Archbishop Skelton Visits St. Jude's
On Wednesday, January 23, 2019, Archbishop Melissa Skelton paid a visit to St. Jude’s Anglican Home located just a few yards from the BC Children’s Hospital parking lot on the border of Vancouver’s west side Shaughnessy neighbourhood.
St. Jude's Anglican Home is a 55 bed complex care home where care and services are provided in a home-like environment with the focus on resident needs and desires. The Home is governed by a non-profit society and funded by Vancouver Coastal Health, user fees and donations. Adult Day Care is also offered on a private pay basis and the day visitors spend the day enjoying the company of residents, meals/snacks, recreation, and activities. Support with personal care is also provided.
Although independent of the diocese (Anglican Church) in terms of polity, operations and governance, St. Jude’s still maintains a strong connection. There is a part time, Anglican Chaplain, and presently the Reverend Clare Morgan fills that ministry role with enthusiasm, care and compassion. Her presence is much appreciated by the: residents, day care clients, family members and staff. Members of the board are often members of parishes of the Diocese of New Westminster.
During the visit, Archbishop Skelton met a number of the residents (on both floors), family members and staff. Executive Director, Jill van der Linden took some time from her busy schedule to chat and pose for a few photographs.
Just before 11am, St. Jude’s Chapel was filled to capacity for a Celebration of Morning Prayer. Judith Parkes of St. Mary’s, Kerrisdale is a St. Jude’s supporter and also a long time member of the St. Mary’s Chancel Guild. Her skills and experience are much appreciated at St. Jude’s. For the liturgy on January 23, Judith brought the flowers for the altar and set up the worship space with Reverend Morgan. Of course she also attended worship and helped residents find their place in the order of service. An added bonus was the presence of organist, Barbara Teasley, parishioner at Christ Church Cathedral who accompanied the hymns and provided music before worship began.
The Old Testament from Isaiah was read by Gillian Moore a relative of one of the residents; Archbishop Skelton offered a homily taking the Gospel, Luke 4: 14-21 for her text and Rev. Morgan presided over the worship, leading the prayers and hymns.
(A video recording of Archbishop Skelton’s sermon is available by following this link.)
For more information about St. Jude’s please visit their website.
IMAGES
- Archbishop Skelton places the readings and sermon text on the lectern prior to worship and greets the congregation with a smile.
- Archbishop Skelton is introduced to one of the St. Jude residents by Rev. Clare Morgan
- Judith Parkes (centre) is a volunteer from St. Mary’s , Kerrisdale and prepares the chapel chancel for worship
- Gillian reads the Old Testament
- Archbishop Skelton and Rev. Morgan lead the singing of the hymn
- Executive Director of St. Jude's, Jill van der Linden with Archbishop Skelton