Retired Clergy and Spouses Luncheon
On Tuesday May 28, 2024 the semi-annual Retired Clergy and Spouses luncheon and gathering took place, this time held at St. Helen's Anglican Church in Surrey. Roughly sixty five people attended, and as always, they enjoyed catching up with each other! When they arrived they were greeted and given their name tags by retired clergy volunteer Jane Dittrich, ODNW, and they then headed over to the bar and beverage station to be welcomed and served by the Rev. Keith Gilbert and his husband Will Kielstra. Keith and Will have cheerfully done this role at these functions for many years.
Co-chaplains to the Diocese of New Westminster retired clergy and spouses are the Venerable Andrew Pike and deacon, the Rev. Karin Fulcher. They both do a brilliant job of organizing all of the many details involved with putting on these luncheons. Rev. Pike's wife Judith is always of huge assistance at these gatherings, assisting Andrew, Karin and Jane with set-up, table settings and she often provides the floral decor for the tables. Diocesan Caterer Bette Geddes, ODNW and her team provided a fantastic meal and dessert as always, this time going for a Moroccan-themed lunch menu.
The rector of St. Helen's Surrey, the Rev. Robin Ruder Celiz, said grace, warmly welcomed all in attendance to St. Helen's and then offered some history on the parish. Bishop John Stephens then went to the podium to welcome everyone. Bishop Stephens spoke on various diocesean initiatives going on at the moment, brought people up to date on multiple staffing changes at the Synod office, and highlighted some recent goings-on of his itinerary, including the April House of Bishops gathering at Niagra Falls.
The Retired Clergy and Spouses gatherings are a very important ministry within the Diocese of New Westminster. It is a time for the bishop to thank these clergy for their years of dedicated ministry and it provides a special opportunity for these longtime colleauges and friends to connect with each other. The next gathering of this group will be in December, for the Christmas luncheon at the Synod office.