As Deep as the Ocean: Spotlight on Nova Scotia

The Home Front is an ongoing series where we highlight the mission and ministry taking place around our territory. We will visit each Canadian province and territory, as well as Bermuda, and celebrate the innovation and impact the Army is having in corps, social services and youth ministry.

HOME-STYLE LUNCH IN GLACE BAY, N.S.

Every Thursday, The Salvation Army in Glace Bay, N.S., hosts a lunch program, serving home-style meals for guests in need. But the program isn’t just about food; it’s also about connection.

“The idea is for the clients to come in, sit and socialize with each other and with us,” says Beryl Clements, a longtime member of the corps and dedicated volunteer.

Clements has been serving in The Salvation Army for years, especially around Christmas, sorting toys and packaging hampers. She didn’t hesitate to volunteer when the lunch program started just over a year ago.

“I like to help in any way I can,” she says. “The last few years, I’ve been able to help because now I make my own hours, and I happily take time to volunteer. I enjoy every minute of it. It makes me feel great to be able to help my community and the clients that come to us every week.”

She says the dine-in setup encourages people to socialize. That sense of community is part of what keeps her coming back.

“The volunteers always have a great time together,” Clements says. “The clients are very appreciative. They thank and compliment us on how good the food is and look forward to returning every week.”

For Robert, a frequent guest, the lunches have made a meaningful difference.

“The lunch has surpassed my expectations of a home-cooked meal. I look forward to it every time,” he shares. “It helps meet my food needs, and the social aspect is great. The volunteers are friendly and personable. I’ve made more acquaintances there.”

The experience has also deepened his connection with The Salvation Army.

“I’ve had the chance to get to know the pastors, Captains Keith and Charlene Barrett, and some volunteers. I’m even thinking about joining the church,” he adds.

Beyond meeting people’s food needs, the lunch program offers an opportunity to learn about the Army’s work.

“Some guests don’t know what The Salvation Army is, so we take the time to explain what we do as a church,” Clements says.

Although Glace Bay’s community still faces challenges with food insecurity, the lunch program will support the mental and physical well-being of its clients in the meantime.—by Juan Romero

OPEN ARMS IN HALIFAX

In Uniacke Square, a public housing neighbourhood in Halifax, you’ll find a Salvation Army centre that doesn’t look much like a Salvation Army centre, aside from the sign out front and the bright Red Shield. Occupying three adjoining rowhouses, Open Arms Halifax offers a second home for children and families in the community—many of whom are newcomers to Canada.

“Our main mission is: how can we be the hands and feet of Christ in this community?” says Mitch Brower, the Open Arms program co-ordinator. “Because being in the centre of this neighbourhood isn’t a coincidence. I think it’s very much what God has called us to. And how can we use that strategic location to further his kingdom?”

Since two-thirds of the population of Uniacke Square are under the age of 25, it should come as no surprise that much of the Army’s ministry focuses on youth. A key program for the centre is the afterschool club, which features a range of fun and creative activities, including painting, cooking, helping with the centre’s community garden, and so much more. About 15-20 kids attend each day.

A March break pizza-cooking program at Open Arms

The centre also recently launched a youth leadership program, which gives young people practical ministry opportunities, such as serving meals on the streets of Halifax.

For Kristina, Open Arms has been a godsend. Her three children have enjoyed many programs at the centre over the past five years. And she’s especially grateful for how the staff have supported her son, Ethan, who is on the autism spectrum.

“Open Arms has been very supportive and benefited my kids in ways where they learned accountability and responsibility,” she says. “And they learned a lot of leadership skills and confidence building and teamwork.”

Open Arms is a place to belong, to receive support and to experience the love of Jesus in practical ways.

“The kids have always loved this place, and it just seems to be a magnet for a lot of them,” says Brower. “Sometimes, when we’re not having program, they’re at the front, knocking on the door, wondering if we’re open again, and we’ll say, ‘We’ll be back tomorrow!’ ”—by Kristin Ostensen

Learn more about Open Arms on the Salvationist podcast at salvationist.ca/podcast.

Women gather for The Table, which offers a place to reflect and discuss,
recognizing that everyone is in a different place on their spiritual journey
(Photos: Courtesy of Major Leslie Wiseman)

THE TABLE IN BRIDGETOWN, N.S.

Two hours. Four questions. Six women. That’s the simple idea behind The Table, a discipleship ministry for women inspired by IF: Gathering, at Bridgetown Community Church, N.S.

“We gather for a meal together, which is an intimate experience of fellowship. But what’s captivating about this approach is that it’s designed to cut through surface-level small talk,” says Major Leslie Wiseman, corps and community ministries officer. “It’s intentional conversation about life with God. How often do we sit and talk about our faith, or how we’re growing in Christ, or where our challenges are?”

A delicious meal awaits participants in The Table at Bridgetown CC — A delicious meal awaits participants in
The Table at Bridgetown CC

For a small corps without many lay leaders, The Table is a way to create a regular rhythm of connection and build authentic community, without a lot of planning required. Their aim is to meet at least quarterly, taking turns preparing a meal—which can be as simple or elaborate as desired. At the table are four conversation cards, with questions to prompt discussion. After setting a framework of confidentiality, each woman is invited to respond to each question throughout the meal.

At their first gathering in January, the prompts focused on dreaming together with God, with questions such as: What are some of your hopes for this year? Where do you really need God to show up in your life? Another gathering focused on sharing faith, asking: What are some of the things that make it difficult to do that? What holds us back?

Rather than a Bible study, which seeks to dive deeper into Scripture, The Table offers a place to reflect and discuss, recognizing that everyone is in a different place on their spiritual journey.

“It’s a beautiful, sacred space as women open up and share their experiences, doubts, fears and celebrations,” says Major Wiseman. “It deepens their relationships with one another, and there’s a sense of belonging. Inevitably, encouragement flows, we pray, and women leave feeling closer to each other and to God. When that happens, seeds of faith are planted. It is an organic way of spiritual nurturing.” —by Giselle Randall