On Wednesday evening, March 7th, 2012, the faith community of St. Barnabas, New Westminster celebrated the New Ministry of their new rector, the Reverend John Firmston.
In the words of homilist, the Reverend Patrick Blaney, “This (St. Barnabas) is a small church accustomed to doing great big things in the community. From the outreach of food ministries and the thrift shop to the work for social justice and equality to the belief that when we are serving others we are serving Christ, the vision and mission of St. Barnabas is all about empowering people through and for the love of God.”Patrick and John know each other well and Patrick knows St. Barnabas, Anglican Church in New Westminster, for it was at St. Barnabas that Patrick returned to faith as an adult worshipper.
This particular Celebration of New Ministry flowed effortlessly, from the procession through to the dismissal with all of the liturgical components in place: joyful music, the Covenant in Ministry administered by Bishop Michael, the presentation of the symbols of ministry brought forward to John by the leaders of his new parish, a warm welcome from the Venerable John Bailey, Archdeacon of Westminster and an equally warm welcome from Westminster Regional Dean, Reverend Paul Strudwick, the Peace, all leading to the most important part of the worship, the Eucharist.
After Paul Strudwick officially welcomed John to the deanery and the two had shaken hands, John admitted that he had asked the Venerable Ellen Clark-King, Archdeacon of Burrard before the worship while the clergy were putting on their vestments who the priest “with the beard was” and Ellen replied that it was his new Regional Dean. They will certainly become better acquainted as their ministries move forward.
Patrick chose the evening’s Gospel text, John 15: 9-16 for his sermon which he admitted contains his favourite lines of scripture. Early in the address, Patrick shared with those in attendance what John had told him his ministerial goals would be for St. Barnabas, “John... told me that in his ministry here he wanted to focus upon the ideas of gratitude and empowerment, and his sincere belief that gratitude is connected to, and can lead to, and is the best motivator for empowerment.”
The text of Patrick’s SERMON is available on-line by clicking the link.
Congratulations and may God Bless St. Barnabas, New Westminster and the New Ministry of the Reverend John Firmston.
Images: Top, Bishop Michael congratulates John. Middle right, preacher, Patrick Blaney, Lower left, The Reverend John Firmston acknowledges the greeting of his new parish.