July 2, 2026

The next newsletter will arrive in your inbox Tuesday, July 14.

Ordinations

On Saturday, June 27 Archbishop John Stephens ordained two new transitional deacons and one new priest. The service was held at Christ Church Cathedral.

The Rev. Daniel Melvill Jones and the Rev. Matthew Nichiporuk were ordained to the transitional diaconate. Rev. Shawn Bullock was ordained as a priest. Daniel will be serving as Curate at St Aidan and St Bartholomew in Gibsons, and Shawn will continue on at St John the Evangelist, North Vancouver, now in the role of priest in charge. Matthew's appointment will be announced in the coming weeks.

You can view the recording of the service here. Photos from the service are available here.

News

Mission Conference Videos Available

Videos of the keynote address, archbishop's "State of the Diocese" address, and breakout workshops are now available online.

You can access the videos via the Diocesan Learning Centre

50th Anniversary of Priesting of Women - bursaries available

The Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets (British Columbia) invites you to be part of a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Priesting of Women in the Anglican Church of Canada. Come and join us as we give thanks for the many ways women have contributed to the life of the Church as presbyters and look to the future to examine the challenges that lay ahead for women in the Church and Canadian society.

Dates: November 23-26, 2026 (travel dates inclusive)

Location: Baumann Centre which is next to St John the Divine Anglican Church at 1611 Quadra St, Victoria.

Registration and Further details HERE

Bursaries are now also available to help cover the cost of attending. Details and application HERE. Apply TODAY.

Save the Date: September Clergy Day

A clergy day is scheduled for September 22 at the Synod Office. Details to follow.

The Clergy Day will focus on the new Screening in Faith program the diocese is rolling out this fall.

A reminder that clergy days are mandatory formation days for all active clergy in the diocese.

Archives: Summer Closure Dates

The Diocesan and Provincial Archives at the Synod Office will be closed from June 26 to July 13.

Buy Nothing: Church Edition

St. John's, Squamish is looking for a Lectern NRSV Bible. If your parish has one that needs a new home, please contact the parish here.
St. Augustine's, Marpole, has an organ that needs a new home. It is a wonderful 30 year old organ 54" x 30", h41" with full pedal base. It is free for the taking, cost of removal borne by the recipient. If a new home cannot be found, it will be recycled. Please call St Augustine's office:
604-263-9212 for more info.

Anglican Consultative Council

The Anglican Consultative Council has begun in Belfast. The Rev. Marnie Peterson, Rector of St. Anne's, Steveston, is part of the Canadian delegation.

In this video, Marnie explains talks a bit about the council and some of what the conversation during the meetings wil focus on.

SAVE THE DATE: IMPORTANT DIOCESAN DATES 2026

August 4 - 6: "You are the Salt of the Earth," Diocese of Islands and Inlets Summer Retreat.
November 24-25: 50th Anniversary of the Priesting of Women. Registration open HERE. Hosted by Diocese of Island and Inlets.

FORMATION & SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Full event listing available here

Pathways to Peace Retreat

The Diocesan Youth Movement is offering an amazing retreat away at Camp Artaban! Open to youth aged 12-18.

The theme is "Until All Are Fed." We will explore social justice and food security. We'll also enjoy camp activities like campfires, walks in the forest, beach and waterfront time, and worship in the outdoor chapel.

Start: Friday, August 28 4:30pm - water taxi from Horseshoe Bay to Gambier Island

End: Sunday, August 30, 3pm - water taxi from Gambier Island to Horseshoe Bay

Where: Camp Artaban, Gambier Island

Cost: 250/p.p (includes water taxi, all meals, and accommodation)

Questions? Bursary Info? Contact: youth@vancouver.anglican.ca (Lauren Odile Pinkeny, Missioner for Youth)

Register HERE.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Full event listing available here

July 2-5 - Whitehorse Worship Arts Festival & Contemplative Retreat.

July 5 - Choral Evensong. 4pm at St. John's, Shaughnessey.

July 11 - Water & Wonder Day Retreat. 9:30am to 3:30pm at Cultus Lake with Rev. Lorie Martin.

July 12 - Art Show & Social Featuring Art of Rev. Dr. Marilyn Hames. 12:30pm at St. John's Shaughnessey.

August 2 - Choral Evensong. 4pm at St. John's, Shaughnessey.

August 8 - Celtic Spirituality & Design. 9:30am in Chilliwack.

Archbishop's Calendar

July 4-6 - Provincial Summit, Kelowna

July 6 - Provincial House of Bishops, Kelowna,

July 10 to 31 - Vacation

August 1 to 12 - Visit to Episcopal Diocese of Philippines

HAVE NEWS OR AN UPCOMING EVENT TO SHARE?

-Want to submit an article for Topic? Contact Alicia with your proposal at least eight weeks before the publication date.

-Have an event to include on the diocesan on-line events calendar? If your parish uses a Tithely website, you can share News and Events directly from your website to ours using the "share" feature. If you don't use a Tithely website, you can submit your event using the form available here. Ideally, aim to submit your event at least three weeks before the event date.

-Something newsworthy coming up in your parish? Contact Alicia with information and we'll find the best way to share it with the diocese.

You can contact Alicia at communications@vancouver.anglican.ca