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…
Every three years the massive Women Deliver Conference gathers thousands of participants. This year they are meeting June 3 – 6 in Vancouver under the theme ‘Power.Progress.Change.’ Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the gathering, and there were a number of…
Many church members around the city will be inviting international students and new citizens home for Thanksgiving dinner, but I have been particularly taken with the uniquely welcoming atmosphere at First Christian Reformed Church of Vancouver, at 11th and Victoria.…
Snauq was the name of the Squamish village at Kits Point, before the Kitsilano Indian Reserve was created in 1876. By 1913 the Native population had been pressured to move from the area. That history has been largely overlooked – I certainly never…
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…
When Trevor Vanderveen pointed out earlier this year that the Grandview-Woodland Community Plan had overlooked places of worship and their role in the community, city planners and politicians not only listened, they added to the plan. Rather than treating it as…
Pastor Trevor Vanderveen of First Christian Reformed Church of Vancouver has taken a close look at the Grandview-Woodland Community Plan. He has spoken with city officials about some of its weaknesses related to congregations in the area, and is encouraging…
The Welcome Centre is open, and it in turn has been welcomed by its closest neighbour, First Christian Reformed Church of Vancouver, on Victoria Drive at 10th Avenue, near the Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain station. Operated by Immigrant Services Society of BC…
First Christian Reformed Church of Vancouver (First CRC) welcomed more than a dozen Syrian families – almost 90 people – for a meal and conversation on Easter Monday. The newly-arrived refugees are staying at the 2400 Motel on Kingsway as they…
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…