Burnaby-Edmonds MLA Raj Chouhan said, “We are grateful that L’Arche has welcomed even more people with various needs into this exceptional building.” Photo: L’Arche Facebook
Burnaby politicians recently joined community and religious leaders to celebrate the completion of a housing project for vulnerable community members.
This September 20 press release from L’Arche tells the story:
L’Arche Greater Vancouver has fulfilled the biggest dream in its 50-year history today, by replacing its old building on the Sussex Avenue property in Burnaby.
“We challenged ourselves to dream big and go beyond our present needs of inaccessibility and limited space,” says FeiFei Peng, L’Arche Greater Vancouver’s Executive Director.
“Not only did we replace our three homes and make it possible for us to grow our two community inclusion programs, but we have also been able to welcome 10 adults with developmental disabilities who can live semi-independently surrounded by a supportive community.”
Three levels of government contributed 13.6 million dollars towards the building’s $37 million cost. Long-term financing and L’Arche’s six-million-dollar ‘We All Belong’ fundraising campaign made up the balance.
“This is yet another example of working together with all orders of government to get things done. We are building the housing we need in our communities. Investing in low-cost accessible housing helps to prevent homelessness and other unsafe living conditions for our most vulnerable residents,” says Parm Bains, Member of Parliament for Steveston-Richmond East – on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
“Over the years, I’ve witnessed how L’Arche has lived its mission of caring for some of our most vulnerable citizens,” says Hon. Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds. “BC Housing works with the Ministry of Housing to increase the supply of affordable housing for everyone in BC. We are grateful that L’Arche has welcomed even more people with various needs into this exceptional building.”
The new L’Arche Greater Vancouver building on Sussex Avenue in Burnaby.
“Council is proud to have been included in the success of this project,” says Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley. “We applaud L’Arche’s efforts to look beyond its needs and include others in this uniquely designed building. They are demonstrating that they care and that everyone can make a difference. Congratulations.”
This new building contains three L’Arche homes for people with and without developmental disabilities, two community inclusion programs, and 10 units for adults with developmental disabilities who can live more independently.
In addition, 29 affordable housing units are available for people without disabilities. In a large city where people may feel isolated and alone, L’Arche will continue to be a valuable resource by being a place of belonging.
At the heart of L’Arche is the understanding that every person is valued and has unique gifts to contribute to society. Through participating in this intentional community, people with and without developmental disabilities share their gifts and enjoy their full potential in stable, secure, affordable homes and participate in meaningful day-time activities.
“We’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished and very grateful for everyone who joined us in making this dream a reality,” says L’Arche’s FeiFei Peng.
This release, by Ross Sullivan, Peak Communicators, also appeared on the Financial Post site.
The B.C. Catholic posted an article which began with Archbishop Michael Miller’s positive experiences with L’Arche:
Archbishop Miller recounted his first visit to the Burnaby L’Arche location when he became Archbishop of Vancouver. He had been impressed by the artwork of the residents, prominently framed and displayed around the dated facility.
The art was treated with all the care of a masterpiece, he said, and the impression has remained with him since then that L’Arche is “a community of inclusion” in which “the gifts of every individual are brought to the surface and valued.”
Go here for the full piece.
Some will remember that it’s just a couple of weeks since I posted a (somewhat) similar story: ‘Burnaby church plans 45-storey project in partnership with BC Builds.’
ARPA Election Guide
The provincial election is just over two weeks away, and one Christian group has prepared an Election Guide.
ARPA Canada (Association for Reformed Political Action Canada ) “is a grassroots Christian political advocacy organization. The mission of ARPA Canada is to educate, equip and encourage Reformed Christians to political action, and to bring a biblical perspective to our civil authorities.”
ARPA Canada has staff throughout Canada, with its main offices being in the Fraser Valley and Ottawa.
Local staff note:
This is shaping up to be quite the election. After Premier David Eby took over the reins from former Premier John Horgan almost two years ago, it seemed like the New Democratic Party would easily cruise to re-election. But, in the last year or so, the BC Conservative Party, which hadn’t elected an MLA in 50 years, has come back to life. In an unprecedented move, BC United (formerly the BC Liberals) have announced that they will not be running any candidates this election, clearing the way for a clear one vs one battle between the BC Conservative and the BC NDP.
Executive Director Mike Schouten and Policy Analyst / BC Manager Levi Minderhoud are releasing short podcast episodes every Friday during the election campaign, “chatting about the issues at stake in the election, and doing all that they can to educate, equip and encourage Reformed Christians in BC to cast an informed ballot.”
