The 73rd Synod of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle
Information on the Web
HIGHLIGHTS OF DIOCESAN SYNOD
Friday, March 9th - Sunday, March 11th
St. Paul's Cathedral and SIAST
by Winna Martin
Our Diocesan Synod began Friday, March 9th at St. Paul's Cathedral. The "Green Room" of the Cathedral was a cheerful, bustling place as delegates from all over the diocese gathered to register and renew acquaintances. There was a brief orientation session for new delegates and youth prior to supper and the opening Eucharist. This year we had quite a few new delegates, both urban and lay, young and "older", and from a variety of backgrounds.
The Opening Eucharist began at 6:15 p.m. and adopted a slightly different format than our previous synods. There was no formal procession of clergy and diocesan officers and clergy were asked not to robe. From my vantage point it was refreshing to see clergy and lay delegates sitting together without the traditional designation of the formal procession and segregated seating. It gave a sense of us all joining together in community as we begin this new chapter in our ever changing story. The bishop carried the theme of synod "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) building on "The Gospel: Our Confidence". He stressed the need to move beyond our structured limitations and bring the gospel message to the world. The Cathedral, under the leadership of Tannis Patterson, hosted a scrumptious reception following the Eucharist, First Sitting and Convening of Synod.
The Second Sitting of Synod began with worship at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in the auditorium of SIAST. Worship was led by Archdeacon Helena Houldcroft with the musical accompaniment of Dean James Merrett. This year, in keeping with our "think green" motto, and with the luxury of the state of the art technology of SIAST, we used power point presentations for our worship. Our own Diane Foley, and Susan Page who was our liaison with SIAST, made this all work, albeit with a few minor technological difficulties which caused more amusement than concern! Worship ended with "Bible Teaching" by Bishop Greg - which brought focus and thoughtful reflection to the gathering.
Following worship we were treated to a spirited, and often amusing, power point presentation by Archdeacon Rob Hardwick of Swift Current Archdeaconry. This was the first of the Archdeaconry Storytelling segments. It began with a snap shot of our bishop, attired in shorts and a t-shirt and astride a rather imposing horse. (Not to be outdone by the Bishop of Saskatoon who favours tractors!) It ended on a gentle note with the Reverend Dan Fournier performing one of the selections on his CD "All Part of the Journey (...so far)" Each of the storytelling segments closed with a prayer for the respective archdeaconry, Carol Marz gave prayers for Swift Current Archdeaconry.
Doug Osborne gave a financial report and this was followed by the Leadership Training piece, "Transforming Vestry". This was presented by the Reverends Allan and Denise Doerksen and the "vestry" of St. Aidan's, Moose Jaw. Handouts outlining some new, informative, and exciting ways of transforming your vestries; plus small discussion groups and a questionnaire completed this presentation, which gave us all something to think about and bring back to our vestries and parish councils.
Lunch was served in the cafeteria of SIAST with an appetizing array of sandwiches, fruit, veggies and sweets. SIAST is a bright, spacious facility, and from what I heard delegates were impressed with the venue and the inviting seats and excellent sound system of the auditorium. Eileen Barrie hosted the Churchmouse Resource Centre display in the large inviting area outside the auditorium and other displays included: PWRDF, St. Michael's Retreat Centre, Camp Harding, Emmanuel & St. Chad, and several others including a fair trade display by Ten Thousand Villages.
The Saturday afternoon session began with prayer and Bible Teaching by Bishop Greg. Ballots were distributed and the Youth presented the next "Storytelling". The Youth, represented by Jennifer Andreas and Jenni Weiss, also used a power point presentation and shared slides from Ask and Imagine, a national church youth conference. The Reverend Mike Sinclair spoke about our own youth event ICQ and the overwhelming support, both financial and `hands on', from throughout the diocese, and most particularly the host parish of All Saints, Regina and the Regina parishes. The Reverend Dick Kennedy presented Camp Harding in such an inviting light that it made you want to go and see for yourself this rustic but thriving facility in the beautiful Cyprus Hills.
A key presentation, and for me a major highlight, was when Bishop Victoria Matthews spoke on the "St. Michael's Report". She presented in clear, concise, and non-threatening terms, the gist of what has become a very contentious issue in the life and health of our church, and an important piece in the upcoming General Synod agenda. She entertained questions and indicated that a hard copy of her remarks would be made available to those who were interested. For many who were not familiar with the report she was able to "walk" them through it, bringing clearer understanding and insight to what lies before us.
Fiona Brownlee from the Council of the North also had a power point presentation which highlighted the vast and often very remote areas that encompass the Council of the North, their limited resources, overworked and underpaid clergy (who are mostly indigenous), and the tremendous financial hardships they continually face. It was a picture that presented both the grim reality and the joyous hope of our northern brothers and sisters. The church there is thriving in spite of their many obstacles with a large and exuberant youth participation. Fiona invited synod delegates to visit the website for further information and direction in ways you or your parishes might lend assistance or provide support.
The Saturday session ended with another "Storytelling" - this time from the Reverend Arthur Anderson and participants from Gordon's First Nations: Wilfred Anderson, (Elder), Patricia Pratt, Morilee Pratt, Darilee Anderson, Monique Anderson, Elaine Anderson, Brooke Pratt and the Reverend Dale Gillman. We were treated to "old time gospel" singing by two delightful young singers, stories, laughter and an invitation to join in worship and fellowship on Gordon's. In spite of the overwhelming sadness of the Residential School experience you can see in the faces of our First Nations brothers and sisters the light of Christ shinning through even the darkest of times, giving rise to a new, brighter and life giving future that we can all share.
