ICF restarts

Island Christian Fellowship, a Saanich congregation that ceased regular worship services recently, is restarting – under the pastorate of Marco Faasse. The church will meet each Sunday at 2 pm, on the premises of Friendship Baptist Church, 7820 Central Saanich Road. More info at 250-888-5079

Christmas Lost and Found

The Victoria Children’s Choir’s first event this Christmas season is the Family Christmas Concert. The hour-long program of carols and songs, Christmas Lost and Found, is tied together by a story featuring Gizmo, the Christmas elf. Admission is by donation, and concert organizers are collecting socks and gloves for those who find themselves homeless at this holiday season. Time and place: Church of St. John the Divine, 1611 Quadra Street, December 9, 3 – 4 pm.

Orphan sponsors

Last year, Central Baptist Church sponsored 35 children in a South African orphan program. This year, 34 of them need continuing sponsorship for 2008, and there is a need for 11 new sponsors. Church members are being encouraged to contact Darryle Black if they are interested. Cost for a year sponsorship is $120. This program is being run through Deeds of Love Ministries and the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptists International. Leaders of other churches interested in getting their people involved in similar programs are encouraged to talk with their denominational mission offices or major Christian agencies they trust, to see what is available.

Ground breaking

Centennial Park Baptist Church, formerly known as Sluggett Memorial Baptist, had a ground-breaking ceremony November 18, at 7757 Wallace Drive in Victoria. A note from church leaders, shared with some other congregations in the area, states: “Our permit is finally in hand and the church has [been] invited to go ahead. So we will be beginning on a foundation next Monday, after over eight years of preparation and 40 years of dreaming.” The Sluggett church was a long time landmark on West Saanich Road, standing as an informal gateway to the village of Brentwood Bay.

Continue article >>

A ribbon cutting was held November 15 to mark the grand opening of Shannon Oaks seniors' facility in Oak Bay, Victo- ria. Pictured (left to right) are Charlie Nishi, chair of the Baptist Housing Society of B.C.; John Herbert, councillor of Oak Bay Municipality; Clarice Durnerin, Shannon Oaks resident; Christopher Causton, mayor of Oak Bay Municipality; and Howard Johnson, chief executive officer Baptist Housing Ministries. The new residence has 102 independent living suites located on a campus with assisted living and seniors' affordable housing.

Changes at St. A’s

Things are changing a little, in and around St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Duncan. The Agapeland pre-school play area has been moved to make room for more educational facilities, being funded by a special building project set up during November. More info about the project is on the St. Andrew’s website: www.standrewsduncan.org.

 – LM

December 2007