Saturday, April 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Busy bike co-op hopes to be part of $6.3m centre
February 22, 2010
Dana Brown
The Hamilton Spectator
(Feb 22, 2010)
It started with a bike co-op running on a government grant, $1,000 in donations and more than 80 gifted cycles.
In the end, the hope is for a $6.3-million building renovation that will house a community centre, a church, the co-op, and 46 affordable housing units.
Homestead Christian Care has grand plans for the Main Street East building, which sits at the corner of Crosthwaite Avenue North near Kenilworth Avenue North.
The building used to house the Jam Rock Bar and Grill, a hot spot that prompted many noise complaints.
Homestead bought the building and last year let the co-op, which is associated with New Hope Church, move in rent-free. Later, the church moved in and became a paying tenant.
"This building already is a place where the community gathers and sees the benefit for itself," said Jeff Neven, director of operations with Homestead and a church member.
"So it's not drawing from the neighbourhood, it's giving to the neighbourhood. And I live in the neighbourhood, so I'd only want to see something that adds to my community."
On Wednesday, city council will have the final word on whether the affordable housing units are recommended for funding under the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program. They are second on the city's list of priorities.
"I think it's just another example of the renaissance we're going through in the east end," Councillor Sam Merulla said about the building project.
Since opening last spring -- with a $3,000 grant to hire a student -- the bike co-op has become self-sustaining through the sale of donated bikes that are refurbished. It started as a pilot project, but was carried on by volunteers after the summer ended.
The average cost of an adult bike is $40. A kid's bike is $10.
People are welcome to bring their own bikes in and volunteers will help them fix it. They also help people who can't afford bikes, including youths, get hooked up with a ride.
"On the one hand, we're searching to provide transportation for people who may not be able to afford it," said Sid Slotegraaf, 21, the co-op co-ordinator.
"On the other hand, we're trying to teach people how to fix their own bikes and kind of build a community around biking. So it's kind of a tangible way that the church can serve the community."
Currently, the co-op has 120 bikes. Slotegraaf said last summer they sold more than 60 bikes and gave away about a dozen.
He said he would like to have four staff members at the shop during the summer -- they are working on a proposal for grants for the positions -- and be able to keep up with the repairs and people coming in. Slotegraaf would also like to see the co-op become more than "barely" self-sustaining.
Neven said if there is funding for affordable housing, work would start this spring on a third floor to the building and be completed by the end of March 2011. If the roughly $1 million needed for the first-floor renovation can be raised, those renovations would be done at the same time, he said.
Neven said they plan to name the community centre the Dr. John M. Perkins Centre, after the American civil rights activist.
The bike co-op is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's located at 1429 Main Street East.
dbrown@thespec.com
905-526-4629
New Hope lives on Main East
Howard Elliott
The Hamilton Spectator
(Feb 23, 2010)
There's a song written by Bruce Springsteen entitled From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come). The sentiment, if not the song itself, could accurately be applied to many things happening in Hamilton these days. A great example can be found at 1429 Main Street E. at the corner of Crosthwaite Ave., near Kenilworth.
Here sits a building, previously home to a rowdy bar known in the area for noise complaints. Today, it's owned by a non-profit organization called Homestead Christian Care -- affiliated with the New Hope Christian Church -- which wants to build 46 affordable housing units, in addition to current tenants that include the New Hope Bike Co-Op, which refurbishes and resells old bikes for bargain rates, and also does bike repairs.
An adult bike typically sells for $40, a kid's bike for $10. If your bike is broken, you can take it in and volunteers will help fix it. If you can't afford a bike, the operators will help you get hooked up with a ride. Last summer the co-op sold about 60 bikes and gave away about a dozen more to people who couldn't afford to buy.
The co-op opened last spring with a grant of $3,000 to hire a student. It's now self-sustaining through the sale of donated bikes, and the labour of a volunteer workforce.
It was a seed, fertilized and sprouted by grassroots community common sense and energy, now grown into a place of optimism, a community asset, perhaps soon to be augmented by the affordable housing units, which city council will deliberate under terms of the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program.
Renewal is not always about big projects and big dollars. As often, it's about small things and the hope of big things coming. We hope New Hope's big things come to pass.
The Hamilton Spectator
(Feb 23, 2010)
There's a song written by Bruce Springsteen entitled From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come). The sentiment, if not the song itself, could accurately be applied to many things happening in Hamilton these days. A great example can be found at 1429 Main Street E. at the corner of Crosthwaite Ave., near Kenilworth.
Here sits a building, previously home to a rowdy bar known in the area for noise complaints. Today, it's owned by a non-profit organization called Homestead Christian Care -- affiliated with the New Hope Christian Church -- which wants to build 46 affordable housing units, in addition to current tenants that include the New Hope Bike Co-Op, which refurbishes and resells old bikes for bargain rates, and also does bike repairs.
An adult bike typically sells for $40, a kid's bike for $10. If your bike is broken, you can take it in and volunteers will help fix it. If you can't afford a bike, the operators will help you get hooked up with a ride. Last summer the co-op sold about 60 bikes and gave away about a dozen more to people who couldn't afford to buy.
