INNER CITY PASTORAL MINISTRY THE PASTORS REFLECT

Transcription

1 OCTOBER 2018 With what shall I come before the Lord? He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:6-8 INNER CITY PASTORAL MINISTRY THE PASTORS REFLECT In 2018 Inner City Pastoral Ministry is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its presence amongst the people of the inner city community in Edmonton. ICPM was founded in 1978 when the Edmonton Presbytery of the United Church of Canada decided to establish an ongoing ministry in the inner city. Weekly worship services were to be held at the Bissell Centre, preceded by a hot lunch. It was decided to call a full-time pastor, who would not only lead the Sunday service, but also provide a spiritual presence during the week for residents of the inner city. The ministry was intended to be ecumenical, so that people of all faiths, or no faith, would be welcome to worship. Over the years the Lutheran, Anglican and Roman Catholic churches became supporters of ICPM along with the United Church. The Rev. Barrett Scheske, a Lutheran minister, was called in the summer of 1979 as the first full-time pastor. Pastor Barrett reflected on his ministry in those early years in this way: [The inner city] is the home of Edmonton s poorest people. In less than one square mile, not five minutes from the downtown office towers, they crowd into rooming houses and single family dwellings. The area is characterized by a highly transient population, mostly male, and many single parent families. Unemployment is widespread. Alcohol and drug abuse, prostitution, child abuse and street crimes are common. People die young here. But it doesn t mean that we stop caring for them or loving them or having hope. Hope lies in the building of relationships and the small celebrations in daily living. A succession of three interim pastors, all from the United Church, followed Pastor Barrett. They were the Rev. Renee Riley, the Rev. Brian Allan, and the Rev. Bert Frey. Then in 1984 the Rev. Odette Perron, an Anglican priest, took over as pastor. Our Story, a history of ICPM published for the 25th anniversary in 2003, tells us that: Odette s ministry had meagre and humble beginnings. She had an office downstairs in the Bissell Store. Her first service was in the corner of a dilapidated gymnasium, an area otherwise being used for storage. ICPM Board Staff Retreat

2 2...THE PASTORS REFLECT (CONT'D) Her first congregation was people from the streets who came in with the enticement of coffee and a sandwich after the service. Odette walked the streets, talked to people, invited them into her office, and reached out to them with love. Pastor Suzanne Cowles, a Lutheran pastor, followed Pastor Odette. Reflecting on her time in ministry, she wrote: Throughout my years of ministry, there were events that sent my spirit soaring, and the next moment circumstances of despair that sent it plummeting. It is so hard to see someone suffering when often little can be done beyond simply being present with them. Faith Brace, Pastor from 1995 to 2001, also from the Lutheran church, succeeded Pastor Suzanne. She wrote this prayer in December 2001 as an inner city blessing: May those who walk our streets find doorways of kindness and may those who wait inside be quick to open them. May God who seeks the lost stand at the doorway and knock, to be sure that none are left outside. Let those within and those without meet face to face and learn what makes them human. So may those doorways open up to a community where all are welcome and all may bring their gifts. Pastor Wendy Ainsworth, an Anglican priest, followed in She reflected on what she experienced in her ministry: There is joy in this ministry in the deep and abiding faith of the people through all that life - and in particular, God - offers to those who walk in faith. Sometimes, the joy seems small, like being invited into someone s home for a minute. Sometimes, it seems like a mixed blessing, like stopping to talk with someone on the street and finding out the reason they stopped you is to tell you that they re dying and to ask you to pray for them. Right there - on the street! It is God s work that we do here - and it is only successful when held in the hands of God - and God works in wondrous ways. Pastor Rick Chapman, also from the Anglican Church, became pastor in 2005, and is the current Pastor of the Ministry. Pastor Rick reflects on his experience with ICPM: As I read the comments of Pastor Barrett, the first pastor ministering with ICPM, I am struck with his description of the inner city - Home of Edmonton s poorest, crowded rooming houses, an area characterized by a highly transient population, unemployment widespread. Alcohol and drug abuse, prostitution and street crime common. People die young. In many ways life within the inner city has not changed! Yet through the grace of God and the support and prayers of the wider church and synagogues, the ICPM ministry of presence continues. In the midst of the marginalized many, I sense the spiritual presence of our risen Lord, and with the love and caring support of God s community of faith, comfort and hope is offered amongst God s blessed poor (to quote Henri Nouwen). Sister Marion, who served during the terms of several of the Pastors, wrote this concluding statement as she reflected on her experience of serving with ICPM: The fact that we are a church without walls is not only appropriate but very much in keeping with the reality of many of those we serve.... Church is also the people of God where they are - on the streets, in prisons, in the dropins and support agencies, in the many celebrations of life and death. In many of the initiatives that advocate for rights or for an improved quality of life, the people of the Inner City experience their own dignity and strengths, their own ability to make a difference. In these same encounters, the Gospel becomes incarnate, and the people themselves recognize God s presence in daily events. ICPM is proud to celebrate its 40th year of ministry as an interdenominational Christian ministry of presence. In partnership with the community, and guided by the Spirit of God, we walk with the people of the inner city of Edmonton! Rick Chapman + Pastor, ICPM

