Do Justice (World Renew & Christian Reformed Church In North America )

Jenny Yang has been on the long journey advocating for just immigration policy for over 15 years. As the Senior Vice President of Advocacy & Policy with World Relief she shares her experience speaking with Christians about immigration reform, talking with her kids about race, and how a speaking opportunity in Amish country led to mutual mind changing.

Show Notes:

• Thank you to Season sponsor the Micah Centre: https://www.kingsu.ca/programs/micah-centre
• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/deliverance-can-take-decades 
• World Relief: https://worldrelief.org/
• Welcoming the Stranger book: https://www.ivpress.com/welcoming-the-stranger

In this episode, Chris asks Dennae how she’s seen the multi-ethnic churches she’s involved with respond in a season of spotlighted violence. They also reflect on a collection of prayers Dennae wrote in response, Healing Prayers and Meditations to Resist a Violent World, and how to keep moving intentionally toward God’s kingdom when it’s long and hard work.

Show Notes: 

Healing Prayers and Meditations to Resist a Violent World: https://www.restorativeleaders.com/ 

Surge Network: http://surgenetwork.com/

Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/resisting-violent-world-dennae-pierre

Instagram: @dennae.pierre

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

Mark Vanderwees from Diaconal Ministries Canada joins us to talk about his journey to becoming a deacon and suggestions for best practices for deacons. This episode discusses the evolving role of deacons, community engagement, and practical support for church benevolence and justice initiatives.

Show Notes:

• Diaconal Ministries Canada: https://diaconalministries.com/
• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/persistent-pursuit-marks-journey-haiti-deaconship

"Church benevolence is about more than giving money; it's about building relationships and supporting long-term solutions."

Hosts Chris Orme and Vanessa Alvarez talk with immigration mobilizer Jason Lief about immigration in the United States.  Lief is a professor at Northwestern College in practical theology.   In this conversation the three speakers discuss their connections to immigration and a Christian approach to immigration.

More information on Blessing Not Burden.  For full length lectures from Dr. Lief check out our YouTube channel.  

http://justice.crcna.org/blessing-not-burden

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1ZmlNLrVHeFnO8fmcB9rKXxJ_N34WUJc

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

John Klein-Geltink is a long term coach for deacons and passionate foodie—as in food banks. In his work with Operation Sharing in Woodstock Ontario John has helped switch from food donations to food gift cards. This approach gives more agency to people involved and John talks about how he can see the fruit of this change from his long involvement.

Show Notes:

• Thank you to show sponsor the Micah Centre: https://www.kingsu.ca/programs/micah-centre
• Operation Sharing: https://www.operationsharing.ca/
• Coldest Night of the Year: https://youtu.be/UaSwX6VsmDQ 
• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/food-helps-not-harms

Jacqui Mignault is one of the writers behind weekly Do Justice prayers. As a pastor, she talks about what it’s like to practice bringing current events before God.  If you’ve ever wondered how to acknowledge current events in worship, this is the episode for you.

Show Notes: 

• Do Justice Prayers: https://dojustice.crcna.org/categories/justice-and-worship
• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/worshiping-when-world-falling-apart

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

We know the journey of justice is messy, full of pitfalls and roadblocks.  And sometimes it feels like we’re all avoiding the question everyone is thinking.  When it comes to justice we can experience gaps between our convictions and the way we can live them out.  What if we could have a conversation about these elephant(s) in the room?

In this season we're talking to a wide variety of folks including pastors, church members, therapists, and youth leaders to get the advice they wish they had starting out.

Host Chris Orme welcomes Greg Houldcroft, founder of Cross Town Impact, a ministry dedicated to serving at-risk youth. Greg shares his journey of faith and the challenges faced in establishing the organization. Cross Town Impact provides safe spaces for children, offering support and mentorship. Greg highlights lessons he's learned along the way especially for churches.

Show Notes:

• Cross Town Impact: https://crosstownimpact.com/
• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/engineering-youth-work-embracing-gods-unexpected-path

In this episode, Dr. Sylvia Keesmaat shares the theological underpinnings that inspire the sustainable efforts and regenerative agriculture practices at Russet House Farm. She and Chris also discuss worshipping outside, eating locally, times of Sabbath and Jubilee, and caring for creation as we long for God’s ultimate goodness for our world and our neighbours.