The co-op opened last spring with a grant of $3,000 to hire a student. It's now self-sustaining through the sale of donated bikes, and the labour of a volunteer workforce.
It was a seed, fertilized and sprouted by grassroots community common sense and energy, now grown into a place of optimism, a community asset, perhaps soon to be augmented by the affordable housing units, which city council will deliberate under terms of the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program.
Renewal is not always about big projects and big dollars. As often, it's about small things and the hope of big things coming. We hope New Hope's big things come to pass.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
New Hope Bike Co-op (article)
New Hope
Bike co-op gives life to old bikes
by Phyllis Tsang
The Dominion - http://www.dominionpaper.ca
Giving new life to old bikes. Photo: Phyllis Tsang
HAMILTON—"This is the stage I like the most about fixing bikes,” Sid Slotegraaf, Coordinator of New Hope Bike Co-op and a soft-spoken downhill racer and dirt jumper, said while dusting off a "pre-loved" bicycle. "You don't always know how they would turn out. It's like giving them new lives again."
New Hope Bike Co-op, a program which focuses on helping people fix their own bikes—and providing low-cost parts, free use of tools and low-cost refurbished bicycles—is the brainchild of Jeff Neven, a cyclist and a father of four who can ride only once the kids are put to sleep.
The idea was born in 1997 when Jeff was working with inner city kids in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he started a bicycle repair club for boys and girls. Upon returning to Canada, he continued to find opportunities and partner with groups like Recycle Cycles in Kitchener and MacCycle Co-op at McMaster University, serving communities with his bike repairing skills.
In the past three years, First Hamilton Christian Reformed Church and its church plant, New Hope Church, hosted a couple of single-day bike repairing events in East Hamilton. They had been well received by their neighborhoods. The success of these events furthered Jeff’s vision of developing a bike co-op in East Hamilton. This summer, New Hope Bike Co-op, backed by church donations and a grant from Service Canada’s Summer Job Initiative, finally became a reality.
The New Hope Bike Co-op. Photo: Phyllis Tsang
Since its opening in June, the bike co-op has been serving 20-40 people per day in two locations: a bike shop in the Delta East neighborhood which is open Thursdays and Fridays and a stall at Ottawa Street Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings.
The bike shop is located in an out-of-business sports bar which was originally an upscale eating establishment in the '40s. With most of its furniture still intact, the space has been retrofitted into a bike shop by adding workbenches, tools and increasing numbers of donated bicycles.
In this purple-ceilinged bike shop with a red-leathered booth, people's hands are always covered in black. According to Sid, "The best way to learn about bikes is to get your hands greasy and work on one."
"The greatest thing about this co-op for me is that people not only get their bikes fixed, but they also bring home a new skill,” he shared.
Some, like Darrell Sanderson, who donated time at the bike shop, walked home with more than a new skill. He left the co-op with a bike, his fingerprints all over it.
"You love being here, don't you?" asked Darrell's mom, Janice, who came to pick up her son after work. The shy teenager smiled and nodded.
The three bike stands in the shop never stand empty. Whenever a bike is off the stand, another one is put up. Both Sid and Drake White, a faithful volunteer who never misses a day at "work," are trying hard to meet the high demand for bicycles and repairs.
"This is our next project.” Sid picked a dusty cruiser out of more than 160 donated bikes.
Restored bikes are put at the store front to await their new owners. As much as sales are welcomed, they can be heart-breakers for Sid, who has to let them go, at times unwillingly.
Once, as he watched one of his beloved bikes leaving with a customer, Sid held out his arms like a child whose favorite toy had been taken away from him.
"That’s my bike..."
Originally a summer program, the Bike co-op will extend its operation on Saturdays through the winter. It will return in full strength again next summer at the same location (1429 Main St E).
"Are you ready to take part in this restoration project?" Sid looked at me and my clean hands as he mounted another forgotten gem on the stand.
Phyllis Tsang is a graduate student at McMaster University who likes to study wide, think deep, write lots, and live fully.
A version of this article originally appeared on the Media Co-op
Bike co-op gives life to old bikes
by Phyllis Tsang
The Dominion - http://www.dominionpaper.ca
Giving new life to old bikes. Photo: Phyllis Tsang
HAMILTON—"This is the stage I like the most about fixing bikes,” Sid Slotegraaf, Coordinator of New Hope Bike Co-op and a soft-spoken downhill racer and dirt jumper, said while dusting off a "pre-loved" bicycle. "You don't always know how they would turn out. It's like giving them new lives again."
New Hope Bike Co-op, a program which focuses on helping people fix their own bikes—and providing low-cost parts, free use of tools and low-cost refurbished bicycles—is the brainchild of Jeff Neven, a cyclist and a father of four who can ride only once the kids are put to sleep.
The idea was born in 1997 when Jeff was working with inner city kids in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he started a bicycle repair club for boys and girls. Upon returning to Canada, he continued to find opportunities and partner with groups like Recycle Cycles in Kitchener and MacCycle Co-op at McMaster University, serving communities with his bike repairing skills.
