Greater Vancouver

In 2010 the report of the deans listed the names of eighteen congregations that formed the Greater Vancouver Conference (GVC) as well as the ministries of Lutheran-Anglican Mountaintop Ministry (SFU), Lutheran Campus Centre (UBC) and Lutheran Urban Mission Society which are also located within boundaries of the GVC. In the ensuing years the GVC has seen the dissolution of Faith Lutheran, Burnaby and the departure of New Life Chinese, Vancouver following its votes to sever ties with the ELCIC. At the time of writing this report, Vancouver Chinese Lutheran, Burnaby has held one vote to sever its ties with the ELCIC. The remaining congregations are: Benediction, Delta; Dunbar, Vancouver; Emmaus, Burnaby; First, Vancouver; Gloria Dei, North Vancouver; Good Shepherd, Coquitlam; Grace, Burnaby; Living Faith, Sechelt; Mount Olivet, North Vancouver; Mount Zion, New Westminster; Oakridge, Vancouver; Our Saviour, Richmond; Redeemer, Vancouver; Spirit of Life, Vancouver; and St. Peter’s Estonian, Vancouver.

Since the last report of the Deans of the Greater Vancouver Conference to Synod Convention the GVC has held two conference conventions. In 2010 Marlys Moen was re-elected as Dean, John Gram was elected as Assistant Dean, and Courtenay Reedman was elected as Secretary-Treasurer. At the 2011 convention discussion about implications from national convention focused mainly on the proposed structural renewal.

The GVC ministerial continues to meet on a monthly basis for text study, worship, fellowship, support, lunch and discussion around a theme or to listen to an invited speaker. We have been delighted to welcome two new ordinands, Courtenay Reedman and Lori-Anne Boutin, a returning colleague, Rev. Dr. Eddie Kwok, and a new-to-GVC colleague, Ian Nestegaard Paul. We are also grateful that many of our retired colleagues continue to participate in the life of the conference, particularly showing their support at ordination and installation services.

In the fall of 2010 we met twice with the Lower Fraser Valley Conference and viewed a 3-part webinar series from the Alban Institute entitled “Crunch Time in the Small Church.” In May of 2011 we met again with LFVC with Bishop Susan Johnson as our guest preacher and speaker.

In March and May of 2011 the congregations and rostered members of the GVC met with the LFVC for a two-part series on Mission and Renewal with guest presenters Rev. Ali Tote, Bishop Greg Mohr, and Mr. Michael Harvey. This culminated in several congregations participating in the “Back to Church Sunday” program in a variety of ways. A follow-up gathering was held on November 26 to share our experiences and learnings.

Dean Marlys Moen has accompanied the Bishop to New Life Chinese Lutheran and Vancouver Chinese Lutheran for information sessions related to the recent actions of the National Church Convention regarding blessing or marrying same-gendered couples and the policy stating that sexual orientation is not in itself a factor which disqualifies a candidate for rostered (ordained or diaconal) ministry. Assistant Dean John Gram and Dean Marlys Moen have represented the bishop and/or accompanied the bishop to congregational meetings with both New Life Chinese and Vancouver Chinese Lutheran Churches.

British Columbia Synod Section E Page 1 Several congregations continue to struggle with finances and having enough people to carry on the work and ministry of being a congregation. There also seems to be a great deal of apathy and fatigue from rostered colleagues, and thus also congregations. We note this particularly in light of dwindling attendance at GVC ministerial gatherings and poor attendance at our latest conference convention: (24 people: 12 Rostered; 10 Lay; 2 visitors). On the other hand, there was great interest and support for the mission and renewal events. A second presentation with Michael Harvey, entitled “Unlocking the Growth” is planned for May 5 in conjunction with the LFVC.

Bishop Susan Johnson’s call for spiritual renewal is timely for all of us during this time of change in the lives of our congregations and the church at large. We can be encouraged by the words of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:1-6:

Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

As we look forward to the Synod Convention in May and to the conversations about renewal within the ELCIC may we be encouraged that we are engaged in this ministry to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord. Soli Deo Gloria!

