Connecting Our Dismas Fellowship Communities

Dismas Dinners Are Getting Expensive! Should We Stop?

We could stop having dinners, and perhaps enjoy snacks instead, but I don't think that would be a good idea. What would be a better idea is to find ways to serve meals with less expense. Here are some alternative options.

Plan your meals according to what's on sale. For instance, 5 pound bags of potatoes were on sale at Food Basics for $1.25 per bag. Why not have a baked potato dinner with different toppings (loaded, chili, spicy cheese, etc) Cambridge Dismas recently went this route and saved a bundle. Another good idea, especially in colder months is soup, which is relatively inexpensive to make for large groups. Chili is another good option.

Put out a call for help to local churches/ charities. There may be some churches or charities that would love to come and serve a meal to your group. For instance, Knights of Columbus has been a God-send for the Toronto Fellowship, especially on big occasions like Christmas.

Have people volunteer to bring meal supplements. People are often willing to bring sides like salads, breads and desserts. This can save you a lot of money on a meal. Several of our groups do this to economize.

Appeal for donations to be given through Friends of Dismas.

Our "Umbrella" Charity, Friends of Dismas is able to offer donation receipts to those who give financially to any Dismas Fellowship. It can easily be done online. Let people know about this option!

Let your group know about the need! It could be that some folks don't realize that there is a need for more "food funds." Be honest with your fellowship and you might be surprised at how much more money is taken in during the offering. Mention the approximate costs of the meals just before passing around the collection bucket.

ANY OTHER IDEAS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Paul Tuck, Community Coordinator

Brockville Cancels Due to Sickness.

Eric Richards reports that Dismas Brockville had to cancel their February meeting because of an outbreak of sickness.

Family Day in Cambridge!

Dismas Cambridge met on Family Day (February 17). Due to a heavy snowfall, the meeting was down to a faithful handful. However, this intimate gathering was nonetheless quite enjoyable.The meal was simple but delicious, baked potatoes with all kinds of different toppings to choose from, accompanied with salad, buns and a vast array of desserts.

Grateful Gathering in Guelph

Sickness kept the numbers down but everyone enjoyed meeting together on February 5. The group enjoyed crispy chicken burgers, 2 types of salad, chips and a variety of desserts. Paul brought a reflection on the subject "When Helping Hurts" which invoked some emotional sharing.

Hamilton Has a "Souper Celebration!"

Dismas Hamilton had a decent turnout on February 21 with several first time attendees. Various individuals prepared pots of homemade soup and Ian S. made homemade bread which was absolutely delicious. Rick Pauw brought a timely reflection about remembering good things about those we have lost. Dismas Hamilton has mourned the recent passing of two more long time members, Dave Fox and Orell Gallant. They were aboth greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

Dismas KW Has Its First Regular Meeting!

Dismas KW had its first regular Dismas meeting on February 14th. William cooked up an amazing pasta dinner served with 3 different salads and bread and a whole slew of desserts. Lynda led our song time with her omnichord and Janet shared a well timed reflection. We were glad to see our good friend Simon Guthrie. A great time was had by all and we are excited about the future!

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.