Rev. Ed Chell and Rev. Barbara Groote are the Synod Council Communications Team. Our goal is to raise the profile of the council in the synod by communicating highlights from our meetings, other information on the things we are working on, fun bits about ourselves, etc. And occasionally, we might ask you a question, too.
Clergy Housing Assistance Options
- At the meeting it was acknowledged that clergy housing is a major factor in the call process. A lengthy discussion around housing and how the Synod could support the process took place, and council will continue to explore housing options for new rostered ministers.
Build Relationships and Share Resources with the Saskatchewan Synod and CLAY
- The ELCIC mission committee and the BC Synod Executive were able to share the 2023 BC Mission Fund allotment of $98,412 with the Saskatchewan Synod to assist them with their mission/ministry and budget shortfall. It was graciously received. Other synods and congregations have begun to follow this action as well.
- The BC Synod responded to a request from the Conference of Bishops for funding assistance for CLAY, contributing $40,000 out of this year's ELCIC Mission Fund allotment to help support this work with youth into the future.
National Church Council
- Facing Today - Dreaming for the Future National Taskforce consultation:
National Church Council created this initiative to address the challenges of declining revenues and explore potential changes to the church’s organizational structures. As a result, the NCC is establishing a 12-person steering committee representing all synods to consult widely, propose a new church structure, develop a communications plan, and oversee consultancy services, reporting regularly to NCC and synod councils.
However, this group is not only about dealing with budget shortfalls, but about dreaming for the future. It is an opportunity to dream and imagine what kind of church God is calling us to be into the future. Everything is open for discussion.
The BC Synod representatives participating on this taskforce are Karen Lee and Rev. Nathan Fong. Both were present at the BC Synod-wide conversations in March which will inform the conversations with representatives from the other synods and national church.
National Convention
- A large portion of the ELCIC National Convention young adult delegates come from the BC Synod.
Sabbatical
- Council approved the dates for Bishop Kathy Martin’s sabbatical from December 2025 - April 2026. This sabbatical was granted previously but was postponed for various necessary reasons. We pray for a rich, restful, and healing time of sabbath for Bishop Kathy.
We Are One Body – Synod-wide Conversations in March 2025
- Synod council intends to reflect on these conversations at the Fall Synod Council retreat.
DEI Working Group
- The Diversity Equity and Inclusion working group is appointed. They begin their work with A2B Rev. Aneeta Saroop.
Each Council member was asked to provide a picture of themselves, state their portfolio on the council, and answer the following question: Describe your favorite scene in the place you live.
"One of my favourite scenes is watching the sun go down at the beach with the islands in the background and the eagles calling to each other in the trees."
"My favourite scene is driving down the twists and turns of Gatensbury Street in Coquitlam until it opens up on the amazing vista of the Coast Mountains rising over Port Moody."
"I am someone who sees the magnificent view of Mount Paul and Mount Peter on the traditional lands of the T’kemlúps te Secwépemc people."
"My favorite scene is at DeBoville Slough Trail which I enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day or for walking, birding and biking."
"I enjoy the 360 view of the bays and mountains from places like PKOLS near Victoria."
"My favourite scene: looking out my front room window when there’s new snow on the trees."
"My favourite scene is standing on any of the beaches along Okanagan Lake and facing the William Bennett bridge and seeing all the traffic crossing the lake."
"It is all so beautiful - the skies, the lakes, rushing streams, the lush green growth in Spring, and the resilient semi-desert hills in the heat of summer."
"My favourite scene in Vancouver is the North Shore mountains; they are amazing from the beaches, seemingly rising up out of the water, but they also surprise me by peeking through trees or buildings when I don't expect them."
"I live at the foot of Black Mountain in Kelowna and like to run on the trails up on the mountain; my favourite view is when I get to the top and can see the wind sweeping the grasslands, the sun drenched orchards, and the whole valley and lake (and usually a raptor on the hunt as well)."
"I never get tired of the everchanging view of the "mountain" range across the Okanagan Lake on my walks with Terra."
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