May 21, 2025

Ascension Sermon Available

This year Ascension Sunday takes place the Sunday immediately after the close of the Diocesan Synod.

To assist clergy who will be participating in Synod and leading worship the following day, Archbishop John Stephens has recorded a video sermon. This sermon can be used during worship services on Ascension Sunday. It is not mandatory to use this video sermon.

If you wish to make use of the video sermon, download the video HERE.

(image: The Ascension of Jesus from San Pietro Polyptych by Pietro Perugino. Museum of Fine Arts, Lyon)

News & Updates

Synod 2025

The 123rd Session of the Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster. Synod will convene on the morning of Friday, May 30th, 2025 at the Italian Cultural Centre.

The Notice of Synod and Information Sheet, is avaialble HERE. Delegates are encouraged to check the synod web page this week and next as more resources are uploaded - including the Convening Circular.

Delegates should have already registered. If you are a delegate and have not yet registered you may do so HERE, however we can not guarantee dietary accomodations of registrations received this week.

Nominations are still open and nomination forms are available online along with a list of positions that will be elected at Synod.

- Nominees should fill in THIS FORM.

-Nominators should fill in THIS FORM.

SAVE THE DATE: IMPORTANT DIOCESAN DATES 2025

May 30 - 31 Diocesan Synod at the Italian Cultural Centre.
June 14: Confirmations
June 21: Ordinations
November 17-19: Clergy Retreat

FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES

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.

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION HERE.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

A full listing of upcoming events is available here.

Events

May 25 - Evensong. St. John the Baptist, Sardis. 7pm

May 25 - Solemn Evensong & Benediction. 4pm at St. James.

May 25 - Sundays @ 4: Hymn Sing Festival. 4pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

May 29 - Ascension Day Mass. 6:30pm at St. James.

June 1 - Memorial Evensong. St. John's, Shaughnessey, 4pm

June 8 - Sundays @ 4: Pentecost. 4pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

June 9 to 12 - Worship as Refuge, Resistance & Regeneration. A Conference by Associated Parishes for Liturgy and Mission.

June 13 - Honouring Creation Art Exhibit, Opening Event. 6pm at St. Faith's.

June 13 - Hymn Swing. 7:30pm at St. Thomas, Vancouver.

June 14 - Confirmations. 10:30am at Christ Church Cathedral.

June 21 - Ordinations. 10:30am at Christ Church Cathedral.

Archbishop's Calendar

May 30, 21 - Diocesan Synod

June 1 - St. Augustine, Marpole

June 14 - Confirmations

June 21 - Ordinations

June 23 to 29 - General Synod, Anglican Church of Canada

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

POSITION: Musician (part-time)

CHURCH: St. Helen, Surrey

St. Helen’s Anglican Church, Surrey, BC, seeks a qualified musician on piano and pipe organ for the parish's Music Ministry. The successful candidate will collaborate with the Rector in planning liturgy, music, and hymn selections for each season. Over time, as the choir develops, additional rehearsal time led by the musician may be required. Remuneration commensurate with experience and qualifications, as described in the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) Salary Guidelines.

Applications, with a resume and three references included, will be received until June 30, 2025, or until the post is filled. Full job description and application details 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