After a long day of sessions we were ready for "fun and fellowship"... and the hospitality of All Saint's Regina, and entertainment by "The Cathedral Players" did not disappoint! The Bishop "shepherded" us to tables according to our respective birth month (I noted that there were some who "cheated" a bit and picked their own birth month to correspond to their partner's!) and we partook of a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings. "The Cathedral Players", led by Dean James Merrett, gave a very spirited rendition of Gail Bowen's "Dr. Doolittle" which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.
Sunday morning, and the Fourth Sitting of Synod began with the first part of the Eucharist and Bible Teaching, followed by "Storytelling", this time presented by Archdeacon Helena Houldcroft and Assiniboia Archdeaconry. Betty Ward offered prayers for this Archdeaconry.
Archdeacon Houldcroft also presented a very thought provoking piece on the ongoing Healing and Reconciliation, which affords a gentle approach to the Residential School crisis, as opposed to a legal one, and affords the opportunity for people to tell their stories and be heard. She invited both lay and clergy to become "prayerful listeners" in this important ministry.
The Final "Storytelling" was done by the Reverend Cheryl Johnson and Moose Mountain Archdeaconry. She spoke of healing and growth with First Nations people; the shortage of clergy and the concern that "supply ministry" represents hanging on to the past and that we need to be exploring other options and looking forward to future. Jennifer Andreas offered prayers for Moose Mountain. As our "webmaster" Cheryl also put out a plea for contact names in our parishes and times of worship, so those surfing the net to find a church know where to go, who to contact and the time of worship.
Synod ended with the remainder of the Eucharist at which the bishop presided assisted by Deacon Luanne Hrywkiw and the musical talents of our Dean.
The minutes of synod will be coming to you shortly, however attached to this is the new Diocesan Council members and General and Provincial Synod Delegates, plus the two resolutions which were presented via power point in case you did not have a chance to record them.
This was a new venture for all of us and in spite of a few hitches I think it went very well and the verbal feedback that I received would seem to support that. There will always be the grumblings around new technology especially from those who are not used to this mode of communication - ironically the "experts" among our lay and clerical delegates, who use this on a regular basis, had nothing but encouraging words and praise for our first initiative.
The official Synod "thank yous" were read by Lionel and Janet Neubauer. We are all thankful for the gifts among us especially for Diane Gingrass, Chair of the Agenda Committee; Susan Page for the excellent arrangements at SIAST; Gail Bowen for her kind permission to perform her play and her enthusiastic participation and to "The Cathedral Players"; and, Tannis Patterson for the lovely reception on Friday evening.
Elected delegates in order of election and alternate delegates
DIOCESAN COUNCIL
LAY
CLERGY
Sue Boxall
Mike Sinclair
Lionel Neubauer
Dan Fournier
Malcolm Tait
Cal Macfarlane
Ray Sass
Claude Schroeder
Arleen Champion
Joan Scandrett
Jennifer Andreas
Isabella Frank
Shauna Brown
Dale Gillman
Barbara Compton
Trish McCarthy
Susan Haacke
________________________
Karen Wilson
Cheryl Johnson
Nelson Haygarth
Malcolm French
Pearl Haygarth
Vicki Young
_____________________________
Cheryl Toth
Matthew Andreas
Ken Nagel
Eunice Patterson
Eleanor Kitzul
Fred Stephens
GENERAL SYNOD
Marilyn Dean
Rob Hardwick
Malcolm Tait
James Merrett
Janet Neubauer
Helena Houldcroft
Jennifer Andreas
Joan Scandrett
_______________________________
________________________
Patricia Pratt
Dan Fournier
Shauna Brown
Dick Kennedy
Rita Brann
Claude Schroeder
Carol Marz
Winna Martin } tied
Dawne Peterson
Jim Tait } tied
Trish McCarthy
Cheryl Johnson
PROVINCIAL SYNOD
LAY
CLERGY
Shauna Brown
Rob Hardwick
Darla Nault-Tait
Blair Dixon
Janet Neubauer
Dan Fournier
Malcolm Tait
Joan Scandrett
________________________
Claude Schroeder
Carlos Roberts
Dick Kennedy
Jim Tait
Cheryl Johnson
Moved by: Shauna Brown
Seconded by: Cheryl Toth
In response to Bishop Gregory's Call that we strive to be Christ-focused rather than church centered
Be it resolved that ….
Diocesan council be directed to consider, in a deliberate way, the utilization of the Harding Jackson
Fund based on the following principles:
- That an appropriate target be set as a "prudent reserve" for the Diocese,
(eg based on 25-50% of the annual diocesan budget);
- that funds in excess of the "prudent reserve" be removed from the Harding
Jackson Fund and be designated to support Christ focused mission and outreach
initiatives in our communities, rather than the institution of the church;
Be it further resolved that Diocesan Council report their findings for discussion
at the Special Synod tentatively scheduled during 2008. Carried
Moved by: Derek Nicholls
Seconded by: Sandra Kerr
Be it resolved that...
This Synod convey its loyal greetings to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada,
and its affection and appreciation for her ministry as our Sovereign. Carried
The 73rd Synod of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle