Clergy Notes — May 17, 2026

The first several weeks of Eastertide are full of stories of the resurrection; stories of the disciples being reunited with their friend and teacher. Then, Jesus ascends into heaven, being reunited with the Father, and one can only imagine the awe and wonder evoked in the disciples who witness this marvellous event. But what happens after that? I can imagine they are left wondering, “What do we do now?”

Many of us renewed our baptismal vows at Easter; some made those vows for the first time. Being born into new life with Jesus is exciting and invigorating; it is hopeful and joyful and awesome. For those who have made these vows, it may seem like the most clearly ‘right’ decision we have ever made. But what happens after baptism? What do we do now?

Discipleship is not always easy. We may find ourselves with doubts and uncertainties; questions about what God wants us to do… the word “discernment” may appear more times in our lives than we wish it would. We may wish that God had left us with a clearer manual than Jesus’  parables and questions answered with more questions.

I think, though, it is good to be reminded that when choosing to follow Christ, there is more than one ‘right’ path, and even when we take wrong turns – which we will – we are never lost for good. The joy of living in Christ isn’t that life is made easy. It is that life is made meaningful as we grow more deeply into the image and love of Christ.

That doesn’t mean we can’t pray for guidance (we should!) but prayer is more than just having questions answered: prayer is where we intentionally invite a deeper relationship with the God who knows and loves us. Prayer is where God takes our intentions and transforms them into something much more beautiful than we could ever imagine. Prayer is where our own hearts become more like God’s than we could ever manage on our own. This is discipleship; this is everlasting life.

Mother Amanda

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Clergy Notes — May 10, 2026

This past week, I attended our annual Diocesan Clergy Conference, this year held in Surrey, BC, and facilitated by A Rocha Canada. Some of you will have heard of their ministry, but for those who haven’t, they describe themselves as follows:

In an environmental context often characterized by fear and paralysis, A Rocha is bringing hope through care of both people and places. We are preserving sensitive habitats and threatened species, growing food sustainably and feeding people living on low income, inspiring school children and training young people. A Rocha is changing the way people treat the earth.

It was a pleasure to spend time with the passionate and dedicated folks who have given themselves to this important work. We learned about their conservation efforts, the joys and complications of their work and ministry, and even got to work tearing out blackberry bushes, building greenhouses, and weeding.

So what does all of this have to do with the Gospel? Our facilitator described it best: the community of A Rocha, and all of us Christian disciples, are called to be ‘refugia’ – place of refuge and hope and witness in a world so full of despair and doubt. However small our contribution – however little we think we are making a difference – we are called to keep showing up and trusting in the work of the Holy Spirit through all of our efforts – big and small.

In this regenerative season of Eastertide, may we all accept God’s invitation to commit anew to the work of refugia – in every place we reside.

Mother Amanda

Click here to find the Liturgy at Home for Sunday

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