This investiture took place within the context of Morning Prayer, November 3, 2018 at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster.
The new members were invested by archdeaconry in alphabetical order. The medallions and ribbons were placed by the regional archdeacon.
In the case of the Archbishop's Nominees the Dean of the Diocese, the Very Reverend Peter Elliott placed the medallions and ribbons.
The individual photo and the group shot are linked below for downloading. The individual shots should work well in print at 5x7's and 4x6's. The Group Shot, 6.5x10 and 8x12.
Burrard Archdeaconry: The Venerable Canon Kevin Hunt
Kelvin Bee, St James', Vancouver
Elder Kelvin Bee of the Kwakwaka’wakn First Nation, is a long-time associate of St James’. He is now a Trustee and a provider of excellent bannock! A Residential School survivor, Kelvin has been instrumental in encouraging St James’, the Downtown Eastside Community, and the wider Diocese along the path of reconciliation, through his gracious but hard-learned readiness to forgive and to ask for forgiveness. Kelvin was the inspiration behind the 2017 Feast honoring Residential School survivors held at St James’.
Mr George Cuaresma Cato, St Margaret, Cedar Cottage
George is constantly working quietly and enthusiastically behind the scenes at St Margaret’s, ensuring that anything and everything that needs to get done, gets done. He has taken the initiative to install energy efficient lighting in the sanctuary, does maintenance work both inside and outside the church, and is always available to help with projects big and small. George has been a member of Church Committee, counts the weekly offering, and sets up and cleans up for parish events.
Mr Guy Lucas Cribdon, St Paul, Vancouver
Guy is a quiet, and not so quiet, pillar of St Paul’s bringing joy and enthusiasm to everything he does. A long-time singer with the ever-growing Vancouver Men’s Chorus, his participation includes the annual December Making Spirits Bright holiday concerts. A dedicated Server and comforting Healing Guild member, and he also facilitates the Book Club. Guy’s ministry includes singing for special services and as a Cantor for the Easter Vigil Exsultet, and his sung Gospel at Easter is always a welcome gift to St Paul’s parishioners.
Ms Margaret Susanne Cruickshank, Christ Church Cathedral
Sue honours all women who have worked towards the recognition of women’s ministries and the ordination of women, and she was particularly active in this work in the 1970s. At the Cathedral Sue has been on the Programme, Mutual Ministries, and Renovations Committees, and served as People’s Warden and Endowment Fund Administrator. Currently she is a Maundy Café volunteer, a Eucharistic Adminstrator, volunteer receptionist, part of Healing Prayer, and a member of the 127 Housing Society. Sue’s greatest joy is as Mom and Granny.
Ms Marguerite Cutforth, St Michael’s Multicultural, Broadway
Marg has attended St Michael’s Multicultural her whole adult life, and has been very active with her husband in parish activities for fifty years. A significant achievement in the early resurrection of St Michael’s was her organization of the 120th Anniversary Celebrations in 2009, which included the return of sixty long time parishioners. Since then she has been active in the Church Committee, on the Stategic Planning Team, at Diocesan Synod, at church retreats, and on the Day Care Board of Directors.
Mr John Green, St Thomas, Vancouver
John has for 30 years held key liturgical, administrative and leadership roles at St Thomas, including on the Elevator and Accessibility Team, as People’s Warden, and as Lay Delegate to Synod-including two Electoral Synods. A documenter of parish history, John has served on countless committees. He is a reader, intercessor, lay administrator, prayer partner, kitchen worker, counter, preparer of the weekly service bulletin, and organizer of special worship services and hallmark parish events like the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.
Mrs Midori Monika Seo, Holy Cross Japanese Canadian, Vancouver
Midori joined Holy Cross in 1975. Since she was talented musically she joined the church choir, where she helped match Japanese and English hymns so they could be sung simultaneously during services. She was instrumental in forming the Sakura Singers Choir which performed for fundraising events to repair the old building on 11th Avenue. Midori helped create a bilingual prayer service booklet, which is still in use after several revisions. Midori is very active with the JCCA Health Care programme for shut-ins and the elderly.
