From the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney

Synod requests that the following message be sent to the following four churches in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: St. John’s Vancouver (comprising the congregations formerly known as St John’s Shaughnessy); Good Shepherd, Vancouver; St. Matthias & St. Luke’s Vancouver; and St. Matthews, Abbotsford:

“The Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney wish to extend our prayers and support to you in this time of transition and change. We praise God for your commitment to upholding Scripture and your willingness to contend and suffer for the faith. You have been a great example in grace, wisdom and humility to Bible-believing Christians, both here in Australia, and around the world. We pray the Lord’s richest blessings on your fellowship as you continue to proclaim, rejoice and grow in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that the grace of God will ring out from you in the great city of Vancouver, to the glory of God.”

More encouragement...

Hello to our brothers and sisters in Christ at St. John’s Vancouver,

This email is to let you know that Bethel International Church is remembering your church in prayer during your transition in moving locations. We are encouraged in the stance that you have taken for the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word and know that His grace will be upon you during this time.
We pray that … “out of his glorious riches [God] may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16–19 (NIV).
Blessings in Christ,
Phil Mittelstaedt, Lead Pastor
Bethel International Church
739 E 33 Ave, Vancouver

Greetings from NSW

We at Christ Church Kiama NSW Australia have prayed regularly for you for all of the past 10 years. Bishop Ken Short has frequently filled in the details about you. On the 18th September , we prayed that in all the transition the Lord will be glorified, and that the services which will be held in St. John’s buildings in the future, will cause people to put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus.
We especially prayed for the family of St. Johns that the change of location will bring new vigour, and new enthusiasm for Christ the King of glory.
God bless, and we will KEEP on praying.
Christ Church Kiama

Message from St. John's Richmond

Dear brothers and sisters at St. John’s Vancouver:
As you transition out of well-known and well-loved quarters at Nanton and Granville, please know the love, prayers, and support of St. John’s Richmond. Almost 5 years ago, many of us left St. John’s to begin a new ministry in Richmond. We understand what it is like to be in rented dwellings; the benefit is twofold: we are reminded that our citizenship is in heaven, and that the real beauty of the church is her Lord and her faithful people. Just as God has been with you in your stand for the integrity of the gospel, know that He will not leave you nor forsake you as you move forward. Your journey is in His hands. Be strong and courageous. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Rev. Sean Love,
Rector, on behalf of St. John’s Richmond

Encouraged by you...

Hi St John’s,
You won’t be surprised that we, at Holy Trinity Platt, Manchester think and talk about you and pray for you! We are so encouraged by your faithfulness. Last time I visited you, I was struck by two things: a greater clarity in the gospel, and a greater joy. Which church in the world wouldn’t want those two great gifts! The Lord bless you, that you may be a blessing to Canada and beyond.
with Love,
Steve James
Rector, Holy Trinity Platt, Manchester, UK

Rich blessings...

I was on your website early Sunday morning and noted some of the transition events and messages. I felt led to drive by Nanton Ave yesterday on the way to my church to pray for you all. In my sermon yesterday I referenced how costly it can be in our city to stand for biblical righteousness and used your church as a huge example.
Our congregation is with you in prayer and conviction. We are actually confident that your best days are ahead, that God will richly bless you for your bold yet gracious stand.
Finally, I was deeply humbled and impressed that you called your church to clean and polish the building before handing it over... that is Christ-like.
Rev. Greg Laing
Lead Pastor, Point Grey Community Church

Partnership in the Gospel

Dear friends at St John’s,
Just a short note to assure you of our prayers in the coming weeks as you move from your buildings and re-establish family life in a new building. Following our visit to you in May we have been humbled and encouraged by seeing God’s grace in all that you are doing at St. John’s. It looks as if our journey out of the Church of Scotland may well be significantly shorter than yours from the Anglican Church in Canada of some ten years. We value your prayers, that we will be neither bitter nor resentful and assure you of our prayers for you, asking God to bring fruit for the gospel in many ways in your midst.
Thank you so much for your partnership in the gospel.
Peter Dickson, Minister
High Church, Hilton, Aberdeen, UK

Thank you for your witness

Hi St. John’s. It’s Ger Jones here – former St. John’s member, Artizo intern and now leading Vintage Church – a new Anglican church plant in Los Angeles. Just wanted to let you know that we are certainly praying for you. We are proud of your consistent and costly commitment to the Gospel. Thank you for your witness and the ongoing demonstration of following Jesus no matter what. We consider it a privilege to be partners with you for the Gospel. We love you and are praying for you.
Ger Jones, Lead Pastor
Vintage Church, Westside, Los Angeles

Encouragement from Scotland

Dear friends at St John’s,
After our trip to visit your church in May we remember you often in prayer. We are facing the same issues and struggles and being with you was enormously helpful for us in many ways. Thank you so much for your partnership in the Gospel and may God help you and encourage you as you continue to seek Christ’s honour.
Peter Dickson, Minister
High Church, Hilton, Aberdeen, Scotland

Encouragement from North Vancouver

St Simon’s NV is also praying for you in your transition.
Ed Hird+
St. Simon’s North Vancouver

Encouragement from the Amercias

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
with all the challenges of ministry life, it is good to know that in all things God is sovereign. Your brothers and sisters of the Anglican Mission in the Americas–Canada (ACiC) continue to pray for you. We thank God for the work you’ve done and have asked Him to give you much favour in your evangelistic efforts. It is to that end that I write. On behalf of our ministry, and as partners in the Kingdom of God, we would like to offer you any help you might consider useful during this time of transition. If we can help you find other properties, or you need other support, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  We thank God for all who labour in the Kingdom, for we will all share in the fruit of the Kingdom.  Thank you for your persistence in the Gospel, your unswerving faithfulness, and your commitment to the Great Commission. Don’t give up! We stand with you.
The peace of our Lord,
Peter Klenner, Network Leader
The Anglican Mission in the Americas–Canada

To new horizons

Dear St. John’s:
This is a short note of encouragement as you depart from old horizons to new ones. Be encouraged! For those who have left house or field (or parish) for the sake of Christ will receive a hundred fold and eternal life (Matt. 19:29). As the Lord said to Ezekiel: “Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions...You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen...” (Ezekiel 2:6,7). Be encouraged also that the wider body of Christ sees your struggle and is praying for you and standing by you as you make the proper stand for Christ, His Word and His Kingdom.
Cam Ludwig,
Langley Presbyterian Church