Slideshow image
Slideshow image
Slideshow image
Slideshow image
Slideshow image
Slideshow image
Slideshow image
Slideshow image
Slideshow image
Slideshow image
Slideshow image
nav image
nav image
nav image
nav image
nav image
nav image
nav image
nav image
nav image
nav image
nav image

The Parish of All Saints, Ladner is one of the oldest parishes in the diocese, having begun its mission and ministry in the Fraser River Delta’s riverside farming community in 1881. The church building and grounds that have evolved and developed since that time are amongst the most beautiful, and the building itself is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture featuring the use of BC timber. The sanctuary is larger than many of its contemporaries around the diocese and each renovation right up to the recent building of a commercial grade kitchen and deluxe restroom facilities has served to elevate the look and function of the place. Sitting in the nave, one can sense the presence of the generations of folks who have worshipped there and see the results of their generous commitment to God’s mission on Earth through the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The air inside the church is tinged with the sweet smell of sanctity. However, the parish is going through a bit of a rough patch with the resignation of the current rector, the Reverend Robin Celiz, who will begin his new ministry as Rector of the Parish of St. Helen, Surrey, February 1, 2023. Fr. Robin’s induction by Bishop John Stephens is scheduled for Tuesday, February 7 at 7pm. As the parish has done for decades when the need has arisen, they will begin the search for new ordained leadership and will continue the ministry to the City of Ladner and beyond. 

During the visit to All Saints, for the Baptism of the Lord, January 8, 2023, Bishop John celebrated Holy Communion from the BCP at 8:30am and met with that congregation in the chapel after worship. At the main 10am Celebration of the Eucharist, Bishop John preached and presided, and presented Ms. Leanne Fischer, the daughter of All Saints’ parishioner, Pat Sallis with the medal and ribbon, naming Mrs. Sallis to the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster. Mrs. Sallis had been too ill to attend the November 5, 2022, Investiture Service held at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster and sadly, she died soon after that date.

The posthumous investiture of Mrs. Patricia Eileen Sallis to the ODNW took place following Bishop John’s sermon (available here on the diocesan website in video, audio and text) and before the Prayers of the People led by intercessor, Theeps Theeparajah. Ms. Fischer, Bishop John and Fr. Robin positioned themselves across the chancel in front of the altar for the brief ceremony which included a precis and prayers from the bishop and the reading of the full citation as recorded in the Register of the Order by the Rev. Celiz. An edited version of the citations are read at the biennial investiture and Pat Sallis’s is as follows:

Over 29 years at All Saints, Ladner, Pat has served as Peoples Warden and many terms on Parish Council with dedication and commitment.  She maintains strong personal faith and loyalty to her values, family and friends.  A faithful worshipper, Pat has served as an Eucharistic Administrator, Usher, Greeter and with the prayer ministry.  Pat enriches the life of the parish through her enthusiasm and energy for fundraising, community outreach, and pastoral care.  She demonstrates how faith in action can overcome both personal and church-related challenges.

Amongst many contributions to the life, worship, mission and ministry of All Saints, Pat Sallis was either a founding and/or ongoing member of the community meal, health ministry and the popular Christmas ‘Poinsettia’ Bazaar.

The Reverend Karin Fulcher was Deacon of the Word and Table for the Eucharist. Deacon Karin was for many years the deacon at St. David’s, Tsawwassen, the Parish of All Saints’ nearby neighbour to the southwest. Completing the sanctuary party was Crucifer, Pauline Ingall who also read the Epistle, Acts 10: 34-43. Leaders in worship included, the aforementioned Mr. Theeparajah; greeters, Mitch and Kathy Gillis; guest musician, organist and pianist, Rod Asher; lay administrator, Liz Macdonald; Altar Guild member, Jennifer Semenoff who also read the OT, Isaiah 42: 1-9 and prepared food for the after-worship luncheon and meeting for and with Bishop John Stephens.

This Sunday was particularly personal for Jennifer as following the Dismissal, the sanctuary party (clergy and crucifer) led the congregation outside to the Memorial Garden for the interment of the ashes of parishioner Marion Burnett, Jennifer’s mother. The weather for January 8 was very mild with a gentle sprinkling of rain as Bishop John read the words of Scripture from the Interment of Ashes:

“I know that my Redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon the earth; and my skin has been thus destroyed, then from my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.” Job 19: 25-27

“I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labours, for their deeds may follow them?’” Revelation 14:13

Please keep the Parish of All Saints, Ladner and the Reverend Robin Celiz in your prayers as they enter into this time of transition.

IMAGES

  • Ms. Leanne Fisher holding her mother’s ODNW medal and ribbon poses for a photo with Bishop John
  • Guest musician, Rod Asher at the piano
  • Bishop John at the lectern, preaching
  • Mr. Theeps Theeparajah leads the Prayers of the People
  • "The peace of the Lord be always with you"
  • The All Saints choir demonstrates the non-contact sharing of the peace
  • Eucharistic Prayer, "After supper he took the cup..."
  • Holy Communion
  • Bishop John leads the prayers for the late Marion Burnett
  • Pauline Ingall, Jennifer Semenoff and Liz Macdonald during the prayers

Photos: Randy Murray

Richmond & Delta
All Saints