This blog was originally meant as a sounding board for a group of people who were trying to discover how they could bring about positive change in their community. If this is your first introduction to the Atangard Community Project Society you should be made aware that this blog does not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the Society itself but rather the individual opinions of our members. Though there is significant spiritual/religious content from the various contributors the ACP Society is a completely secular organization.
That said, most cultures around the world have some spiritual component that acts as a motivating factor and Abbotsford has a prolific and deep connection with the Christian tradition. With that in mind it is not a surprise that many of the people involved in this project were and are Christians.
If some of the content in here offends you we are sorry, it was not the intent, they are merely personal opinions and reflections. The community of Atangard is full of different world-views and backgrounds and we hope to increase that diversity overtime. We do not want to push people away from the important concept of community because it is associated with an ideology that they disagree with; conversely we do not wish to censor individual opinions.
When you read the entries in this blog treat them as you would a conversation you over-hear in a coffee-shop, one you might contribute to, one you may not agree with everything that is said, but one that has a central theme you can also be passionate about.
Welcome to our community!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Community Living: An Answer to Poverty?
Last night I attended a forum in which various local organizations addressed the issue of poverty in Abbotsford. These organizations included – The Salvation Army, Abbotsford Community Services, Warm Zone, and Atangard Community Project – the last of which was embodied by Dan Bryce. Representatives from each of these organizations were part of a panel where they explained the various philosophies and projects that they were involved in.
To be quite honest, as my eyes shifted from left to right, focused on the panel members, I paused to consider the last. What was Dan doing here? A.C.P. seemed to be a little out of place compared to the others who were all on the ‘front line’ fighting poverty on the streets of Abbotsford.
As the night went on, the other three spoke of various ‘grassroots’ initiatives related to housing, education, employment, food and shelter, however, when the floor was open to A.C.P., Dan had seemingly little relevant to say. I couldn’t figure out why Atangard was even up there.
When I came to this forum I was expecting discussion to be centered on a mix of ideological opinion and practical solutions regarding poverty and I couldn’t see where our community fit in. Yet before the evening was over the significance of ‘community’ in the fight against the social and economic issues surrounding poverty became clear.
After the groups were finished introducing themselves and what they do, the forum turned into a discussion between the panel and the audience. It was at this time that I started to notice a common theme that all four organizations shared. This theme was community. It became apparent that ‘community living’ was a shared practical and philosophical solution in dealing with as well as preventing poverty.
Heading into this forum, I failed to recognize the importance of community living as a healthy model to address the social and economic factors that contribute to, and facilitate poverty. In terms of economics, poverty is a problem because not all of us can afford the high costs of living. During conversation, Darla Sparrow had said that someone on a low income or assistance budget might get something like $900 a month and that rent for a one bedroom living space in Abbotsford starts at around $600/month. This leaves an impossible and extremely unrealistic budget of $300 or less for food, transportation, and the various other monthly expenses.
If you already live at Atangard then you know this, but for those who don’t, A.C.P provides not just affordable housing, but an arrangement that allows those who live there to share the costs of food, internet, and transportation. Community living can make it possible for people to not only cut the costs of living, but also to make the cost of living a sustainable figure.
The social issue of ‘isolation’ was said to be a huge hurdle for those trying to get off of the streets. Even if a program provided the monetary resources to get someone into a home (or into a generally better living situation), in order for it to be a lasting solution it would also have to ensure that the individuals were part of a positive and supportive community. If a program failed to offer this community aspect, then any progress made usually ended up being regressive and futile.
Community living, though at times frustrating and full of compromise, provides the emotional and relational support that we all need in order to deal with simple and complex social problems. As well, community living amputates our tendency to marginalize and separate ourselves from the well being of others, an affinity which I believe enables us to carry on lives lacking social consciousness.
This is how I’ve come to understand the importance of community living and its potential as a healthy and practical solution to poverty. However, community living is a unique practice in our part of the world and it will take a lot to catch on.
So, what can we who are currently living at Atangard do? Well we all, to some degree, realize the value of living in community or else we wouldn’t be here. I believe that it will be those who call Atangard home, the people who have already jumped on the community-living band wagon; we will influence those around us, and ultimately the majority, to make an ideological shift to a heightened sense of social consciousness. We should share our experience here in fellowship with others, and perhaps more importantly, continue promoting community living in some way, shape or form above and beyond our time here.
After the forum was over, I left feeling that Dan’s presence on that panel was warranted and justified.
