February: "I Will Never Leave You"

Route 6:4 this weekend and the Matthew 25 House Bonanza:

SATURDAY

Activity1: Cleaning Missions Services Men's Residence (www.mission-services.com)

Time: 9:30-1:30pm (meet at M25 @ 9am)

Place: James Street North in Hamilton,

Notes: You don't have to stay for the whole time, even a few hours would be a huge help!

Numbers: 12-24 people

RSVP by Thursday night

Activity2: Serving Dinner at the Wesley Center (www.wesleyurbanministries.com/)

Time: 5:30-8:00pm

Place: 195 Ferguson Ave N, Hamilton (meet at M25 @ 5:15pm)

Notes: We'll take a small group of 4 to make food and hand out dinner at the Wesley Centre: a place where those in need can receive free meals.

Numbers: 4 people

RSVP by Thursday night

SUNDAY

Activity1: Prayer Walk in Barton/Wentworth neighbourhood

Time: 5:30-6pm (call first to see whether this is running)

Place: Meet at Matthew 25 House

Activity2: Fellowship Night

Time: 6-8:30pm

6:00pm: Potluck, 6:45

6:45pm: Worship led by Mark & Christa Pluim

7:00pm Guest Speaker: MONA LOCS from Welcome Inn and Little Bethel

8:00pm: Wrap up with tea/coffee, dessert and discussion

Mona is from Welcome Inn Community Centre (www.welcomeinn.ca) and Little Bethel Church (www.littlebethel.ca). She'll speak on the topic "I will Never Leave You," a testimony of God's Love in adversity. As Mona shares her life story we'll hear themes of Gods grace and presence interwoven through the difficulties of childhood, adoption, marriage, family mental illness and poverty. "Many times I was alone in this journey, even though I sought help.There are not a lot of people who have walked though these waters.... This is my story, and it may help to bring awareness to those who have not had these kinds of struggles. I have also found that being open about these things allows others to be open also."

Times and locations are posted on our website at www.matthew25house.com. Feel free to call us if you have any questions! 905-218-5209. Hope to see you there!

January Bonanza

Here's what is happening for Route 6:4 this weekend at the Matthew 25 House Bonanza:

SATURDAY
9:30-1:30pm Cleaning the Missions Services Men's Residence on James Street in Hamilton, you do not have to stay for the whole time, if you are even able to help for a couple of hours that would be great! (~12-24 people; meet at M25 house @ 9am)
5:30-8:00pm- Serving Dinner at the Wesley Center We will be taking a small group of four to volunteer making food and handing out dinner at the WESLEY CENTER which is a place where those in need can receive free meals. (~4 people; meet at M25 house at 5:15)

SUNDAY
4-5:20pm- Chapel @ Mission Services; This involves hanging out and speaking with some of the people from Mission's Services after chapel. (~10 people; Meet at M25 House at 3:30).
5:30-6pm- Prayer Walk around M25 House neighbourhood.
6-8:30pm - Route 6:4 This will begin at 6pm with a potluck, followed by worship with Mark Pluim@ 6:45. Sue Carr the chaplain from Mission Services in Hamilton will be our speaker at 7pm. She will be speaking on "Relational Justice: Being with rather than doing for". Then we will wrap up with tea/coffee, dessert and discussion at 8pm. You are welcome to come to all or part of route 6:4, and although it is a potluck you do not have to bring anything, your presence is enough!

We would love to see you sometime this weekend, but understand that people have busy schedules, so feel free to make it for whatever you can! If you could RSVP by Thursday January 7th to any service projects that you plan on attending, that would be much appreciated so that we can anticipate numbers. We cannot wait to see you there!

Route 6:4
(Marijke & Sherry)

NEW ROUTE 6:4!!!

This year Route 6:4 will be joining 'Matthew 25 House' for an all-new monthly BONANZA WEEKEND!

Mark your calendars; it's the 2nd Weekend of every month!

KICK-OFF: NOVEMBER 14,15

Saturday, Nov 14 - SERVICE PROJECTS - morning & afternoon

1) Clean Men's Residence at Mission Services 9am-2:30pm

2) Serve Neighbourhood Dinner at Wesley Urban Ministries 5:30-8pm

3) Garbage Clean-Up in Lansdale/Keith neighbourhood (time TBA)

Saturday, Nov 14 - PRAYER WALK - night

Join us after dinner for a prayer walk in the Barton neighbourhood led by Laurie Hebbelthwaite

Sunday, Nov 15 - ROUTE 6:4 - 6pm-8:30pm

1) Potluck

2) Worship

3) Guest Speakers on topics of Community/Justice

November's Route 6:4 Guest Speaker is Helen from Helping Hands Street Mission. Check it out! www.hhsmhamilton.com/

For more info email Sherry or Marijke:

routesixfour@gmail.com or info@matthew25house.com.

