If you visit this space regularly, you will know that I am constantly on the lookout for stories and voices that raise hope in these troubled times. Stories of folks that are offering a different view, a different perspective, a different way of doing things.
I think I floated into the office from the car on Wednesday morning. I actually sat in the parking lot listening to the end of the interview that Matt Galloway had with Zita Cobb on The Current. Zita is a Canadian businesswoman and social entrepreneur, who grew up on Fogo Island, a small outport fishing community off the North East coast of Newfoundland, Canada, in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Cobb is the co-founder and CEO of the registered Canadian charity, Shorefast, which she launched with her brothers Anthony and Alan Cobb, on Fogo Island in 2004. She is also the innkeeper of the luxury Fogo Island Inn (pictured above.)
I think I first heard about the Fogo Island Inn years ago when I watched a Still Standing (you can tell we are a CBC family …) episode about Fogo Island, and the Inn. And I remember thinking that it was a fascinating story. But I also thought … why would someone go there? To a luxury hotel? To Fogo Island?
Fogo Island Inn | All-Inclusive Hospitality & Regenerative Travel
Now, after listening to the interview with Zita, I get it. I want to go there. More than I want to go anywhere else in the world. And I want to learn everything I can from the Shorefast Institue. This is from their website:
“The Institute brings together economic actors from communities, governments, and markets to develop, refine, and expand place-based approaches. Through structured learning exchanges, virtual resource sharing, and in-person convenings, places across Canada will gain the knowledge they need to shape their own economic futures.”
Shorefast is the line that connects a traditional cod trap to the shore. Cobb says that it is a metaphor … “may we always be shorefast here, in our place.”
You can check it out at:
The Shorefast Institute for Place Based Economies – Uncovering & Harnessing the Power of Place
In the Matt Galloway interview this week, Cobb talks about the questions that communities need to ask in times of change and transition. I think the questions work for faith communities as well … what do we have? What do we love? What do we know? What do we miss? What can we do about it?
It was an inspiring interview. If you can spare 24 minutes, have a listen.
What the Fogo Island Inn can teach us about ‘Made in Canada’ | The Current | On Demand | CBC Listen
This week in our worship service, we celebrate Thanksgiving. We talk about abundance, and seeing the world with the eyes of abundance rather than scarcity. We will have another testimony from a community member who answers the questions … what brought you to Bethany? Why do you stay and offer your gifts?
And speaking of abundance and inspiration … I am always grateful to the folks who accompany me every second month to Saint Vincents Guesthouse to do a worship service. The residents, and Debbie MacDonald, the Spiritual Care Coordinator, and the volunteers are always so appreciative and grateful. And this week, a special thanks to Mavis who stepped in to accompany the hymns at the last minute when Linda wasn’t able to join us.
That’s the gang with Debbie below. It is a very humbling and holy ministry that we provide.
Happy Thanksgiving!
