Taking Jesus To The Streets in Vanier

A Thank You Letter from The Village

It was a bright, sunny Saturday afternoon on September 11th when folks from the Village, together with friends and neighbours, descended on the newly renovated park in Vanier called Nault Park. After a couple of months of planning, the day had come to sart setting up the tables, BBQ's, sound system, and the jumpy castle. Volunteers from The Village worked together with neighbours and friends to put togther the 3rd annual neighbourhood party in Vanier.

The theme of the event was "Celebrating a Child-Friendly Vanier" and the kids came out in droves! Our local city councillor, George Bedard, commented that he has no idea there were so may children in the neighbourhood. And to be honest, nobody did!

One of the highlights was the bouncy castle. But another big hit was the Ottawa-based children's musician, Monkey Rock. He has kids up and dancing and singing and having a blast. After Monkey Rock was over, the kids started following around our animated MC, Marc-Andre, asking if they could sing a song on the wireless microphone. The sounds system we used that day was made available to The Village thanks to a grant from the Schlegel Memorial Fund.

We estimates there were around 300 people who came throughout the day, and the fact that we gave away over 400 hot dogs and hamburgers was a testament to that. The face painting went on throughout most of the day as did a table for kids to paint colourful signs that said "I love Vanier" or "J'aime Vanier."

Many new friendships were established at the neighbourhood party and it was another way that The Village is trying to share God's love with the local community.

One of the fruit that has come out of these events and the success of the Vanier Community Garden is that we at The Village have been asked by the City of Ottawa to maintain the local ice rink this winter. We have gladly accepted the opportunity and look forward to organizing shinny and learn-to-skate programs for the local community this winter.

We at The Village fully understand that it is due to the generous support and prayer of many MCEC churches that allow us to share the peace of Jesus Christ with this neighbourhood. Thank you all for your support.

In Christ,

Stefan