Connecting the Community

Talking with Adam, Lulu and James from Light on the Hill Church. An interesting place with and interesting history, integrating our community

Lots going on at Light on the Hill Church  
Dec. 16th, 2023 there is a Family Christmas program open to the community as part of their Rise n Shine program for young children. Check out their Facebook page (20+) Facebook .
This 175 year old church has many programs and indoor and outdoor spaces. 
Music is important to them. They have borrowed from England the term "Messy Church". 
Henri Nouwen is buried there and an outdoor amphitheater commemorates him.
Adam Furfaro, James Yu and Lulu Yeng invite you to visit!!!
 

Rehana Sumar talks about the situation with looking after those who find themselves homeless and the community’s opportunity to be part of the solution

Rehana tells us her story of addressing the local needs of those who find themselves homeless and how the Coldest Night of the Year has been a great fundraiser.
Here's where you can participate in  the Coldest Night of the Year event Richmond Hill (Blue Door) - Coldest Night of the Year 2024 Canada (cnoy.org)
And check out what is happening at  Blue Door - Giving Hope a Home

Rev. Robert Hayashi talks about the long history and the bright future of the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church

Robert enthusiastically talks about the history and the congregation of the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church and also its role in being part of the community.
He encourages everyone to come and visit, including at Christmas.

Krista Andrews talks about the Kettle Campaign and other good work of the local Salvation Army

Krista is the pastor with the Salvation Army Church in Richmond Hill and loves what she does - which is a lot and varied. The church's long time motto of providing soup, soap and salvation continues today.  The Salvation Army in CanadaShe hopes many people will volunteer and "man" a kettle or bubble and drop off holiday gifts before Dec. 12th.
Click HERE. Once in the system, volunteers can view locations, schedules and begin committing their time this Christmas.
For more information, please contact Kettle Coordinators Elli Bagheri or Courtney Drew by emailing christmaskettle.salvationarmy@gmail.com or calling or texting 416-970-4768
And shop at the Salvation Army Thrift Store Shop Thrift & Donate Secondhand Goods | Your Local Thrift Store

Talking about newcomer mental health with Michelle and Stephanie from CCSYR

CCSYR offers lots of support for newcomers
Home - Catholic Community Services of York Region (ccsyr.org)

Russ Horner talks about creating shareable memories -scanning photos, films, documents......

Russ Horner loves his business of taking the slides, photos, family video, documents, postcards, awards..... and making them into something shareable. He finds everyone's stories remarkable and different. 
 
www.descriptivescanning.ca 

Dan DiRuscio talks about the fun to be had at the Merry Marketplace

The Merry Marketplace happens for 5 consecutive Saturdays, 4 to 9 pm, starting November 18th at Richmond Green.  Fun for all.  See Santa, take some photos, enjoy the music and maybe a glass of mead. 
Merry Marketplace - City of Richmond Hill

Tashia and Adelina talk about how CCSYR help newcomers

Tashia Edwards and Adelina Bridi are with CCSYR, the lead organization at the Richmond Hill Welcome Centre. 
Real support is given to those new to Canada, regardless of their background. 
Home - Catholic Community Services of York Region (ccsyr.org)
Richmond Hill Welcome Centre - Welcome Centre

Susan Dobson, of the Krasman Centre, talks about peer to peer support to address mental health challenges

Susan Dobson is the Executive Director of the Krasman Centre.  She has had lived experience and is very qualified to offer peer to peer support.  She shares her dad's story of overcoming the challenges of mental health to live a fulsome life. 
 
Here is the report she mentions WHO-OHCHR-Mental-health-human-rights-and-legislation_web.pdf

Barry Peters, music director at the Richmond Hill United Church talks about his lifetime love of music

Barry has lots to say about music, particularly at the Richmond Hill United Church. 
There is an amazing church organ that turns 100 next year and it has over 2000 pipes. 
Barry talks about how music can create at thin space - a Sacred moment spurred on by spiritual practice or a deep conversation that pierces the soul.
On December 10th, 2023 - 7 pm, there is a Carols by Candlelight concert.