Grateful on Thanksgiving Day

Written by Kat Goheen
Canada West Mission Centre Co-President

I’m writing this during a peaceful moment on Thanksgiving Day. In this moment  I’m feeling grateful for Shannon, Gwyn, and Becky – to be on this great team.  I’m feeling grateful for our pastors and financial officers who give us the stability to grow and dream. I’m loving our staff, Sandra and Debra, and our advisory council and prayer partners. I’m so glad to learn about the possibilities for using social media in our organization from Parker. I’m full of thanks that Lisa stepped in to manage our online registrations this past year. I’m so appreciative of Steve and Bob for stepping into our Historian and Recorder roles. I love the energy that our Seventies are bringing to their role. I’m appreciating our leadership from the World Church level through Art, and through our bishop, Dar. It’s people--relationships--that make this church so amazing, along with our message of inclusion and transformation through Jesus Christ.

I heard tell of an informal question arising from Mission Conference asking what the Mission Centre actually does to benefit us. As a congregational leader I have asked this question myself, usually at budget time! As I shared with the saints in Calgary in our Friday night conference gathering, the Mission Centre isn’t a specific space with an office and copier anymore. It reminds me more of Jesus in his time – a merry band of followers who wander (at least on zoom!) and serve. Maybe we’re more like Paul: less wandering and more supporting ourselves by our labours!

What do we get from our Mission Centre? Hopefully you are receiving leadership that relieves burdens on local leaders. Communication that connects us to the broader church. Support for congregations in transition. Continual examination of issues that concern our church in Canada overall. The day-to-day administration making sure our important events are marked and priesthood calls processed. Sustained support for the enhancement of our camping program.

One thing that I am truly grateful for is that I no longer ask the question of what the Mission Centre is doing for me or my local folks, because I’m busy doing it. The Mission Centre is just people, the way the church is, and you and I are so fortunate to be among them! Please trust that your leadership wants to create meaningful experiences for you and has a mandate of streamlining our budget to the benefit of local groups. Please also trust that you have a voice, and that your hands and feet and hearts are most welcome in the mission of Jesus Christ in western Canada. We are better together.

Thanksgiving blessings of grace!