The Fifth Assembly of the Territory of the People

Held at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Kamloops
from May 27th to 29th, 2022

The weekend was filled with worship, reports, community building, conversation, discussion, decisions, elections, challenges, and meals.  There were definitely times for individuals and parishes to reconnect after having such a long interlude when we were unable to meet in person.  Our Parish’s representatives were the Rev. Bruce Chalmers, the Rev. Keith Peterson from the Church of St Paul, and Leslie Ross from Trinity Shared Ministry.  The Rev. Chalmers chaired the Resolutions Committee, and Leslie Ross served on it.

The theme “Come and See” which is based on Isaiah 43: 19 grounded the work of the Assembly.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
~ Isaiah 43: 19

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Jane Alexander, Assisting Bishop, Territory of the People

On Friday evening, Assisting Bishop Jane Alexander addressed the Assembly, presenting her Charge to the Territory.  In it, she provided her observations of the current situation in the Territory and, through questions and suggested aspirations, challenged the Assembly representatives to consider future actions of themselves, their parishes, and the Territory.

Assisting Bishop’s Charge
to the Assembly of the Territory of the People Anglican Church
The Right Rev. Jane Alexander

We celebrate the opening of this assembly during Ascensiontide, the 10 days between Christ’s Ascension and the Feast of Pentecost. The ten days between these festivals are days of waiting, a time for reflection, a time to stop, to pray, to wait and to wonder. I imagine the disciples at this moment after Jesus’ ascension, felt confused, alone, lost, were wondering what was going to happen next, were wondering if this was the end or just a beginning as Jesus had promised. And that is us here at Assembly – where are we now and where are we going? Perfect!

In this charge I will tell you how things look to me in the Territory of the People right now and pose us some questions to consider during our time together. I want to begin by saying what a privilege it has been to be your Assisting Bishop since February and I thank Archbishop Lynne with all my heart for the opportunity, and I thank each of you for making me so welcome. People have a great attachment to the land here. And after just a few months I think that I am beginning to understand it I am blown away by the beauty of this place. I completely understand the longing of all those displaced by fire and flood to come home (more on that later).

Thank you so much to all of you lay and ordained who have led with such grace and love over the last year of the pandemic, doing things in new ways, surfing that waves of restrictions, and in all things continuing to love and care for the people of God. I am very aware that the pandemic is not over as we look around we know that we are missing a lot of people many of whom are ill. So we pray for those who are unable to be with us for these days of listening and dreaming.

To read the rest of the Charge, click here.

Sunday morning worship included the celebration of the ordination to the priesthood of the Rev. Linda LaGroix.  As well, Pauline Michell, Ernie Michell, and Ursula Drynock were installed as Pastoral Elders.

2022 Territory of the People Assembly Delegates – Photo credit: The Very Rev. Ken Gray, Territory of the People

More pictures will be found on the St. Paul’s Cathedral’s website.