News from Yellowhead Presbytery

Rev. Danielle and I attended the 159th Meeting of Yellowhead Presbytery in Whitecourt, AB, April 26 & 27.

After three years, Presbytery has adopted a new model of Governance.  This evolving new direction has been reviewed, updated, involved many people and is now a reality.  It is a living model for future Presbytery meetings.  We are thankful.

Rev. Britt Jessen ended her term as Chair of the Presbytery Council. She is succeeded by Rev. Danielle in the position of Presbytery Council Chair.

The group sang hymns of Pentecost, heard about the upcoming Conference meeting June 2 in Red Deer (all ministry personnel are expected to attend).  At this Conference a new minister within Yellowhead Presbytery will be commissioned as a Designated Lay Minister and another minister who has gone through the United Church of Canada admission process will be formally recognized as a minister in the United Church of Canada.

We listened to two wonderful presentations of real Faith in Action.

Rev. Bonita Chad, Chaplain at the federal Grande Cache Correctional Facility gave two presentations of her work, expectations and challenges along with a bit of role playing.  It was truly inspiring.

Rev. Cecille Fausak presented an update about the Red Deer Truth & Reconciliation Hearings and reminded us that the TRC will be holding its final hearings in Edmonton this year and we are all encouraged to participate.

Alberta and Northwest Conference will hold a Mid-Triennium event in Red Deer from Friday Nov. 1 to Sunday Nov. 3, 2013 and all ministry personnel and Presbytery delegates are encouraged to attend.

The next meetings of Yellowhead Presbytery are October 2013, February and May 2014.

For more information about our Presbytery please speak with myself, Matthew Heesing (Presbytery Rep) or Rev. Danielle

                   Jackie St. Goddard
                   Yellowhead Presbytery Rep.