During my daily commute to Vancouver, I often tune in to news and talk shows to catch up on the topics that are top-of-mind that day. Lately, the issues raised revolve around inflation, politics and EV cars. Talk show hosts…
The United Church Archives has found a home which suits its purpose well. Regional Archivist Blair Galston clearly appreciates the environment; 312 Main (the address and the building’s location) has been transformed from the headquarters of the Vancouver Police Department…
My ministry with homeless youth over the years has highlighted for me the need for our society to wake up to the dangers that our children are facing every day. My concern for their health has compelled me to advocate…
This is my third round-up of 2024, covering 10 newly published books from the local Christian community. Again there is a range of topics. The write-ups are primarily from Amazon and publisher / author sites. Julie Lane-Gay: The Riches of Your Grace:…
I always worry when I see a church building for sale. Sometimes they are sold to other churches, fortunately, but often they go to developers, or to other faith groups. In this case I am particularly concerned, both because there…
When I was a university student, a cleverly engineered carillon warned me I might be late as I biked past it on my way to class. The bells played different tunes at each quarter hour, and at noon a small…
Sometimes it seems as though the Christian community is under attack – some of my social media links insist on that point every day. Or at least that we’re being sidelined or dismissed. I’ve made that point myself, from time…
Daniel Francis: Becoming Vancouver: A History (Harbour Publishing, 2021) I should have written this long ago – but fortunately everything in this book is old news anyway. And they say you can learn from history. For example, it may soon…
With all the attention being paid to Chinese interference in Canada’s political process, this is a good time to remember that just over 100 years ago the influence flowed both ways. A new book focuses on Chinese political history in…
Jenny Shantz spends her days with youth and their families in East Vancouver who have been impacted by intergenerational trauma, “nurturing hope, belonging and growth.” She sent this message to supporters of Inner Hope Youth Ministries April 4. Last month,…