ARCTIC NEWS SPRING 2009 [Image:cover.jpg] Time Line - Kugluktuk's 80th Anniversary BISHOP'S MESSAGE [Image:andrew.jpg] Then Jesus answered and said to her “O woman, great is your faith, let it be to you as you desire and her daughter was healed from that very hour.” Matt. 15:28 If you have read through the four gospels, you will find that it is rare that Jesus would praise an individual for possessing a great faith. From the previous verses of this chapter we learn that this Canaanite woman came to Jesus with an urgent request and begged for mercy. It was also uncommon for Jesus to be so reluctant in responding to a desperate situation. I am sure that this may have embarrassed the woman and the responses she got farther on in those verses seem very harsh and condemning. I find the outcome of this incident full of the wonder of God’s wisdom. The woman’s persistent faith to go to Jesus for help overcame all obstacles and challenges in obtaining her request for her daughter’s healing. At times God certainly seems non-responsive and distant, yet He can always be trusted to respond to a person who is persistent in their faith. From this I find that a great faith is born of people that have been scarred and tested by time and circumstances but remain constant in their faith. They know that when all else fails us God will not.   My wife and I were among the invited guests of Kugluktuk’s St. Andrew’s parish on the Coronation Gulf in the western part of our Diocese. The community was celebrating their 80th anniversary. Kugluktuk was the former parish of our 3rd bishop retired Bishop Jack Sperry and it was also the starting point of Arctic mission exposure for our 4th Bishop retired Bishop Chris Williams in the early 1950’s. Bishop Larry Robertson and I are junior bishops when it comes to being around these two former bishops. The amazing thing about all this was that in the history of our diocese there had never been four bishops from the same diocese come together to celebrate such occasion. We bishops represented four different mission eras where the Christian faith among the people of the land was established. I’m sure in the early days when missionaries first arrived in the place where they were to carry out their ministry; they felt a little out of place seeing how remote and foreign the land and its people were. However, we have to be impressed with how they exercised great faith to trust God for the outcome. We can see how God responded to their faithfulness to carry out the commission of Christ. Today we have clergy, from amongst our own people, building on the foundation that was laid by those who came before. Namely, on Christ the only foundation on which the people of God find unity and purpose. There have been many changes both in peoples’ lives and in the land where we live. One thing remains unchanged and that is the persistent faith that moves men and women to accomplish God’s mission in the world to establish and pronounce from Jesus’ own words “fruit that will last”. I must also express my heartfelt gratitude to all of those who have helped us raise funds for the rebuilding of our cathedral in Iqaluit. By your support you have expressed the faith that you have that God honours and by this He can be moved to bring results that all will benefit and produce fruit that will last. I wish God’s every blessing upon each and every one of you. As we approach summer I wish you all great season of rest, inspiration and a rewarding time for your family and friends. Every blessing in Christ. +Andrew “Somehow the Holy Spirit touched our hearts in a new way” Eldoret Diocese, Kenya –Land of Hurt–Land of Joy by Bishop Larry Robertson I was honoured when Dr. Patterson of the Invitation to Live Ministries (ILM) asked me to go on the “Mission of Reconciliation and Peace” and doubly honoured from the financial and prayer support I received from people inside and outside of the Diocese of the Arctic. I am very grateful to the parishes which raised money and committed to pray for the mission. The snow had just started falling when I left Yellowknife to travel to Toronto and on to Kenya, via an overnight in London England. For someone with generous proportions such as me it was the beginning of a week of sweating getting used to the heat that had its lows in the high 20Cs and its highs in the high 30Cs.~ Coming from the high north it was natural for me to compare the differences with Kenya. The weather is an obvious difference. In Yellowknife winter was beginning and we would see temperatures of minus 40 and the air it is usually dry. While Kenya is an equator country with no winter and only wet and dry seasons. Many people there had never seen snow. It was hard to describe the concept of snow to children who wore coats at 25C and had never experienced freezing temperatures. Another comparison I was lead to make was that of poverty. I grew up in what Canadians would call poverty. In the slums of Toronto I knew hunger. I knew what it was like to roam the alleys with an empty belly. At least I knew that sooner or later the welfare cheque would come and I would at least have some food. In Kenya there is no government welfare for the poor and no free medical care. There are very few charitable resources to which a man can go to when he has no work to support his family. I do not know the desperation of a man who