Signs of hope ... in the form of a sparrow: in November, we asked Anglican Journal readers what signs of hope they saw in the church, in this time of shrinking membership and declining revenues. Paul MacLean reflects on the question below and other readers share their thoughts elsewhere on these pages.THERE IS A famous story recorded in Bede's Ecclesiastical History that marks the spread of the Christian faith into northern England Northern England, The North or North of England is a rather ill-defined term, with no universally accepted definition. Its extent may be subject to personal opinion and many companies or organisations have differing definitions as to what it constitutes. . In 627 the missionary Paulinus met in council with the powerful King Edwin and his wise men to argue the merits of the new religion. Responding favourably to Paulinus' promotion of the Gospel, one of Edwin's chiefs compares human life to the swift flight of a sparrow through a banquet hall Definition A banquet hall is a room used for social gatherings like receptions, reunions, parties, and business events. in wintertime while the storms rage outside. "After a short space of fair weather, he immediately vanishes out of your sight, into the dark winter from which he has emerged." If the new faith can illumine il·lu·mine tr.v. il·lu·mined, il·lu·min·ing, il·lu·mines To give light to; illuminate. [Middle English illuminen, from Old French illuminer, from Latin our ignorance of what goes before and what is to follow, then, the chief argues, it deserves to be followed. (Perhaps on poetic grounds, I prefer to trace my Christian and Anglican origins to that story rather than the matrimonial mat·ri·mo·ny n. pl. mat·ri·mo·nies The act or state of being married; marriage. [Middle English, from Old French matrimoine, from Latin m events associated with another king, Henry VIII.) The conversion of the Northumbrian king was due to a hope that the pagan religion Noun 1. pagan religion - any of various religions other than Christianity or Judaism or Islamism heathenism, paganism faith, religion, religious belief - a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny; "he lost his faith but not could not offer. One can imagine Edwin gloomily contemplating the dark abyss that lay ahead, with the refrain of Anglo Saxon poets his only spiritual guide--"lif is laen"' (life is fleeting). What hope could there be at a time of decline and the end of life? The Christian faith answered the questions, "Does my life have purpose?" and "Is there meaning to my life after death?" It gave a hope for the future that could be felt in this present life. It is significant that the questions were asked out of despair, and that hope was given at a time of spiritual crisis. There's a second element to this story that I find resonates with our situation today. This is the sparrow that flies through the open window of that great, drafty draft·y adj. draft·i·er, draft·i·est Having or exposed to drafts of air. draft  i·ly adv. hall. I like the fact that it was a common dusty sparrow that was the sign of hope, and that this little fellow fluttered his way in and out of a great building, a building that was not enough to provide a bulwark against death and anxiety. So, I think that hope is going to be found in the mundane, sparrow-like issues of this world and will often have something to do with buildings. First, real hope does not emerge from avoidance. A sign of hope is when leaders are prepared to accept the present situation of decline and engage in some serious analysis of why this is so. At present, blaming is the substitute for analysis. Many of the reasons for decline we probably cannot do much about, just as that northern king knew he couldn't avoid the inevitable end of his life. However, he found a spiritual hope that gave his life and his death meaning, and so too I believe that churches experiencing decline can find new spiritual purpose if they begin by being realistic about who and where they are. Avoidance, blaming, a nostalgic desire to return to happier times or just plain stubbornness (all of which we have in abundance) are blockages to facing reality. When congregations do face reality, they gain in spiritual maturity and take ownership for their life. Second, decline is a threat to existence that raises spiritual questions about our purpose as congregations. Is Our sole purpose to keep going? Is our existence for the benefit of our members? A few years ago I worked with the Canadian Armed Forces to revitalize the Christian communities of the 44 base chapels, which had in many cases fallen into a desperate state. At the outset of this project the Chaplain General Chaplains general are the seniormost Anglican chaplains in otherwise non-Anglican organizations. Chaplains general are most commonly appointed in Commonwealth Realms, and are responsible for conducting religious services and ceremonies, and generally representing the Anglican faith gave his vision in which he said the fundamental reason for revitalizing these chapels was to bring spiritual value to the life of the base of which they were a part. Is that the motivation we have for wanting our congregations revitalized, renewed or transformed? This is the type of inspiring