CHRISTIAN HIGH HOLY DAYS IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD (ANNO DOMINI) 2023

Sunday of Palm & Passion, 2 April 2023 Anno Domini, 10:30 a.m.

#PalmSunday
from the Cathedral,
2 April 2023 Anno Domini:
10:25 am Prelude
10:30 am Liturgy begins
Procession with Cedar Boughs
Preside, The Very Rev. Paul N. Johnson
Preach, The Rev. Deacon Matthew Bowman
Music, Helen Suh

From our weeks of Lenten pilgrimage today we move into Holy Week. With Jesus we enter Jerusalem and join the crowds cheering him on. Since our palm leaves froze this year, we will use our own cedar boughs to welcome him. We hear some of the Passion Gospel from St. Matthew, recognizing that, as the week goes by, we too are part of the cheering crowds and will become enthusiastic members of the jeering crowds also. So we ask forgiveness from a gracious God, and receive it in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus, through the gift of the Holy Eucharist.

Streaming here:
https://youtube.com/live/KQsnPEkWzwA?feature=share

Maundy Thursday, 6 April 2023 Anno Domini

#MaundyThursday from the Cathedral
6 April 2023 Anno Domini
Silent reflection before the service
8 pm Liturgy begins
Presider, The Very Rev. Paul N. Johnson
Preacher, The Rev. Deacon Matthew Bowman
Music, Helen Suh
Service includes #Footwashing, #Eucharist, #StrippingoftheAltar

TRIDUUM, ACT I:
Our worship which takes us from Lent through Jesus’ death and resurrection into Easter is a three part service spanning three days (Hence the Latin term, Triduum). On this evening we remember, participate in, Jesus’ last evening with his disciples, as they gathered for their Passover. Jesus washed their feet – the work of a servant, or even a slave – and they shared the meal together, which becomes for us the Christian Eucharist, meal of thanksgiving, celebrated the first time on this night so long ago.

The word “Maundy” is an English form of the Latin word for commandment, mandatum.  The over-arching theme of the day is Jesus’ new commandment to “love one another even as I have loved you,” a love sharply focused by the contrast of the betrayal which followed the meal that night before he died.  Jesus’ great love is demonstrated both in his example of the footwashing (service) and in his gift of himself in the first Lord’s Supper, or Eucharist (thanksgiving).  This is part one, or Act One, of the greatest worship drama in the life of the church, the three days (triduum), which begins Thursday evening and comes to dramatic conclusion at the Easter Vigil, THE Celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord.  The Liturgy continues on Friday morning, so there is no blessing or benediction to conclude the worship. Our Lord has been arrested; we depart in silence.

Streaming here: https://youtube.com/live/7c9gfhk2t9E?feature=share

Good Friday, 7 April 2023, Anno Domini

#GoodFriday from the Cathedral
7 April 2023 Anno Domini
Silent reflection before the service
#Tenebrae, the move into darkness
10:30 am Liturgy begins
Presider, The Very Rev. Paul N. Johnson
Music, Helen Suh, with the Cathedral Choir
Service includes Reading of the Passion According to St. John
and the Adoration of the Cross

TRIDUUM ACT II:
Good Friday:  Seen as part of the larger mystery of salvation, it is appropriate for Good Friday to be an austere time of reflection and intercession, as well as of the adoration of Christ the crucified, the sacrificial Lamb of God.  This note of austerity does not, however, preclude the note of triumph which the final hymn tomorrow will indicate:  The King is enthroned upon his holy cross, glorified, and we are awestruck at the redemption of the whole world.  We gather on Good Friday to celebrate the depths and riches and wonder of God’s love, not to hold a funeral service for a long-dead Jesus.  This is Act Two and the Liturgy concludes Saturday night. Our Lord is in the tomb; we depart in silence.

Streaming here: https://youtube.com/live/EbiDf9_7x1E?feature=share

The Great Vigil of Easter, 8 April 2023 Anno Domini

#EasterVigil from the Cathedral
8 April 2023 Anno Domini
EASTER BEGINS AT SUNDOWN…
THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD
8 pm Liturgy begins outside around the New Fire
Presider, The Very Rev. Paul N. Johnson
Assisting Ministers, The Rev. Wayne McIntosh and The Rev. Deacon Matthew Bowman
Music, Helen Suh, with the Cathedral Choir
Readers are from the Cathedral and St. Francis Parish
Worship includes the Service of Light, the Service of the Word (multiple readings and homily), the Renewal of Baptism around the Font, and the Holy Eucharist.

