St. Mary Magdalene's historic Ramsey window

At this time of year the Church celebrates the feast of All Saints and gathers up thanksgiving for the whole company of those who, in various and different ways, bore witness to Christ. Today we extend our thanksgiving and include the saints of the Old Testament in our celebration of faith.

COP26 is the UN Conference on Climate. It is a series of conversations, negotiations, panels, and climate discussions. This is a two-week conference with world leaders, global thinkers, experts, and advocates. I am attending as a virtual delegate with the For the Love of Creation (and the United Church) team. To be honest, this year's conference has a feeling of cynicism. We question nations' commitments to change. After a year of extreme weather events, the announcements are too vague to be useful. That said, there are excellent educational sessions and inspiration for discussion that might start in Glasgow but will spread across the globe.

This was the first diocesan confirmation service of the Right Reverend John Stephens’ young episcopacy and the first such liturgy since May 11, 2019, almost two and a half years ago.

Don Stebbing’s early years in the Anglican Church were spent at St George’s Anglican Parish, North Kamloops, where his attendance record was 100%.

It was in the same town that he met Betty, his wife of 71 years, whom he married at the United Church (Betty’s church) in April 1950.

Sign-up for a daily email in Advent with brief reflections from people throughout the Anglican Church of Canada. Writers will share how experiences of light, dark, and being on the land teach us about the season of Advent. They are not long; only 50-100 words. An image or photograph accompanies each written reflection. 

Sign-up for the daily email by following this link to the information and subscription page on the diocesan website.

It's free to subscribe.

Emails will begin December 1, 2021.

Here is a link to more resources for Advent 2021

In a certain churchyard in the Diocese of New Westminster, there stands an extremely busy parish hall that—according to structural engineers—must be liberated from three layers of deteriorating shingles before it can hope to keep the community who depends on it comfortable and dry.

The Parish of St. Paul’s in Vancouver’s West End is launching an initiative focused on benefitting many in the West End community.

Here is a link to the English Conversation Cafe webpage on the St. Paul's website

REGISTER HERE

You may also call 604.416.2736 for registration and more information

Matt Gardener's November 1 article posted on the Anglican Journal website

Archbishop Linda Nicholl's November 1 piece posted on the Anglican Journal website

Websized resolution .PDF linked here

Submissions deadline for the January 2022 issue of Topic is November 19

On Wednesday, October 27, Bishop John Stephens received a letter from board chair, Barbara Spitz with a request that he circulate information about the need for staff at St. Michael's Centre.

St. Michael's Centre is a multidenominational care facility located in South Burnaby supported by Anglican, Roman Catholic and United Churches.

A PDF of the letter is available here for downloading.

Chair of the Diocesan Eco-Justice Unit, the Reverend Margaret Marquardt encourages everyone to consider signing the Emergency Appeal for Climate Action.

Here is the link to access this webpage, participate and pass on the message to world leaders at the conference in Glasgow, Scotland.

It’s the year of Luke beginning on November 28. On the first Sunday of Advent, churches throughout the world begin a new cycle through the Christian calendar and the lectionary readings cycle every year through one of the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). 2021-2022 is called Year C and most Sundays we will hear a passage from Luke as the gospel reading.

As you plan for the coming year, consider recognizing this ecumenical event.

From the World Council of Churches Website:

At least once a year, Christians are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (see John 17.21). Hearts are touched and Christians come together to pray for their unity. Congregations and parishes all over the world exchange preachers or arrange special ecumenical celebrations and prayer services. The event that touches off this special experience is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Email the St. Michael's parish office to purchase

Vicar, part time (60%) - St. Aidan and St. Bartholomew, Gibsons

Vicar, part time (80%) - St. Martin, North Vancouver

Seafarer's  Centre Assistant, part time - Robert's Bank (Delta Port)

Parish Administrator, part time - St. Augustine, Marpole

Sunday School Coordinator and Teacher, part time - St. John's, Shaughnessy

Youth Minister, part time - St. Mark, Ocean Park

Planned Giving and Donor Relations Officer, part time - PWRDF (for the Ecclesiastical Province of BC/Yukon)

St. Paul's in partnership with The United Voices Choir put together a very special All Souls' Service of Remembering and Thanksgiving.

Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. Donations are accepted at the door before or after the service.

Door opens at 2:30pm. Please enter via the Pendrell corner Jervis Entrance.

For more information, please contact the church office at 604.685.6832.

The Communion of Saints is a relationship both with the Holy Things (sancta) God has given us and the Holy People (sancti) we journey alongside.

The cost for this event is $20. Scholarships are available by emailing st.dunstans@telus.net please put "Scholarship" in the subject line and the name of the event.

Register for either day or both! While one builds on the next, each can be taken as a standalone class. 

Follow this link for all the program and registration information

All Saints Burnaby is hosting their annual Christmas Fundraiser which includes a Silent Auction, Bake Sale, Book Sale and Christmas Decorations Sale. All guests are required to have their vaccination status checked at the door and must wear masks during the duration of the stay. 

The Sunshine Coast’s Vespersong choir invites you to a Choral Evensong featuring the music of Thomas Tallis, Joseph Barnby (Psalm settings), and George Dyson.

Handcrafted gifts, gourmet jams & jellies, original artwork, jewelry, pet gifts, home baking candy & food gifts, raffle baskets & more

Strict COVID precautions in place for your safety – masks, double vaccinations and physical distancing required.

Vist the website for more information.

Or call: 604.434.6111

Come and join the Diocesan Youth Movement for a night of Advent youth worship, featuring music from the Infinitely More Worship Band, with games and Christmassy drinks \ from the DYM, it will be a night to remember!

REGISTER HERE

For more information, contact Lauren Odile Pinkney, Chair of DYM: lauren@thecathedral.ca

or Rev. Jessica Schaap, Missioner for Christian Formation: jschaap@vancouver.anglican.ca

Homemade Baked and Canned Goods, St. Anne’s Famous Pies,
Gift Basket Raffles, Jewelry, Books, Crafts, Handmade Soaps, and more!

The Parish of St. Anne's is excited to welcome folks back to their first fundraiser in 2 years.
Please plan to wear your face mask for your entire time inside the building and practice safe distancing.

If you have items to donate please contact the church office by email or by phone, 604.277.9626

Thursday, November 4 - Provincial House of Bishops’ Meeting followed by Bishop's Conversation (pre-Lambeth conversation with Bishops from around the Anglican Communion) online

Saturday, November 6 - Deacons’ Day (with the Dean of Canterbury) online

Sunday, November 7- episcopal visit to Christ Church, Hope (marking the parish's 160th Anniversary) 

Tuesday, November 9, evening - meeting with Bishop's Friends