All Saints Parish in South Burnaby is showing signs of being a parish that thinks it can, that knows it can, and that can. At the end of April 2013, they took a vote whether they should struggle to stay open or choose the painful alternative and close the parish. Due to a few events inspired by the Holy Spirit a weeks prior to the decisive vote, the mood was positive: 25 voted to stay open and 13 voted to close. A year and three months later, they are still here and starting to grow. Alleluia!
Yes, they’ve had their ups and downs. The biggest one happened in early September 2013 when God continuing to work in mysterious ways brought to All Saints’, Burnaby the Rev. Shirley Stockdill. Shirley has turned out to be a powerhouse. She has experience turning parishes around because she is willing to think outside the box.
Worship is going well, outreach continues to grow and programming like the August 23rd, Bake Sale and Garage Sale is keeping the parish engaged and focused on their shared ministry to the surrounding neighbourhood.
The Saturday bake and garage sale had folks waiting to get into to the crowded Parish Hall prior to the 10am opening. Great merchandise, clothing and delicious baking were offered for sale at bargain prices.
Please keep the Reverend Shirley Stockdill and the Parish of All Saints’, Burnaby in your prayers as they continue to live out their Baptismal Covenant and proclaim the message of the Gospels in their neighbourhood.
Images: Top and homepage, the All Saints’, Burnaby team pose behind the bake table at the August 23rd, 2014 Sale. Right, shoppers find some great bargains. Bottom left, Snack time. Below, Delicious coconut – vanilla cupcakes, a gift for the diocesan communication officer’s family. Photos - Randy Murray