 Merry Christmas“Glory to God in the Highest.” Lk. 2:14
The Shepherds heard the Angels sing “Glory”. This act of praise caused them to seek out the Christ Child. Nevertheless it was not until they went and saw Jesus for themselves that it is written that they praised God and said wonderful things about what they saw. (Lk. 2:20)
I have had the privilege of leading a bible study of young, new or inquiring Christians. A young lady who has just received Christ as Lord and Saviour has been glowing as she realizes the blessings she has been given in Christ. “I never knew what I was missing until I actually believed.” she said.
It is one thing to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is another to hear someone talking about what Christ has done for them. But is not until we meet Christ personally that we begin to realize the great blessing that we have in him.
It is my prayer that as you hear the story of the birth of the Christ Child you will open your heart to him and meet him for yourself if you do not already know him. Christ holds so many blessings for us.
Sheila and I want to wish all a very merry and a very blessed Christmas. May we give praise to God because we have met with the child born in a manger and now reigns as Lord and Saviour. May he reign in your heart.
Blessings in Christ
Bishop Larry Robertson
WELCOME
Welcome to the website of the Right Rev'd Larry Robertson DD, the Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of the Arctic, supervising the Episcopal Region of Mackenzie and Kitikmeot.
Here you will find material for your prayers, stories of mission in the Arctic, and a weekly Calendar for the Bishop's activities. Included are connections to the websites of a number of the parishes in his Episcopal Region, complete with Contacts, Service Times, History, and Photos.
Enjoy the stories, the photos, and the hard work of the parishes for Christ. Remember to pray for them all, and for me, Larry Robertson, a Suffragan Bishop of the Arctic.
February in the Keewatin
After 3 previous attempts to visit the parishes of Arviat, Baker Lake and Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, I finally made it in February. I arrived in Arviat on a cold clear day to a quick meal and to the year old church for Confirmation Service. 14 were confirmed. As I looked at this crowded church filled with people of all ages I was struck that the leadership of this parish comes from 2 elderly deacons, the Rev. Joe Mannik and the Rev. Mike Gibbons. These two have worked hard to build a new church building and then to fill the church with people praising God. At this service there were also 2 Lay Leaders licensed. The next day we had a vestry meeting where the 2 deacons both recognized the need for someone fresh so they might step down and retire.
In Baker Lake I was met by the Deacon in Charge, the Rev. Joedee Joedee. This man was A lay Leader when I was in Baker as a minister. It shows how God nurtures us and helps us grow into the calling he has for us. At the service in the evening there were 2 confirmed and the following day the were 5 licensed as Diocesan Lay Leaders and 1 as a Parish Lay Leader. This parish has always had many lay leaders as there is a full schedule of services. (2 Sunday Services, Sunday School, 2 mid week services, 2 – 3 bible studies and regular visits to the sick and aged.) The Lay Leaders are the ones who lead most of these services and meeting often helped by the ladies of the Argnait Ikayuktiukatauyun (ladies group). One of the services were lead by the members of the Youth Group who are lead by Lay Leader Bill Martee. This
group has a music ministry that gives praise to God. This parish is eagerly waiting for the new minister (Rev. Lucy Nester) to arrive.
From Baker I went to Rankin Inlet. The Minister in Charge (Rev. Paul Williams) was in Winnipeg accompanying his wife Nowyah who was having medical tests done. Our prayers go with her. I was met by the associate priest Rev. Mike Sholdice who was with me for the weekend. We have a Holy Communion Service with the people. This is a parish where there is much potential for growth.
The Keewatin is a Deanery were there is much excitement for God. The people are desirous to serve Jesus and it is always a pleasure to go there.
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Copyright 2007 - Diocese of the Arctic
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