Summer Fruit for Souls 2023

The Lay Readers Association of the Anglican Diocese of Ontario is hosting Summer Fruit for Souls, a four-day summer conference for lay people training, learning and development in Christian ministry. July 18-21, 2023 at St. Lawrence College, Kingston

Bishop Riscylla Shaw

Summer Fruit for Souls keynote speaker will be the Right Reverend Riscylla Shaw, who serves as a suffragan bishop in the Anglican Diocese of Toronto. With Métis and settler family roots, she grew up on a small farm, learning from the land. Ordained a priest in 2001 and bishop in 2017, her ministry has been inspired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu with the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Riscylla is connected into ecumenical work, justice-seeking, community building and is actively involved in working with the National Indigenous Anglican church in reconciliation with the colonial church. On a personal note, she is married and has two young-adult children, loves fresh air and the northern lights.

Bishop Shaw will be examining four-directional thinking, in connection with our Christian journey and our incarnational experience on this planet. Special attention will be paid to faithful living in this time of climate crisis. Insights and wisdom from a variety of sources, including indigenous elders and spiritual teachers, will be presented with time to explore our own experiences and share our reflections, collective wisdom, and creativity.

Rev. Canon Dr. Barbara Robinson

Might a 17th century English priest and poet have things to say to the contemporary church about vocation and pastoral ministry? This workshop will look at the prose and poetry of George Herbert (1593- 1633), an Anglican who, like us, was called to servant ministry in tumultuous times. The Rev. Canon Dr. Barbara Robinson is a retired priest living in Brockville, Ontario. She is happy to be able to reconnect with the learning community that attends Summer Fruit for Souls. Barb holds a PhD in the History of Religions from the University of Ottawa but admits to a rueful neglect of 17th century studies. She looks forward to us all learning together!

Bishop Michael Oulton

Our last workshop leader is Bishop Michael Oulton. We are going to be asked to consider questions regarding our vocation. What is your calling? How do we hear the voice of the Spirit? How do we discern our calling? Are we called to lay ministry, or to be a deacon, maybe even a priest?