Metropolitan United Church

The Peace and Social Justice Committee service - October 21, 2007 -If you were unable to attend this service, please take a few minutes and listen to Emily Fox's inspiring talk, which will be posted on the Met website this week (the last week of October.)

Emily Fox was the pulpit speaker at the P and SJ group's service on October 21. She administers the Voices From The Street program, which trains homeless and previously-homeless people in public speaking and then books them to speak to various groups and organizations. Clearly, they are being well-taught, as Ms Fox's own address to Metropolitan was inspiring and moving. She spoke of her own journey; her descent into homelessness and her rise back out of it. She also talked movingly of her own faith, and how it helped her along the way. At the end of her talk, the Met congregation burst into spontaneous applause - it seemed the least we could do for someone who had bared her soul and struggles for us.

Many members of the Peace and Social Justice committee participated in the service, including Israel Makindipe, Jean Lee, Bruce Misener, Debbey Van Beek, Walter Ridley and Jean Stinson. The hymns were specially chosen, and included #117 from Voices United (Jesus Christ is Waiting). In addition, there were a couple of amazing anthems, including one by Ben Stein, and great work from the CIC Youth Ensemble.

After the service, about 50 Metfolk came to the Met Centre for a lunch and learn. The P and SJ members all pulled together for the event, and there was plenty of food to go around. (It included Jean Lee's delicious pumpkin soup, Debbey Van Beek's deli-quality sandwiches and some decadent Scottish shortbreads baked by Jennifer Smith).

The "learn" portion of the event then began, with Susan Girvan moderating a panel which included Emily Fox and two of her colleagues from Voices from The Street: Michael Creek and Dawn-Marie Harriott. Dawn-Marie and Michael both spoke of their own experience hitting rock bottom and described what had helped them recover. After their talks, Met members spent about an hour asking questions and, with the guidance of moderator Susan, talked about possible solutions. Debbey Van Beek thanked the speakers (and presented them with choir CDs) and Chris Chown offered some closing meditations. Dave Carley also reminded those present that the Peace and Social Justice committee is always eager to have new members!

Everyone present went away with a head-full of ideas, images, hopes and plans. We all felt incredibly indebted to Emily Fox, Michael Creek and Dawn-Marie Harriott for coming to us and sharing their journeys.