In a couple of months the Olympics are coming to Canada, to Vancouver. One
of my favourite aspects of this event is the Olympic Torch Relay. A lit torch is
carried across the country. Each region contributes to its growth and distance.
Each region is needed to connect the whole relay. The torch serves as symbol
or beacon of inspiration to athletes around the world.

I’d like to share a story of one congregation in our synod, our church that lives
out this image of light and hope.

St. John’s, Snow Lake Manitoba has approximately 12 members. Their building was condemned three years ago. It was a particularly difficult time for the parish and I wondered how long they would be able to maintain the ministry of the congregation.

The lack of building hasn’t stopped ministry. Here’s what this group does:

1. Meet every Sunday for worship and occasional study in a small room they have rented from the Community Family Resource Centre
2. An ACC priest comes every few weeks to celebrate the Eucharist.
3. They celebrate, participate, coordinate or lead in nine ecumenical worship or other community events each years.
4. They deliver welcome baskets to new comers to the town. They wrap Christmas gifts and take them to Flin Flon every December for families in need
5. They provide the Samaritan Purse with Christmas Shoeboxes each year
6. Members make personal care home visitations - to offer support, encouragement, music ministry, provide for seniors needs.

In addition to local ministries they support other ministries:

• CLWR’s Gifts of the Heart program.
• LAMP VBS programs
• MNO Synod “Mission as Hope” Appeal as well as regular and consistent commitment to synod benevolence all without rarely seeing synod staff nor attending synod events nor by having a pastor in their midst for over 20 years.

They have participated in the synod’s webinars- internet discussions and studies where their members add to theological and missional thinking that the rest of the synod needs to hear.

Mission is happening. God’s mission is at the centre of their being, and even though occasionally they become disheartened by their own state or status, they understand that God still has a use and a plan for their faith community.  They understand that God continues to use them in the mission to love and bless the world. They have hope that each little thing God does in and through them is making a difference; is showing God’s love to their corner of the world and in other places.

What will we be known for? What will the world know of Christ, the light and beacon for all, in and through us? Will it be for our hermeneutics, our piety, our elaborate buildings, our liturgies, our hymn singing?

Or will we be known for how God works through us to make a difference for those under the oppression of poverty and injustice, those who have not heard the gospel or experienced the grace of God in their lives?

The challenge for us here today is to set aside our own aspirations and goals, our own wants and needs and desires. It is God’s light that shines in us. Will we hide it under our own fears and agendas or will we allow God to lead us where God needs us to be?

To view Bishop Elaine's blog click on the link below:
mnosynod.wordpress.com