Being at the starting line of the Sun Run hasn't phased the leadership of Christ Church Cathedral at Georgia and Burrard; since 1996 the church has offered a special service at 8am for participants and their friends. But this year the service will have a different tone. "We were shocked and saddened by the bombings at this year's Boston Marathon" said Dean Peter Elliott "and we knew that people would want to mark this tragedy prior to this year's Sun Run." So the service was changed earlier this week to provide ample time for reflection and to honour those who died. "The Sun Run is a wonderful example of the community gathering peacefully" said the Reverend Alisdair Smith, Business Chaplain and Deacon at the Cathedral. "Peaceful gatherings in the city centre are wonderful signs of the diverse community that calls Vancouver home" he continued, "and we want to be part of that--to offer a time to reflect on how important peaceful gatherings are and commit ourselves to the ways of peace and good will."
This year's service will be at 8am and include a reading from Bard on the Beach's Christopher Gaze, inspiring music and a time to light candles to remember and honour those who lost their lives and remember all affected in Boston. Dean Elliott and Deacon Smith will offer reflections on peaceful gatherings. It will conclude with a blessing for runners--in good time to get to the starting line. "Each year, as I see the waves of participants run by the Cathedral I give thanks for the peace and diversity of Vancouver. This year will be even more special" Elliott says.
This year's service will be at 8am and include a reading from Bard on the Beach's Christopher Gaze, inspiring music and a time to light candles to remember and honour those who lost their lives and remember all affected in Boston. Dean Elliott and Deacon Smith will offer reflections on peaceful gatherings. It will conclude with a blessing for runners--in good time to get to the starting line. "Each year, as I see the waves of participants run by the Cathedral I give thanks for the peace and diversity of Vancouver. This year will be even more special" Elliott says.