Broadway Church — Attraction in Vancouver

sunday march 11 2023...we picked up my mom from the care home. she's 79 years old in a wheel chair. It was the first morning after daylight savings time. we were very tired. My 18-year-old son came with us. We attended the 11 AM service....my son needed the washroom....I took my mom out of the wheelchair van. Wheeled her over to the wheelchair seating. Went back to park the wheelchair van. Didn't see my son.... after the 11 AM service finished. I phoned him to ask him where he was. He informed me that some guy told him to get out of the church before the service even started....my son told me this guy said he works at the church....I told my son to identify this guy. I was very bothered that someone would kick my son out of God's church....when we tracked this guy down. He claimed to be church security. He was dressed in plain clothes. With no identifying marks that would indicate he is security or authority for that matter....he lied several times. he did not admit that he was wrong to tell my son to leave the church....the only truth he told was that my son fell asleep on one of the chairs before the service started....he did not admit that it was wrong to tell my son to get out of the church. He did not ask my son who he is with. He did not acknowledge that my son is an adolescent and not an adult....the pastor came over when I was trying to get my point across to the security guy....the pastor took sides. Stated that this security guy has been working for several years....in my opinion. This does not justify telling people to get out of the church simply because they fell asleep....neither of them acknowledge that forcing my son to get out of the church and wait for me outside was wrong. They both minimized the onus on the security guy. The pastor apologized and shook our hands. It wasn't until after the pastor apologized and shook our hands that the security guy apologized and shook...

This was an incredibly disappointing and frustrating experience. Today, my friend and I attended The Christmas Rocket - Singing Christmas Tree 2024 event. We were the first in line to enter, but as we were waiting, a woman blatantly cut in line and tried to hold spots for her friends. She claimed some of her friends were already inside saving seats for her, while others were still at the back of the line.

A bald man, identifying himself as a volunteer, initially told her that seating was on a first-come, first-served basis. However, despite her rude behavior, she insisted on reserving seats for her friends, and the volunteer failed to uphold the event’s principles. When we complained about the situation, he dismissively said, "I’m just a volunteer; you shouldn’t feel upset."

The scene was chaotic and poorly organized. The volunteer eventually told us there were two seats available, which allowed me to enter with my child, but my friend and her child were denied entry. Once inside, I was shocked to see many empty seats, including pairs of seats that could have accommodated us. Most of these seats were being "saved" with bags or clothing for people still outside. This made me question whether the first-come, first-served rule was being applied at all.

My friend later shared that she saw several people outside cutting in line, claiming they already had friends saving seats for them. Despite being the first in line with her child, she was still turned away, which felt completely unfair.

This event was disorganized, inequitable, and lacked basic fairness, which felt especially ironic during the Christmas season. The bald volunteer’s lack of principles and arrogant attitude only made the situation worse. He enabled unfair treatment of those who patiently waited in line while favoring those who broke the rules. This experience tarnished what should have been a joyful and...

Every year, Broadway Church puts on the most amazing Christmas Singing Tree. Over 400 dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to prepare this incredible gift for the city of Vancouver. The event spans 10 sessions over three full days, with volunteers giving their all from Friday evening to Sunday night to welcome more than 20,000 attendees to this free event.

Each year, I am in complete awe of the dedication, talent, and commitment of this community. Being part of the Broadway family means being part of a community that loves, serves, and demonstrates the greatest love imaginable.

I want to take a moment to sincerely thank the leadership, volunteers, backstage crew, cleaning team, and especially the entrance organizers. These individuals endure hours in the wind, rain, and cold to ensure everyone gets in and out safely. Your hard work and devotion are truly inspiring, and I am deeply grateful for all you do to make this event such a spectacular experience...