The evening of July 23, 2019 marked another step in the story of St John the Divine, Squamish with the celebration of a new ministry, the induction by Archbishop Melissa Skelton of the Rev. Cameron Gutjahr as rector. Archbishop Skelton presided at the Eucharist.
The liturgy began with a warm welcome and song from Tsawaysia Spukwus of the Squamish First Nation.
Guest preacher was the Reverend Dr. Canon Todd Townshend who is Dean of Theology at Huron University where Rev. Gutjahr studied.
During the Covenant in Ministry, Executive Archdeacon of the Diocese of New Westminster, the Venerable Douglas Fenton led the formal reading of oaths and subscriptions and the signing of official paperwork.
Next was the Presentation of the Symbols of Ministry. Rev. Gutjahr was presented with: a Bible, Prayer Book, vessel of water, Holy Oil, Bread and Wine, copy of the Canons of the Diocese, and the keys to the church. The symbols were presented by the church wardens and members of the congregation.
After the service, light refreshments and a cake were served in the church hall.
The members of St. John's would like to thank Archbishop Melissa Skelton for being in attendance and officiating at the liturgy so soon after her stay in hospital and for all the visiting clergy and deacons and members of other faith communities in Squamish contributing to the support of this new shared ministry.
Thanks to Ian Brown for assembling the choir and arranging rehearsals. And many thanks to those who did such a great job of providing and serving the refreshments after the service.
Many thanks to Trevor Mills for the photos and the coverage of the induction