Wednesday, February 8th, Holy Cross Japanese-Canadian Anglican Church officially welcomed their new Priest-in-Charge, the Reverend Father Moses Daebin Im, his wife Hee Joung Kim and their three sons, Donghyok, Songhyok and Philip. Father Im originally from Korea has most recently been in ministry in the Diocese of Osaka, Japan.
In his brief opening address, Bishop Michael opened the Celebration of New Ministry Eucharist by saying that this was an historic occasion and he stressed the important contributions of Japanese-Canadians to the culture, development and growth of this part of the world and to the Anglican Church. He also thanked Director of Mission and Ministry, Rev’d Douglas Fenton for his outstanding work in helping to locate Father Im and his role in facilitating Father Im’s arrival at Holy Cross.
He expressed gratitude for the outstanding ministry of outgoing Priest-in-Charge, the Reverend Father John Shozawa who delayed his retirement in order that the Holy Cross community could continue to have ordained leadership.
Following the sermon by Rev'd Douglas Fenton, Wardens, Gwen Lamacraft, ODNW and Basil Izumi, ODNW stood with Bishop Michael and Father Im.
Douglas, as Director of Mission and Ministry for the Diocese of New Westminster affirmed that the required oaths and declarations had been made and the letters of appointment and license read in his presence. The Covenant in Ministry continued with Father Im’s affirmation that he would commit himself to his new responsibility. This was followed by the Holy Cross community’s enthusiastic commitment to share with Father Im in the ministry of the parish.
Next were the presentations of the Symbols of Ministry to Father Im by members of the parish.And then it was time for Bishop Michael to present Moses Daebin Im to the Parish of Holy Cross, Vancouver as the leader of their ministry and invited their welcome. The response was enthusiastic and prolonged applause.
Wardens, Gwen Lamacraft and Basil Izumi and outgoing Priest-in-Charge, Fr. John Shozawa were also presented with floral tributes and applause.
Following the Celebration of the Eucharist, the Holy Cross community and guests retired to the hall for a celebratory reception.
May God’s blessings be many on the community of Holy Cross Japanese-Canadian Anglican Church and the ministry they now share with the Reverend Father Moses Daebin Im and his family.
(The preceding is an excerpt from a feature article scheduled to be printed in the April issue of TOPIC the monthly publication of the Diocese of New Westminster)
Images: Top: Bishop Michael welcomes Father Im. Upper right: Douglas Fenton preaching, Middle left: Michiko Tatchell translates.
Lower: Archdeacon Ellen presents flowers to Hee Joung Kim, eldest son Donghyok is on his mothers left, youngest son Philip on her right.
Below: 1. Father Im acknowledges the welcome. 2. Father Im answers some questions prior to the service.