Service of Confession and Reconciliation to Apologize to Rev. William (Bill) Fehr

Dear Friends,

On Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 4:00pm at Hope Lutheran Church in Nanaimo we will hold a special service of confession and reconciliation to apologize to Rev. William (Bill) Fehr, his family and friends.

Over 33 years ago, Rev. Fehr was serving as a pastor when our church decided that it was inappropriate for gay persons to serve as ordained clergy.   As Pastor Bill says, "Our integrity was called into question.  A small group of us spoke at length about our futures and our concerns and had to make very personal decisions.  One of my friends told his congregation and was immediately fired.  I chose to resign.  Another chose silence.  Whatever we chose there have been years of pain and loss for all of us and for those in the church who felt they were no longer welcome."

On May 20th, Bishop Jason Zinko (MNO Synod) and I will offer a public apology to Pastor Bill Fehr, his family and friends during this service of confession and reconciliation.  Pastor Terry Richardson and the people of Hope Lutheran have kindly offered to host us, in person and online.  Bishop Susan Johnson intends to participate via Zoom and retired National Bishop Raymond Schultz will preach.   Pastor Bill Fehr, now reinstated to the roster, will preside at Holy Communion.  Clergy and Deacons are invited to vest, the  liturgical colour is red.  The worship link will be sent out next week. (to participate via Zoom) 

Holy Communion with Service of Confession and Reconciliation
4:00 pm Saturday, May 20, 2023 - Hope Lutheran Church, Nanaimo

 The clean-up crew did a fabulous job last Saturday raking, weeding, pruning and sprucing up our grounds. Most of the cedar hedge that had dried up was pulled and the large hemlock branches hanging over the north entrance path were lopped off. A record 1474 pounds of garden waste was hauled off to the landfill! Thank-you to all gardeners, weeders and tree pruners! 

The clean-up day coincided with the last day of the Spring session of our Ukrainian-English Conversation Group. We celebrated with a potluck lunch featuring Ukrainian dishes, folk-singing, hugs, and lot of laughter. We were delighted that some of the clean-up volunteers could join us to help celebrate our accomplishments. Pastor Vida, and teacher Natalia Zaliznyak handed out Certificates of Participation to alumni of the Fall and Spring Sessions and we are looking forward to host a third conversation circle in the Fall.  

For more great pictures click on the "More" button below which will take you to our webpage blog post. 

Thank-you to Ken Parkinson for the Clean-up Day pics! 

We have been notified by the Turning Point Recovery House that they need more baskets already! If you would like to contribute towards the cost of the baskets that would be appreciated. As always, you can donate using cash, cheque or e-transfer. Just make a note to say "Turning Point Baskets". Lin will be putting the baskets together next week.

Thank you!

For all the mothers and mother figures
The grandmothers, aunts, and extended family members who mother
The soon-to-be mothers, the wish-they-were mothers, the never-wanted-to-be mothers, the “it’s complicated” mothers
The birth mothers, foster mothers, adoptive mothers, stepmothers
The “used to be Dad” mothers and “more than one Mom” mothers
The single mothers, separated mothers, stay-at-home mothers, unhoused mothers
The grieving mothers, those who grieve their mothers, and those whose grief is complex
For all the communities that mother
And for all who depend on the Great Mother
You are held — and beloved.