It’s incredible to see what God can do in a year! Feeling that God was clearly leading us to put all of our “anchor cause” energy into the amazing ministry of Rose City Kids, we jumped into action one year ago this month. This meant launching a new Parents Night that was aimed at creating a fun and healthy community where the Rose City Kids parents can learn and grow together. It meant creating a Junior Leadership program that was aimed at making sure that the kids who “graduated” from …
Just a quick reminder about something that Southridge is doing this summer and about the upcoming early bird deadline for applications:
Family 360 is a 3-day missions 'trip' right here in Niagara that is designed to help families to include our kids in some of what we're learning about poverty. Family 360 will take place from June 30-July 2 and we'll stay in a hotel locally here and learn about poverty and serve others together as families.
To learn more, check out www.southridge.cc/family360 or email questions to family360@southridge.cc.
Submit your application by March 1, to take …
Family 360 is a 3-day missions 'trip' right here in Niagara that is designed to help families to include our kids in some of what we're learning about poverty. Family 360 will take place from June 30-July 2 and we'll stay in a hotel locally here and learn about poverty and serve others together as families.
To learn more, check out www.southridge.cc/family360 or email questions to family360@southridge.cc.
Submit your application by March 1, to take …
STATISTICAL LOOK BACK ON 2011
GREW from 300 registered children to 452 registered children (460 as of 2012)
ENLARGED our volunteer base from 63 to 93 volunteers
EXPANDED our route from 3 buses to 4 buses (5 buses as of 2012)
CHANGED the format of the JR Leadership program and mentored over 15 youth
LAUNCHED our tutoring program that has educated 43 kids
INTRODUCED the Parent's Night which has offered time for parents to connect
PARTNERED with R!OT to offer a weekly event for youth in Welland
HOSTED five family events, four fundraisers and one training event
RAN 16 Saturday Programs
INCREASED …
GREW from 300 registered children to 452 registered children (460 as of 2012)
ENLARGED our volunteer base from 63 to 93 volunteers
EXPANDED our route from 3 buses to 4 buses (5 buses as of 2012)
CHANGED the format of the JR Leadership program and mentored over 15 youth
LAUNCHED our tutoring program that has educated 43 kids
INTRODUCED the Parent's Night which has offered time for parents to connect
PARTNERED with R!OT to offer a weekly event for youth in Welland
HOSTED five family events, four fundraisers and one training event
RAN 16 Saturday Programs
INCREASED …
Jason and Corina Reimer as well as their boys Jesse (5) and Chase (3) are on their way to Asia for the next 3 years to help transform a community in Thailand. The Reimers will be working in a poor fishing village, focusing their efforts at an orphanage, called The Abundant Life Home, for HIV/AIDS affected children, as well as supporting a new church, called The Friendship Centre. Their assignment at the orphanage will include maintenance and oversight of construction projects, administration, hospitality and respite for the "house moms." They have just completed a 3 1/2 month training program and are currently …
A while ago, Matt and Mandy Wilson, along with their three children, felt God calling them to pack up and move to Guatemala for one year. Here is the story, from Mandy's perspective, of how they got from Niagara to Jalapa:
“Our first task in approaching another people, another culture, another religion is to take off our shoes. For the place we are approaching is Holy. Else we may find ourselves treading on another's dream. Move serious still, we may forget that God was there before our arrival.” (unknown author)
Coming to the decision of going …
“Our first task in approaching another people, another culture, another religion is to take off our shoes. For the place we are approaching is Holy. Else we may find ourselves treading on another's dream. Move serious still, we may forget that God was there before our arrival.” (unknown author)
Coming to the decision of going …
We’ve been partnered with Tabor Manor to provide visits, support and some fun programs to the residents over the past while.
If you’ve been considering ways to get involved with your family or your LifeGroup or as an individual, join us on Monday, January 30th from 6:30-7:30, for a Serving Seniors Open House at Tabor Manor.
You’ll learn about the Serving Seniors Anchor Cause and have a chance to see our Monday night program in action!
