2020

Mrs. Christine (Chris) Goater 

Upon the presentation of the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster 2020    

The introduction of the recipient read at the Service  

Chris was key to starting the compassionate “Front Room” and “Positive Haven” food programmes for the homeless, destitute and needy in Surrey’s inner city.  She coordinates a church outreach programme at a North Delta senior care facility.  She was the Mothers’ Union Branch Leader for 15 years.  Chris has been a volunteer office administrator, receptionist, pastoral care leader, Parish Council member, Altar Guild member, sidesperson, greeter, prayer station member, Alpha Course helper, is currently also a lay assistant.    

The Citation as recorded in the Permanent Register of the Order  

Chris has attended St Cuthbert, North Delta, since 1968.  For several years she has been the Sunday School Superintendent and led the “Life in Eucharist” course.  For 15 years she was the Mothers’ Union Branch Leader.  In that capacity, she organized the St Cuthbert “Celebration of Baptism” parties for 12 years, luncheon for care centre residents, “Quiet Day”, and “Lady Day” services, bake sales, and parenting courses.  She was the coordinator for “Fellowship of the Least Coin” for ten years and organized an “Ingathering” Service at St Cuthbert.  The “Front Room” ministry was a lunch programme for people living near Surrey’s “downtown east side” on 135A Street, just off King George Boulevard.  Chris was a leader in getting that ministry started over 20 years ago.  After a few years, they expanded to become a compassionate food bank working with HIV/AIDS clients and chose to name it “Positive Haven”.  About 20 years ago she began visiting North Delta’s Northcrest Senior Care Centre.  Soon after she began a programme of Gospel hymns, scripture and prayers aptly names “Good News”.  Once a month she assists the priest with Holy Communion there.  Also, about once a month she supports the Director of the facility in running a Memorial Service.  She is also on a rotation list from St Cuthbert to run a Sunday Service as a homilist at Northcrest.  She adds: “Our team feels uplifted singing the Gospel songs, and I hope the residents feel the same way.”  From her early years at St Cuthbert, Chris volunteered in a number of positions including volunteer “office administrator”, receptionist, pastoral care leader, Parish Council member and secretary, and “Neighbourhood Link” representative.  Also, she has volunteered in several other capacities including the Altar Guild, coffee and tea helper, sidesperson, greeter, prayer station, flower delivery, church clean-up sessions, and “Healthiest Babies Possible” helper.  Chris has hosted several Alpha courses in her home, and assisted in a number of them elsewhere.  She helped organize the church photo directory a couple of times, organized a FoodSafe course at the church and was involved in organizing a Newcomers’ Lunch.  Chris is currently also a lay assistant.