Restoration and Connection at potlucks and fancy hotels

Here’s a round up of some goings on in the CBWC last month. Majd AlAjji, our Refugee Sponsorship Coordinator, organized a potluck for refugee families and sponsors in Burnaby, B.C. Earlier in the month, CBWC hosted our annual Banff Pastors’ Conference. 

Refugee Sponsorship Potluck

“I wanted to gather sponsors and sponsored families so they get to know each other,” Majd said. “To build community in the Vancouver area, and help newcomers connect with others that are going through the same struggles and successes.”

The potluck had no formal agenda other than to share food and form friendships. Sponsors were able to connect and exchange expertise and best practices, and refugee families met new friends.

Building community is a core part of refugee sponsorship, and this potluck is just one way that’s happening among CBWC sponsors and the families who have come.

Banff Pastors Conference

Mid-November, pastors joined together for a few days of restoration, refreshing and connection in Banff. Here’s a short slideshow of our time:

(Link not working? Watch on YouTube by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARbP3baRY8Q)

Ever wonder why CBWC hosts our pastors at such an opulent place? It’s not exactly a standard Baptist habitat. Turns out there’s a totally frugal reason that still gives our pastors a much deserved chance to let stress evaporate off them in the hot springs – and, of course, in the conference.

Decades ago the Banff Springs Hotel used to shut down over the shoulder seasons. It was awkward to deal with staff over that time, and hotel operators were looking for a cost effective way to keep operating. A CBWC staffer pitched the idea that for a (significantly) reduced rate, our little conference could provide a base level occupancy, so the hotel wouldn’t need to fill so many rooms to break even. Clearly they liked the idea, and the two organizations worked out a deal that’s been in place ever since (with a couple of negotiated renewals). Trust it to a Baptist to find a way to make the Fairmont more affordable than the 3-star down the street.

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