Dear Friends, 

I am sending the May newsletter out just a touch early as I wanted to let you know that this coming Sunday, May 1st, our own Wayne Stewart will be preaching and leading conversations about his Lenten pilgrimage walking the length of Vancouver Island with Bishop McMenamie.  They walked in a sacred walk of reconciliation with the earth and our Indigenous brothers and sisters.  The article below is an excerpt from Wayne's book Live to Lead which was written before this walk.  However his comments about how God responds to us when we admit we are "not busy enough" and open ourselves to new journeys and good works is pertinent. 
If you are unable to be with us on Sunday but would like to learn a bit more about Wayne and Bishop Logan's pilgrimage there are some excellent videos on the walk's website click here.

Highlights for the rest of May are included in the calendar below. As we continue to work on food security please note the Wednesday evening book study of The Omnivore's Dilemma that begins Wednesday, May 11 and runs for four Wednesday evenings.  The working group also recommends you have a look at a recent article by Consumer Report on our food system. Click Here.

This past Sunday we had a record turn-out at Conversations as heard about some of the joys and challenges of welcoming a family of another culture and background.  Please continue to watch your email for updates about our refugee family.   

It is wonderful that so much of our energy as a community of faith is focused outward on being Christ's hands and feet in the world.   

With very blessing,

Anna Greenwood-Lee
St. Laurence Anglican Church
403-249-6184 x. 2
Wayne Stewart - An Excerpt from his book Live to Lead
Vocation: Good Work
 
"I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."  (Paul's letter to the Ephesians 4:1)
 
In "The Reinvention of Work," Matthew Fox says that we must differentiate between good work and bad work and then only take on the good stuff.  In his formulation, good work is sacred work that engages our entire being including our soul.  Good work is that which is consonant with our core values, that which builds upon our self-awareness and allows us to maintain our integrity at the highest level.  Good work alleviates the stress and inner conflict suffered when persons are engaged in work that does not accord with their personal values, Fox's bad work.
 
As we proceed on the path of self awareness and deepen our understanding of personal values and self, questions about our life's good work will emerge.  "Am I doing the right work?   Could I be doing more?  What should I be doing?  Is there something out there that only I am suited to do?"  These and similar questions will enter our thoughts and demand a response.
 
Often when we are in the midst of a career change, we are helped along by someone who helps us answer the question, "what do we really like to do?"  We should resist the temptation to believe this helps define our vocation (calling) for there is a big difference between what we like to do and what we should be doing.  Simply doing what we like to do is not sacred work and eventually will lead to the same sense of disquiet from which all bad works suffers.  Following our calling is doing what we should be doing, our good work.
 
How when can we discover what we are called to be and to do?
 
Christians have become familiar with the concept through the life of the saints, many of whom have received the call in a flash of light, a sudden inspiration, a dream or some similar experience.  Paul on the road to Damascus is the most vivid example.  Yet not many mere mortals will receive the call in this manner.  We must labor to discover it or labor on without it, often in a life devoid of meaning, inspiration and potential.  The discovery of a call produces a comforting outcome, bringing peace and good work.  The result is worth the labor and the pain of the journey.
The best, happiest life, the life in which we are all we can possibly be, the one in which we make the biggest impact, is possible only when we discover who we really are and begin to practice that, in other words, when we are engaged in our personal good work.
 
There are several ways to approach discernment - the process of discovering a calling.  Some people may wish to follow a structured approach as in my Durham experience.  Others advocate simply being open to opportunities as they arise.  I have benefited from both approaches.  In the unstructured approach, I have been recruited into two senior level roles in the nonprofit sector by a friend who knew my passion and capacity for the work and of my availability to accept the job.  This approach requires that you stay in touch with friends and keep them alert to your situation, as I did by reporting that I was 'not busy enough.' 
May at St. Laurence
 
Sunday, May 1
10:00 am Holy Eucharist.  Anna to celebrate and Wayne Stewart preaching and leading Conversations re: his Sacred Journey Walk

Thursday, May 5
9:30 am Contemplative Prayer Service with Geri Urch

Sunday, May 8  
10:00 am Holy Eucharist.  Anna to celebrate and The Rev. Ryan Anderson to preach and lead Conversations re: the Metro-Alliance for the Common Good

Wednesday May 11
7:30 pm Know Your Food with Elizabeth McLennan and Sue Scott

Thursday, May 12
9:30 am Prayer Group with Stuart McKay

Sunday, May 15  
10:00 am  Pentecost 
The Rev. Anna Greenwood-Lee Please wear red or orange as we celebrate this festive day.

This is also Food Bank Sunday. Please remember to bring your donations.
Monday, May 16 to Thursday, May 19
Anna will be away at the Clergy Conference

Wednesday, May 18
7:30 pm Know Your Food 

Thursday, May 19
9:30 am Contemplative Prayer Service with Geri Urch

Sunday, May 22  
10:00 am Trinity Sunday  Holy Eucharist. Anna  will do a sermon exploring images of the Trinity in Art.
 
No Conversations due to May long week-end.
 
Wednesday, May 25
7:30 pm Know Your Food

Thursday, May 26
9:30 am Prayer Group with Stuart McKay
 
Sunday, May 29
10:00 am Holy Eucharist Anna will  preach and celebrate.