Enough for All: Thanksgiving & World Food Day

October 13 is Thanksgiving Day.

October 16 is World Food Day – a day designated to increase awareness of world hunger and poverty, and to inspire solutions for change. The season of autumn provides a time to reflect on the ways that we have been blessed, and to give thanks for all of God’s good gifts. As we harvest crops and enjoy large meals with our families, we also remember the global struggle against hunger and malnutrition.

Facts About Hunger

• God created the earth to sustain us all. However, hunger and malnutrition persist today, and the effects of climate change are making it even harder for people to feed themselves.
• There is enough food in the world to feed everyone, yet over 870 million people do not have enough to eat. Globally, that is one in seven people.
• At least 70% of the people who regularly go to bed hungry live in rural areas of developing countries. It is often smallholder farmers who produce food that are the most food insecure.
• Malnutrition is sometimes referred to as “hidden hunger” because a person can be consuming enough calories but lack essential nutrients.
• Children who do not get enough food or nutrients are at a higher risk for stunting and disease. A third of all deaths of children under five in developing countries are linked to under-nutrition.

SOURCE: http://presbyterian.ca/pwsd/2014/09/10/enough-for-all-thanksgiving-world-food-day

Orange Shirt Day (Sept 30)

Honour the Children: Orange Shirt Day is Tuesday, September 30, 2014

You’re invited to join with other congregations and national office staff on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, and wear an orange shirt in recognition of the harm the residential school system did to children’s sense of self-esteem and well-being, and an affirmation of our commitment to reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

Click here to learn more about the PCC’s efforts in Healing and Reconciliation


The Story Behind Orange Shirt Day

“I went to the Mission for one year. I had just turned 6 years old. We never had very much money, and there was no welfare, but somehow my granny managed to buy me a new outfit to go to the Mission School in. I remember going to Robinson’s store and picking out a shiny orange shirt. It had eyelets and lace, and I felt so pretty in that shirt and excited to be going to school! Of course, when I got to the Mission, they stripped me, and took away my clothes, including the orange shirt. I never saw it again, except on other kids. I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t give it back to me, it was mine! Since then the colour orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing.

“I finally get it, that the feeling of worthlessness and insignificance, ingrained in me from my first day at the mission, affected the way I lived my life for many years. Even now, when I know nothing could be further from the truth, I still sometimes feel that I don’t matter. Even with all the work I’ve done!

“I am honoured to be able to tell my story so that others may benefit and understand, and maybe other survivors will feel comfortable enough to share their stories. I want my orange shirt back!

—Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, Dog Creek, BC

Wearing an orange shirt is a symbol of so many losses experienced by those who were sent to Indian Residential Schools over several generations. Losses of family, culture, language, freedom, parenting, self-esteem and worth were experienced by everyone. Beatings, sexual abuse and neglect plagued many. Let’s not forget the children but honour them on September 30.

SOURCE: http://presbyterian.ca/2014/09/17/orange-shirt-day

Blanket Exercise (Sept 21)

Following this Sunday's worship, the youth would like to invite you to grab your coffee and join them in the sanctuary for the Blanket Exercise. The Blanket Exercise is an experiential activity that explores the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada. It takes approximately 40-60 minutes.

The Blanket Exercise: A Learning Activity Exploring the Relationship Between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Peoples The Blanket Exercise is an experiential activity that explores the 500-year relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island (a name for North America used by some First Nations). The Blanket Exercise was developed by the Aboriginal Rights Coalition (ARC), one of ten ecumenical coalitions the churches brought together to form KAIROS in 2001. The Presbyterian Church in Canada is a member of KAIROS. This version of the Blanket Exercise includes references of significance to the PCC and its relationship with Indigenous peoples, and resources for leading discussion before and after the activity. This guide includes briefing and debriefing materials for church groups. The material can be adapted as needed to suit a variety of groups. SOURCE: http://presbyterian.ca/2014/01/20/blanket-exercise