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The following reflections are intended to encourage individuals and parishes to think about holistic stewardship and serve as guideposts along the way of our individual and collective faith journey. Bless you during this year’s Season of Pentecost and your various activities and ministries, including the practice of stewardship. We pray for the Holy Spirit to enable and equip us in taking care of ourselves; the gift and practice of faith; our relationships; Christ’s church; our local communities; and the wider world

Sunday September 7, 2025 -Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

A Prayer for the Season of Creation (September 1- October 4)

Source of all life, we praise you for the beauty and wonder of creation. Strengthen us to care for the earth and its creatures. May our faithful stewardship reflect your love for every living thing, and may we protect what you have generously entrusted to us. Amen.

Sunday September 14, 2025 – Holy Cross Day

Based on the Readings of the Day

May we embrace the call to faithful stewardship with open hearts, knowing that in the offering of talent, time and treasure, we live into the love and sacrifice of Jesus.

Sunday September 21, 2025 – Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Based on Luke 16:1-13

“You cannot serve God and wealth,” Jesus teaches. This is a clear call to commitment. Faithful stewards know that our resources are meant for God’s mission. How are you using your material blessings to serve others and reflect God’s priorities?

Sunday September 28, 2025 – Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Based on Luke 16:19-31

The rich man knew Lazarus and did nothing. This parable invites us to look around: Who is suffering at our doorstep? What small, quiet acts of compassion can we offer today to bring relief, dignity, and hope? Thank you for doing so in your communities and wider world.

Sunday October 5, 2025 – Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

A Stewardship Prayer for the Season of Creation (September 1- October 4)

Creating God, align our hearts to the cry of the earth. Let us not turn away from the groaning of creation, but respond with care and courage. May our stewardship be rooted in reverence, and may our actions reflect your renewing love. Amen.

Sunday October 12, 2025 – Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

A Stewardship Prayer for Harvest and Thanksgiving

Generous God, we thank you for the abundance of the earth and the fruit of our labours. As we celebrate your goodness, open our hearts to those in need. Teach us to give as freely as we have received, and to find joy in sharing your blessings. Amen.

Sunday October 19, 2025- Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Based on Luke 18:1-8

Persistence in prayer and action is a core principle of faithful stewardship. When the work feels long and the results slow, we remember that God walks with us. What helps you stay faithful when the journey is hard? Who encourages you to keep going?

Sunday October 26, 2025 – Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Based on Luke 18:9-14

Jesus lifts humility over pride. As faithful stewards, this means offering our gifts without comparison or judgment. How might your words and actions this week reflect encouragement, grace, and generosity?

Sunday November 2, 2025 – All Saints’ Sunday

Based on the Readings of the Day

The saints of the church remind us of what faithful lives look like with compassion, conviction and courage. Who are the saints in your life who inspire you to live generously and lovingly? How might you honour their example through your own work of stewardship?

Sunday November 9, 2025 – Remembrance Sunday

Based on Wisdom 3:1-9, Psalm 116:108, 1 Peter 3:3-9, and John 6:37-40

May we live in a way that honours those who have gone before and help inspire those who follow us in lives reflecting God’s mercy and love.

Sunday November 16, 2025- Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

Based on Luke 21:5-19

Our church buildings are more than structures—they are places of worship, welcome, and witness. How are you helping to care for these sacred spaces and use them in service to the wider community? Thank you for doing so!

Sunday, November 23, 2025 – The Reign of Christ

Based on Colossians 1:11-20

“All things have been created through him and for him.” As we close the church year, we celebrate Christ’s reign and reflect on our calling. How does your faithful stewardship reflect Christ’s lordship in your life and what new commitments might you carry into the year ahead? What is God calling you to do next year?

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A small group at St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church, Picton, thought it would be fun to create some social events outside the Church where parishioners and friends could meet, enjoy each other’s company and discover some of what Prince Edward County and surrounding areas have to offer.

