What are the biggest challenges of serving multiple rural parishes?
The biggest challenge is the geography. From end to end, my region spans almost 100 km. Having multiple Sunday services in different locations often makes it feel like I’m always on the run; there’s never enough time to spend with the first congregation as I dash out the door to the next service. It isn’t easy to connect with people when you’re always on the move.
Another personal challenge is that it’s all too easy to get despondent sometimes. The Anglican landscape of the Eastern Townships has changed significantly in the five years that I’ve been here: I’ve been part of a dozen church closures and building sales. That’s quite something to go through within your first years of ordained ministry! It has been a genuine privilege to walk alongside these congregations in this time of transition, but it is hard and emotional work.

Are there assumptions people make about rural or multi-parish ministry that you’d like to challenge?
A lot of people seem to think that I have an idyllic, easy life in the country. Yet, multiple parishes come with multiple challenges — multiple building problems, multiple personalities, multiple administrations. I have no secretaries or administrative assistants. I spend a lot of time in my car, regularly driving hundreds of kilometres each week. I am the only full-time priest across eight parishes. And, even in those places where we have sold a church building, I still get called upon to do pastoral care or funerals — the building might be gone, but the ministry continues. Life in the country is wonderful, but the work is hard!

How do you manage fatigue and avoid burnout?
I try to make time for things other than the Church, and take full advantage of all that country life has to offer. I love to cross-country ski and hike, I split my own firewood, bake sourdough bread, keep chickens and have a big vegetable garden: I planted 250 garlic bulbs this year! I go to the gym 3-4x a week and I have my rambunctious, but loveable dog, Roxy.

Does anyone help you in your ministry?
I am the only full-time priest, but I am not alone. I am very grateful for the support of two retired priests (Archdeacons Linda Borden Taylor and Tim Smart), as well as two deacons (Randy Gates and Judy Ball) who assist in the area. I have a lay reader who serves in one of the parishes. I am also thankful for the important support of the lay leadership teams that help me in my ministry.

Can you share an example of an initiative that’s made a real difference in the community?
One of my parishes, St. James the Apostle, has a Youth Council. It’s not a youth group or Sunday school, but a group dedicated to fundraising for initiatives that support young people and families in our region. Since 2023, the Youth Council has donated almost $9000.00 to things like Breakfast Programs in elementary schools, which ensure that young students start their day with full stomachs and alert minds.
It is so rewarding to be able to empower and equip the younger generation for leadership, and it is having a direct impact on our parish attendance: we are getting record attendance at Christmas and Easter services, higher numbers than we’ve seen in the past 40 years! The average Sunday attendance is also slowly growing. People want to be part of a good thing.

How do you balance honouring tradition with adapting to change?
I love tradition! I would consider myself a traditional priest: we even had incense at one of my churches on Christmas Eve. But, within that tradition, I strive to make radical space for the newcomer, and especially the next generation.
At St. James the Apostle, we have our Youth Council. Our treasurer is 25 years old and just completed a masters degree in accounting; one of our wardens is in her 30’s and brings her two young daughters with her on Sundays.
Instead of tucking children away in another room, we’ve made a corner for them directly in the church. Don’t get me wrong, I think Christian formation at all ages is important, but this is a way of showing families that they are welcome, that kids belong in church — that kids belong in the liturgy.

What has rural ministry taught you that you might not have learnt elsewhere?
It really feels like in only five years, I’ve had an entire career’s worth of administrative experience: I’ve been involved in a dozen property transitions, I’ve worked with real estate agents, surveyors, lawyers, municipalities, and notaries. I’ve been involved in major construction projects, worked with contractors, spearheaded fundraising campaigns, and applied for grants. I don’t know how many other priests have that level of experience so early on in their careers. I’ve gained some serious business experience!

Do you have any goals for the future?
I recently applied to Carleton University’s program for Philanthropy and Non-Profit Leadership. The structures that have sustained the Church for decades are no longer working: we need to pivot, we need to adapt. My learning goals for the program are to build greater confidence in envisioning and implementing strategic planning, and better ease in navigating the challenges of constrained budgets and limited resources. I want to be more capable of leadership in the Church of tomorrow.

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From parish and committee members to youth group leaders—both lay and ordained—he called us to recognize that we are one body in Christ, each performing unique tasks toward a shared mission.

Let’s make this solidarity tangible. Together, we can be supporters, allies, leaders, and advocates for children, youth, and family ministry. To help nurture that unity, we invite you to join a monthly Zoom gathering—a brief but meaningful time of prayer, connection, inspiration, and networking.

Your opinions, experiences, insights, and ideas are deeply valued.
• If you are not currently leading a program for children or youth — you are welcome.
• If you once served in that capacity but no longer do — you are welcome.
• If you feel called to begin serving — you are welcome.
• If you simply value ministry with young people and wish to support those who do — you are very much welcome.

Let’s come together, strengthen one another, and continue building up the body of Christ—one conversation, one prayer, one act of support at a time.
Monthly at noon on Zoom mtlyouth@montreal.anglican.ca

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The Blessing Bag Project

One of the key reflections during this time was how we, as a Diocese, could better support families and young children attending church services. As an early childhood educator, I am acutely aware of the challenges children face when asked to sit quietly for long periods. While many churches already provide “busy bags” for children, I wanted to explore the idea of offering diocesan-level support.
This led to the creation of the Blessing Bag pilot project, developed in consultation with church leaders. The project was launched alongside the All Children Are Welcome / Tous les enfants sont les bienvenus campaign during the 2024 back-to-school season. The goal of the campaign was to encourage inclusive practices for families, and the Blessing Bags became a tangible expression of that welcome.
To support this initiative, we distributed bilingual pew cards and posters, along with a short YouTube video (available in both English and French) to communicate this message. A QR code on promotional materials also directed parents to a new online resource: A Parent’s Guide to Surviving Church with Kids.

Revamping the Children and Youth Web Page

In our ongoing efforts to support leaders and parents, we also revamped the Children and Youth webpage to offer more accessible resources. One key addition is the introduction of monthly Diocesan lesson plans, which are free, easily downloadable, and designed to support ministry settings across our Diocese.
To gather further feedback and encourage communication, I circulated a Questionnaire focused on two key ministry projects; the Bible Story Walk and the Blessing Bags.
Parish leaders were also invited to provide general feedback on the broader scope of children, youth, and family ministry efforts.

The Bible Story Walk: A Community Engagement Initiative

The Bible Story Walk is an outdoor art installation featuring child-friendly panels that illustrate biblical stories. Launched in 2023, the first version retold The Creation Story using Godly Play language and has remained on display for two years.

Key Highlights:

• Ten parishes participated in the outdoor installation, and two hosted an indoor version.
• The feedback from hosting churches and visitors was overwhelmingly positive.
• The project engaged community members and piqued their curiosity about faith in an accessible, non-traditional setting.
• A QR code on the panels allowed passersby to connect with the host parish, adding a digital element to the engagement.
While some respondents asked if the project helped increase church attendance, the primary aim of the Bible Story Walk is to meet people where they are—whether they are walking their dogs, commuting, or simply passing by.
Blessing Bags: Feedback and Considerations
The Blessing Bag project allowed churches to offer children a small gift during services that served as both a quiet activity and a token of appreciation.

Distribution Summary:
• 200 bags were distributed across 20 parishes, with 10 bags per parish.
• Contents included a mini magna doodle, wooden cross, Christian-themed stickers, bubble wand, crayon pack, Parent Guide (with QR code for more resources), all packed in a paper bag with a branded sticker.

Feedback Highlights:
• Many parishes expressed gratitude for the initiative.
• The Magna Doodle was particularly popular among children.
• Some noted that the materials were not environmentally sustainable.
• The project helped reinforce the importance of making children feel valued and welcomed in church spaces.
Given the mixed responses, we are evaluating the future of the Blessing Bag initiative and welcome further input. The questionnaire remains open for additional feedback.

