TheColumbia Valley - Columbia Valley Pioneer

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer December 22, 2006
PERSPECTIVE
Christian
By Elinor Florence
Pioneer Publisher
example
Two valley congregations are setting an example of
what it means to be Christian.
Back in the 1970s, the Anglican and United
churches of Canada discussed amalgamation. Talks
broke down at the highest levels, but in the meantime,
the local Anglican and United churchgoers decided
to go ahead and pool their resources. Th ey hired one
minister and took turns attending the United Church
(now the location of the downtown Interior World)
and the Anglican Church, a log building where the
new church now stands on 7th Avenue.
Several years ago they went one step farther and
built a new shared church. Th is decision was not made
without a wrench to both congregations - the Anglicans
because they were losing their historic log church
altogether, and the Uniteds because they were seeing
their historic church converted to a furniture store. To
do them credit, both congregations made the leap.
Th e Windermere Valley Shared Ministry is now
under one roof. One Sunday there is an Anglican service,
the following Sunday is a United service.
Th e Windermere Valley Shared Ministry also rotates
its ministers - an Anglican minister serves the
congregation for four years, and is then replaced by a
United minister for the following four years.
Even more embracing is that the new church is also
used for a third denomination. Pastor Fraser Coltman
drives from Cranbrook to conduct Lutheran services
every Sunday afternoon in Christ Church Trinity.
In these days of religious strife, it’s wonderful to
see how folks of diff erent faiths are prepared to respect
and honour each other’s beliefs.
All of our community’s churches are healthy and
active, and even if you don’t call yourself a Christian
you might enjoy visiting one of their beautiful and
moving services this Christmas season.
Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men.
The Columbia Valley
PIONEER
is independently owned and operated and
is published weekly by Abel Creek Publishing Inc.
Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th is independently owned and operated and
is published weekly by Abel Creek Publishing Inc.
Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0
Phone (250) 341-6299 · Fax (250) 341-6229 Email:
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the publisher or staff of Th e Columbia Valley Pioneer. It is agreed by any display
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that portion of the space as occupied by the incorrect item and there shall be no
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Elinor Florence
Publisher
Brian Geis
Reporter
Dave Sutherland
Advertising Sales
Bob Friesen
Advertising Sales
Historical Lens
Th e log church called Christ Church Anglican stood in Invermere until just a few years ago, on the site of the new
Christ Church Trinity, owned by both the Anglican and United Churches who operate here as the Windermere Valley
Shared Ministry. Th is photo was taken in 1924. Photo courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society
Our 2006 Gift Guide
Our staff put their heads together to come up
with our annual Gift Guide for well-known valley
residents. Merry Christmas!
• Greg Deck, owner of new broadband venture
- a diet rich in fi bre
• Brian Nickurak, District of Invermere Public
Works Administrator - a wand for witching water
• Ron Mason, general manager of Copper Point
Golf Course - new golf clubs and some time off so
he can actually use them
• Hank Swartout, entrepreneur and second homeowner
- more time to spend in the valley
• Mark Shmigelsky, Mayor of Invermere - a
horse for his new acreage so he can play rancher
• Gerry Taft, Invermere councillor - spurs and a
cowboy hat so he can get along with the ranchers
• Sarah Bennett, Invermere councillor - a pair of
Groucho Marx glasses and moustache so she can get
along with the old boys’ club
• Bob Campsall, Invermere councillor - a set of
scuba gear so he can survive when global warming
puts the valley under water
• Don Palmer, Invermere businessman - a copy
of the B.C. Building Code
• Garry Hamilton, Invermere businessman - a
copy of War and Peace to fi ll all his spare time while
awaiting his trial
• Christine Keshen, Olympic bronze medallist
and model - a 24-month curling calendar
• Harrison McKay, entrepreneur - staff housing
for all his new minions
• Rose Bard, head of Invermere hospital - a lifetime
supply of Vitamin C
• Dee Conklin, Chamber of Commerce president
- the title of Miss Print 2007
Zephyr Rawbon
Graphic Designer
Sarah Turk
Offi ce Manager