Al and I subscribe to the Globe and Mail.  In addition to reading the news pages, I always turn to the "In Person" feature--a personal essay written by readers exploring their lived experiences. In Tuesday's story Susan Marchiori writes about how "Grief and Loss Taught me How to Live."  In the last nine years eight  of her family members have died. She begins by asking the question: "How does one keep living when those around me keep dying?"  After considering some of the conventional wisdom which says that one should take advantage of all that life has to offer,  Susan opted to ignore what she called "this false sense of urgency" and instead to slow down and savour each moment, day, week, month and year.  She discovered that integrating an aspect of the life of each person she had lost helped her to do this. I invite you to read her essay on how she learned to heed the wisdom of those who had passed on before her. 

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

Our English Language Conversation Circle is meeting on April 25 from 1:00 - 3:00PM 

Come and join us for a delightful afternoon of English conversation with our Ukrainian sisters. We look forward to seeing you soon!

You Are Invited
We invite you to continue a journey that began last year - a journey of connecting, reflecting, and growing together as we explore the yearnings we share for the future of our church here in BC.

We will gather June 5-7, 2026, at King of Life Lutheran Church, 1198 Falcon Dr., Coquitlam

This gathering is an opportunity to:

Connect deeply with friends in Christ from across the province

Reflect on the initiatives we began last year—celebrating what has flourished and learning from our experiences

Grow new possibilities rooted in the yearnings that call us forward
 

Who Should Attend
Each congregation is invited to send up to four representatives, their called or interim pastor included. This gathering is for anyone who cares deeply about the future of our church in BC. We especially welcome those who attended last year and those who wanted to come but could not.

Important Notes
This gathering builds on the foundation laid in 2025, but it is not simply a status report. It is an invitation to continue co‑creating the future of our church through Spirit‑led collaboration rooted in genuine passion and shared responsibility. BC Synod will cover the costs of the event (gathering program and on‑site costs).
 
Registration
REGISTER HERE 
Registration deadline is April 24, 2026. We cannot guarantee accommodations after that date. 
Accommodation will be arranged at Executive Plaza in Coquitlam. This includes parking and breakfast. Since we have to confirm our group booking early, other accommodations will not be reimbursed. Travel costs will be covered by the synod. If air travel is required, please book your air fare early. 

‘And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?”  They stood still, looking sad.’ ~ Luke 24:17

Walk beside us, risen Jesus
On the Emmaus road of life
On the journey of confusion
On the road of questions
On the way of disappointment
When we do not understand.

Walk beside us, risen Jesus
On the Emmaus road of life
In the guise of the stranger
In the unfamiliar traveller
In the unexpected guest
When we feel almost overwhelmed.

Walk beside us, risen Jesus
On the Emmaus road of life
Give us insights beyond our knowing
Give us a glimpse of your will at work
Give us strength to keep on keeping on
When our hope is almost gone.
Amen.

—a resource from  Christian Aid, UK

Photo by Valentin Lacoste on Unsplash