June 24, 2026

Induction of Bp Jim Mathes at St.Hilda's, Sechelt.

The Right Rev. Jim Mathes was formally inducted as Rector of St. Hilda’s, Sechelt on Monday, June 24. Hiwus Calvin Craigan, hereditary chief of the shishalh Nation drummed and sang a prayer song composed by Chief Dan George as the clergy processed into the service.

Archbishop John Stephens presided at the service and the Rev. Brian E. Fidler, a long time friend of Bishop Mathes, preached. Rev. Fidler reminded the congregation, “for people of faith there is no such thing as coincidence.” He said “much of the story of Jim coming to St. Hilda’s” highlights this.

Continue Reading 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 Mr. 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.

Archives: Summer Closure Dates

The Diocesan and Provincial Archives at the Synod Office will be closed from June 26 to July 13.

Buy Nothing: Church Edition

St. John's, Squamish is looking for a Lectern NRSV Bible. If your parish has one that needs a new home, please contact the parish here.
St. Augustine's, Marpole, has an organ that needs a new home. It is a wonderful 30 year old organ 54" x 30", h41" with full pedal base. It is free for the taking, cost of removal borne by the recipient. If a new home cannot be found, it will be recycled. Please call St Augustine's office:
604-263-9212 for more info.

Government Grant for Seniors Programs.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a grants and contributions program offered by the Government of Canada. It provides funding for projects that make a difference in the lives of seniors and in their communities.

Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $50,000 in grant funding for 1 year.

Applications for this grant are being accepted by the government until July 14, 2026 at 3:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). If you have a program that might be eligible for this grant, get application details HERE.

(photo: Clay Banks/Unsplash)

Employment Opportunities

St. Laurence Anglican Church is a growing, affirming community in Coquitlam.

The parish is now investing in dedicated ministry roles that nurture children and youth, deepen community, and strengthen its ecumenical partnership with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church through a shared youth ministry.

There are four positions currently open:
-Youth Minister (St. Laurence & Good Shepherd)
-Children & Families Minister (St. Laurence)

-Children & Families Outreach Worker (St. Laurence)

-Sunday Evening Fresh Expressions Pioneer (St. Laurence)

Full role descriptions and application details 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.
November 24-25: 50th Anniversary of the Priesting of Women. Registration open HERE. Hosted by Diocese of Island and Inlets.

FORMATION & SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Full event listing available here

Pathways to Peace Retreat

The Diocesan Youth Movement is offering an amazing retreat away at Camp Artaban! Open to youth aged 12-18.

The theme is "Until All Are Fed." We will explore social justice and food security. We'll also enjoy camp activities like campfires, walks in the forest, beach and waterfront time, and worship in the outdoor chapel.

Start: Friday, August 28 4:30pm - water taxi from Horseshoe Bay to Gambier Island

End: Sunday, August 30, 3pm - water taxi from Gambier Island to Horseshoe Bay

Where: Camp Artaban, Gambier Island

Cost: 250/p.p (includes water taxi, all meals, and accommodation)

Questions? Bursary Info? Contact: youth@vancouver.anglican.ca (Lauren Odile Pinkeny, Missioner for Youth)

Register HERE.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Full event listing available here

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

July 2-5 - Whitehorse Worship Arts Festival & Contemplative Retreat.

July 5 - Choral Evensong. 4pm at St. John's, Shaughnessey.

July 11 - Water & Wonder Day Retreat. 9:30am to 3:30pm at Cultus Lake with Rev. Lorie Martin.

July 12 - Art Show & Social Featuring Art of Rev. Dr. Marilyn Hames. 12:30pm at St. John's Shaughnessey.

August 2 - Choral Evensong. 4pm at St. John's, Shaughnessey.

August 8 - Celtic Spirituality & Design. 9:30am in Chilliwack.

Archbishop's Calendar

June 24 - Mission to Seafarers Waterfront Centre

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