3 ICPM 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS ICPM s calendar this year was dotted with 40th anniversary celebrations, as we looked back over the years 1978 through It s quite amazing really, that a ministry of this nature, a pastoral presence within the inner city, has grown and flourished both within its own community and in the life of its supporting churches United, Anglican, Lutheran, Roman Catholic despite needing constantly to adapt to the challenge of change, and despite serving a community often considered to be on the margins. So we ve been celebrating all year long! ICPM Annual General Meeting Wednesday March 21 Some 65 friends of ICPM gathered at Robertson-Wesley United Church to offer their congratulations on many years of caring ministry within the inner city community of Edmonton. John Campbell, Chair of ICPM s Board of Directors, reviewed the ministry of ICPM from the present day back to its early beginning, when the vision of members of the United Church established pastoral, spiritual care within the evolving work of the Bissell Centre in the inner city. Dorothy Delorme, a Métis Elder and Residential School Survivor, who has been a member of the Community of Emmanuel since its inception, offered her blessing and remembrances. 3 A highlight of the evening s festivities was a presentation by Harold Robinson, a Métis lawyer who has adjudicated Indian Residential School claims for many years. Harold spoke on issues relating to reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission s Calls to Action, and shared personal snapshots of both his and his family s journey through the deep valley of reconciliation and healing. A sumptuous meal offered by the ICPM hospitality team completed this time of celebration. ICPM Community BBQs Sunday August 26, and Saturday September 15 ICPM s 40th anniversary celebrations included two burger and hot dog feasts offered in partnership with the BBQ team of the St. Theresa Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The first of these was held at the ICPM Community of Emmanuel in Bissell Centre West, following the Sunday Worship Service. Over 500 people attended, and gratefully received a burger and hot dog, dessert and beverage, supplied, barbecued and served by St. Theresa s BBQ team, an amazing group of dedicated volunteers! The second Community BBQ was held at the Anglican Parish of Christ Church, and served the wider community. One could say that the day offered the worst ICPM Community BBQ weather possible! Rain mixed with snow found St. Theresa s BBQ team cooking under canopies, the men dressed in heavy outdoor wear! God bless them! The rest of us were warm and dry in the Christ Church Parish Hall, munching on burgers and hot dogs. The day s festivities included a performance by an Indigenous jingle dancer. 365 bells sewn to the dancer s skirt rang out through the hall as the young woman danced in the traditional manner to the beat of the drum. And let me not fail to mention the Hymn Sing Quartet Rev. Nick, Michelle, Farley, and Pastor Rick who led the gathered community in singing old Gospel favourites. John Campbell offered greetings on behalf of the Board! Hymn Fest Jamboree Sunday September 9 What a tremendous tribute to ICPM s 40th! Joy Berg, previously a member of the ICPM Board, filled Ascension Lutheran Church with joyous song and celebration as a choir of male and female voices with accompanying musicians sang Gospel Jamboree songs to the glory of God. Barbara Groote, Pastor at Ascension Lutheran, emceed the event and offered the prayers of the people. John Campbell brought greetings and thanks, Pastor Rick offered the reflection, and Michelle Nieviadomy, ICPM s Oskapewis (Helper in Cree), sang an honour song. The festivities concluded with a light lunch. Thanks to Joy Berg for this gift of music, and to Ascension Lutheran for their generous hospitality! Hymn Sing Quartet