has no way to feed a hungry family or to get medication for a child dying of AIDS. This does not excuse illegal activities that a man may do to support his family, but it shows the great need of God’s mercy and the need for his people to reach out generously to do what they can to help those in such situations. [Image:Kenya - Teachers.jpg]The team of 7 was sent to 10 churches around the Diocese of Eldoret to share the message of God’s love with the people. This visit was at the request of the local bishop after an election caused accusations of corruption which lead to 100s of deaths and thousands of people being displaced from their homes and still afraid to go back after many months. The message of the team was that of letting go of past hurts and finding our identity in Jesus Christ. The message of reconciliation with God and others, the need to forgive yourself and the need to forgive others who have hurt you or someone you love was central to the overall message of God’s love. Always there was the call to rely on Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. The following are two of the many stories of victory in Jesus that I heard or saw in the last two weeks in Kenya. Simon came up to me at the end of the day. He was one of the many excellent interpreters we had. He spoke quietly to me saying that his story of abuse was different then mine. This is true enough, each story is unique to that person’s soul. He said he was the oldest of his family and as his parents were both dead he was raising his 6 brothers and sisters. His father had to move away from the family to find work. This is very common in Kenya. While his mother was faithful to her husband, his father was not and became HIV positive. When he returned home he did not tell his wife and she soon became HIV positive. His father died 8 years ago and his mother died 3 years later leaving Simon with the children. Simon spoke of the deep hatred he had for his father for “killing his mother” (his words). He then spoke of the feelings of relief and freedom he felt as he listened to God’s word of healing, loving power. He said “for the first time since it happened I no longer hate my father. It is like a huge weight off my mind”. He grasped my hands as he asked God to forgive him of the hate he held for his father. The Holy Spirit had worked a miracle of healing and love in Simon’s life. [Image:Kenya - Bis L & Elder with ears.jpg]At the end of each day there is a call to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour if you had not done so before. This resulted in not only first time commitments but many rededications as well. An elderly gentleman whom I had prayed for came to me and spoke these meaningful words that made all the expense of this trip worth it. He said “you know that the words you spoke to us (I assume meaning the team) are not new to us. But somehow the Holy Spirit touched our hearts in a new way and the message became fresh and brought healing that we desperately needed”. It was an honour for me to be a member of the ITL team for this Mission of Reconciliation. In my world of meeting and arguing over issues that are important, but seldom see results, it is revitalizing and important to be on the “front lines” so to speak and once again have the greatest honor of all, that is being present when someone receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and a new life has begun. [Image:Kenya - Pupets & Kids 2.jpg][Image:Kenya - Pupets and Kids 1.jpg] St. Andrew's Kugluktuk's 80th Anniversary by Rev. Christopher Davis         Eighty does not seem like a big number. What is so historic about that? But it IS very significant here in Kugluktuk. Our oldest parishioners remember life in igloos. They remember life before Jesus, and became the first converts to Christianity in this part of Canada. Most Canadians don't realize that the Inuit of the Central Arctic were among the last people to be reached by the outside world - along with the mountain tribes of New Guinea and the Amerindians in the jungles of Ecuador. In the Eastern Arctic the Vikings brought the gospel to Greenland in the 1100s, and in the Western Arctic the Russians brought the gospel to Alaska in the 1700s. But no-one came here till the ill-fated Franklin Expedition in the 1800s. It was not till the early years of the 20th Century that fur traders and missionaries began to penetrate this vast and remotest of regions, The Anglican Church, RCMP and Hudson's Bay Co. all set up shop in Coppermine (Kugluktuk) in 1929 - instant village. [Image:100_2387 sperry.jpg]One of those early missionaries was Bishop John Sperry, who was priest-in-charge here 1950-1969. It is his Inuinnaktun (the local dialect of Inuktitut) prayer/hymn book that we use every Sunday in the Central Arctic. Kugluktuk's Anglicans were anxious to get their beloved Sperry back here for a visit, and celebrate his 85th birthday, so that was a big part of our anniversary celebration too.         From the time the idea of an 80th first germinated, it snowballed very rapidly. Everybody wanted to be part of this unique event. Rt Rev Andrew Atagotaaluk, present Bishop of the Arctic, and his wife Mary came all the way from Northern Quebec. Bishop Chris Williams, retired Bishop of the Arctic, and Bishop Larry Robertson, Suffragan Bishop of the Arctic came from Yellowknife. Nunavut's Deputy Premier Peter Taptuna (our local MLA) and his wife Joanne flew home from Iqaluit.         