Workshop at First United Church

Yesterday we kicked off an addictions workshop at First United Church. The participants are a mixture of community workers and hosts /hostesses who are the "front line" workers. They have most of the initial and continual personal contact with the homeless and marginalized staying at the church. First United Church is not a shelter, but a church with a shelter ministry which gives me the platform to present a faith based approach of addiction integrated with the science of addiction.

We will be meeting every other week for five, 2 hour sessions. After I have presented my understanding of addiction then the group will begin looking at strategies of community support for the residents. There are about 60 folks who stay regularly at the church and consider it their home. They are the core group for shaping community at First United Church.

There is a myth that one has to leave DTES to live clean and sober. Many who stay in the DTES are not comfortable living in mainline society and don't feel a sense of belonging so crucial to identity and recovery.The group will begin to explore the principles of abundant community and asset mapping to provide contact with and shaping restorative community in the DTES. The asset mapping will include all the available resources in the area and matching the gifts of the residents as well as considering new community constructs at First United.  Those volunteering and working with the marginalized will be encouraged to explore the gifts they bring to community.

I am so excited to discuss and help initiate the possibilities of "Missional Church" and its role in shaping community. I am so grateful for your thoughts, prayers and regular support that enables and encourages me to do so. If you would like to explore these principles more, click on my blog at Missional Church and watch the short series of videos by Alan Hirsch.