September 24, 2025

Rikki Kooy on Feather Circles and Reconciliation

Ahead of Orange Shirt day and the Sunday we set aside for Truth and Reconciliation Day of Prayer, diocesan Elder-in-Residence Rikki Kooy shares details about the monthly Feather Circles she is facilitating in the diocese. She also offers a reflection on the journey of reconciliation.

If you are looking for ways to honour this day, here are a few events around Metro Vancouver:

September 27

World Premiere of NDN Giver at the Bill Reid Gallery

September 27

The Jingle Dance: Interactive Powwow Experience with Raven Spirit Dance

September 28

Culture Club at MOA: Cedar Hearts for Reconciliation

September 29

Sugarcane Film Screening at Pacific Theatre for NDTR

September 30, 2025 – Orange Shirt Day

MOV & the Space Centre Present The Great Salish Heist

Cedar Weaving with Todd DeVries

NFB Indigenous Short Films Screenings

Vancouver Aquarium NDTR Programming

Truth and Reconciliation at Burnaby Village

Orange Shirt Day at Grandview Park

News & Updates

Clergy News

The archbishop has appointed Mtr. Amanda Ruston as Rector of St. James, effective September 29. She has been serving as interim priest-in-charge of St. James.

The archbishop has appointed the Rev. Christian Okeke as Curate at St. Michael's, Surrey and Christ the Redeemer, Surrey, effective September 15. Rev. Okeke has been Curate at Christ Church Cathedral.

Clergy Day

The next Diocesan clergy day, is being held October 7. It is focused on equipping clergy for parish Youth Ministry.

Diocesan Missioner for Youth, Lauren Odile Pinkney and ED of Camp Douglas, Lucy Rosenberg are the main presenters and will lead sessions on youth work theory and practice. Over the course of the day, you will also hear from a selection of panellists about children, youth and family initiatives in the diocese.

Lunch is provided.

DATE: October 7

TIME: 9am to 3pm

WHERE: 1410 Nanton Ave - Synod Office

Bishop's Retreat for Clergy

The Bishop's Retreat for Clergy in the Diocese of New Westminster is being held November 17 to 19 at Loon Lake. This year the guest speaker is The Rt. Rev. Te Kitohi "Kito" Pikaahu, Bishop of Te Tai Tokerau (New Zealand).

If you have not attended before, please note this event is a silent retreat.

Full accomodation options, cost details, and registration form are avaialble HERE. Please register by October 31.

Nativity Photos

Does your parish have a particularly iconic or eye-catching nativity window? Or even a nativity set? Want to share it with the diocese?

The Synod office is seeking images of nativity-themed windows (or similar) to use on the archbishop's official Christmas card. Send your photos to communications@vancouver.anglican.ca

Lost & Found

Did you know? The Synod office has a lost & found with items awaiting reunion with their rightful owners.

Currently in the lost & found is a black leather bag - document or briefcase style. Brand label “Poccilini”. It was found at the Italian Cultural Centre at the end of the Diocesan Synod, at Table 5. If this is your bag, please contact the Synod Office reception. info@vancouver.anglican.ca or 604-684-6306

SAVE THE DATE: IMPORTANT DIOCESAN DATES 2025-2026

October 7 - Clergy Day
October 25 - Clergy Morning with the Dean of Canterbury
November 17-19: Clergy Retreat
May 30: Mission Conference, 2026

IN MEMORIAM

Charles Digby Turney, ODNW

Charles Turney, ODNW died on May 24, 2025. A private graveside service was held on June 12, 2025.

Charles was a 4th generation Sapperton resident & was born at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster. Digby worked for the city of New Westminster for 40 years before retiring in 1987. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's, Sapperton.

You can read a full obituary notice for Charles, HERE.

SPIRITUAL RENEWAL & FAITH FORMATION

Equipping the Saints

Join an assembly of lay leaders and clergy from across our Diocese for a much-needed opportunity to gather in prayer, to listen, learn, connect, and grow together! The day includes a plenary speaker, the ability to attend two workshops and a catered lunch.

All are welcome!

WHEN: October 18
TIME: 9am to 3:30pm
WHERE: St. Mary's, Kerrisdale (2490 W 37th Ave, Vancouver, BC)

COST: $15 (Pay what you can options available)

Centre for Spiritual Renewal in Your Parish

Many parishes are reaching out to explore having a Centre for Spiritual Renewal - the spiritual formation arm of your community and a networking connection to the Inter-Parish Centre. Rev. Lorie Martin will begin by offering a series of 3 workshops to best help develop your Centre. Pick the time that works best for you and your team.

Module 1: What is the Centre + Where to Start*

Thursday September 25, 2:00-4:00 p.m. or 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Module 2: Gathering data, your parish team and your opportunities

Thursday October 23, 2:00-4:00p.m. or 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Module 3: Launching your offerings, programs and registrations

Thursday November 27, 2:00-4:00 p.m. or 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Dates, times, and registration for all three modules available here.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

A full listing of upcoming events is available here.

Events

September 27 - Mini Reatreat Series on Mary Magdalene. 10am online, offered by the Centre for Spiritual Renewal.

September 28 - Filipino Mass with the Philippine Independent Church. 3pm to 5pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

September 28 - Evensong. 7pm to 8pm at St. John's, Sardis.

October 4 - Spirituality and Chronic Pain. 10am to 12pm at St. Dunstan's, Aldergove.

October 4 - Fall Garage Sale. 9:30am to 2:30 pm at All Saints

October 4 - ACW Fall Gathering. 10am to 2pm at St. Mark's, Ocean Park. Guest speaker: Margaret Cithbert of Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society.

October 4 - St. Francis Day Service. 10:30am, St. Stephen the Martyr Memorial Garden, Burnaby.

October 5 - St. Francis Day Petting Zoo. 10am to 1pm at St. Clement's, North Vancouver. In partnership with Salal and Cedar.

October 5 to 9 - A Wisdom School on Wisdom Rhythms and Relationships. At Sorrento Centre, supported by the Centre for Spiritual Renewal.

October 8 - Feather Circle facilitated by Rikki Kooy. 11am to 2pm at the Synod Office.

October 12 - Pet Blessing. 10am at St. Clement's, North Vancouver.

October 15 - St. James Concerts: Manuel Piazza, Organ. 7pm at St. James.

October 17 to 18 - Listening Prayer Training Workshop. 9am to 4pm at St. Dunstan's, Aldergrove. Offered by the Centre for Spiritual Renewal.

October 18 - Vines & Tastes Benefit for Loving Spoonful. 7pm at St. Christopher's, West Vancouver.

Archbishop's Calendar

September 28 - St. Michael's, Vancouver

October 5 - St. Philip's, Dunbar

October 19 - St. John's, Shaughnessey

October 26 - St. Mary's, Kerrissdale.

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? Send us details three weeks before your event.

-Something newsworthy happening 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