June 2023 Synod Staff Meeting

On Wednesday morning, June 7, the staff of the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster met for their final meeting before the July and August summer hiatus. All staff members who work from the Synod office were present in-person (including Minister for Climate Justice, the Reverend Joyce Parry-Moore who travelled in from the Sunshine Coast) except for Executive Archdeacon, the Venerable Philippa Pride who joined via Zoom.

Bishop John reported to staff about his current ministry and all agreed that he is (and will remain) very busy. The bishop shared information about his current list of episcopal visits both recently passed and imminent and information about General Synod which will convene in Calgary, June 27 - July 2. There was an informal debrief of the 122nd Synod held May 12 and 13 and each staff member reported in about their current work. Building Administrator, Regan Gorman was chair.

For many years, March was the busy birthday month for Synod staff but now it is June, with Bishop John; Accountant, Lito Manalo and Director of Finance, Shailene Caparas all celebrating June birthdays. Michelle Van Teunenbroek had sourced a delicious chocolate cake, everyone sang 'Happy Birthday' and the three posed for the ceremonial cake cutting with Bishop John making the incision and Lito cutting up slices to serve.

The next Synod office staff meeting is scheduled for September 6, 2023.