ANGLICAN INDIGENOUS SACRED CIRCLE AUGUST 9 - 14, 2009 PORT ELGIN ONTARI0 First Nations and Inuit members of the Anglican Church of Canada will meet this week to discuss church affairs that matter to them. One subjects being discussed is the possibilty of a fifth Ecclesiastical Province within the
Anglican Church of Canada. This could change the look of the Anglican Church of Canada.
I am attending representing the Diocese of the Arctic as a partner in the Mission of the Gospel. and I will seek to make some comments and bring you some pictures that I hope will show what is happening. I hope each day to publish the notes that are the official message. (It may only be a link to a site)
August 9 I arrived in the morning only to find that many delegates will not be getting in untill late or even tomorrow. The weather has delayed them. One group landed in Toronto and could not get off the plane for over 1/2 hours untill the thunder storm settled and it was deemed saft for them to get off. The thunder made it's presence known through out the day and especially in the evening session. One could not help but wonder in awe if the God who made thunder and lightning was not tell us that he was at the meetings and watching us.
One of the things that stuck me on this first day was the disire of the Sacred Circle to keep the Gospel of Jesus central in all thier discussions. Each day will be centered around a Gospel passage that can be called upon throughout the day. This is indeed a mighty step in trying to keep in the will of God. Please pray that the God of thunder and lightning will continue to make his pressence known in these very important meetings.
Anglican Video Report A N G L I C A N I N D I G E N O U S S A C R E D C I R C L E 2 0 0 9 The Mighty Wind of the Spirit…the New Beginnings D A I L Y R E F L E C T I O N S The story so far… One memory keeper summarized the first day and a half of Sacred Circle: “We gathered together from all four directions of Turtle Island and beyond. “We came expectant, hopeful, excited, grateful, being led by and to the Spirit. “Sunday evening we shared in Gospelased Discipleship and focused on love and respect. We were reminded that as we gather throughout the week that we should always show respect, listen to one another and be listening for the Spirit to lead us, guide us, and transform us. “We retired for the evening, tired but happy to have begun renewing old friendships and making new ones. “Monday morning we started the day with the lighting of the Sacred Fire through the fire keeper, Elder Norm McDonald, who was assisted by National Indigenous Anglican Bishop Mark MacDonald. In that early morning time we felt surrounded by the Spirit and were blessed through a smudge. “At our opening Eucharist, our Primate talked about the Spirit of God, the breath or wind of God that brings change and especially change in the church. He also reminded us about humility, and said that when we wait in humility, in the waiting time we can be strengthened and renewed. “And as we gathered in our talking circles, the wind of the Spirit blew across each group and helped us give word to our hope.” Lighting the Sacred Fire At 5:00 a.m. a small group gathered in the dark to join Elder Norm MacDonald as he lit the Sacred Fire. National Indigenous Anglican Bishop Mark MacDonald offered prayers and sang several drum songs in both Navajo and Ojibwe. Once Elder Norm lit the wood (still wet from the night before), he smudged those gathered with sweetgrass, sage, tobacco, and cedar. He also offered smudging to people later in the day, and at least one youth member experienced this for the first time. Now that it’s burning heartily, the Sacred Fire will continue night and day during Sacred Circle. It is a place to gather, or to sit and think alonElder Norm is designated as the faithful tender, and everyone is welcome to visit him for a
talk or to pray. Feel free to bring him some snacks, a cup of coffee, or offer to tend the fire for a bit to give him a break.
What is this GBD? The 12 talking circles at Sacred Circle are spending time in Gospelased Discipleship (GBD) every day. GBD is not a program. It is not a Bible Study. It is an encounter with the gospel, designed to engage people with the gospel appointed for the day. How does it work? The gospel is read three times, often in different translations, and one question is asked between each reading: What words or phrases did you hear? 2.What is Jesus (the Gospel) saying to you?3. What is Jesus (the Gospel) calling you to do? At the evening plenary, some shared what
their group had learned from the gospel reading—the story of Jesus finding tax money in a fish’s mouth. Several people said they heard words of encouragement: God will provide for Indigenous ministry in their area and nationally.
First gusts of wind theme The theme of “the Mighty Wind of the Spirit” is starting to take shape. In a homily at the opening Eucharist, the Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, talked about how the Spirit present at Sacred Circle is the same Spirit of God that hovered over the waters of creation and conceived Jesus in Mary’s womb. When people reported from their talking circles during the evening plenary, references to this wind kept popping up. Some spoke of it as “the Spirit of God,” “the breath of God,” and “the wind of God.” In this session, Barbara
Shoomski challenged the group: “Don’t just talk about things. Do them. Then we will be a very Spiritilled church.” Those of us here at the beginning of Sacred Circle 2009 are now listening carefully for what the Spirit is saying to us, our communities, and our church. Words Heard “There’s a spirit of change in the air, which is good, but it’s also
scary.” “We are confident that these youth who are here can fill our shoes. We are in good hands.” “When the Primate says wait in humility, I think, First Nations have been waiting in humility for a couple hundred years. We’re good at that. We’ve been a faithful people. Now it’s time for the rest of the Anglican communion to wait in humility.” “Jesus says, ‘Go fishing and God will find a way.’” “He’s a quiet man, but when he speaks of God he speaks loud.” “We all have a spiritual hunger, but sometimes we try to satisfy it in the wrong ways.” “God’s grace just absurdly manifests itself in the midst of all that is going on. Like the coin in the fish’s mouth.” “God created us, and God is
in awe of us. We forget this, but we need to remember.”
