Message from the Bishop

Dear friends in Christ:

I would like to give my thanks and appreciation for your active involvement in our Synod Athabasca Diocese (A.D.) 2026.  As the Primate shared with me in a letter post-Synod, a "spirit of collaboration and genuine love was evident as the meeting proceeded … Concluding my visit in your Cathedral and participating in the renewal of vows was deeply meaningful, as were the many conversations I had with people from across your vast diocese. As I reflected in a social media post as my visit ended, there is much faith, hope, and love in the small but mighty and hardworking Diocese of Athabasca! My heart was full as I drove south to fly out the next day … With sincere gratitude and kindest blessings as you continue to act and be empowered by the Holy Spirit, embracing all across each of your parishes and ministries.”

My observation is that we have grown a lot as a diocese over the past seven years, and I think this past Synod was a symptom of that growth.  There appeared to be genuine warmth of fellowship, transparency and honesty, a recognition of both hard work done and hard work remaining, with a joy that we were proceeding prayerfully along the path we felt God was leading us in.

I want to thank again all who worked hard to make this Synod a success, from planning and execution, to worship, to technical, workshops … the list goes on.  I also want to thank the members of the Diocesan Executive Council, for stewarding the wishes of Synod A.D. 2023, for the past three years.  A lot of hard and productive effort was put in by many, and we have reaped the rewards of that effort, thanks be to our Lord and Saviour.

So, let us continue.  Let us continue to be the church in action, empowered by the Holy Spirit, embracing all.  Let us continue to intentionally experience Christ’s love, and intentionally share Christ’s love, so that Christ’s family is further established.  Let us pray together, be transformed together, and live out the Gospel together.  May Christ be glorified in all we do.

With gratitude and love in Christ;

+David