Chinese New Year and a Celebration of our primary sacrament, Baptism were the focus of the liturgy February 2nd, 2014, at St. John the Apostle, Port Moody, setting the tone for the Vestry meeting to follow that would formally establish the merger between St. Margaret’s of Scotland and St. John’s.
The Reverend Stephanie Shepard, outgoing priest-in-charge of St. Margaret’s of Scotland made arrangements with the parish where she is rector, St. Timothy’s so that she could be present for the meetings and also preach at the Celebration of the Eucharist with Baptism. The Legal Registrar of the Diocese of New Westminster, Don Paul was also present, he attended the liturgy and during the meeting graciously offered his legal expertise as needed.The counters at St. John’s registered 16 at the 8:30am service and 130 at the 10am, the majority of both congregations returned to participate in the meeting.
The final vote resulted in a unanimous decision from both parishes (St. John’s 51 in favour; St Margaret’s 32 in favour) to merge and become the NEW Community of St. John the Apostle, effective, February 15th, 2014 subject to the approval of Diocesan Council and the Bishop.
St. Margaret’s outgoing Bishop’s Warden, David Nash said that “St Marg’s last day is February 14th, St. Valentine’s Day - a good day for a wedding!” The mood was very upbeat and everyone present expressed approval and enthusiasm for what is happening. David Nash also offered thanks on behalf of the two communities and those who have been most active in facilitating the process to everyone who has had a role in making the merger possible.
The April issue of Topic, the monthly publication of the Diocese of New Westminster will include a feature story about the merger.
Images: Top and homepage, Diocesan Legal Registrar, Don Paul oversees the signing of the merger papers. Below, Outgoing Bishop’s Warden, David Nash (in background on the left), the Venerable Grant Rodgers and Warden, Teri Hazelton.