Dear Editor,

I'm new to Maple Ridge and was recently introduced to the Caring Place for Sunday services.

It is different. A fellow opened the door for me, while another moved his feet so I wouldn't trip over them as he sat on the floor. The room was full of coffee drinkers on metal chairs, while the pastor at the keyboard was earnestly singing praises, assisted by two guitarists, a drummer, and a singer.

Three small children stayed in front of the podium, while the praise reports were shared - such as, "I got a job for one day, a new granddaughter has arrived, I saw my father for the first time in many years."

These were followed by "good for you," or by clapping and prayers of thanks.

Prayer requests were called out softly: "I fell back on my addictions, I got cancer" - a spirit of gentleness and some tears, and then prayer.

The message is simple, short, and regardless of what side of the tracks you're from, it reminds me of what Jesus said: "Come, I won't discard you! I'll give you rest."

Martha Hart, Maple Ridge