Inspired by one of our parishioners who mentioned, ‘You don’t get a chance to go out to many places when you live alone,’ our plan was to set up quarterly events based largely around food—because who doesn’t like to eat, right?

We came up with a catchy name and a snazzy logo but we were so excited that we probably moved too quickly because our first outing had only three parishioners join us at the Local Store and North Docks Restaurant. Word spread quickly though  because for each of the following three outings—The Saylor House Cafe in Bloomfield with a guest speaker (18), The O’Connor House English Tea Room in Deseronto followed by a visit to an adjoining antique shop (22), and our latest lunch where we went to the Inn at Lake on the Mountain (26)—our numbers have grown!

We make sure that anyone who needs a ride gets one, and we are able to accommodate people with walkers or wheelchairs. Everyone is welcome to bring friends along, too.

Judging by the boisterous conversation and laughter at the events, the positive comments following each outing, and many questions about our next one, St. Mary Magdalene’s On the Move has been a great success. It is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and get to know each other a little better!

If other parishes would like to hear about how to get started with a similar social event, please contact us at St. Mary Magdalene at (613) 476-3303 or email us at stmmpicton@gmail.com.

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People began shouting Bible verses about the call to help and care for others. When folks shouted out the words of Jesus, saying this, there was applause of affirmation.

After a few minutes, the minister asked for silence and for all to quietly pray. Next, the minister asked folks, “What did you hear God’s Spirit saying to you?” There were replies saying they were to raise cash. One suggested that those impacted would need listening ears, then asked for volunteers to train for this task. Many voices said they would sign up. Others suggested that they take tools and labor to those places. There were many calls for support. The gathering felt pleased as they were doing God’s work.

When the comments slowed down, the hand of the projectionist went up. “Yes,” asked the minister. “Well,” said the projectionist. “I loaded the wrong presentation.” The minister said, “It doesn’t matter you got God’s message across.” But the hand went up again, “You don’t understand, the pictures were ones I took last week.” The projectionist spoke in a loud voice, saying, “Those were pictures of local homeless camps.”

One elderly member stood up and said, “Maybe it was a mistake, I was fooled into a different world. But it was good to see this eye-opening presentation. It exposed the pain of those we ignore. I thank you for opening my eyes and heart.”

Another stood up and said, “Hurricanes, tornadoes, and other disasters are natural disasters. The homeless folk made these messes. We love to say they brought it upon themselves.” And then said, “My friends, that is a constant blaming and judging statement. Folks, we do not want to hear, or to understand anything about homelessness except that they are a blight to our pristine community. We do not want to listen to why they live on drugs. Perhaps drugs chose them because the addiction helps them escape life for a while.” After a deep breath, he continued and said, “How come we are so prepared to help one group of folks in need and yet hate others?”

With silence in the room, the speaker added, “In natural disasters, people’s homes are destroyed, and lives are shattered by a natural disaster, but for many homeless and drug addicts, their lives are shattered by inflicted long-term human disasters. Maybe some were born with very low self-esteem reinforced by uncaring families; perhaps some or many live with mental health issues; perhaps some lived lives where they never felt loved; and I could say much more.”

Another stood and said, “My friends, homeless people feel they live beyond human caring, so why would they want to care how they look, how they live, or the disorder they create with garbage and in their lives.” With this, the speaker, emotionally spent, sat down.

Then another rose and addressed the church by saying, “You know I work in a store near one homeless camp. I constantly hear people chirping and saying, ‘The homeless can change, if they want to. They can stop drugs, if they want to.’ Folks, we are assuming they know how to stop. They do not stop because they cannot stop. We are on the outside looking in, and they are in the inside, and they can’t see out.” As the speaker sat, the room became quiet, perhaps it was because many were consciously or unknowingly in reflective prayer.

One stood and said, “How are they any different than the rejected blind, crippled and lepers’ of Jesus’ day?” Then they added, “If Jesus took the risk and openly dealt with those society deemed of no value, shouldn’t we? I once heard that dealing with people on the edge is the centre of the Christian faith.” The speaker sat down. There was silence.