In the past three years, First Hamilton Christian Reformed Church and its church plant, New Hope Church, hosted a couple of single-day bike repairing events in East Hamilton. They had been well received by their neighborhoods. The success of these events furthered Jeff’s vision of developing a bike co-op in East Hamilton. This summer, New Hope Bike Co-op, backed by church donations and a grant from Service Canada’s Summer Job Initiative, finally became a reality.
The New Hope Bike Co-op. Photo: Phyllis Tsang
Since its opening in June, the bike co-op has been serving 20-40 people per day in two locations: a bike shop in the Delta East neighborhood which is open Thursdays and Fridays and a stall at Ottawa Street Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings.
The bike shop is located in an out-of-business sports bar which was originally an upscale eating establishment in the '40s. With most of its furniture still intact, the space has been retrofitted into a bike shop by adding workbenches, tools and increasing numbers of donated bicycles.
In this purple-ceilinged bike shop with a red-leathered booth, people's hands are always covered in black. According to Sid, "The best way to learn about bikes is to get your hands greasy and work on one."
"The greatest thing about this co-op for me is that people not only get their bikes fixed, but they also bring home a new skill,” he shared.
Some, like Darrell Sanderson, who donated time at the bike shop, walked home with more than a new skill. He left the co-op with a bike, his fingerprints all over it.
"You love being here, don't you?" asked Darrell's mom, Janice, who came to pick up her son after work. The shy teenager smiled and nodded.
The three bike stands in the shop never stand empty. Whenever a bike is off the stand, another one is put up. Both Sid and Drake White, a faithful volunteer who never misses a day at "work," are trying hard to meet the high demand for bicycles and repairs.
"This is our next project.” Sid picked a dusty cruiser out of more than 160 donated bikes.
Restored bikes are put at the store front to await their new owners. As much as sales are welcomed, they can be heart-breakers for Sid, who has to let them go, at times unwillingly.
Once, as he watched one of his beloved bikes leaving with a customer, Sid held out his arms like a child whose favorite toy had been taken away from him.
"That’s my bike..."
Originally a summer program, the Bike co-op will extend its operation on Saturdays through the winter. It will return in full strength again next summer at the same location (1429 Main St E).
"Are you ready to take part in this restoration project?" Sid looked at me and my clean hands as he mounted another forgotten gem on the stand.
Phyllis Tsang is a graduate student at McMaster University who likes to study wide, think deep, write lots, and live fully.
A version of this article originally appeared on the Media Co-op
Friday, January 8, 2010
Faith groups, churches play important, continuing role in Hamilton
The following article was written in the Hamilton spectator as a response to someone wondering where the churches are in supporting the community:
- LettertotheEditor -
Annette Aquin
acting president and CEO
Hamilton Community Foundation
The Hamilton Spectator
(Dec 4, 2009)
Re: 'Where were churches at JPC event?' (Letters, Dec. 2)
We agree with the letter writer that the faith community has a vital role to play in creating a strong, prosperous community. In our experience, it is playing that role very well.
Within the neighbourhoods where Hamilton Community Foundation is focusing its poverty reduction effort, there is significant and growing leadership by a range of faith groups. We can point to the work of Christ's Church Cathedral in the development of the Jamesville Hub, the leadership of St. Giles Church in drawing together a variety of partners to build community in the south Sherman area, the work of Lightway Church in addressing poverty in Riverdale and of New Hope Church doing the same in Crown Point. These are just a few of the examples with which we are familiar.
Just like our local schools, libraries and recreation centres, faith organizations of all types are "anchor institutions" and assets in Hamilton's neighbourhoods. They have a unique and important contribution to building community, and are making that contribution. We have no doubt the faith community will continue to play its leadership role as citizens come together to make Hamilton the best place to raise a child.
- LettertotheEditor -
Annette Aquin
acting president and CEO
Hamilton Community Foundation
The Hamilton Spectator
(Dec 4, 2009)
Re: 'Where were churches at JPC event?' (Letters, Dec. 2)
We agree with the letter writer that the faith community has a vital role to play in creating a strong, prosperous community. In our experience, it is playing that role very well.
Within the neighbourhoods where Hamilton Community Foundation is focusing its poverty reduction effort, there is significant and growing leadership by a range of faith groups. We can point to the work of Christ's Church Cathedral in the development of the Jamesville Hub, the leadership of St. Giles Church in drawing together a variety of partners to build community in the south Sherman area, the work of Lightway Church in addressing poverty in Riverdale and of New Hope Church doing the same in Crown Point. These are just a few of the examples with which we are familiar.
