Gathering Place helps redefine the church in the 21st century

Outreach ministry brings religion back to the street

If you walk down King Street in Port Colborne, you will see a new white and blue sign saying ‘The Gathering Place’ at 219 King.

Many have wondered what it is and have dropped in to find out. Well, it’s the new location of an outreach ministry of the Presbyterian church in Port Colborne.

They have dared to become the first storefront ‘church’ in their denomination. It has taken a lot of dollars for renovations, a lot of meetings to formulate new ways of thinking, a lot of agreements and disagreements and just plain old moving forward into the 21st century. The old building at the corner of Elm and Charlotte streets just wasn’t appropriate anymore. The property and buildings are available for redevelopment since it is a prime location at the edge of the downtown area.

The King Street storefront was many things over the years. It was a grocery store, a hardware store and a dollar store to name a few. The Presbyterians have worked hard to conform to city building permits with new bathrooms, wiring, plumbing, walls, kitchenette etc. They were fortunate to have volunteers such as a project manager, drywallers, cleaners and many trades who helped out with generous invoices.

It was named The Gathering Place to denote a safe, secure, clean and active location and encourage all people of the community to come and take part in the activities.

While they are just starting out and still getting organized in the new space, some plans have begun to take shape. There is a comfortable library in which to sit and read or take a book home with you. It is a very casual space for relaxed clothing with furniture reflecting a pleasant area for conversation and a coffee. Right now, it is open Tuesday through Sunday mornings with Rev. Adam and Jane always there, but plans are to stay open throughout the day soon.

On Sunday mornings, you might see children running over to La Dolce Vita Bakery and Restaurant while their parents are at The Gathering Place. Claudia has generously welcomed them with open arms.

On some nights, when King Street is so quiet, you will often see the bright white lights shining from the large storefront windows while people have meetings or sing or just gather. Or, it might be dark, if they are showing a movie. “The Shack” was shown, free of charge, to all on March 17 with popcorn and green beverages. They tell us new programs are just getting arranged and all are getting used to the new format.

With formal, old ways of doing ‘church’ failing in many places across the nation, it is refreshing to see some trying to keep Christianity active in our communities. This might be successful and if it is what a great contribution.

There will be a dedication service with

It has taken a lot of dollars for renovations, a lot of meetings to formulate new ways of thinking, a lot of agreements and

disagreements ...

leaders from the regional Presbytery on Sunday, March 25 at 3 p.m. It looks like it will be a full house.

Everyone wants to see what’s been done. All are welcome.

There will also be an open house On Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5 at The Gathering Place. Organizers encourage everyone to stop by for refreshments and conversation.

“How much of what we call church are we willing to give up in order to be church.” Lisa Smith