From the Rector
Last Thursday night, we celebrated my husband’s induction as rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity in White Rock. It was a beautiful evening with lovely weather, and an uplifting service with a full church. Several members of St. John’s, Shaughnessy even made the journey down to White Rock to show their support. We were so grateful for their presence and for all the prayers and well wishes we’ve received.
I was thinking, during the service, about my own induction here at SJS. It, too, was a joyful celebration. It was also a whirlwind. I think I’d been in Canada less than two weeks at the time. While I certainly felt the love and support of the community, I was, in some ways, too overwhelmed to truly take it all in. And yet, attending Joe’s service, I recalled so much of my own induction—the conversations I had with so many of you, the cards and well wishes from those who were still staying home because of the risk of Covid, the beautiful music offered by our choir, and the joy of finally being in the community I had felt called to serve for so long. I was happy for Joe that evening, but I was also renewed in my own love for and commitment to this parish.
As I drove home afterward, I was thinking about that element of renewal when we witness others’ commitments. It’s a big part of our faith journey! At baptisms, we celebrate the person being baptized, but we also recall our own baptisms, or the baptisms of our children or loved ones. We recall our own commitment to following Christ, and we find new strength for the journey. The power of the sacrament isn’t just for the individual receiving it, but for all of us as witnesses who receive grace to continue in our Christian life. Similarly, witnessing the marriage of other couples can be a source of renewal for our own sacred relationships. And for those of us who are ordained, it is always a joy to attend the ordinations of new clergy, not only to offer them our support, but to renew our own commitment to our ordination vows.
These milestones can seem like “once in a lifetime” events. But the truth is we are a body of believers in Jesus Christ, and as a body, we are always baptizing, always confirming, always blessing holy partnerships and always vowing to seek and serve Christ. Being present to witness the sacred moments in others’ journeys can create space for new sacred moments in our own lives.
We will celebrate a baptism at St. John’s on Sunday, July 17. Mary Knight, whose grandparents were married at SJS and whose entire extended family will be in Vancouver for a reunion, will be baptized at the 10 a.m. service. I encourage you to come and show your support for this big moment for her family. And I encourage you to come, too, for yourself—to have that experience of renewal that comes from witnessing Mary’s rebirth in the Holy Spirit, and the reminder that you, too, have been washed in the waters of baptism and raised to new life in Jesus Christ.