Workshops this Fall

Labor Day signifies the end of summer and the beginning of fall. Summer vacations are over and schools and universities are about to begin again. Days are becoming shorter and evenings cooler. For me it means scheduling  workshops that have been discussed this summer. 

On my last blog I introduced you to Fircom and the Wellness retreat that was initiated with 10 men from First United Church. I am pleased to announce that a follow up retreat with the same group will be held again at Fircom Sept 19-21. One of our goals will be introducing the possibility of the group continuing to meet with me periodically after the retreat with the goal of building a sense of community out of our budding relationships. This would naturally lead to becoming a corp of mentors and involvement with others staying at the shelter leading to expanded involvement on more retreats for more residents. The impact on the group has been immeasurable and they are eager to return and offer their services one morning for a couple of projects establishing a farm. One of our group has volunteered to live on the island for six months in exchange for helping create the farm (he has 25 years experience farming before becoming dislocated economically). He has commented how he is feeling connected to himself once more. 

We are still working on plans to hold  my Addictions Workshop (which has now been extended to 6 hours of material) on Oct 26-28 at Fircom. Jeff Willis (the director) and I are also planning a major event we are calling The Next Step which would held 5 to 7 days at Fircom. The goal is to take a group from the shelter, accepting wherever they are in their pursuit of clean and sober living and intervening to help them take the next step. We will even have a nurse available given the possibility of someone going through withdrawal. 

Oct 6, 13, 20 I will be facilitating an Addictions Workshop with the North Bay Christ the King Community Church in Birch Bay where I am living. I have been meeting with the pastor Dan McEvoy and 10 interested folks from the church who are interested in having having an outreach and ministry to those addicted and / or recovering. When this comes to fruition, it will be the only outreach in a 30 mile radius from this side of Bellingham to the Canadian border. Last week one participant shared she has access to two dentists who will assist with dental care for those new to recovery. Can you imagine what an emotional boost this would be for a long term meth user? At the Workshop we will bring together thoughts and plans for a 12 step program and other community support. Most of you know what drives me is the belief that the local church should be the ideal setting for recovery. I also anticipate cooperation and sharing from the other local churches I have become acquainted with in this area. 

This fall I also will be holding an Addictions Workshop with The Jesus Gathering, a downtown Bellingham outreach that has been able to attract many of the marginalized in that area. It takes me back to the late 60's when I became a follower of Jesus in California during the Jesus Movement. A couple of times during the week they walk the streets of the most troubled area of Bellingham initiating conversations with the homeless, addicted, and a large number of dislocated students. 


A local coffee shop has given them 
the use of a back room where they can sit around a table discussing areas of interest and establishing friendships. On Thursday evenings they have an open mic at the Majestic and the local musical talent is amazing. Many of those living in the area are very gifted and giving them a public place to express their talents can be so encouraging to them. They also teach Bible studies at the nearby Mission as well as the coffee shop. 

Sunday afternoons they have an upbeat worship service followed by a meal prepared by other churches to serve to those in attendance. They meet in the basement of the Majestic which has a large meeting room and a kitchen.

The picture in a near by park shows folks that attend the Gathering enjoying a picnic last month which attracted some of the dislocated neighborhood folks just passing by. 

The Grandview Calvary Baptist Church has an outreach to the marginalized in Vancouver known as JustWork. They have three industries: pottery, small construction / painting, and catering. They are providing jobs and also assisted living for those in the DTES. I recently met with their leadership and we will be doing a Workshop with their with staff and those employed in this non- profit, social enterprise. I hope you will take time to look at their website to really get a grasp on how important and creative a ministry this is. They have a traditional church and a missional church holding services in the sanctuary, one in the morning and the other Sunday evening. They have a balance of presenting the spiritual and social gospel I am thrilled to be associated with. 

When I have consolidated all these dates, we are planning to have another workshop at the Dugout. Last time we had folks from the AA group that meets there, those from the neighborhood who drop in for morning soup line or a place to relax during the daytime and the staff of volunteers.

I will greatly appreciate your kind thoughts and prayers as my schedule feels quite demanding added to my other involvements in the DTES.

Ross