Respectfully submitted,

Marlys Moen, Dean, Greater Vancouver Conference

John Gram, Assistant Dean, Greater Vancouver Conference

British Columbia Synod Section E Page 2 Lower Fraser Valley

The Lower Fraser Valley Conference is made up of 9 congregations (Trinity, Delta; Christ the King, Surrey; Emmanuel, Surrey; Mt. Olive, White Rock; King of Life, Coquitlam; Shepherd of the Valley, Langley; Matsqui, Matsqui; Peace, Abbotsford; Christ, Chilliwack) several specialized ministries – including Surrey Urban Mission Society and Corrections Chaplaincy – as well as many retired rostered ministers living on the territory of the Conference. The rostered ministers gather monthly for a time of worship, education and fellowship, and at times we gather with other conferences for joint events – such as the “Back to Church Sunday” presentations with Michael Harvey, held in May of 2011 and 2012 . The Conference gathers once a year, usually in October, for our annual meeting.

Dean Dean Andersen, Lower Fraser Valley Conference

Congregational Reports

Congregation St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Maple Ridge Pr. Roland Ziprick

THE FUTURE

The Church Council has already undertaken the establishment of a visioning process. Worship needs Need to fully develop a blended service of contemporary and traditional styles Governance needs Need to shore up attendance and advance prep for Church Council meetings Need to visit the viability of committee structure for an aging congregation Need to adopt ELCIC approved model constitution

The congregational profile developed during the recent call process, listed the following as the top 3 priorities: Redevelopment /Transformation Teaching and relating to youth Children and youth ministry The congregational leadership is going to have to specify what they understand Redevelopment /Transformation to be and they are making good strides in that area. Over the next 20 years, there are some major trends that will take place in this community: Influx of younger families moving to more affordable housing Influx of senior citizens as the population of seniors increases by projected 145%

British Columbia Synod Section E Page 3 A visioning process will help us deal with the congregational priorities and the context of the community. Outreach activities Street ministry in partnership with Salvation Army, once per month SUMS meals LUMS lunches on the Downtown East Side of Vancouver Quilters prepare about 150 quilts per year for CLWR Advent program in conjunction with group home in Maple Ridge Advent program providing clothing for SUMS and LUMS Stitchery and Scrapbooking small groups that largely invite people from the community Fellowship Fall Harvest Dinner Occasional family fun nights Coffee and treats offered after worship for fellowship Worship Temple talks in the fall regarding stewardship Weekly choir anthems Communion celebrated weekly Monthly worship service at local long-term care institution Evangelical Lutheran Worship the primary worship resource Fairly active lay involvement in worship service

Evangelical Lutheran Woman Active group of about 15 women Circle Bible studies Monthly general meetings Christmas party Organize Fall Cleanup Fund-raising lunches for SUMS and LUMS

Education Wednesday morning Adult study Weekly Confirmation class Sunday School offered weekly

Building Use Building is constantly in use by community groups Pre-school uses the building 4 mornings per week Punjabi Christians use the building on Sunday nights AA groups 2 local choral societies Drama group two days per week Community living uses the building for a luncheon/dance, weekly

British Columbia Synod Section E Page 4 Trinity Lutheran Church, Delta

Interim Pastor Art McCaughan

Trinity Lutheran Church, Delta continues in the call process after the resignation of Pastor Murray Halvorson in September, 2011. Art McCaughan began as Interim Pastor in February, 2012.

Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, White Rock

Ministry at Mt. Olive continues to be shaped by Word & Sacrament. This year we have a number of new council members who bring their gifts, ideas & enthusiasm to us. We are pleased that Heather Sabourin our organist / pianist is slowly returning to our music / worship ministry after being on long term disability for the past year. We have a number of outreach activities and involvements in the community, and the church facility is utilized every day and pretty well every evening by Church and Community organizations. We are looking forward to hosting our theologian in residence program this year. Bishop Marlin Aadland is our guest speaker addressing the issues of: Who in the World is God? Who in the World are we? What in the World do we do? The date is Saturday, April 28, all are welcome to join us for what promises to be a wonderful, engaging day.

