 Edmonton Community of Christ has had a long-standing relationship with Youth Empowerment and Support Services (Y.E.S.S.), an organization dedicated to helping youth in crisis in the Edmonton Metro area. This centre provides youth aged 15–21 years with a single point of access to a safe place to stay, as well as physical, mental, emotional, and cultural resources on a 24/7 basis. Community of Christ began their relationship with Y.E.S.S. because of one member’s request to attend a fundraising dinner. Over the years, more financial assistance was offered by the congregation, until 2016, when the first Fun Walk was organized as a fundraiser. This has become an annual event for members, friends, and Y.E.S.S. staff members. The church is located just 3 km from the Y.E.S.S. Centre. In place of a Sunday morning worship service, the congregation, friends, and staff meet to walk on trails through a beautiful ravine to the Centre. There, we have a rest stop before returning to the church. Those who choose not to walk enjoy a social time at the church. This is one of our “Service Sundays,” which occur every time there is a fifth Sunday in the month. Last year, a total of 46 people participated, 42 were walkers. When all the walkers return, everyone is served a lovely lunch. Initially, the congregation shared a bit about who we are as Community of Christ, emphasizing our Enduring Principles. In turn, Y.E.S.S. shared their goals and values as an organization. We discovered we had much in common in our desire to assist Edmonton’s youth. In subsequent years, we have had participation from an increasing number of Y.E.S.S. staff. The Executive Director has shared updates and future plans with the congregation and given an opportunity to ask questions. Although we have not had any youth currently housed at Y.E.S.S. attend the Fun Walk, we have heard success stories of youth helped by the Centre. In particular, one person who became a staff member attended the Fun Walk and shared her story at the lunch. Working with youth in crisis requires training and a skill set that we do not have as a congregation. However, as friends of Y.E.S.S. partnering with them, we are able to help promote a community of hope for youth in Edmonton.
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 Buried deep within the cavernous belly of the internet is the Kid President. The Kid President introduces three questions that could change the world, and about halfway into his 3-minute video, he gets all excited about something called Socktober. Members of the Chilliwack congregation discovered the Kid President and Socktober on the list of videos Robin Linkhart referenced when teaching the Adult Class Reunion material at Samish Island this past summer.
It was quickly realized that Socktober, as presented by Kid President and happysocktober.com, meshed wonderfully with the craft program of about 20 women who meet at our church on Monday evenings to knit and crochet toques for the homeless. These are pom-pom-less toques because street persons find pom-poms a nuisance when wearing a hoodie. Last year, these women distributed between 200 and 300 toques. This year, they have around 450 or more toques ready to go. Help agencies in direct contact with the homeless have identified socks as a need. To facilitate Socktober and the collection of socks, posters were put up around town. The local newspaper, The Progress, published articles in print and online about the toque distribution and the idea of Socktober. The ladies have now been gifted many skeins of yarn, already knitted toques, and socks by members of the community. Some donors have expressed interest in dropping in for coffee and craft night. The response has been a blessing. At this count, Socktober donations total 132 pairs of men’s socks and 113 pairs of women’s socks, with a few more expected. Socks will go out with some of the toques. We encourage you to watch the Kid President. Something might just fit for your congregation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sbG-172e_Y. You might have to watch and listen four or five times—he talks fast!  Nancy Panting, a beloved member of the Lethbridge congregation, recently celebrated her 80th birthday and was recognized for 25 years of service by Blankets for Canada, the non-profit she and her late husband, Stuart, founded in 1998. Friends from the congregation gathered to celebrate Nancy’s birthday and her years of dedication.
Blankets for Canada (www.blankets4canada.ca) is a non-denominational organization with a mission to support agencies across Canada that serve those without shelter, providing warmth and comfort. Nancy’s journey began in 1998 after visiting her sister in Missouri, where she learned of a project called Warm-Up for America. Inspired, she returned home and began crocheting blankets for those in need. With the dedication of Nancy and Stuart, Blankets for Canada soon expanded across the country, with chapters in every province. Volunteers from coast to coast create beautiful, handmade blankets, which are given to local organizations supporting people in need of warmth and shelter. Even after Stuart’s passing, Nancy continued her service as President of the Board until recently stepping down for health reasons. Nevertheless, she remains active, knitting and crocheting colourful, cozy blankets that bring warmth and kindness to those who need it most. (As you can see in the photo, she received a huge stack of multi-colored yarn as a birthday gift, sure to keep her busy for months to come!)  Join the Chilliwack congregation from November 8-10 as we celebrate our mission and heritage. We will be marking 50 years in our building and 125 years in the Upper Fraser Valley. While you're here, take some time to explore and discover the special treasures we've collected over the years. Of particular note are the signs gifted to us by the Winnipeg, MB congregation when they closed, as well as the sign from the original Rosedale church, circa 1924. There will also be many photos and books to guide you on a journey back in time. You may even find something that sparks your own memories. Join us for a day filled with history, music, and fellowship!
Our journey begins with a guided tour of Chilliwack, where we’ll visit significant historical sites tied to our congregation’s legacy. Take note of what you learn, as we’ll end the tour with a fun history quiz back at the church! After a tasty spaghetti dinner, we’ll gather for a hymn sing, journeying through the beloved hymnals that have shaped our worship. Music is a cornerstone of Community of Christ, and we can’t wait to celebrate these treasured melodies with you. RSVP for the Spaghetti Supper: [email protected]  By Bob Riley and members of the pastorate team.
Chilliwack Community of Christ is celebrating 125 years of heritage in the Upper Fraser Valley. What began with five baptisms in Camp Slough in 1899 has grown into a congregation that is part of a Christian denomination active in nearly 60 countries around the world. We are also celebrating 50 years in our current facility, which is used by both our congregation and other charitable organizations that serve the community. We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us on November 9th and 10th. Our heritage includes individuals on the front lines, as well as men and women serving in non-combat and non-military roles. Over the years, our members and their descendants have contributed to the local community in roles such as Mayor, Fire Chief, First Responders in the fire department, and as Chilliwack Search and Rescue personnel. Others have volunteered as board members of charity groups and as Chaplains to police forces. Many of us have worked in agriculture, resource industries, construction, blue-collar, and professional endeavours. Currently, members and friends of Community of Christ are knitting toques and mitts for distribution to Canadians who are struggling at this time. Our goal this year is to produce 250 toques. In conjunction with this, there is a sock drive aiming for 250 pairs of socks to accompany the toques. Last year, the distribution of hundreds of handmade toques was facilitated by police and security forces during their rounds among the homeless. Without the assistance of any paid staff, or by seeking grants and donations, we have contributed thousands of dollars directly to local charities such as Chilliwack Supportive Housing. We also regularly support the Canadian NGO World Accord, an organization headquartered in Ottawa that finds effective ways to improve the lives of people in developing countries. Individual members also contribute to other agencies such as Chilliwack Soup Kitchens, Food Banks, Ruth and Naomi’s shelter, and other Canada-wide groups. We thank those who came before us, who have led the way and taught us how, as Christians, we can be a positive influence, seeking peace, hope, love, and joy in our communities. We continue to strive for unity in our diversity, both locally and across the country. Join us on November 9th and 10th, 2024. Special Guests: Art Smith and Laura Horning. Events will include:
RSVP for the Spaghetti Supper: [email protected] |
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