Hello friends,
At the in-person gathering of the Executive in the fall, I proposed a travel plan as I move into my role as President this June. To do good governance, make thoughtful decisions, and be the church in the world we need to know and believe that we are not alone in this.
Since Sunday, January 25, I attended gatherings with: West Vancouver UC, Shiloh-Fifth Avenue UC, Becoming Church, University Hill UC, and Trinity-Grace UC. I have seen the innovation of congregations, the dedication of paid accountable and lay leaders, and what “welcome” means across this region.
While I have been enriched by these visits, I am dedicated to moving beyond the transit-accessible lower mainland. I grew up in New Brunswick and then Ontario, before moving to Vancouver for UBC. Therefore, I do not know about being the United Church, or simply the geographies outside of the lower mainland.
In February, I attended “Uncharted,” a senior youth retreat held in Kananaskis, Alberta. I met some incredibly passionate, funny, and kind youth and leaders. I spent a day with the youth council, who shared their dreams, hopes, and tangible instructions for AGMs. Immediately following, I left for Camp Fircom to attend a LeaderShift event called “Decolonization is a Community Act.” We intentionally practiced relationality as the foundation for reconciliation and decolonization.
Now, I am at Naramata Centre writing this update. Over the weekend, the Executive met in Vernon, hosted by Trinity UC. On Saturday, President Rev. Simon LeSieur invited congregations to share their ministry. In attendance was Trinity UC Vernon, Salmon Arm UC, Zion UC, St. Mary Anglican/United, Lake Country UC, Central Okanagan UC, and Sicamous UC. On Sunday, I attended a service and the Annual Congregational Meeting of Central Okanagan UC. On Monday, Pastoral Relations and Community of Faith Team Lead, Kathy Davies organized a conversation over tea and coffee at Summerland United Church. Listening to active and retired clergy, I was moved by their dedication to the church and the rural communities they serve. We are gifted at every level of our church with leaders who give so much of themselves; I am grateful for conversations that remind us that none of us can do this alone, and we are burning ourselves out by trying.
I will continue travelling along the South Kootenays, finishing in Castlegar on March 18. As we move toward the AGM, I am planning travel in the North after the Festival of Faith in April and working on plans for the Comox Valley and Vancouver Island. I will not get to visit everywhere before the AGM, but please know my inbox is open for invitations and inquiries. I hope to be a presence in this region as a representative of the work of the Executive, the responsibilities we hold with care, and one of many voices bringing back local needs and celebrations to the Executive.
This travel has only made me more grateful for this region and for our shared faith in the world. Thank you to all who have opened their buildings, their homes, cars and hearts. I am also deeply grateful to Executive President, Simon and to Deborah before him, who I have watched prioritize relationships, and whose work motivated my nomination and this travel.
See you soon,
Thea Sheridan-Jonah
Executive Council President Elect
Pacific Mountain Region