The events of the past several years have changed how we gather, connect with our communities, and understand our calling as Church. This moment invites us to listen carefully for where the Holy Spirit may be leading us now.
Anglicans from across the diocese are invited to gather at Mission Conference to engage in that discernment. Centred on the theme “Moved by Mission, Guided by Spirit,” the weekend will be a time of prayer, learning, and imagination focused on what it means to live more deeply into our mission today.
Workshops and conversations with voices from the diocese and from the wider church will spark conversation on some of the most pressing questions facing the Church today.
The conference will also include Open Space gatherings - opportunities for reflection and creative engagement. Underlying the entire weekend is a shared recognition that the Church is living through a time of change — but also a time of great possibility. This conference is free.
The Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry served as the 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church. Elected at the 78th General Convention in June 2015, he served a nine-year term before retiring in 2024 following more than forty years of ordained ministry.
Throughout his ministry, Bishop Curry has been a prophetic leader in racial reconciliation, climate change, evangelism, and immigration — animated always by Jesus of Nazareth and his way of radical, sacrificial love. He regularly reminds Episcopalians they are “the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement.”
Widely regarded as one of the most dynamic preachers of our time, Bishop Curry was ordained a priest in 1978 and holds an MDiv from Yale Divinity School, with honorary doctorates from Yale, Virginia Theological Seminary, and others. He is the author of five books.
Bishop Curry joins us to help guide the diocese through the conference theme: how the Church can live more faithfully into God’s mission in the world today.
WORKSHOP · BLOCK I
Dr. Ross Lockhart
Dean, St. Andrew’s Hall · University of British Columbia
“West Coast Mission: A Study on the Changing Nature of Christianity in Vancouver”
What are the unique characteristics of Christian faith on the West Coast? What are the challenges and opportunities in following Jesus in Vancouver? Dr. Lockhart shares his recent research on Christianity across fourteen ministries in the city, examining how communities are responding to God’s invitation to share and show the gospel in this time and place.
Dr. Mark Glanville
Director, Centre for Missional Leadership · UBC · Old Testament Scholar & Jazz Pianist
“Preaching the Bible when Faith is Often Mixed with Doubt”
This session unpacks concrete strategies for preaching that nourishes faith in today’s context — the core of which is an approach known as “reversing the flow.” Related to Mark’s book Preaching in a New Key (IVP Academic). His podcast Blue Note Theology is “the only podcast in the world hosted from the grand piano.”
Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred
Director, Indigenous Studies Program · Vancouver School of Theology · Cree, Treaty 8
“The Truth About Reconciliation”
This workshop will explore the ongoing work of reconciliation — what has worked, what continues, and how to become part of a community of reconciliation that remains a healing presence in Canadian society. Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred is ordained with the Anglican Church of Canada and leads the Indigenous Studies Program at VST.
WORKSHOP · BLOCK II & OPENING CEREMONY
Elder Rikki Kooy
Diocesan Indigenous Elder-in-Residence · Secwepemc & St’atl’imc Nations
“Reconciliation: Embrace the Journey”
Elder Rikki Kooy invites you to consider Reconciliation as an ongoing journey of transformation and deepening relationship — with God, self, and others. An intergenerational residential school survivor, Rikki is a renowned textile artist and designer of the Feather Dance project at St. Hildegard’s Sanctuary, an Indigenous/settler collaboration in Reconciliation through art.
WORKSHOP · BLOCK II
Rev. Jessica Schaap
Missioner for Christian Formation Diocese of New Westminster
“New Expressions of Lay Ministry”
Rev. Jessica Schaap brings grounded wisdom to questions of lay ministry and new expressions of church life in the Diocese of New Westminster. Her workshop explores how laypeople are discovering fresh ways of living into God’s mission in their parishes and communities.
Lauren Odile Pinkney
Missioner for Youth · Diocese of New Westminster
“Youth Ministry: Small to Big — Creating Meaningful Connections for Young People in the Church”
This workshop empowers you in the youth ministry happening at your church right now — even if you only have one youth. Come explore theory and practice, games and values, and small ways to start supporting your youth and growing your group. Lauren holds a BA in Christian Youth Work (JNC) and an MA in Public and Pastoral Leadership from VST, with nearly 16 years of youth work experience.