Around the Diocese

All Saints’ community meal attracts many in Ladner

All Saints, Ladner, has seen attendance at its monthly community meal grow from eight people to over 50.

Begun in October, the meal has been assisted by a number of local farmers plus donations from the Royal Canadian Legion Auxiliary and the parish's health ministry fund.

Meals are open to anyone in the community in need and held on the Tuesday before social assistance payments are sent out.

Pat Sallis, head of the parish meals committee, told the local Delta Optimist newspaper that the meal is for people feeling the pinch at the end of the month.

The meal is served at 6 pm at the parish, on the corner of Arthur Drive and Ladner Trunk Road. Donations and volunteers are welcome; call the parish office at 604 946-8413.

Dream for youth centre began with group meeting at St. Mary’s Kerrisdale

"The Crossing," a long-term residential treatment facility for 20 young women, aged 14 to 24, opened last month in Keremeos. An additional 22 beds for young men will open in May.

The facility is the result of nearly a decade of determined efforts by "From Grief to Action," a group of Vancouver parents with children with addictions, in partnership with the Central City Foundation. The group began with the leadership of the Rector, the Rev. Kevin Dixon, and some core parish families; the group continues to be based at St. Mary's Kerrisdale.

The $6.5 million capital cost is being raised by the Central City Foundation. The centre is located on a 60-acre former Outward Bound camp that Central City owns. Money has come from the provincial government, the Vancouver Foundation, and private individuals. The $2.4 million annual operating costs will be shared by Vancouver Coastal Health, and Fraser Health.

Prior to the opening of the new project, youth had been flown to Ontario, New Brunswick, or Quebec for long-term residential care. Donations are still being received by the Central City Foundation, 206-304 West Cordova St., Vancouver, V6B 1E8.

Solstice is celebrated at St. Clare-in-the-Cove

On December 21, the shortest day of the year, a procession of lanterns rambled its way through Deep Cove. It was snowflakes all the way but nothing deterred the 60 people who took part in the 2008 Winter Solstice Event.

This was the second Winter Solstice Event organized by St Clare-in-the-Cove. Carrying their lanterns the group made its way through the snow and finally arrived at St Clare. As the lanterns approached the church bells rang out and the lantern bearers were greeted by a large roaring fire, a warm welcome, rejoicing and feasting. Participants were invited to light their own candles in the church and take time to reflect on the wonders of the season.

The Winter Solstice Event marks the longest night of the year. After this night, in the northern hemisphere, the sun day by day will cross higher in the sky and days will lengthen, offering more light. It is a celebration that has an ancient history and invites a universal and multi-cultural response.
-Carla McGhie