“Sharing the Harvest” by The Rev’d Christine Wilson

On Thanksgiving Sunday, members of  St. Faith’s, St. Augustine’s, St. Matthias/St. Luke, Holy Trinity and St. John’s Shaughnessy brought donations of fresh produce to decorate their Altars and included non-perishable food items as part of their offertory.    

St. Faith’s volunteers then collected these goods and delivered them to St. Augustine’s.  UBC Farms provided more fresh produce and Cobs and Safeway donated bread, pastries, cookies, cakes and over 20 pumpkin pies !

On Monday Oct. 12^th St. Augustine’s Hall had 12 tables overflowing with food and over 50 people in the community came by for coffee and conversation while volunteers assisted them to fill shopping bags with food. 

Just before the start of the event, we gathered for this prayer.

“Loving and Generous God,

On this day of thanksgiving we offer our gratitude for your abundant blessings.

Thank you for everyone who has worked to make this event possible, especially for those here offering their time and talent for our sisters and brothers in need of our support and caring.

As we seek to live out your commandment to love our neighbours as ourselves….  may we uphold them in dignity and grace. 

For these few hours Lord, let us together be instruments to bring about your Kingdom here on earth.   Amen”

Throughout the morning, as we worked to be faithful to our prayer, it became apparent that we had succeeded when over a cup of hot cider and of course a piece of pumpkin pie, several people shared that they had nowhere to go and no one with which to share Thanksgiving and I overheard one of our volunteers answer “today you do”. 

 

 

Be Heard ! October 19th is Election Day

By now you should have received a notice letting you know where to vote on Oct 19^th as well as information on advance polls.

If you have not received your card be sure you are registered to vote and for information on candidates in your riding and about when and where to vote.  Visit Elections Canada at  http://www.elections.ca/home.aspx

Just in time for the 2015 federal election, a new non-partisan resource offers support for Canadian Anglicans to engage with parties and candidates on a range of vital issues rooted in shared prosperity and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.

Entitled Compassion, Justice and Reason: An Anglican Approach to Election 2015, the free downloadable resource consists of double-sided sheets on 10 different justice issues highlighted by the Anglican Church of Canada and rooted in the Marks of Mission.

 

June 28 2015 Ordinations

Yesterday, Paul Richards, St. Faith’s Diaconal Intern, and Helen Lingham, Clare Morgan and Alex Wilson were ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons.  Paul and Helen will serve as Deacons in their home parishes of Holy Trinity, White Rock and St. Andrew’s, Langley.  Both Clare and Alex are transitional Deacons, who, God willing, will become Priests in our Diocese.

St. Mary’s Kerrisdale was at full capacity for the service which featured beautiful music, a stirring and sometimes humourous sermon by Bishop Melissa and several touching moments.  There were many teary eyes as Bishop Melissa consecrated our new Deacons and anointed their hands with oil.

 (L-R) The Rev'd Paul Richards, The Rev'd Alex Wilson, Bishop Melissa Skelton,   The Rev'd Clare Morgan, The Rev'd Helen Lingham

Communion

 

Lenore with flowers from St. Faith's and Paul

 

 

Icon of the Holy Trinity given to St. Faith's by Paul

"With Grateful Thanks from The Rev'd Paul Richards

Intern 2014-2015"

Post-22 Days learning and action opportunities

Following reflections by leaders of the Anglican Church of Canada, plans are underway to begin addressing the 94 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Yet there is no shortage of immediate opportunities for church members to learn more and take action in solidarity with Indigenous peoples.  See News from General Synod at:

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d120aa8efc4112c7cae41108e&id=a55b23b72e&e=3171a0c93a

 

 

 

Day 22 of #22days: This ending is only the beginning

On this the final day of the #22days, we pray,

Creator God,

We give thanks for the voices that have spoken of
pain and hurt experienced
in the schools and of the scars which endure to this day.
We honour the sacredness of the stories
and hold in highest honour those who have told them.
We pray for all people who are still living
with the effects of the schools. 
We give thanks for the people and communities who have worked
at healing and are continuing to do so.   Amen.

