Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN – Families gathered in Lucan over the Family Day weekend for a relaxed, drop-in event organized by Gateway Church, offering inflatables, sports activities, board games and space for conversation in a welcoming setting.
“There’s no agenda. It’s just have fun—be a family,” said Pastor Jesse MacMillan.
Children rotated between activity areas set up throughout the building, while parents connected over coffee. The open format allowed families to come and go freely, creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
“We wanted it to feel open and welcoming,” MacMillan said. “Just a place where families could enjoy time together.”
Gateway Church launched its Lucan location late last year and has been working to establish a presence in the community. MacMillan said the church’s focus extends beyond weekly services to building relationships and finding practical ways to support the community.
“We really want to ask: what does the community need and how can we help?” he said. “Everything we do, we want it to be in partnership.”
He noted that their Christian faith shapes that approach. “We believe serving people in practical ways matters,” MacMillan said. “That’s often where real connections begin.”
That perspective has led to initiatives beyond seasonal events. One of them is the Community Cares Market, coordinated by Kiera Bowman. The weekly program redistributes donated food and goods through partnerships with various organizations and suppliers. The aim is to ensure usable food reaches people instead of going to waste while supporting existing community efforts.
Representatives from the local food bank were also present during the Family Day event, reflecting Gateway’s emphasis on collaboration with other community groups. MacMillan said the goal is to work alongside organizations already serving residents and strengthen community efforts.
Family Day activities also included community partners. CSS Dementia Educator Anita Looby of the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners attended to share information about dementia awareness and brain health. Through educational materials and interactive activities for children, families were able to learn in an accessible and informal environment.
“It’s really important to have awareness and education so we can help everybody,” Looby said.
MacMillan described the Family Day gathering as part of a longer-term commitment to community involvement. In addition to services, the church is exploring youth activities, volunteer opportunities and other partnerships based on local needs.
“We just want to be present and supportive,” he said. “If there’s something happening where we can help, we want to be part of that.”
