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…
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…
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…
Two years ago, I had a rousing two-hour conversation with the then interim principal of St. Mark’s College on the UBC campus, Michael Higgins. He is the leading biographer of such figures as Henri Nouwen and Thomas Merton and has…
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…
If you’re concerned about the Vancouver housing situation – and who isn’t these days? – do check out Reimagining Home, which will take place this Saturday morning (October 21) on the UBC campus. The gathering will feature “conversations and presentations…
Ignite Vancouver (November 17) will be an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow Christians and focus together on the welfare of Metro Vancouver. Roger Helland, Prayer Ambassador with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, sent me this note: On September 20,…
Well, this is awkward – but thank you! (fr) I want to express my appreciation for Flyn Ritchie and to discuss some potential changes upcoming with Church for Vancouver. For 35 years, Flyn has been keeping tabs on the efforts…