove theologically?

+JB: I think we need tomove to understand Godand Christ in a new way.I’ll give you an example.Take the doctrine of PenalSubstitution of Christ, thatChrist died for us and Godloaded all the sins on Him.

The essence of the Old Testament –when God was angry with us, you had tosacrifice to appease Him– that the logicalstep was Christ being the sacrifice for us. I

don’t think we believe any-more that God is all that angry.

You know God loves us.Maybe God is weeping morethan angry with us and that weneed to understand Christ’sPassion, not as something toappease an angry God butsomeone that faced the trou-bles and ambiguity of life headon and instead of rebelling

against them, accepted them and remaineddedicated.

He refused to get angry even when hefaced crucifixion, He was cruci-fied and then God demonstratedthat in the end, after humanityhad done its worst, God was notbeaten and Christ was raised.

I think the meaning of thePassion is not that an angry Godis pacified but that the circum-stances and ambiguities of lifeare such that people continue toget crucified and it’s happeningall the time.

In the midst of a world where people areasking, “Why are Mounties dying?” andeverything else that is bad in the world, theanswer is “that is the way life is, don’t yousee!”

And God is in that. If you get deflectedby focusing too much on the things that par-alyze and not your commitment to keep ongoing and persevering, we die!

If we remaincommitted and faith-

ful as Christ did – evenwhen the disciplesbetrayed Him and desertedHim – in the end every-thing is going to be OK.

MP: This is a radical shiftfor us. If our Creeds andtheology do not speak tothis generation and the

present culture, how do we make the shiftfrom what we have always known? Howdo we begin to understand and know Goddifferently?

+JB: The doctrine of Godmust be understood different-ly. Marcus Borg was rightwith his doctrine ofPanatheism (an understandingthat the world exists in God, isa part of God, having no inde-pendent existence of its ownapart from God. God, on theother hand, is not limited either to or by theworld. God is much more than the worldbut we are not separate from God.)

This is a better understanding of Godthan the traditional understanding of a per-

sonal God who is separatefrom us and who is character-ized as sitting up on a cloudor some such thing.

People need to begin togently understand that Godisn’t exactly like we havealways conceived of God.Where our parents taught usconcepts of God that we stillcling to, like when our moth-

ers taught us “now I lay me down tosleep...” And a lot of us still say this andbelieve in this God – many of our culturehave not grown up theologically.

MP: You said we need to gently move peo-ple to a new understanding of God, (to)present a new theology of the Church. Thiswill present enormous challenges for us.What is the option if we do not?

+JB: If we don’t, I think we will become an

anachronism. I think God is in charge of theChurch. I can’t tell you what will happen. Idon’t think the Church will die. Certainlythe old theology still meets some people’sneeds. I’m not denying that.

But I don’t think there is hope for realevangelism outside the Church unless wemove to that kind of new understanding ofGod.

Tom Harpur, in his book “The PaganChrist” (that's causing so much controver-sy), this is what he is getting at, in a way –that God is in us and around us, not separateor removed from us. I think he is silly tosuggest that Christ never really lived. He

gets too dogmatic in that posi-tion. No one for sure has all theanswers!

MP: What are the challengesthat clergy face?

+JB: The clergy have to calmdown. The tension is palpable

these days. Clergy have to relax, both forthemselves and their parishes. It looks likethings are breaking apart in lots of ways,and I believe they may be but we are notcalled to save the world. That’s God’s job.We’re called to be faithful and we have tokeep working at it. That’s the first thing.

The second thing I’d say is that we haveto keep on working at it together, with dif-ferent points of view. We have to respecteach other’s positions with compassion. Ihave to respect you, even though I do notlike you. God didn’t call us to like eachother. We have to control our feelings withrational thought and likewise inform ourthought with controlled feeling. Let’s stopfighting each other. Let’s be the Churchand let God move us forward.

Jesus didn’t say “here is the truth, writeit down”. He said, “I am the Truth”, becausetruth is personal and mysterious and as peo-ple grow and change their perception of thetruth grows and changes.

The truth is evolving always. This is whywe cannot be too dogmatic. Nothing staysthe same, things and people are alwayschanging. The truth is to be explored andentered into.

Times are changing, challenging for the ChurchContinued from page 1

The Rev. Canon MichaelPattersonDirector ofEvangelism

m.patterson@niagara.anglican.ca

‘Change accelerates.

That’s its nature.’

‘Many of ourcultures havenot grown uptheologically.’

‘When humanity haddone its worst,God was not

beaten.’

Choices bring consequencesA unique ‘Child-centered,

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By DIANA HUTTONEditor

It was an epiphany moment.As Susan VanderBent

looked out the window of herroom in the old maternity wing atSt. Joseph’s Hospital, a snowstorm raging outside, through thewhiteouts she saw a door to TheChurch of the Ascension,Hamilton.

Her newborn son Tristan, now18, was just a few days old. “Andthat is where we’ll go to church,”she told herself.

The VanderBent family hasgrown over the years to includePierce, 17, and Celeste, 15.

But one thing has remainedconstant – the family’s involve-ment in the Church of theAscension, Hamilton.

Gift of faithSupported by husband Dirk,

Sue wanted to provide her chil-dren with the same gift her motherhad given her: the gift of faith.

“It’s important to develop ourfaith so we have strength,” Suesaid. “My faith is part of myessence, part of my world, mysocial circle.”

She wanted that for her chil-dren, as well.

Formerly a clinical socialworker at St. Joseph’s Hospital,Sue is Executive Director OntarioHome Care Association. Her faith,she said, figures into her work ona daily basis. In her career, Suesaid she has seen first-hand theneed for faith.

“To me, it seemed like whentrouble came, you needed faith.”But faith can only sustain if it isnurtured.

“Faith needs nurturing or wecan’t call on it when we need thestrength to carry on,” she said.“It’s not something that happensautomatically.”

She said she’s tried to modelthat belief to her children and theChurch has been an integral partof her journey.

