Programs and Activities at
Pacific Spirit United Church
There are many ways that we as a church engage with each other, and also with the community outside of our congregation. Below are some of the many programs that we offer.
If you would like to receive our weekly newsletter with more detailed information about what's going on with the Pacific Spirit Community, please email: admin@pacificspirituc.com.
Church Programs and Activities
Centering Prayer
The Centering Prayer groups originate from Contemplative Outreach of Greater Vancouver (www.cogv.org), following the teachings of Father Thomas Keating. Each group has a similar format of personal sharing in a safe and confidential environment, 20 minutes of Silence and Centering Prayer, and a half hour book study. Each group has its own focus of study. It is an open group and welcomes drop-ins, but it is always a good idea to let us know so that we can expect you. If you have any questions or would like to attend, please email our office at: admin@pacificspirituc.com
Mondays
7pm to 8.30pm
Location: Zoom
All are welcome to join. The Monday evening facilitator is Janey Cole-Morgan. Please contact the office (admin@pacificspirituc.com) if you are new and would like to receive the zoom link.
Wednesdays
10am to 11.30am
Location: Varied
Wednesday morning Centering Prayer and Sacred Connection meets in the Memorial Center Library the first Wednesday of every month. Other Wednesdays the group meets on Zoom at 10 am. The group welcomes new participants. Doug Smart is the facilitator of the Wednesday morning group. Please contact the office (admin@pacificspirituc.com) if you are new and would like to receive the zoom link.
Thursday
10am to 11.30am
Location: The Fireside Room in the Memorial Centre
Thursday morning facilitators are Judith Ann Donaldson, and the facilitation alternates with Jan Miko, meeting every Thursday morning from 10am to 11.30am. It is an open group and welcomes drop-ins, but it is always a good idea to let us know so that we can expect you. For more information or let us know of your attendance, please contact the office at: admin@pacificspirituc.com
Zoom Bible Group
Wednesday
1:30 -3:00 pm
The Zoom Bible Group meets every Wednesday to discuss the scriptures that will form the basis for the upcoming Sunday service. If you would like to join, please contact the church office (admin@pacificspirituc.com) to receive the zoom link to join.
Healing Pathways Ministry
What is Healing Ministry? Healing ministry celebrates the ancient art of “Hands-on-Healing” that is portrayed in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian New Testament. “Hands-on-Healing” is an energy-based approach to healing, working with the energy fields that surround each person. “Hands-on-Healing” can effect changes in the energy balance. These changes can be experienced on a physical, mental, emotional and/or spiritual level. The goal of Healing Ministry is to restore harmony and balance to the body, mind and spirit and to allow the person to move towards further healing by awakening the body’s own healing powers. For more information, please click the link below:
Outreach Work and Partnerships
At Pacific Spirit United Church we strive to honour the ministry of justice and relationship with the wider world. Living in right relationship, as a people of reconciliation with First Nations; working with compassion sponsoring refugees; supporting mission in the Downtown East Side; working to protect the environment, attentive to God’s creation.
Springhouse
This shelter for women and children is run by the Bloom Group. Our church(es) have supported this Home for over 10 years with Back to School donations, Christmas gifts, Mothers’ Day treats, and ongoing donations. Women who are in this Home have often left stressful, violent situations. Our partnership with Springhoiuse offers a steady source of extra care. They appreciate our caring and prayers. Please contact the office (admin@pacificspirituc.com) for more information.
Truth and Reconciliation
Truth precedes reconciliation and we are still learning the truth about our nation’s relationship with, and treatment of Canada’s First Nations. With other west-side churches, we have either held or participated in workshops, discussion groups, book studies, guest speakers, dialogues, and feasts. We also encourage people or arrange for groups to attend First Nations’ festivals, art shows, museum exhibits and music and dance performances. And- following our First Nations neighbours’ admonition to do our homework before asking questions, we use every opportunity to join with them in their events. You are welcome to take part in all of these activities!
Café Justicia
More than Fair Trade coffee direct from the the Guatemala CCDA (http://cafejusticia.ca/campesino-committee-of-the-highlands-ccda) Cafe Justicia is served at coffee time following the Sunday service and is sold in bags by members of the Outreach committee. Further information is available by calling the church office or emailing development@pacificspirituc.com. Coffee sales at Pacific Spirit United Church go directly to the farmers, an education fund for the children of the farmers, and other social justice initiatives in Guatemala as determined by the not-for-profit importing group BC CASA.
First United Church
We continue to partner with this downtown mission who works with many other agencies to serve some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in our city. We do periodic drives for assistance with clothing and other supplies throughout the year.
How We Finance This Work
Our annual operating budget provides financial resources for overarching, ministry-wide initiatives such as Affirm, Reconciliation and Environmental Action. However, many of our projects rely on donations in response to specific campaigns at various times of the year – for example the Springhouse Christmas project, Focus on First, Refugee Sponsorship, and our Food Assistance program. Watch for these opportunities to support our many Outreach initiatives.