Community Garden puts People before Plants

When asked where the idea for a community garden came from, Pastor Marcel deRegt noted that the idea came to him as he was looking out over some of the church property, wondering how that “resource” could be better utilized to serve their broader community. He also shared about Gateway’s desire to be so involved and impactful in the community, that if they were to close their doors, the broader community would not just notice the vacant building, but would be grieved at the loss. He wondered if the community gardens could be another way the church could invest in and work with their local community.

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The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Two articles have recently popped up on The Network and their timing is perfect. Like it or not, we are heading into the Christmas season, also known as the Christmas “shopping” season. While the global pandemic forges on, it appears that this is one ‘essential’ many of us won’t be giving up on or changing a whole lot.

As Christians, we are already anticipating the 4 weeks of Advent that will begin on December 1st, where we wait expectantly to receive the greatest gift of all – our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

BUT! We are quick to remember that Christmas is also about giving and sharing! A time when we remember how blessed we are and how we can share the joy of Christmas with those near and far through the simple act of gift-giving.
So, how will we spend our money this year?

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A Message from the National Director

Racism. Recent events in the United States have once again raised our awareness of its existence there, but make no mistake about it: racism exists in Canada as well. Pausing to listen and pray… Racism. Recent events in the United States have once again raised our awareness of its existence in such a way that…

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Caring for God’s Creation. Creation Care Series Part 1 of 3

Photo of a hummingbird sipping a drop of water from a leaf

Over the past six months, Diaconal Ministries’ staff have read and studied the book “Earthwise; A Guide to Hopeful Creation Care”. Initially when we started this book, I thought to myself; I’m not really sure why we are taking time reading about a topic that we likely know enough about and probably all agree upon anyway.…

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Youth Justice Initiative Coming in 2019

|By Erin Knight, Communications Coordinator for Diaconal Ministries Canada I recently watched the movie Black Panther with my two sons, aged 11 and 13. While I wasn’t exactly filled with enthusiasm to be watching yet another Avenger movie with my kids on a Friday night, some of the buzz I had heard surrounding this movie…

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Learning to Live Out Reconciliation – A DOE Story

(Pictured above: Mike Hogeterp (left) and Jonathan Maracle exchanging gifts and greetings in the indigenous tradition) Anita Hogeveen was one of the participants of “The Dance of Reconciliation” workshop led by Mike Hogeterp (Director of the Centre for Public Dialogue) and Jonathan Maracle at the Day of Encouragement (DOE) held on April 7, 2018, in Brockville, ON.…

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OM Partner Highlight – West Yellowhead Pregnancy Care Centre

This story was adapted from Pastor Ken Douma’s presentation at the Day of Encouragement in Edmonton, AB on Saturday, November 4, 2017. Pastor Ken is the lead pastor at Edson Peers CRC*, in Edson, AB. A couple of years ago, Pastor Ken got a phone call from Natalie Walker, Director of the West Yellowhead Pregnancy…

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2017 Ministry Networking Day

MY House is one of our Operation Manna (OM) partners. In partnership with Mission Hills Community CRC, MY House is a centre for vulnerable youth that provides essential services like a place to eat, shower, do laundry and access medical care. Calvin Williams was one of the participants of the MND 2017 and offered some encouraging feedback after…

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