First United’s Redevelopment: LVUC’s Support of the First Forward Campaign

Lynn Valley United Church has enjoyed a long and fulfilling relationship with First United. We have supported the ministry and mission of their work on the Downtown Eastside financially and through serving in a variety of programs over the years. At last Sunday's service on April 7, Cari Copeman-Haynes and Amanda Burrows shared with us the current status of the First Forward Capital Campaign. Cari and Amanda focussed on the mission goals of the building project, including a focus on reconciliation. Within the service, it was suggested that Lynn Valley United Church is in the process of discerning a direction of how we might support First United in this project.

We felt some clarification around this might be helpful. Some will be aware that two years ago, the Social Justice Team brought forth a proposal of support, but it was felt at that time that there was not enough clarity to move forward. The Social Justice Team has brought the tabled proposal back to the Trustees and Board and we are revisiting it with more information and clarity of process.

The Board and Trustees have reviewed the proposal of a donation from our Legacy Funds. The donation would amount to 1% of those funds at December 31, 2023 (or $44,670). In light of recent returns and the increased value of the funds, the Trustees determined that making such a donation at this time would not jeopardize the future sustainability of our investments or the viability of our congregation. The Trustees reported this to the Board, who will recommend at the June 23, 2024 AGM that the previous motion be taken up from the table.

The motion from May 2022 reads as follows: The Social Justice and Outreach Team put forth a motion that 1% of the Legacy Fund be used to fund a donation from Lynn Valley United Church to the First United Capital Campaign.

If taking this motion from the table is approved at the AGM in June, the issue can be discussed again and a decision made to proceed with a donation to the First Forward Capital Campaign (or not).

Part of the rationale for this donation is that the Legacy Funds that resulted from the redevelopment of LVUC and building the adjacent condominiums were not shared with the wider church community, as often happens when church property is sold or redeveloped. The Social Justice Team also views this as one small step towards reconciliation with the original indigenous peoples of this area.

If there are additional questions related to this topic, please feel free to ask any member of the Social Justice Team or the Trustees.

Sincerely,

Roger Eastwood – Chair, Trustees