News

Bishop’s Directive – March 18, 2020

What to Do and Be Now They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. –Mark 14.32-33 Since Friday, March 12, the Diocese of Rupert’s

Bishop’s Directive, March 16, 2020

Draw your Church together, O Lord, into one great company of disciples, together following our Lord Jesus Christ into every walk of life, together serving him in his mission to the world, and together witnessing to his love on every continent and island. We ask this in his name and

Bishop’s Directive, March 12, 2020 re. COVID-19 Pandemic

“What is the Coronavirus?” Watch a five-minute video by Dr. Peter Lin about the cause of the virus and its prevention. Although the risk of infection is low at this time, the Diocese of Rupert’s Land has issued new guidelines for public worship, in order to stay on the safe

Indigenous Awareness: Online Course Available

The Diocese of Rupert’s Land and St. John’s College have co-sponsored an eighteen-hour online course aimed at increasing knowledge and understanding of the issues face by Indigenous peoples in Canada, and particularly within the area covered by our diocese. The course covers subjects including the history of contact with Europeans,

Diocesan Clergy & Lay Leader Choir

Calling all cantors! This invitation is intended for all persons who have a need or desire to improve their chant skills and other singing! At the invitation of Helen Kennedy, whose idea this was, we are forming a group to workshop some musical skills intended for liturgical use, designed for

Interlake Welcomes New Ministers

An exciting milestone was reached on Sunday, February 9, 2020, when the fledgling Interlake Regional Shared Ministry celebrated the installation and commissioning of Rev. John Dut and Rev. Theo Robinson to serve the six-member congregations in four widespread communities. Presiding ministers were Jason Zinko, Bishop of the MNO Synod, and

Mercury Poisoning and Our Neighbours in Grassy Narrows

In December 2019, St. Paul’s, Fort Garry, led by the commitment and organizing efforts of our interim minister, the Rev. Canon Mary Lysecki and myself, held a Write for Rights petition-signing bee in solidarity with the Indigenous community of Grassy Narrows. They were joining forces with other communities of faith

Rupert’s Land Wechetowin – People Helping People

It is now 2020 and a good time to reflect on the work of Rupert’s Land Wechetowin since 2012. We are in the process of discerning God’s continuing call to us and to dream forward on how to build towards next steps and goals. God is calling us as Anglicans

Missional Leadership in the Diocese of Rupert’s Land

Update March 24, 2020: We are planning on going ahead with both events, on April 25 and on May 9, via video conference. If those who have already signed up will not have the technology to access the event in this way, we can offer refunds. (And if you’re nervous

New Theology Courses

During the Winter 2020 term, St. John’s College will co-sponsor two theology courses with Canadian Mennonite University (who will be granting course credit). These courses can be taken at either the undergraduate or graduate level. “The Christian Life” with Graham MacFarlane at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church in Winnipeg on Tuesday evenings, 6:30 through 9:30

AFC Awards $520,000 in November 2019 Grant Cycle

Thanks to donors, AFC reached its goal of $1,000,000 in disbursements to support ministry in Canada! NOV 21, 2019, TORONTO, ONTARIO—The Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) has announced $520,000 in funding to support new projects across Canada in its November cycle of awards. AFC’s board of directors met in Toronto

The Harvest is in! And What a Harvest it is

2019 Anglican Grow Hope Report First, the money raised: $19,814.18 has been deposited in PWRDF’s account at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. This money will go to feed people, to help small hold farmers diversify and grow better crops as well as enhance their livelihoods. Our Diocese – through individuals, parishes

A New Book on Joshua

For many people – believers or not – the Old Testament book of Joshua is a difficult book to read. The lectionary pays scant attention to it, and doesn’t engage any of the difficult passages. I grew up in the church, and well remember the (very old!) flannel-graph portrait of

St. Saviour’s Youth Planning Build Trip to Mexico

Nine youth from St. Saviour’s Anglican, in the company of family and friends, are headed to Vicente Guerra, Baja California, Mexico from July 16–25, 2020 to take part in a humanitarian experience. The group will be going to build a home along side a family living in poverty. Many of

Raise the Roof at St. Thomas, Morden

Good news! In February, St. Thomas, Morden was faced with having to re-shingle our roof with not a lot of money in our fund. We are grateful for help from the Diocese of Rupert’s Land Mission Fund, the Anglican Foundation, diocesan leaders, and for our church family that worked very

Season of Creation 2019

During the Season of Creation, Christians work towards protecting the earth. General Synod 2019 passed Resolution A202 re. Climate Crisis to adopt the Season of Creation as a time of prayer, education, and action and encouraging dioceses and parishes to participate. If your parish is celebrating the “Season of Creation”

It Gets You to Think: Experience in Education for Ministry

Education for Ministry is a four-year program of Theological Education by Extension, provided and administered by the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, for lay people, because all baptized people are called to ministry. You do not have to feel called to be ordained deacon or priest at some

Mama Bears Child Loss Retreat

The loss of a child is devastating. It’s as simple as that. I know. I’ve personally had five miscarriages, and three years ago, our son Daniel David was born prematurely, going home to God only a short while after his birth. It’s a loss you don’t know how to navigate

CURRENT ISSUE

The Whole Armour of God

This issue begins with a farewell from Bishop Geoff. He reflects on the journey that he has shared with all of us during his time as Bishop in the Diocese of Rupert’s Land, and how we can look to the future of the Church with hope. Before we welcome our new bishop, I invite you to sit for a prayerful moment with Bishop Geoff’s farewell message and continue to pray for the future of the Church.

Next, Bishop Rachael Parker writes on what the armour of God means for us all, and what it means for our future bishop. She writes that this kind of armour is not something we should take on or off as it suits our mood, but that it should be one which is integrated into our skin. Just as we can never be dry from the waters of our baptism, so, too, can the armour of God never leave us.

Following this, Marcel DeGagné tells us about his search for what the soul is within each person, and how this sparked his journey to become a spiritual care provider. He believes that regardless of faith or creed, each of us has a ‘Burning Ember’ within us — a unique presence which is integral to each of our lives.

After this is the Convening Circular for the 120th Session of Synod, which most notably includes information about those who are currently nominated to be our next bishop. You will find the candidates’ answers to some questions, CVs, and short video interviews, among other pieces of valuable information.

Then, Bishop Don Phillips connects the famous passage from Ephesians about the armour of God with its Old Testament roots. He also explores what it means to live this out in our daily lives, and how our future bishop should do the same.

Lastly, Durell Desmond’s poem “The Angel and the Demon” encompasses themes relating to temptation, resilience, and salvation. Overall, the Demon could be taken as a metaphor for anyone who has made mistakes and is looking for redemption, while the Angel could be taken as a metaphor for Jesus.

Peace be with you; I hope you enjoy.

Skip to content