About three months ago, planning began for the first Thorold Community Leaders Prayer Breakfast with One Church Thorold. To be honest, I did not think that many leaders would come. Serving as a pastor in a One Church Thorold church, the Village Church, sometimes I have wondered if community leaders want to dream together for the good of our city. Maybe this is just the pessimistic side of me?
To my surprise, almost 100 community leaders gathered on Nov. 13! I was inspired by the openness of members in our local community who all want to work together to make our city a better place to live. The planning team did a wonderful job!
The community event was a groundbreaking move that brought together leaders in politics, social services, business and the local church.
Members of our local business community, including John Henderson of Henderson’s Pharmacy, Bill Van der Klippe of Print Three, and Tim Whalen from the Thorold Community Credit Union, and many others were present.
The theme was “Partnering for Thorold” and the big question was: “Can we revitalize our community in Thorold?” Everyone in attendance walked away with: “Of course we can.”
Brian Beattie, the main speaker, did an excellent job. There was a buzz in the room as people walked away with the question: “What is next?”
I don’t know what is next on a grand scale. I do know leaders from churches, businesses and city are working on this common goal. Personally, I was inspired when I saw that members of our local community want to partner together for the good of our city. I wondered what next steps I could take.
We had been planning a Christmas party for Front Street, so I thought I would take a risk and approached Nick Dell’Omo from Biscotti with Bill Van der Klippe, owner of Print Three and long-time member of the Village Church.
I asked, “Hey, at The Village we want to run something for our downtown community this Christmas. What do you think about us running it here?”
Nick seemed open and we brainstormed together what the party could look like.
Near the end of our chat I said, “So, how much for the hot chocolate and the rental?”
He said, “Don’t worry about it.”
Much more could be said about how encouraged I was by this conversation with Nick.
The reason I want to share this is that I see it as just a small sign that churches and businesses are working together for the good of our city.
Good things are happening in our city.
Do you want to be a part of these good things that are coming?
See the notice in the events calendar and come check us out!
All are welcome. There will be free goodies and free hot chocolate and, of course, Christmas carolling.
