Wednesday, December 22, 2010
an invitation to "make room"
What a joyful celebration last night, as the children and youth of our congregation helped us to re-enter the story of Jesus' birth, with the challenge and invitation to "make room"...
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
give a day
Today is World AIDS Day, and various members of our congregation have been very active in raising awareness and raising funds for the worldwide struggle against HIV/AIDS. Jane Philpott is the founder and instigator of the "Give A Day" movement, which has raised about 2 million dollars (so far!) to help those affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.
This past Thursday there was a concert (actually, a "Harambee")at 19-On-The-Park here in Stouffville, featuring the Rouge River Connection and Allan Reesor-McDowell as well as the Albert Street Four. It was a well attended and inspirational evening, with words from Jane and from Robina Ssentongo, Director of the Kitovu Mobile AIDS Organization working with orphans and grandmothers in Uganda.
As Jane said last Thursday night, much has been accomplished, but much remains to be done. Consider giving a day's pay and join this movement of "global solidarity, local solutions."
This past Thursday there was a concert (actually, a "Harambee")at 19-On-The-Park here in Stouffville, featuring the Rouge River Connection and Allan Reesor-McDowell as well as the Albert Street Four. It was a well attended and inspirational evening, with words from Jane and from Robina Ssentongo, Director of the Kitovu Mobile AIDS Organization working with orphans and grandmothers in Uganda.
As Jane said last Thursday night, much has been accomplished, but much remains to be done. Consider giving a day's pay and join this movement of "global solidarity, local solutions."
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
We're Going to the Zoo!
Do you remember when you went somewhere new for the first time and didn’t know anyone? You didn’t know where anything was or how things were done. Well that’s what the two Palestinian families CMC is helping to sponsor are experiencing this year, with the added challenge of having to learn a new language and writing system at the same time.
Each family benefits from 12 months of financial support from the 4 sponsoring churches [CMC, Rouge Valley, TUMC & Don Heights Unitarian] after which time they will have to take the first steps making their own way in their newly adopted home country. Of course, they won’t be left to their own devices by the churches, but the financial safety net currently provided by the churches will be replaced by either welfare or, hopefully, income from a job.
In the midst of the challenge of both sets of parents having to learn English and the children starting school, they have gradually started to get used to life in Canada’s largest city, which as you can appreciate, is a far cry from spending roughly four years in a refugee camp on the Iraqi-Syrian border. If you add in to the mix the fact that both fathers have suffered significant health issues in recent months [although both are thankfully doing better now] you can understand what a year of upheaval and change it has been.
That both families are getting used to life in Canada is due in no small part to the selfless efforts of members of the various sponsoring churches, who have devoted many hours in helping to get the adults to appointments with social agencies and Government Departments, and the children to dental and eye appointments, and so on. They have also taught them how to use the TTC and to travel by bus to visit relatives in the K-W area or in Whitby.
I think you get the picture that 2010 has been a year of massive change living far away from everything that is familiar to these two families, and the learning curve for everyone has been very steep. That’s why I can honestly say that it was my very great pleasure to invite both families, on behalf of CMC, to visit the Toronto Zoo on Saturday, September 25th for an afternoon of simple fun and fellowship. Between the two families there are nine children, ranging in age from two to sixteen, and most of them said that they wanted to see the lions first! Of course, with the lions being pretty much at the far end of the zoo from the entrance, we saw plenty of other animals on the way and it was such a delight to see the children’s faces light up when they saw the various creatures. God has created many varied and wonderful animals, and no matter what your own feeling about zoos, it was so heart-warming seeing these children smiling, hearing them laughing, teaching them the animals’ names in English, having them teach us their Arabic names, enjoying them holding our hands and spending time with their parents. Although the weather was overcast, these children truly bathed us in their sunshine!
These families have been so gracious in accepting our hospitality and have welcomed us into their homes with open arms. They are truly a blessing to us and I am thankful for this small opportunity to get to know them better and look forward to further occasions to welcome them in to our community.
-Tim
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
This is an article by Pastor Cameron that was published recently in the Stouffville Free Press:
Here's my advice: don't buy a toaster as a memento.
At my grandmother's moving sale, I was too young to think about lasting value. My parents urged me to buy something, so I bought a cheap toaster that I don't think my grandma ever used. When I got married we used it, but we threw it out when it stopped working. While I have great memories of my grandma, I regret not having something of hers that I can see and touch.
On the other hand, it was awesome to be part of the annual Commemorative Service at the Altona Mennonite Meetinghouse, where Stouffville's founder is buried. Standing in a building built in 1852, I couldn't help noticing that it was so plain. Compared to Old Order Mennonite meetinghouses built more recently, it was austere. I thought about how difficult life was for our ancestors and yet what wonderful gifts they passed on to us. Because of their industrious and simple lifestyle, they were able to build a strong community. That community now provides us a comfortable and enjoyable life. Taking time to appreciate our heritage filled me with gratitude for those who came before me to this area.
