When the people who attend a church have conflicting fundamental beliefs, what is church for? How does belonging to a community of diversity shape us, and how do we shape the community with our presence? Can we give thanks for feeling weird and uncomfortable? Can that feeling encourage both agency and acceptance? The Choir will sing. … Continue reading Thankful for Complex, Compassionate Communities
Mike Tutthill defines community development as “two or more people achieving something together,” and notes that in fancy terms we might call this capacity building. Some of his earliest and favourite family memories are of community work in rural Manitoba. This, and his later experience of working in AIDS Service and 2SLGBTQ+ community organizations shape … Continue reading Pathways to Community Development: An All Ages Service
During this time of turmoil and uncertainty in the world, we sometimes wonder how should we respond, how should we think, and how should we be as caring people? What is real, and what is manufactured malaise? And what really is ‘the real world’? Join Steve as he wades into this worldwide weep. Service Leader: … Continue reading Rediscovering Our Place in the Real World
The Canadian show Heated Rivalry has taken the world by storm. It is in the top 10 most watched shows in 25 countries. It is the story of two male professional hockey players, one from Russia and one from Canada, who begin a secret sexual relationship that, over the course of 8 years, turns into … Continue reading Heated Rivalry: Two Perspectives
Ten years have passed since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released its final report. The report was the end of one step, a seven year process of listening and reflecting, but it was the beginning of a much longer journey towards learning uncomfortable truths, respecting ancient ways, building relationships, and seeking meaningful reconciliation. … Continue reading Respect, Relationship, and Reconciliation
Sometimes we are so anaesthetized to the sounds around us that even the voices of those we love and respect the most become little more than background noise. At other times, we are so focused on formulating our response that we fail to hear clearly what it is that is being said to us in … Continue reading Open Heart Listening
Have you thought about how your relationships have been expressed or changed through giving and receiving, and about the attentions required? Giving gifts, or receiving them ourselves can be amazing or weird, but surprising and meaningful in wonderful ways. We make choices and decisions about who we give to, and what we give. Come join Ana … Continue reading Giving, Receiving and Relationships: An All-Ages Service