A cradle Anglican, Sue, execu-tive director of the Ontario HomeCare Association, said being a“church family” has reaped untoldbenefits.

Their pastor for many years,Archdeacon Paul Jackson, became“a significant relationship” in herchildren’s lives.

At the request of several youngmothers a dozen or so years ago,an informal service was heldevery Sunday morning. Rev. Paulsqueezed it in between the 8:30and 10:30 a.m. services.

Imposition“We didn’t recognize what an

incredible imposition this was onPaul,” Sue said. “But he was won-derful with the kids. I believe forthe time, our informal service wasa profound experience for the chil-dren. There was such a strongrelationship. He’d sit on his stooltalking to the kids. They shared aprofound relationship.”

When he retired a few yearsago, “my kids were really sadabout it,” she said.

Interim Pastor Canon WilliamThomas allowed the congregationto grieve the loss of ArchdeaconJackson.

“It was a difficult time for us asa faith community,” Sue said.“We had faced a lot of loss in ashort period of time.”

She recalls the departure ofDiane Distler to pursue her callingas an ordained priest, anotherpriest’s passing and ArchdeaconJackson’s retirement as sad anddifficult moments for parish-ioners.

“Bill helped us get throughthat. He began the process of ask-ing where we want to be. We wereso fortunate to have Bill for whathe was able to do.”

Ascension Alive!During Canon Bill’s interim

ministry at Ascension, the parishembarked on “Ascension Alive!”,a project that is, among otherthings, looking for new opportuni-

ties to grow the parish.Canon Kristine Swire – “a

lovely, energetic and wonderfulperson” – took over the reigns atAscension earlier this year.

Sue thinks it’s a perfect fit.“Everything happens for a reason.”

Sue said she prays for strength.She advises her children to do thesame.

“I always tell them to pray forstrength. I really do believe we’rebuilt hardwired to have faith

which gives us strength. It’s therefor us to have if we want it.”

Sue embraces a belief in God’swill. “I really believe that thingshappen for a reason,” she said. “Ibelieve that in all areas of my lifebecause it’s all connected.”

In times of trouble, Sue findspeace and calm in the Lord’sPrayer.

“To me, it’s very secure. Itgrounds me. It reminds me that ifsomething was meant to be, it willbe.”

It’s a circular logic: to believe,a person must have faith. Havingfaith means accepting all those“mysterious ways”, she said.“And to be comfortable in thosebeliefs.”

As an Anglican, her message tothose searching for greater pur-pose in life would be that “havingfaith is a gift. Our AnglicanChurch is wonderful. We have abeautiful liturgy and a welcominggroup of people.”

It was that very welcoming,and support that kept Sue coming

back to Ascension.She recalls that as a young

mother with three children underage three, she found it challenginggetting to church on Sundaymornings. People noticed andapplauded her considerableefforts.

“People would see me withthese three little kids, in winterwith all their boots and coats andhats,” she laughed. “They kepttelling me what a great job I wasdoing, recognizing how difficult itwas just getting there. That meantso much to me, just the recogni-tion, it was validating.”

That sense of “family” she felt,led to increasing involvement.

Initially her involvement wasin Sunday School and children’sactivities. But as her childrengrew, so did their place in thechurch. Today, Tristan, Pierce andCeleste all are active members ofAscension as is Sue.

“It’s been great,” she said. “Ifeel the church helped me raisemy children.”

7May 2005 NIAGARA ANGLICAN

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Support St. Matthew’s House Camp Fund

for disadvantaged kids.With your help St. Matthew’s House hopes to send 100 children who face daily

challenges of living in poverty to camp this summer. The average cost is approximately$300. per child. Individuals, parishes, groups and organizations can make summercamp a reality for kids whose families cannot afford camp fees. Campers’ families

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‘Gift of faith’ must be nurtured

SUSAN VANDERBENT‘Community’

Sue VanderBentfinds strengthin her faith

8 May 2005NIAGARA ANGLICAN

Bishop looks aheadwith excitementBy DIANA HUTTONEditor

Bishop Ralph Spence is“excited about the endless

opportunities for doing ministry inthe days ahead.

“I want our energies to befocussed on that, on the endlessopportunities,” he said just priorto the April meeting of theCanadian House of Bishops inWindsor.

Following an exhaustive fewmonths, the meeting of the Housewould be energizing, the bishopsaid. Border bishops from theUnited States will attend the con-ference lending their support orperhaps just an ear.

“We’ve always had a closerelationship with the Americans,”Bishop Spence said. “We are theNorth American reflection. We’vefaced the same problems. Ugandahas its cultures and we have ours.We all have strengths and weak-nesses.”

The Church, he said, “is a con-stantly evolving community.”

“That is our strength.”

But it doesn’tcome without conse-quence.

“We are a familyof independentchurches. Wherethere is a family, thereis dispute. We’re stilla family,” he said.

“But we have gotto find consensus onhow we are going tolive together.”

He wonders loudly:“If we had put all ourenergies into doing evangelisminstead of the contentious issues,the face of the Church todaywould be profoundly different.”

Anglicanism in 2005 is a lotdifferent than Anglicanism in1905 or 1805, said BishopSpence.

“The Gospel is what keeps ustogether. We don’t have a pope totell us ‘this is the view’.”

It was through the strength ofevolution that the AnglicanChurch and the Lutheran Churchentered full communion justrecently.

“Who would have believed in1905 that the Anglicans and theLutherans would be in full com-munion.” said Bishop Spence.

There have beenprofound changes forboth traditions.

And in 40 years,the face of theChurch will look dif-ferent again, saidBishop Spence.

“I get a sense ofexcitement. I’mexcited about theendless opportunities

to do ministry.”Faith and love, he

said, can bridge manygaps. He pondered on the proces-sion of people lining up to paytheir respects to Pope John Paul IIfollowing his death April 2.

“When you see the unbeliev-able situation in Rome, millionsmarching to Rome, there is arecognition that he was willing toput people first.

