If you picked up your e-news last Saturday, you’ll be aware that a couple who’ve been without housing for some time moved into an apartment a week ago today with the aid of the Social Justice Team.  There is much to celebrate!

It’s not just that there’s a real bed to sleep in, a sofa to sit on, a fridge to preserve food in, a pantry to store groceries in, a toilet, bath, shower, running water (hot and cold) all within reach, a roof and walls, windows and doors, and a balcony for goodness sake … not that any of these are incidental matters.  But along with these precious things most of us hardly give a thought to, there is the heart factor – what it is to notice each other, to begin to connect, sense the first hint of friendship, take a step into each other’s lives.

“This is about taking SMALL STEPS TOGETHER.”  That was pretty much the mantra at the meeting of the Social Justice Team I was part of on Thursday night.  A huge lot has transpired over the last couple of weeks to bring us to where we are.  So much in short order.  And as you might imagine, it is world up-ending for this couple, which regardless of how longed for it may be, is deeply challenging.  It is a growing time also for the Social Justice Team, learning once again the art of respectful accompaniment, for this too is the commitment:  to not simply see people into housing, but to journey alongside so far as that is called for, appreciated.  I can’t help but recall a line from last week’s Galway Kinnel poem:  “sometimes it is necessary to reteach a thing its loveliness … until it flowers again from within of self-blessing.”

These next weeks are in large part about getting oriented – in a new space, new neighbourhood, new daily rhythms … small steps TOGETHER.  

As well this week, neighbours with whom we connected through the Christmas Sock delivery and our work with the Community Care Tent, will be invited to share their support in ways that call to them.  As the circle widens, so grows the possibility of new found friendship.

At this point I’m asking you to hold in prayer the couple, along with members of the Social Justice Team (Cliff Boldt, Casey Lake, Joanne Keelan, Sharon Miller, Kathie Putt, Elvira Sentes, and Gordon Miller – staff support) and others who come on board in the coming weeks. These are tender, disorienting and promising days … the stuff of new life rising!

Rev. Karen Dickey

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