These ‘Journey Through Lent’ scripture readings are powerful in themselves – but they are even more resonant in the wake of the mass murder of Muslims attending two mosques in New Zealand. And they are attached to actions which allow… Read more →
Tag Archive for welcome
Immigrants rely on faith groups for material support and community
by Flyn Ritchie • • 1 Comment
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… Read more →
Vancouver Foundation’s new ‘Connect & Engage’ report digs deeper
by Jonathan Bird • • 0 Comments
Last week the Vancouver Foundation released a much-anticipated update to its landmark 2012 Connections and Engagement report on loneliness and community life in Metro Vancouver. This update, like the original report, provides hard evidence for trends most of us know… Read more →
Hidden & Hard Work: Stories of Peacemaking in BC’s Lower Mainland
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
Our family gathers together each Sunday in Advent to sing carols. Most weeks I choose ‘O Holy Night’ and I particularly love the third verse: Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is… Read more →
Vancouver Airport Chaplaincy: Ready for anything, set to expand
by Zoe Ducklow • • 1 Comment
“Last month, a middle-aged Mexican woman came to the door. I knew immediately there was something different about her; she was definitely in need of TLC, you know . . . just some loving care” says Dennis Kirkley, lead chaplain at… Read more →
A Palestinian visitor reflects on refugees, in Vancouver and at home
by Shadia Qubti • • 0 Comments
As a Palestinian, ‘refugee’ is a familiar word and status that many of my people have known since 1948. For non-refugees, this word can represent a stigma as it is associated with encroaching instability and danger. Others wear this term… Read more →
Opposing Trump’s refugee ban, developing a ‘culture of welcome’
by Flyn Ritchie • • 0 Comments
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… Read more →
Newcomers to Canada welcomed by individuals, then by church
by Jack Taylor • • 0 Comments
There is an ocean width of difference between being alone and being lonely. Some think it is language, unaffordable housing, technology or erratic work schedules that distance us from each other. For newcomers to Canada, it may be all of… Read more →