Distinguished Lay Ministry Honoured and Celebrated

"We’re gathered this afternoon to commemorate your faithfulness to Jesus Christ, your dedication and fidelity to place and community; and your deep gospel concern for the widow and the orphan, the poor and the unloved and forgotten among us," said Bishop Susan Bell during the second of two Order of Niagara services held at Christ's Church Cathedral in Hamilton.

Each year, the diocesan bishop inducts lay people whose distinguished service and contributions to the life and ministry of their parish, the diocese or the wider church have been outstanding. This year 57 people were welcomed into the Order of Niagara by the bishop.

Among those inducted were:

Doreen Haywood - St.  John's, St. Catharines - a former warden, parish adminstrator and hospital visitor, who has helped out with many parish and diocesan events, striving always to put her faith into action.

Dunstan Jordan - Church of the Resurrection, Hamilton - a licensed lay reader, warden, choir member and organizer of the parish's Living Black History events, he brings warmth and laughter to the parish community and a spirit of humble service.

Dave Roberts - St. James, Fergus - a former warden, greeter, outreach committee member, and active parish organizer, his humour, work ethic and dedication models true Christian service

Margaret Finalyson - St. Paul's, Shelburne - a warden, altar guild member, reader, meals-on-wheels volunteer, and parish resource person for truth and reconciliation intiatives, she is active in all aspects of the parish's ministry.

Addressing the recipients, Bishop Bell remarked, "You are the church... you have been the hands, the eyes, earts and the heart of Christ among us and in our communities."

Created by Bishop Ralph Spence in 2000, rectors are invited each year to nominate a person whose extraordinary ministry contributions have equipped the Church - locally, nationally or internationally - to more faithfully live into God's mission.