The gift of volunteers

The best of friends — Ken Gray, photo

It was such a lovely dinner. Around sixty members of the Anglican parish of St. Stephen, Summerland (STS), and Summerland United Church (SUC) enjoyed beautifully seasoned schnitzel, mashed potatoes whipped to the texture of icing sugar, tender cabbage rolls and a fluffy bun, all finished off with a sweet blueberry flan, everything prepared by Summerland’s niche bistro, the Sunflower Ukrainian Café. Seated around circular tables, we laughed, told stories, and enjoyed each other’s company. It was a grand time of connecting with those known, and those less known to each other.

It has been a few months now since our two congregations  “moved in together,” not in a formal “shared ministry” arrangement where all our activity, worship, administration, and outreach would be combined, but a collaboration where we share costs and facilities while maintaining our separate traditions and identity.

Our facility is now well and truly used almost every single day. Energy, laughter, and creativity are on constant display in hall, church sanctuary, and around our grounds. We both proudly shape our Christian faith around a liberal, inclusive, and progressive theological understanding and practice. In this we are unique in our community. We learn much from each other, and going forward we will share some initiatives, events, and worship together. We have discovered that our communities are highly miscible; I cannot imagine a better shared faith community adventure. We are truly becoming the best of friends.

Our volunteer appreciation dinner reflected the efforts made by so many in both congregations to bring this collaboration  to the present moment. For the SUC folks, the dream evolved  over the past 10 years—sell their Henry Street land and building to a developer which will build 60 units of accessible housing; find a new home for worship, witness, and ministry; and best of all, find a willing partner. Hello Anglicans!

Given circumstances of situation and history, STS  simultaneously found itself in tremendous flux, to the point where closing was a real option after 115 years at our current location. In fiscal terms, SUC opens up a significant source of revenue for us. In other ways, sharing together brings many physical resources to our parish including furniture and audio-visual equipment, a lovely grand piano, and movable seating. Most importantly we have welcomed in human resources the experience, energy, and creativity of a mid-size western Canadian United Church of Canada congregation.

Through all this change and challenge, both congregations have been blessed with the gift of volunteers. While clergy leaders have been present and supportive in both congregations through the time of transition and adaptation, it is the laity, church members—some with deep historical roots in each congregation and others stepping up for roles and responsibilities more recently—who have moved this project forward. It is clergy-supported though not clergy-driven.

Volunteers are the backbone of our two congregations. In the best circumstances, volunteers hold both historical memory and collective vision in proper balance. On the Anglican side of the equation, some folks have not been able to catch hold of the possibilities given some of the necessary losses. Those Anglican volunteers who remain however have given so much time, energy, and financial support. I can and must salute you. Last Friday night I spoke off the cuff, a risky vocal venture as some things get left out. I feel like I spoke more to the SUC experience than to Anglicans. May this blog go some distance in remediating my lopsided emphasis.

I used the word “risk” above. In my experience of faith communities over some years, I know that those who can embrace risk are best able to respond to changing times without abandoning their tradition; they find courage and the spiritual gift of discernment; they thrive both individually and collectively. They bless us all.

In his letters to the church in Corinth and Rome, Paul identifies volunteers as persons spiritually gifted, persons called to duties and delights, persons who function as an interconnected whole—he uses the language of a human body. Especially in smaller congregations the challenges can be multiple and sometimes overwhelming.

Presently, for us Anglicans in this region (Summerland down to Osoyoos on the Canada/US border) there is a tension between the desire to discern a way forward in uncertain times, and the truth that our volunteers are tiring, fast. Despite our best efforts, role succession has been difficult. The window of opportunity in our region to do something truly unique and transformative is closing; the clock is ticking down.

Back to the banquet, a catered banquet (courtesy of SUC) with teen helpers brought in to assist with the clean-up, we volunteers gathered, none with responsibilities. While the tables magically appeared absolutely everything else was cared for. It was marvellous—Time stood still . . .  as we all chanted “God bless the volunteers.” With thanks to SUC minister Anne Ellis for hosting the evening, and on behalf of the Anglicans present, thanks for the banquet. Watch this space; there’s more to come.