December 16, 2025

International Day for Migrants

December 18 is the International Day for Migrants. Parishes are encouraged to mark the day in some way. St. Mary the Virgin, Vancouver is hosting an art exhibit all week on this theme. The exhibit highlights the struggles faced by migrants and highlights their contribution to our society.

As part of supporting migrants through prayer and solidarity, why not incorporate a visit to St. Mary the Virgin and their art exhibit this week ?

News & Updates

Synod Office Hours December

December 22 - January 2, 2026: Synod Office will be closed to the public. Emails will be monitored periodically for urgent/emergent requests.

Clergy News

The Rev. Lorne Manweiler has left active ministry in the Diocese of New Westminster and no longer has Permission to Officiate.

The Rev. Mark Munn has left active ministry in the Diocese of New Westminster and no longer has Permission to Officiate.

The Rev. Brian Choto, who was appointed Rector of St. Alban's, Burnaby has received his visa and will be arriving in the Diocese in the new year.

The Church of the Epiphany, Surrey, recently announced the appointment of their new Rector, The Rev. Alpha John. Alpha comes to us from the Diocese of Harare. We are undergoing the work permit process now and hope to see him arrive in the Diocese late in 2026.

Provincial Grants Available

Two grants administered by the Ecclesiastical Province of BC and Yukon are now taking applications.

The Rufus Gibbs Trust Fund offers grants to small, impoverished and outlying parishes for the repair of any parish buildings (church, house or hall). It is anticipated that the parish will offer some of their own funds or Diocesan funds to help support the project, but it is not mandatory.

The Bullock-Webster Trust Fund offers grants to those clergy who have retired but require financial assistance. The application forms are available here and attached to this email. Deadline is February 9th, 2026.

Local Anglican Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to Alongside Hope.

Shirn Theophilus, of St Anselm's was one of three Canadian volunteers recognized this year for their outstanding contributions to Alongside Hope. Shirin is now a lifetime associate member and we thank her for her service.

SAVE THE DATE: IMPORTANT DIOCESAN DATES 2025-2026

January 22: Clergy Day with Dr. Casey Collins, Director of Inter-Religious Studies at VST.
May 30: Mission Conference, 2026

FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

Full listings available via the Learning Centre and Centre for Spiritual Renewal

David Wayne Chose, ODNW | August 1943 - November 2025

It is with sadness the Synod Office shares that David Wayne Chose, ODNW died on November 6, 2025. Known to those in the diocese as Wayne, he volunteered his time and talents as a photographer for diocesan events for many years. Most recently, he was the official photographer at the 2024 Investiture Service for the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster.

A Celebration of Life will be held in March 2026, with the exact date and details to be announced when finalized. Please find a full version of the obituary notice for Wayne, here.

FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

Full listings available via the Learning Centre and Centre for Spiritual Renewal

Archbishop's Advent Series - Recordings Now Available

If you were not able to register for, or had to miss any of the sessions of the Archbishop's Advent Series, you can now watch the sessions on the diocesan Youtube channel.

Click here to watch the session on Youtube.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Full event listing available here

December 16 - Joyful and Triumphant: A Concert of Holiday Songs. 7:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral

December 17 - Longest Night Service. 6:30pm at St. Thomas, Chilliwack

December 18 - Longest Night Service. 6pm at St. Faith's.

December 18 - International Migrant's Day Art Exhibit. 10am to 4pm at St. Mary The Virgin, Vancouver.

December 19 - Advent Lessons & Carols featuring music of The Forest Archive. 7pm at St. Alban's, Burnaby.

December 20 - A Christmas Carol. 7pm at St. Philip's, Vancouver.

December 21 - Christmas Carols with Mission to Seafarers. 6pm at Mission to Seafarers Centre.

December 21 - Lessons & Carols. 10:30am at St. Anselm's, Point Grey.

December 21 - A New Westminster Christmas. 3pm at Holy Trinity Cathedral.

December 21 - A Service of Nine Lessons & Carols. 4pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

December 21 - Nine Lessons & Carols. 7pm at St. James.

December 21 - Lessons & Carols. 7pm at St. John's, Sardis

Archbishop's Calendar

December 24 - Christ Church Cathedral

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