Episcopal Visit to Holy Trinity, Vancouver

On Trinity Sunday, June 4, 2023, Bishop Stephens made an episcopal visit to his parish of Holy Trinity, Vancouver (HTV). As is the custom, the bishop was preacher and presider, and during this episcopal visit he had some other additional happy tasks to perform. This was also the celebration of the parish's patronal festival along with the two other parishes in our diocese, the Church of the Holy Trinity in White Rock and Holy Trinity Cathedral in New Westminster.

 Long-time HTV parishioner Jean Quinton, who was unable to attend the November 5th, 2022 investiture ceremony was invested into the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster by the bishop following the Eucharist and just prior to the Closing Hymn and Dismissal. Chimes dedicated to Ted Quinton (the late husband of Jean) were blessed and dedicated by Bishop Stephens. Ted Quinton had a long career as an organist and choirmaster in the Diocese of New Westminster and one of the parishes where he served was HTV. The new chimes are part of the original chimes from Holy Trinity’s 10th Avenue and Pine location and were saved at Ted Quinton's insistence. They were installed during the days of the COVID lockdown.

The Trinity is for many a complex and confusing concept, and over the decades it is often said that rectors will have their curates preach on that Sunday, saving the senior cleric the hassle of the Trinity sermon. However, Bishop John was up to the task. The Readings for the day were: Genesis 1: 1-2:4a; 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13; Matthew 28: 16-20. Bishop John explored the Readings and two other sources to support his homily. Early in the sermon he shared a poem and the reasons why the message of the poem stood out to him:

For many western thinkers, the idea of the Trinity of God seems to bring much confusion as one examines it more specifically and more closely. The concept of God being three persons and one God, three parts but one whole, three in one and one in three can have one wondering if we are speaking about a complex riddle or a math equation rather than getting to the very heart of Christian faith. But in the Celtic tradition the concept of the Trinity of God seems to simply flow through and shape much of the thinking, theology, and prayers. It seems to expand the notion of God to extend further than the limitations of our language and philosophy, touching on a deeper sense of relationship with the Holy One rather than clinging to rigid definitions. This prayer poem from the Western Highlands points to this very thing:

The Three who are over my head,

The Three who are under my tread,

The Three who are over me here,

The Three who are over me there,

The Three who are in the earth near,

The Three who are up in the air,

The Three who in heaven do dwell,

The Three in the great ocean swell,

Pervading Three, O be with me.

 

I really love the beauty and the gentle guidance of this idea of the Trinity. It is not based in theological complications of tight formulations but experience of holiness flowing and breathing through three different angles on God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier; God who was, is and will be. It has greater room and depth for a grander concept of God. This playful thinking about God’s presence with us is delightful for me.

(Bishop John’s sermon is available here on the diocesan website)

Following the Eucharist, the celebrations continued with lunch in the parish hall. The luncheon featured South Asian Cuisine.

Bishop John received a warm welcome from the parish: Priest-in-Charge, the Reverend Craig Tanksley; Liturgical Assistant, Holly Tanksley; Parish Musician, Michael Park; Administrator, Sharon Grove, ODNW.  The Reverend Juanita Clark, Deacon to the Vancouver General Hospital Chaplain, the Reverend Bryan Rivers was Deacon of the Word and Table. During Communion, Gayle Higginson sang Malotte’s composition using the text of The Beatitudes. Gayle was accompanied by Michael Park on the piano.

IMAGES

• The traditional, archival Episcopal Visit photo of clergy. Priest-in-Charge of Holy Trinity, Vancouver, the Reverend Craig Tanksley with Bishop John Stephens.
• Deacon, the Reverend Juanita Clark was Deacon of the Word and Table for the Eucharist. She has just completed the Gospel Acclamation and is about to proclaim the Gospel, Matthew 28: 16-20
• Bishop John preaching. The Trinity Sunday sermon is often considered one of the most challenging.
• Centre, Nancy Ferris with her mother on her right (our left) Jean Quinton greets Ida Tonks, ODNW during the exchange of ‘the peace’.
• Preparing the Communion Elements during the Offertory.
• Holy Communion
• During Communion, Malotte's composition "The Beatitudes" sung by Gayle Higginson and accompanied by Michael Park
• Placing the medal and ribbon around the neck and shoulders of Jean Quinton, ODNW.
• Bishop John dedicates the Chimes in loving memory of Ted Quinton.
• The Chimes dedication plaque.
• The steam trays are prepared for the arrival of some delicious food.

Photos Randy Murray