Just like our local schools, libraries and recreation centres, faith organizations of all types are "anchor institutions" and assets in Hamilton's neighbourhoods. They have a unique and important contribution to building community, and are making that contribution. We have no doubt the faith community will continue to play its leadership role as citizens come together to make Hamilton the best place to raise a child.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Relationship not religion
Recently I attended a conference where Paul Young, author of 'The Shack', spoke about the story behind the shack. First, let me say if you haven't read the book, I would encourage you to do so. I want to share with you some of what he shared because I was captivated with his journey of learning about what it means to be a Christian, or a follower of Christ...or whatever you would call it. That is, that God is a God of and in relationship, and is calling us to be in a relationship with Him (Father, Son and Spirit). That relationship is one of mutuality where we come to see ourselves as deeply loved. By virtue of being a Tri-une God (Trinity of Father, Son and Spirit), God achieves mutuality of relationship and by being and doing so, validates relationship and love. As Jesus lived and was fully human he was dependent on the relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus' cry on the cross 'My God, my God, why have your forsaken me - is our cry - he feels our pain and offers up our cries to the Father. He was not forsaken, but ended with a statement of trust in the Father when he commits his spirit. Most of our lives we may not sense the presence of the Father - it takes process, a journey of seeing ourselves in a loving relationship in which the the Holy Spirit is always with us with 'shameless non-condemnation'. Know that God is with you, His image is in you and you are a unique person that matters. That's why you have been invited into a relationship of love and trust with God the Father, Son and Spirit - to experience a mutuality of love.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Hot Baptism
You can bet that this passed Sunday the angels were a-singin' and the 'saints' were cheering when they saw our sister Merle get baptized, and while both her and her husband professed their faith and became 'members' of New Hope. Talk about the highs and lows of life! Ask members of New Hope what the last couple of months, even half a year (if not more) has been like, and they will say its been the 'highest of highs and the lowest of lows'. We are continuing to feel the tension as a body of New Hope as we work through how to love each other, support and encourage one another, and communicate with each other, when we have different ideas and hopes for our community, different experiences that filter our expectations, and different giftings. And believe me, it hurts. At the same time, we laugh with our friend Calvin at his awesome sense of humour. We enjoy the bonds created in our small groups, the fun we have in our community events and the collaboration we establish working alongside of each other picking up garbage to clean up our streets. And we get to celebrate the work that God is doing in our lives, particularly this Sunday, what he has done in Merle's life. Merle shared her story of how God has been at work in her life to bring her closer to Him as his child, and so we celebrated this through her baptism. As Merle puts it, although she wandered, he never let her wander too far. There has got to be no more of a unique and simply beautiful way of getting baptized, then in a hot tub! And so, 50 plus people crammed into Merle's home to celebrate her baptism with her family. Faces plastered up against the windows of the small hot tub room, a few children were able to fit inside to watch, cameras capturing highlights of the celebration to be used as a continual reminder of God's love. As Merle was brought under the water in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit, and up again, we were reminded of how God calls his children to die to our hurtful, selfish and broken lives (symbolized by going under the water) so that we can be made clean and forgiven - made new (symbolized by coming up out of the water) to have life together with God, forever. Thanks Merle for sharing this day with us, and for singing from your heart about giving your everything to Christ! (Oh, and for being soooo steamy after you came out of the water that we could visually imagine the Spirit alive and radiating from you! :) )
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Naming and Unmasking the Powers
I will do my best to share some of the key ideas I heard today at a conference regarding the 'powers and principalities' that scripture talks about existing in our world. Something quite new to my limited or even misguided understanding of the scope of what these scripture passages are really refering to....as our "fight is not against man, but against the powers and principalities"...which I, and I think others, have made into the idea of little (or big) demons that exist in people. What I will share next are ideas and thoughts shared by 3 key speakers: Walter Wink, Stanley Hauerwas and Marva Dawn.
First, there are spiritual realities at the core of institutional life; in government, corporations, schools, churches, our systems and structures. We need to see these institutions as both evil and good at the same time and social change is what happens when we unmask the powers of evil in our systems - ie, unjust systems that perpetuate violence. "Transformation takes place within the limits of the fallen". We recognize that we as individuals are fallen people, so too are our institutions. It is not just a matter of casting out demons, because evil is profoundly systemic, and runs deeper than existing in just one person, or peoples. The best way for us to understand our institutions and structures is to see them as good, fallen and redeemable all at the same time. We ought not to demonize someone who is doing evil if at the same time we are to see them as good, bad and redeemable all at the same time.
