St. Cuthbert Anglican Church

"Growing, Knowing & Sharing God's Love"

St. Cuthbert's, here is your weekly focus on things that are

happening in the parish. Read and stay connected.

Pastoral Focus

Pastoral Musings

Signs and Symbols in Christianity 

Signs and symbols in Christianity serve as a visual language of faith, translating complex theological truths and biblical narratives into easily digestible images. They act as “windows to God,” helping believers ponder profound mysteries. Before mass literacy, symbols like the fish or the cross communicated the Gospel story and Jesus’ identity to believers across language barriers. Symbols help as theological shortcuts. Symbols condense vast amounts of spiritual meaning into simple, contemplative pictures. For example, Early Christians used symbols—such as the anchor or the fish—as secret badges for safe identification and connection during times of Roman persecution.

 

Here is what I dug out on Symbols in Christianity:

 

The Core Emblems

1.    The Cross/Crucifix: The universal emblem of the faith. Once a symbol of torture, it has been transformed into a representation of victory, Christ's sacrifice, and the promise of resurrection. The most recognizable symbol of Christianity. It represents Christ’s victory over sin and death. In Protestant traditions, the empty cross signifies the resurrected Christ. Roman Catholic depictions (crucifix) often include the body of Christ to emphasize His suffering and sacrifice.

2.    The Ichthys (Jesus Fish): An early secret symbol derived from the Greek acronym for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.” It was used by early Christians to safely identify one another. Also known as the “Jesus fish.” Early Christians used it as a secret symbol during Roman persecutions. In Greek, the letters for ichthys form an acrostic for: “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.”

 

Trinity & Divine Representation

3.    The Dove: Represents the Holy Spirit, peace, and new beginnings. Rooted in the biblical story of Jesus’ baptism, it symbolizes peace, purity, and the descent of God's presence.

4.    The Trinity Knot (Triquetra): A Celtic symbol adopted by Christians to represent the Holy Trinity—three distinct persons in one God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

 

Christological Symbols

5.    Alpha and Omega: The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, They symbolize the eternal nature of God, indicating that Christ is the beginning and the end.

6.    Chi-Rho: An early Christogram created by overlapping the Greek letters Chi (X) and Rho (P), representing the first two letters of the word “Christ.” One of the earliest Christograms that was historically popularized by Emperor Constantine. It was widely adopted following Emperor Constantine’s vision of Christ where he was told to conquer through Christ.

7.    The Lamb of God (Agnus Dei): Represents Jesus as the ultimate, pure sacrifice for humanity's sins, echoing Old Testament traditions and the teachings in the New Testament. 


Sacraments & Life

In addition to artistic symbols, Christianity employs physical elements and actions in sacraments which transform ordinary elements into vehicles of spiritual grace:

8.    Water: The fundamental symbol for baptism. It represents spiritual cleansing, rebirth, and the “living water” offered by Christ.

9.    Bread and Wine: The elements of the Eucharist (or Holy Communion). They symbolize the body and blood of Jesus, recalling His sacrifice at the Last Supper.

10. Light/Fire: usually appearing as the Holy Spirit and the light of Christ. Light and fire are significant symbols in Christianity, representing God’s holiness, guidance, grace, and the Holy Spirit’s presence. Light symbolizes truth and salvation, exemplified by Jesus calling Himself the “Light of the World.” The Paschal candle represents Christ’s resurrection, while the Transfiguration reveals His divine glory. Fire symbolizes comfort, purification, and judgment. The Holy Spirit’s descent at Pentecost is depicted as “tongues of fire,” signifying transformation. Fire also symbolizes testing and the divine presence, as seen in the burning bush and the pillar of fire guiding the Israelites. Together, light and fire illustrate God’s active presence in believers’ lives, emphasizing His warmth, purifying nature, and guidance, and we light candles to indicate that our Eucharistic worship is beginning.

 

These Christian signs and symbols are visual representations used to express theological beliefs, convey hidden messages during persecution, and aid in worship. They translate complex Biblical narratives and doctrines into universal icons.