We all had a great time. There was a special thanksgiving service at the church with many speeches and presentations. We had a huge community feast at the community hall (complete with Arctic char and caribou of course), with Bishop Sperry showing old slides - all followed by a toe-tapping square dance. Six young people got confirmed while the bishops were here. We had a big gospel music night. Bishop Atagotaaluk is a champion accordion player, and he was accompanied on guitar by Kugluktuk's own Colin Adjun, Roy Inuktalik and Jack Ayaligak.         [Image:dancers.jpg]The weather co-operated throughout. No blizzard messed up the plane schedules. It was dazzlingly sunny (but cold - below -30 Celsius). Bishop Sperry got in a short ski-doo ride, but alas, no sled and dog team. That is in the past now. Now that all our guests are departing, my wife Winsome and I are going to have to come down from our 'high' of having so many visitors - a luxury we seldom get in this remotest of regions. But now Spring and Easter are coming......... Bishop Andrew Atagotaaluk, Retired Bishop John Sperry, Bishop Larry Robertson, Retired Bishop Christopher Williams Image:Sperry & Terry.jpg] BISHOP SPERRY'S BIRTHDAY! Surprise celebrations were held in Yellowknife May 2 & 3 to honour Bishop Jack Sperry on his 85th birthday. An open house was held at The Baker Centre (seniors complex) Saturday May 2 from 3pm to 7pm and a special service was held at Holy Trinity on Sunday May 3. Archbishop Terry Buckle, once Rector at Holy Trinity, preached at the service. This was followed by a potluck lunch in the parish hall. Christmas in the Mackenzie Delta by Bishop Larry Robertson         Christmas time for a bishop often means stepping back and allowing the parish and their priest to minister to their people. Over the last few years I have sat in the pew many times. For someone who is accustomed to taking 6 to 10 services over the Christmas week it takes some getting used to. So I was glad to be in Inuvik and to take services in the various communities of the Mackenzie Delta Deanery this past Christmas.         Sheila, our oldest son David & I went to spend Christmas with our middle son Jonathan. As parents it was the first time we went to one of our sons for Christmas. In the words of Jonathan, “I will buy the food, you do the cooking” a fair exchange.         I went ahead of Sheila and David in order to visit the parish of Fort McPherson for the weekend. Without a priest the ministry team consists of Mary Teya, Hannah Alexie, (vocational deacons) and Rebecca Blake and Joanne Snowshoe (lay leaders).These four ladies work well together. In each parish I meet with the vestry and the worship leaders. What came out of these discussions is a plan for a weekend in June to work on preaching and training for new lay leaders. It is hoped that this will be open to the rest of the Delta and the Dawson area of the Yukon. We would like to have around 20 attend.         From there we spent Christmas in Inuvik. It was a joy to be there. We were able to meet many friends with time to visit. It was good to be together at Christmas but we did miss our youngest son in Ottawa. [Image:cribbage.jpg]The following weekend Sheila and I drove on the ice roads to Aklavik where we stayed in the very nice rectory. At this time of the year most of the driving is done in darkness as there is only an hour or two of light per day. As always I enjoyed worshipping with the elders. Their faith is strong indeed and always inspires me to continue on in the work God has given me.         We returned to Inuvik for the Confirmation of 2 adults and then Rev. David Parsons and I drove up the Mackenzie River, on to the Beaufort Sea and on to Tuktoyaktuk. We held a communion service in the elders’ home where over 30 people from the community gathered. It was good to see Helen Gruben, a lady who has worked very hard to hold the Church together.         After putting Sheila and David on the plane for Yellowknife I flew to Uluhaktuk, (Holman) where we had another round of services. It was good to meet old friends and very good to be able to present the Gospel over the Christmas season. St. Jude’s Cathedral – It’s Going Up! (A Project in Progress)         Resting in the Eastern Arctic and hidden from most Canadian eyes was an architectural jewel:  the Anglican Cathedral of St. Jude’s in Iqaluit, Nunavut, designed in 1967 by Ron Thom, the famous Canadian Architect best known for his designs of the University of Toronto Massey College and Trent University Library.   The cathedral was built in 1972 by volunteers under the leadership of Markosie Peter and could seat 250 people. Often, at a special service or event there would be standing room only! The interior of the cathedral was a show piece of the Inuit culture. Beautiful hand sewn tapestries from the missions of  Igloolik, Puvirnituq, Inukjuak, Kugluktuk, Baker Lake and Arviat, flanked the Chancel; qamutiks with their runners served as communion rails and  wooden beams ascended from the floor to the lantern capping the dome. Sadly, the cathedral met is demise on November 5, 2005, when it was set afire by an arsonist. Due to structural damage, the building had to be demolished. Since that fateful night, the Diocese of the Arctic and the community of Iqaluit have been diligently striving to rebuild its full glory.         