ARPA also posted ‘Love as the Centre of Political Action’ September 19. Here are some excerpts:
What motivates you to be involved in political action? ARPA Canada has long provided Christians with tools and opportunities to get involved, but fundamentally, why participate in the public square?
There are all sorts of reasons why you may want to get involved. Maybe you are passionate about defending the lives of the pre-born. Maybe government policies impact your job. Maybe you think it is your democratic duty. Maybe you just don’t like the guys in power, so you want change.
But the best motivation for political action – as for most things – comes from the heart. . . .
There are many today – secular and Christian – who get involved in public affairs because they think that knowledge and education will solve the world’s problems. They become experts in their field, reading and researching and writing extensively to come up with the perfect policy solution. . . .
Christians, though, shouldn’t be motivated first and foremost by knowledge (expertise) or action (law). Both are certainly important. Neither ignorance nor lawlessness are marks of the Christian life. But something else should be more central. Love should be the centre of our political action.
Go here for the full comment.
No involuntary incarceration
Premier David Eby recently stated the province will be “opening highly secure facilities for people under the Mental Health Act.” Photo: BC Government Flickr
The Social Justice Committee of First United Church in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) released a statement “reject[ing] all calls for involuntary incarceration.”
Here is a portion:
Provincial election campaigns have kicked off and we’re concerned about a policy that’s being proposed by more than one political party: involuntary treatment for people with ‘severe addictions’ and/or mental health challenges or brain injuries.
First United has been serving the DTES community, including those who have mental health challenges, brain injuries, and people who use drugs, for over a century. As an organization with deep relationships and ties in the community, and as those who have seen firsthand the outcomes of failed policies like this, we vehemently object.
Involuntary treatment denies people of their basic human rights and bodily autonomy. It cages people who use drugs as prisoners without having committed crimes. It is also proven to increase overdose deaths. There is not enough evidence to show that involuntary treatment works well, but there is enough evidence to show that it can cause more harm.
Go here for the full statement, including four steps towards “an evidence-based approach to the toxic drug crisis that will actually make a positive difference in the lives of British Columbians.”
Premier David Eby announced September 15:
The Province is taking action to make sure people with long-term concurrent mental-health and addiction challenges get secure and dignified care by opening highly secure facilities for people under the Mental Health Act throughout the province, as well as secure treatment within BC Corrections.
Go here for the government press release.
Events & Jobs
Events are listed below, but there is also an Events page and a Jobs page on the Church for Vancouver site.
Oct 2024
Middletown – October 3, 2024 - October 6, 2024 at All Day
Leading for Sustainability: Environmental, Economic & Theological Perspectives – October 3, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Meet & Greet CSCA & ASA Leadership – October 3, 2024 at 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Sustainability & Biblical Creation Care – October 3, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Health & Wellness Fair – October 4, 2024 at 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Reaching Gen Alpha: Launch of the New Alpha Youth Series – October 4, 2024 at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Music Night with Scott McTaggart & Friends: A Fundraiser for Jacob’s Well – October 4, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
The 1916 Project – October 4, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Imagination Retreat: Shake it Out – Finding new rhythms for gathering and worship – October 5, 2024 at 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Public Lecture by the Archbishop of York – October 5, 2024 at 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Ride for Refuge: Inner Hope Youth Ministries – October 5, 2024 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ride for Refuge: Journey Home Community – October 5, 2024 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ride for Refuge: Kinbrace – October 5, 2024 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ride for Refuge: Raphael House – October 5, 2024 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ride for Refuge: Willingdon Church (Journey Home Community) – October 5, 2024 at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
A Rocha: Harvest Celebration 2024 – October 5, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Art and Grief: Speaking Beyond Words – October 5, 2024 at 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Celebration of Life: The Reverend Canon Dr. Herbert O'Driscoll – October 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
OM Partner Event: Transforming Lives Through Christ in the North Caucasus! – October 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Real Worship 2024 – October 5, 2024 at 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Blessings of the Animals – October 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Vancouver Life Chain – October 6, 2024 at 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Jazz Vespers in the Valley: Ben MacRae & Friends – October 6, 2024 at 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Phil Wickham / Canada Worship Nights with Josh Baldwin – October 6, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Barnabas Landing Executive Leadership Retreat – October 7, 2024 - October 10, 2024 at All Day
Vancouver Zion Mission Choir: Sing Hallelujah! - Healed by Love – October 8, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Launch of 'evangelical 360°' – October 9, 2024 at All Day
Wandering in the Shades of Night: Artist's Talk – October 9, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Exhibition: Hodos – October 10, 2024 - November 7, 2024 at All Day
Wandering in the Shades of Night – October 10, 2024 - October 30, 2024 at All Day
