Green Bay variety

Green Bay Bible Camp in Westbank, a long established Christian recreational facility, seems to keep a busy schedule year round. During the winter, ski retreats at Big White are part of the focus, making use of Lakeside Lodge and other Green Bay facilities for mounting the trip to the slopes. And there is the Green Bay University Online, a study program for people wanting to develop spiritually and improve life skills. The facility is part of the North American Baptist Conference and partners with 11 Baptist congregations in the Thompson-Okanagan and the Lower Mainland – including Trinity and Lakeside (Kelowna), Osoyoos, Summit Drive (Kamloops) and Faith (Vernon). Partnering extends beyond denominational borders as well, with YWAM and Athletes in Action being significantly involved in its ministry. Info at greenbay.bc.ca.

Lutherans, too

Green Bay Bible Camp is not the only Westbank Christian recreation facility. Okanagan Camp and Retreat Centre, a Lutheran facility, offers rental opportunities to outside groups and a full range of Christian retreat and camping programs for both adults and children. While the facility is part of Lutheran Church – Canada, its use is open to other Christian groups as well. Info at cccamper@telus.net.

Transfer ethics

Did you know that the Kelowna Evangelical Ministerial Association, which includes ministers from more than 30 churches in close to a dozen denominations, has a ‘transfer agreement’? It is meant to provide a means for transparency for pastors and people considering membership in their churches. The agreement reads: “We agree to approach anyone attending our church, who is transferring from another church in the city, and ask them if there are any unresolved conflicts between them and the leadership of their former church. We also agree to call the pastor of their former church to confirm the accuracy of their claims.” The agreement was developed in 2006. Further info about it, and the reasons behind it, can be obtained at info@kelownachurches.com.

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Thrift check

Want to know more about the Salvation Army Thrift Store, located between Harvey Avenue and Burtch Road, before you head there to do some shopping? A visit to the Kelowna Community Church website at www.kelowna.salvationarmy.ca will give a quick tour of the facility, and a description of the clothing racks and small wares department.

Crisis response

Also at the Salvation Army, the Community Crisis Response Unit will soon complete its first year of operation. The vehicle, described on the Kelowna Community Church website as a ‘Kitchen on Wheels,’ provides support and meets practical needs during a disaster or other emergency situations; it also provides opportunities for outreach into the community. Among the emergencies in which the unit has been used was a Westside condo fire. And it, as well as some Kelowna volunteers, provided support for workers and evacuees in the Drumheller floods last year.

Hockey link

Don Richmond joined the pastoral staff of Evangel Church in January. Richmond will continue his work with Hockey Ministries International – B.C., and will be on Evangel’s staff part-time to handle some outreach endeavours previously in executive pastor Don Hopkinson’s bailiwick.

Better marriage?

Also at Evangel is a February 16 Marriage Seminar with Paddy and Carol Ducklow, who have been working together in this field for several decades. Info at www.evangelbc.org.

– Lloyd Mackey

February 2008