Page 18 - PC Winter 2023-24

18
PRESBYTERIAN
WINTER 2023
presbyterian.ca
A New Beginning for Kitimat
By the Rev. Dr. Teresa A. Charlton, Clerk, Presbytery of Kamloops
It is a familiar story. A remote congregation struggles for many years with only lay leadership and the occasional visit from an ordained clergy until finally there are too few people left to do the work of the church and there is too little energy to carry on.
The congregation of Kitimat Presbyterian Church in Kitimat, B.C., found itself in just such a position. After careful delibera- tion, they asked the Presbytery of Kamloops to help them close
gracefully. But, in addition to the expected motions of such a deci- sion, the congregation also asked the presbytery to help them find a suitable congregation within the bounds who might take them un- der wing and continue the Pres- byterian tradition with them. The congregation knew that because of their remote location, this “new ministry” would need to be ac- cessible through technology and Canada Post. Even so, they were adamant that they did not want to become lost in facts and figures but continue being members of The Presbyterian Church in Can-
ada under the umbrella and care of another congregation.
The church family of Knox Vernon offered to take the lead, affectionately calling them “The Kitimat Kousins!”
During the closing service, held in August 2023, the expected handover of the chalice by the Clerk of Session at Kitimat to the Presbytery Clerk took place after communion. But then, in a sym- bolic gesture of new beginnings, the chalice was then handed to the Clerk of Session of Knox Pres- byterian Church, Vernon, who had travelled for the service.
The Session of Knox Vernon is continuing to explore ways to con- nect with the members of the for- mer Kitimat congregation, through the use of live streaming worship, daily e-news and even having the lay leader from Kitimat preach via video to the congregation in Ver- non when the minister is away.
Although officially the congre- gation is now dissolved, in prac- tical terms, this new relationship is more like an amalgamation. It’s a new approach, as we continue to explore ways to be a church in these changing times and con- tinue to care for one another.
Kitimat Presbyterian Church in Kiti- mat, B.C.
Connection
Seeking to Connect
with an Inner-City
Community
Grace Presbyterian Church in Cal- gary, Alta., and the surrounding neighbourhood.
By Amy Dunn Moscoso, Grace Presbyterian Church in Calgary, Alta.
How does a church connect with the community when the commu- nity around the building is not the church?
Grace Presbyterian Church in Calgary, Alta., is an urban inner- citychurchthatseekstoconnect with the surrounding community in the Beltline neighbourhood where the church has stood for more than 100 years. In that time, the church has gone from being a prominent local church, with the congregation living around it, to a place that is increasingly used for a commuting congregation and as a community space.
Relationships must be forged continuously. The neighbourhood is transient, comprised of a mix of young urban professional rent- ers and those new to Canada. People tend to move out and be replacedbyyoungerpeople.There are some high needs as one in four households with children un- der the age of 18 are low-income. There is also a visible homeless
concer ts, and more.
To help meet newcomer needs,
a decade-long English Language Learning program is run by church and community volunteers. Up to 50 students attend, from more than 15 countries of origin. Class- es are conversational, and teach- ers seek to create a sense of be- longing for those who are new to Canada as well as those who have been here for years.
A commitment to truth, healing and reconciliation Since 2020, Grace has been en- gaging with the community on Truth, Healing and Reconciliation. On September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Grace and Stardale Women’s Group co-hosted the second an- nual Orange Shirt Day event Re- connection, Reconciliation and Resilience—an event for hope
and a better future, featuring the Indigenous girls and women of Stardale Women’s Group. More than 150 people braved rain and cool temperatures to listen, learn, connect and to discuss the effects of residential schools and their legacy, and the current lived experiences of Indigenous women and girls in Calgary and Alber ta.
In the evening, a diverse audi- ence gathered in the sanctuary for a screening of the new film Bones of Crows, adapted from the CBC TV series Bones of Crows, followed by a Q&A with George Canyon and Moderator Gerald Au- ger (Gerald plays Chief Wandering Spirit).
AsthecommunityaroundGrace grows and changes, Grace will work to respond, seeking to re- duce barriers, increase connection and help to build community.
population. The City of Calgary Census shows that 55% of the people are non-religious, 35% are Christian, and the rest constitute a variety of religions. The student population at neighbouring Con- naught Elementary School has as many as 40 first languages.
Grace has a vision to transform lives through God’s grace, and a mission to grow disciples of Jesus Christ to love our neighbours and effect social change. To fulfill these goals, a full-time Associate Minis- ter is charged with community re- lationships. A strategic priority has been identified to grow community collaboration to foster meaningful relationships with those in need, and to hold neighbourhood con- versations. Grace works toward thisthroughacombinationofpart- nerships, programs and projects.
Focusing on food insecurity
Grace has run a satellite food bank one day a week since the Fall of 2020. Over time, weekly needs have increased from 15 to 20 hampers per week. In October 2023, the operation will expand to two days a week to meet growing needs.
Working with newcomers
Grace has a long-standing rela- tionship with Connaught Elemen- tary School. Over the summer, Grace hosted a one-week mini summer camp for 20 students from Connaught, Grades 4 to 6. Ministers and church volunteers
worked with school leadership and The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) to provide the pro- gram. TIES is a registered char- ity that has been working since 1988 to support immigrants and economically disadvantaged in- dividuals by giving them a solid foothold in Canada that affords people the opportunities to feel a sense of belonging in their com- munity.
Grace also holds annual com- munity events. The Trunk N Treat Halloween event in the parking lot is popular and draws hundreds of children and families—as well as seniors from apar tments around the church. One parent who signed up this year stated, “We are new in Canada, and I would lovetobringmykidstothisevent. Looking forward to this event with excitement.” Other activities in- clude Open Mics events, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Suppers, music
English Language Learners Conversational English class.
September 30 event for Truth, Healing and Reconciliation.