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 →
City
COVID-19 prompts Southside Church to re-focus on its neighbourhood
by Cam Roxburgh • • 1 Comment
Has COVID-19 been a challenge or an opportunity? Our church has been challenged on many levels – but we have been reminded of our original call, to pursue the things God had sent us into our neighbourhood to do. Southside,… 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 →
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 →
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 →
Around Town: Affordable Housing, Christian Seasons, Adopt-a-School
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
A virtual gathering on Saturday morning will ask the question, “What if the churches of the Lower Mainland could help to significantly reduce homelessness and provide affordable housing?” TIm Dickau organized The Church and Affordable Housing, November 28, 10 am… Read more →
Around Town: Sonya Grypma, Catholic Shelter, Dr. Henry’s new orders – today
by Flyn Ritchie • • 2 Comments
Sonya Grypma is president of the Canadian Association for Schools of Nursing (CASN). She is also Vice Provost, Leadership & Graduate Studies and Dean of GLOBAL at Trinity Western University – and responsible for overseeing the university’s response to the… Read more →
UGM resources: ‘When the community brings food, the food brings community’
by Karen Giesbrecht Kari Bergrud • • 0 Comments
Last spring, we wrote about how Vancouver churches are responding to the physical and spiritual hunger that COVID-19 is highlighting through community food programs, and through growing food. As the infection rate increases, we continue to feverishly figure out how… Read more →
Earthkeepers support city’s Climate Emergency Action Plan; expect debate
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
Earthkeepers and another network of faith leaders are strongly urging Vancouver City Council to adopt a plan which “focuses on reducing our carbon pollution through 19 proposed actions that focus on how we move around the city, how we build… Read more →
Around Town: First United makeover, CLA Housing, social conservatives . . .
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
First United has long been a steady and welcoming presence in the Downtown Eastside for the homeless and poor, first as a church and more recently as a community centre and social service provider. Now First United Community Ministry has… Read more →