SPRING/SUMMER 2007
Bishop’s Message
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.” Acts 1:8-9
These words were said as Jesus was about to be taken from his disciples. He promised them that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them.
Many times we desire to have power over challenges that are beyond our means and strengths. Jesus spoke of the power of the Holy Spirit, which would not be for personal gain but would enable us to be His witnesses wherever we may go as Christians.
I write this short message as I travel on my Episcopal visits to some communities on Baffin Island. Having just visited the communities of Igloolik, Hall Beach and Pond Inlet, I am now bound for south Baffin.
I was reminded of the missionaries that traveled the same area by dog team, for weeks or months, to reach all the Inuit camps. At the time these camps were scattered across the tundra in well-chosen and respected sites and in family groups. As I wonder about the transition that has taken place, I realize that though we have a very different lifestyle now, I still sense the same power urging me to continue to work under the power of the Holy Spirit to witness for Christ to reach and nourish people.
The reading that I quoted above was used at the Ascension Day service in Igloolik and it was a wonderful service. It brought me back to the time when God inspired men like Jack Turner who did much of the early ministry that produced results that we now enjoy as the family of God.
We celebrated the Ascension and are now moving on to the Day of Pentecost when we celebrate together the power that had first inspired men and women to establish the first seed. We are the fruits of that first planting. We continue under that same power to faithfully carry out the same calling to go out into our world and bring the Gospel of hope and salvation in Christ.
May God’s blessing be with you all.
CELEBRATION IN SALLUIT
by Rev. David Ellis
All was celebratory in the parish of Salluit when the Sallumiut and many from the other Inuit communities of Nunavik (Arctic Quebec) gathered in mid-March for the celebration and consecration of the new St. James’ Church by diocesan Bishop Andrew Atagotaaluk and the suffragan bishop for Nunavik Ben Arreak. They came from Ivujivik and from Kangiqsujuaq and further, even from Cape Dorset across Hudson Strait in Nunavut. They filled the 450-seat church over and over again for the several celebrations.
The consecration of the church took place on the Sunday morning in an atmosphere of great joy and enthusiasm. That afternoon the community gathered in the school for refreshments, and for my showing of slides of the old Inuit way of life, taken fifty years ago, when I was the first resident Anglican priest on the Hudson Strait coast of Nunavik. That evening we gathered again for praise and prayer and presentations by youth groups and others. The evening gatherings were repeated on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The new St. James Church in Salluit, Nunavik
The vestry of St. James’ Church had invited all the clergy who had ministered in Salluit, and their wives, and almost all were there, and were warmly welcomed back, including myself, my wife Jeandot, and my daughter Elizabeth, who spent the first three years of her life in Salluit.
Returning to Salluit after fifty years we could only be amazed at and admire the extent to which the people have been able to adjust to such rapid change as has taken place, and we rejoiced to observe the faith of so many, and to observe also how the Anglican Church is so very much an integral part of the community.
Clergy on hand for the occasion! Back row: Bishop Andrew, Rev. Joshua Arreak, Rev. Abelie Napartuk, Rev. Abraham Tigullaraq, Deacon Annie Ittoshat Front row: Rev. David Ellis, Rev. James Nashak, Bishop Benjamin Arreak & Rev. Bethuel Ootoova
The vestry of St. James’ under the chairmanship of Putulik Papigatuk, the mayor of Salluit Kalingo Angotigirk, as well as Ituvik Saviadjuk and all who helped, should certainly be lauded for conceiving and achieving such a marvelous and memorable an occasion.
At the service! Bishop Benjamin Arreak, Deacon Annie Ittoshat,
Bishop Andrew, Rev. Abelie Napartuk & Putulik Papigatuq
CLERGY CONFERENCE
Rev. Howard Bracewell
I have recently had the privilege of attending the clergy conference held in Kuujjuaq at the end of April and it was wonderful to meet up again up with Bishop Andrew after more than 30 years! I knew him as a young man who gave his life to Christ in Resolute Bay during a Marney Patterson Crusade. Also it was great to see Bishop Ben who again, like Andrew, came to know Jesus as his Saviour in Pond Inlet during our ministry there in the 1960's and 70's. I was also so glad to meet Bishop Larry for the first time and to share with him in the things of the Lord. Another joy was to see again those I had known so long ago in our Pond Inlet days; it is always a great encouragement to find those who are going on with the Lord and some in the ministry, especially 30+ years later! As the Apostle John wrote: "I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have
received commandment to do from the Father."
It was a very full programme for the Conference with sessions each day starting at 9.00am and ending at 5.00pm followed by Prayer and Praise at 7.00pm which often carried on until well after 10.00pm - long days indeed!
Amongst the many topics on the agenda, two in particular struck me as of deep importance. The first is the financial situation within the Diocese, this over and above the extremely high costs of building the new cathedral in Iqaluit. But for me, perhaps of greater importance is the impac on the personnel situation made by the lack of funds; there is a great need for a third area bishop and at least two more stipendiary clergy, but there are not the funds for both. My mind goes back to Paul's letter to the Corinthians concerning the giving by the churches in Macedonia, to the very needy and suffering Church in Jerusalem. Whereas the Church in Corinth had been slow to respond, the Macedonians, poor as they were, willingly and sacrificially gave - 2 Cor.8:1-5. In v.2,3 Paul wrote; "In a great deal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth
of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord." (emphasis mine) This is a time for Christians in Canada, the UK and elsewhere, to consider the cost of sacrificial giving to the work of the Lord in the North in and through our brethren. In my new role as Commissary for the Bishop of the Arctic in the UK, I will be making the needs of this wonderful work known, both in churches and groups which already support the Diocese, but also hopefully to break into new areas of support and prayer for the ministry of the Gospel in our Diocese.