As one in attendance, how would you respond to those images?

The post In Today’s World… appeared first on Dialogue.

As more monies became available, parishes received grants for building improvements and accessibility projects, as well as ministries including thrift stores, youth choirs and food security. In time a partnership was created with the Kingston and Area Community Foundation which allowed our foundation to share in projects such as Pathways to Educations for youth mental health services, computers in rural schools and the Kingston Sexual Assault Centre. In 2021 partnership with the ‘Say Yes to Kids’ campaign of the Anglican Foundation of Canada secured feeding programs in Napanee and in Elgin.

Unfortunately growing financial pressures on parishes and foundation members grew in recent years and were exasperated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline of available funds made for the inevitable decision in early 2025 to bring the foundation to an end, which the Board made in January of this year.

Providentially the diocese, through the sale of properties, has created Reach and Stretch Grant Program to support parishes in their current or new ministries. So, the good work that Anglicans are doing will go on. Further, a few parishes have begun to work on their own legacy funds for future development and new ministries.

As this chapter of our diocesan stewardship has closed I wish to thank all of our members, donors and Board Members for their invaluable contributions.

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The Diocese of Ontario Green Group has chosen to focus on care for creation. We are all part of God’s world. Christians are people of the Word and people of action. So again what can we do? We all love a good to do list and there are many to be found. Google “what can I do about climate change?” Numerous environmental organizations will invite you to sign up and will offer plenty of actions to take. There are lifestyle changes to be made. Eat a more plant-based diet, increase use of public transportation, avoid fast fashion, drive an electric car, install a heat pump and many more. Pick one thing to start with. Heat pumps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and are also air conditioners in the summer. Your church may wish to host an information session. Feel welcome to contact us at greengroup@ontario.anglican.ca if you would like help with that action.

Leah Kostamo, cofounder of A Rocha Canada, in her book, ‘Planted A story of creation, calling and community’ offers a way forward for us that consists of three actions: be grateful, be generous and honour the Sabbath.

We offer this suggestion as something to ponder as we enter the Season of Creation for 2025.

A Rocha Canada is part of an international Christian environmental organization which provides educational programs, does scientific research and participates in sustainable living, all in a way that honours God’s calling to each one of us to tend to the earth in ways in which he has equipped us to do.

Gathering with like minded people is another action we can take. September 20 is a Day for Global Action on Climate Change. The Diocese of Ontario Green Group will be hosting our third annual conference at Christ Church Cataraqui, 990 Sydenham Street, Kingston, on that Saturday, September 20. Coffee and muffins and registration will begin at 9:30 am. We will open with prayer at 10 am. Our plenary speaker will be Luke Wilson, CEO of A Rocha Canada, an international, Christian, environmental organization. Luke will lead three interactive sessions, ‘A Captivating Vision of Shalom’, ‘Prayer & Discernment is the Essential Work of Creation Care’, and ‘What Does A Rocha Do In Canada and Around the World?’ A potluck plant-based lunch will begin at 11:30 and dismissal will be at 2:30. Bring a friend. A postcard you can share with others is attached. We hope you join us at Christ Church on September 20!

The post Taking Action appeared first on Dialogue.

Alongside Hope’s 2025 Wild Ride aims to raise funds to equip eight off-the-grid rural health clinics with life-saving renewable energy. And thanks to a generous donor, all gifts will be matched, doubling the impact!

At Muripotana Health Centre in Nampula, midwife Ancha Amido Abdala used to begin every night shift in darkness, with no lights, no power, and no possibility of admitting patients after dark. In 2022 that changed, when Alongside Hope and partner EHALE installed a Solar Suitcase – a bright yellow, wall‑mounted box powered by solar panels. Inside, it holds LED lights, a fetal Doppler, headlamps, phone chargers and a thermometer.

