One hundred parishioners and guests gathered in the sanctuary on the lovely fall evening of Oct. 10, 2013, to witness the Celebration of New Ministry of the Rev. Denise Doerksen as Assistant Priest at St. Mark’s, Ocean Park. The Ven. Stephen Rowe, Archdeacon of Fraser celebrated the Eucharist and the Covenant in Ministry. In a double role, the Rev. Craig Tanksley as rector and Regional Dean welcomed Denise to the communities of St. Mark and to the Deanery. Craig also mentioned that the search had taken 2 years to find a full-time assistant priest. The music for the evening was provided by the newlyweds, Annabelle Ip and guest organist Michael Dirk from St. John’s Shaughnessy.
During the sermon, preacher, the Rev. Paul Woehrle provided a history of the first Bishop of York, Paulinus. Oct. 10 is the day that we celebrate his ministry. Paulinus arrived in England with the monks in 601. Rev. Woehrle mentioned that Paulinus like Denise answered a call to serve Jesus Christ through ordained ministry. Paul then moved to the theme of “light”as mentioned in the reading from Matthew 5: 14-16.
Paul spoke about showing our Light in the communities of White Rock and South Surrey. The light is not reserved for those in the centre, but for those who exist upon the margins who Denise might come in contact with in coffee shops or at the beach. New people will be attracted to the Light.
Paul skillfully used the metaphor of bright lights and camera flashes and how they attract attention which encourages us in our shared ministry to bring the Light to our communities. He repeated the famous quote from the Gospel reading, Matthew 5 verse 16:“Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.”
Light refreshments were held in the hall afterwards and a celebratory cake.
As a gift from the church, Denise was given an artistic wooden marker to reserve her parking space.
CHECK OUT THE PHOTO ALBUM ON THE DIOCESAN FACEBOOK PAGEImages: Top and homepage, Denise says for the first time as the “official” Assistant Priest of St. Mark’s, “The peace of our Lord be always with you”. Upper right, the sermon preached by the Reverend Paul Woehrle of St. David’s, Delta, was historical, topical and spiritual. Lower left, the Eucharistic prayer, Denise and the Venerable Stephen Rowe. Below, Denise responds to the Welcome Gift presented to her by the Wardens and the Parish, a custom made parking sign.