Church growth and ways and means of achieving it will be the focus of "Parish Alive!," an event next month sponsored by the Diocesan Evangelism Unit.

Canon Harold Percy will be returning to minister in the Diocese of New Westminster for the first time since 2000 when he comes as the keynote speaker on Saturday, November 11, at St. Philip's, Vancouver.

Harold Percy

In addition to Percy's practical teaching, the event will feature presentations from leaders of five growing parishes in the diocese - Christ Church Cathedral, Christ the Redeemer, Surrey, St. Alban's, Burnaby, St. Chad's, Vancouver, and St. Mark's, Ocean Park.

Percy, who has been rector of Trinity, Streetsville, in Mississauga, Ontario, since 1987, was founding director of the Wycliffe College Institute of Evangelism in 1991, where he also continues as consultant on leadership and congregational development. He is perhaps the best known evangelist in the Anglican Church of Canada and the author of Following Jesus: First Steps on the Way and Good News People: An Introduction to Evangelism for Tongue-Tied Christians.

"We are delighted that Harold is returning to Vancouver to share more of his rich experience and expertise with us," said the Evangelism Unit Chair, the Rev. John Oakes, rector of Holy Trinity, Vancouver. "With his leadership and the fascinating stories that we expect to hear from participating parishes, 'Parish Alive!' promises to be an instructive and inspirational event for all who choose to attend."

"Parish Alive!" will include both a conference from 9:30 am. to 4 pm on November 11, and an open evening outreach service, beginning at 7:30 pm. Registration for the conference will cost $15 per person, with special rates for parish groups. For registration/further information, please contact the Rev. John Oakes at 604-731-3221 or evangelismunit@hotmail.com.