May 26, 2026

Camp Artaban Bursaries for Diocesan Youth

Thanks to the generosity of the Anglican Church Women, this summer the Diocesan Youth Movement is pleased to be able to offer 20 bursaries for youth to attend Camp Artaban.

Why go to Camp Artaban? Diocesan Missioner for Youth, Lauren Odile Pinkney shares why youth should consider Camp Artaban, and how to benefit from one of the bursaries:

"The first time I ever went to Camp Artaban, I brought a group of youth from St. Alban’s Anglican Church in Burnaby for a weekend retreat in 2021.

On the final morning, the sky was so clear and the ocean so blue‑green and transparent that I remember posting on social media that I was “in Greece.” Of course, I was joking—it was British Columbia. But Camp Artaban truly is a stunning piece of property. From the woodland chapel to the beaches, the rocks, the hikes, the main buildings, and the wharf, I fell in love immediately.

Coming from the UK, we have retreat centres, but we don’t have summer camps in the same way they exist in Canada. In the summer of 2010, I volunteered at Camp Columbia on Thetis Island, meeting friends who remain close to me today. When Camp Columbia closed, like many summer camps in Canada, it was heartbreaking for those who had attended for years and for those of us who had grown to love it.

When I arrived at Camp Artaban—just as we were emerging from the pandemic and things as I understood were looking financially a little tighter for the camp—I knew I had a mission: to get the word out to youth in the diocese about how incredible this place is. Camp Artaban is one of those “thin places,” where you can feel God the Creator meeting you in that sacred space between heaven and earth."

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News

Sing Without Ceasing

Sing Without Ceasing is a Diocesan Choir Festival taking place at Christ Church Cathedral on May 29, 2026 as part of the Mission Conference Weekend.

The evening will bring together singers from across the Diocese to form a Diocesan Mass Choir, alongside congregational singing, readings and other elements of worship.

Bishop Michael Currey will give an address as part of the program.

Ordinations

At the upcoming Diocesan ordination liturgy, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (transferred), it is Archbishop John's intention to ordain the Rev Shawn Bullock to the sacred order of priests and Mr Daniel Melvill Jones and Mr Matthew Nichiporuk to the sacred order of deacons.

The liturgy will take place at Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday, June 27th, 2026 beginning at 10:30am.

All are invited to attend. Clergy are encouraged to vest, the liturgical colour is red.

Induction of Bishop Jim Mathes as Rector of St. Hilda's.

Bishop Jim Mathes will be inducted as the Rector of St. Hilda's, Sechelt on Monday, June 22. The service takes place at 4pm.

Clergy are invited and welcome to attend. The liturgical colour is red.

Continuing Education Fund for Deacons

At a recent meeting, Diocesan Council approved a rate increase for Continuing Education Plan contributions for licensed deacons within the Diocese.

This change intends to bring deacons' continuing education benefits in line with those of priests.

The deacons of the Diocese carry out an essential function in the proclamation of the Gospel both within the world and within the church. Investing in ongoing learning is an important means of recognizing that work and supporting the church of the future.

What this means: licensed deacons monthly benefit will be increased from $50 to $75. The application process for reimbursement remains the same.

For parishes that have a licensed deacon, their monthly parish contribution will increase by $25 per month.

This new contribution will take effect as of July 1st, 2026.

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Archdeacon Nick Pang at npang@vancouver.anglican.ca.

Petition to Parliament in Support of Afghan Refugees

Members of the diocese involved in refugee sponsorship are asking you to consider signing this petition in support of Afghan refugees in Pakistan awaiting resettlement in Canada. Afghan refugees in Pakistan increasingly face detention, loss of legal status and forced return to Afghanistan, where they may face retaliation or imprisonment.

The petition call for the Canadian government to expedite refugee applications of Afghans in Pakistan, implement temporary protection measures while applications are under review, increase processing capacity for Afghan cases in Pakistan, and work with Pakistani and international partners to protect Afghans awaiting Canadian decisions.

SAVE THE DATE: IMPORTANT DIOCESAN DATES 2026

May 30: Mission Conference
August 4 - 6: "You are the Salt of the Earth," Diocese of Islands and Inlets Summer Retreat.

FORMATION & SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Full event listing available here

Pathways to Peace Retreat

The Centre for Spiritual Renewal at St. Dunstan's is pleased to offer this retreat day exploring the ways that make for peace in our hearts and into our lives and world.

This facilitated day includes group sessions, stations of engagement, contemplative worship, spiritual practices, and an opportunity to connect in community.

Facilitated by Katherine Murray, with guest Esther Wilson

WHEN: Saturday, June 20
WHERE: St. Dunstan's - 3025 264 St, Aldergrove
COST: $50

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Full event listing available here

May 23 - Wild Blue Herons in concert. 7pm at St. Oswald's, Surrey.

June 3 - Blessing of the Bikes. 4pm at St. Margaret's, Cedar Cottage.

June 4 - Corpus Christi Mass, Procession & Benediction. 6:30pm at St. James.

June 6 - Indigenous Plant Walk & Talk. 2pm at Maplewood Flats, offered by St. John's, Shaughnessey.

June 7 - Annual Big Lunch. 12pm at St. David's, Delta

June 7 - Wild Church in the Small. 4pm with Salal + Cedar.

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

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

Archbishop's Calendar

June 7 - Peace Arch Deanery Picnic

June 19 - Consecration of Bishop of Yukon

June 21 - St. George, Maple Ridge

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