Driving the Community Forward

By admin | September 18, 2023 |

In 2010, the CARS ministry in Wingham, ON, received a NewGround grant to renovate the shop and get a hoist. This was the boost they needed (literally!) and the ministry has grown since then. Today, CARS is a thriving non-for-profit business that fixes and maintains around 100 cars every year, catering primarily to those on government assistance of some sort – single moms, seniors, and people with disabilities.

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NewGround Partnership Goes Beyond Financial Support

By Erin Knight | June 28, 2023 |

“I appreciate the support of NewGround for our ministry, Cross Town,” shared Greg Houldcroft at this year’s Annual Ministry Networking Day. “NewGround gives back to their partners; not just through grants but by pouring into the lives of their partners and its leaders.”

This is what has set the NewGround program apart for over 40 years. The annual Ministry Networking Day is a day that brings past, present, and potential community ministry partners and church partners together to listen, learn, celebrate, and collaborate!

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Join us in the Joy of Giving

By admin | June 14, 2023 |

I don’t know about you, but I am inundated with opportunities to give: giving of my time, my energy, my resources. Scrolling through my social media on any given day or checking my inbox, there would be at least three or four organizations that are worthy of my time and support every single day!

If you are part of a church, you are likely exposed to even more worthy causes – both within your denomination and your local community. Quite honestly, it can take the joy out of giving!

So what’s a donor to do?

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The Road to Reconciliation Begins with Justice

By Erin Knight | June 1, 2023 |

“People sometimes want to jump right to reconciliation, but there is a stop before you get there, and it is called justice. It is not something that can be skipped.” This was the message shared by Adrian Jacobs, Senior Leader for Indigenous Justice and Reconciliation, at the recent Canadian National Gathering.

Over 150 people from across Canada gathered to listen and exchange hearts with Indigenous brothers and sisters and to see a new way forward in their homes, churches, and communities. The Gathering was held May 25-28, 2023, at the Algonquin College Ottawa Campus in Ontario. Most attendees were either nominated or appointed by their local Classis…

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Reconnecting Churches in Central Alberta with “Night of Encouragement”

By Erin Knight | May 10, 2023 |

Marg Hoogland, Diaconal Coach for Alberta North (Central Alberta) saw an incredible opportunity to get the churches in her area reacquainted – to her as their coach and with each other! She reached out to the churches in the Parkland area and discovered a strong thread among most of the churches: refugee engagement. And so began her plans for a “Night of Encouragement” on a cold winter’s night in February!

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The Call to Listen

By admin | May 2, 2023 | Comments Off on The Call to Listen

Throughout Hilke Wierenga’s life of service, the one thing he believed God showed him was the highest calling of a deacon is to listen well.

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Online Course Redefines Stewardship

By admin | March 17, 2023 | Comments Off on Online Course Redefines Stewardship

A brand new, self-guided, online stewardship course is now available to deacons and churches. We often say that everything we have is a ‘gift’ from God, but sometimes that thinking can lead us a little astray. When someone gives a gift, it’s not theirs anymore – it becomes ours, to use as we please. But stewardship isn’t like that…

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Sharing Me-mentos on Valentine’s

By Erin Knight | March 7, 2023 | Comments Off on Sharing Me-mentos on Valentine’s

A little kindness can go a long way. The Deacons at Bethel CRC in Listowel got creative and shared a small gift to their church in order to show them what being a deacon is all about!

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Bethel Church Puts Love in Act(i)on with Coffee Trailer

By admin | February 9, 2023 |

Bethel CRC in Acton has worked intentionally over the past years to be an integral part of their local community. While at the annual fall fair, church members noticed there was no hot beverage vendor. They began to dream and wonder how they could use this opportunity to move toward their community. Then an idea came to them – a mobile coffee trailer they could bring to any and all community events!

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Building Community Ministries from the (new)Ground Up

By Erin Knight | December 14, 2022 | Comments Off on Building Community Ministries from the (new)Ground Up

For years, Bethany CRC in Fenwick, Ontario, was engaged in global missions work. Yet each time their teams returned, they wondered what missions might look like in their own backyard. The church had a huge heart for youth and was already running a summer kids camp. After much discussion and prayer, it was decided they would start by canvassing in various neighbourhoods in the nearby city of Welland, to invite children to come out to a free Saturday afternoon program in a downtown church. Rose City Kids (RCK) was born!

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