I received an email from our son, Isaac, alerting us to his inclusion in another Youtube video posted on the United Church website. http://www.youtube.com/user/unitedchurchofcanada#p/a/u/2/swWvsu-YIrAThis one informs us about the efforts for French-speaking ministry across the country, although the major focus at the moment is the province of Quebec. Recently I let you know that Ike will be taking up duties in Cowansville Quebec after his ordination in May. Although this is not a French-speaking congregation, it was important for them to find a bilingual minister because Anglophones make up only 15% of the twelve thousand residents of this community. English-only congregations are closing regularly in Quebec as the Anglophone population shrinks.
I was interested to see that the video also featured the Spanish-speaking congregation which meets at Eglise Unie St. Jean, Isaac's sponsoring congregation. Because he and wife Rebekah speak some Spanish they have been invited to the Camino congregation's events, where Isaac has done music. He admits that their limitations with the language have led to some unintentionally hilarious moments.
Speaking of multi-lingualism, it is amusing that Isaac is described as a Newfoundlander. Yes he was born there during our first ministry posting, but lived in outport Newfoundland for a total of six weeks. So he really doesn't have the language skills.
I've asked before, but what do you think about the United Church's attempt to reach out to the French-speaking population of our country? Inspired or foolhardy? Innovative or desperate?
I was interested to see that the video also featured the Spanish-speaking congregation which meets at Eglise Unie St. Jean, Isaac's sponsoring congregation. Because he and wife Rebekah speak some Spanish they have been invited to the Camino congregation's events, where Isaac has done music. He admits that their limitations with the language have led to some unintentionally hilarious moments.
Speaking of multi-lingualism, it is amusing that Isaac is described as a Newfoundlander. Yes he was born there during our first ministry posting, but lived in outport Newfoundland for a total of six weeks. So he really doesn't have the language skills.
I've asked before, but what do you think about the United Church's attempt to reach out to the French-speaking population of our country? Inspired or foolhardy? Innovative or desperate?
3 comments:
All of the above, possibly?
Just because churches from the states send missionarys to Quebec dosn't mean we shouldn't. With the french population turning away from the Catholic church in droves ofer the past 30 years or so, it's created a void for people of faith.
My family lives in Quebec, and the english churches are struggling. Mostly because my generation got up and left. When I go home to visit there is only one of my high school friends still in the area. Everyone else joined the military, or moved to Ontario.
My father resigned from the church board last year. He was the youngest when he joined and 30years later, still the youngest when he resigned.
Being the salesman that I am, I see an area with lots of potential demand, and little organised supply.
If Isaac wishes to attract more Francaphones he may have to change his last name to Lundi, or LaMonday. Something like that.
The excitement and energy for this commitment to bilingual ministry at the last General Council in Kelowna was amazing. Unfortunately, because of the current financial state of the church, the funding needed wasnt available. I pray for the new and emerging ministries happening in Quebec and across Canada.
As for changing names, Isaac can have mine (or Jeff's). I am always assumed to be French, so it must work.
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