With the ease of an experienced tree planter, Bishop Michael took a shovel in hand, and heaved fresh dirt onto the roots of a young Japanese Cherry tree, on the sunlit grounds of St. John’s Shaughnessy, and then blessed it. “Bless this tree so that every creature which enjoys its shade, protection, and beauty may give glory to you, the Creator of all.” A slight wind rustled the tall branches.
Surrounded by clergy and Synod delegates on a gorgeous spring morning, the symbolism and significance of the Bishop planting a tree on the grounds of St. John’s (Shaughnessy) was palpable.“We plant in order to mend, to heal, to fix,” they prayed. “We plant for the sake of the repair of God’s order, of God’s universe, our home.”
The opening procession for the Synod liturgy was led by three banners from the returning churches: St John’s Shaughnessy, St. Matthias + St. Luke, Oakridge, and St. Matthew’s, Abbotsford. Bishop Michael welcomed them back, acknowledging, with humility, the restoration of these parishes to the diocese.
In his homily, Bishop Greg Rickel of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia spoke about the sadness and joy inherent in the DNW Synod delegates celebrating Mass at St. John’s Shaughnessy.
“I know enough to know (that) this day, and to have this day, in this place, is very significant. I know there is great relief, celebration, (and) jubilation for many here.
“I know there are people across town not so emotionally disposed. As much as we are glad to have such things behind us, it is important to note the reality of the sadness when the unity and the Body of Christ imagined is not realized, that in our humanness we fail on this account, no matter who seems to be right or wrong in all of it. We are not victorious in such moments. But rather, faithful and steady.”
The soaring music was led by the choir from St. James, and its choirmaster, Gerald Harder. The monetary offering was given to St. George’s, Kingcome, for the re-building of their sacristy which was destroyed by floodwaters in 2010. One of the communion administrators was the Reverend Michael Fuller, the Incumbent-elect of St. John’s, who had flown in from London, and who cheerfully mingled with the throng of happy delegates.
Images: Top, Bishop Michael plants the tree as The Venerable Ronald Harrison looks on. Middle Left Bishop Greg Rickel preaches. Below, The congregation stand for the entry of the procession and the singing of the first hymn.