Short-term fix or long-term solutions?
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Short-term fix or long-term solutions?

Cost of living issues are dominating Ontario’s provincial election campaign. That is understandable because of recent price increases in food, gas and housing. It is also unfortunate because public debate focuses on short-term fixes when we need wise direction for the long-term challenges facing Ontario.  Short-termism is already baked into our electoral system. But changing…

The tracks of Newcastle
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The tracks of Newcastle

Last January we found a creek down by the lake that had frozen smooth, just over three kilometres of it, perfect for skating. For a few wonderful weeks, the temperature stayed cold and skies were clear so we skated almost every day for hours. We were on the ice again by January 11 this year….

Educators in a dangerous time
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Educators in a dangerous time

Independent schools in Ontario are hurting from the lack of public funding for COVID 19 relief. To keep their students safe, individual schools are footing the bill – where they are able. That’s why Woodland Christian High School in Breslau, Ontario, is part of a group of three independent schools taking the Ontario government to…

Ontario: Fighting indifference towards Indigenous Justice
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Ontario: Fighting indifference towards Indigenous Justice

There is a truism credited to a number of wise folks (Elie Wiesel among them), that the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference.Late last Spring, as political machinations pointed to an election, the stark truths of recovered unmarked graves at Residential School sites were high in the public mind. Given what Elders and…

The gift of literacy

The gift of literacy

Based on the life of Clarence Brazier, born August 28, 1906, in a log farmhouse near Magnetawan, Ontario, this compassionate, informative children’s picture book relates how “for nearly one hundred years, Clarence had a big secret.” The third of seven children, Clarence and his family worked hard to survive. Big for his age, Clarence readily…

Welcome Spring

Welcome Spring

A strange sound greeted me as I stepped out the back door the other day. I paused for a second to determine its source. Birds! Hundreds of birds sat in our big maple trees, singing joyfully. No robins yet, but I hadn’t heard such giddy celebration in months. Under sunny skies a southern breeze ushered…

Different On purpose
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Different On purpose

I remember making the announcement: “We’re moving immediately to a livestream-only format for Sunday services. Oh, and all other groups are either cancelled or moving online. “Hopefully we’ll be back for Easter!” Sigh. When was the last time 12 months felt like 12 years? We miss seeing each other eyeball to actual eyeball. Pouring coffee…

Faith at home
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Faith at home

When we made the switch to virtual worship, we continued to offer our weekly Young Children in Worship story time. Although originally intended for children, it became apparent that many age groups were enjoying it. Because of this, and because we believe that “parents are the most significant religious influences in the lives of their…

Edifide is Now Vocate
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Edifide is Now Vocate

The start of a new school year is an important transition for students, teachers and parents. Edifide has chosen this key moment in the school calendar to make a transition of its own. Edifide has rebranded to become Vocate, the Christian School Employees Association. This new name reflects an expanded new vision and range of…