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For 125 years, First United Church Mission has had many ways of being an active part of the neighbourhood of the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, working to both serve and serve with the community. Relationships have been built. Ideas have been tried. Vision and possibility have been offered through a variety of voices.

Vancouver-Burrard Presbytery and the ministry staff at First United Church Mission have come to recognize that we hold very different understandings of how “Gospel Community” is best lived out. With changes in funding available to First United Church Mission for the work of sheltering people who are in need – something that First United Church Mission understands is a vital component to its ministry of refuge and building inclusive community; and with Vancouver-Burrard Presbytery’s desire for the safety and security of all people who live and work at First United Church Mission by ensuring compliance with civic authorities, many changes are taking place.

Recognizing that the direction of the ministry as intended by the Presbytery is quite different than what they have envisioned, and hoping for new possibilities of building an inclusive intentional community with those who are the most marginalized in our society, the Rev. Ric Matthews, Executive Minister; the Rev. Sandra Severs, Deputy Executive Minister; and Gillian Rhodes, Director of Operations; initiated conversation about a separating of the ways. Vancouver-Burrard Presbytery on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011 agreed to this as a constructive way forward that would best serve the interests and visions of all concerned. Both parties recognize the validity and worth of the emphases of the other and look forward to nurturing supportive and healthy relationships. It is the Presbytery’s hope and prayer that Ric, Sandra and Gillian will be able to find ways of living out the reality they believe needs to come into being in the world.

The ministry of First United Church Mission will also continue, in the midst of these changes. With the support of BC Housing, the provision of shelter will continue through to March 31, 2012. The work of advocacy and the work of serving the Downtown Eastside community will continue.

Vancouver-Burrard Presbytery will be working with the Board, the staff, the community at First United Church Mission, and the community in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver as the ministry of First United Church Mission transitions into its next stage of life.