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The application deadline for the position of associate priest at St. Mary's Kerrisdale has now passed. A shortlist of candidates was interviewed in late May. The Canonical Committee did not select an Associate Priest. The position will be re-advertised in September 2008. Please pray that God will bring us the person called to ministry at SMK. Parish Profile St. Mary's Kerrrisdale is a strong and innovative Anglican community where varying theological views have been accommodated and nurtured. Lay involvement is a cherished tradition and considered to be a singular strength.
St. Mary’s is currently participating as a pilot parish in the diocesan Ministry Assessment Process. MAP is an exciting process, which the parish is pleased to help pioneer, for making informed, Spirit-led decisions about mission and ministry and how best to use resources, including land and buildings, in support of that ministry. The goal is healthy, sustainable ministry through a consultative process in which information is gathered, assessed and interpreted to make Christ’s work in the world happen. MAP commenced at St. Mary’s in the fall of 2007 and is scheduled to be ready for presentation to Vestry in February 2009. St Mary’s is located in the neighbourhood of Kerrisdale on the West side of Vancouver. It is within a short walking distance of several elementary and secondary schools, as well as a popular shopping area. Public transit is only four city blocks away. Housing in the area includes both apartment buildings and single family homes.
The Parish shares the demographic challenges of the 21st century: increasing average age in population as a whole and a large community of immigrants, largely from Asia living in the neighborhood. The congregation strives to develop programming that will encourage young adults and families to join our community, and to attract members from the new Canadian neighbours who may be seeking a spiritual community. The Ministry Assessment Process plays an important role in helping the parish discern how to respond effectively to these challenges.
There currently is a varied mix of age groups which is invigorating for the Parish. Younger families tend to favour the 9:15 a.m. service on Sundays while the older members are more likely to attend at 8:00 a.m. or 11:15 a.m., but there is a cross over between the services. A contemporary service has recently been added on Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. which is well attended. Although the congregation is primarily from surrounding neighbourhoods there are a significant number of parishioners who come to St. Mary’s from other parts of Greater Vancouver.
People living in the Parish area tend to be, but are not exclusively, middle to upper middle class, college or university educated; many are self-employed, in business, the professions or are retired. While there have been a significant number of recent arrivals to Canada living in the Parish area, as mentioned previously their numbers are not yet reflected in our membership.
St. Mary’s is part of the Granville-Point Grey Deanery. The Church is a heritage structure, dating from 1911. It has been added to over the years, particularly with the addition of a narthex and balcony. A $1.6 million renovation of the buildings was completed in April, 1994, and a $1.0 million Capital Campaign was undertaken in 2003 which enabled restoration of the roof, bell tower and exterior painting as well as providing a major renovation to one of the kitchens. There are ten separate activity rooms ranging from small group rooms to a large gym. These are used extensively for Church and community purposes. There is a residential suite for the Verger on the premises. There is a Memorial Garden as well as perimeter gardens.
The Parish staff comprises the Rector, an Associate Priest, an Honorary Assistant Priest, a Director of Music, an Organist, a Youth Ministry Director, a full-time Verger, a Parish Administrator, and a Parish Secretary. The staff is augmented by a significant number of volunteers who assist with office and other duties.
Worship is, as one would expect, an integral part of the life of St. Mary’s. We take pride that there is a broad spectrum of worship, liturgy, and musical expression. Our intention is to offer meaningful worship settings for the community of St. Mary’s and beyond through the three Sunday morning services, as well as Saturdays at 5 and various special worship services. The Book of Alternative Services (“BAS”) is used for the majority of services other than the Sunday 8:00 a.m. service at which the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is used exclusively. The use of non-gender specific pronouns and occasional feminine references for God and the Holy Spirit are the norm in our liturgy.
Baptisms are administered at the 9:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services on appropriate Sundays throughout the year and at the Great Vigil of Easter. On the first Sunday of each month the sacrament of anointing is available for those who desire prayer for healing.
Music is an essential part of the ministry at St. Mary’s and the Parish has an excellent reputation for its music program. It is much appreciated and well-supported by the various congregations. Our Director of Music and our Organist collaborate to ensure that there is a high quality of choral and instrumental music at our services, using a meaningful variety of musical expression. We have a Cherubs Choir, Junior Choir, Bell Choir and two Adult Choirs that sing at the 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services on Sundays.
