Being Neighbours During the Pandemic
We have been hearing stories from across the country of faith communities leaning into being neighbourly in new ways.
Along with hundreds of online worship services launching overnight, phone trees have also re-emerged. We have heard stories of people receiving at least two phone calls a week, with past members who were so happy to reconnect.
Wellington United Church in Prince Edward County took telephone connection to a whole new level, by offering their church’s phone as a local help line. They changed their street sign to invite people to call in for whatever they might need. The voicemail was checked every hour and the requests were then handled. This became so pivotal in Prince Edward County that the County took over and expanded the program.
And, we are discovering joy in receiving kind words and welcomed packages. Easter cards sent by mail have been received gratefully. Also, surprises like a favourite snack, toilet paper, and even a case of beer have showed up at people’s front doors unexpectedly.
Windermere United Church in Toronto has recruited 168 volunteers who are willing to contribute when anyone requests support in the neighbourhood, from grocery shopping to just having a chat. In fact, the biggest problem is that there has been a surplus of volunteers!
During this time of physical distancing, we are concerned for those that do not have access to necessities or a safe place. Many communities of faith have food banks, shelters, and outreach programs that are continuing to provide support. Beaconsfield United Church in Montreal has been working to connect closed restaurants on West Island with refugees in the neighbourhood. Refugees were often some of the first people to be laid off during this time. Beaconsfield United Church members have collected this food and have distributed it to individuals and families across the West Island.
We ask that your remember those in need of support in your prayers. And if you find yourself wondering what to do with you time, why not pick up the phone and call someone?
[Photo: Akshar Dave on Unsplash] |
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EDGE-y COVID-19 Resources
We are not alone – we’re going to get through this together. Visit EDGE’s COVID-19 Resource page to find resources for helping ministries, ministers, and everyone staying connected in different ways through these uncertain times.
Find resources for worship and pastoral care, children and youth, education, business and finance, and live streaming. We connected with Regional Council resources, General Council resources, denominations across North America, and people like you to build this up.
If you have more resources that we can shared, email us!
[Photo: Annie Spratt on Unslash] |
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Join the Online Conference
Our first virtual conference! With physical distancing, The Eco-Commoning Project (virtual) conference is moving forward. The Eco-Commoning Project is a partnership project between Community Innovation Hub and Eco-Commons. The project aims to shift the social, political, economic, and spiritual mindset from an individualistic-capitalist system of thought to a relational one; or eco-commons way-of-life. The Eco-Commoning Project lifts up the values of local, cooperative, equitable, and sustainable in order to envision communities of faith as radical change-makers and innovators in this area. Join us online to think creatively about commoning, social innovation, and social enterprise in communities of faith. Take part in an interactive key-note presentation from Rev. Dr. Ted Reeve and The Very Rev. Bill Phipps on how the social/economic theory of commoning applies to spirituality and communities of faith. Engage with local stories and take-part in conversation-style action planning and reflection through the World Cafe model. Register here. [Image: The Eco-Comming Project] |
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Embracing the Spirit is a learning network and innovation fund. It offers funding and support for innovation ideas hatched out of faith communities and communities in ministry. Some of the stories and best practices that are happening throughout The United Church of Canada are shared in this newsletter.
If you have an idea that you want to launch, reach out and tell us about it! Proposal deadlines are quarterly, and due on the 15th of the month: January, April, July and October. Find out more. |
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