For more information or to register to come, you can contact me at 905.682.9901 x. 242 or aduross@southridge.…
If you’ve been considering ways to get involved with your family or your LifeGroup or as an individual, join us on Monday, January 30th from 6:30-7:30, for a Serving Seniors Open House at Tabor Manor.
You’ll learn about the Serving Seniors Anchor Cause and have a chance to see our Monday night program in action!
For more information or to register to come, you can contact me at 905.682.9901 x. 242 or aduross@southridge.…
Click here to find out what's happening at Tabor Manor - our partner in the North End in serving seniors and widows.
Housing Partnership in Attawapiskat
By invitation, MCC Ontario is sending small teams of skilled tradespeople for 2 week periods beginning February 1. Teams will work under local leadership in setting up modular homes and learning about the first peoples who welcomed us here. For more information, please contact Lyndsay Mollins Koene (lyndsaymk@mennonitecc.on.ca, 705-264-2494) or visit mcco.ca/aboriginal
Volunteers will need to cover (or fund raise) all costs including travel and accommodations. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to share a practical message of love to our neighbours in Attawapiskat.
Waging Peace Tour
A documentary about …
This past weekend, during SouthridgeNOW, you heard about a new experience for families that we're doing this coming summer. Family360 is going to be a three-day mission trip experience for families right here in the Niagara Region. We will be serving together as families alongside our local anchor causes as we learn together about the ways that people right in our own backyard are faced with issues of poverty and marginalization.
In addition to being a great opportunity to serve together with our children (regardless of age), Family360 promises to be a fun time as families come to learn, …
In addition to being a great opportunity to serve together with our children (regardless of age), Family360 promises to be a fun time as families come to learn, …
Here in Canada we are so fortunate to have access to just about every luxury. Even the poorest among us have clean water, enough food, utilities and even a selection of entertainment options. Through the "Passport" event that we hosted here in April and November of last year, I and many of our shelter residents have learned that we in Canada are all truly RICH by global standards (see www.globalrichlist.com), so we decided to do something about it.
On May 25, 2011 Southridge Shelter made our first ever Kiva loan to a rice farmer in the …
On May 25, 2011 Southridge Shelter made our first ever Kiva loan to a rice farmer in the …
Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) has entered into a partnership with Habitat for Humanity Niagara to erect a “Mennonite” Built House.
Habitat will supply the building site, all necessary permits, materials and some prearranged site work and MDS supplies the labour to complete the house. MDS invites qualified trade contractors and individuals who have building experience to an information evening where Habitat officials in attendance will explain how clients are selected and how a volunteer build house takes place.
Habitat for Humanity is well known for its programme of building homes for low income families …
A few weeks ago, Chris Fowler & I spent a week in the Ukraine with our church's good friend Paul Lozynsky, his wife and two little girls, and his new church plant called "God's Design". It was really cool to be able to see what God is up over there and how he's using Paul and his church community to make a difference for Christ.
A number of you have asked for a bit of an update on our trip. Well this morning Paul sent out an email to a bunch of people …
A number of you have asked for a bit of an update on our trip. Well this morning Paul sent out an email to a bunch of people …
Last week, Geoff and Rita Doppenberg, along with their three sons (Zack, Luke and Gabe), boarded a flight to El Progreso, Guatemala. They'll be in Guatemala for at least six months, serving rural Mayans by focusing on rehabilitating malnourished children.
Here is an excerpt from a recent post on the Doppenbergs blog:
Life is full of lessons… even for us “old dogs”, God can teach us many new tricks. We have been here in Guatemala for only 5 days…. feels like 5 weeks. So much has happened and we have learned so much already. …
Here is an excerpt from a recent post on the Doppenbergs blog:
Life is full of lessons… even for us “old dogs”, God can teach us many new tricks. We have been here in Guatemala for only 5 days…. feels like 5 weeks. So much has happened and we have learned so much already. …
During the month of November, you may have noticed a trend as you passed by the Welcome Centres at each location.
Southridge Special Delivery has become an annual celebration of giving to others in our community during the Holiday season. This year, Special Delivery took on a bit of a different look as, for the first time, we gave to individuals who are directly impacted by our local anchor causes (Seniors and Widows in the North End, Homelessness at Glenridge, and Single-Parent Families in Welland).