Mr John Graham Wright, Bishop Hills’ Memorial Church of St Mary the Virgin, South Hill (Died April 16, 2022)
John has been a member of St Mary the Virgin, South Hill since 1986, and has always been a dedicated and extremely active contributor to the parish’s ministry. He’s been a member of Parish Council since 2005, a lay leader, choir member, and Lay Eucharistic Administrator. He has served as People’s Warden through some difficult years for the parish, and is currently Rector’s Warden. John ensures the church is a good and sacred place that is well-organized, well- maintained, inviting, and provides a warm welcome to all.
Capilano Archdeaconry: The Venerable Stephen Muir
Ms Judith Lynn Brear, St Agnes, North Vancouver
Beginning with the Youth Group and Sunday School, Judy’s participation has evolved over almost five decades at St Agnes to include both People’s and Rector’s Warden, Synod Delegate, and member of Canonical, Pastoral Care, Church Fayre, Health Fair, Regional Spiritual Formation, and Gala Evening Committees. Judy reflected that through attending St Agnes she has received more than she has given. However, it is her attitude of willing and active service that makes her so worthy of this recognition.
Mr Arthur Whinfield Brueton, St Christopher, West Vancouver
Art is often on site at St Christopher’s given his responsibility as Building Coordinator. Whether it’s arranging for the trades to come and fix the boiler, replacing the florescent lights, or building a nest fox for the resident finch, there is always something he’s doing keeping the buildings ship shape. On Sundays, Art is likely in the Narthex handing out the bulletin or ringing the bell, and then in the back counting the offering. Once a month Art is part of the Hospitality Team.
Ms Madeline May Cooper (absent-she was invested at a later date)
St John the Evangelist, North Vancouver
Madeline consistently demonstrates caring and compassion while being guided by the principles of her dedicated contemplative prayer practice. Madeline’s 30 year ministry at St John’s includes Altar Guild, counter, Treasurer of the Women of St John, nursery, seniors’ luncheons, and initiating and leading the Prayer Shawl ministry. She is especially recognized for her leadership and devoted service in Caring Ministry, administering communion and assisting elderly parishioners in life changing transitions. Madeline’s caring ministry gives significant value to people’s lives and to the parish.
Ms Janet Peta Genders
St Aidan and St Bartholomew, Gibsons
Janet is known to St Aidan and St Bartholomew for her continuous, assured stewardship of the parish and the community. Leading by example as a Reader, Lay assistant, Vicar’s Warden, and volunteer, Janet is also a co-founder and coordinator of St Bart’s Food Bank, the parish’s most visible ministry. Janet’s organizational skills have ensured that the food bank operation is well-funded and that it enjoys broad support, increasing respect for the parish in the wider community.
Mrs Marilyn McBeath (absent-she was invested at a later date), St Francis-in-the-Wood, West Vancouver
Church Warden, Legacy Fund Trustee, Sunday School and now Godly Play teacher, event organizer, website support, Bible study dinner host, chalice administrator—these are just a sample of Marilyn’s work at St Francis-in-the-Wood. She has streamlined parish finances, coordinated structural repairs and refurbishment of the parish office, and is the consummate meeting chair. Wherever Marilyn contributes she works with her whole heart, “as working for the Lord”, and the light of her faith shines through her as everything she does is infused with God’s Spirit.
Mrs Corrinne Jessica Newman, St Hilda, Sechelt
Corrinne has been a cheerful and tireless supporter of St Hilda’s since 2001. She is a member of the choir, the Altar Guild, the ACW and the Servers’ Guild, as well as organizing events such as the Whale of a Sale, the St Nicholas parish party in December, an annual craft sale, and funeral receptions as needed. Corrinne is an Education for Ministry graduate, attended Companions Bible Study, and was on the Church Committee for thirteen years.
Ms Wilna Parry, St Clement, Lynn Valley
Wilna lives out loving, faithful discipleship with enthusiasm, kindness, generosity, grace and integrity. She has a gift for hospitality and fostering community. She was vital to implementing the Deanery MAP. Passionate about outreach, she cares for the disenfranchised, notably by hosting many refugees. An EfM graduate, and in a weekly Bible Study group for 28 years, she tends to her spiritual formation. The parish named their two new furnaces for Wilna and her husband Dave-because they bring warmth to St Clement’s.
