St. James’ Preschool, Taichung ~ Graduation 2015!

THE most splendid, amazing and exciting graduation ceremony of the year, every year, is the one held by St. James’ Preschool, Taichung, and this year was no exception!  July 15, 2015 ~ it’s usually July 15 and usually held in the Taichung Cultural Centre Auditorium, just across the road from St. James’ Church… (and to get the booking, the principal started lining up at 4:00am on January 1, 2015 – the date bookings opened!) So many VIP visitors for the graduation ~ Bishop and Mrs. Lily Lai, Rev. Charles C. T. Chen and MaryJo, new rector Rev. Lily Chang, former rector … Continue reading St. James’ Preschool, Taichung ~ Graduation 2015!

Welcoming Rev. Joel del Rosario ~ from EDCP to Taipei!

The latest exciting adventure in the ongoing partnership between St. James’ Church, Taichung and the Episcopal Diocese of Central Philippines (EDCP) has been the visit to St. James for the last 2 months of Rev. Joel del Rosario – and these last 3 days on his way back home to the Philippines he had the chance to come to Taipei ~ YES! Fr. Joel was previously in charge of several of the churches in EDCP that have been built with money raised by St. James’ Church since 1998. He was also previously dean of the national cathedral in Manila, and … Continue reading Welcoming Rev. Joel del Rosario ~ from EDCP to Taipei!

Diocese of Taiwan Friendship Magazine Out Now!

Just in case you’re wondering what I’ve been up to since I got back to Taiwan ~ well, this was one of the major things to do, the Diocese of Taiwan Friendship Magazine ~ yes, it’s out now! All the recent news of the Diocese of Taiwan, in English ~ 44 pages of reports and photos of last September’s House of Bishops Meeting in Taiwan, the diocesan pilgrimage to the Holy Land in February, diocesan visit to Osaka for the consecration of their new bishop in April, news from every church in the diocese, plus plenty more besides…. Yep, it’s … Continue reading Diocese of Taiwan Friendship Magazine Out Now!

Celebrating Pentecost at St. James’ English Service, Taichung ~ and Kelvin’s Confirmation!

Special congratulations to Kelvin and his family on his confirmation at St. James’ Church, Taichung yesterday, Pentecost Sunday ~ YES!  And as it was Pentecost it was most appropriate that the congregation was all from everywhere ~ including Taiwan, Philippines, Korea, Japan, India, Germany, Malta, UK, USA and maybe more besides – it was a great day indeed! Yes, a wonderful day ~ lots of people at the service, including Bishop Lai, Rev. Lily Chang and Rev. Joel del Rosario, and all followed by a big lunch, kindly hosted by Kelvin’s family. And such a lovely family they are ~ … Continue reading Celebrating Pentecost at St. James’ English Service, Taichung ~ and Kelvin’s Confirmation!

St. James’ Preschool Fair, Taichung 一年一度聖雅各愛心園遊會 ~ Yes, it’s all happening!

Yes, there’s always something happening at St. James’ Church and Preschool in Taichung ~ such a very happening place!  And this weekend was no exception.  With Taiwan celebrating Mother’s Day next weekend, St. James always has their Mother’s Day celebrations on the first weekend of May, so this was it! Since I was last at St. James, they have a new rector, Rev. Lily Chang – who’s moved there from Good Shepherd Church in Taipei, while Rev. Philip Lin has moved from St. James to Good Shepherd.  Philip’s children still have many friends at St. James, and his younger son’s … Continue reading St. James’ Preschool Fair, Taichung 一年一度聖雅各愛心園遊會 ~ Yes, it’s all happening!

The Episcopal Church House of Bishops @ Taiwan ~ Final Day!

Final day maybe, but very busy ~ non-stop action all day!  In fact I got to the Grand Hotel soon after 7:00am and didn’t go out of those doors till 10:30pm – about how long it takes to fly to London lol! But a wonderful day it was, of course, starting with a closing Eucharist, led by Bishop Lai in English and Chinese, and a great sermon from Chaplain Simón Bautista challenging everyone to travel light as they go home.  But seems our lovely bishops and spouses have received so many gifts from our churches in Taiwan and friends they’ve … Continue reading The Episcopal Church House of Bishops @ Taiwan ~ Final Day!

The Episcopal Church House of Bishops @ Taiwan – Meetings Day (oh, and a little shopping too!)

Just as well it was meetings all day for the bishops as the typhoon rains moved over and eventually out…. now all gone, yippee! After their Eucharist, the bishops had sessions in the morning from archbishops from Japan, Philippines and South Korea, and more meetings in the afternoon ~ while we set up our shop selling the HOB group photos, Taiwan 60th anniversary polo shirts, Chinese Bibles and tea…. so even the bishops could fit a little shopping into their busy day….. Meanwhile the spouses were free for the day and many of them went, well, yes, you’ve guessed it … Continue reading The Episcopal Church House of Bishops @ Taiwan – Meetings Day (oh, and a little shopping too!)