This colourful knot of willow branches symbolizes the commitments between East End United and Nourish. The ribbons were placed by individual congregants, volunteers and partners with their specific hopes and visions of radical hospitality!

On Sunday April 23rd, East End United Regional Ministry marked the creation of a covenant with the Nourish East End program in a moving and motivating service.

The Nourish program pledged to implement the congregation’s vision of radical hospitality welcoming all of our neighbours to share the abundance of the congregation. The East End United congregation pledged to provide a home for the program and to appoint a Board to oversee its work. Both Nourish and the congregation pledged to speak and work for change – and to amplify the voices of those whose urgent needs for food and justice are disregarded in our world.

Together we will continue to provide emergency food support for neighbours, but we will also work for social change to make food banks unnecessary in Ontario.

A covenant knot of willow branches, shown here, symbolizes the interwoven relationship of support between East End United and Nourish. The ribbons were placed by individual congregants, volunteers and partners with their specific hopes and visions of radical hospitality!

It was an amazing day with so many people to thank for helping us realize and celebrate a vision of how a more just and equitable world could operate.Thanks go to many many people including:

  • The worship leadership and support team: Rev. Daniel, Stephan and the choir – with Gerald Petkau filling in for Stephan – and William Anum on drums and Marie Campbell on flute; the tech team of Fiona and Gray; and speakers/readers Brian Elcombe and Cathy Forrest;
  • Food security and congregational leaders who explained covenant and then made ours: Ron McKay (EEU), Gloria McPherson (Out of the Cold), Erica Appiah (Nourish), Chris Bennett (EEU Community Relations) Susanne Burkhardt (Applegrove) and Daniel Taylor (Greenbelt Markets);
  • Pop-up contributors Henry Reinders and Guy Spragge bring solidarity for the Canadian Food Grains bank
  • Symbol maker of the willow knot above, Heather Barnes;
  • The Food and Beverage Crew who organized contributions, set up hot and cold drinks and helped clean up: Marian Stinson, Kathryn MacGregor, Edythe Shand, Norman Tanaka, Ann Sanagan and Susan Wakefield;
  • All of the long list of food contributors from EEU, the Hub Community market, Nourish, Applegrove and Out of the Cold – a great communal meal came together perfectly!
 

Blessings to all for a rousing service and a vivid example of determination mixed with joy!

Lori Lyons, Nourish Interim Board Chair

Robin Wardlaw, Nourish Interim Board member and service planning lead