It is a pleasure this morning to extend greeting to our Suffragen Bishop, Ron Cutler. We look forward to his visit, his leadership in worship this morning, as well as the opportunity to visit following the 10:30 service with refreshments in our hall. I hope that many of you will be able to stay and meet Bishop Ron.

I give thanks for the organizers and participants in the World Day of Prayer Service held at St. Andrew's on Friday night. The service was wonderfully done and meaningful, I'm sure, for all those who came out on what was not an ideal night weather wise.

I was pleased to attend two workshops at the diocesan centre this week. On Tuesday I attended a seminar for those who are contemplating retirement within the next ten years. At fifty six years of age that would include me. Like many of you, however, I wonder if freedom 55 will now be freedom 85 in light of economic
conditions.

On Wednesday I attended a seminar for clergy who had been ordained between 5 and 7 years. This time frame has been identified as a pivotal time in the vocations of clergy. The session was informative, affirming and it was great to be with colleagues with whom I studied with at AST.

I remind you of the Wednesday evening services at St. Andrew's at 7 p.m. during Lent. I encourage you to make this part of your Lenten discipline. Following the Wednesday service it was a pleasure to practice with our choir.

On Thursday I met with Arch Deacon, Mark Kingsbury, to discuss regional business. On Thursday evening a meeting regarding St. Luke's church took place at St. Andrew's. More details of how we will be winding down operations at St. Luke's and amalgamating them with St. Andrew's will be made available as they become clear.

May God bless you this week, and throughout this season of Lent as we seek to reaffirm and renew our relationship with the risen Lord.

Rev. Mike