Community Ministry
Community Ministry
Community Ministry is a shared ministry with our neighbouring congregation, St. Mark's Lutheran Lutheran (now Trillium Lutheran) which has grown in remarkable ways out of a potluck Lenten series more than 20 years ago. A couple heard about the potluck at St. Mark's and decided to go to it one night. As it happened it was the last night of the study series but the couple didn't realize that. As they left they said, "See you next week!", and the leaders thought, "Why not?". Why not, indeed! And thus began Community Ministry.
Others heard there was a dinner served every Wednesday night, and the numbers grew. Calvary realized that St, Mark's was filling a need for many in our community and made the decision to support St. Mark's outreach with both financial support and helping hands. A formal partnership was created and the ministry grew.
The ministry has a coordinator, Rev. Susan Cole, who is an ordained United Church minister. Her work extends far beyond a weekly dinner to include providing clothing and food vouchers and counselling and other support for folks facing difficult times. Her work also involves finding donations and funds to keep the program going. Two current fundraising events, as well as a request for some ongoing items that are always needed, are highlighted below. And Wednesday volunteers are certainly always welcome.
Please Note: That as a result of St. Mark's becoming part of Trillium Lutheran,the Community Ministry dinners moved to Trillium Lutheran at the former St. John's Lutheran church on Thursday nights and finally, because of the pandemic had to be postponed.
See you next week!
Community Ministry Continues a Vital Service during the COVID-19 Pandemic:
Human Connections
It’s not an easy time for any of us, especially those who are most vulnerable. Suddenly those who are most affluent and the homeless and marginalized in our communities are facing the same challenge of staying healthy and safe. Unfortunately for many of our marginalized folks, there is no where to self isolate. Anxiety levels are even higher for those of us who already suffer from anxiety and depression as well as many other mental disorders. Let’s remember to continue to be kind to each other as tensions are running high.
Unfortunately due to the circumstances, CM has been ask to not feed people. The Food Bank of Waterloo Region has adjusted their operations and activated the Community Food Assistance Network Pandemic Business Continuity Plan, ensuring essential services continue to be offered in our community. All food support has been centralized in an attempt to keep people safe and the limited and sporadic food supplies reaching those most in need. Without gathering for our weekly free community Thursday supper, handing out food vouchers, or meeting with clients face-to-face you might wonder how CM can continue its ministry.
The community of CM, the supper guest, the voucher clients, the volunteers and the supporters of CM are busy doing the work of staying connected to each other, building support networks, offering to pick up groceries, offering to compassionately listen to anxious voices that do not feel like they are being heard, and sharing God’s comfort and hope where people are feeling hopeless. Like any loving community, the people of Community Ministry are continuing the work of God’s feet and hands in the world, along with ears and compassionate hearts.
Through email, texting, phone calls and Facebook posts, CM’s coordinator, Susan Cole, has been able to reach out to many of those in our community who benefit from the contact and emotional and spiritual support. But she doesn’t work alone. There are CM volunteers and community members who are also continuing to check in on each other, lend a hand or share a food source. The CM family is blessed to have so many caring souls involved in making a positive difference in people’s lives.
Community Ministry would like to thank all our supporters who help us continue through difficult times by sharing their time, talents and treasures with those less fortunate.
Blessings & Peace ~ The Community Ministry Management Committee
Thank you from Susan Cole,
Community Ministry Coordinator
I just want to take the time to thank all those who donate to CM throughout the year.
The food collected every week is very helpful in our work helping others. I often have people drop in asking for a bag of food items to help them through the month and your donations make a difference! There are monthly items that we ask for but feel free to donate other items (like coffee) when they come on sale. They are always needed. Or you can contact me to ask me what is needed for the Thursday meal! These items can be dropped off in the box under the literature table in the Gruhn Street foyer.
ALSO please consider donating some of your time, even if it is only a one-time thing. As people go on summer holidays it is increasingly difficult to find folks to come to help on Wednesdays. Those who would like to just pop in for 30 minutes would be welcome any time on Wednesdays to set up tables and chairs. Many hands make light work.
Special Requests
from Community Ministry
Community Ministry is always in need of basic food
and other necessities. Won't you help with donations to the shopping cart in Kellerman Hall? Some items are always needed like peanut butter, cereal, pasta sauce and dry cereal. Dinners are served every Thursday so donations of food is always needed and appreciated.
This year, in light of the pandemic, food donations should be given to the Waterloo Region Food Bank which is coordinating the distribution of food to those in need throughout the Waterloo Region.
Please don't forget our less fortunate neighbours at
such a difficult time in all our lives. your gift is greatly needed and appreciated.
2020 -- The Challenge of Change
The year 2020 is very different than any other year we have experienced. For many reasons Community Ministry is adapting to several major changes -- a change of location, a change of how disadvantaged folks in our area have their basic needs met and, sadly, for Community Ministry, a change in leadership. Susan Cole will be dearly missed for her energy, wisdom, knowledge and compassion. Every one associated with Community Ministry will grieve her leaving but wish her well as she becomes minister of Knox United Church, Embro.
Thanks, Susan, and best wishes to you
from your friends at Calvary!