Ann showing one of three panels depicting Sacred symbols drawn by community members
The Sanctuary has undergone radical changes. Symbols of a gathered community have been removed. The pulpit, choir loft and pews have been replaced by bunkbeds. A development which has given us the opportunity to think about the meaning of church and the ways in which this community meets to celebrate its life.
The First United Church community gathers most frequently over a meal – three times a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It is over a meal that stories are shared, relationships are built and bodies are nourished. Recognizing the importance of eating and being together, and recognizing the need to name that as the activity that binds us, our Wednesday night Celebration of Life provides a time of reflection which allows us an opportunity to give thanks together for the gift of life and to think about our lives in relation to the Sacred. Because a variety of different faith traditions gather in that space at that time, we have made our language inclusive so that everyone might find themselves welcomed.
More recently we have been in conversation about the importance of traditional and non-traditional symbols of faith and how we might make those symbols visible in our gathering place. Rev. Ric Matthews explains, “While this place accommodates up to 300 people every night it also remains a Church – one that includes significant contributions from people of other faith traditions. It makes sense to try to find new ways to reflect a common spirituality across our different faith perspectives.”
Bernie Williams, master carver who together with fourteen other carvers prepared the totem pole
Recently we were honoured to raise a totem pole carved by Bernie Williams of the Haida Gwaii nation and fourteen other carvers. The traditional Haida pole was carried into the Hall by community members and unveiled by the elders and chiefs of the Coast Salish territory and Haida Gwaii nation and clergy from First United. It is flanked by banners painted by our artist Ann and community members who offer symbols of their own faith to the space.
Plans are also being developed for a small prayer chapel which will remain open to the community during the day and evening hours and will provide quiet space for individuals of any faith tradition to use.
First United Church
First United Church has been proudly serving the Downtown Eastside neighbourhood for 125 years.