Rev. Monte

Youth Focus

The Quiet Room Revamp - Part Three in Progress


Some of the youth this Friday will be taking a trip to the Ikea located in Coquitlam to pick out furniture and decor for the Quiet Room.


We hope to complete the room revamp by the end of this month!


A Preview of Upcoming Events...


  • July 5th: Our annual get-together barbeque at the Takaoka residence after church.
  • Mid July: A family-youth outing to the beach. Location and date TBD.
  • August 23rd: Youth Sunday
  • August 27-31st: The DYM Artaban Retreat. Follow this link to sign up!


For more information reach out: Youthleader@stcuthbert.ca


Rainoa Lonogan

Billeting Request From Hakuna Matata Children's Choir

A request for billeting came from Hakuna Matata Children's Choir from Kenya as follows:


When we say “host the choir,” it means: 

Full Hosting (Week Visit) If we are scheduled to stay in your area for a week, hosting would typically include:

  • Accommodation (Monday to Monday) for approximately 15 children and 5 adult leaders. Usually through church members hosting small groups of children (2–3 per home), sometimes together with an adult
  • Meals, with breakfast and dinner provided by host families, and simple lunch arrangements during the day

This model allows for deeper connection, cultural exchange, and additional ministry opportunities during the week.


We do not charge a performance fee


We usually request a love offering during the service/event to support our work with vulnerable children in Kenya


We are very flexible and happy to work within what is most comfortable and manageable for your church.


UPDATE: We now have the itinerary of Hakuna Matata Children's Choir. They will be with us from the 7th to the 14th of September. They will drive to us from Toronto and arrive in a bus towing their instruments. Hosts families will get their children and an adult from the church provide overnight accommodation and then bring them over to St. Cuthbert's in the morning, then pick them up at the end of the day.


So far we have about three households that have offered to "host" billet the children and their adult chaperone. For this to work, we need more families from St. Cuthbert to offer their homes and hosting a.k.a. billeting.


If your house is open for this please let Rev. Monte (revmonte@stcuthbert.ca) know.

Children's Ministries Focus

Summer Children's Ministry


This year, we are excited to introduce a Summer Children's Ministry Program - Children Chapel during the Sunday service.


We recognize that the summer months can present unique challenges for families, particularly when Church School is not in session. Our goal is to continue supporting children and parents throughout the summer by providing an engaging, age-appropriate ministry experience for children.


Children from ages 4–12 will have opportunities to participate in activities and discussions tailored to their age groups while remaining connected to the life of the Church. Through Bible stories, discussion, prayer, worship, and age-appropriate teaching, children will explore the same themes and messages being shared during the service, allowing families to continue meaningful faith conversations together at home.


At the same time, parents and caregivers will be able to participate more fully in worship, knowing their children are being cared for and nurtured in a safe and welcoming environment.


Our Nursery Ministry will continue to operate throughout the summer for our youngest parishioners.


Further details regarding summer programming will be shared in the coming week.

Sunday School and Nursery

At St. Cuthbert Anglican Church, we are passionate about nurturing children and youth in faith and creating a welcoming environment for families to grow spiritually together.


We are blessed to have ongoing children and youth formation opportunities within the parish, including:

  • The Sunday School is closed for the summer, however, we have the Children Chapel open for Children between 4-12 years (Kindly refer to Summer Children's Ministry for more information).
  • A functioning nursery available during services, providing parents with a safe, caring, and supportive space for younger children while families participate in worship with peace of mind.


Our desire is to continue building a strong, vibrant, and Christ-centered children’s ministry where every child feels welcomed, supported, encouraged, and connected within the life of the Church.


We warmly welcome families to participate and grow alongside us in faith and community.



Church School Teachers Meeting

All current Church School teachers are invited to attend a brief meeting on Sunday, June 28, 2026, immediately following the service. The meeting is expected to last approximately 30 minutes and will provide an opportunity to reflect on the past year, discuss plans for the upcoming 2026/2027 Church School year, and share ideas for strengthening our ministry.