Strengthening Communication and Collaboration
A common theme of the feedback was a desire for better communication and collaboration between parishes and diocesan initiatives. In response, we are launching a series of monthly online forums for leaders, scheduled for Thursdays at noon. These forums will provide a space for clergy and lay leaders to:
• Share experiences and insights.
• Discuss challenges and opportunities in children, youth, and family ministry.
• Network, inspire one another, and build stronger connections.
• Participate in informal, facilitated discussions that promote learning and collaboration.
These forums are open to all, whether you wish to actively contribute or simply listen and learn from others.

Looking Ahead: Bible Story Walk Returns
I’m excited to announce that the Bible Story Walk will return this summer with a brand-new story! This year, we’ll feature an illustrated rendition of The Lord’s Prayer, which will tour across churches in the Diocese of Montreal. Stay tuned for more details on how your parish can get involved in this inspiring initiative!

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– All Saints by the Lake pew card

When we enter a space we all want to feel welcomed, to feel that we belong.

Churches in our diocese proudly offer spaces of belonging to all. We do this by providing a proper greeting at the door with a well-crafted bulletin that serves as a roadmap of the service to come.

When we enter we are encouraged to take a seat, to enjoy the peaceful meditative atmosphere: the high ceilings, the music, the remnant smell of candles and incense or the pages of ancient books that have been read by generations. This can be a sensorial delight for many which may even lead to a sense of profound awe and/or deep reverence.

But what about children?

What about families with children?
Some who are fussy and impatient?
For whom the serenity of church is not accessible?
Maybe it’s even a little scary?
Or overwhelming?
Or boring?
What does welcome mean to them?
Do they feel included, noticed?

Even at the best of times, children have different needs than adults. They are at a developmental stage where sitting still and being quiet for any length of time can be challenging.

Every child is unique and some may feel right at home straight away in a church context but for those who don’t, what can we do? In the Anglican Diocese of Montreal, how can we provide a greater sense of welcome and belonging to families?

Many of our churches already provide intentional and dedicated children’s corners, children’s ministry programs with age appropriate activities and/or busy bags to keep children occupied and to nurture their spiritual curiosity.

We commend these efforts and encourage an even greater stewardship in this area. We would also like to further support these efforts and extend our help.

We are developing a campaign of intentional welcome for families including a parents guide, a poster, optional monthly children’s ministry lesson plans and church goody bags to orient new families.

This is an offering to reinforce existing efforts to let families know that they are not only welcome but seen, and are important to the life of the Church.

This is a new initiative and one that is being refined. Thanks to the input of a select group of clergy and lay leaders we are still in the testing phase of the project. It is our hope that we will be able to grow the project in an ongoing effort to welcome and encourage families to be a part of our worship experiences.

We need your suggestions and feedback. Please let me know if you would like to participate. (lmatthews@montreal.anglican.ca). We look forward to this new collaboration!

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Called A Still Small Light, this Epiphany Retreat’s full itinerary was posted throughout the space at the church, giving us a chance to mentally prepare for the rhythm of the day to come.

After breakfast, the Rev Grace Pritchard-Burson, our retreat leader, provided some words of welcome and orientation. This set the tone for a day of rest, reflection, meditation and restoration. When we entered the chancel space and huddled together to sing hymns and say morning prayer I was curious about how things would unfold.

I confess that I appreciate the opportunity to sing in community. This is one of the unique and special offerings of the Church and I am always moved by this humble yet powerful experience. So, when we joined together as a small but mighty chorus, accompanied by our friend and colleague, Neil Mancor on piano, I was officially in my element.

Following the chorus, Grace led an opening meditation, priming us for stillness. I started to notice how I was feeling, and it got me thinking – as we do when we are attempting to meditate, – that when things are too busy or we are too stressed or in our heads, we can find ourselves feeling isolated and alone. We feel stuck. At least, that is how I had been feeling.

To be honest, with everything going on in my life, the last thing I had time for was a full day retreat – but – at the same time, it was exactly what I needed. There is an old Zen saying: “You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day. Unless you’re too busy, then you should sit for an hour.” Just by being there, I started to let go and I feel my soul relax. The truth is, sometimes all you need to do is show up.