The other issue gave me concern, encouragement and a great deal of hope. The deep concern is for the increasing theological liberalisation within the Church of Canada (as also in the Church of England) and especially on the question of the blessing of same-sex unions. The hope and encouragement comes from the fact that all our three bishops are totally united in their hearts and minds on a determination to stand firm on the clear teaching of the Scriptures on this issue. Please do pray for them and other members as they make their stand in the General Synod meeting in June in their upholding the Truth of the Word of God as our final authority, as defined in Article 6 and Canon A5 of the Anglican Church.
God calls us all to love with His love, all people whatever their colour, creed, sex or lifestyle, but He has set boundaries for behaviour which honour Him, rejection of which can only lead to judgment. Pray for Bishops Andrew, Ben and Larry and all in the Diocese for a compassionate but strong stand on God's revealed Word and Truth.
Again, I will be bringing these challenges and needs of the Diocese of the Arctic to the Churches of the UK, and my prayer for them and you in Canada, is that each one of us may be guided by the Lord through His Holy Spirit in response to and support for the work in His Kingdom in the North.
DIOCESAN CLERGY CONFERENCE PHOTOS
At the community feast at the Kuujjuaq Forum
Deacons Moses Kalliraq & Georgina Baldwin
Deacon Leah Qaqqasiq May, Rev. Jeanny Joanasie and Deacon Tommy Evic
Rev. Loie Mike
Deacon Loasie Kooneeluisie & Rev. Canon Abelie Napartuk
Deacon Abraham Arnaqaq, Rev. Ikey Nashooriatuk, Rev. Josie Enuaraq, Rev. Lucassie Nakoolak & Rev. Iola Metuq
Deep in conversation - Bishop Andrew and Rev. Ann Bush
Bishop Ben Arreak, Rev. Bethual Ootoova, Timothy Sangoya and Deacon Joe Manik
Rev. Capt. David Parsons, Deacon Vivian Smith & Dean James Barlow
Ft. McPherson Deacons Hannah Alexie & Mary Teya
Deacon Loasie Kooneeluisie, Meena Allooloo, Rev. Canon Jonas Allooloo, Rev.Capt. Ron McLean, Timothy Sangoya & Rev. Peter Ainalik
Bishop Larry, Rev. Canon Tom Martin & Rev. Howard Bracewell - Bishop Andrew's new Commissary in the UK
At services at St. Stephen's
Rev. Bethuel Ootoova on drum and Rev. Caleb Sangoya on accordian - Rev. Ikey Nashooriatuk is capturing it on video!
These young people range from 6 to 16 years old and both boys and girls are involved
Not to be outdone by the youth!
Rev. Howard Bracewell & Rev. Charles Alexander
It wasn't all fun - we did some work too!
DIOCESAN CLERGY CONFERENCE
The diocesan clergy conference was held in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik from April 24 to 29. The conference was held at the municipal office and the Kuujjuaq Inn provided lunches each day. The clergy were billeted with families in the community. Many hosts either provided their guest with a vehicle or drove them wherever they needed to go. We were treated very well and were certainly made to feel welcome.
We began each day with a short worship service followed by a Bible study led by Rev. Charles Alexander. Each evening we enjoyed prayer and praise services at St. Stephen’s. On two occasions the youth dancers of the parish treated us. These young people meet on a regular basis to do Bible study and to learn new dance steps. Often the young people come up with these steps without any assistance from their leaders.
Several items were discussed during the conference. Some of these include the Anglican Foundation, police checks for all employees and volunteers, the 2007 narrative budget, the Council of the North, an update on layleaders, deacon and priest training, an update on ATTS, preparations for General Synod including a review of the Windsor Report, the St. Michael’s Report and the Governance Report. Youth work and mission work were also highlighted.
The conference closed with a Eucharist to which the entire community was invited.
Bishop Benjamin, Bishop Andrew & Bishop Larry following the Sunday morning service
Rankin Counselling Diploma Program Update
by Dr. Clair Schnupp
In the 1970s and 1980s, Clara and I, along with our daughters, offered family life workshops in various parts of Canada and the Arctic. In the1990s our focus shifted more to discipleship and counselling. The idea for lay counsellors’ training developed at Rankin Inlet, NU as we held a Counselling the Sexually Abused workshop. During that workshop, people asked if we could begin to provide more of this type training in the churches. By 2003, we had offered the program in Rankin Inlet, NU, Fort Smith, NT, Inuvik, NT and Dryden, ON.
Three years later the program has expanded to include Iqaluit and Pangnirtung, NU, and Sisimiut, Greenland. To date, 111 students have graduated from this diploma program. Nearly 100 other students have completed at least two courses.