Abdala says it made an immediate difference. “There was no way to handle medical materials in the dark,” she recalls. After lighting went live, women began coming to the clinic at night; births increased, and transparency improved because the patients’ companions could follow procedures clearly.

“I gave birth at night,” said one new mother. “I felt very happy because I could see what the nurse was doing.” In districts with installations, night‑time births rose by about 17 percent, and more than 80,000 babies have been safely delivered since 2016, thanks to the installation of 80 Solar Suitcases across the province. The suitcases are made by We Care Solar.

Now in 2025, the Wild Ride aims to raise $52,000 – enough for eight solar more suitcases. Thanks to a generous donor, all funds will be matched. So for every solar suitcase that is funded, another will be added.

The Wild Ride is part of a larger initiative to provide 35 Solar Suitcases in Mozambique and 14 Solar Suitcases in Madagascar. The Coming Alongside Hope with Light project has a total budget of $320,000. All donations will be matched, up to $150,000, so $170,000 needs to be raised to ensure all 49 suitcases will be installed.

The Wild Ride has attracted fundraisers of all kinds from coast to coast. A veteran cyclist of the Wild Ride and its predecessor, the Ride for Refuge, Bishop Lynne McNaughton of the Diocese of Kootenay is ditching her bike this year in favour of walking 200 km. “I walk a fast 2 km up into the orchards near my house, a steep climb up onto the ‘bench’ where I can see a stunning view of Okanagan Lake. One Saturday at the end of the summer I’m inviting people to join me for a 5 or 10 km walk in a forest park in Kelowna.” Bishop Lynne was inspired to get involved when seeing the Solar Suitcase demonstration at General Synod. “The suitcases are a brilliant design, portable and practical. They meet such a crucial need. I love walking and walk anyway so why not make that walk count for joining God in God’s work of mending the world.”

At St. Timothy’s in 100 Mile House, B.C., the name says it all. Shelby Byer is organizing parishioners to walk 100 miles. And Joy Gothard is spearheading the Kamloops WaySeekers of St. Paul’s Cathedral as she rides her e-bike from kamloop to St. Peter’s in Monte Creek five times (200 km). She also plans to host a walk in the alpine meadows of Sun Peaks. Located in the Territory of the People, the people of St. Timothy’s and St. Paul’s are following in the footsteps of their Bishop, Clara Plamondon.

Bishop Clara is creating 50 prayer flags. “I love the idea of creating a visual symbol of our prayer for the people and communities that will be supported and helped through this initiative,” she says. “I will be making the prayer flags from various fabrics and colours with a focus on Mozambique and Madagascar. As I create the flags, I will be taking time to learn about these two countries, their culture and ways. I will be praying specifically for those who will benefit from the gift of these solar suitcases.”

This connection between prayer and action is important to Bishop Clara. “The Wild Ride allows us to join our shared mission and ministry efforts with the global community. I have wanted to do something for the Wild Ride for quite some time, and I wanted to encourage others to do the same. My inspiration is Betty Davidson from Yukon who is known for crocheting baby blankets for Wild Ride. She reminded me that there are many creative ways to raise funds for this important work.”

Indeed, Betty Davidson has been crocheting baby blankets for the Wild Ride for many years and intends to again make 10 this year. “The solar suitcases provide the light needed to help mothers give birth safely and give them security and confidence,” says Davidson. “During the year, I make baby blankets for those having babies, or who have family members or friends throughout Canada having babies.”

Having a safe birth hits home for Davidson. “I was medivaced to Whitehorse when my son was born and I can’t imagine how difficult it would have been to have been in the situation I was in, if there had been no light and no electricity. I really want to be a part of helping Alongside Hope in their desire to help the mothers, doctors and nurses of Mozambique and Madagascar.”

Jasmine Sandham, a parish rep at St. Paul’s, Thunder Bay, also has a personal motivation. “My mom’s pregnancy with my younger sister was highly complicated. And if they had to deliver her in darkness, both probably would have died.”

