Newsletter: Pray for Diocesan Synod
This weekend is the Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster. For those who don’t know, Synod is the governing body of the Anglican Church in our region. It is made of delegates from Anglican parishes all over the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast. St Andrew’s delegates to Synod this year are me, Alison, and Bill. Please say a prayer for us as we gather with other delegates in Vancouver on Friday and Saturday.
In addition to the regular governance issues (such as the budget), this year’s synod has two big issues to discuss. The first it to set ministry priorities for the diocese. Since the last time we set priorities, we have lived through a global pandemic and have changed bishops, so the time is right to look at these again. The second big issue is the report from the Housing & Homelessness Task Force. At our previous synod, we created this task force to make some recommendation about how we as a diocese and as individual parishes can respond the growing issues around housing and homelessness in our area. At this synod, we will examine the report and make a few motions that will help the diocese and the parishes to respond.
Your three synod delegates may be a bit tired on Sunday, but expect a full report in the coming weeks.
A prayer for synod…
Almighty and ever-living God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honour and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Family Picnic at the Lake
A reminder that our final family event of the school year is a picnic at Lorie’s place on Cultus Lake. You are welcome to arrive anytime after 2pm, and schedule of activities will begin at 4:30. We will be joined by families from St Thomas’, Chilliwack and St Dunstan’s, Aldergrove. For more information check out the link below, or contact Lorie directly at Lorie at lorie@loriemartin.com.
Care Home Ministry
A reminder that our May visits to care homes are as follows:
Harrison Pointe: Thursday, May 25th @ 2pm
Harrison Landing: Wednesday, May 31st @ 2pm
a Note About Lawn Care…
This Saturday, May 13th, I will be at Synod and so won’t be at the church to do yard work. If you are planning to come by to help but don’t have a key to the church or shed, please be in touch with Cathy at cathybarnes@gmail.com and she can help you out.
As always, please let me know if you or anyone you know would like a visit from the clergy!
Love from,
Andrew
