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Welcome to St. Catherine's!Well, sadly, this will be my last contribution to these weekly notices from St. Catherine’s as I come to the end of my brief time here. It has been a real pleasure to spend this time with you all and get to know you a little. Right from the beginning, when I first arrived in the middle of March, I have been struck by what a loving community St. Catherine’s is. Christine and I have been very grateful and have so appreciated the welcome, warmth and hospitality that we have received from you. Thank you all so much! As I think about St. Catherine’s in this time of departures and transitions, the word that comes to mind that for me best describes this parish family is tenderhearted. That is what I have witnessed and experienced in your relations with one another, a real tenderheartedness and compassionate care for one another. This is very special. So, as I prepare to leave, I want you to know this and be able to recognize this yourselves! This is who you are, and it is a real credit to you. Stand strong in this knowledge and own this identity! This is made all the more remarkable because, as I have come to know you, I realize that this parish is also full of characters – strong characters! Sometimes, as you may know, strong characters do not always make for easy and harmonious relations! However, St. Catherine’s is made up of a cast of strong characters who are able to appreciate one another and work together, and who exhibit a real love and care for one another. Tenderhearted. It has been a real pleasure and a joy, and you have been an encouragement to me in my own journey of faith. Again, thank you. Departures and transitions seem to be to the fore in our readings this Sunday, especially the first reading from 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 when Elijah is taken up into heaven and literally passes his mantle on to Elisha, and also in the Gospel reading (Luke 9:51-52) where Jesus sets a course for Jerusalem and the final days of his life on earth. Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20, set in a “time of trouble,” invites recollection of God’s faithfulness in the past, and this too seems relevant to you as you go through this time of transition (not trouble!) with the departure of first Reverend Sharon and then me and anticipating the arrival and new ministry of Reverend Sarah. God is at work, as we can see when we look back and see the hand of the Lord guiding and directing us and bringing us to where we are today. Just as God has led and guided in the past, so God will continue to do as we go forward into the future. Lastly, St. Paul has some last words for the Galatians in his letter to them (Galatians 5:1, 13-25), reminding them that the freedom they have been given in Christ is not for self-indulgence but rather for love. He speaks of the “works of the flesh” and the “fruit of the Spirit” which, despite the somewhat unhelpful dichotomy between flesh and spirit, reminds us where our focus needs to be as we seek to be followers of Jesus: on others rather than ourselves; outwards rather than inwards. Tenderhearted. In this spirit, I know how much people have responded with care and sympathy for Peter Adam after hearing the sad news that his wife Liane recently died. Please keep Peter and his family in your hearts and in your prayers at this time. I look forward to seeing as many of you as can be there for my last Sunday at St. Catherine’s this week. I know some of you are not able to be there, and I am appreciative of your messages of appreciation and farewell. Christine and I look forward to seeing some of you too at the garden party at 3pm on Saturday at Rhonda and Billy Garton’s home. But I am sure, that this will not be the last you see of me! Christine and I look forward to seeing you all again at some point after our return from Europe in September. With very much love and gratitude, Angus
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This Sunday June 29, 2025 will be hosting a Traditional Service, and it will be Rev.Angus' last Service. Here is the link to the downloadable bulletin: Presider and Preacher: Rev. Angus Stuart To access the livestream, click on the button below. Image: Today's Family, Maple Leaf Stamp Print |
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Thanks and Happy TravelsThis Sunday, June 29th, is the last Sunday that our Interim Priest-in-Charge, Rev. Angus Stuart will be with us. A heartfelt thank you Angus, for your steady leadership; we are most grateful! Wishing Angus and Christine all the very best on their upcoming adventure. |
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Long Weekend Office ClosureCanada Day is Tuesday, July 1st, so the office will be closed on that day. Additionally, the office is closed usually on Mondays. So the office will be re-opened on Wednesday, July 3rd, with Rev. Sarah joining us. Typically, on Wednesdays the office is open between 11 am - 3pm, but because of the special day - on Wednesday, July 3rd - the office will be open between 8am - 1pm, to welcome Rev. Sarah. In addition all the staff at St. Catherine's, Ashkon, Natasha and Kingsley all thank Rev. Angus for working so hard, taking us on and being there for us all. We loved working with you ! Till we meet again. |
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Congratulations & Welcome Rev. SarahArchbishop John ordained Sarah Lehman to the sacred order of Deacons in a beautiful ceremony at Christ Church Cathedral last Saturday. He has appointed Sarah to be the Curate and Deacon-in-Charge of the Parish of St. Catherine’s Capilano, beginning July 1st, 2025. Sarah brings 25 years of not-for-profit leadership experience and a deep understanding of liturgical leadership, pastoral care, volunteer management, public engagement, non-profit finance, and fundraising. Born and raised on the North Shore, Sarah is delighted to be returning to lead the parish of St. Catherine’s. Her first Sunday service with us will take place on July 6th at 10am. We hope you will join us in warmly welcoming her on that date and in the months to follow. |
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First Garden Party of the SummerYou’re invited to…
The First Garden Party of the Summer
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Last Reminder to please submit to Sharon's Kudo BookFinal call for submissions to Sharon's book. We are putting together a book of thanks and memories for Rev. Sharon and her seven years of ministry at St. Catherine’s. We are using an online posting link called a Kudo Board. We hope you will write something on the board about your favourite memories or what you most appreciated about Sharon and her time with us. All the postings are public and can be read by anyone who opens the link. Here is the link: www.kudoboard.com/boards/uhimNrdX You can also email (or phone) Linda Robertson with any questions, or send her or tell her what you would like posted, along with any photos, and she will do it for you. lindakrobertson@shaw.ca 604-375-2272 (cell) THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS THE END OF JUNE. |