What do you think?
~jordan andrew
To be quite honest, as my eyes shifted from left to right, focused on the panel members, I paused to consider the last. What was Dan doing here? A.C.P. seemed to be a little out of place compared to the others who were all on the ‘front line’ fighting poverty on the streets of Abbotsford.
As the night went on, the other three spoke of various ‘grassroots’ initiatives related to housing, education, employment, food and shelter, however, when the floor was open to A.C.P., Dan had seemingly little relevant to say. I couldn’t figure out why Atangard was even up there.
When I came to this forum I was expecting discussion to be centered on a mix of ideological opinion and practical solutions regarding poverty and I couldn’t see where our community fit in. Yet before the evening was over the significance of ‘community’ in the fight against the social and economic issues surrounding poverty became clear.
After the groups were finished introducing themselves and what they do, the forum turned into a discussion between the panel and the audience. It was at this time that I started to notice a common theme that all four organizations shared. This theme was community. It became apparent that ‘community living’ was a shared practical and philosophical solution in dealing with as well as preventing poverty.
Heading into this forum, I failed to recognize the importance of community living as a healthy model to address the social and economic factors that contribute to, and facilitate poverty. In terms of economics, poverty is a problem because not all of us can afford the high costs of living. During conversation, Darla Sparrow had said that someone on a low income or assistance budget might get something like $900 a month and that rent for a one bedroom living space in Abbotsford starts at around $600/month. This leaves an impossible and extremely unrealistic budget of $300 or less for food, transportation, and the various other monthly expenses.
If you already live at Atangard then you know this, but for those who don’t, A.C.P provides not just affordable housing, but an arrangement that allows those who live there to share the costs of food, internet, and transportation. Community living can make it possible for people to not only cut the costs of living, but also to make the cost of living a sustainable figure.
The social issue of ‘isolation’ was said to be a huge hurdle for those trying to get off of the streets. Even if a program provided the monetary resources to get someone into a home (or into a generally better living situation), in order for it to be a lasting solution it would also have to ensure that the individuals were part of a positive and supportive community. If a program failed to offer this community aspect, then any progress made usually ended up being regressive and futile.
Community living, though at times frustrating and full of compromise, provides the emotional and relational support that we all need in order to deal with simple and complex social problems. As well, community living amputates our tendency to marginalize and separate ourselves from the well being of others, an affinity which I believe enables us to carry on lives lacking social consciousness.
This is how I’ve come to understand the importance of community living and its potential as a healthy and practical solution to poverty. However, community living is a unique practice in our part of the world and it will take a lot to catch on.
So, what can we who are currently living at Atangard do? Well we all, to some degree, realize the value of living in community or else we wouldn’t be here. I believe that it will be those who call Atangard home, the people who have already jumped on the community-living band wagon; we will influence those around us, and ultimately the majority, to make an ideological shift to a heightened sense of social consciousness. We should share our experience here in fellowship with others, and perhaps more importantly, continue promoting community living in some way, shape or form above and beyond our time here.
After the forum was over, I left feeling that Dan’s presence on that panel was warranted and justified.
What do you think?
~jordan andrew
Monday, September 21, 2009
Silly Dances
I had an image of our community that I wanted to share. It was a very simple image. I imagined all of us standing in a circle looking at the center of the circle where Jesus was standing. What struck me about the image was that we were not overly distracted by the others who were standing around Jesus. We were absorbed by Jesus and His beauty and love. He was how we measured what beauty looked like. I imagined what it might look like for someone in the circle to try and steal the show and I thought of someone doing a funny little dance. And I imagined that we might simply think that that person’s performance was rather silly and endearing and not at all worth comparing to what we saw in Jesus. And that we would have compassion on those who didn’t realize that they were doing a silly dance next to our glorious Jesus. And we would know that they are just afraid and that is why they are putting on such a funny performance. That they don’t know just yet how beautiful Jesus thinks they are and so they are not yet able to rest in the circle. They still think that they have to do something silly to be loved.
Anyway, there it is. It is my prayer for this community. That we would learn to rest in a circle around Jesus.
Mark
Anyway, there it is. It is my prayer for this community. That we would learn to rest in a circle around Jesus.
Mark
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Facts
So I hear of people desperately trying to come across some sort of info about what we're doing. Here is an effort to satisfy those curious.
