Harvest Thanksgiving in Squamish
On the morning of October 7, 2018, the Reverend Dr. Tellison Glover, Director for Mission and Ministry Development at the Diocese of New Westminster and Randy Murray, communications officer for the diocese were warmly welcomed at worship by the members of St. John the Divine, Squamish. St. John's is located in the Garibaldi Highlands neighbourhood of the venerable logging and mining community located about halfway between Vancouver and Whistler on the Sea to Sky highway.
The exterior of the building is unassuming, a wooden structure that very much reflects the forest environment that is now home to a residential subdivision. However, the sanctuary inside is beautiful.
The vicar of St. John's is the Reverend Nick Parker. Music in worship is led by pianist, Linda Halvorsen.
Rev. Parker's homily preached extemperaneously on the topic of the spirituality of gratitude was truly superb and was much enjoyed by the regular faith community and by the visitors.
Dr. Glover very much enjoyed and appreciated the flow of the liturgy and also the opportunity to connect with members of the parish following worship when the majority of the congregation gathered for coffee and treats in the hall.
Worshipping at St. John's is indeed a fine experience, however, if anyone reading this piece takes to heart this recommendation and makes the trip northwest, one of the things really worth seeing are the quilted liturgical wall hangings. Created by members of the parish more than a decade ago they are among the best examples of liturgical art in our diocese.
IMAGES
- The Dove of Peace quilt behind the altar
- The Peace
- Rev. Parker greets a member of the congregation at the Peace
- The Eucharistic Prayer
- The Eucharist
- The largest of the quilts, a cross that dominates a section of the northwest wall.