June 9, 2026

Peace Arch Deanery Picnic & Confirmations

God inserted God’s divinity into all people. The divine name dwells in us. Archbishop John Stephens made the statement during his sermon at St. Helen’s, Surrey. He was presiding and preaching at a Sunday service for the parishes that make up the Peace Arch Deanery of the diocese. During the service, he confirmed five people from various Peace Arch parishes.

During his sermon, the archbishop reflected on moments in scripture when people had encounters with Jesus - encounters with the Divine. Jesus was walking along one day when he met Matthew, a tax collector. “An outcast, a heathen, a thief, a traitor, a lover of money, a rejector of the people of faith. He meets Matthew and simply says, ' Follow me, ' and thieving Matthew packs up all his loose change and the bigger bills and heads off with this wandering rabbi,” he said. Matthew had everything one could ever want: money, power, a certain position in society. “I wonder what happened to him for he packed his bags and set off, giving up all that for which he had worked his entire life. I wonder why. Would you have done that?”

CONTINUE READING HERE

VIEW PHOTO ALBUM HERE.

News

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 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.

Inductions

-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.

-The Rev. Ron Culmer will be inducted as Rector of St. Paul's, Vancouver on June 9. The service takes place at 7pm. Clergy are invited to attend. The liturgical colour is white.

Camp Artaban Day for Clergy

Back by popular demand, the day at Camp Artaban for clergy is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th.

The day will include lunch, a tour, worship, an opportunity to learn about the ministry of Camp Artaban, as well as free time (bring a book, some art supplies, or just plan to take a stroll in the beautiful setting of camp to spend some time with yourself and with God).

The cost is $100 and includes a water taxi from Horseshoe Bay and lunch.

To express your interest or find out more, contact Cameron Gutjahr - priest@squamishanglicanchurch.ca

50th Anniversary of Priesting of Women

The Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets (British Columbia) is excited to invite you to be part of a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Priesting of Women in the Anglican Church of Canada. Come and join this celebration giving thanks for the many ways women have contributed to the life of the Church as presbyters, and look to the future to examine the challenges that lay ahead for women in the Church and Canadian society.

Dates: November 24-25, 2026

Location: Baumann Centre which is next to St John the Divine Anglican Church at 1611 Quadra St, Victoria.

Registration

Registration is now open. Details and registration available HERE.

SAVE THE DATE: IMPORTANT DIOCESAN DATES 2026

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

June 13 - Strawberry Tea & Bazaar. 11am to 3pm at St. John the Divine, Maple Ridge.

June 13 - ACW Open House. 1pm to 3pm at # 3 – 6678 – 152nd St., Surrey

June 14 - Choral Evensong. 4pm to 5pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

June 17 - Fraser Valley Wisdom Sharing Circle. 11am to 1pm at St. Dunstan's.

June 20 - Spring's Sweet Bounty: Early Music Vancouver and Strawberry Tea. 1pm at St. Anselm's, Point Grey.

June 20 - Listening with Dignity. 2pm to 5pm at St. Alban's, Richmond

June 29 - Cell Phone Photography Workshop. 6pm to 8pm at St. Matthew's, Abbotsford.

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 19 - Consecration of Bishop of Yukon

June 21 - St. George, Maple Ridge

June 28 - St. Andrew's, Langley

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