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Grace to you and Peace. 

Thank you for saving the date for our Synod Conversations.  You are cordially invited to join us for a transformative two-day visioning and dialogue session on March 22-23. This gathering is designed to explore the profound meaning and practical implications of embracing the idea that We Are One Body in Christ.

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of our geographically diverse Synod in this time and place, it is crucial that we come together to: 

  • Consider and deepen our understanding of the unity we have in Christ.
  • Envision innovative ways to collaborate across congregations and distances
  • Work together to strengthen our collective mission
  • Share insights and practices from our varied contexts 

Your presence and active participation are vital as we seek to discern God's leading for our Synod and for our shared future. Together, we will consider what changes might allow us to work together well for the sake of the gospel.  

Our conversations over the weekend will take place at King of Life Lutheran, 1198 Falcon Drive, Coquitlam. We will begin at 9:30 am on Saturday, March 22nd (coffee will be ready at 9:15am) and continue through until 12:30 pm on Sunday, March 23.  Our facilitator for the weekend is Charles Holmes, who led our synod-wide conversations. We hope that each congregation will send up to two lay leaders and their active rostered leader or interim minister. (Attendees from the Northern Region, we are hoping you will consider staying Sunday afternoon to continue conversations about the ministry in your region.) Accommodations will be booked for those who need them - see below for details. 

This even intentionally includes a Sunday morning to allow more lay leaders to attend. This also means pastors serving on a call will be away, and will need to plan for pulpit supply or a lay-led service. The Synod office will provide a sermon that will be sent out no later than Wednesday, March 19th. 

Please join us for this important time of reflection, dialogue, and visioning. Your voice is essential as we work to strengthen the bonds that unite us in our shared ministry. 

You can register for the gathering here. Please ensure every attendee from your congregation fills out the registration form as soon as possible. The registration deadline is Wednesday, March 5th, 2025. 

We look forward to your participation in this pivotal gathering. 

 

Accommodations and Travel 

Those travelling from out of town will have accommodations at The PoCo Inn and Suites. To help manage our budget, only these accommodations are covered. Expenses for other hotels, etc. will NOT be reimbursed. Rooms will be standard Single Occupancy with complimentary Wi-Fi, parking, and a buffet breakfast. As required, a shuttle service from the hotel to King of Life Lutheran will be provided. Some rooms suitable for those with specialized needs can be arranged. We will do our best to accommodate these requests. Attendees should plan to stay for two nights, Friday and Saturday, with those from the North also staying on Sunday night. 

Attendees' travel expenses (economy airfare, ferry costs, and mileage for over 200km) will be reimbursed. Please keep all your receipts that show GST amounts.

If you are traveling on Friday, please keep your receipts for Friday's dinner and submit them for reimbursement. Saturday lunch, dinner and refreshments will be provided.