The St.

Paul s Circular
December, 2013 Volume 8, Issue 4 - singing

From the Desk of the Dean . . .

Singing
During a summer study leave in 1987 while attending the Sacred Dance Guild and a Hymn Writing Course in Berkeley California, I went to Sunday Eucharist at St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco. St. Gregorys is a place of fine liturgy and a place where dance is encouraged for the whole congregation as a form of prayer in worship. Before the liturgy began, I was overwhelmed at the beauty of the created sacred space that was sparse yet opulent with icons and colourful fabrics and flowers. While taking all this in, I noticed a sign/prayer on the wall of the upper room where the sacred space for Eucharist was created. The Invocation/instruction said: If you can talk, you can sing. If you can walk, you can dance. Those words have sustained me through out my ministry. However, I would take them even further: If you can make any noise, you can sing. If you can move, you can dance; and all of this can be prayer and praise. It made my heart soar to see our congregation as a whole group join the children and Ron Ste Marie in singing and moving during the childrens time on November 17th. Arms raised, voices singing while we affirmed God as the Strong Creator. Praying and praising in body and voice. Awesome! People are generally self conscious of their abilities as vocal and physical people. Ah, geeze, I cant sing. Yes you can. All of us can sing. We may not have formal training, we may not have Pavarotti's gift, but we each in our own fashion can sing to God. We are all capable of making noise joyfully. Church is the one place where we all sing together, joining our voices in all of their variety, uniqueness, timber and range. To praise, pray, lament, rejoice, give glory, wail and make some noise for God pleases and praises God. And it is good for the singer too. When we sing, we change our breathing, we engage in praying, we lift our hearts; we listen deeply, we join in community, we are connected to something beyond ourselves. All of this is very good indeed! St. Augustine said, When you sing you pray twice. So, sing on friends . . . in your car, in your shower, and especially in church! God loves to hear your voice! Blessings, Peace and Joy, Your Dean

St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco includes this words on their website: St. Gregorys Church invites people to see Gods image in all humankind, to sing and dance to Jesus lead, and to become Gods friends. Check them out at www.stgregorys.org.

Worship Services at St. Pauls Cathedral

Chapel, Sunday, 8:00 a.m. - Holy Communion Cathedral, Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist Chapel, Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - Holy Communion

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Letter from St. Vincent de Paul

To the Congregation of St. Pauls Cathedral; I am writing to express my gratitude for all you do to support the Out of the Cold Program. As I walked into the back room to organize it, I was overwhelmed with appreciation and gratitude. The boots and socks you have donated are truly a life saver to our guests. Your support for the program is key to the programs success. Not only have you supported the program by providing space, but also volunteers, collecting boots and socks, providing the program much needed items from your Thrift Shop, making soup and so much more. You have saved peoples lives. You have inspired others to help and have given the guests hope. I wish I was able to accurately describe the look on the guests faces as we hand them new, dry socks. The excitement that arises as I get the gift of playing Santa and handing out the new winter boots. Some of our guests have never had new boots. The guests really get excited over your giving tree filled with socks, hats and gloves. Thank-you also for the decorating done by the Sunday School kids and for the treats the gusts fill their pockets with which are made by your Youth Group. Its personal touches like these that make the guests so happy and welcome. Your continued support for this important ministry is so greatly appreciated, not just by the guests, but by everyone involved with the program. Sasha Smode, Program Coordinator.

All Soles Day

On Sunday, November 3rd, as we celebrated All Saints Day and All Souls Day, parishioners placed new winter boots, shoes and socks in front of the altar. We received three dozen pairs of boots and shoes, lots of socks as well as some used clothing. Thank you to everyone who brought items. They will be greatly appreciated by our Out of the Cold guests. Photo: Chuck Kalnin.

My God is So Big
During the childrens talk at the 10:00 a.m. service on November 17th, Ron Ste Marie led the children and, indeed, the entire congregation in a rousing and uplifting action song as a prayer after his talk. Unfortunately, were unable to show you those actions, but here are the words: My God is so big So strong and so mighty Theres nothing my God cannot do The oceans are his The rivers are his The stars are his handy work too

From Cathedral Committee

October Motion: That Cathedral Committee approve the ongoing negotiations for the new lease [for 566-4thAvenue] with the following changes: i. 3 year lease with option for a renewal of 2 year at the end of year 3. ii. 5% reduction in rent. iii. Grandfather pet clause iv. Right to cancel lease with 90 days notice by either party. v. No indemnity clause vi. The Cathedral will pay to $4000.00 over the term of the lease for repairs resulting from structural decay or deterioration. Carried.

My God is so big So strong and so mighty Theres nothing my God cannot do

I only sing in the shower. I would join a choir, but I dont think my bathtub holds that many people.
Jarod Kintz, American author.

The St. Paul's Circular is the parish newsletter of St. Pauls Anglican Cathedral, Kamloops, BC. Four issues are published each year: Lent/Easter; Pentecost; Fall; Advent/Christmas. Our aim is to glorify God by sharing stories about the ministries of our parish, both within and beyond our physical boundaries. The editorial board currently includes The Very Rev. Louise Peters, Miriam Baskin, Ray Beal, Mary Dove and Chuck Kalnin.

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Sunday School Activities

Our Sunday School curriculum this year is Feasting on the World. Its based on and compliments the lectionary and its full of wonderful lesson ideas, activities, crafts, games, stories and music. Sunday School this year is being coordinated by a dedicated and loving team of teachers: Tricia Steenson, Tammy Davis, Joanne Etherington, Kathyrn Brisco, Denise Anderson and Melissa Green. They are at times assisted by parishioners - helping hands offering the teachers some adult support. In addition to the curriculum, there continues to be a strong emphasis on outreach. Weekly collections go towards the Anglican Churchs Gifts for Mission. At times, our children make and freeze soup for our hungry neighbours. Soon Christmas shoe boxes will be filled for local children who are in need; and the sharing tree will again be decorated with warm socks and toques for our Out-of-the-Cold guests.