4 4...40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS (CONT'D) After the Lunch is Over Saturday November 10 Over the years, volunteers from the many Churches, Synagogues, and Community and Family Groups that support the ICPM Sunday Lunch Program have met annually to talk about their experience, and to offer their insights about challenges and changes that affect the program. This year the gathering will take place from 9 am to 12 noon on Saturday November 10 at the Annunciation Roman Catholic Parish. In addition to discussing challenges and changes, we expect to learn about other aspects of the work of ICPM, and in particular to hear from Jim Gurnett about the possibility of exploring social justice as we offer social service. And we will be celebrating 40 years of volunteer support for the Sunday Lunch Program! Thanks to Flo Reducka, and to the Catholic Women s League and Knights of Columbus of Annunciation Parish, who will be hosting A Sunday Lunch, Summer 2009 Saturday lunch to conclude this event. Coordinators and volunteers from the organizations involved in the program are all invited, as well as any others interested in hearing about this ministry of hospitality. So ICPM s 40th has been a year of festivities and celebration, and a year of giving thanks to God and to all who support the many aspects of ICPM's ministry! Rick Chapman + Pastor, ICPM ICPM Lunch Prep Assembly Line

5 A circle of hope. A Cree woman s perspective on truth telling, healing & reconciliation. Inner City Pastoral Ministry is honored to worship & walk with the Indigenous peoples of this land. We are in a time of truth & reconciliation. A time where we must listen to our Indigenous brothers and sisters so we can walk in better relationship with one another. Let us give thanks for the web in the circle that connects us. We believe: Truth telling will help us to understand the profound impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples that continue to affect our modern world. Teachings of culture will help us to understand the strength, the beauty, the healing of the Indigenous way of being. Ceremony & gatherings will help us all heal together - to make our circle stronger. We are offering workshops for your faith community led by ICPM s Indigenous helper Michelle Nieviadomy. She gives a Cree woman s perspective on truth telling, healing & reconciliation. We cover topics such as Treaty, residential schools, 60 s scoop, lived experiences of racism, non-indigenous awakening to reconciliation & healing, and ICPM s response to the TRC (a model that gives meaning to the Calls to Action). Workshops can be tailored to your request! For more information or to book a workshop contact: Michelle Nieviadomy info@icpmedmonton.ca Inner City Pastoral Ministry Street Edmonton AB T5H 2H6 (780) OUR COMMON GROUND In the spirit of friendship, we create opportunities to come together as human beings to share in story, ceremony & love for Creator. Our Common Ground Events: Living the 8th Fire Learning Circle Kairos Blanket Exercise Sharing Circles Indigenous Teachings Such As Tipi Raising Medicine Gathering & Teachings Traditional Dancing & Drumming Inner City Pastoral Ministry is situated in the heart of the inner city of Amiskwaciwaskahikan - Beaver Mountain House - The Cree Name for the city of Edmonton. We respectfully acknowledge that we are situated on Treaty 6 Territory. We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis & Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries.

