Father Allen Doerksen's Induction
Randy Murray
September 8, 2011
September 7th, 2011 was one of the warmest days of the year for the residents of Vancouver and the Fraser Valley with temperatures jumping to almost 30 degrees near the water and well into the mid-30s in the Valley.
September 7th was also the day that Reverend Allen Doerksen was inducted by Bishop Michael Ingham as Missioner for the Central Fraser Valley and Priest-in-Charge of St. Matthew, Abbotsford. This was truly a “joyous occasion,” the restoration and revival of Anglican Church of Canada worship in a place that has long been separated from the diocese and the national church.
September 7th was also the day that Reverend Allen Doerksen was inducted by Bishop Michael Ingham as Missioner for the Central Fraser Valley and Priest-in-Charge of St. Matthew, Abbotsford. This was truly a “joyous occasion,” the restoration and revival of Anglican Church of Canada worship in a place that has long been separated from the diocese and the national church.
Beginning at 6:30pm people from all around the Diocese of New Westminster filled the parking lot and pews of St. Matthew’s to share together in the Eucharist and Celebration of new ministry. More than 40 clergy and 150 lay braved the sweltering late summer heat to attend. The Venerable Stephen Rowe, Archdeacon of Fraser was quick to point out that every clergy person of the Regional Deanery of Yale was present to participate in the service and welcome their new friend and colleague, Fr. Allen Doerksen.
There were also a number of elected officials in attendance who represent the Abbotsford region including: Abbotsford South MLA, John van Dongen, Abbotsford Mission MLA, Randy Hawes, City of Abbotsford Council Members, Les Barkman and David Loewen. Abbotsford School District #34 Trustee, John Sutherland and Abbotsford Mayor, George W. Peary. Many other elected officials including the Honorable Ed Fast, MP and the Honorable Michael de Jong, MLA sent congratulatory letters or emails containing best wishes.
Bishop Michael Ingham welcomed the congregation with these words:
It has been 16 years since I last entered this church. Normally, a diocesan bishop visits every parish about every two years, but the last invitation I received to St. Matthew, Abbotsford came in October 1995.
You will note this was long before any actions were taken by our Diocese that led to the events of the last decade. The process of separation from the Anglican Church of Canada had already begun. This has been a painful and agonizing experience for people on all sides, and it is appropriate tonight that we express our thanks to God that a new era of mission and ministry in the service of Jesus Christ has begun.
It is also important that we express our sorrow and repentance. On the last night of his earthly life, Jesus prayed that the church might be one. He prayed for unity so that the world might believe. Our public divisions and disputes these last ten years have damaged the mission of God. Words have been exchanged, and words have been written, by people on both sides, that should never have been said.
Tonight we repent, and ask God’s forgiveness. We extend the hand of friendship to those who have left this place and ask for mutual forgiveness. And as we move forward from these sad years into a new and better future, we ask that God’s grace and love be showered on this place, on all its people, on all who have worshipped here, all who have felt it necessary to leave, all who have felt welcomed to return, and all who might once again find the inclusive, welcoming love of God here in the years to come.
Bishop Michael concluded his opening address by gratefully acknowledging the presence in the sanctuary of the Venerable John Austin (Jack) Major, the priest largely credited with building the St. Matthew, Abbotsford faith community. For those of you interested in coincidence, Jack had been inducted as Incumbent of St. Matthew, Abbotsford exactly 32 years plus a day earlier on September 6th, 1979 following an incumbency at St. David, Delta. Jack continued his ministry as Rector of St. Matthew until 1991.
There were also a number of elected officials in attendance who represent the Abbotsford region including: Abbotsford South MLA, John van Dongen, Abbotsford Mission MLA, Randy Hawes, City of Abbotsford Council Members, Les Barkman and David Loewen. Abbotsford School District #34 Trustee, John Sutherland and Abbotsford Mayor, George W. Peary. Many other elected officials including the Honorable Ed Fast, MP and the Honorable Michael de Jong, MLA sent congratulatory letters or emails containing best wishes.
Bishop Michael Ingham welcomed the congregation with these words:
It has been 16 years since I last entered this church. Normally, a diocesan bishop visits every parish about every two years, but the last invitation I received to St. Matthew, Abbotsford came in October 1995.