On Sunday, September 22nd, our children joined hands with their Sunday school teachers, as Melissa Green led prayers of commissioning. Photo: supplied by Melissa Green.

Sundae Sunday
September 22nd,,our welcome back Sunday, was also the first day of Sunday school classes. But as well for a second year in a row, it was also Sundae Sunday. Ice cream sundaes were enjoyed by parishioners after both Sunday services. After the second service, the festivities began with a potluck lunch, with ice cream included as dessert. All of us children of every age delighted in creating our own special sundaes from the wide variety of ingredients and toppings that were available.
Photos: Rae Long.

Prayer of Commissioning Sunday School Teachers

by Melissa Green

God of great love, joy, mystery and creativity, you have gifted these, our Sunday School teachers with very generous hearts, amazing teaching skills, creativity and curiosity.
As we enter into this new year of Sunday School, we ask you to fill them with energy and insight into your word and your story as they share it with all of the children who gather with them. Guide them as they dedicate their time to this important call working with this group of amazing children and youth. Grant them wisdom, patience, love and joy as they go about learning, teaching and having fun. Strengthen the gifts you have given them and energize their compassion. God, we thank you for our teachers. We thank you for the gifts they bring. We thank you for the prayers they say for us. We thank you that they teach us to care. We thank you that they teach us to love. May your steadfast and faithful love guide our teachers and all of us in all that we do. Amen.

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BC & Yukon Anglican Youth Movement - Fall Conference 2013

by Skye Hines

At Thanksgiving, thirteen young people from the Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior (APCI) went to Abbotsford for the British Columbia and Yukon Anglican Youth Movement's (BCYAYM) annual fall conference. This year was particularly special as it marked the hundredth year that Anglican youth have been gathering. The weekend was jam-packed with activities, sessions, worship, dancing, conversation and laughter from the moment we arrived to the moment we got back on the bus. The theme speaker, Laura-Marie Piotrowicz, spoke on eco-theology and how we can be guardians for the earth. On Saturday night we gathered at a gala with BCYAYM alumni to share and celebrate what BCYAYM (formerly Anglican Young Peoples Association) has meant for people through the decades. Life-long relationships have blossomed at these weekends, and this hasn't changed over the years. As the weekend came to a close Monday morning, the youth all said their goodbyes to old and new friends alike and boarded the bus. It was another amazing year at BCYAYM and the youth can't wait for next year in Cranbrook! Photo: supplied by Skye Hines.

Garden-Share Project
by Chuck Kalnin

Cathedral Office Changes

On October 13th, we said farewell to Viki Engdahl, celebrating her time here with cake and presenting her with a broach in appreciation of the dedication and energy she brought to her duties here. We wish Viki all the best in her future and in her new work in New Westminster. During job advertisement and interviews, Elaine Parkes has been in the Office - a whole lot - preparing bulletins, managing the calendar, doing the mail, distributing soup and much more. Elaine, you are truly a blessing; and we are extremely thankful.

The gardens have been cleaned up and dug over and the font covered for the winter. This marks the end of another very successful year of growing vegetables to share with others. This years total was right around 700 pounds. The majority of the produce was shared with others in one way or another. There were about 250 pounds of tomatoes alone, much of which was pureed and frozen for winter soups. We shared about a hundred pounds of zucchini and other summer squash, plus another 150 of winter squash. Reid Albright used some of the winter squash to create a wonderfully delicious soup for our visioning day lunch. We harvested over 50 pounds of carrots. There was a great crop of eggplant from just three plants. Some of our more unique veggies included seven different varieties of kale, both globe and Jerusalem artichokes, a black tomato called Indigo Rose, celiac root, and a fuzzy Chinese melon called maogua. As usual the fellowship was a wonderful bonus for those who gathered throughout the season. Its so very wonderful doing something you love in the company of friends. This is especially true for the hands in the dirt gang.! The only thing better than singing is more singing.
Ella Fitzgerald, American singer,1917-1988.

Something to do During Advent

At this time of the year we sometimes get caught up in the madness, but wish to remain focused on the true meaning of Christmas. We invite you to clip out the words below. Keep them in your car, on your fridge or somewhere else they can be seen. You might wish to attach a small bell to act as an audio reminder if they get moved.

Share the Advent Blessing Prepare the way of our Lord For Love, Peace, Hope and Joy Was born that Christmas Morn
Submitted by Miriam Baskin.

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Re-Boot Re-Fresh Re-Vision

The Future of our Church
Saturday, October 26th, fifty-two of us gathered in the Cathedral to reflect, to discern and to envision our ministry at St. Pauls during these times of historic change within the Anglican Church Canada and throughout the worldwide Christian church. This was to be the start of a process to determine our future; where we are now and where we are going. Our facilitator, Peter Mutrie, welcomed us and led us through the days agenda. Dean Louise led us in a lively rendition of Guide My Feet, then in prayer seeking Gods direction and guidance. Why? Why us? Why now? Jon Buckle talked about some of the changes that have been occurring and continue to occur in the church worldwide. There is a broad range of reasons for these changes, including ageing demographics and cultural and religious influences among others. He explained, Change has happened. It will continue to happen. It will not go away. We, too, are affected by some of these influences at St. Pauls. However, Jon pointed out that by discerning Gods leading in this process of change, we will be able to move forward, thriving into the future. Dean Louise identified some changes within the broader church that particularly affect us at St. Pauls. The Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior (APCI) and the Diocese of Cariboo previously have traditionally been supported financially by an arm of the Anglican General Synod called the Council of the North. These grants are now decreasing and will continue to do so. The effects can already be seen. Ten years ago there were fourteen parishes in APCI, three of them were self -supporting. Now there are ten parishes, only one is currently self-supporting - St. Pauls. Ten years ago in APCI there were eight full-time priests, now there are only three. APCI currently relies on several retired clergy to lead worship. There have been shifts at St. Pauls also: from two clergy down to one; from four honourary clergy down to one and a half. Similar concerns exist all across Canada within the Anglican Church. The national church leadership has initiated steps to address these concerns. General Synod has passed motions about how we might deal with change. The initiatives include Vision 2019 and Embodying Gods Call. A video about transformational change has also been produced and was shown this day.

