Christ Church Cathedral Vancouver BC

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Please note that these are the only two communication channels used in the creation of this newsletter.

If you attend in person on Sundays, a special parking rate is available at the Park Place Parkade. The parking code for 2025 is 20254630. Rate details are available here.

You can watch past live-streamed services on our YouTube channel — click to watch the ones you missed or rewatch the ones you enjoyed!

I landed in Whitehorse on Saturday evening and was warmly welcomed at the airport by Dean Vincent Fenga, his wife Chrysanthi, and their young son VJ. We formed a little convoy—me in my rented Bronco (yes, no bike this time, just a big ol’ 4x4 SUV)—as they led me to the Old Log Rectory, my cozy home for the week. It’s nestled right next to—you guessed it—the Old Log Church, which shares a lovely green space with the current Christ Church Cathedral.

Despite the late hour (10:30 PM!), Dean Vincent still gave me a quick tour of the Cathedral and rectory. Then he handed me the keys, and I headed straight to bed.

Sunday morning began with a bit of nostalgia and a touch of caffeine. I walked down the road to the nearest Tim Hortons—for the first time in about 15 years—and ordered a hot drink. Thankfully, they now have espresso machines, so I was able to get a Canadiano (a Canadian twist on the Americano). With sermon notes in hand and that magical elixir of life in my cup, I made my way back to the Cathedral—one of the perks of living next door!

Just before 9 AM, I let myself in and began prepping for worship. I was soon greeted by the Lay Assistant and the music team—most of whom originally came from Northern Apostles Anglican Church, which amalgamated with Christ Church back in January. They were full of energy and grace as they got everything ready.

Bishop Lesley, our Diocesan Bishop, arrived not long after. She came to set up the diocesan Facebook livestream but, with a little gentle persuasion, agreed to vest and join me in leading worship. I was also joined by a lay reader who helped lead the liturgy, served the chalice, and was assisted by a faithful server.

It was such a joy to preside and preach in this beautiful and intimate space. About 42 warm and welcoming parishioners gathered for worship. The congregation was the choir, the music came from strings and keyboard, and the liturgy was projected on a screen (with announcements to help folks follow along in the BAS).

After worship—and many friendly conversations in the reception line—we headed to the adjacent hall for coffee hour. But let me tell you, this was no ordinary coffee hour. Sure, there was coffee, tea, and cookies, but also yogurt, fruit, veggies, cakes, muffins, cheeses, and meats. A full-on feast!

Later that evening, Dean Vincent and his family joined me for dinner at the lay reader’s home. She and her husband laid out yet another feast. One thing’s for sure: you don’t go hungry in the Yukon.

Monday was a mix of remote work for our Cathedral and Diocese, and wonderful local connections. I met with a group of parishioners—each serving in different lay leadership roles—at a local café charmingly named Burnt Toast. After that, I fine-tuned my workshop for the evening, did some more remote work for New Westminster, and then led the workshop from 6–8 PM. It was a lively, spirited session. The leadership team at Christ Church Cathedral, Whitehorse, are a remarkable bunch—faith-filled, motivated, and deeply committed to making a difference in their community as they follow Jesus.

And now it’s Tuesday. I’m writing this blog and working on some prep for the upcoming Confirmation service at our Cathedral. Later today, I’ve got a Men’s Group Zoom, a women’s knitting circle, two long-term facility meetings, and a conversation with Bishop Lesley.

Just your average Tuesday, right?

Part of the music this coming Sunday morning will be the Te Deum in B-flat by Sir Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924). We rarely have the opportunity to hear a Te Deum at the cathedral these days as the 10:30am service is invariably a celebration of communion rather than Morning Prayer (Matins) with which the hymn is associated. However, given the trinitarian nature of its text a Te Deum is entirely appropriate for Trinity Sunday.

This particular setting has a long and storied history. Stanford wrote it in 1879 while organist and director of music at Trinity College, Cambridge. It is part of his Morning, Communion, and Evening Service in B-flat major, Opus 10 which consists of music for each of the principal Anglican services; last March the choir sang the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis from this set as part of the evensong marking the 100th anniversary of Stanford’s death. The Te Deum was chosen as part of the music for the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902, for which Stanford orchestrated the original organ part and added the short introduction at the beginning; coincidentally(?) later in 1902 Stanford was knighted for his services to music. (Edward VII was the monarch who gave his name to Kingsway and King Edward Avenue in Vancouver; another piece commissioned for the coronation was Parry’s I Was Glad, heard at many a royal service since. And one attendee at the coronation in Westminster Abbey was Vancouver musician Frederick Dyke, who had been serving as choirmaster at Holy Rosary; his leave of absence was so long he lost that position, but instead took up similar duties at Christ Church.)

Stanford’s Te Deum in B-flat became a particular favourite at Christ Church; apart from “normal” services ...

The Cathedral has a special retreat opportunity at Rivendell Retreat Centre on Bowen Island this June.

Rev. Areeta Bridgemohan and Gene Fraser, practitioner and facilitator of Contemplative prayer, will be co-leading a retreat which will provide an introduction to contemplative practice and an opportunity for community grounded in spirituality.

The contemplative practice will include times of quiet and centering prayer.

A rough outline of the retreat is as follows:

Friday June 27

Arrive at the Retreat Centre at 3pm

Dinner at 6pm

Saturday June 28

7am Breakfast

8am Centering prayer

12.30pm Lunch

6pm Dinner

Sunday June 29

7am Breakfast

10.30am Closing Eucharist

12pm Departure

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Registration and cost (cost includes food):

Single room: $450

Double room: $400

Please let Rev. Areeta know if you are need of financial assistance.

Registration update (as of June 9th): we have space for 6 more participants (in double rooms).

Registration closes on Thursday June 19th at 5pm.

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About Gene Fraser:

Gene has practiced various forms of Buddhist and Christian mediation for more than 30 years. He has been commissioned by Contemplative Outreach International as a Centering Prayer Presenter.

About Rev. Areeta:

Areeta finds nourishment for her soul in contemplative practice, both alone and in community. Areeta completed the Spiritual Guidance program at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. She continues to participate in monthly group spiritual direction. She is working towards making the Cathedral a partner and centre location of the Centre for Spiritual Renewal.