Help Us Find Our Next Priest

Dear Friends in Valhalla Parish—

As many of you already know, we are in a time of leadership transition—Andrew's three year term with us comes to a close at the end of September.

We have recently begun working with the folks in Kootenay Summits Parish to pool resources that will allow us to hire a full-time incumbent shared between our parishes. In our congregational meeting at the end of July, we noted that we are looking for leadership that will help us to regain stability, and that will empower us in our mission and ministry. We have concerns, but we are also looking forward to what energy might emerge as we work together with our neighbours up the road.

While taking this path does mean that some things will continue to change, this does not mean that we are merging parishes. It does not mean that we will lose our distinctive identity. It does not mean that we will gather for worship in one community and not the other. At its heart, this work is about coming together to support the deepening of ministry throughout the region and right here in the parish. 

Please apply to serve on the Bishop's Personnel Commission to help us walk through the next phase of this process. We need people with a diversity of ages and perspectives who can help us discern what is needed for this time.

What is the Personnel Commission?

Archbishop Lynne is seeking applicants from Valhalla Parish and Kootenay Summits parish to become members of the Bishop's Personnel Commission. This group will work together to create job description and parish profile particular to ministry needs in our region and in our particular parish.

Members of both St. David's and St. Stephen's are welcome to apply. 

By joining this group, you will have a front row seat and role in working with members of both parishes and the Bishop, in preparing the profile, communicating with the parish, and interviewing candidates for this role. It will be an opportunity to help our congregations look ahead at what God is inviting us into, and what gifts and skills a future incumbent ought to bring to help us respond faithfully to God's call. 

How Do I Apply?

You can download an application form from the bottom of this page. Once you've done that, please fill it out and then send it via email to the Bishop's office (admin@kootenay.info). If you have any further questions about this, you can speak to parish wardens Chris D'Arcy and Lorraine Deans.