Congregation: Christ Lutheran Church, Chilliwack

Pastor Dean Andersen

Christ Lutheran Church serves the community of Chilliwack in the eastern Fraser Valley. Over the past two years we have continued to minister to our community through our weekly Sunday service, through Saturday’s Manna (every fifth Saturday, providing lunch for guests who come from the neighbourhood),the “Adopt-a-Road” program in our town, a food pantry, support of a hot lunch program for schools in the Chilliwack area and supporting Youth Services through donations. Our congregation also supports CLWR and is a “Green Congregation” of the ELCIC. The Sunday School children raised funds to buy chickens and fish nets for communities supported by CLWR.

Christ Lutheran Church attempts to provide educational opportunities through several weekly and monthly Bible studies. We have an “alternative service” on the third Sunday of each month and we attempt to have worship which is appealing to a variety of tastes. Our congregation is trying to encourage the involvement of the youth of our community in all areas of our ministry. We also recognize the vital importance of the “wisdom of the ages” as we look to how our ministry can grow in our neighbourhood.

As we look to our future we discern that God continues to call us to provide a ministry of Word and Sacrament and to be a sign of God “In Mission for Others”, as the theme of our National ELCIC states. We are looking at how we might begin ministry to the post-confirmation age people of our congregation and community. Our congregation needs to adopt the ELCIC approved model constitution. And we want to look at how this faith community might better proclaim the Gospel to all those who are in need.

British Columbia Synod Section E Page 5 Respectfully submitted,

Pastor Dean Andersen

Rev. Pam Pederson

Chaplain

Kent Institution,

Agassiz, BC

I serve in Agassiz, BC as a Chaplain at Kent Institution, which is a maximum- level federal prison with a population of nearly 300 offenders. This population will increase by approximately 100 in the very near future with the completion of a new living unit. Due to security concerns, there are several distinct offender units at Kent Institution which cannot mix with each other, resulting in daily logistical challenges with regard to access and movement.

Much of my time as a Chaplain is spent on trying to build positive relationships on many different levels in an environment which is often fractured and tense. I value these relationships as opportunities for God’s grace to shine through. It is my observation that over the past year, the human need among staff and offenders has risen exponentially, and so the chaplaincy office remains very active.

I am appreciative of many aspects of this chaplaincy work. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve within an ecumenical and multi-faith chaplaincy context, where mutual respect is a core value. I very much appreciate the support and prayers of our ELCIC community. I give thanks to my family at home.

I provide a monthly report of my chaplaincy duties to our National and Synodical Bishops, as well as to the Correctional Service of Canada.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Pam Pederson

British Columbia Synod Section E Page 6 North West

Report of the Dean Northwest British Columbia Conference

Our conference remains small in number of congregations and members but covers a large geographic area. We have four congregations that extend from Smithers to Sandspit on Haida Gwaii. We see our mission as providing opportunity for people in northern and isolated regions to hear and experience the gospel. We continue to maintain strong relationships between congregations through our conference convention and personal contacts between members. Our small size allows us to get to know each other but limits the resources we have for ministry. The large distance between congregations makes it difficult to do conference programs. Thanks to some funding from Synod Missions we were able cover the high transportation costs of travel to our mission congregation in Sandspit. The cancellation of seaplane flights to Alliford Bay created some transportation issues for our Lord of Life ministry. We were hopeful that a half time ministry would help Mt. Zion to grow towards having its own pastor. Unfortunately this did not happen. Their half time pastor Rev. Margaret Powell had to take medical leave. We had a successful Conference Convention on September 16 and 17 hosted by Christ Lutheran Church in Terrace. We appreciated having Bishop Greg attend. It was also good to have all of our roster ministers attending. They are Diaconal minister Deaconess Judy Whaley, Anglican priest Rev. Margaret Powell and myself. We also welcomed Inter pastor Karen Stepko to our conference.

