September 2026

VIEW FROM THE HEIGHTS               

September 2026

“Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”

Jeremiah 29: 7 NRSV

Greetings!

Community has been on my mind! This church, this locale, and the ethical remit: the shared responsibility for wellbeing in our own neighbourhoods.

Our church celebrates its 110^th anniversary this month, so CBC has been the focus of my attention. Joined by our neighbours, and by the concept of community care – thanks to a new book I’ve been reading. Spirit will use any means necessary to get us to think her way!

CBC is one of the places being considered for a nursery school relocation. The lead parent on this search brought along Nicholas Karinge from the Commission for Persons with Disabilities to check out the building. They were inspiring - envisioning how CBC could become a community centre for North Medford! From toddlers to elders, the arts to organic foods, we could be there for Fulton Heights.

Someone who has already started out on this endeavour is Justin Howard (“Jim’s Market”). He’s just completed improvements to  the corner between his place, Carr Park, and Winslow Avenue.  Next, he and others are arranging for an outdoor mural for our stained-glass / snow clearing friends at Burnham & LaRoche. Their building will finally reflect a little bit of Kevin and Annie’s own artistry. Justin has many more ideas and plans for our shared corner of Medford.

Improving the “welfare” of where we live and work is one way in which we can witness to God’s love for all people in all places. God even expected the Exiles in Babylon to do their bit.

Over our 110- year history, CBC has worked hard to be here for our neighbours. Founded on Easter 1916 to minister to this [religiously underserved] area, CBC has been committed to North Medford since its inception.  Ten years later, work began on the present building.  Community outreach programmes such as children’s groups, activities for seniors, and food assistance were integral to its mission.

 At times of crisis such as 9/11 and the assassination of President Kennedy, this church was present with comfort and assurance.   After the latter tragedy, deacon and veteran, Ambrose Powell provided hope with words first offered after President Lincoln’s murder. “God reigns, and the Government at Washington still lives.” 1

 BTW, members of the Powell family remain faithful church members, and Ambrose Jr. is a missionary in Venezuela.

Community is still active in the community. And now with new collabs. How brilliant is that!  According to John Kampfner (“Braver New World”), communities have the ability to solve problems that governments are poor at addressing. We have a better grasp of what is needed; can be flexible in scope and solutions; and don’t have to worry about the next election!2

As we mark our 110^th year up here in the Heights, let’s be more Community than ever!

Blessings,

Brenda

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1 James A. Garfield, April 15^th, 1865

2 John Kampfner, “Braver New World - The Countries Daring to Do Things Others Won’t”,

London: Atlantic Books, 2026