For directions, check out www.matthew25house.com/.

..................................................Hope you can make it!!!

The Monthly Meeting of March

WHEN: Sunday, March 1
WHERE: 25 St Matthew’s Ave.
(www.matthew25house.com)
TIME: Potluck @ 5pm (bring whatever you like!),
Study/Session @ 6pm
WHAT: We will be discussing the first beatitude -- "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt.5:3), as well as Revelations 3:17-22.
Remember to fill out the Sacred Pathways Gift Assessment so we can discuss them (Go to this website: scroll down and click on 'Finding Your Spiritual Path' which can be found on the left).
FOR MORE INFO: contact Sherry or Marijke @ 905-218-5209, or routesixfour@gmail.com.

All are welcome!

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity this week?

Feel free to stop by the clothing bank at the Eva Rothwell Centre in Hamilton (460 Wentworth St. N) on Thursday (Feb.26) from 6-9pm, or on Friday from 9-12. This time it will be on an individual basis (in other words drop-in on your own or with a friend if you can), and next time it will be a bit more organized. Please come with your police check, as Missions Services requires that you bring that in order to volunteer, and they will also have a volunteer sheet that you can fill out when you arrive.

Looking for Links?

Check out the Volunteer Links on the sidebar -->

You can also find a calendar of events at the bottom of the page.

NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS!

First Meeting of 2009!
WHEN: Sunday, Feb 1
WHERE: 25 St Matthew’s Ave.
(www.matthew25house.com)
TIME: Potluck @ 5pm
(bring whatever you like!), Study/Session @ 6pm.
WHAT: At this first meeting we’ll be determining the gifts the God has given each of us and how we can best put them to use in our community. We’ll also begin a study on the Sermon on the Mount.
FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT: Sherry or Marijke @ 905-218-5209, or routesixfour@gmail.com. All Welcome!
WHAT ARE WE? ‘Route 6:4’ is a Christian dialogue/action outreach group. We meet the 1st Sunday of each month for study, community, prayer, and good food, as we wrestle together with learning to be a people of love and justice in our neighbourhoods. We’ll also help connect you with opportunities in your city by planning service projects together. Come check us out!

Word4theStreet Coffeehouse

WHEN: Friday May 23
TIME: 8:00pm
WHERE: Freeway Church
WHAT: Coffeehouse to raise awareness about poverty in our city, and to network ministries that are making a difference
WHO: Joshua Weresch, Peter Tichgelaar, and "The Roommates"
BRING: Donation for the Foodbank
Check out www.frwy.ca

MICAH HOUSE WALKATHON

When: Saturday, June 21

Where: Gore Park

Why: to raise funds & awareness for Micah House Refugee Reception Service

*REGISTER ONLINE: http://www.micahhouse.ca/

DATE: This Sunday, FEBRUARY 9TH
WHERE: 37 Lower Horning

TIME: 5pm - 7:30pm(ish)

WHAT: DVD Study & Potluck: We'll continue watching "Another World is Possible: Poverty," and wrestle with questions like "How can we be a people of Love and Justice?" "What's our responsibility as city-members and as children of God?" "Who's our neighbour?"

Please also bring Donations for the Food Bank or Clothing Bank!


RSVP: routesixfour@gmail.com or call 905-526-0552 for directions.

See more info on the series: http://www.awip.us/dvdseries.htm Volume 2: Poverty. In this Volume... The Simple Way community takes us on a jouney through our world of economic extremes, from the poverty of Philly’s inner city to the clamor of Wall Street. Begining in an abandoned house, they drive us through the industrial wasteland of Kensington, and they invite us to the New York Stock Exchange for the infamous Jubliee Money Drop. Multi-media clips included here are designed for educational purposes and biblical study. A beautiful harmony of songs and images, teaching and storytelling unveil the tragic realities of our fragile world and incredible hope that “another world is possible.” Here we are all invited to re-imagine the communality of the early Christian Church and to discover fresh ways of living it out today.

Upcoming Conference - TRUECITY

When: Feb 22-23

Where: Philpott Memorial (Hamilton)

This year's conference theme is Waging Peace as inspired by 2 Corinthians 10:4-5—"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Together we will explore what a lifestyle pursuing God’s shalom-peace for our neighbourhoods and our city looks like, interacting on how to practically live this out as communities of Jesus-followers.

