Social Justice

St. Andrew’s-Wesley has a long history of supporting refugees, working towards reconciliation, and taking action to address inequalities in our community. We don’t have to look far into the histories of Christian organizations across Canada to find opportunities for listening, learning, acknowledgement, and growth. Our current priorities are Reconciliation, Refugees, and Climate Change. For us, social justice is not just a value, it is a verb. It’s through the voices of our community that we hear the passionate calls to justice, so let’s talk.

Refugee Sponsorship Team

For over 10 years St. Andrew’s-Wesley has sponsored and accompanied over 17 refugees building a new life in Canada. Join our team to provide support and friendship by fundraising and connecting refugees with services. We welcome LGBT2Q+ members of our congregation to volunteer their time to help queer refugees and support their transition into a more inclusive, open society. Contact Rev Rhian to find out more!

Missing and Murdered Indigneous Women’s Walk

Join the community and show solidarity with the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre by honouring the lives of Indigenous women lost to violence. Every year we participate in the Women’s Memorial March on February 14 and commit ourselves to raising $1000 for the event. This donation provides blankets for the families who have lost daughters, sisters, mothers, aunts, and grandmothers. Contact Rev Rhian to get involved.

First United Food Truck Team

First United Mission is a shelter, community service provider, and community hub for street-involved folks in the Downtown Eastside (DTES). Serving nourishing meals is one important part of their work and we are always looking for team leaders and food truck volunteers to serve a meal once a month in the DTES. Contact Rev Rhian for more info. 

Indigenous Tours

Each year we take a tour that expands our understanding of Indigenous culture, history, practices, and art.  Committing to learning from indigenous knowledge keepers is just one way settlers can decolonize their perspectives. Each year we work with partners to engage in a tour that expands our understanding of Indigenous culture, history, practices, and art. Contact Rev Rhian for more info.  Next tour runs Saturday, Sep 23 at 2pm, sign up here!

Honouring the Children Reconciliation wall

This is an ongoing reconciliation project led by Reconciliation Matters. It acknowledges the United Church’s role in residential schools and includes a house post honouring the children who didn’t return home. Connect with us to learn more about this project as we enter the next phase. Contact Rev Rhian for more info. 

Climate Change

Our Climate Change Ministry is about changing behaviour and hearts. We run monthly educational events on Sundays, a contemplative action group called Holy Nature, and are looking for volunteers to work on campaigns and a climate audit of our church. To find out more, email Rev Rhian.