Mr George Rupert Richards, St Stephen, West Vancouver
George has been a key member of St Stephen’s for seventeen years. He has been the driving force behind the parish’s capital campaigns, including raising over one million dollars to purchase the rectory, which is still in use. George served on Parish Council for many years where he offered wise and robust advice, using his considerable life experience in the forest industry and his Christian commitment. George has a deep faith in God and is a regular at the 8 am BCP Holy Communion.
Ms Susanne Stockdill, St Catherine, Capilano
Susanne is willing to put herself out there and help wherever needed. Whether acting as Interim Treasurer and keeping parish finances in check, carving turkey for a community Thanksgiving dinner, moving furniture, or serving on a multitude of committees, she never shirks responsibility. St Catherine’s was blessed when she agreed to be Bishop’s Warden. Her human resources background was an asset as she chaired the Canonical Committee and will assist her as Co-Chair of the Local Arrangements Committee for the 2019 General Synod.
Fraser Archdeaconry: The Venerable Louie Engnan
Mr Stuart William Allan, St Andrew, Langley
Stuart has provided dedicated and committed leadership to St Andrew, Langley for the past 14 years. Since arriving in Langley and at St Andrew’s in 2004, Stuart has served on many stewardship campaigns, led the Canonical Committee process, and been People’s Warden for the past 8 years. Stuart’s steady and clear presence and perspective has been instrumental in leading the Parish through some challenging times of uncertainly into a much brighter future today. The Parish is thankful for his leadership.
Mrs Cheryl-Ann Archibald, Christ the Redeemer, Cloverdale
Cheryl-Ann has served Christ the Redeemer, Christ Church and its Cemetery for almost twenty years. This quiet unassuming person first took on the position of Wedding Coordinator and then agreed to be the Property Manager, bookkeeper and the Sexton. Cheryl-Ann has served as Rector’s Warden twice and today is the Sexton for Christ Church Cemetery and the Vicar’s Warden. Cheryl-Ann is a compassionate person who is dedicated to her family, community and parish, and to the preservation and heritage of Christ Church and its decedents.
Mrs Brenda Charlene Coburn, St George, Fort Langley
Since joining St George’s in 1989, Brenda has shown her commitment to the parish by serving in leadership roles, including People’s and Rector’s Warden, Trustee and Secretary. Brenda is generous of her time and talents in many other parts of parish life: she was enthusiastic about starting and volunteering with the parish’s Messy Church programme, assists with fundraisers, offers delicious baking for coffee hour and enjoys hosting visitors through Open Doors, and with a welcoming smile as Sidesperson.
Mr Charles Fox, St Dunstan, Aldergrove
Charlie is a faithful member of St Dunstan’s, and was an active participant on the Building Committee for the beautiful parish worship space. He has served on Parish Council-three times as Warden, twice on the Canonical Committee and as Treasurer. Anytime there is work to be done, you will see Charlie with the pressure washer, a shovel, a hoe and a smile. Charlie belongs to the Old Boys’ Club and encourages laughter and comic relief around the parish. He enjoys welcoming people on Sunday, making newcomers feel at home.
Mrs Louise Elizabeth Goode, St Oswald, Port Kells
Louise joined St Oswald’s in 1991. She served as Church Committee Secretary, cared for the altar vessels, and as a Lay Administrator. When the parish sponsored a refugee family, Louise took them to medical and dental appointments, and kept in touch long after the initial commitment. She also taught Sunday School, organized picnics, is active in the Guild, and led the Prayer Chain. Louise is known for her “Cemetery Sleuthing” project that tracked the stories, genealogical records, and families of those buried in the parish cemetery.
Ms Janice Evelyn Guretzki, St Thomas, Chilliwack
Jan has been part of St Thomas parish since 1959. She has been involved in all aspects of parish life including as a Sunday School teacher, member of the Youth Group, Parish Council, Choirs, and ladies’ group. She has been both People’s and Rector’s Warden. She brings many gifts and her leadership skills have been a huge asset to the parish in the past and now into their future. Her genuine love for God radiates in all that she does.
Mrs Rose LaBar, Christ Church, Hope (Deceased June 4, 2019)
A member of Christ Church, Hope since 1952, Rose has served in various capacities such as ACW President or Treasurer for 50 years, parish representative for the Eastern Fraser Valley and Parish Council Treasurer. Her efforts resulted in Christ Church building a Church Hall and paying it off in five years. Rose sees church as a place of connection. She believes it is important to take on work when it presents itself, saying, “I go and do whatever needs to be done”.
