crazyheart
WonderCafe - Grass Roots
Posted on: 04/28/2009 16:36
I will post this on all the threads so that we can try and hear from as many as possible.
As you know, WonderCafe.ca has been an experiment of the United Church of Canada and at General Council in August , the cafe's fate will be in the hands of those who are there to do the work of the church.
I will offer to send on the information that we receive here to the United Church Observer to be printed in an upcoming edition before August. However, that does not give us a big time frame so please if you feel passionate about Wonder Cafe, I would respectfully ask you to leave testimonies here. This is an invitation to ALL who participate in this forum whether you are United Church menbers or whether you are friends who are on other spiritual journeys. You might think about some of these comments.
- Has WonderCafe answered some of your questions
- Have you received parenting support
- Have you received answers and support for medical problems
- Have you received spiritual guidance
- Have you made friends
- Have you received education in religious matters
- When the world has been lost to you, have you found confort and support on this site
The Church is about ministry and the United Church is about Ministry and the Grass Roots - from the bottom up - So, I ask you to be the voice of the church so that we may see this vital ministry continue.
Leave your testimony here
Blessings
CrazyHeart
Comments
Pinga
Posted on: 04/28/2009 23:11
Crazyheart, I am going to respond to each of your topics in each area, so I can concentrate on the subject matter / area and how I participate in that area.
Parenting is a place where I explore my current challenges, reflect back on earlier challenges & learning, learn for the future, and share my youthful stories.
I participate as someone who names themselves as a member of the United Church of Canada.
Challenges: public school versus private, air cadets (plus/minus), schooling & grades, boys in school, having to put down a loved pet, the "strong silent type", homework
My own parenting history: loss of an newborn , miscarriage, choices re working versus stay at home, allergies, bullying...and the list goes on. Here we can share experiences, and hopefully, learn from each other. This includes admitting our own mistakes.
My own youth: Sometimes, when we share our own stories...of our misspent youth, or poor decisions we have made and still turned out alright, it puts perspective on another parents issue..
Though they are not often faith-focussed discussions, faith plays a huge role, including pastoral care.
In addition, we do discuss church stuff sometimes, such as curriculum, confirmation, etc, but....generally, it is our faith as it plays out in our lives, or as we are called to live that I enjoy reading about.
seeler
Posted on: 05/05/2009 16:20
- Has WonderCafe answered some of your questions
- Have you received parenting support
- Have you received answers and support for medical problems
- Have you received spiritual guidance
- Have you made friends
- Have you received education in religious matters
- When the world has been lost to you, have you found confort and support on this site
Many times I have asked questions on the Cafe on a variety of topics, and I have received answers from many posters.
I have received support for some of my parents methods (and had others questioned and discussed). I have asked questions about 'parenting' my grandchildren and received good advice for a 4 year old who is having trouble printing to a 12 year old who is rather headstrong. I've also learned that many 12 year olds are reading the Twilight series with no ill effects, and got suggestions of other books for her age group.
I have talked about problems with my health and aging and received good advice, and lots of support with my chronic condition. I have also received support when my friends and relatives were sick or dying - most recently my brother-in-law. Thank you all.
I have spend many an hour discussion religion and spiritual matters, sharing what I believe and understand, and learning about how others' faith. I'm not sure how much 'spiritual guidance' I have received - but I do know that I have grown and broadened my faith.
Friends - yes, some who I consider as close as the people in my church or community. Pinga, you are my friend.
Yes, I have received an education in religious matters - particularly about other religions. I also hope that some of my posts have helped others in religous matters.
There are many times when I have felt stressed out and overwhelmed by the cares of the world or just lonesome (missing my son at Christmas for instance) and the Cafe has been a wonderful support.
If I lose the Cafe, if it shuts down, it will be like losing a friend and a support. I will probably suffer withdrawal symptoms.
Pinga, it was not in your questions but I consider it important: there were some times when I felt that I had been a help to somebody - advice, comfort, support or information. I certainly hope so.
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Elanorgold
Posted on: 04/28/2009 22:15
Hi! Well! I would be very sad to see Wondercafe go. I enjoy using it every day as many others here do. It is a major source of philisophical stimulation for me, and my main socialization network. It is also the most polite, varied, frequented, positive and welcoming forum I've used.
It certainly has answered many of my questions about religion, and opened my eyes to just how cool the United church is. I have had support from my friends on Wondercafe for any and every question I have asked, be it parenting, spiritual, philisophical or casual questions about hobbies and interests, and I'm always wowed how quickly as well. People are here for each other. I have made many friends here when my real world has proved spartan. I've even neglected my personal email in favour of the rigourous discussions here!
I sincerely hope you will see fit to keep it running. Even if it doesn't bring many new members to the church, it serves an invaluable service to people, of many faiths and backgrounds.