From May 3rd-May 9th, approximately thirty Sorrento Centre Associates (including Board Chair, the Venerable Andrew Pike) gathered for the annual Associates' work and study week.
Throughout the week, dedicated associates busily worked, six hours per day on various projects focused on improving the Centres' property. This work included: painting (Jane Dittrich of Christ Church Cathedral, and Erin Barr and Heather Esposito of St. Laurence Coquitlam primed and painted most of the cabana doors), housekeeping jobs, construction of new picnic benches (led by St. Laurence parishioner and board member, Rick Barr), gardening, tree-trimming/pruning, various cleaning/organizational projects and many other tasks.
The Diocese of New Westminster was well represented! This work was in preparation for Sorrento Centre’s upcoming busy summer course schedule, and the hundreds who will visit the Centre and attend courses and programs. Each morning and evening, the group gathered in the Caritas conference room for worship. The worship was led by different leaders each day.
Another important component was the involvement of the group in that week’s study program, "The Prayer that Jesus Taught Us": an exploration of the meaning, language and spirituality of the Abba (Lord's) Prayer. Participants were treated to the scholarship of Bishop Jim Cruickshank (Sorrento Centres' Founder and first Director) and of Christ Church Cathedral parishioner, Sue Cruickshank. The course outline and materials were originally developed by Sue Cruickshank and Dean Peter Elliott, however, due to the passing of his mother, May 1st in Ontario, Dean Peter was unable to attend. Bishop Jim kindly stepped in for Dean Peter, and co-led with Sue.
The Centres' new Executive Director, the Very Rev. Louise Peters was on site for her first program week as Executive Director, and the associates really enjoyed having the chance to hear Louise, and to get to know her during the week. The sun shone each day (save for one brief rainstorm) which made the work week that much more effective. The week wrapped up with the Sorrento Centre AGM on Saturday.
Please have a look at the Centres' 2015 summer program schedule at: www.sorrento-centre.bc.ca and book your stay to support and be a part of this vital Anglican gathering place!
Photos
- Bishop Jim & Sue leading their study program
- Bishop Jim with Louise Peters celebrating the Eucharist
- Bishop Jim and Jane Dittrich
Many thanks to Jane Dittrich of Christ Church Cathedral for the report and the photos