Inuvik Anglican Church ‘officially reopens’ with fresh vision

The new ministry coordinator for Inuvik’s Anglican Church of the Ascension says it has “officially reopened” – after a five-year closure – with a new vision.

Jennifer Knight said the church’s goals and priorities are now being discussed with community members. A meeting was held on April 8 and another is scheduled for April 28 at 6 p.m.

Knight, who joined the organization in March, works with Youth for Christ Canada and was hired by the Diocese of the Arctic to help facilitate the reopening.

This week marks one year since the church first held a service post-Covid, according to the Diocese of the Arctic’s website, and regular services are now being scheduled, Knight said.

“They’ve called it a church planting project. The idea is planting a new church with a fresh vision and new life and vitality for the community,” she told Cabin Radio.

“The community itself was meeting together, praying, and there was really a vision. They were praying together for wanting to see the church reopen again with kind-of a fresh start.”

Cabin Radio could not reach the Diocese of the Arctic for comment.

Knight said her first month in the new role has been “amazing.”

“There is so much hope and life and joy in community members that have been wanting to see something happening with the church,” she said.

“I think the church has a very long history in the community, and a lot of people really identify with it and wanted to see a healthy, vibrant church life happening again for this generation.

“It’s been so super encouraging to be here, get to hear people’s stories and see how we can move forward together in a good way.”

Related stories from around the North: 

Canada: Iqaluit’s Anglican church has massive bills to pay — it could lose its iconic building as a result, CBC News

Sweden: Wooden church in Arctic Sweden sets off on slow road trip to escape mining subsidence, Reuters