The Anglican Church has always been an integral part of the community in Iqaluit. Since 1972, St. Jude’s has been a centre for worship, community fellowship and gatherings. Outreach to the community plays an important role in the ministry of St. Jude’s. With limited resources available within the city, people often turn to the church for assistance to get them through their crisis.         mage:newbattens1.jp     FSC Architects and Engineers have created a bold and visionary plan for the new cathedral. The design for the replacement of St. Jude’s retains the best elements of the original while bringing the building up to modern standards.  The concept of the curved interior capped by a beautiful skylight was kept.  The wooden beams that had been covered with an inch of charcoal after the fire have been taken and refinished for use as curved benches around the perimeter of the new cathedral.  Many of the original features will be reinstated into the new design; these include a Narwhal cross that will be mounted on a zinc backdrop. The backdrop will improve the acoustics, as well as highlight the cross.  A new feature of undulating waves, clouds or snowdrifts was added to the interior [Image:Picture1.jpg]design to improve the acoustics.  The new dome is 30 meters in diameter and stands almost 25 metres, or 80 feet tall from the ground to the tip of the cross. The new cathedral will provide seating for 375 people in chairs and 56 people in the new curved benches. Should the congregation expand, the design accommodates for a future balcony. It will also house a Sunday School room, choir room, nursery, sacristy and offices. The previous cathedral never had washrooms or running water and the children always had to meet in the parish hall (a separate building) for Sunday School. This radiant new structure, which mimics the natural environment, will host more outreach programs and community gatherings and will be a spiritual home for all Anglicans across the Diocese of the Arctic. [Image:090326 St.jpg]Although tied to Thom’s original concept of a vaulted igloo, the new St. Jude’s Cathedral is using a very old, local building technique in a novel way to achieve the shape. It is using building blocks that are slightly curved so when fitted together, the building will resemble an igloo. The blocks are designed by Canadian Wooden Domes from Vancouver. The wooden blocks are all on the construction site awaiting assembly. Thermosyphons pierce the ground as sentinels waiting to guard the new Cathedral.  These thermosyphons will keep the permafrost frozen to stabilize the building structure. Nunavut Construction Company of Iqaluit is providing construction management services to see this project through.         [Image:Picture2.jpg]    The Cathedral is being constructed as the funds are raised. The arson and eventual demolition of St. Jude’s Cathedral has left deep impressions on Anglicans and others across Canada and they have whole-heartedly responded to our national fundraising campaign. The costs of doing business in the Arctic are extremely high. When 2 litres of 2% milk cost $8.99, a 2 kg bag of flour costs $14.50 and a case of 24 Coca Cola costs $24.00 by the time it gets to Iqaluit – just imagine what the shipping costs are for lumber and other building materials! The people want desperately to use the building as it grows, but construction liability issues prevent that. Instead, they are forced to meet in the parish hall which is too small for their needs. [Image:ng1.jpg]We are finally in a position to assemble the blocks and construct the dome and main entrance area. This will be covered with a layer of plywood and tarps to protect it against winter weather. Should an additional $250,000 be raised prior to June 15, 2009, we will order materials to complete the roofing of the facility.         For three years now, the landscape where the cathedral once stood is strangely quiet. There are no bells ringing on Sunday mornings to summon people to church and the cross that once stood high on top of the cathedral no longer shines out as a welcoming beacon during the long, dark hours of winter. We need your help to “Rekindle a Northern Light”. [Image:landscape.bmp]If your heart resonates with the people of the Arctic and you wish to support the rebuilding of St. Jude’s Cathedral, you can make a donation to The Diocese of the Arctic, PO Box 190, Yellowknife, NT  X1A 2N2. The Diocese of the Arctic is a registered charity (BN 13040-2019-RR0002). Tax receipts will be issued for donations. SOUP KITCHEN UPDATE After a long construction period the new soup kitchen building is finally nearing completion. The plumbing is completely installed and is~ready to be tested. The air exchange system is almost ready but lost parts have caused a delay. The building will then~be ready to open, pending approval by the city. [Image:soup kitchen.jpg] The thrift store has been getting ready by setting up tables and sorting clothing and other household items. The food bank is going to use a room in the new building as well. Food will continue to be prepared at the parish hall until the kitchen is ready to use. February in the Keewatin by Bishop Larry Robertson [Image:Arviat church mtg.jpg]After three attempts to visit the parishes of Arviat, Baker Lake and Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, I finally made it in February. I arrived in Arviat on a cold clear day to a quick meal and to the year old church for Confirmation Service. Fourteen were confirmed. As I looked at this crowded church filled with people of all ages I was struck that the leadership of this parish comes from 2 elderly deacons, the Rev. Joe Manik and the Rev. Mike Gibbons. These two have worked hard to erect a new church building and then to fill it with people praising God. During the service there were also 2 Lay Leaders licensed. The next day we had a vestry meeting where both deacons recognized the need for someone fresh so they might step down and retire.         [Image:confirm Baker.jpg]In Baker Lake I was met by the Deacon in Charge, the Rev. Joedee Joedee. This man was a lay leader when I was in Baker as a minister. It shows how God nurtures us and helps us grow into the calling He has for us. At the evening service there were 2 confirmed and the following day there were 5 licensed as Diocesan Lay Leaders and 1 as a Parish Lay Leader. This parish has always had many lay leaders as there is a full schedule of services. (2 Sunday Services, Sunday School, 2 mid week services, 2 – 3 bible studies and regular visits to the sick and aged.) The Lay Leaders are the ones who lead most of these services and meetings often helped by the ladies of the Argnait Ikayuktiukatauyun (ladies group). One of the services is lead by the members of the Youth Group who are lead by Lay Leader Bill Martee. This group has a music ministry that gives praise to God. This parish is eagerly waiting for the new minister (Rev. Lucy Nester) to arrive.         From Baker I went to Rankin Inlet. The Minister in Charge (Rev. Paul Williams) was in Winnipeg accompanying his wife Nowyah who was having medical tests done. Our prayers go with her. I was met by the associate priest Rev. Mike Shouldice who was with me for the weekend. We had a Holy Communion Service with the people. This is a parish where there is much potential for growth.         The Keewatin is a Deanery where there is much excitement for God. The people are desirous to serve Jesus and it is always a pleasure to go there. [Image:Baker lay leaders.jpg] Layleaders at St. Aidan’s—Baker Lake Thomas Mannik, Travis Mannik, Thomas Anirniq, Silas Arna’naaq, Vera Avaala and Edwin Evo   [Image:ExCom.jpg] Executive Committee—2008 to 2011 Back row: Very Rev. James Barlow, Bishop Andrew, Tommy Cain jr., Bishop Ben and Verna Firth. Middle row: Debra Gill, Becky Igutsaq, Rev. Canon Jonas Allooloo and Bishop Larry. Front row: Mona Igutsaq, Elaine Coumont, Lizzie Epoo-York and Rev. Lucy Netser. Missing from the photo Alan Denroche (Chancellor) and Salomon Mikki.   EXECUTIVE SUMMARY SEPTEMBER 2008                  The following are highlights of some of the issues discussed by the Executive Committee at its fall meeting in Yellowknife.         The first draft of the English/Inuktitut hymnbook has been completed and it was presented at our recent Synod. Index work is yet to be completed for this project. Once that is done we will check into getting it printed and/or copied onto cds for use in the parishes.         Translation work on the Old Testament continues. The New Testament with Psalms is now available through the Canadian Bible Society. It is hoped that the complete Bible will be available within the year.         Work continues on fundraising to rebuild St. Jude’s. A more complete update on this work is presented in a separate article in Arctic News.         We are still waiting for an estimate on the cost to have renovations done to the Arthur Turner Training School in Pangnirtung. Several improvements need to be completed before we can begin another session of classes. However, layleader and deacon training continues to take place in several communities including Iqaluit, Arviat, Pangnirtung and Inuvik to mention a few.         Several new projects were discussed including a new mission house for Kangirsuk, a new mission house for Kangiqsuallujjuaq, and renovations to the churches in Tasiujaq and Puvirnituq.         Governance is becoming an issue throughout the Anglican Church of Canada. Parishes have been asked to discuss the issues and what changes could be made in their parish and our diocese to improve the way ministry is carried out. It is hoped that parishes will provide a report on their conversations prior to our next Committee meeting.         It was decided that work in the area of strategic planning needs to be revitalized. As a result, a new committee has been formed to do some work in this area and report back to the next Executive meeting.         All Anglican churches in Canada were invited to take part in Amazing Grace Sunday. This was a Sunday where all were asked to sing “Amazing Grace’ and take up a collection of ‘Loonies’ or “Toonies” for the work of the church in the north. They were also asked to video tape their singing and send a copy to the National Church office. A compilation of the videos was produced and sent to all parishes and groups that took part in the project. The Executive sang, took up a collection and sent in their video. More information on the project can be found on the Anglican Church website.         