|
|
|
|
Be SASI! (Social & Spiritual Innovation)
St. Andrew’s United Church in Halifax has been actively renewing itself over the last 15 years. And the entire process started from a place of vulnerability, and actively seeking relationships with others.
This intersectionality first began through St. Andrew’s relationships with other communities of faith, and their engagement with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. They were also transformed by leaning into deep spiritual practice, with two-thirds of the community of faith actively engaged.
In 2017 they realized that the conversations they were having about sustainability and mission were not mutually exclusive; they were the same conversation! They started to have conversations with large and small organizations outside of their existing network, while continuing to grow their own network.
Out of this came the idea for SASI - The Centre for Social & Spiritual Innovation. It is three-pronged approach, comprising (1) a hub space with co-locating partners of faith traditions, social enterprises and non-profits, (2) an opening of new space for spiritual practice of various traditions, and (3) a transformational leadership initiative.
Watch the entire story here!
[Photo courtesy of St. Andrew's United Church]
|
|
Youth Voices!
The United Church of Canada is changing, and we want to ensure that the voices of youth will be heard in the new structures. Young people are encouraged to complete a short survey on the future of youth participation in the church; please encourage young people in your community of faith to respond today.
[Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay]
|
|
EconoUs2019 - London, ON
EconoUs2019 is a unique opportunity to connect with more than 500 social innovation and community economic development leaders from across Canada. Their tagline is "Communities Leading Innovation", which highlights how the new ideas that will be most transformational will be those that are created and carried by communities. Many communities are already leading the way! Come learn about exciting initiatives from Ontario and across the country and share the work you are doing to create strong and resilient communities.
EconoUs2019 will feature dynamic speakers, interactive storytelling sessions and skill-building workshops, local and regional tours, a day for turning learning to action, and plenty of opportunities to network.
Register here.
[Photo courtesy of EconoUs]
|
|
Changing the View
Tanya Davis completed a two-week residency at Tatamagouche Centre in July 2019. Here are her reflections on her time and work there.
__________
The first thing I noticed was the spaciousness, both of the house and the surrounding grounds. It was dark, and so the second thing I noticed was a slightly spooked feeling. Luckily, I am a spin doctor of my own perception and thus quickly told myself a tale of happy ghosts that would be glad to have me in their midst. It was Sunday night in Tatamagouche and I had arrived to begin a two week residency at the Centre. I had paper and pens, a laptop and a burning desire to get some work done. Of course, getting some work done is rarely as simple as it seems.
An artist residency is an opportunity for artists and creative professionals to temporarily stay and work somewhere other than their home, providing context and parameters for creative process as well as an atmosphere that is generally conducive to productivity. No two residencies are the same, nor is any participant’s experience. With dedicated time and space in which to work, we can focus solely on our practice. Freed from even the joyous pressures of walking our dogs, tending our gardens, or meeting our friends for coffee, we can sink more fully into the work, whatever that work may be...
Read the full story here.
[Photo courtesy of Tatamagouche Centre]
|
|
|
Embracing the Spirit is a learning network and innovation fund. It offers funding and support for innovation ideas hatched out of faith communities and communities in ministry. Some of the stories and best practices that are happening throughout The United Church of Canada are shared in this newsletter.
If you have an idea that you want to launch, reach out and tell us about it! Proposal deadlines are quarterly, and due on the 15th of the month: January, April, July and October. Find out more.
|
|
|
Sign up for the Embracing the Spirit newsletter here!
|
|
|
|
Donate to The United Church of Canada and help fund life changing work around the world!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
