Transformation in Action - Spring 2010
Click Here to download a PDF copy of our Spring Update 2010
A Message from Our Executive Director
The Gift of Reverence
here is a story, likely a myth about a monastery that had fallen upon hard times. Once a great order, due to the effects of secularism it was now reduced to one house with several older monks. Clearly it was a dying order.
In the woods surrounding the monastery was a small hut that a rabbi used as a hermitage. Over time, through prayer and contemplation the monks would sense when the rabbi was in his hut. During one such visit, the abbot decided to visit the rabbi to seek advice that could help save the monastery.
Upon learning the purpose of the abbot’s visit the rabbi could only commiserate with him. “It’s true” he said; “Many people today do not feel the need to belong to a group to practice their faith. Almost no one comes to the synagogue anymore and many of the churches are nearly empty.” As he was taking his leave the abbot said, “it is wonderful that we should meet after all these years, but is there anything that will help me save my order?” “I am sorry” the rabbi responded, “ I have no advice to give, but I can tell you that the Messiah is one of you.”
As he returned to the monastery the abbot and the monks pondered the rabbi’s words and wondered if it might be true. Over time as they contemplated this message they began to treat each other with extraordinary respect on the chance that one of them might be the Messiah. Soon people who visited the monastery noticed an atmosphere of extraordinary reverence and peace that radiated from it. It became an attractive and compelling place to visit. After a while a young man asked if he could join the order and then another. Within a few years, the monastery again became a thriving order thanks to the rabbi’s gift.
Respect is a core value at Evangel Hall Mission. Many of our participants have felt the sting of lack of respect for most of their lives. Unfortunately in our modern society respect is often reserved for those who are high achievers or those who possess power and wealth. At ehm we believe respect and even reverence is a birthright. In 2005 ehm adopted a set of ten core statements to govern our behaviour. The fourth statement reads, “Treat everyone, particularly program participants, with a reverence and dignity they are due as a child of God.” We treat this statement as an unerring guide and constantly strive to live up to this standard.
Thank you so much for your support of the work of ehm. We continue to find more people relying on our assistance in a challenging financial environment, and need and appreciate your support. Without you, this work would not be possible.
Joseph Taylor CAE
Compassionate Hearts:
Almost $20,000 raised for our clinic!
On Saturday February 6th, ehm held our 2nd annual Compassionate Hearts Gala to raise funds for our free health and dental clinic. Over 150 friends and supporters joined our MC Mary Ito in the Imperial Ballroom of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner while listening to the Juno nominated soprano Agnes Szigovics and later danced the night away with the wonderful band Community Soul Project.
On top of having a great evening, we are pleased to announce that our Compassionate Hearts Gala raised almost $20,000. This money will help us to continue to provide free medical and dental services to those who would otherwise not have access to these essential services. This successful event would not have been possible without the generosity and effort of our fundraising committee; Susan Murray, Brian Malcolm, David Davies, Margot Blevins, and David Gordon. We are also very grateful to Narima Rajan from Fairview Florists who donated all of the beautiful centre pieces and to Colgate Palmolive for sponsoring our entertainment as well as to all of our many in-kind donors, sponsors, guests and contributors. We are constantly reminded of how blessed we really are to have such a compassionate and supportive community behind us.
Welcome to ehm
Our New Pastoral Care Worker
After a long and arduous search for a Pastoral Care Worker, we are pleased to welcome Rev. Katherine McCloskey to ehm. Katherine recently moved back to Toronto after spending 16 months in Alberta, serving a dual charge at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Wainwright and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Chauvin. Katherine’s gift of true compassion enhances the loving and welcoming environment within our Sunday program; a benefit to our participants, as well as the visiting congregations who graciously volunteer their time. During our morning drop-in program Katherine mingles amongst clientele who find comfort in her counsel, support and friendly smile. Katherine’s Wednesday morning bible study can be animated, lively and contemplative, as participation continues to grow quietly through word of mouth. Among Katherine’s long-term creative projects, combined with her passion for social justice and “healing and reconciliation” training, we look forward to a mid-week worship service. We welcome the spiritual dimension and pastoral support that Rev. Katherine McCloskey lovingly brings to our community.
(ehm gratefully acknowledges the financial support of Canada Ministries in this endeavour)
Youth Program Update:
A new morning breakfast club for students
At the beginning of February, we launched a new before-school Breakfast Club in our Youth Centre. Every Thursday morning children and youth from the ehm building and surrounding community can join us for a healthy breakfast and get some snacks to take with them to school. The program is run in partnership with Ve’ahavta and is financially supported by TNT, The New Trend Clothing Store. It has been an incredible success so far and it is great to be able to provide the young people of ehm with an excellent start to their day, knowing that it will contribute to their success in school and to their general health and well-being.
Looking ahead to the summer, we’re starting to plan for our Outside the Lines arts camp for teenage girls. For a donation of $300, you can sponsor a girl to attend this unique program that uses the power of the arts as well as outdoor activities and life skills training to foster self-esteem, build confidence and develop leadership skills. We also appreciate donations of supplies such as towels, sunscreen and bug spray, as well as Canadian Tire money.
Volunteer Update:
Dedicated service at our community dinners
“We love doing this,” was the uncomplicated answer to my question about volunteering at ehm. St. Timothy Korean Presbyterian congregation (Etobicoke) have committed to a once-a-month community dinner since 2002. This amazing group send 15 volunteers each month to serve a delicious meal consisting of Korean Beef (provided by a generous donor), a hearty salad, buttered roll, and dessert. Add warmth, love and kindness, and this just about sums up St. Timothy’s. They really do serve from the heart.
Group leaders, Steven and Eunice Oh were quick to add that the community dinners provide a good role-modelling opportunity for the younger members of the congregation and also provides an valuable learning experience. The hope is that they will continue to be involved and become the leaders and role-models for the next generation of St. Tim’s volunteers.
Steven emphasized that the younger members are usually the ones serving tables and they truly enjoy engaging in conversation with the participants. A busy, active, motivated, and enthusiastic congregation, this group is also involved in two food banks within the GTA.
Thank you St. Timothy volunteers for your love and support.
Jo Ann Hislop, Director of Program
Residence Update:
Fresh soup served courtesy of Food Share
Every Thursday residents are treated to some delicious vegetarian soup, provided by one of our partnership agencies, FoodShare. While enjoying the soup and snacks, tenants enjoy fellowship, while discussing issues of interest. For those who work during the day, staff makes sure to keep some aside so nobody misses out.
Soup Thursday’s are a great way to promote community as well as good nutrition. Both ehm and Food Share promote the awareness that fresh, whole foods are key to health, well-being and disease prevention.
International Women’s Day Celebration
A day to shine!
Women from the residence and staff gathered together on March 8th to celebrate International Women’s Day. Together the women shared their unique stories, culture and experiences while having lunch and enjoying the afternoon.
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women-past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, IWD is a national holiday.
This is the fifth year that ehm has celebrated IWD. We are so happy to have such a diverse group of women to make this day really special.
|
