‘Come as you are’

Glenelm

North Kildonan

St. John’s

Members of a longtime local church are hoping to raise the roof with an upcoming fundraising initiative that will coincide with a landmark anniversary.

The Big Red Church located at 127 Cobourg Ave. — which is technically called Gordon-King Memorial United Church — has embarked on a fundraising campaign called 100 for 100.

In 2017, the church’s staff, congregation and the wider community will be celebrating 100 years since the construction of the eye-catching local landmark, and folks are hoping to raise at least $100,000 to be used to do some much-needed work on the building’s roof, said minister Patrick Woodbeck.

Woodbeck, a former minister at Windsor Park United Church who lives in the St. John’s neighbourhood, explained how the church is not only home to a small, but vibrant congregation — “that is really filled with the spirit” — but is also a gathering place and a hub for any number of local residents, groups and organizations.

“We are a small, but vibrant community that has recognized that our true value is in what we can offer to the community and so we offer the gift of our space, as we are host to community pickleball four times a week, community yoga, brownies and guides, and two 12-step programs,” Woodbeck said, adding the church’s weekly coffee house — Gordies — has a home in the church’s former chapel.

The Big Red Church also raises thousands of dollars each year for House of Hesed, an HIV/AIDS hospice, Woodbeck said, and “many members offer their time and talent to Oak Table Community Ministry and 1Just City. We have a community garden on our property and just received a grant to construct a community sharing circle.”

“This campaign is to ensure this building is here for the community for another years,” said Woodbeck, who was speaking on a Thursday morning shortly before a group of pickleball players were due to arrive.

“One reason I think the 100 for 100 campaign is really important is because this place has a really deep understanding of living within its place, as opposed to above its place.”

“So much that happens in this community that takes place within these walls impacts more than just the people that come to worship in the church,” he added, noting the church also has ties with the Glenelm Neighbourhood Association.

And in terms of the Big Red Church’s faithful congregation, Woodbeck said he begins each service on a Sunday by saying, “we don’t stand on ceremony here. We want you to know that whoever you are, you are accepted, you are loved, you belong. Come as you are.”

“People here find meaning in community — not only the community that gathers on a Sunday, but also the community that gathers here throughout the week, and I think that’s where the meaning lies here at the church.”

Congregation member Pat Wally, who been attending the church for more than 20 years, said folks at the Big Red Church, in many cases, have become like an extended family.

“We have to help maintain the building there, as we all have such a personal connection. It’s very different to a lot of other churches,” said Wally, who lives in North Kildonan.

“I’m hoping the community will help us with the fundraising campaign, as fixing the roof will be expensive, and we need some help.”

Anyone seeking more information about the campaign, or who’d like to help out, can visit www.thebigredchurch127.com