So how do we confront and unmask these powers and principalities that are evil or demonic? By dying. We must die to what has killed us; oppression, abuse, injustice, domination, power and control - die to social entities in order to live authentically. Personal redemption cannot take place without the redemption of our social structures, so we must set out to liberate powers - calling them back to what their created intention was to be, in order that there may be universal restitution of all things. The gospel is not just a salvation of individuals from the world, but a world transfigured. -Walter Wink
To get rid of war, we need a moral substitution for it. Unfortunately, war is a force that gives us meaning, purpose, reason and meaning for living. War gives us a cause and allows us to be noble. War makes the world coherent by creating black and white, us and them. War enables us to create a unified story and binds us together as a nation or people group. To preserve the humanity of those we are killing, we dehumanize them and the act itself. War is violent and counter to the gospel that calls us to be at peace with each other and God. But, do we have an alternative? According to Hauerwas, the church is that alternative. (As discussion ensued, others talked further about the chuch's ability to show solidarity with the poor as a moral practice that is an alternative to war. It is in our ability to see ourselves as forgiven and broken people -even though we are often in the position of power - that we can demonstrate the radical practice of forgiveness, not violence, as our response). War demands sacrifice - sacrificing our moral unwillingess to kill. Since Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice, we no longer need a sacrifice. - Stanley Hauerwas
Only by grace can we face the 'powers and principalities'. Ephesians 6. It doesn't say fight the powers, it just says, stand against the powers. (What sense does it make to overcome evil by doing evil - violence?). Churches can be these principalities that are fallen and we need to expose or be exposed when we act in a fallen way, ie., attracting people through our worship. Yet there is hope. The reason we can stand against the "powers and principalities" is because we know we already have victory. God has already defeated the evil in our institutions, structures and systems when Christ defeated them on the cross. God calls us to a universal work of bringing shalom in the world. We have a place in the greater meta-narrative of His redeeming work in the world. That place is to stand against the methods of the Powers and Principalities - our struggle is not against persons. We need to understand that the "rulers and authorities" that scripture talks about are human institutions that can become fallen and act like demonic forces. We don't really know the essence of these powers - scripture does not speak into that. Nor do we need to know. But we do need to know how they work - signs of corrupt institutions and systems; injustice, greed, (a business does not exist to make money, that is a means to the end...that of giving back to the larger community - Wink). We are to be peace makers, with armour that defends us and gives us authority to stand against these powers, for the battle has already been won! (read Ephesians 6 and dwell on the armour that we are given). - Marva Dawn
First, there are spiritual realities at the core of institutional life; in government, corporations, schools, churches, our systems and structures. We need to see these institutions as both evil and good at the same time and social change is what happens when we unmask the powers of evil in our systems - ie, unjust systems that perpetuate violence. "Transformation takes place within the limits of the fallen". We recognize that we as individuals are fallen people, so too are our institutions. It is not just a matter of casting out demons, because evil is profoundly systemic, and runs deeper than existing in just one person, or peoples. The best way for us to understand our institutions and structures is to see them as good, fallen and redeemable all at the same time. We ought not to demonize someone who is doing evil if at the same time we are to see them as good, bad and redeemable all at the same time.
So how do we confront and unmask these powers and principalities that are evil or demonic? By dying. We must die to what has killed us; oppression, abuse, injustice, domination, power and control - die to social entities in order to live authentically. Personal redemption cannot take place without the redemption of our social structures, so we must set out to liberate powers - calling them back to what their created intention was to be, in order that there may be universal restitution of all things. The gospel is not just a salvation of individuals from the world, but a world transfigured. -Walter Wink
To get rid of war, we need a moral substitution for it. Unfortunately, war is a force that gives us meaning, purpose, reason and meaning for living. War gives us a cause and allows us to be noble. War makes the world coherent by creating black and white, us and them. War enables us to create a unified story and binds us together as a nation or people group. To preserve the humanity of those we are killing, we dehumanize them and the act itself. War is violent and counter to the gospel that calls us to be at peace with each other and God. But, do we have an alternative? According to Hauerwas, the church is that alternative. (As discussion ensued, others talked further about the chuch's ability to show solidarity with the poor as a moral practice that is an alternative to war. It is in our ability to see ourselves as forgiven and broken people -even though we are often in the position of power - that we can demonstrate the radical practice of forgiveness, not violence, as our response). War demands sacrifice - sacrificing our moral unwillingess to kill. Since Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice, we no longer need a sacrifice. - Stanley Hauerwas
Only by grace can we face the 'powers and principalities'. Ephesians 6. It doesn't say fight the powers, it just says, stand against the powers. (What sense does it make to overcome evil by doing evil - violence?). Churches can be these principalities that are fallen and we need to expose or be exposed when we act in a fallen way, ie., attracting people through our worship. Yet there is hope. The reason we can stand against the "powers and principalities" is because we know we already have victory. God has already defeated the evil in our institutions, structures and systems when Christ defeated them on the cross. God calls us to a universal work of bringing shalom in the world. We have a place in the greater meta-narrative of His redeeming work in the world. That place is to stand against the methods of the Powers and Principalities - our struggle is not against persons. We need to understand that the "rulers and authorities" that scripture talks about are human institutions that can become fallen and act like demonic forces. We don't really know the essence of these powers - scripture does not speak into that. Nor do we need to know. But we do need to know how they work - signs of corrupt institutions and systems; injustice, greed, (a business does not exist to make money, that is a means to the end...that of giving back to the larger community - Wink). We are to be peace makers, with armour that defends us and gives us authority to stand against these powers, for the battle has already been won! (read Ephesians 6 and dwell on the armour that we are given). - Marva Dawn
Sunday, March 8, 2009
A look at Hamilton
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Truecity - Churches working together for the good of the city
This weekend was the annual, Hamilton, Truecity conference. Liz Weaver of the Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction was asked to attend to share the story of HRPR and its work in the city - and this what she submitted to the Spectator's Poverty Reduction blog:
Last weekend over 350 citizens representing over 80 church congregations gathered together listen to stories of change in community and determine how they can personally, and as churches advance social justice issues in Hamilton. TrueCity (www.truecity.ca) is a movement of churches working together to bring good to the city of Hamilton. The movement brings local churches together to learn from each other, capitalize on each other’s strengths and make a difference in neighbourhoods and in the city as a whole.
The TrueCity collaborative has invested in the City of Hamilton over the past four years. The weekend conference combined an opportunity for participants to worship together as well as session focusing on strengthening neighbourhoods, partnering on poverty reduction, responding to mental health and addictions, welcoming refugees well and digging into environmental concerns.
