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Christina Ray: working for Aldergrove community

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Christina Ray is the newly hired outreach worker at St. Dunstan’s Anglican Church in Aldergrove.

Christina Ray is the newly hired outreach worker at St. Dunstan’s Anglican Church in Aldergrove.

While she is a student at UBC’s theological school and working toward her ordination as a minister, her role at St. Dunstan’s will not be evangelical but rather to work in the community, building wholesome activities and strengthening links with residents and other like-minded organizations.

“We would like to partner with other groups on projects, such as perhaps Aldergrove Neighbourhood Services and Building 272 and the Aldergrove Business Association, and their work with youth in the community,” says Christina.

“We are trying things, because we’re open to the reality of how the culture is right now.”

Christina had been working as a community organizer, teacher and in elder care, but the ministry “bug bit me” and she attends UBC part of the week to attain her degree.  She will be working two days a week for St. Dunstan’s — Thursdays and Fridays — as well as participating in their special services such as the monthly pizza and games night, the monthly “Messy Church” night (held every third Friday evening) and special events such as the recent “Elvis” night and the upcoming April 7 production of “The Story of Faust.” While there is usually a fee for the special events, the cost is kept reasonable. For example, Glen Williamson’s adaptation of Faust is quality and accessible drama for the $25 admission.

“We want to create more church services for children too, where the rituals are simpler and they participate in writing plays and creating the services.”

As a 20-year member of Aldergrove’s Fraser Farm Co-op, Christina is also interested in the proposed Township community garden at Aldergrove Athletic Park.

“Once we determine whether the needs exists, the church may also provide space for a harvest garden where we could grow food together and offer to those in need,” says Christina.

“We also have a large, well-equipped community kitchen and a large hall that could be used for a farmer’s market, and for food preparation for the public.

“The church is not just for us in the congregation, it’s for the community.”

Christina can be reached at the church, phone 604-856-5371 and leave a message.