The next meeting will be held October 2 to 9, 2009 in Yellowknife. OUR CLERGY         [Image:Joshua Arreak.jpg] Rev. Joshua Arreak Pond Inlet Rev. Ikey Milton Pond Inlet (on leave) Rev. Josie Enuaraq - Resolute Bay (retired) Rev. Leah Qaqqasiq May Arctic Bay Rev. Tommy Evic Igloolik Very Rev. James Barlow Iqaluit Capt. Cyrus Blanchet Iqaluit Rev. Loie Mike Pangnirtung Rev. Abraham Arnaqaq - Pangnirtung (retired) Rev. Bethuel Ootoova - Cape Dorset (on leave) Rev. Canon Paul Willilams Rankin Inlet Rev. Lucy Netser Baker Lake Rev. Joedee Joedee - Baker Lake Rev. Iola Metuq - Inukjuak Rev. Canon Jonas Allooloo - Puvirnituq Rev. Peter Ainalik - Akulivik Rev. Canon Tom Martin - Great Whale River Rev. Abraham Tigullaraq - Kuujjuaq (on leave) Rev. Annie Ittoshat - Kangirsuk Rev. Lucassie Nakoolak  - Taloyoak Rev. Ikey Nashooriak - Gjoa Haven Rev. Capt. David Parsons - Inuvik Rev. Ann Bush - Fort Smith Rev. Gordon Bush - Fort Smith Rev. Vivian Smith - Hay River Rev. Capt. Ron McLean - Yellowknife Rev. Christopher Davis - Ft. Simpson ST. JOHN'S - FORT SMITH by Rev. Ann Bush St. John’s finally said goodbye to our wonderful building contractor and the congregation returned to worship in the newly extended church by mid-Advent 2008. The first Sunday back in the building was a joyful celebration and the result of lots of hard work fund raising and praying. We are so encouraged by what God has done among us and continues to do. Two generous donations from within the congregation have enabled the Vestry to purchase amplification equipment and new church furniture to complete the updated building. The new church building is now energy efficient and with room to be creative as the ministry develops. We eagerly look forward to Bishop Andrew’s visit in June 2009 to dedicate the building. The small original church building will always be in people’s hearts and memories, but we eagerly look forward to God outworking His vision with more space to grow. Earlier in the year, the kitchen addition and renovations to the church hall were completed. This wonderful project was fund raised and paid for entirely by the Ladies Guild. The parish recognizes that now the time has come to look to outreach, spiritual renewal and deepening of faith. We had hoped to have a Mission with Rev. Marnie Patterson in May 2009 but at this time do not know if his health is up to coming. One of the challenges that faces this and so many parishes is how to attract our youth. Rev Ann and Gordon will be retiring from the Parish in the summer of 2010 after serving for 9 fruitful and happy years at St John’s. They will be going to their home on PEI but may also be taking on some overseas mission work. Before and after renovations at St. John's in Ft. Smith BELIZE TRIP February 21 to March 7, 2009 This year marks the second time my sister, Heather, and I travelled to the small Central American country of Belize. This time our Dad, Gerry, joined us. Holy Trinity in Yellowknife has had a connection with Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro, Belize since its opening in 2006. The school has grown from 3 classrooms and 60 children to 9 classrooms and over 500 students. What started out as a piece of swamp land has certainly enhanced the lives of the children living in the area. The school now has a computer lab, administration office, cafeteria/chapel, dentist office and boasts the largest library in the area. It was amazing to see how much has taken place since our 2007 trip. We flew to San Pedro where we were met by Heather and Rick Leslie of Yellowknife. The Leslies had been in Belize for 3 weeks already and we joined them for a week at the school followed by a week traveling to various areas of the country. The airport in San Pedro (notice the baggage claim area) At the school Dad helped in a classroom and Heather and I helped with testing eyes and cataloguing the library. It was a busy but gratifying week. Rick arranged for a Canadian afternoon where he showed a PowerPoint presentation on Canada and we fed the students bannock, jam and juice. The information Rick pulled together was amazing and the bannock was a huge hit! After our time at the school we traveled by boat to Corazol where we spent two days and heard loads of political speeches (its  municipal election week in Belize). Heather Leslie and Dad were able to do some bird watching at a ruins. We also attended service at a wonderful little church “Saint Paul’s by the Sea”. Following the service we took a taxi to San Ignacio in the Cao district. Here we visited an ancient Mayan sacrificial cave and ruins.  After our visit here we took another taxi to Belize City where we spent the last two days. We visited the Belize Museum which at one time was a prison and took an airboat ride and saw a variety of birds and a crocodile. It was a wonderful trip, the weather was not too hot and the people were extremely friendly. We all hope to go back again one day. The computer lab at Holy Cross School Dad (Gerry) in the Standard 3 classroom  - there were over 50 students in the class         Heather Leslie testing eyes at Holy Cross School Heather & Rick Leslie cataloguing in the library at Holy Cross School  Bannock  - the hit of the Canadian afternoon Don’t we look Canadian—Heather & Rick Leslie, Heather & Debra Gill Frances Wilson  of Holy Cross School with Heather Leslie—background is Canada bulletin board Saint Paul’s by the Sea in Corazol Barton Creek—Mayan Cave (Dad & our guide Bruce) Ruins at Coracol—one of the largest discovered  Heather, Dad and I at a traditional restaurant—check out the menus on the wall!  