There has oft been talk of lofty ideals, communal livings, houses for many, a community of like minded idealists who were willing to suffer through the reality of their naivete, but not in my history has there been such an opportunity as this.
St. John's, our newest daughter mission, has the MOST AMAZING building. I don't think anything better could have been given as a mission parish site. It needs a bit of work, but that is even better, it gives us all something to help with, a sense of immediate purpose, and its just such a cool space. Upstairs has about 6 rooms I think, and the middle floor has a bunch, and there is even a top floor with two rooms. the basement is full of boxes of weird but loveable old catholic gear, organs and shuffleboards, throne-like couches from which to sing praises, latin books of all sorts and myriad other wonderful things to discover.
the kitchen has a gas stove, the dining room has beautiful acoustics, there are front and back porches, and OH MAN the GARDEN POTENTIAL! its ridiculous. seriously, there could be enough veggies to feed a bunch of people. well, it used to be a convent, so it makes sense. anyways, the yard is huge too. Sure, there are structural problem, the roof leaks in places, a handrail is loose, and who knows what else.
The fact remains, that God has blessed this community in a way that is so glaringly obvious.
Not to mention that it is SO close to commercial drive, such a cool community to live near. Organic veggies, patchouli oil, italian coffee shops, memphis ribs (sniff),
anyways. We have to be thankful to God for this gift, and when people ask about orthodoxy in Vancouver, it won't be too far off that there is another thriving english community, replete with the coolest in house atmosphere ever. After vespers last week we sat down, talked some good church talk and enjoyed a nice ale in the dining room with some candles and guitar. It really will take on its own atmosphere quickly and comfortably, in large part thanks to a beautiful creaky old building.
God grant you many years St. John's!
4 comments:
goodness flowing.
I'm so happy for the new mission.
what a blessing for the vancouverites in our midst.
I want to move in.
when me and hannah had a sleep over at emma's we walked over there
it truly is an amazing building, its so big and old, fun passageways, and lots and lots of rooms and a super mungo gigantuour yard, oh if only if only st.hermans could be there. i like the building at st.john of shangais better!!!
so what I hear you saying is that you don't need any more couches...
thanks for the photo and the description
I would really LOVE it if someone would post some PHOTOS of the first Liturgy...
Rhiannon?
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