Congregational Notes:

Lord of Life Community Church, Sandspit: God continues to provide ministry through this small congregation. Even though numbers remain small ministry continues with members assuming new responsibilities. We were excited about the roof project being supported by our Synod Faith and Society Committee. The local congregation has raised some funds toward the roof. Unfortunately the septic tank collapsed and had to be replaced. The roof fund money had to be used to help pay this unexpected bill. The congregation is fortunate that the contractor is willing to wait for full payment from the congregation. The community hall has been closed for most of the year because of repairs. To help the community our congregation has opened its building for wider use by the community. We continue the system of clergy led services on the third Sunday of the month alternating between Intern pastors and myself. This provides Holy Communion on alternate months. Lay services reading sermons written by Synod pastors are held on Sundays clergy are not present. During the summer visiting clergy provide worship services. The building is beginning to show signs of wear and need for maintenance. The roof is leaking even with light rain. In December members administered the community Christmas hamper fund. A food bank has also been established at the church. Finances remain very limited.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Prince Rupert: St. Paul’s continues to be active in the conference and in the community. The mission arrangement with Lord of Life continues. We were accepted as an internship site for 2010-2011 (John Boyd) and 2011-2012 (Karen Stepko). The congregation continues to provide ministry in the wider community by providing pastoral time for chaplaincy work at the hospital and seniors residence and through a government grant support a program to provide outerwear for homeless and at risk of becoming homeless people. Thanks to a bequest from a member all of the windows in our building were replaced. This was a long hoped for project to be better stewards. Many congregations in Prince Rupert are struggling. St. Paul’s strives be a positive witness in the community even as numbers

British Columbia Synod Section E Page 7 continue to decline. The Sunday School grew this past year and is very active using the Spark program. We had twenty adults serve as teachers! Our church was the only church to put a float in the Prince Rupert Winterfest Parade. The monthly congregational “fun night” continues and includes some new faces. The congregation appreciated the support from the Synod Missions Committee to help us supply Lord of Life and to assist in having an intern.

Christ Lutheran, Terrace: The congregation remains as a small and aging congregation. They have regular Sunday worship service lead twice per month by a retired Anglican priest and twice by lay leaders who read sermons prepared by Synod pastors. They have been blessed with a fine musician but she is leaving in the near future. They have no Sunday School but are beginning a midweek adult Bible Study. At present there is no view for growth but a strong desire to provide support for the aged members of the congregation. They hosted our Conference Convention with many members attending the opening worship service.

Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Smithers/Telkwa: The congregation took a bold step and called Rev. Margaret Powell to serve as half time pastor. She is an Anglican priest serving an Anglican congregation in Houston. This arrangement provided Mt. Zion with clergy led services two Sunday mornings per month plus an evening service. They began a Sunday School that meets each Sunday. The congregation is facing some challenges but does so with a spirit of hopefulness. Having Pastor Margaret was a welcome blessing for the congregation. Unfortunately this ended when Rev. Powell took medical leave. The congregation is active in community ministries by providing services at the local seniors’ residence and supporting community support work. Mt. Zion rents an historic Anglican Church from the local historic society for worship services. Their future choices for pastoral ministry are uncertain.

Comments: More and more the Conference is feeling like a multi point parish. As Conference Dean I have developed relationships with members from all of our congregations. I am concerned about the future of our conference. I would like to do more to support all of our congregations. Some trips I have made between congregations have been a transportation challenge – to say the least. There are some signs of growth for our northern economy and population. We need to keep a church presence here to provide ministry to new and existing people. Having an intern has been a real blessing to our Conference. Any intern who comes to St. Paul’s is warned what to expect. A previous intern made this observation about ministry in our conference that, “This is a great adventure but you have to be a little crazy to do it.” There are some wonderfully faithful people in our Conference and a real need to do grace centered ministry in small isolated communities. My prayer is that we will find ways to provide good pastoral support for our congregations.

