This January we learned that Shantal Hetlinger would be unable to return to work at the Synod Office. Shantal was a valuable member of our office team, and we will miss her. 

Karen Hill has been promoted to the position of Administrative Assistant to Senior Staff.  

The position of Receptionist and Administrative Assistant to the Synod Office is now vacant. To see a full job description scroll down to the Job Postings section of this newsletter or CLICK HERE.

Bishop Anna has appointed Rev. Deborah Rivet as the interim Priest-in-Charge at St. Mark’s. Her first Sunday with St. Mark's was Sunday, January 4, 2026. Rev. Deborah will serve in the role until a new incumbent can be appointed.

Rev. Anna Rossi was installed as the Vicar of Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria at the cathedral on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The vicar is entrusted with the administration and care of the cathedral parish whenever the dean is absent or unable to attend to those matters. Rev. Anna brings extensive experience as a priest, liturgist, hymn writer, and inter-faith advocate to this role. Congratulations Rev. Anna! 

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 the importance of curiosity for successful communication, we hear from the "restaurantours" at St. John the Divine, Courtenay, and our Diocesan Theologian reflects on the role of the church in tackling a culture of addiction. 

Read the January 2026 issue of Faith Tides 

The 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will take place on January 25, 2025 during the evensong service at Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria. The service beings at 4pm and there will be a reception to follow. All are welcome. This service will be livestreamed. Please visit the Christ Church Cathedral website to connect with the livestream on the day of the service. 

Guests will include the children’s choir of the Victoria Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Rev. Wes Denyer of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church as preacher. Please help spread the word about this event through your parish. To download a poster for this event from the diocesan website click READ MORE.

Photo credit: J.Abram Photography

A limited number of tickets are still available for the Bishop's Dinner. To purchase tickets CLICK HERE. 

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

The evening will highlight and raise funds for the ministry of our lay-led parishes. We will be celebrating and learning from small, lay-led parishes 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.

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.

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. The deadline to apply is January 17, 2026.

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

The 2026 Wardens, Treasurers and Cemetery Managers Day will take place on Saturday, March 14 at St. Peter, Lakehill in Victoria. Save the date! 

All are invited to join Bishop Anna and The Rev. Christine Conkin for a summer retreat on beautiful Salt Spring Island. We will spend time reflecting together on our call to be the salt of the earth amidst the very real challenges of these turbulent 2020s. We’ll talk about power and empires and how the church needs to organise and mobilize in order to incarnate God’s love and justice.      

Registration is $100 and includes two dinners. To register CLICK HERE.    

Participants need to make their own transportation arrangements and find their own accommodation on Salt Spring Island. For accomodation options CLICK HERE. You are encouraged to make your reservation as soon as possible as Salt Spring always fills up in the summer time.   

Those wishing to attend who need financial assistance can apply to the Educational Trusts Committee for assistance by CLICKING HERE.

The Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets is seeking an administrative assistant to join the small administrative team at our offices near Fairfield in downtown Victoria. This position is a .7 equivalent (day-time, weekdays, exact days/hours negotiable) with group health benefits and pension. The expected start date is February 1, 2026. The ideal candidate will be able to commit to at least three years in the role.  

For more information, click READ MORE.

St Andrew's in Sidney, BC seeks a part-time Parish Administrator. The position is part-time and permanent with working hours from 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday. All those interested should apply with a custom cover letter and resume to wardens@standrewssidney.ca by January 23, 2026.

To see a full job description click READ MORE.