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!

Yang-Ming Shan 陽明山 ~ Lengshuikeng (冷水坑) to Qingtiangang (擎天崗)

A glorious day yesterday, and this was the view of Yang-Ming-Shan Mountains from St. John’s University (SJU) ~ looked so inviting ~ so go there we must! And so happened that today was the day that the SJU student fellowship organized a big morning walk – and invited the church members to come too, at least partly so that cars were available to save hours of time on buses ~ and Rev. Lennon Chang came to send us on our way and pray for us all…. And off we went – collecting a few more people including 2 lovely children … Continue reading Yang-Ming Shan 陽明山 ~ Lengshuikeng (冷水坑) to Qingtiangang (擎天崗)

Taiwan’s Nepali Community mourns…

Happened upon a candlelit memorial event this evening for the victims of the deadly Nepal Earthquake which struck last weekend ~ Taipei’s Nepali community gathered in a corner of the C.K.S. Memorial in Taipei City, along with Taiwan friends and supporters… ‘Pray for Nepal’ was the message, as the monks led the chanting for the deceased…. Indeed much prayer for Nepal is needed, and the latest tragic news from the Anglican Communion website is here in this article: Nepali Anglicans among those killed in earthquake May God indeed have mercy…. Continue reading Taiwan’s Nepali Community mourns…

Taipei Streets and Alleys…

This week I’m in Taipei, staying at the Diocese of Taiwan office building, right in the central area of the city.  Within walking distance of most of the national government buildings.  Unlike most capital cities in the world, the centre of Taipei is also home to lots of ordinary Taiwan people.  There’s primary schools, street markets, local shops, health and community centres all there for local people.  I like it! During the Japanese colonial era, 1895-1945, this area of Taipei was home to many Japanese living in one-storey Japanese-style homes, mostly wood, with heavy tiled roofs. Only a few such … Continue reading Taipei Streets and Alleys…

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

No meetings for anyone all day, and not a purple shirt in sight all day ~ it’s a day off ~ YES YES YES! Today was the day when the Diocese of Taiwan hosted all the bishops and spouses to a day of sightseeing ~ 4 choices on offer, Yilan Centre for Traditional Arts, Yingge Ceramics Museum, Taipei City Tour and (wait for the drum roll ∗∗∗∗!) our trip around the northern coast…. organized and hosted by Advent Church ~ and what a great day we had! A bus full of happy bishops and spouses, all in relaxation mode, smiling … Continue reading The Episcopal Church House of Bishops @ Taiwan ~ Sightseeing Day!

Welcoming Mike and Harriet to Taiwan ~ YES!

Just such lovely visitors, as always! Harriet’s just finished her G.S.C.E’s, so what better treat than to come to visit Taiwan with her dad ~ YES!  First met in Tanzania many years ago ~ and now the family belongs to one of my CMS link churches, St. John’s, Neville’s Cross, Durham ~ such a wonderful church! Friday night they came and it’s been non-stop ever since…. and hot hot hot!  Taipei 101, Beitou Hot Springs, Tamsui Old Street, Advent Church, Baishawan Beach, St. John’s University, National Palace Museum, Shilin Night Market, C.K.S. Memorial…. plus meals with friends and colleagues ~ just … Continue reading Welcoming Mike and Harriet to Taiwan ~ YES!