Along with the much welcomed rain for our gardens, we also welcome this week the new pastor of Cates Hill Chapel, Phil Adkins, and his family to Bowen Island.
Phil and Samantha and their two children, Julia and Levi, aged 11 and 8 respectively, have arrived from Strathmore, Alberta, where Phil served in pastoral ministry. Prior to that, he served in Banff and Saskatoon.
Phil has a Master’s degree in liturgics from Briercrest Seminary, with particular interest in the role of liturgy as a formative practice in the Christian faith — how the way we worship shapes the kinds of worshippers we become.
Samantha is an elementary school teacher, having taught in Carseland, Alberta and Saskatoon.
Bowen Island is the perfect place for the family as they enjoy hiking and the outdoors, including basketball, soccer, baseball, and football. They have a deep love of music, and are certain to enjoy the richness of our music on Bowen, but equally, they have a passion for reading and time together as a family.
“I hope that Cates Hill Chapel, in partnership with the other churches and community associations, will help service the needs of Bowen Island and continue to make this an inspiring and fulfilling place to live,” Phil says. “We hope to play our part in community enrichment from a Christian perspective, while honouring those who hold other convictions.
“Pastoral ministry is distinctly shaped by each community where one may serve; and I’m beginning to find out how unique Bowen really is. I’ll be out and around as much as I can to get to know more about of life on this beautiful island. My early impressions are that the arts and community connections are high values here. These are also cherished values at Cates Hill Chapel and I hope to foster more connection between the church and the arts community.”
Please welcome the Adkins family!