6 After The Lunch Is Over An Inner City Pastoral Ministry Gathering for Sunday Lunch Contacts and Volunteers Transitions:Changes& Changing Saturday November 10, am - 12 noon Annunciation Roman Catholic Church, St NW ( Light Lunch Provided ) Program will include: Jim Gurnett, Pastoral Associate Exploring Social Justice As We Offer Social Service Discuss Challenges And Changes Learn More About Inner City Pastoral Ministry RSVP + Information Sharon Webb, Sunday Lunch Coordinator: (780) Pastor Rick Chapman: (780) Exploring Social Justice...An Invitation Inner City Pastoral Ministry could not serve people as it does without the loving and generous participationof faith communities, and the individuals who are part of these churches and synagogues. We are deeply grateful for the meals you provide for people each Sunday, the long hours of work, and, even more, for the warmth of your interactions with people when you come to be a part of Community of Emmanuel on Sunday. Meals provided on Sundays answer, with loving care, the call of Jesus to support people who are less fortunate. Sometimes Sunday volunteers muse about the reasons some people struggle to have a decent life. What are the upstream issues that create inequality and contribute to the difficult lives some people experience? What systemic or social situations are at work, beyond the individual choices of people?

7 7 The world is changed by your example, not your opinions. Mahatma Gandhi As a nextstepfor faith communities and individuals who have demonstrated commitment to the importance of compassion expressed in social service, ICPM invites you to have us join you for a social justice workshop. Jesus made clear we are to be generous in acts of service and giving to those who are struggling. And the Gospel also calls us to take action to move the world towards the goodness that marked it at creation. Actions of social justice are a necessary part of our obedience to the Gospel. Just as we follow Jesus in social service and actions of human care, we do so when we work to transform social structures and systems that marginalize certain groups of people and hold them in poverty. We invite you to think about having a workshop on doing social justice as a way of extending the experience of providing a Sunday lunch at ICPM. We can tailoraworkshop to a length that works best for you (from two to four hours is ideal) and on a day and time you prefer. We encourage you to invite not only the volunteers who helped with the lunch you provided, but others in your community as well. The workshop will cover: how to do social analysis of an issue how to develop a plan for an appropriate action that will make a difference and how to evaluate your action. You will try out the skills involved in a simulated way. And it will leave you with resources to learn more. The workshop will be led by ICPM Pastoral Associate Jim Gurnett, who has a background over several decades of involvement in social justice within faith communities and the broader community. Issues of focus for him have included immigration/ refugees, poverty/homelessness, and the environment. Possible follow-ups to a workshop such as this that ICPM can make available include: Consultations about a social justice idea you have, and further support in developing a plan; Exploringthe possibility of becoming a Pastoral Ministry Volunteer with ICPM; and Learningmore about truth and reconciliation issues with ICPM Indigenous helper Michelle Nieviadomy. If you are interested in this idea, the first step is to discuss in more detail what a workshop might involve to meet your wishes, and explore a possible date if you want to move forward. We invite you to be in touch with us. Jim Gurnett, Pastoral Associate Inner City Pastoral Ministry Street, Edmonton AB T5H 2H6 info@icpmedmonton.ca

