“With God nothing is impossible” quoted Bishop William Cliff at the closing Eucharist of this year’s Summer Fruit for Souls—which this year for the second time was held at St. Lawrence College.
This annual residential and virtual conference for Lay readers and other interested lay people has been presented by the lay readers of the Diocese of Ontario for just over two decades.
With the construction of new buildings on the property of the Sisters of Providence the conference location was moved last year to the college where residential facilities are available. However the collegiality, community, and companionship remained in place.
About thirty participants were at the college and each day seventeen participants joined us online with the help of Dave Bell, our reliable ‘techie’ who kept presenters and participants on the same page.
Participants had no trouble agreeing with the bishop about the possibility of all things happening. We were treated to speakers of the highest order. Our keynote speaker was The Reverend Canon Dr. Lizette Larson-Miller whose topic was “Presiding with Style, Grace and Understanding: liturgical leadership and lay ecclesial ministry.” Each morning for two hours Dr. Lizette took us through historical aspects and theological reasons for the liturgies we use today in our worship. Each talk left us with a feeling of surprise that ‘we didn’t know that’ and understanding of why we do what we do as Anglicans.
The afternoon sessions were two hours long as well with our time divided between Rev. Dr. Bill Morrow and Rev. Canon Lynn Dillabough. Dr Morrow based his lectures on the Old testament book of Leviticus. His talks included a rich mixture of history and theology that showed us the connection with this Old Testament book and the good news of the New Testament. Dr. Morrow is a priest of our diocese and some of his sermons can be found on You Tube. Canon Dillabough drew on her many years of experience as a counsellor to teach us the basics of being a good pastoral visitor. Her interactive style of presenting her topic really helped us to grasp what she wanted us to know. Her organized manner was very helpful as well.
The rest of our work day was filled with Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and a Eucharist. With the exception of the Eucharist, our services were organized and presented by those present.
Evenings were a little less demanding but still of a high quality of entertainment. On Monday evening one of our long time lay readers in this diocese, Paul Hutt, presented his gift of mime and entertainment. Tuesday was movie night complete with popcorn and Wednesday evening was the popular songfest.
Spending a whole week with like minded people was again an uplifting experience. Those of us who attended will value lessons learned, conversations held, new connections made, and blessings experienced.
Stewardship Reflections with the Ven. Wayne Varley