A Home for Everyone – and a community in which everyone feels at home

North American society seems to operate on a conceptual socio-economic framework that might be described as three concentric circles of social positioning. Circle One At the centre is the circle that reflects mainstream society. It is the space in which one feels included, accepted and relatively comfortable if you ”fit” with the core values, culture and generally accepted ways of...

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Last Thursday’s picnic at Deep Cove was amazing.

Last Thursday’s picnic at Deep Cove was amazing.

Rabbi David Mivasair writes about the picnic for First United sponsored by Mt Seymour United Church: For me, the greatest thing was emptying the First United building, getting people out of the hot and crowded concrete and asphalt world of the DTES and into the gorgeous wide open space that surrounds us. Cool green grass beneath our feet, blue sky above, lovely clean water sparkling below,...

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Let’s take back the democratic process

Let’s take back the ownership of the democratic process – and not leave it all in the hands of the politicians and the corporate interests. Most Canadadians would prefer to see a government with a different approach to that of the Harper Government specifically with regard to issues such as aboriginal justice, climate change and energy, food security, health care, national housing strategy,...

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The Impossible Community

At tonight’s Community Celebration Service we watched a You Tube clip of an “impossible relationship”: a crow that befriended and saved the life of a helpless kitten (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JiJzqXxgxo). Then, as we reflected on the challenge of being a radically inclusive community while also being a safe and caring space for each individual, we recognised that we are...

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Statement on March 2nd

Recently, a number of incidents occurring at First United Church have led to police charges of sexual assault being laid against individuals. We deeply regret that our attempts to clarify the circumstances have led to further concern. It is important to state unequivocally that we do not under any circumstances blame the victims and see the safety of the women who come here for shelter as being...

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