Dwayne Cline, Pastor, Hughson Street Baptist Church, Marv Friesen of Welcome Inn Community Centre and I were storytellers in the session called partnering on poverty reduction. Each storyteller shared their partnership story and then the participants were invited to tell their individual stories of partnership around poverty reduction efforts. What struck me during this session was the compassion of the community to respond to the issue of poverty and their willingness to contribute to community change efforts.
I left the TrueCity conference with a stronger awareness of the vibrancy of the faith community in Hamilton. The individuals attending the conference are committed to playing a role and assisting their neighbourhoods and communities. Churches play a pivotal role and the fact that 80 churches are coming together to create change builds momentum.
Last weekend over 350 citizens representing over 80 church congregations gathered together listen to stories of change in community and determine how they can personally, and as churches advance social justice issues in Hamilton. TrueCity (www.truecity.ca) is a movement of churches working together to bring good to the city of Hamilton. The movement brings local churches together to learn from each other, capitalize on each other’s strengths and make a difference in neighbourhoods and in the city as a whole.
The TrueCity collaborative has invested in the City of Hamilton over the past four years. The weekend conference combined an opportunity for participants to worship together as well as session focusing on strengthening neighbourhoods, partnering on poverty reduction, responding to mental health and addictions, welcoming refugees well and digging into environmental concerns.
Dwayne Cline, Pastor, Hughson Street Baptist Church, Marv Friesen of Welcome Inn Community Centre and I were storytellers in the session called partnering on poverty reduction. Each storyteller shared their partnership story and then the participants were invited to tell their individual stories of partnership around poverty reduction efforts. What struck me during this session was the compassion of the community to respond to the issue of poverty and their willingness to contribute to community change efforts.
I left the TrueCity conference with a stronger awareness of the vibrancy of the faith community in Hamilton. The individuals attending the conference are committed to playing a role and assisting their neighbourhoods and communities. Churches play a pivotal role and the fact that 80 churches are coming together to create change builds momentum.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Intensification
Recently, at our Crownpoint Community Planning Team meeting (CPCPT), we had a presentation done by Green Venture on liveable cities . "Development that encourages urban sprawl and its inherent inadequacies with respect to sustainable transportation, infrastructure drain, tax burden and natural spaces degradation needs to be re-thought. City planning and development that embraces infill and intensification is the smart way to grow our communities." At our meeting, we were able to take a look at the types of work being done to make liveable neighbourhoods in our city through things like alternative modes of transportation - Streets that are built or re-built with features that provide safe and equal access for all users. New Hope, CPCPT and every member of this CrownPoint Community, has a responsibility to work together to improve our city, in this case, in terms of transportation and urban sprawl.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Great work being done in the City
I am continually reminded of the many people here in the city of Hamilton who are doing great work, and are leaders in this community to which the church should follow (if not partner with and help promote their work!). As I try to keep up with some of the papers and websites like "Raise the Hammer" I get glimpses of sound and honest work being done for the good of the environment, the poor, the city as a whole - JUSTICE issues that need attention. (Side-Bar reminder and encouragement to check out the 'cool websites and blogs' section of this blog that highlights some great things happening that we in the Hammer should be aware of)! I am in the midst of some planning for the Truecity conference coming up in February which reminded me of the efforts being done to address poverty in our city. There are some great stories by churches on their involvment in this area. As well, as I sit around the table of local community members and agencies at our CrownPoint Community meetings, I get excited about the interest and desire by folks to look out for each other, like addressing the increasing rat infestation in homes occuring as a result of the Centre Mall deconstruction, or the support of grandparents in our midst who are raising their grandchildren (ROCK). I love this city, and love that people from all walks of life are investing in it and each other, because we should.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The necessity of conflict in congregations
I would be the last to say that I thought there could be a necessity in conflict - I tend to avoid conflict as much as possible (and I know I'm not alone). However, I'm learning that there is room for healthy conflict, "because congregations without conflict are dead or dying". On the flip side, "a byproduct of conflict is energy and passion" - and New Hopers have demonstrated these two attributes many times specifically over the past year. We are heading into a new year, but also a time to take stalk of where we are, how we got here and where we are going as a community of hope in the east end of Hamilton. We have had, over the past months, some different perspectives of ministry within our body. We need to continue to dialogue about these perspectives or it will drain the passion and energy of the body. But I am expectant and hopeful for this coming year. We have acknowledged and named this tension and are working towards taking ownership of where we individually contributed to the tension, and we are moving forward together, to see how God is shaping us and calling us into our community in this coming year.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Christmas Eve
We had a wonderful Christmas eve dinner together. We had ample amounts of leftovers, some great Christmas carol singing (with a few extra diddies like Elvis), and an opportunity to share and reflect on Christmas. We talked about hope, and what living in that hope would look like for this New Hope community. Peter shared about being "in-tune" with God and demonstrating this with his hand to his head like a satelite dish on his head (either way - the image is now stuck in your head too!). We all agreed, hope in this community and living lives of hope would create a safe place of acceptance, forgiveness and anticipation. So, let's see what 2009 brings! The evening was certainly a highlight of 2008 for many of us, but we cannot fail to see and acknowledge the many ways God has answered prayer and blessed us this entire year. Our motley crew of a family has grown together, struggled together, and can already anticipate some hard work ahead of us. But God loves us, forgives us and gives us GRACE. I look forward to recognizing and tasting this GRACE so much more this coming year - and desiring to share that freedom and grace with my community.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Fiona
A great read and a book that is putting words to some of my thoughts and feelings, is "Tangible Kingdom" by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay. The church is the bride of Christ, and sometimes the bride can look like Fiona from Shrek, but God still loves his bride, and wants to work in and through it. I need to be reminded of that, and certainly as New Hope revisits its call in this community and reflects both on the past year, as well as some inevitable shifts in the future, we will need to be reminded of that.
