St. Andrew’s Hall staff, along with other Presbyterians in the Vancouver area, took part in the Winter Olympics — whether as official “blue-jacket” volunteers or as Christians rallying together in interdenominational outreach. Rev. Glen Davis, Presbyterian director of denominational formation, was a volunteer driver. While driving Olympic ice dance gold medalists Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue along East Hastings Street, Moir commented that this was “a different part of Vancouver,” giving Davis an opportunity to discuss the inner-city with them.
“Many think hospitality is just what we do for others, but it has a profound effect on ourselves as well,” said Davis. “Real hospitality extends welcome, shelter and care to all, no matter their race, status, class or financial situation.”
Rev. Chuck Congram came to B.C. from Windsor, Ont., for the experience of being an RCMP chaplain. His role was “to provide care, support and encouragement to police personnel and be available for crisis intervention.”
Richmond and Chinese Presby-terian churches joined with Christians from other denominations to participate in the More Than Gold outreach ministry located near the O-Zone Community Olympic Venue.
When we “receive guests as Christ,” as Saint Benedict described hospitality, then we are becoming ever more Christ-like. — Kathleen Bolton is communications coordinator for the Elder’s Institute at St. Andrew’s Hall, Vancouver.
