Church on a Friday…why not?

The Salvation Army in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is connecting with community members through a warm, welcoming church service, inviting everyone to engage in open and transparent conversations about faith.

Amber and her husband, Hugh, have attended Downtown Church since it began two years ago, as their working schedules made it difficult to be present for Sunday service.

“There are a lot of very nice people we meet,” Amber says. “We know how important it is to be able to talk with others, to spread the message, influence each other, and lift each other up.”

Every Friday afternoon, 20 to 30 people gather at The Salvation Army Community and Family Services (CFS) office for a meal, fellowship, and Bible-based discussion. The gathering has been embraced by participants regardless of their personal or spiritual background.

Amber appreciates the friendly, encouraging and inclusive environment.

“Anyone is made to feel welcome, no matter where they are in their spiritual journey or why they’re attending,” she says, adding that Downtown Church has made her humbler and more empathetic toward the struggles of others.

Major Sean Furey, corps officer at The Salvation Army in Sault Ste. Marie, explains that the move from the church building to the CFS location was intended to broaden the reach to community members interested in exploring their faith through this new approach.

“The first week we moved downtown, we had 14 people participate,” he says. “It’s a place where people feel safe to share their ideas. We’re trying to represent the community, and the response has come from very diverse populations. Denominational differences and different expressions of faith are not our focus. We strive to be inclusive so that everyone feels valued. We want to be a transforming influence in this community.”

The group also looks beyond its borders, raising funds for Kawama Elementary School in Zambia.

For Amber, the Downtown Church experience has been life-changing. She encourages others to give it a try—especially those who might be curious about faith but hesitant to attend a traditional service.

“I want to thank Major Sean and The Salvation Army. This has enriched our lives in so many ways. We’ve met all kinds of beautiful and wonderful people,” she adds.

Donate today to ensure that valued Salvation Army programs continue to make a difference in the lives of others. Visit www.SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to learn more.