Friday, October 17, 2008
From CCG Mobile Justice
August, 2008
TO THE CHURCH IN NORTH AMERICA
As the Church of the Lord in what is known as the "Southern" part of the world, moved by the Holy Spirit to fight for the abundant life that Jesus Christ offers, we address our Christian family in North America, a Church of the same covenant, faith and love. Grace and Peace to all of our brothers and sisters.
We know your works of love; these works have allowed millions of human beings for many generations in our countries in the South to receive the gospel, the Grace of Jesus Christ and the power of His Salvation. The North American church's untiring missionary effort planted in our lands Hope in Him who came to reconcile EVERYTHING.
Nevertheless, the political, social and economic situation in the places where this hope has been announced is increasingly distressing. Millions of people in the global South are dying of hunger, violence and injustice. These situations of poverty and pain are not simply the product of the internal functions of our countries; rather they are the results of the international policies of the governments that wield global power.
Therefore, we have this against you, brothers and sisters, that along with this powerful announcing of the Gospel, the Church from North America has not also raised its voice in protest against the injustices that powerful governments and institutions are inflicting on the global South—injustices that afflict the lives and ecosystems of millions of people who, centuries after the proclamation of the Gospel, still have not seen the sweat of their brow turned into bread.
The worsening inequality and poverty in the South is alarming. Seven years since Canada, the United States and 191 other nations publicly promised to cut extreme global poverty in half by the year 2015 through the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), your countries have made only a little progress towards fulfilling their commitments.
The MDGs should stir us to action because they echo the calls of the biblical prophets for justice and equity. Further, they are achievable and measurable markers on the roadmap to end extreme global poverty.
And so we ask you as sisters and brothers, citizens of the wealthiest, most powerful nations on earth, to publicly challenge your candidates and political leaders—now and after your elections are over—to lead the world in the struggle to cut global poverty in half by 2015. If you who know the Truth will not speak for us who will?
The Church in North America has the opportunity today to be faithful to the Hope that it preaches. We urge you to remember that the Hope to which you were called as a messenger demands that you seek first the Kingdom of God and God?s justice.
Out of love for us, the global Church, in holiness, use your citizenship responsibly for the benefit of the entire world; it is for this very reason that the Lord poured out His life on the Cross.
All who have ears, let them hear what the Lord says to His Church.
TO THE CHURCH IN NORTH AMERICA
As the Church of the Lord in what is known as the "Southern" part of the world, moved by the Holy Spirit to fight for the abundant life that Jesus Christ offers, we address our Christian family in North America, a Church of the same covenant, faith and love. Grace and Peace to all of our brothers and sisters.
We know your works of love; these works have allowed millions of human beings for many generations in our countries in the South to receive the gospel, the Grace of Jesus Christ and the power of His Salvation. The North American church's untiring missionary effort planted in our lands Hope in Him who came to reconcile EVERYTHING.
Nevertheless, the political, social and economic situation in the places where this hope has been announced is increasingly distressing. Millions of people in the global South are dying of hunger, violence and injustice. These situations of poverty and pain are not simply the product of the internal functions of our countries; rather they are the results of the international policies of the governments that wield global power.
Therefore, we have this against you, brothers and sisters, that along with this powerful announcing of the Gospel, the Church from North America has not also raised its voice in protest against the injustices that powerful governments and institutions are inflicting on the global South—injustices that afflict the lives and ecosystems of millions of people who, centuries after the proclamation of the Gospel, still have not seen the sweat of their brow turned into bread.
The worsening inequality and poverty in the South is alarming. Seven years since Canada, the United States and 191 other nations publicly promised to cut extreme global poverty in half by the year 2015 through the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), your countries have made only a little progress towards fulfilling their commitments.
The MDGs should stir us to action because they echo the calls of the biblical prophets for justice and equity. Further, they are achievable and measurable markers on the roadmap to end extreme global poverty.
And so we ask you as sisters and brothers, citizens of the wealthiest, most powerful nations on earth, to publicly challenge your candidates and political leaders—now and after your elections are over—to lead the world in the struggle to cut global poverty in half by 2015. If you who know the Truth will not speak for us who will?
The Church in North America has the opportunity today to be faithful to the Hope that it preaches. We urge you to remember that the Hope to which you were called as a messenger demands that you seek first the Kingdom of God and God?s justice.