Mr Allan William McDowall, St Cuthbert, North Delta
Al joined St Cuthbert’s in 1979. His work experience in human resources at BC Hydro has helped St Cuthbert’s, and other parishes in the diocese, define and reach their goals of harmonious working relationships. He served as Rector’s Warden, chaired two Canonical Committees, and been a member of Parish and Diocesan Councils. In the 1980s, he was very involved in the completion of the new parish buildings, including as Project Manager. Al continues as an active participant in the activities of the parish.
Mrs Carol McPherson (absent-will be invested at a later date), Holy Trinity, White Rock
Carol has continuously served Holy Trinity for over forty years in the Altar Guild, as a Sidesperson, doing flower delivery, as the Coffee Hour coordinator, and in the Prayer Shawl and offertory counting ministries. As a deeply committed member of the parish Hospital Visitation Ministry she makes visits to those in both acute and chronic care, extending compassion, comfort and empathy to those for whom a visit, a scripture reading, or a spoken word brings so much hope.
Mr Brian Windle Reay, Church of the Epiphany, Surrey
After arriving in Canada in 1957, Brian attended Christ Church Cathedral for eight years, All Saints, Burnaby, for 38 years, and now Church of the Epiphany for 15 years. At Epiphany his ministry hasn’t slowed even though he’s been retired for many years. Brian first served as Crucifer and on Church Council. His ministries now include Healing Prayers, Sidesperson, Building Committee, Sunday Coffee Duty, Men’s Coffee Group and gardening. Brian is active with Surrey Meals on Wheels, serving as Board President and as a driver.
Ms Wendy Eileen Russell, St Helen, Surrey
Wendy has devoted over 36 years to the life of St Helen’s, bringing energy, skills, encouragement, wisdom, and joy, along with her desire to give loving service to the people around her. She has ministered with children through the Sunday School, the homeless and needy through breakfast and lunch programmes, the elderly, and alongside parishioners through the ACW, parish events, and volunteer positions. These ministries have been both practical and spiritual, and are examples of how Wendy lives her discipleship and responds to Christ’s call.
Mr Brian Robert Walks, St Mark, Ocean Park
Brian is a dynamic Anglican with enthusiastic participation in the Men’s Club, Communications Team, Sunday lay leadership roles, Home Eucharistic Server, Vacation Bible School games leader, Parish Council, and helping whenever he can to make life easier for others. For the past 12 years he’s had the huge task of overseeing the Journey of Christmas. A wonderful networker, Brian has been active throughout the Diocese. Brian’s life proclaims the good news of salvation, and he is truly being used as Christ’s feet and hands.
Dr Richard Donald Warda, All Saints, Agassiz
Rick has been an inspiration at All Saints by living out his servanthood. Through his goodhearted, tenacious and visionary leadership the parish has become a more open and loving community. His skills range from fundraising to pie making-often in combination-and from leading Bible Study to repairing the plumbing, the historic church bell, and the church office. His educational ministry has included workshops on stewardship, investments and end-of-life. As the People’s Warden, Rick been a team leader, and a team builder.
Ms Donna Carroll White, St Michael, Surrey
In 1959, Donna went door-to-door with a petition calling for an Anglican Church in the neighbourhood, and, with her parents, she became a founding member of St Michael’s. She attended the cornerstone laying and the first confirmation class, designed the first Sunday leaflet, and taught the first Sunday School classes-which her brother attended in his teddy bear snowsuit. A noted skit writer and director, her service continues today in the Altar Guild, the ACW, Coffee Hour, the indoor cleaning brigade, and as a lay administrator.
Mr Peter Arthur Williams, St John the Baptist, Sardis
Peter routinely provides time and talent to St John the Baptist through assisting with the liturgy, and with the parish council. He is a major contributor to annual fundraisers and to the well-being of the parish buildings and grounds. Additionally, he has recently been the point person for the parish in assisting two Syrian refugee families. Peter is a consummate problem solver and team player, and his contribution to the parish is a balance of leadership and servanthood.
