January 2011 Annual Meeting
What a Year!
What a year this has been! Almost a year ago I was ordained to the diaconate in Point Hope, Alaska. It truly was a God-led and God-filled visit to that wonderful village! It was full of newly-met relatives, a frolicking polar bear and bright sunshine. And the adventure continues to this day!
Throughout the year I have routinely assisted the rector with too-many-to-count funeral services and several baptisms. I have preached at numerous Sunday and Wednesday services (thank you to the St. Matthew’s congregation for graciously listening as I learn) and discovered every priest has their own preference for how the “table is set”. (I have yet to discover the one true way to light and extinguish the altar candles!)
One of my greatest joys was to be able to help baptize my two youngest grandsons on the 31st anniversary of my marriage to Mr. Gary Lee! One of those grandsons, Christopher, was visiting from Hawaii/California. His older brother, Alex, took training and served as acolyte during several services while they were here. Again, another joy to witness!
I was privileged to serve as deacon to The Most Revd. Dr. KatharineJeffertsSchori, PresidingBishop of the Episcopal Church of the USA, during a service held at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. The service was held during a Fall gathering of Native lay and clergy serving the church to discuss the ordination of Native people who are not seminary trained. It is an ongoing discussion that I pray can be handled so that more of our rural brothers and sisters can serve in a great capacity.
I want to thank everyone for their support as I continue to slooowly work on my Masters of Divinity degree from the Vancouver School of Theology. On one level I like to think of it as just learning more about our shared family history!
I have also been quite busy working with prison and homeless ministries. Through an ecumenical partnership we are close to opening an emergency shelter for chronic inebriates. I also serve as chair for the Justice Task Force at Tanana Chiefs Conference on several justice issues that intertwine with my ministries.
In closing, I give thanks for my relationship with God and with St. Matthew’s. I pray that we will all continue to be blessed by Him who is our greatest joy.
