September 23, 2026

Season of Creation: Week 4

The theme of this year's Season of Creation is "Living Water". This week we hear from local Anglican, Roy Cline at Sparrowcreek Farm.

Roy and his family have spent the past several years stewarding the farm and pond at Sparrowcreek. From time to time the Clines make it available to church groups for eco-pilgrimages.

In this week's video, Roy shares an eye-opening moment from his time stewarding the pond and how it colours his spiritual reflection.

News

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

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.

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 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 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.

September 27 - Getting to Know Our Neighbours. 10am at St. Thomas, Vancouver.

September 27 - Mass for St. Michael & All Angels with reception for Fr. Matthew Johnson's retirement. 10:30am at St. James.

September 27 - Choral Evensong. 4pm at St. Mary's, Kerrisdale.

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

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.

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