Check out www.truecity.ca

Upcoming Conference - MISSIONFEST

When: March 6-8
Where: Toronto Congress Centre

What: www.missionfest.org

FREE ADMISSION
FREE PARKING

Word 4 the Street COFFEEHOUSE

WHEN: Fri Jan 25
WHERE: The Freeway

WHAT: Coffeehouse to raise awareness about poverty in our city.

WHO: Highlighting Mission Services and Truecity

MUSIC: Featuring the talents of Rob LaMothe, Hailey Gillis, Darin Martin, Jason Silver,

Eli Dummer... and More!

www.frwy.ca

www.mission-services.com, www.truecity.ca

www.roblamothe.com, www.jasonsilver.com

Darin Martin: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=90496598

POTLUCK/DVD STUDY

DATE: This Sunday, DECEMBER 2ND
WHERE: 37 Lower Horning

TIME1: 5pm
DVD Study: "Another World is Possible: Poverty"
TIME2: 6pm
Potluck (bring salad, dessert, or main dish)
TIME3: 7:30/8pm
Carolling in our neighbourhood!!!

BRING: Donations for the Clothing Bank!

RSVP: routesixfour@gmail.com and tell us what food you can bring.

See more info on the series: http://www.awip.us/dvdseries.htm Volume 2: Poverty. In this Volume... The Simple Way community takes us on a jouney through our world of economic extremes, from the poverty of Philly’s inner city to the clamor of Wall Street. Begining in an abandoned house, they drive us through the industrial wasteland of Kensington, and they invite us to the New York Stock Exchange for the infamous Jubliee Money Drop. Multi-media clips included here are designed for educational purposes and biblical study. A beautiful harmony of songs and images, teaching and storytelling unveil the tragic realities of our fragile world and incredible hope that “another world is possible.” Here we are all invited to re-imagine the communality of the early Christian Church and to discover fresh ways of living it out today.

December Updates

Hi Everyone!
Happy almost Christmas!
Ok, I know it's over a month away but it's a grey day and I needed some holiday cheer.
Diana Krall's crooning carols here at our house and I'm about to make hot chocolate :)
Here's a preview of things to come:
(Please let friends or family know if you think they're interested in anything here)

VOLUNTEERING
Last meeting we had Kelly Baker (Volunteer Coordinator at Mission Services) come and talk to us about Volunteer Opportunities in the city. It was AWESOME!
There's so much need out there and there are so many ways to connect - an opportunity for every gifting and every type of schedule.
One of Kelly's roles is to interview volunteer applicants - she can chat with you and help place you in the opportunity that fits you best.
- Check out Mission Service's website: www.mission-services.com
- Download a Volunteer Application: http://mission-services.com/volunteer.php?id=volunteer
- And CERTAINLY email Kelly to ask her about opportunities: kbaker@mission-services.com

POTLUCK
Next Potluck is Sun, Dec 2 @ 37 Lower Horning (see above)
***Tis the Season for cleaning out your closet!!! Bring the clothes or household items that you haven't used in awhile to the potluck and we'll take them to Mission Services to give out at the clothing bank.

CLOTHING DRIVE
When we were sorting clothes for the clothing bank last year one question that was raised was, how do we value the people we share things with by the quality of what we're sharing?
TALK TO YOUR CHURCH (start with the pastor or an elder?) and ask to accept clothing donations at church over the next few weeks:
Nov 29th, Dec 2nd, Dec 9th. This is a great time of year for people to clean out their closets and donate nice items to those who have very little over the winter months.
Feel free to bring items on Dec 2nd to the Potluck - you can also drop things off here at 37 Lower Horning any time.

COFFEEHOUSE
Keep January 25th on your radar!
We'll be talking about this more on Dec 2 and are hoping everyone will share the info with family/friends/church.
It'll be AWESOME, that's all I can say.
Place: Freeway church
Time: 7pm (I think)
Local musicians, Fair-trade coffee, Info from the community
(e.g.: TrueCity is doing a presentation)... good times!
Check out http://www.frwy.ca/ and http://www.truecity.ca/

INASMUCH HOUSE & CLOTHING BANK
Some of you have started training at Inasmuch already, which is really exciting! For the rest of us, there'll be training again in February if you're interested.
Email Kelly Baker at kbaker@mission-services.com for more info.

