September 1 has been declared by the major Christian Churches as World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and there is a growing observance of the period from then until St. Francis’ Day, October 4, (and perhaps in Canada to include Thanksgiving) as a Season of Creation. It is in this context that we look forward to welcoming the Revd Laurel Dykstra and Salal + Cedar next Sunday.

For some time now “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth” has been one of the Marks of Mission of the Anglican Communion. In June last year Pope Francis issued his encyclical Laudato Si’, with its subtitle On Care for our Common Home, calling upon all peoples of the world to take “swift and unified global action” in response to consumerism, irresponsible development, environmental degradation and global warming. This past week, on the World Day of Prayer, Pope Francis in his message Show Mercy to our Common Home invited “individual believers and communities to reaffirm their personal vocation to be stewards of creation, to thank God for the wonderful handiwork which he has entrusted to our care, and to implore his help for the protection of creation as well as his pardon for the sins committed against the world in which we live. God gave us a bountiful garden, but we have turned it into a polluted wasteland.”

In these coming weeks you may care to use Pope Francis’ Prayer for the Care of Creation:

O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned
and forgotten of the earth,
who are so precious in your eyes.

God of love, show us our place in this world
as channels of your love
for all the creatures of this earth.

God of mercy, may we receive your forgiveness
and convey your mercy throughout our common home.

Praise be to you!
Amen.

Fr. Kevin

The Bishop of the Diocese of New Westminster is seeking to appoint a Rector for the Parish of St James, Vancouver. This is a full time position without term.

St James’ vision statement reads: Discovering the beauty of holiness in our lives and neighbourhood, by living a Christ-centred sacramental life rooted in the Anglo-Catholic tradition. 

Located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish nations, and in what has been called Canada’s poorest postal code, ministry has been provided by this Parish long before the founding of the City of Vancouver itself.

Aware that the mission of the church begins at the altar and moves out into the neighbourhood the Parish has always sought to live out its sacramental integrity and respond to the needs of those within its bounds. It currently partners with others in providing for a priest focused on street outreach and it is also associated with a music programme for neighbourhood children through the St James’ Music Academy. The Parish has developed partnerships with the Indigenous community, reaches out to those who visit the Port of Vancouver as seafarers, and responds globally through refugee sponsorship, the PWRDF and other initiatives.

The Church is populated by a group of dedicated parishioners who give leadership to all aspects of a vibrant parish including various Guilds (Sanctuary, Servers, Women, Pastoral Care), Groups (Mother’s Union) and Committees (Outreach, Stewardship). The Parish is debt-free and is diligent in maintaining its financial stability.

The worship pattern includes the Daily Office and Mass and on Sunday with Low Mass at 8:30am and a Sung or High Mass at 10:30am using the traditional rite and accompanied by an accomplished organist and choir. A Church School teacher/Godly Play facilitator is available to provide programming for children.

The Parish Profile is direct in its clarity and positive in its mutuality:

The rector we need 

  • we seek a priest who values the sacramental form of worship
  • who is caring, courageous, and compassionate
  • a compelling preacher, teacher, and communicator

What we offer in return 

people 

  • a committed congregation with more than 300 on the parish roll
  • a marvellous tradition of worship, music, and service
  • the opportunity to revitalise a downtown parish

resources 

  • annual revenue of more than $250k
  • an endowment of more than $6 million
  • an annual budget of more than $500k

The complete Parish Profile is available for download below and the required Diocesan application form is available on the Diocesan website. Applications for this position will be received until close of business on Tuesday, October 11, 2016.

Please email your cover letter, application and, if you are not from the Diocese of New Westminster, a letter from your bishop, indicating you are ‘a priest in good standing’ to the Executive Archdeacon, the Venerable Douglas Fenton. 

For further information contact Bill Siksay, Administrative Assistant to the Bishop’s Officeor call 604-684-6306, ext. 228.


Available Files to Download

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