News

Parishioner writes book on "The Lord's Prayer"; donates part proceeds to ANiC ...

Our Father: A Personal Journey of Discovery into the Lord’s Prayer is a new book written by Renee Noseworthy. Renee is a member of St Stephen the Martyr Parish in St Johns, NL.

Our Father is about Renee’s personal journey of discovery of her heavenly Father’s love for her, and all of humankind. Revelation of His love transcends the obstacles that she encounters; physical and otherwise. Through “The Lord’s Prayer,” Jesus taught us that we can ask our heavenly Father for every aspect of restoration and wholeness. Renee talks about the Scriptures that have directed her ongoing path toward wholeness, and about how a study of this prayer reveals so much about God’s nature. Each chapter concludes with some inspiring questions for personal or group study. Through these questions, others are encouraged to enter into their own journey of discovery of their heavenly Father and his love for all humanity.

This book is currently available through most popular online bookstores. However, if you are interested in purchasing a copy directly from Renee, with the inclusion of Shipping and Handling fees, please contact her at bnandrn@outlook.com to arrange it. A portion of the profits from purchases made directly from Renee will be donated to the Anglican Network in Canada.

Warmly welcoming to Canada the Rev William John ...

Good Shepherd South Asian (Calgary, AB) is welcoming its first rector. The Rev William John is moving to the frozen Prairies from Dubai, United Arab Emirates where the average winter high temperature is 23 degrees C and summers average 40 degrees. William+ was Presbyter-in Charge for the Urdu/Hindi congregation at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Dubai. He was recommended to ANiC’s Bishop Stephen Leung by Bishop Azad Marshall who is the Bishop of Iran and Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf for Urdu-speaking congregations

Please pray for a smooth adjustment for William+ and his wife Aster and daughter Anum; for the speedy issuing of a work visa; and for the securing of a good rental facility for Good Shepherd South Asian. (They currently meet in a home.)
The induction service for William+ will be Saturday, December 21, 3pm at Our Lady of Peace Maronite Catholic Church, 504 – 30th Avenue, NW, Calgary, AB. Everyone who is able to attend is urged to go and, by your presence, encourage this fledgling congregation and bless William+ and his family. A reception will follow the service.

Report on ANiC’s November 16 electronic synod ...

Thank you for praying! The synod went smoothly and the technology worked effectively. Three council members were elected: Michael Bentley, David Gibbs and Ed Lewis. Minor changes to the canons were ratified to clarify that, in order to be considered an ANiC parish and have full voting privileges in synod, congregations must be incorporated and have charitable tax status. Also, a resolution was passed authorizing Council to apply to Industry Canada for permission to continue as a not for profit corporation, under the new Canada Not For Profit Act.

Audited financial statements for the past fiscal year (2012-2013) were approved and an operating budget for this fiscal year, of just under $1.12 million, was accepted. By holding the synod electronically this year, we estimate that ANiC, together with our congregations, saved well in excess of $100,000. Next year’s synod will be in Ottawa on November 5-7, allowing time for Bible teaching, fellowship, celebration and even a little business.

Report from Dean Archie Pell on ministry in Pakistan ...

Bishop Stephen and Nona Leung and Dean Archie and Caron Pell were in Pakistan recently at the invitation of Bishop Azad Marshall, bishop of Iran and the Gulf, to speak at a clergy conference. Because the conference was postponed a week on short notice due to the uneasy political situation, only Dean Archie and Caron were able to stay the extra week for the conference.

Dean Archie reports: “The Pastors' and Church Workers' Conference – which included participants from non-Anglican churches as well as from outside Pakistan – was a huge learning experience for Caron and me. Many people came to us to tell us their stories, stories that reminded us of the sufferings of the early church. Women often surrounded Caron during breaks to talk with her. Many pastors and their wives wanted me to pray with/for them, for their ministries, and for ill people in their families. Lots of people wanted to have their pictures taken with us (mostly with Caron) because they were so surprised and grateful that Canadians would take the risk of coming to be with them. It gave us a whole new window into Anglican ministry in Muslim countries. And we also gained knowledge of the difficulties facing Pakistan -- from people at the conference, from Muslims who approached us in public to talk with us, and from a meeting with the Governor of Lahore.”

ANiC priest caught on video ministering in Pentecostal Church ...

