Memo to Synod Delegates & Congregations
Dear Synod Delegates,
One of the recommendations from the Structures Working Group in the report “A Path Forward” was “to develop in conversation with scripture, tradition, reason and experience a compelling Diocesan story that allows all of us to see that God is with us, has always been with us, and will continue to be with us”.
As per Isaiah 43:18-21:
Do not remember the former things,
or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
The wild animals will honour me,
the jackals and the ostriches;
for I give water in the wilderness,
rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my chosen people,
the people whom I formed for myself
so that they might declare my praise.
We need your help.
On June 4, 2023, a week after our Special Session, the Diocese of Kootenay will have been incorporated for exactly 120 years. In 1960, a
special Jubilee issue of The HighWay celebrated and recounted the history of the various parishes across the Okanagan and the Kootenays. This article is a gem that speaks not only to the faithfulness of God but also to the commitment and vigour of “all who laboured in this part of the Lord’s vineyard”.
Our question is: What has happened in the Diocese in these 120 years? With parishes already in existence, what prompted our establishment as a Diocese? Where has God been present? Where is God present now?
In light of your discoveries about the Diocese’s beginnings, what are 3 highlights that have happened in your parish and/or region thanks to God working through us individually and collectively?
Please consider the highlights in light of:
Wholehearted Worship in the Anglican Tradition
Daring Discipleship
Right Relationship (with God, Creation, and One Another)
Thriving Communities, and
The Second Prayer of Thanksgiving from the Book of Alternative Services (page 129).
While working through these questions, we encourage you to engage your entire congregation, ranging from those who are new to the parish to those who would be considered “parish historians”.
Please send your three (3) highlights to admin@kootenay.info by May 12th so that they may be incorporated into the 2023 Special Session of Synod. If you have related images to share, please also include those in the email.
With Thanks,
The Synod Planning Committee
Important Dates for Synod 2023
- March 27, 2023 The Call to Synod Letter and Registration were distributed by email (if you are a synod member/delegate/alternate and you did not receive the email, please advise admin@kootenay.info)
- April 12, 2023 Deadline for submission of resolutions and notices of motion
- April 21, 2023 Deadline to register for Synod
- April 26, 2023 Distribution of Synod Packet #1
- May 1-12, 2023 Regional Meetings to discuss Packet #1 including ideas for any late motions or questions to submit. Election of Regional Youth Delegates
- May 12, 2023 Deadline for nominations, late resolutions, and questions
- May 23, 2023 Distribution of Synod Packet #2
- May 27, 2023 Special Session of Synod 2023 (online)
The Synod website is available here:
April 8- Easter Vigil Confirmations at St. Andrew's Kelowna
Along with our "almost famous" salmon dinner, wine, and non-alcoholic punch, there will be a Sing-A-Long and a live auction. We are sorry we do not have facilities for children, so this will be a semi-formal adult-only function. We are hoping this will be a multi-Anglican community function and that all 80 tickets will sell- all parishes are welcome to attend!
MANY CHURCHES -- ONE FOUNDATION: Photo Exhibit
Diocesan Archivist Kathryn Lockhart and parishioners Jo-anne Ritchie and Gwen Steele have prepared a photo exhibit in the Tinker Room of the Kelowna Cathedral depicting the history of the Diocese through its various churches.
You are invited to see the exhibit on Sunday mornings, and also on Wednesdays from noon to 1:00 pm.