We are excited about the discipleship/counselling program because we have seen lives changed–our lives and the lives of those who became our friends. Seeing lives changed is often what brings new students into the program. Also, a changed life will reach out to other hurting people. The healing starts in us and then pours out to others.
One student wrote how her view of God changed: “Now I can really see that He is a loving God and that one of his greatest desires is that we love Him with all that we are/have. I trust him more that He has everything in control and really knows what’s best for me. I praise God for the work He has started.”
In some communities, students who have taken this course have key positions as counsellors and people helpers. That is our goal: to train and empower people of the Arctic so people can help people with past issues which have defeated and crippled them for years.
The program is scheduled for the following location. Other locations will be announced as dates become fixed.
Baker Lake, NU
Counselling 1 & Practicum 1 – July 9-26, 2007
Counselling 2 & Practicum 2 – February 4-22, 2008
Counselling the Abused, Psychopathology 1 & 2 – July 10-25, 2008
To talk with someone about the value of the Ten Course Counselling Diploma Program, you may contact any of the following:
Rev. David Parsons, Inuvik, (867) 777-2979
Rev. Jean Simailak, Baker Lake (867) 793-2705 (contact person for Baker Lake courses)
Rev. Larry Robertson, Yellowknife (867) 873-5432
Rev. Ron McLean, Yellowknife (867) 873-5949
Rev. Paul Williams, Rankin Inlet (867) 645-2657
May the Great God of Heaven bless you all.
Dr. Clair and Mrs. Clara Schnupp
Husband-wife graduates from Greenland enjoying their family
Training and Outreach in the Western part of the Diocese
by Bishop Larry Robertson
Equipping people to serve God has always been a priority in the Diocese of the Arctic. It still is and it will continue to be a very important part of our ministry. During the month of May we finished training events in two places:
I had the privilege of spending a week teaching in Yellowknife. During the day I met with people to work on the theological part of the Diocesan Lay Leader course. Some individuals were there just for interest. This was 5 days of intensive learning. In the evening, from Monday to Friday, I taught a course called “Praying Like Jesus the Messiah”. The obvious focus of this was on prayer. As time was given to pray it struck me of the yearning of people to get together to pray. The honesty and openness as we prayed allowed, I believe, for God to touch people’s hearts.
Following the Yellowknife sessions, I went to Hay River where I met with 4 of the Parish Lay Leaders to finish up their training of the Diocesan Lay Leader course. It was a joy to experience the eagerness with which these people wanted to learn of God our Father. In the Evenings I spent time with 5 people who will soon be Parish Lay Leaders. We spent the time learning basics such as “Introducing and Reading God’s Word”, “Finding the Readings using the Lectionary”, “The Church Year” and learning to lead and help during the services. I want to commend the Minister for her use of Lay Leaders in the Parish. They do such things as preaching occasionally, teaching confirmation classes and assisting during marriage preparation.
The communities of Taloyoak and Gjoa Haven will be holding training events on how to counsel people who come forward in missions in September. The Diocese has a very detailed training course and these communities look forward to this training. The Kitikmeot Deanery is preparing for an “Invitation To Live Crusade” with the Rev. Marney Patterson in November.
In October there will be a 6-week training course in Baker Lake to teach the complete Diocesan Lay Leader course. Students will take up 6 weeks off work at their own expense and travel to Baker Lake. The Diocese will provide teachers such as retired Bishop Christopher Williams and myself. During his years of ministering in the Arctic, Bishop Williams spent time as the priest in Baker Lake and can instruct in the Inuktitut language. We are fortunate to have his ministry in this manner. The course will be held Monday to Friday, 9 am. – 4 pm. with duties on Sundays. The course consists of a week of each of the following: Old Testament, Life of Jesus, Theology, Preaching and Teaching, and Liturgy. The 6th week contains various subjects such as Youth ministry, world religions, History of the Diocese, Administration etc. To date there are 6 students signed up for this training program. Please keep this event in your prayers. Pray for more students and for the
students themselves. Pray also for the selection of additional teachers.
Training is an ongoing event in the Diocese. It is the future leaders we are training. These are the ones who will preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the future. What more important event can there be.
Diocesan Award – Dominic Pingushat
St Francis Anglican Church in Arviat, Nunavut was literally bursting at the seams. The building was so full that there were people in the aisles, and all up around the altar and sanctuary. The very old church building had just been condemned and the Bishop had to tell them to get out of the building. Many years ago a fire weakened the structure and the building was worse after decades of use.
The leaders, two non-stipendiary deacons Rev. Joe Manik and Rev. Mike Gibbons called the people to pray. The normal type of church building was just too expensive, as all money would have to be raised by the local congregation. Arviat is a small town of less then a 1000 people with no real economy to support the people and unemployment is high.
Weekly prayer meetings began to lift this issue to God. Some were appointed to look into a new way of building that would not be so expensive. Others were appointed to seek funds for the new church. As the congregation prayed, God sent answers to them. A new type of building was selected. A steel Quonset type structure was selected. The only windows would be at the ends. There was lots of insulation to cut heating costs. The church looked like a warehouse to some until the cross was put up. The result was a low cost efficient sturdy building that would house the necessary 200 people.
