A Weekend of Learning, Fellowship, and Reconciliation
This past weekend, Lay Readers from every deanery in the Diocese of Algoma gathered at Christ Church, North Bay for the annual Lay Readers’ Conference. It was especially encouraging to see the participation of newly licensed Lay Readers, who brought fresh energy and commitment to the gathering.
On Friday evening, Archbishop Anne welcomed two special guests: The Rt. Rev. Rod BrantFrancis, Bishop of Moosonee, and The Rev. Jason Tripp, the new President of Thorneloe University. In a Fireside Chat, they spoke openly about their vocations, their call to ministry, and their vision for the future of the Diocese of Moosonee and Thorneloe University.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in sessions that offered new insights into the Eucharist, Reconciliation, Active Listening, and the life of the Anglican Church — global, national, and local. Times of prayer, worship, and table fellowship deepened the sense of community and shared mission among Algoma’s Lay Readers.
On Saturday morning, the gathering paused for a deeply moving act of reconciliation: the dedication of the Survivors’ Flag in honour of the thousands of residential school Survivors. With prayer and thanksgiving for their courage and resilience, the flag was then gifted to the Diocese of Moosonee as a sign of abiding friendship and gospel partnership.
Archbishop Anne expressed deep thanks to all who made the conference possible: The Rev. Dr. Derek Neal, The Rev. Beth Hewson, Archdeacon Joan Locke, Bishop Rod BrantFrancis, The Rev. Jason Tripp, Carrie Birtch, Marcia Grawbarger, Alison Weir, and the many volunteers from the parishes of Temiskaming Deanery whose work behind the scenes ensured a warm and welcoming event.
The 2025 Lay Readers’ Conference was a weekend marked by learning, fellowship, and reconciliation — and a reminder of the vital ministry Lay Readers continue to offer in the life of Algoma. For more information on support, training information, or connection to your local Lay Reader community, please reach out to your Deanery contact:
- Algoma: Rev. Susan Montague Koyle
susan.montague2@gmail.com - Sudbury–Manitoulin: Rev. Joyce Foster joyce.foster49@outlook.com
- Temiskaming: Carrie Birtch – carrie2626@hotmail.com
- Muskoka: Janet Borneman jborneman@vianet.ca
- Thunder Bay – North Shore: Rev. Deborah Everest debeverest7@shaw.ca