It is my desire for Christians and the P.A.O.C. in particular (of which Urban Bridge is part), to increasingly be a redemptive part of the fabric of Canadian society. To do so it is essential to go to a people group rather than asking them to come to us. To go with the intent of being Christ in their context and to go with the goal of assisting Christ’s Spirit, The Holy Spirit to permeate and redeem their culture and their lives into the image Christ has of them.

To reach a people outside the church I believe we need to reframe our understanding of  “do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2 NLT). Rather than separating ourselves because we disagree, we, like Christ need to accept the lost as they are, weaving ourselves into the fabric of society even though we may have fundamental disagreement over values or lifestyles, thereby allowing the Holy Spirit to redeem from the inside out. Some say this is a slippery slope. It is true, but this is also where the lost have fallen.

When Christ was  about 30 he entered another phase of his experience on earth and one of his first public statements is a quote about him  from an old Testament prophet.

The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He unrolled it and found the right place. There it is written,

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me.

He has anointed me to tell the good news to poor people.

He has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners.

He has sent me so that the blind will see again.

He wants me to free those who are beaten down.

And he has sent me to announce the year when he will set his people free.”

Then Jesus rolled up the scroll. He gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were staring at him.

He began by saying to them, “Today this passage of Scripture is coming true as you listen.” Luke 4:17-21 New International Reader’s Version

The good news Christ speaks of touches every part of society It is good news for those who are literally blind and those who are spiritually blind. It is good news for those who are poor more than financially but also poor emotionally or physically. The good news is for all of who are beaten down regardless of social standing or acceptance. These words, Christ’s words, continue to inform and form the community of  Urban Bridge Church.

Jean Vanier founder of L’arche wrote:

I can imagine with what tenderness

Jesus touches the feet of his disciples,

looks into their eyes,

calls each one by name and says a special word to each one.

When he speaks at the meal, he speaks to them all;

he does not have a personal contact with each one individually.

But as he kneels humbly before each one and washes their feet,

he has a personal contact with each one.

He reveals to each one his love,

which is both comforting and challenging.

He sees in each one a presence of his Father,

whom he loves and serves.

The love of Jesus reveals that we are important,

that we are a presence of God

and are called to stand up and do the work of God:

to love others as God loves them,

to serve others and wash their feet.

Jean Vanier – Drawn into the Mystery of Jesus through the Gospel of John – Novalis – 2004 pages 232 – 233.

We who follow Christ, take Christ’s responsibility as our own.

For the past 2 years Urban Bridge Church has taken one Sunday away from our regular service to participate in something we care a great deal about: The AIDS Walk for Life.

This year Urban Bridge Church will once again be sponsoring the event as a community, but we wanted to go above that and participate in raising funds as individuals from Urban Bridge Church.

If you are interested in joining the Urban Bridge Church team (there is still time) in raising individual pledges, or you would like to sponsor our team, please click here

There are also plenty of opportunities to volunteer for the event, and if you would like to do so please contact Pascal at pascalbelzile@gmail.com

Even if you can’t volunteer or sponsor us, please join us in the Walk for Life on September 20, 2009 at 11am. The 5km event begins at Churchill Square.

As World AIDS Day approaches on December 1, Urban Bridge would like to take part again this year, and show our support for those remembering lost loved ones.

Here is the information from HIV Edmonton’s invite;

Annual AIDS Memorial and Vigil
A non-denominational evening ceremony dedicated to remembering those we have lost to HIV/AIDS, followed by a candlelight walk.

This event is open to The general public.

Citadel Theatre
9828 – 101a Avenue nw. | Room TBA.

Please RSVP to Sue Ann Paydli:
sue-ann.p [at] hivedmonton.com
or call: 780-488-5742 | ext. 221

Download the Vigil Invite

visit HIVEdmonton.com for more information