Well...the totals are in and more than 400 lives will be touched in Niagara through …
Southridge Special Delivery has become an annual celebration of giving to others in our community during the Holiday season. This year, Special Delivery took on a bit of a different look as, for the first time, we gave to individuals who are directly impacted by our local anchor causes (Seniors and Widows in the North End, Homelessness at Glenridge, and Single-Parent Families in Welland).
Well...the totals are in and more than 400 lives will be touched in Niagara through …
Hey all,
This is just a quick reminder to let you know that Southridge Special Delivery ends this coming Sunday, November 27.
What that means is that we need you to bring back your Shelter Hygiene Kits, Rose City Kids boxes, and Tabor Manor gift bags to the Welcome Centre this Sunday. To date, we've been blown away by the responses we've gotten and I'm excited to see the final numbers.
Thanks to all of you who are participating to brighten someone's Christmas this year!
This is just a quick reminder to let you know that Southridge Special Delivery ends this coming Sunday, November 27.
What that means is that we need you to bring back your Shelter Hygiene Kits, Rose City Kids boxes, and Tabor Manor gift bags to the Welcome Centre this Sunday. To date, we've been blown away by the responses we've gotten and I'm excited to see the final numbers.
Thanks to all of you who are participating to brighten someone's Christmas this year!
Together with our friends at Vineland MB Church, who recently voted in favor of joining Southridge in launching our fourth location, we want to rally around them in support of their upcoming Christmas Concert. Their annual concert raises support and awareness for some of their outreach initiatives so, mark the dates on your calendar and try to make it out.
Date: December 3 and 4
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Vineland MB Church (3970 Glendale Ave., Vineland)
For more information, call 905-562-7391
Date: December 3 and 4
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Vineland MB Church (3970 Glendale Ave., Vineland)
For more information, call 905-562-7391
Here's a quick note from Tabor Manor, our North End anchor cause partner:
‘Tis the season for baked goods! Please join us at Tabor Manor on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 10:00am for our annual Christmas Tea & Bake Sale. This is event is put on by our Auxiliary and all funds raised go into projects to improve the quality of life of our seniors. There is a bake sale, tea room and raffle – something for everyone!
Date: Saturday November, 19
Time: 10:00-11:30am
Location: Tabor Manor (1 Tabor Drive, St. Catharines)
‘Tis the season for baked goods! Please join us at Tabor Manor on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 10:00am for our annual Christmas Tea & Bake Sale. This is event is put on by our Auxiliary and all funds raised go into projects to improve the quality of life of our seniors. There is a bake sale, tea room and raffle – something for everyone!
Date: Saturday November, 19
Time: 10:00-11:30am
Location: Tabor Manor (1 Tabor Drive, St. Catharines)
This Saturday, November 12, from 9:00-Noon at our Glenridge location, we are hosting our semi-annual Passport event. Passport is intended to be an opportunity for us to learn together about some of the factors that contribute to poverty around the world, and explore small ways that we can all begin to make a difference.
Passport will feature engaging workshops that are facilitated by people from within our Southridge community who are working toward change in specific areas, like health care, clean water, child development, social injustices and economic inequality. These workshops promise to be informative and inspirational as you hear from …
Passport will feature engaging workshops that are facilitated by people from within our Southridge community who are working toward change in specific areas, like health care, clean water, child development, social injustices and economic inequality. These workshops promise to be informative and inspirational as you hear from …
Last year, through Special Delivery, gifts were purchased that made a positive impact in the lives of nearly 300 people across Niagara, and around the world. This year, we are hoping to see even more lives touched by your generosity.
This weekend, as you leave the service, you will receive a package and a gift suggestion that is related to your location's anchor cause. Volunteers from Southridge will hand you a bag or box (depending on your location) with gift suggestions inside so that you can take that bag, fill it and return it to the Welcome Centre any …
This weekend, as you leave the service, you will receive a package and a gift suggestion that is related to your location's anchor cause. Volunteers from Southridge will hand you a bag or box (depending on your location) with gift suggestions inside so that you can take that bag, fill it and return it to the Welcome Centre any …
I had a wonderful opportunity on Saturday to celebrate the birthdays of four special people in a place that has become increasingly special to our community!
