Mission, Outreach and Justice
The Mission of God is one of wholeness, love and justice for all people and all of creation; and includes a call to live in such a way as to transform our community and our world. Parkdale’s Mission, Outreach and Justice Ministry (MOJ) provides leadership in assisting the Congregation to understand and engage in God’s mission, particularly beyond the “walls” of the Congregation.
Local Initiatives
Parkdale In From The Cold Supper
The purpose of our In From the Cold (IFTC) supper hospitality ministry is to provide, in the way of Jesus, an opportunity for people of Parkdale United Church, volunteers from the wider community, and guests experiencing poverty or other challenges, to come together in relationship while exploring the mystery and privilege of giving and receiving in the context of safety, loving hospitality, respect and dignity. (Read More)
National Initiatives
Habitat for Humanity
Canada
Mobilizes volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty. Habitat does not give away free homes — Habitat families have reduced reliance on social housing and food banks, better education and employment outcomes, and improved health, every Habitat home built helps create better situations. (See More)
Global Initiatives
Mission and Service Fund, United Church of Canada
Supports those in need and those providing missionary work in Canada and overseas. The purpose of the International Missions Team is to carry forward the missionary work of the Assembly nationally and internationally. Endeavour to share the message and life of Christ cross-
culturally, nationally and internationally, making disciples and assisting wherever, whenever and however possible as mandated. (See below for more detail)
Community Support
Each year, Parkdale United Church provides financial support to the following local organizations
Bethany Hope Centre
Improving family life, knowledge and understanding for pregnant youth and young families.
Interval House of Ottawa
Committed to ending the cycle of violence & to empowering women & children who are victims of violence.
Ottawa School Breakfast Program
Breakfast programs for Connaught and Cambridge Public Schools.
Ottawa West Community Support
Provides community support and services to seniors and adults with physical disabilities living in Ottawa West.
Urban Christian Outreach
A Sidewalk Ministry for those who are struggling to survive spiritually, physically, or psychologically by pointing them towards a relationship with God.
Christian Counselling Ottawa
Offers a full range of individual, couple and family therapy services.
Marion Dewar Scholarship Fund
Provides financial support to foster academic and leadership excellence in immigrant and refugee youth in the National Capital Region.
Parkdale’s Living into Right Relations Group
Seeks to educate itself and the congregation about Aboriginal justice issues and local opportunities for right relationship.
Ottawa Innercity Ministries
Their Mission is to come alongside people in downtown Ottawa experiencing poverty and homelessness, demonstrate the message of Christ in deed and word, show compassion, build self esteem and empower individuals through a strength-based approach.
Cornerstone Housing for Women
Cornerstone provides emergency shelter and supportive housing for a diversity of women.
Operation Come Home
An innovative organization that offers a multitude of comprehensive programs and educational opportunities to hundreds of at-risk and homeless youth.
Parkdale Food Centre
Provides nutritious, healthy meals to those in need.
The Ottawa Mission
The core purpose of the Ottawa Mission is to reflect Jesus’ love in serving the homeless, the hungry and the lost.
Share the Wealth
A donation to a church or organization in need.
Events Sponsored by MOJ
Celebrating our Cultures & International Dinner: This annual event is helping Parkdale grow into an intercultural congregation. It is a rich, international evening where participants experience the diverse cultures we are so fortunate to have here at Parkdale while tasting cuisine and enjoying music from all over the world. For example, in October 2015, the focus was on Australia and Aboriginals. Revenues from the evening were used to support refugee families.
In From The Cold Run: A run held each year to raise money for Parkdale’s IFTC Ministry
In From The Cold Thank You Dinner: A dinner held each spring to thank all the IFTC volunteers.
Hintonburg BBQ: This event is organized along with a group from Hintonburg. It gives us an opportunity to partner with our community once again raising funds for our In From the Cold Ministry.
Refugee Fund Raisers: In November, 2015, MOJ held a concert to support a Syrian refugee family.
ALL ABOUT FOOD COMMUNITY WALK-A-THON: This walk is a multi-agency event organized by St. Luke’s Table, Parkdale Food Centre, Dalhousie Food Cupboard and Parkdale United Church. Donations are divided equally between these organizations and are used to fund various food programs, including Parkdale’s In From The Cold program. This walk was held for the first time on Sunday, October 18, 2015.
Parkdale’s Living into Right Relations Group
The United Church of Canada apologized 30 years ago for the harm it did to Indigenous peoples and continues to walk the path of reconciliation. Parkdale’s Living into Right Relations Group seeks to educate itself and the congregation about Aboriginal justice issues and local opportunities for right relationship. (Read More)
Mission and Service Fund, United Church of Canada
Your gifts for Mission and Service help transform and save lives.
Locally, your gifts help people in need. You reach out to young people on campuses and at camps. Your generosity cares for people who are sick or at the end of life. Globally, your gifts help people access clean water, food, medical care, and skill training. You support vital economic development, peace-making, sustainable agriculture efforts, advocacy and disaster relief, and so much more. For example, our partner Women for Change in Zambia is creating opportunities for girls to become part of the next generation of leaders by supporting them to stay in school.
Your gifts for Mission and Service inspire meaning and purpose.
Locally, your gifts train ministers and strengthen all church members by supporting theological schools, education centres, and retreat centres. You support new and innovative ministries and communities of faith that are remote or in need. Globally, you sustain churches, student groups, theological centres, and others doing important outreach work, such as Program for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA), where Christians and Muslims in Africa work and study together to develop understanding between the people of each faith.
Overseeing Committee
The Mission, Outreach and Justice Committee oversees the Mission, Outreach and Justice Ministry. The Mission, Outreach and Justice Committee provides leadership in assisting the Congregation to understand and engage in God’s mission, particularly beyond the “walls” of the Congregation. (Read More)
How You Can Help
If you would like more information about Parkdale’s Mission, Outreach and Justice Ministry or would like to work with the Ministry, contact the Chair of the Mission, Outreach and Justice Committee at: outreach@parkdaleunitedchurch.ca
- Time Commitment: Attend 3-4 meetings per year
- Ideal Spiritual Gifts: Justice, encouragement, knowledge, mercy, wisdom
- Skills Needed: Problem solver, giver, helper
