The link for this week's live-streamed service is here.
On Sunday we welcomed The Rev. Joan Scandrett to our pulpit. She is an Anglican priest, ordained in 1996 and retired since 2014. During her active ministry she worked in rural settings, usually multi-point charges and often shared with the United Church of Canada. Since retired she has worked as an interim chaplain at Luther Court, done pulpit supply at Lutheran Church of the Cross, and was chaplain/manager of the James Bay United Thrift Shop. She is married to Daniel Fournier, the priest of St. Luke's Cedar Hill. Currently she is the Stated Supply Minister at Trinity Presbyterian in Victoria. Obviously she has an ecumenical bent.
On Sunday, the Rev. Scandrett did pulpit exchange with Rev. Irwin, who is the interim moderator for Trinity.
Lots of titles and terms here to confuse us. What is the difference between an interim moderator and an interim minister? What is a "stated supply?" Why does it matter?
I searched out a few answers.
An interim moderator is the link between a congregation and the presbytery. He moderates session meetings for the congregation and facilitates the process for calling a new minister. The interim moderator is accountable to presbytery.
An interim minister is responsible for weekly worship, but also enters into a covenant with the congregation for specified goals and an agreed upon timeline with the presbytery and session for accomplishing those goals. The interim minister operates under the supervision of the interim moderator.
A stated supply is an ordained person, appointed for a specific period of time, who provides worship leadership. The stated supply may perform other pastoral duties as determined by the session and the presbytery. The stated supply also works under the supervision of the interim moderator.
If this all sounds very legalistic, it's because the Presbyterian Church in Canada is a national denomination. As such, the whole denomination cares for all its congregations. Churches like Trinity or SPPC are not individual entities left to flourish or flounder on their own. We are one big family with relatives spread out from coast to coast. When needed, we can call on that family for support, prayer, consolation and encouragement.
We often laugh about how many committees are necessary to operate a Presbyterian church, but it's nice to know that all those committees are linking arms to provide a framework where congregations and individuals can live out their calling to love the Lord and serve our neighbours.
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Reminders:
- Vintage Fashion Show and Tea this Thursday, Feb. 29, 1:00 pm at SPPC. (The fashions are vintage. The tea is fresh. )
- World Day of Prayer service on Friday, March 1 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth’s in Sidney, 10030 Third Street.
As we think about our congregations and the Christian church worldwide, listen to this hymn. It is not one we've sung in our congregation, but maybe we should.
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