Clergy Notes — October 5, 2025

Although the actual dedication of St. James’ Church happened in the spring, it has been the tradition for some time to mark this celebration on the first Sunday in October. The dedication of a church building celebrates much more than the building itself. It celebrates the many stories and prayers and important life moments that take place within its walls, and the people who make it possible for the Gospel to be proclaimed from it.

St. James’ Church is a beautiful building in a unique and wonderful neighbourhood, but it is these stories, along with your prayers and presence, that have truly made St James’ the incredible place it is today. You are living stones, formed into the Body of Christ: a witness and testimony to God’s love; God’s beauty; God’s mercy; God’s grace.

We are beginning a new chapter together in our life as church, and there will be much to celebrate as well as some challenges ahead. Although it is important to remember where we came from, it is also important to ask where we are going, and what legacy we are leaving for the future of St James’ and the people who will add their own prayers and presence to ours, just as our predecessors did for us.

Our vision statement is this: Discovering the beauty of holiness in our lives and neighbourhood, by living a Christ-centred sacramental life rooted in the Anglo-Catholic tradition. If we believe these things are worth continuing to show up for; if we believe St James’ truly has something unique to offer, then let us recommit to the mission of being continually formed in Christ, and in community with one another; to boldly proclaim the Gospel; and to be faithful stewards of our sacred space, ministry, and other assets, in order that future generations may also have the privilege of being St James’ Church.

And may we do it all, to the everlasting glory of God, from generation to generation.

Mother Amanda

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Clergy Notes — September 28, 2025

St. Michael has long been etched on my memory because of the depiction outside Coventry Cathedral. The first cathedral was destroyed in the Second World War and a conscious decision was made to build a new cathedral alongside the ruins of the old. At the main entrance is the Jacob Epstein structure of St. Michael’s Victory over the Devil; which was to be the last major work he produced.

Coventry Cathedral has long been concerned with reconciliation, following the Second World War, based on building relationships. The cathedral’s Community of the Cross of Nails links to 280 communities across the world, including Christ Church, Vancouver. The first cross was given in 1947 to a church in Kiel, Germany. The priorities include: healing the wounds of history, learning to live with difference and celebrate diversity, and building a culture of justice and peace.

In addition, since 1958 prayers for reconciliation have been prayed in the cathedral and elsewhere connected through the Community of the Cross of Nails every weekday.

Our lives are never free from conflict, either in terms of the world situation, at a local level as well as in our own experience. In our own lives we are often in conflict with others about slights, words or actions that distance us from those we know. As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to overcome and resolve conflicts as best we can. Even if we feel others are at fault, we can be the first to make a move to settle these challenges. It may not be easy and it may well take time and patience, but it is worth doing.

It is good to pursue reconciliation in our lives. We know that evil can never ever overcome Christ. By continuing to walk the way of Christ, by being in communion with other followers, we can make changes to our lives and benefit others as well as ourselves.

Fr Stephen Rowe

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