A Call for Volunteers

As we look ahead to the 2026/2027 Church School year, we are prayerfully seeking additional volunteers to join our Children's Ministry team.


One of the greatest gifts we can offer our children is the gift of faith. Whether you have experience teaching, assisting with crafts, helping with administration, supporting special events, or simply building relationships with children, there is a place for you in this Ministry.


You do not need to be a theologian or an experienced teacher to make a difference. Sometimes the most impactful ministry comes through a caring presence, a listening ear, and a willingness to walk alongside our children as they grow in their faith.


If you have ever considered becoming involved in Children's Ministry, we encourage you to prayerfully explore this opportunity. By volunteering, you will help create a welcoming environment where children can encounter God's love, ask questions, develop friendships, and grow into the leaders God is calling them to be.


If you would like to learn more or are interested in serving during the 2026/2027 ministry year, please contact, Director of Children's Formation. This is not a rush decision, but we will appreciate if we can get responses to enable us plan and be well positioned for the next year.


Together, let us continue building a strong foundation of faith for the next generation.


Confirmation

St. Cuthbert Anglican Church is pleased to announce that we are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation scheduled for December 2026.


Confirmation is an important step in the Christian journey, where individuals publicly affirm their faith, deepen their relationship with God, and strengthen their commitment to life within the Church community.


We are currently seeking children and youth who may be interested in preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Preparation classes will provide opportunities for participants to:

  • grow in their understanding of the Christian faith,
  • learn more deeply about the Anglican tradition and sacraments,
  • ask questions and explore their faith,
  • and develop spiritually within a supportive church community.


Parents and guardians who are interested in having their child participate are encouraged to express interest or reach out for additional information regarding eligibility, class schedules, and preparation timelines.


We look forward to walking alongside our children and youth as they continue growing in faith, leadership, and discipleship.



For additional information or to register interest, please contact the Children’s Ministry Team or speak with church leadership.



St. Cuthbert's Children Summer Day Camp

Our 2026 St. Cuthbert’s Summer Bible Camp, themed Powered Together by God, is quickly approaching, and we are incredibly excited for what promises to be a meaningful, faith-filled, and engaging experience for our children and youth.


This camp is more than just a week of activities — it is an opportunity to pour into the next generation, help children grow in their faith, build friendships, discover leadership, and experience the love of Christ in a joyful and welcoming environment.


As preparations continue, we are still seeking volunteers to support various areas of camp ministry, including:

  • Small group leaders
  • Camp counsellors
  • Games & activities
  • Crafts
  • Worship/music support
  • Kitchen & snack preparation
  • Registration & greeting
  • Setup & cleanup
  • General camper support & supervision


We especially encourage parents to consider allowing and encouraging their youth children (Grades 7+) to volunteer. Camp volunteering is a wonderful opportunity for youth to:

  • build leadership skills,
  • serve the church community,
  • develop confidence and responsibility,
  • form meaningful friendships,
  • and grow spiritually through service and mentorship.


At the same time, we are also in need of adult volunteers to help provide guidance, supervision, support, and stability throughout the week. Whether you are available for the full week, a single day, or a few hours, every contribution makes a difference and is deeply appreciated.


We also kindly ask that members of the parish continue sharing camp information with friends, neighbours, and family members who may be interested in registering their children. Our hope is to continue building a welcoming and vibrant children’s ministry community where every child feels seen, encouraged, and connected.


As we prepare for Summer Day Camp and start our Children’s Ministry, we are seeking donations of craft supplies to help make this year's program a fun, creative, and meaningful experience. Any items in the list below are much in need. If you are able to donate any items, your support would be appreciated and will help us provide engaging activities for all children. Donations are also very helpful and can be dropped off at the church office. If you would like to contribute supplies or have questions about the needs list, please contact Obie, Leanna, Barb, or the Church Office.



