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Seeds of Hope in Bloom: Catharine Parr Traill College Partnership Dinners   

Supported by a $2,500 Seeds of Hope grant from The United Church of Canada Foundation, Emmanuel United Church in Peterborough, ON, set out to support students at Catharine Parr Traill College. 

Inspired by Turning Ourselves Inside Out: Thriving Christian Communities by Daye and Fennell, the congregation felt encouraged to “just do something” They approached the college with their idea to provide welcome bags for post-secondary students as they started a new school year. 

The response they received reshaped the entire project: 

“The Dean graciously received our proposal and thanked us for our willingness to support students. He then shared a perspective that challenged us to think more deeply about service. While welcome bags would certainly be appreciated, he explained that many students are facing a more pressing concern: food insecurity. He asked whether we would be open instead to providing a hot dinner for students. His response reminded us of an important lesson. Meaningful outreach begins not with what we think people need, but with listening carefully to those we hope to serve.” 

The conversation became an important reminder that meaningful outreach begins with listening and engaging in dialogue. By asking, and responding to what they heard, the congregation discovered a greater opportunity to help. The congregation embraced this new direction, and from October 2025 through April 2026, volunteers prepared and served six monthly Sunday dinners, welcoming more than 500 participants. Together with five additional dinners hosted at Catharine Parr Traill College, nearly 1,000 people gathered around the table during the academic year. 

Listening leads to partnership 

Members chose to step forward in faith, trusting that together they could respond to the need within their community. 

The project quickly became a ministry shared by the whole congregation. Volunteers planned menus, purchased groceries, prepared meals, baked desserts, welcomed guests, washed dishes, coordinated with college staff, and transformed the church hall into a place of hospitality each month. Financial gifts supported the initiative, while friends and family members beyond the congregation also offered their time, energy, and talents. 

As dinners continued throughout the year, the partnership between the church and the college grew stronger. What began as a conversation about food insecurity became a shared commitment to creating a welcoming space where students could gather, enjoy a home-cooked meal, and experience genuine hospitality. 

Around the table 

While nutritious meals remained at the heart of the project, students spoke just as often about the friendships they were forming and the opportunity to spend time with others. The dinners became a place where people could slow down, share stories, and enjoy a sense of belonging that can be difficult to find during the busy and sometimes isolating experience of post-secondary education. 

One student shared, “I enjoyed the chance to meet new people, make friends and enjoy community.” Another described the dinners as “nice people, welcoming and peaceful with great food,” while others appreciated the opportunity for “free food and spending time with friends in a larger community.” In addition to enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals, students spoke highly about the atmosphere of warmth, welcome, and connection they experienced around the table. 

Through shared meals and conversation, students found a place where they felt seen, valued, and connected. In responding to one need, the church contibuted another essential part of well-being: community. 

Looking ahead 

As Emmanuel United Church reflects on their first year of partnership with Catharine Parr Traill College, members see the project as a reminder that faithful ministry begins with listening. Their willingness to adapt an initial idea opened the door to a partnership that continues to grow and respond to the needs of students in meaningful ways. 

The monthly dinners will continue in September 2026, building on the relationships, trust, and sense of community established over the past year. What began with the idea of welcome bags has become a ministry of hospitality that nourishes body, mind, and spirit while reminding students that they do not have to navigate university life alone. 

Sometimes “just doing something” is enough to get started. But when we listen carefully to our neighbours, we may discover that God is inviting us to do something even more meaningful than we first considered. 

Make a gift to help congregations who are listening deeply, responding to local needs, and creating welcoming spaces where people discover nourishment, connection, and community.