8 A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR 8 You will have read elsewhere in this Newsletter about some of the history of our ministry and about some experiences of our pastoral staff over the years. It has been quite a journey for us, from our beginnings in 1978 to the point we are at now, well into the 21st century. Our thanks go out to the many residents of the inner city who have embraced the ministry, and made the Community of Emmanuel a focal point for the sharing of God s message of hope and love in downtown Edmonton. The work of our ministry has been made possible by many people over the years, and it is literally impossible to thank all of those people properly. Therefore, as an example of the dedication and commitment that those involved with ICPM have towards the ministry, I wish to share some words of tribute to just one of those people, a former Board member who passed away last June. Fred Drummond was a member of the Board of Directors of ICPM for many years during the latter part of our forty years of ministry. In addition to his regular duties as a Director, Fred also took on the role of Treasurer for ICPM. This was, and remains, no small task. Fred performed his duties with meticulous attention to detail and record keeping. If you received charitable tax receipts and thank you acknowledgments from him for your donations in the years in which he served as treasurer, you can attest to that fact. Fred exemplified the highest possible qualities of servant leadership in his work on behalf of Inner City Pastoral Ministry, and it was with great sadness that we learned of his passing on June 3rd of this year. Fred s presence in our community will be missed, but his spirit lives on in our ministry. Thank you for your interest in the ministry of ICPM, and for your support. They have made it possible for all of us to walk hand in hand with members of the community of the inner city, and to share the good news of the Gospel with our brothers and sisters in Christ. John Campbell Chair, Board of Directors STEWARDSHIP We Need Your Help. I expect that the members of the Edmonton Presbytery of the United Church used these words, or a close equivalent, forty years ago when they were establishing their new venture of a pastoral ministry in the inner city. There was a pastor to be called, a church location to be rented, and supplies to be purchased. Times were good in the late 1970s, but as always money for church ventures, especially experimental new initiatives, did not exactly grow on trees. Help was needed! We need your help. This was undoubtedly the refrain spoken by the founding Board members of ICPM as they set about doing fund raising among their faith communities and networks to secure the financial support required to sustain the fledgling ministry. Congregations, individuals and organizations were all asked to donate in order to allow the vision of the United Church to continue to grow and develop. We need your help. This was the word from the ministry during the lean years of the 1990s as Edmonton struggled to recover from the deep recession of the 1980s. ICPM s ministry of presence was well integrated into the community by this time. It was becoming ever more apparent how much the residents of the inner city valued the sharing of the good news of Jesus Christ that was made possible by the existence of our ministry. Financial support was needed more than ever. We need your help. These words were again heard by the faithful as ICPM matured and developed in the years after we entered the 21st century. Our ministry continued to evolve as new needs were discerned and new initiatives proposed. Our increasing awareness of the need to reach out in reconciliation to the Indigenous residents of the inner city brought new opportunities and challenges. We need your help. We continue to speak these words to you today, some forty years after they were first uttered by the founders of Inner City Pastoral Ministry. We are all called to walk with our brothers and sisters of the inner city. Your financial support, whether in amounts small or large, is crucial to making our ministry possible. As we look to the years ahead, please help us to ensure that we are able to continue God s holy ministry of presence in the inner city. The world asks, What does a man own? Christ asks, How does he use it? ~ The Rev. Andrew Murray ( ) John Campbell Stewardship Committee, ICPM

9 EMMANUEL CHRISTMAS GIFTS 2018 The support of Edmonton s faith communities has long been important in helping us make Christmas a better time for those who worship at Community of Emmanuel, and for other members of the inner city community. Once again ICPM is planning to distribute Emmanuel Christmas Gifts, and we hope you will be able to support our needs this year. We are making a change in what we include in the gifts that we will share. In the past, Emmanuel Christmas Sacks have included winter clothing (toques, scarves, socks), as well as toiletries and some Christmas treats. But we have learned that gift cards are welcomed by Community of Emmanuel recipients, because they make it possible for people to purchase things of their own choosing. So this year we are asking for a different type of Emmanuel Christmas Gift, that is, a Ziploc bag like the one in the accompanying picture, containing Christmas greeting card Christmas bow 3 wrapped chocolates (Ferrero Rocher, for example) Candy cane $35 in gift cards for Walmart or Superstore. These stores are accessible by transit, and offer a comprehensive stock. Your donations will be gladly received during the week of December (see delivery instructions below). (If your community is not able to provide gift bags, we would welcome donations of money, in cash or by cheque, in early December. We will use these funds to prepare gift bags on your behalf.) 9 Emmanuel Christmas Gifts will be distributed at the Christmas Service of the Community of Emmanuel on December 23, and given to other members of the inner city community whom we may meet during the Christmas season. We hope that you will also help us restock our Community Cupboard, so that again this winter we are able to assist community members who are in need of warm clothing. We are asking for donations of the following items, which we look forward to receiving during the week of December 17-21: Waterproof ski gloves (M for women, L or XL for men) Toques Cotton socks Underwear for Men and Women Long underwear for Men and Women (M, L, or XL) Hoodies Bus Tickets ining: s Gift, conta hristma Emmanuel C d Greeting Car Christmas bow for example) Christmas rero Rocher, er (F es at ol choc 3 wrapped ne ore) ca dy an C art or Superst cards (Walm ft gi in 5 $3 Delivery of the Items Listed Above: Monday to Friday, December 17 to 21 Please mark all deliveries clearly: Inner City Pastoral Ministry Office Bissell Centre East, Street NW Main Floor Reception open from 9 am to 4 pm Best to phone ahead: Pastor Rick, Jim Gurnett, For ICPM Church or group donating Contact person Address or contact (so that ICPM can send a thank-you note) Questions: Contact Sue, Thank you for helping us support members of the inner city community during the Christmas season and through the winter months!