“Not everyone who lined upagreed with his philosophies orpolicies but they came to pay theirrespect.”

That vision – millions lining upto pay respect – is an example ofthe Spirit at work.

“It doesn’t matter that we mayhold differences of opinions or wemay even disagree. It matters thatwe pay respect to each other.”

‘Focus energies on opportunities’

All Saints has integral role in Niagara Falls ministryThe disestablished parish of All Saints, Niagara Falls has no debt

with the Diocese of Niagara, except for Diocesan Mission andMinistry payments.

Executive Archdeacon Marion Vincett said the parish hall, which islocated away from the church building, is up for sale but has not yet hadany offers. It’s location, in the heart of the development area in NiagaraFalls, makes it “a difficult sale. It’s not an easy sell,” ArchdeaconVincett said.

Some information contained in a story in the April issue of theNiagara Anglican, Synod Council Approves Sale of 2 Church Build-ings, was incorrect or misleading.

All Saints’ Church continues to be an important component of theNiagara Falls Ministry Team, Archdeacon Vincett said.

“(Archdeacon) Lynn Corfield and (the Reverend) Janet Cashin (HolyTrinity, Chippawa) have been working with Brian Burrows to find away of incorporating ministry in Niagara Falls,” she said. “They’re put-ting together a ministry plan with the existing parishes – Christ’sChurch, St. John, Stanford and Holy Trinity – and will incorporate AllSaints into a ministry for all of Niagara Falls.”

There is a “great potential” for All Saints to reach into the tourist seg-ment. It’s primarily positioned for ministry, she said.

Some parishioners took exception to the April story which impliedAll Saints’ had greater debt than it does.

Bishop Ralph Spence says he’ll always treasurethe memories he has of his private meeting in

Rome with Pope John Paul II.In 2001, Bishop Spence along with the Roman

Catholic Bishop of Hamilton Anthony Tonnos andBishop Matthew Ustrzycki, and Bishop MichaelPryse, of the Eastern Synod, Evangelical LutheranChurch in Canada were invited to a morning servicein the pope’s private chapel. That, in itself, was anhonour.

“When it came time for the peace, the pope askedus to come up and gave us a hug. I was quite moved.

“Even though there is this great gulf between us,we were still worshipping the Risen Lord,” BishopSpence said. “That was special.”

He said Pope John Paul II had a Hamilton con-nection.

“I introduced myself as Bishop of Niagara and hesaid, ‘Hamilton. I remember Barton Street.” As bish-op of Krakaw he’d visited Hamilton years ago,attending St. Stanislaus Church, which indeed is on

Barton Street.In a letter of condolence to area Roman Catholic

bishops, Bishop Spence wrote on April 2:“Today is both a sad day and a hopeful day for the

Church and world. We are saddened by the loss of agreat leader in our midst, Pope John Paul II. Thedeath of a Christian, however, always evokes hope inthe Resurrection promised us by Jesus Christ.

“The Anglican Church in the Diocese of Niagarahas admired and valued the strength, the leadershipand the witness to the Gospel provided by Pope JohnPaul II. I personally, will always cherish my memo-ries of visiting with the Pope in Rome in the compa-ny of Bishops Tonnos, Ustrzycki, and Pryse.

“Please know that our diocese will continue tooffer our prayers and our support through this diffi-cult time.

“Following his example, let us continue to walktogether as brothers and sisters in faith, buildingGod’s reign on earth.”

Bishop remembers John Paul II

BISHOP RALPHSPENCE

By JOYCE WILTON

Looking for a Mother’s Day or a Father’s Day gift? Or perhaps anappreciation gift for your child’s teacher?

The Program Department has the ideal gift: Pushing the Boundariesin the Kitchen, a Youth Ministry cookbook.

Recipes were solicited from Youth Ministry program participants,parish priests, our bishop, Youth Ministry volunteers and supporters,parish youth groups, Anglican nuns, our favourite camp kitchen anddiocesan staff.

Listed under intriguing headings such as Youth Group Yummies,Clergy Choices, Holy Day “Hot” Delights, and Canterbury Hills HauteCuisine, the recipes run the gamut from meals to snacks and specialtreats.

Breakfast choices include Pat Ruggle’s Peach French Toast andBishop Ralph’s College Day Eggs.

For your next party, you might want to try the Sisters’ recipe forPotato Soup for 100 or Peter’s Birthday Raspberry Tart from the dean.

Salsa soupYou might be interested in lunch and dinner items such as Death

Bread, Salsa Soup, Corn Moussaka or Curried Mussels. From The Thigh Who Loved Me to Nieman Marcus Cookies, there's

something to appeal to everyone.What, you might ask is Youth Ministry doing in the cookbook busi-

ness? Youth Ministry sponsored events are offered in nine of 12 months

each year. The programs each offer a different focus and appeal to a dif-ferent segment of the youth population.

Close to 500 youth participate in Youth Ministry programming eachyear.

And the impact is tremendous. Youth comments include: “I neverrealized until now how much God means to me” and “This has been thebest time I have ever had. I have learned so much and it will always staywith me”.

While the diocese funds a portion of the cost of each program, thebulk is funded by participant fees.

For many years, the Diocesan Youth Ministry staff has met allrequests for bursaries out of the diocesan program budget.

Over the past year it has been clear that with an increase in requestsand a decreasing budget available for such requests we needed to find anew way to fund the much needed bursaries.

The bursaries assist young Anglicans to participate in Youth Ministryevents such as SpiritQuest, the Youth Leadership Training Program,Youth Connections and the Niagara Youth Conference.

Recognizing that more funds were needed and with the blessing ofthe bishop, DYMC member Jane Caulfield spearheaded a cookbookfundraiser.

Each $10 cookbook sold contributes over $6 to the Bursary Fund andmakes a substantial difference in the life of a young person in our dio-cese. Already 100 cookbooks have been sold to Youth Ministry sup-porters.

JAY BLACKWOOD, member of the diocesan Youth Committee,and Joyce Wilton, unveiled the Youth Ministry’s cookbook,Pushing the Boundaries in the Kitchen, at last year’s diocesanSynod. Proceeds from the sale of the books will go towards bur-saries for youth ministry programs.

Corn Moussaka, curried mussels, fundraiser cookbookoffers array of recipes

PPWWRRDDFFmmaatttteerrssiinn tthhiisswwoorrlldd

9May 2005 NIAGARA ANGLICAN

Psst...wanna get the word out?Your Niagara Anglican reaches more than 16,000 homes across the vast Diocese of Niagara.

It’s a big diocese. We can help you get the word out.For advertising opportunities, please call Ted Manning, director ofmarketing at (905) 680-0615.

Her many faceted job isdemanding, but Kim

Waltmann’s calm efficiencymeans careful attention is paid toassessing each parish’s contribu-tion toDiocesan mis-sion and main-tenance, insur-ance coverage,and oversightof diocesaninvestments.

In 2005,Kim’s work on assessments isenabled by computer technology,with parish reports for 2004 sub-mitted on-line.

Once they are printed, Kimcompares them with parish finan-cial and Vestry reports, and entersall data onto a spreadsheet. Fromthis information, Kim is already“doing assessments for 2006.”

With 112 parishes, sheexplains, “It takes time to makesure nothing is missed – for thebenefit of the parishes and the dio-cese. Sometimes parishes don’tknow what can be deducted. It’smy job to make sure parishesdeduct everything they can.”

Kim prepares monthly reportsfor Nancy Clause, diocesanadministrator of accounts payableand receivable, who then invoiceseach parish.

“It’s mostly the same eachmonth, unless there’s a reassess-ment… We can go back threeyears (to look for a better figure),and sometimes changes arefound.”

Kim tracks adjustments, “soNancy knows to make a debit orcredit entry” for a parish.

Many detailsKim smiles sympathetically:

“It can be confusing even forparish treasurers. There’s so muchfinagling between what they’reallowed to deduct and whatthey’re not. It’s important to be upon things, to question what’sthere.”

The second facet of Kim’swork for the diocese is insurance.

“The whole point of insuranceis that it’s there to help protect theChurch… From the insurancepoint-of-view, what you’re payingfor is peace of mind. We forgetthat insurance companies are thereto make money, (and must preparefor) how much actually does cover

you if, for example, you have anaccident and you’re sued for mil-lions of dollars,” Kim said.

“The problem with churches isthat the majority are fairly old

buildings, andthe (cost of)recovery orrebuilding oflovely architec-ture, with itsstained glass, isastronomical.

“Many oldchurches have old wiring andother hazards, so a connectionwith the fire department is veryimportant, as it allows a quickerresponse. It’s as important asalarms, and could make the differ-ence between a couple of hundreddollars or a couple of million!”

Referring to on-site assess-ments begun in 2005, Kim pointsout, “Some may raise costs, butbuildings will be valued (forreplacement costs) rather thanunderinsured – if you’re insured foronly 70 per cent of the value, youonly get 70 per cent of the damage.(It’s no good) thinking you’reinsured for something and findingout the hard way you’re not.”

Diocesan brokerWorking with David Ricketts,

the diocesan broker, to prepare amonthly spreadsheet with a linefor each parish, Kim sends a quar-terly report to EcclesiasticalInsurance detailing changes tochurch buildings, such as addi-tions, renovations, or the installa-tion of an elevator.

David applies for new ratesannually; Kim calculates the ratefor each church according to thevalue of its buildings, preciousobjects and outside groups usingthose buildings.

Kim invites contact: “Anytimethere’s a change or a claim, pleasecall me at extension 540, and I’llmake sure David Ricketts gets theinformation.”

ReportAfter assessing recent and pro-

jected major claims, DavidRicketts and Murray Rathbonehave prepared a report detailingreasons for the probable increaseof approximately 25 per cent inthe diocesan premium.

“The increase for 2005 was notexpected, even by the broker, tothat extent,” she said but “with

Ecclesiastical Insurance (theinsuring company), the Diocese ofNiagara has a lot of coverage thatother churches don’t have.”

For example, with no statute oflimitations on sexual harassmentclaims, unpredictability alsomeans costs are higher, “but wehave better coverage.”

Kim credits her competency ininsurance to a course she took inPractices and Principles ofInsurance.

Much informationDelighted with what David

Ricketts says is an extremely highmark, Kim finds added benefits:“We got a lot of information in 10weeks, basic insurance, what it is,how to make claims, figure basicrates, etc. I thought ‘Everyoneshould take this!’

“I used to pay insurance, andnever really thought… Now to beable to understand, to read andknow what you’re reading mademe take another look at my poli-cies at home to make sure I reallywas covered for what I needed.”

After a slow period in invest-ments everywhere, Kim says,“We're doing better now. In 2004,we were up 8 per cent, and upagain 2.4 per cent in February.”

If parishes need to access theirfunds, “we can cut a small chequethat day, larger ones take a day ortwo, and there is no penalty forwithdrawals.”

Kim keeps track of each

parish’s investments,contributions andwithdrawals, prepar-ing a monthly spread-sheet for DiocesanTreasurer BobMcKinnell.

Magic calculations“He does his magic

calculations and fig-ures out the return foreach parish. Then hegives it all back to meon a spreadsheetwhich I use to… sendthe information toeach parish.”

An informationpackage may be pre-pared “to explain thedetails of invest-ments… with FrankRussell Investments,the Toronto manager.They’re great, very,very helpful.”

Actually meetingtwice a year, but“receiving a monthly

report from them that explainswhat’s gone up or down” is impor-tant support.

Each month, Kim “takes a lotof time to do the reconciliation ofthe general bank account. It’s a bigjob, double-checking to finalizeeverybody’s job… If there areerrors, this is where they’ll befound.”

