People: Coordinator for First Nations Ministry leaving

The diocesan coordinator for First Nations ministry for the past three years, Sherry Small, has been appointed program coordinator for the new Vancouver Aboriginal Police Society. As this is a full time position and the diocesan job was part-time, she has left diocesan employment, and no longer has to divide her attention between two work sites - but continues as a parishioner at St. James, Vancouver

In May this year, the Rev. Patricia Horrobin began her new duties as parish priest for the parishes of St. Aidan, Rutland, BC and St. Francis, Lake Country. Horrobin is originally from Vancouver, and was a priest at St. Catherine, North Vancouver, and most recently, rector of All Saints, Kimberly, BC.

The Rev. Neville Crichlow of St. Mary's, Sapperton, has been granted an extension beyond his normal retirement age till July, 2008. The Rev. Jeannette Scott of St. David and St. Paul, Powell River, will remain a deacon there at least through August, 2007.

Congratulations to the Rev. Fredrick Thirkell and wife Lillian Thirkell who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 30. Fred, with co-author Bob Scullion, hope to have another book on BC history in circulation in time for Christmas giving.

Very generous to both the diocese and the parish of St. George's, Maple Ridge, was the late Eva Webb, a long time member. Her will is still being executed, but she left at least $150,000 to be divided between the diocese and the parish.

November 30 is the 30th anniversary of the first ordination of women to the priesthood. The Rev. Margaret Marquardt of St. Margaret's, Vancouver, is collecting stories from women priests and deacons to see what has been their range of experience as ordained persons. Those who wish to contribute can reach Marquardt at her parish, 604 874-5030.

Gwen Ingham of St. Mary's, Kerrisdale, the teacher librarian at Moberly Elementary School, co-ordinates a one-to-one reading program in her library. Volunteers help students-who often speak little English at home-become more successful readers. Anglicans from across the diocese have volunteered on a weekly basis, working one-to-one with four students for 20 minutes per student. Ingham says she can use more volunteers. If you are interested in being trained as a reading helper please call her at the school, 604 713-4784.

A parishioner of St. Anne, Steveston, Gail Newell, has been appointed curate foe Christ Church, Hope effective December. This appointment by the Commissary, the Very Rev. Peter Elliott, is a three year, half-time appointment. At the request of the bishop, Newell will be ordained transitional Deacon on November 19 at 4 pm by retired Archbishop Douglas Hambidge in Christ Church, Hope. Her priestly supervisor will be the Rev. Fred Tassinari, retired Rector of St. John, Sardis and former Regional Dean of Yale.

Archbishop Hambidge was a keynote speaker last month at a large conference of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) of the Episcopal Church of the USA. Holding a seminar at the same meeting was Glen Mitchell, the diocesan director of planned giving.