A letter from Regional Council chairperson Rev Piotr Strzelecki, 3 June 2025
Dear Friends,
The fires are ravaging the northern part of our province, and those of our western and eastern neighbours. Lives are at stake, sacred ancestral lands, homes and farms are threatened; evacuation orders are not just in place but are being implemented. The destruction of natural habitat is causing significant environmental concern.
As of today, the communities of La Ronge, Air Ronge, Lac La Ronge, Naptak, Eagle Point, Lamp Lake, Rabbit Creek, Potato Lake, Sucker River, Nemeiben, English Bay and Wadin Bay have been issued with evacuation orders. There will likely be more. In our United Church community, La Ronge United Church and Camp Tapawingo are directly affected; we also lift up Indigenous communities who not only face evacuation, but have led the way in calling the provincial government to do more as wildfires grow more intense and come earlier. It is important that we support their voices.
“We meet you, O Christ, in many a guise” we often sing. So, let us imagine ourselves in that conversation described by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew 25:35-40. To paraphrase the interaction, Jesus will say: “I was in need, and what did you do?”
It is our calling not only to offer prayers, but also to stand at the ready, with arms wide open, to help all those affected.
We can all help, depending on our abilities and location.
We can all pray, and then we must roll up our sleeves.
If your location and facility allow, consider getting ready to open your doors to those who have no roof over their heads, getting ready to feed the hungry, getting ready to comfort the grieving and the scared. Co-ordinate those efforts with the local government or appropriate community unit.
If emergency housing is already being organised or provided in, or near, your community then reach out and simply ask: “How can we help?”
If you are not sure the above is doable – donate money if you can. Here is the link to the Red Cross appeal.
Remember, with every prayer, with every sandwich, with every blanket and with every dollar, we are bringing about God’s kin-dom closer to being a reality and not just a dream.
On behalf of the Living Skies Regional Council
With blessing on, and gratitude for, all you do.
The Rev Piotr Strzelecki VDM
Chair/Convenor, Living Skies Regional Council
