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On July 1, the Scarborough Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted its 2nd Annual Canada Day Block Party. "We brought the community out and we aren't just saying come and do a Bible study or get baptized. People are literally meeting where Jesus is," said Irene Darrell-Austin who is the lead for Compassion Ministry and organizer of the Scarborough Church Canada Day Block Party. "We forget that Jesus didn't just preach sermons, He actually went and mingled with the people, fed and clothed them."

For Irene, this is one way she engages with the community by spearheading these types of events. This block party had vendors serving food, a bouncy castle for the kids, a basketball court, a thrift clothes booth and more.

"Outside of Sabbath, our church needs to be in our community seven days a week," said Ulando Robinson, a co-leader of the Scarborough Men's Ministry Team. "Whether it's ministries regarding clothing, food, shelter or services for mental health, the church must be in the community. That's why it's important to have these events so they can see us live and direct."

This party was also beneficial for the church family as it sparks fellowship and creates lasting memories.

"It's great. Seeing the kids running around and the older folks as well. I really love to see the difference in the generations coming together as a church family," said Jean-Mark Wright, another co-leader of the Scarborough Men's Ministry Team.

Gareth Johns, another church member, agrees. "At Scarborough, we are a growing church with a lot of young families. It's very important that we have these families together. Let the children interact with each other. As husband and wife, we are also able to interact with one another. It's just something different from Sabbath. We are so excited to have events like this."

The church's Canada Day celebration, which started at 2 pm, continued into the night with communal musical stepping and concluded with a fireworks display.

The event was a success for church organizer Irene and her team, which turned out to be an added bonus for Irene and her husband, Antonio, who chose to celebrate their wedding anniversary among their Scarborough church family.

Chris Perrotte
OCN Reporter