Show Notes: (Links)

Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/it-all-starts-garden-joining-god-work-creation-groans-dr-sylvia-keesmaat

Eloheh Seeds (Giti-Okosomin Winter Squash): https://elohehseeds.com/store/p198/Giti-Okosomin_Winter_Squash_%28Maxima%29.html

Russet House Farm: https://www.russethousefarm.ca/

Brian Walsh’s blog, Empire Remixed: https://empireremixed.com/

Colossians Remixed: https://www.ivpress.com/colossians-remixed

Romans Disarmed: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/romans-disarmed/321931

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

In this episode, Kyle Meyaard-Schapp, vice president of the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) shares how he got involved in climate advocacy as a Christian - including the middle-school humor nickname for the lake near the town where he grew up! Kyle and Chris also talk about lament as a necessary component of hope, how to encourage folks wherever they are on their justice journeys, and taking the long view when it comes to bringing about change.

Show Notes:

• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/kyle-meyaard-schaap-advocating-creation-care-policies-we-need-now
• Evangelical Environmental Network: https://creationcare.org/
• Kyle on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyle.schaap
• Kyle on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kmeyaardschaap
• Climate Witness Project: https://www.crcna.org/climate-witness-project

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

Pastor Dave VanderWoude from City Hope GR shares insights on creating an inclusive church for people of all abilities. He discusses his personal journey, challenges in fostering belonging, and the transformative power of inclusivity. Don't miss these interesting stories and insights.

Show Notes:

• City Hope Grand Rapids: https://cityhopegr.org/
• Thrive Resources: https://www.crcna.org/disability
• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/blessing-belonging-churchs-journey-inclusivity

"We truly are better together... What does that look like? Really living up to that and making the steps to see how we can step in our faith and put our words to action."

September 30th 2022 is the second time Canada will mark a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. It coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots commemoration marked by the wearing of Orange Shirts for children forced to leave their families and attend residential schools.

This reflection is designed to take approximately half an hour and we recommend that you take space to listen and reflect.  You will be guided through the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission about education with prayer and reflection prompts.   Engage in this podcast in the way that allows you to fully immerse yourself in this material: find time in the day when you can walk in solitude and listen, or enjoy a beautiful drive while you reflect. Curl up in your favourite chair to draw and journal while you connect with this podcast.

Follow along in the written version at this link.  The reflection questions are also written there: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/reflection-national-truth-and-reconciliation-day-2022

We are thankful for the music in this episode created by Indigenous songwriter Jonathan Maracle. Used with permission.

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

Syd Hielema joins us for this episode about fostering pastoral care and hospitality for the LGBTQ+ community within the Christian Reformed Church. In this episode we hear from participants of the "Hospitality to LGBTQ" cohort. Syd discusses the challenges of fear, the importance of a covenantal approach, and how intentional community learning can shape posture over position.

Show Notes:

• Thriving Practices Cohorts: https://www.crcna.org/essentials/thriving-practices
• Transcript https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/pastoral-care-practice-moving-beyond-human-sexuality-report

Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace, joins our host Chris Orme for the first episode of Season 3. Mae and Chris discuss different forms of advocacy, as well the spiritual formation that takes place through advocacy.

Show Notes:

Mae’s Website: maecannon.com

Beyond Hashtag Activism: http://www.ivpress.com/beyond-hashtag-activism

Hearts and Minds Bookstore http://www.heartsandmindsbooks.com

Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/advocacy-it%E2%80%99s-more-social-media-mae-elise-cannon

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

In this episode Andrew Reinstra joins us to talk about what it's like to reconcile his experiences his birth and adoptive families. We get into the questions *not* to ask an adopted person. If you've wanted to think about the intersection of justice and adoption this is the episode for you.

Andrew Rienstra works for World Renew. In 2017, Andrew founded the group West Michigan Adopted People. A group that provides a safe and positive community for adult adoptees to discuss their collective journey, mitigate feelings of otherness, and share experiences with peers.

Show Notes:

• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/being-asked-about-one-moment
• West Michigan Adopted People
• World Renew in Honduras

In talking about her latest guest JJ TenClay host Kate Kooyman says, “From JJ... I was able to gain such a different perspective, a better perspective on the global-ness of the refugee situation around the world.”  What a great reason to listen to this episode of the Do Justice podcast!  JJ is the Refugee Ministries Coordinator for Reformed Church of America Global Missions.  