Odds & Ends Roll Call! Ashdown? Absent. Buckle? Absent. But wait, who’s sneaking in the back? The mighty wind tickled us with laughter when we heard for the first time of National Indigenous Anglican Bishop David MacDonald. Who is that guy? Is he old and does he have a farm?
My Thoughts This day has being very tiring for me. They have deliberately put all the bishops in a talking circle together away from the idegenious people because they say that are presence will prevent some from speaking. This I must admit I find personally hurtful.I was told it is nothing personal. I have always given my brothers and sister more credit for their strength and believe that we have missed a presious opportunity here for the bishop to learn and be enlightened. I pray for the day when I will be invited and welcomed to sit in a taking circle without causing harm to
others. Ameeting of the Sacred Circle in Port Elgin
Elizebeth Colins, Rev. Hanna Elexie and Mabel Brown. Representives from Fort McPherson and Inuvik
Rev. Georgina Baldwin - another smiling rep from Inuvik
12 Bishop who have come in support of the Sacred Circle 2 Young Throat Singers from Inujuak, Quebec - Diocese of the Arctic
A N G L I C A N I N D I G E N O U S S A C R E D C I R C L E 2 0 0 9 The Mighty Wind of the Spirit…the New Beginnings D A I L Y R E F L E C T I O N S AUGUST 11, 2009 WEATHER SUNNY, WITH ARCTIC BREEZES IN THE PLENARY ROOM
Elders’ presence essential Each elder at the Sacred Circle is a precious resource. At the evening plenary, several people gave thanks for the elders in their talking circles. Freda Lepine shared how after a tense discussion in their group an elder offered to close in prayer. Nancy Bruyere also thanked God for the elders in her group, who shared in Ojiree. “We should listen and learn from the elders because they know so much,” she said. “We should encourage them to share their wisdom.”
The memory keepers agreed that elders’ contributions were interesting and instructive. Many of them act as mentors, encouraging the youth, and reminding the church to be unified. Let’s be good stewards of this resource! Let’s serve our elders—especially if they look tired and need to get some rest.
Much hope for future This morning, Sacred Circle heard inspiring presentations about new selfetermining Aboriginal structures within the church, and some passionate interpretation from National Indigenous Anglican Bishop Mark MacDonald. He shared how God has worked in his life, using all the good and bad experiences for His purposes. “If I can believe that for myself, why can’t I believe that for all Indigenous Peoples in this land?” asked Bishop MacDonald. “Why can’t I believe that God
has been preparing us for a mission to the world like no other people ever?” He ended by quoting the book of Revelation: “Jesus says, ‘I am the one who opens doors that no one can shut. I am the one who closes doors that no one can open.’ There are lots of doors in our communities that need to be shut forever…There are lots of doors that need to be opened up in our communities—doors of opportunity, doors of blessing, doors of healing and Jesus promises to do that.”
Respect in plenary “Being on time is important,” said one memory keeper. “Because commitment is important, and we’re all here for a purpose.” “Every group needs some ground rules,” she continued. “When I go to any gathering I don’t like to be late and I don’t like to leave before everything is over. Even if I’m tired, I try to stay until the end. It’s distracting when people leave or come back. Get everything you need before you come to the plenary.”
Loving our youth The memory keepers noticed that in the evening plenary, each talking circle discussed the importance of caring for youth in the church. People shared insights like “Don’t complain about not having youth. Celebrate the ones you have” and “Let’s find money to train youth who are interested in getting ordained.” “We shouldn’t override the youth,” said one memory keeper. “We should work with them, and help them to do their own thing.” She shared a story of a confirmation class, where one girl said she was too busy organizing a dance to attend. “What’s more important in your life?” asked the teacher. Her gentle leading worked—the girl went to confirmation class, then to the dance afterwards.
Look out for lively music Featuring energetic hymns, throat singing, and guitar music by our “rockndoll bishop”, the daily gospel jamboree is a great way to end the day“. It lifts our spirits, and gives the power of the Holy Spirit,” said one memory keeper. Every evening at 8:30 the jamboree features speakers from different parts of Canada. Musicians and singers can sign up beforehand with Morris Fiddler. At the evening plenary when people were discussing “What should the church do next?” at the evening plenary, the topic of “lively music” kept oming up. “We need to see more of this,” said Catherine Askew, pointing towards the jamboree stage, “and less of the dreary old organ that hasn’t been repaired in 40 yars.”