Speed Dating: Christian Singles (Ages 31-42) – October 10, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Terra Lightfoot – October 11, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Alpha Canada: Chinese Context – Envisioning In-Person Event – October 12, 2024 at 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Broadway and Beyond (Concert) – October 13, 2024 at 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Protecting Kids & Youth Online: 4-part webinar series – October 15, 2024 - November 26, 2024 at All Day
Prayer Pivot: A New Awakening – October 15, 2024 at 10:00 am - 11:00 am
The Holy Spirit & the Atonement – October 16, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Global Leadership Summit 2024 – October 17, 2024 - October 18, 2024 at 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
The Global Leadership Summit 2024 – October 17, 2024 - October 18, 2024 at 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
TWU CREATE Conference – October 17, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
James J.O. O'Donnell: What was Christianity? – October 17, 2024 at 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
An Invitation to Stretch: Reconstructing Our Theological Assumptions – October 17, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Salmon River Trail Reopening – October 18, 2024 at 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Changing the Debate on Euthanasia (MAiD) in Canada – October 18, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
TiM Day: Four Workshops – October 19, 2024 at 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Cross Cultural Ministry Training – October 19, 2024 at 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Headlong Hearts & the Uppatones – October 19, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Understanding & Loving Sikhs – October 20, 2024 at 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Taizé Contemplative Service – October 20, 2024 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Julian Taylor – October 20, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Preaching Old Testament History: Exodus – October 23, 2024 - October 25, 2024 at All Day
What Canadian Church Leaders Should Know about Mental Health & Illness in their Congregation – October 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
An Evening With NightShift – October 25, 2024 at 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Pumpkin Carving Party – October 25, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
South Surrey White Rock Prayer Breakfast with Carson Pue – October 25, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
11th Hallelujah Night presented by Blue Ocean Movement – October 26, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Dessert Cafe with 70s Soul Duo – October 26, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
MCBC Indigenous Relations Coffee House Fundraiser: Live Music from J.D. Miner & John Williams – October 26, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Jesus Stories – October 26, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Worship Invasion LOVES October! – October 26, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Get Back: Unplugged – October 26, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 9:45 pm
Jazz Vespers with Mimosa – October 27, 2024 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Alpha Canada: Come & See – October 28, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Navigating Catholic Engagement with U.S. Politics – October 29, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
UGM Workshop: Welcoming Our Neighbour – October 30, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pmNov 2024
Replanted Conference 2024 – November 1, 2024 - November 2, 2024 at 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
Feelin' Alright: A Tribute to Joe Cocker – November 1, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Making a Home for Refugee Claimants – November 2, 2024 at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
New Hope Community Services: Grand Opening – November 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Remembrance and Reflection – November 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
International Day of Prayer 2024: Remember Her – November 3, 2024 at All Day
St. John the Evangelist: 125th Anniversary – November 3, 2024 at All Day
Remembrance and Reflection – November 3, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
BAM Vancouver Luncheon with Marcela Corzo – November 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
2024 Charities and Non Profit Seminar – November 7, 2024 at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Denis Alexander: Finding God Through Dawkins – a Dramatic Irony – November 7, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
International Messengers Canada Annual Meeting – November 9, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
We will Remember Them: Mozart Requiem in Concert – November 9, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
CCLN Pastors Retreat – November 11, 2024 - November 14, 2024 at All Day
The Hobbit – November 13, 2024 - December 21, 2024 at All Day
ELO Forum Vancouver 2024 – November 13, 2024 at 9:30 am - 7:00 pm
The Peace Train Kick-off Event – November 14, 2024 at All Day
Speed Dating: Christian Singles (Ages 31-42) – November 14, 2024 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Conversations About MAID – November 15, 2024 - November 16, 2024 at 12:00 am
Love Without Borders: Welcoming Refugee Claimants Orientation – November 16, 2024 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Hope of the World | Heart for Asia Vancouver 2024 – November 16, 2024 at 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
John Wort Hannam – November 16, 2024 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Dr. Riad Kassis of Langham Partnership – November 19, 2024 at 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Thankful: Outreach Canada Celebrating 40 Years – November 21, 2024 at 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Ben Quash: Shared Delight – Art as Common Ground – November 21, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Christmas Jazz Concert 2024 – November 23, 2024 at 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Congregations That Make a Difference in their Community: The Halo Effect – November 29, 2024 at 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
2024 Music of Hope Christmas Concert – November 29, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm