Day 9
Today has been a good day. We began in Gagetown, went to Lower Jemseg and ended in Minto. There was a warm welcome in each place and we learned a good deal of history in each community. The weather was warm but a good wind blew the bugs away, so there were no major bites.
Once again I was reminded of the work of Canon Basil Buckland. He served in many parishes across the diocese and lived well into old age. From what I know of him his aim was to serve God and the Church. There were times when he cut wood for his family's fire for the winter. He would walk miles on a Sunday to provide services across his large rural parishes. He was determined to ensure that buildings were built and used in the communities he served. Not only church buildings, but also Sunday schools.
In some ways Canon Buckland gives us a pointer towards what rural ministry will look like in the future. A dedicated cleric may have to cover quite a swathe of territory with lay help. Canon Buckland was determined to see a witness for God in the communities he served and he did so. What does this type of service mean for us?