November 4

Crozier Fund Gala

You're Invited!

You may have heard him on The Debaters on CBC, maybe you read "The Eh Team." On November 16, you can catch Charlie Demers person at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and support important work done by the diocese.

Charlie Demers will be the guest speaker at the Diocese of New Westminster's Crozier Fund Gala!

The Crozier Fund is a special fund that puts resources in the hands of the bishop to respond quickly when emergent and unprecedented needs arise, and to seed and support new ministries in the diocese.

The Gala is one way to support The Crozier Fund while gathering with folks from across the diocese and connecting with friends old and new. There will also be a silent auction.

WHEN: Monday, November 16

WHERE: Royal Vancouver Yacht Club

TIME: Doors open 6:30pm

Tickets: Can be purchased here

If you wish to purchase a full table of 10, you can do so by contacting Maria Sousa in the Archbishop’s Office at msousa@vancouver.anglican.ca or 604-684-6306 ext 228.

News

Mountains and Valleys: Preparing for Advent with the Sermon on the Mount

Tuesdays in December (Dec.1,8,15,22) 7:00-8:15pm on Zoom

"Blessed are the poor in spirit," are the first words of the Sermon on the Mount, come and explore how these and other challenging and inspiring words can help us to prepare for the coming of Christ. Archbishop John Stephens will examine highlights of the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5-7 along with the lectionary texts for Sundays in Advent.

You are asked to please read the sermon in advance a few times to get familiar with its themes and come ready to reflect and discuss together this foundational sermon. Guest presenter, Professor Ron Dart, will join the series for the fourth session. Register here

Advent Resources Menu

It is the time of year when we begin to look toward Advent and look for resources and offerings to accompany us through the season.

The Diocesan Missioner for Formation has compiled this menu of Advent Resources.

Of particular note: Archbishop John Stephens will once again be offering a four week, online study session this Advent.

Clergy Day November 10

A Clergy Day is taking place November 10 at the Synod Office; attendance is expected of licensed clergy.

Focusing on the ongoing conflict in Palestine and Israel, the day will offer opportunities for learning, reflection, and conversation. We will gather for coffee and tea at 8:30am, followed by a welcome and opening prayer at 9:00am. Sessions will explore Anglican liturgy and the Church’s involvement in the Holy Land; the region’s history and political landscape; Jewish Witness; Muslim perspectives; and Palestinian Liberation Theology.

Attendees and guest speakers will come together for an open discussion at 3:30pm. The day will end by 4:00 pm. Lunch will be provided.

Investiture into the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster

On November 7 at 10:30am a Service of Investiture will take place at St. Andrew's Wesley Church. Due to space limitations, in-person attendance is limited to inductees and their guests, current members of the order and diocesan clergy. Please note that this year clergy are not being asked to vest for the liturgy but are being asked, as always, to attend in support of their inductees.

A livestream of the service will be available HERE for anyone who wishes to watch.

Reatreat Led by Brother James Koester, SSJE

Not every season of life offers clear answers or easy words for prayer. Praying in the Dark invites us to discover that uncertainty, silence and longing can also be places of encounter with God.

Led by Brother James Koester of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist (SSJE), this three-day retreat offers time to step away from everyday demands and attend to the life of prayer. Through teaching, silence, shared worship, and conversation, participants will be invited to explore prayer as a source of light, peace and hope.

WHEN: February 4 – 6, 2027
WHERE: St. Paul's

More information and registration HERE.

SAVE THE DATE: 2026

November 24-25: 50th Anniversary of the Priesting of Women. Registration open HERE. Hosted by Diocese of Islands and Inlets.

In Memoriam

Johanna (Joan) Dagmar Cope ODNW

With love and sadness, we announce the passing of Johanna (Joan) Cope, ODNW, at the age of 89, just two weeks shy of her 90th birthday. She was born in Winnipeg, MB, on November 1, 1936 and departed to her higher service peacefully, while surrounded by her loving family on October 18, 2026 in Abbotsford, BC. Joan shared a life deeply connected to her family, her Anglican faith, and her beloved community in Hope, B.C.

She was predeceased by her husband, Marvin Cope, and her parents, Hans and Mary Nabl. Joan met Marvin while she worked the counter at Dunkers Donuts in Vancouver in 1954, they married in 1957 and moved to Hope in 1961. They raised their three sons there and shared nearly 60 years of marriage before Marvin’s death in 2017.

A Celebration of Joan’s Life will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Church Anglican in Hope, B.C. In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Mom’s faith, please consider making a donation in her memory to the Christ Church Memorial Fund

READ THE FULL OBITUARY HERE.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Full event listing available here

November 4 - Behind the Music: Open Rehearsal with the Vancouver Cantata Singers. 11:30am at St. James.

November 5 - Solemn Requiem for All Souls. 6:30pm at St. James.

November 5 - Bar Mitzvah Boy. 7:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral. Proceeds go to supporting World Central Kitchen.

November 8 - All Souls Choral Evensong - Christ Church Cathedral

November 11- Remembrance Day Service. 10am at St. John's, Shaughnessy.

November 14 - Mapping the Ground We Stand On: a Reconciliation event with Alongside Hope. 10am at St. John's, Shaughnessy

November 14 - Palestinian-Israeli Panel Discussion. 3pm at Lynn Valley United Church.

November 15 - Plainchant Evensong & Benediction. 4pm at St. James.

November 17 - 115th Anniversary & Dedication. 5:30 pm at St. Helen's, Surrey.

November 17 - Centering Prayer. 2pm to 3pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

November 17 - 115th Anniversary of St. Helen's, Surrey. 5:30pm at St. Helen's, Surrey.

November 21 - Light the Night: A Diocesan Youth Event. 4pm at St. Cuthbert's.

November 21- Craft Fair! - 10am to 2pm at All Saints, Mission

November 21 - Quality Fair. 10am to 3pm at St. Laurence, Coquitlam.

November 21 - Artists & Artisans Show & Sale. 10am to 4pm at St. Dunstan's, Aldergrove.

Archbishop's Calendar

November 2 to 4 - Bishop's Retreat for Clergy

November 8 - Christ Church, Hope

November 17 - St. Helen's, Surrey

November 22 - St. Catherine's, Capilano

November 29 - St. Anselm's

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 online 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