Finance officer update
A few weeks into his probationary period, Gregory Ptolemy decided to seek other career opportunities. We are grateful that Steve Koning, retired finance director from the Diocese of Calgary, has agreed to take a short-term contract with the diocese over the next few months while we continue to search for a director of finance who is a good fit with our organisation. Meghan Thonger (mthonger@bc.anglican.ca) continues in her role in accounts, and Jessica Tang in payroll (payroll@bc.anglican.ca). Steve will be overseeing their work and can be reached at finance@bc.anglican.ca. We are also indebted to our treasurer, Joel Hefty, who continues to go above and beyond in helping steward the diocese’s resources.

Hiring a new Executive Assistant to the Bishop 
Paula Blundell will be leaving the diocese at the end of January 2025 to return to entrepreneurial ventures. We are looking to hire a new assistant to start work at the beginning of January, so they have a month of overlap and training. To view the job ad CLICK HERE.

Archbishop Lynne McNaughton steps down as Metropolitan
Archbishop Lynne McNaughton has stepped down from her role as Metropolitan of British Columbia and Yukon, in order to devote more time to her role as Bishop of Kootenay. There will be an election for a new provincial Metropolitan on January 18, 2025. 

Below is a message and invitation from Bishop Anna Greenwood-Lee:

Amidst the chaos and darkness of our current world, I find it helpful to begin each day with morning prayer, a short Anglican service of scripture readings and prayers that reconnects me with God, with our tradition and with ancient wisdom. While it was my practice to say or read morning prayer using the Misson of St. Clare (CLICK HERE), I’ve recently switched to using the Church of England app that allows me to listen to morning prayer, beautifully read and beautifully sung (CLICK HERE). If you’re not a morning person, both have evening and night prayer as well. As you are able and as suits your schedule, I’d invite you, this Advent, to also make the daily office part of your spiritual life.  

Registration for the Spring 2025 Lay Leadership in Worship course will open on December 1, 2024 and will remain open until January 17, 2025. The course will provide the skills and resources for laity to lead worship services, morning and evening prayer, and the liturgy of the word (a church service without the eucharist). 

The course will be delivered via Zoom, on Thursdays at 7–9pm from March 6 to April 24 (no class April 17). There will then be three mentored services during a month of mentored practical experience in your parish/region, followed by a final Zoom class on Thursday, June 5. To be considered for a place, complete the online application form: CLICK HERE.

For more information, including the course description, required reading and course qualifications, click READ MORE.

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 1st annual dinner will highlight and raise funds for our ministry in the North Island. Hear stories of the work of truth telling, reconciliation and rebuilding that is happening in our churches in Port Hardy, Port McNeil and ‘Yalis (Alert Bay) - true centers of community, hope, and outreach.

Wednesday, February 5th, 2025
6:00pm | Terrace Ballroom, Inn at Laurel Point
Tickets: $200 individual | $1500 for a table of 8

Tax receipts issued for $100 per ticket and for $700 for a table.

Limited Tickets available for purchase on Eventbrite here.

Christ Church Cathedral will be hosting an Amnesty International Write for Rights event on Saturday, December 7 from 10am to 2pm in the chapter room. This is an opportunity for you to advocate for and support people who are imprisoned or persecuted. Each year Amnesty International chooses 10 persons or situations that can be changed for the better by the power of the pen. The ten cases will be available ahead of time if you would like to get started early. Contact Susan MacRae at macapplecross@gmail.com to register and receive advance information.

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2025 Anglican Award of Merit. The award is given to lay persons in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the life and work of the Church, nationally or internationally (or both), over several years or through short-term work.  

The deadline for submitting is December 31, 2024. For more information and to download the nomination form, click READ MORE.

Individuals are invited to apply to the Anglican Foundation of Canada for bursaries for theological education. The bursaries cover general theological training for ordained or lay ministry, advanced theological study at the post-graduate level, or Doctor of Ministry training for clergy. For more information and to apply, visit www.anglicanfoundation.ca/apply.

The Ecclesiastical Province of BC and Yukon is now accepting applications for the Bullock Webster Retirement Grant and the Rufus Gibbs Trust. The deadline for both is December 10, 2024. For more information and to download the application forms, click READ MORE.