West Edmonton Congregations "Connect" at St. Tim's

On Saturday, September 22, 2018, four west Edmonton churches met at St. Timothy’s for the Connect Potluck - an afternoon of food, fellowship and singing.

The idea for an ecumenical potluck was proposed to St. Timothy’s rector, the Rev. Anthony Kwaw, and received the full support of vestry. Although four congregations had been sharing St. Timothy’s church building for worship space for the past four years, their different hours of worship made interaction difficult.

Kwaw invited the other congregational leaders: Rabbi Michael Terrett, B’Nai Chayim Messianic Jewish; Pastor Dejan Buljovcic, Calvary Chapel; Pastor George Obeng, Bread of Life; to a meeting to explore the possibility of an ecumenical potluck. When the congregational leaders met, they unanimously embraced the idea and decided to call the event “Connect” – an occasion for our members to meet and connect with one another. A date was set, and each congregation sought five volunteers to help with organizing the event.

In spite of inclement weather, more than 90 people, ranging in age from infants to seniors, met in the sanctuary to sing one song selected by each congregation. After the singing, Rabbi Michael said the blessing before the potluck meal. People served themselves and sat at dinner tables in St. Timothy’s narthex and cloister where they were able to meet and mingle. There was an abundance of food and many leftovers.

God willing, the congregations plan to make the Connect potluck an annual event, possibly adding an ecumenical worship service. Thank you to all who embraced, promoted and attended this grace-filled event. Submitted by the Rev. Anthony Kwaw; Photos: Lloyd Ropchan