The official launch for a new book, Being the Church in Abbotsford, will take place at the House of James from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 29. Dignitaries will speak and receive courtesy copies at 10:00 o’clock.
Invitations have been extended to Mayor Bruce Banman, UFV President Mark Evered, and the Hon. Ed Fast. All who buy a book during the launch event will receive free coffee or tea in the bookstore’s delightful coffee shop.
Being the Church in Abbotsford was produced by a group of Abbotsford academics and church leaders. The 128-page volume, with its attractive cover photo of Abbotsford and Mt. Baker, sells for $10. The book consists of 12 chapters: “Inter-Church Cooperation “ by Hans Kouwenberg; “Spiritual Care in the Hospitals” by Hans Kouwenberg; “How the Churches Show Love to the City” by Jim Burkinshaw; “Two Solitudes: Public and Private Education” by John Sutherland; “Christians in a World of Many Faiths” by John Sutherland; “Faith and Education” by Ron Dart; “A New Generation of Business Leaders” by John Sutherland; “Reformed Churches in Abbotsford” by Fran Vanderpol and others; “Faith and Politics” by Ron Dart; “Christians in the Arts in Abbotsford” by Ray Harris; and “The Mennonite Contribution to Abbotsford” by John H. Redekop. In Chapter 12, David Giesbrecht provides data on the 108 churches in Abbotsford.
Abbotsford is known as a city of churches. This new book explains why there is considerable validity in that title.
The House of James (www.houseofjames.com, 604-852-3701) is located at 2743 Emerson Street in Abbotsford. Being the Church in Abbotsford was published by a local company, Mill Lake Books.