To read reports and recommendations for action go to the TRC website and the Indigenous Justice Ministry pages of the Diocese of New Westminster.

Day 22’s Sacred Story: Terry “Coyote” Aleck was interviewed by Anglican Video at the Traditional Healing Circle in 1993 in Lytton, BC.  Terry is a Counsellor and Healer.   To hear Terry’s sacred story go to http://www.22days.ca/stories

Picture:  Bishop Melissa  and Terry “Coyote” Aleck at the TRC Closing Walk on May 31 2015 in Ottawa

Day 21 of #22days: Gail Flett

Gail Flett was filmed at the Second National Native Convocation in Minaki, ON in 1993.  To hear Gail’s sacred story go to http://www.22days.ca/stories

 

Day 20 of #22days: Manitoba Sixties Scoop apology moves families to tears

Manitoba became the only province in Canada to formally apologize for the Scoop, a move that saw an estimated 20,000 native children forced into adoption by child-welfare services and placed with mostly white families between the 1960s and 1980s.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-sixties-scoop-apology-moves-indigenous-families-to-tears-1.3119232

 

Day 20’s Sacred Story:  Barbara Neeposh was filmed by Anglican Video in 1993 at the Second National Native Convocation in Minaki, Ont.  To hear Barbara’s story go to http://www.22days.ca/stories

Day 19 of #22days: Reconciliation: What Are Our Next Strokes?

Five individuals invested in the process share insights on the voyage ahead.  By Katie Hyslop, 15 Jun 2015, TheTyee.ca

http://thetyee.ca/Presents/2015/06/15/Reconciliation-Next-Strokes/

Day 19’s Sacred Story: Garnet Angeconeb was interviewed by Anglican Video in 1993 in Sioux Lookout, Ont.  To hear Garnet’s story visit http://www.22days.ca/stories

 

Picture: Dancing at the TRC Walk in Ottawa on May 31, 2015

Day 18 of #22Days: Week 2 Highlights

Linking the historic injustice of residential schools to the present-day crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, the second week of the #22Days project saw Anglican calls for solidarity with Indigenous people continue to grow in strength.  See news article from Anglican Church of Canada at

http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=d120aa8efc4112c7cae41108e&id=e9062b8d59&e=3171a0c93a

 

Day 18’s Sacred Story:  Lorna McNaughton was interviewed by Anglican Video in 1992 at the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario. To hear Lorna’s story go to http://www.22days.ca/

 

 

 

Picture: St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont

Day 17 of #22 days: Renaming for Reconciliation

Shortly after the release of the closing report from the Truth and Reconciliation commission, a Calgary resident created an online petition to rename the Langevin Bridge.

Michelle Robinson, the Alberta President of the Liberal Party's "Aboriginal People's Commission" says, “not only would renaming the bridge be part of the process of reconciliation between Canada and First Nations, but it's a process that could be replicated across the country.” 

For the full story, go to  
http://www.cbc.ca/radio/the180/no-leaders-debates-ban-smoking-abolish-the-senate-1.3111113/renaming-for-reconciliation-1.3111292

Picture:  Pride Colours on the Langevin Bridge

Day 17’s sacred story: Elizabeth Johns was filmed by Anglican Video in 1993 at the Second National Native Convocation in Minaki, Ont. To hear Elizabeth’s story visit http://www.22days.ca/stories

 

 

Day 16 of #22 days: Gloria Nicolson

Gloria Nicolson was interviewed by Anglican Video in 1994 in Vancouver, BC. To hear Gloria’s story visit http://www.22days.ca/stories

Day 15 of #22 days: John Aleck

John Aleck was interviewed by Anglican Video in 1993 in Lytton, BC. To hear John’s story visit http://www.22days.ca/stories

Day 14 of #22 days: Mary Peters

Mary Peters was the Boys Supervisor at Residential School.  Mary was interviewed by Anglican Video in 1994 in White Rock, BC. To hear Mary’s story visit http://www.22days.ca/stories