As the parish prayed money and skills came. A person came forward to volunteer to do all the drawings required free of charge. This work would normally cost about $16,000. Donations began to come in. One man, Dominic Pingushat and his two daughters, Jeannie & Josephine, having no money, decided to walk from Arviat, Nunavut to Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. This is a journey of approximately 200 km over the barren lands with only their skills to help them to survive. There was such support that they raised over $40,000. Such was the faith and prayers of the congregation. Over $90,000 was raised and with the generous help of the Anglican Foundation the parish is now in a new, safe, warm and economical church.
Early this year, Bishop Andrew traveled to Arviat to present a diocesan award to Dominic and his daughters for their outstanding efforts to raise funds for the new church building in that community.
Bishop Andrew with the Pingushat's
Qamutiq used by the Pingushat's on their Arviat to Rankin Inlet walk - each evening they would build an igloo for shelter.
Dominic, Jeannie & Josephine Pingushat
Meetings with the Diocese of Yukon
by Bishop Larry Robertson
One of the highlights of my busy travel schedule was a visit to the Diocese of the Yukon. I spent 7 days in Whitehorse, Yukon to attend 2 meetings. The first was a meeting between the Dioceses of Alaska, Yukon and The Arctic to discuss training and leadership possibilities for the first nations or aboriginal peoples of the 3 dioceses. Present from Alaska was Bishop Mark Macdonald who is ending his time with Alaska to take up the position of the bishop representing the group called the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, a department of the Anglican Church of Canada. Also from Alaska were 3 clergy. From the Yukon were Archbishop Terry Buckle and clergy and lay members of the diocese and myself from the Diocese of the Arctic. Also present were members of the Episcopal District of Navaho Land of the Episcopal Church in the USA.
We discussed what to do about prejudice in our dioceses and how we could help educate all peoples in our diocese. The USA seems to have a very good program that is designed to deal prejudice towards first nations people that I think it would be worth looking into.
Our main discussion was about developing spiritual leadership among the people of the north. There was an awareness that God is doing great things in the north and it was of vital importance that we develop leaders who were aware of the culture and the ways of the people. We were all aware of stories where well-intentioned Christians had come from the south without knowing who we were and our cultures and actually hurting the cause of Christ. We did not want this to continue. There was much talk of developing an educational training plan that was designed for the people of the Western Arctic. The Arthur Turner Training School has faithfully for over 3 decades developed Inuit Christian leaders and ministers for the Eastern Arctic. It was felt that eventually something similar for the west might be needed. We will continue to meet as the educational plan takes shape.
I was then invited to take part in the Synod of the Yukon Diocese. This was a two-day intensive meeting with representatives from all parishes in the diocese. It was amazing at how similar the concerns and issues were with the Diocese of the Arctic. They too were primarily concerned with how best to share God’s love with the people around them. There was strong emphasis on Circle Ministry, the ministry that involves all the people of the church. No longer can we leave it all to the minister. The development of the ministry is going forward. It is similar to the Mutual Ministry that is being developed in parts of the Arctic Diocese. There was much talk of how the 2 dioceses could work together in these and other issues. It is hoped that the many of the aboriginal leaders of the Yukon and the western part of the Diocese can meet together to discuss some of these same issues.
The Synod ended with a celebration of praise and thanksgiving for all God had done and is doing in the Diocese. I had the honour of preaching at the service. It was a time of joy and of sharing of the great love of Jesus. God has so blessed us and we seek to serve him. I want to thank Archbishop Buckle for inviting me and for allowing me to be a part of their Synod. I hope that our two dioceses would be able to continue to work side by side in the service of our Lord.
Clergy and delegates at the Yukon Synod (photo by Rosalind Dixon)
NUNAVIK EPISCOPAL VISIT - MARCH 2007
Air Inuit - mode of transportation around Nunavik
Clergy at St. James' opening in Salluit
From March 2 to 5 they visited St. Matthew’s in Puvirnituq. Unfortunately Bishop Andrew became ill and was not able to travel with Bishop Benjamin to Umiujaq and Sanikiluaq instead he remained in Great Whale River to recover and get some much needed rest.
Confirmation in Great Whale River
The trip continued on March 10 when the two bishops traveled to St. Thomas’ in Inukjuak. They remained there until March 13 when they traveled to Akulivik to visit with Rev. Peter Ainalik and the people of St. Titus’.
Confirmation class in Inukjuak
The following day they were off again, this time to Ivujivik where they were able to visit at St. Columba’s until March 16 when they traveled to Salluit.
Arriving Ivujivik
On March 21 they were off again, this time to Kangiqsujuaq to visit with the people of Epiphany. On March 23 they flew on to visit at St. Chad’s in Quaqtaq.
Flying into Quaqtaq
Following two nights in that community, they then traveled on to visit at Holy Trinity in Kangirsuk. It was in December that the new church here was officially opened.
New Holy Trinity Church - Kangirsuk
Bishop Andrew, Deacon Annie Ittoshat, Lay leader Jeannie Nungak & Bishop Benjamin - Kangirsuk
On March 27 they went on to Kuujjuaq where they were able to visit with the people of St. Stephen’s before finishing up the tour in Kangiqsualujjuaq on March 30.