We gathered in the Cathedral on a Saturday morning to reflect, discern and envision. Background information about some current realities and various events leading up to this day were presented by Nancy Mutrie. Our visioning process has roots in a parish profiling day held several years ago, led by the Rev. Barbara Lioscos. A visioning day led by the Rev. Peter Davison followed a couple of years later. The influence of these two events resulted in the formation of our Facility & Ministry Committee which has led us for several years in exploring and identifying our mission, our ministry, and some options facing us regarding our building. Its initiatives concluded in a 2012 with a report offering various recommendations. Recently this report was retrieved and reviewed to address the concerns and suggestions made. It became apparent that the reasons for our earlier efforts were based on a set of different criteria than those facing us today. It was deemed that it was time to do some reflection on our situation at present. What are our ministries now and what will they be in the future?

Storytelling was a means used to lead us towards determining who we are now and where we are going. Five parishioners - a recent newcomer, a young couple, a seasoned parishioner and a youth - were invited to share their personal stories by responding to three questions:
What was your experience when you first came to St. Pauls Cathedral? What is your experience now at the Cathedral? What is the church you hope to see?
(See page 6.)

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Re-Boot Re-Fresh Re-Vision (contd.):

Jane Akujura told us about differences between Anglican worship in her home country and here at St. Pauls. She shared her experiences in first attending worship services here, how a lady preaching provided a sense of motherly love, and how reflections on the homily influenced her daily life and her desire to attend worship. When she now arrives at the church to worship, she sees happy faces and beautiful children. She is warmly welcomed and feels blessed. Jane hopes that our future might include greater communication and contact with other parish members, better welcoming of new members, and more younger people. Richard and Jennifer Cane told about differences in worshipping at St. Pauls when they were children and now with children of their own. For them, its now an issue of balance between care of their family and being active and engaging within the parish. Their wishes for the future at St. Pauls included that it be relevant, engaged and especially a safe place for all. To be a sustainable church we must be flexible and welcoming. Richard closed with a Summary of the Law: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. He added, This is the foundation of the church for the future and the church we hope to see. Jo-Mary Hunter said that when they first came to St. Pauls in 1963, there were ladies in hats, a pulpit, the Book of Common Prayer, a friendly congregation, and much community involvement. Today theres a wonderful church community with a great feeling of warmth and joy. There is a balance in services, lots of social and educational opportunities, and good community outreach. Jo-Marys wish for our future is that we continue to look out rather than within. She hopes we will be a place appropriate for all ages, a welcoming place for all. Jenny Ellis shared about deciding to worship at St. Pauls. Coming from a much smaller church, she found the Cathedral to be a welcoming community but rather huge. There are so many opportunities for growth. Attending services really opened my Spirit and she is more involved than she ever imagined. She noted that the homilies were continually presenting her with phrases that stick in your brain, words that she reflects on and which affect her life. Jennys wish is that more people come to church and that St. Pauls remains welcoming, fun and inspiring, with opportunities to grow.

Jane Akujura, Gordon Dove, Chris Rose, Pat Monkhouse, Elaine Parkes and Pat King were in one of the small groups. We moved into small groups to explore the questions of where we are now and where we are going. Discussion centered on the last two questions addressed by the storytellers. Ideas and thoughts were recorded. One word answers were written on color-coded index cards. The small group facilitators reported back to the plenary session, reading out the words on the index cards. Giving thanks, we stopped for lunch. Reid Albright provided delicious squash soup and chili, accompanied by open-faced sandwiches. Continuing the process after lunch, the results from the morning group discussions were grouped into eight themes relating to our future church: Outreach; Youth; Sustainability; Inclusiveness; Relevance; Spirituality; Worship; Leadership. Each small group was provided with a poster that stated: Our ship is sinking. We can save our ship with Action words and phrases were written on the posters or added with post-it-notes. Each poster was presented back to plenary with the facilitators reading out the action words. Peter Mutrie summarized the days activities, noting that people were engaged, that a set of stimulating and empowering ideas was produced, that what we did was a step in a process. He stated, The thinking that got us here will not be the thinking to get us out of here. He added that we must now ask, How do we within the church, stay apace to the changes that face us? The material from this day will be gathered and used to plan the next stage. A vision will be distilled. The process will advance. In closing, Dean Louise expressed deep thanks to all who participated in the days work. Explaining why we called this day together, she stated, There is urgency about knowing our directed future.
(See page 7.)

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Re-Fresh Re-Vision (contd.):

Much has changed and is changing rapidly. As Christians and as the Cathedral here in Kamloops, we need to determine who we are and where we sense that God is calling us to go, in order to lead well into our future. Louise shared that the work from this day will assist her in her ministry as priest, pastor and teacher, adding that we also have some major work ahead of us. She referred to the report of the Major Maintenance Committee which outlines pressing maintenance concerns for our facility. As well as urgent community and ministry needs, there are urgent facility and capital needs. Louise invited anyone interested to join the group that will continue to guide the visioning process. Louise concluded the session with thanks to Peter Mutrie for leading us through the days agenda, the members of the group that organized the day, Reid Albright for lunch, and those present for being involved and providing valuable input. The day ended as it started - with singing and prayer. A choir is made up of many voices, including yours and mine. If one goes silent then all that will be left are the soloists. Dont let a few determine the nature of the sound. It makes for poor harmony and it diminishes the song. Vera Nazarian, American writer.

Prayer of Thanksgiving
by Jon Buckle

God of Grace, we give thanks for the recent visioning day at St. Pauls in which we reflected on the strengths and challenges of our community, and sought your direction for our future. May we continue this journey in faith, relying upon the guiding hand of your Spirit. In your love . . . Hear us O Lord.
Adapted from Prayers of the People, November 3rd, by Jon Buckle.

The Lifeboat. Our ship is sinking. Together we can save our ship. Photos: Chuck Kalnin.

