A Blessing from Rt. Rev Helen Kennedy to Jamie Howison on his retirement

A Blessing from Rt. Rev. Helen Kennedy, Bishop of the Diocese of Qu’ Appelle, to Jamie Howison on his retirement.

Jamie may never acknowledge this, but this community has changed the Anglican Church in Canada. As was mentioned last night people have come from each coast to be here and mark this time in his life. And as people have been part of this community and then moved away the influence that he has had through this community really does reach from coast to coast. Across the country the name st benedict’s table is known. It certainly is a jewel in the crown of Rupert’s Land.

Jamie has always remained doggedly faithful to his calling to word and sacrament. He has never become a church fundraiser, or a cheerleader for Jesus, but has stayed steadfast to the work of ‘priest’. He has always been able to cut through the bureaucratic stuff, otherwise known as BS, of established church politics. Keeping in his lane and sticking with his gifts he has inspired others to do that to the same. It is very easy to get distracted by the new shiny thing, and he never did, but stayed close enough to the shepherd, the one that smells like sheep.

In demonstrating what a priest is, he has shaped others, six priests that I can think of, have been formed in and through this community, me included, and we all take with us some of the flavour, fragrance, and ethos of this place. The invitation to the table is now used all over the Diocese of Qu’Appelle, and this morning in Selkirk, I heard it said again.

Jamie is an exceptionally gifted preacher, a mentor, and a deeply loved friend. As has been said there are a few books to be written as well as many, many, to be read, I’m sure.

I will be forever grateful that God had our paths cross, and I was able to sit at your feet and learn.

So, I gather this community into a time of prayer, and we pray a blessing:

Jamie, as you enter this next phase in your walk with God, we pray that peace, love, and courage always go with you. We pray for appreciation for all that ministry has given you and taught you. We offer our thanks for all that you have given and taught us. We ask God to bless you and keep you and to make God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you. We ask all these things in the most holy name of Jesus.

Amen.