Community Ministry

One of the Councillors in Willowdale called a meeting of some of the local churches to discuss networking together on a project.

He stated that many churches had approached him asking how churches could assist the community. His suggestion - we host a Ten Thousand Villages sale in a local school. The items are handcrafted items made of natural materials from overseas - the profits go back to the artisans.

As I watched churches get excited about "the spirit of the sale" and the "chance to work togehter" I got really frustrated and sad that this was project got so much support. First it requires 6 months of planning with one coordinator and about 4 leaders. Because the thought is that it would take place over a weekend I'm figuring that about 100 volunteers are needed. I keep asking myself two questions:

1) how does this benefit our neighbours
2) how does this foster a good first experience for a church network

The Councillor was clear that the sale will take place with other volunteers he has on board if the churches don't want to do it but he thought this would be a great first effort. What I don't understand is why the churches are willing to give over our expertise to a politician. The event will be held in a school, there will be volunteers other than churches. It also came out in passing that this event could go Friday - Sunday.

It looks as though there is a long way to go to get churches to think missionally and outside the box. What if all of those volunteer hours were put into community groups who have projects that they need help with?

I don't blame the Councillor - he has a vision that would help him and sees a large group of volunteers. But why the heck aren't we raising funds for a playground, installing basket ball hoops or cleaning our neighbourhoods?

I do suggest however that the Councillor would not want this headline: "Local Councillor Indicates Greatest Need in Community is for an Artisans' Sale". C'mon. Things can't be all that great!