This week I’m impressed by all the welcoming initiatives around Metro Vancouver – and the wide range of invitations extended – to refugees, neighbours, homeless, hungry, First Nations, politicians, the community and spiritual seekers. Here are some of the events…
Okay, it’s a bit early for Christmas content – but not for the Salvation Army, which is busy organizing its annual Christmas Kettle teams. Donations made during the Christmas season are very important for all their ongoing good works. Following…
On a February Saturday morning this past year, more than 85 people gathered to explore how their churches could provide more housing for refugee claimants. In March, over 160 people gathered to share ideas for how they could develop their…
While BC Premier David Eby and federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller are debating support for asylum seekers, local groups with strong roots in the Christian community quietly carry on their very practical support of these new arrivals. Eby started off…
Three months ago, First Call and Youth Advocacy Society came out with their annual BC Child Poverty Report, declaring that 126,000 children in BC (more than 14 percent) were living below the poverty line. Financial pressures faced by parents lead…
Provincial and municipal politicians were on hand to cut the ribbon for a new housing development in Langley March 26. The project is named after Christian Life Assembly’s founding pastor, Jennie Gaglardi. Heather Colpitts wrote about the project for the…
How should we use our church properties? The opportunity to consider that issue drew 150 people together March 12 – 13 at First Christian Reformed Church of Vancouver. A rich combination of story-telling, expert advice and round-table discussions meant that…
Next week church representatives from around Metro Vancouver – and some from across the nation – will discuss and evaluate stories about creative use and development of church lands. Reimagining Church Land & Community will take place the evening of…
Over 20 years ago at an annual meeting, Grandview Church began exploring how they might develop their parking lot as well as the lot next door (which had become a community garden). Already then, in 2002, building affordable housing was…
I can’t remember when I have felt as optimistic about ecumenical activities among local Christians as I have this fall. Three new (or renewed) initiatives stand out in particular: Mission Fest confirmed for early next year; Taste & Receive will…