Dear Friends in Christ,

At the north end of the prairie town of Birtle, Manitoba, overlooking the scenic Birdtail River, sits St. George s Anglican Church. I served as the Rector of St. George's in the seventies. At the moment this extended faith community of four parishes lacks a parish priest so I was invited back to celebrate Holy Communion on December 21,2003. It was a wonderful homecoming. Part of my time that December weekend was spent in the home of Dwight and Gay Stewart, two long standing, faithful parishioners. The Stewarts, along with many other parishioners know something about servant ministry and I was deeply moved to observe the high quality of lay ministry taking place not only on Sunday but throughout the week. Total Ministry, which we talk about considerably in renewal circles, is very much in evidence in this rural parish setting. Praise God!

Dwight has a long standing giftedness in sound recording and agreed to record a new Ambassador message for the ARM Website. Dwight's wife Gay served in a very professional manner as the interviewer. Check out our Web Site: www.armcanada.org/ambassador.htm.

This is my second attempt to help Anglicans across the land and any others who may be interested discover the nature of my ministry and the spiritual goals of ARM. You may even enjoy my attempts at humour in the closing section of the recording! As the New Year unfolds, you may also be moved by the Holy Spirit to consider an ARM event in your area or perhaps attend one of our Leadership Training Institutes listed in this magazine. I can be contacted at (204-726-5738) e-mail mharding@mts.net.

Every Blessing,

- Bishop Malcolm Harding.

Bishop Malcolm is the ambassador of ARM Canada and was formerly the Episcopal bishop of the diocese of Brandon.

The Rt. Rev. Malcolm Harding
Episcopal Visitor to ARM