Naramata Centre shutting until end of August

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The 5 positions are management-they are the people who plan programs, arrange leaders, run the bookstore etc.
 
Tabitha said:
The 5 positions are management-they are the people who plan programs, arrange leaders, run the bookstore etc.
Click to expand...

That's what I thought, but if it includes program staff, then 5 may not be unreasonable. I was thinking more of a "too many chiefs" type scenario.
 
In the early 70's I was on the Program Staff at Naramata.... a 2 year contract. There was no Union and since they called people, if they were Ordered Ministry, I see that things have changed quite drastically. They have built many things, like the labyrinth, the chapel. Things were somewhat simpler then and church was still in vogue.

I was there when Jean Vanier came to speak... that was an amazing time. Such depth in his faith filled the space.... crowded you could hear a pin drop. He never raised his voice, but was energy. A man of God and still is. When he left via the aisle I was sitting next to, he gazed momentarily into my eyes... I felt seen, and felt a warmth deep inside. It hurt a bit while it also drew me in. Of course the few seconds took me by surprise.. God can do that through someone else. He was at ease with himself and his message of loving others who are marginalized.

I suppose that was the top memory I have of my time there, though I have many other memories. I loved the mountains, lakes and valleys. Also figured I would retire out there, but of course, it was a dream that never was realized. Back in Ontario I was settled and life went on... and still does.

The season of Advent is on and music is lively and contains Christmas songs, carols, so far I've had no troubled looks from a Merry Christmas greeting. Happy Holidays...is as good. 'Holiday' comes from a word meaning Holy Day. I once looked it up and sure enough, it can serve as a holy greeting, whether known or not.
 
I have a poem for this Christmas, and you are welcome to read it below. Well it wouldn't open for me and only my pdf files are able to download it seems. I will post it anyway and you can let me know if it opens, or not.

Peace be....
 

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Spirit Wind 7 said:
I have a poem for this Christmas, and you are welcome to read it below. Well it wouldn't open for me and only my pdf files are able to download it seems. I will post it anyway and you can let me know if it opens, or not.

Peace be....
Click to expand...
here's to loving songs, hugs & angels!

thank you for sharing :)

(and thank you for introducing me to a new word!)
 
Thanks, Inannawhimsey. It did open after all.

The seniors choir I'm in sang at the mall this yesterday and sang all sorts of Christmas carols and songs. I can't go to those things but sing when we do programs here. They go around lunch time so there are people eating at the Food Court.
A good sign.

Peace be...
 
This makes me sad, although I've never been there myself. I've often read here & on WC original about how much this place and its programmes meant to people. Prayers for all.
 
Really! This is sad indeed. What will happen now? I suppose the Presbytery and Conference will have to decide.
I hope they might give it respite and see if something can be changed in the how, and determine something new.
Keep a vigil of hope and prayer until there is further word. Or, am I too late.
I will grieve this loss. I have friends who lives changed in this place.. I met them much later, before I ended up on program staff.

Perhaps a phoenix will rise.
 
I suspect closed is closed. COnference is the major debtor so will likely have a large say in the sale and distribution of the assets.
 
Presbytery had put $ into the 1/2 million campaign. BC Conference had loaned money-with the condition that the Centre be in the black-with a timeframe. Google BC Conference if you want to read their response to Centre closing.
Closed is closed.
 
I suspect you are right....closed is closed. What a shame. It certainly did good things in its hay days and those who were touched will be blessed, and those they also touched. The spirit is not down.
 
Ok heard radio interview with Sandy N (vice chair of the Board) today. Centre had changed from serving 8000 attendees yearly to less than 2000 yearly. Older buildings need upkeep. And on a personal note-I find myself cranky as folks on facebook moan about the loss and say-'but I wanted to take my kids there, I always wanted to go" etc. If they HAD gone perhaps the scenario would be different.
 
I hear you.... you're right. Many people wait too long for many things. And they are lost.
Kind of like use it, or lose it. Something we have heard many times.
 
Isn't this the second UCCan education centre to close recently? Are there any viable ones left? Closing places like this seems counter productive to me. How will people get exposed to new ideas and ways of doing things now? Talking from 'Head Office' doesn't seem to have much effect on the attitudes and activities of many local congregations.
 
The one near Ottawa closed many years ago - it was too bad. I was new to the United Church and it was a nice place for me to go and learn and meet people in a small setting. Healing Pathway is going to continue as an entity that will be nation-wide but within the confines of BC Conference (if I understand the email I got earlier today). I plan to buy a membership in it (even if I don't get a vote or input).
 
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