Many years ago I heard somebody say that February was the longest month. By our calendars it's the shortest month, even in the leap year. But it wasn't chronological time they were counting; it was the feeling that February goes on forever. Stuck between all the newness of January and the possibility of the coming of spring in March, February is caught between what has been and what might be. Stuck in between can feel like a long, lonely place.
Whether it seems the longest or is, in fact, the shortest, February is the month when we celebrate love. So, it isn't surprising that the Record has chosen love as the theme for this issue. Valentines and cupids take over the malls and card companies thrive as we seek to find ways to express our love for one another. In exploring one of my moderatorial themes, I found an expression of love that far exceeds anything you can put in an envelope or even seal with a kiss.
In my quest to explore non-parish based ministries within The Presbyterian Church, I went to Yonge Street Mission's Evergreen Centre for Street Youth in downtown Toronto. I spent an eye-opening day in this amazing place that exudes love in action.
Evergreen Centre for Street Youth is designed to serve youth, ages 16-24. Approximately 200 youth come to Evergreen daily to participate in a number of services offered there. Youth, who live on or near the street, drop in to Evergreen for meals, a shower, clean clothing, shoes and workshops that range from creative writing and art to health education. Young men and women stop in to see one of the medical, dental, chiropractic and optometry professionals who volunteer there, or to meet with staff in the Employment Resource Centre, or to talk with someone about possible housing options. They also come there to meet and to have a time of recreation among supportive friends.
Rev. Karen Bach is the director of Evergreen. A minister, Karen provides direction for staff and works with colleagues throughout the Yonge Street Mission in designing a vision for ministry with people living in poverty in Toronto. Karen introduced me to Evergreen as we spent the day meeting with staff and clients. I was touched by the strong sense of community and of commitment to one another that I felt throughout my time there.
Evergreen is a place where love is given and received in tangible ways. Many of the women and men who go to Evergreen find themselves in situations that are in between what has been and what might be. Most of the youth are estranged from their families and face dangerous situations on the street. Evergreen offers a peaceful and hopeful place to find encouragement and help in moving beyond the streets.
Evergreen is a non-parish based ministry. It is the church in the world, as the ministry of Christ is lived out, in word and deed. The Presbyterian Church is present in this ministry through Karen Bach, the congregations and volunteers who participate in that ministry, and undoubtedly, some of the thousands of youth that go to Evergreen every year are Presbyterians too.
Jesus said to Peter, "Do you love me?"
"Then feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep."
M. Jean Morris.
