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August 19, 2025

EfM Launches Revised Program with Online groups.

“Spinning Wheel” is an apt metaphor. Things have a way of going ‘round and round’, returning but never in the same place. Education for Ministry (EfM), celebrated its 50th anniversary this summer. This September it launches a new, totally revised programme. Although our Diocese does not have on-site groups at present, EfM remains available to us through On-Line EfM.

Every 10 years the materials have gone through revision, reimagination or format changes. The programme remains the same: studying the Scripture, the History and Tradition of the Church, and in the 4th year a new focus: Ethics and Spirituality. The method remains the same as we gather in small ‘cohorts’ committed to being “safe and brave” learning spaces for each other for the next nine months. Materials change, faces change but EfM continues its mission of “equipping the saints for the work of ministry.” (Ephesians 4:12)

BIG CHANGES TO CARRY ON THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES.

With the move to an on-line platform that delivers our lessons in weekly modules, there are no more printed lessons. But there are links to further resources. There is a personal tracker that will give a picture of how the work of the week is being accomplished.

The website is also the place where one registers. There is a page titled “On-Line Course” where you can learn about the September-start groups which are currently filling up fast. The Monday afternoon group still has places available. There is also a 4th on-line group that meets on Sunday afternoons from January through December. That group will begin registering for 2026 by mid-November. (home page, click banner “Registration is open….”)



EfM is meant for lay people to grow in their faith, discern how God is calling them, and discover gifts for ministry in the company of others on this pilgrimage in discipleship. It is a journey filled with treasure that can invite us to lighten our load as we discover the things we may no longer need to carry. The journey begins with you, your self and God, and expands to weave with many threads, and many friends along the way.

Read more and get the registration link HERE.

SAVE THE DATE: IMPORTANT DIOCESAN DATES 2025-2026

• October 7 - Clergy Day
• November 17-19: Clergy Retreat
• May 30: Mission Conference, 2026

FROM THE LEARNING CENTRE

Exploring Licensed Lay Ministry

The diocese has recently expanded the possibilities for licensed lay ministry. Are you discerning whether you are called to one of them? Or wondering if this might be a good thing in your parish? Come for a day of discernment, information, and conversation.

WHEN: Saturday, September 6 WHERE: Christ Church Cathedral

Details & Registration HERE

Praying on the Go: Weekend Retreat

The Centre for Spiritual Renewal is offering a weekend retreat at Loon Lake. The retreat will focus on perceiving and understanding God through creation and daily living as we walk, eat, and pray in all of life.

Facilitators: The Reverends Jessica Schaap, David Taylor, Lorie Martin

Thanks to a donor to the Centre for Spiritual Renewal, prices have been reduced! Scholarships are also available.

WHEN: SEPTEMBER 12 TO 14

WHERE: Loon Lake Lodge, Maple Ridge

Full details and registration HERE.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

A full listing of upcoming events is available here.

Events

September 5 - Baby Cafe. From 10am to 12pm at Church of the Holy Trinity, White Rock.

September 6 - Touched By The Land. Healing walk at Yewstone Gardens, 9am to 1pm. Offered by Centre for Spiritual Renewal at St. Dunstan's.

September 12 - Understanding Intergenerational Trauma and Healing. 10:30am at St. Clement's, North Vancouver.

September 13 - Cycle for Seafarers. 8am, Mission to Seafarers Centre.

September 27 - A Night with Patsy Cline: a Gala fundraiser for the Thursday Night Community Meal. 5pm to 9pm at St. Dunstan's.

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

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



Archbishop's Calendar

August 23 to 26 - Visit to Diocese of Yukon

September 1 - Funeral of Archbishop David Crawley, Kelowna

September 7 - St. Mary the Virgin, South Hill

September 14 - St. Hildegard's Sanctuary

September 28 - St. Michael's, Vancouver

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

POSITION:Children& Family Coordinator

CHURCH: St. John the Apostle, Port Moody

St. John the Apostle parish in Port Moody is seeking a part-time Children and Family (CF) Coordinator. You will work with other responsible people in the parish to provide programs for a small group of children (under 12 y.o.) and to provide a safe, friendly, and welcoming environment where they can know the love of God through enjoyable learning experiences. This will include “Godly Play”, a Montessori method for Christian education, for which you will be trained. 

Full job description and application details available HERE.

POSITION:Children, Youth & Family Minister

CHURCH: Church of the Holy Trinity, White Rock

The Church of the Holy Trinity is growing and is ready to make an investment in the spiritual formation of our congregation by hiring a Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) minister. We are looking for a creative individual who will share our vision and be committed to the growth of the CYF ministry and the spiritual development of our congregation.

Full job description and application details available HERE.

POSITION: Organist/Director of Music

CHURCH: St. Mary's, Kerrisdale

St. Mary’s, Kerrisdale seeks a 3/4 time Organist/Director of Music to lead and grow our diverse music ministry. This is a central liturgical leadership and pastoral role involving collaboration with clergy, staff, volunteer and professional musicians, and the broader community. The successful candidate will be rooted in the Anglican liturgical tradition while also welcoming a variety of music styles.

Full job description and application details available HERE.