Page 19 - Presbyterian Connection Fall 2025

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ConnectionP R E S B Y T E R I A N
Our Lenten Desire
to Connect and Shine
Celebrating the
Achievements
of Youth
By the Rev. Jacqueline Cleland,
Oakridge Christian Ministry,
part of the Vancouver Chinese
Presbyterian Church
As Lent began, the Oakridge
Christian Ministry in Vancouver,
B.C., embarked on a journey to
the cross and our neighbour-
hood. Our pilgrimage, like many,
was driven by the question of
what will drive us into a closer
relationship with God in this sea-
son. We reflected on what we
feel is our connection point with
God. We believe our mission from
God is to be active members of
the Oakridge Community. So, we
made our Lenten journey steps
to be those who walked beside
our neighbours in new ways and
contexts.
As part of our journey, we
walked beside different preachers
as they were invited in to share
their own unique takes on the
Easter Story. The congregation
and visitors of Oakridge Christian
Ministry were blessed with in-
spiring messages from a diverse
group of speakers. The Rev. Jeff
Greenman, the Rev. Abraham
Lau, Chaplain Sumarme Goble,
the Rev. Dr. Patricia Dutcher-
Walls, the Rev. Ross Lockhart,
the Rev. Dennis Howard, and Jac-
queline Cleland—each brought
their unique perspective to the
season of reflection. One highlight
was learning of the Moderator’s
trip to Malawi and seeing how all
communities can connect to God
in diverse and beautiful ways.
One way people can connect
to God is through music. On April
5, the church was filled with the
beautiful sounds of classical pi-
ano and the inspiring testimony
of missionary pianist Julie Lowe
during her Testimony of Hope
concert. Attendees were deeply
moved by how she wove musical
masterpieces with her personal
journey of faith.
Our outreach was not restricted
to our four walls. Inspired by the
desire to connect with our com-
munity, the congregation had been
invited to embark on “40 Acts of
Outreach” during Lent. We were
blessed by a group who delivered
pamphlets to our neighbours to
invite them to join us. This initia-
tive saw church members step-
ping outside their comfort zones
to engage with their neighbours
meaningfully. Some of the ways
we engaged was through giving
a helping hand with a task, pray-
ing, participating in community
events, and even donating to pro-
grams in the area that helped our
neighbours with challenges.
In a powerful act of solidar-
ity, congregation members par-
ticipated in “Take Up Your Cross
and Follow Me” by writing down
their personal struggles and plac-
ing them on a communal tree.
This symbolized the willingness
to share burdens and lean on the
support of the community in fol-
lowing Jesus. This willingness
to share burdens, to reflect and
discuss, was highlighted in our
Lenten Study on Practicing Jesus’
Seven Last Words, a Presbyterian
Church in Canada weekly study.
As the season of Lent has
passed, the desire to connect—
nurtured by the Oakridge Chris-
tian Ministry—continues to shine,
leaving a lasting impact on the
congregation and the wider com-
munity. Their intentional efforts
are a powerful reminder of the
importance of connection in our
faith journeys.
By the Rev. Jacqueline Cleland,
Oakridge Christian Ministry,
part of the Vancouver Chinese
Presbyterian Church
Oakridge Christian Ministry in
Vancouver, B.C., which is part
of the Vancouver Presbyterian
Church, was proud to host a Duke
of Edinburgh Awards Ceremony
for Bronze and Silver recipients
on June 14 in Vancouver. It was a
touching event honouring the re-
markable achievements of youth
aged 14–24. This is an interna-
tional award for young people that
challenges, empowers and rec-
ognizes youth, encouraging them
to grow in: Voluntary Service,
Skill Development, Physical Rec-
reation, Adventurous Journey and
the Gold Project. Participants de-
sign an award program, set goals
and work towards them, learn
skills, and make a positive impact
on the lives of others. Through
these experiences, participants
build confidence, resilience and
leadership skills that truly last a
lifetime.
This year, we were honoured
to welcome Dr. Victor Ling as our
guest presenter for the Duke of
Edinburgh Awards. Dr. Ling is a
distinguished Officer of the Order
of Canada for his work in can-
cer research. Dr. Ling’s lifelong
dedication to making a difference
for Christ serves as a powerful
example for the young award
recipients. He reminded us that
through hard work, resilience
and a commitment to serving
others, we too can have a last-
ing and meaningful impact on the
world. Our personal best is what
we should focus on.
We also heard from two differ-
ent speakers: Heidi, a leader, and
silver award recipient Makayla,
who challenged us to go out and
“touch some grass”—an image
used to inspire us to get in touch
with what brings joy and growth.
As author C.S. Lewis reminds
us, children are not a distraction
from more important work, they
are the most important work.
This quote truly resonates with
the spirit of the Duke of Edin-
burgh Awards, emphasizing the
lasting positive impact that in-
vesting in our youth can have on
Christ’s community.
The Rev. Susan Kerr cooling off after
the Wet Sponge Toss.
Churches Unite
for Worship
By Ron Dekker, Burlington East
Presbyterian Church in Burlington,
Ont.
In a heartwarming display of
unity and community spirit, con-
gregants from all four Presbyteri-
an churches in Burlington, Ont.—
Brant Hills, Burlington East, Knox
and St. Paul’s—gathered in June
for a day of worship, fellowship
and fun at the scenic Crieff Hills
Retreat & Conference Centre in
Puslinch, Ont.
The day began with a lively “Get
The Rev. Mike Aldred cheering on
game participants.
to Know Each Other” Bingo game,
setting a joyful tone as members
from each congregation mingled
and made new connections. The
morning worship service followed
in the conference centre, led by
the Rev. Mike Aldred, with uplift-
ing music provided by the Rev.
Susan Kerr.
Lunch was served in Ma-
clean Hall, a charming one-room
schoolhouse on the property. The
kitchen staff prepared a hearty,
wholesome buffet that was en-
joyed around rustic farmhouse
tables.
The afternoon brought out the
playful side of attendees, with
games for all ages. A standout
moment was the “Wet Sponge
Toss” fundraiser, where partici-
pants paid a dollar per sponge
to toss at the ministers. The
Rev. Susan Kerr gamely took the
splashes, helping raise funds for
Presbyterian World Service & De-
velopment (PWS&D).
The event provided an op-
portunity for the four churches
to exchange ideas and discuss
each other’s upcoming summer
events. The day was a beautiful
reminder of the strength and joy
found in community, faith and
shared purpose. A good time was
had by all.
Buffet lunch served at Crieff Hills
Retreat Centre for four Burlington
churches.