This is the final issue of E-News for 2021.

We will back on the Feast of the Epiphany, Thursday, January 6, 2022

Thanks to Alberta Rudolf, ODNW for sharing her photo of Beth Fortin's (Warehouse Manager at ACW Place is Burnaby's) textile tribute to her Indigenous mother displayed at the ACW Open House on Tuesday, December 7.

The second Ordination Eucharist of Bishop John Stephens’ episcopacy was celebrated at Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver on the morning of December 4, 2021.

The two ordinands were Martha Cameron, presented by the Reverend Emilie Smith and Mr. Roland Gwan; and Neil Seedhouse presented by the Reverend Christine Wilson and Neil’s spouse, Ms. Pam Martin, ODNW.

On December 2, I received the following query from Gretchen Ferguson from Simon Fraser University needing to source temporary residence for an entering Afghan scholar and family:

"We (SFU) are expecting the arrival of a PhD student from Afghanistan at some point in the near future - it could be before the holidays or it may not be until January or February.  He is currently in Pakistan, awaiting the results of his study permit application.  However, since one student just got approved and is now arriving on Dec 9, it is possible that his visa could be approved at any time. He is coming with his wife and his baby daughter (about 1 year old). The department that he will be in has mainly younger faculty, so no one has a home big enough to offer temporary accommodations to this family of three when they arrive."  

Please circulate this post to help get the word out and if you can offer any aid, contact the Diocesan Refugee Unit (DRU) by email ASAP.

Photo: BBC stock image
 

Please light a candle in your window every Monday evening this winter. You will be joining a community from over 345 organizations across the province to keep vigil for those people, plants, and animals that have lost their lives in heat domes, wildfires floods and mud slides this year. 

Turn that hope into action. By lighting a candle together, we will be lighting up the need for climate action.

For more information about BC Climate Emergency (the coordinating body)

To notice and pray into eco anxiety here are some resources

For more action, consider attending a candle lit vigil at your MLA’s office this Dec 13. To connect with BC Climate Emergency’s planned vigil or plan your own, there are some resources.

On Friday Evening, December 3, 2021, the Parish of St. Titus, Oakridge hosted a Holden Evensong, titled “Prayer of Light” for the ACAM (Anglican CanAsian Ministry Group) and the community.

The Reverend Marion Wong, Vicar of St. Titus' and Regional Dean of Oakridge Photo: Alecia Greenfield

Winter wear, such as mitts, socks, toques, and scarves may be hung on the Sock Tree at Holy Spirit, Whonnock, 27123 River Road in Whonnock, BC.

The Sock Tree opened for business on December 1 and will continue until Christmas Day. Warm socks are especially appreciated.

Linda Adams, ODNW is one of the founders of the Coming Home Society,  a long standing compassionate service ministry associated with St. James and the Diocese of New Westminster. Linda has asked that we share the CHS's annual newsletter.

It is linked here

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE POST ON THE PWRDF WEBSITE FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT OUR NEIGHBOURS IN THE FRASER VALLEY AND THE INTERIOR.

The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund is now accepting donations towards an emergency response in British Columbia. The news of the destructive floods, especially after a particularly devastating fire season in the province, are moving Anglicans to reach out to offer support.

Thanks to the Rector of All Saints', the Reverend Robin Ruder-Celiz for sending this YouTube of the December 8, Evening Prayer which includes a Reflection from the primate, the Most Reverend Linda Nicholls.

Here is the YouTube link

I have watched him for the last few years. The way I see him has changed because I have got to know him very slightly over the years. He still fascinates me, particularly during those Advent days of the Christmas rush.

When I was a new curate 30 odd years ago, I had a phone call from an older clergy colleague who mentioned a book he had been reading that morning. It seemed odd to me that clergy had time to read books during the working day. But not as strange as the curate reported by a parishioner to their rector for buying a newspaper when they were supposed to be at work.

How times have changed … but in another way the pressures of work/life balance may be different but are still very much ‘there’… 

Click to access Ursula Maxwell-Lewis' December 6 column in the Cloverdale Reporter. The Minister of Cloverdale United is the Reverend Matthew Emery, husband of St. Faith's rector, the Reverend Adam Yates.

For over 30 years, Anglican Renewal Ministries has been teaching on the person and work of the Holy Spirit, and empowering Christians to recognize and use their spiritual gifts.  Please find linked here the Winter 2021 issue of Taste and See

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is a worldwide movement to inspire local expressions of Christianity to gather together and pray.

You can find more information about the week here.

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

Content Specialist, part time, contract - Christ Church Cathedral

Parish Administrator, part time - St. Augustine, Marpole

Sunday Childcare Helpers, part time - St. Helen, West Point Grey

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

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

Local artists and photographers have depicted four values of Advent and are sharing it with the wider community in an unfolding art exhibit leading up to Christmas. Just like a bought Advent Calendar (a box that is opened on each day of December revealing a chocolate) this art is placed around the Edgemont Village stores and businesses.

Please click the link here to download the brochure with all the location information and details about the Calendar

A selection of seasonal music played by one of the North Shore's finest brass quintets.
Please wear your mask; vaccine passport is required.

Admission is by donation.

Register today to join us for the live event on Friday, December 17. All those registered will receive an event reminder in the week of December 13, with a link to join the national online broadcast. Registration is free.

HERE IS THE LINK

PURCHASE TICKETS

Link in image is not live

Celebrate the season with this service of readings and music in the tradition of King's College, Cambridge. The programme will include music by Harold Darke, Herbert Howells, Sarah MacDonald, and Elizabeth Poston.

Organ Recital at 6:30pm

Limited capacity - 120 persons.  Please notify office@stjames.bc.ca of your intention to attend.

Blue Christmas service in North Vancouver presented by St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church and St. Andrew's United Church

1044 St. George's Avenue, North Vancouver

Sermon is available video, audio and text.

Today, Thursday, December 9, Provincial House of Bishops meeting online and later another in the series of online conversation with Bishop pre-Lambeth Conference 

Saturday, December 11, Presiding at the Funeral for the Reverend Dennis Morgan

Sunday, December 12, Episcopal Visit to St. Timothy, Brentwood

Thursday, December 16, Synod Office Staff Christmas Lunch

Tuesday, December 21, Meeting with Archbishop Michael Miller of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver

Friday, December 24, Preaching at 8pm and 11pm Christmas Eve at Christ Church Cathedral

Thursday, January 6, Provincial House of Bishops Meeting and the Ordination of the Reverend Kathy Martin as Bishop of BC Synod, ELCIC