Who are locals inside and outside your community of faith who are active and keep up with local happenings? Enlist the people who follow local community events in newspapers, read local bulletin boards, keep up with local area online, and use social connections. Connect with local “go to” person or people, for the different circles of your area. Build the community of neighbours supporting neighbours. Some faith groups are discovering their presence is welcomed at local happenings. They’ve just not asked how they could help each other or be part of events recently. Start some conversations. Community partner potential often starts really small, promoting each other’s activities, offering helping hands, discovering resources that can be shared. Intentionally pray for local needs and actively strengthen neighbours knowing and supporting neighbours in 2026
As growth animator, thanks for your prayers, support and encouragement throughout 2025. If you have not yet connected with me, please contact me, Sharon Ballantyne at 506-306-0500 or by email at sballantyne@united-church.ca
Wishing you the hope, peace, joy and love of this Advent and Christmas. May the light and love of Christ shine as we all grow together.
The final virtual 30-minute, Wednesday drop-in for 2025 is December 17, returning January 7, 2026. Connect with people from across UCC-East. 9:45 Atlantic and 10:15 in Newfoundland-Labrador. Contact Sharon if you do not already have the link.