KUGLUKTUK CELEBRATION By Rt. Rev. J.R. Sperry It is almost unique in the history of the north and possibly elsewhere in Canada that any city, village or other communities celebrate the first arrival of Christian missionaries in their communities. One such celebration occurred in Kugluktuk (Coppermine) on March 14 and 15 this year when the entire community celebrated 80 years of the ministry of the Anglican Church in the community and its mission throughout the Central Arctic. The inspiration for this anniversary was made at the insistence of the settlement council as well as the mission itself. The former very generously provided the accommodation in Kugluktuk of the four bishops, Bishop Andrew Atagotaaluk (the Diocesan Bishop), Bishop Larry Robertson (Suffragan of the Western Arctic) as well as Bishops John Sperry and Christopher Williams retired bishops living in Yellowknife. Travel for Bishops Sperry and Williams was also a financial gift.         The historic happening which was recalled took place some 80 years ago was that the Rev. Herbert Girling travelling from the western regions of the Mackenzie Delta finally reached the camp of the Canadian Arctic Expedition based at Bernard Harbour on Coronation Gulf. This pioneer missionary was endeavouring to meet the recently discovered Central Arctic Eskimo later called the Copper Eskimo due to their use of native copper for their instruments of hunting and metal utensils. Accompanied by Alaskan Christian natives he was able to share the Christian message and teachings with the people who had gathered to meet the expedition and its personnel. Girling, from that point, began his travels and the sharing of the Gospel with folk from the large area. Joining that first arrival was the Rev. Harold Webster who replaced Girling who, on a trip to Ottawa to share the needs of the Central Arctic, unfortunately died as a result of his privations in the north. Under Webster’s initial experience an epidemic occurred and a number of native families died. As a result the general feeling was that the location was dangerous and all were determined to locate in a different area. By that time the Hudson’s Bay Company, RCMP and the Anglican mission with Rev. Webster together with the native families all moved to a place at the mouth of the Coppermine River in the year 1929, 80 years ago.         From that time St. Andrew’s mission continued its far reaching ministry without delay until this year. The present mission under the leadership of its vestry and the Rev. Christopher Davis has taken vigorous plans to celebrate appropriately. Within the church itself various inscriptions about the long history are recorded and a plaque inscribed with each serving missionary is seen on its walls. Among those, happily present on this occasion was retired Bishop John Sperry who served from 1952 until 1969 and retired Bishop Williams who spent from August to December 1960 both of whom served the diocese as suffragan and diocesan bishops before their retirement.         Apart from the celebratory Christian services of thanksgiving there were community occasions which included presentations for the visitors, feasts and dances during which the latter included Bishop Andrew’s contribution on his accordion. The whole occasion was a time of memory of the past as well as thanksgiving to Almighty God for the long years of service offered not only by resident missionaries but particularly by the well remembered native committed men and women who did so much in early days when dog team travel in a large area was undertaken in all kinds of Arctic conditions.  (photo above shows Bishop Sperry with Colin Adjun cutting the anniversary cake) TORONTO ARCTIC FELLOWSHIP The next gathering of the Toronto Arctic Fellowship will take place on Saturday November 7, 2009, at St. Bride (Clarkson), 1516 Clarkson Rd. N, Mississauga. Come here the latest on the Diocese of the Arctic and meet with the Bishops. Everyone is welcome! GREAT WHALE RIVER St Edmund's in Great Whale River recently dedicated a new Baptism Bowl, replacing one which had been broken a year or so ago.  The new bowl, a simple wooden bowl had been crafted by a Cree from Chisasibi, who had given it as a gift to our Church.  We decided that we would dedicate the bowl in loving memory of the late David Masty.   DIOCESE OF SASKATCHEWAN On March 6, a new bishop was consecrated for the Diocese of Saskatchewan. Bishop Michael Hawkins was installed at St. Alban’s Cathedral on March 7 as the 12th Bishop of the Diocese of Saskatchewan. Pictured with the new bishop are Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate, and Acting Metropolitan of Rupert’s Land Bishop Don Phillips. PARISH NEWS High Arctic Deanery Bishop Paul Idlout continues to be the regional consultant for the High Arctic Deanery. St. Timothy’s in Pond Inlet is currently being lead by Rev. Joshua Arreak.  