Modestly but realistically, Kimpoints out that “If it’s your ownjob, you’re not necessarily goingto find it, but someone else check-ing may find it.”

Kim came to the diocese aftersix years as office manager/ship-ping clerk for a trucking company.For 10 years previously, Kim wasthe company’s accounts payableclerk.

Change“Basically it was just a

change… to expand what I wasdoing. I was taking accountingclasses on the Internet… I startedlooking for a job more in theaccounting field, and this one hap-pened to be there.

“I came for the interview withWendy (Duncan, diocesan con-troller) and I felt, ‘This is definite-ly where I want to work, a job I’mgoing to do, no question!’

“There are five of us in thefinancial office,” Kim said. “Allour jobs are intertwined, and oneaffects the other.”

Kim appreciates the co-opera-

tion among them: “It’s a lovelyatmosphere to work in. They allmade me feel so welcome!”

Born in Toronto, and raised inOakville “around the corner fromKnox Presbyterian Church” (“Iwouldn’t think to go anywhereelse as long as I’m within drivingdistance!”), Kim comes from amusical family.

She sang in the church choirwith her parents, played piano andguitar, studied jazz and tap, andjoined Brownies, Guides andCGIT.

With four siblings – three sis-ters and a brother each also mar-ried with two children – the fami-ly cottage at Coboconk remains anessential summer element.

At 17, warmly supported byboth families, Kim married Tonyin 1980, and is proud of their twoboys, Christopher and Daniel.

Working as a highway line-painter and inheriting the familymusicality, Christopher plays gui-tar (self-taught) and leads a bandwhich, Kim proudly reports, wonthe “Battle of the Bands” in 2004.

“He's never had a problem per-forming!”

CarpenterDaniel has just completed the

Ontario Youth ApprenticeProgram in carpentry. He’s madeseveral pieces of furniture for thefamily.

“He does a beautiful job!” Three dogs complete the fami-

ly: Crystal, a 14 year-old GoldenRetriever, and sisters Natasha andNikita, 5 year-old Huskies.

Tony, an automotive techni-cian, had his motorcycle licencebefore he and Kim married.Thinking “it was a cool thing todo,” Kim took a course atSheridan College two years ago,and is delighted with Tony’s giftfor her recent birthday, a HondaShadow motorcycle.

Kim also loves walking, read-ing – “mostly murder mysteries” –doing “fun stuff in the house” andlandscaping.

She’s “still upgrading” theaccounting courses, hoping even-tually to qualify as a charteredaccountant.

Kim’s determination to earnfurther qualifications and herenthusiasm for and commitmentto her work at the Resource Centre(formerly Cathedral Place), and toher life in general, will continue tobenefit her family, her Church,and the Diocese of Niagara.

There are many facets to Kim Waltmann’s jobAdministrator of Assessments, Insuranceand Investments for the Diocese of Niagara

Getting to Know You

The Rev. Canon FranDarlington

KIM WALTMANNAdministrator of Assessments Insurance

and Investments

10 May 2005NIAGARA ANGLICAN

By REBECCA HULL

Renison College is celebrat-ing the life and times of

The Reverend Florence Li Tim-Oiwith an anniversary memorialservice on May 15.

The Rev. Florence Li Tim-Oi isbeing honoured by the college atthe University of Waterloo, as thenamesake of a new resource cen-tre on the campus.

Florence Li Tim-Oi (1907-1992) had an unshakable faith inGod that inspired her to servethousands of people throughouther lifetime in Hong Kong,Macau, China, and Canada.

Despite prolonged periods ofdeprivation and persecution, shecontinued her ministry with com-mitment and courage.

Her exemplary conduct as apriest helped pave the way for theordination of women in variousparts of the Anglican Communion.

It is most appropriate thatRenison College creates a memo-rial to the Rev; Li Tim-Oi.

The purpose of The ReverendFlorence Li Tim-Oi ResourceCentre, which includes aMemorial Reading Room andArchives, is to celebrate her lifeand work and to provide a lastingmemorial to the woman.

The facility will provide anopportunity for current and futuregenerations to learn about the lifeand work of Florence Li Tim-Oi.

In addition to housing her per-sonal papers, archives and rarebooks, the facility will also incor-porate materials from the college’s

East Asian and Anglican collec-tions.

The centre will be designed foruse by students and faculty at thecollege and the University ofWaterloo, and members of thepublic, including local East Asianand Anglican communities.

“We lead by example.,” saidRebecca Hull, communicationsofficer at Renison College. “Weare a healthy community.

Specialized programming“We are an Anglican college

with specialized programming inthe areas of social work, EastAsian studies, and lay ministryformation.”

Ms. Hull said Renison Collegeis committed to training studentsof diverse ages, cultures, and reli-gions for leadership roles in com-munity service.

These attributes of service toothers in out of the way places,initiative, and pioneering, wereexemplified by The Reverend

Florence Li Tim-Oi, the firstwoman Anglican priest.

Renison College is so manydifferent things for so many peo-ple: a place to learn through socialdevelopment studies, to grow spir-itually, to discover the culture andlanguage of East Asia, to developpractical social work skills, or aplace to call home, said Ms. Hull.

“We nurture future communityleaders and educate students to becontributing members of societythrough their involvement in thehelping professions, which fosterhealthy communities,” she said.

Renison College acknowledgesthe support of the AnglicanFoundation with a grant of$15,000, dedicated to theReverend Florence Li Tim-OiResource Centre.

Renison College is grateful forthe contribution of the Florence LiTim-Oi Committee for their assis-tance in raising funds for thismemorial.

Member of The Li Tim-OiCommittee have all been affectedby her work. Their goal is to raiseawareness of Reverend Li Tim-Oi’s contribution to the Anglicancommunion.

The Florence Li Tim-OiCommittee members are: BishopArthur Brown, Chair, Rita Lee-Chui, The Reverend Canon Dr.Kenneth Fung, The Rev. JanetSidey, Canon Edmund Der, CanonAlice Medcof, Diana Wong, TheRev. Gilbert Lee, and Dr. CarolKnox.

