Seek justice...
Love kindness...
Walk humbly...
The Social Justice Team (SJT) of Lynn Valley United Church is a group of people who are passionate about advocacy, action and consideration for people who find themselves challenged by daily life- the ones who often have no voice to even ask for help.They raise awareness of social injustices locally, nationally and globally with the tenet that we are ALL God’s people. They are compassionate and have a passion for this work.
The team seeks ways to support the local community, national and international initiatives, sharing stories about their work as a means of inspiration, advocacy, and education.
At present, the Team is focussing on work in three key priority areas:
Reconciliation: This group takes seriously the 94 Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report on the experience of indigenous peoples with the Residential Schools. We develop educational programs and conduct cultural immersion experiences to foster new understanding of contemporary colonialism and its ongoing systemic oppression of indigenous people. LVUC has partnered with other churches in Vancouver to participate in a variety of functions. We work with Reconciliation Matters (which is affiliated with St. Andrew’s Wesley). We have developed some ties with the Squamish and Teleil-Waututh Nations and have visited the Squamish Shaker Church and have had their Spiritual Leader conduct a sermon at LVUC.
Global Awareness: LVUC has a special relationship with the elementary school in Chwitiziribal, Guatemala, having visited there in March 2018 and fundraised for the re-building of the school with three other churches. This congregational tour led to ongoing programs of support with individual members of the congregation sponsoring scholarships, with the local community funding a daily lunch program. The team and the congregation worked diligently prior to and during the 2018 trip to visit Guatemala to learn about the injustices endured over the decades. Additional trips are being planned.
Local Needs: This group also heeds the call where local need arises. Our primary partner is First United Community Mission Society in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, for which we have fundraised through activities such as Coldest Night of the Year as well as providing gifts in kind such as sock drives
Current Team
The team currently consists of Rev. Karen Millard, Ray Boucher, Joe Catlin (Chair), Marion Kirk, David MacLean, Victoria Mah, and Jeanne Vallance. Do you have a passion to "be the change you want to see in the world?" If so, you are welcome to join us. Just contact one of the team members or the church office and indicate your desire to join.
Activites and events supported by the Social Justice Team:
- Guatemala pilgrimage
- Coldest Night of the Year
- PIE Day
- Moose Hide Campaign
- Squamish Nation Youth Pow Wow
- Stalew Pow Wow - Four people from LVUC attended
- Nchemus Day at Presentation House Theater
- Blanket Exercise
- Drum Making
- Cleansing Ceremony
- Movie Nights
- Shaker chruch visits
- Pride Week activities
- National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day)
- Art
Events and activities will be announced as they are envisioned by our team and we decide on what activities we will be holding.