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

It’s a party! The Do Justice podcast has new partners and friends. Joyce Borger and Katie Roelofs with CRCNA Worship Ministries join us to set up the focus for this season: how worship can orient our hearts toward justice.

P.S.  Throughout this season you may hear our producers names' Megan and Victoria come up.  They're on each call to make sure that the sound quality etc. is great for your listening ears.  

Show Notes:

• Faith in Action: https://new.crcna.org/PublicDialogue/advocacy/faith-action-workshop 
• Live Just.ly: https://www.crcna.org/SocialJustice/resources/live-justly

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

You don’t have to be a history geek to appreciate the vintage vibes in this episode! Susan VanLopik, Director of Program Excellence with World Renew joins Chris Orme to look at the broad overview of how (and how long) the CRCNA has been involved in working toward justice throughout its history. Chris and Susan talk about words from a 1973 report to Synod that still pack a punch today and Susan shares the powerful stories that inspire her (and all of us) to keep working toward justice for the long haul. (Sadly, we never get the details about Susan’s finger tattoos. Maybe next time.)

Show Notes:

• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/it%E2%80%99s-long-work-glimpses-history-crcna%E2%80%99s-engagement-charity-and-advocacy-susan-vanlopik
• World Hunger Report (1978 Acts of Synod, pg. 563: https://www.calvin.edu/library/database/crcnasynod/1978agendaacts.pdf
• Freedom to Serve Report (1993): https://www.crcna.org/sites/default/files/freedom_to_serve.pdf
• World Renew U.S. https://worldrenew.net/
• World Renew Canada: https://worldrenew.ca/

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

In this episode we discuss the 'elephants' of church renewal. Rev. Dr. Elaine May discusses her work in church renewal and leadership development within the Christian Reformed Church in North America. She highlights the importance of shifting from ownership to stewardship, aligning church ministry with God's mission, and the challenges and blessings of navigating change and discernment in congregational contexts.

Show Notes:

• Thrive: https://www.crcna.org/thrive
• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/navigating-change-lessons-church-renewal

"When we see ministry through the church open-handedly, I think it allows for the breath of the Holy Spirit to merge with our human abilities."

In the final episode of Season 4, Edgar Aguilar, senior researcher with La Asociación para una Sociedad más Justa, or the Association for a More Just Society in Honduras joins us. Edgar shares how organizations and communities advocating for Covid-19 vaccine equity have resulted in increased vaccination rates in Honduras. Chris and Edgar also talk about running—(Edgar likes running to be present in the moment; Chris likes running to the fridge for pizza)—and how work toward increased integrity in the energy sector can help meet both immediate and long-term needs for people in Honduras.

(Note for our English-speaking listeners: the abbreviation “ASJ” is pronounced “a” (ah) - “s” (EH-say) - “j” (HOH-ta) in Spanish.)

Show Notes:

• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/edgar-aguilar-vaccine-equity-la-asociaci%C3%B3n-para-una-sociedad-m%C3%A1s-justa-honduras
• ASJ Honduras: https://asjhonduras.com/webhn/en/home/
• ASJ USA: https://www.asj-us.org/

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

Dena Nicolai, chaplain and refugee support mobilizer with the Christian Reformed Churches of British Columbia, shares the simple starting place for much of her engagement with people who have been refugees: joining them for a cup of coffee and saying “tell me how you’re doing.” Dena and Chris also talk about the ministry of sharing in lament, the importance of advocating ‘with’ and rather than ‘for’, and how the advocacy of faith communities and sponsors alongside newcomers changed government policy to provide a more “full” welcome for refugees in Canada.

Show Notes:

• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/dena-nicolai-gift-talking-elected-official
• Citizens for Public Justice: https://cpj.ca/
• Half Welcome Report: https://cpj.ca/a-half-welcome/
• Continuing Welcome Report: https://network.crcna.org/biblical-justice/continuing-welcome-report
• Center for Public Dialogue: https://www.crcna.org/PublicDialogue
• Faith in Action: https://www.crcna.org/FaithInAction
• World Renew Refugee Sponsorship: https://worldrenew.ca/refugee-sponsorship
• Action Center: https://p2a.co/CGfkxsh

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

When Stacey Campbell talks about reconciliation she knows what she's talking about. Not only because of her work with Prison Fellowship Canada but also because of the reconciliation she has worked through in her personal life. Stacey vulnerably shares stories about both with us.