HOPE - The Canadian Anglican Song for 2013

by Mary Dove

Last January the song Hope was chosen by a panel of judges (Gordon Light was one) from more than 70 entries. The song was to be based on our five Marks of Mission, the five priorities for ministry used throughout the global Anglican Communion and based on our Baptismal vows. That song has now been released as a DVD available at the Resource Centre for lending or purchasing. It is also available to view online at: www.anglican.ca. (Print Hope song into the search section on the home page.) The song Hope by Jaylene Johnson and Jim Kimball is absolutely delightful and comes with their conviction that life is not always easy but that hope is essential in a life of faith. When Jaylene talks about hope she isnt offering up platitudes. The Winnipeg singer-songwriter has been through many ups and downs, including a traumatic car accident in 2004 that left her with what she calls brutal, daily chronic pain.

The Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, said, I thank Jaylene and James for this song. Thank you for its message of hope as a tiny voice that makes its way through all the noise of the world and says hold on. This song reminds me that our times are in Gods hands and that hope truly is the song in the heart of our Church - at worship and at work in the world.

I believe that this is a wonderful song, not only for the Church but we need to take it out into the world as well. We can email the video to all your friends.
Hope is a boat that holds you when youre too far from the shore/Hopes a little bird that flies on in the middle of a storm/Its the song inside a heart that wont give up/Hope You dont love someone for their looks, their clothes, or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear. Author unknown.

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Reflections on the Future of the Christian/Anglican Church

Lifeboat Saving Style from the October 26th Gathering at St. Pauls
by Gine Rose

I would have enjoyed continuing the gathering the next day as sleeping on it brought out more words, thoughts and suggestions. Here are some thoughts that emerged during the night and from conversations I have had with people in the past: 1. Beware of putting new wine in old (wine-)skins. In a few years I wont be here. I am one of the many white heads in the pews. How much of my future vision for the church will fit the needs and wants of those younger people we hope will join the church if we do not find out and ask them what it will take for them to want to come to church? I have no plan for how to find this out, other than to be brave (one of the lifesaving words) and ask when time and place seem right. 2. What puts outsiders off from coming to Church at the present time? Two personal conversations gave these answers: the consequences of the residential schools Church involvement and the Church just blessing and not marrying same sex couples. 3. Sundays are not a good time for many young families. 4. Im fed up volunteering to do maintenance when I have my own home to maintain. 5. I am an atheist; I do not believe in God. I was not smart enough to ask them Herbie ODriscolls question, Which God do you not believe in? I wasnt sure myself at the time. Semi-awake in the early morning darkness, it did occur to me how St. Pauls Cathedral has become a second home for me since we arrived in Kamloops 46 years ago. Like my first home, everything has not always been smooth going with relationships within, but there has always been enough love to weather storms. We have stuck to traditions and we have made adjustments and changes as our children and grandchildren have grown and matured, and it still remained home. When the young people (children) left home we realized we didnt need the same amount of room. We down sized and moved home into a strata situation where we had to adjust enormously. We had to share outside property with our neighbours!!! We had to follow by-laws and rules and had to dig deep to forgive them for shoveling snow onto space, or their visitors using our parking spot. We later decided to bring our home closer to town to save on gas

and to be closer to doctors, the hospital and other services. We had to adjust further, but we still have our home. It is what we need and we have learned that love and kindness come from unexpected places and persons. It is what happens within this place that makes it home. Our new wineskin has kept many precious traditions; some have been adjusted and new ones have been created from the needs of younger ones in the family. We say in Norway, Where there is heartroom, that is a home. I have no doubt that the lifeboat will bring us safely ashore and home - in spite of possible challenging waves. Wearing a lifejacket, with love,

Gine Rose.

If I were a rich Man . . .

by Barry Baskin

If I were a rich man, would I do all I could to help steward Gods world in the way we should? Would I share responsibility with my fellow humans? Would I call upon the young and the old and all those in between to carry the torch for the environment, to stop pollution, to stop waste, to energize in safe and healthy ways? Would I join in rebuilding Gods broken world as He would have us do? So much needs our tender care: the living breathing nature, water and the air, Gods downtrodden earth ravaged by waste and neglect. Will I rise to the challenge? Am I ready to rally the troops? There is much work to do. We are all sisters and brothers. We are all Gods children. We are called in Gods love to be good stewards in every way we can, to love each other, to love Gods world. Yes, I am a rich man, not in gold and silver, but rich in Gods love, surrounded by His worlds beauty in nature and humanity, in family, and in friends. Yes, I will answer Gods call in all that I do and say. If I love enough it will spread like wildfire. As we share in Gods love we will steward well with all our hearts and minds. Can I stop all the wars in the world? No! But, I can do my very best to make our world a better place to live.
Read by Barry Baskin as the stewardship segment during the 10:00 a.m. worship service, Sunday, June 2, 2013.

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Reign of Christ Hymn Sing

Hymns You Didnt Know You Could Love
On Sunday, November 24th, St. Pauls ended the liturgical church year by celebrating the Feast of the Reign of Christ with song and praise. During the service, the music and texts of some newer hymns became the Liturgy of the Word. Each song was briefly introduced with its history, formation and possible usage. It was indeed a wonderful way to celebrate Gods gracious reign in Christ. The songs, music and table fellowship were a foretaste of Gods heavenly banquet. The hymns that were sung included:

When Minds Reach Out Beyond Divides words by Keri K Wehlander; music by Forest Green. Let us build a House words by Marty Haugen.

Our offertory hymn was from our blue songbook Common Praise: Come Away to the Skies. We indeed made a joyous noise to the Lord!
Adapted from the pew bulletin for Sunday, November 24, 2013.

St. Pauls Thrift Shop

Fridays: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
closed December 27th - reopens January 3rd

Come Touch our Hearts - words and music by Gordon Light. Come and Seek the Way of Wisdom - words by Ruth Duck; music by Donna Kasbohm. God of the Bible words by Shirley Erena Murray; music by Tony Alonso. Shadows and Substance - words and music by Daniel Charles Damon. Love is the Touch - words by Alison M. Robertson; music by John Bell.

