March 30, 2023
Dear Congregation,
It has been a while since a letter has been written and the last couple of months in our congregation have been heavy. Many of us have said our earthly goodbyes to beloved family members and friends, while others are facing the realities of disease and the frailties of age. However, through all of the sadness and uncertainty, we have remained a community that has held each other up, and supported each other with visits, meals, and being here for each other. It is in these moments that the power of this faith community is evident. The ministry and life of the church has also continued during this time, and there are several items to update the congregation.
The first is where we are at with regards to the Human Sexuality Report (HSR). As you know, West End submitted an overture to Classis Alberta North. There were several overtures submitted by different church councils and members of congregations that were reviewed and voted on at Classis. West End’s overture was accepted and is the official overture that goes to Synod from Classis Alberta North. This is a good recognition of the work that our council has put into this topic, and the call for unity that we have expressed. One of the other items that was decided at Classis was the delegates to Synod. Each classis sends two pastors, one elder and one deacon to classis. Nominations for elders and deacons are solicited from councils and from the floor at Classis, pastors are automatically nominated unless they request not to be. Pastor Henry and I were both voted as delegates to Synod 2023 which will be held in Grand Rapids in June. The other delegates are Pastor Peter Rockhold and Matthew Werkman as deacon.
The work of the HSR ad-hoc committee is also continuing. We are planning three education sessions to be held April 23, May 7 and May 28. We will be holding these shortly after the morning service (after a break for coffee and a light lunch). The sessions will be led by Pastors Lisa, Cecil and Bob, and their purpose is to explore the interpretation of key passages and how Reformed scholars sometimes differ in understanding. Each session will each look at different passages of scripture. Our aim is to respectfully describe these interpretations so as to grow in understanding of each other. A time for questions will be included in these sessions. Registration for the first session is available on-line. Further information will be available in the bulletin in the coming weeks. We encourage all members to plan on attending.
Next Monday council will meet to finalize names of nominees to serve on Council and as Fellowship Group Coordinators next year. The nomination process begins in January, with a small committee considering the gifts and abilities of all adult professing members. This is not something we take lightly. I can say serving on council has been deeply rewarding and spiritually enriching for me, and several other council members have echoed that as well. It is not always easy, but in my experience very few of life’s important and worthwhile things come without challenge. If you are approached for a council position, council asks that you prayerfully consider this, and reach out to council members if you have questions.
As the days are getting longer, and the sun feels warmer, we long for the renewal of spring. Our world has seemed a harsh place in recent weeks and months, as we absorb the news of police officer and school shootings, devastating earthquakes, homelessness, and poverty that is affecting many in our city. As we journey to Palm Sunday and into Holy Week, may we be reminded that our Savior knows our sorrows and sufferings, and He will be with us. We live in the hope and joy of Easter Sunday, our prayer is that you will feel this Easter joy in your life.
In Christ
Michelle Rooker