UNCONVENTIONAL. COLLABORATIVE. RISKY.
These are some of the words used to describe the Street Outreach Initiative, at a low key but elegant luncheon, held to celebrate ten years of apostolic outreach to Vancouver’s Downtown East Side.
Twenty six past and present project participants gathered on October 5, in Kerrisdale, at the home of two of the project’s earliest supporters, in which much of the vision for the Street Outreach partnership took shape. With a garden view overlooking Southlands, the airport, and the Gulf Islands, guests talked and mingled, enjoying a perfect sunny October afternoon and the beauty of God’s Creation.
Bishop Melissa Skelton convened the guests, and the Reverend Fr. Matthew Johnson described the ‘relational’ model of street work, pursued in the parish neighbourhood of St. James' Anglican Church.
“Instead of joining in on the much needed work of providing services to people in the Downtown East Side—something which countless organizations already do very well—we have focused instead on offering pastoral care to street-involved adults, and on seeking to support them in their spiritual journey and relationship with God.”
Fr. Matthew shared some of the typically unexpected ways in which this ministry of relationship and accompaniment takes place.
“I am riding the bus, with a man I’ve encouraged to surrender to police. They want Tommy for aggravated assault. I’m there to walk him through it. As we approach the station, he is anxious. And, at the next to last stop, he bolts from the bus. There will be drama—much more drama—in the days and weeks to follow. And the story, and the relationship, do not end there . . .”
“I’ve known Julie for many years on the street. She is addicted. Never yet, has she set foot inside the Church. Yet, one morning, as we say hello, she introduces me to her friend. “I want you to meet my priest,” she says. I smile and shake hands—but inwardly, I’m blown away at her choice of words. Julie ‘gets it’. That as a representative of the faith community, I am here for her. And the story, and the relationship, do not end there . . .”
Fr. Matthew emphasized that while he may be the personality most associated with this work, the Outreach, from the start, has been an innovative, collaborative venture, involving many more key people, and organizations. The Outreach began, and has continued as a joint initiative of the Diocese, St. James' Church, private donors, family foundations, and partnering parishes. As thankyous and acknowledgements were offered, they weaved the extraordinary story of the evolution of the Outreach and the many persons, of diverse backgrounds, who participated in this work over the past decade. Former Bishop Michael Ingham was one such person in attendance.
This tenth anniversary celebration marks a time of transition for the Street Outreach too, in which funding formulas are changing, and the partnership needs to evolve. Bishop Skelton initiated an informal conversation among those in attendance, about ways in which the Outreach might be funded in future. One goal identified by the group was to increase giving to again staff the part-time position of administrative assistant, to free up Fr. Matthew for more hours on the front line.
he celebration itself was inspired by longtime supporter Pamela McElheran (St Laurence, Coquitlam) who worked with Judy Hager (St Mary’s, Kerrisdale) and Bill Siksay (Assistant to the Bishop) to draw the partners together.
Contributions to “Street Outreach Initiative” may be sent to Diocese of New Westminster, 1410 Nanton Ave, Vancouver, BC, V6H 2E2. Or through www.canadahelps.org to “Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster”, please specify “Street Outreach Initiative”.
PHOTOS
- Fr. Matthew stands in front of a table displaying the contents of the bag that he carries when he is out on the front lines
- Fr. Matthew and Bishop Skelton prepare to offer some remarks to the folks gathered at the luncheon
- The Venerable John Stephens, Bishop Michael Ingham and Robyn Woodward
- Bishop Skelton with Patti and Dave Howard
- A portion of those gathered at the anniversary listening to Fr. Johnson's address
PHOTOS - Judy Hager