Sherry's looking into a date for the group of us to help out in the Clothing Bank - hopefully during the week of Dec 12th. Stay tuned!

WHAT'S UP THIS FALL?

The Dessert Kickoff was GREAT!
Thanks for bringing the delicious food and your fun selves :)

Here's what we're up to now:

POTLUCK: Nov 11 (@ Sherry's)

PROJECTS:
1) Clothing Bank (for sure)
2) Monthly Mission Meal (periodic)
3) Inasmuch House (possible, T.B.A.)
4) Anything else you'd like! (see links on right, halfway down)

ADVOCACY/AWARENESS:
1) Coffeehouse (next one Jan 25 @ Freeway!)
2) Be a Voice in your Church....

UPCOMING DATES

SUNDAY OCTOBER 14TH
WHAT: Coffee/Dessert Night Kickoff (bring a snack or dessert) TIME: 7-9pm
WHERE: 37 Lower Horning (http://www.mapquest.ca/)
WHY: A time of introductions, spotlights on ministry opportunities (like Inasmuch House, the Clothing Bank, Word4theStreet Coffeehouse, Mission Services Community dinners, Prison Ministry, etc.), sign-up for the aforementioned opportunities, dessert (of course), and prayer/worship together. All welcome!

SUNDAY OCTOBER 21ST
WHAT: Spotlight route6:4 at your church! (We'll help you with info)

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11TH
WHAT: Monthly Potluck Dinner
TIME1: 5-6pm (Predinner business and biblestudy/worship)
TIME2: 6-8pm (Potluck! All invited... Christian, non-Christian, liberal, conservative, bohemian, grandparents, kids, vegan, whatever!)
WHERE: T.B.A.
WHY: To regroup, share experiences, meet people, and of course... to eat.












Email routesixfour@gmail.com for more info.
Looking forward to getting uncomfortable with you....

COFFEEHOUSE TONIGHT!

WHERE: Redeemer University/College

(http://www.redeemer.ca/)

WHEN: 7pm (in the cafeteria)

WHO: Matt de Zoete, Jay Pluim

...and a few friends!

WHY: This is to raise awareness about needs and opportunities in our city.

Bring a canned good!

The Coffeehouse was AWESOME

At one point it was standing-room only!
Good food, good friends, good music, good message....




Awareness was raised about the needs in our city & at the end of the night Mission Services received some much-needed funds and canned-goods for their programs.



Thanks to 1st CRC for the use of their building.
See you next time!!!

WORD 4 the street COFFEEHOUSE

In partnership with Mission Services & Redeemer University College...
We're proud to present:

"Word 4 the Street"
a Coffeehouse to raise awareness about poverty in Canada.
March 30, 7pm @ 1st Hamilton CRC

The Lord willing, we'll do this 3 or 4 times a year at different locations, highlighting different local musicians and organizations.

Suggested min. cover charge: $5
(donations of any amount are happily accepted!)
Canned goods also joyfully welcomed.
Proceeds go to Mission Services: www.mission-services.com

Wow.
God is good... who would've forseen this when we started dreaming wildly in the fall!?

Feel free to print this poster (created by our own Angie Poot!), and post at your church or school.
Email routesixfour@gmail.com for more info.

Potluck & DVD Study - THINGS THAT CAME ABOUT

Hey!
The Potluck/Study/Meeting/Worship night was awesome!

HERE'S WHAT TRANSPIRED & WHO'S COORDINATING:
Email routesixfour@gmail.com to get involved, eh?

Monthly Potluck Meetings... SHERRY
-once a month we come together in different places to regroup: study the Word, share experiences, plan events, jam a bit... you know, good times.

Clothing Bank... CHAD
-there's a big clean-up & sorting day on Saturday March 31st! Also ongoing opportunties.

Women's Ministry... CINDY
-more to come!

Coffeehouse with Mission Services & Redeemer... ANGIE & MARIJKE
-see above for details!!!

Advocacy in churches... EVERYONE
-talk to your church or workplace about monthly clothing/essentials drives... shoot for by/before summer.


Our next official POTLUCK'S IN MAY, and will feature Arie Hoogerbrugge, speaking about Prison Ministry and Matthew 25.

Unofficially, an impromptu PRAYER & JAM SESSION IN APRIL.
A lot of people are busy this month... so just show up if you can!



Also, "Another World is Possible" has asked for feedback on their series.
Post your first impressions of the video - What struck you? What moved you? (or didn't move you?) What are some questions or ideas that would be helpful to facilitate discussion?
Let us know :)