Confirmation class - Kuujjuaq
Belize Mission
The mission group with Dean Neal at the Cathedral in Belize City
During March a group of 12 from Holy Trinity Yellowknife traveled to San Pedro, Belize to assist Holy Cross Anglican School. This school was first established last June, since then it has doubled in size from 60 students to 152 and from 3 classrooms to 6 classrooms. Their dream is to have an additional 6 classrooms ready for September.
Our first glimpse of Holy Cross School
Miss Sharon's infant 1 class. Each day began with prayer & praise
The lunch program!
Francis Wilson, ws thrilled with the gifts from Holy Trinity, including these shirts made by Gladys Eggenberger
and the many books and games.
Saturday was craft day!
During the mission, members participated in a meal program for the students, assisted in classroom activities and worked on tables for use in the new cafeteria/chapel and bookcases for use in the new classrooms. During the mission we also held a craft day (Saturday) for the students. On Sunday, the first official church service was held in the newly completed cafeteria/chapel with Bishop Chris Williams celebrating.
Sunday morning service.
Holy Trinity Yellowknife will continue with this partnership. Plans are underway for the next mission group to go to Belize in 2008.
KUUJJUAQ YOUTH
by Elisabeth Annahatak
Aputik Angnatuk and I, Elizabeth Annahatak, started working with youth a little over a year ago here in Kuujjuaq through dance, praise, and worship. We started praying into this area asking the Lord about what he was asking of us before we began, so we had sought the Lord first about this for a while. Our hearts were becoming more burdened in seeing so many young people wander aimlessly, and seeing that there was not much happening for them in churches either which was a huge burden in our hearts.
Once we opened our lives, and hearts unto them, we stepped out in faith believing that God was directing our hearts towards them, we committed together into investing our lives into a younger generation as a commission from the Lord himself. The bible tells us, ‘Therefore go into all the world, and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ Matthew 28:19.
They started showing up immediately into our open time during Friday evenings. We started meeting weekly and started first with dance. This was something the Lord had given me or imparted to me when I first came to him during a bible conference in my hometown Kangirsuk a little over 4 years ago now. He gave me a heart to dance for him with banners (flags) and so with what I had or with what was given to me; I started sharing it among the young ones in dance with praise music.
There is such freedom and joy in dance with banners like that for Jesus. There is liberty and peace, which overflows as we allow him to release us by his Spirit. I immediately saw the freedom on their faces as they started joining me in dance with banners. I began by demonstrating to them this kind of dance and they began doing it as well.
We later expanded to dancing with sign language choreographed and then also began using Inuit traditional drums as well. Psalms speaks so much about praising God with stringed instruments and shouts of praise, and we wanted to begin going there too believing that great things happen as well praise and dance for God. We are seeing kids and youth come in numbers of 10 to 40 at times. We are also seeing them being touched by God more and more in our gatherings, and learn more of his character as we read the bible and pray together.
We also saw the consistency and the hunger more and more, so we started our bible readings as well. We began expanding to other activities like, teaching them to sing songs of praise, and later ordered musical instruments for them to learn.
We began doing all activities taking turns with dance one Friday, then the other Friday evening we would go learn our instruments together and we are still learning them together.
We pray before each gathering and pray for others, and our families during our time together. And with our bible readings, we encourage them to read verses out loud and they do. We are dancing in different outfits for different songs and will continue to expand into variety of ways of praise and worship prophetically.
We had chances to dance during a bible conference here in Kuujjuaq 2 Easter’s ago during the opening of the conference as well as the youth night. We have also been invited to partake in the Salluit church opening in March this year and danced there a few nights. We recently danced as well during the Anglican ministers meeting here in Kuujjuaq a few times too. We later danced for Mother’s day Sunday evening service here and were able to play the instruments for the first time during the closing of the service.
Our vision is to do outreach in other places and minister in the area of dance, praise, worship through dynamic ways of expressing all that freedom in the Spirit, the joy in the Spirit and life it brings forth.
There is a scripture that strongly sticks to my heart for this outreach and it is; 1 Corinthians 9:20-23 “To the Jews I become like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (thought I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those hot having he law I came like one not having the law (thought I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law so as to win those not having the law. To the weak, I become weak, to win the weak. I have all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”
This scripture speaks about becoming like them to win them and we believe that through dance, praise and dynamic ways of worship done by the young people will reach other young people as well. We also believe that we have entered a time where we must allow the Holy Spirit to rule our walk with God and this is where he has been leading us. There has been so much favor given to us by God throughout the whole time and we believe that this is his heart.
The youth group dancers at St. Stephen's Kuujjuaq
with one of their leaders Elisapee Anahatak
This group dances on two separate occasions and did a wonderful job!
CATHEDRAL UPDATE
The fundraising committee met in Iqaluit on June 2. Many activities in support of St. Jude’s have taken place in Iqaluit and across the country. Members decided that as we move forward with our fundraising it is important that we re profile our committee structure to meet two challenges fundraising and building. It was decided that the Bishop’s Fundraising Committee would be given the mandate to accelerate fundraising efforts in order to meet the target of raising $5,000,000 plus contingencies, half by the summer of 2008 and the remainder by 2009. This Committee is intended to build on and work with, but not supplant existing local fundraising initiatives. The Bishop’s Building Committee would be given the mandate to oversee final design and construction and be a resource and advisor for architects/engineers and builders.
