WHILE churches and denominations often seem at odds with each other, Easter reveals another – more encouraging – facet of church life.

Scores of Lower Mainland churches from diverse backgrounds are expressing unity and goodwill in joint gatherings which focus on the cross and resurrection.

There are about 20 pastors’ groups which meet regularly throughout the year in various municipalities for prayer, mutual support and concern for their common community.

These leaders represent churches from a range of denominations and traditions, but all express a common resolve to adhere to Jesus’ intentions, as expressed in John 17:20:

“I pray also for those who will believe in me through [my disciples’] message: that all of them may be one, Father – just as you are in me, and I am in you. May they also be in us – so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

– Following are events occurring in municipalities –

• Abbotsford

Good Friday at Northview Community Church with drama and worship. Call: 604.853.2931

• Aldergrove

Aldergrove churches gather  for communion and reflection. Good Friday, 10 am, Bethel Mennonite Church, 24687 – 56 Avenue. Call: 604.856.8454

• Langley

Over 20 churches gather for the fifth year in a row. An offering will go toward Langley Hospital Chaplaincy. Good Friday 9:30 & 11 am at Southgate Church, 120, 5501 – 204 Street. Call: 604.532.7769

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• Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows

Good Friday 10 am celebration, ‘Meet Me at the Cross – one service three locations’ at Maple Ridge Baptist, 22155 Lougheed Highway, Maple Ridge Alliance, 20399 Dewdney Trunk Road, Burnett Fellowship Baptist, 20639 – 123 Avenue.  Call: 604.467.9613

• Mission

Sunrise service Easter Sunday, 7 am, at Heritage Park, organized by the Mission Ministerial Association, followed by breakfast at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. Call: 604.826.8587

• New Westminster

Five congregations will join in worship. Items will be collected for local food banks. Good Friday 9 & 11:30 am at Connaught Heights Assembly, 2201 – 8 Avenue. Call: 604.526.5505

• North Shore

Every Easter, many North Shore churches gather for a sunrise service with baptisms. Refreshments follow. Easter Sunday 7:30 am; Ambleside Beach, West Vancouver. Call: 604.985.1122

• Richmond

Every year Richmond churches meet on Good Friday. There will be scripture readings, music and communion, 10:30 am at Fraserview Church, 11295 Mellis Drive. Call: 604.270.4211

• South Surrey/White Rock

‘Meet Me at the Cross’ is the initiative of 12 local churches, which seek to gather as one and commission the carrying of a cross to each place of worship. Good Friday 8:30 – 9 am at Softball City (at the water tower). Call: 604.535.8841

• Surrey

This annual Good Friday event draws thousands from all over Surrey, with many churches involved. Speakers are Surrey pastors: Lorin Bergen, John Burns and Gordon MacDonald. Times: 3, 5:30, & 8 pm at Chandos Pattison Auditorium, 10238 – 168 Street. Call 604.581.8933

March 2008