The Anglican Church of Canada
1876 Richter Street (250) 762-3306 (o)
Kelowna, BC V1Y 2M9 (250) 762-4150 (f)
The Rt. Rev. John E. Privett, Bishop
To Be Read At All Services on September 6, 2009
September 6, 2009
The Wardens and Congregation of
The Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels,
Dear Friends in Christ,
On the unanimous recommendation of the Bishop’s Personnel Committee, I have appointed the Rev. Canon Nissa Basbaum as the new Incumbent of St. Michael and All Angels and Dean of Kootenay effective the first Sunday of Advent, November 29, 2009.
Nissa is a priest of the Diocese of Niagara where she has been the rector of the Church of the Transfiguration in St. Catharines for the past 15 years. She is married to Robin and they have two young adult children. Nissa has a degree in journalism from Carleton University and received her Master of Divinity from Trinity College in Toronto. She brings a passion for liturgy, Christian education, and congregational growth. Nissa has a reputation for having a keen mind, for being a compassionate, and supportive pastor and she is an excellent communicator. I know she feels a deep sense of God’s call to this new ministry and she is looking forward to meeting all of you.
Nissa will be moving to Kelowna part way through the year. Her husband Robin, who is also a priest , has ongoing responsibilities in Ontario and so will join Nissa in a few months. In the meantime, I know you will warmly welcome her and extend the kind of hospitality that will support her during the next few months. Until she settles on a permanent residence with her husband, our new Dean will be needing short term accommodation. If anyone is aware of a furnished suite available November 1, please contact the wardens.
I am grateful to Dorothy North and to all the members of the Personnel Committee for their diligent and prayerful work and to all who have given leadership in the parish at this time. I am especially grateful to Archdeacon David Irving, to the retired clergy and to all who have offered their time and talent during the interim ministry.
I assure you of my continued prayers as you begin to prepare for Nissa’s arrival and look forward to your future years in ministry together.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. John E. Privett
Living Faith, Proclaiming Christ, Growing Churches, Empowering Mission