Also a veteran Wild Ride participant, this year Sandham is organizing a six-hour art bee. “I join every year because I feel that it’s a good way to get my church involved in an amazing project along with the rest of the Anglican Church of Canada,” she says. St. Paul’s is one of nine parishes in the Thunder Bay North Shore Deanery walking for the Wild Ride, and in honour of Archbishop Anne Germond’s ministry. “My goal is to have at least ten people from St. Paul’s join either the walk or the Art Bee,” says Sandham.

The Venerable Bill Mous, Executive Archdeacon of the Diocese of Niagara, is cycling 85 km from Port Weller to Port Colborne and back along the Welland Canal Trail for his Wild Ride. “Our family has been blessed by having well-equipped midwives attend the births of our children,” says Bill. “Through this project, we’d like to do the same for families in Mozambique and Madagascar.” His goal is to raise $6,500, enough for one suitcase.

On the east coast, the team from the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador has participants kayaking and hiking. Maxine Drover is Hiking for Hope and Christine Lynch is kayaking 200 km.

These efforts will make a big difference for midwives like Abdala. The Solar Suitcase is a tool that transforms the quality of care. She explains that even during suturing, the room is bright enough to explain and demonstrate each step to women and their companions. In one emergency, the light made it possible to resuscitate a preterm baby that wasn’t crying and begin immediate skin‑to‑skin contact with the mother.

That visibility builds trust. “At first, community members didn’t always respect me,” Abdala says. “But when they saw what I could do with the Solar Suitcase, attitudes changed. Now almost everyone respects my work.”

Even clinics that already have inconsistent grid power benefit from the solar backup. Abdala adds, “I ask that this be provided to other centres – even those connected to the grid – because electricity alone isn’t always enough.”

How to Help

It’s not too late to join the Wild Ride and help provide clinics with renewable energy in Mozambique and Madagascar! The Wild Ride continues until the end of October and anyone can take part – a group or an individual. Walk, cycle, knit, bake, paddle, pray, sing – choose any activity you enjoy. Register as an individual or as a team and help us raise funds for eight solar suitcases – which will become 16 with a matching gift!

Register today at AlongsideHope.com/Wild-Ride. And if you have any questions or need help, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Kim Umbach at kumbach@alongsidehope.org

Can’t join the Wild Ride this year? You can still help provide solar energy in Mozambique and Madagascar. Give at alongsidehope.org/wild-ride.

The post Alongside Hope’s Wild Ride lights way to safe births in Mozambique and Madagascar appeared first on Dialogue.

“Oh my gosh, I would do it again in a heartbeat,” she said. “I absolutely loved it. The people were very, very welcoming and friendly—far more accepting of the church than I expected.”

Mistissini, a community of about 3,000 to 4,000 people, surprised her in many ways. “I went with all my preconceived notions because of residential schools,” she admitted. “I presumed I’d only wear my clergy shirt on Sundays and be in plainclothes the rest of the time. But they wanted me to wear it everywhere. They were so excited to have a priest there—a visible symbol of their faith.”

That visibility opened doors. “Because I had the clergy shirt on, people wanted to talk to me. Strangers who had nothing to do with the church wanted to talk to me about God.”

Nancy was struck by the community’s strength and foresight. “Because of the 1975 James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), there’s no food bank in Mistissini—because they don’t need one. They’ve looked after their people so well.” She was impressed by their housing model: “You rent your house from the band council, and after 20 years—if you’ve taken care of it—those payments go toward your mortgage. You now own your house. Just smart stuff.”

She also saw a deep commitment to healing. “There’s a little community of tiny houses where people can go when they’re detoxing from alcohol or drug addiction. It’s a place to get a fresh start. I was so impressed.”

The church in Mistissini hadn’t had a regular priest in nearly seven years. “Their lay readers take the services. They’ve done the work to ensure that they continue to have Sunday services. Before I left, I blessed some extra bread and wine for them to use for communion to be administered by the lay readers from the reserved sacrament.”