Come - Visit - Fill a Need - Find a Treasure

Your donations are appreciated and may be left in the foyer of the upper parish hall during office hours. Donations of toques, mitts and other winter clothing are especially needed at this time of year. Please take the time to toss the clothing in your washer and dryer and wash up dishes and pots and pans.

Glancing Back: Photos from St. Pauls Past

Top photo: Shown is the 1952 St. Pauls Sunday School. Children are in the front with the youth nearer the back. Included are Boy Scouts, Cubs, Girl Guides and Brownies whose troops were sponsored by the Cathedral. At the rear on the sides are the teachers. Near the center of the picture is the Rev. Jim Jolley, the Dean at the time. Somewhere in the picture are three who are remain parishioners at St. Pauls today: Roger Parkes, Bridget Jensen and Rae Long.
Photo: supplied by Roger Parkes.

Bottom photo: Five horn blowers gathered in 1989, adding to the music at a St. Pauls Christmas Eve service. Shown from the left are: the Rev. Maj. Bob Jackson, Rollie Cobb, Bernie Kent and an unidentified trombone player. Hiding behind the Rev. Maj. Jackson is Mark Betuzzi who was the fifth member of the group. You might also recognize the server in the background as Dwight Oatway.
Photo: supplied by Chuck Kalnin.

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Blessed Assurance
by Gail Ovington

One of my first recollections of singing a hymn was in Sunday School at four years of age. I loved the words I know in Jesus loves me this I know. Several of my friends passed on when I was a child. I thought of them on Jesus knee and there was a wonderful feeling of assurance that all would be well. My father was a Free Methodist minister and my mother was the only pianist in our little church in Kelowna, BC. Mother came from a Salvationist background and the band, along with her six brothers and sisters, gathered weekly at the farm. Singing around the piano was part of our life. One Saturday mother was too ill with the flu to play the piano. Father was beside himself, but mother assured him that the three hymns that I knew with both hands would be sufficient for the service the next day. So, even though my feet couldnt reach the pedals, at age seven, my piano debut as accompanist in our little church was Blessed Assurance, Saviour like a Shepherd Lead Us and Jesus Loves Me. From then on, I often played in Sunday School. From age thirteen on in Kamloops, I played every Sunday morning, as well as at the Provincial Home for elderly men on Sunday afternoons. I learned the importance of supporting the congregation and meeting the needs to make worship meaningful. I learned that accompanying the congregation was not about me. I was there to bring out the power of the strength of the tune and harmony, and to reinforce the importance of the message so that folk could go home and take the words to heart amidst their hard times in life. Hymn singing helps to remind us over and over how we are loved and where we are going. The lyrics of hymn were often written under terrible duress and strain. After searching for answers because of the loss of his four daughters in a shipwreck in the Atlantic Ocean, Horatio Spifford, in 1873, wrote It is Well with my Soul. The song, written more than 140 years ago, is more popular than ever with both younger and bolder generations. The words when sorrows like sea-billows roll, it is well, it is well, it is well with my soul are from a different era but the meaning is still relevant today. Popular new composers are now writing easy to read melodies with soft or hard rock accompaniment, but again with the same message for all. The piece I can only Imagine has had

over twenty-two million hits on You Tube. In our darkest hours in life, familiar words from hymns will instantly come to us - such as Precious Lord Take my Hand, Great is Thy Faithfulness and He will Raise you up on Eagle Wings. After 9/11, millions listened to astounding renditions of Amazing Grace. The prayer song Bring Him Home from Les Miserable has been an inspiration for many for decades. Even without the understanding of the language of the lyrics, the powerful melodies of Avinu Malkeinu, the Jewish prayer song in Hebrew, and Kol Nidre, sung by a cantor in Arabic, have been a solace to millions, The message is clear. There is a Power greater than us. There is Love. Instead of despair, there is Hope. There is Meaning which surpasses all human understanding and all religious doctrines. Instead of loss, there is a better future with our loved ones for all Eternity. And that, I believe is Blessed Assurance.

A book review

Without Guarantee:
In Search of a Vulnerable God
Bob Purdy is a retired Anglican priest who led congregations in small west coast communities, industrial towns and large cities for 50 years. In his book, Without Guarantee, he asks if God is really omnipotent and all-powerful and writes, I do not believe God is omnipotent. God is love, and love in human experience is always vulnerable . Love is to boldly commit without guarantee to this life itself. God who is present in all things works from the inside out as love works, from the bottom up not the top down, with the persistent strength of yet vulnerable love. How different is that strength of love from the violence of domination power, experienced in every area of human life. The book may obtained: from the authors website at: www.vulnerablegod.com/ or http:// www.mirasmartshop.com from the author at: 4850 Son Ranch Road, Grand Forks, BC V0H1H5 online from Amazon.com from Chris and Gine Rose, who have a few copies.
Adapted from promotional materials for the book, provided by Gine Rose.

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From Scarcity to Abundance

The Stewardship Page

Major Maintenance Items

by Gordon Dove

From the Treasurers Desk

Summary of Revenue and Expense

For the Ten Months Ending October 31, 2013 Actual Revenue Offering Rental Income Other Income Total Revenue Expense Salaries & Benefits Premises & Office Programs & Other Christian Sharing Total Expenses Operating Surplus $186,093 38,840 20,702 $245,635 $127,054 32,558 32,436 51,589 $243,637 $ 1,998 Budget $205,500 36,330 30,670 $272,500 $128,100 29,320 41,450 60,000 $258,870 $ 13,630

Last spring the Major Maintenance Committee was formed to address the concerns from our maintenance department. About thirteen years ago the Federal Government made overtures toward seizing the churches in the Diocese of Cariboo pursuant to the Residential School crisis. The maintenance department at St. Pauls felt that there wasnt any point in putting a lot of money into maintenance if the Government was going to take the building anyway. As the discussions and threats passed, we found ourselves needing to make a decision - to rebuild or renovate. We still have not come to a consensus on that. Today we find ourselves with a list of projects that are becoming urgent. The following list is an assessment of our needs for the next five years.