Words heard “I’m really enjoying myself, but I’m really tired“ I really like that we start with Gospelased Discipleship. It helps me focus on the gospel reading. A lot of priests and deacons do sermons, and this is a good way of preparing.” “If you become ordained, you’re going to do a lot of hugging. It comes with the job.” “This Sacred Circle really lifts me, to see people from all over. I always know that I’m not the only one facing these problems. I pray that everyone facing these problems will get h lp from God.” “No dream is too big for Christ.”
Odds & Ends Beautiful Gloria Moses keeps saying she has “old lady moments.” The memory keepers are totally confused. Isn’t she just 29? Two men have been dancing enthusiastically at the gospel jamborees. Should we bring a disco ball and add a dance party to the next Sacred Circle?
Sacred Circle on the web You can read, comment on, and share these daily reflections online:
A N G L I C A N I N D I G E N O U S S A C R E D C I R C L E 2 0 0 9 The Mighty Wind of the Spirit…the New Beginnings D A I L Y R E F L E C T I O N S AUGUST 12, 2009 TRADITIONALTEACHING HONESTY (MATT 20:1520) WEATHER HOT AND SUNNY A selfdetermining structure? Sacred Circle members spent much of today discussing how or if Indigenous Anglicans should move towards a new selfetermining structure within the Anglican Church of Canada. The conversation began with a presentation from members of the Governance Working Group (GWG)—David Jones, Harry Huskins, and Randall Fairey—who are considering several governance issues within the church. As part of their work on national Indigenous ministry, GWG members have been visiting many diocesan gatherings and Indigenous communities to learn how the church structures (dioceses, provinces, etc.) can be better organized to support Indigenous selfetermination, as described in “The Covenant, and Our Journey of Spiritual Renewal” (1994). Already Indigenous Anglicans are moving towards selfetermination: a National Indigenous Anglican Bishop Mark MacDonald,
was installed in 2007, and an Indigenous area ministry is being developed in northern Manitoba, bringing together parts of Keewatin and Brandon. Many other dioceses have Indigenous ministries and selfstaining Indigenous parishes.
One future option for national Indigenous ministry is to create a fifth Indigenous ecclesiastical province within the Anglican Church of Canada. The leadership, membership, and terminology of this province could be decided by the Indigenous members. However, “the fifth province is far from being a done deal,” said Mr. Fairey. Some groups they consulted had questions and concerns about the fifth province, and some were not interested in heading in this direction at all. These discussions at Sacred Circle are
essential in shaping what GWG will report to General Synod 2010, the Anglican Church of Canada’s next national meeting.
Arctic music delights Swaying rhythmically in traditional white coats, Liza Iqaluk and Annesie Nowkawalk performed throat singing for the delighted Tuesday night gospel jamboree crowd, who snapped photos and cheered. Liza and Annesie travelled from Inukjuak, Que. along with their minister, the Rev. Iola Metuq. “After seeing the throat singing last night, I felt good, and I felt refreshed,” said one memory keeper. “I wasn’t sleeping well because it takes a while to get settled after travelling, but this morning I perked right up.”
Mixed feelings From fear to excitement, Sacred Circle members had many reactions to the future of national Indigenous ministry in the Anglican Church of Canada. They discussed the subject at the morning plenary and their talking circles, which were reported on at the evening plenary. “I’m very afraid,” said the Rev. Arthur Anderson. “Churches are very good at planting flags with exuberance and ignorance.” He asked Sacred Circle members if they were courageous enough to wait until going to the promised land of a new structure, instead of leaping right away. Another talking circle member said “We need to express a lot of sincere
appreciation to the Governance Working Group. They have done tremendous work.” Sylvia James expressed concern about the future funding of national Indigenous ministry and how it will include urban Aboriginals. The memory keepers agreed that these new ideas about a national Indigenous ministry, particularly the proposal of a fifth province, were good things to ponder. “Let’s talk about it and see where it’s going,” said one memory keeper. “I’m confident that this idea will go far.”
Communication challenges “What is a canon? A big gun?”* Many Sacred Circle members had questions about the terms and structures mentioned in the Governance Working Group’s presentation on national Indigenous ministry. In the talking circles many people worked to understanding the basics: some required translation into their own languages, and others asked how the Anglican Church of Canada was organized, and what words like “ecclesiastical province” meant. Many Sacred Circle members come from remote northern communities, where they often feel out of touch with the rest of the Anglican Church of Canada. One memory keeper said that she has no
source of national church news and her community was lucky if their bishop visited once a year. This same memory keeper said she wasn’t sure what Sacred Circle was when she agreed to go, and when she got here, she was surprised to learn that there was a National Indigenous Anglican Bishop. The memory keepers agreed that Sacred Circle is a good place to catch up. As one woman said, “We need to educate ourselves so we can take information back to our comunities.” *A canon is a church law
Words heard “You can fool yourself and you can fool other people, but you can’t fool God.”
Odds & Ends Have you heard the one about George Bush in eaven? Go ask Morris Fiddler.
Sacred Circle on the web You can read, comment on, and share these daily reflections online: |
