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For literally decades EQUIP has been a rich and blessed part of the life of our Territory. Attendees describe it as informative, challenging, innovative, educational, motivational, community building, and spiritually uplifting. Many friendships are made or deepened in this communal bi-annual gathering.

Historically, in the Diocese of Cariboo and the Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior, Equip was a gathering of people from all our churches to share, learn and grow together; to be in fellowship, pray, eat, laugh, have conversations, and workshops - a time for "Equipping the saints."

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, restrictions on gatherings has meant we are learning to be creative - not only in our homes and personal lives, but in our churches and events, the ways in which we are in community together.  

Earlier this summer a survey was distributed to all parishes to consider, and submit their preference for one of three options for the 2020 Equip: 

  1. An entirely virtual experience using Zoom technology
  2. A hybrid version - folks would gather in small parish or regional groups locally and interact with digital content distributed by Zoom
  3. Postpone the event to a future time when it will be safe and permissable to gather everyone together in a single location.

The responses were many and varied! Many people throughout the Territory feel isolated, cut off from the larger community, and did not want to see Equip cancelled this year... others felt it imprudent to gather even in small groups, whilst others felt the need and importance of having some kind of Territorial event. 

Using the data and suggestions collected from the survey, the organizing committee of nine people from throughout the Territory, co-chaired by the Rev John Boyd and the Very Rev Ken Gray, have organized an event aptly titled "Un-Equip" - an exciting, innovative way to gather us together in "mini-bite" events rather than the usual one large gathering. These "mini-bites" will take place over three consecutive Thursday evenings in October and will include time for prayer, presentation, discussion, questions and other guest speakers.   

The Committee is excited to welcome the Rev. Dr. Heather McCance as the facilitator, who will provide the main address for each evening and facilitate the breakout sessions; Heather is the Ministry Developer for the Diocese of Rupertsland and as part of her role, provides resources for those currently engaged in both lay and ordained ministry in both practical and spiritual ways as we all strive to be faithful to God’s call. 

The program poster is linked below. Registration is required. We are looking forward to being together in this new way in these unusual times.

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