Church address:
5350 Baillie Street
Vancouver, BC
(on 37th Ave between Cambie and Oak)
Church office address:
2325 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC V6J 3J2
604.558.4400
St John's Vancouver Anglican Church is a community of Christians dedicated to the exposition and teaching of the Word of God, to the spreading of the good news of the Gospel at home and abroad, and to the application of God's purpose in our own lives and families.
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Transition FAQ
Q1. Where is the new location?
We plan to relocate temporarily to Oakridge Seventh Day Adventist Church, at 5350 Baillie Street, close to Cambie and 37th Ave. Their website is:
www.oakridgeadventist.ca
Q2. Who is OAC?
Oakridge Adventist Church are our fellow companions in the Gospel who have graciously agreed to share the hospitality of Christ with us by allowing us to share their facility. While there are some theological distinctions between OAC and SJV, the things that unite us are far greater and we are very grateful to them for their generosity.
Q3. When do we plan to move?
The last Sunday service at our current location is planned for September 18, 2011. Mid-week ministries might move before that. Our church offices may move in August, but we have yet to find a suitable location nearby. The church does not have enough space for the offices we need.
Q4. Will we be moving the library?
The library is an asset of St. John’s Shaughnessy and therefore legally it stays with the building. We will, however, ask the Diocese of New Westminster if they would be open to giving us some of the books.
Q5. Will you be providing a training/orientation session regarding our Seventh Day Adventist hosts?
Yes, this likely will not happen until we have moved, just because there is so much to do in such a short time.
Q6. Is the new location wheelchair accessible?
Yes, both levels of the church are wheelchair accessible.
Q7. Are we setting aside funds for the transition?
We are currently working on a transition budget. We know that we will need to acquire some assets to be able to have regular service activities such as communion. As soon as we have a budget it will be shared. We anticipate this being in mid-August.
Q8. Is there equipment for the hard of hearing?
We will look into this and if there is not, we will seek a solution to address this need.
Q9. Is there an organ?
Yes, but it’s currently not working. We have offered to repair the organ, if it’s practical to do so. Terry Fullerton will assess what makes the most sense in regard to this.
Q10. Will our mid-week ministries still meet at the same time?
Most of our mid-week ministries will meet at the same time. Currently the two known exceptions are Ekklesia, which normally meets on Wednesday nights and the Wednesday night Choir practice.
Q11. Is there a garden?
There is not a garden but there is a courtyard and small playground outside. Across the street is a school and school yard and a short block away there is a large park at 37th Ave and Willow Street.
Q12. What about parking?
There is a small parking lot for about 45 vehicles, and there is plenty of on-street parking.
Q13. Can we tour the new facility before we use it?
We will try and schedule some group tours if people are interested. However, this will not happen until late August.
Q14. What about weddings and funerals at this new location?
Yes, we can hold weddings and funerals at this new location but they will be subject to scheduling with the Oakridge Adventist Church.
Q15. How will I know when the mid-week activities I attend move to the new location?
All mid-week activities will start the new fall term in the new facilities in September. Specific dates for each ministry will be announced.
Q16. What stage are we at with plan C – our ‘permanent’ church home?
As the Plan B committee did their research they came across potential Plan C options. The trustees are striking a Plan C committee to review what options may be available to us for a permanent home. This process will happen in parallel with a discernment process to understand what God may be calling us to in Vancouver and if a particular location is more helpful than another.
You can help in three ways:
- Pray
- Generate ideas on how we might bless, serve, and witness as we move through this transition and send them in, via email transition(at)sjvan(dot)org or by picking up a transition idea form.
- Volunteer to help with your own idea or another’s.
Q18. Will our garden of remembrance remain in perpetuity?
Our understanding is that would be the intention.
Q19. David Short’s message during our information session was very helpful in establishing how we should all be thinking during this transition period. Was it recorded?
You can read David Short’s message by clicking this link 
Q20. Will we be changing our name?
We will continue to be known as St. John’s Vancouver (Anglican) Church as we have been known for the past few years. The “Shaughnessy” designation will remain with the building on Nanton Avenue.
Q21. Will Sunday School and Youth activities be affected by the new location?
Sunday School will continue as it always has. The classroom configurations will change but the content and fun will remain the same. Friday evening youth (and Dad’s) Bible studies will continue at the new location. Junior and Senior Youth on Sundays will continue at the same times.
Q22. Will we be using our own Bibles and prayer books at OAC?
Yes. Most of our ESV pew Bibles will remain in the pews from week to week. Additional copies and copies of the BCP will be available as you enter the sanctuary.
Q23. How many people can the OAC sanctuary hold?
Approximately 450 with re-configurable seating for an additional 100 in the balcony.
Q24. Will we be using the balcony?
Yes, when required.
Q25. What is this ‘fragrance free, cell phone use area’?
The OAC congregation worship all day on Saturday. This is a feature of their service style and is not applicable to SJV.
Q26. Does the organ work?
No, not at present. The music ministry has a replacement organ available and is also looking at options for repairing the existing organ. Both are electronic. There is, however, a rather large concert grand piano available for our use.
Q27. Will we be able to kneel for prayers?
We have designed, tested, and approved freestanding kneelers which will be available for our first service at most pews. When not in use, they can be easily pushed under the pew in front of you where they will remain throughout the week.
Q28. What will the front of the church look like?
Quite different from its present form. OAC have agreed to allow us to remove the blue paint highlights, neutralising the area with a colour that matches the existing ‘putty’ primary colour. We also be installing a 35 foot tall split curtain backdrop which will help calm the appearance of the chancel. The curtains can be drawn back for non SJV services as desired.
Q29. Where is the cross?
The backdrop will feature a large cross motif such that the cross remains front and centre in the sanctuary. Additionally, there will be a silver cross on the credence table as is the current practice.
Q30. Will we still use our liturgical colours?
Yes, the liturgical colours will be prominently featured on the walls adjacent to the curtain backdrop and will remain in place throughout the week.
Q31. Will there be a communion rail?
Initially, no. We are already making quite a few changes to this space and we want to remain sensitive to the other congregations with whom we share the building, and, in particular, our hosts. We are, however, considering all options available to us such as installing a removable communion rail and, eventually, we anticipate employing such a feature.
Q32. Where and how will we take communion?
Together, as a family, standing at individual communion stations in front of the chancel until such time as the communion rail is installed.
Q33. What about the chancel furniture?
None of what we presently use in the Nanton buildings is coming with us. We have, however, commissioned several new pieces including a credence table, a Lord’s table, prayer desks for clergy, seating for clergy and acolytes and a pulpit/lectern and associated fabrics. All of these elements will help create a very familiar feel to the chancel.
Q34. Will our chancel furniture remain in place throughout the week?
No. The chancel will be entirely cleared after our services with all items going into on-site storage making that area available for the other congregations. We will once again prepare our chancel on Sunday morning. Our logistics team is creating an inventory and set-up/break-down checklists and procedures.
Q35. Who will do all of the set-up?
Our Verger, an assistant and a few willing helpers.
Q36. How can I help?
Pray. Volunteer. Be patient, thankful and understanding. Take care of each other. Pray again.