Atangard Community Project is an not for profit enterprise renovating the rooming division for the Fraser Valley Inn. They will be providing affordable accomodations in teh downtown core for students and young professionals with an emphasis on community. There are 20 rooms with private bathrooms, some large enough for double occupancy. Also provided are common kitchen area, dining room, lounge, and laundry facilities. These residences will be managed by Atangard Community Project Society.
FAQ's
Whats the cost?
Rooms are priced between $375 and $500.
Who is eligible to apply?
The applicant will be between the ages of 19 and 35 and will be either employed or a student such that the total weekly hours of schooling or employment is 30 per week or more.
Where can I apply and what does this process look like?
Please email atangard@gmail.com and request an application. Completed applications can be dropped in person from 10am - 5pm Monday - Saturday. In addition to the written application there will be an interview component before acceptance is verified.
When can I move in?
Target opening date is Sept 1. Residence are moving in in phases. We are filled up for Sept. next available move in date is Oct. 1.
Where can I get more information?
Try emailing us with your questions at atangard@gmail.com, or calling us at 604.850.1545.
We look forward to hear from you.
Atangard Community Project is an not for profit enterprise renovating the rooming division for the Fraser Valley Inn. They will be providing affordable accomodations in teh downtown core for students and young professionals with an emphasis on community. There are 20 rooms with private bathrooms, some large enough for double occupancy. Also provided are common kitchen area, dining room, lounge, and laundry facilities. These residences will be managed by Atangard Community Project Society.
FAQ's
Whats the cost?
Rooms are priced between $375 and $500.
Who is eligible to apply?
The applicant will be between the ages of 19 and 35 and will be either employed or a student such that the total weekly hours of schooling or employment is 30 per week or more.
Where can I apply and what does this process look like?
Please email atangard@gmail.com and request an application. Completed applications can be dropped in person from 10am - 5pm Monday - Saturday. In addition to the written application there will be an interview component before acceptance is verified.
When can I move in?
Target opening date is Sept 1. Residence are moving in in phases. We are filled up for Sept. next available move in date is Oct. 1.
Where can I get more information?
Try emailing us with your questions at atangard@gmail.com, or calling us at 604.850.1545.
We look forward to hear from you.
Who I am.
No one truly wants to be ignored. No one wants to feel like a nuisance. Many of us are starving for love.
Asserting my identity tires me out. Our society is ill. In my journey of personal growth, I often confront roadblocks that keep me bound and constrained. We often feel a certain stuckness in our dysfunctions, don't we. I'm coming into a place of rest, within, where my identity is not at stake with every action. Well there is an ebb and flow to life, and perhaps I am in the flow. Next week, or next month I may once again be looking out onto a seemingly barren beach - the ebb. Indeed, when do we have enduring certitude about who we are? A lack of confidence pushes us to say things, or act in such a way as to assert our identity, our self-hood. I often direct my words to others, making commitments to actions, hoping and believing that I will pull through a live up to said commitments.
I like the Dave that is amazing and does a lot of significant things, more than the Dave that is just like anyone else (without uniqueness). It's this discontent with my self that causes me to form unrealistic goals, goals that once attained (by magic perhaps), will make me more the sort of guy I want to be. The Dave that - got a degree/fixed your bike by next week/came and helped out with The Project every day/never missed a day at work/called you yesterday/stuck to it even though it felt like dying/ etc. It's a crushing realization, to find out that I am less than I thought I was. I have a hunch some people who really know me, at this point will want to rush in with their affirmations and encouragements. This is because these are beautiful and loving people. But you don't do me any favors by allowing me to ignore the poverty of my human condition. I say this recognizing that accepting rebuke is one of the hardest things to do for anyone, and I am certainly no exception.
I'll take reality over idealism now. I'm 25. Hmmm. The idealist experiences a lot of disappointment in life. This is because he or she is constantly running into the gaps between the ideal and reality. In these gaps, is our confusion, our disappointment, our doubts, and our pain. But what is the alternative? Shall we give up all our hope and ideals so as to protect us from confusion, disappointment, doubts and pain? I want disillusionment. At times I have felt as though the very foundations of my life were swept from beneath me. Though I know that there are illusions that I depend on for my very survival - and God is compassionate to not break them too soon, or too violently - I want reality. Reality is Truth and Truth is God. Though it brings me to some fearsome places, moments of despair, my heart continually beckons me forward, compels me to wrestle with the deepest questions of who I am. Sometimes I worry for my mental health - wonder if I'm going crazy. The death of my illusions often feels like the death of my very self. Even so, my center is Christ. My foundation, is Jesus Christ.
I'm a satellite of The Christ. It's recorded in Luke 9:23-26 that Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." I read this and tremble. It's the Holy Spirit I guess, who keeps calling me out, beckoning me forward into the dance of life and death. Deep movements quake and slide within, while I live and burn and from the ashes I rise. A phoenix. Okay so I tend to romanticize a little. ;)
There are many little deaths along the path of becoming; becoming human. I understand the process of becoming human as becoming more like Jesus Christ. Thus the parts of me that resist and protest are simply the parts that are as yet, mine. The temptations that Jesus faced at the hands of the evil one after 40 days of fasting in the desert were temptations to assert his identity. Jesus was reticent to remind the people that he was God. He admitted to it when pressed, but he didn't assert his identity in a violent (using the term broadly) way, using his power to do so. I want to learn to do the same.
I'm the youngest of six. Hmmm. Maybe I grew up competing for place, having to prove myself. Even in the healthiest and best of families, there are wily dysfunctions. It's no one's fault.
I accept that I'm just an ordinary guy. I rest in simple repentance, not the kind that begs God to make me a hero according to my fallen notions of perfection. I don't have to do all these amazing things to get people to love me. It is ambition and a need for significance in the eyes of others- an ugly permutation of the ego, that idolizes another self. As yet, I'm usually suspicious of other people acceptance of me. I'm easily accept as true, what others believe about me. Trying to prove yourself to others at every turn is exhausting. Well, you can't please everyone I guess.
Dave Vandergugten
Asserting my identity tires me out. Our society is ill. In my journey of personal growth, I often confront roadblocks that keep me bound and constrained. We often feel a certain stuckness in our dysfunctions, don't we. I'm coming into a place of rest, within, where my identity is not at stake with every action. Well there is an ebb and flow to life, and perhaps I am in the flow. Next week, or next month I may once again be looking out onto a seemingly barren beach - the ebb. Indeed, when do we have enduring certitude about who we are? A lack of confidence pushes us to say things, or act in such a way as to assert our identity, our self-hood. I often direct my words to others, making commitments to actions, hoping and believing that I will pull through a live up to said commitments.
I like the Dave that is amazing and does a lot of significant things, more than the Dave that is just like anyone else (without uniqueness). It's this discontent with my self that causes me to form unrealistic goals, goals that once attained (by magic perhaps), will make me more the sort of guy I want to be. The Dave that - got a degree/fixed your bike by next week/came and helped out with The Project every day/never missed a day at work/called you yesterday/stuck to it even though it felt like dying/ etc. It's a crushing realization, to find out that I am less than I thought I was. I have a hunch some people who really know me, at this point will want to rush in with their affirmations and encouragements. This is because these are beautiful and loving people. But you don't do me any favors by allowing me to ignore the poverty of my human condition. I say this recognizing that accepting rebuke is one of the hardest things to do for anyone, and I am certainly no exception.
I'll take reality over idealism now. I'm 25. Hmmm. The idealist experiences a lot of disappointment in life. This is because he or she is constantly running into the gaps between the ideal and reality. In these gaps, is our confusion, our disappointment, our doubts, and our pain. But what is the alternative? Shall we give up all our hope and ideals so as to protect us from confusion, disappointment, doubts and pain? I want disillusionment. At times I have felt as though the very foundations of my life were swept from beneath me. Though I know that there are illusions that I depend on for my very survival - and God is compassionate to not break them too soon, or too violently - I want reality. Reality is Truth and Truth is God. Though it brings me to some fearsome places, moments of despair, my heart continually beckons me forward, compels me to wrestle with the deepest questions of who I am. Sometimes I worry for my mental health - wonder if I'm going crazy. The death of my illusions often feels like the death of my very self. Even so, my center is Christ. My foundation, is Jesus Christ.
I'm a satellite of The Christ. It's recorded in Luke 9:23-26 that Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." I read this and tremble. It's the Holy Spirit I guess, who keeps calling me out, beckoning me forward into the dance of life and death. Deep movements quake and slide within, while I live and burn and from the ashes I rise. A phoenix. Okay so I tend to romanticize a little. ;)
There are many little deaths along the path of becoming; becoming human. I understand the process of becoming human as becoming more like Jesus Christ. Thus the parts of me that resist and protest are simply the parts that are as yet, mine. The temptations that Jesus faced at the hands of the evil one after 40 days of fasting in the desert were temptations to assert his identity. Jesus was reticent to remind the people that he was God. He admitted to it when pressed, but he didn't assert his identity in a violent (using the term broadly) way, using his power to do so. I want to learn to do the same.