10 10 COMING EVENTS After the Lunch is Over Our Common Ground Round Dance Saturday November 10, 9 am to 12 noon Friday November 30, 5:30 to 8:30 pm Annunciation Catholic Church Street NW See page 6 for more information Robertson-Wesley United Church Street NW Delivery of Emmanuel Christmas Gifts Living the 8th Fire Monday Friday, December 17-21, 9 am to 4 pm A series of Saturday morning learning circles led by Michelle Nieviadomy. Offered in a spirit of reconciliation, these circles provide opportunities to listen, to learn, and to dialogue about the injustices suffered by Canada s Indigenous peoples. Saturday November 3, 10 am to 12 noon Saturday December 1, 10 am to 12 noon Southminster-Steinhauer United Church Avenue NW The series will continue in 2019 on the first Saturdays of February, March, and April. 8th Fire ICPM Mission Statement Inner City Pastoral Ministry is an interdenominational Christian Ministry of Presence. In partnership with the community, and guided by the Spirit of God, we walk with the people of the inner city of Edmonton. Bissell Centre East Street NW, Main Floor Reception See page 9 for more information Community of Emanuel Christmas Service Sunday December 23, 11 am Bissell Centre West Street NW

11 You can donate to ICPM quickly and easily online! Go to Search for Inner City Pastoral Ministry. All who donate $10 or more receive a tax receipt. Enclosed is my gift for Inner City Pastoral Ministry Name Address City/Town Province Postal Code Phone Gift Amount $ I wish to receive further information from ICPM by By postal mail ICPM Board Members John Campbell... Lutheran - Board Chair Mary-Lou Cleveland... Anglican - Board Vice-Chair Pastor Philip Penrod...Lutheran - Secretary Ann Matheson...Anglican - Treasurer Dr. Nancy Kerr... United - Past Board Chair Sharon Webb...Anglican - Sunday Lunch Coordinator Sue Pasker...Lutheran - Emmanuel Christmas Sack Coordinator Coby Veeken... Roman Catholic Rev. Linda Whittle... Anglican Kim Armstrong... United Colleen Smith... Roman Catholic Lucas Stone... At Large ICPM Ministry Team Rev. Rick Chapman... Anglican - Pastor Jim Gurnett...Anglican - Pastoral Associate Michelle Nieviadomy...Indigenous Oskapewis Bruce Thompson... Anglican - Artist in Residence Gord Holub... Indigenous Helper Farley Magee and Julie Lloyd...Musicians in Residence Linda Heywood... Food Coordinator Annie Johnson... Food Coordinator Nicole Wiebe...Evangelical Free - Graphic Design Jim Whittle...Anglican - Newsletter Copy Editor

12 INNER CITY PASTORAL MINISTRY Straight From The Street c/o Bissell Centre St. NW Edmonton, AB T5H 2H6 In This Issue: ICPM PASTORS REFLECT Looking Back On 40 Years OUR COMMON GROUND A Circle Of Hope EXPLORING SOCIAL JUSTICE An Invitation EMMANUEL CHRISTMAS GIFTS 2018 An Opportunity to Help icpm x