Network Leader’s Report, 23rd Dec 2011
Dear Friends and Leaders,
The angel who first appeared to the shepherds on that cool, crisp evening, had a message directly from God Himself: “Don’t be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you.” In a world which seems to be full of bad news, a message of good news for all people is a welcome change.
Three things come to mind as I ponder the angel’s message. First, “don’t be afraid”: that’s a great message for all of us who are on a journey in which we can’t see the path ahead. Second, “I bring you good news of great joy”: in spite of all that is happening in the world around us, there is still room for great joy. Third, “a Saviour has been born to you”: a saviour brings salvation, not just for the first time, but continues to rescue us. Just like the little boy who, as he is swept away by an ocean rip-tide is rescued by the life guard, so we too are rescued regularly by our Saviour as we swim the currents of the ministry ocean.
With this in mind, I’d like to take this opportunity to share with you my gratefulness, even as we journey into an uncertain future. I’m thankful for our Bishop Silas, who has shown real graciousness, generosity, and spiritual discernment during this last 12 months. He has shown us real leadership, and it’s a privilege for me to serve him. Thank God for someone like Bishop Silas. I personally appreciate his integrity.
I’d also like to thank our National Leadership Team: Ed Hird, Ken Bell, Simon Neill and Andy Li. Ed, Ken, Simon, Silas and myself have spent much time together this year. We have dealt with some difficult ministry situations, and I am continually amazed at how committed these guys are to the ministry to which they’ve been called. Sometimes, with notice of only two days, the NLT have been able to meet together in order to make important decisions. I also want to recognize the work of our Administrator Zenia Cheng. Zenia keeps the organizational details of our ministry flowing smoothly. Her administrative gifts are especially appreciated as she helps organize conferences and retreats.
Finally, I want to mention you. I am so pleased to see how we as a church family have journeyed together. The NLT have made a special effort to regularly contact all our rectors. Our Bishop has visited all our ministries several times and the reports continue to be encouraging. Even though we’ve had some challenges, you have stayed the course. You’ve kept your eyes on Jesus, focused on your call and mission, and have not been distracted from the good news that the angel of the Lord announced: the Saviour has been born! Thank you for your faithfulness.
In two weeks time many of us will be together at Winter Conference. I’m sure you understand the importance of this Conference. It’s my hunch that much will be discussed, discerned and decided during our time together. To that end, I want to remind you of our two Network meetings during Winter Conference:
Wed. 11th January 2 pm –5 pm and Thurs. 12th January, 4.30 pm – 10 pm.
Both times we’ll meet in the double parlor room assigned to our Network. (If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact me on 604.209.5570.)
As we move forward together during these uncertain times, please do remember that our leadership team is committed to listening to you and to God. As I said during our conference call last week: “we leave no one behind.” This is a journey we take together.
On behalf of our Bishop and our National Leadership Team, may I wish you a blessed Christmas. Remember the angel’s message: it’s all about the Saviour—and that will bring you great joy! Please pass on our Christmas greetings to your church family. We look forward to what God has in store for us.
The peace of our Lord,
Peter Klenner
Network Leader
TheAM—Canada