In the wake of the pandemic, loneliness is on the rise. According to Statistics Canada, one in five Canadians reported experiencing loneliness during pandemic years, and seniors were disproportionately affected. To address this growing divide, Toronto’s Agincourt Temple Community Church has introduced Generations Create, an intergenerational ministry aimed at bridging gaps between people of all ages.

“Generations Create is about getting young people and older people together, stepping away from distractions and working together to create something beautiful as a community,” explains Captain Scott Allen, corps officer. It fosters connections through creative, hands-on activities, allowing families, corps members and people from the community to gather, learn from one another and grow spiritually. 

Combatting Loneliness

Before the program launched, the corps officers recognized that feelings of isolation and loneliness had become more prevalent within the congregation, particularly among seniors and newcomers who struggled to reconnect after the pandemic. Compounded by an increasing reliance on screens, families were also feeling more disconnected than ever.

Generations Create offers a space for families to step away from their screens and engage face to face in meaningful activities each month. The program includes arts and crafts, games, devotionals and other activities that foster creativity and collaboration. The program is open to all ages, from five-year-olds to seniors, and according to Mary Milne, child and youth co-ordinator at Agincourt, it appeals especially to teenagers and young families looking for activities they can do together.

Of those who attend regularly, about half are members of the corps and half come from the wider community, including families and individuals who receive services from The Salvation Army. It provides a fun, low-pressure environment for many families to participate in activities that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy.

“Many of our community members are new to Canada, and for them, it’s hard to find a place to belong,” Milne explains. “With the rise in the cost of living, some families cannot afford to go out and do fun things together. Generations Create provides an opportunity for families to bond outside of work and school, while also creating a sense of community in their new home.”

Additionally, Generations Create has become a way to connect with other programs at Agincourt. Many of the children who attended summer camp through family services were invited to participate in Generations Create, along with their parents.

“We try to host community events at least once a month to help create a welcoming environment where we’re not an isolated church, but we’re a community—a centre for help, a centre for life, a centre for fun, but also a place where you can go if you’re deeply hurt,” says Milne.

Building Faith

While Generations Create is focused on creating opportunities for fun and connection, it also incorporates a devotional component aimed at meeting the spiritual needs of participants. “It’s not just about crafts and games,” says Captain Allen. “It’s about helping people experience God’s love in a practical way.”

Generations Create introduces spiritual teachings in ways that are accessible and meaningful to families who may not regularly attend church. The program also provides a key opportunity for parents to play a leading role in the faith formation of their children, sharing their faith and spiritual values, and passing these teachings down to younger generations. “This is how we grow the church—by demonstrating God’s love through the example of parents and grandparents,” says Milne.

According to Milne, 12 to 14 is a critical age for spiritual development, and it is at this age that many youth make lifelong decisions about religion and their involvement in the church. “It’s important that they experience church in a fun and meaningful way,” says Milne. “We provide an inclusive place for them to grow, have fun and learn about God at the same time.” 

Part of the Neighbourhood

To ensure the program is accessible to as many people as possible, it is advertised through community and family services, local foster homes, schools and social media. Flyers are also distributed in the surrounding neighbourhood.

Rose Patrick, a community member, joined Generations Create as both a volunteer and participant in March 2022. Living just minutes from Agincourt, she learned about the program through a flyer in the mail.

“When the flyer for Generations Create came to our home, we were immediately excited to attend. After emerging from COVID restrictions, the chance to connect with others in person was a welcome opportunity,” says Patrick.

Patrick’s daughters, 13-year-old Maliya and nine-year-old Marley, as well as her adult son, Dylan, who has special needs, have participated in the program with her.

“We particularly enjoyed making buttons and learning to crochet,” says Patrick. “My daughters also have fond memories of volunteering during the community clean-up initiative, where they cleaned windows and planted flowers before sharing a meal with everyone.”

For Patrick, the program offered more than just a creative outlet. “I always looked forward to connecting with other moms while my children learned new craft skills,” she says.

In God’s Love

Through creativity, collaboration and spiritual growth, Generations Create continues to help families build lasting relationships with one another. Both Milne and Captain Allen agree that the goal of Generations Create is not just to provide an event, but to create a place where families can connect, lean on each other and build a strong, supportive community that reflects God’s love.

“Intergenerational ministry is important because it’s a way of teaching kids the knowledge and values that their parents and grandparents have learned over the years,” Captain Allen says. “By working on projects together, they can share that love and wisdom.”

Learn more about Generations Create at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMMX2pnXvKk.