The Vancouver 2010 Olympics engenders extreme reactions from those who condemn to those who unconditionally embrace.  In one of our churches I heard a children's story teller tell the assembled children that "the Olympics hurt poor people" and on the other hand I am barraged by a city that is covered with Olympic clichés about the Olympic spirit that would put Mr. Rogers in an insulin-induced coma, they are so syrupy sweet.  Both approaches are on the one hand warranted warnings and on the other hand are basically overstated, foundation -less silliness.  I want to say that many, many of our church family are engaged in pro and con Olympic activities.

There is a legitimate argument that the Olympics use money that could otherwise be directed to better concerns, such as the alleviating of poverty and the enhancing of education or even the development of small business which is the real driver of the economy.  There is also a legitimate argument that the poor have benefitted in the attention that the Olympics have brought them.

I wish to introduce you to five participants in the Olympic legacy with various positions and a variety of approaches.

The first is "More than Gold": a collaboration of churches and ministries that seek in their own way to serve the season in this city's life.  "More than Gold is mobilizing local communities for a collective effort of good works (currently there are over 36 organizations and church denominations engaged).  Only together can we see transforming power of faith, hope and love in our cities.  This unprecedented expression of church community - our moment to shine in generosity - offering radical hospitality."  http://www.morethangold.ca

Layne Daggett, the Vancouver Airport Chaplain and pastor at Ward Memorial Church in Vancouver, supervises and supports several associate chaplains and volunteers in caring for the needs of staff and travellers at Vancouver International.  Layne notes that the Olympic air traffic will account for 11% of the overall activity at the airport during the Olympics.

Thirdly, I would like to mention "Streams of Justice" which has a strong, sincere and legitimate concern that the Games are diverting legitimate money from those in need.  "Streams of Justice" is a Christian social justice organization that believes in "the relentless struggle for social justice, the unwavering affirmation of human dignity, and the joyful stance of compassionate solidarity".

www.streamsofjustice.org

 Fourth: Charis Weathers will be in Whistler as one of the 27 Christian chaplains volunteering in the various Multi-Faith Centres which are open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Feb. 4-28.  Each facility which is shared between Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews and Hindus has space for services, prayer, meditation, and counselling.  Athletes and Officials are welcome to attend any of the scheduled services, to drop by for prayer or counselling, or to invite a chaplain to read Scripture with them or accompany them to their athletic event.

Lastly, I would like to commend Michelle Miller and the work of REED, (Resist Exploitation, Embrace Dignity).  Michelle is part of Grandview Calvary Baptist in Vancouver.  "Buying Sex is Not a Sport, is a grassroots campaign to raise awareness and effect change around sex trafficking and the 2010 Olympic Games.  This campaign will spread the message broadly through community-based public forums, posting campaigns, t-shirts, buttons and your creative ideas."

 www.embracedignity.org

Warmly

In Christ,

Jeremy

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Each year the CBWC family of churches gathers together all those who have been set aside by their churches for ordination.  ORDINATION IS A LOCAL CHURCH RESPONSIBILITY, HOWEVER regional church clusters and denominational groups participate in the educating, providing of resources, framing and discernment process.

This year's gathering of "ordinands" (those who are candidates for ministry) also include those whose ordination is being recognized from other churches.  Those churches can include but are not limited to Baptist World Alliance denominations, Salvation Army, Alliance, Evangelical Free and some forms of Mennonite.

The time together has at its core an opportunity for those present to share and get feedback on their ordination paper prepared for presentation at this year's ordination examining council.  That council will be held at the British Columbia Assembly/CBWC Gathering (June 30- July 4) in Vancouver. 

The second part of the mini semester is providing resources through various speakers.  This year's speakers included:

            Paddy Ducklow                Pastoral Care and Boundaries

            Jonathan Wilson               Theological Reflection: Discussion of Contemporary Theological Issues

            Axel Schoeber                 The Meaning of Ordination

            John Prociuk                   Clergy Care

            Jeremy Bell                     Introduction to the Denomination

Brian Stelck chairs, mentors and cares for those in the process for which we are all extremely thankful.

The mini semester participants this year are:

Aaron Nhlazane, Roseau River Baptist Church, Roseau River, Manitoba

Allan Tam, Grace Community Baptist Church, Vancouver, B.C.

Clark Taylor, First Baptist Church, Penticton, B.C.

Dan Rutherford, Gateway Baptist Church, Victoria, B.C.

Darrell Johnson, First Baptist Church, Vancouver, B.C.

David Nacho, Grandview Calvary Baptist Church, Vancouver, B.C., in conjunction with CBM

Doug McLellan, White Rock Baptist Church, White Rock, B.C.

Jeremy Keay, First Baptist Church, Edmonton, Alberta

Jim Walton, Burnaby North Baptist Church, Burnaby, B.C.

Joy Banks, Grandview Calvary Baptist Church, Vancouver, B.C.

Mark Rajan, Grace Community Baptist Church, Vancouver, B.C.

Mary Widmer, Southwest Community Baptist Church, Kamloops, B.C.

Peter Elias, First Baptist Church, Thompson, Manitoba

Shaun Jessop, Gateway Baptist Church, Victoria, B.C.

Tim Coleman, First Baptist Church, Kitimat, B.C.

Travis Stewart, Peninsula Mission, Sidney. B. C.

Wally Pohlmann, Peace Community Church, Taylor, B.C.

Warmly

In Christ,

Jeremy

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