FSC Architects and Engineers were on hand to provide an update on the status of the thermosyphons. They indicated that the design work on this phase was completed on May 18 and that tendering for the work would be done in June. It was noted that site preparation and excavation would occur in July or August with the completion of the work done by August or September. In this way the site freeze back would take place over the 2007/08 winter.
FSC was also able to provide more detailed construction cost estimates as follows:
Wood Dome ‘Igloo’ Blocks (765 blocks) $690/block
Light fixtures (165 fixtures) $575/fixture
Metal Exterior ‘Igloo’ Tile (8235 tiles) $36/tile
Main Entrance Light Fixture $3700
Birch Hardwood Flooring (520m2) $100/1m2 strip
Interior Flight of Stairs (2 flights) $5500/flight
Exterior Doors (Metal) (7 doors) $1485/door
Interior Solid Wood Door (4 doors) $1500/door
Interior Metal Door (4 doors) $1175/door
Folding Storage Room Door (2 doors) $5000/door
Perimeter Benches (28 m) $350/m
Narthex Seating (16m) $350/m
Sacristy Millwork (6m) $1200/m
Lantern Skylight (16 sections) $7087/section
Steeple with Cross $7500
Lighting for Cross (4 fixtures) $1400/fixture
FSC also recommended that a construction manager be identified as soon as possible. The committee decided this would be the best action to take and have asked FSC to begin researching possible managers.
Friends from Ottawa and Montreal attended a portion of the meetings to provide us with advice from their work in fundraising. Their input was very valuable.
On Sunday June 3, a very special ground breaking service was held on the site of the new cathedral. Bishop Andrew preached and retired Suffragan Bishop Paul Idlout turned the ground for the new building. It was an emotional time for everyone. Following the service a caribou stew and bannock fundraiser was held at the parish hall. The meal was delicious.
A number of supporters traveled to Iqaluit for the June 3 groundbreaking service. They brought with them gifts for the new cathedral. Among these was a woven banner that was possibly one of the earliest to be done at the shop in Pangnirtung. Primate Ted Scott had presented Mrs. Joy Maclaren with this banner and she wanted to return it to the Arctic. Mrs. Sydney Swanson brought along several gifts for the Sunday school. She also presented Bishop Andrew with a banner she made that had prayer pockets on the back that were filled with prayers from the parishioners of St. Bartholomew’s in Ottawa.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our meetings and our celebrations. Your support is very much appreciated.
Elders at the service
Hon. Ed Picco with Mrs. Joy Maclaren prior to the start of ground breaking service
Procession from the parish hall to the new cathedral site
Bishop Paul breaking the ground (this is the same shovel the Queen used in 1970)
Diocesan Layleader Sammy Peter reads the Old Testament lesson from Genesis
Rev. Methusaleh Kunuk reads the lesson from Ephesians
FOLLOWING THE SERVICE A CELEBRATION WAS HELD IN THE PARISH HALL
Greg Weir, Bishop Andrew, Joy & Dianne Maclaren with the banner Joy returned to the Arctic
Bishop Andrew & Sydney Swanson with the banner she made
Youth Mission – Iqaluit
The 4th annual youth mission was held in Iqaluit from February 21 to 25. The theme was from Ephesians “Put on the Full Armour of God”. Young people attended the mission from Iqaluit, Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet, Resolute Bay, Arctic Bay, Clyde River, Qikiqtarjuaq, Kimmirut, Cape Dorset, Whale Cove, Arviat, Rankin Inlet, Coral Harbour, Taloyoak and Puvirnituq.
Organizers of the event included Very Rev. James Barlow, Moosie & Jimmy Qaunirq, Ruth & Nute Arnauyumayuq, Laisa & Manasie Mark, Ningeola & Danny Tiglik, Josie & Kowisa Arlooktoo, Susie & Norman Ishulutak and several young people from St. Jude’s youth ministry.
A Bible study took place each morning from 10:00 to noon and each afternoon from 1:30 to 4:00 at the parish hall. Bible study leaders included Rev. Loie Mike of Pangnirtung, Rev. Loasie Kooneeluisie of Qikiqtarjuaq, Hattie Alagalak of Arviat, Rev. Joshua Arreak of Pond Inlet, Rev. Mike Gardener of Iqaluit and Rev. Abelie Napartuk of Puvirnituq.
Evening prayer & praise at the Old Res
Bishop Andrew at the youth mission
Iqaluit praise band
Taking up an "offering" Rev. Loie Mike interprets for Taloyoak participant
Each evening from 6:00 to 11:00 there was a prayer and praise session at the Nunatta Campus old residence. Speakers included Very Rev. James Barlow, Rev. Loie Mike, James & Looee Arreak of the Iqaluit Community Church, Jonah Olayou of Iqaluit, Rev. Loasie Kooneeluisie, Rev. Lucy Netser of Coral Harbour, Bishop Andrew Atagotaaluk, Rev. Joshua Arreak, Hattie Alagalak and Joclyn Malla of Arviat. Praise groups from Iqaluit, Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet and Arviat provided music.
Sunday confirmation service at the parish hall
Bishop Andrew confirmed 35 young people on the final day of the mission. This was the largest confirmation class in Iqaluit since 1984. There was a community feast following the confirmation.
