Finding Faith in Collinwood

Everyone needs faith in someone or something. Finding faith again in something after my husband’s sudden death, took great courage, but once I did I have been able to accomplish things I never thought possible before and have met some quite interesting people along the way.

If you are a faith-based organization in Collinwood then meet the Collinwood Area Pastoral Association. This is a new co-operation of Collinwood neighborhood religious groups, who are coming together to work for (and with) our Collinwood community, brought together by Councilman Polensek, who saw not just a need, but another way to work for the good of Collinwood.

Many of them you will know - and many you may not be so familiar with - but we are uniting to work together, for the betterment of our Collinwood neighborhood. All faiths are welcome to be part of this group; we very much want to not only welcome everyone, but we want to reflect the diversity of our religious beliefs, that so very much reflect Collinwood's cultural diversity and history.

We have now met about three times, with each meeting bringing a different mix of faiths together - which makes for lively discussion and a strong sense of support for each other.  The purpose of the Collinwood Area Pastoral Association is to showcase the diversity of the greater Collinwood community with a mission of spiritual and community leadership not to be lost in a secular and political world, to be a beacon of light in the community, and to promote spiritual individualism to address neighborhood needs where others cannot.

So, if you're a religious group here in Collinwood, why, you may ask, should I be part of CAPA? Writing as a minister of a very small congregation myself, I found this group to be open and friendly, willing to offer support and suggestions for the problems that face all of us. Our hope is that, by working together, supporting each other's efforts by "interfaith" support of each other's programs, events etc., we will strengthen each other - and by strengthening each other, strengthen our Collinwood community. (There's always power in numbers!)

Wondering where there's a church (or other religious institution) is in our Collinwood neighborhood for you?  Are you interested in going to services? (But think there's nothing out there for you?) Then check out the list we have of Collinwood faith-based groups, I am sure there is a place for you.

As a faith-based organization think about joining us. We would most definitely like to meet you at our next meeting to be held on Thursday, December 11th. The time and location have yet to be chosen.  Any further questions may be directed to Mary Louise at Councilman Polensek's office.  She may be reached at (216) 664-4236 or via email at mdaley@clevelandcitycouncil.org.  If you are reading this and don’t see your name – contact us to be listed.

Look forward to seeing all of you in December!

Rev Elva Brodnick 

Memorial Spiritual Christian Church

Rev Elva Brodnick

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Read More on Faith News
Volume 6, Issue 10, Posted 2:43 PM, 11.17.2014