Retired Clergy and Spouses Luncheon, December Edition 2016

More than 70 retired clergy and spouses gathered December 1, 2016, at the Synod Offices, 1410 Nanton for the annual Advent version of the Retired Clergy and Spouses Luncheon for the Diocese of New Westminster. The Reverend John and Dorothy Mash, diocesan chaplains to the retired clergy again organized a great event with some help from Synod staff who were also invited and in attendance. The Banqueting Table folks reprised their roles as caterers and servers. The Banqueting Table is a positive work program resident at West Vancouver Baptist church focused on bringing single mothers, victims of abuse and women who have been marginalized and unable to gain re-entry into the work force into a healthy work environment that provides skills and community.

The luncheon began with the guests gathering in the foyer space at the Synod Office for wine, fruit juice and conversation. The Reverend Keith Gilbert currently interim priest-in-charge at St Catherine’s, Capilano staffed the wine bar.

As previously mentioned, Dorothy and John Mash also invite the Synod staff to the luncheon and all the staff present that Thursday were in attendance. Unfortunately the Synod staff person with responsibility for the retired clergy, Executive Archdeacon, the Venerable Douglas Fenton was unable to be there as he was called to national church meetings in Eastern Canada.

Dorothy Mash was very comfortable in her role as host for the event and began the brief program by asking the group to take a moment to find out something about the person sitting next to them and see if paths had crossed previously and or had connections had been made. She then asked those who were attending a retired clergy lunch for the first time to stand, receive some acknowledgment from the group and give a little bit of information about themselves. Of the five newcomers present, three were visiting from their homes on Vancouver Island. Dorothy also shared the notes of regret that she and John had received from those invited who for a variety of reasons would not be able to attend.  

A feature of the luncheon apart from the opportunity to reconnect is the Bishop's address. Bishop Skelton brought the group up to date on goings on in the diocese and also shared information about the House of Bishop's meeting and her trip to London for the annual meeting of the Compass Rose Society.  However, the principal message of her address to the retired clergy and spouses was one of gratitude. She affirmed that vocation is really not something one who is called can retire from. She said that “without retired clergy and their spouses we would not be able to do what we do” for retired clergy fill innumerable roles: assisting priests, advocating for justice, helping out in parishes in a variety of ways, as chaplains, serving as interims and supply clergy, as scholars, advisors, poets, coaches and so much more.  She ended this section of her address saying “for sure, you have the right to retire, but please don’t!”

After spending about two and half hours together, the retired clergy and spouses of the diocese said their goodbyes and headed off to their respective homes, and very likely looking forward to the May 2017 version of the luncheon.

IMAGES

• Dorothy Mash greets the 70 clergy and spouses
• The Reverend Keith Gilbert prepares to shut down the wine bar as it is time for the meal
• The Reverend Dr. Harold and Clair Munn attending their first retired clergy and spouses event. 
• The Bishop's address