Worshipping God in the mountains: the Presbytery of Kootenay.

East is East and West is West but, when it comes to the Presbytery of Kootenay, the twain (that's "two" for readers under 30) do meet. They meet because half of the presbytery's eight congregations are in the East Kootenay mountain region and half in the West Kootenays.

But don't let the small number of congregations fool you. The presbytery covers a vast geographic area of British Columbia--so vast it encompasses two time zones. When its members gather for one of their four yearly meetings, some must travel through two mountain passes. That is, when travelling through them is possible. Winter meetings often have to be cancelled because of weather conditions.

If the vastness of the presbytery has a silver lining, aside from the majestic mountains and beautiful lakes, it's the fact that it has undoubtedly contributed to the close-knit feeling in the presbytery. An essential part of every meeting is a time set aside for members to share personal and congregational concerns, followed by prayer. It's a way of bridging the distances that separate them during the rest of the year.

As might be expected, there are few major urban centres within the presbytery--the largest city, Cranbrook, has a population of 18,000--and the congregations have small memberships. Only one has a weekly attendance of more than 100, while another reports an average of 7.5 (yes, that's 7.5). Many of the churches have been affected by a downswing in the economy, exacerbated by difficulties in exporting lumber to the United States and by the closing of mines.

Small numbers or not, the presbytery has withstood the test of time. Several of its churches are more than 100 years old. One of the most interesting is the historic church in Fort Steele, a settlement born during the Kootenay gold rush in 1864. Archeological records indicate that the Ktunaxa people (Kootenay Indians) passed through and camped near Fort Steele for thousands of years prior to European settlement. Their progression of names for the area reflects its history: first, as a place to ford the river; then, a place where gold was collected; next, a place where rope was made (for the ferry); after that, a place where the bridge was built; and, finally, Fort Steele. Sunday services and daily devotionals are still held during the summer in the Fort Steele church, which is served by the minister and laypeople of Knox, Cranbrook.

One of the main activities of the presbytery is Dutch Harbour Camp, situated on the shores of pristine Kootenay Lake. To reach the camp, West Kootenay residents have about a 45-minute ferry ride. The presbytery holds several camps and retreats at the facility throughout the year. Among the highlights is the seniors camp, always a well-attended event. A lodge that was recently completed, thanks to the hard work of many dedicated volunteers, has enhanced the camp and its programs. Other Christian groups also make use of the facilities at Dutch Harbour.

Of course, like all presbyteries, Kootenay has its share of problems. Grace Church, Castlegar, is in the process of closing its doors. Another, First Church, Nelson, is currently without a minister. The congregation of St. Andrew's, Kimberley, has been hit hard by unemployment because of economic factors. Perhaps that's why some wellintentioned soul submitted "everyone in the Presbytery of Kootenay and their clerk, Bey Hayashi" for the Presbyterian Prayer Partnership list (see Nov. 6).

Most of us, including everyone in the Presbytery of Kootenay, can use all the prayers we can get. But the presbytery is far from being down for the count. In January, St. Stephen's, Creston, called a new minister. Knox, Cranbrook, has hired a youth worker and is excited about an energized ministry to youth. First, Trail, has purchased a former Roman Catholic church for its new home and is hoping to have the renovations completed by Christmas, or shortly after. Even Grace, Castlegar, which has to close its doors to worship, is still keeping them open for a community food bank until a decision has been made about what to do with the building and its contents.

"Things are pretty quiet," says Bev Hayashi in summing up life in the Presbytery of Kootenay. "For the most part, we are seeking the Lord's guidance in serving our communities."