As I was preparing to speak at that Commemorative Service, I learned of the loss of a different heritage site. Few in Stouffville know that developers discovered the remains of Ontario's largest Huron-Wendat village, on Stouffville Creek, between Byers Pond Way and James Ratcliff Avenue. A 2007 Town Council resolution promised to recognise this site but there is no sign that this has been done. Now the site is a large pond built for storm drainage.
Will we dispose of this village and lose out on the chance to see and touch our history? Are we so ungrateful for what we have that we turn our backs on those who came before us?
- Cameron Kaufman-Frey
Here's my advice: don't buy a toaster as a memento.
At my grandmother's moving sale, I was too young to think about lasting value. My parents urged me to buy something, so I bought a cheap toaster that I don't think my grandma ever used. When I got married we used it, but we threw it out when it stopped working. While I have great memories of my grandma, I regret not having something of hers that I can see and touch.
On the other hand, it was awesome to be part of the annual Commemorative Service at the Altona Mennonite Meetinghouse, where Stouffville's founder is buried. Standing in a building built in 1852, I couldn't help noticing that it was so plain. Compared to Old Order Mennonite meetinghouses built more recently, it was austere. I thought about how difficult life was for our ancestors and yet what wonderful gifts they passed on to us. Because of their industrious and simple lifestyle, they were able to build a strong community. That community now provides us a comfortable and enjoyable life. Taking time to appreciate our heritage filled me with gratitude for those who came before me to this area.
As I was preparing to speak at that Commemorative Service, I learned of the loss of a different heritage site. Few in Stouffville know that developers discovered the remains of Ontario's largest Huron-Wendat village, on Stouffville Creek, between Byers Pond Way and James Ratcliff Avenue. A 2007 Town Council resolution promised to recognise this site but there is no sign that this has been done. Now the site is a large pond built for storm drainage.
Will we dispose of this village and lose out on the chance to see and touch our history? Are we so ungrateful for what we have that we turn our backs on those who came before us?
- Cameron Kaufman-Frey
Monday, September 20, 2010
Re-awakening of the Spirit
Greg writes:
Ahniin, Hello, I am called Greg, I am a husband to Rachel, a father to Nathan, Hannah and Miriam. I am a ‘Oshkabaywis’, or helper to the children of Waabgon Gamig First Nation School on Georgina Island. I follow the path of Gizhemandio, Great Spirit, Creator, God. Welcome to the beginning of Community Mennonite’s experience of ‘Re-awakening of the Spirit’ a journey of healing from trauma suffered from Residential Schools
A national United Church conference entitled ‘Living into Right Relations’ was held in Pinawa, Manitoba in May 2008. This gathering was the beginning of a five-year journey during which Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal people will engage with each other to model and facilitate just and right relations.
From this conference there was a ‘Reawakening the Spirit Gathering’ at Salvation Army Conference Centre in Jackson Point. The gathering went to small circles and decisions were made to bring and share in our local communities the mandate “To foster right relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.“
What will this idea look like? There are a number of educational workshops available to provide opportunities for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to better understand the enduring impact of European worldviews and culture on the First Peoples of Canada. We also wanted to know our neighbours so a “Social Potluck” was planned between Chippewas of Georgina Islands United Church, Trinity United of Newmarket and Community Mennonite of Stouffville.
On Saturday September 4, 2010 some 30 brave members of Community Mennonite met at The Aazhaawe (Going Across) Ferry. It was a blustery day. The only weather we did not experience was snow! Upon disembarking the ferry most members walked to the United Church and enjoyed a 3km trip or should I say they were blown to the church!
We participated in meet and greet games and broke bread together! This was an important step in the start of peoples journey for understanding, reconciliation and healing! These relationships must be fostered for long term just as our Creator had intended from the beginning!
On a note of interest for Community Mennonite Church. There was a baseball tournament happening on Georgina Island at the same time as our social! I was in conversation with a community member and an idea that was put forth “Would your people put a baseball team together and sign up for next year?” Opportunity knocking?
My hope is that we continue this process of friendship and we keep the dialogue ongoing and open for sharing and support. That we are able to share with the understanding and respect that people’s experiences not to be confused with stories! An old saying ”We must look back in order to move forward”, seven generations back seven generations forward!
At the end of the evening after disembarking the Ferry Aazaahawe Creator gave us a full rainbow as a “gift” a “promise of never again!” Chi-Miigwetch to All!
