Reflection
Find the April 2025 Reflection attached below!
The Gift of Difference
The late community advocate Judith Snow wrote that everybody has at least two gifts that they bring to any human interaction. No matter who you are or what you can do, no matter what your ability or background, you bring the gifts of presence and difference to each interaction in our world. At Karis, we believe that you are a gift to our community. And in the Christian faith tradition, you are one of the ways God “graces” to the world!
I (Keith) will never forget travelling to Ethiopia in 2016 and meeting our partners and people who use our services there. I had the unique privilege of experiencing Ethiopian hospitality through a coffee ceremony. This ceremony is an important cultural ritual, rich in symbolism, that is passed down from generation to generation. There is nothing “instant” about the coffee, and this investment of time is part of what makes the experience beautiful. The gifts of presence and difference that we shared at that time transcended cultural and language barriers. I am not sure I have ever experienced hospitality as deep and rich as I did in Ethiopia, and the ceremony is an expression and element of that hospitality. It was much different than grabbing a cup of coffee at Tim’s!
Prayer Guide
We’re truly thankful for your interest in our April 2025 Prayer Guide and Reflection. This guide, filled with themes of gratitude, peace, and community support, provides weekly prayer points to enrich your spiritual journey. As we move into a new month, we’re grateful for the shared prayers supporting our collective work in Canada and globally.