More than Just a Line in the Bulletin
The Companion Diocese Committee (CDC) of the Diocese of New Westminster consisting of: the Reverend Paul Richard’s, Clare Urquhart, the Reverend Karen Urquhart, Abby Cline, Carol Tindall, ODNW, Felly Farinas with Synod staff support from the Venerable Douglas Fenton hosted an information morning Saturday, January 20 in the Trendell Lounge at the Synod Office.
This meeting was an open invitation to all Parish Liaisons who assist in making connections between their parish and the partner parish in the Episcopal Diocese of the Philippines (EDNP). Clergy and others connected to their Companion Diocese link parish were also invited.
There was an excellent turnout of more than 30 representing 21 of the parishes of the diocese. The Reverend Karen Urquhart facilitated the two hour meeting.
Although the material presented was broad in scope it was for the most part new information to many in attendance but vital to their understanding of their roles as Parish Liaisons.
Presenters included: Abby Cline, Archdeacon Douglas Fenton, Archbishop Douglas Hambidge, Dean Peter Elliott and Carol Tindall, ODNW. The Reverend Arvin Amayag, vicar of St. Mary the Virgin, Sapperton, recently (in the last few years) arrived in our diocese from EDNP also offered some helpful information. The Reverend Paul Richards sent his regrets as he was unable to attend.
The group were informed and inspired by the sessions and will go back to their parishes with more information that will lead to the increase in connections between parishes, helping this Companion Diocese relationship to grow into something significantly more than (in the words of Archbishop Hambidge) “a line in the service bulletin or a line in the intercession.”
IMAGES
- Archbishop Hambidge's presentation was fascinating and a highlight of the session
- The Venerable Douglas Fenton provided information about EDNP.
- Abby Cline spoke about her visit to EDNP spring of 2017
- Small group discussions