vision that sees far past mere survival and is the source of real hope. Third, many congregations have inherited great, drafty, historic halls that are themselves a constant reminder of grander days. A sign of hope is when these congregations take difficult building decisions based upon their vision for ministry. These can be major renovations, decisions to amalgamate, sell or build anew. It can even be a decision not to rebuild a ruined structure. Through such decisions congregations are investing in a hopeful future These are not the times of great soaring eagles. The little, feisty sparrow, brings a sense of proportion to our identity and ministry, a she's a good symbol around which to weave our present stories of hope. What a gift! It is a normal Friday night. Most young people would be heading out to the movies or malls with friends in search of the newest trends or catching the latest flick. Not young Anglicans! They are instead asking their parents to drive them to the cathedral downtown, picking up a few friends along the way. Imagine a Friday night in the cathedral with young people sharing their gifts with the community, giving what they can unto a greater glory--the glory of God. There is a youth band providing our worship music, youth who are serving, who are reading, who are acting as greeters and sidespeople. The prayers of the people, written entirely by youth, presented with PowerPoint. We have youth who are licensed for that one occasion to aid with communion, and we even have youth giving a reflection upon the readings of the day. Never have I been so fortunate as to experience a liturgy led entirely by youth. The spirit in their ministries and in their hearts was evident to anyone who was there. The light of Christ The Light of Christ became a doctrine of the Latter Day Saint movement, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that most people would call conscience. This doctrine teaches that the light of Christ "lighteth every man that cometh into the world. shone so vibrantly that there are people wondering when the next one is happening. God was present in ways I never could have asked or imagined, and has inspired these youth to make a difference in the lives of others. There was the joy that I thought only came once a year with the Resurrected Christ. A true celebration of youthful joy and service. What a gift! Angela Bokenfohr Edmonton Alive and well Regarding the future of the church, I wish to respond from a position of 73 years as a member of the Anglican Church of Canada, 47 of which I have served in Holy Orders. During these years I have watched our church move forward with spirit-led reason and enthusiasm. In matters suck as Prayer Book revision, ordination of women In general religious use, ordination is the process by which one is consecrated (set apart for the undivided administration of various religious rites). The ordination of women , ecumenism ecumenism Movement toward unity or cooperation among the Christian churches. The first major step in the direction of ecumenism was the International Missionary Conference of 1910, a gathering of Protestants. and concern for a place within the church for homosexuals, I believe our church has been a leader, not only within the Anglican Communion Anglican Communion, the body of churches in all parts of the world that are in communion with the Church of England (see England, Church of). The communion is composed of regional churches, provinces, and separate dioceses bound together by mutual loyalty as , but also for the wider church. Positions formed at General Synod The General Synod is the title of the governing body of some church organizations. Church of England In the Church of England, General Synod was instituted in 1970 and is the culmination of a process of rediscovering self-government for the Church of England that had and upheld by the House of Bishops have been inspirational and devotional de·vo·tion·al adj. Of, relating to, expressive of, or used in devotion, especially of a religious nature. n. A short religious service. de·vo as our church meets the needs of our generation head-on. I also believe that my assessment of our church is also shared by a strong, but silent majority (particularly among the clergy), and we need to know who we are and how we can best uphold the future of our church as it confronts the various schismatic schis·mat·ic adj. Of, relating to, or engaging in schism. n. One who promotes or engages in schism. schis·mat groups, which are well organized and bellow bellow one of the voices of cattle. Usually refers to the arrogant call of the bull used to announce territorial rights. Abnormalities of the voice include hoarseness as in rabies, or continuous repetition as in nervous acetonemia. See also low, moo. with abandonment. The future will likely witness disputes over church properties and trust funds, but the Anglicans needed to carry on the work of an excellent and long-serving church are alive and well and will be as busy in the future as they have been in the past. Rev. Canon C. David Lethbridge David Lethbridge is a professor, anti-racist activist and research director of the Bethune Institute for Anti-Fascist Studies and director of the Salmon Arm Coalition Against Racism. Lethbridge teaches psychology at Okanagan College in Salmon Arm, British Columbia. Combermere, Ont. Adding new members Fort Macleod, Alta., is a town of 2,900 people, most of whom are retired seniors, yet the local Anglican church is adding new members every six months. Fortunately they are families with school-age children. The rector is a young fellow with four children, two girls and two boys. His wife is a charming person who attracts the married and single women of her age. Also the two PKs ("preacher's kids") in the elementary school elementary school: see school. have been "evangelizing" the church. The music at Christ Church Christ Church may refer to the following churches: In the United Kingdom:
