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The Rev. Peggy Trendell-Jensen has been appointed the next Archdeacon for Deacons effective June 1, 2022. Peggy will succeed the Venerable Bruce Morris who will retire on May 31, 2022. She will continue as Deacon at St Clement, Lynn Valley as she takes up this new role.

The collation of the next Archdeacon for Deacons will occur as an additional liturgy at the Ordinations on June 11th at Christ Church Cathedral (time TBA). Please do mark your calendars as we plan to celebrate with Peggy on this date.

Peggy has been Deacon at St. Clement’s since 2018. Her paid work is for the College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she is a decision writer. Peggy is active in the diocese as member of the Subcommittee on Christian Formation and assisting the diaconal community with communications, discernment journeys, and conference planning (which brought her the opportunity to work, albeit briefly and through a screen, with the Dean of Canterbury!). We know Peggy to be a voice from the church in the wider community; builiding relationships with seekers and sceptics alike is one of her greatest gifts. 

In response to this appointment, Peggy writes: "Our diocese is proud of its diverse community of dedicated deacons, and it will be a pleasure to help them flourish in their roles. I hope to be a welcoming presence that encourages others to explore the richness of vocational life."

The Archdeacon for Deacons provides oversight on behalf of the bishop to the active and retired deacons who serve throughout the Diocese, which stretches throughout the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, and Sunshine Coast. Duties are varied, and include working with parishes and individuals during a potential deacon’s period of discernment and after ordination, growing the diaconal presence in churches, seeking out ongoing learning opportunities for the diaconal community, and providing pastoral support to the deacons, many of whom are bivocational, with volunteer or paid work to accommodate as well as their church roles.

As noted in today’s announcement from the diocese, Peggy’s grandfather, the Ven. Alick Trendell, was the first Archdeacon of the Fraser Valley. He assumed that position, along with the incumbency of St. George, Fort Langley, after leaving St. John Shaughnessy, where he had been rector from 1950-63. Peggy was baptised by him at St. George’s in 1966.

We look forward to celebrating with Peggy on June 11 at Christ Church Cathedral. Until then, please do join in sending a congratulatory note to Peggy!