The Strathcona outreach is a new church plant in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. We are a diverse community of people that re- flects the reality of what it will be when the King returns and people from every tongue, tribe and nation, every age, class and gender will be gathered around the throne of God in worship.

While many people are familiar with the notorious Downtown Eastside, the hidden popu- lation here takes on two shapes. First, are children who are caught in generational poverty. Secondly, new immigrant families who are of- ten placed in the abundant social housing that is concentrated in this neighbourhood. These groups often remain isolated and in need of relational connections. So far our church has taken on the shape of our neighbourhood, comprised of First Nations families, recent immigrants, and Canadians from a variety of socio/economic backgrounds.

We started meeting together for worship on Good Friday, April 2009, and met through the spring and summer outside in a green space in the neighbourhood. We appreciated the ways that this made us accessible to our neighbours who could stop by and check us out without having to commit to entering a building. Some have joined us simply by stopping by, drawn in by the music, or curious as to who this strange mix of many faces.

Now that the winter rains have come to Vancouver we are meeting in a community center but miss meeting outside. A contribution to this project will help us to secure appropriate space for the winter months and find an option for rainy Sundays in the warmer weather as well as to help us with the start up expenses, resources and equipment. Our desire is for our space to be accessible to those who might not enter a church building. Thank you for your partnership with us in this new work.