St. Stephen takes the Church out of the Building
Ruperts Land News - October 2008
by Diane Guilford
St. Stephen’s
Anglican Church undertook two out-of-building experiences
in August. They hosted a two-day canoe trip on the LaSalle
River for inner city kids ages 9-12. Later they held a vacation
Bible school at a North End seniors’residence and aboriginal
resource centre.
The canoe
trip project was funded by Rupert’s Land’s Shared
Ministry Investment
Fund. Project coordinator, the Rev. Diane Guilford, organized
it primarily for Aboriginal children. Part of her requirement
was that there be an Aboriginal Elder to do some teaching
and lead the group in some of the Aboriginal traditions. Carrie
Sinclair was the Elder who shared her culture in such a beautiful
and quiet way.
Diane
was thrilled with the response she received at the Aboriginal
Visioning for the North End (Selkirk Avenue) from Carrie and
other women, and this is where almost all the participants
came from and some leaders. Mick Manfield was a huge help
as he organized the canoes and created lots of fun –
with safety – as we paddled the LaSalle.
We kept
the number of participants at 10 this year. There were four
junior leaders
(14 & 15), and seven adult leaders. We put in our canoes
at LaBarriere Park, canoed to St. Norbert Arts Centre by the
Ruins, slept in tents on the riverbank, and then canoed to
the Red River and back to the centre the next day. It was
an awesome trip with a great time had by all. We pray this
is the first event of an annual series.
Most of
these kids, along with their siblings planned to attend the
Vacation Bible Camp which St. Stephen’s hosted at Kikenan
Centre in the North End. This is a Senior
Residence and houses the office of Aboriginal Senior Resource
Centre. Elders who are residents and others came to do dream
catchers with the campers and make bannock. Thanks to Helen
Manfield, our Diocesan Youth Coordinator, for providing the
VBS program.
Both these
events have created great fun and learning as leaders from
the North End have shared hosting these events with members
of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church.
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