Compassion and Justice in Halton – Extending the Table
Our compassion and justice work exists, as part of our no walls commitment, to build bridges between our community of faith and the broader Halton community; in particular, those who find themselves on the margins due to their social location and socioeconomic realities.
The Challenge
As residents of Halton, one of the greatest communities in which to live, we would like to believe that everything and everyone is fine. Yet, hang around long enough and you will learn that there are many vulnerable people living on the margins and, yes, it is our call to respond.
So, in doing, we pay attention to the words of Jesus in Luke 14 who tells us:
When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.
…we choose the metaphor Extending the Table as a means to include those on the margins. Our desire is for individuals, families and groups within ForestView to create time and space for the forgotten of our community through ministering in the name of Christ.
The Response
As part of Extending the Table, ForestView has put down roots in the Aldershot community.
Next Door Social Space
Next Door seeks to be a reconciled community, bearing witness in relationship to the love of God in Christ. The community we imagine and build is recognized for its warm hospitality and supportive relationships, developed as we eat, play, work and learn together.
As a ministry of ForestView we first opened our doors in 2012, as an outgrowth of our work with Compassion Society and Motel Ministry. Initially located alongside Compassion Society, in 2015 Next Door relocated to its current site where we are excited to be a ‘next door’ neighbour to the Warwick Surrey community. Since moving into Warwick Surrey, we not only operate out of our storefront, but occupy community spaces offering, among other things, a ball hockey league at the local pad and a gardening at the local community garden.
To learn more about Next Door and how you can be involved with our many activities and events contact Paul paul.millar@forestviewchurch.ca or Angie nextdoor@forestviewchurch.ca
Just Christmas
Sponsored by Next Door, Just Christmas is an ethical Christmas market that invites you to reconsider your Christmas shopping by purchasing gifts that give twice. Vendors include our own Next Door Sewing Enterprise, as well as those who support global development by selling beautiful ethically sourced product.
Rolling Horse Community Cycle
This unique ministry mobilizes the skills of the many cyclists in the congregation to serve the community including low income children, adults and families. To learn more about Rolling Horse contact Paul at paul.millar@forestviewchurch.ca and visit our website.
Oakville Wide Food Drive
Every June, we participate with our neighbours and multiple churches across Oakville, collecting donations for Food for Life, a local organization that supports food banks and food programs across Halton. This collective effort raises thousands of pounds of food to support low income individuals and families in our community.
ForestView is also involved in Oakville through Kerr Street Mission a multi-service organization near downtown, Oakville. We are involved in a monthly breakfast program on the 3rd Saturday of each month.
Are You Prepared to Respond?
As a means of living out your calling to follow in the ways of Jesus, we invite you to participate with us in areas from hospitality to serving on planning committees. For more please contact Paul Millar Director of Community Outreach at 905-825-2992 ext. 224 or paul.millar@forestviewchurch.ca