September 3, 2025

Diocese provides leadership for National youth gathering

The pandemic left its mark on many different aspects of church life. In some cases, those areas came back stronger than ever and revealed what different groups need from the church. Youth ministry is one of those areas that came back with new vigour. The Diocese of New Westminster sent 22 people - its largest delegation ever- to the 2025 Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth (CLAY) Gathering in Saskatoon. In addition, the diocesan Missioner for Youth and Diocesan Youth Movement chair served as the national chair of the CLAY planning committee.

Read about Lauren Pinkney's experience serving as chair of the national planning committee for CLAY, and the insights she's bringing back with her from that gathering, HERE.

Local youth minister Jason Wood shares this insight into the CLAY gathering from a participant's perspective. Learn more about what participants experienced HERE.

News & Updates

Season of Creation Resources

The Anglican Communion Environmental Network has shared Anglican worship resources for The Season of Creation, available here.

Additional information and ecumenical resources for the Season of Creation are also available here.

Feather Circle - September 10

Rikki Kooy is holding the first "Feather Circle" at the Synod Office on September 10. These circles are intended for sharing, mutual encouragement, and support toward reconciliation.

Come and share your journey of reconciliation with others from around the Diocese.

WHEN: 11am to 2pm

WHERE: 1410 Nanton Ave

Bring your lunch, as desired. Beverages and treats provided.

Please RSVP via the Rev. Melanie Calabrigo at melanie@sthildegards.ca

Volunteer Treasurer Needed

The Mission to Seafarers is seeking a treasurer to join its volunteer board of directors and help steward the financial health of a small but impactful non-profit that supports the well-being of seafarers visiting the Port of Vancouver.

You don’t need to be a CPA but financial literacy, integrity, and a heart for service are essential.

Full role description and application details 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.

Lunchtime Sessions for Faith Leaders

Living Systems is offering three, online, Lunchtime Sessions on different topics, open anyone, lay or ordained, who is a leader in their faith community.

October 16 - Leadership in Uncertain Times: Working Towards a "Non-Anxious Presence"

November 14 - Doing Too Much? Thinking Through Overfunctioning as a Church Leader and Taking Steps to Avoid Burnout

February 19 - Managing Self with Difficult People: Boundaries and Bullies from a Systems Perspective

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 7 - Season of Creation Community Kick-off. 10am to 3pm at St. Mary's, Kerrisdale.

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 13 - Schubertiade Salon Series Opening Concert. 7:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

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

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

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

October 3 - Warren Nicholson, Guitar. 7:30pm 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.

Archbishop's Calendar

September 7 - St. Mary the Virgin, South Hill

September 14 - St. Hildegard's Sanctuary

September 28 - St. Michael's, Vancouver

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Lay Positions

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.

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