|
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 Christ’s resurrection.
There are some 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’ prayer, 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.”
– Events occurring in municipalities –
• Abbotsford
City-wide Good Friday service at Sevenoaks Alliance
5 & 7:30 pm 604.853.0757
• Delta
Good Friday service at North Delta Secondary, with a
variety of congregations. 10 am 604.594.8822
• Langley
More than 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 Christian Life Assembly.
604.532.7769
• Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows
Good Friday 10 am celebration, ‘Meet Me at the
Cross’ – one service, five locations. Info at: 604.467.9613
Maple Ridge Baptist, 22155 Lougheed Highway
Maple Ridge Alliance, 20399 Dewdney Trunk Road
Burnett Fellowship Baptist, 20639 – 123 Avenue
Maple Ridge Reformed, 20245 Dewdney Trunk Road
Maple Ridge Christian Life Assembly, 11756 232 Street
Continue article >>
|
• Mission
Sunrise service Easter Sunday, 7 am, at Heritage Park,
organized by the Mission Ministerial Association. Followed by breakfast at
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. 604.826.8587
• 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. 604.985.1122
• Richmond
Every year, Richmond churches meet on Good Friday for
scripture readings, music and communion, 10:30 am at Richmond Pentecostal,
9300 Westminster Highway. 604.278.3191
• Surrey
This annual Good Friday event draws thousands from all
over Surrey, with many churches involved.
Times: 3, 5:30, & 8 pm at Chandos Pattison
Auditorium, 10238 – 168 Street. 604.581.893
• White Rock/ South Surrey
‘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). 604.535.8841
– Peter Biggs
April 2009
|
