August 4, 2026

Dean Chris Pappas is the diocesan Commissary this week

Feast of the Creator

The Anglican Church of Canada has authorized for trial use, liturgical resources for the Feast of the Creator. Archbishop John Stephens has authorized these liturgical resources to be used in the diocese of New Westminster.

General Synod 2025 passed a resolution to adopt the Feast of the Creator as a Major Feast within the liturgical calendar of the Anglican Church of Canada. The feast is to be celebrated September 1, transferable to a Sunday within the Season of Creation

These liturgical resources were created by a Feast of the Creator Task Group involving the Faith, Worship, and Ministry Coordinating Committee, the Consultation on Common Texts and the Public Witness for Social and Ecological Justice Coordinating Committee. The Task Group representing a diversity of bioregions, cultures, vocations, theologies, liturgical traditions and roles, was created to work with staff on the development of Proper Readings, Prayers, Prefaces, Intercessions, Eucharistic Prayers, and other resources to support participation in the Feast of the Creator and in the Season of Creation across the church.

(photo: Dimitri Svetsikas/Pixabay)

News

Important News: Street Outreach Initiative

Fr Matthew Johnson has decided to retire at the end of September after 22 years as Street Outreach Priest, attached to St. James’ Parish in the Diocese of New Westminster. Fr Matthew conceived and founded this unique ministry to the Downtown East Side and nurtured it for more than two decades with conviction, commitment and compassion.

Archbishop John Stephens and Mtr. Amanda Ruston, Rector of St. James, have published a letter outlining what will happen with this ministry during this time of transition.

Fr. Matthew's last Sunday at St. James will be September 27. There will be a celebration that day to give thanks for his ministry.

Read the full letter HERE.

Clergy News

Archbishop John Stephens has appointed the Rev. Matthew Nichiporuk as Curate at St. Barnabas, New Westminster. The appointment takes effect August 15, 2026.

Provincial Eco Pilgrimage

The Ecclesiastical Province of BC/Yukon in collaboration with the Parish of Kokanee in the Anglican Diocese of Kootenay are holding an Eco-Pilgrimage, open to all in the province.

From September 14th to 18th 2026 St. Mark's in Kaslo will host a week-long gathering of pilgrims from across the province for prayer and worship, shared meals, fellowship, and exploring our natural spaces and ecosystems through the lens of ecojustice and the stewardship of Creation.

Full Details HERE.

Order Your Church Calendars

It is that time of year again: the Anglican Church Women are accepting orders for the 2027 Anglican Church Calendar.

The deadline to order is September 15, 2026. The calendars cost $8 each.

Orders may be mailed with payment or emailed to the Calendar Secretary, Sylvia Enga.

Order form and ordering details available HERE.

Job Opening: Part-Time Treasurer, Church of the Epiphany

The Parish of the Church of The Epiphany, in the heart of the Guildford area of Surrey, is currently seeking a part-time treasurer.

Goals of the Position:

The treasurer will provide accounting and financial support to serve the needs of the Parish. The position is open and begins when an acceptable candidate is chosen.

Hours: Approximately 20 hours per month (providing an account of hours each month). The number of hours would vary and be paid accordingly.

View full job description and application details HERE

SAVE THE DATE: IMPORTANT DIOCESAN DATES 2026

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

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 Pinkney, Missioner for Youth)

Register HERE.

Summer Youth Camps - Chilliwack

St. Thomas Summer Arts Camp “To Give Life a Shape” is a multi-faceted arts exploration morning camp, facilitated by James Xavier Lam and guest artists, “To Give Life a Shape” aims to provide a much needed third space for youth between the ages of 10 - 18 to come and explore their God given gifts of Creativity across a wide spectrum of Arts and Art based skills.

Broken up into two 1.5 hour sessions a day between 9am and 12pm, every day holds space for a different area of creativity, allowing time for youth to explore what they enjoy in new ways.

Details and Registration HERE

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Full event listing available here

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

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

August 22 - Victorian Tea & Historical Presentation for the 130th Anniversary of All Saints, Agassiz. 1pm to 4pm at All Saint.

September 6 - Choral Evensong. 4pm at St. John's, Shaughnessey

September 12 - Everything But the Closet Sale. 11am at St. Philip's, Vancouver.

September 19 - Cycling for Seafarers. 7am to 2pm with BBQ at 11:30am at Mission to Seafarers Waterfront Centre.

Archbishop's Calendar

August 1 to 12 - Visit to Episcopal Diocese of Northern 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