September 17, 2026

This week we hear from Justin Arsenault, local animator for Kairos and facilitator of a local Laudato Si Circle. He shares how bringing his prayer life outdoors enriches his spiritual life. How does it inspire you?

Need some guidance or inspiration for taking your prayer outside? Pray As You Go has this prayer series you can listen to anywhere. The suggestion is to take your mobile device outdoors and follow the prayer session of your choice.

If you've never heard of a "Laudato Si Circle," you can learn more about them here. They are inspired by Pope Francis' 2015 letter on caring for our common home, "Laudato Si," and rooted in the Roman Catholic Church, but often, circles are open to ecumenical involvement.

News

Appointments

Archbishop John Stephens has appointed the Rev. Clarence Wing On Li as Archdeacon of Lougheed.

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.

Buy Nothing: Church Edition

St. Barnabas in New Westminster is looking for chairs to improve the worship space. About 40 chairs suitable for the sanctuary are needed. The parish wants to borrow the chairs for a time to test how it affects the worship space.

If you have any chairs that might suit this purpose and are able to lend them out for a while, please email Rev. Matthew Nichiporuk

SAVE THE DATE: 2026

Clergy Day on the new Safeguarding Program: September 22 at the Synod Office. (mandatory for active clergy)
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 DEVELOPMENT

Fall 2026 Program Guide from the Centre for Spiritual Renewal

Hands Like Roots: Circle of Grace with Therese Descamps

For 3 Fridays (September 11, 18, and 25) we will focus on Creation - being grounded, having roots, and flourishing as metaphors for the spiritual life. Guest author Therese Descamps joins in on Sept 18.

Fridays include Centering Prayer at 9:30 am, open for drop-in participation and for those interested, a short Eucharist will be offered at 11:00 am.

WHEN: Friday Sept. 18 & 25
WHERE: St. Thomas, Chilliwack
TIME: 10 am

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Full event listing available here

September 18 - Art Exhibit Opening: Healing My Spirit. Exploring the artwork of Sabian Rawcliffe. 6pm at St. Faith's.

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

September 19 - Trivia Night Fundraiser. 6pm at St. George, Ft. Langley.

September 19 - From Westminster Abbey to Vancouver: St. James Music Series with Tina Christiansen. 12:30pm at St. James.

September 20 - Fall Into Music: A Benefit Concert for St. Alban's Outreach programs. 2pm at St. Alban's, Richmond.

September 20 - Getting to Know Our Neighbours. Guest speaker Indy Singh. 10am at St. Thomas, Vancouver.

September 20 - The Gift: Farm Garden with the Rev. Anne Privett. 12:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

September 20 - An Evening of Sung Prayer: Joining Creation in Wonder. 7:30pm at St. Dunstan's.

September 23 - Metro Vancouver Alliance Municipal Election Assembly. 7pm at St. Andrew's Wesley.

September 25 - Autumn Equinox Music of the Labyrinth. 7:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

September 26 - Young Adult Movie Night: Prince of Egypt. 6pm at St. Timothy's, Burnaby.

Archbishop's Calendar

September 20 - St. Timothy's, Burnaby

September 27 - St. Dunstan's, Aldergrove

October 4 to 8 - National House of Bishops

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