You will note this was long before any actions were taken by our Diocese that led to the events of the last decade. The process of separation from the Anglican Church of Canada had already begun. This has been a painful and agonizing experience for people on all sides, and it is appropriate tonight that we express our thanks to God that a new era of mission and ministry in the service of Jesus Christ has begun.
It is also important that we express our sorrow and repentance. On the last night of his earthly life, Jesus prayed that the church might be one. He prayed for unity so that the world might believe. Our public divisions and disputes these last ten years have damaged the mission of God. Words have been exchanged, and words have been written, by people on both sides, that should never have been said.
Tonight we repent, and ask God’s forgiveness. We extend the hand of friendship to those who have left this place and ask for mutual forgiveness. And as we move forward from these sad years into a new and better future, we ask that God’s grace and love be showered on this place, on all its people, on all who have worshipped here, all who have felt it necessary to leave, all who have felt welcomed to return, and all who might once again find the inclusive, welcoming love of God here in the years to come.
Bishop Michael concluded his opening address by gratefully acknowledging the presence in the sanctuary of the Venerable John Austin (Jack) Major, the priest largely credited with building the St. Matthew, Abbotsford faith community. For those of you interested in coincidence, Jack had been inducted as Incumbent of St. Matthew, Abbotsford exactly 32 years plus a day earlier on September 6th, 1979 following an incumbency at St. David, Delta. Jack continued his ministry as Rector of St. Matthew until 1991.
The liturgy continued and following the Gospel, Matthew 9:9-13, Fr. Allen approached the lectern to preach.
His first words were “WOW! This is more than I imagined.”
Allen then proceeded to preach on the text, recalling his trip to Italy with his partner the Rev. Denise Doerksen which served to indulge his love of church history, her love of art and their shared passion for gelato.
Central to the sermon theme was a painting that Allen and Denise had viewed on the trip, The Calling of St. Matthew by Caravaggio. Allen and Denise had an image of the painting reproduced on small cards and distributed them at the service as a gift and keepsake of the evening’s celebration.
Fr. Allen's Sermon is available as a pdf download, please click the link.
His first words were “WOW! This is more than I imagined.”
Allen then proceeded to preach on the text, recalling his trip to Italy with his partner the Rev. Denise Doerksen which served to indulge his love of church history, her love of art and their shared passion for gelato.
Central to the sermon theme was a painting that Allen and Denise had viewed on the trip, The Calling of St. Matthew by Caravaggio. Allen and Denise had an image of the painting reproduced on small cards and distributed them at the service as a gift and keepsake of the evening’s celebration.
Fr. Allen's Sermon is available as a pdf download, please click the link.
Following the sermon, Father Allen received the Symbols of Ministry from members of the congregation including the receipt of an Abbotsford city flag. Parishioners Ria and George Ferguson (George is the former Mayor of Abbotsford) presented the flag to Allen saying these words, “Allen we look to you to lead and encourage us to become a parish without walls. Accept this Abbotsford flag and let your work spread beyond this building into the neighbourhoods this flag represents.”
After receipt of the “Symbols” Bishop Michael presented Allen to the congregation as Priest-in-Charge.
At the conclusion of worship, the congregation moved to the Parish Hall for refreshments and more celebrating.
At the conclusion of worship, the congregation moved to the Parish Hall for refreshments and more celebrating.
At the reception, parishioner Douglas MacAdams addressed the crowd and introduced the elected officials in attendance saving the introduction of Mayor George Peary for last. Douglas invited the Mayor to speak, which he did. He sincerely welcomed Allen to the community and candidly admitted that his attendance at the worship brought back fond memories of his days as a chorister and acolyte at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Brandon, MN. He also said that he very much appreciated Bishop Michael’s words at the beginning of the service and Fr. Allen’s homily. During a brief pause in his nostalgic reflection a member of the audience yelled out “Come back to church!” which elicited much enthusiasm from the crowd and a thoughtful nod of the head from Mayor Peary.
All in all September 7th, 2011 was a very hot, humid day in Greater Vancouver, a dark day for the sport of Hockey but a very bright and promising day for St. Matthew, Abbotsford and the Mission of God in the Central Fraser Valley.
Images: Top, Bishop Michael welcomes Father Allen following his induction. Middle right, the St. Matthew's Sanctuary. Below, a hint of a smile on Father Allen's face as he is welcomed.
Images: Top, Bishop Michael welcomes Father Allen following his induction. Middle right, the St. Matthew's Sanctuary. Below, a hint of a smile on Father Allen's face as he is welcomed.