Weekly News from the Diocese of New Westminster

March 18, 2025

New Chapter for VGH Chaplaincy

When one is faced with a hospital stay -expected or unexpected – anything that provides some sense of normalcy can be a welcome balm for the mind and heart. The presence of chaplains can help provide that.

Since 2018 the Rev. Bryan Rivers has been the chaplain at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), supported over the years by deacons and volunteers. The chaplaincy is undergoing some staffing changes, but the commitment to providing spiritual care at Vancouver’s largest hospital.

In 2024, Rev. Rivers decided to retire from the chaplaincy. The Diocese has named Ms. Rejoice Anthony as the new VGH chaplain. At the same time, long time volunteer Kate Walker also decided that after 30 years it was time to retire from the Chaplaincy.

Read the full story HERE.

NEWS & UPDATES

Archbishop John Stephens is away from March 13 to April 5. During this time Executive Archdeacon Nick Pang will be acting as the Commissary. If you have any urgent matters needing attention, please contact Archdeacon Nick.

Parochial Reports

It is time, once again, to submit Parochial Reports. The Wonderworker portal is now open. The deadline for parochial returns is March 31st. This is a firm deadline. Detailed instructions have been sent out to the parishes.

SAVE THE DATE: IMPORTANT DIOCESAN DATES 2025

May 5-7: Clergy Conference
May 30 - 31 Diocesan Synod at the Italian Cultural Centre.
June 14: Confirmations
June 21: Ordinations
November 17-19: Clergy Retreat

WHAT'S ON

A full listing of upcoming events is available here.

Formation Opportunities

Treasurer's Training & Fellowship Day

The Diocesan Learning Centre is pleased to offer a day-long gathering focused on the processes and best practices of being a parish treasurer. This peer-led day will cover the following topics: big picture responsibilities, data management, receipts, payments,funds to ministries, planning and reporting,software, who and where to ask for help.

WHEN: April 12 WHERE: Diocesan Office, 1410 Nanton TIME: 10am to 3pm

Details and registration HERE.

Clergy Conference 2025

The Diocese of New Westminster's Clergy Conference takes place May 5, 6 and 7 at the Delta Marriott in Whistler.

The guest speaker is Prof. HyeRan Kim-Cragg, Principal at Emmanuel College at the University of Toronto. Prof. Kim-Cragg will be speaking about Ecologically Sound Preaching: Tapping into the Wisdom from the EARTH.

Registration and hotel details available here.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

A full listing of upcoming events is available here.

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ST PHILIP'S LECTURE SERIES

St Philip's Centennial Lecture Series continues with John Helliwell speaking on "Caring and Sharing: A Global Analysis of Happiness and Kindness"

John Helliwell of the Vancouver School of Economics, is one of the founding editors of the World Happiness Report.

This lecture is free, but you are asked to reserve a ticket here.

WHEN: Friday, April 4, 7:00 pm, St Philip’s Church, 3737 W 27th Ave.

New Worship Service at Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is pleased to offer Sundays@4, a new weekly Evening Prayer service with music in a variety of styles, including traditional Choral Evensong, Taizé, Holden Evening Prayer, Organ Vespers, and Broadway Vespers.

These services take place at 4pm. They are led by the Cathedral Clergy and run in-person only (no livestream) for about 45 minutes, under the musical direction of Dr. Neil Cockburn. All are welcome to attend.

The full schedule is available Cathedral web site:

Events

March 17 to 21 - Labyrinth Week at Christ Church Cathedral

March 19 - Lenten Labyrinth Hours at St. Mary's, Kerrisdale

March 19 - Lenten Evensong

March 21 - Music of the Labyrinth at Christ Church Cathedral

March 22 - Bill Richardson Live Reading at Christ Church Cathedral

March 23 - Evensong. 7pm at St. John the Baptist, Sardis.

March 23 - Taize Evening Prayer 7pm at St. Augustine's

April 11to 12 - Diocesan Youth Movement Youth Sleepover at St. Timothy's

Archbishop's Calendar

March 13 to 31 - Study Leave

March 30 - Holy Cross, Vancouver

March 31 to April 4 - National House of Bishops

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

POSITION: Rector

CHURCH: St. Hilda's, Sechelt

DEADLINE: April 24, 2025

The Bishop of the Diocese of New Westminster is seeking applications for the position of Rector of the Parish of St Hilda, Sechelt. This is a full-time, permanent position.

The full job description, parish profile and application details are available HERE.

POSITION: Children's Ministry Assistant

CHURCH: Christ Church Cathedral

DEADLINE: until filled

Christ Church Cathedral is hiring a part-time Children's Ministry Assistant.

The Children’s Ministry Assistant will work with children, their families, clergy, volunteers and

other staff members to provide opportunities for children to learn, grow and work together for

the transformation of the world.

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