The colour of the day was green – green grass, green trees, green stoles, and Bishop Melissa robed in green. It was 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 22, 2014, when members of three Surrey parishes – The Anglican Parish of the Church of the Epiphany, Saint Helen’s and St. Michael’s met at Bear Creek Park for a Tri-Parish Service of worship followed by a Picnic in the Park.
It was a most blessed, uplifting and spiritual event enjoyed by all ages – a time for worshipping together through prayer, praise, singing and “hearing what the Spirit is saying to the church”.
After the processional and opening prayers, Bishop Melissa had a delightful interactive conversation with the children, who were gathered on blankets placed especially for them at the front of the 200 plus families and friends who were seated in various shapes and sizes on lawn chairs and blankets. Her message was about holding tightly to familiar things that we love and cherish and how it feels to let them go. A message which spoke to everyone about letting go of the familiar, safe past and moving forward to the future with open hands, minds and hearts. After their special time with the Bishop, the children were led to a nearby area where special activities had been planned for them.
Thanks to those who were responsible for the practical problems of holding an open air service, the sound was excellent, the music was uplifting, and the readers did an excellent job.
Of course, the highlight of the morning was the charismatic presence of Bishop Melissa. Her message, similar to the children’s, was very clear and most encouraging. The meeting and worshipping together by the three parishes, with the presence of Bishop Melissa embraced the presence of the Holy Spirit at work, bringing all those present to the realization of the promise of “One Bread, One Body, One Lord of All. We were encouraged to move forward towards developing healthy and sustainable Parishes where all are welcomed and embraced, regardless of age, ethnicity, or culture, and where God’s presence is manifest.
Many positive and encouraging comments were voiced following the service and the sharing of the bounteous food (including Krispy Kreme Donuts) prepared for all. One comment overheard was, “We should do this every year – or maybe every week!”.
In closing, I would like to share with you a comment made by my five year old grandson when explaining to his Grampa what the morning’s experience had been all about. He said ”… and after Jesus sang, we ate”.
Images: Top and homepage, Bishop Melissa speaking with the Children PHOTO: Carol Williams. Right, Eucharist. PHOTO: Carol Williams. Middle, Serving up the lunch. Bottom left, the Donut table. Below, Enjoying the picnic. PHOTO: Randy Murray