Out of love for us, the global Church, in holiness, use your citizenship responsibly for the benefit of the entire world; it is for this very reason that the Lord poured out His life on the Cross.
All who have ears, let them hear what the Lord says to His Church.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Poverty in Canada
As the election approaches, do you know what "our" political leaders plan to do in the area of poverty? Check out the videos on the links below.
Hello,
All the federal party leaders except Stephen Harper have gone "on the record <http://list.makepovertyhistory.ca/e/lists/lt.php?id=KRpXVAFfDg0ABBhSAA5PB1dVBVUH> " answering questions on video about what they would do to tackle global, domestic and Aboriginal poverty.
Check out <http://list.makepovertyhistory.ca/e/lists/lt.php?id=KRpXVAFfDg0AAhhSAA5PB1dVBVUH> what the leaders of the Bloc, Greens, Liberals and NDP would do about poverty if elected. And make sure to ask Stephen Harper what he would do <http://list.makepovertyhistory.ca/e/lists/lt.php?id=KRpXVAFfDg0ABRhSAA5PB1dVBVUH> , because he won’t tell us.
In these short video clips <http://list.makepovertyhistory.ca/e/lists/lt.php?id=KRpXVAFfDg0AAhhSAA5PB1dVBVUH> , Stéphane Dion, Gilles Duceppe, Jack Layton and Elizabeth May talk about their support for Make Poverty History goals and answer specific questions about reaching the target of giving point seven percent of our income for foreign aid, a national plan to end poverty in Canada and what they would do to narrow the living standards gap between Aboriginal people and the rest of Canada.
Once you have seen the videos, send a message to Stephen Harper <http://list.makepovertyhistory.ca/e/lists/lt.php?id=KRpXVAFfDg0ABRhSAA5PB1dVBVUH> asking him to say what he will do to make poverty history. We believe that before Canadians go to the polls they should know what all the party leaders would do to end poverty so that they can make an informed decision about which party is best able to help make poverty history.
Maybe you can get Mr. Harper to go ‘on the record <http://list.makepovertyhistory.ca/e/lists/lt.php?id=KRpXVAFfDg0ABRhSAA5PB1dVBVUH> ’ with his plans to fight poverty.
Many thanks,
Hello,
All the federal party leaders except Stephen Harper have gone "on the record <http://list.makepovertyhistory.ca/e/lists/lt.php?id=KRpXVAFfDg0ABBhSAA5PB1dVBVUH> " answering questions on video about what they would do to tackle global, domestic and Aboriginal poverty.
Check out <http://list.makepovertyhistory.ca/e/lists/lt.php?id=KRpXVAFfDg0AAhhSAA5PB1dVBVUH> what the leaders of the Bloc, Greens, Liberals and NDP would do about poverty if elected. And make sure to ask Stephen Harper what he would do <http://list.makepovertyhistory.ca/e/lists/lt.php?id=KRpXVAFfDg0ABRhSAA5PB1dVBVUH> , because he won’t tell us.
In these short video clips <http://list.makepovertyhistory.ca/e/lists/lt.php?id=KRpXVAFfDg0AAhhSAA5PB1dVBVUH> , Stéphane Dion, Gilles Duceppe, Jack Layton and Elizabeth May talk about their support for Make Poverty History goals and answer specific questions about reaching the target of giving point seven percent of our income for foreign aid, a national plan to end poverty in Canada and what they would do to narrow the living standards gap between Aboriginal people and the rest of Canada.
Once you have seen the videos, send a message to Stephen Harper <http://list.makepovertyhistory.ca/e/lists/lt.php?id=KRpXVAFfDg0ABRhSAA5PB1dVBVUH> asking him to say what he will do to make poverty history. We believe that before Canadians go to the polls they should know what all the party leaders would do to end poverty so that they can make an informed decision about which party is best able to help make poverty history.
Maybe you can get Mr. Harper to go ‘on the record <http://list.makepovertyhistory.ca/e/lists/lt.php?id=KRpXVAFfDg0ABRhSAA5PB1dVBVUH> ’ with his plans to fight poverty.
Many thanks,
Monday, September 29, 2008
Poverty in Hamilton
Is the "Persistence" of Poverty something that we had better get used to? Why not read this blog http://poverty.thespec.com/ and share your thoughts and feelings on poverty.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Motley Crew
Well, the flyers for school supplies has been out for a couple of weeks, a sure indication that summer is coming to a close. We have had a good summer, meeting lots of new people, lucking out with great weather on our Service Worship Sundays(service projects in the community), lots of rain for keeping humidity bearable and the flowers we planted at the Memorial school growing, and a few holiday trips for some New Hopers. At New hope we are beginning to refer to ourselves as the 'Motley Crew', and that certainly captures it! The diversity of people we are beginning to see on a regular basis, who are willing to associate themselves with New Hope is both amazing and eclectic. A few of us were reflecting on the type of regular conversations you can expect to hear at New Hope on a Sunday morning: shaving legs, having a terrible hang-over all Saturday because of Friday night, the best of music from Leonard Cohen,Frank Zappa, and Neil Young,as well as the aspirations of being a Gynaecologist (don't ask). Looking forward to more crazy conversations and fun activities in the community before hybernation sets in!
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