WCMTSU has noticed that many of its articles have focused on the earth-friendly principle of our Trifecta (our focused values of faith, community and stewardship). The zine was bred out of an earnest desire to share the experiences our communities as we pursue each of these facets of life. Now, it may be that stewardship is in the air, but we are hoping to diversify our message a bit. We don't want to give the illusion we are all hippie tree-huggers, and though many of us may be we are not a one song band.



Ros Leverett wrote us a great piece on urban density this week, and it has brought up some questions about community in the urban environment. One of them being: How can we build community when many of us live in apartment buildings where we don't have the opportunity to connect with our neighbours? But, maybe that is more of an excuse then a good question, so how about this instead: How can I create opportunities to connect with my neighbours? How can I create comfortable environments that naturally lend themselves to creating authentic relationships?

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At my local church I have been instigating a number of different activities from games nights to St. Patrick's Day parties. The interesting thing about this different events, from open community meals to Arts Nights is that you never know who will come through the door. Especially when it comes to holiday celebrations, amazing things can happen. Christmas dinner to St. Patrick's Day; when you offer an event for anyone who may not have a place to go you'll be surprised how many people didn't have plans.

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I spent a lot of time home by myself in high school, and I definitely struggled with loneliness. It felt like everyone else has someone to see or somewhere to go. The loneliness was multiplied by the feeling of rejection--the idea that I had missed out on so many opportunities because of invitations that were never extended.I had no idea that there were so many people like myself also sitting at home.

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Over the next few issues we want to focus on that idea of how to build community. We are looking for ideas, strategies, and examples. If you have a great idea of how to build community or a good story of how your community has done it then head on over to the Contact Us page and let us know. And, for our part we'll be telling our own stories of success and failure, as we struggle to eradicate loneliness.

 

~Cheers​~​

Selina