Day 13 of #22 days: Vi Samaha

Vi Samaha was filmed by Anglican Video in 1993 while addressing the Royal Commission in Ottawa, Ont.  Vi passed away in Kamloops, BC on June 10th, 1999. To hear Vi’s story visit http://www.22days.ca/stories

Day 12 of #22 days

Jeff Cook, the youngest son of Gladys Cook, was interviewed by Anglican Video in 1992 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. To hear Jeff’s story visit http://www.22days.ca/stories

Day 11 of #22 days: Week 1 highlights

As of June 9, 84 Anglican parishes from B.C. to Newfoundland had expressed a commitment to ring their church bells to raise awareness of an ongoing national crisis, posting images and updates through social media that found their way onto the Wall of Commitment at 22days.ca.

The frequency of new posts on the wall, made by using the hashtag #22Days, testified to the deep feelings that events surrounding the TRC have evoked among Anglicans across Canada. Many parishes took part in local versions of closing ceremony activities, such as the Walk for Reconciliation or the planting of heart gardens to remember children who attended residential schools.  For more highlights of Week 1 of #22days visit

http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=d120aa8efc4112c7cae41108e&id=a76dbb24b9&e=3171a0c93a

N’kixw’stn James was interviewed by Anglican Video in 1993 in Lytton, BC.  To hear N’kixw’stn’s story visit http://www.22days.ca/stories

 

Day 10 of #22days St. Clement's North Vancouver Youth

The Children and Youth of St. Clement's, North Vancouver are participating in a meaningful and creative ‪#‎22Days observance for reconciliation.  Alecia Greenfield wrote a piece, with photographs, of the work she and the children did in remembering and honoring the stories and lives of First Nations children who attended residential schools. Click on the link below to read her story and see more of the photos.  http://www.stclementschurch.ca/

Day 10’s sacred story is Seis’lom who was interviewed by Anglican Video in 1995 in Vancouver, BC http://www.22days.ca/stories

Day 9 of #22days Dorothy Croquet

Dorothy Croquet was Boy’s Supervisor at St. Michael’s Residential School.  She was interviewed by Anglican Video in 1994 at her home in Fraser Valley, BC.

To hear Dorothy’s sacred story, visit http://www.22days.ca/stories

By: The Rev. Canon Ginny Doctor
For: Dorothy Croquet

Good and gracious God, our Creator, we give you thanks for our children and all those who have given them knowledge and wisdom to walk a good path;

We pray for all of our people who were hurt by workers and teachers in residential schools, we pray that all are healed;

We are thankful for the workers and teachers who gave of themselves so that the Good Mind prevailed, for all the good things they did, we are thankful.

Holy God, you created everything; help us to be whole and healthy and to find our balance for living in today’s world. Help us to reconcile and honor our past and go forth into the future with love and strength. We ask this in your name and in the name of Jesus Christ, the Peacemaker and Savior. Amen.

The Rev. Canon Ginny Doctor is the co-ordinator of Indigenous Ministries for the Anglican Church of Canada.

Day 8 of #22days: The Reverend Mervin Wolfleg

The Reverend Mervin Wolfleg was interviewed by Anglican Video in 1995 at his home in the Siksika Nation in Alberta. Mervin passed away on April 14, 2014.   

By: Jennifer Warren
For: The Rev. Mervin Wolfleg

Creator God, We praise you in every beautiful tongue you have given us. Your love is a gift in every language under the Sun.

Merciful God, We are sorry for the pain and damage that was caused to your beloved sons and daughters who lived and worked in the residential school system.
Faithful God, We give thanks for the life of our brother, The Rev. Mervin Wolfleg. Through his courage to share and his life of ministry, the journey to healing has begun in those whom he served.
Healer God, We pray that you continue this work through those of us who remain. Help us to comfort those who mourn the loss of their culture, communities, and loved ones.
Omnipotent God, We pray that you open our ears to hear your Word. Grant us courage to challenge hypocrisy and systemic discrimination.
Mighty God, We pray that you bless our hands and feet that we may take bold action. Guide us as we heal together and restore right relationships between the First Nations and Settlers of this land.
Peaceful God, We pray that you fill our hearts so that our lives may overflow and flood this nation with your peace.

