September 9, 2025

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. Through very different projects, each church developed the parish's capacity to carry out the mission of the church in the world: one by expanding its digital presence to make its presence known in the wider community, the other by offering spiritual direction to those who might not otherwise have access to it. Both churches saw growth in their parish as a result.

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

News & Updates

Synod Office Staffing News

Effective Monday, September 15, Shailene Caparas is stepping down from her role as Director of Finance of the Diocese of New Westminster, for personal reasons. Shailene has served the Diocese in various roles for 11 years and we are extremely thankful for her dedication and faithfulness. Shailene will transition to a temporary, part-time consulting role and will serve in an advisory role to the finance team. She will be fully remote in this new role. The Synod office will be looking towards hiring a new director of Finance & Property.

Also effective September 15, Joselito Manalo will become Comptroller and will be the primary point of contact for finance and accounting-related matters. Lito will continue to work with Prashanthi Yadavalli and Michele Van Teunenbroek as part of the finance team. For all finance-related matters, please reach out to the joint inbox at finance@vancouver.anglican.ca

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

Celebration of a New Ministry

The Rev. Anne Privett will be formally inducted as rector of St. Philip's, Dunbar on September 10, 2025 at 7pm.

All are welcome. Clergy are welcome to vest. The liturgical colour is green.

Clergy Day

The next Diocesan clergy day, is being held October 7. It is focused on equipping clergy for parish Youth ministry.

Diocesan Missioner for Youth, Lauren Odile Pinkney and ED of Camp Douglas, Lucy Rosenberg are the main presenters and will lead sessions on youth work theory and practice. Over the course of the day, you will also hear from a selection of panellists about children, youth and family initiatives in the diocese.

Lunch is provided.

DATE: October 7

TIME: 9am to 3pm

WHERE: 1410 Nanton Ave - Synod Office

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

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 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 20 - Everything but the Closet Sale. 10am to 2pm at St. Philip's, Dunbar.

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 4 - Spirituality and Chronic Pain. 10am to 12pm at St. Dunstan's, Aldergove.

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 14 - St. Hildegard's Sanctuary

September 28 - St. Michael's, Vancouver

October 5 - St. Philip's, Dunbar

October 19 - St. John's, Shaughnessey

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Lay Positions

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