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Benefit for Ghana
A ‘Ghanaian Gathering’ fundraising event,
featuring West African cuisine, a silent auction music and dance is set for
May 9, 5 pm, at Glad Tidings Church in
Victoria.
All proceeds will go to “the development of a
learning centre for underprivileged adults and children” in Ghana.
Organized by Richard and Ruth-Ann DeVos, the event is
inspired by the Victoria couple’s friendship with Henry and Veronica
Tetteh – Ghanaian Baptist church planters Ruth-Ann describes as
“the most genuine and humble Christians we have ever met.”
The learning centre has been mobile, but a suitable
property purchase opportunity has emerged. “This is what God has laid
on our hearts to provide for them,” Ruth-Ann adds. Tickets are $15.
Info at rrdevos@gmail.com or 250.475.3954.
Garden growing
Now that garden season is well underway on Vancouver
Island, it is time to note some of the special growing and environmental
projects that are parts of the ministry of Saanich Community Church, a
Mennonite Brethren congregation. The two major projects are the native
plant garden and the Garry Oak restoration project.
More info, a slide show and links to several resources,
such as A Rocha, are at www.saanichcommunity.ca.
First Met items
Program expansion and capital improvements are both
major agenda items as First Metropolitan United Church implements the
results of its three-year stewardship campaign.
The result of a merger, in 1997, between two historic
downtown United churches, First Metropolitan built on its strengths, then
embarked on an $800,000 campaign in 2006. The results exceeded the goals:
$1.1 million was raised.
Program expansion is identified in five areas: a
children’s choir, faith formation and small group training, lay
leadership and visitor development, music bursaries and support for Our
Place. Capital projects relate to audio visual improvements, energy saving
moves and Fellowship Hall improvements. More info at
www.firstmetvictoria.com.
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Staff tidbits
Most Vancouver Island church websites provide
interesting glimpses into the life and work of the congregation.
One of the best we have found, in terms of introducing
us to the church staffs, their interests, families, ministry philosophies
and ‘quirks’ is provided by Saanich Baptist Church, a large
congregation in the Royal Oak area.
Ten staffers are listed, some designated as pastors or
ministry directors, others in some support staff position. Creative
questions are posed and witty, intelligent answers are provided.
The site is at www.saanichbaptist.org. Click on
‘About SBC’ then ‘Meet the staff.’
Duncan projects
Duncan Christian Reformed Church provides a place on
their website to get more information on two Christian-based projects in
that city.
They are Evening’s Ease Court, a seniors housing
community developed by Duncan Christian Senior Home Society, and Bibles for
Missions Thrift Store.
Info on both can be found at www.duncancrc.org.
And the thrift store phone number is 250.746.7462.
Thrift shops
Speaking of thrift stores: here is a reminder that
several Victoria-area churches have thrift shops once a week.
Among them are: Gordon Head United (250.477.4142), St.
Andrew’s Presbyterian (250.384.5734), St. Aiden’s United
(250.477.2089), Church of Our Lord (250.383.8915), James Bay United
(250.384. 5821) and Oak Bay United (250.598.5021).
Potential customers can keep up-to-date by checking the
thrift shop listings each Saturday on theTimes-Colonist religion page. Sales proceeds are largely earmarked for
church ministry and mission projects.
– Lloyd Mackey
May 2009
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