Hello Friends
As of tonight, the final conditions on our purchase were lifted. In the first week of July, we will be the blessed and grateful stewards of God's building on Greenwood Avenue. We are so very thankful to God for all the doors that have been opened and for the clear leading of the Lord that has brought us to this place.
I believe that God gifts each congregation with the spiritual gifts necessary to do the work to which they are called. This has never been more evident to me than in these last roller coaster months. The gifts of leadership, faith, administration and discernment have been called forth in the lives of various individuals. As a result, we now have a new "home base" from which to move out into the world to fulfil the mission God has given us. We praise God for this.
I am also deeply grateful to God for the generosity of spirit and the vision which has been evident as folks have been ready to sacrifice their deep ties to a building which holds so many memories and so much affection, for the sake of God's kingdom. And none of this would have been possible without the strong and enthusiastic support of our sister churches throughout Algoma and the folks at the Diocesan Office.
So what happens next? Lots of things! In the next week or so, our architect Ian Hill and Dr. Jay Koyle will help us plan the "Anglicanization" of our worship space. In due course, there will be conceptual drawings available, and the process of preparing the building for the move will be completed.
The transition team is planning the activities needed to make our move so that it can be done in an orderly and logical fashion. Very shortly, we will begin to inventory the contents of our present building and decide what will move with us, what will be repurposed and what needs to be discarded.
Concurrently, we will be looking at how the new building will be set up, planning for worship, function, mission and storage. This will involve consulting with all the various groups that take responsibility for various aspects of our life together. This will also involve each f us as we count and pack and plan and move!
At the same time, we need to keep our Vimy Street property looking as attractive as possible. It will be formally listed for sale very shortly. We are praying that God will provide the right buyer at the right price! In the meantime, we need to steward our time and our givings with real care and attention.
On September 7, we will celebrate the history and life we have shared at Christ Church, Vimy Street with Canon Murray leading us in worship, followed by a meal together and sharing of our stories and experiences.
On September 14, Bishop Stephen will join us to deconsecrate the Vimy Street property. We will then walk as a group to our new home, following our processional cross ( carried of course by Sylvie!) where Bishop Stephen will lead us in worship and celebration. It will be a wonderful weekend ( added to it will be the service of Collation for Temiskaming's new Archdeacon, at 2 pm on September 13 at St. John's)
Tonight - we celebrate! I, personally, thank God for allowing me to be witness to his profound work in and through Christ Church! We all thank God for the rich blessings bestowed upon us. We look with faith and joy to the future that calls us forward.
This is the day the Lord has made - and we will rejoice in it!
In deep gratitude
Rev. Marie
The Venerable Marie Loewen
Christ Church Anglican
890 Vimy St
North Bay, On
P1B 5P7
705-474-3170
Rev. Marie's confidential email (emails to this page may be seen by others) revmarie1952@icloud.com
Being Disciples - Making Disciples