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WINTER 2023
St. James Presbyterian Church, North Yarmouth, in Central Elgin, Ont., is rediscovering their
“Why.” For example, two yard sales were held in 2023. They were more than just fundraisers, they were ways to connect and create fellowship with neighbours, provide leadership opportunities for younger congregation members, and provide the financial capacity to meet needs in the community. As well, the congregation took part in a community information day at the Belmont arena, which was an opportunity for organizations, vendors and churches to present themselves to the community.
The congregations of Rockway and First Presbyterian Churches, North Pelham, Ont., started a Walking Wellness and Fellowship Group. Each week, people meet at the Canada Summer Games Park at Brock University in St. Catharines for a wellness walk. Following the walk, fellowship is enjoyed over coffee and conversation. This event has been well received and provides an opportunity for people to come together for some casual exercise.
The Mission and Outreach Committee of Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church in Richmond Hill, Ont., hosted a pancake breakfast on Saturday, April 22, 2023, as a fundraiser to support the Odeiwin (Path of the Heart) Organization, serving Indigenous people in the Greater Toronto Area, which is run by Jay Shea (James Bay Cree and founder of Odeiwin) and Sarah Schuster, both pictured, below right. The organization has skills development programs, education and employment partnership programs, Indigenous- led mentorship, coaching, leadership training and cultural workplace training. Jay is also involved in the Circle of Friendship – Richmond Hill. In May, they undertook an exciting new venture and planted an Indigenous Medicine Garden at the Richmond Hill Public Library. Their vision is that it will become a community hub and teaching space with the harvest to be used in future programming and donated back to the community. The Mission & Outreach Committee was pleased to be part of this initiative and raised $629.17 to help the Odeiwin Organization move forward with their medicine garden.
On Sept. 10, the congregation at Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church (RHPC) took part in the City of Richmond Hill’s “Heritage Summit,” which was part of the city’s 150th anniversary celebrations. RHPC was pleased to participate and be part of this milestone. There were many displays (approx. 40+) that generated a lot of interest and a steady stream of people through the hallways of the theatre throughout the afternoon, and a couple hundred people in the theatre itself for the evening portion. The event was accomplished through a partnership between the city and the Historical Society, with committee involvement that included many from the community churches.
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