June 5, 2025

123rd Session of Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster

The 123rd session of the Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster took place May 30 and 31 at the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver.

You can read Archbishop John Stephens' sermon from the opening worship service here. The archbishop's sermon from the worship service on the second day of synod is available here.

During synod, elections were held for various diocesan roles. You can find the final election results here.

A list of resolutions passed at synod, the audited financial statements, and the narrative budget are available on for download via the link on this page.

At the final worship service of Synod, the Rev. Jonathan Pinkney was commissioned as Regional Dean of Sea to Sky, and the Rev. Matt Koovisk was commissioned as Regional Dean of Yale.

Rikki Kooy was announced as Diocesan Indigenous Elder-in-Residence, details on this new position forthcoming.

News & Updates

Confirmations

Confirmations will take place at the Cathedral on June 14. The deadline for submitting candidate forms was May 17. Forms are no longer being accepted.

If you have candidates ready for confirmation, an alternative confirmation date and location will need to be arranged with the Bishop's office.

Statement from Primate Anne Germond

Effective Tuesday, June 3, the General Secretary of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Ven. Alan Perry, has taken a leave of absence from his duties. At a special meeting last night, the Council of General Synod appointed Canon Ian Alexander as the Interim General Secretary, to take effect immediately.

Vestments Needed

Do you have vestments you no longer need and would be willing to donate?

The Indigenous Ministries of the Anglican Church of Canada is seeking vestments for their clergy. Specifically the following items are being requested:

stoles, chasubles, albs, tippets, cassocks, surplices, copes and any other items anyone is willing to donate.

Please send any donations of vestments to Church House in the care of Indigenous Ministries.

SAVE THE DATE: IMPORTANT DIOCESAN DATES 2025

June 14: Confirmations
June 21: Ordinations
November 17-19: Clergy Retreat

IN MEMORIAM

Danilla Severin, ODNW

Danilla Severin died on May 30 (Friday) after a lengthy illness. She died peacefully in the hospital. She was born on November 11, 1950. Memorial / interment details to follow.

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.

O'DRISCOLL FORUM ON PREACHING & THE ARTS

Join VST’s very own Rev. Dr. Joni Sancken and celebrated textile artist Thomas Roach for an evening of exploration into how rips and tears—physical and metaphorical—can be opportunities for newness and beauty born of the Holy Spirit.

WHEN: July 17 TIME: 7pm WHERE: Online and at Epiphany Chapel (VST)

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION HERE.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

A full listing of upcoming events is available here.

Events

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

June 8 - Big Lunch Party. 11:30am at St. David's, Delta.

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 - Moving Towards Reconciliation. Online conversation hosted by Diocese of Kootenay.

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

June 15 - Evensong. 7pm at St. John's, Sardis.

June 21 - Ordinations. 10:30am at Christ Church Cathedral. Clergy are invited to vest. Liturgical colour is red.

June 17 to 30 - Soul Care in the Community. Retreat at Rivendell Centre. Register by June 19.

Archbishop's Calendar

June 8 - Church of the Holy Trinity, White Rock

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