Social Concerns & Outreach 2012

The Social Concerns & Outreach Committee recently met to discuss our plans for 2012, and it was decided to seek input from the members of the congregation as to what the priorities should be for 2012.
The committee wants to retain the three levels of support: International, National, and Local.

The candidates for our support are as follows:
International

• Compassionate Warehouse
• KIDS - Kids International Development Society
• PWRDF - Special Appeals
• World University Service of Canada/Students without Borders

National

• Sorrento Centre
• Anglican Appeal
• Anglican Foundation

Local

• Christmas Hamperville
• Nanaimo Community Hospice Society
• Summer Lunch Program (Foodshare)
• Together We Can (7/10 Breakfast Club)
• Nanaimo Community Kitchens
• Haven Society
• Claytree Society

Other causes that were mentioned are: Suicide Prevention (Local and National), and a Demonstration Garden (growing organically).

If any of you reading this blog want to comment please do so. We will also be putting a circular out to the congregation.

Our goal for 2012 is to distribute $20,000 (which includes designated donations received from members of the congregation).

Tony Davis
Committee Chair

St Philip's Priorities for 2012

Recently we received the report from Synod during the sermon section of the two services, and the speakers challenged us to think of our priorities for 2012. I would like to hear from you what you believe should be our priorities for 2012?
Should we devote more of our time and talents to improving our Youth Ministry?
Should we engage our First Nations brothers and sisters in an ongoing dialogue and determine where we can help?
What will it mean to sponsor a refugee family?
How do we ensure our 10am service will continue to be one with vibrant music and joyful singing?
Let's hear your thoughts.

Update on our Refugee Sponsorship

Last evening we had a very interesting meeting with Ashraf (recently sponsored by the Nanaimo Group) and Mohammed Hawamdeh (President of the Islamic Centre). We learnt more about the El Hol Camp and the hardships of making a journey from the camp to Damascus; about the barriers/obstacles faced by a new immigrant; and more about the customs of our family. There were some moments of laughter as Ashraf related his trip to Canada, and for him and his family their trip to freedom.
On Saturday Feb 18, St. Philip's will be hosting a workshop; the morning session will involve other groups who have already sponsored refugees relating their experiences; the afternoon session is a workshop on Cross Cultural Awareness. Anyone from the congregation is welcome to attend either of the sessions. In fact I would encourage you to attend if you are able.

This is the first attempt to blog using this system and once we have folks signed on we can start a dialogue.
Tony