tr.v. in·vig·or·at·ed, in·vig·or·at·ing, in·vig·or·ates To impart vigor, strength, or vitality to; animate: "A few whiffs of the raw, strong scent of phlox invigorated her" when the five-piece band plays and sings Robin Mark compositions. There is also a Tone Chime group to entertain the congregation. I believe that the freedom of the young children to roam the sanctuary and hall every Sunday plus the contemporary music is boosting the membership roster at the church. William Pender 78 year old Anglican-Lutheran nomad nomad (nō`măd'), one of a group of people without fixed habitation, especially pastoralists. (Some authorities prefer the terms "nonsedentary" or "migratory" rather than "nomadic" to describe mobile hunter-gatherers. Fort Macleod, Alta. Longing for sacred realm The Sacred Realm is a fictional location in The Legend of Zelda series of video games. It was introduced in as the Golden Land—the land that became the overworld known as the Dark World in the events preceding those of A Link to the Past The line-up of excited ticket-holders, mostly in their 20s, is already halfway around the block though the church doors are not due to open for another 45 minutes. It is a cold coastal evening but the crowd exudes a communal spirit of alert humour. The line grows longer. Finally the doors open and we file into the church. Every seat is taken. Where on Sunday mornings a few dozen worshippers gather in the front pews, now all pews are packed tight and standing room at the back is two deep. A murmur of happy anticipation fills the church building. I am happy and I am grieved. This is not a worship service but a concert. The building has been rented for the evening to an organization which sponsors outstanding musicians from other cultures. Tonight it's a group from Tuva. Tuva? The small group of instrumentalist and singers in ethnic costume are from this autonomous Russian Republic Russian Republic may refer to one of the following states in the history of Russia.
n. A member of certain tribal societies who acts as a medium between the visible world and an invisible spirit world and who practices magic or sorcery for purposes of healing, divination, and control over natural events. vocal tradition from prehistory prehistory, period of human evolution before writing was invented and records kept. The term was coined by Daniel Wilson in 1851. It is followed by protohistory, the period for which we have some records but must still rely largely on archaeological evidence to , their sound is foreign to Western ears, sometimes eerie. The rapt listeners frequently show their appreciation. Many seem to be in a slightly altered state, not caused by the ingestion ingestion /in·ges·tion/ (-chun) the taking of food, drugs, etc., into the body by mouth. in·ges·tion n. 1. The act of taking food and drink into the body by the mouth. 2. of substances but by the far-away-yet-near world of the spirits. All human beings experience longing for the sacred realm. When they cannot connect with this in the religion of their own culture, they will seek it elsewhere. Words in a strange language from an ancient culture, music difficult yet accessible, ceremonial costume; Anglican worship offers all this and much more every Sunday without line-ups or tickets. Have we blown it? Hannah Main-van der Kamp Victoria Call to justice I see signs of vibrant life, of a renewed commitment to the Gospel's call to justice, in the commitment of Anglicans in my diocese to take action on behalf of "the least of these" in our midst by taking part in advocacy efforts with government. Examples include Anglicans getting up at the crack of dawn to drive two hours to Toronto for a diocesan outreach conference, and more than 160 Anglicans from rural areas, small towns and cities across our diocese taking the time to meet their elected representatives to discuss homelessness, the shortage of affordable housing and possible solutions. For most this was the first time they had ever taken part in political advocacy. Today most are still involved in this long-term effort. It is a sign of hope that ecumenical partners and secular advocacy groups increasingly see our church as a voice for justice. I see resurrection in my Toronto parish (Church of the Redeemer), which 35 years ago had dwindled to 40 people, none of them young, and has since blossomed to 745 members, including 100 children and youth. Murray MacAdam macadam Form of pavement invented by John McAdam. McAdam's road cross-section consisted of a compacted subgrade of crushed granite