It was my privilege to serve as moderator during the 131st General Assembly whose theme was Claiming the Joy of Our Faith. With the Assembly ended, I continue in office and have the unique opportunity to meet with people across Canada and beyond, learning and sharing about the Presbyterian Church in Canada. It is my hope that the theme of this year's assembly will continue throughout the year.
While I continue as moderator of the 131st General Assembly, I will also continue in my day job as Director, Spirituality and Pastoral Care Services with Bethany Care Society, a not-for-profit, faith based provider of health and housing services for more than 3,400 seniors and other clients in Alberta. Inspired by Matthew 25, the work was begun in 1945 by five Lutherans who had a vision for providing care for those in need. From the first home for 19 residents, Bethany Care Society has grown to include six long term care centres in Southern Alberta, three seniors housing complexes, and community services to support seniors in their homes.
I am very grateful for Bethany's generosity to me, and to our church, in providing freedom and flexibility in my work so that I can fulfill my responsibilities as moderator.
It has become the custom for moderators to choose themes for the year. I have chosen three which reflect the context of my work but also have a wider expression throughout our denomination.
Ministry with Seniors
According to Statistics Canada, by 2021 there will be 6.7 million Canadians over the age of 65, and those over 85 are, and will be, the fastest growing group. How is our church responding to the variety of pastoral and worship needs of seniors? And are congregations finding meaningful venues of service and discipleship for them? Also, is our church supporting the ever growing sandwich generation of working adults who face significant social and economic issues in caring for both young families and aging parents?
Non-parish Ministries
While congregations are the primary way we organize and express the ministry of Christ, there are other areas of mission and ministry in which Presbyterians participate. Living Faith reminds us that Christ's ministry is expressed in the church and in the world. Chaplaincy, street ministry, parish nursing, administration, work with refugees, community based mission – these are some of the areas in which Presbyterians are engaged in gospel ministry. I look forward to learning about these ministries and the ways in which we are claiming the joy of our faith through them.
Ecumenism
As part of the larger body of Christ, Presbyterians bring a unique contribution to ecumenical work and dialogue. Christian churches have, and must continue to work together effectively to accomplish shared goals in mission and to be a faithful witness to the world of the love of God in Jesus Christ. There are many wonderful relationships among Christian churches at local and regional levels and I am eager to hear about those shared endeavours and, I hope, be invited to participate in them.
A highlight of the assembly was meeting the ecumenical visitors and hearing their commitment to ongoing partnership with us. It was an honour to sign the covenant with the Reformed Church in Hungary, affirm the Covenant for Justice in the Economy and the Earth of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and to hear of the many ecumenical relationships in which we are engaged. To know ourselves as Presbyterians and therefore as brothers and sisters in Christ with other Christians is an important part of our identity.
It is with excited anticipation and a desire to serve the Presbyterian Church in Canada that I move into this year. I ask for your prayers and look forward to meeting with many of you in person and through this column.
Peace,
M. Jean Morris.