Lougheed Archdeaconry:The Venerable Philippa Segrave-Pride
Mrs Catherine Ann Adair-Austin, St John the Apostle-Port Moody
Anne is a gentle, caring member of St John’s, who has graced the parish in countless ways. She has made a lasting impression on those she taught as a Sunday School teacher and coordinator. Ann has also served as an ACW President, intercessor, Synod delegate, and member of the Prayer Circle. At the Diocesan level she has been an Area Representative for the ACW and volunteers at ACW Place. St John’s is blessed to have such a selfless, faithful parishioner.
Ms Pauline Andrea Joyce Betterton, All Saints, Mission
Over the years Polly has been a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, a Synod and Alternate Synod Delegate, Treasurer, and People’s Warden. She is a member of the ACW, President of the Altar Guild, and takes part in all aspect of the services as a lay member. Her eagerness and willingness to help in any area of the church is a direct result of her parents instilling in her the idea that “Church is family”.
Mrs Vivian Laura Donnan, St Laurence, Coquitlam
Vivian has faithfully served the community of St Laurence in a variety of roles for 32 years, not always knowing what she was getting herself into when she said “yes”. Vivian has been a Warden twice, the Facilities coordinator, Greeters Coordinator, and Library Coordinator. She has organized Newcomers’ Lunches, served on numerous committees including two Canonical Committees, and helped with fundraising initiatives. Vivian is a Greeter and Lay Assistant. So far, she continues to say “yes”.
Ms Laura Godwin, St Timothy, Brentwood (Deceased February 2, 2021)
Laura followed her parents’ footsteps into active ministry at St Nicolas parish in Burnaby. Over the years, she has embraced many jobs in the parish-Treasurer, Altar Guild, sidesperson, collection counter, assisting with Home Communions, taking part in the parish Phone Tree, supplying the kitchen for Coffee Hour, and becoming a founding St Timothy Host for the Food Bank. Her willingness to embrace new ideas and new ways of doing things make her an incredibly valuable member of the parish of St Timothy.
Mr Thomas Merven Kerr, Holy Spirit, Whonnock
Tom has been a member of the Anglican Church since 2003, when he first walked through the doors of Holy Spirit, Whonnock. From day one he has been a dedicated member of the church, a church council member since 2004, People’s Warden for the last five years, and a Lay Administrator for the last ten years. Committed to the parish infrastructure through renovations and landscaping, Tom hauled water for six years for the church’s water tank until a well was finally drilled.
Ms Ardella Jean McLaren, St Catherine of Alexandria, Port Coquitlam
Ardella is a vital part of the St Catherine of Alexandria community. She joined the parish in 2005, and served as Treasurer from 2009 to 2018. She currently serves the Altar Guild, the Choir, and Parish Council. In the absence of the music director, she plays the organ and piano. Ardella co-chairs the Pastoral Care Team, having taken training at Eagle Ridge Hospital. Additionally Ardella has been a team player for Messy Church for 8 years, and she’s a graduate of Education for Ministry (EfM).
Ms Jean Elaine Renforth, St Stephen the Martyr, Burnaby
Not deterred by a snowstorm that blocked the doors to St Stephen the Martyr, Burnaby, on her first visit in 1996, Elaine has shown the parish that no job is too small or too large to undertake. Whether working tirelessly on various committees or Parish Council, Elaine is a dedicated volunteer to the core. Her dependability and trustworthiness have been gifts to St Stephen’s, making it a more vibrant and engaged faith community, and central to her Christian life.
Mr Wayne Edward Scott, St John the Divine, Maple Ridge
Wayne is a dedicated volunteer, committee member, coordinator and trusted steward for St John the Divine. Always immediately available whenever emergencies arise, he regularly takes the lead on all matters of safety, maintenance and repair of the church property. A valuable congregant, he regularly volunteers at services, special events, and participates in and organizes the Men’s Breakfast, an important outreach ministry. Unfailingly reliable, Wayne is always willing to step up and take action when the church needs him.
Mr Andrew John Shepherd, St George, Maple Ridge
Andy is a devoted Anglican. He has spent most of his adult years as a faithful member of St George, Maple Ridge. He has served the parish in many capacities, including as Warden, Treasurer, and Synod Delegate, but he especially blesses it with the time he dedicates to the Building Committee, taking on any job with determination. Andy spent countless hours “shepherding” them-literally-through the construction of the new church in 1990, and again years later through the major repair of the building envelope.