Past members includeArchbishop Ted Scott, Dr. BettyGraham, and The ReverendBarbara Rhodes.

Renison College, University ofWaterloo, is celebrating the 61stanniversary of The Reverend Dr.Florence Li Tim-Oi's ordinationinto priesthood with a memorialservice on May 15 at 4 p.m. at St.Paul’s L’Amoreaux Church, 3333Finch Avenue East, Scarborough.

By DENNIS BRATCHER

In many churches, the seasonleading up to Pentecost

Sunday is one of the most neglect-ed of the church calendar.

Even in less liturgical churchesthat are beginning to place moreemphasis on observing the churchcalendar, the momentum to carryobservation of the church yearthrough Pentecost (Whitsunday insome traditions) and TrinitySunday (the first Sunday afterPentecost Sunday) seems to belacking.

No doubt there are a variety ofreasons for this neglect.

There is the simple practicalfact that after five months or moreof concerted effort invested inspecial emphases and activitiesfrom Advent to Epiphany to Lentto Easter, both ministers andparishioners may simply be men-tally and emotionally exhausted.

After the intensity of Lent andHoly Week there is a certain psy-chological “let down” after Easter.

Also, there is caution in somechurch traditions concerning“Pentecostal” theology and stylesof worship. The association of“pentecostal” with sometimesmore radicalelements of thec h a r i s m a t i cmovement con-tinues to fostersuspicion, inspite of severalchurch tradi-tions who carrythe name that are far from radical.

This caution sometimes leadsto downplaying the role ofPentecost in the church year.

The general misgivings towardliturgy in more evangelicalchurches has led to a neglect of themore formal aspects of the Churchcalendar.

While that is rapidly changing,that change has begun with themore visible seasons of Christmasand Easter and has not yet expand-ed to include Pentecost. In thesame vein, the more open style ofworship that has tended to domi-

nate some Church traditions like-wise has not lent itself to observeseasons of the church year such asPentecost.

This has often led to a generallack of theological and pastoralunderstanding about how to artic-ulate theology in symbols ofsacred time and sacred place, aswell as in visual symbols.

This has left many people won-dering what to do with parts of the

church year likePentecost.

Whatever thereason for itsneglect, suchsacred timeshave value forthe worshippingcommunity and

provide, not only opportunities toinstruct in theology, but also newand varied opportunities for spiri-tual renewal, nurture, and growth.

Pentecost was originally anOld Testament festival, since thetime of Josephus calculated asbeginning on the 50th day afterthe beginning of Passover.

In the Christian calendar, itfalls on the seventh Sunday afterEaster. It was called the Feast ofWeeks (Shavuot). In the OldTestament was originally an agri-cultural festival celebrating andgiving thanks for the “first

fruits”of the early spring harvest(Lev 23, Exod 23, 34).

By the early New Testamentperiod, it had gradually lost itsassociation with agriculture andbecame associated with the cele-bration of God’s creation of Hispeople and their religious history.

By the destruction of Jerusalemin AD 70, the festival focusedexclusively on God’s gracious giftof Torah (the “Law”) on MountSinai.

It continues to be celebrated inthis manner in modern Judaism.

While there are other refer-ences to Pentecost in the NewTestament (e.g. 1 Cor 16:8), it ismost significant in Acts 2 and thefamiliar scene of the outpouring ofthe Holy Spirit on those in the“upper room.”

Prophecies of JoelNew Testament writers associ-

ate the events of Acts 2 withPentecost, and relate it to theprophecies of Joel 2 and promisesof Jesus (Acts 1:8).

In both, the emphasis is on aempowerment through the HolySpirit to enable the people of Godto witness to Jesus the Christ.

There is much debate in somecircles about exactly what hap-pened at Pentecost, whether it is arepeatable event or only for theearly Church, or whether it should

or should not become a paradigmfor personal religious experience.

Those who advocate it as a par-adigm are sometimes termedPentecostals, although that termusually refers more specifically tochurch traditions who advocatespeaking in “tongues” or a specialSpirit-inspired prayer or praiselanguage.

In any case, what seems clear isthat Pentecost represents God’sgracious, enabling presenceactively at work among His peo-ple, calling and enabling them tolive out in dynamic ways the wit-ness of being His people.

Perhaps at this point there isdirect contact with the Pentecostof Judaism, for in Judaism theTorah, God's instruction to Hispeople, is the means by whichthey become His witness to theworld.

The sanctuary colour forPentecost Sunday is red, thecolour of the Church.

Technically, red is used onlyfor the Sunday of Pentecost,although some churches use redfor the Sundays between Easterand Pentecost Sunday.

Red symbolizes both the fire ofPentecost as well as the apostlesand early followers of Jesus whowere gathered in the Upper Roomfor the empowerment from God to

proclaim the Gospel throughoutthe world.

For Christians, PentecostSunday is a day to celebrate hope,a hope evoked by the knowledgethat God through His Holy Spiritis at work among His people.

It is a celebration of newness,of recreation, of renewal of pur-pose, mission, and calling asGod’s people.

It is a celebration of God’s on-going work in the world.

Yet, it is also a recognition thatHis work is done through His peo-ple as He pours out His presenceupon them.

The Old Testament Lectionaryreading for Pentecost Sundayfrom Ezekiel’s vision of the valleyof dry bones (Ezek 37:1-14) dra-matically illustrates this sense ofnewness and renewal of mission.

The reading from Isaiah 44:1-8also connects renewal with the“breathing” of God in beautifulimagery of “streams in the desert”and the recreation of His exiledpeople.

Restoration of communityThe reading from Genesis

11:1-9 emphasizes the restorationof community and unity of pur-pose that had been disrupted bysin and selfish ambition.

The Psalm reading (104:24-34)is also in creation language thatspeaks of newness and renewal.The New Testament readingsinclude Acts 2, as well as John14:8-17, 16:5-15, 20:19-23, all ofwhich carry through this theme ofGod enabled mission in the world.The Epistle reading from 1Corinthians 12:3-13 emphasizesthe gifts of the Spirit that enableGod’s work in the world.