She also served in a neighboring parish, two and a half hours away, where she led a funeral and baptisms. “The funeral was a two-day event. You do prayers with the family and the rest of the community the night before at the church, while people are still wandering around, visiting the casket, telling stories. There’s music, snacks, Gatorade, corn chips, desserts. It’s more than just liturgy—there’s a whole rhythm to how the evening unfolds. The following day  is the full funeral service.”

With no hotel in town, she and her dog Farley were billeted with a local couple. “I don’t think they were crazy about my dog coming in,” she laughed. “Dogs are treated differently in the north. A dog is not supposed to be in the house—especially not in the bedroom!”

She also had to adjust to ‘Indian time,’ a term the community uses themselves. “The service was set to start at 10:00. Each week I would be asked to wait. At 10:10, I said, ‘It’s time to start, right Helen?’ She said, ‘No, not yet.’ At 10:20, she said, ‘OK, you can start now.’” But she came to appreciate the slower pace. “They sang each hymn very slowly, very prayerfully, almost like they were praying and savouring each syllable of each word. When I began to see that and honour that, I could better appreciate it. Why would you rush that?”

Each service included hymns and scripture in both Cree and English. “They are reclaiming their language and their culture. It is beautiful to see how they are working both their language and their traditions in with living their faith as Anglicans.”

On her final Sunday, Nancy shared how paddling in her kayak was a form of prayer. “When I’m out on the water, it’s just you and God and the wind and the waves. They agreed that God is in the middle of all that—the rocks, the land, the water. That’s core to their faith and their experience of God.”

Would she return? “Absolutely. A month was the perfect amount of time. I was missing my kids and my parish, but I would go again if my bishop and parish were open to it.”

She encourages other clergy to prayerfully consider a placement in the Diocese of Moosonee. “You need to go with an open mind. Things are very different from the way we do church. Your job is to embrace them, love them, and walk with them.”

The post A Month in Mistissini: a Journey of Faith and Reconciliation appeared first on Dialogue.

The sixth grade version of me understood the lesson from the perspective of recess politics, so it was not hard to understand. Imagine a teacher breaking up a fight on the playground. The first defence is almost universally “But he hit me first!” The word ‘but’ is meant to excuse the second punch in light of the injustice of the first punch. Mrs. Holbrook simply would not, in writing or in life, let us use the word ‘but’ in a way that tried to weasel out of responsibility or dismiss injury or injustice. I can hear her now in my mind saying: “‘But’ is a word that can cause injury on top of injury because it may dismiss pain while trying to justify it.”

Because the Church is a human institution of divine origin, we can often get things wrong. And when we do, the defense of our injustices or inflicted injuries may begin with a ‘but.’  To those healing from broken hearts, that ‘but’ becomes a further layer of grief added to an already painful burden. When the church responds with a ‘but’ and fails to care properly, no ocean of good works can negate the suffering of the one who has been injured.

On the other side of the coin, when the church acts as an agent of reconciliation and reaches out to those who are thought to be guilty parties in a dispute – part of our responsibility to care for all — the ‘but’ is often employed again, this time in righteous indignation to suggest that we should cut the guilty off and cast them into the outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

These are the frail and human uses of the word ‘but’.

But there is another way to use the word. That is—the way it is used in scripture by God. The words but God appear repeatedly in scripture to remind us of the true mercy, love and compassion on offer. The sentence structures are often the exact same as Mrs. Holbrook deplored, but the things that are being negated are all the failures we lay down.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”  – Psalm 73:26 

“When they had carried out all that the scriptures said about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead;”  – Acts 13:29-30

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.”  – Romans 5:6-8

I think Mrs. Holbrook would accept and applaud all these uses of the ‘but’ because they are all instances of how grace interrupts the cycle of death, or pain, or sin. This is the essential message we have to offer people that are deep in their own troubles or pain as they live them out. We can pour out before him all the reasons that we are unworthy, unready, unhappy, unloveable and unreachable. But God tells that inner storm “peace, be still” and we are made one with him again. We can all rejoice that we are living our daily lives after the but God. We can share this message with everyone who feels unworthy, unready, unhappy, unloveable and unreachable. We can become the living, breathing, incarnate but God to them.