- Greg
Ahniin, Hello, I am called Greg, I am a husband to Rachel, a father to Nathan, Hannah and Miriam. I am a ‘Oshkabaywis’, or helper to the children of Waabgon Gamig First Nation School on Georgina Island. I follow the path of Gizhemandio, Great Spirit, Creator, God. Welcome to the beginning of Community Mennonite’s experience of ‘Re-awakening of the Spirit’ a journey of healing from trauma suffered from Residential Schools
A national United Church conference entitled ‘Living into Right Relations’ was held in Pinawa, Manitoba in May 2008. This gathering was the beginning of a five-year journey during which Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal people will engage with each other to model and facilitate just and right relations.
From this conference there was a ‘Reawakening the Spirit Gathering’ at Salvation Army Conference Centre in Jackson Point. The gathering went to small circles and decisions were made to bring and share in our local communities the mandate “To foster right relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.“
What will this idea look like? There are a number of educational workshops available to provide opportunities for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to better understand the enduring impact of European worldviews and culture on the First Peoples of Canada. We also wanted to know our neighbours so a “Social Potluck” was planned between Chippewas of Georgina Islands United Church, Trinity United of Newmarket and Community Mennonite of Stouffville.
On Saturday September 4, 2010 some 30 brave members of Community Mennonite met at The Aazhaawe (Going Across) Ferry. It was a blustery day. The only weather we did not experience was snow! Upon disembarking the ferry most members walked to the United Church and enjoyed a 3km trip or should I say they were blown to the church!
We participated in meet and greet games and broke bread together! This was an important step in the start of peoples journey for understanding, reconciliation and healing! These relationships must be fostered for long term just as our Creator had intended from the beginning!
On a note of interest for Community Mennonite Church. There was a baseball tournament happening on Georgina Island at the same time as our social! I was in conversation with a community member and an idea that was put forth “Would your people put a baseball team together and sign up for next year?” Opportunity knocking?
My hope is that we continue this process of friendship and we keep the dialogue ongoing and open for sharing and support. That we are able to share with the understanding and respect that people’s experiences not to be confused with stories! An old saying ”We must look back in order to move forward”, seven generations back seven generations forward!
At the end of the evening after disembarking the Ferry Aazaahawe Creator gave us a full rainbow as a “gift” a “promise of never again!” Chi-Miigwetch to All!
- Greg
Monday, August 30, 2010
Allan on IVEP
Allan from our community has written a great description of his work with the International Visitor Exchange Program - read the article here, and follow the links for more information.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
thoughts as municipal elections approach...
Here's an article Arnold has written, which we expect will be published in the next issue of the Stouffville Free Press:
Municipal elections are coming soon. Does the church have anything to contribute?
Recently Community Mennonite Church in Stouffville took time to reflect on the needs of our town. We take seriously the Bible’s call to be stewards of the earth and to care for the welfare of our city - in particular, for the needs of the hungry, the outsider, the homeless and the imprisoned. We were very aware of the changes Stouffville has experienced since its beginnings - after all, Stouffville’s founding settlers were Mennonites! Today our town is a fast growing, multi-ethnic, multi-faith community with unique opportunities and complex challenges. Here are a few of our reflections in advance of the municipal election:
Regarding the “outsider” -- or better, the “newcomer”: In 2009, 19% of Gr.3 children in one of our newest schools were born outside of Canada, and 28% were effectively bi-lingual (the first language learned at home was other than English). This is a wonderful gift to our community and should be nurtured. While York Region District School Board will offer 81 language classes as part of its International Languages Elementary Program in 2010-11, we noted that none of these classes will be offered in Stouffville. Hopefully candidates for the school board will address this. Candidates for town council should also be asked for their most creative ideas that embrace the gifts and needs of our town’s new multi-cultural reality.
Regarding the “Poor”: The “long-form census” of 2006 indicates that the median monthly payments for rented dwellings in Whitchurch–Stouffville was 15% higher than the Ontario median, and the average value of homes was 66% higher than the provincial average. Since then soaring housing costs in the region have resulted in a 28% rise in Food Bank use between January 2008 and January 2010. For lack of lower-income housing, the poor leave our community: in 2006, only 4% of residents were in a low-income bracket, compared to the provincial average of 11%. Which candidates have a vision for the poor, e.g., plans for more social or mixed-income housing? What can regional council do better?
Regarding the “Creation”: We live on the environmentally sensitive Oak Ridges Moraine, on the headwaters of the Rouge River, and on the Lake Simcoe watershed. We are to be stewards of this land--for God’s sake and for the sake of future generations. Thankfully, the next phase of our town’s growth is governed by stricter provincial environmental regulations than were in place for Phase One. Vigilance will be crucial: almost all of our neighbouring municipalities have established Environmental (or Watershed) Advisory Committees, and give them high profile on their towns’ respective websites. Whitchurch-Stouffville dismantled its advisory committee some years ago.
Environmental advisory committees can be a nuisance for a town bent on growth. However, a quick survey of our town’s history shows environmental mismanagement devastated the town’s economy once in the early 1900s (deforestation) and also its health and well-being in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, when Toronto’s liquid industrial waste was dumped into an unlined pit above the Stouffville’s main aquifer (north-east of Hwy. 48 and Bloomington Rd). Which candidates for our next council have a vision of sustainable growth? Which candidates will make environmental leadership a signature feature of their campaign—and of our town?
These are a few questions for candidates that come out of the perspective of our faith community. We think that good discussion on these issues will be important for the long-term wellbeing of our town and its residents.
Some of our church members are new to Stouffville and some are descendents of the town’s original settler families. Yet we share a common faith commitment to ask and speak for the needs of the newcomer, the poor, and the creation. We hope to be a place where passion for Jesus and justice meet and take root.
If you are new to Stouffville and looking for a faith community--or simply curious--you are welcome to visit us. We have chosen not to build a structure, but we meet in rented facilities at Parkview Village Auditorium (9th Line) at 11 am. You can also visit our blog at www.communitymennovoices.blogspot.com .
-Arnold Neufeldt-Fast
Municipal elections are coming soon. Does the church have anything to contribute?
Recently Community Mennonite Church in Stouffville took time to reflect on the needs of our town. We take seriously the Bible’s call to be stewards of the earth and to care for the welfare of our city - in particular, for the needs of the hungry, the outsider, the homeless and the imprisoned. We were very aware of the changes Stouffville has experienced since its beginnings - after all, Stouffville’s founding settlers were Mennonites! Today our town is a fast growing, multi-ethnic, multi-faith community with unique opportunities and complex challenges. Here are a few of our reflections in advance of the municipal election:
Regarding the “outsider” -- or better, the “newcomer”: In 2009, 19% of Gr.3 children in one of our newest schools were born outside of Canada, and 28% were effectively bi-lingual (the first language learned at home was other than English). This is a wonderful gift to our community and should be nurtured. While York Region District School Board will offer 81 language classes as part of its International Languages Elementary Program in 2010-11, we noted that none of these classes will be offered in Stouffville. Hopefully candidates for the school board will address this. Candidates for town council should also be asked for their most creative ideas that embrace the gifts and needs of our town’s new multi-cultural reality.
Regarding the “Poor”: The “long-form census” of 2006 indicates that the median monthly payments for rented dwellings in Whitchurch–Stouffville was 15% higher than the Ontario median, and the average value of homes was 66% higher than the provincial average. Since then soaring housing costs in the region have resulted in a 28% rise in Food Bank use between January 2008 and January 2010. For lack of lower-income housing, the poor leave our community: in 2006, only 4% of residents were in a low-income bracket, compared to the provincial average of 11%. Which candidates have a vision for the poor, e.g., plans for more social or mixed-income housing? What can regional council do better?
Regarding the “Creation”: We live on the environmentally sensitive Oak Ridges Moraine, on the headwaters of the Rouge River, and on the Lake Simcoe watershed. We are to be stewards of this land--for God’s sake and for the sake of future generations. Thankfully, the next phase of our town’s growth is governed by stricter provincial environmental regulations than were in place for Phase One. Vigilance will be crucial: almost all of our neighbouring municipalities have established Environmental (or Watershed) Advisory Committees, and give them high profile on their towns’ respective websites. Whitchurch-Stouffville dismantled its advisory committee some years ago.
Environmental advisory committees can be a nuisance for a town bent on growth. However, a quick survey of our town’s history shows environmental mismanagement devastated the town’s economy once in the early 1900s (deforestation) and also its health and well-being in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, when Toronto’s liquid industrial waste was dumped into an unlined pit above the Stouffville’s main aquifer (north-east of Hwy. 48 and Bloomington Rd). Which candidates for our next council have a vision of sustainable growth? Which candidates will make environmental leadership a signature feature of their campaign—and of our town?
These are a few questions for candidates that come out of the perspective of our faith community. We think that good discussion on these issues will be important for the long-term wellbeing of our town and its residents.
Some of our church members are new to Stouffville and some are descendents of the town’s original settler families. Yet we share a common faith commitment to ask and speak for the needs of the newcomer, the poor, and the creation. We hope to be a place where passion for Jesus and justice meet and take root.
If you are new to Stouffville and looking for a faith community--or simply curious--you are welcome to visit us. We have chosen not to build a structure, but we meet in rented facilities at Parkview Village Auditorium (9th Line) at 11 am. You can also visit our blog at www.communitymennovoices.blogspot.com .
-Arnold Neufeldt-Fast
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