And God said “No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations.”
Genesis 17:5
There are many examples of people changing their name in the bible. Usually a new name signifies an important and positive change. This month as the combined Session of both churches began plans for the official amalgamation celebration of Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church with West Point Grey Presbyterian Church we openly wondered;
“Is this the time to change our name?”
It is a good question with no obvious answer, at least for the time being.
Clearly, the vision for our amalgamated congregation includes new and positive changes: We have made decisions about our new identity; to be intentionally missional, strongly relational and imperfectly spiritual. However, in many ways the combined congregation is already establishing itself under the banner of KPC and there may be good reason not to change. Either way, now is a good time to consider the possibilities and your input is really important.
The next few months are an opportunity for each of us to weigh in with ideas and opinions. We may decide send out a congregational survey to formally solicit your input later in the summer. For now, please start thinking about the possibilities. Here are a few ideas to get you going:
- A name change would bring excitement and unity to the new congregation. Are you excited about this possibility?
- A new name could be disorienting and disruptive for some, both in our church and even in the surrounding community. Do you have concerns about changing our name?
- A new name can be a signal of significant transformation in our church’s identity and its approach to ministry. Names can connect us with our history, our geographical location, and even what we we hope for. What is important to you about our Church’s name?
- A new name will be lot’s of work; it will take time and intentional effort. The benefits may outweigh the disadvantages but we should still count the cost. Can you think of a benefit or cost that has not yet been mentioned?
Please commit some time to think and pray about our name. Check in with your thoughts and feelings about the possibilities of change. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you guidance and trust that God will help us collectively come to a decision.
Your questions and opinions are important, so please share your thoughts with me or one of the leaders in our joint Session: Susan Stacey, Phyllis McLean, Helen Anderson, Krishna Durbha, Joan Porter, Karin Turado, Glen Davis, or Kelly Patrick. You could also send an email to our Church Secretary KPC@telus.net and Droma will pass your message onto us.
We appreciate your participation.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Richard
PS - Our hope is to come to a consensus in the near future. If a new name is emerging we will call a congregational meeting to formally decide. This could happen early this fall, well before the Presbytery service on November 30th that will celebrate and formalize the amalgamation.
Join us at KPC for Weekly Worship
Theme: Sermon Series 1 & 2 Samuel
"And all ate and were filled...” Mark 6:42a
Gathering Music
Welcome and Announcements
Hymn #376 Lord the light of your love is shining
Call to worship
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Prayer of Adoration and Confession & Assurance of Pardon
Hymn #366 Jesus, thou joy of loving hearts (verses 1,3, 4 &5)
Children’s Time
Scripture: 1 Samuel 21:1-6; Mark 6:30-44
Sermon “God’s Bread of Compassion”
Offering with # 830 Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Invitation to the Lord’s Table
Hymn #548 Let us Break bread together
Celebration of Holy Communion
Hymn #742 Lead on, O King eternal
Blessing and Benediction
Sung Response - #424 Sing, praise and bless the Lord
Sending Music
- Alpha for Youth Continues Wednesdays, 5-6:30 pm
- Course on Christian Living Wednesdays 7 pm
- Games, Giggles and Gab Thursday, July 12, 2-3:30 pm
- KPC Vacation Bible School - July 29 - Aug 2 & Aug 6-9
KPC No-Commitment Summer Choir - July 14–August 18
(6 weeks)
You are invited to join the summer choir for one week, or all six weeks! Come early each Sunday 9:20 a.m. to learn and sing simple songs.
All are welcome.
Please contact Chang Hwa Kim, music director, kim6191@telus.net if you have any questions.
G - 3 (Games, Giggles and Gab) will be at Crofton Manor on Thursday, July 12 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm.Join us for a fun time. For more information contact Marg or Bill Buschman through the church office Phone at 604-261-1434 or email kpc@telus.net.
Alpha for Youth (ages 13 to 17) is now two weeks in. Drop ins are welcome and it's still not too late to register Here!
For more information about Alpha go to https://alphacanada.org/ or our website calendar. We are also looking for volunteers to help prepare meals. If you are interested in helping out please send an email to Jaebok Gu jerutong@gmail.com
KPC - Summer Bible School CampThis year children aged 5 to 13 are invited to join us for two separate summer camp adventure weeks. Each camp day begins at 9 am and wraps up at 4 pm. The children will be well supervised by staff and volunteers.
Generally, the flow of each day is something like this:
• Drop off - between 8:45 and 9 am
• Opening Gathering 9 am
• 9:30 Crafts and games time to get to know each other
• 10:30 Break with a snack
• 10:45 - 11:45 Teaching time
• Lunch (children to bring their own bagged lunch)
• 12:30 - 1:30 Applying the morning lession.
• Trip to the park for some outdoor time, or crafts with a guest volunteer leader
• 3:00 return to the Hall for snack time singing and closing story.
• 3:30 to 4 pm Day wrap up and parent pick up.
Register in person at KPC offices or online
• Cost - $ 50 per family.
Location KPC Hall - 2733 west 41st ave,
Phone: 604.261.1434. Email: kpc@telus.netRegister and reserve a spot for your child here
From July to August 2024, the City of Vancouver is scheduled to carry out re-paving along Mackenzie St from 28th to 41st Avenue to improve safety and accessibility for all road and transit users. The work will begin the week of July 8, 2024, weather permitting.
What to expect during construction
Anticipated work hours
7 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday
7 am to 3 pm on weekends if needed.