Roof: The roof should have been replaced by 2010 and is now needing to be done at a cost of $100,000. Doors: The exterior doors, windows and trim need to be painted. Four exterior doors need to be replaced with modern steel doors with new panic hardware. A no longer used exterior door to the Thrift Shop needs to be removed and the surrounding area rebuilt and refinished. Cost for all of this is $16,000. Chapel: Its time to upgrade the lighting, to paint and to replace the carpets at a cost of $5,200 Carpets: Carpets in the Cathedral, the entrance to the chapel and the office need to be replaced at a cost of $13,000. Kitchen: The flooring needs to be renewed at a cost of $5,200. Chairs: Old worn chairs in the hall need to be replaced at a cost of $1,300. 566-4th Avenue: The house next door may need some work done in the next couple of years. Just in case its needed, we are setting up a contingency fund of $10,000.

Prayer while Making A Pledge

Gracious and loving God, giver of all that is good and true and beautiful and life-giving. These cards represent our sweat - they represent our lives - they represent our dreams. The pledges we make on them are but tokens of the awesome gifts that have been given to us; they are pledged in thanksgiving for all that we have received - for all we have been inspired to be for all we are challenged to become - in this place. May they be the first fruits of all we have and not what we have left over, so we may live out as closely as possible how you give to us. May we see them as our offering to you - sacred - holy - yet earthy - filled with possibilities. May we hold this image in our hearts and minds, as we watch our offerings each week come to your table, so that we might see our very selves being part of this offering - us on the table, living sacrifices to you. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer by Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, posted on website of the US Episcopal Church.

This work adds up to a total cost of some one hundred and fifty thousand dollars!
Adapted from a talk by our Treasurer, Gordon Dove, given as part of the stewardship campaign on Sunday, November 17, 2013.

There are literally thousands and thousands of acres of front yards in north America devoted to a single crop: grass. Yes, lawn grass is a great platform for all kinds of activities, but when was the last time you saw a front-yard baseball game? The activity we most often carry out instead is lawn mowing
Lorraine Johnson, author & urban gardener.

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The Primates World Relief & Development Fund (PWRDF) Response to Typhoon Haiyan Fred Says
Prayers and financial support are requested for the people of the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. On November 8th, the super typhoon hit the Philippines Eastern Visayas Region; the devastation and loss of life was widespread. PWRDFs partner Father Rex Reyes, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches of the Philippines (NCCP), sent this message: "I bid you pray for the repose of the dead, comfort to the survivors and strength to those who minister to their needs. Give of yourself that God's love may be made real." The Canadian government has a matching grant program for donations to relief work in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. Between November 9th and December 9th, all donations received for typhoon relief from Canadians by registered charities will be matched, dollar for dollar, by the government. The PWRDF has pledged an initial response of $20,000 towards the appeal that will be implemented in the Philippines by the NCCP. You may contribute through your Cathedral offerings. Please mark them as: PWRDF - Philippines Support. You can also donate online directly to the PWRDF. For more information go to: http://pwrdf.org/donate. Thank-you for your prayers and support.
Adapted from a St. Pauls email, November 12, 2013.

Introducing Fred Says: The Most Reverend Fredrick James Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, admits that some people call him Your Grace. He much prefers simply to be called Fred. Fred is passionate about the work of PWRDF, which he calls one of the best good news stories of the Anglican Church of Canada. An important part PWRDFs work is to ensure that people have enough good, healthy food to eat. Fred Says is a campaign that PWRDF will be undertaking over the next three years to move people to understand food security and the PWRDF mission. Food security is an increasingly common term, but its not well understood by most. Food security refers to the availability of food and ones access to it. The first thing Fred Says is, Have you Eaten Today? In Canada, its easy to assume that everyone has enough to eat. In other countries, friends often greet each other with this question and the answer is often no. If your friend hasnt eaten and you have extra, you generally share of your excess. Fred encourages us to learn more. Sifa Naru is a widow in Mozambique who stopped taking the antiretroviral drugs that control her AIDS because she didnt have food to take them with. Her story inspired PWRDF to step in and provide food packets to Sifa and others to help them back on to their feet after being diagnosed with HIV. Every two months, Fred will offer a new Fredism a unique saying which is linked to a PWRDF project and is related to the month, season or holiday in Canada. You are invited to learn more online and in the Church about the issue of food security and the work that PWRDF and its partners are doing. In turn, the hope is that you will donate or host an event to continue to raise awareness of the importance of food in the lives of every person around the world. The website, fredsays.ca, will host resources, video, stories, and portals to donate online to support the projects linked to each Fredism.
Adapted from Introducing - Fred Says, posted November 8, 2013 on the PWRDF website.

Weekly Prayer Cycle for 2014

Beginning Advent 2013, PWRDF will offer an online prayer cycle that will provide Canadian Anglicans an opportunity to reflect and pray for the work of PWRDF and its partners, and to consider their own response to the baptismal commitment to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being. This resource will be based on a story and a prayer/reflection, drawing on a variety of sources and resources. Look for the first installment in the week of December1st.
Reprinted from the PWRDF Update for November, 2013.

World AIDS Day

December 1st, is an opportunity for governments, organizations and individuals to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic and to emphasize the need for a meaningful response.
Adapted from the PWRDF Update for November, 2013.

When slaves sang Go down, Moses, way down in Egypts land, tell old Pharaoh to let my people go, they werent merely recounting biblical history, they were fastening their hearts on words to carry them through their struggles. Tony Alonso, liturgical musician.

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National Forum
Primates World Relief & Development Fund (PWRDF)
by Mary Dove

Recently, I had the opportunity to be the Diocesan representative to PWRDFs National Forum and Annual General Meeting in Toronto as we have taken over that responsibility as part of our Resource Centre responsibilities while we try to find someone who feels called to be the Diocesan Rep. Gord and I have always believed and supported PWRDF in our journey and so I went to find out more detail about the organization.

ministry. I was very impressed with the principle and working relationships in their work, not bringing the help we think they need but working in partnership along with developing areas. There was deep research, transparency, dignity and passion for their ministry. I am still unravelling a lot of the information from this gathering but must say that I am very proud to be part of this organization and would only be too glad to share the details of this group to any individuals or groups in the Church or in the world.

