Sometimes it is a bit complicated being a priest in two different parishes. One of the more recent complications came about as we prepared for the upcoming regional meetings of parish leaders and synod delegates, because one parish was part of the Mid Island Cowichan region, and the other is part of the North Island region. Thankfully in a meeting, Bishop Anna heard my frustration and quickly got to work changing the boundaries of the Diocese to better suit the needs of St. Mary's, and now we are officially part of the North Island Region, with our meeting in Parksville at St. Edmunds instead of Cobble Hill!(Thank the good Lord for small victories!)
So now we are officially part of the north, which means that all our partnering with St. Ann and St. Edmunds, and even St. Mark's Qualicum makes a whole lot more sense. And to that end I will be attending a North Island Regional Clergy Conference in Parksville Oct. 24-26 ,where I will have an opportunity to be with other clergy in the region, sharing the joys and challenges of ministry and talking about some of the wonderful things that we as church are doing.
This conference will come to a close with our North Island Regional Meeting, on Oct 26 at 10am at St. Edmunds. This is a time of preparing for our upcoming Synod, the biggest AGM you can ever imagine! All the clergy, wardens, treasurers and other key leadership within the parishes will gather to hear from our Diocesan staff some of the big things happening in the church, including a rundown of what we will look at during Synod. So if you are curious about what is happening in the wider church, if you want to get to know the leadership in the wider church, if you want to come and meet your delegates for the region, this is your chance to do so. While the clergy, wardens etc. are the ones who will vote, ALL are welcome to attend the regional meetings. So do consider coming along and hearing what it’s all about!
Peace,
Kirsten +
Wowsa is all I can say! Please be sure to stay for coffee and cake while we celebrate this momentous milestone with Richard.
They are a big part of our community. Attached below you will find their October newsletter. Lots of photos of little smiling faces doing all sorts of activities. Have a looksee as they are having so much fun!