On August 29th, 2013, the interview team of the North Vancouver Regional Council announced that North Vancouver has a new Regional Youth Ministry Coordinator supported by 5 Anglican and 2 Lutheran worshipping communities. The Reverend Andrew Halladay, currently Priest-in-Charge half time at St. Augustine’s, Marpole, accepted the offer of a the 1/2 time position of Youth Minister for the Region on a four month contract beginning September 1st.
Andrew comes with good experience in working with youth and leadership development for youth, with buoyant enthusiasm, and a passion for engaging all ages in theatre productions.
Also beginning September 1st, the Reverend Marnie Peterson expands her ministry to Christ Church Cathedral where she will take on the role of Priest Associate at Christ Church Cathedral 1/2 time. With Dean Peter Elliott assuming the role of Diocesan Administrator for the period ahead before a new Bishop begins ministry in the diocese and with the departure of curate, the Reverend Chris Dierkes, Marnie will be a welcomed addition to the Cathedral's clergy team. Marnie will continue her 1/2 time position as MAP Associate on Synod Staff.
The Bishop has appointed the Rev. Expedito Farinas as Incumbent of Bishop Hills Memorial Church of St Mary the Virgin (St Mary, South Hill) effective September 1st. Father Expedito, in conjunction with the Parish leadership, will begin to develop a Filipino community while strengthening the existing congregation for its ministry in the neighbourhood of South Hill. The Rev. Keith Gilbert has served as the Sunday Supply Priest during the long interregnum.
The Rev. Melanie Calabrigo concludes her curacy at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in White Rock to begin as half-time Priest-in-Charge of All Saints', Burnaby. On September 1st, Melanie succeeds the Rev. Canon Dr Harold Munn who has served as Interim Priest-in-Charge since January 2013.The Rev. John Firmston will retire as Incumbent of St Barnabas, New Westminster effective August 31st having served in that capacity since March 2012. The Bishop has appointed the Rev. Emilie Smith to succeed John as Incumbent effective September 1st.
St Mark's, Ocean Park will say farewell to the Rev. John Mash on September 1st. He has been a great support to the Rev. Craig Tanksley and the Parish Community. St Mark's will welcome the Bishop's appointment of the Rev. Denise Doerksen as Assistant Priest on September 8th.
Check back in September for information about Induction services and please keep our outgoing and incoming clergy and their communities in your prayers during these times of transition.
Images: Top and homepage, the Reverend Andrew Halladay directing the 2012 production of Godspell. Upper right, the Reverend Marnie Peterson. Lower right, the Reverend John Firmston. Below, the Reverend Denise Doerksen