Birthday parties at Tabor Manor are not the most extravagant birthday parties – but they are possibly the most meaningful birthday celebrations that I’ve been to. On Saturday, I had my grandma come to provide the musical entertainment for the party. She played a couple of hymns and, before the first verse was done, almost everyone was singing along.
What struck me the most was the one lady …
Birthday parties at Tabor Manor are not the most extravagant birthday parties – but they are possibly the most meaningful birthday celebrations that I’ve been to. On Saturday, I had my grandma come to provide the musical entertainment for the party. She played a couple of hymns and, before the first verse was done, almost everyone was singing along.
What struck me the most was the one lady …
For the past several years, Southridge has hosted a Ten Thousand Villages fair trade sale. This year, weare excited about the opportunity to help Vineland United Mennonite Church celebrate their 25th, and final, Vineland Festival Sale. Several volunteers from Southridge are coming alongside the team of volunteers in Vineland in putting on this sale. We are excited about the opportunity not only to celebrate the amazing work that they have done in Vineland, but to look forward to hosting this sale at Southridge in 2012.
So, instead of a separate sale this year, we have chosen to partner with …
So, instead of a separate sale this year, we have chosen to partner with …
Come to the Rose City Kids Park Theatre (99 East Min Street in Welland) on Friday, October 28th at 7:00pm for an awesome fashion show. Tickets are $25.00 and all proceeds will be going to help support Rose City Kids.
For more information or to purchase tickets email contact@rosecitykids.com.
You can also find out more by checking out RCK Fashion/Bridal Show 2011 or clicking here to bring up the offical poster.
With each Southridge location having a very focused “Anchor Cause” that reaches out to the most pressing need in their neighborhood, our church is able to make a huge difference in the community. As a result we tell lots of incredible stories of how the community is doing great things in the areas of homelessness, seniors and widows, single parent families, and kids at risk.
In addition to this focus though, there are countless other incredible stories of how the Southridge community is reaching out to be difference-makers here in Niagara and across the world through embracing …
In addition to this focus though, there are countless other incredible stories of how the Southridge community is reaching out to be difference-makers here in Niagara and across the world through embracing …
On Monday evening, I was joined by my wife Becky, my 14-month-old son Declan, and a team of other Southridge volunteers to host the Southridge Café at Tabor Manor. Here are some surprises that I experienced throughout the evening:
Instead of being greeted with the expected, “Hello,” I was welcomed by an elderly woman who loudly exclaimed, “He’s an ANGEL!” I quickly realized that she was entranced by my young son, and ended up playing with him during most of the café time.
That the first senior I talked to …
I’m a two-time former resident of the Southridge Shelter and just felt a need to thank all of the volunteers who help make the shelter feel like home to so many people.
I am still amazed that so many of you selfishly devote your free time to help make it run as it does. From the wonderful smiles, helpfulness and caring we get from the front desk volunteers, to all the work that I see former residents doing to keep the place looking great. I think you are all amazing and thank you.
I wanted …
Recent News
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"Life Keys" Leadership Development Opportunity
Reflect: Conversation Starters (Feb 19, 2012)
Conversation Starters: feedback@southridge.cc
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Inspiration
Deepening our relationship with God.
Connection Strengthening our relationships with each other.
Action Engaging in relationships with those in need.
Participation Unifying our relationship as a church family.
Students Investing in our students from Grades 6-12.
Kids Investing in our kids from pre-school to Grade 5.
Southridge Now Stay in the loop on events and activities with weekly video news.
Twitter The current buzz about Southridge in Twitterland.
Prayer Wall Updates from our community Prayer Wall
Connection Strengthening our relationships with each other.
Action Engaging in relationships with those in need.
Participation Unifying our relationship as a church family.
Students Investing in our students from Grades 6-12.
Kids Investing in our kids from pre-school to Grade 5.
Southridge Now Stay in the loop on events and activities with weekly video news.
Twitter The current buzz about Southridge in Twitterland.
Prayer Wall Updates from our community Prayer Wall