In 2007 50 children were enrolled in the Parent Participation Sunday School which uses the Montessori based “Godly Play” curriculum. As well as the regular September to June program, a Vacation Bible School is offered for one week in August.
The youth ministry consists of the Junior Youth, Senior Youth and College and Career groups. Those groups gather weekly in community to enhance their faith journeys.
St. Mary’s considers itself fortunate to be a large enough Parish that a diversity of liturgical styles can be nurtured. The existence of various worshipping congregations is not seen as divisive, however we must be intentional in taking advantage of the opportunities to come together for worship and fellowship in order to reinforce our membership as one committed Christian community.
The Parish library has over 2500 books, videos, audio-tapes and DVDs and is well used by parishioners.
Two continuing hallmarks of St. Mary’s life have been the weekly community meal and our Parish’s connection with the Anglican Church in El Salvador.
St. Mary’s continues to demonstrate a prayerful response to the question of same sex blessings. The Parish has played a leadership role in enabling the blessing of same sex relationships to move forward in the Diocese and fostering discussion on this topic at the National and International levels. This has been achieved with sensitivity and respect for the diversity of views within this Parish. In February 2008, Vestry will vote on a motion to sanction the blessing of same sex relationships at St. Mary’s pending the approval of the Bishop.
As well as conducting its own programs, St. Mary’s is often used as a centre for Diocesan, ecumenical, and a variety of community-based programs. We consider the opportunity to have community groups use our facilities to be an important form of outreach. St. Mary’s outreach includes $80 - $90 thousand per year of parish funding to some 25 to 30 groups at the international and local community based level. In addition, St. Mary’s has provided the land for a lower income senior citizens residence next door to the Church. It is now held in a separate corporation, “St. Mary’s Housing Society”, which is directed by members of the Parish.
Position Description
Overview: Under the direction of the rector, and in accordance with his/her ordination vows, the associate priest assists in leading the parish of St. Mary’s Kerrisdale by proclaiming the gospel, loving and serving Christ’s people, nourishing and strengthening them to glorify God.
Objective: To assist the rector in leading the congregation so that it fulfills the mission of the parish: “In Christ we are a welcoming and inclusive community that knows and shares the love of God and serves those in need.”
Accountability: The associate priest is responsible administratively to the rector, indirectly to parish corporation and parish council, and to the bishop in accordance with the canons of the church.
Nature and Scope:
1. Worship
a. The associate priest participates in mid-week and Sunday liturgical leadership, and preaches monthly on Sundays.
b. The associate priest is responsible for developing and maintaining the worship schedule of celebrants/officiants and preachers.
c. The associate priest coordinates liturgical lay ministries by: giving support to coordinators of lay ministries, participating in recruiting participants, and enabling training and appreciation events on a regular and systematic basis.
d. The associate priest provides guidance to couples in marriage preparation, coordinates baptism preparation, and presides at baptisms, weddings and funerals as directed.
2. Pastoral Care
a. The associate priest meets with people seeking help in grief recovery, experiencing life
changes, or in need of spiritual direction.
b. The associate priest works with and coordinates the pastoral care team to ensure the effective care of parishioners.
c. The associate priest coordinates a program for welcoming new members and encouraging participation of existing members.
3. Education
a. In consultation with the laity the associate priest is responsible for the educational program of the parish, and enables various educational experiences within the parish such as study groups, retreats, workshops, and small group ministries.
b. The associate priest is responsible for preparing candidates for confirmation.
c. The Sunday School program is administered by the associate priest in consultation with teachers, parents and students.
d. In consultation with the rector the associate priest provides mentorship and supervision to theological students assigned to St. Mary’s.
4. Parish Administration
a. The associate priest demonstrates good organizational and time-management skills, and assists the rector in the administrative work of the church, including staff support, and acts for the rector in the rector’s absence.
b. The associate priest attends staff meetings, corporation and parish council meetings and liaises with committees, groups and organizations within the parish.
5. Community Relationships
a. The associate priest participates in representing the parish to the community and the larger church.
Essential Knowledge and Skills:
a. The usual theological training and background required of all clergy in the Diocese of New Westminster.
b. Demonstrated ability to function in an ordained capacity based on previous parish experience.
c. Good communication skills, personal initiative, and a positive attitude which enhance a team spirit among clergy, staff and lay leaders.
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