Connecting Our Dismas Fellowship Communities

Autumn: A Time of Transition and New Opportunities


As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Fall gently reminds us that change is not only inevitable—it can also be beautiful. Trees shed their leaves in a blaze of color, signaling the end of one cycle and the quiet beginning of another. It's a season that invites reflection: on what we've harvested from the year so far, and what we might still plant—metaphorically or otherwise—before winter sets in.


Fall is nature’s way of showing us how to let go gracefully. It’s a time to slow down, recalibrate, and prepare for the months ahead. Whether you're cozying up with a good book, tackling new goals, or simply taking in the golden light of an October afternoon, this season offers a gentle nudge to embrace transition—not as loss, but as transformation.

Let the falling leaves inspire you to release what no longer serves you, and make space for what’s next!


What kind of transitions are you going through? What changes are taking place in your Dismas Fellowship?



Paul Tuck

Community Coordinator

Kingston: Forming a Steering Committee

On Tuesday, September 9, a group of interested volunteers met via Zoom to form a Steering Committee for the new Dismas Fellowship Kingston. There is a lot of experience in this group as most of them seasoned chaplains and workers in prison ministry. 

Our veteran Harry Nigh
and Community Coordinator Paul Tuck , will be doing an online training with this group on Thursday, October 23.

Dismas Toronto West is On a Roll...

Toronto West has found it's rhythm! They met on September 5. Paul Bar shares...


At our 3rd official Dismas meeting in Toronto West, we had 36 individuals out for some wonderful fellowship. A feast of soup, sausages, burgers, pizza and a variety of salads and desserts was served.

After some songs and a short film we broke into groups discussing the times in our lives when we have successfully fought through the negativity and the tools we are able to use to believe in ourselves, our goals and the goodness we bring to those around us.

Guelph: A Taste of the Orient

Dismas Fellowship Guelph enjoyed a great time of celebration on September 3. Although some of the regulars were not able to attend, we had 2 first time attendees. Bashar and Elyssa couldn't come because they had a baby boy on Labour Day! The group enjoyed Asian cuisine of sweet and sour meatballs, spring rolls, rice and salad. For dessert there was fruit, ice cream and Eileen's fabulous homemade oatmeal cranberry cookies. Paul shared the reflection which was about getting back into a routine.

William puts the "Kitchen" in Kitchener!

Dismas KW is blessed to have William who is a former chef and loves to cook! Dismas KW met on Friday, September 12 and enjoyed a feast of chicken, potatoes, salads and desserts. Lynda led our singing time and Mark shared a story from Stuart McClean about cycling (Mark is an avid cycler who recently raised over $10,000 for the Cure for Cancer!

Cambridge: A Call to Rebuild

Dismas Cambridge is in the process of rebuilding after the closure of Goshen Renewal Ministry, and the loss of up to 8 members. Despite the lower numbers in everyone had a great time on September 15.
The Tucks
made curry-coconut chicken with rice and salad, with chicken nuggets for those who don't tolerate spices well.
We also had tons of bags of chips and desserts and cake to celebrate the
birthdays of Julia and Mark! Thanks to the Freedom Centre, folks we given bread and chocolate almond milk to take home!

Hearty Feast in Hamilton!

Dismas Hamilton met on Friday, September 19. Numbers were down just a little, but there were a few first time guests. The lasagna was fantastic with Caesar salad and garlic-cheese bread followed by an assortment of desserts. Paul Tuck brought a reflection about the changing seasons and transitional times in our lives.

Niagara Enjoys a "Taste of Italy"

Elvera Reimer writes...


Dismas Niagara held their 7th gathering of 2025 on Monday, September 22. We missed having Paul & Pam at the gathering, especially their strong voices during the singing, but the rest of us held our own. We celebrated 3 new guests and quite a few birthdays and enjoyed a delicious supper of homemade lasagna, salad, buns & delicious chocolate cake for dessert. Our friend from St. Barnabas, Father Michael, shared a story and many of us then shared brief accounts of how change had impacted our lives or how circumstances had brought about change in our lives. It was a good evening!


Toronto East: Last Grill of the Season? We'll See!


Kevin Daudlin shares



In September Toronto East had our last BBQ of the season. We had our world famous hamburgers and hotdogs with lots of salads and of course all our sweet deserts. After celebrating all the September birthdays, anniversary's and milestones we watched a short video on purpose and finding our purpose. We then broke up into smaller groups to discuss and share. These groups are always very lively. All in all we had a great evening and a great time.

EZ RECIPES FOR DISMAS DINNERS!

CROCK POT CHILI IS SIMPLE AND SIMPLY DELICIOUS!


With the colder weather setting in, nothing hits the spot like some hot chili con carne. Click on the link below to learn how to make a batch of chili that will have folks coming back for more!

TACO SPAGHETTI


You will have to multiply the amounts to meet the needs of your group, but here is a delicious and easy recipe that is sure to be a winner!


Ingredients:

1 pound spaghetti noodles

2 pounds ground beef

½ yellow onion, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 packet taco seasoning

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilis (undrained)

1 cup sour cream

1 cup beef broth

2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese


Directions:

Cook the Pasta:

Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté & Brown:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Make it Saucy:

Return the beef mixture to the skillet. Add taco seasoning, canned tomatoes with green chilis (including juice), beef broth, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Stir well and let it simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is creamy and cheese is melted.

Combine:

Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly with the taco sauce.

Serve:

Serve hot. Optional: garnish with chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of extra cheese.


Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6


Support Dismas with Online Donations!

Did you know that you can support your local Dismas Group and receive a donation receipt for income taxes?


The easiest way to support your local Dismas is to go to the Friends of Dismas Canada Helps Page, scroll down and select which Dismas you want to support.


You can click on the button below and make a secure donation.

We would love to post pics and happenings from all our Dismas groups! Email your updates to Paul, our Community Coordinator

before the end of each month.

A Little Laff... with Marv Rempel


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.