October 7, 2025

Photo of the Week: Archbishop On Board!

On October 1, Archbishop John Stephens blessed the R.G. McBeath, a 45 ft Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat joining the VPD Marine Unit's small fleet. Following the ceremony of blessing and Christening, the archbishop and several other municipal dignitaries took a short ride on the boat.

You can view photos of the event here.

News & Updates

Letter to New Archbishop of Canterbury

The new Archbishop of Canterbury was appointed on October 3. The Rt. Rev. and Rt. Honorable Sarah Mullally will become the next Archbishop of Canterbury. Archbishop John Stephens has sent a letter of greeting to the archbishop-elect. You can read the letter here.

(photo thearchbishopofcanterbury.org)

Clergy Morning with Dean of Canterbury

The Dean of Canterbury, David Monteith will be visiting the diocese later this month. On Saturday, October 25 there will be a Clergy Morning with Dean Monteith at Christ Church Cathedral.

WHEN: Oct. 25
TIME: 9am

WHERE: Christ Church Cathedral

Diocesan Council September Meeting

On September 24 Diocesan Council gathered for its regularly monthly meeting. During the sessions Archbishop John Stephens informed Diocesan Council that the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, Shane Parker, will be in Vancouver on Oct. 26 to present the Anglican Award of Merit to Jane Osler. The presentation will take place at Christ Church Cathedral during the 10:30am service. Archbishop Parker will preside at the service. The Dean of Canterbury, will also be in the diocese that weekend and will be preaching at the service.

Diocesan Council also spent a portion of the meeting reviewing resolutions from the Diocesan Synod that did not make it to the floor due to time constraints. Diocesan Synod was held May 30 and 31.

Bishop's Retreat for Clergy

The next Feather Circle takes place Wednesday, October 8 at the Synod Office, from 11am to 2pm.

"Feather Circles" are intended for wisdom sharing and mutual encouragement and support towards reconciliation. Come and share your journey of reconciliation with others from around the Diocese. Explore the meaning of Love, Purpose, Reconcile.

Bring your lunch. Beverages and treats provided.

To assist with planning, please rsvp via email to melanie@sthildegards.ca

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.

Archives: October Closures

The Archives at the Synod Office will be closed from October 13th-October 17th.

SAVE THE DATE: IMPORTANT DIOCESAN DATES 2025-2026

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

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)

Advent Series With the Archbishop

Spend four evenings in Advent taking a journey with the pilgrim characters of the Advent season: Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph, and John the Baptist. Archbishop John will offer teaching on their stories and the Prologue from the Gospel of John. The sessions will include small group discussion and use scripture, image, song, and poetry to help us deepen our own pilgrim journeys as we search for Emmanuel.

This series takes place on Zoom.

WHEN: Tuesday Evenings from November 25 to December16

TIME: 7pm

AROUND THE DIOCESE

A full listing of upcoming events is available here.

Events

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

October 11- Named and Namless: Poetry Reading with Susan McCauslin. 2pm at St. Faith's.

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

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

October 16: Lunchtime Sessions for Faith Leaders. Leadership in Uncertain Times: Working Towards a "Non-Anxious Presence". Offered by Living Systems, 12pm on Zoom.

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.

October 22 - Latria: Music and Communion. 7pm at St. Thomas, Chilliwack.

October 25 - Godly Play Core Training. 9am to 4pm at St. Anne's, Steveston.

November 1 - Grace in Grief: A Retreat Day. 9:30am to 3:30pm at Cultus Lake, Chilliwack.

Archbishop's Calendar

October 19 - St. John's, Shaughnessey

October 23 - Bishop's Friends Dinner.

October 26 - St. Mary's, Kerrisdale.

November 2 - St. Anne's, Steveston

November 3 to 7 - National House of Bishops.

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