A reception with light refreshments will follow the liturgy, as we continue our celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord!

TRIDUUM ACT III:
The climax of the sacred three days (Triduum in Latin) that began on Maundy Thursday is reached in this service which abounds in archetypal imagery that evokes responses from deep within the human psyche:  darkness and light, death and life, chaos and order, slavery and freedom.  In this service the fullness of salvation finds expression in creation and redemption, prime covenant and new covenant, Baptism and Eucharist.  This most holy night is the solemn memorial and the joyous celebration of the central mystery of salvation in Christ’s saving death and mighty rising, made real for all of us in the waters of baptism.

Streaming here:  https://youtube.com/live/0jfal8F3y2c?feature=share

Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of Our Lord, 10:30 am, 9 April 2023 Anno Domini

#EasterDay from the Cathedral
9 April 2023 Anno Domini
THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD
10:25 am Prelude
10:30 am Liturgy begins
Preside, Bishop Geoffrey Woodcroft
Preach, Dean Paul N. Johnson
At the Altar, Deacon Matthew Bowman
Music, Helen Suh with the Cathedral Choir
Lay Reader, Vic Janzen
Lector, Rene Jamieson
Sidespersons, Shirley Cooke, Beverley Grobb
Tech Support, Yongmin Kim, Brian Ford
Bells, Nigel Garson
Altar Guild, Donna Tremblay, Terry Conn
Cathedral Lighting Design, Ted Stebbing

Easter began with the Great Vigil of Easter on what we now call Saturday night, but which, for Jesus’ first disciples, and all observant Jews to this day, is the beginning – with sunset on Saturday – of the new day called Sunday.  Easter Sunday, that day called The Resurrection of Our Lord, continues the celebration, and gets us into the party groove for the next seven weeks – a week of weeks – through the third of the great high Holy-Days of our Christian calendar, the Day of Pentecost.

Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed, hallelujah!

Streaming here: https://youtube.com/live/l5eix8_k7A8?feature=share

Tuesday, 28 February 2023, 7 p.m. here at the Cathedral
135 Anderson Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Proclamation of the Word
Renewal of Baptismal Vows
Renewal of Vows of all in Holy Orders
Litany for the Mission of the Church
Blessing of Holy Oils
Holy Eucharist

Bishop Geoff Woodcroft presiding
The Rev. Bonnie Dowling preaching

Arthur Erskine Thomas David Lee: 1951 – 2023

Son of Ruth Hoskin Lee and George Lee (both deceased), brother of Sara (deceased) and Elizabeth. Arthur was born in Toronto, moving to Winnipeg when he was six. Arthur faced a lifetime of struggles due to his Asperger’s Syndrome and a mental illness.

A special thank you to the Bell Hotel and staff. There in the last ten years he found a refuge and home. In particular, thanks to Christine for her ongoing cheerful support of Arthur. A special thank you to Kerri for her extraordinary kindness and compassion towards Arthur over the years. She treated him with dignity.

For fifty years Chester Schrade was a loyal friend to Arthur, countless times helping him out of difficulties. Both were avid readers of science and technology, Arthur enjoyed lively discussions with Chester.

Thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Grace and the St. Boniface Hospitals for their care.

If wished, Memorial gifts in Arthur’s name may be made to: Main Street Project Inc, 661 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1E3: Donate to Main Street Project. Over the phone contact Carla Morden, at 204-982-8257. Mail a cheque, to Main Street Project Inc. 661 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1E3.
Securely online: <https://www.mainstreetproject.ca/donate/&gt;

A Christmas Message (on this Eleventh Day of the Feast, in case you missed it earlier…)

From Bishop Geoffrey Woodcroft

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. Heb 1.1-2  

“In these last days”, the Hebrews author describes God who dwells among us, and more that, God speaking directly to us in Jesus Christ. 

