Bishop Melissa maintained a very busy visitation schedule earlier in the summer prior to taking some well-deserved time off at the end of July and into August. It is hard to believe that as of this writing we are only four and half months into her Episcopacy.
On June 22nd the day began with the Tri-Parish Eucharist and Picnic at Bear Creek Park in Surrey. The participating Surrey parishes were The Anglican Parish of the Church of the Epiphany, St. Helen’s and St. Michael’s.The first Confirmation Eucharist of Bishop Melissa’s Episcopacy took place at Christ Church Cathedral at 4pm also on June 22nd. It was an historic moment as James of Christ Church Cathedral was introduced by Executive Archdeacon, the Venerable Douglas Fenton, then approached the chancel platform steps and knelt in front of the Bishop for the laying on of hands for the Sacrament of Confirmation. James would be the first of 53 that day. There were also two Reaffirmations and three Receptions.
On June 29th, Bishop Melissa visited the Parish of St. Cuthbert, Delta where she was warmly welcomed and participated for the first time in Canada Day weekend activities. Between services the Bishop had tea with Delta Mayor, Lois Jackson who happens to be a member of the Parish of St. Cuthbert’s.
On Sunday July 6th, the last rainy day before the July heatwave hit, Bishop Melissa visited St. David’s, Delta located in beautiful Tsawwassen. She enjoyed a tour of the Jubilee Garden, received gifts of Jubilee Jam and fresh produce and got to know some of the younger members of the Diocese of New Westminster and some senior members too.
Sunday, July 13th was spent getting ready for the full week of the Diocesan School for Leadership that took place at Rosemary Heights Roman Catholic Retreat Centre in South Surrey near White Rock. As the Bishop would be in residence with the students and faculty for the entire week her good friend Teddy the West Highland Terrier had to spend a week in a Surrey boarding kennel.
On July 20th, Bishop Melissa visited the original seat of the See of New Westminster, Holy Trinity Cathedral where she was welcomed warmly by the entire community led by rector, the Reverend Dale Yardy, deacon, the Reverend Christine Magrega and honorary priest associate, the Reverend Neil Fernyhough.
Images in Order
1. James of Christ Church Cathedral the first to be confirmed during Bishop Melissa Skelton’s Episcopacy. PHOTO: Randy Murray
2. Bishop Melissa leads the congregation in the reciting of the Baptismal Covenant. The Reverend Pittman Potter on the left. PHOTO: Randy Murray
3. Bishop Melissa in front of the Chancel windows at St. Cuthbert’s in a Canadian flag themed cap (photo on homepage). PHOTO: Courtesy of Bishop Melissa Skelton
4. Women in South Asian dress pose with Bishop Melissa at the reception at St. Cuthbert’s. PHOTO: Courtesy of Bishop Melissa Skelton
5. Bishop Melissa meets Delta Mayor, Lois Jackson over a pot of tea. On the right is outgoing St. Cuthbert’s incumbent, the Reverend Al Carson. PHOTO: Courtesy of Bishop Melissa Skelton
6. During the Children’s Talk at St. David’s, Delta the young man seen asking a question was amused by the Bishop’s surname which to his ears sounded like “Skeleton”. This observation caused a few giggles in the sanctuary. PHOTO: Al Jaugelis
7. Bishop Melissa and Mrs. Phoebe Hamilton, ODNW. Mrs Hamilton was invested with the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster (she was St David’s first nominee to the Order) in the inaugural year of 2009. PHOTO: Al Jaugelis
8. In preparation for a week’s learning in close quarters the plenary at the Diocesan School for Leadership work on the Meyers Briggs Typology Indicators. PHOTO: Bishop Melissa Skelton
9. After a week in a boarding kennel, Teddy is very happy to be home with his blanket and his bunny. PHOTO: Bishop Melissa Skelton
10. The Reverend Christine Magrega, deacon of Holy Trinity Cathedral with Bishop Melissa. PHOTO: Courtesy of Bishop Melissa Skelton
11. Bishop Melissa takes a photo of the Reverend Fr. Neil Fernyhough, Honorary Associate Priest at HTC as he poses with the Pastoral Crosier of the Diocese of New Westminster. PHOTO: Bishop Melissa Skelton