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Pilgrims Together: Part 2
A Pentecost Moment in Manila
By the Rev. Simbarashe Basvi
The following Sunday we gathered at the National Cathedral of St. Mary and St. John. The service began in Tagalog. Around me, people sang, prayed, and responded confidently in a language I could not understand. Yet the liturgy felt remarkably familiar. The rhythms of Anglican worship, including the Scriptures from the Common Lectionary, prayers, creed, and Eucharist were the same rhythms that shape worship here in the Diocese of New Westminster.
When Archbishop John Stephens stood to preach, his sermon was in English. The liturgy remained largely in Tagalog. He reflected on the life of Jacob; the trickster, deceiver, and schemer who nevertheless became Israel. Jacob's story reminded us that God works not only through saints but also through flawed and complicated people. God refused to give up on Jacob and instead transformed him.
As I looked around the cathedral, I found myself thinking about Pentecost. We were speaking different languages, coming from different cultures, and carrying different histories. Yet somehow, we were hearing the same Gospel and gathering around the same table.
(Photo: Afternoon Tea / submitted by Rev. Simbarashe Basvi)
CONTINUE READING HERE
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Crozier Fund Gala
You're Invited!
You may have heard him on The Debaters on CBC, maybe you read "The Eh Team." On November 16, you can catch Charlie Demers person at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and support important work done by the diocese.
Charlie Demers will be the guest speaker at the Diocese of New Westminster's Crozier Fund Gala!
The Crozier Fund is a special fund that puts resources in the hands of the bishop to respond quickly when emergent and unprecedented needs arise, and to seed and support new ministries in the diocese.
The Gala is one way to support The Crozier Fund while gathering with folks from across the diocese and connecting with friends old and new. There will also be a silent auction.
WHEN: Monday, November 16
WHERE: Royal Vancouver Yacht Club
TIME: Doors open 6:30pm
Tickets: Can be purchased here
If you wish to purchase a full table of 10, you can do so by contacting Maria Sousa in the Archbishop’s Office at msousa@vancouver.anglican.ca or 604-684-6306 ext 228.
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Advent Resources Menu
It is the time of year when we begin to look toward Advent and look for resources and offerings to accompany us through the season.
The Diocesan Missioner for Formation has compiled this menu of Advent Resources.
Of particular note: Archbishop John Stephens will once again be offering a four week, online study session this Advent.
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Clergy Day November 10
All clergy are welcome to the November Clergy Day at the Synod Office; attendance is expected of licensed clergy.
Focusing on the ongoing conflict in Palestine and Israel, the day will offer opportunities for learning, reflection, and conversation. We will gather for coffee and tea at 8:30am, followed by a welcome and opening prayer at 9:00am. Sessions will explore Anglican liturgy and the Church’s involvement in the Holy Land; the region’s history and political landscape; Jewish Witness; Muslim perspectives; and Palestinian Liberation Theology.
Attendees and guest speakers will come together for an open discussion at 3:30pm. The day will end by 4:00 pm. Lunch will be provided.
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Archbishop John Stephens has appointed the Rev. Dexter Tad-Awan as Rector of St. Mary's, Sapperton. This is effective January 1, 2027.
The archbishop has appointed the Rev. Arvin Amayag as Rector of St. Mary's, Southill, effective January 1, 2027.
The Rev. Expedito Farinas has indicated his intention to retire, effective December 31, 2026.
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Investiture into the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster
On November 7 at 10:30am a Service of Investiture will take place at St. Andrew's Wesley Church. Due to space limitations, in-person attendance is limited to inductees and their guests, current members of the order and diocesan clergy. Please note that this year clergy are not being asked to vest for the liturgy but are being asked, as always, to attend in support of their inductees.
A livestream of the service will be available HERE for anyone who wishes to watch.
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Reatreat Led by Brother James Koester, SSJE
Not every season of life offers clear answers or easy words for prayer. Praying in the Dark invites us to discover that uncertainty, silence and longing can also be places of encounter with God.
Led by Brother James Koester of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist (SSJE), this three-day retreat offers time to step away from everyday demands and attend to the life of prayer. Through teaching, silence, shared worship, and conversation, participants will be invited to explore prayer as a source of light, peace and hope.
WHEN: February 4 – 6, 2027
WHERE: St. Paul's
More information and registration HERE.
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Call for Photos for Christmas Cards
It is that time of year again: the Synod Office is preparing Christmas cards. Do you have a photo that could be used as the cover image of the archbishop's Christmas card?
If so, send your images to communications@vancouver.anglican.ca
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SAVE THE DATE: 2026
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November 24-25: 50th Anniversary of the Priesting of Women. Registration open HERE. Hosted by Diocese of Islands and Inlets.
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FORMATION & SPIRITUAL RENEWAL
Fall 2026 Program Guide from the Centre for Spiritual Renewal
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Why Ritual?
This online retreat will explore how people everywhere have turned to ritual as a source of renewal, but also a less benign means of social control. Our focus will turn to how contemplative practices combine attention to the body, refinement of the senses, and a willingness to enter the unknown. With Divine consent, these disciplines can become the agents of human transformation. The retreat will include contemplative practice to facilitate exploration of the teachings.
Facilitated by Dr. Paula Pryce.
WHEN: Thursday, November 5
TIME: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
WHERE: Online
More details and registration HERE.
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AROUND THE DIOCESE
Full event listing available here
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November 1 - Holy Cross, Vancouver
November 2 to 4 - Bishop's Retreat for Clergy
November 8 - Christ Church, Hope
November 17 - St. Helen's, Surrey
November 22 - St. Catherine's, Capilano
November 29 - St. Anselm's
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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
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