Respectfully submitted by Rev. Jim Whaley, Dean of NWBC Conference

British Columbia Synod Section E Page 8 Southern Interior Our Congregations:

All Saints Mission, Kelowna - Pr. Tyler Gingrich Ascension, Nelson – Pr. Nolan Gingrich Christ, Kelowna – Pr. Patricia Giannelia Deo, Salmon Arm – Pr. Erik Bjorgan Faith, Kelowna – The Rev. James Buenting (interim) Hills of Peace, Kamloops – Pr. Brian Krushel Our Redeemer, Penticton – Pr. Curtis Aguirre Peace, Vernon – Pr. Rick Schulz

Specialized Ministries:

Village by the Station, Penticton, GSS Mountainview Village, Kelowna, GSS, Chaplain Terje Ness Heron Grove, Vernon, GSS, Chaplain Bill Pantzer Hillside Village, Salmon Arm, GSS, Chaplain Bill Kiesman Campus Ministry, UBC Okanagan, Kelowna – Pr. Tyler Gingrich

General Overview of the Conference The Southern Interior Conference is a hardy group of congregations, responding to the challenge of defining what it means to be Lutheran in changing times. Our Conference is geographically large, with six hours driving from its northernmost congregation, Hills of Peace, Kamloops to the south-eastern most, Ascension in Nelson.

The past two years have seen a number of changes in our Conference. After many years of faithful service to the Oliver area, St. John’s decided that it was time to cease being an active congregation. There is some ministry that continues to happen through supply preaching and the assistance of Our Redeemer in Penticton. St. John’s still houses an active Daycare for the community of Oliver. We are grateful for the ministry that Pastor Curtis Aguirre is able to provide.

Faith and All Saints in Kelowna have been engaged in meaningful and caring conversations about their future ministry. Faith has currently been able to support a half time ministry through the service of various interim pastors. All Saints has had their mission funding discontinued and as a result they have been grappling with what this means for their future. These two congregations have had some conversation surrounding the possibility of a co-operative ministry. This however did not seem to be a viable option for the two congregations.

Our pastors meet four-five times per year for learning, worship, and fellowship, and as a conference we try to schedule at least one social event for pastors and spouses. The Conference has gathered in convention every October and this year we will move to the weekend of September 21-22, an event well- attended by pastors and lay members. The Evangelical Lutheran Women, although there is no longer a National group, continues to keep inter-congregational ties strong by meeting every October and May for a one-day convention.

Ministries

British Columbia Synod Section E Page 9 All Saints Mission Congregation, Kelowna - All Saints continues to assert its presence as a forward thinking and acting congregation, including being RIC (Reconciled-in-Christ), which can be a particular challenge in the theologically conservative climate of the Okanagan. Due to reduced funding, Pr. Gingrich has been serving part-time since January 2010. Nonetheless, he continues to give as much commitment as he can to the Lutheran presence at the UBC Okanagan campus, and with the congregation to Lutheran and ecumenical community involvement.

Ascension Lutheran Church, Nelson - Ascension continues in its steady, faithful worship and outreach to its neighbourhood, particularly the social justice activities of ELW related to CLWR, a monthly neighbourhood “free-supper”, and joint-worship with United and Anglican churches. The congregation is undertaking a building expansion project – a leap of faith, but one that is well-supported by its membership. Challenges include the smallness of the congregation, and increasing biblical and theological literacy in the congregation.

Barriere Shared Ministry – This ministry continues to be served by Rev. Graham Brownmiller. Under Graham’s leadership this ministry seems to be doing very well!

Christ, Kelowna - Christ serves in a German-English context, with active attendance at both services. Much attention in the past biennium has been given to regularization in policies and procedures, which has led to better internal equilibrium. Congregational activities and outreach continue, and attendance and giving have begun to settle, enabling the congregation is more able to focus on future directions.

Deo, Salmon Arm - The congregation is in a process of discernment regarding a 10-acre property bequest, which brings its own challenges, yet they also continue with their innovative Sunday worship and community involvement, including hosting a weekly farmer’s market. The congregation has completed a strategic planning process and is moving ahead with their plans. As with other congregations, there are concerns about the sustainability in the future.

