“Exams are such a challenging time for stress-out students,” Beth Hughes, a parish council member at Trinity and a professor at Carleton, says. “The pause tables provide a much-needed way to encourage and let them know all our communities care.”

Hughes collaborated with colleagues at the university’s Wellness Centre to get ready for the event. A row of tables loaded with toasters, fresh bagels and cream cheese, muffins, cookies, and coffee urns were set up near the MacOdrum library where students spend lots of time preparing for their final exams and writing their research papers.

The coffee break initiative was halted during the pandemic. After a soft relaunch last December, the outreach initiative, which runs for three days, facilitated co-operation between Christian, Buddhist and Jewish faith communities. Coordinators hope to invite Muslim groups to also participate at Carleton University during the final exams period next December.  Depending on attracting additional volunteer leaders and other factors, the project may expand to the University of Ottawa and Algonquin College.

The post Faith groups reach out to Carleton students appeared first on Perspective.

Before she entered the convent, Sister Elizabeth Ann studied forestry and worked in horticulture. This background helped her bring alive the Sunday morning Gospel at St. John the Evangelist, Ottawa, where she was the guest preacher. Jesus’ words “I am the vine, you are the branches” came alive for the congregation. After the Eucharist, congregation members had the opportunity to visit with Sister Elizabeth Ann and learn a little more about life in the Anglican Sisterhood.

The event was sponsored by the Ottawa group of Associates of the Sisterhood. The Sisterhood of St. John the Divine, founded in Toronto in 1884, is a monastic community within the Anglican Church of Canada. It is a community shaped by a life of prayer, community and service. Over the 140 years, the Sisterhood has worked in variety of settings—hospitals, schools, spiritual direction—responsive to the needs of the world. The Convent in Toronto hosts retreats and quiet days, and the Sisters have an active ministry of prayer and service. Associates are men and women, lay and ordained, who are members of a parish community and who seek to deepen their life in Christ by following a Rule of Life in association with the Sisters. The Rule of Life is a framework of prayer, worship, study and service to help us live out the promises made at our baptism. There are Associates all across Canada, including here in Ottawa. Look for a display about the Sisterhood at Diocesan Synod.

The post Living in the Age of the Spirit appeared first on Perspective.

Some books read like a good visit with a trusted soul friend. The Gift of Years, Growing Old Gracefully by Joan Chittister is one of those books. Chittister shares spiritual wisdom, grounded in her own senior-hood, and in a life of Benedictine religious community, writing, broadcasting, public speaking, and activism. The Gift of Years is not a how-to book for older adults about their finances, wills or health. It is not “Senior-hood for Dummies.” It is less about information and more about our continued formation into the fullness of the stature of Christ. Chittister looks honestly and hopefully at issues and challenges of aging. She has a gift for seeing blessings and opportunities hidden in what we might label as our problems.

According to Chittister, the spiritual task of senior-hood is embracing the blessing of the years and overcoming their burden. The mental and spiritual attitudes we bring to the changes that come with advancing age will determine who we become as we grow older. Our senior years can grant a unique perspective on the whole of our lives, previously unavailable to us at earlier stages, providing opportunities for meaning, healing and deeper growth. 

The book is organized into 40 short topical chapters, each of a length well suited for a time of quiet personal reflection, journaling and prayer, or perhaps shared in a small group with others. While the chapters can be read in any order, it seems fitting that Chittister begins with the topic of ‘Regret’ and concludes with ‘Legacy.’ Her book is full of memorable lines. She describes regret as “one of the ghosts of aging,” and “a sand trap for the soul.” The “should haves” (should have done this or that) is a “direct road to depression” and “damps the glow of what we did do.”  We risk devaluing who we, in fact, are and by implication, doubt the One who made us and accompanies us. With an eye to hidden graces, Chittister invites us to see that even our regret for ways in which we have hurt, wronged or failed others, is an affirmation that we are not longer that person, we have grown and changed. Acceptance and honouring of the roads that have brought us to where we are now, gives us the possibility of seeing our new roads (changes) as “full of God-ness,” as were our past roads. Twinges of regret are a “step over point” in life, inviting a reconsideration of past ideals, motives, and relationships. For Chittister, the goal is always seeking the fullness of life God wants for each of us.

In the “Outreach” chapter, Chittister underscores the harmful isolation suffered by many seniors (especially some of our most elderly). However, she also affirms the importance of our choices: “We need to go out to the rest of the world, rather than wait for the world to come to us.” She describes “generativity” as “the act of giving ourselves to the rest of the world,” and declares that it is the most important function of old age. One might also call this giving back or paying it forward. She quotes studies which have shown that widening our social circles through involvement with others, and by serving and helping within our capacities is the key factor in successful aging (i.e. overall wellness, happiness, wholeness). 

