Kelowna reverends retire after 30 years of service

Photo: Contributed

Two long-time Kelowna reverends, Dr. Kenn and Deborah Gordon, are set to retire from Centre of Spiritual Living, a place where they’ve served thousands of people over the past 30 years.

The community is celebrating the Gordons with a Legacy Gala at Manteo at the Eldorado Resort on Nov. 25, with guests expected to join the event from around North America.

The two co-pastors dedicated their ministry to the twin values of individual transformation and peace, anchored by the Pandosy Peace Centre for spiritual education and mindfulness practice.

“We are about the inner God and the inner power of the individual,” said Dr. Deb Gordon. “And we always ask ourselves” How do we reflect that in the best way possible so that people can awaken to it on their own? As my teacher said: 'Just love everybody when they walk in.'”

That approach attracted people from all over the Okanagan Valley and led to popular community events like the Spiritual Psychology Series held at Okanagan College.

“We became a social network of loving, compassionate, supportive individuals who saw the highest for the whole,” said Dr. Kenn. “We became a chalice where the contents – the people – were more important than the cup.”

They touched so many lives in the Okanagan community, and some would go as far as saying their influence was life changing.

“These teachings have changed my life from feeling a bit negative as a middle-aged woman to the comfort and knowledge that the world is truly a beautiful place,” said Claudia Hardy, community member.

“I will remember them as wise companions who’ve journeyed with countless people, reminding us of who we really are and encouraging us patiently forward,” recalls assistant minister Rev. Corinne Crockett.

Tickets to the Legacy Gala are available through the centre’s website.