From Task to Testimony

I’ve had the enormous blessing of holding a joint role of administrator and arts outreach coordinator at St. George in the Pines for a full year, which has been replete with transformative wisdom, friendship and the greatest gift of all, the Gospel of Christ Jesus and through His word, my restoration to an everlasting relationship with the one and living God. With a guidance of abiding compassion from St. George’s rector, Rev. Seth Enriquez and his wife Brit, and the support of our church community, I’ve had the opportunity of a lifetime to devote my heart and creative imagination to a mission of serving those in Banff desperate for connection. In a town rife with tourism, overwork and loneliness, I’ve desired to bring an essence of comfort and familiarity to the church, not as an institution of perceived elitist antiquity, but as a place of love, meaning and relationship, a place where people can sing, cry and lay down the fullness of their lives.

When I first stepped into this role, I had been recovering from a years-long antipathy towards organized religion. Despite having received the Roman Catholic sacraments of baptism, confession and confirmation in my youth, I abhorred what I deemed to be impervious attitudes, those particularly exalted within ancient institutions, to progress. At the time, unscientific proclamations of nature and order, sanctimonious authority structures and bygone morality were exemplified in the doctrines and practices of the Church, and I distanced myself from it altogether. I was misguided. I realized, during the crushing weight of Covid-19 pandemic, that my plans, dreams and beautiful mundane routines were a deluded representation of my false sense of self-security and destination. They lacked not worth or sincerity, but they were only temporary, and could be stripped by forces beyond my controll. I longed for meaning, friendship, and someone to talk to. Curiosity led me to St. George’s, not knowing how deeply I would be changed. Over time, through the ordinary rhythms of church life, I encountered a living Gospel that spoke directly to me. Scripture came alive, and I could no longer ignore God's invitation. He already knew me, and I wanted to know Him—and last September, I gave my life to Jesus.

Over this last year, I have been given the incredible opportunity to serve in such a central role at St. George’s. While the visible parts of ministry are often centered around Sunday services or community gatherings, so much happens behind the scenes. Administrative responsibilities have been both a challenge and a privilege: maintaining the structure, consistency, and fine details of church life requires constant attention. From preparing Sunday bulletins and orders of service, to coordinating Sunday volunteers, selecting and practicing music, and ensuring each part of worship flows smoothly—every detail matters, to demonstrate consistency and reliability, and to well represent the Christian faith to those who, like myself, may have struggled with austere notions of the Church and who want to learn more. Beyond Sundays, programs like Banff Food & Friends add another rich layer of activity and purpose to my routine and to the growing mission of St. George’s. Organizing a regular, welcoming space where anyone can come for a free meal involves everything from setting up tables and chairs, managing volunteers and chefs, ensuring food safety and infrastructure compliance, to outreach with local stakeholders. It’s a full picture of God's hospitality in action. And it’s no small task.

One of the most rewarding parts of the role of Arts Outreach Coordinator has been organizing musical events and activities in our church, which merge artistic expression with community building in an intimate and special way. These evenings have opened up the sacred space of St. George’s to people who might not otherwise have stepped into a church. A highlight of the year was the fundraiser concert for the Banff-Canmore Foundation’s Rocky Mountain Community Relief Fund for Jasper National Park last October. St. George’s was filled with people from all walks of life: friends, parishioners, neighbours and strangers, united for a cause that mattered deeply to the community. Local musicians donated their time and talents, performing with heartfelt generosity, and the sense of shared drive and passion in the room was unmistakable and real. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a reflection of what happens when art, compassion, and community effort converge. It was also a reminder that St. George’s holds a connective presence among the many community bodies in this town. As the body of Christ, we are called not only to serve within our walls, but to convey and distinguish ourselves through God’s outward love in our little town.

As I begin my new role as Family and Arts Director, I carry with me a clearer and more hopeful vision of what St. George’s can be in the years to come: a place where everyone feels they belong, a place where families are supported, where children can grow in faith, friendship and joy, where young adults searching for fellowship can find an engaged community, creative expression, and a measure of peace in their lives. My hope is that, through the life of this growing church, many will come to experience the same transformation I have, through the power of the Holy Spirit and the good news of Jesus Christ, who meets us where we are and invites us into something far more beautiful than we could ever possibly imagine. If it was possible for me, it’s possible for anyone. I'm asking everyone to begin that journey now. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Come and be part of this family.