"Good self-care isn't about more bubble baths and chocolate.  It's about learning how to build a life you don't need to escape from."

Show Notes:

• Transcript
• Prison Fellowship Canada

This episode two guests--Leah Gazan, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre and Steve Heinrichs, Director of Indigenous-Settler Relations of Mennonite Church Canada-- join host Chris Orme. Leah and Steve share the story of how they connected, where their work both overlaps and is unique to their respective identities as indigenous and white settler, and ways folks can participate in enacting the resolutions established in the passing of United Nation Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Show Notes:

Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/putting-truth-reconciliation-action-leah-gazan-and-steve-henirichs 

Leah Gazan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahgazanmp/

Leah Gazan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeahGazan

Indigenous - Settler Relations Mennonite Church Canada: https://www.mennonitechurch.ca/indigenous

Unsettling the Word: Biblical Experiments in Decolonization:https://bookshop.org/books/unsettling-the-word-biblical-experiments-in-decolonization/9781626983113

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

Harouna Issaka is the regional director for West Africa with World Renew and also works with Timothy Leadership training. In this episode Harouna speaks with us about how the Timothy Leadership Training has build relationships across unexpected divides.

Show Notes:

• Transcript
• World Renew in West Africa
• Timothy Leadership Training

Songs about the end of the world and stuff.  [Actually] we have a great conversation about ways churches in North America can think about their relationship with creation in a new way through the music offered in the Climate Vigil Album created with The Porters Gate.

Climate change can feel heavy and dark. The Climate Vigil is a project to bring prayer and light to the topic. Global participants met during COP21 in Glasgow to sing and pray for creation.  Isaac Wardell and Peter Fargo are guests.

Show Notes:

• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/porters-gate-groaningsinging-creation

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

What is this new podcast all about?  Hear from host Kate Kooyman about what to expect from the first season of Do Justice - the podcast!  Get more information about Do Justice here.

The Climate Witness Project is a joint effort between World Renew and the Office of Social Justice.  In this episode justice mobilization specialist Andrew Oppong says this on climate change, "Beyond caring for the earth there is such an intimate connection to caring for your neighbour, which is tied into our big commandment ".  Explore this idea with him and hosts Chris Orme and Vanessa Alvarez.

Find out more and become a Climate Witness Project partner at this link.  

http://justice.crcna.org/climate-witness-project

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

In this intergenerational episode Kate Kooyman talks with Steve Mulder the Field Coordinator for the CRCNA’s Climate Witness Project and his granddaughter Anneke Spoelma a 15-year-old freshman at Grand Rapids Public Museum High School.  Anneke and Steve were part of a delegation sent by the Climate Witness Project to Kenya and Uganda to meet with World Renew personnel and the subsistence farmers they support.

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

The best job description according to Roy Berkenbosch is “whatever the day needs.” In his life this has meant jobs in both bricklaying and Bangladesh. In the episode Roy shares stories from his development work with World Renew and his experience at King’s University with the Micah Centre.

Show Notes:

• Thank you to Season sponsor the Micah Centre: https://www.kingsu.ca/programs/micah-centre
• World Renew: https://worldrenew.net/
• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/bricklaying-bangladesh

Claudio Carvalhaes has sat at tables with people around the world, listening to their communal expressions of joy, lament, and doubt in worship.  From these experiences he shares ways to lead worship in solidarity with communities experiencing suffering. Claudio is the author of “Liturgies from Below” and he has a PhD. in Liturgy and Theology.

Show Notes:

• Facebook: Claudio Carvalhaes / Twitter: ccarvalhaes / Instagram: ccarvalhaes
• Liturgies from Below: Praying with People at the Ends of the World: https://bookshop.org/books/liturgies-from-below-praying-with-people-at-the-end-of-the-world/9781791007355
• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/spiritually-everybody%E2%80%99s-hungry

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

In this episode host Kate Kooyman calls Sandra Maria Van Opstal one of her “justice crushes.”  They dive right into conversation about worship and justice starting with Sandra’s book The Next Worship.  Besides writing books Sandra is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Chasing Justice and the Preaching Pastor at Grace and Peace Church.

