Incumbent, Christ Church, Fernie, BC

The Bishop of Kootenay invites applications for the position of Incumbent in the Parish of Christ Church in Fernie, British Columbia.

Christ Church is located in Fernie, in the south east corner of British Columbia close to the Alberta border. It is situated in the heart of the beautiful Rocky Mountains on Highway #3 about 100 km east of Cranbrook and 300 km southwest of Calgary. Fernie has a population of about 5,200 with another 5,000 people in the nearby communities of Elkford and Sparwood.  Economically, the town of Fernie is in transition from a resource based community to a resort and small business community.  Mining and logging are  major employers as is the Fernie Alpine Resort. There are good schools and the Elk Valley Hospital serves the south country region.  Fernie residents enjoy a wide range of year round outdoor and artistic activities.

The Parish of Christ Church has an average Sunday attendance of 40 and there are 53 identifiable givers on the roll.  It is a self-supporting parish with no debt.  The parish has a small but active membership. They have recently been involved in discussions regarding congregational development and with the right incumbent are ready to look to future which includes strengthening both their membership and numbers. The building is in good repair and the parish recently installed an elevator/lift to make the church more accessible.  Part of the East Kootenay Region of the Diocese, there are opportunities to share in the life of the wider church and a strong sense of support among the clergy of the region.

The Congregation is seeking a priest who is a good communicator, a pastor to the community and who is interested in the people and activities of the town.  This position is an 80% position and the older rectory which is in good repair is included.

Clergy who feel called to this ministry are invited to apply with the consent of their bishop.  The deadline for applications is March 31, 2010.

For further information including a parish profile, please contact:

                                    The Most Rev. John E. Privett

                                    Diocese of Kootenay

                                    1876 Richter St.

                                    Kelowna, BC  V1Y 2M9

                                    Phone (250) 762-3306

                                    Email: diocese_of_kootenay@telus.net

            Posted by:  Kathryn Lockhart, Administrative Assistant