More Summer at St. Stephen's, West Vancouver

During the Reverend Kenneth Vinal’s holiday last August, the Parish of St. Stephen’s, West Vancouver continued worship with visiting priests. Outdoor worship initiated by the rector was enjoyed by a summery crowd happily sitting on chairs in the courtyard. Guest priests accepted a card table as an altar, a portable lectern as a reading stand, and the sound of cawing crows adding to the ambience.

The first guest preacher and presider was the Very Reverend Peter Elliott, retired Dean of the Diocese of New Westminster and retired Rector of Christ Church Cathedral. St. Stephen’s Minister of Music, Dr. Annabelle Paetsch, alerted him to an unusual addition to the final hymn: percussion instruments! Dr. Paetsch introduced the Latin-American hymn, Cantad al Senor (“O Sing to the Lord”) to the congregation, had been armed with a variety of small percussion instruments such as maracas, castanets, claves, a rain stick, and a tambourine. The participants kept time vigorously, and at the end erupted in laughter and applause. All were reminded of the “Jubilate”: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord...”

On the second, third and fourth Sundays of the Reverend Vinal's vacation, the parish welcomed from Squamish, Canon Donald Lawton and his wife Norma. The well-known pianist and initiator of Jazz Vespers, Peter Vanderhorst, accompanied the first service. At the second service, pianist Ginger Shaw did the honours and delighted everyone at the conclusion with a light hearted “Country Gardens” that sent everyone skipping out to coffee. 

Dr. Annabelle Paetsch returned from her holiday keen to reintroduce the Latin-American hymn to the congregation. The percussion instruments were handed out, and she even taught the group the Spanish words to Cantad al Senor. The rendition was so successful even the crows kept quiet!

During the year The Rector’s Coffee Hour took place on Wednesdays which included a discussion group open to all. The group decided to continue meeting during the rector’s absence and informally shared opinions on a variety of topics including: forgiveness, duty, racism, faith. (Information shared was honour-agreed to go no farther than the room). 

The Parish of St. Stephen’s is looking forward to a creative, holy fall. 

IMAGE

The author on the right, both folks with percussion instruments

Photo Annabelle Paetsch