Nautical Days in Marina Park, Sunday – August 3rd: “Meet Your Spiritual Neighbours”
Many of you know that, historically at Nautical Days in Comox, there has been a Christian Worship Service on the Sunday morning provided by Northgate Church. Last year, it was brought to the attention of the Mayor and Council that the Sunday space typically set aside for Christian worship should more directly reflect the diversity of the Comox Valley. This year the Comox Valley Multi Faith Group has been invited to coordinate the time and has come up with an idea of how that might happen.
Everyone is invited to come to Marina Park and meet some of the religious and spiritual communities active in the Comox Valley. There will be a chance to meet and chat with folks from different communities, some of whom you may not even know are here! We ask that all come in
the spirit of connection and curiosity seeking to find common ground and perhaps learn
something new.
The event will run from 10:30am – Noon. There will be a service at Comox United that morning, but it will conclude by 11 AM so you can still join Rev. Karen and get down to Marina a Park if you wish.
Comox Valley Multi Faith Group is encouraging as many groups as possible to come and join in this community building time! Religious and Spiritual groups are encouraged to set up a table similar to the vendors around
the event.
Groups have been encouraged to bring clothes, images, objects etc. that represent their religious or spiritual affiliations and practices. Brochures, pamphlets etc. are also encouraged for visitors to take home and learn more about each group.
There will also be a conversation space set up with converstion starters, so please bring along camping chairs etc.
Please note: The Nautical Days committee has asked for us to ensure that this be a welcomingspace for all. In keeping with the spirit of community, accessibility and belonging, all groups agree to adhere to this statement on inclusion:
"In an effort to ensure that all people in the Comox Valley feel safe and welcomed at this event, we expect all offering leadership to honour the inherent rights and dignity of all people regardless of their gender, sexuality, race, religion, socioeconomic status, ability or any other factor that may be a barrier to participation."
This is not to confront or challenge each groups beliefs but to ensure a safe and an enjoyable experience for all. Comox will need some volunteers to set up our space at 9AM, and some to staff the table from 10:30 – 12 and also some to do the take down which has to be completed by 12:30 to make way for the rest of the programing in that area.
If you are interested and available to help out with this outreach please call Bruce Curtis and leave a message or send an e-mail to bwcurtis@shaw.ca indicating how you are willing to help out and for which time period.