Tuesday, February 9, 2016, was the first day back at work after the Family Day long weekend for the staff of the Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster, and it was the first Shrove Tuesday pancake breakfast to be held in the new Synod offices at 1410 Nanton Avenue.
As is the custom, the three components of the Synod office (Program, Bishop’s Office, Finance and Administration) take turns preparing the annual flapjack fest and this year it was the program staff’s turn. While others did the shopping and planning for the meal, the Reverend Marnie Peterson took command of the kitchen, preparing many buttermilk pancakes accompanied by hot blueberry compote. Tasha Carrothers was in charge of sourcing and cooking the bacon for those who enjoy savory, salty pork products and each rasher was done to perfection.
The meal was served buffet style and the staff sat together in the Tendell Lounge, the multi-purpose space shared by the Synod office and the Parish of St. John’s, Shaughnessy.
The next morning at 9:30am, Ash Wednesday, Bishop Skelton preached and presided at a Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes liturgy in the chancel at St. John’s, Shaughnessy. A majority of the Synod staff joined members of the St. John’s congregation for worship.
Images
- The Reverend Marnie Peterson prepares the blueberry sauce
- Marnie signals that pancakes are ready
- The Synod staff enjoy breakfast together
- Sandra Stevenson and Rob Dickson chat after the meal