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

In 1995, Jonathan Maracle, a Mohawk from Tyendinaga Territory in Ontario, Canada, decided not to sing Amazing Grace at the Sacred Assembly in Ottawa, as he had been asked. What he didn’t know was that listening to the Spirit in that moment would inspire a band and ministry that would shape the rest of his life [and the church.]

Show Notes:

• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/%E2%80%9Cthese-walls-bitterness-must-be-broken%E2%80%9D

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

In this episode Lindsay Wieland Capel, the Disability Consultant for Thrive, an agency of the CRCNA, joins us to explore the transformative work of accessible church ministry. We delve into the Accessible Church Ministry cohort, a group dedicated to rethinking church inclusivity, and share stories of how churches have worked to better welcome people of all abilities.

• Thriving Practices Cohorts: https://www.crcna.org/essentials/thriving-practices
• Thrive Disability Access Resources: https://www.crcna.org/disability
• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/beyond-ramp-redesigning-church-all

Rev. Nick Coates joins our hosts to discuss the topic of peace.  Coates is a minister in Calgary Alberta.  He says, “My joy in life is helping people discover what it means to be human and alive in this world. That’s what I think Jesus is all about.”  We can't think of a better time than advent to share this episode with you.

Here are the links referenced in this episode: 

http://justice.crcna.org/advent-devotionals

https://worldrenew.net/gift-catalog

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

This community in Philadelphia, while full of families and individuals working hard to make ends meet, is taking action in their own backyards to address climate change.  In this bonus podcast episode hear from film maker Nathan Roels and local climate organizer Allen Drew about how this storytelling project came together.  And be inspired to see how you can take action for creation in your own backyard.

Show Notes:

• Hunting Park Project: https://www.crcna.org/hunting-park 
• Second Mile Video: https://www.secondmilevideo.com/
• Engaging Climate as Christians Video Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1ZmlNLrVHeHIMCpro_EOMLzS7qemXRoz
• Hunting Park Community Solar Initiative: https://www.hpsolar.org/
• Contact: Allen Drew: https://www.crcna.org/climate-witness-project/regions/eastern-us
• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/hunting-park

Jonathan Nicolai-deKoning (is the director of the Micah Centre at King’s University, which helps students explore ways of seeking justice in today's local and global contexts. He joins Chris to talk about the lines of thought in two of his recent blogs on Do Justice which lent inspiration to the theme of this season.

Show Notes:

• Thank you to season sponsor The Micah Centre: https://www.kingsu.ca/programs/micah-centre
• Pakitinâsowin Fund for Reciprocity and Reparations: https://www.kingsu.ca/about-us/connection/all/post/reparations-with-indigenous-neighbours-aim-of-new-reciprocity-fund-at-king-s
  • Making Space for Joy in Justice-Seeking: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/making-space-joy-justice-seeking
  • Paying Attention in a Distracted and Distracting World: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/paying-attention-distracted-and-distracting-world
• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/%E2%80%9Clong-obedience-same-direction%E2%80%9D

Life - and the journey towards biblical justice is better when we don’t go it alone.  This is one principle behind the CRC’s Thriving Practices cohorts.  A cohort connects churches to explore a specific aspect of ministry together.

Learn more about the topic we're going to explore in Season 9 of Do Justice in this preview episode.

September 30th 2023 is the third time Canada will mark a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. It coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots commemoration marked by the wearing of Orange Shirts for children forced to leave their families and attend residential schools.

This reflection is designed to take approximately half an hour and we recommend that you take space to listen and reflect.  You will be guided through one call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission with prayer and reflection prompts.   Engage in this podcast in the way that allows you to fully immerse yourself in this material: find time in the day when you can walk in solitude and listen, or enjoy a beautiful drive while you reflect. Curl up in your favourite chair to draw and journal while you connect with this podcast.

Follow along in the written version at this link.  The reflection questions are also written there: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/reflection-national-truth-and-reconciliation-day-2023

We are thankful for the music in this episode created by Indigenous songwriter Michael Jacob. Used with permission.

