After the close of Synod on May 24th, 20 young synod delegates and youth leaders from across the diocese traveled to the parish of St. Margaret's, Cedar Cottage for a sleepover event organized by the Diocesan Youth Movement (DYM). As in previous years, the sleepover event was designed to build fellowship between younger delegates across the diocese, and to facilitate discussion and worship around one of the themes of Synod. This year, special guests; Vivian Seegers, Rev. Laurel Dykstra and Rev. Michael Batten shared powerful stories on the history of residential schools, and the ministry of healing being undertaken by Anglicans connected with the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Canada. Laurel led the group in worship to respond to the discussion, and inspired them to be a part of events being organized by Reconciliation Canada in Vancouver in September.
On Saturday, delegates joined Bishop Michael and Bishop James Tengatenga for lunch during which they discussed the differences between being a young person in the Dioceses of New Westminster and Southern Malawi. This was Bishop Michael's last Synod lunch with young delegates and there was a chance for both Bishops to offer advice for young delegates who will be a part of the diocese's electoral synod in the Fall. Bishop Michael advised delegates to "choose someone who isn't safe... someone who will push you to uncomfortable places" when it came to discerning their choice, and Bishop James reflected that a bishop should be someone who ministers with young people; "a bishop should come from the energy of the Church... that is its young people."
Images: Top, Post-it Note reflections from the sleepover, Below Younger Synod delegates decorate tiles to distribute at the Walk for Reconciliation scheduled for September 22nd in Vancouver