PARTICIPATING WITH FRIENDS

God's ReCreation had the byline: A Festival of Faith for ALL ANGLICANS in the Diocese of Kootenay and what a celebration we had! Under blazing hot sun people congregated from all points in the Diocese to enjoy the tranquil setting of Selkirk College in Castlegar, BC. At the opening ceremony, I was touched by the inclusion of a local leader of the Sinixt Nation of British Columbia. Her address made us aware that her people were once considered extinct. Giving a gift of cloth and tobacco was a tangible sign of their love to the peoples of this area and to the land.

Bishop John Privett led us through the various activities of the day with admirable commitment. The wide range of ages, from young children to seniors, blended into an amazing collage.

Our guest speaker, the Rt. Rev. Mark Macdonald delivered addresses with humour and down to earth experiences. One could sit for hours and listen to his messages of hope and transformation. How fortunate we were to have this man in our midst!

The workshop I attended, "Spirituality of Recreation" by Canon Neil Elliot, helped me to see more clearly how the meaning of spirituality is changing. Also, that our major project is to understand our most significant creation is OURSELF. We are in the process of imagining and creating ourselves. Deciding what we want to be in this life. We have an obligation to engage in the project of the self, shaped by our culture and our biological inheritance.


MUSIC
DANCING

Christianity & the Four Directions by The Rev. Simon Shenstone taught me new concepts using the Sacred Hoop (SACRED CIRCLE, ROCK CIRCLE). We relaxed out under the shade of trees and constructed the Medicine Wheel, which has been used by humans for thousands of years and now incorporated into our Christian prayer life. We learned of the 4 seasons, autumn first with its conception theme (the west); on to winter, gestation theme (the North); spring, new birth theme (the East); summer, maturity, transformation theme (the South). We ended with a prayer walk around the wheel.

The worship services were very creative, uplifting and the music inspiring and calming. During free time on Saturday, I joined a group lead by Lesley Killough (Anderton), on the Merry Creek Trails. We went to a deserted cabin built by Jack Owles, which is still in good repair. Lesley told the group about the property and how the Killough Sr. lived in the near vicinity. On our way home we stopped off at St. David's in Castlegar to view the newly painted exterior of the church and admire the beautiful flower garden.

A very worthwhile weekend long to be remembered!

Highlights of Diocesan Council Meeting

June 2008

The Rev. Heather Karabelas

Bishop's Report: Stipend levels were being raised as a matter of concern among clergy noting that current stipend levels make it very difficult to attract new priests to the diocese.

Diocesan Website: The Bishop reported that several expensive quotes were received and that he has recruited a volunteer to look into using www.squarespace.com as a possible foundation for a Diocesan website.

Diocesan Cathedral Project: At this point, the Diocese has made a commitment in principle to Diocesan fundraising. It will commence as needed.

Creating Trustworthy Communities:Patrick Reid and Penelope Johnson continue to fine-tune the process. The possibility of a covenant between the Diocese and the parish as to responsibilities in this matter was discussed.

Correspondence: A letter was received from the Primate with the request that Dioceses begin internal conversations about our understanding of our mission, and how we might best accomplish this mission.

New Business:

Anglican Foundation applications were received from St. Mark's, Kaslo and St. James, Armstrong. Council approved the application from St. Mark's, Kaslo for a grant of $10,000.00 and forward it to the Anglican Foundation of Canada

Council approved the application from St. James Armstrong for a grant of $15,000 and a loan for $35,000 and forward it to the Anglican Foundation of Canada.

Travel Rates: The travel rate for the Diocese be set at $0.45/km effective July 1, 2008 to be reviewed at the September meeting of Council.

Report from Administration Committee to Diocesan Council:

i) St. Agnes, Edgewood — the church was deconsecrated May 25 and the property sold.

ii) Blind Bay and iii.) Willow Point — both properties are being rezoned for possible sale.

Owaissi Dreambuilders: Anne Robinson reported that excellent progress is being made in strategic planning under the guidance of Joanne and Richard Simpson. A "Committee Charter" has been completed, outlining the history of the property. Key areas needing to be addressed are: governance; communication and change; human expertise; environment; collaboration and partnerships; fiscal sustainability; and ministries and services.