Connecting Our Dismas Fellowship Communities

Summer Fades as September Offers New Opportunities.

As summer begins to wind down, we find ourselves standing at that familiar doorway between seasons—looking back with gratitude and looking ahead with expectation. September always seems to open things up again: new routines, new ideas, new chances to grow together.

At Dismas, this shift feels especially meaningful. As the days cool and the calendar fills, we’re reminded that every gathering, every shared meal, every story offered in trust is another opportunity for hope to take root. Here’s to a new season of showing up for one another.

Paul Tuck
Community Coordinator

Eric Richards reports

Greetings from Brockville Dismas.

On August 10th we celebrated Prisoner Justice Day. A day to remember those who unjustly passed away while incarcerated. 7 people showed up due to many people being away on holidays.

Laszlo and Yvonne brought homemade soup. As a tradition for PJD, some of us chose not to eat. Kevin supplied t-shirts and ball caps to for us to wear, to show people the spirit of PJD.

Eric supplied the music as we sang country songs that were prison based. Laszlo read a devotion written by Kevin on the history of Prisoner Justice Day and asked what each person got out of it.

Our next meeting will be on September 14. 

Roy Mayo reports...


Our Toronto West meeting for August was a great success. The delicious meal was provided by Christ Church St. James and featured chicken, veggies and potatoes with some really tasty sweets and fresh fruit for dessert. Roy lead the evening and Bruce once again provided an amazing sing-a-long after the meal. 

It was wonderful to have Harry Nigh with us. All in attendance presented Harry with a hand crafted thank you card with many messages of gratitude for his selfless service to the DISMAS community. Gladys led the reflection with a talk and video on "Reading Body Language." After the reflection the entire group had a very enthusiastic and engaged discussion on the complexities and impact of non-verbal communication

The folks from Dismas Fellowship Guelph went out to the country home of Randy and Eileen Henderson for a summer BBQ. The event was well attended with one first time guest. It was also a pleasure to have with us special guests, Paul and Joan Bar.

Instead of the regular Dismas format, folks spent time chatting and becoming more closer acquainted/ Food and fellowship was the main focus, and the result was FUN!

Thanks Randy for cooking up some great burgers and sausages! And thank you both for your marvelous hospitality!

Dismas KW met on August 14 for a summer games gathering.

Attendance was good, even though some were away on vacations. 
We had one first time guest. Folks "snacked away" as they played their favorite card and board games, At 6 pm, everyone enjoyed pizza, salads and desserts.

It was fun to do something different than the regular Dismas routine, and everyone had a great time. By the way, Mark H designs and sells games that are 3 D printed!

Due to a dangerous forecast of severe thunderstorms and waterspouts, the Hamilton Dismas decided to cancel their BBQ at L'Arche for August 22.

The event is now scheduled for Saturday, September 12.

Paul Bar shares...

Toronto East held its August meeting a week earlier than normal and despite the change, we had 30 members show up for a

BBQ and fellowship on a beautiful summer evening. Hot dogs, burgers, fries and an assortment of salads were served up.


Deacon Robert and his family were in our thoughts and prayers as he continues to heal from his injuries from last month.

A stylized version of "name that tune" was organized by Maria and she once again led us in song.  We then finished up part 2

of our fictional film on Dismas, his life and death. 

Elvera Reimer shares...


Monday, August 24, 2026
It must be a sign of summer winding down when numbers start going up at Dismas. Or perhaps people just remembered to check their calendars. 

Whatever the reason, Dismas Niagara had a wonderful evening on August 24.

There were 20 of us feasting on the delicious barbecued hamburgers and sausages, salads, condiments and watermelon. And for dessert we enjoyed the delectable homemade cinnamon buns baked by Elizabeth, one of the members of Durban Home Church who served us our delicious meal. 

Lots to celebrate too with birthdays and anniversaries. The singing was outstanding and almost everyone participated in our circle time sharing. Terri asked us “What’s one of the best decisions you’ve ever made in your life?” Great time of sharing! Thanks to all who made this evening so special!

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 own 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.

You can also make a donation to Dismas Fellowship Network or to the local Dismas of your choosing by scanning or taking a picture of the QR CODE.

It will take you to a secure location to make the donation. There is a box where you can select where you want your donation to be applied.

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.