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F A I T H L I N E S

13 November 2024


In this issue:

The Dam: Helping vs Snitching

A Prayer for FaithWorks Sunday on 24 November


The FaithWorks Advent Appeal has been mailed early this year due to the possibility of a postal strike.

Please respond generously online or using the QR code if the postal system is not operating.


Visit faithworks.ca for more information

and to view our video library



Donate today at faithworks.ca


or scan this QR code




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The following article from our ministry partner The Dam is an example of the work that your donation to FaithWorks supports.

Helping vs Snitching

(from The Dam's newsletter of May 2024)

 

“Snitches get stitches”, “talkers end up in lockers”. The threat of social repercussions for “doing the right thing” is a big one in High School and learning what the line is between snitching and helping isn’t as easy as we think.

 

The access to recording devices and the many platforms to share digital images has created a sort of paparazzi culture where capturing the next viral video or image becomes more important than even helping someone in harm’s way. “Teens [like adults] seeking external validation become intoxicated by sensationalist engagement, sometimes sending compromising photos or comments” These pics and videos aren’t always visible to an adult audience. Rather they circulate in back channels, fake accounts and private chat rooms. Cyber-bullying, crossing boundaries in the hopes of being accepted, and the fear of being left out flourish in these secret spaces. Youth who act on their feeling of “this isn’t right. I should do something” are quickly ostracized and labelled a snitch. If youth do sum up the courage to reach out to a trusted adult for support, often their anonymity is paramount - “Don’t say it was me!”.

 

Standing up to your peer group can be daunting for all of us but it is especially difficult during the adolescence stage where the need for social inclusion is the strongest. How do we come alongside youth who face this pressure on a daily basis and support them in doing the “right thing” while keeping themselves and others safe?

 

Often staff are brought into this part of youth-world by accident because friendship is a part of mentorship at The Dam. We discover hidden chat rooms, message boards, fake accounts and current issues our youth face in casual conversation. Knowing how to stay curious without judgement, asking reflective questions, and challenging youth culture in this respect, is a bit of a balancing act. The depth of trust between mentor and youth, however, enables us to have these important conversations. We challenge our youth to be “True Rebels” speaking out against harmful aspects of what their own sub-culture dictates. We offer workshops on developing healthy relationships and developing a sense of self worth which can speak louder than peer pressure. Finally, we invest in youth leadership so peer-to-peer mentorship has an impact in these secret channels that even the most seasoned and trusted adult mentor may never be allowed in.

 

Being a youth these days is tough. Your support makes it possible for us to walk alongside youth to make it less tough.


Your donation to FaithWorks will assist The Dam.

Please give generously at faithworks.ca

and designate your gift to The Dam.

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Diocesan FaithWorks Sunday is

24 November

Prayer for FaithWorks Sunday

- The Reign of Christ -

 

Today we celebrate that Divinity arose among us in Jesus, lives within us, and sees us daily in the lives of those who call out for assistance.

 

We pray for all those who work within the FaithWorks family of support. We pray that our gratitude for their work may enrich their lives and sustain their energies for the great work that they are called to do. 

 

We pray for all those whom they assist that their lives may be renewed for full participation in the human family. 

 

We pray for the success of the FaithWorks fundraising campaign that we, too, may be given a chance to be those hands that do the work of saving lives and offering hope for so many. Help us to be as generous as possible, especially in this time when we are made aware of what it is to be alone, in need, and fearful of the future.

 

May the eyes of our hearts be always open to the full humanity of all.

 

Almighty, God, we pray this in the name of Jesus Christ who is alive with You and the Holy Spirit, today and forever.

 

Amen.

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FaithWorks Sermon or Presentation


To assist and inspire, you can arrange for a sermon, presentation or visit by representatives of our ministry partners, the Director of Stewardship Development, Peter Misiaszek, or me, by contacting the FaithWorks Speakers Bureau at

fwspeakersbureau@toronto.anglican.ca

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If you wish to highlight your Parish's events in support of FaithWorks, please forward the details to faithworks@toronto.anglican.ca

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FaithWorks Videos



The FaithWorks website, faithworks.ca has been updated with new videos to promote FaithWorks and our ministry partners. There are short, medium and long videos to include in your parish's online presence or in-person gatherings. They can be downloaded directly from the website.

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Peter Mentis (he/him)

FaithWorks Campaign Manager


135 Adelaide St. E.

Toronto, ON M5C 1L8

647-578-9757 (direct line)

416-363-6021

1-800-668-8932

pmentis@toronto.anglican.ca

www.faithworks.ca

www.toronto.anglican.ca

Followers of Jesus, inspired by the Holy Spirit, serve the world God loves!



I acknowledge that my office resides on the territory of sovereign Indigenous Nations, the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat. I acknowledge especially the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Toronto Treaties.

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