Embracing the Spirit: Questions and Innovation!

Asking Questions in Wellington     Wellington United Church in Prince Edward County has been asking questions and responding to the neighbourhood for at least over a decade (if not much longer!). They don't need to know all of the answers; in fact, that would be a hindrance in being responsive. What does this look like? When the minister accepted the call, he asked questions about the community. What was happening and how was it changing? With the rise in tourism there, he went to Niagara-on-the -Lake to ask questions and better understand what Prince Edward County might become. Asking questions of what is needed in the neighbourhood brings up new ideas. Asking questions about who should be at the table brings in new partners. And asking questions about Wellington United Church's role has them leaning in when it makes sense. Asking questions of the neighbours has opened up conversations, and everyone knows Wellington United Church! All of these questions have resulted in food businesses being incubated, using their sign as a community board, a farmer's market, a giant tent for events, and even using their phone system during the first few months of the pandemic as a helpline. What they are doing is a combination of asking questions, connecting people together, doing what they can, and then asking questions again! Listen to the whole story. [Photo credit: Jon Tyson on Unsplash] What is Innovation? Join the EDGE team as they explore the question, "what is innovation?" For some people, innovation is exciting; for some, they ask what they are losing, and for others it represents change (something 95% of us don't like!). What is innovation? When you hear the word "innovation", what does it make you think about? How else could it be translated? How does innovation relate to tradition? And loss? What are some theological underpinnings of innovation? Where have you seen "innovation"? How does innovation look and play out differently in different contexts? When: Monday, July 26 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Please RSVP to embracingthespirit@united-church.ca. Community Innovation Challenges!     The Community Innovation Challenge brings together makers, mentors, and funders from across Canada, who are focused on making a better society.   Have an idea or are passionate about your community? Then listen up!   We will be providing up to $2,000 in start-up funding for social innovation ideas. There is also opportunity to connect and engage with other projects that may interest you! What you need to be part of this: A challenge or problem that you wish to address in your community, neighbourhood, or crossroads A collective of at least four organizations (individuals could also be possible) Willingness to be open to other organizations joining and getting feedback Stay tuned as more details will follow in August! [Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash] 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.  Share Tweet Forward to a friend Sign up for the Embracing the Spirit newsletter! Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Donate to The United Church of Canada and help fund life changing work around the world!

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