Thank you for supporting our Children's Ministry.

  • Stickers 
  • Markers 
  • Crayons 
  • Gems 
  • Glue 
  • Scissors 
  • Elastic bands or staples 
  • Construction paper 
  • Staplers
  • Cardstock
  • Elastic bands
  • Hole punch
  • String or ribbon
  • Glitter glue
  • more will be listed at the Narthex.


Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and willingness to invest in the spiritual growth of our children and youth. Together, we are helping build the next generation in faith, courage, leadership, and community.


Obie,

Director Children Formation


For more information, contact: obiea@stcuthbert.ca

Seniors' Ministries Focus

Please join us for Senior Formation

Topic: Getting Started with AI - Understanding AI Implications

Thursday, June 25

Please bring your laptop or phone for hands on practice on some of the measures that are being taught during this series.

Future Events Focus

Thursday, June 25, 2026 @ 10:00am

Irenaeus, Bishop 202

Readings: 1 John 2:18-25; Psalm 145:8-13; Luke 11:33-36

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Pentecost 5

8:00am - Said Holy Communion BCP

10:00am - Service of Holy Baptism & Communion -

Choral Eucharist BAS*


*Available via live Zoom: Click Here To Join This Sunday's Service

*With Sunday School & Supervised Nursery

Committees & Ministries Spotlight Months Focus

Hospitality and Welcoming Ministries: 

Opportunities to Volunteer

At St Cuthbert’s, we have an impressive 12 ministries that come under the category of Hospitality and Welcoming. These ministries are alive and well and serving our Christian community! There are, however, two ministries that would like to have more volunteers:

Flower Delivery

Ever wonder what happens to the altar flowers after the 10 am service? They are divided into bouquets and delivered to parishioners. Many bouquets are delivered at church right after the service but some may need to be delivered to the parishioner’s home. You can bet that the flower deliverer is a very popular person! Receiving flowers, especially the altar flowers, can really make someone’s day. If you can help deliver these bouquets of love and bring joy to a fellow parishioner please contact Victor Monasch at #604-591-1747 or  mavm153@telus.net

Adopting Newcomers

Thank you to those who have already volunteered to participate in this new ministry! But as we have many newcomers among us and we are sure there are more to come! We are in need of more volunteers. If you have a heart for hospitality and can commit to being a friend to a newcomer in our midst please contact Christina Sundara at csundara@hotmail.com

New Ministries Focus

...........Bereavement & Resilience Group meets twice a month, on the second and fourth Tuesdays. This ministry is still downloading. We have not yet set the start date. We will let you know as soon as we have set the date.

St. Cuthbert's Recycles Focus

Queen Size Hide-a-Bed Needing a New Home


Do you know of anyone in need of a queen-size hide-a-bed?


It is in excellent condition...hardly used.


Donor would love to donate it to someone who needs or wants it.


Please see the photos attached.


The donor can have it available any time, but it is heavy and needs to be moved by 2-3 people downstairs; otherwise, wait until July 22, when we have the movers to take it downstairs for someone to pick up.


If you can take it, please let Rev. Monte know, and he will connect you with the donor.

revmonte@stcuthbert.ca

Housekeeping Focus

My Greensleeve Material

Thanks to Fraser Health, Barb Steele asked for more material from the immensely popular session on My Greensleeve and we got these extra material. If you need some for yourself please get in touch with Rev. Monte (revmonte@stcuthbert.ca).

Our Latest Projects

Our AuraCast System Is Almost Here!

Let's Prepare for it

Getting Ready Survey

As we get ready to use this system we would like to know the needs of those who will be using it. Please let us know by downloading and then filling in this: Listening Needs Survey

Please place the filled-out survey in the pocket sleeve by Rev. Monte's office.

Our Mission Statement

“To seek and encourage growth as a Christ–Centred community, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to know God and to make God known

in word and deed.”

Community ~ Connection ~ Communication ~ Continuity ~ Compassion

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