Well, Thursday has drawn to a close here in Corner Brook. There is one day remaining to our 42nd General Council. Have you been following the news on www.gc42.ca? If not check it out. You will find some great video news by Elizabeth Macdonald, as well as articles, and lots and lots of photos.
Yesterday we spent the morning working through the Comprehensive Review, considering how to move forward with changes in our church structure. Then, yesterday afternoon we were given some time off to enjoy Newfoundland culture and landscape. There were a number of options and I took advantage of the offering to travel by bus to Western Pond in Gros Morne. This is described as an ‘inland fijord’. It is not really a fijord, but it was 6000 years ago when it was still attached to the ocean. Now it is an inland lake, or, as the Newfoundlanders would call it, a pond. There were two busloads of us. Once arriving at our destination we took the 45 minute walk into the dock where we boarded the boat for a two-hour tour. The scenery is breathtaking, even through the drizzle … that soon turned to rain.
After our boat tour and hike back to the bus we were driven to Rocky Harbour United Church, where we enjoyed a home-cooked ‘Jigg’s Dinner’. This is a traditional Newfoundland feed of salt beef boiled with potatoes, cabbage, turnip and carrots and it is served with peas pudding. Accompanying this is duff – a steamed pudding and, of course, tea. It was “some good byes”.
This morning we heard very moving and inspiring speeches from Marie Wilson, one of the three Commissioners on the Truth and Reconcilitation Commission, followed by the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Perry Bellegarde. They each encouraged the United Church to keep faithful in its work of reconciliation with the Indigenous people of our land.
Today was decision day – in more ways than one. We made several important decisions as we continued to work through the Comprehensive Review. We passed, unanimously, a motion to enter into full communion with The United Church of Christ, USA. At this decision we sang both national anthems, O Canada and The Star-Spangled Banner. And we agreed to enter into mutual recognition of the ministries of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines and The Presbyterian Chuch of Korea. There have been representatives from all of these denominations with us for our Council.
We also made the very important decision as to who will be our next Moderator. It was a nail-biter but one filled with constant prayer. Throughout the day we cast our ballots as the field of nominees was narrowed. The first vote eliminated 4 names from the list of 12 and then three names were dropped, then two, then one, until we were down to two candidates. John Young and Jordan Cantwell, each highly qualified and incredibly gifted. The final decision was announced just prior to our dinner break at 7:00 with Rev. Jordan Cantwell being named the next Moderator of the United Church. There is confidence that she will lead the church well.
Tonight the Local Arrangements Committee provided us with a “Kitchen Party” in the gym of the local High School. There were lots of treats along with music and stories. It was a fun break for the weary Commissioners as we prepare for the last day of the Council.
I sat on the boat yesterday looking around at the folks I was sailing with and I felt a wave of gratitude for this interesting and diverse church that I am a member of. So many interesting and dedicated people make up this denomination, and I thank God that I can be part of this company of witnesses.