This focus on the Church’smission to the world, and theenabling presence of God throughthe work of the Holy Spirit in theChurch to empower that missionshould provide a powerful impe-tus for churches ... to recover thisseason of the Church year.

There is tremendous opportuni-ty to use this sacred time to callpeople to renewal though the workof the Holy Spirit in their lives.

‘Tremendous opportunity’ for renewal at Pentecost

Guest columnist Dennis Bratcher

Christian Resource Institute

Exploring the faith of Florence Li Tim-OiNew facility at Renison College honours first female priest

By THE REVERENDMICHAEL CALDERWOOD

Let me introduce myself.My name is Michael

Calderwood and I am the PriestAssociate at Holy Trinity inFonthill. Along with the 5 otheradult leaders, I spent my MarchBreak at Canterbury Hills!

I know that some of you werein Florida, some visited relatives,others just counted down the daysuntil school was in session again,but the Youth Leadership TrainingProgram (YLTP ) is somethingthat I have been doing for the pastthree years alongside my yeargroup partner, the Reverend ValKerr.

‘Graced moment’As I reflect on my experience

of YLTP, I know I may not under-stand how some decisions aremade in the Church, but I havesome sense about discerningGod’s presence and listening tothe movements of grace that Godoften raises up in our lives.

YLTP has been for me one ofthose graced moments.

YLTP is a three-year, residen-tial program held each MarchBreak for youth ages 13 to about17, usually around 12 in each yeargroup – yes, that is about 36 in all!

The youth that come in Year 1remain with one another for thesuccessive three years.

During the program, we talkabout leadership, where God maybe calling them, and provide atime where they can uncover andenhance the gifts that God hasgiven them. In many cases with

our group, simply finding out howmuch they are loved has had itstransformative impact.

The young people also do aleadership project in their thirdyear.

The relationships these kidsshare with each other are impor-tant to them.

It has been a true gift to nur-ture this group of young peoplealong with Val, to see thembecome self-confident young menand women, to “come alongside”them at this particular point oftheir spiritual journeys.

But enough from me! My daughter is 14 years old

and this past March Break,Hannah completed her second ses-sion at YLTP.

And while she was not in mygroup (according to her, that “justwould be wrong”), Hannah hadthis to say about her experience:

“I love going to YLTP. It is justone of those things I look forwardto all year.

‘YLTP is great!’“YLTP is great. We get to learn

about Christ and about leadershipthrough planning activities, play-ing games and just sitting aroundchatting about everyday life.

“I was offered many otheropportunities for March Break,like going with my rowing teamon a trip, but YLTP is such a greatexperience and I can go to Georgiaanytime (right, dad?).

“It is not everyday you get tolearn and talk about God and lead-ership and have fun and makeamazing friends all at the sametime.

“And hey – all you YLTPers –missing you and loving you!There are less than 300 more daysto go (until next year)!”

One of the things I havelearned over the years is that whilewe do not make the Church orindividual people grow – Goddoes a much better job of that thanwe do– we can provide some ele-ments so that growth may be pos-sible.

I think that YLTP is a piece ofa healthy environment where Godcan do some pretty amazingthings.

Post ScriptThe commissioning and gradu-

ation of the YLTP 2005 group willtake place on Sat. June 25 at St.John’ s Church in Niagara Falls.

The Rev. Michael Calderwoodand his daughter HannahCalderwood are from HolyTrinity, Fonthill.

11May 2005 NIAGARA ANGLICAN

33 Princess St., Hamilton

905/529-2205 or 905/529-2983

Special rates for

churches & seniors,

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Learning about God & leadership with friendsYoung Leadership Training Program ‘a true gift’ for youth and leaders

THE GRADUATING CLASS (year three) of the Young Leadership Training Program will be com-missioned on June 25. That’s Rev. Calderwood at the extreme top left, and Rev. Val Kerr at theextreme bottom left.

THE ENTIRE CAST and crew of the 2005 Young Leadership Training Program held at Canterbury Hills during the March break.

“Behold, what manner of lovethe Father has bestowed uponus.” 1 John 3:1.

Ephesians 1:6-8. Let uspraise God for His glorious

grace, for the free gift He gave usin His dear Son, for by the sacrifi-cial death of Christ we are set free,our sins forgiven.

How great is the grace of God,which He gave to us in such largemeasure! V17, and ask the God ofour Lord Jesus Christ, the gloriousFather, to give you the Spirit, whowill make you wise and revealGod to you, so that you will knowHim.

Verse 18: I ask that your minds

may be opened to see His light, soyou will know what is the hope towhich He has called you.

How rich are the wonderfulblessings He promises His people,and how very great is His power atwork in us who believe.

Ephesians 1:3-5 Let us givethanks to the God and Father ofour Lord Jesus Christ. In ourunion with Christ, He has blessedus by giving us every spiritualblessing in the heavenly world.

Even before the world wasmade, God had already chosen usto be His through our union withChrist, so that we would be holyand without fault before Him,because of His love.

In all His wisdom and insight,God did what He had purposed,and made known to us His secretplan He had already decided tocomplete by means of Jesus theChrist.

St Paul’s teaching to us and toall ages, about the amazing giftsour Holy God had prepared forhumanity in the very beginning oftime, how truly great and aweinspiring He is. We can only won-der, and give thanks for thesemighty gifts.

Also to receive these gifts anduse them for benefit to all, to

spread the word, to acknowledgethe giver. The Creator, the eternalFather and the amazing grace,who spared not His only Son assacrifice. The son who spent Hislife for all, left us the gift of theSpirit, the Holy Spirit of God, toguide, to strengthen and to cheer ifwe let Him.

The gifts are given with openhands, not for a time only but for-ever, to be the centre of our livesand hopes.