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

Rev Dr Ben Lowe wrote the book on doing good without giving up. (Literally.) He works as Deputy Executive Director of A Rocha International. Ben shares the practices that sustain his work and an inspiring example of grassroots Christian communities in Ghana uniting to protect creation. Ben gives encouragement for those feeling climate anxiety and how to join the work God is already doing.

Show Notes:

• Thank you to show sponsor the Micah Centre: https://www.kingsu.ca/programs/micah-centre
• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/doing-climate-good-without-giving 
• Doing Good without Giving Up: https://www.ivpress.com/doing-good-without-giving-up-ebook
• A Rocha: https://arocha.org/en/
• I am a conservationist video: https://arocha.org/en/i-am-a-conservationist/

September 30th 2021 marks the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.  It coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots commemoration marked by the wearing of Orange Shirts for children forced to leave their families and attend residential schools.

This reflection is designed to take approximately an hour and we recommend that you take space to listen and reflect.  You will be guided through three calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission with prayer and reflection prompts.   Engage in this podcast in the way that allows you to fully immerse yourself in this material: find time in the day when you can walk in solitude and listen, or enjoy a beautiful drive while you reflect. Curl up in your favourite chair to draw and journal while you connect with this podcast.

Follow along in the written version at this link.  The reflection questions are also written there. 

https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/reflections-national-truth-and-reconciliation-day

We are thankful for the music in this episode created by Indigenous songwriters Cheryl Bear and Jonathan Maracle and used with permission.

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

In this enlightening episode host Chris Orme has a candid conversation with Tom Jantzi, Director of Congregational Assistance Plan and Clergy Care at Shalem Network. Tom shares invaluable insights on destigmatizing mental health within church communities, emphasizing the importance of normalizing conversations and acknowledging the holistic nature of well-being. From practical programs like CAP to fostering safe spaces for vulnerability, they explore how churches can authentically support mental health while integrating faith and professional psychotherapy.

Show Notes:

• Shalem Mental Health Network https://shalemnetwork.org/
• Counselling Assistance Program https://shalemnetwork.org/cap-counselling-assistance-program/
• Transcript https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/im-not-okay-cultivating-compassionate-churches

"The church that's safe for mental health is one in which we can have compassion and we can sit with each other and listen to each individual's experience."

Adrian Jacobs and Cindy Stover join us in this episode to explore Hearts Exchanged, an eight-month learning journey fostering reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Discover how participants deepen understanding through storytelling, on-the-land learning, and group reflection, turning education into action and building lasting relationships rooted in justice and respect.

Show Notes:

• Hearts Exchanged: https://www.crcna.org/hearts-exchanged
• Transcript https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/reconciliation-journey-stories-frontlines

In part two of this interview Kate Kooyman and guest JJ TenClay discuss how to stay hopeful in justice work.  JJ spent four years in Italy as a missionary for the Reformed Church of America (RCA) working with migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.  She now serves as the Refugee Ministries Coordinator for RCA Global Missions.

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

Writer, teacher, and mother Lisa Van Engen joins us for this conversation on engaging kids in seeking justice. Lisa and Chris talk about how and when to talk with kids about justice, including the reality that many who are impacted don’t have the privilege of deciding ‘when.’ Lisa also shares stories about questions around racism and injustice that her students and children have raised, how they’ve talked together about issues that impact their neighbors and friends, and what kids can do to advocate.

Show Notes: 

About Proximity Blog: http://lisavanengen.com/ 

And Social Justice for All: https://bookshop.org/books/and-social-justice-for-all-empowering-families-churches-and-schools-to-make-a-difference-in-god-s-world/9780825445064

Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/talking-kids-about-justice-lisa-van-engen

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

This advent join us for a conversation with Shane Claiborne on peacemaking.  Shane reflects in dialogue with hosts on what Jesus did with contextual connection to us and Shane shares some of his own stories on discomfort, direct action and being people of presence.  The talk was originally given Northern Alberta Diaconal Conference's Day of Encouragement.  

We're busy working on our next season so make sure you're subscribed.  And as you know leaving a review can help us to reach new audiences.  

• Northern Alberta Diaconal Conference: http://www.classisalbertanorth.ca/nadc
• Shane Claiborne: http://www.shaneclaiborne.com/
• Red Letter Christians: https://www.redletterchristians.org/

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

Our colleague Cindy Stover joins Chris Orme to geek out about the word “shalom” and set the groundwork for our next season exploring the intersections of charity and advocacy.