During the break there were times of silence. Prayer stations had been laid out in the beautiful sanctuary, carefully prepared for us to engage with. Having this structured time to consider what I needed was a balm for my soul. I felt so soothed and cared for as I made my way around the spectacular stone-walled space without a care in the world. I moved slowly and breathed deeply.

Eventually, I climbed a flight of stairs and found a couch to slump into. The space was lit by some huge lead-paned windows. I picked up a Bible and opened it without much thought or effort, taking comfort, allowing myself to get lost in the words. The simple act of reading and being present was fortifying. When the retreat bell sounded inviting us to return for another round of meditation, I was alert and prepared.

Meditation can reveal so much to us about the quality of our thoughts and our capacity for stillness and listening. It can sweep away cobwebs and invite us into deeper union with our Creator. I felt the tension in my neck melt and my heart soften. The meditations throughout the day provided the perfect balance of guidance and silence.

When we were invited to choose our own silent prayer time, I returned to the couch, let it hold me, and, covering my eyes with my hat, I fell into a gentle slumber. Breathing slowly and rhythmically, was both calming and restorative. My body and soul experienced a sense of deep rest that I hadn’t realized I needed.

Soon, we returned to the chancel for midday prayer and more singing and this is where the floodgates opened. My heart and soul were moved and I felt the Holy Spirit. Tears flowed down my cheeks. I welcomed the release, trusting that when emotions surface, they deserve to be felt and expressed. And so, I did.

We left the inner landscape and returned to the space we started in where, we enjoyed some conversation, lunch and fellowship. I was delighted to meet an inspiring 93-year-old woman who shared pictures from her youth. We crafted together and closed the day with sharing.

I was moved by the depth and insights from the participants of all ages and by the impact that a day of retreat had on each of us.
I am so impressed and grateful to the Rev. Grace Pritchard-Burson and her team at All Saints by the Lake for delivering a retreat for tired people, to allow us to be spiritually fed, (the hot breakfast certainly didn’t hurt either!) and to provide formal opportunities to enter into profound spaces of restoration and connection with ourselves, with God and with one another.

What I am trying to say is… thank you, I needed that!

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It has been interesting to learn about the ways that the Bible Story Walk has impacted communities and encouraged engagement.

Here is some of the feedback I’ve received:

“We had it here (St Paul’s Greenfield Park) for a month and I got to see all sorts of different people coming and taking advantage of it. There were young people, high school students walking by and reading it and older people and families. All sorts of different people came to take advantage of the space and just see what it is that has been installed in the front lawn of the church.

One gentleman came and knocked on the door and said what’s the story with this? How come I wasn’t notified that this was here earlier? I love this. I want to go and tell all my neighbors.

Another lady that was making her way to the library stopped and even came to tears she was we later found out that she was going through these and pondering the wondering questions and she told us I’m going to go to the library I want to invite everybody who’s at the library down the road to come and enjoy this as well. That lady has since started attending the 8AM service that is here at St Paul’s.

The only downside is that we couldn’t keep it all summer and we wish we could have. We wish it could still be here but we understand it’s going to be at other churches so others in the area can enjoy all for the glory of God and for his kingdom.
I just want to say thank you to the diocese and to Lee-Ann and Bishop Mary and everybody who is involved in this for making this available to us and allowing us to participate in it. Thank you.”

-The Rev Trevor Potter
(May 2023)

“Everyone enjoyed the story – there was engagement from the kids answering Neil’s questions and even the adults answered. Several people commented on how lovely the posts were and this was a great idea. Neil Mancor did an excellent job at reading – and talking with the kids.

It was great, it was very good for St. Barnabas. It showed that we are more than just a church building – and that there are fun things going on so check us out.

… it introduces the kids in an easy, simple and fun way to hear about God and His existence; to see what He is like and how He made all things.

New families and people showed up… the Bible Story was a bonus. We got to meet and chat with them. They know we are inviting them. It’s about mission; Jesus sends us out and this was a good way.

I noticed a couple of times during the Sunday service, when I was at the altar and the main doors are open to let air circulate (I can see straight outside the front to the display) I’ve noticed people walking by and reading the posts.”