or greenstone designed to support the load, covered by a surface of light stone to absorb wear and tear and shed water to the drainage ditches. Toronto First aid: adaptation Five organizational subsystems are required for (church) survival: production, boundary spanning, maintenance, adaptation and management. (Organization Theory and Design, by Richard L. Daft; West Publishing Company.) I single out adaptation as the church subsystem requiring immediate first aid. Given the speed of change in today's society, what is the adaptive cycle of the Anglican church? Secondly, and even more important, is the church hierarchy prepared to change? The surest route to survival is to make our church indispensable to the work of God. We need to convert from a top down organization into one that is bottom up--starting with the parishioner as the primary worker. Next in line would be the priest facilitating the parishioner's work, and lastly the bishop facilitating the priest's work. Currently, parishioner participation and community ownership will continue to decline as the older generation, conditioned to accept top down leadership, disappears. Younger generations are not so conditioned. Also communication, consistency and fairness in the form of policies, procedures and job descriptions need to be enhanced and shared by all levels. We are called to serve with equal importance across all levels of the church and we need a substantial modernization in church structure to support us in functioning effectively as a team in God's work. William Nicoll Didsbury, Alta. Faith in the communion I find signs of hope for the church in: Africa, South-East Asia South-East Asia n → le Sud-Est asiatique South-East Asia south n → Südostasien nt South-East Asia n → , Latin America Latin America, the Spanish-speaking, Portuguese-speaking, and French-speaking countries (except Canada) of North America, South America, Central America, and the West Indies. and in groups such as Essentials and the Prayer Book Society, who are not striving relentlessly to wall off the churches of Canada and the United States The United States and Canada share a unique legal relationship. U.S. law looks northward with a mixture of optimism and cooperation, viewing Canada as an integral part of U.S. economic and environmental policy. from our brothers in the Anglican Communion and indeed the entire holy, catholic and apostolic church the Christian church; - so called on account of its apostolic foundation, doctrine, and order. The churches of Rome, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem were called apostolic churches. See under Apostolic. See also: Apostolic Church . Jack Patterson Gra.nd Bay-Westfield, N.B. Animals and the environment For 40 years, I have participated in every aspect of church life from Bible studies to bazaars to community outreach, but I have not been able to engage in the issues that are the most important to me and are increasingly important to others. These are the environment and animal welfare. I have never advocated neglecting the welfare of people, but I have hoped that the environment and animal welfare could be added to the Anglican agenda. I see hope in two organizations: the diocese of New Westminster's environmental unit and Britain's Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals. The church has a lot of competition for members--other religions going mainstream, the rise of Christian support and information via the Internet, liturgical music Liturgical music originated as a part of religious ceremony, and includes a number of traditions, both ancient and modern. Liturgical music is well known as a part of Catholic Mass, the Anglican Holy Communion service (or Eucharist), the Lutheran mass, the Orthodox liturgy and other and Christian books only a click of the mouse away ... who needs church? More environmentalists and animal lovers, including myself, would say we do, if the issues that are important to us (and dare I say, to God? since it is His creation) became important to the church. An influx of new people who share those concerns would also counter the problem of declining membership in the Anglican church. This is my hope too. Janice Kenefick Surrey, B.C. Let's be Christians first Statistics Canada reports that 80 per cent of Canadians believe in some form of creator. If any of that 80 per cent of us wants some form of relationship with our creator, that represents a massive national spiritual need. Jesus came to teach us about our creator. We need to put these two facts together. This is the great commission, our reason for being a church and our hope for the future. The question is how? We can all ask in our communities, workplaces and wherever two or three are gathered together; "Why am I alive on this planet? What am I supposed to be doing?" None of this is irrelevant, boring or judgmental judg·men·tal adj. 1. Of, relating to, or dependent on judgment: a judgmental error. 2. Inclined to make judgments, especially moral or personal ones: , as organized churches seem to be. Let us be Christians first, Anglicans second and paid for it? Not at all! Norm Kendall Eden, Man. Paul MacLean Paul MacLean can refer to more than one person:
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