St. Paul's United Church, Thunder Bay February 25-28, 2010

Even in our weakness we can find strength,” noted the Rev. Michelle Hogman, in her message to Cambrian Presbytery at the Sunday morning service in St. Paul’s United Church, Thunder Bay. Using Luke 13:31-35 she encouraged pastoral charges to be strong in determining their future. Seventy-seven (77) delegates, twenty-eight (28) Youth with their leaders, and children of delegates, as well as members of other Thunder Bay United Churches, joined the congregation of St. Paul’s for worship and lunch.

In her two theme presentations, Michelle led Presbyters through different ways of approaching current situations of declining membership, using the expertise gained in her General Council position with Congregations and Community Development. The life cycle of a congregation from birth, formation, stability, plateau, survival to death can lead to redefinition, redevelopment and rebirth. Various options include models of multi congregation, cooperative congregations, house church, new mission. Specialized and tent making ministries can be options. It can be useful to ask “what if..” questions, such as using retired pastors for things other than pastoral care, identifying members of congregations who are “bridge members”, disbanding the board and committees and staring all over. Presbyters were given handouts to take back to their pastoral charges with many more ideas to work on.

The Court welcomed the Very Rev. Dr. David Giuliano back to his home Presbytery, after his three-year term as Moderator. David spoke of spiritual discipline. There is no right way to pray. We try to imagine what would help us in our attempt to be awake and to be listening for God. Using the Matthew 25 story of the ten bridesmaids – some with oil in their lamps and some without, we need to be like the wise ones, who took oil. We need to be spiritually ready. Sometimes we are too busy to see the miracles around us, we haven’t trained ourselves to hear the voice within. The idea of practice is so important. We have an obsession with doing. It is important to practise Sabbath, which is not necessarily on Sundays. This is difficult in the presence of empire.

Joan Jarvis, Conference Minister to Cambrian Presbytery, and Conference President, the Rev. Bob Gilbert, brought greetings from the Conference of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.

KAIROS is continuing with the Re-Energize campaign. We are reminded that fasting has a long history in many religious traditions, including Christianity. Fasting is not just a literal abstaining from food, but also a time of prayerful reflection and a gesture of commitment to God’s justice. Through Lent we are challenged to partake in a Carbon Fast. Each day during Lent there is a challenge, such as not using plastic bags for shopping, reducing showers to half the usual time. Each Saturday an advocacy action is suggested - examples are to petition a local grocery store to lobby against excess packaging, asking your MP to introduce legislation to label the carbon footprint on all grocery items. Copies of the Lenten Fast calendar, as well as other resources, may be downloaded from the KAIROS web site at www.kairoscanada.org

MOTIONS passed:

• The Executive of Cambrian Presbytery will write to the Honourable Bev Oda and to regional Members of Parliament, objecting to the KAIROS funding cuts.
• Approval of the Intentional Interim Ministry Guidelines.
• That Presbytery will be intentional in encouraging and support pastoral charges to have ready a plan for how the life and work of the congregation would continue to happen should they find themselves vacant.
• That Ryan McNally, on his request, be ordained in the Bay of Quinte Conference.
• To support General Council as they deal with difficult issues around their support of Palestinian rights.
• To request Conference to explore alternative ways to have its general meeting rather than annually.

  The Rev. Bob Gilbert, in his theological reflection, noting that everything in life is changing, spoke of the fear and grief being experienced. Mission, contemplation and action, identity and youth, he noted as being very apparent in Cambrian Presbytery. The challenge is to hear God’s voice to help us become who we are meant to be. We are welcoming and affirming because every child of God is welcome. We follow the one who taught us.

  Recognized as Licensed Lay Worship Leaders were:

  • Roberta Beyer
  • Joy Bott
  • Hubert Den Draak
  • Lynne Dimma
  • Dan Essery
  • Kai Koivokoski
  • Anne MacDonald
  • Muriel Poster
  • Donna Prior
  • Lori Van Santvoort-Jansekovich

    Under the leadership of Lincoln Dunn and others the 28 Youth had a challenging time. They were given “Pres Bucks” (Monopoly money) to get them through the weekend. With this they had to “pay” for their room and board, as well as various challenges such as using $6 to provide food and clothing for a mother and child. Practically, they did volunteer service at the Dew Drop Inn and Shelter House. The Youth also delighted us with their leadership of the hymns at worship; and, of course, enjoyed the usual fun things they always do together.

    Points to Note:

    • Dave McMaster’s Hat raised over $400 for M & S - final total will be in the official minutes.
    • Eileen Rice was given a round of applause for her long-time work in promoting the M & S Fund.
    • Scott Gale is now Chair of the Camp Duncan Board, with Matsy Kenney as Presbytery representative.
    • The Presbytery budget for the year 2010 is $133,000.
    • Ryan McNally and Doreen Lankshear-Smith successfully completed their pre-ordination Conference interviews in December.
    • Approval was given to Knox Pruden for installation of a new high-energy furnace.
    • A $10,000 loan was approved for the new roof at Knox Pruden.
    • Roland United Church in Roland, Manitoba is seeking volunteer skilled trades people, semi-skilled workers, folks who can assist with meals and breaks, as well as other helpers to replace their deteriorating building with a new more efficient and accessible structure. In a manner reminiscent of a barn raising, they hope to erect the structure starting July 5. Camping facilities or billets will be provided, as well as food. To participate in this great summer adventure call 204-343-2349 or e-mail dmullin@mts.net
    • The Christian Outreach and Social Action Committee recommends the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives for education on current events and issues. Small loans from banks around the world are making a difference. For children and adult education see the story “One Hen” from the Kids Canadian Press $19.95.
    • Membership in the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is recommended.
    • The Rev. Jann Sampson, Janet Buckley and the Rev. Ed Prinselaar be the steering committee for First-Wesley Pastoral Charge.

      Presbyters were given an organ recital in St. Paul’s sanctuary as a pre-dinner treat on Saturday.

      
      Thanks to the Rev. Jann Sampson, the Board and congregation of St. Paul’s United Church, and especially to Ernie Epp, Luis Figueroa, David Everitt,
      and the cooks, servers and kitchen helpers for their gracious hospitality.

      See you at the Conference AGM in Killarney, Manitoba, May 27-30, 2010 and at the Fall Presbytery in Marathon Sept. 21-25, 2010.

      www.cambrianpresbytery.org