In many ways, neighbouring has become a lost art form. From the juggling act of maintaining our busy schedules to the anxiety around relating to those who we see as different than us, the practice of neighbouring can
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My dad's grandmother was the embodiment of hospitality. She raised her family of thirteen children in the tiny farming community of Wicklow, New Brunswick. She had no washing machine, no dishwasher, no indoor plumbing. But that didn't stop her from creating a home marked by generosity.
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I woke up on October 18th to the Canadian headline: Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip Dies at 53. It was evident that much of Canada seemed saddened by the news. My social media feeds were filled with messages
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October 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Loss and grief are hard subjects, and when that loss is intimate and hidden from view, like a miscarriage, it may not be an easy topic to talk about. More Canadian families have experienced this type of loss than any of us might realize, so the New Leaf blog would like to remember those empty arms and arching hearts with the contributions of two bloggers who have shared their journeys. Leah Perrault and Andrew Stephens-Rennie.
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About six months ago I was at a coffee shop waiting for my friend, Helen Mo, who was studying at The University of Toronto taking a PhD. in religious studies. Her focus was on the topic of the identity of the second generation Chinese Christians in Toronto. My friend’s study stems from her own journey as someone
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People are often surprised that I was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario. In Saskatoon they imagine that a black girl, with Jamaican parents, who is originally from Ontario is obviously from Toronto… but we are not. Growing up we were
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In the last couple of years I have been deeply inspired by a group of people who have chosen to see themselves as part of the same story. Through MCC’s Indigenous Neighbours work I came to know of a reconciliation effort now known as Reserve 107.
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There are currently two different stories playing out in North America. One is a story of a nation that seeks to reconcile with its oldest relatives, the First Nations and the land itself. The nation-to-nation relationship
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The CPR saved my people’s life. Okay, maybe that sounds a bit dramatic. Anyway, the story is: A century ago, as World War I was grinding on and the Russian revolution flared up
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What difference does your place make? As of this June, I completed my first year of work toward starting a new church in Oshawa, Ontario, which we've named Ecclesia. In this season, I find myself thinking and praying and speaking often
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Hi, I’m Rohadi. What an exciting opportunity to be a part of the New Leaf blogging initiative seeking to expand the conversation of faith and the church from a Canadian perspective. To be a part of this idea at its infancy is a privilege. My interest in this unfolding dialogue
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Injustice is something I’ve become convinced that Jesus cares deeply about. His heart is with those who have no power or privilege and have been given a raw deal. And, I think He expects the same from me. Two years ago, as I continued to sift
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In this day and age, when we’re endlessly chattering about the “nones” and “dones,” what is it that brings people to, or keeps people coming to church? Over the past decade, I’ve had this conversation with more congregational leaders than I can count.
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