The Rev Ken Bombay is well known to many in ANiC and has served in pastoral care at St George’s Burlington. Recently, Ken+, who is now serving as interim pastor at First Assembly Pentecostal Church in Calgary, Alberta, invited the Rev Paul Donison, rector of ANiC’s St Peter & St Paul’s (Ottawa) to speak at First Assembly. Paul+ began with a dramatic recitation from the Gospel of Mark, then preached on Jesus’ healing ministry. His sermon was titled: “Why I still pray for healing with a chronically sick child”. You can access the video of the service here. Paul’s ministry begins at about the 50 minute mark. Take the time to watch. You’ll be blessed!

Bishop Ron and Jan's son featured in the Toronto Star ...

Bishop Ron and Jan Ferris are mentioned in a Toronto Star article about their son Ramesh and his advocacy in the fight against polio. Ramesh “was recently inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame for his tireless work helping to raise awareness and money toward eradicating the crippling and potentially deadly disease.”

Welcome to Sojourn (Vancouver) ...

Sojourn, ANiC's newest congregation, meets Sunday evenings at 7pm in the University Chapel building, one block from the UBC campus. For more information, see their ANiC webpage.

ARDFC Christmas card fundraiser ...

Want to give meaningful gifts this year? Give Christmas gifts that honour your loved ones while helping to "restore health, hope and dignity" for those in need. The Christmas cards acknowledge that a donation has been made to the Anglican Relief and Development Fund Canada. See the ARDFC’s website for more information or contact the ARDFC ambassador in your parish.

Healing ministry offers support to ANiC congregations ...

Since the Living Waters, Healing Streams ministry was launch in Ottawa last February the team has facilitated several events for ANiC parishes and clergy including: healing services, prayer sessions, and a ½ day seminar. The ministry works with and trains congregations interested in developing a healing ministry; presents and leads Scripture-based teaching events on healing and reconciliation; and offers personal prayer to those seeking Jesus’ healing in their life. If your parish or group is interested in hosting any of the above, please email the ministry or get more information on the www.livingwaterhealingstreams.ca.

Welcoming a new congregation in Ontario ...

A new ANiC project has launched in Fergus-Elora, Central Wellington. The congregation has chosen the name: The Circle. Sunday services are held at 2:30pm at The Door (the Youth for Christ centre) which is at the back of 212 St Andrew Street West in Fergus, Ontario. For more information, see their ANiC webpage.

Bishop Stephen ministers in Asia; requests prayer ...

Bishop Stephen Leung, who leads ANiC’s Asian and Multicultural Ministries (AMMiC), will be in Hong Kong, October 7-21, speaking at the Alliance Bible Seminary. During that time, he will give five talks, including recounting the background and journey taken by his congregation, Good Shepherd (Vancouver, BC), that led to its helping to found ANiC. Then, after the week in Nairobi for GAFCon, he heads to Lahore, Pakistan to speak at a diocesan annual conference of clergy and lay workers, November 5-10. He deeply values our prayer support during this time.

ANiC participation in GAFCon 2 ...

ANiC’s delegates include: Bishop Don & Trudy Harvey, Bishop Charlie & Judy Masters, Bishop Stephen & Nona Leung, Bishop Trevor & Dede Walters, the Rev Anson Ann, the Rev Jess Cantelon, Venerables Ron & Deidre Corcoran, the Venerable Darrell Critch, the Rev Paul Donison, the Rev Keith Ganzer, the Venerable Dan Gifford, Mr Claus Lenk, the Rev David McElrea, Dean Archie & Caron Pell, Canon George Sinclair, and the Rev Melvin Tai. The Rev Paul Donison explains why he is going despite recent terrorist attacks.

Bishop Don Harvey, at the invitation of Bishop Wallace Benns will be one of five presenters in a GAFCon mini conference entitled Episcopal Ministry: Priorities for Bishops' Leadership. This mini conference, which will extend the full five days of GAFCon, will be based on Hebrews 13. Please pray for Bishop Don.

Please engage in the spiritual warfare and pray for GAFCon and for our ANiC delegates:
• That GAFCon would be a blessing throughout the Anglican Communion
• For the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in each gathering
• For courage, faithfulness and clarity for all who lead and speak
• For unity among delegates; healing for broken relationships; grace and goodwill
• For rest and refreshment for delegates
• For conference organizers and staff working feverishly behind the scenes
• For conference technology to work (audio, video, internet, etc)
• That ANiC delegates would be spiritually renewed, make good connections, and travel safely

AMMiC ministries growing ...