Faith, Kelowna - After some significant congregational difficulties, Faith has become stable and healthier, and continues in its commitment to serve the neighbourhood in which it is located. Confirmation ministry, hospital visitation and mid-week Lenten services are being shared with Christ Lutheran, Good Friday is shared with All Saints, and all three Kelowna congregations participate in the Good Friday Walk of the Cross and the Easter Sunrise service at the cemetery.

Hills of Peace, Kamloops - This congregation continues to be well-grounded, involved with community and wider church ministries, as well as internally active as they develop their mission focus, “Living and Giving in God’s Grace”. Attendance has stabilized, and the congregation is doing well.

Our Redeemer, Penticton - The pastor-congregation relationship is growing steadily stronger. The congregation celebrates a strong worship life and community spirit, and are looking eagerly to the future. Areas of concern include paying off the remainder of the debt incurred in the recent building expansion, and addressing membership needs, as most of their growth is among new retirees moving to the region, rather than among young families.

Peace, Vernon - This continues to be an active, vibrant congregation, both internally and externally. Experimentation in worship continues, and they continue to raise the profile of the congregation in the Vernon community.

British Columbia Synod Section E Page 10 Pastor Richard D. Schulz, Dean, SI Conference

Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island Conference

Dean’s Report to BC Synod Convention 2012

Our Congregations:

Church of the Cross, Victoria – Pastor Lyle McKenzie Faith, Powell River – Pastor Carol Dennison Good Shepherd, Victoria – Pastor Ed MacKinley Grace, Victoria – Pastor Brenda Nestegaard Paul Hope, Nanaimo – Pastor Terry Richardson Shepherd of the Valley, Comox – Pastor Ron Sedo Trinity (Anglican-Lutheran), Port Alberni – Pastor George Pell

Specialized Ministry

Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre, Victoria – Chaplain Ed Chell University of Victoria Chaplaincy – Chaplain Lyle McKenzie

General Overview of the Conference

The Vancouver Island Conference is composed of a diverse group of congregations that seek to meet the needs of their respective contexts in the best way possible. Ministerial meetings have been challenging endeavors but we do our best to relate to and support one another at natural times of gathering such as the Study Conference, Synod Convention, and our annual Conference Convention (2 days); as well as occasional gatherings for pastors who are available. Distances, geographical barriers (such as mountains and water), weather and the part-time nature of some pastoral work have proved to be factors to consider as we live out our “conference” experience. We are a small conference but make the most of those times when we do meet.

The Conference gathers in convention each fall. This 2 day event is well-attended by pastors and lay members. In 2011 we entered into a lively conversation with a Muslim leader from Victoria who helped us to gain new awareness about interfaith realities. In 2012 the conference will be held in Port Alberni with the theme: Beyond Our Boundaries.

Ministry updates and activities

Church of the Cross, Victoria continues to enjoy creative use of its worship, music and community spaces. The facility is well used by community organizations. Ongoing student positions (Nathan McDonald, Cassandra Lemoine) are a great gift to the worship life and music of the congregation and in the fall of 2011 Intern Pastor Melissa Hoehn was welcomed. Melissa has served the congregation in diverse and creative ways since her arrival. The Evangelical Lutheran Women has been reorganized with new programs. The congregation has also started a number of new learning programs. Angela Chorney

British Columbia Synod Section E Page 11 returned in 2012 as Coordinator of Youth Ministries, and the Church of the Cross continues to participate in Campus Ministry at the University of Victoria and the “Luther House” residence. Pastor Lyle McKenzie serves 10% of the time as Assistant to the National Bishop for Worship. Jeanie Stann serves as Minister of Community Care and Outreach.

Faith, Powell River passed a budget at the recent Annual General Meeting which maintains full-time pastoral ministry thanks to a generous donation. A new industrial strength dishwasher will improve kitchen capacity for serving meals. The food cupboard is frequently used. The congregation received a grant from the Compassionate Justice Fund. Upcoming events include an Interfaith Fair where a booth will be shared with the Anglican Church; and a Mission Fest in May will highlight missions locally, in the synod and nationally. During Lent a Wednesday evening soup supper was followed by worship. Regular Bible studies continue to be offered.