As we look at our Church and society, we see many seniors, from the “young old” to the elderly in key volunteer roles, serving as caregivers to both the young and the old, sharing gifts, talents, knowledge and wisdom. Our Christian Scriptures teach us that it is in giving that we receive. We are blessed in order to bless. Our local parish churches are uniquely placed to facilitate life-giving divine and human connections, as well as serving as portals for various forms of helping ministries (both giving and receiving). 

The chapters in The Gift of Years explore a wide range of topics from fear to newness; nostalgia, loneliness, appreciation and faith, along with many others. The introduction “The Purpose of Life” and the afterward “The Twilight Times” are both well worth reading. The shortest chapter is the last one, and arguably the most important. For Chittister, “Legacy” is not about money or possessions, but about how we have impacted others, and the world, through our actions and our attitudes. In our senior years, we have both the vision and the wisdom to see to it that our legacy is what we want it to be. Now is the time to do something about that. If you are young, it is never too early to start!

There is nothing naïve or Pollyanna-like about Chittister’s understanding of the last portion of our lives. The grace needed to sustain us and keep us growing in Christ is to be found within our burdened and blessed human condition. 

Put the kettle on, pour yourself a cuppa, and spend some time with Joan Chittister as a soul friend and companion on the journey.

*The quotation above is from a poem by Robert Browning.

The post “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.” appeared first on Perspective.

Le Moine, an industrial design student at Carleton University, adds that worship focused on creation care can help Christians to start talking about the environment. For example, he asks, “How can I move industrial design to be more sustainable?” Le Moine regularly attends the Connect service on Sunday afternoons at Trinity on Cameron Ave. The service is led by Paul and Evelyn Mugarura with Archdeacon Mark Whittall, who invited A Rocha Canada to facilitate the Earth Day celebration.   

Paul Heintzman, a volunteer leader with A Rocha Ontario, says Good Seed Sunday asks participants to reflect on creation and can reinforce the principles of Biblical creation care. “We are asked to be stewards of creation all of our lives,” he says. “I pray Christians will take stewardship of creation seriously.” 

Unlike Christian organizations focused mostly on political activism, A Rocha Canada asks its volunteers to be “hands-on,” to get involved in conservation and stewardship activities, says Heintzman.  A Rocha volunteers work as “citizen scientists,” to monitor loons, Monarch butterflies and frogs in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. They also organize nature walks and maintain a garden at University of Ottawa which produces veggies for the Ottawa Innercity Ministry. A Rocha is an international Christian conservation organization with projects in the global South and North. 

Daniel Godfrey, also a student at Carleton University who attended the worship service and potluck supper afterwards, says “There’s no time too late to get started” when it comes to looking after the environment.  

The post Trinity church hosts Good Seed Sunday appeared first on Perspective.

(L to R)  The Rev. Alan Gallachan, Paul Langman, Wendy Brown, Christine Ormsby and Eunice Goodenough.

photo: contributed

The post Charity flows in Richmond appeared first on Perspective.

The program began in 2016 and was focused on providing quality internships to about 12 youth from across the diocese each year. 

Bishop Shane Parker thanked Donna Rourke, youth animator for the diocese, for the wise and sensitive leadership and mentoring she gave to the young people in her care. “When I became Bishop, Donna quickly ensured that I was brought into the orbit of the interns, and I was struck by how she seemed to be both present and invisible—and always seemed to find the right balance of leadership, which set a very freeing tone for the interns and me as I answered their probing questions.”

He added that he was also struck by “the positive energy Donna exudes and by her firm belief in the ministry she was doing. That conviction contributed to the key successes of YIP and certainly touched the lives of interns over the years.”

Reflecting on her role, Rourke said, “The privilege has been mine to manage and coordinate this program, working with the 102 incredible young adults who applied, were interviewed and discerned their gifts for YIP.” 

The program involved a tremendous amount of collaboration, and Rourke thanked all those who participated in the program in a multitude of capacities. “Thirty-two of our amazing clergy have participated either as part of the faith formation team, in a leadership session, or as a mentor, supervisor or member of the advisory committee. We have had some of the most gifted facilitators deliver leadership sessions and work placements have included: 18 parish placements across our diocese, Carleton University, UOttawa, KAIROS, PWRDF, Citizen for Public Justice, the All My Relations Circle, L’Arche, Ottawa Police Services, youth division, the national planning team for CLAY, Centre 454, food banks, the Royal Ottawa, Extendicare, and Habitat for Humanity.”  

She extended her heartfelt thanks to “our funders, the dream team [the Rev. Ross Hammond, Susan Farrell, Roger Soler with collaboration from Leslie Giddings and the Rev. Arran Thorpe and advice from Archdeacon Mark Whittall], Bishop John Chapman, the advisory committee, our faith formation team, leadership facilitators, incredible mentors, workplace supervisors. “Thank you for helping me to accompany these amazing young people. Thank you for caring for them and about them and for supporting this programme. We could not have done it without you.”

She had a special message to all of the interns. “Thank you for participating in YIP. Everyone one of you taught me something and has made me a better person. Remember, you are loved, you are needed and you have many gifts to offer the world. You are so important in my eyes and more importantly in God’s eyes! You are, exactly the way you are, absolutely one of God’s masterpieces!”

As YIP co-ordinator, Rourke has poured her heart and countless hours and effort into making each intern’s experience a positive and transformative one. As a testament to that, Crosstalk has received many tributes to the program and to Donna. We only have space to quote from some of the messages from participants, but we hope these excerpts will convey the essence of the love expressed. 

Robert Woods

YIP helped me see how my faith can inform my engagement with my community through my work with All My Relations. I learned the valuable skills of responsibility, clear-communication, and an openness to others. I know that I now have a strong foundation to be able to embody my Christian spirituality in my future career(s).

Donna is the reason for the beautiful and powerful character of YIP that has been witnessed in our church. She truly cares for the personal, spiritual, and career development of all the youth in the church.

Olivia Pelling

I first came across YIP and met Donna Rourke, the amazing woman spearheading it in 2016. At the time, I was a new volunteer youth ministry leader at St. Helen’s Anglican Church in Orleans. Donna came to tell us about YIP….We immediately had youth interested. Every year following, we had youth sign up to participate in this transformative program. Seeing the immense growth in the five youth who …participated,,,. I knew that YIP was a deep fruit-bearing program. Two of the St. Helen’s youth who participated in YIP went on to become further involved in youth ministry and all hold dear their time spent with YIP and with Donna.

Isabel Macfarlane

As an intern with the original YIP cohort back in 2016, it’s amazing to think of how many young people have received invaluable work and life experience through this program. My time as a YIP intern with KAIROS Canada was instrumental in helping me determine what to pursue in university and was a fantastic learning opportunity. Donna’s exemplary leadership made for an accessible, engaging experience, and her work will surely have a lasting impact on the lives of former YIP participants.

Calum Douglas

Through YIP, I met friends and mentors with whom I still communicate today. And I learned and refined skills which have served me well in my continuing university career. I will fondly remember the YIP retreat in autumn 2019, hurriedly learning songs on the guitar to play around the campfire.

Alexis Udechukwu

Donna’s dedication, passion, and mentorship have not only shaped the program but have also equipped us with invaluable life skills essential for adulthood.

Through YIP, I’ve gained practical skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership….The connections I made as an intern three years ago have grown into friendships and professional networks that continue to improve my personal and professional life.

Sydney Sharpe

YIP has given me opportunities and opened doors for me that wouldn’t be possible without it. It has given me a new perspective. YIP came to me when I was going through a hard time and gave me a community and a sense of belonging. Donna has been a pillar of the program and my life for the time that I’ve known her. She has given me the hope, support and strength to make the next step in my journey.

Emily Walker 

The Youth Internship Program (YIP) … has been a meaningful, soul-nourishing, and educational opportunity for everyone involved….The program’s design including education sessions, the choice of a career or spiritual mentor, weekly check ins, supportive supervision, a dedicated prayer team to pray over concerns, and an eight-month work placement selected based on each individual intern’s skills and interests was the foundation of the program’s incredible success. However, the most impactful part of YIP was the community created around it. 

I was a YIP intern at the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) where I worked with their youth council bringing the idea of a social justice podcast series to life….

As a first-year student at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law, my time at PWRDF still comes up on almost every job application. [It] allows me to prove demonstrated interest in social justice, crafting compelling narratives, and public speaking….

[Donna] is a fantastic listener, always has sage advice, and names all of the good and beautiful things inside you making them burn even brighter…. Ultimately, she embodies the love of Christ in every virtual, physical, and in-between space she occupies. 

Maritsa Odabashian

Donna’s leadership style is remarkably personal and professional, deeply resonating with every participant. Her direct involvement with us, her genuine interest in our stories and her commitment to our individual growth have been nothing short of inspirational. Professionally, Donna has a unique ability to unearth and cultivate each participant’s strengths, encouraging us to step out of our comfort zones and seize new opportunities with confidence…. This program has been pivotal in shaping my aspirations, including my journey towards medical school, by instilling in me the confidence and skills needed to pursue my dreams. 