Amen. 

Jennifer Warren is a lay delegate to the Council of General Synod for the Ecclesiastical Province of Canada.

To hear Mervin’s story visit http://www.22days.ca/stories

Day 7 of #22days: Lorraine Kenny

Lorraine Kenny was interviewed by Anglican Video in 1993 at her home in Sioux Lookout, Ontario. Lorraine passed away in 2010.

By: The Rt. Rev. Lydia Mamakwa
For: Lorraine Kenny

Creator God, we give you thanks for your many blessings and for the lives that you give to each and everyone of us, especially for your beloved child, Lorraine Kenny whose story we listen to today. We give thanks that you have brought her through the difficult years of her early life.

May we all learn from her story and pray for continued work on reconciliation.  May we all be reconciled with one another just as You call us to be reconciled with You.  In Your Name, we pray. Amen.

The Rt. Rev. Lydia Mamakwa is bishop of the Indigenous Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh.

To hear Lorraine’s story visit http://www.22days.ca/stories

Day 6 of #22days: News highlights Downtown Anglican Churches in Victoria

Our sisters and brothers at Christ Church Cathedral and St. John the Divine in Victoria have made in in the news  as they toll the bells for each day during the #22days 1,181 times — one ring for each of the aboriginal women who have gone missing or murdered over a 32-year period

Check out the article at:

http://www.vicnews.com/news/306057691.html

 

To hear Andrew’s sacred story for Day 6 visit  http://www.22days.ca/stories

Pictured below:  Christ Church Cathedral (left); St. John the Divine (right)

 



Day 5 of #22days: June 3 2015 Ceremonial Day and Closing: ‘This ending is just the beginning’

Remembering the past while offering hope for the future, the final day of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) closing ceremonies on Wednesday, June 3 made it clear that the journey towards reconciliation in Canada has just begun.

The ceremonial end of the four-day TRC national event took place in the Governor General’s residence at Rideau Hall. Indian residential school survivors and their family members assembled alongside representatives of the parties to the residential schools settlement agreement including Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, leaders of other churches, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

For the full article by Anglican Church of Canada see

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d120aa8efc4112c7cae41108e&id=d6c2b125ec&e=3171a0c93a

To hear Fred Sampson’s sacred story for Day 5 visit  http://www.22days.ca/stories
 
Picture:  Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, walks with a child en route to the planting of a heart garden at the closing ceremony of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

 

Day 4 of #22days: Response of the Churches to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

June 2 2015 The Anglican Church of Canada, The Presbyterian Church in Canada, the Roman Catholic Entities Parties to the Settlement Agreement, The United Church of Canada and the Jesuits of English Canada make the following statement in response to the findings and Calls to Action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

http://www.anglican.ca/news/response-of-the-churches-to-the-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada/3004539/

May the Creator guide us as we continue in the work of healing, justice, and right relations for the generations it will take to address that harm “and guide this country on a new and different path”. (Remembering the Children prayer, 2008)

 

To hear Mary's sacred story visit  http://www.22days.ca/stories

 

Picture:  Bishop Melissa and fellow Anglicans at the TRC Closing Events in Ottawa

 

 

 

 

Day 3 of #22days: St. Hilda’s Anglican Church in Sechelt, B.C works for reconciliation

Lovely article in CBC news today about the story of how Terry Aleck and John and Nancy Denham unite to hold reconciliation efforts in Sechelt, B.C. 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/residential-school-survivor-and-anglican-couple-forge-unlikely-friendship-1.3093047

Picture:

Terry Aleck and John and Nancy Denham hold a monthly aboriginal drumming circle at St. Hilda’s

 

Day 3 of #22days - to listen to Oliver’s story  visit   http://www.22days.ca/stories

Gathering Day: "We are all in this together"

A strong contingent of Anglicans were among thousands of people who gathered in the nation’s capital on Sunday, May 31, as the closing ceremonies of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) officially got underway.