We gather at Christmas to hear God speak through texts, carols and shared experience. Each of us embrace traditions of family and friends, in some way to tell the story of God’s saving acts. The traditions we employ and enjoy, carefully passed through generations, help us to hear the Christmas message proclaimed especially for they for whom this is the first time hearing it.  

In everything from the Christmas table runners and puddings to Christmas music in shopping malls God speaks, offering opportunity for wonderment, questioning and welcoming. We set an extra place at the table, do that little bit extra for others, make time and space for others to give thanks, all a reckoning of God with us.  

Our world travels in uncertain times, even the Christian Church presents uncertainty about what is next in the divine call we receive, but we also have the experience of seeking Christ in all persons, loving our neighbours as ourselves. We the Church, who have not only sought, but also discovered Christ in our neighbours, are compelled to be overflowing with infectious joy. If ever there was a need for infectious joy it is right now; every generation gets to say that.  

May you be awestruck, joy filled and thankful.  

Blessed are you Sovereign God, creator of all; to you be glory and praise for ever! You founded the earth in the beginning and the heavens are the work of your hands. As we rejoice in the gift of your presence among us, let the light of your love shine in our hearts and your praises ever be on our lips, Holy and undivided Trinity. Amen.  

Yours in Christ,   

+ Geoffrey

Ordination of Deacons Service
Wednesday, January 18, 7pm
St. John’s Cathedral, 135 Anderson Avenue, Winnipeg

God willing and people consenting, The Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Woodcroft, Bishop of Rupert’s Land, is pleased to announce the ordination of Chris Barnes and Beverley Markwart to be deacons in Christ’s Holy Catholic Church on the Feast of the Confession of St Peter the Apostle. Your prayers and presence are requested.

Community Hymn Singing at Epiphany Indigenous Anglican Church
Last Sunday of every month, 7-8:30pmEpiphany Indigenous Anglican Church, 370 McKenzie St, Winnipeg

Epiphany Indigenous Anglican Church invites you to a night of Community Hymn Singing on the last Sunday of every month. We will be singing advent hymns sprinkled with Christmas carols. We would love to have you with us. If you have a guitar, come and play along with the musicians.

Wednesday, 2 November 202
All Souls Day,
7 p.m. at St. John’s Cathedral
135 Anderson Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Ordained Priests, The Rev. Deacons
Lois Graham (All Saints, Whytewold),
Cathie Clow (Fairford Group),
Paul Peters Derry (st. benedict’s table)

Presider, The Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Woodcroft
Dean, The Very Rev. Paul N. Johnson
Bishop’s Chaplain, The Rev. Patricia Ferris
Preacher, The Rev. Canon Jennifer Sisson
Acknowledgment of the Land The Rev. Vincent Solomon
First Reading The Rev. Deacon Marline Wruck
Second Reading The Rev. Rachel Twigg Boyce
Gospel Reading The Rev. Jamie Howison
Deacon at the Altar, The Rev. Deacon Matthew Bowman
Litanist, Ms. Sandra Bender
Organ, Helen Suh

Communion Assistants:
Ann LaRue
Brandi Walder
Marigold Peters
Susan Roe-Finlay

Camera, The Rev. Brian Ford
Sound, Mr. Peter Moodie
Sidespersons, Ben McGillivary, Cheryl Barber

The offering is designated for Urban Indigenous Ministry Development. Please make your cheques payable to “The Diocese of Rupert’s Land.”

#Memorial#MemorialService#Manitoba#Winnipeg#Cathedral#Queen#QueenElizabeth#QueenElizabethIICTV News WinnipegCBC ManitobaWinnipeg Free

Monday, 19 September 2022

05:00 CDT Funeral Service at Westminster Abbey, livestreamed

10:00 CDT Canadian National Memorial Service, Christ Church Cathedral (Anglican), Ottawa, livestreamed

19:00 CDT Manitoba Memorial Service, St. John’s Anglican Cathedral, Winnipeg, livestreamed

Due to space restrictions ATTENDANCE WILL BE BY INVITATION ONLY. MASKS REQUIRED.

The service will be streamed live beginning at 6:45 p.m., here:

The Diocese of Rupert’s Land
The Right Reverend Geoffrey Woodcroft
Bishop of Rupert’s Land
18 August 2022

Disciples of the Diocese of Rupert’s Land,

Greetings in the One who forms and shapes us into the Body.

I am taking this opportunity to briefly speak to you about the work of the Lambeth Conference and how that applies to our diocese.

While Lambeth Calls, (our shared affirmations and declarations), were physically central to the function and content of our time in session, our gathered community was so much more than a meeting of the minds. The intention of the Lambeth 2022 was never to make binding decisions, because it does not have the authority to do so. Lambeth 2022 endeavoured to test the gathered community on the priority and texture of issues, ministries and missions of the Anglican Communion. While the Canadian Bishops found it difficult to process the content using the Lambeth voting processes, but our opinions regarding those process were heard and given due consideration. Some members of the secular press provided the public with provocative yet erroneous headlines which caused concern and confusion amongst the gathered community, but utter frustration and anger among many lay and ordained people through thecommunion. This is a fact of who we are now, and we must carefully navigate high-roads while immersed in media games. I wish to be absolutely clear, the gathered community while in sessions did not vote to affirm Lambeth 1998 1.10, a posture of the 1998 conference that does not allow marriage
beyond that of a man and a woman. The Archbishop of Canterbury did, however, pronounce that
neither he nor the conference had any authority to level sanctions against any Province not in
compliance with 1.10.

I am afraid that the story in the press, especially British tabloids have made the Church appear as fools, out of touch with northern hemisphere people and ideals, and horribly divided among its members. That is really disappointing, as that was never the story or feeling in our gatherings. A spirit of genuine collegiality and mutual support was clearly the vibe of plenaries, seminars, studies, meal times, and wonderfully in our free networking time. Genuine relationships have formed, they have informed all areas of our common work, especially when dealing with the Calls. With a heightened sense of respectand eagerness Calls were addressed, reshaped in some instances, and given birth as aspirations of the Church. Evangelism and Mission, Discipleship, Church and Science, Safe Church, Reconciliation, Human Dignity, Christian Unity and Inter-Faith relations captured our attention and imagination, we spent many hours in seminars, study and reflection getting a good handle on these Calls, all the while building strong
and communicative relationships. The Diocese of Rupert’s Land reflects a lot of what all the Calls represent in our work with which we are presently engaged, however, Lambeth Calls regarding Discipleship, Reconciliation and the Environment particularly link us intimately with the rest of the Church as we yearn for a healthy Church and world.

Worship, prayer and reflection were at the centre of all tasks and gatherings, we were rooted in God, with the Gospel always before us. I think the Canadian House of Bishops has become much closer to one another in this concentrated time and effort, I have tremendous respect not only for them, but more so for the Churches they serve. We are all very tired coming away from the Lambeth, but most if not all are grateful for the opportunity to learn, yearn and grow together. The Church is fractured, we are all broken, we are all sinners, but that is whom God has called forward for this moment. I ask that the Diocese of Rupert’s Land remain in prayerful concern for the world in need, the ministry and mission with which we are committed to fulfill, and most importantly that we be equipped/resourced to “do all in our power to support other disciples in their life in Christ.”

God, bless and keep us. Pour out your spirit upon us, that we might faithfully live-out our baptism, each in our unique context, and enable us to make a compelling case for Christ in word and action to a world so encumbered with suffering; this we ask in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Diocesan Office: 935 Nesbitt Bay, Winnipeg, MB Canada R3T 1W6
Bishop’s Office: (204)992-4212 General Office: (204) 992-4200

Yesterday was full, it was enough, it was a day of yearning for Christ in our midst.
Lambeth 2022 brings to the foreground issues affecting and speaking-to the entire
communion. The conference draws upon many inner resources, and a bus-load of
newly formed trust; fatiguing and infusing hope at precisely the same moment.
Communication(s) is the principal tool here, but it seems also to be a major
stumbling block. Many of our Lambeth Calls appear straightforward, yet they are
decades old conversations of the whole Church, conversations which require
relationship with one another while we are meeting God, and conversations which
require the commitment of each member to be patient; that is really difficult to do
when I feel like I am being asked to vote on Omnibus motions. Communication
itself might be its own Lambeth Call, clarity, respect and solidarity as the goal and
prize.

The Archbishop of York, The Most Rev. Stephen Cottrell presented so beautifully yesterday, he gave a genuinely compelling case for Christ, a rich yet humble recognition of the Bishop’s need to
focus and grab hold of the simple fact that the Church is not ours, but God’s, that
the Church makes disciples who are nurtured to proclaim that God is near, love
kindness, do justice and walk humbly with God at every moment. In my slowly
forming clarity I am beginning to see the Body of Christ itself uttering sighs too
deep for words as our human words fail us while we labour to be One in Christ,
Christ who died and resurrected.

A disciple is to pray, engage life-long learning, prepare the compelling case for
Christ, and know, in no uncertain way, that this Church was never intended to be
our personal possession, but it is to be about what God is doing in this world.
Consequently, a bishop’s role most certainly must include ensuring that disciples
are led to holy and sacred opportunities to let “disciple work” happen.

I briefly summarize Archbishop Cottrell’s end note: we would be in a good place
as bishops of the Anglican Communion were we to live the disciple’s call every
day, and lead disciples from that very space into God’s beautiful world. You just
can’t vote on this type of work, you really just need to do it!

Ron, the rock of his family and an extraordinarily generous member of his community, died suddenly at home with Judy by his side after suffering a heart attack on Saturday, May 21, 2022.

Ron died just three months short of his 50th wedding anniversary. He was Judy’s partner in life and in politics. He was the most amazing father of Nick and Joe, often handling house and home single-handedly and always loving and supporting his sons unconditionally through many challenges and adventures.

Ron was born in Wellesley, Ontario where he leaves his older brother Gary Leis (Brenda), and his sisters, Judy Johnson and Sandy Poole (George) to mourn his passing. He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Ruth Leis. He was loved by everyone in the Leis and Wasylycia clans.

Ron was heavily involved in his community, an activist for equality rights, and a good friend to all who knew him – always bringing laughter and joy, as well as tech support, to every family and neighbourhood gathering. He was an invaluable member of the Bannerman Green Not-for-Profit Housing Co-op, loved singing in the St. John’s Cathedral Choir, and was active on the board of EPIC Opportunities.

Ron loved playing his guitar for Nick and supporting Joe on his many marathon runs. He was an avid pickleball player and loved long bike rides with Judy. He read voraciously, enjoyed the theatre, symphony and opera, played to win at solo and euchre, and was already planning his weekend getaway with the guys at Betula Lake.

Ron graduated in 1970 from Elmira District Secondary School where he met Judy, and from the University of Waterloo in 1974 with an Honours BA in Math and Computer Science after which he worked as a computer technologist, most recently with Peaceworks Technology Solutions, a B Corp, using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at St. John’s Cathedral, 135 Anderson Ave., at 2:00 p.m. on June 21, 2022. Masks and proof of vaccination for COVID-19 are required. The service will be available virtually, to be livestreamed at https://youtu.be/ceskU-WNsoM. The Cathedral is between North Main and the Red River, just north of St. John’s Park. There is street parking on all sides, but limited special needs parking. Please feel free to drop folks off at the Tower Door and then park your car. Emergency vehicle access must be maintained; plesae no parking in the driveway. Thank you!

Eulogies will be offered by Gary Leis, Joe Leis, and Judy Wasylycia-Leis. The presider and preacher will be The Very Rev. Paul N. Johnson, Rector of the Cathedral, and Dean of the Diocese of Rupert’s Land.

Following the service, all are welcome to continue celebrating Ron’s life with us at our home on 59 Bannerman Ave where we will have an abundance of food, music, stories, memories and laughter. Come and go as you please anytime after 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Epic Opportunities, the residential care agency that has supported Nick for almost 18 years, and where Ron continued to serve as an active board member until his death.

St. John’s Cathedral has been Treaty since 1817, was formally established in 1820, is committed to the good way of healing and reconciliation, and is a proud supporter of Kapabamayak Achaak Healing Forest Winnipeg. The Dean and Judy, along with others, are Forest Keepers. The Traveling Song to begin the service will be offered by Elder Val T. Oliver-Vint, also a Forest Keeper.

“We worship and live gratefully on Treaty One Land, the traditional territory of the Ininew, the Anishinaabe, and the Dakota, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. We are all treaty people.”
(We gather every Sunday with these words spoken aloud.)