Wow, was I ever bowled over and impressed by this group. The breadth and the depth of this arm of our Anglican Church was obvious to me right from the beginning. It was well organized and the staff knew what they were doing. The days were packed with presentations of facts about how PWRDF works. Their connection with other sacred and secular organizations was well thought out and positive. Stories of the work in disasters and development work for those in need were true testimonies of their

Peace & Justice Information

by Joy Gothard

For gifts that show Christian love and compassion see http://giftsformission.anglican.ca/. A copy is posted on the Peace & Justice bulletin board. The Primates World Relief & Development Fund (PWRDF) has an online resource of Advent reflections and daily readings available for download. It can be found at: http://pwrdf.org/uploads/213/ pwrdf_advent_book_2013_final.pdf. PWRDF Christmas cards are still available. See the poster on the Peace & Justice bulletin board and order by phone: Ricky de Castro (1- 866-308-7973). When donating to PWRDF relief responses such as Syria or the Philippines, specify on your donation where you want your money to go. Otherwise it will go towards the many other development projects that are supported by PWRDF but are not in the media.

Out of the Cold

Extreme Weather Shelter
by Chris Rose

November 6 marked the beginning of the seventh year of providing shelter and space for the homeless and those travelling during the winter months, from November through March. Due to a change in the funding, guests can have a simple meal every Wednesday evening comprising soup, snacks and beverages, an overnight stay, followed by breakfast. Our first night saw eight guests spend the night. In past years there had been two regular nights each week. However, extreme weather nights are bound to increase as the ceiling is now set at -7C whereas in the past it had been -10C. This change may require more volunteers. To volunteer, please contact: Christine Jeffery at 250-318-0236. As of November 23 , the shelter has been open a total of six nights, with 140 guests having supper and 113 guests staying overnight. If you wish to make a donation, please make your cheque payable to St. Vincent de Paul 'Out of the Cold' and drop it off at the Cathedral Office or mail to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 168 Briar Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2B 1C1. For more information please speak to Chris Rose or phone Sasha Smode at 250320-2005.
rd

th

Comforting Shawls
The singing Prayer Shawl Ministry, Has become a very good industry, We meet every third Tuesday, Making a very good headway, In producing wonderful comforting shawls, From the many, many colorful balls, If you wish to join us, All you need to do is just, Come to the chapel at, One pm and dat is dat. Geri King

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Song & Prayer in Busan

by Melissa Green

It was an amazing and powerful experience to stand alongside 7000 Christians from around the globe who had gathered together for the Opening Prayer service of the tenth World Council of Churches (WCC) Assembly held in Busan, Republic of Korea earlier this month. I had the honor of attending the Assembly as a delegate of the Anglican Church of Canada. The opening prayer service was the first of many times that we gathered in prayer together. Daily prayer started our day at 8:30 a.m. and ended each day at 8:30 p.m. This framed our time together. Each day the services looked a little bit different with materials and prayers from all over the world being used and different groups of people participating in the leadership. A worship book was printed for everyone in the five official languages of the WCC so that all could follow along and participate. An important part of our time together when we gathered in prayer was the presence of singing. Our voices joined together to become one unified voice. Songs came from all over and in many different languages: English, Spanish, Korean, French, German, Arabic . . . you get the picture! Some times when our voices gathered in song, we did so with everyone singing in the same language after being taught the song and the words before the service. (Thankfully if you really cant figure out the language, you can hum and make a joyful noise!) At other times we sang in the language in which we were most comfortable. Either way, our voices were gathered together for the one purpose of lifting up our praise and prayers to God. One song, Until all are Fed by Bryan McFarland, really inspired me and caught my attention. The refrain goes like this: Until all are fed we cry out; until all on earth have bread. Like the One who loves us each and every one we serve until all are fed.

No matter what the song or prayer, the experience of everyones voices gathering together speaking different languages was like what I imagine the experience of Pentecost to have been like the Spirit descending and people speaking different languages. In the midst of that diversity there was unity as we prayed and sang together. Our voices became one as we jointed together as the one body of Christ, as our prayers and songs brought us together in unity. Have you experienced singing in community as an expression of a groups unity in Christ? Then the singing enveloped me. It was furry and resonant, coming from everyones very heart. There was no sense of performance or judgment, only that the music was breath and food. Anne Lamott, American author.

Interesting Internet
Advent Reflections & Readings: the Primates World Relief & Development Fund (PWRDF) offers a download of resources for the Advent season.

http://pwrdf.org/uploads/213/ pwrdf_advent_book_2013_final.pdf.
Embodying Gods Call: The document Embodying Gods Call: Aligning General Synods Structures for Gods Mission Today. http://www.anglican.ca/primate/files/2013/01/13.01.14Aligning-GS-Structures-for-Gods-Mission-Today.pdf Fred Says: Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, promotes the PWRDF donation campaign. http://fredsays.ca/ PWRDF: news & information about PWRDF. www.pwrdf.org/ St. Gregory of Nyssa: website of St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco. http://www.saintgregorys.org/ Typhon Haiyan Relief Efforts: information about and means of donating towards the PWRDF relief for the Philippines. http://pwrdf.org/2013/canadian-government-announcesmatching-funds-for-typhoon-haiyan-relief/ Vision 2019 Report: The document, Dream the Church Vision 2019: A Plan for the Anglican Church of Canada. http://archive.anglican.ca/gs2010/wp-content/ uploads/019-GS2010-Vision-2019-Report-andAppendices.pdf World Council of Churches: news & information from the World Council of Churches. www.oikoumene.org/

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Special Upcoming Dates

December 8 14 22 1 16 22 23 4 6 Sunday 3:30 p.m. Saturday 1:30 p.m. Sunday after service Saturday tba Sunday after service Saturday tba Sunday 7:00 p.m. Tuesday 5:00 p.m. Thursday 12:15 p.m. United Churchs Pit Stop at St. Pauls Christmas Tea & Bake Sale Parish Christmas Potluck Luncheon Re-Boot re-Fresh Re-Vision #2 Annual Vestry Meeting Annual Mens Dinner Faith Lecture: Patricia Dutcher-Walls Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Lenten Lectures Series begin
Dates and times may change.