FORT SMITH ORDINATION
St John's Fort Smith held a history making event this last weekend January 21, 2007, when the Rector's husband was ordained a deacon by Bishop Andrew! Many firsts for this wonderful Parish! First ordination for St John's, first deacon from the congregation and first having a woman Rector present her husband for ordination!
Lay leaders Dora Jones & Tracey Byrd with Bishop Andrew
Bishop Larry delivers the sermon at Gordon's ordination
Just prior to the laying on of hands
Bishop Larry, Rev. Ann, Deacon Gordon and Bishop Andrew
PARISH NEWS
High Arctic Deanery
Rev. Caleb Sangoya has recently resigned as the regional dean and as priest in charge of St. Timothy’s in Pond Inlet. Deacon Ikey Milton assists in services. Outstations of this parish are Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay. Rev. Josie Enuaraq continues to serve in the outstation of Resolute Bay. Tommy and Olassie Evic moved to Igloolik where Tommy is deacon in charge. Deacon Leah May is continues to lead the parish of All Saints in Arctic Bay.
Hudson Coast Deanery
Rev. Canon Tom Martin continues to be priest in charge of the parish of Great Whale River and outstation Sanikiluaq. Rev. Iola Metuq is in charge of the parish at Inukjuak and outstation Umiujaq. Rev. Canon Jonas Allooloo is priest in charge at Puvirnituq and Rev. Peter Ainalik ministers in the outstation of Akulivik.
Kitikmeot Deanery
Plans are currently underway to have a clergy placed in Cambridge Bay during the summer. Deacon Georgina Baldwin is now in charge of the parish at Ulukhaktok, formerly Holman. Rev. Christopher Davis continues to minister in Kugluktuk. Rev. Lucassie Nakoolak continues as priest in charge at Taloyoak and Rev. Ikey Nashooriatuk continues to minister in Gjoa Haven.
Kivalliq Deanery
During a visit to the Kivalliq Deanery - Bishop Andrew had an opportunity to share some music with some friends
Rev. Canon Paul Williams is the regional dean and continues to be priest in charge of Holy Comforter Parish in Rankin Inlet. Rev. Michael Shouldice assists him. Deacon Joe Manik and Deacon Mike Gibbons continue to share the ministry at St. Francis in Arviat and at Christ Church in the outstation of Whale Cove. Rev. Jean Simailak continues as priest in charge at St. Aidan’s in Baker Lake. Deacon Joedee Joedee assists Jean. Rev. Lucy Netser continues to minister in the parish of St. Mark’s at Coral Harbour and the outstation of St. Stephen’s in Repulse Bay.
Mackenzie Delta Deanery
Rev. Capt. David Parsons continues as regional dean and priest in charge at Inuvik. David travels regularly to Sachs Harbour to provide ministry in that community. Rev. Sue Oliver is priest in charge at St. Matthew’s in Ft. McPherson; she also continues her work as diocesan youth coordinator. Deacons Hannah Alexie and Mary Teya assist Sue at St. Matthew’s. The parishes of Aklavik and Tuktoyaktuk continue to be led by lay leaders though the Rev. Geoff & Rosalind Dixon spent a further three month period in Aklavik recently.
Ungava Deanery
Rev. Abraham Tigullaraq is priest in charge of St. Stephen’s in Kuujjuaq as well as outstations in Tasiujaq and Kangiqsualujjuaq. Bishop Ben Arreak is currently on vacation to be followed by a sabbatical. During his sabbatical he plans to continue working on the translation of the Old Testament into Inuktitut. Bishop Ben will return from sabbatical in mid-October. Deacon Annie and Noah Ittoshat relocated to Kangirsuk early in the new year where Annie is in charge of the parish. She also visits the communities of Quaqtaq and Aupaluk. Deacon Moses & Iga Kalliraq relocated to Salluit in March. Moses is now in charge of St. James in Salluit along with outstations Ivujivik and Kangiqsujuak. Rev. Canon Abelie Napartuk has agreed to be regional consultant for the two deaneries in Nunavik.
South Baffin Deanery
There is currently no regional dean for this deanery. However, Bishop Paul Idlout continues to be the regional consultant for both the South Baffin and High Arctic Deaneries. Rev. James Barlow continues as dean and rector of the parish in Iqaluit. Rev. Methuselah Kunuk continues to provide Inuktitut services at Apex. Capt. Cyrus Blanchet continues as the outreach worker in the community. Rev. Loie Mike is the priest in charge at St. Luke’s in Pangnirtung; Rev. Jeannie Joanasie and Rev. Abraham Arnaqaq assist her. Youth from Pangnirtung will be traveling to Ireland later this summer to provide ministry in music. In December Bishop Andrew ordained Loasie Kooneeluisie as deacon. Loasie is now in charge at St. Michael’s and All Angels in Qikiqtarjuaq. Rev. Bethuel Ootoova is priest in charge at Cape Dorset. Rev. Jacobie Iqalukjuak is deacon in charge at Clyde River and the parish of Kimmirut continues to be lead by lay people.
