May 12, 2026

Jerusalem Sunday

May 11, 2026

Dear Friends,

This coming Sunday is set aside in the Anglican Church of Canada as Jerusalem Sunday. The Seventh Sunday of Easter (and for some the Ascension is also transferred to this day) is linked to our prayers for Jerusalem and the Land of the Holy One.

A few years ago, Archbishop Fred Hiltz wrote this prayer for this time and this occasion:

O God,

We give thanks that your dear Son has gathered us in the embrace of his redeeming love and sent us to make that love known to the ends of the earth.

We pray your continued blessings on the steadfast witness of the Church in Jerusalem and throughout the Middle East. Give your deep joy to those who welcome the pilgrims seeking to know this land and its many peoples.

Grace those who proclaim the Gospel. Guide all who teach a new generation of young people. Draw near to those who are sick and bless those who tend them. Sustain the hope in all who long and labour for a just and lasting peace in the land of The Holy One. And may the companions of Jerusalem be many and faithful. We pray in the name of our merciful Saviour, Friend and Brother, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

CONTINUE READING HERE

News

Mission Conference 2026
Some Spaces Remaining

Mission Conference 2026 takes place Saturday, May 30. The theme is “Moving in Mission, Guided by Spirit.” Archbishop Michael Curry, former presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, is the keynote speaker. Full conference details, including breakout session presenters, are available here.

All are welcome to register for this free conference. Register HERE.

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.

The festival is being offered in collaboration with Neil Cockbourn, Director of Music at Christ Church Cathedral and will include a guest address from Bishop Michael Curry.

Help Welcome Soccer Fans of All Nations to the Cathedral

The Cathedral is planning to be open as a sanctuary for prayer seven days a week from 9:30am to 8:30pm from June 10 to July 10, when soccer fans from around the world will be in our city to watch the beautiful game.

Volunteers are needed to help make this possible.

Do you like interacting with people? Perhaps you have cultural ties with the nations we know will play in Vancouver. Or even speak a language other than English? Your interests, talents and background can make the Cathedral an even more welcome place for visitors!

Sign-up to join us on Wednesday, May 13 at 5:30 pm for an on-line information session to learn how you can get involved in what promises to be an interesting time for the city and the Cathedral.

Anglican Rosary Ministry

Christ Church Cathedral has formed the Anglican Rosary Ministry (ARM), a group of people who gather twice a month on Saturday mornings to make rosaries. The rosaries are then blessed by the ministry’s chaplain and made available in the Cathedral narthex for purchase, by donation. The donation helps cover the cost of supplies to make the rosaries (beads).

ARM would like to make more rosaries available when the Cathedral is open to welcome visitors and soccer fans during the world cup period. To do that, more hands are needed! The ministry meets two Saturdays a month from 9:30am to 1pm. Members attend according to their availability. If you would like to take part in making rosaries, please sign up here and select "Anglican Rosary Ministry (ARM)" from the list of ministries. Once you have registered, a member of the ARM will reach out to you with more information

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 14 - Look at the Birds in the Air: Art Exhibit Opening with Richard Topping. 6:30pm at St. Faith's.

May 15-19 - My Beloved- Creativity & Awe Reatreat with the Rev. Peter Elliott and Thomas Roach. At Loon Lake, Maple Ridge.

May 16 - Still & Still Moving: An Afternoon Retreat. 1:30pm to 3:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

May 17 - Evensong Series. 4pm at St. James.

May 17 - Soulful Singing of Tom Picket. 7pm at St. David's, Delta.

May 22 - Romantic Sonata for Violin and Piano. 7:30pm at St. James.

May 23 - St. Laurence Big Book Sale. 10am to 2pm at St. Laurence, Coquitlam.

May 23 - Pilgrimage Walk. 2:30pm to 4:30pm with St. Dunstans at Aldergrove Regional Park.

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

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

May 12 - Vancouver School of Theology Convocation

May 15 to 20 - Primate's Visit to the Diocese

May 24 - St. Clement's, Lynn Valley

June 7 - Peace Arch Deanery Picnic

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

Jerusalem Sunday

News

Mission Conference 2026﻿﻿Some Spaces Remaining

Sing Without Ceasing

HAVE NEWS OR AN UPCOMING EVENT TO SHARE?

Mission Conference 2026
Some Spaces Remaining