Sunday, November 6th, 4pm at Christ Church Cathedral the diocese gathered for the third time in as many years to recognize 38 of those amongst us who have given extraordinary service, leadership, wisdom and committed ministry to God’s mission in the world.
In his introductory address, the Very Reverend Peter Elliott, Dean of the Diocese and rector of the Cathedral suggested that if one were to ask a current ODNW member who had received the honour in 2009 or 2010 what the award means to them they would reply,
“what a privilege it is to serve God through the ministry of the church.”
Visiting preacher, Bishop Sue Moxley began her sermon with the enthusiastic call and response not often hear in Anglican liturgies, “God is good – All the time! All the time, God is good! Bishop Sue continued this theme through her address which delivered the message that these 38 new members of the ODNW are representative of “those who have chosen as baptized people in the church to really do something in service to God.
To plunge right in.”
Among the 38 there is amazing diversity, people of different backgrounds, different education experiences who use their gifts in service to God whether it be: advocacy, hospitality, organizational skill, compassionate service locally, compassionate service internationally or in the case of Betty Shizue Sakashita of Holy Cross Japanese-Canadian Anglican church, preparing a meal on Sunday’s after morning worship for the past 25 years.
Following the worship the “Class of 2011” gathered for the official photograph in front of the Altar, that was immediately followed by more photographs taken by family and friends of the new members in the Cathedral and then downstairs to the Parish Hall for a reception.
The January edition of Topic will have a full feature story about the Investiture complete with all the Citations read by Judge Robb Watt as each of the 2011 members received the award.
In his introductory address, the Very Reverend Peter Elliott, Dean of the Diocese and rector of the Cathedral suggested that if one were to ask a current ODNW member who had received the honour in 2009 or 2010 what the award means to them they would reply,
“what a privilege it is to serve God through the ministry of the church.”
Visiting preacher, Bishop Sue Moxley began her sermon with the enthusiastic call and response not often hear in Anglican liturgies, “God is good – All the time! All the time, God is good! Bishop Sue continued this theme through her address which delivered the message that these 38 new members of the ODNW are representative of “those who have chosen as baptized people in the church to really do something in service to God.
To plunge right in.”
Among the 38 there is amazing diversity, people of different backgrounds, different education experiences who use their gifts in service to God whether it be: advocacy, hospitality, organizational skill, compassionate service locally, compassionate service internationally or in the case of Betty Shizue Sakashita of Holy Cross Japanese-Canadian Anglican church, preparing a meal on Sunday’s after morning worship for the past 25 years.
Following the worship the “Class of 2011” gathered for the official photograph in front of the Altar, that was immediately followed by more photographs taken by family and friends of the new members in the Cathedral and then downstairs to the Parish Hall for a reception.
The January edition of Topic will have a full feature story about the Investiture complete with all the Citations read by Judge Robb Watt as each of the 2011 members received the award.
Images: Top, Bishop Sue Moxley. Middle right, Betty Shizue Sakashita second from right top row poses for a photo with members of the Holy Cross, Vancouver community. Below, the ODNW Class of 2011.