As Grace, Victoria has begun their second centenary, their commitment to grow as the people of Grace has deepened. Worship life is dynamic, feeding those who gather together to be bread beyond these walls. It is a multi-generational affair. The young and old and those in-between have engaged in stimulating study and spiritual practices. They began a Reconciling In Christ process and look forward to how it will continue to help them grow in faith. Grace became an accredited green congregation with the goal to lessen their footprint upon God’s good earth. Beloved members were lost through death and transfer while many new faces were welcomed through baptism and affirmation of faith. Grace has become even more active in advocacy and outreach. The relationship with San Juan Camino de Esperanza, their companion congregation in Lima, Peru continues to blossom. A Good Food Box program has brought together ideals of food sustainability, good nutrition and affordability for the sake of congregational members, friends and clients of their food bank. Two years of Vacation Bible Eco- camp brought children together from all over the faith and neighbourhood spectrum. This summer, it will be all about God’s peace. A Strike Daycamp hit the mark for parents and children needing a safe, creative space.

Hope, Nanaimo has been a busy congregation. A weekly gardening group, reading group, Bible study, Quilting group, and Men’s breakfast has kept many members involved with each other. Hope has been involved with the local interfaith organization and is part of a group of faith communities actively involved with refugee settlement in the city. Many community groups and other churches use the facility. Hope supported Pastor Richardson to take his study leave with Pastor Brian Rude in El Salvador, which has led to deepened concerns about social justice and the poor. A strong relationship has developed with St. Paul’s Anglican Church with the Sharing of Reformation and Holy Week Services. Fund-raising has begun for some building renovations.

Trinity, Port Alberni is a community Lutherans and Anglicans gathered together. The Church Council has members from both communities, with three leaders. Two of the three chief Lay Leaders are Lutheran, even though Lutherans represent about 20% of the membership. Trinity reaches out to the wider community through music and cultural events such as: hosting the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra, a reading of the Christmas Carol, and a workshop and service lead by singer/songwriter Linnea Good.

The congregation is involved with the Alberni Valley Ministerial association and also works with the local United and Presbyterian Churches in cooperative programs. These three churches presented ‘Pro Kid’s Days’ on Professional Development Days, hosted the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Services, and led in organizing shared Lenten services with other Valley churches. All three church pastors were present for the Truth and reconciliation Hearings in Port Alberni. The next three-church project is a public presentation of Karen Armstrong’s ‘Charter for Compassion.’ Trinity Church is a busy, cohesive but small community. Their future is uncertain but the present is hopeful and exciting.

British Columbia Synod Section E Page 12 Chaplain Ed Chell of the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre, Victoria quotes he Gospel of Matthew (25:36,40) to encourage us to visit those who are in prison for we are all part of God’s family. Chaplain Chell moved with his family from Edmonton where he was chaplain at Good Samaritan Southgate Care Centre for seven years. He arrived in the spring of 2011 and works alongside a fine colleague, The Reverend Canon Kevin Arndt. Multifaith spiritual support is provided to centre residents, staff and families. One to one interactions as well as programmed activities (Worship, Bible Study, and music) are involved in this ministry. Both chaplains are new and are in the process of visioning and building according to the needs in this environment. Chaplain Chell is also involved in the Downtown Churches Association of Victoria. The chaplains facilitate visits from official representatives of local faith communities and include volunteers for worship assistance and special choir events throughout the year.

It is a highlight for Chaplain Ed to be a part of the rich moments when the raw reality of life stories is heard. During such times of sharing, healing accompanies glimpses of new ways of viewing the world. Delicate bands of trust are also formed and tested. Self expression through prayer, writing, drawing, music and conversing are encouraged by the chaplains. During these critical times of expression people experience a release from prison and return to the wholeness God intended for us. The prayers of the synod family are desired for those involved in prison life. Chaplain Ed invites those interested to contact him about chaplaincy: ([email protected]).

Pastor Terry Richardson

Dean, Vancouver Island Conference

British Columbia Synod Section E Page 13