January!

It turns out that January is pretty busy in church life. I hadn't really expected this, somehow. It's been pretty non-stop, but lots of fun. Among the less fun parts was Synod, which is more or less the Diocesan general meeting. We only hold them every two years or so, but they are a long slog. It's a whole weekend of meetings. There were some very good speakers this year, and a lot of stuff about money (and the lack thereof)but the money discussion was good - very clear. Some interesting motions, some boring motions, some motions made to make a point. Some people insisted on speaking to every motion, and incurred my quiet rage.

This last week has been an annual series of lectures that the diocese sponsors. Pamela Klassen was talking about media, confession and testimony for four lectures. One Anglican missionary near Prince Rupert referred to his printing press as an 'iron pulpit'.

St. Luke's is participating in a cross cultural dialogue with other faith groups, including two first nations groups and the Metis Nation of Victoria. To this end, we were invited to a two part workshop on the native experience in Canada. The second night they had two residential school survivors, one young woman who is raising a family on a reserve near Victoria, and a Metis woman. Really interesting, really heart breaking to hear the stories.

I'm looking forward to some time in Rocky in February!