Vancouver Archdeaconry: The Venerable John Stephens
Mr Spencer Paterson Cotton, St Faith, Vancouver
For more than forty years Spencer Cotton has given the same care and commitment to the fabric of St Faith’s as he gave to his staff, students and buildings as a teacher and administrator for the Vancouver School Board. Spencer’s care to the “house of the church” has permitted people young and old to hear the Word and to break bread at the Table of God in safety and comfort. Until recently, Spencer could be found as often up a ladder, as on the ground.
Mrs Heather Hellen Friesen, St Anselm, Vancouver
Heather is a loving, compassionate and vibrant presence at St Anselm’s. After her 14 years at the parish she remains intimately involved in the children’s, pastoral, and spiritually-enhancing outreach ministries, and in coordinating social events. Her creative and commendable performance as Treasurer reignited the hope of the parish to move through the “dark valley into the light of God”. Heather rejoices in living her life’s mission of being an instrument of God’s love and peace.
Dr Mary Lymburner, St Philip, Dunbar
A lifetime Anglican starting in her home town of London, Ontario, Mary found her church community at St Philip’s in 1984. Central to her active faith, Mary’s ministries have ranged from Sunday School teacher to Parish Warden. But Co-Chairing the Outreach Committee has truly fit Mary’s humble dedication to others, leading to crucial roles in the parish’s refugee sponsorships, work with the Deanery’s Neighbourhood Street Ministry, and serving on the Diocesan Refugee Unit and Ministry Resources Committee. Mary’s patience and tenacity make her invaluable.
Ms Diana McHardy Schmidt, St Mary, Kerrisdale
Diana is a dynamic member of St Mary’s, with a particular passion for Family Ministry. A steadfast member of a weekly bible study group, Diana has also served on Chancel Guild, as an intercessor, and on Worship Committees. Diana has applied her architectural training to several successful renovation projects. Currently Associate Warden, she has served as Synod Delegate and on Canonical Committees. Diana’s deep faith, strong pastoral presence and on-going commitment to the parish community, continue to inspire those around her.
Mr Neil Bruce Seedhouse, St Mary Magdalene, Vancouver
The computer’s not working. Call Neil! The toilet’s plugged-Neee-il! We need a planter box built-Ne-il! The light bulb way up there needs changing-Neil! Can somebody make a casserole for the lunch this Sunday-Neil? Who’s that down there chatting up the binners?-Neil. The fair linen needs ironing-Neil? Andrew needs a ride-Neil. A man of many talents, Neil is always willing to share them. He cares deeply for others, and craft beer, and good coffee!
Mrs Ida Catherine Mary Tonks. Holy Trinity, Vancouver
After a long life of Christian service in Trinidad and Tobago and in Ontario, Ida became a dedicated member of Holy Trinity in 2013, when she moved to Vancouver. She helped establish the parish’s Tumani Mission group. Her ardent meditative prayer contributes enormously to all aspects of parish life. Her warmth and spirituality draw people to Jesus and since she daily shows forth God’s praise, not only with her lips but in her life, she is one of the parish’s most effective evangelists. Alleluia!
Westminster Archdeaconry:The Venerable Richard Leggett
Mr Bruce Alexander, St Barnabas, New Westminster
Bruce loves our Christian faith, our Anglican Church, and particularly the little parish of St Barnabas. Bruce has been a central figure in defining how the church lives in the world and in the neighbourhood. He has a particular interest and focus on issues of social justice, addressing the historic structures of sin that cause human suffering. With good cheer, dependability and commitment, Bruce has been a central faith leader, encouraging and supporting others, those who come to church for Sunday Worship and those who come seeking comfort and belonging all the other days of the week.
Mrs Carolyn Ethel Dodds, All Saints, Ladner
Carolyn’s favourite past time is to be with her eight grandchildren, yet she finds time to serve as Warden and co-chair of the Altar Guild at All Saints, Ladner. She is one of the parish’s “stealth volunteers”, showing up to pull weeds in the garden, or making a dump run, or going to visit someone who has been hospitalized. A faith teacher and mentor all her life, Carolyn has taught Sunday School and been one of the supporters of Messy Church.
