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Dreams for our city

In this week's Religion column, Hilda Vander Klippe outlines ways of working toward a better city
city-dreams
Working toward a better city of Thorold. Stock Photo

The Bible is filled with wisdom and guidance for everyday living.  

In Jeremiah 29: 4-11, we read the following:

“This is the Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies, Israel’s God, to all the exiles I’ve taken from Jerusalem to Babylon:  “Build houses and make yourselves at home. Put in gardens and eat what grows in that country. Marry and have children. Encourage your children to marry and have children so that you’ll thrive in that country and not waste away. Make yourselves at home there and work for the country’s welfare. Pray for Babylon’s well-being. If things go well for Babylon, things will go well for you.”

The people of Israel had been taken to Babylon in punishment for their unfaithfulness to God. They were not happy to be there. They wanted to go back to their homeland of Israel as quickly as possible. Then Jeremiah, the prophet, gives them this message from God. Settle into the community. Pray for the city where you find yourself. Work towards its peace and well-being. That's the last thing they wanted to do. They would have much rather hated this city and withdrawn from it; instead, God tells them to pray for Babylon and work towards its well being.

I believe God has this same message for us. We, too, are called to pray for our city of Thorold; to work towards its prosperity and well-being.

I dream of a city where all men, women and children can live in peace; where everyone has enough so they can live in dignity; a city where we genuinely care about each other's well-being. Where those who have much, care for and share with those who have little; where those who have a voice speak up for those who have no voice; where children are loved and well cared for. I dream of a city where government, business, churches, agencies and individuals work together for the common good of all. Where churches work together to show God's love for our city. Where people think of others before they think of themselves.

Some of these dreams are becoming realities in our city, and that is very exciting. ‘One Thorold’ is a partnership between the city, churches, agencies and business leaders; they meet monthly and are working towards the common good of our city. Because of the generosity of many people, much food was collected for Community Care in the recent Thorold community-wide food drive; people are caring for one another!

‘One Church Thorold’ is bringing community churches together to pray and work for the good of our city. Individuals are volunteering and giving of themselves for the good of others. 

Let us keep praying, dreaming and working toward a city of peace, hope and prosperity; and as you do so, know that God is with us, guiding us and cheering us on.

Hilda Vander Klippe is on staff at the Village Church. Join the Village Church this summer as members meet for outdoor worship in the Battle of Beaverdams Park beginning July 7 at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays.