Janet Allingham, Author at Perspective https://ottawa.anglicannews.ca The Newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa Tue, 23 Apr 2024 13:59:24 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://ottawa.anglicannews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/512crosstalk-150x150.png Janet Allingham, Author at Perspective https://ottawa.anglicannews.ca 32 32 206120375 Greening the diocese and supporting a PWRDF partner in Uganda https://ottawa.anglicannews.ca/greening-the-diocese-and-supporting-a-pwrdf-partner-in-uganda/ Mon, 22 Apr 2024 12:10:32 +0000 https://ottawa.anglicannews.ca/?p=176850 The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa’s Branches of Hope project recently moved into action mode when the local working group of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) began to receive orders for hundreds of young trees that will be distributed throughout the diocese. Branches of Hope is an “offshoot” of the Communion Forest, a […]

The post Greening the diocese and supporting a PWRDF partner in Uganda appeared first on Perspective.

]]> The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa’s Branches of Hope project recently moved into action mode when the local working group of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) began to receive orders for hundreds of young trees that will be distributed throughout the diocese.

Branches of Hope is an “offshoot” of the Communion Forest, a global initiative to plant trees, as well as conserve, protect and restore ecosystems throughout the Anglican Communion, launched at the 2022 Lambeth Conference.

This work began in our diocese when the PWRDF Working Group accepted the challenge of its chair, the Ven. Patrick Stephens, to work toward Lambeth’s goal to “renew the life of the earth across the Anglican Communion and beyond.”

A generous donation from Christ Church Cathedral enabled the working group to purchase locally grown tree seedlings—red maple and black spruce—that they will distribute to individuals, families, parishes and community groups. Planting trees here in the diocese of Ottawa will improve the health of communities for years to come.

Branches of Hope also has an international goal in Uganda, where industrialization, wars and wetland destruction have contributed to flooding and soil degradation. Recipients of young trees here in the diocese are encouraged to donate $10 per seedling to support this important work.

PWRDF partner Josephine Kizza visited our diocesan Synod in 2023 and explained that she and her family have operated St. Jude Family Projects in Masaka since the 1980s. Today, recognized internationally, the farm attracts students from around the world who are learning the principles of soil conservation and restoration. Tree-planting is also part of the curriculum.

You don’t need to own land to receive a tree: trees make excellent gifts. A tree might mark an occasion like a birthday, the arrival of a grandchild, an anniversary or honour the life of a loved one. Some municipalities might also accept seedlings to plant in parks or other green spaces.

PWRDF has been responding to emergency situations and supporting development projects in Canada and around the world for more than 60 years.

To order a tree or trees please contact the Ven. Patrick Stephens (thereverendpatrickstephens@gmail.com) to indicate your preference for either maple or spruce seedling(s) and arrange for delivery.

Donations can be made directly to PWRDF

Stay informed and never miss a story – subscribe to the ADO online newspaper Perspective today.
Subscribe here.

A young girl runs with a seedling tree.
Lily’s enthusiasm for tree planting is a hopeful example for all in this era of of rising temperatures and spreading fires. Photo: The Rev. Gillian Hoyer.
The Rev. Rosemary Parker and parishioners from St. Aidan's plant a tree.
The Rev. Rosemary Parker and parishioners from St. Aidan’s plant a tree. Photo: Contributed

The post Greening the diocese and supporting a PWRDF partner in Uganda appeared first on Perspective.

]]> 176850 PWRDF launches “Branches of Hope” at Synod ’23 https://ottawa.anglicannews.ca/pwrdf-launches-branches-of-hope-at-synod-23/ Mon, 20 Nov 2023 14:30:51 +0000 https://ottawa.anglicannews.ca/?p=175633 Was the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) Working Group operating a little pre-Christmas tree lot at Synod?  Such was not the case! Those four little white spruce seedlings helped to launch Branches of Hope, a diocese-wide project with its roots in the Communion Forest, a global initiative of the world-wide Anglican Communion. This […]

The post PWRDF launches “Branches of Hope” at Synod ’23 appeared first on Perspective.

]]> Was the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) Working Group operating a little pre-Christmas tree lot at Synod?  Such was not the case! Those four little white spruce seedlings helped to launch Branches of Hope, a diocese-wide project with its roots in the Communion Forest, a global initiative of the world-wide Anglican Communion. This international initiative includes local activities of forest protection, tree-growing and ecosystem restoration, all with the focus and aim to protect creation.

In the diocese of Ottawa, a donation to Branches of Hope results in a tree planted here and another in Uganda where PWRDF partner, Josephine Kizza, demonstrates and teaches agroecology—good and healthy farming practices. Branches of Hope offers an opportunity for all of us to engage in environmental “repair” through purchasing and planting trees in and around parishes of the diocese. These “forests” will differ from place to place: some trees may appear on private or church properties; others in forested areas; some in grasslands; and others in wetlands. The possibilities are endless.

Think creatively. Do you live in an apartment or condo? Why not give a seedling as a gift to a grandchild or to a couple as a wedding gift? Seedlings might also commemorate a graduation, anniversary or other special occasion.

And what of the seedlings that appeared at Synod? All four (including the one Terry Dillabough is holding in the picture) went home to parishes of the diocese. In the meantime, we are in the process of contacting all parishes so that orders may be placed and seedlings distributed in time for spring plantings.

For further information about Branches of Hope or to place an order: please contact the Ven. Patrick Stephens by email: thereverendpatrickstephens@gmail.com or by phone at 613-870-1440.

Terry Dillabaugh from St John the Evangelist Smiths Falls visited our Branches of Hope /PWRDF booth at Synod and took a little white spruce back to his parish.

The post PWRDF launches “Branches of Hope” at Synod ’23 appeared first on Perspective.

]]> 175633 Remembering the children: one orange bead at a time https://ottawa.anglicannews.ca/remembering-the-children-one-orange-bead-at-a-time/ Fri, 01 Sep 2023 05:00:23 +0000 https://ottawa.anglicannews.ca/?p=175329 Fifty years ago this fall, on Sept. 30, 1973, a six year old girl named Phyllis Webstad, from the Stswecem’cXgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band), attended school for the first time —the residential school at St. Joseph’s Mission in Williams Lake, B.C. Phyllis famously wore a bright orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother. […]

The post Remembering the children: one orange bead at a time appeared first on Perspective.

]]> Fifty years ago this fall, on Sept. 30, 1973, a six year old girl named Phyllis Webstad, from the Stswecem’cXgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band), attended school for the first time —the residential school at St. Joseph’s Mission in Williams Lake, B.C. Phyllis famously wore a bright orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother. Forty years later, in 2013, she would write about the neglect and abuse she suffered at that school and, specifically, how her beloved orange shirt was taken away. The story gripped Canadians from coast to coast to coast, and Orange Shirt Day, Sept. 30, was established in 2013, inspiring the creation of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This date reminds all Canadians that Indigenous children were removed from their homes and taken to residential schools in late September. On Sept. 30, 2023 hundreds of orange-clad Canadians will travel to Parliament Hill to remember the events Phyllis Webstad helped bring to light.

Orange Shirt Day reminds Canadians of the persistent impact of the residential schools—including the loss and colonization of Traditional Knowledge. The visual and performing arts, however, continue to support the continuity of both Traditional Knowledge and culture. One local example is the Thunderbird Sisters Collective. Patsea Griffin, its founder, says “Beadwork is a way for me to stay connected to all my relations in the spirit world. I love being in the beading circle and sharing stories with friends.” She explains that the group “fosters creative spirit through Indigenous art and teaching” providing a “safe space for Indigenous youth and allies to come together to share their creativity.”

Last October, the All My Relations Circle organized an online beading class where Patsea shared her skill with a group of novice beaders. While some compare beading to embroidery work, beading is more repetitive—thus leading quite naturally to meditation and prayer. Larry Langlois, one the AMR members, has thoughtfully compared the repetitive action of beading to reciting the Rosary–—and I have found this to be true. Having mastered the basic skill of attaching tiny beads to the stiffened felt base, I no longer focused on technique. Instead, with each thrust of the needle, I remembered children like Phyllis Webstad and thousands of others impacted by the residential school system: those who came home; those who did not; and family members down through the generations who continue to suffer through vicarious trauma.

Consider taking a beading course. You’ll find Patsea’s contact information among the resources below. If you start beading soon,  you’ll be able to wear your own creation on Sept. 30, National Truth and Reconciliation Day—Orange Shirt Day 2023.

— Submitted on behalf of the All My Relations circle

 

RESOURCES

Anglican Church of Canada Reconciliation Toolkit

History, resources, worship and more.

Reconciliation toolkit

Beechwood Cemetery

On Sept. 30, the Beechwood National Memorial Centre Sacred Space will screen new films. Visitors can also participate in a 45-minute reconciliation tour, learning about key historical figures involved in Indian Residential Schools and about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. At 2 pm, the Children’s Sacred Forest will be unveiled. Those interested must register online before the event. https://www.beechwoodottawa.ca/en/foundation/events

Beaded Dreams

This store sells materials for beading projects. Address: 426 Bank Street, Ottawa. ON. K2P1Y8.  (613) 235-8378 or toll free: (1) 844-796-8378. Email: info@beadeddreams.com.

Beading with Patsea

To inquire about beading courses, you may reach Patsea Griffin at this address: beadingwithpatsea@gmail.com.

Government of Canada

Understanding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1631130192216.

Orange Shirt Society

Contact the society for educational resources and events at this address: info@orangeshirtday.org.

Presbyterian Church of Canada

Resources for Orange Shirt Day

https://presbterian.ca/2020/09/29/orange-shirt-day-reflection

The post Remembering the children: one orange bead at a time appeared first on Perspective.

]]> 175329