|
Follow that beatnik!
On January 19, Angus Stuart, rector of St.
Francis-in-the-Wood Anglican Church in West Vancouver, began retracing
acclaimed poet Jack Kerouac’s epic journey from New York to San
Francisco, as recorded in the classic novel, On
the Road.
Kerouac’s influential 1957 book inspired many of
his ‘beat generation’ contemporaries, who were frustrated by
the dull conformity of 1950s America. The author chronicled many
alternative lifestyles and spiritual quests, but evidently had a lasting
Catholic faith.
Stuart is attracted primarily to Kerouac’s
search for meaning, and is blogging about his experience at:
ontheroad2009.blogspot.com. Just as Kerouac’s book was based on
his journey with his friend Neal Cassady, Stuart is also taking a friend
‘on the road’: Sean Robertshaw, an Anglican priest from
Yorkshire, England.
Meeting cancelled
The Meeting Place, a 10 year old Mennonite Brethren
congregation in Abbotsford, closed down November 30. The church was
especially effective at reaching people struggling with addictions, and
those who felt disconnected from church. Pastor Korky Neufeld has been very
active in the Abbotsford Christian Leaders Network, and is a member of the
Abbotsford School Board. For the past eight years, the church had been
meeting on Saturday evenings in Central Heights Church.
Basketball teams on a roll
As of press time the Trinity Western University (TWU)
men’s basketball team is on a remarkable roll. The latest victory was
a fourth quarter run to defeat the visiting Thompson Rivers University
WolfPack 85–66. This gives TWU nine straight Canada West wins, which
ties the school record set in the 2005 – 2006 season – and
gives them a great shot at the playoffs. Info: twu.ca/athletics.
On January 21, the White Rock Christian Academy
Warriors played Mater Dei High School – who are ranked number five in
the United States.
House of James in concert
Prominent Abbotsford Christian bookstore House of
James is undergoing expansion of its facility in the centre of town. Owner
Lando Klassen is anticipating a grand opening in late March. The store is
also expanding its operation, by featuring music concerts by both
top-selling Christian performers and independent artists.
On February 5, pastors are invited to a promotional
breakfast outlining this direction – and focusing on upcoming
concerts in March (Newsboys) and May (Third Day). February 7 sees Sheree
Plett appearing, with hip hop artist Manafest performing February 26.
Contact: houseofjames.com
Anglican attendance down
The Strategic Plan Working Group of the Anglican
Diocese of New Westminster is struggling with an attendance problem common
throughout the diocese’s 77 parishes.
The line on a graph of attendance resembles a hockey
stick. It shows 17 parishes having less than 50 attenders, 25 parishes with
50 – 100 attenders, 24 parishes at 100 – 200 attenders, and
only six parishes with more than 200 attenders.
The Working Group estimates that a parish needs about
150 attenders donating around $120,000 a year to be sustainable for the
long run. It also says that parishes should be vital – making a
difference in the lives of their parishioners, and in the life of the
community around them. The diocese is consulting with its parishes, seeking
for solutions. – Topic
Continue article >>
|
A new Water Shed
A North Langley Christian has recently stepped out
into the community, with a vision for a special kind of cafe.
Christy Koop sees her newly renovated Water Shed as an
environment where people can gather to share their lives. “Things
like community events, drop-in activities, games nights, open mic nights
and live music will be hosted, to invite participation at all
levels,” she said.
“Care for the earth,” she added, is also
important to her. “Whenever possible, we will use and sell
environmentally friendly products; reduce, re-use and recycle; and buy
local and fairly traded products.” Call: 604.882.0651.
Church wedding in Abby
West Abbotsford Mennonite Church, established in
1936, and Wellspring Christian Fellowship, begun in 1992, have merged
to form Level Ground Mennonite Church. The new name is taken from
Ephesians, denoting that all are equal before the cross.
The merger was strategic. West Abbotsford had an older
congregation, a building and senior pastor Karen Heidebrecht Thiessen;
while Wellspring had a younger congregation, no building and only part-time
youth and worship pastors.
The merged church has also hired pastor Keith St. Jean
to head up Life Bridge, a discipleship ministry for people in addictions
recovery. The Kinghaven Treatment Centre for adult men is next door to the
West Abbotsford building. The new church was officially launched January
25.
Contact: levelgroundchurch.com.
Lighthouse shines anew
Lighthouse Harbour Ministries is helping seafarers as
usual – but now is welcoming them to its new centre.
Located off River Road in the Fraser Surrey Docks
area, the brand new facility was officially opened January 17 – after
six months of work, with numerous volunteers and trades people involved.
Contact: sealight.org.
The spiritual Olympics
The Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) has always
recognized the need of spiritual support for athletes. Temporary multifaith
centres in the Olympic villages in both Vancouver and Whistler are planned.
According to a recent Anglican
Journal report, they will accommodate
“Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and other faith
communities.”
VANOC will be making an announcement within the next
several months, about which clerics will be invited to provide
spiritual services and counselling.
Jazz Vespers pioneer dies
Gordon Turner, the retired senior pastor at St.
Andrew’s-Wesley United Church in Vancouver, died suddenly January 19,
while vacationing in Cuba. Among his many accomplishments, he began the
church’s well known Jazz Vespers services.
While the concept originated in the U.S., Turner was
the first to introduce it to Canadian churches, beginning in Ontario in
1972. He had recently been helping a church in Whistler plan for its
future.
Peter Biggs
February 2009
|
