Retired Clergy and Spouses Luncheon in West Vancouver

The Spring 2022 edition of the Retired Clergy and Spouses Luncheon took place at St. Christopher's, West Vancouver on Monday, June 6, 2022. The bright, spacious parish hall and roomy, well-equipped kitchen were the perfect venues for the event. Although there were still a few masks (and nothing wrong with that), attendance was robust, the energy was high, and it was obvious that this group of folks were very grateful for the opportunity to gather in-person and spend some time together.

Co-chaplain and co-organizer of the Retired Clergy and Spouses events, the Reverend Karin Fulcher was on her own as co-chaplain. The Reverend Neil Gray was indisposed and not able to attend. Karin also took on the role of MC. Chief volunteer and support to and for the Retired Clergy and Spouses, Jane Dittrich staffed the bar, was a cheerful presence and assisted with service and clean-up. Jane's mother and father, Jean and the Reverend Douglas Dittrich were unable to attend due to travel and health concerns. Doug had recently celebrated 60 years of ordination to the priesthood and this milestone was commemorated during the luncheon.

Catering for the spring edition of the lunch was handled by Bette Geddes and Sharing Abundance who put together the Anglican church potluck classics, ham and scalloped potatoes with a garden-fresh fruit and veggie salad, a colourful and tasty assortment of steamed vegetables and Vol-au-vent filled with custard or berry coulis topped with fresh cream.

Prior to lunch being served, the Reverend Fulcher made a few announcements paying particular attention to the milestones being celebrated by some members of the group, and reminding the plenary that cards were available in the narthex for signing: a birthday card for Bev Barnes; a birthday card for the Reverend Sue Foley-Currie; a congratulations card for the Reverend Doug Dittrich on his 60th anniversary of ordination; a congratulations card for the Venerable Ronald Harrison on his 50th anniversary of ordination and "Get Well Soon" card for the absent co-chaplain to the Retired Clergy and Spouses, the Reverend Neil Gray. She then introduced the Interim Priest-in-Charge of St. Christopher’s, the Reverend Jonathan Pinkney who greeted the guests, provided a little bit of his personal history, and displayed a beautiful handmade mosaic created by a parishioner using small tiles of locally sourced wood. 

Once the group had their desserts and hot beverages, Bishop John Stephens provided a brief update, that among numerous topics included; profiling current mission and ministry in the diocese, the upcoming conference in Lambeth, July 26-August 8, and also engaged in a discussion around the recent closing and merging of parishes.

All in all, a successful gathering. The next Retired Clergy and Spouses Luncheon will likely be the Advent edition usually taking place on the first or second Tuesday of December. Information about the next luncheon will be distributed as it becomes available. 

IMAGES

• A view of three tables full of folks enjoying lunch and conversation
• Co-chaplain and co-organizer of the Retired Clergy and Spouses luncheons, the Reverend Karin Fulcher.
• Chief volunteer and support to and for the Retired Clergy and Spouses, Jane Dittrich staffs the bar. 
• The Sharing Abundance catering team, unironically preparing Ham and Scalloped potatoes. Photo: Jane Dittrich
  
• Deacons, priest, spouses, archdeacons and a bishop chatting prior to lunch.
• Many thanks to this table for striking a friendly pose for the photographer.
• The Reverend Pinkney displays a mosaic Madonna created by a parishioner out of individual pieces of local wood.
• Sandy and Ronald Harrison serve up. The two tables with the birthday and anniversary folks went up first.
• Bev Barnes on her birthday.
• The Reverend Sue Foley-Currie celebrating her birthday.
• Bishop John Stephens offered a blessing before the meal and following lunch he gave a brief address and participated in Q&A.