Outreach is how we put our faith into action
The Outreach Ministry (Committee) at Westdale United organizes fundraising at Christmas (Westdale Christmas Project) and Easter (Lenten Fund for Others), and allocates revenue from trust funds designated for outreach activities.
We have a more active involvement with Wesley Urban Ministries and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. We participate in many of the educational and advocacy campaigns of Kairos, as well as some of the social justice campaigns organized by the United Church through the national office. A portion of the weekly offering at church services goes to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church.
Wesley Urban Ministries
In 1955, United Church members from the Hamilton Presbytery began an outreach program, including a Sunday afternoon tea, for elderly individuals living with low incomes. In the 1960s, momentum gained as Wesley’s programs expanded into a wide range of services for all people, young and old, who were struggling under the burden of poverty. In the late 60s, Wesley’s programs were well underway including a club for seniors and transient men, a drop in and tutoring program for hard-to-reach youth, a youth recreation program and camping trip, a used clothing depot, a nursery and mother’s club, as well as Christmas and holiday celebrations. A community meal was also served after the church service, and area church groups began signing up to prepare and serve meals on Sunday. Wesley Urban Ministries was incorporated in 1979. Partnerships between Wesley and other groups and organizations flourished from the mid 80s onward. Wesley collaborated with many different community agencies and government bodies and became further involved in the areas of health, housing, language, literacy, settlement, immigration, and recreation. Westdale United Church has been a long-time supporter of Wesley Urban Ministries.
At Westdale United, we encourage support through the Christmas Project and Lenten Fund for Others. Members assist each year in one of the Sunday services and meals. The Sunday School and Youth Group have organized our participation in the “Case for Kids” fundraising walk, ride, and run at Bayfront Park, and Westdale has been one of the pacesetter churches for many years. A small organic garden is planted next to the church, and the produce (tomatoes and peppers) is given to Wesley Urban Ministries.
Canadian Foodgrains Bank
Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) is a partnership of Canadian church-based agencies working to end hunger in developing countries by increasing and deepening the involvement of Canadians in efforts to end hunger. On behalf of its fifteen member agencies, the Foodgrains Bank collects grain and cash donations, provides funds and expert advice for projects submitted by member agencies and their partners, manages the procurement and supply of food commodities, and engages in public policy and education activities related to hunger and food security.
Westdale became involved with Foodgrains in 1993, when we partnered with a rural congregation, Letterbreen united, north of Mount Forest ON. We raised money each year, through our Christmas Project, to help our partner with expenses. Letterbreen contributed land, labour, insurance, supplies and donations. Over the years we had Sunday pulpit exchanges, picnics, information sessions, stone-picking days, and enthusiastic contacts. Crops grown each year were sold, and the money sent to CFGB in Winnipeg for United Church projects overseas. One year our crop of oats was milled into large flake oats sold in small and large quantities in our congregations and communities. A booklet of oat recipes was also printed and sold.
In 2002, Westale’s partnership changed and we linked up with Oneida United, near Hagersville ON. We have both large acerage crops, and a smaller mixed garden planted by our Sunday School families, as well as congregants. The produce from the garden, harvested by both congregations, is used to decorate our churches for Thanksgiving, then sold for CFGB. Both planting and harvesting times give us an opportunity for a potluck luncheon and fun activities. Oneida also provides Westdale with a bale of straw, which is used by our Sunday School to build a scarecrow for our organic vegetable garden.
Ryerson United of Ancaster ON has also become a partner with us. Together, the three congregations are able to support a very effective outreach organization, CFGB as well as overseas projects.
KAIROS
Kairos Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
Kairos, from the ancient Greek means “a moment of crisis and opportunity, a moment when acting out of hope can bring real and lasting change”. It started in 2001, growing out of 10 Days for Global Justice (later 10 Days for Social Justice), and also involved the merging of several justice groups previously with overlapping mandates but working independently. It is the name that represents the social justice endeavours of 11 Canadian churches and religious organizations, with partners in Canada and around the globe. Kairos responds to the call to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). KAIROS works with its members, partners, and our cross-Canada community based network in the areas of Ecological justice, Solidarity in Canada, Human rights and trade, and Grassroots action for global justice grounded in the local community. At Westdale United we are involved in Kairos through workshops, worship services, education, and advocacy.
The Mission and Service Fund
The work of The United Church of Canada across the country and around the world is funded by the Mission and Service (M&S) Fund. Members and supporters of the United Church know that it takes money to put their faith into action. In the M&S Fund they combine their gifts so that the work of the church can be done effectively. If you give by PAR (preauthorized remittance) or in offering envelopes, you can indicate the amount that goes to the local church and how much goes the the Mission and Service Fund, to be administered by the national office. Westdale United Church has been a strong supporter of the Mission and Service (M & S) fund.
https://united-church.ca/community-and-faith/get-involved/mission-and-service