Ask for the Spirit’s truths todiscern for us, let the Spirit of wis-dom in and trust in His leading,await patiently in prayer. Do nothurry the process, all time isGod’s. Wait and listen.

The Spirit is truth and light andguidance to all who turn to Him infaith.

Jesus willed this guiding Spiritto us when He ascended to theFather.

He told us to wait – as He toldthe disciples – until the HolySpirit comes upon you.

Sometimes the Holy Spirit ofGod comes “like tongues of fire”,sometimes “like a gentle wind”.

Other times it is a voice that no

one else hears, or so strongly spo-ken there is no mistaking it.

Be discerning however, waitand ask our Heavenly Father.

St. Paul’s teaching again: thereare many gifts. There is the gift oftongues, only useful if there is aninterpretation.

The gift of teaching, or proph-esy, of oratory, the one who speaksGod’s message, gives help orencouragement to the listener.

The gifts of hospitality, faith-fulness, humility, self control,kindness, goodness, joy, peace, orlove.

The Spirit produces all ofthese. The Spirit has given life. Hemust also control our lives.(Ephesians 5:25.)

We have to pray for the Spirit’sguidance. We have to allow Himin, welcome Him and ask Him tobreathe His Spirit into our spirit,to refresh and renew us, keep usfaithful to God.

The gracious gifts of God theFather, God the Son, and God theHoly Spirit are ever new. He iswaiting for us to acknowledgethem, accept them, hold them asprecious and personal.

NIAGARA ANGLICAN May 200512

The Christ s ChurchCathedral Shoppe

is openDevotional books, gift items, cards, and Anglican Book Centre publications.W e look forward to seeing you when you visit your Cathedral.

(905) 527-1316252 James St. North, Hamilton

Ordination to the Diaconate

Thursday, April 21 – St. ClairCleveland was ordained to the dia-conate (vocational) at Christ’sChurch Cathedral, Hamilton.Archdeacon Bruce McPetrie wasthe preacher. Sunday, May 15 – Christ’sChurch Cathedral, 4 p.m. TheVery Reverend Peter Wall ispreacher. Candidates will beannounced (transitional deacons).

Ordination to the Priesthood

Sunday, May 15 - Christ’s ChurchCathedral, 4 p.m. The VeryReverend Peter Wall is preacher.The candidate is the Rev. NancyMoffett, curate at St. John theEvangelist, Thorold.

Golden WeddingAnniversary Wishes

Norm and Alma DunnMarch, 2005 – Norm and AlmaDunn, faithful members of St.Paul’s, Mount Forest. They had alovely celebration which includedreaffirming their vows on April 2. Gerald and Joan WilsonApril 23, 2005 – Gerald and JoanWilson, faithful members of St.John’s, Thorold. A surprise recep-

tion was held in their honour. Barbara and Ross GillettMay 28, 2005 - Barbara and RossGillett, faithful members of St.Martin’s, Niagara Falls, andpresently members at St. John theEvangelist, Niagara Falls. A cele-bration is planned on May 28, atthe parish of St. John’s, NiagaraFalls. A Service of Blessing willbe held at 1 p.m., followed byWine and Cheese from 2 p.m. to 6p.m. Family and friends to sharein this celebration and drop intothe party.

On the moveNovis dean of TrafalgarThe Reverend Timothy Novis,Rector of St. Stephen’s, Hornbyand St. John’s, Stewarttown, waselected regional dean of Trafalgaron March 8. Stap now rector of St. Alban’sThe Reverend Grahame Stap wasappointed rector of St. Alban’s,Glen Williams, a change from his

status as priest-in-charge. Thiswas effective May 1.

Kerr goes to St. George’sThe Reverend Valerie Kerrresigned as assistant curate at St.John’s, Niagara Falls, and hasaccepted the position to be priestassociate at St. George’s, St.Catharines, on a half-time basis,effective April 1.

Licensed LayreadersThe following people were issuedlicenses as layreaders: BerylFraser licensed April 1 under thedirection of The Rev. DorothyHewlett at Christ Church, McNab;Jim Steel licensed April 1 underthe direction of Canon Paul Taylorat St. Saviour’s, the BrockMemorial Church, Queenston.

Permission to administerthe chalice

Permission to administer the chal-ice was granted to Vanessa Olton,Betty Langille, George Simpson,Jim Bell, Tristan VanderBent,Andrea Thornhill, MargDavidson, Selwyn Jordan, DennisGoldsberry, Mary Goldsberry,Donna Webb, Noreen Olton, RuthFaulks, Bill Godsack and DavidElliott at Church of the Ascension,Hamilton, under the direction ofCanon Kristine Swire, April 1.

Upcoming ordinationsPeople In The News

Alison D Atri

Bishop’s ItineraryMay 2005

May 1, Meeting of the House of Bishops concludes inWindsorMay 3, 5 p.m., St. John’s, Rockwood, meeting ofsynod councilMay 5, 4 p.m., Huron College, presentation atConvocation of D.D. degreeMay 7, Wellington Children’s FestivalMay 8, 8:30/10:30, Church of the Resurrection,Hamilton, anniversary servicesMay 9, 7:30 p.m., Wycliffe College ConvocationMay 10, 8 p.m., Trinity College ConvocationMay 14, James Street FairMay 15, 11 a.m., St. John the Evangelist, Hamilton,Parish VisitMay 15, 4 p.m., Christ’s Church Cathedral, Ordinationto the Diaconate and PriesthoodMay 17, 7 p.m., Appleby College ConfirmationMay 23, office closedMay 24, 6 p.m., Dinner/Meeting with DeaconsMay 27, 1 p.m., Ridley College, St. Catharines, Serviceof ConfirmationMay 28, 9 a.m., Cathedral Place, Fresh StartMay 29, 10 a.m., Church of the Ascension, Hamilton,Parish VisitMay 30 to June 1 - Clergy/Layworkers Conference

Praising the many gifts of the FatherAnglicanFellowshipof Prayer

By Annette Harris

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