Update: Dr. Bonnie Henry announced about 3:15 pm January 7 that the current restrictions regarding gatherings has been extended until February 5. Will our churches be able to host in-person gatherings and worship services again? We should have the answer… Read more →
Author Archive for Flyn Ritchie
Premier and health officials value faith leaders, plan more active dialogue
by Flyn Ritchie • • 3 Comments
Premier John Horgan, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix joined more than 200 faith leaders from around the province in a conference call Monday morning – and outlined a plan to engage more closely with… Read more →
Around Town: Brian Doerksen, Acts for Water, clergy abuse, Found Boutique
by Flyn Ritchie • • 2 Comments
My next weekly update will be early next year. Many of us have sung Brian Doerksen worship songs in our churches over the years. We sang one just last week as our church gathered online. So I have no doubt… Read more →
Churches focus on sharing Christmas message, abiding by COVID-19 orders
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
Christian Life Assembly is a big church, used to putting on big productions. This year, though, their Miracle on 56 Avenue has been reduced from a stage production to a drive-through experience. But the church is taking the vicissitudes of… Read more →
Around Town: Christmas Presence, Aunt Leah’s, Huron Carol, Jingle Jangle Bells
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
The number of Christmas concerts is way down this year, but several intrepid troupes are bucking the trend. Christmas Presence at Home Ron Reed, founder and now artistic director emeritus, of Pacific Theatre will host an event which has a… Read more →
Local professors have written many fine books this year
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
One can never have too many books (ask anyone who knows me), but even I have trouble keeping up with the professors at our local Christian colleges. And many of their books would make great Christmas gifts, especially if purchased… Read more →
Criminal Code measures to counter conversion therapy lack safeguards
by Flyn Ritchie • • 1 Comment
The Liberal government is determined to criminalize conversion therapy, and has come very close to achieving its aim. In November, they received near unanimous support for Bill C-6 in Parliament. But major church bodies and other critics haven’t yet thrown in… Read more →
Desire to cooperate is still strong, but pressure builds to ease restrictions
by Flyn Ritchie • • 4 Comments
Lynda Steele said, “You know what, I love this,” while co-host Eric Chapman added, “Pastor, you’re giving me goosebumps . . . you make me want to go to church.” Those were the reactions of the co-hosts of The Lynda… Read more →
Restrictions on religious gatherings a reminder of ‘Forgotten Freedoms’
by Flyn Ritchie • • 2 Comments
This is an awkward time to question the validity of public health orders which prevent faith groups from gathering, given the spike in COVID-19 cases. News of three churches opening their doors last Sunday has elicited much negative comment from… Read more →
Around Town: Refugees & Borders; Faith, Grief & COVID-19; Blue Light
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
An event initiated by Kinbrace, and co-hosted by Journey Home Community, the University of British Columbia and MOSAIC, will ask participants to consider ‘remapping the world we think we know.’ Here are some highlights of Refugees and Borders, which will… Read more →