I'm the youngest of six. Hmmm. Maybe I grew up competing for place, having to prove myself. Even in the healthiest and best of families, there are wily dysfunctions. It's no one's fault.
I accept that I'm just an ordinary guy. I rest in simple repentance, not the kind that begs God to make me a hero according to my fallen notions of perfection. I don't have to do all these amazing things to get people to love me. It is ambition and a need for significance in the eyes of others- an ugly permutation of the ego, that idolizes another self. As yet, I'm usually suspicious of other people acceptance of me. I'm easily accept as true, what others believe about me. Trying to prove yourself to others at every turn is exhausting. Well, you can't please everyone I guess.
Dave Vandergugten
Saturday, August 1, 2009
I found the poem...
BEAUTIFUL CREATURE
There is a beautiful creature living
in a hole you have
dug,
so at night I set fruits and grains and little pots of
wine and milk
beside your soft earthen
mounds,
and I often sing to you,
but still, my dear, you do not come out.
I have fallen in love with someone
who is hiding inside
of you.
We should talk about this problem,
otherwise I will never
leave you
alone!
There is a beautiful creature living
in a hole you have
dug,
so at night I set fruits and grains and little pots of
wine and milk
beside your soft earthen
mounds,
and I often sing to you,
but still, my dear, you do not come out.
I have fallen in love with someone
who is hiding inside
of you.
We should talk about this problem,
otherwise I will never
leave you
alone!
Friday, July 31, 2009
A little treasure from Karin's treasury
I (Mark) was meeting with Karin last week and she shared a poem that I thought beautifully described our relationship with God. I don’t have the poem (just ordered the book) but I wanted to share the imagery of this poem. I don’t remember too accurately (surprising!) but the picture that stuck with me is of a creature hiding in a hole, in darkness. The poem describes someone gently and lovingly trying to coax this creature out of its hole. He would leave little treats at the top of the hole and wait for the creature to gain courage. He wanted so much that the creature would know that he was safe because what he wanted more than anything was just to enjoy this creature and let it experience the space and beauty of all that was outside of its hole.
I just thought that this so describes the process of our hearts learning to trust. We have been hiding for a long time in fear and shame and we’ve become so suspicious of love. He is coaxing our hearts out of hiding and He is doing this by showing us his kindness. Little by little. The creature takes one little taste of His goodness and then goes back into hiding. It continues to do this until it learns that it is truly safe to come out of hiding. This is a slow process and He knows that we will many times go back into our hole. He forgives us every time and then goes on leaving more treats for us to taste. He goes on singing a song of His love that beckons our hearts once again.
All of this reminds me of Romans 2:4 “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?” So often it is us who get impatient with the process and judge our repeated failures. This is why we think we should stay in the hole, because we’ve failed yet again. It can be scary when all we can hear is the voice of shame because we so desperately want to step out of our prisons. We’ve tasted of the light, of freedom and we no longer want to hide in our holes. But all of this depends upon Him and not us. He is in charge of rescuing us from darkness. It truly is too much for us: our fear, our shame, the voice of the enemy. But God has always been in charge of delivering his people and I am convinced that He has begun a good work in our community that He will faithfully continue.
Psalm 18:17
He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.
I just thought that this so describes the process of our hearts learning to trust. We have been hiding for a long time in fear and shame and we’ve become so suspicious of love. He is coaxing our hearts out of hiding and He is doing this by showing us his kindness. Little by little. The creature takes one little taste of His goodness and then goes back into hiding. It continues to do this until it learns that it is truly safe to come out of hiding. This is a slow process and He knows that we will many times go back into our hole. He forgives us every time and then goes on leaving more treats for us to taste. He goes on singing a song of His love that beckons our hearts once again.
All of this reminds me of Romans 2:4 “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?” So often it is us who get impatient with the process and judge our repeated failures. This is why we think we should stay in the hole, because we’ve failed yet again. It can be scary when all we can hear is the voice of shame because we so desperately want to step out of our prisons. We’ve tasted of the light, of freedom and we no longer want to hide in our holes. But all of this depends upon Him and not us. He is in charge of rescuing us from darkness. It truly is too much for us: our fear, our shame, the voice of the enemy. But God has always been in charge of delivering his people and I am convinced that He has begun a good work in our community that He will faithfully continue.
Psalm 18:17
He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.
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