Jessica

Michael J Fox once said “Family is not an important thing, it’s everything.” In only one short month I learnt the true meaning of family. Family doesn’t mean having the most or the best thing, family means having someone you can lean on when times get rough, and knowing they will always be there to catch you.

It took us awhile to adjust to the busyness of the ministry, but after a week we were fully prepared for people knocking on our door asking questions (that we finally had the answers to!), people stopping in to chat about their day, or just needing someone to listen to what’s going on in their lives. This community is unique, fully of understanding of differences acceptance and genuine care for other people and their struggles and achievements.

There is never a dull moment at St. Matthews Maryland, as Ryan and I soon discovered, whether we are planning an event, helping out in the food bank, or chatting with the never ending stream of people that come through our doors we are always busy! This job is like nothing I’ve done before, and the people I’ve met are ones I will never forget!

Ryan and I have organized a family trip to the beach, Assiniboine Zoo day, Pool day for the kids, we’ve took a group to the Bombers, gone Strawberry Picking (on the hottest day of the year!) all on top of running the Men’s Meal Program weekly. But the fun doesn’t stop there, in our last month here we have a Goldeyes Game on August 23rd, Family Cook nights every Tuesday, a Summer Family Gathering August 25-28th and our community garden to upkeep! Needless to say, we are always busy and on the go, right up to our last days at the end of August.

This community has taught me that it doesn’t matter where you came from, where you live, what background you are, no matter what, at St. Mathews you can find a meal, someone to talk to and a community full of acceptance.

Ryan

When handed the job description of Summer Program Coordinator for the St. Matthew’s-Maryland Community Ministry this summer, I was surprised not to find one clear definition of the position; but rather an entire page outlining everything I would be a part of over the course of the summer. Although the list seemed long at the time, my experience with the ministry over the past month makes that list look like a post-it-note in comparison.

What I’ve encountered over the past month has been nothing short of a whirlwind. Every single day has been different and there’s never been a dull moment. I’ve come to learn that the people of the community, especially the volunteers at the St. Matthew’s-Maryland Community Ministry are as helpful and understanding as anyone I’ve ever encountered. The people I’ve met over the course of the month have made my job much easier. They are all the real masterminds behind the summer programs. They suggest ideas for events, and there are always more than enough that are willing to lend a hand during the execution of the events.

This summer, Jessica and I have organized trips to Sherbrook Pool, Winnipeg beach, Assiniboine Park and Zoo, a Winnipeg Blue Bombers home game, and to the Children’s Museum. In between we help out at the Drop-In Centre, the Food Bank every Monday and Friday, as well as run a Men’s Meal program every Friday night and help look after the North McGee Community Garden. A full plate, to say the least; however none of these events and responsibilities would have been possible without the help from the people of the community. And for that I am very grateful.