• Live Just.ly: crcna.org/SocialJustice/resources/live-justly
• Faith In Action: crcna.org/FaithInAction 
• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/chris-and-cindy-geek-out-about-shalom

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

Host Kate Kooyman connects with guest Dr. Alexia Salvatierra from a coffee shop. You’ll hear background sounds as Kate and Alexia discuss Alexia’s long-term work for justice, especially in the area of immigration.  Alexia is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, and coauthor of the book Faith Rooted Organizing.

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

In this episode we're joined by Bev Stephenson, a dedicated volunteer in refugee resettlement in the US. Bev shares her experiences co-sponsoring Afghan and Cuban refugee families alongside her church. Bev shares insightful stories highlighting the challenges, joys, and profound impact of building cross-cultural relationships and supporting families through their resettlement journeys.

Show Notes

• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/see-things-differently-sponsorship-stories

"When you do co-sponsorship, I think before you start you don't realize how much you can come to love people that you've never met before, from another part of the world."

"We have to be worth that kind of trust. But there will be ups and downs, not everything's going to go smoothly. It takes some persistence. It takes lots of prayer."

George de Vuyst, is a missionary with Resonate Global Mission.  He has been serving in Ukraine since 1998. George trains pastors and facilitates healing and reconciliation through “Healing Hearts, Transforming Nations” (HHTN) workshops and trainings for facilitators.  In June 2021 he traveled to Michigan and planned to return overseas in June 2022. Russia’s war against Ukraine changed that. We pray for the war to end and for opportunities to serve and minister to Ukrainians now and in the future. 

"And we say, you know. We're fathers. And we're sorry for what a father did to you. That's not what fathers were supposed to do. We see these things happen again and again and again."

This episode is graciously sponsored by Resonate Global Mission.

Show Notes:

• Transcript https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/transforming-nations-and-hearts
• Resonate Global Mission https://www.resonateglobalmission.org/
• Healing Hearts Transforming Nations https://www.resonateglobalmission.org/healing-hearts-transforming-nations

In this episode we talk with Shannon Perez about what reconciliation looks like in light of her personal story and her First Nation's story. Shannon is the director of the Indigenous Family Centre (a CRC ministry with Indigenous people in Winnipeg). Shannon is a member of the Sayisi Dene First Nation, and lives in Winnipeg with her husband and children.

• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/forced-relocation-reconciliation
• 
  https://www.ifcentre.com/
• 
  https://www.crcna.org/indigenous
• Hearts Exchanged: https://www.crcna.org/hearts-exchanged

Ken Kim World Renew's Director of Disaster Response joins hosts Chris Orme and Vanessa Alvarez.  Kim discusses why responding to disasters is so important and reflects on the work being done in the aftermath of the Beirut explosion.

For more information on World Renew's disaster response work go to this link.  For more information on the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and how you can help people in Beirut use these links.  

https://worldrenew.net/international-disaster-response

https://foodgrainsbank.ca/

https://worldrenew.net/news/how-you-can-help-those-in-beirut

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

Our host Chris Orme introduces you to the theme of this season of the podcast. Stay tuned for episodes from great guests.

“But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.”  Genesis 33:4

Ray Orlund reflects that this verse has often struck him as one of the most beautiful in the Bible.  “We all feel the power of it. When we see ex-friends reconciling, so removing every barrier that they run and embrace and fall on one another’s necks—I love that expression—and weep, the beauty of it gets to us. Not a negotiated settlement. No face-saving hypocrisy. Honest. Unforced. Deeply felt. We all perceive true reconciliation with awe. It is of God.”

This is why we’re so excited to reflect on healing rifts in this season of the Do Justice podcast.  

In this compelling episode host Chris Orme sits down with Dan Veeneman and Marcel de Regt from Gateway Community Church in Abbotsford B.C. Together, they delve into the church's transformative journey of hosting an extreme weather shelter for the homeless. Dan and Marcel share stories about the realities of participating in this ministry. From confronting addiction to offering hospitality, their experiences underscore the power of saying 'yes' when someone knocks on your door.

