God of all people, from every tribe and language; you called true witnesses who sang your praise, lived your grace and worked for peace. May we share their faith and live by their example, so that we might be a blessing to the hunger of your world; through Jesus Christ, whose body we are. Amen.

Dear People of the Diocese of Kootenay,

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

Last week was the annual clergy conference for the Diocese of
Kootenay and the Territory of the People held at Sorrento Centre. I was
able to get two nights of respite care so was able to be present in person;
it was wonderful to be at this gathering, to eat together and talk around a
fire in the evening. Being with ministry colleagues for small group
conversation, worship and study together is a crucial piece of supporting
clergy. Our speaker this year was the Rev. Canon Dr. Rob James the new
Professor of Anglican Formation and Studies at Vancouver School of
Theology. He is an engaging and thought-provoking scholar, writer and
story-teller. The title was “Led by God, not by fear”, being our authentic
selves before God and in our ministry. (A title worth pondering for each of
us in our walk as disciples of Jesus).

Andrew Stephens-Rennie, Director of Missional Renewal, introduced
for discussion and feedback “Thriving Communities Assessment Tools”, a
next step in “The Path Forward”. You will hear more of this as we continue
our work of tending to and co-operating with God revitalizing the Church for
a new time.

I was also able to meet with the Regional Deans, Dean David
Tiessen, Andrew, and Bishop James our interim Executive Archdeacon for
an extended in-person check-in about each parish or worshiping
community in the diocese.

This week I am attending (via zoom) the National House of Bishops.
A couple of highlights so far: a meeting with Lutheran Bishops - always
encouraging to meet with our ecumenical partners.

Monday night our speaker was the Dean of St. George’s College
Jerusalem, Richard Sewell, and his wife JulieAnn who works in an Anglican
hospital in Palestine. (not the one that was bombed but suffering in the
siege). Needless to say it was powerful to hear firsthand from people living
in the agony of the current crisis. They said they are encouraged by our
prayers, donations and messages of support.

As Canadian Christians we can help by calling our government to
raise Canada’s voice against war crimes. The siege of Gaza, cutting off
water, power and humanitarian aid, as well as forced evacuation of
civilians, is against international agreements. Our government needs to
express our condemnation. Please write to your MP. Below is a link to a
letter yesterday from the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem.

I also urge you to provide generous support to the hospital through PWRDF
(Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, Canadian Anglican giving
to our global partners)

Donations through PWRDF can be made here:

Yesterday the House of Bishops spent a day looking at response to
mental health and burnout amongst clergy, and building resilience in
leaders and in organizations. This was a very helpful day, with lots of
concrete and specific supports to be put in place. More later! I will be
following up about what we can introduce in Kootenay. All of the bishops
are concerned about the health of clergy in this demanding time. As we
have said in Kootenay, a thriving diocese must include thriving clergy.

Blessings! “May the God of hope go with you everyday!”

Yours in Christ,
+Lynne

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