Anglican Essentials Manitoba

Dear friends

It is with some sadness that I write this letter. But it is also with gratitude, knowing that the Lord has allowed me the privilege of being involved with Anglican Essential Manitoba. I can’t thank you enough for your support and prayers over the last three years.

Over three years ago Anglican Essentials Manitoba was formed. An executive was chosen and several general meetings and events followed. Our email list grew to become one of the largest “Essentials” mailing lists in Canada.

Not long after AEM formed, a national Essentials conference was held in Ottawa. A plan was outlined creating two groups within Essentials, the “Federation” and the “Network”. The Federation was to develop and implement a strategy working from within the Anglican Church of Canada. The Network prepared the “Lifeboats” in case the need for them ever arose. Well as most of you know, the Anglican Network in Canada launched almost one year ago.

When Anglican Essentials Manitoba originally formed, its executive was composed of both Federation minded and Network minded people. There were a few more Network than Federation people. With the launch of the Anglican Network in Canada, several Church plants have begun regionally. My time and that of other Network people has been, by necessity focused on these “plants”. That I’m sure, has been evident by my emails over the past year.

Anglican Essentials Canada and the “Federation” are in the process of reorganizing. But that is occurring largely separate from the Anglican Network in Canada. In my opinion the two groups are moving apart naturally, although remaining mutually supportive of one another. As my focus must remain on the Westman ANiC Churches, I can no longer function as the Anglican Essentials Manitoba co-chair. Lisa Murray MacDonald remains as the other co-chair.

There are a few “Federation” people remaining on the AEM executive, and I pray that they will reform and carry the Anglican Essentials Manitoba – Federation banner forward. They will need your prayers and support as they continue to work on reforming the Anglican Church of Canada from within. Please also remember the ANiC Westman Churches (Brandon, Dauphin, Kinosota) in your prayers.

Your servant in Christ

Phil