How a simple idea in a difficult time grew into a lasting ministry: Haven

By Kat Goheen, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President

“Welcome to Haven, a place of spiritual refreshment, light in a time of darkness.”

This is part of the introduction every Wednesday night for our online Haven meditation, now in its fifth year. The structure is simple: music, a poem, subtle hospitality, and meditation. Cameras and microphones off, each person can be themselves and slow down for thirty minutes before bed.

Five years ago, I was co-pastor in Vancouver, spending all my pastoral resources navigating lockdowns and hybrid worship requirements. I was dismayed to realize deep into the fall of 2020 that our congregational life had shrunk to Sunday mornings, with our vibrant “Listening for the Soul” groups having been put on extended hold, and other monthly potlucks and holiday gatherings suspended. But what more could I do? How could I ask for extra leadership from others, also weary from endless pivoting?

The still, small voice showed me that I could offer an evening online gathering after my weekly Wednesday rehearsal. I could make it sustainable with a simple structure. I could offer what fed me in my spiritual direction training: beauty through poetry, music, and silence. Heart over head. I realized that when nights were longest was when I needed this ministry myself, so I offered Haven first to Vancouver congregation, then also to the Mission Centre, then also to Creating Connections. Now, as then, we meet from the end of Daylight Saving Time in November until Lent, with a break over Christmas holidays.

Every week, my experience of seeing screens enter the room is one of joy and subtle hospitality. I hold space and feel deep gratitude in my heart for each one who enters, not seeing their faces and probably never meeting most in person. Even more than Sunday worship, I release the experience of each person, not knowing how any element will land and trusting Spirit to do the work of healing and holding through this virtual yet intentional experience. What brings them here? That’s not my business!

Join us for Haven on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. PT / 8:30 p.m. MT / 9:30 p.m. CT / 10:30 p.m. ET, and feel free to invite others. Send me a message at [email protected] and I’ll send this year’s link to you.

Blessings to you in this season of the year!