Bishop Melissa's visit October 30, 2016

All Saints Anglican Church, Mission, BC

October 30th was a happy day when our Bishop visited and led us in worship.

One of the most endearing images of that time was the little parishioners of All Saints seated around Bishop Melissa, listening with rapt attention and uplifted faces as she told them stories. One could not help but be assured looking at those little ‘Anglicans’ that they are the future ambassadors for the Kingdom of God as they journey on to where ever life takes them - and we bless them. It was also a moment of special recognition for the Reverend Connie Wilks, who was inducted as a deacon, with blessings from the bishop. She joins the worship leadership team of our rector, the Reverend Paul Bowie and Deacon Glen; both who have served our community with grace and faithfulness all these years.

And while the worship lifted the congregation to realms of spirituality, on the wings of a liturgy, ancient and yet never old, a side – drama unfolded in the aisle. Benjamin, 7 months old had been struggling to free himself from the restraining arms of his mother, eventually wriggled free into the aisle. Victoria, 11 months old, already in the aisle a few pews behind, saw him and crawled up to him on all fours; and they met. I think they exchanged ‘peace’ in a language that we may never understand!  

At the Q & A session following a well laid out lunch, we had affirming words from our Bishop as she answered questions and addressed our concerns. After the meal, Bishop Skelton met with the Council, where we were able to apprise her of our struggles, our dreams and the efforts we make to keep afloat. We thanked her for her visit, even though we are on the outer fringes of the Dioceses, we do feel good to be recognized. We exchanged blessings with a request that she come and visit us again.