August 19, 2025

Rikki Kooy Begins Ministry as Indigenous Elder-in-Residence

Rikki Kooy was recently appointed as Indigenous Elder-in Residence for the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster. You can read more about Rikki in the upcoming Topic.

Rikki will be at the Synod office with office hours on Wednesdays, should people wish to visit with her. Rikki will also be present at significant diocesan events, and also in decision-making bodies such as Synod and Diocesan Council. Being an artist, Rikki also has many ideas for potential creative projects, the specifics of which are yet to be determined. Rikki will be supported in this ministry by the Rev. Melanie Calabrigo.

In the Fall, Rikki plans to hold "Feather Circles" at the Synod Office. These circles are intended for wisdom sharing, mutual encouragement, and support towards reconciliation.

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

Dates:

Wednesday, September 10

Wednesday, October 8

Wednesday November 12

Circles will take place monthly on Wednesdays from 11am – 2pm.

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

Inquiries can be sent via the Rev. Melanie Calabrigo at melanie@sthildegards.ca

Season of Creation Resources

The Anglican Communion Environmental Network has shared a list of Anglican worship resources for The Season of Creation from around the world.

You can find this list of resources here. (scroll down to the Season of Creation section).

The Season of Creation is an Ecumenical liturgical season. It begins September 1 and end October 4. In many churches, including the Anglican Church of Canada, September 1 is the Feast of God the Creator. October 4 is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

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

How is your parish marking the Season of Creation? Send photos or event listings to communications@vancouver.anglican.ca, or tag the diocese in your social media posts highlighting your Season of Creation activities.

News & Updates

Parish Development Grants 2025 Winter Cycle

The 2025 Winter Cycle of Parish Development Grants is now open.

What projects might qualify for a grant? Click here to read about two parishes in the diocese that received grants in recent years. Thought very different projects, each aimed to develop the parish's capacity to carry out the mission of the church in the world.

Details and application forms are available here. The deadline for applications is October 4.

Audio Equipment Available

The Synod Office has the following Audio Equipment that needs a new home:

One 24 input audio board: Behringer.
Two, 16 bit Digital Effects Processor. Brand: Alessis
1 Line Mixer. Brand: Korg KMX-122
1 Noise Reduction System. Rocktron Hush IIC
1 Intelligent Pitch Shifter. Smart Shift IPS33
1 Graphic Equalizer
1 Low Feedback Power Amplifier. Brand: Carver

If you could use any of this equipment for your parish, contact the Synod Office.

Clergy News

Archbishop John Stephens has appointed the Very Rev. Peter Wall as Interim Priest-in-Charge of St. Bartholomew's parish in Gibsons. The appointment is effective October 2025, for a six month term.

The Very Rev. Peter Wall has been a priest primarily in the Diocese of Niagara and Huron. He was Dean of the Diocese of Niagara until his retirement. In retirement he has served as interim rector of the Cathedral Church of St. James, Toronto and interim Dean of the Diocese of Toronto.

Food Safe Level 1

St. Anne's, Steveston is offering a Food Safe, Level 1 class on August 30.

The class runs from 9am to 3pm.

The cost is $50 per person. Bring your own lunch.

This is open to anyone who wishes to get Food Safe certification. To register, email the parish at st_annes@telus.net

Executive Archdeacon Away Dates

Executive Archdeacon Nick Pang will be away on annual vacation, August 11 to 31.

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

Knowing & Unknowing: Ministry in a Liminal Time

Some call this a ‘liminal season’ — a time when individuals and institutions are struggling with surprising forces inside and out. Leadership in ministry today requires dexterity in navigating the ‘known and the unknown’ of this time.

This VST conference brings together ministry leaders and preachers to offer wisdom into this liminal season from a variety of perspectives.

WHEN: August 25 to 27 Details and registration HERE.

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

AROUND THE DIOCESE

A full listing of upcoming events is available here.

Events

August 24 - Celebration of the Feast of St. Bartholomew, 10 am to 2 pm, St. Bart's, Gibsons.

August 26 - Camp Artaban for Clergy

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. Clements'.

September 12 to 14 - Praying on the Go. Weekend retreat at Loon Lake offered by Centre for Spiritual Renewal. REDUCED COST.

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.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Lay Positions

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.

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