"There's a story that goes with every person that comes to our shelter... Take the time, pause, slow down. And hear their story, because when you hear their story you see the person for who they are." - Marcel de Regt

Show Notes:

• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/how-saying-yes-transformed-gateway-church

Julian Maturia and Cindy Stover join hosts Chris Orme and Vanessa Alvarez to discuss gender based violence.  What is our role as Christians, as church communities, as development and advocacy agencies in responding to this issue? 

Note: This episode references female genital mutilation and may not be suitable for younger listeners.

Get more information on the campaign Julian and Cindy mention at this link. For ways that you can advocate on this issue please check out our action centre.

https://worldrenew.net/peaceandjustice

https://p2a.co/CGfkxsh

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

Marlene was born In Burns Lake BC to an Indigenous father and a white mother. Her father joined the military when she was 18 months old and she was raised in a variety of towns and Air Bases throughout Canada and Germany. In this episode Marlene tells us about what it has been like to embrace her Indigenous AND Christian identity.

"I did bring my hand drum to church. I felt very uncomfortable bringing my drum for a number of reasons. It kind of made me sad why did I feel like I had to mask the drum almost make sure it was received as a Christian drum."

Show Notes:

• Transcript
• Hearts Exchanged
• 
  
  

Julia Beazley, Director of Public Policy for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, tells the story of the survivors, church communities, and policy makers who advocated to instate Bill C-36 into law. Chris and Julia also talk about the responsibility to stop treating people in vulnerable circumstances like the problem and address the systemic problems that make people vulnerable.

Show Notes:

• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/julia-beazley-protecting-people-person-and-policy
• Restorations: https://www.restorationscanada.org/
• Defend Dignity: https://defenddignity.ca/
• EFC (Evangelical Fellowship of Canada): https://www.evangelicalfellowship.ca/

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

John Lamsma has spent over 25 years in prison…ministry. He shares how pastoral care can ease the pain of incarceration, the origins of restorative justice as a focus in the CRCNA and the importance of affirming the image of God in every person, always.

Show Notes:

• Thank you to season sponsor the Micah Centre: https://www.kingsu.ca/programs/micah-centre
• Banner Article Referenced: https://www.crcna.org/sites/default/files/1982-03-08%20Banner-An%20Inmate%20Speaks.pdf

• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/human-connection-dehumanizing-placeshttps://dojustice.crcna.org/article/human-connection-dehumanizing-places

What does it look like to bring creativity and the arts to racial justice?  Guests Cheryl Nembhard and Drew Brown discuss racism, hope, and responding to our times.  Hosts Chris Orme and Vanessa Alverez dig in with these guests to explore lament and the guest's creative processes.

Check out Cheryl's work and podcast here or follow her @cherylnembhard. Connect with Drew's music and information here or follow him @DrewBrownMusic

https://www.cherylnembhard.com/podcast

http://www.drewbrownmusic.com/

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

In this episode David Bailey, executive director of Arrabon, joins Chris Orme to talk about music, building cultural imagination toward reconciliation, and how to move from being a diverse church to being a reconciling church.

Arrabon: https://arrabon.com/

Urban Doxology: http://www.urbandoxology.com/

Disability Advocacy: Turning Your Passion into Action - https://learn.faithward.org/courses/disability-advocacy-turning-your-passion-into-action

Transcript:  https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/creating-reconciling-communities-david-bailey

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

Joyce and Katie join us again to talk about what shaping worship justly has looked like in their contexts as well as practical suggestions for ways worship leaders can shape justice and worship in their own congregations.

Show Notes:

• Reflection Questions: https://network.crcna.org/biblical-justice/do-justice-podcast-reflection-questions
• Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/pick-your-instrument-practices-worship-leaders

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.

We welcome Dr. Kenny Wallace to the show.  Kenny is an African American Choctaw Pawnee from the United States living in Canada. He teaches nationally and internationally about multi-ethnic worship with his organization Kingdom Reflections Multi-Ethnic Worship Ministries and today he unpacks with us how multi-ethnic worship can shape our spiritual imaginations.

Show Notes: 

• Kingdom Reflections Multi-Ethnic Worship Ministries https://www.krmeworshipministries.org/kingdom-reflections-multi-ethnic-worship-team
• Transcript https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/bless-god-bless-others-cruciform-worship 

The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.