The opening day of the TRC closing saw an estimated 10,000 people participate in the Walk for Reconciliation—which followed a 4.7-kilometre route from the École secondaire de l’Île in Gatineau, Que., through Victoria Island and ending in front of Ottawa City Hall—to show solidarity with Indian residential school survivors and commit to improving relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada.

Look closely in the picture and you will see Melanie Delva, archivist for the Diocese of New Westminster.

For the full article see
u=d120aa8efc4112c7cae41108e&id=a62bcc51fc&e=3171a0c93a

Day 2 of #22days - to listen to Eva’s story  visit   http://www.22days.ca/stories

#22 days This ending is only the beginning

The Anglican Church of Canada will mark the closing ceremonies of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and its work to address the tragic legacy of Indian residential schools with a project reflecting one of the event’s key themes—that this ending is just the beginning.

The church is calling for 22 days of prayer and renewal in its commitment to healing and reconciliation for all the peoples of Canada—Indigenous and non-Indigenous—that will begin Sunday, May 31, at the start of the TRC closing event in Ottawa, leading up to the National Aboriginal Day of Prayer on Sunday, June 21.  Each day during these 22 days, the church is  sharing a sacred story. Each of these stories details the experience of residential school survivors—stories of trauma, shame, and abuse, but also courage, resilience, and hope—and each is accompanied by a daily prayer.

St. Faith’s is participating in the 22 days by ringing our church bells every day at noon and posting a link to each day’s sacred story and prayer on our blog, our facebook page and on our twitter account.

 

See Gladys' story at

http://www.22days.ca/

#22days

“Raise the Roof, Ring the Bells, Feed the Hungry”

On Sunday April 19th St. Faith’s was pleased to welcome guest speaker Ian Birtwell who gave those gathered for our parish breakfast an amazing presentation about the upcoming restoration of Christ Church Cathedral project “Raise the Roof, Ring the Bells, Feed the Hungry” 

Not only will this project complete renovations for the church building and roof, it will expand the capacity of the kitchen to continue the amazing ministry of feeding the many in need in downtown Vancouver, it will also build a beautiful new bell tower.

The new bell tower will feature gorgeous stained glass by artist Sarah Hall with the Westminster chime four bells ringing:  twice daily; for each major service at the Cathedral; for civic events and significant festivals of other faiths.

St. Faith’s offers our grateful thanks to Ian and Jenny Birtwell for coming to our breakfast to share with us about the amazing “Raise the Roof, Ring the Bells, Feed the Hungry”  project.  Check out the great picture of Ian who was in France for the casting of the bell.

Bishop Melissa Visits St. Faith

On Sun. Jan. 4, 2015 St. Faith’s was delighted to have Bishop Melissa Skelton celebrate Epiphany with us and preach and preside at both the 8:00am and 10:00am Services.

The Bishop blessed our newly commissioned plaques recording the names of those buried in our Memorial Garden in honour of those in whose memory we have erected them: 


The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth;

we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord,
whose victorious rising from the dead
has given to us the hope of resurrection
and the promise of eternal life.
Grant your peace to all those whom we love,
but see no longer.
Let light perpetual shine upon them,
and in your loving wisdom and almighty power,
work in them the good purpose of your perfect will.
May their memory always be a blessing to us
and to all who seek to follow the way of Christ.
Blessed are you, O Holy One of Israel,
who gives life to all creation.  Amen.




Following the 10:00am service Bishop Melissa enjoyed a famous St. Faith’s pot luck lunch.  Parishioners engaged in discussion with the Bishop individually and as a group.   Click HERE to listen to Bishop Melissa’s sermon: “Outsider Awe, Outsider Reverence, Outsider Homage”.