ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT — Proposed new building next to the Cathedral.

St. Michael's House will replace the Parish Hall of St. Michael and All Angels. Visitors to Synod this May will likely be surprised to find that the original Hall, built in 1949, has been demolished. A large parking lot is all that is left adjacent to our Cathedral Church in Kelowna.

The hall was in such poor condition that it was hazardous for people to work in it, and to renovate the structure and bring it up to modern standards would cost more than replacement.

In the interim, Sunday school, coffee hour and Parish meetings take place in a rented "portable" structure with a separate washroom.

A Site Re-Development Commission was struck under the leadership of Percy Tinker. Plans are to proceed in two phases, and to not build beyond the means of the Parish to support it. A fundraising campaign to raise 1.5 million dollars to build St. Michael's House has been underway for about a year. Pledges and cash donations and fundraising efforts such as Cathedral Dinners, have to date raised $743,500 with 120 households participating in pledges over a span up to 3 years.

Final working drawings were obtained from our architect and were first shown at the Cathedral AGM this February, accompanied by great excitement and interest!

St. Michael's House will allow many Parish activities and enhance many Diocesan events. It features two large multipurpose meeting or classrooms on the ground floor, as well as a large storage/workshop area. The upper main floor connects to the Cathedral at the same height as floor level through a short "link." This allows processions to proceed from the St. Michael's House into the Cathedral without having to go outside. Access for the disabled is provided for from within and without the building.

The main floor will be used heavily; it has a parish lounge with a galley kitchen, washrooms and a handicapped lift to the lower level. A large roof top patio adjacent provides for receptions during good weather.

Our scriptural theme is "Building by Grace" and is based on 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 as suggested by Bishop John.

"According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. For no one can lay a foundation other than the one that has been laid: that foundation is Christ."

Under the heading of "our church" and subheading "renewing our mission," there are some details on St. Michael's Website www.stmichaelscathedral.ca

We also have a brochure that explains more. Contact the parish office if you would like to receive it or information on making a pledge 250-762-3321.

ST. MICHAEL'S HOUSE — Features and Benefits

Features:
• Two levels, washrooms on both levels
• Multipurpose rooms, Sunday school classrooms
• Lounge for Coffee Hour, small group gatherings, 40 people seated
• Workshop/storage/janitorial
• Large outside deck
• Disabled accessible, elevator/lift and ramp

Benefits:
• Emotional — establish a focal point for parish life, build memories for generations to come
• Sunday school program, youth group
• Fellowship, BBQ s on the deck
• Small group dinners
• Meetings for community based activities AA, SPCA
• Coffee hour
• Receptions for weddings, baptisms, funerals
• Choir — Rehearsal, warm up, vesting for processionals
• Musical productions and rehearsals
• Diocesan activities &mdash meetings, BCAYM, study courses
• EFM
• Inn from the Cold, soup kitchen outreach
• Thrift shop?

Retirement Party for Dean Allan Reed

By Peter Davison

photo peter davison

On Sunday, March 1st some 200 people gathered in the Immaculate Conception parish centre in Kelowna to pay tribute to Dean Allan Reed on his retirement. The tribute took the form of a potluck supper. Retired Archbishop David Crawley acted as Master of Ceremonies, and read letters from a number of Allan's colleagues in his former dioceses of Rupert's Land and Algoma. He also had some advice for Allan on what to do (or not) in his retirement.

The tributes noted Allan's boundless energy, enthusiasm and imagination, and his willingness to risk failure in "thinking big." They also referred to many acts of kindness and compassion. The theme of the evening was "Your Ministry, A Work of Heart." Tributes were also paid to Allan's wife (Norene Morrow) and children for the sacrifices they made as clergy family. All in all, the evening was light-hearted and warm, as the assembled crowd bid a fond farewell, presented Allan with a gift, and wished him good health and many good years.

EFM Administrative Council — At its February meeting the Administrative Council of Education for Ministry, Canada (EFM) welcomed Richard Simpson as Diocesan Coordinator for this popular program of lay theological education. Seen (L-R) are Wayne Close (Treasurer), Peter Davison (Director, EFM Canada), Kit Carson, Richard Simpson, Sheila Mulgrew (Executive Coordinator) and Cathy Hall (Trainers' Representative).