September 29, 2026

Season of Creation: Final Week

To close out our series on the Season of Creation, Kingsley Genaille, a postulant for the priesthood in the Diocese of New Westminster, offers this reflection on the water that sustains us.

News

Holy Trinity, Vancouver to Close in January 2027.

On September 12, 2026, the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of New Westminster gathered to discuss the possibility of the closure of the parish of Holy Trinity, Vancouver. This came after many months of conversation, and after a commission was struck to examine the potential for Holy Trinity to continue as a parish.

Diocesan Council considered the commission's findings and presentations by several Trustees of Holy Trinity. After study, consideration, and prayer, Diocesan Council recommended that Holy Trinity, Vancouver close as a parish.

Archbishop John Stephens is in agreement with that recommendation and has decided that January 10, 2027 will be the final Sunday for Holy Trinity.

While it is always painful to determine that a parish needs to close, we believe in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and believe that we are called to find ever new ways to carry out the church's mission in this time and place.

Breaking the Stained Glass Ceiling: Celebrating 50 Years of Women in the Priesthood

Fifty years ago, the Diocese of New Westminster was one of the first three dioceses in the Anglican Church of Canada to ordain women to the priesthood, with the ordination of the Rev. Elspeth Alley and the Rev. Virginia Bryant.

Come join in a special worship service followed by a panel discussion, moderated by the Rt. Rev. Melissa Skelton, on the lived experiences and stories of women in the priesthood.

St. Faith’s is honoured to host this celebration in memory of the Rev. Elspeth Alley, who served at St. Faith’s and celebrated her first Eucharist at our altar. Refreshments and conversation to follow. This event is free. Please RSVP to help us plan food.

WHEN: October 17, 2026
TIME: 6pm - 7pm
WHERE: St. Faith's, 7284 Cypress St, Vancouver

Bishop's Retreat for Clergy at Loon Lake

The annual Bishop's silent retreat for clergy will take place November 4-6 at Loon Lake. The retreat will be led by Heather Ruce.

Further details and registration HERE.

Request to Reduce Tax Deductions at Source for 2027

For clergy on the diocesan payroll who wish to request a tax deduction at source for 2027:

Both T1213 and T1223 forms are now available in your PGi portal under documents.

You will be required to complete a few sections on each form. It is advised that you do T1223 first. The T1223 form requests a copy of your ordination certificate and a detailed job description listing all your duties and the percentage of time per week that each duty takes. On form T1213 you will need to add the clergy residence amount.

Keep copies of everything for your records and submit the paperwork to the government.

If approved, the government will mail you a letter – keep the original and email a copy to payroll@vancouver.anglican.ca

Michele van Teunenbroek

Payroll and Group Benefit Administrator

The government suggests submitting the paperwork by October 15, 2026

Fall Grant Cycle Open

Applications are now being accepted for Diocesan Parish Development and Children, Youth & Families grants. The deadline is October 16.

Application forms and deadlines are available here.

SAVE THE DATE: 2026

November 7 at 10:30am: Investiture into the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster. Service at St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church.
November 24-25: 50th Anniversary of the Priesting of Women. Registration open HERE. Hosted by Diocese of Islands and Inlets.

FORMATION & SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

Fall 2026 Program Guide from the Centre for Spiritual Renewal

Living in the In-between: A Retreat Day

This reflective and participatory session explores grief, anger, and joy as three emotional realities of collective liminality. Through short teachings, embodied reflection, and conversation, participants will consider how these realities are experienced through the head, heart, and body, both individually and collectively. We will explore how spiritual and creative practices can help us recognize, give space to, and remain present with the emotional life of our communities.

Facilitated by Carrie Chesham and Herta Klassen

WHEN: Saturday, October 3
TIME: 9am to 3:30pm
WHERE: St. Thomas, Chilliwack

More details and registration HERE.

Meditation and Deep Listening Workshop

In the busyness of everyday life, it is easy to lose touch with ourselves, with God, and with the quiet wisdom of the present moment. This two-hour experiential session offers a gentle invitation to slow down, become still, and return to presence.

The session will include an opportunity to practice deep listening with one another and some gentle teaching on welcoming whatever arises into present awareness with compassion rather than resistance. Whether you are seeking greater inner peace or simply a space to pause and reconnect, you are warmly welcome.

Come as you are. $20 / Pay from your heart

WHEN: Saturday, October 17
TIME:10am to 12pm
WHERE: St. Dunstan's, Aldergrove

More details and registration HERE.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Full event listing available here

September 30 - Latria: Worship & Communion. 7pm to to 8:30pm at St. Thomas, Chilliwack.

October 2 - Pre-Screening of "Sand and Soul." 7pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

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

October 6 - Alpha. A conversation and learning series for those who are curious about Christianity. 6:30pm at St. Catherine's, North Vancouver.

October 16 - Place & Presence: Cathedral for the City Poetry Event. 7pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

Archbishop's Calendar

September 27 - St. Dunstan's, Aldergrove

October 4 to 8 - National House of Bishops

October 21 to 22 - Compass Rose Society Annual Meeting

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