The diocese of Niagara now lists Rev. Sue-Ann Ward as “Diocesan Administrator” at St.Hilda’s, and Rev. Cheryl Fricker as the “Priest in Charge”.

One wonders at the antics that must go on in the diocesan St. Hilda’s service that warrant the restraining might of two clergy to keep it under control. After all, last Sunday, St. Hilda’s parking lot had 7 cars parked in it during the service. Counting 1 for Cheryl, 1 for the music director, 1 for the server (as listed in the bulletin) and 1 for Sue-Anne, that leaves 3 for the congregation. What were they doing?

This must be a new strategy in the Greening of Niagara initiative: drive 4 cars to conduct a service for 5 people in a heated building that can hold 150.

Our Church is aware of our call to be stewards of God’s creation, and to be leaders in this area. We have long expressed a concern for creation that is consistent with the fifth mark of mission of the Anglican Communion: “to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the earth”.

Of course, the diocese doesn’t actually pay to heat the building, St. Hilda’s ANiC does so I expect the diocese will soon be blaming ANiC for being less than pristinely verdant.

Cheryl Fricker is also the rector at St. Aidan’s Oakville, so after driving to St. Hilda’s for the 8:30 diocesan Body Snatcher’s service she will have to drive back to St. Aidan’s for their 10:00 a.m. service. Perhaps she uses a peddle car.