An “OPEN HOUSE” with Bishop Lynne McNaughton and her staff took place by Zoom on Wednesday, September 25. Members of the congregations in Kootenay Diocese were invited to join Bishop Lynne for an update on events throughout the diocese.
Fifty members from across the diocese attended.
Starting with opening prayer, Bishop Lynne gave an update on what is happening in Kootenay Diocese.
She pointed out that most of diocesan operations takes place remotely and that further decentralization is planned. Details of the plan will be presented to the Diocesan Council for their approval.
Canon Andrew Stevens-Rennie (Diocesan Missioner) gave a presentation on “Thriving Communities.”
The Thriving Communities Process is a discernment process designed to help leaders move from their current state into a place where they collectively embody the values of Wholehearted Worship, Daring Discipleship, Right Relationship, and Thriving Communities.
Andrew will lead a day of exploration and discovery of these changing times. Andrew said, “Leaning on scripture, music, and art, we will find ways to understand the world as it is that we might set our feet forward on a path of faithfulness, imagination, and bravery, as we (and those who come after us) step into God’s emerging future.”
For further information :
https://www.kootenayanglican.ca/collections/missional-renewal
Ian Dixon (Director, Okanagan, Anglican Camp) reported on the status of fundraising for rebuilding Camp OAC. “Alongside Hope” recently held a fundraising event for the rebuilding of Camp OAC, and “The Rise Resort” in Vernon, brought in over $18,000 for Camp OAC.”
Thanks was given to the team at The Rise for their efforts and support of the OAC community.
Gratitude was given to those who donated to the “Wild Ride” fundraising team supporting the Alongside Hope initiative for solar suitcases to be sent to remote health clinics of Mozambique and Madagascar. This effort supports women during childbirth and nighttime medical interventions.
The diocese was pleased to announce that they have exceeded the diocesan fundraising goal of $2000. The nationwide campaign raised close to $34,000.
For further information:
https://www.kootenayanglican.ca/events/alongside-hope-kootenay-fundraising-team/2025-07-01
Questions and Answers
In the question and answers session, Bishop Lynne responded to the question, “What is your 5 to 10 year vision for the diocese of Kootenay?
Her answer followed the diocesan position regarding Values, Vision, and Mission.
Values: Wholehearted worship, Daring Discipleship, Right Relationship, Thriving Communities.
Vision: Co-creating a world where all experience and share the transforming power of God’s love.
Mission: Called by God, the people of Kootenay seek to faithfully and courageously journey together in response to the needs of the changing world.
For further information:
https://www.kootenayanglican.ca/who-we-are/pages/vision-mission
Bishop Lynne said, ”A different demographic is entering our churches: the bereaved. Our clergy have reported that people attending funeral services are expressing interest in our Church.
“God is calling us into the local context,” she added.
