Connecting Our Dismas Fellowship Communities

Should Dismas Avoid Celebrating Holidays like Family Day and Valentine's Day?

It just so happens that Cambridge Dismas this year lands on "Family Day." Anticipating this, our group had a brief discussion about how to handle it. One of our regulars piped up "We should celebrate it! Dismas IS my family!"

Sometimes we make things more awkward by steering away from celebrations like Family Day, Valentine's Day and even Christmas. But I think all we need to do is "tweak" these themes to fit the needs of our communities.

So instead of making people feel sad that they are separated from loved ones one Family Day, why not emphasize the positive that we have others in our lives who have become our family. Or consider adjusting Valentine's Day to celebrate loving friendships and use the gathering as an opportunity for folks to express gratitude for their close friends.

Yes, there are some holidays that may trigger negative emotions. Like Christmas. I remember years ago a newcomer to Hamilton told me "I hate Christmas!" It was because he had nobody to celebrate it with. Now, he is one of the happiest celebrants of the Yuletide Season and looks forward to Dismas festivities and fellowship.

Personally, I think if we shy away from holiday themes we may be robbing our members of an opportunity to find new context and new ways to enjoy community!

Paul Tuck, Community Coordinator

Blessed in Brockville!

Eric Richards reports that they had a decent turnout on January 13. They were warmed up with some chicken pot stew with buns and desserts. Eric brought the reflection which was about being too busy for God. Eric is presently lining up some guest ex-inmates and chaplains to share their testimonies of prison life and reintegration, over the next few months. Paul says...What a great idea!

Hola! Mexican Night in Cambridge!

Dismas Cambridge met on January 20 with a good turnout and 2 first time guests. The group enjoyed Paul's Chicken Tacos with nachos and cheese. And of course, several dessert options. The group had a great discussion about self image and turning negatives into positives.

Grateful Gathering in Guelph



Numbers were down a bit in Guelph but everyone had a wonderful time. The group enjoyed some gourmet pizzas (So much cheaper with the tax break!) with salad. Lynn, Eileen and Judy provided some very tasty desserts. Paul Tuck brought a reflection that was also his prayer for the group as found in III John 2.

Hamilton Warms Up with a "Chili Night!"

Dismas Hamilton had another great turnout on January 17. Jeff and the boys cooked up enough chili to feed an army! Ian Sutherland brought an interesting reflection about "The Mirror Effect" and how we influence others (and are influenced by others).

Hamilton is blessed to have first time visitors almost every time they meet!

Dismas KW has Officially Started!

Dismas KW had another foundational meeting on January 10. Some folks came early to play games and socialize. The group firmed up their steering committee and made plans for the following months to come. Eileen Henderson talked about the history of Dismas and its relationship to CoSA and Paul Tuck presented an overview of what Dismas is all about. The group is off to a good start! The first regular meeting will be February 14 (Valentine's Day!)

Warming Up in Woodstock

Linda "Pepper" Jacklin reports...

We had a great meeting here at Woodstock Dismas on the second Sunday of January. Things are changing for us and we are seeing some past members come back again. We have a new participant that has asked Jeff to do Bible studies with him. We are seeing more interest in getting to know Jesus better. Just a quick mention that last month I had the opportunity to give 35 new winter coats to veterans in our area. (Thanks Rosemary Redshaw and the Freedom Centre)

NEW DISMAS LOCATIONS COMING THIS YEAR?

We are actively praying about Dismas groups starting in other areas. We are currently pursuing the possiblities of new Dismas Fellowships in Kingston and Nova Scotia. We are praying about a new Dismas forming in West Toronto, or Peel Region. We are also still praying about whether we can revive some Dismas groups that dwindled during the Covid 19 Pandemic.

HELP US EXPAND OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE!

Carina Tran, is doing a great job of regularly posting on instagram and Linkedin. It is now easier than ever for people to find out about Dismas Fellowships! Please add us to your social media and share with others!

(Some direct links can be found at the bottom of this page)

Do you need help, training, supplies or just someone to bounce ideas off of?

Call Paul Tuck at

(647) 525-8245

Or click below to send an email.