Author Archives: olivia

One of the best things about community is the two way street of generosity. Even though, in working at The Dale we are often giving to the community, lately I have been amazed at the amount of receiving that happens in a day.  I especially noticed this last Wednesday. Erinn, Joanna, Kim, and myself gearedContinue reading “A Day of Receiving”

I remember when I first met Chevy. It was my first Sunday at The Dale when I came as an intern in summer 2018. I had never experienced a church service like The Dale, and it really was something unique and special. Worship began with Erinn playing the piano and singing, a row of musiciansContinue reading “Chevy”

I miss church. I miss singing worship songs with a congregation, and being in community with people at both my home church, Parkway, and at The Dale. This pandemic has really caused me to reflect upon what church is. I agree with many who say “church is essential” but I’m not sure that has toContinue reading “Rethinking Church”

My backyard is a pile of dirt. It has been since I moved into my apartment back in October and now that the snow is all melted I can see it once again. I’m grateful to have a backyard space to use and that the tenant above us doesn’t want that space. My landlord mentionedContinue reading “A Change in Season”

Who doesn’t love a new fresh pair of boots? We all get that good feeling when we get some new shoes that fit just right.  Last Sunday we had the opportunity to offer that to the Parkdale community all thanks to The Meeting House Toronto. The Meeting House Toronto is a church that works alongsideContinue reading “Boot Day”

Kim is a friend from Parkdale who loves the community deeply and has lived here for many years. When meeting Kim it won’t take too long for you to realize her love for tea! Myself and many others in the community share in Kim’s love for tea and we are so happy to now haveContinue reading “Tea with Kim”

From many conversations at The Dale and in my own community, I can hear a weariness seeping through many, like these damp cold days. Maybe it’s the rising numbers and increasing covid restrictions. Maybe the quiet days and lack of plans to look forward to. Maybe the cold days that make porch visits short andContinue reading “A Prayer”

It has officially been a year since I started working at The Dale.  As I sit and reflect over this year, it makes me sad. This year kind of sucked for a lot of reasons. But truly, being a part of The Dale played a huge part in helping me get through this year. TheContinue reading “A Whole Year”

This year just keeps getting crazier, am I right? On top of all things happening, I got married just a few days ago. Although it is one of the worst years for a wedding, this event has been in the works since before the chaos and my heart couldn’t handle the long distance anymore (16Continue reading “Hello from Quarantine Again”

I’ve been at the Dale for almost 10 months now. It seems like time is flying, but when I look back at where I started, a lot has happened since then. I have found that throughout these months I’ve been like a sponge soaking up everything around me. I have been taking in the neighbourhoodContinue reading “Feeling like a Sponge”