The post But God… appeared first on Dialogue.

This article captures highlights from those conversations, organized by question and featuring extended quotes from The Very Rev. Doug Michael, Jane Kirkpatrick, Aveleigh Kyle, The Ven. Bram Pearce, and The Rev. Canon Michael Read.

What was the most meaningful moment for you at General Synod 2025?

Doug Michael:

Synods are generally exciting for me. I’m a big believer in the Anglican way of governance—bringing people together to discern where the Spirit is leading us. What stood out this time was the election. It didn’t go as expected, but there was a moment when things shifted, and a new name emerged. Something crystallized for people, and it felt like the Spirit was clearly guiding us. The next vote was just one short, and then the following vote showed clear consensus. That’s meaningful—it shows the Spirit working through us and our willingness to listen.

Jane Kirkpatrick:

Besides the election, which was fascinating, I found the mixed groups incredibly rewarding. Every table had youth, bishops, clergy, laity, and often Indigenous voices. We did Bible study together and had open discussions. The perspectives—from Newfoundland to the Arctic—were eye-opening. Chancellor Claire Burns was also a standout. She knows her canons inside out and wasn’t afraid to keep things on track. It’s amazing how much you learn just chatting before sessions start.

Aveleigh Kyle:

I didn’t know what to expect, but the youth were absolutely amazing. The way Shane Parker’s name came forward—from Doug’s daughter and her group—was a proud moment. I kept hearing there’d be heated discussions, but I never saw animosity. Everyone was generous and respectful. That really surprised me and made the whole experience feel sacred.

Bram Pearce:

The primatial election was the most meaningful part for me. Coming from a different denomination, I was fascinated by how leadership is chosen. We started with four candidates and ended up requesting a fifth—who became the Primate. It was dramatic and moving. Seeing all three Houses—Bishops, Clergy, Laity—come together around Shane Parker was powerful. It was a moment of real unity.

Michael Read:

For me, it was the installation service for the new Primate. It was a deeply precious moment, especially with Indigenous Archbishop Chris offering the smudging and blessing. The music was phenomenal, and the worship space—gathered in the round around the cathedral’s labyrinth—made it feel sacred. Lisa Brant-Francis opened with an exhortation recognizing creation and our connectedness. It was the last day, and you left floating on cloud nine, filled with energy, spirit, and community. It reminded me that we’re part of a much bigger family, something we easily forget in our day-to-day ministry.

What stood out to you about the six pathways to change recommended by the Primatial Commission?

Jane Kirkpatrick:

I’m most interested in governance—how we move forward, especially with the primate’s role. Are we going back to the model where the primate is also a diocesan bishop? There’s risk, and we voted positively for risk. That’s not easy. Some won’t want to upset the status quo, but there’s a real recognition that change is needed. A lot of work went into developing these pathways, and I’m eager to see them unfold.

Doug Michael:

The governance and financial issues are deeply connected. Just before Synod, a financial issue came to light. Once investigations are complete, we’ll need to ask how we got here and how to prevent it in the future. That touches everything—from primacy structure to ministry in the North. It’s all interconnected. The big question is: can we imagine a different way of operating?

Aveleigh Kyle:

We need to deal with what happened a month ago first. Governance depends on cash flow and commitments like leases. But Indigenous ministries were well represented, and sitting with people from the Arctic at the closing was powerful. Talking to them about what their Sunday mornings look like compared to mine was a real eye-opener.

Bram Pearce:

I have concerns, and I think that’s why the pathways were created. The national church reflects what’s happening across Canada. Changing demographics will have real consequences. I’m glad we’re taking that seriously, even if I’m unsure where these pathways will lead. It’s important that we’re asking the right questions.

