PICNIC
Last Thursday, three buses carried residents from the refuge at First United Church to Deep Cove Park in North Vancouver. It was just great to see them away from the crowded facilities at the church. I had such a profound sense of being part of a community for the dislocated. There were lots of activities including face painting, canoeing, swimming, soap carving, snacks, sandwiches, and hiking. The day was full of folks laughing, chatting, enjoying the beautiful sunny day and each other. Such a wonderful break for them being away from the ever present chaos and despair on Hastings Street. It gave me a chance to get more acquainted with staff, the majority of whom are volunteers.
WORKSHOP
A new friend and local pastor is encouraging this and contacting other churches in the Blaine area where I am living. The workshop presents a training opportunity on "Becoming an Ideal Setting to Treat Addiction." The training comes in two parts. Part 1 is examining the roots and causes of addiction, and Part 2 is how this information can be applied to encourage the church in becoming a haven for recovery. It will be offered two Monday evenings on Sept 26 and October 3 and two Saturday mornings on October 15 and 22. It is open to church leaders and anyone interested or affected by addiction. Group size is limited to 25 to encourage interaction. For more information click Workshops
Hope you will remember me in your thoughts and prayers.
Ross
Did you get your face painted at the picnic, Ross? Come on, where are the pics?
ReplyDeleteThere was too much confusion about where my face ends and my bald head begins and they were getting short on paint.
ReplyDelete