Abilities Church launches downtown location
TORONTO, ON - The Abilities Church has opened a new location in the heart of downtown Toronto. The interdenominational congregation was launched in April and now meets on Sunday afternoons in Senator David Croll Apartments, on Bloor Street near the University of Toronto.
This is the second Abilities Church congregation, which was first founded in East Toronto with a view to creating a space where those with intellectual and physical disabilities could worship alongside their friends, caregivers and others, in fully inclusive services.
Senior pastor Robert Gagnon says the location provides new opportunities for outreach and community involvement.
"My vision for the downtown location is that we could expand our social ministry side," says Gagnon, who also has cerebral palsy. "I would like to see our congregation grow not only in numbers but in depth of commitment to Christ…I'm excited by the opportunities we will have to reach the downtown core."
Founding pastor Jaime Castro says university groups have already approached the church about possible cooperation. They also hope to partner with social service organizations that work with those who have disabilities.
"It's very exciting," Castro says. "It's a great location. We're the only church service in the building. And it's really, really visible. There's just a huge mission field and vision for inclusion."
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