Michael Read:

It felt like the process behind the six pathways was unclear and centralized. Unlike past changes, there wasn’t broad dialogue with the wider church. It seemed like restructuring decisions were made at the national level without enough input. The controversy around the lease renegotiation and funding for the Council of the North added tension. I didn’t feel we accomplished much in that conversation. It’s like having a new compass without knowing how to use it. If we wait three years to act, much of what’s in the document may be outdated. It felt like it was dropped on us without clear leadership or inclusion.

How do you see the decisions made at General Synod impacting our diocese in the next few years?

Doug Michael:

There’s a renewed sense of community. The decisions around restructuring, relationships with the North, and Sacred Circle help us reframe local challenges in the context of a greater family. We often focus on our immediate area, but our future depends on being more connected. These decisions will filter down, and we’ll start asking national-level questions locally—how do our resources support each other? How do we gather with diversity and openness?

Jane Kirkpatrick:

It all comes down to relationship. The Anglican Church of Canada leads in building relationships with First Nations and Inuit communities. That leadership is vital. We also saw strong ecumenical partnerships—with the Lutheran and United Churches. These relationships provide a roadmap for local partnerships. I left Synod feeling extremely positive about our leadership and direction.

Aveleigh Kyle:

It made me want to pursue something Doug and I talked about a year ago—building relationships with First Nations people who come here for hospitalization or stay locally. The community I saw at Synod could be part of our cathedral’s outreach.

Bram Pearce:

Financial decisions will affect us—how we support the national church, for example. But we’re already ahead of the curve in supporting the Church of the North. Bishop Cliff has shown concern for northern churches, and we’re helping in tangible ways. It’s great that the national church is catching up to what we’ve started.

Michael Read:

The national church’s financial challenges could have ripple effects, especially if decisions are being made by staff about their own structure. But what really stood out to me were three things. First, the work around migrant and transitory workers—especially in agriculture and healthcare—was eye-opening. It made me think about how we can support these workers locally. Second, the presentation by the Taskforce on Ability and Inclusion led by Jodey Porter a blind woman from Niagara was powerful. Inclusion isn’t just about accessibility—it’s about attitude, language, and truly welcoming everyone. Third, we need to go deeper into Indigenous truth and reconciliation. We dabble, but we need to immerse ourselves. Hosting speakers, marking Indigenous Sunday meaningfully—these are ways we can move beyond surface-level gestures.

Were there any personal moments of grace, laughter, or connection that stood out to you?

Aveleigh Kyle:

Bishop Currie was a huge highlight. The service went on for hours, but I could have listened to him all night. He has the Spirit flowing through him and doesn’t read from anything. I came home in such a good space—I’d go back next week just to feel that again.

Jane Kirkpatrick:

Reconnecting with friends from Huron was special. Kyle, a boy I mentored years ago, drove from Stratford to London just to spend ten minutes with me. That meant a lot. I also spent time with my friend Stephanie, a Deacon at Saint James. It was a beautiful reunion.

Doug Michael:

I know people in every diocese across the province, and reconnecting with them was wonderful. Hearing different perspectives from people who care about the same things was inspiring. And worshipping together—200-plus voices singing simple hymns—was powerful. It was pure joy.

Bram Pearce:

This Synod felt more positive and forward-looking than the last. Canon Scott Sharman spoke about synodality—walking together—and used the road to Emmaus as an example. I really felt that spirit. Even when decisions were hard, there was no anger—just a desire to find common ground. I came back excited about the church and my faith.

Michael Read:

Meeting people was one of the best parts of Synod. I made connections with folks I’d never met before and now stay in touch with regularly. One moment that really struck me was sitting beside someone from the Yukon whose parents I knew from my time in Bancroft. It reminded me how small and connected our church really is. But the most heartfelt moment was seeing my godmother—whom I hadn’t seen in 15 or 20 years. She came as an observer, and we had dinner together several times. Reconnecting with her was pure gift and completely unexpected.

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