ST. MARK’S WELCOMES REV. BILLY ISENOR

On Sunday, July 18, the Parish of St. Mark - Ocean Park welcomed the Reverend Billy Isenor, OSF (Order of St. Francis) and his family with a drive-thru after church meet and greet, followed by a classic car parade through White Rock and Ocean Park.

Many took advantage of the time to meet Billy’s family after the first onsite Sunday Eucharist since October, 2020. There was also a mid-week Eucharist in the outdoor chapel on Wednesday, July 14.   

Billy  arrived by car on July 2 from Spruce Grove, Alberta with his family including a new baby and elderly dog. Much of the journey, they were battling the extreme heat and smoke.  A full pre-registered COVID restricted congregation of 50 people welcomed Billy and his family for his first service on July 4. His first sermon was about Jesus, who wants us to build relationships. If people are not ready to receive Jesus, it may not be the right time or space but Jesus wants us to hold space.  It may not be God’s time or space.  

On July 18, the official welcome Sunday, 65 worshippers attended, including first timers and former members, now living in Toronto.  The classic car parade included visits to 3 long-term care facilities to meet and greet 16 parish members and then to Fun Fun Park in Ocean Park to meet the families of the parish. Thirty-two folks welcomed the Isenor family on this sun and fun filled day with cool drinks, games, bubbles and a reunion of parish families, most who haven’t seen each other since March, 2020. 

There is a lot of excitement surrounding Brother Billy’s arrival after going through the entire pandemic with supply clergy and a 7-month full-time interim ministry by Rev. Philippa Segrave-Pride. We thank them all for their 18 months of combined leadership.

Billy’s induction is Wednesday, August 25 at 7pm. He will be inducted by Bishop John Stephens who will preside at the Eucharist. 

 Liturgies may be viewed by accessing the Parish of St. Mark – Ocean Park YouTube channel or through the website

IMAGES

• The Isenor Family: Billy, Dana, Florence, Alison and Baby Micah 
• Billy and Alison at the Drive-Thru meet and greet
• The Isenor Family at the the Drive-Thru
• Garry McIntosh and Ken Miles checking out the Morgan  Photo Roger Hussen
• Marion, Fran and Lynn Hurd, ODNW with the Reverend Br. Billy Isenor
• Parachute Play at "Fun Fun" Park
• The Reverend Br. Billy Isenor and Ken Miles in the classic car parade.  

Photos by Barb Walks except where noted