St. Christopher’s, McGregor Bay: A Generous Spirit

By the Most Rev. Anne Germond

On Sunday, July 20^th, I had the joy of worshipping with the faithful community of St. Christopher’s in McGregor Bay, one of Algoma’s water-access-only seasonal churches.

Folk who summer in The Bay come from Canada, the United States, and countries around the world. Though they belong to many traditions—Anglican and Episcopalian, Presbyterian and Roman Catholic, Pentecostal and United Church—when we gather for worship, we are reminded that in Christ we are one body.

St. Christopher’s also has a long history as a teaching parish, welcoming theological students who spend their summers serving this vibrant lakeside community. Among the familiar names of past summer clergy are Canon Bain Peever (RIP), Rev. Paul Walmsley (RIP), Fr. James Koester SSJE, Archdeacon Joan Locke, Rev. Charlene Scriver (RIP), Archdeacon Kelly Baetz, Rev. Jeff Hooper, Rev. Aidan Armstrong—and even Mary Conliffe’s father!

This weekend’s service was especially joyful as Deacon Dean Jobin-Bevans was on hand to assist. After feasting at the Lord’s Table, we enjoyed a potluck feast in the parish hall, where the sounds of laughter and conversation filled the room.

During the potluck, I was presented with a generous gift of $1,000 for the Anne Germond Legacy Fund. What a joy and encouragement it was to experience this community’s generous spirit and their enthusiasm for the ongoing work of fundraising—and for me to “keep bishoping!” They spoke warmly about the role of the bishop as a teacher, preacher, and source of unity for the diocese.

I am so grateful to the people of St. Christopher’s for their warm welcome, their generosity of spirit, and their commitment to supporting the future of episcopal ministry in Algoma.

For more information about the Anne Germond Legacy Fund or to make a donation visit www.anneslegacyfund.ca.