The Refugee Sponsorship Committee (RSC) has recommended that the Church extend our existing sponsorship for a second year (that is, starting December 10, 2016) subject to there being sufficient funds (which there are not currently). We have also recommended that we sponsor another family.

At an informal meeting of the congregation on June 12, 2016 there was support for these recommendations and accordingly the RSC will work with the incoming Board of Missions to put these recommendations into effect. The congregation was also updated on our Co-Sponsorship (with a Group of Five) of a Syrian family: a family has been selected but not every member of the family has yet had their interview.

I will not be posting more information to this blog on our existing sponsorship unless there are significant decisions or notices to be communicated.  I will however use this space to update you on the Co-Sponsorship and on the new sponsorship which we hope to initiate late summer or early fall.

Yesterday was a big day for Chancella - her first day in school in Toronto!

Tomorrow is another big day for the sisters, as they will move into their apartment. Anna and I shall miss them!
 If you would like to know their new address please let me know (I'd rather not publish it here). It has been a very intense time for the sisters since they arrived on December 10, with so much love extended to them, along with so much help. The Refugee Committee will meet monthly with them to make sure that they have the opportunity to share any trials and tribulations and so that we can be available for guidance and support. But I would encourage you to keep in touch with them and to continue to extend the friendship that you have shown them. I hope that we can organize a house-warming for them soon, and you may wish to honour Chancella's birthday which is January 10. Thank you for making this such a positive experience for them!

Can you help with moving furniture to the sisters' new apartment on December 26 at 9.30 a.m.? Furniture needs to be moved from the church basement to Glen Echo - Neil is leading this and has a truck available. It shouldn't take long and some extra hands will be very welcome. Thank you!