“Here We Stand…”

Many will have heard of the recent decision of a large conservative Anglican organization, centred mostly in the global south, to sever ties with the Anglican Communion. This group, known as the Global Anglican Futures Conference (or “GAFCON”) was established in 2008, out of the conviction the Anglican Communion had lost its way – on moral issues, certainly, but more fundamentally, with respect to how it viewed the authority of the bible. The recent selection of a woman to be the Archbishop of Canterbury was the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back,” and on October 13, GAFCON withdrew from the rest of the Anglican Communion, declaring itself to be the true, continuing Anglican Church.

This is a sorrowful occasion, because we hold the unity of the Church to be one of our highest values.

The primate and archbishops of Canada have issued a Statement noting this rupture, affirming our continued fellowship with the Anglican Communion, and our commitment to the documents and traditions that have historically defined us. – MAT

The 2025 Order of the Diocese of BC investiture service will take place at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10:30am - 12 noon. All are welcome to attend. 

The primate, Archbishop Shane Parker, will also be attending the service. Archbishop Shane will be preaching and will present the Anglican Award of Merit. Our Bishop's Warden, Stanley Willow will be an honoured recipient.

The purpose of the Order is to honour and give special recognition to members of the diocese (and in the case of honourary awards, those not part of the diocese) who have given outstanding service over a significant period of time in their baptismal ministry. 

The service will be livestreamed. To watch the livestream CLICK HERE.

November has often been called “the month of the dead.” It begins with the great festival of All Saints, which celebrates all the faithful departed, but quickly moves to the observance of “All Souls,” which is more sombre in tone.

This year, we are keeping All Saints on Sunday morning, November 2; and we are adding a service of Evensong at 4.00 p.m. This service will be an opportunity to pray by name for those who have gone before us, and to commend them to the continued care of God.

This Sunday please see the sheet posted in the narthex, where you can add the name(s) of your loved ones to be remembered on this sacred day.

Over the years, many have found the observance of All Souls to be a great comfort.

Please pass the word.

Our annual Purdy's Christmas Chocolate Fundraiser has been launched!

Please pick up an order brochure in the church Narthex. Order forms are due on Saturday, November 29 by noon. Cheques to be made payable to Terry Willow (sealed envelope) or an e-transfer to tjwillow@telus. Cash is also accepted in a sealed envelope with the order form. A large manilla envelope is on the Narthex bulletin board to place your orders in. 

Delivery on December 11th. 

Please contact Terry Willow with any questions.  

Call for Donations for "Everything Christmas Sale” to be held on Nov.22nd.

Donations of Christmas-themed items can now be brought to the outside covered alcove of the hall or to the stage when the hall is open.

Jewellery, vintage decorations, books,music - all with a Christmas focus please...It's EVERYTHING Christmas!

We Together, the bi-annual diocesan conference, is taking place on November 14-15 at St. Paul's, Nanaimo. The second, full day will feature a series of workshops. In the morning, We Together attendees will have the choice between workshops with Denise Doerksen and Gordon T Smith. Find our more about their workshops below.

Art Can Save Us! with Denise Doerksen

The loss of the presence and practice of art is a loss of a spirituality that impacts everything truly valuable in life. What might it mean to reclaim our generative potential for being co-artists with God as Divine Artist? This and other questions will be the foundation for presentations, discussions and artistic exercises. 

The Rev. Denise Doerksen is currently serving as the incumbent at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in North Saanich. She is also a textile and fibre artist.

Hopeful Realism and the Call to Mutual Encouragement with Gordon T Smith

We need to cultivate the capacity to name reality while sustaining a resilient hopefulness. Can we do this? We must: for the sake of the church and for each parishioner. To this end, we cultivate the capacity to be a means of encouragement to others.

Gordon T Smith is the executive director of Christian Higher Education Canada and a Teaching Fellow at Regent College, Vancouver. 

REGISTER

Our Sunday 8:30am service is shaped by the 1962 Book of Common Prayer. The lilt and rhythm of old English finds its way into this liturgy, and some beautiful turns of phrase illuminate this service where there is no music. While the service itself is quiet, regular attendees are lively, friendly and very welcoming.

Our Sunday 10:30am service, shaped by the Book of Alternative Services, includes music and more contemporary language and images for understanding God. This service is normally recorded and available for view on Sunday afternoon on the website.

WATCH the Service HERE

There are several email addresses setup for your convenience contacting the church.  Please refer to the list below and feel free to reach out when you need to.