Church for the Community
This week we have two articles from Broadview Magazine. Both speak to how prevalent it has become for faith properties to close after, in some cases, almost two hundred years of providing a space for worship. Both articles, however, also give stories of success and ideas of how to circumvent this disturbing trend.
Churches that have survived this far seem to have a commonality contributing to their success. They have become a vital fixture within their communities, providing space for all sorts of community services. Food banks, Alcoholics Anonymous, Girl Guides, daycare, affordable performances, are just a few partnerships churches have made with like minded community groups to contribute to the costs associated with keeping a church going financially.
While the financial benefit of these collaborations is vital and mutually beneficial, a deeper, more complex benefit is created by the mingling of community members, who would otherwise not "mingle". People who do not attend church have a chance to see that the church building, and its congregation, is relevant to their everyday lives, not just to those who sit in the pews on Sunday morning. This vested interest helps to transform the church into a true community hub.
Sharing Sacred Space
United Churches Staying Alive
by Julie McGonegal | April 15, 2021
Jordana Wright shares with us her strategies for breathing new life into churches who are on the brink of collapse. When describing what it is like to be a part of the United Church of Canada she states, “You won't be invited to the table—you have to build your own.”
The Light of a Neighbourhood
by World Food Programme | 2021
World Food Programme is committed to resolving hunger and conflict, two issues which often go hand in hand, "Without peace we cannot end world hunger; And while there is hunger we will never have a peaceful world."
Living Our Faith Day-to-Day
Many of us can struggle with how to listen effectively and offer empathy rather than sympathy. So what's the difference? This video offers some insight.