faith
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May 16, 2025 – The Comfort of Coffee, Tears of Hope, and the Spirit’s Touch: A Richmond Bible Study
Yesterday morning held a deeply meaningful encounter in a local Richmond, British Columbia coffee shop. It wasn’t a routine meeting, but a scheduled time to offer spiritual support, Christian fellowship, and the grounding of Bible study specifically to a mother from our community as she bravely shared her trauma and challenging history. Joining me was Continue reading
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May 10, 2025 – Remembering Trey Helten (Ashtrey): A Life That Held Us Together
Today, I stood among many at 159 East Hastings, in the heart of the Downtown Eastside, to remember and honour Trey Helten, also known as Ashtrey. We gathered in the Balmoral parking lot, a space that has witnessed both hardship and healing, much like the man we came to celebrate. The crowd was large. People Continue reading
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May 8, 2025 – “Have You Seen My Son?”: A Parent’s Love Through the Years
In 1994, a young man battling addiction left Toronto and came to Vancouver in search of drugs. Since then, his parents have not seen or heard from him. Thirty years have passed. Thirty years of silence, uncertainty, and wondering. They have lived each day with questions in their hearts. Is he still alive? Is he Continue reading
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May 5, 2025 – Walking in Love, Learning in Grace: A Midway Reflection on Anglican Theology and LGBTQ+ Inclusion
We are now halfway through our Walking in Love course. It has been a small and intimate journey of learning, listening, and reflection. While only a few of us gather each week, the conversations have been thoughtful, personal, and deeply meaningful. This course explores Anglican theology in relation to LGBTQ+ inclusion. We began by revisiting Continue reading
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April 24, 2025 – An Afternoon in the DTES: Beyond Headlines, Embracing Humanity
This afternoon, I had the profound experience of sharing a glimpse into Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) with a journalist seeking to understand the complex realities of homelessness and addiction. Often portrayed through a lens of fear and despair, the DTES revealed a different narrative as we walked the streets of Hastings – one woven with Continue reading
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April 23, 2025 – The Sacred Trust: Serving as a Listening Presence in Richmond
As a priest serving our community here in Richmond, I am often granted the profound privilege of bearing witness to the raw and vulnerable stories of individuals and families. Today’s encounter at the Chinese cafe, sharing fragrant oolong tea while listening to a mother’s heart alongside another Christian, was yet another reminder of this sacred Continue reading
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April 10, 2025 – Glimmers of Hope in the Heart of Richmond: Reflecting on a Powerful Gathering
Last night, something truly special unfolded within the 360 Community. Our gathering, themed “Rebuilding from the Streets: Dustin Pirillo’s Journey of Hope,” wasn’t just an event; it was a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the transformative power of personal stories, and the deep yearning for connection and hope within our community. Continue reading
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March 9, 2025 – A Heartfelt Friday at St. Alban’s Lunch Program
The Friday lunch program at St. Alban’s is a place where simple acts of kindness and faith can make a profound difference. This past Friday, I experienced that firsthand. I noticed a person, whom I’ll call L, looking a bit troubled. L approached me hesitantly and asked if I would be willing to pray with Continue reading
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March 6, 2025 – Beyond the Hymns: A Sunday Shift in Perspective
Sunday mornings are often a time for reflection, renewal, and connection. This past Sunday, however, something shifted in my understanding of what those moments truly mean. It wasn’t just another service; it was a powerful reminder that worship isn’t an end in itself, but a launchpad for action. The service, as always, was filled with Continue reading
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March 2, 2025,- “Welcome to Anglican Church”: Holding Space in the Midst of Contempt
Serving at St. Alban’s Friday Lunch program is always a humbling experience. It’s a chance to connect with our community, to offer a warm meal, and to share a moment of human connection. But sometimes, those moments are tinged with something other than warmth. Several days ago, a gentleman approached me with a familiar mix Continue reading