Bishop Melissa Skelton’s visit made a huge impact on the life of the parishioners at St. Mark’s, Ocean Park on the weekend on November15 & 16. On the Saturday evening, the Bishop met with 40 parish leaders for an informal reception and then an hour of questions and answers. Questions were raised about her balancing her corporate life with Procter and Gamble while still receiving theological training. Questions were also raised about reaching out to our communities. She mentioned, that her agenda is strongly focused on parish development and the urgency to get on with the job of building our congregations.
On Sunday morning, the Bishop celebrated and preached at both the 8 and 10am services. At 10, the pews were full with 290 worshippers. The theme of the service was the Parable of the Talents. She challenged all of us to make an impact and do some good. A little act of good is like throwing a pebble in the pond that makes ripples in all directions. She then asked: “What are you doing with your life?”
After the service, Ken Turnham received the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster from the Bishop. Ken contributed to church life both locally and nationally. He served 6 years as a warden as well as trustee, synod delegate and communion administrator. He also helped raise funds to build the new St. Mark’s Church which came in on time and under budget. In the early 1990s, Ken was part of a team that launched a pilot advertising program tested in the Diocese. Ken helped develop a program which focused on the spiritual, social and personal gifts and needs of seniors.
During lunch, the Bishop received a new green prayer shawl and some prayer squares from St. Mark’s Prayer Shawl Ministry. She had time to cut two cakes and meet the members of the congregation for conversation.
I Top and homepage, Bishop Melissa invests Ken Turnham, ODNW into the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster. Photo: John Braddock. Right, the Bishop accepts the green prayer shawl. Photo: John Braddock. Bottom, Bishop Melissa with St. Mark’s priests, the Reverend Craig Tanksley and the Reverend Denise Doerksen. Photo: Barbara Walks