Ms Catherine Foord, St David, Tsawwassen
Kay’s sacred calling has been her 50 year dedication to the preparation of the altars of St Columba, Waterloo, Ontario and St David, Delta. She has served as volunteer church secretary, Vestry Clerk and on Parish Council. Kay has been the Treasurer of the Ladies Guild, one of the organizers of the Seniors’ Friendship Group, preparer of the Sunday Roster, and contributor to social and fundraising events. Kay was also a founding member of St David’s Abbeyfield House, and a director for 26 years.
Mrs Margaret Jean Kelly, St Alban the Martyr, Burnaby
Margaret has been part of St Alban’s for over 40 years and has served in almost every capacity possible. She’s been a Warden and member of Parish Council many times. She’s taught Sunday School, been a member of the ACW, Choir and Altar Guild. She’s a Lay Assistant, Reader, Intercessor, and Prayer Companion. She’s led Bible study groups and Alpha. She was the Chair of the 100th Anniversary Celebration Committee and has organized many parish events. This names just some of her ministry!
Mr Herman Klassen, St Mary the Virgin, Sapperton
Herman has served in many different positions during his thirty plus years at St Mary’s including Rector’s Warden, Lay Administrator, Sidesperson, Counter and Reader. He has taken his turn on coffee duty, chaired the Worship Committee, and been Synod Delegate. He served as Archbishop Skelton’s Chaplain when she visited the parish. Herman is a good resource person and has a good knowledge of St Mary’s history and Anglican worship. Herman has the ability to step in wherever he is needed.
Mr Bruce Allan MacDonald, Holy Trinity Cathedral, New Westminster
Bruce finally agreed to have his name put forward! This took a lot of persuasion as he feels he doesn’t need recognition for the many volunteer hours he has given to HTC. Since 1979 he has put heart and soul into every possible volunteer job, including as gardener, lay administrator, server, janitor, property chairperson, coordinator of the breakfast programme, treasure, and with wife Betty, co-treasurer. Bruce is appreciated by a thankful parish who believe he’s most deserving of this honour.
Mrs Thelma Dorothy O’Keeffe, St Alban, Richmond
Thelma is a lifelong Anglican. Born in Dublin, she emigrated to Canada in 1967, moving to Richmond and joining St Alban’s in 1980. She has long been active in children’s ministries. She has served as bookkeeper to several Parish Outreach programmes. She has been Envelope Secretary for many years. Hospitality is her true gift: she excels at staying in touch with people who are ill, in care homes, or who haven’t been present in church of late. Thelma is the gospel in action.
Mrs Nellie Porkert, All Saints, South Burnaby
Since coming to All Saints, South Burnaby 38 years ago, Nellie has become one of the parish’s “Lively Saints”. Her love of music and her beautiful voice are reasons she’s been part of the choir for 38 years. Other roles include the Altar Guild, Eucharistic Minister, purchasing sanctuary candles, wafers and wine, Synod Delegate and Alternate, food preparation, receptions, Christmas baskets and the World Day of Prayer. Nellie is a member of Parish Council since 2010, and served for two years on Diocesan Council.
Mrs Rae Amaryllis Seay, St Anne, Steveston
Rae is a committed, faithful member of St Anne’s. A very giving person, when she retired early from full time employment, she felt guilty, and wanted to serve. This led directly to being instrumental in supporting a refugee family from Sierra Leone and service on the Diocesan Refugee Unit. There are few ministries Rae hasn’t been a part of including Sunday School teacher and coordinator, newsletter editor, and Altar Guild. Currently she’s a reader, intercessor, lay administrator, Flower Guild coordinator, and Church Committee Secretary.
Archbishop's Nominees: The Very Reverend Peter Elliott
Ms Melanie Delva
Melanie, the former Diocesan Archivist, is now the Reconciliation Animator for the national church. Melanie thought outside the box of her archivist job description to pursue justice for and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. She began the first comprehensive archival search for children missing and deceased from residential schools, and worked closely with hundreds of residential school survivors seeking to prove attendance at the schools, and recapture their own stories. This work has impacted her profession, as she speaks and writes on decolonizing archives and the role of archivists in justice-seeking.