Parish Hall Parish Hall Parish Hall Parish Hall Parish Hall Parish Hall Cathedral Parish Hall Cathedral/Hall

February

March

Opportunities for Ministry

All ministry groups welcome more members. Contact information is listed in St. Pauls ministry pamphlet. Choir: Add your voice to this wonderful group which helps provide music at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship service and on special occasions. Please talk to Heather or Norris Berg. Financial Department: Two more people are required to fill the roster of parishioners who help with the weekly offerings. The commitment would be for one day a month. Please talk to our Treasurer, Gordon Dove. Parish Life & Fellowship Committee: Help plan and organize the social events at St. Pauls. Please talk to Roger Parkes. Pit Stop at St. Pauls: The United Churchs Pit Stop, which feeds the hungry in Kamloops, will be held at St. Pauls on Sunday, December 8th. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Kathy Moore at kathymoore@telus.net or at 250-376-5855. Visioning Group: Help with the ongoing planning and guiding of the visioning process at St. Pauls. Please talk to Dean Louise.

Christmas Tea & Bake Sale

Saturday, December 14th
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the parish hall tea and goodies - fellowship - baked items

Annual Christmas Luncheon

Sunday, December 22nd
parish hall after the 10:00 a.m. service

Anglican Church of Canada

2014 Calendars
available from the Office

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Re-Boot Re-Fresh Re-Vision #2

The Visioning Process Continues
details to be announced

St. Pauls Annual Vestry Meeting

Sunday, February 16, 2014
parish hall after the 10:00 a.m. service

The Electronic Circular

There are two very excellent stewardship reasons for receiving the St. Pauls Circular as an email. As production costs and especially mailing costs continue to climb, it helps with us financially. The second reason is that its good for the environment. If you would like to try receiving The Circular electronically, please advise the Office and we will email you a copy. Hard copies will continue to be available to those who wish them. We thank you for your continued support and interest.

Sunday, February 23rd, 7:00 p.m.

February Faith Lecture

Professor of Hebrew Scripture Vancouver School of Theology
watch for details

Rev. Dr. Patricia Dutcher-Walls

Pancakes - Pancakes - Pancakes - Pancakes 5:00 p.m. March 4th in the parish hall Pancakes - Pancakes - Pancakes - Pancakes

Shrove Tuesday Dinner

St. Pauls Anglican Cathedral

Parish Founded 1884

360 Nicola Street, Kamloops, B.C. V2C 2P5

phone: 250-372-3912

e-mail: stpaulscathedral@shawbiz.ca

visit our blog at: stpaulscathedral.blogspot.com/

Bishop: Rector & Dean: Honourary Assistant: Honourary Assistant: Honourary Assistant: Music Directors: Rectors Warden: Peoples Warden: Youth Coordinator:

The Rt. Rev. Barbara Andrews The Very Rev. Louise Peters The Rev. Sandra Sugden The Rev. Tom Sugden The Rev. Viktor Gundel Heather & Norris Berg Alison McKinnon Verna Albright Melissa Green

The Cathedral parish of St. Pauls strives to be a joyful, rooted, responsive and hospitable Christian community grounded in the Anglican tradition.
The submission deadline for the next issue of The Circular is Wednesday, February 26th. The theme for the next issue will be mystery.

Chucks Chatter . . .
When I was twelve, our family moved from Eastern Manitoba to the West Coast, leaving behind a very large and active greater-family, becoming an intimate smaller family of six. At least at the beginning of this new life, we tended to do a lot of things together. One routine was a family car ride on weekends when Dads shift-work allowed it. Invariably Dad would break into song when driving. Occasionally it was a Latvian ballad, but mostly it was a war time tune such as Vera Lynns The White Cliffs of Dover or a western one like Tex Allens Cattle Call. My brothers and I, however, mostly enjoyed the humourous ones, songs that were quite varied in content. We heard that Little Therman, and brother Herman/Had an aversion to washing their ears/ Grandma scrubbed them with her lye soap/And they havent heard a word in years! (Grandma's Lye Soap; Johnny Standley and Art Thorsen.) One songwriter penned how he didnt like cabbage, onions, muffins, buttered scones, giggling crones, tax collectors, crooners, politicians, bagpipes and saxophones, but, that We like bananas/Because they have no bones. (I Like
Bananas; Chris Yacich.)

God sent his Singers upon the earth With songs of sadness and mirth, That they might touch the hearts of men, And bring them back to heaven again.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807-1882.

We got to know the words and would often sing along. Those car rides had a wonderful bonding effect on our family, providing a sense of togetherness and belonging. I think that hymns sung in church have similar effects. When we sing together we bond together. However, theres more to it. Tony Alonso, a prominent voice in contemporary liturgical music, tells us that Music takes us places words alone cannot. Anyone who has been moved listening to a symphony or who has sung his sorrow through a cello concerto or her joy through a piano prelude knows this. Even one word sung can express more than a thousand spoken. Alonso also says that, God has given each of us a unique voice so that we can sing our lives to God and to one another, so we can cry from the depths of our being in good times and bad. We are created in the likeness of God - and that likeness includes our voices. He says that God wants to hear our song. We are part of the world God loves. When we sing at worship, we can give voice to all the longings and truths we have experienced during the week - to all our needs, and all the needs of the world. He adds, God invites our song. God demands our song. And not because God needs it. Instead, in Gods wisdom, God knows that we do. Sing a new song unto the Lord.
Psalm 98:1a, NRSV.

Other favorites included an old time tune by Edith Hawke that trappers seemed to enjoy - When the Ice Worms Nest Again. There was a story by Frank Crumit about the bravest man in the Tsars army, Ivan Skavinsky Skavar, and Mel Blancs classic The Hat I Got For Christmas Is Too Big.