President's Message

July 2011

Dear Friends,

I have come to realize how much I look forward to opportunities to be with members of the Lay Readers Association, a welcoming and supportive group of colleagues and friends. When we gather for our Fall Study Day, our Saturday workshops, our Spring Retreat and our AGM in May, we are with others who are called to make a difference in their churches and in a number of shared ministries.

This past year we have welcomed a number of new Lay Readers. Attending our Saturday workshops, learning from knowledgeable tutors, we enjoy the opportunity to know one another better, and to encourage one another in our work and studies. Your executive has been so glad to be able to offer bursaries to licensed Lay Readers to enable participation in courses at MDTC, EFM, or a conference such as the World Religions Conference with the Dalai Lama this September. Lay Readers requesting a bursary can do so be email to me at swinn2006@sympatico.ca or to Tim Smart at tsmart@montreal.anglican.ca

This Fall we look forward to our Study Day on November 26th, 2011, with Adele Finney, Executive Director of PWRDF. We have invited all PWRDF representatives to join us for this fresh look at Mission work, Relief and Development initiatives, and our role as Anglican ambassadors in our wide world. We always welcome friends and interested partners, so please feel free to bring others along with you on the 26th.

Next Spring our Retreat will take place from May 4 to 6, 2012, at the Manoir d’Youville in Chateauguay. Our speakers will be the very Reverend Louise Peters, Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Kamloops, BC, APCI, and the Rev. Bruce Chalmers, incumbent of St. Mary’s Church, Sorrento, in the Diocese of Kootenay. This couple will speak about their experiences of shared ministry and the essential role of Lay Leaders.

Watch for our October newsletter with more information about all the rich and exciting opportunities ahead of us this year. With the dedicated support of our Pastor, Tim, and the strength of your hardworking executive, I can assure you of my joy in the work we do together. May your summer be a time of peace and refreshment. I pray that God will bless you all and keep you safe and well in the months ahead.

Sue Winn