Outstations of this parish are Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay. Rev. Josie Enuaraq recently retired from ministry in Resolute Bay and has returned to his home community of Clyde River. Rev. Tommy Evic is in charge of St. Matthias in Igloolik and of St. Silas in the outstation of Hall Beach. Deacon Leah Qaqqasiq May 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 St. Edmund’s in Great Whale River and outstation St. Philip’s in Sanikiluaq. Rev. Iola Metuq is the Regional Dean and continues as priest in charge of the parish of St. Thomas in Inukjuak and outstation Church of the Epiphany in Umiujaq. Rev. Canon Jonas Allooloo is priest in charge at St. Matthew’s in Puvirnituq. After a trial year, St. Titus in Akulivik has been established as a self supporting parish rather than an outstation of Puvirnituq. Rev. Peter Ainalik continues as the priest in charge. Well done Akulivik! Kitikmeot Deanery The Resurrection Church in Ulukhaktok, formerly Holman, continues to be lead by layleaders of the parish. Capt. Andrew & Valerie Robertson have moved to Kugluktuk to begin ministry at St. Andrew’s. Rev. Lucassie Nakoolak continues as priest in charge at Church of the Good Shepherd in Taloyoak and Rev. Ikey Nashooriatuk continues to minister at Church of the Messiah in Gjoa Haven. St. George’s in Cambridge Bay continues to be lead by lay leaders. Kivalliq Deanery Rev. Canon Paul Williams continues as regional dean and priest in charge at Holy Comforter in Rankin Inlet. This parish is in the process of building a new church. Rev. Lucy Netser has moved from being  priest in charge of St. Mark’s in Coral Harbour and of St. Stephen’s the outstation of Repulse Bay to become priest in charge of St. Aidan’s in Baker Lake.  Deacon, the Rev. Joedee Joedee assists in the parish.  Deacon Joe Manik continues to lead the parish of St. Francis in Arviat and the congregation at Christ Church in Whale Cove.   Mackenzie Delta Deanery Rev. Capt. David Parsons is the regional dean and priest in charge at Church of the Ascension in Inuvik.  St. Matthew’s in Ft. McPherson is now being lead by deacons Hannah Alexie and Mary Teya. All Saints in Aklavik is once again being lead by parish layleaders. St. John’s in Tuktoyaktuk and St. Clement’s in Sachs Harbour are still without clergy, however, the regional dean visits these parishes whenever he is able. We are pleased to say that Rev. Andy and Rachel Yorke will be visiting this deanery for the month of July. Ungava Deanery Rev. Abraham Tigullaraq is priest in charge of St. Stephen’s in Kuujjuaq as well as outstations Transfiguration in Tasiujaq and St. Andrew’s in Kangiqsualujjuaq. Rev. Annie Ittoshat is priest in charge of Holy Trinity in Kangirsuk. She also visits the communities of Quaqtaq and Aupaluk. St. James in Salluit along with outstations St. Columba’s in Ivujivik and Epiphany in Kangiqsujuak are currently without clergy. When he is able Bishop Andrew provides services in these three communities. Rev. Canon Abelie Napartuk continues to be regional consultant for this deanery. South Baffin Deanery Dean James Barlow continues as regional dean of the South Baffin. He is also rector of the parish of St. Jude’s in Iqaluit and Capt. Cyrus Blanchet is the outreach worker in the community.  Rev. Methuselah Kunuk who provided Inuktitut services at St. Simon’s in Apex has taken a leave of absence. Rev. Loie Mike is the priest in charge at St. Luke’s in Pangnirtung; Rev. Jeannie Joanasie assists her. Rev. Abraham Arnaqaq has retired but remains available when he is needed. Deacon Loasie Kooneeluisie is in charge at St. Michael’s and All Angels in Qikiqtarjuaq. Rev. Bethuel Ootoova was priest in charge at St. John’s in Cape Dorset but has taken a leave of absence. Rev. Jacobie Iqalukjuak is deacon in charge at Church of The Redeemer in Clyde River and the parish of Kimmirut continues to be lead by lay people.          Upper Mackenzie Deanery Rev. Ann Bush is the regional dean for this area. She continues as priest in charge at St. John’s in Ft. Smith and her husband Deacon Gordon assists her. Rev. Vivian Smith is the non-stipendiary priest in charge at St. Andrew’s/Grace United Church in Hay River. Rev. Christopher & Winsome Davis have taken up ministry at St. David’s in Ft. Simpson and Rev. Capt. Ron McLean continues as rector at Holy Trinity Yellowknife his honorary assistants are retired Bishop Jack Sperry and retired Bishop Chris Williams. Rev Ann, as Regional Dean, visited Fort Simpson during last summer and Hay River early in 2008. Our deanery joined with others in the Western Region for our Clergy Conference in January 2009. This year we attended the Breakforth Ecumenical Christian Conference in Edmonton. This event is held annually over three days, packed full of renowned Christian speakers, worship leaders and inspirational workshops. There is something for everyone and no one comes away disappointed. The most encouraging thing is to see so many young people attend. This year was a record breaking attendance of over 5,000 people and thanks goes to our Diocese and to Bishop Larry for getting us there! It is to be highly recommended for all, both clergy and congregations! Special Celebrations The Diocese of the Arctic was formed in 1933; however, ministry has been occurring much longer. Several parishes are celebrating special anniversaries in 2009. Some of these include: Yellowknife – 70; Kugluktuk – 80; Kimmirut (Lake Harbour) – 100; Kuujjuaq (Ft. Chimo) – 110 and Ft. Simpson – 150. A NEW DIOCESAN SECRETARY A warm welcome to our new Diocesan Secretary, Jeannie Manning. Jeannie is originally from Cape Dorset and recently moved to Yellowknife. We are happy to have her assistance.