nadc consultant report

Here is a quick preview of the report you will see for Classis in March 2020... if you are a delegate to the meetings or simply just interested in checking out diaconal matters, take a look.

Since we met last fall: 
- As part of the past oral presentation to Classis, I mentioned my exploration of prison ministry opportunities. I have made contacts with The Mustard Seed prison reintegration chaplain, Prison Fellowship Canada, Crossroads Prison ministry and have done training with Corrections Services Canada. I am volunteering with a couple of community reintegration groups and hope to learn more about the ministry and encourage others to do so as well. 
-DOE 2019 happened the first Saturday of November and was a great day. Many moving stories were shared and positive feedback was received from the day.  Speakers were well received and the participants enjoyed being together as a big group for the morning. Lewis Cardinal and Jennifer Henry both brought profound messages about hospitality from the two ends of Canada’s historical spectrum. It was well attended and featured special refugee guests from many churches, who shared their stories. 
-Later in the fall I also participated in helping Kairos plan a regional gathering in Edmonton that focused on themes of reconciliation and allyship. It was a nice ecumenical partnership with the Mennonite community and also went well with a Friday night film screening and Saturday workshop.
Looking at 2020 so far and what’s to come:

Looking at 2020 so far and what’s to come: 
-The Deacons and reps met on February 12th & 13th for NADC Board meetings featuring a Christian Stewardship Services pilot project presentation. Executive Director Maynard Weirsma flew out to do so. We are hoping and planning, with regional rep. Paul Stehelin, to have a few churches who will join that pilot project, starting in the fall of 2020. If you were unable to attend but want to hear more, please contact me. 
-I am mulling around an idea of Day of Discomfort in May – with the theme of Psalms and lament. Options could include poverty simulation, racism and discrimination, plight of marginalized and/or those struggling with mental health. This would be a different style but like many Psalms, point to God and his blessing and promises at the end. It would also point to the DOE 2020 with a possible restorative practices theme. (Interested in either of these? Contact me to join in the planning). 
-Honduras Water Project – The 25th year anniversary celebration event is planned for Saturday March 7, 2020. Details and invites to come, watch emails and social media, including www.classisalbertanorth.ca/nadc 
-Canadian Food Grains Bank is holding a 25th year anniversary event as well in April. It will take place in central AB and details will come as made available. 
-I continue to promote resources available to our churches such as deacon meetings, DOE, 8th Fire and Cree Easter paintings to name a few. If you would like to know more about a ministry or resource, please contact me and I will look into it with you. 
Submitted by: Jesse Edgingtonyournadc@gmail.com