There are good things happening at the Urban.  Sandy is making the place welcoming with sewing of new alter vestments and banners.  There are a few people who attend the Urban who would like to provide guitar accompaniment to the music, but no one owns a guitar, so if anyone knows of an available guitar, phone the Urban office – 774-3143.

Change in operating hours:
There is a need for evening programming in the West End area.  After the May long weekend (starting on Tuesday May 20) the hours at the Urban will be Monday – Thursday 12:30 – 9:00; Sundays 1:00 – 4:00.  Please phone ahead prior to dropping in to ensure that Sandy will be in the office when you plan to arrive.

Volunteer opportunities:
1) Some of our regular volunteers are not available over the summer months.  If you would like to fill in on either Sunday’s 11:00 – 1:00 helping to prepare the after worship meal or 1:30 – 3:30 setting out, serving and cleaning up please give Tannys Strand a call 228-7594.

2) If you have a gift/talent/interest you would like to share with the Urban, give Sandy a call at 774-3143.  (sewing, crafts, playing games, cards). She is planning programming based on the revised hours of operation and match your interests and availability with community needs. 

A generous gift.
Early in May, a very special 6 year old acted in a big hearted way by having the friends she invited to her birthday party bring food donations for the Urban instead of birthday gifts for herself.  This girl is a member of Epiphany and on behalf everyone at the Urban I would like to say thank you to Hanna.  Her birthday gift is especially timely in that with the extra evening hours, there will be more food distribution and sharing. 

Wish list:
Safeway or Superstore giftcards (or if you prefer a tax receipt, a cheque with food on the memo line)
Plastic margarine or yogurt containers – good for leftovers.
Guitar - for use during worship times

A story from the Urban:
I am going to share a story with you as experienced by Claudette.  I believe this story exemplifies what is at the heart of this ministry.  Not only does Claudette participate in the Worship service, but has taken it on herself to do a super clean after each Sunday’s shared meal.  The following are her words:

“I have been attending Sunday services at the Urban for the past two months.  I have found a sense of intimate worship and genuine sharing not possible in larger congregational settings.  There is a strong feeling of community.

Two Sundays ago, I was especially excited by the heartfelt sharing of one young mother, whom I’ll call M.  M was there with her three young kids, all under seven years of age.  Hubby was at home with the baby, ten months old.  During the prayer/sharing time, she quietly told about her personal struggle with alcohol addiction.  “For the past year I haven’t been drinking, but many others have constantly been after me to go drinking with them.  So far, I have been able to resist them.”

I saw how gently and caringly she interacted with her three kids.  As she told us her story, I put my hand on her shoulder to encourage her. 

IT WAS A TRUE GOD-PRESENT MOMENT.  WHAT AN OVERWHELMING, WONDERFUL GIFT OF TRUST. (Claudette’s caps)

As M was leaving, she stopped by the kitchen and said good-bye to me.  I wished her God’s PEACE and STRENGTH for the coming week each and every day.  I truly felt a deep emotional connection with her which for me personally has been missing at large churchy functions.”

In the mission statement of the Urban we are seeking opportunities for mutual ministry, learning from each other, reciprocal faith sharing between people who may otherwise not encounter the opportunity to share.  The Urban, being a ministry of presence, is an opportunity waiting to happen.  If you would like to become involved, please give Sandy a call 774-3143.

Check out our website www.urbanministry.ca

My career has had me work in some of the poorest parts of the Inner City of Winnipeg. When people hear where I work, I am often asked, “Aren’t you afraid?” I have a smile cross my face when I respond to this question.

I once found myself working in my office when I heard classical piano music. I thought that perhaps someone had put on a CD.  I then heard clapping. I left my office as another brilliant piece of music began. I could not believe my eyes. One of our regular drop-ins was sitting at the piano and providing a concert of joy for the others.

On another occasion, I thought that we had been honored by a visit from Leona Boyd, the classical guitarist. Instead, I found another homeless man lovingly playing a guitar that we had for people to use while at the mission. Another afternoon of a free concert was unfolding.

These two occasions took place at my previous place of employment, but, I know that the same type of situation will occur at The Urban. I have already had my first experience with the talent to be found in a mission. During one Sunday service, we had a request to sing Amazing Grace. I could hear singing that sounded like the voices of angels. After we had finished singing, a woman and her daughter offered us one more verse of the song. We were blessed to listen to that verse being sung in Inuit. Last Sunday these two women sang a duet for the opening song. Their voices are so very beautiful and the people present applauded the gift that had been given to us.

For those who have never been to a mission, I extend an invitation to The Urban. Come and join us as we discover one great gift after another. No, not everyone is musically gifted and so I can not guarantee a “free concert”. I am sure that I can introduce you to an artist, or a poet. I know that you will meet a gentle spirit that will touch your soul. There truly are gifts to be found at The Urban.

Sandy Belisle

the Urban website