Press Release – December 21, 2012 | First United Church

With regard to 125 years, First United Church Mission has already established many ways to be an active the main neighbourhood of the actual Downtown Eastside associated with Vancouver, working to each serve and serve using the community. Relationships happen to be built. Ideas happen to be tried. Vision and possibility happen to be offered through a number of voices.
Vancouver-Burrard Presbytery and also the ministry staff in the beginning United Church Mission came to recognize that people hold very various understandings of exactly how “Gospel Community” is better lived out. With changes in funding open to First United Church Mission for that work of sheltering those who are in need – something which First United Chapel Mission understands is really a vital component in order to its ministry associated with refuge and creating inclusive community; and with Vancouver-Burrard Presbytery’s desire to have the security and safety of all individuals who live and work on First United Chapel Mission by making sure compliance with social authorities, many changes are happening.
Recognizing that the direction from the ministry as intended through the Presbytery is quite diverse from what they possess envisioned, and hoping for new probabilities of building an comprehensive intentional community with those people who are the most marginalized within our society, the Rev. Ric Matthews, Professional Minister; the Rev. Sandra Severs, Deputy Professional Minister; and Gillian Rhodes, Overseer of Operations; initiated conversation in regards to a separating of the actual ways. Vancouver-Burrard Presbytery upon Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011 decided to this as the constructive way forward that could best serve the actual interests and visions of concerned. Both parties identify the validity and worth from the emphases of another and anticipate nurturing supportive as well as healthy relationships. It's the Presbytery’s hope as well as prayer that Ric, Sandra and Gillian can find ways associated with living out the truth they believe must come into being on the planet.
The ministry associated with First United Church Mission will even continue, in the midst of those changes. With the actual support of B . C . Housing, the provision associated with shelter will continue to March 31, 2012. The job of advocacy and also the work of helping the Downtown Eastside neighborhood will continue.
Vancouver-Burrard Presbytery is going to be working with the actual Board, the personnel, the community in the beginning United Church Objective, and the community within the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver since the ministry of Very first United Church Objective transitions into it's next stage associated with life.