Welcome

ou are welcome to the Anglican of Our Anglican tradition emerged from the offers God’s blessing on the union of husband Y . Whether you come from another reform of the Church in the 16th and wife; funeral and memorial services country, faith or denomination, or have been away Century in . Anglican reformers chose are offered for the dead. Some but not all of the from the Anglican Church for a while, worship a middle way between the Roman tradition and parishes in our offer blessings of same-sex with us and experience the Anglican way of the Protestant churches arising in Europe. unions. Separate pamphlets are available celebrating the Christian life. describing these different services in greater detail. Today the Anglican Church is a multinational and What is a diocese? multicultural Christian denomination. Millions of Can I attend services if I am not baptized? A diocese is just a geographical region. Covering Anglicans live in most parts of the world. They Yes, of course! During the service everyone southwestern British Columbia, the Diocese of worship in many different languages. takes part. Baptized , of any age New Westminster includes about 65 parishes or denomination, receive the consecrated from Vancouver to Hope and from the How do Anglicans worship? bread and at the celebration of Holy US–Canada border to Powell River and Squamish. Anglicans usually follow a prayer book. Communion. If you are not baptized, you are Within a diocese, each parish has its own The Book of Common Prayer is based on invited to come forward for a blessing. geographical area and one or more church buildings. traditional rites of the 16th Century. However, Anglicans can belong to any parish they The Book of Alternative Services, published in How is the Anglican Church organized? wish, whether or not they live within its boundaries. 1985, uses more contemporary and inclusive The Anglican Church consists of language and includes new prayers and rites. (male or female) and lay persons. Clergy Who are Anglicans? have promised to serve God and obey their ’s life and death tells of the love of readings, preaching, prayers, and hymns and . Clergy come in three varieties: God who shows compassion and wants justice for other music are all part of Anglican services. The Deacons serve as a bridge between church and all. Anglicans believe that God raised Jesus from celebration of the , often called Holy community. They often hold regular jobs and the dead and in so doing asked women, men, and Communion, is central to our worship together. work in the church part-time. Priests serve as children to share in new life. God calls us to offer and teachers. They lead worship, and ourselves in love and service to others. The Anglican community joins in celebrating support members of the parish as they reach out In thanksgiving, we continue God’s work. special occasions in people’s lives. Through into their community. oversee the ministry we welcome new believers into the family of the diocese and serve as a links to the national of God; young people and adults may affirm their and international Church. faith with by the Bishop; marriage The are everyone else. Lay persons together with The Bishop and the clergy along with the laity govern together run the Anglican Church.

What is the Anglican Church of Canada? The diocese is one of 31 that make up the Anglican Church of Canada, our nation’s branch of the . Each led by a bishop or . ( are bishops who have some additional national and provincial responsibilities.) The head bishop in Canada is called the Primate (not to be confused with the simian kind.)

What are the benefits of joining the Anglican Church? A parish is a Christian family. This family helps your faith flourish, shares your joys and celebrations, and supports and cares for you when life is difficult. God calls Christians to live lives according to the teachings and practices of Jesus. You can contribute your time, talents, and financial support in worship, music, teaching, or in 1410 Nanton Avenue outreach. Sharing gifts together through worship Vancouver, BC V6H 2E2 and service develops close ties of friendship. P: 604 684 6306 F: 604 684 7017 How do I become a member of an E: [email protected] Anglican Church? http://www.vancouver.anglican.ca If you would like to become a member of an Anglican Church, please speak to the priest. Many parishes have information kits and inquiry classes for new members.

Join us for worship and other church activities. We would like to get to know you better, and you will learn more about us. There is a great variety of worship styles within the Anglican Church–you can find a parish that is right for you!

More information is available on the diocesan website, www.vancouver.anglican.ca