Friday Night at The Urban Forum
Real quick post. Dismal wireless service where I am.
This morning I was riveted by Glen Smith’s (Montreal) observation: that in Canadian cities he sees an alarming increase of people who are alone, especially among the poor. Glen cited statistics, etc. Later in the presentation amidst discussion it began to emerge that perhaps in urban places, at least in Canada but I suspect in the USA, people are increasingly struggling at the same time with isolation and lack of solitude. On the surface it doesn’t make sense, but paradoxically it just might be. A growing number of people in cities have fewer and fewer personal contacts while experiencing less privacy. So, does this pose an opportunity for God’s people to serve?
Tonight, Jonathan Bird of Vancouver BC and others talked of charitable food practices; that soup kitchens and food pantries are not helping and actually doing more harm. Instead? The creation of secure food systems such as has become a matter of public policy in Vancouver. This means for instance creation of community gardens and consideration of nutritional value rather than what can be gleaned from donated foods. There was some heat to the discussion tonight, especially in an exchange over food pantries versus community gardens.
The evening ended with a Martyn Joseph song. I’m so terrible with lyrics and titles. But a beautiful performance by the Gateway Band with dramatic use of lighting in the Harbour Light chapel. BTW, the chapel is a wonderfully wood lined room. Very modern, clean lines, lovely.
