Making connections in the community

In pursuit of RBC’s mission to go and make fully committed followers of Jesus Christ of all people groups starting in our Montreal communities, the Community Outreach Council’s purpose is to transform lives by responding compassionately to the needs and aspirations of our community.

Poverty comes in many forms and we all experience it at some level during our lifetime. When we make a decision to follow Christ, it is because we recognize an inherent spiritual poverty within us that can only be alleviated by reconciliation with God through the cross. As followers of Jesus, we are called to act as ambassadors to lessen poverty in our community whether it is spiritual, physical, social, or mental. It is a way of honoring God who makes it clear in his Word that all life has significant and equal value in his sight. We are driven to model Jesus who engaged the most vulnerable of society by being attentive, compassionate, and prepared to announce the good news of His kingdom. In part, His example teaches us to join Him in transforming lives by responding compassionately to the needs and aspirations of our community.

We have recently forged a relationship with Bouffe Action Montreal, an organization well known for running effective community kitchens in Rosemount. A community kitchen allows for people who are poor and socially isolated to come together, pool resources, and cook meals together. Under the watchful eye of a trained facilitator, they are able to cook 30 meals for each individual in the class for under $20 while creating relationships. The first class was held on November 25th, 2011 and runs monthly for 4 months as a pilot project before going into a full launch in the Spring of 2012.

The Community Outreach Council members are Nick Gaitan, Nicole Parisien, Julie Payette, Esther Rodgers and Nick Azzuolo (Chair).