Kootenay Deacons Play Major Role at Vancouver Conference
by Elizabeth Lewis
Rejoice! Refresh! Renew! This was the theme when the Association of Anglican Deacons in Canada met in Vancouver in August. All the active deacons in Kootenay were present, along with one presbyter. Deacons from across Canada with guests from the Episcopal, United and Lutheran Church were in the gathering.
Deacon Heather Karabelas was conference coordinator. The Rev. Chris Ross, vice-president of the Association, was one of the planning committee, and Catherine Hall, incumbent at St. Andrew's in Kelowna, was one of the presenters.
The keynote address, given by the Rev. Dr. Richard Leggett, outlined the history of the diaconate in Canada and the variety of challenges that have faced deacons. It is clear that deacons have made great strides in many areas of Canada and that there have been many achievements in recent years including the founding of this Canadian association.
The conference gave the Deacons an excellent choice of continuing education seminars, opening with a soliloquy called Shua: the story of Jesus Christ as told through the eyes of his best friend. It was a very moving story, and an excellent presentation. The other seminars included: Self-care, Justice-making, Spiritual Direction, how to be a green Deacon in a Green Parish, and the Deacon in the Liturgy. It was not all work; we had a chance to meet over wine and cheese, and at a gala banquet. At the banquet the first presentation of the Maylanne Maybee award was made to the Deacon who had given wonderful service in the role of a Deacon.
On Sunday morning at Christ Church Cathedral, the Dean welcomed the participating deacons to vest and join the procession. Archdeacon John Struthers, Director of Deacons for the Diocese of New Westminster and President of the Association, was the preacher at the service. As the procession made its way down the aisle at the end of the service the Cathedral congregation burst into spontaneous applause, which was wonderful recognition from a congregation well served by its deacons over many years.
