While some are Walking the Wall (see accompanying story about International China Concern) many others will be Riding for Refuge. Groups all over the Metro Vancouver area, and across Canada, will be on their bikes raising money for a variety…
A study released July 9 confirms what anyone watching the church in Metro Vancouver already knows – that many immigrants have found welcome and support from local faith communities. The Faith and Immigration report begins: A comprehensive public opinion study of…
Ann Voskamp will be on the west coast this week, Saturday (October 21) as a keynote speaker for Gather Rise at Peace Portal Alliance Church in south Surrey and Sunday (October 22) to preach at Tenth Church in Vancouver. Many, many…
Vancouverites will have a couple of chances this weekend to experience a powerful play which premiered at Trinity Western University late last fall. disPLACE: Refugee Stories in Their Own Words features real-life experiences of refugees from a variety of cultures.…
James Grunau sent an email to his partner churches last week regarding the desperate housing situation for many newly arriving refugee claimant families. Grunau runs Journey Home, which works with refugee claimants. He says the church community has already begun…
Journey Home Community has been a leader in welcoming refugees to Metro Vancouver over the past decade or so (see here, here and here). Its commitment has again been made clear in a recent letter of concern to the Liberal…
For the first time in its 34-year history, Missions Fest Vancouver will incorporate several mini-conferences, which organizers describe as “opportunities for you to learn from experts who are collaborating together to help you go deeper into a subject than can…
Local ministries are preparing for the next wave of refugees, even as they continue to support those who have already arrived. According to the federal government, some 6,000 more government-supported Syrian refugees will arrive in Canada this fall (of whom…
Easter approaches, and with it much beautiful music. This year, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion must surely be the most eagerly awaited by those who appreciate sacred/classical music. The Vancouver Bach Choir, with help from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, will present…
Churches and other public buildings may be necessary to house refugees in the short-term if Canada is to achieve its goal of bringing 25,000 refugees into the country. Chris Friesen, director of settlement services for Immigrant Services Society of BC…