ANiC’s Asian and Multicultural Ministries in Canada (AMMiC) under Bishop Stephen Leung held its annual fundraising dinner September 22. Clergy and lay leaders from congregations planted this past year reported and Bishop Stephen told of unfolding ministry opportunities and admitted to feeling over-whelmed at times. Photos of the event can be seen on the ANiC website.

Some nuggets included:

•	Nearly 20 per cent of Canada’s population is comprised of ethnic minorities
•	Eight church plants in BC, Alberta and Ontario – as well as several other ministries – reach a range of immigrant ethnicities.
•	Additional ethnic communities in various Canadian cities are eager for church plants.
•	Languages used in AMMiC churches and ministries include: Cantonese, English, Mandarin, Japanese, Farsi, Arabic, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and Ilocano-Igorot (a Filipino dialect).
•	God seems to be opening the door for church plants in US cities for Chinese congregations – undertaken in partnership with local ACNA dioceses

Bishop Stephen also announced that AMMiC has been given rent-free office space – a 2000+ square foot, two-story facility in an area of large warehouses in Richmond, BC. While the facility will have room for large gatherings, zoning regulations prevent it being used for regular church services. However, AMMiC churches will be able to use it for various events.

New parish strategic planning process piloted ...

St Matthew’s (Abbotsford, BC) and St John’s Richmond (BC) are the guinea pigs for ANiC’s new strategic ministry planning process. St Matthew’s reports it is half way through the process and has crafted new mission and values statements as a result. The parish now begins work on identifying specific goals and objectives.

The strategic planning process is being developed by a working group consisting of the Revs Ken Bell, Sean Love and Mike Stewart, together with consultant Joan Deeks, a parishioner at St Matthew’s. Once they complete the process, St Matthew’s and St John’s Richmond will serve as resource parishes for other congregations wishing to tackle strategic ministry planning.

Welcome St Peter's Fireside (Vancouver) ...

Launching regular Sunday services 3 November 2013
2013 "Preview" services: May 5, July 21, Sept 15
Find out more ...

Growing ANiC presence in Calgary ...

ANiC's growing presence in Calgary was demonstrated 30 June 2013 at the ordination of the Rev Tom Chi Tong Lo to the diaconate. Almost 150 people gathered to celebrate this step of faith and demonstrate strong bonds of unity and fellowship among the ANiC churches in Calgary: Grace Anglican, Good Shepherd South Asian, and Good Shepherd Cantonese. Many ecumenical friends from Chinese churches and a theological seminary in Calgary participated as well. Bishop Stephen Leung says, "This was a clear sign of encouragement to the growing ministry of the Good Shepherd Calgary church plant among the Chinese community. May the Lord continue to bless the ministry of the Rev Tom Lo and his people in Calgary."
See photos here.

Read ACNA’s magazine online ...

The latest edition of our Province's magazine, The Apostle, is now online. It features stories on Anglican Chaplaincy, a new Anglican publishing house, and ARDF’s work in the Congo.

Welcoming our newest church: Good Shepherd (South Asian) in Calgary, AB ...

A new church plant, Good Shepherd (South Asian) in Calgary, Alberta has joined ANiC. The forming congregation is currently let by rector warden Rajiv Singh, with Bishop Stephen Leung acting as priest-in-charge.

Please pray for this congregation which is ANiC’s first ministry among the large South Asian community in Canada. Pray specifically for the search of for a rental venue for Sunday service. Currently, the congregation meets in Rajiv's home. Also pray for God’s provision for a priest.

Calgary ranks third in Canada in proportion of visible minorities, just behind Toronto and Vancouver. The South Asian community in Calgary, mainly Indian and Pakistani, is the second largest visible minority group. The vision of this ANiC church plant is to reach out to those who speak Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi.

Cuba calling ...

Bishop Trevor Walters and a small team of ANiC members recently returned from Cuba where they were exploring opportunities to partner with Biblically faithful Anglicans in Cuba. Already, ANiC’s Mountain Valley Mission (Squamish, BC) has partnered with the church in San Pablo, Hoguin. You can read a report from the trip and see some photos on the Rev Barclay Mayo’s blog.

For many years, Bishop Charles and Claudia Dorrington (of the Reformed Episcopal Church or REC) which, like ANiC, is a diocese in the ACNA) have been working in Cuba where the “harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few”. You can see photos of Bishop Dorrington’s ministry in Cuba on YouTube.

Now ANiC churches have the opportunity to join this ministry. As ANiC’s coordinator for the Cuban ministry, Barclay+ will be contacting parishes about opportunities to be part of what God is doing in Cuba. The plan is to take representatives from at least three more ANiC parishes to Cuba in January 2014 to see the work first-hand. If this might interest you and your congregations please email Barclay+ or call him at (604) 815-8309.

Future synod dates set ...

ANiC’s Council has set the following dates for future synod gatherings:
9 November 2013 – electronic synod at1:30pm eastern time
5-7 November 2014 – location to be determined

Read ACNA’s magazine online ...

The latest edition of our Province's magazine, The Apostle, is now online. It features stories on Anglican Chaplaincy, a new Anglican publishing house, and ARDF’s work in the Congo.

ANiC members participate in the 2013 March for Life ...

For the first time ANiC officially fielded a small contingent in the Ottawa-based March for Life on 9 May 2013. Similar events are held across the country, some with ANiC member participation. See photos.

Welcome to Christ the King in Edmonton, AB ...

A new congregation has formed in Edmonton, under the Rev Roy Dickson. The congregation held their inaugural service April 21 and has now selected a name – Christ the King. They currently meet in a community hall and average about 100 on a given Sunday.

ANiC Governance Task Force calls for submissions ...

The Governance Task Force, created as at the request of synod, is calling for submissions from ANiC members. The task force, comprised of Bishop Ron Ferris (chair), the Rev Mike Stewart and the Rev Dr Brent Stiller, was established to “address Anglican polity with a special focus on the relationship between, bishops, diocesan council, Synod, clergy, and parishes”. Submissions, which must be received by May 31, are invited from individuals, parish councils, clergy groups, or any interested cluster of ANiC members. The responses should be sent to anicgovernance@gmail.com. See Bishop Ron’s letter for more details.

New Song (Port Perry, ON) moves into permanent church home ...

New Song Anglican Church which joined ANIC in late 2011, has purchased a 6000 square foot former Odd Fellows Hall and converted the building into a lovely permanent church home. The site was recently consecration for worship and community outreach. While much of the work is now complete, some renovations are still under way.

Bishop Don reports from the New Wineskins conference ...

Trudy and I had the pleasure of attending the New Wineskins Conference at Ridgecrest, North Carolina, during Easter Week. This event, which takes place every three years, has its main emphasis on Mission and draws together an amazing number of missionaries and their families, as well as the Bishops and Primates with whom they are serving. It also coincides with the SAMS [the South American Mission Society] gathering and a CANA conference.

While the presentations were excellent, the Bible Study by Bishop Ken Clarke of Ireland was outstanding, and the personal testimonies on the still unfinished task were challenging and at times heart rending, the great strength of this event is the opportunity to check in with old friends in the mission field and to make new ones.

It was very moving to hear a panel of first generation Christians tell their stories and in some cases, the danger they still face from families and hostile regimes back home. The cameras were shut off for this presentation and a strong request that this section not be put on the social media was made.

The enormity of the task was emphasized by the fact that out of every ten missionaries, seven are ministering to people who already are Christians, two and one half to those who are exploring the faith, and less than one to the unreached - that is those who have never heard the name of Jesus and have never seen a Bible. In terms of the Great Commission, that is very sobering.

Much of the programme can be viewed on Anglican TV and is well worth watching.

Council sets priorities and confirms committees at February 28 – March 1 meeting ...

Highlights of ANiC’s council meeting in Toronto, February 28-March 1are…
In response to a resolution passed at the last synod, Bishop Ron Ferris is leading a task force, which includes the Revs Mike Stewart and Brent Stiller, addressing ANiC polity – specifically the relationship between the bishops, council and synod. Meetings with the bishops, archdeacons and council have already taken place. The next step will be to call for submissions from members and groups within the ANiC community. This input, combined with further research, will shape the report which the task force intends to submit to ANiC’s coadjutor Bishop Charlie Masters by the end of August.

Among the strategic priorities the council identified were:

•	Clergy support, specifically by providing further training in preaching and teaching
•	Child evangelism and discipleship ministries in parishes

Membership on council committees was confirmed as follows:

•	Executive: Bishop Charlie Masters, the Rev George Sinclair, David Gibbs, Victoria Huyer, Claus Lenk
•	Finance and audit: Ed Lewis (chair), the Rev Ray David Glenn
•	Canons: Victoria Huyer (chair), the Rev George Sinclair, Mike Donison, the Ven Darrell Critch, the Rev Karen Berginstein
•	Church planting: the Ven Michael McKinnon (chair), the Rev Sean Love, Marion Karasiuk, the Very Rev Archie Pell, Bishop Ron Ferris, the Rev Dan Endresen, the Rev Denys Scully, the Rev Barclay Mayo
•	Legal: Mike Donison (Chancellor)
•	Nominating: the Ven Paul Crossland (chair)

Liturgical calendars ...

Canon Tom Carman has kindly created three - yes three - 2013 Liturgical calendars. One following the BCP tradition, one is in line with the BAS, and the third synced to Common Worship (Church of England). These are particularly helpful for clergy and altar guilds, but are great for all of us who follow the church year. The calendars can be downloaded (in pdf format), along with an introductory letter, from the ANiC website.

Marking Ash Wednesday and Lent ...

In his Lenten pastoral letter, Bishop Don Harvey, our diocesan and moderator, addresses some of the disciplines which promote spiritual growth. Read the letter here. See the children’s Lenten calendar here.

Time to Build ...

ANiC’s council has launched a Time to Build campaign under the leadership of the Venerable Ron Corcoron. Time to Build is intended to both encourage support for ANiC ministries and instill a culture of generous tithing in ANiC. Archdeacon Ron is available to visit parishes across the country. For more information see the Time to Build page.

Happy anniversary Bishop Don ...

Our diocesan and moderator Bishop Don Harvey celebrated 20 years in the episcopacy on January 25. Please join us in congratulating him and Trudy and praying for God’s continued blessing on their ministry.

Welcoming 3 new congregations ...

A forming congregation ministering to Japanese-speaking Canadians joined ANiC in December. Church of All Nations is pastored by the Rev Shihoko Warren, who was ordained to the priest hood on January 13.

Good Shepherd Calgary will officially launch as an ANiC church plant with Bishop Stephen Leung officiating at a Holy Communion service on February 9 (Saturday) at 1pm. The service will be held at St Maronite Roman Catholic Church, 504 – 30th Ave, NW Calgary. All are welcome.

Christ the Redeemer is forming in downtown Toronto with a focus on prayer and with a number of people currently taking the confirmation class. Worship services are expected to begin in March 2013.

Announcements from our Moderator ...

In a New Year’s letter, Bishop Don Harvey, announced that:

Three of ANiC’s Manitoba congregations – in Brandon, Dauphin and Kinosota – have been transferred to the eastern area of our diocese while remaining under Archdeacon Paul Crossland.

All Saints Anglican (Rutland, VT) is now a full parish in ANiC and its mission priest, Father Dwight MacPherson, is now the rector.

Two clergy in ANiC have been honoured by Bishop Don with the title of Canon in recognition of their service to ANiC: Canon George Sinclair and Canon Tom Carman.

ACNA World Missions Sunday, February 10 ...

Archbishop Bob Duncan has written ACNA members reminding us that, since the beginning of ACNA, the last Sunday after Epiphany has been observed as world missions Sunday. This year it is on February 10. Archbishop Bob writes, “On that day I am asking all ACNA churches to highlight this call to world mission through prayers, testimonies, stewardship and education. I would also like to ask your congregations to collect a special world mission offering…”

ACNA House of Bishops meeting communiqué ...

The ACNA House of Bishops met this past week, working through a heavy and intense agenda. Their communiqué provides insight into their discussions and fellowship, including:

•	Bible teaching based on Ephesians from Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali
•	Approval of the proposed six-stage study process for the Theological Task Force on Holy Orders, which will examine women’s ordination. For more information, see the communiqué.
•	Using new draft Prayer Book liturgies developed by another task force. Prayer was asked for the ongoing work of this task force.
•	Hearing updates on: the Catechesis Task Force (a first draft of a new Catechism was presented), Anglican1000 church planting, Anglican Relief and Development Fund (ARDF), and international relations.
•	Dealing with the matter of geographically over-lapping dioceses with the goal of organizing “each region for the long-term sustainability of the movement in recognizable, godly Anglican Church structures”. ANiC Suffragan Bishop Trevor Walters chaired the committee presenting this information to the House.
•	Learning about progress made by the Ecumenical Relations Task Force in forging relations with Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Messianic Jewish, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and other Evangelical denominations.
•	Reconciling relations between and among the bishops where there was need for restoration. Bishops Thad Barnum, Terrell Glenn and Todd Hunter were welcomed back to full membership in the College. In addition, the College approved the consecrations of three bishops-elect, confirmed the election of Bishop Charlie Masters as ANiC’s coadjutor bishop, and received Bishop Frank Lyons, former Bishop of Bolivia, as Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
•	Reaffirming the sanctity of life and the sin of abortion.