– Deacon Debbie Galt-Shane (June 2023)

As this is something we haven’t done before, we are in an experimental phase, adapting as we go. Each church has been encouraged to invite neighbours to their lawn for an event to celebrate the Story Walk, serve lemonade etc. This has proven to be fruitful and has provided opportunities to connect with families and the spiritually curious of all ages and stages of life.
The project broke ground at its first stop at St. Paul’s Greenfield Park in May then to St Barnabas Pierrefonds, followed by All Saints by The Lake, Dorval, St Thomas Church in NDG and St Philips Montreal West. Its final destination for the season will be Christ Church Beaurepaire in October 2023.

If you are interested in hosting the project in 2024 or are inspired by this project and have other ideas you wish to share, get in touch with Lee-Ann Matthews: lmatthews@montreal.anglican.ca

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An event-based model is an effective way of making connections, deepening relationships and strengthening the fabric of ministry. As our culture continues to change, we must respond and adapt.

An expression of hospitality is not only a creative and meaningful way to connect, express love and deepen bonds; it is also a crucial tenet of our faith. Hospitality is a transformational Christian practice and extends all the way back to the book of Genesis. Hosting events in a spirit of hospitality gives us tangible opportunities to express our mission, share our faith and extend the borders of Christian community.

Through this model, we are afforded the privilege of building relationships and connections, not only with our neighbours, but to strangers and those who are marginalized and vulnerable. This act of service is, in fact, fundamental to our call. But, it demands a lot of us as we must sometimes go outside of our comfort zone, perhaps finding hidden skills and talents. This also means bumping up against the tension of trying new things, making mistakes and managing the disappointment and even shame of rejection or failure.

An event-based model is not transactional: there are no expectations of attendees such as fund raising, conversion or membership. We aren’t recruiting Anglicans, volunteers, disciples or members of Sunday School. All of these things may be an outcome of course, but they are not the primary objective. When we host events in ministry, let’s view this through the lens of sheer generosity: we are giving a gift, and there are no strings attached.

Here are some of the things you will need:

Time: carve out a generous window of opportunity, likely forfeiting or delaying some aspects of your existing ministry, perhaps put book club, bake sale, or altar guild meetings etc. on hold. This may seem impossible or even daunting but your community will understand and be grateful if you articulate your vision with clarity and purpose. “I am planning an event this fall that will benefit our parish and I will need to withdraw from a few commitments in order to make this happen.”

Energy: Visualize the project and gather up the gumption to execute. You will need stamina and focus. Surround yourself with supporters and stay attuned to their energy. Like an athlete training for their sport, you will need to find ways of building up your reserves and being ready to give it all you’ve got. Whatever gives you vitality, do that!

Passion: Your emotional connection to this event is the spark that will propel you to the finish line. Tap into and listen to that voice, follow and express it creatively through writing, blogs and sermons, with doodles and however and whenever you can. Your Passion is contagious and will attract supporters to the project and will influence the outcome.

Grit: Prepare yourself for a season of hard work, courage and resilience. There will inevitably be pitfalls, naysayers and unexpected demands. You will make mistakes, face challenges and hardships. Don’t let this deter you. Get up and try again. You haven’t gotten this far in your ministry without overcoming obstacles. Successful events don’t happen by luck or circumstances but are a direct result of perseverance and determination.

Faith: Each of us is called to our roles in ministry for a different reason. Pray on and trust your guiding principle. You don’t need me to tell you but it bears mentioning now that your faith in God is your highest force and from where your ultimate strength and conviction is derived.

Wonder & Curiosity: Approaching event planning with wonder and curiosity implies we are open and available. From here, we aren’t preoccupied with winning or losing. We are in the moment, with an open mindset and a desire to learn and expand. Growth is a guaranteed outcome and there is no “losing” from this perspective. Assuming an experimental posture means that there is something to gain regardless of the perceived success of your event.

Do you have what it takes? Of course you do! You have already been honing these skills in your leadership. A call to preach, lead, teach, and serve in Christian leadership requires all of these qualities and more.

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