Perspective on Wright

David Kalamen, the lead pastor at Kelowna Christian Centre, who notes that he has degrees in both political science and religion, has some interesting insights concerning the recent  controversy over comments by Jeremiah Wright Jr., Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama’s long-time Chicago pastor (pictured, right, with Obama). Kalamen’s comments can be found at www.kcc.net. Go to the lower left section, ‘Latest News and Messages,’ and click on ‘Oh! Canada! Preachers and politicians.’

Summerland Neighbourlink

One of the lesser known services involving Summerland churches is Neighbourlink, which has been serving the community between Kelowna and Penticton since 2003. Seven churches are involved with the organization, a spinoff of World Vision Canada. Its main focus has been to assist in the development of a centralized database and telephone resource centre, to assess people’s needs and refer them to church volunteers and social service providers. Notes the link on World Vision’s Neighbourlink page: “We help people by arranging transportation for a doctor’s appointment or necessary shopping, providing minor home repairs and maintenance, and house cleaning. Our motto:  ‘Serving all the people of Summerland in Christ’s love.’” Info at 250.404.4673.

Radio spawned

The 2008 motto for the Penticton Free Presbyterian Church is found in Deuteronomy 31:6, and reads: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” The church, now 15 years old, was established through the influence of a radio program called Let The Bible Speak (LTBS) – whose host and speaker is Ian Goligher, pastor of Cloverdale Free Presbyterian Church in Surrey. Andy Foster, an Irish immigrant, has been the Penticton church’s pastor since 1997. The congregation has occupied its present facility on Preston Avenue since 2002. The Penticton LTBS, with Foster as speaker, is broadcast on Giant FM (100.7) Sundays at 8 pm.

Continue article >>

DJ talks Metro

It is three months old, now, going back to February as it does, but still worth a listen to readers who might have missed it. We are talking about a radio DJ’s quite amazing account of her recent Sunday morning attendance at Metro, the downtown campus of Willow Park Church, at the behest of her 15 year old daughter. You can find the 10-minute clip at www.willowparkchurch.com/metro, by clicking on ‘Metro on the air.’

Kamloops outreach

Several forms of outreach coming from Hills of Peace Lutheran Church in Kamloops are worth noting, including its efforts to help develop a new congregation, All Saints Lutheran, in Kelowna – in part through Canadian Tire ‘money.’ Among those outreach activities: a freezer full of food, whereby extra baking, casseroles, soup and so on left at the church by congregants are delivered to those who may need it at a moment’s notice; and the Grief and Healing Support Group, a new initiative facilitated by Val Theroux – registered nurse, and health and grief counsellor. The church’s various outreach activities are vetted through its Care and Sharing group, through a monthly coordinating meeting. Info at 250.828.2221.

Cowboy church

Calvary Community Church in Kamloops was one of two major venues in March, for the Kamloops Cowboy Festival. The church, along with Forster’s Convention Centre, provided the necessary space for attenders, artists and entertainers who have been coming in increasing numbers from throughout North America and Europe. Part of the festival’s sub-culture was a Sunday morning Cowboy Church at Calvary Community, a Pentecostal congregation. The festival’s main stage events were in the church and the dinner theatre, at the convention centre.

  – Lloyd Mackey

June 2008