Upper Mackenzie Deanery
Rev. Ann & Deacon Gordon Bush
Rev. Ann Bush of St. John’s in Ft. Smith is the regional dean for this area. She continues as priest in charge in Ft. Smith and her husband Gordon now assists her. Rev. Vivian Smith continues as deacon in charge at St. Andrew’s/Grace United church in Hay River. This parish has been busy over the past few months. In January Bishop Andrew blessed their newly renovated basement/parish hall. On May 27 Bishop Larry confirmed 5 young people. In September Rev. Haydn Schofield will be visiting the parish with a youth group from Calgary. They are planning to do youth ministry in the various churches in Hay River from September 1 to 3. Also in September, Rev. Ann Bush will be teaching a pastoral care course to the lay leaders of the parish. St. David’s in Ft. Simpson continues to be lead by lay people. Rev. Ron McLean continues as priest in charge at Holy Trinity Yellowknife.
Photo op following the ordination service on January 21, 2007
ATTS
On December 3, 2006, Bishop Andrew ordained Abraham Arnaqaq, Tommy Evic, Moses Kalliraq, Annie Ittoshat and Georgina Baldwin as deacons. Each of these new deacons is now serving in a parish. There are currently no classes being offered at ATTS. It has come to our attention that work needs to be done on the facility before any future classes can be offered. A visit is being planned for later this summer to investigate the scope of the work required. As well, the Education Committee is currently looking at alternative ways to utilize the facility between study programs.
Deacons Annie Ittoshat & Georgina Baldwin at the Kuujjuaq Clergy Conference
Ground Breaking Service Message
Text: Ephesians 2:20-21 “Built on the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone in him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.”
In simple terms in this verse Jesus Christ is seen as the starting point for building up the people of God, “as the cornerstone” which holds the building together.
Without people teaming up together, Jesus has no building. Only when individuals are in relationship to Christ and with one another, can it be seen as a building made up of people as our Scripture depicts “a holy temple in the Lord”.
Today we have come together to mark and dedicate this ground where the cathedral will stand one day. But it is only a small step forward in a project that, up until now, is still far from reaching its financial goal. However, it is a start that has been made possible by many people teaming up voluntarily to contribute their time, talent, dedication and money.
The result of these efforts today encourages us to intensify our fundraising drive more now than ever before. It is now more evident that it can be possible to reach our financial goal step by step and that’s the way we will need to move forward with this project, step by step, as money becomes available to us.
It is going to take me, you the parishioners of St. Jude’s, you the members of the community and many beyond the community or even the diocese to achieve our financial goal. Money is what is going to get the material to build the new cathedral, but it is going to take teamwork to get the money to complete the project. It is not going to be just given to us.
So if your local fundraising committee is asking for your volunteer time, to help out or even to assist in some way at events that they are sponsoring, you have to be willing to offer your time or talent. In this way you will be contributing to the project. Even if it’s not money it is still a contribution on your part and it is just as much appreciated.
Lastly, Ephesians 2:22 “And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.”
According to this verse it is clear that God is best seen and known through the actions of His people. Not only does a challenging project like this bring people together, but it also helps us to heal in the process whatever hurts and damages might have been caused by the circumstances.
People of God should be the leaders in breaking down walls that have been built as a result of ethnical issues, political issues or even issues relating to rights that have caused animosity within the community of Christians. By their fellowship and working together for the good of the community it becomes a window of hope for the rest of the people in the community to desire to work together for healing and reconciliation.
So our fundraising campaign to rebuild our cathedral continues after this historical ground breaking ceremony.
SOUP KITCHEN
Welder working on the piles for the soup kitchen
Construction has begun on the new soup kitchen in Iqaluit. It is expected that the construction will be completed by September.
The altar at St. Simon's Church in Apex - note the sealskin and soapstone carvings
Kuujjuaq Clergy Conference April 2007
Arctic Fellowship – Toronto
There will be no gathering of the Arctic Fellowship in Toronto this fall. Rather, plans are being made to gather in the spring, probably in April following the National House of Bishops meeting. Details will be sent out as soon as they are available.
Condolences
Reepah Arreak, daughter of Bishop Benjamin & Susan Arreak, died suddenly on January 12 in Iqaluit.
The Rt. Rev. Frederick Hugh Wright Crabb D.D. died in Calgary on Saturday, February 24 at the age of 91. Bishop Crabb served as Archbishop of Athabasca and Metropolitan of Rupert’s Land.
Mrs. Agnes Bishop, wife of the late Rev. John Bishop and mother of the late Rev. Peter Bishop, passed peacefully away in Peterborough, Ontario on April 4 at the age of 98.
Ooleepeeka Iqalukjuak, wife of Rev. Jacobie Iqalukjuak of Clyde River, passed away on April 13 following a lengthy illness.
Rev. Canon Donald Law In this issue of the Arctic News, it is with gratitude that we acknowledge the service of the Rev. Canon Donald Law of Leicester, England, who from the years 1974 until 1990 served as the Bishop of the Arctic’s commissary in the British Isles.
Canon Law served in the Arctic Fellowship based in Leicester, England, appointed by Bishop Sperry in the years when the Arctic Fellowship gave enormous support for our diocese prior to the more recent transfer to Crosslinks. Together with a number of supporters, our diocese owes a great deal for the prayerful support and significant financial assistance from our British friends.
Canon Law passed away on May 21, 2007, after a long illness.
Bishop Andrew with the Pingushat's
Dominic, Jeannie & Josephine Pingushat