St. John’s Anglican Church, North Vancouver

09/09/2026

The Welcome Back Potluck will be after the Sunday service on September 13th in the lounge! We encourage everyone to bring something to share - savoury, sweet, snack, etc! There is a sign-up list in the Lounge, so please add your name! Everyone is welcome to take part, even if you can't bring something to share! Your fellowship is gift enough!

09/08/2026

Quote of the week: "When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.” —Wendell Berry

September 1st marked the beginning of the Season of Creation, and the theme for 2026 is “Living Water”. This poem by Wendell Berry speaks to our connection with nature and the healing found in water. What does this poem say to your heart? How will you connect with nature during the Season of Creation?

09/08/2026

A family baptismal celebration for the start of the Season of Creation with babies Rio and Benjamin. Congratulations!

09/06/2026

Father Shawn introduces the Season of Creation and St. Francis

Dear Friends,

The Season of Creation is an annual global celebration that unites Christians of all traditions in prayer, reflection and action for the protection of God’s creation. It runs from 1 September (Feast of Creation/World Day of Prayer for Creation) to 4 October (Feast of St Francis of Assisi). The theme for 2026 is ‘Living Water’, based on Ezekiel 47:9,12:

“Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish once these waters reach there. It will become fresh, and everything will live where the river goes . . . On the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.”

How appropriate it is that we will be celebrating and witnessing the Baptisms of four people at St. John's during this Season dedicated to “Living Water” ! You will notice that we are using the Eucharistic Prayer from the Salal and Cedar Community this month. We will be also using several special Collects and Prayers created by our partners around the world over the next few weeks.

Finally, you might recall that I mentioned this year is a special year to celebrate 800 years of St. Francis’ vision. I will say more about this in the weeks to come, but I leave you with this prayer created by The Third Order of the Society of St. Francis:

God of unchangeable power,

when you fashioned the world, the morning stars sang together

and the host of heaven shouted for joy;

Open our eyes to the wonders of creation and teach us to use all

things for good, to the honor of your glorious name;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

St. Francis taught us about taking action in the world. Let’s start with this simple action to begin our reflection on the Season of of Creation:

Go through the photos in your phone, in a photo album, or throughout your home. Identify at least one photo of a natural place or animal that—for you—has communicated the love and presence of God. Recall the story of your encounter with this place or creature.

Peace and all Good,
Father Shawn

09/05/2026

Come and walk the Labyrinth outside St. John's Church (near the office door). It has been freshly painted and looks wonderful! Thanks to Bob and the Property Committee for their initiative!

The Labyrinth was first installed in the summer of 2009, and has been a beloved spot for contemplative prayer ever since. If you have never walked the Labyrinth, we encourage you to try it. There are instructions posted near the office door for those who are new to the concept.

08/15/2026

Over 100 wildfires are currently burning in British Columbia, with the fire in Summerland leading the local headlines. More than 20,000 people have been evacuated from their homes, and countless homes, businesses and farms have been destroyed. Many of us have friends and family affected by fires across the province, and we wonder what we can do to help. If you are able, donations to help the victims can be made safely by going to:

Canadian Red Cross 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal
https://give.redcross.ca/page/26BCF?dv=m&mt=b&network=g&creative=819870986791&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=canadian%20red%20cross%20british%20columbia%20wildfires&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24112225087&gbraid=0AAAAADqn6x5VE60EPLXVt-OHdjXcr7Jba&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnIDUBhDrARIsAJDGwSs9mi4t-l1HY3H2JGLKJ-BVoayZrWzUaotCEesNLPL90VFN7S6hn04aArjJEALw_wcB
Community Foundation of South Okanagan Similkameen’s SOS Wildfire Response Fund
https://www.cfso.net/

A generous anonymous donor will match every dollar donated by Canadians to the Canadian Red Cross 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal, up to a maximum of $350,000, starting from August 13, 2026.

08/15/2026

We are saddened to let you know that Cornelia (Connie) Bonnie Little passed peacefully July 29, 2026 at the age of 92.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. John's on Tuesday, August 25th at 11:00am.

We pray that Connie rests in peace and rises in glory.

08/15/2026

Quote of the week: "When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my neighbour and protect his property.” —The Firefighters Prayer

As wildfires continue to burn across many areas of BC, we hold the hundreds of firefighters in our prayers. Volunteers from around the world have joined professional and volunteer firefighters from Canada to try to slow the flames and prevent injury or destruction of personal property.

This quote is from the international Firefighters Prayer. As you ponder these words, say a prayer for the firefighters, and for the victims of the wildfires.

08/15/2026

Please join us on Sunday, August 16th at 10 am for a traditional Anglican service adapted from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). We have one Family BCP Euchsrist service each month at St. John's.

Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer (1489–1556) was the primary person responsible for the first Book of Common Prayer in 1549. The language has been updated over the centuries but throughout, it has been a foundational book for Anglican worship, prayer and belief.

08/11/2026

A Memorial Service will be held at St. John's Anglican Church on August 15 at 11am for our long-time parishioner and beloved sister in Christ, Rosina Christiana "Chris" Gilbert. Chris passed away June 26 at 99 years old. Read about Chris' life and achievements in the web bulletin link below.

The service will be held in the sanctuary and streamed online for those who cannot attend in person. Light refreshments to follow in the lounge.

We pray that Chris rests in Peace and rises in Glory.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. John's Anglican Church on August 15 for our beloved sister in Christ, Rosina Christiana "Chris" Gilbert. Chris passed away June 26 at 99 years old. The service begins at 11:ooam in the sanctuary, and a light reception will follow. If you would like to help...