Diocesan Council, the principal legislative body of the Diocese of New Westminster chaired by Bishop Michael Ingham held its April 13th meeting "on the road" at St. Cuthbert's in Delta.
It has become a tradition in recent years to leave the friendly confines of the St. Augustine Hall in Marpole and hold a meeting in a different diocesan church facility at least once during the year.
As St. Cuthbert's is in the Fraser Deanery, the meeting opened with an introduction to the Deanery by Fraser Archdeacon, the Venerable Stephen Rowe. The Regional Dean of South Fraser, the Rev. Craig Tanksley was not available that evening but Archdeacon Rowe did an excellent job summarizing the current mission and ministry of the area for those in attendance.
Early on in his presentation Stephen introduced the Incumbent of St. Cuthbert's the Rev. Allan Carson who warmly welcomed the council and gave a short list of highlights in the recent life of the parish. A feature of St. Cuthbert's ministry is an ecumenical Good Friday service supported by the Delta Ministerial Association which has absolutely exploded over recent years, a very encouraging sign of Christian cooperation and shared ministry.
Next, the Rev. Michael McGee, Incumbent of St. Helen's Surrey spoke about his experiences so far in 2010 dealing with many deaths in that community but energized that the grandchildren of some of those faithful parishioners have returned to church seeking God through Baptism.
The agenda was relatively light that evening which allowed Council to relax and enjoy the extremely comfortable and pleasant surroundings of the St. Cuthbert sanctuary.
Long-time parishioner Lynn Stringer was on hand to serve coffee and treats during the break in the attractively appointed narthex area.
The meeting ended with a discussion about the D of NW's role in the Provincial Synod as that body is looking at entering a discernment process to take a hard look at its future.
There will certainly be more discussion about this at future meetings.
All in all the trip to St. Cuthbert's was very pleasant and a wonderful way for those who are in leadership to experience the diversity and energy of different components of the Diocese of New Westminster.