Outreach


The Service, Outreach and Social Action Committee (SOSA) plans, develops and coordinates ways for the congregation to carry out its mission in the community and throughout the world.

SOSA:

  • Demonstrates the concern of the church for human and social needs within and outside the congregation through involvement with the Ottawa West End Community Chaplaincy, FAMSAC, Refuge N.O.W.

  • Advocates for social justice issues through petitions, letters and encourages the congregation to give to the Mission and Service Fund.

  • Coordinates and participates in outreach programs in the community.

  • Educates and increases awareness of the Congregation concerning the purpose, mission, and work of the committee through Minutes for Mission, bulletin board displays and speakers.

If you share our concerns for outreach and social justice issues, please join our committee. Contact SOSA through the Church Office for further details.



Multifaith Housing Initiative



The Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) is a non-profit registered charity dedicated to creating affordable housing. MHI is a unique multifaith organization striving to build strong communities by enabling different faith communities to work together across Confessional, ethnic and racial lines. MHI assists in the development of affordable housing projects in a supportive and caring environment by utilizing existing space and developing new space. Peggy Aitchison represents BCUC on the MHI committee.



Ottawa West End Community Chaplaincy (OWECC)



Under the leadership of two Chaplains, Sue Evans and Rob Campbell, OWECC provides a safe, spiritual presence to those who feel alienated from God and powerless in our world. The Chaplaincy seeks to be a bridge between our low income neighbourhoods in West Ottawa and our supporting churches. Activities include spirituality and Christian based study groups, pastoral care, Children's Heritage Programs, drop-in's, emergency food banks, a summer camp experience and celebration of Christian holidays. Eithne Barker represents BCUC in the Chaplaincy



Refuge N.O.W. - Nepean, Ottawa West



Refuge N.O.W. is an ecumenical coalition to sponsor refugees. Current member churches are Christ Church Anglican, Bells Corners United, St. Stephens Anglican, and St. Michael and All Angels Anglican. We are actively seeking additional member churches. To date we have sponsored or assisted 36 people in 8 families. Recently, we have applied to co-sponsor a woman and two children who were originally from the Ivory Coast and are now in Ghana waiting to join a family member living in Ottawa. Sponsorship entails a financial commitment to provide housing and living support for the first year, and the time and effort of several volunteers. These volunteers help the refugee immigrant family get started with housing, household supplies, schooling, clothing, job applications, and provide moral support. It is thanks to your interest and support that we have continued in this rewarding work.Questions? Want to help? Please contact the Church Office.



FAMSAC - Family Services Association of Churches



FAMSAC is an emergency food assistance program provided by four local churches: Bells Corners United, Knox United, St. Martin de Porres RC and Christ Church Anglican. The service began in 1969 to help out needy families in the Bells Corners area during the Christmas season. The program has expanded over the years in response to steadily growing demand. FAMSAC is currently providing about 100 food hampers to local families every month. In December, special Christmas hampers containing a turkey and all the trimmings are delivered to about 300 homes. The service is run entirely by volunteers and is funded by the sponsoring parishes, local businesses, industry, service clubs and public-spirited citizens. Neighbourhood stores provide day-old bread and bakery supplies free of charge. Canned goods are donated by shoppers when they purchase their groceries and by local churches, schools, Scouts, and Guides. The pantry and storage facilities are provided by St. Martin de Porres Church. FAMSAC is a registered charitable organization, but receives no funding from any level of government. Outstanding support from the sponsoring parishes, the community at large and dedicated volunteers has enabled FAMSAC to build its community service to the current high level. The FAMSAC phone number is 613-820-5428.



Lenten Project 2008

This year our goal is to raise $8,000 for OTTAWA'S MULTIFAITH HOUSING INITIATIVE. MHI is assisting lower income households to obtain affordable rental properties and encouraging harmonious relations amongst tenants of diverse backgrounds.