Mrs Shiella Dianne Fodchuk
Shiella is honored today for many years’ work in the area of spiritual direction. Starting in 1992, Shiella did a field placement in counselling psychology and spiritual direction at Christ Church Cathedral, which led to her establishing the Cathedral Centre for Spiritual Direction, and ultimately to an adjunct professorship in this area at the Vancouver School of Theology. Shiella is also President of the Power of Education Africa Foundation which works to reduce the suffering of Kenyan girls and women who experience systemic inequality and discrimination.
Ms Charlotte Anne French
Charlotte has been active in the Anglican Church in Montreal, Edmonton, Coquitlam and now at St Philip, Dunbar. She is a leader in her parish, serving as a Warden, Trustee, Chair of the Canonical Committee, and on many committees. Charlotte has accepted the formidable task of coordinating the Local Arrangements Committee for the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada which will be held in Vancouver in 2019, and she’s working hard to ensure a well-organized and warm welcome for Synod delegates from across the country.
Ms Janice Harvey
Jan, her mother and her siblings, and her grandmother, have been members of St Stephen, West Vancouver. Active in parish life there since 1992, Jan’s ministry has included service on Parish Council, teaching Sunday School, leading the ACW, as a Steward, and in various liturgical roles. But it is her outstanding service as Recording Secretary of Diocesan Council that sees her here today. Jan’s voluntary assistance to Council has been invaluable in ensuring the smooth functioning and collective memory of our Diocese’s leadership group.
Mrs Sheila Madeline Ferguson Johnston
In 2010, after returning from Kolkata, India, Sheila felt called to create the Canadian Friends of Calcutta Cathedral Relief Service, a non-profit society that raises funds for the social service outreach ministry of that city’s Anglican Cathedral. In this way Canadian donors support empowering women who live in Kolkata’s slum communities-work that is particularly important given India’s ranking as the world’s most dangerous country for women. Sheila is also part of our church’s reference group engaging the work of eradicating human trafficking in Canada and beyond.
Ms Jean Caroline Cessna Mickelson
Jean’s ministry has been in education, leadership training and discernment. She served on a national Anglican lay ministry committee in 1988 and on the Sorrento Centre Board in the 1990s. She was an Anglican representative to the Vancouver School of Theology Board for seven years, chairing several Board committees. Jean served for many years as an Examining Chaplain for the Diocese. And her parish of Christ Church Cathedral still remembers a 1970’s Shrove Tuesday intergenerational event she led that involved “The Dance of the Pancake”!
Mrs Vera Helen Morgan
Vera has been active in two parishes-Holy Spirit, Whonnock, and St George, Maple Ridge, where she has held many different positions. Vera is a graduate of EfM and she has been delegate to several Synods and a member of Diocesan Council. But it is her long record of service in the Anglican Church Women, at the parish and diocesan level, that brings her here today. Vera recently retired as Treasurer of the Diocesan ACW where she served for nine years from 2008 to 2017.
Ms Shannon Muir
Shannon is a parishioner at St Agnes, North Vancouver but she’s here today due to her work on refugee sponsorship and resettlement. Like many people in the fall of 2015, she was compelled to become involved in supporting refugees, and she began by working together with people from other North Shore churches, forming the Regional Ecumenical Sponsorship Team. In 2016, she was asked to chair the Diocesan Refugee Unit, and continues that important work alongside the Diocesan Refugee Coordinator, Dr Satori Soden.
Mr David Ian Rushton (absent-will be invested at a later date)
David’s ministry in the broader church has been in stewardship. He was a pioneer of planned giving, being the first chair of the diocesan Planned Giving Unit in 1990. He served as Planned Giving Officer for the diocese, a Consultant in Stewardship and Planning Giving for General Synod, and one of the creators of the diocesan Anglican Initiatives Fund. David worked on stewardship with the Dioceses of British Columbian and Caledonia, was a Director of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship, and helped organize a major international stewardship conference in 2007.
Ms Maureen Simons
Maureen was a member of Diocesan Council for three years, serving on the Agenda Committee designing processes and facilitating working sessions for Council meetings. Maureen is a graduate and now mentor of the Education for Ministry program. She is also a graduate of the Diocesan School for Parish Development and has taught at the school. Maureen is a member of the Diocesan Consulting Group, working with parishes in the Diocese helping them with strategic planning and interim ministry, among other is