From Douglas
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
It seems somewhat appropriate that I write my ‘farewell note’ from an airport lounge as I wait on yet another flight with hopes that it, too, will not be cancelled. Another winter storm has swept through the Northeast shutting down airports and storm-staying travelers like me. My past nine years working at the Episcopal Church Center have been nothing if not a journey that has required finding new ways to do ministry in our contemporary society.
I found myself having to interpret demographics, understand regional differences across nine provinces in sixteen countries, and make every effort to communicate in three predominant languages. It was important to remember that so-called technological innovation had not reached every part of the church. It was also important for us to gather together to build relationships and trust so that we might better incarnate the faith we share in Jesus Christ.
I have had the wonderful experience of literally traveling across the United States and spending time in almost every diocese and all but two States. I have worked in our dioceses in Taiwan, Central America and Europe and with several of our partners in the Anglican Communion. It’s not all been about the geography—as wonderfully beautiful and diverse that it is. It’s all been about the people. My experience in the Episcopal Church has provided me with a new perspective on the Church we love and the faith we strive to live into. The rich resources of gifted people, finances and facilities have proven how creativity and imagination can produce dynamic opportunities for faith formation, experiential learning and worship all of which aid in our participation in God’s mission of reconciliation and peace-making.
I have been blessed with amazingly talented colleagues in campus and young adult ministry, and with volunteer team members made up of students and young adults. Together we have offered programming and events that have enriched the Church’s ministry to these communities and have educated the wider church on how integral these areas of ministry are to the whole.
I will take all of this into my new work as Director for Ministry and Mission Development in the Anglican Church of Canada’s Diocese of New Westminster (Vancouver). I do hope (expect) that you’ll let me know when you’re coming to visit Vancouver/ski Whistler so that we can stay connected.
May God grant you many blessings on your continuing journey.
Douglas+