The Pacific Mountain Indigenous Ministries Executive Council came together February 20-22 at PMRC’s office in Burnaby for its annual in-person meeting. First, we met to feast and catch up with one another. Then we got down to a full and meaningful day of conversation and connection.
Mimi Smienk, Co-Chair, led us through the Agenda which included Zoom input from Joni Shawana – IM Healing Programs Coordinator/IMJ regarding the upcoming National Spiritual Gathering (NISG) in Ottawa in July, and the nominations process for our PMIM Communities of Faith to elect (2) adults and (1) youth (under 35 yrs), to serve on the newly constituted National Indigenous Council (NIC).
We also included a community check-in; ministry updates from our Regional Minister for Indigenous Ministries, Teri Meyer; thoughtful discussion about the future, including the “Toward 2035” project; and setting goals for the year ahead for the new full-time PMIM position. After business wrapped up with prayers for our CoFs and one another, we closed the business day by sharing dinner together at Trattoria.
On Sunday morning, the PMIM Executive was invited to join Jubilee United Church for worship. Following the service, we invited the Jubilee folk to lunch, hosting a wonderful buffet of sandwich treats; continuing conversations and building connections in a warm and welcoming space. Big thank you to our PMIM Admin Support, Meghan Kirk, for making the culinary arrangements.
Sunday, Mimi Smienk, joined PMIM Executive member, Betty Traverse, at her home congregation, the Longhouse Mission Council in Vancouver, where Rev. Jay Olson was providing pulpit supply. Teri would arrive a bit later to meet with their Board, and Pastoral Supervisor, Rev. Brian Thorpe, following their worship time to explore next steps in their time of transition. All are seeking to move forward in a good way together with Regional support.
Thank you to all who support and encourage our Indigenous Ministries directly and indirectly as we continue to build right relationship and walk gently upon the earth.