MULOA as reflected at St John’s, Milton, Prince Edward Island and at St James,’ Armdale, Nova Scotia.
Meeting Challenges with Hope
At our October meeting the members of St. John’s, Milton, Prince Edward Island Mothers’ Union were focused on planning for the coming year. At that time a letter addressed to our church was forwarded to us for our consideration. The letter and accompanying brochures were from the Island Pregnancy Centre requesting much needed support. After some discussion we made contact and the Executive Director met with us at our next meeting. Her enthusiasm led us to seriously pray about and discern how our aims and objectives could apply to their needs. Consequently we are putting our support behind this worthwhile non- profit organization. www.islandpregnancycentre.com
Hope All Things is the Mothers’ Union theme and the Island Pregnancy Centre’s theme is, Providing Support, Mentoring, and Hope. Those two statements lend themselves to a positive outcome for a healthy family life.
In the near future a Hope House Mother’s Home will be opened in Summerside and will provide space for 5 single moms and 5 babies to build healthy relationships, learn life skills and parenting education including counselling and parenting programs and will be staffed 24/7 by caring and experienced staff. Hope House is an extension of the heart of this ministry and work.
At this time we have supported The Island Pregnancy Centre with financial gifts. There are a number of ways where we can provide our help in the future.
We are hopeful that our prayers and contributions will make a difference in this exciting and essential initiative.
Submitted by Donna Bernard and Phyllis Ford
Collaboration Equals Inclusion
A few years ago, Rev Katie Taylor-Flynn made three raised garden beds in the yard area between the manse and the hall behind St James Church, Armdale. Rev. Katie invited Mothers’ Union at St. James to use some of the space for planting herbs and vegetables. It seemed like a natural extension to then invite the members of Club Inclusion to join in on the Garden project. And so, collaboration began.
Club Inclusion is based out of St James church hall.
The Mission of Club Inclusion is to offer social, cultural, and recreational programs accessible to all people with disabilities. It enriches lives by building friendships, community and success. Club Inclusion empowers people with disabilities, and their families, to build bridges to inclusive communities.
In early spring 3 members of Club Inclusion and I prepared the soil for planting. Then at planting time, the Club Inclusion members and staff came prepared in 3 teams with a total of 12 people. This made planting very efficient. With the help of MU members and Rev Katie the garden was planted in no time.
Throughout the summer Club Inclusion members watered the garden daily.
Together we tended and weeded.
We grew cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, lettuce, spinach, spring mix, potatoes, strawberries, watermelon as well as a big herb section.
Produce from the garden was available for Rev Katie and members of the St James congregation and Club Inclusion. Club Inclusion members were able to enjoy herbs and vegetables at lunchtime and used the fresh herbs and vegetables in their cooking and meal preparation program.
Everyone enjoyed the garden including some friendly deer that came regularly!
Overall, I think the garden project with Club Inclusion was a success. We hope to continue this joint project in the coming year.
Submitted by Judy
