Calgary Community of Christ Builds Community

Author

Shirley Smith
​Calgary, AB, Canada

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CALGARY COMMUNITY OF CHRIST BUILDS COMMUNITY

The Calgary Congregation has been renting a room for their Sunday worship services in the 99-unit apartment block called the “Lions Village.” The Lions Club owns the facility for those 55 years and over who require a lower rental apartment. The relationship between the Lions Club, Apartment Manager, and the church has been very positive.

BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH THE RESIDENTS, BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND LIONS CLUB

Trust and Community was built when the church got permission from the residents, Lions Club, and building manager to sponsor, with the residents’ help, a weekly activity called the “Young at Heart.” After the first year the group evolved, and it is now being facilitated by the residents themselves. Many positive relationships developed with the group. The building manager and group members saw this as a community-building endeavor.

BREAKING BREAD WITH THE RESIDENTS TO BUILD COMMUNITY

We have sponsored two Stampede breakfasts and two Christmas dinners to date, for both the residents and members of our congregation using the Lions Club to prepare and serve the food.
Recently, at the request of the resident’s social club, Community of Christ took part in their Christmas bake sale for the residents of the complex and as a result raised money from the sale to support our mission camping programs.

COMMUNITY OF CHRIST SPONSORED A JOINT FREE 2018 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS DINNER

The huge room at the apartment complex was full of laughter and conversation. Festive music by pianist Bill Tompkins filled the room. Both the apartment complex residents and the Community of Christ congregation enjoyed a Lions Club turkey meal in their dining room. Our pastor, Doug Hayden, greeted the group and passed on the congregations condolences for the families of two recently deceased Lions Club members that had been active participants in the complex.

Grace was offered by Shirley Smith and a very tasty meal was served by the Lions Club. We mingled with our friends in the complex. One woman with oxygen tanks had to be near a power supply for breathing reasons. She was unable to eat at a table with everyone. Community of Christ members noticed her situation and she was assisted in obtaining her meal and a member sat with her during the meal, so she would not be alone. When the Lions Club needed some temporary support at times on the serving line and in some clean up some church members assisted.

Church member Santa (Don McLeod) arrived with his elf Connor Miles with candy, chocolate, and gifts for the children. Unfortunately, Santa experienced a costume problem with his suit at the waistline. The pants gave out at the waist and so wife Judy held them up for him and followed behind him as he visited everyone at the table. Church Mission and Young Adult Ministry Specialist Parker Johnson provided support throughout the evening. At the end of the meal, pianist Carolyn Long-Smith played a selection of carols and Christmas music for a group singalong. The church has cemented itself in this residential complex as a positive, community-building catalyst that has enriched the lives of many of the people that live there.