Stay updated on diocesan led youth activities here: https://ottawa.anglican.ca/what-we-do/programs-partnerships/youth-activities-programs/

The post Saying goodbye and thanks to the Youth Internship Program appeared first on Perspective.

Following the Easter service, Jim was presented with a token of appreciation from the congregation which he is holding in the photo.

The post Well done, thou good and faithful servant appeared first on Perspective.

This is how the Nearly New Clothing drive and sale began. Pam Hazen coordinates a small team of women who meet weekly to sort the clothes and package them to store until the sale. The community of Stittsville has been extremely generous supplying about 90 percent of the clothing, shoes, and accessories that we have available. 

The day before the sale a larger team of ACW volunteers arrive to set out the merchandise and prepare for the sale. A nominal fee of $1 or less is charged for these clothing items. 

The food bank hands out small postcard sized advertisements to anyone who uses the food bank. The clients then present their advertisement as they enter the church hall or as they pay.  It is a small core of women that work at the actual sale, and we maintain the dignity and confidentiality of those who enter our doors.

Our first sale was held March 12. That morning, Hazen read from a book of daily prayers and the entry for the day focused on Pope Gregory’s efforts to live a life that emphasized respect and dignity for others. The book’s thought for the day was “Support a local food ministry with your time and financial gifts.” As we prepared for the sale, it seemed that God was guiding their work. 

More than 500 items of clothing went to those in need. This is being provided as a service and not as a fundraiser. Many members of the food bank have expressed their anticipation and thanks for this opportunity. 

We are still receiving donations from the parish and community and have been overwhelmed by the generosity of donors, many of whom have told us that they are happy to support this worthy cause. As we fill up many nooks and crannies in the church hall area, we look forward to each monthly sale. We have expanded our opening hours to offer more opportunities for the food bank members to attend.

Another sale is planned for June.

The post St. Thomas ACW supports the Stittsville Food Bank appeared first on Perspective.

St. James took the initiative two years ago to establish CHIP as representative of the wider Perth community. Since then, CHIP members have worked with the town and Lanark County, overcoming setbacks and obstacles keep the project alive.

The council’s vote to transfer the land allowed the CHIP group just enough time to meet a deadline for a proposal to Lanark County for capital funding of up to $1.5 million for groups wishing to create new affordable housing.

The Rev. Canon Ken Davis, rector of St. James, says while 15 units are a ‘drop in the bucket’ compared to the number of people waiting for help, it’s a tremendous start for marginalized residents. 

He says people don’t realize how desperate the situation is—like people without proper housing keeping warm overnight in ATM foyers at local banks or living in their cars in parking lots. 

He also says it’s frustrating when rent subsidies are available from the county, but the funds can’t be used because of the lack of available housing.    

“Our hope is to help town leaders see the needs in Perth for those who don’t have a safe and affordable place to live,” Davis says.  “Once we succeed, with cooperation from the town, the county and the neighbourhood, we hope it can be a model for others.”

CHIP Co-Chair Dave Kroetsch of St. James says the group is grateful for the town’s decision. “Mayor Judy Brown and Councillors Gary Waterfield and Isabel-Anne McRae have supported our cause for close to a year and a half.  It’s another step towards providing safe and healthy housing for some of the hundreds of residents in need, including single seniors, those on disability pensions or single-parent families.”

Following the council’s decision, Carebridge Community Support technically became owner of the land at 63 Halton St, with the Saumure Group as builders and CHIP as advisors and fundraisers.

An extensive planning process has begun to address public concerns, drainage, traffic, the environment, and zoning to prepare a final site plane for town approval.

Robert Eves, CEO of Carebridge, says there has been community opposition to the size and type of the project. “To ensure a successful outcome, it’s imperative we have robust public consultation and that we establish a strong partnership with the municipality.” 
Eves explains that 15 units is the break-even point and the more units built, the less expensive each unit is.  One contributing factor is that Perth council did not support CHIP’s original request for a 20-year suspension of taxes for the building.  For the similar-purpose building on Chambers Street in Smiths Falls, supported by St. John the Evangelist, the Smiths Falls council approved a 20-year tax abatement to help with funding.

Lanark County’s 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan provided a set of recommendations on incentives including: full or partial waivers of development fees, expediting development reviews and waiving or reducing property taxes for a period of time.

chip-housing.ca

The post Perth affordable housing project gets land transfer appeared first on Perspective.