150th Anniversary Service & Confirmation

An Inspiring 150^th Anniversary & Confirmation Service

Sunday Nov. 19 was a special 150^th Anniversary Celebration Service with our Bishop, the Right Reverend John Stephens officiating. Seven people were confirmed, re-affirmed, or received. We celebrated and prayed for BettyAnn, Tyler, Myrtle, Liberty, Andrea, Joanna, and Dennis as they continue their spiritual journeys and receive God’s grace. We offer them our love and congratulations.

The church was full as we welcomed Bishop John Stephens as Celebrant for this special Anniversary service. With Rev. Linda acting as Deacon, Nancy den Boesterd, Server and Bishop’s Chaplain, Deb Edwards and Marlene Rodger as greeters and sides people, Joanna Bravo reading from Judges and Thessalonians.

We were inspired throughout the service by our musicians, led by Christine Millar:  Mike Ritchie (guitar and vocals), Jan Guretzki and Lesley MacMillan, vocals.

The service began at the baptismal font with the Blessing Over the Water and we were all recipients of the holy water as it was gently rained upon us.

Bishop John, in his sermon spoke of St. Thomas, over its 150 years, being grounded as a place where people have turned to discover that life is about relationships—described by Jesus as loving God with the whole of ourselves, and our neighbours as ourselves. Here we further rediscovered the promise of being marked as Christ’s own forever through the water of Baptism. Countless people have been baptised here over 150 years. We were reminded of God’s investment in us and the Hope for us in the Kingdom of Heaven through these gifts. [Sermon notes and bulletin available for download below.]

Following the service, a lovely brunch was served in the hall, in honour of the Bishop and the newly confirmed, reaffirmed, and received.

Rev. Lorie Martin continues to awaken and inspire our hearts at St. Thomas. So much to be thankful for on this day and even more to look forward to at St Thomas as the future unfolds.

We gratefully acknowledge Randy Murray for coming out to cover this two-day event.

For the full article, please see: Continuing the Journey as Partners in Christ: The Sesquicentennial Celebrations at St. Thomas, Chilliwack  [Diocesan website]

Bishop John’s sermon/podcast (and additional photos) is also available on the diocesan website.