Life in the Parish

There are ups and downs of life in any family.  Our church family is no different. The past few weeks have reminded me of that.

The Anglican Province of Rupert's Land held its Synod June 18th - 21st.  At this synod the Bishop of Calgary was elected as Metropolitan.  The Most Reverend Greg Kerr-Wilson was installed at the conclusion of the Synod.

I was privileged to be able to participate and witness the ordination of three people to the Diaconate at St. James', Rivers.  The Reverends Flora Young, Cheryl Kukurudz and Sally Carter were welcomed into their new role of service in Christ's church on June 26th.

On June 27th the Bishop Jim Njegovan lead a Eucharist Service at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Brandon.  This service was followed by a reception in acknowledgement of his retirement and to celebrate his ministry.  It was a wonderful time of celebration.

On Saturday July 4th a funeral service will be held for the Reverend Tess Meadows.  I have mixed sentiments personally.  She was such a witness for Christ in this world and a quiet force which made my time here so much easier, her absence will be greatly noted.  I am glad that she is no longer suffering and share her confidence in the love of God, the presence of the Holy Spirit and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Rest in Peace, our beloved sister.

So, there are changes happening.  Some of the changes fill us with joy, others are more painful and cause us grief and sadness.  Yet, we can take heart.  Change is a sign of life.  Without change there is only stagnation and decay.

Paul tells us: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances (1 Th 5:16-18a, ESV)

Let us hold onto and live out our faith, confident that: God is Good! All the time! and All the Time, God is Good!.

Let us boldly live out our faith, confident that God is with us always.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us today and always.

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