For the second Sunday in Advent, Bishop Anna invites us to consider the teachings of John the Baptist. During a season dominated by bright lights and consumerism, John the Baptist calls on us to acknowledge the darkness of our world, and to seek ways of being that are Christ-centred and life giving.  

The Bishop is pleased to announce that Diocesan Council has appointed Jenny Replogle as Executive Archdeacon. Please join us for her collation on January 4 at 4pm at Christ Church Cathedral. Jenny will continue her support of lay-led parishes and parishes in transition in this new role.

Diocesan Council has also appointed Brendon Neilson as Executive Officer as of January 1. Brendon's title will continue to be Executive Director but will include the duties in the Canons assigned to the Executive Officer.

A memo will be released in early January outlining and clarifying the respective duties of the Executive Archdeacon and Executive Director.

Please note that the Synod Office will be closed from Monday, December 22, 2025 to Friday, January 2, 2026. The office will re-open on Monday, January 5, 2026. 

"Quantitatively small, they were qualitatively giants."
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The second annual Bishop's Dinner will take place at the Laurel Point Inn on January 27, 2026 from 5:30-9:30pm. 

Join us for an engaging evening with Bishop Anna. Build relationships across the diocese, delve into her vision for a bright future, and explore the life-giving ministry thriving within the Islands and Inlets.

This 2nd annual dinner "Small in Number, Mighty in Ministry" will highlight and raise funds for the ministry of our lay-led parishes. We will be celebrating and learning from small, lay-led parishes across the diocese who are thriving in ministry and making an impact far beyond their numerical size, and we will share in conversation about what we all might learn from their ministries.

Tickets are $200 for individuals and $1500 for a table of eight. A donation of $200 can also be made and a ticket will be given to a recipient of Bishop Anna's choosing who would otherwise not be able to attend.

Tax receipts issued for $100 per ticket, $750 for a table and $200 for donation made towards a ticket for someone of Bishop Anna's choosing.

Limited tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite: CLICK HERE

If your parish is often or occasionally without clergy and you are a lay leader who would be able and willing to lead in services, you are invited to apply online to be considered by the Bishop for a nomination to attend the upcoming eight-week Lay Leadership in Worship course. Upon successful completion of the course, a conversation will be held about how and when you might help lead services of the word in your parish. 

To apply for the next intake of the Lay Leadership in Worship Program (March 5, 2026-May 28, 2026) please fill out the application form: CLICK HERE

Registration is open from December 1, 2025-January 17, 2026.

To learn more about the Lay Leadership in Worship Program: CLICK HERE

Faith Tides is the online, faith-based publication of the Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets (BC). Through news stories, reflections and feature articles Faith Tides aims to showcase the work God is doing through our churches. It is a space where people of faith and doubt can walk alongside one another, share their stories and grow together.

In this issue, read about how our diocese is responding to homelessness, the ministry of the St. Philip's (Cedar) sewers and crafters, and how parishes can start the conversation on legacy giving. And more! 

Read the December 2025 issue of Faith Tides