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At the request of many parishioners, St. John's, Shaughnessy held a “Drive Through Farewell” event Saturday, January 9, for  their outgoing rector, the Reverend John Stephens. Rev. Stephens will also (in less than two months) be their incoming Bishop.

After carefully reviewing the provincial guidelines and putting many precautions in place, parishioners were able to “Drive Through” and wish Rev. John all the best.

Drive throughs were offers at 10am and 2pm and attendance was managed through Eventbrite the online ticketing software. Approximately 15 cars attended the 10am while the 2pm doubled that amount.

Reverend Stephen's new vestments were also on display. He will robe in these for the first time when he is ordained bishop on Saturday, January 23, 11am at Christ Church Cathedral. Due to COVID-19 restrictions the liturgy will be livesteam only.

“I knew it would be special to (after so long) see the faces of people that have been such wonderful part of my life - but I wasn’t prepared for just how special it was” said Stephens.

As seen in the accompanying photos taken by Derek Simpkins, parishioners were welcomed and received blessings not only while in their vehicles but Deacon Pitman Potter and his wife Vicky combined both physical and spiritual care of their hearts and rode to the occasion.

Reverend Stephen's last service as rector and pastor of St John's, Shaughnessy was streamed Sunday January 10 and is available on the St. John.s website.

Rev Stephen's began his role as Bishop Co-adjutor-elect Monday January 11, 2021 and has temporary office located in the Synod Offices of the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster until he moves into the Bishop's Office following the Seating and Installation on February 28, 2021. 

Many thanks to Derek Simpkins of St. John's for these photos from January 9 and 10.

IMAGES

  • The Reverend Marilyn and Andrew Hames drive up to say 'farewell'.
  • Penni Stock with Rev. Stephens
  • The Reverend Pitman Potter and Vicki Potter, ODNW staying physically distanced on their bikes Photo by Regan Gorman
  • The Potters pose with the outgoing rector
  • Rev. Stephens shares with the Dezell Family, a Memory Book which was one of the gifts he received from the parish.
  • Michael, Annabelle and Julia Dirk wish Father John a fond farewell
  • The new cope
  • Reverend Stephens preaching to the online congregation for the final time as rector
  • Assistant Priest, the Reverend Liz Ruder-Celiz blessing with asperges during the Sunday Jan 10 livestream
  • Rev. Stephens is emotional as the livestream liturgy draws to a close.

All photos by Derek Simpkins except where noted.