EDGEy Conversations with Tim Dawson of Kingston Road United Church Tim wants his Zoom interview to happen in Kingston Road United Church, in front of a large painting done by congregation member Jacqueline Treloar. I learned later that she’s a celebrated artist whose work has been exhibited in galleries across Canada and Europe since before I was born, and that she has other art displayed within the church.
Tim is a talented artist himself. He has been a bass player with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra for 43 years. Part of his volunteer work at Kingston Road United Church has involved starting and coordinating its popular concert series with his wife.
“We are a place where art and music are embraced,” he says, which isn’t always easy—he admits that concerts generally lose money rather than bring it in. But generous sponsors cover the costs of the four-to-six concerts the series mounts per year so that the proceeds can go to the church.
And Kingston Road United needs the extra money—it’s paying off a roof replacement that’s cost over a million dollars. But Dawson is optimistic, calling the need for fundraising “a blessing in disguise.” He says that engaging in multiple combined fundraising efforts to pay off the new roof has brought together the Kingston Road United Church community of faith, and has “re-energized” them. As year one ended of the of the five-year plan to raise funds to pay off the roof, Kingston Road United found itself almost one-third of the way there—$300,000.
Getting to that point has required a lot of “out of the box” thinking. Tim is particularly proud of the Tile Project. Once construction on the new roof began, Kingston Road United discovered that the old roofing tiles made a terrific painting surface. Artists from around Toronto used a variety of paints and brushes to bring scenes to life on tiles that would have just been thrown out otherwise. Kingston Road sells the painted tiles for $100 at its concerts and at neighbourhood gatherings. They had even just sold one online the day Dawson talked to EDGE. The artist gets fifty dollars, and the church receives fifty dollars.
Dawson said that it was a surprise to discover that people could paint on the tiles and enjoys seeing people find painted tiles that speak to them. “Art is a very personal thing; eventually, you’ll find something you like.”
Dawson’s other favourite project also came about because of the new roof. As construction was happening, the workers constructed a wooden barrier around Kingston Road United for safety reasons. Once again, Jacqueline Treloar stepped in, drawing flowers on the barrier to stop graffiti from going up on it, and members of the community of faith painted the flowers bright colours. When the barrier came down, the congregation made stars from it to put on the walls—to recognize people who had donated money, people who would donate money in the future, and people with connections to the church who wanted to buy a star in remembrance of being a part of Kingston Road United Church life at this time in its story.
Dawson shows some of the tiles and stars as he speaks. He has advice for churches experimenting with new ideas: Always ask the people at the top, because they’re the ones that say yes.
“You never know with ideas, where they’re going to lead. And that’s the fun of it.”
Watch Tim Dawson’s full EDGEy conversation with Sarah Levis on EDGE’s YouTube channel.
Visit the Kingston Road website to see more tiles like the ones by Jean Han and Zenab Mohamed bhair (featured in the graphic above).
[Image credit: Kingston Road United Church/Sarah Levis/Tim Dawson/Zenab Mohamed Bhair/Jen Han] |
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Animator Positions  The Rev. Mitchell Anderson of the General Council Executive said in May 2023 that “Growth is the most urgent priority that God has given the United Church of Canada in this season.” To embody this priority, the General Council Office’s Organizational Development and Strategy Unit is working with regional councils to create and fill six new positions. The six Growth Animators will be deployed across the regions to work in local and regional partnerships with a focus on renewing existing communities of faith, creating new communities, and strengthening invitation. Growth Animators will support and connect with communities where growth is occurring, and seek to bring best practices and fresh possibilities where growth is a challenge and feels impossible. The Growth initiative is seeking to articulate a vision for what growth and invitation looks like rooted in humility and respect as we together answer our call to be the church, become beloved community, and embody Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, and Daring Justice. These staff will join a team that includes existing EDGE colleagues bringing their experience and expertise. Working with the Growth Team will be the newly hired Director of Growth and Ministry Development, the Rev. Cameron Fraser, who is concluding ministry leadership at Knox-Metropolitan in Regina, SK. Join us in praying for those who will discern a call to engage in this vital work. Learn more about the Growth Animator positions. [Image credit: The Untited Church of Canada] |
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Theory of Change Starts Next Week! What impact do you want your program to have? How will you know you’re having that impact? How will you make your program sustainable? Learn what your mission is and understand what’s required to achieve it. We can have a greater impact if we think strategically about our desired impact while planning, implementing, and evaluating our programs.
The Theory of Change workshop helps attendees break their program down into its attendant parts, differentiating between “what you do” and “what you achieve.” A Theory of Change provides a roadmap that outlines the steps by which you plan to achieve your goal.
A Theory of Change helps align your stakeholders to your larger mission and understand their role in achieving it. By the end of the program, you will determine the precise link between your program’s activities and outcomes for the purposes of planning, participation, and evaluation.
The workshop includes asynchronous independent work and synchronous Zoom sessions.
Chris Rotolo’s summer section of The Theory of Change Workshop is a “Train the-Trainer” opportunity for participants who want guidance leading their stakeholders through the Theory of Change process, though we welcome anyone who wants to develop a Theory of Change on their own. The workshop runs June 13, 15, 29; July 6, 13, 27; and Aug 3, from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. EDT. Register for Theory of Change.
Remember: your idea is a product of your unique brilliance! Developing your theory of change isn't about changing yourself but making you (and your idea!) the most "you" possible!
[Image credits: CHURCHx/Chris Rotolo]
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Buying United Webinar Have you heard of BUYING UNITED? This program, in place for a few years, embraces the collective buying power of The United Church of Canada’s communities of faith across the country. A new relationship with Round Table Procurement Services (RTPS) takes it to the next level!- Need office supplies? Find discounts at Staples!
- Want to show a movie? Get a video license here!
- Buying a new church computer? Buy a Dell through this program!
- Much more, including community resources, furniture, insurance, travel, music, IT, etc.!
RTPS helps expand Buying United’s offerings as it identifies areas where communities of faith could most benefit from harnessing their collective buying power. Because just finding the ‘cheapest’ option is no longer enough. Making a smart financial choice includes considering quality, risk management, transparency, service, and overall cost.
Join us for a free orientation webinar on June 13, from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. EDT! Managing Rising Costs – Introducing the New BUYING UNITED Purchasing Program
Hosted by David Rourke, RTPS (Round Table Procurement Services) Purchasing Expert Topics covered will include:- An introduction and orientation to the new BUYING UNITED and its partnership with Round Table Procurement Services (RTPS), highlighting how the new suite of services and supports available can assist members of The United Church of Canada to manage costs and develop good purchasing practices.
- An overview of the new website and how to use it for your purchasing needs. Tips on managing inflation and rising costs in 2023, and how BUYING UNITED and RTPS can help.
Register on CHURCHx
[Image credits: CHURCHx/Buying United]
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Embracing the Spirit supports 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! We're happy to consult with communities of faith about the supports available to help them develop their new ideas. |
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