Ep 35 - From charity to relationship: a better way forward for the Church (Part 2)

Changing your mind is hard. Changing your relationships is awkward. And changing systems can take generations. In this Season 6 finale of Undercurrents, we revisit the most powerful moments from the season — some heard for the first time — to ask: what does it actually look like when perspectives shift, relationships transform, and systems begin to crack open?This episode is a reminder that slow, faithful, relational work is not wasted work. Seeds planted today feed the people who come after us.Season 7 arrives in the fall. Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts!Transcription here.Discussion guide here.Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union.🔔 Subscribe to Undercurrents and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more people find the show.Produced with help from Christen Kong. Artwork by Jesse Bergen. Theme music by Brian MacMillan. Executive produced by Sandra Reimer.

What does it look like to open a door that changes everything?In this episode of Undercurrents, we trace the remarkable story of how Canada became a world leader in refugee welcome — and why that legacy matters more now than ever.Host Ken Ogasawara sits down with Mike Molloy, retired Foreign Service officer and one of the architects of the world's first private refugee sponsorship program, to hear how a small clause buried in a 1976 immigration act became a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the Indo-China wars. And how MCC became a foundational partner in making it all work.We also hear from Kaylee Perez, MCC's Global Migration and Resettlement Strategic Initiatives Lead, who brings both professional expertise and deeply personal roots to this work. Her insight: the antidote to fear is proximity.Together, their stories remind us that welcoming the stranger isn't a radical idea, it's foundational to our faith expression.In this episode:Why Bill Janzen's "drop the rope" approach to government negotiation built something extraordinaryWhat Hearts of Freedom — 170+ interviews with former refugees — reveals about gratitude, belonging, and Canadian identityWhy 66% of Canadians still support refugee welcome, even if you'd never know it from the comments sectionHow the We're Better Together campaign is equipping everyday people to shift the conversation in their own communitiesThe data is clear. Refugees strengthen Canada's workforce, arrive ready to contribute, see their incomes grow, and become citizens at remarkable rates. But as Kaylee reminds us — this was never just about economics. It's about who we want to be.Ready to act?Learn about refugee sponsorship at mcc.orgJoin the We're Better Together campaign at the Canadian Council for Refugees: https://mcc.org/better-togetherExplore the Hearts of Freedom project: heartsoffreedom.orgUse the discussion guide on our website to bring this conversation to your church or community groupSend us a note at [email protected] — we'd love to hear from youTranscription is here.Discussion guide here.Undercurrents is sponsored in part by Kindred Credit Union.Credits:Production support from Christen KongLogo artwork by Jesse BergenTheme song by Brian MacMillanExecutive produced by Sandra Reimer.

Two public service announcements, some truly disturbing social media comments and a reminder that "We are Better Together!"

Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts!What does it mean to follow Jesus in a world built on systems of oppression? Ken sits down with the prophetic Sarah Augustine - author, scholar, activist and co-founder of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery. We talk about Jesus’ mic-drop moment, we talk about divesting from systems of death, we talk about a one-hundred-year organizing strategy and lots more. This one is challenging - especially for those of us who are comfortable and privileged. It’s never easy hearing from a prophet. Transcription here.Discussion guide here.A Reparative Justice Resource from the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of DiscoveryHearts Exchanged - foundational learning series over 8 months with monthly online discussions. This starts in the Fall every year but you can sign up first)Connect to the Canadian chapter of the Coalition by emailing [email protected] 🎙️ Undercurrents is proudly sponsored by Kindred Credit Union — cooperative banking that connects values and faith with finances. Visit kindredcu.com to open an account today.Undercurrents is hosted by Ken Ogasawara, with production support from Christen Kong. Theme music by Brian MacMillan. Cover art by Jesse Bergen. Executive produced by Sandra Reimer.

Watch the video here: It's relief sale season in Ontario! As the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale celebrates its 60th anniversary — and an extraordinary $15 million raised over six decades — we're re-releasing one of our favourite episodes with a fresh coat of paint.Episode 16 "Bidder Sweet" tells the story of one of the most electrifying moments in quilt auction history, featuring legendary quilter Renske Helmuth, auctioneer Gary Jantzi, and a bidding war that had a thousand people on their feet. We've gone back and added video footage and photos throughout, so if you've only ever listened, this one is worth watching on YouTube or Spotify.And if you're in Ontario, mark your calendars — the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale is the last Friday and Saturday of May, and this year's milestone celebration promises to be something special. Don't miss the Voices Together Community Hymn Sing on Friday night — no audition required.Click here for a list of all the relief sales across Canada and the US!🎙️ Undercurrents is proudly sponsored by Kindred Credit Union — cooperative banking that connects values and faith with finances. Visit kindred.cu.com to open an account today.

In this episode of Undercurrents, Ken Ogasawara connects stories from Guatemala to a high school in Ontario to explore how climate action can be a form of peacebuilding.Meeting MCC partners in Guatemala, Ken witnesses how climate change is disrupting crops, livelihoods, and families—forcing difficult choices like migration. Yet communities respond with resilience and practical action, especially through youth learning new ways to care for the land.Back home, those same seeds take root at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, where students turn inspiration into action—planting gardens, creating habitat, and reimagining their relationship with the land.Instead of feeling overwhelmed, this episode invites you to “zoom in.” What’s one small, local step you can take toward climate action for peace?👉 Take action with MCC: https://mcc.org/what-we-do/initiatives/climate-change/climate-action-peace/take-action-peaceWant to learn Spanish? Study theology in Latin America? We highly recommend our friends at SEMILLA who hosted us beautifully for our stay. https://semillagt.org/Undercurrents is hosted by Ken Ogasawara, with production support from Christen Kong. Theme music by Brian MacMillan. Cover art by Jesse Bergen. Executive produced by Sandra Reimer.This episode is sponsored by ⁠Kindred Credit Union⁠.If you have questions or thoughts about the episode, you can reach us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

What makes MCC thrift shops the best?In this episode, Ken Ogasawara goes behind the scenes of MCC Thrift to follow the life of a donation—from the moment it’s received to the moment it finds a new home (or gets repurposed in surprising ways). Along the way, we hear from Mark Patfield, General Manager of the MCC New Hamburg Thrift Centre, who offers a window into the care, structure, and decision-making that shape what ends up on the shelves.The episode also introduces us to some of the people who make these spaces what they are. Volunteers like Isabella, and longtime contributors Edna and Margaret, describe a culture that’s hard to replicate elsewhere—one marked by joy, purpose, and a shared sense that even small tasks matter.At the same time, Ken reflects on the tension many of us feel living in a culture that constantly pushes us to buy more. The familiar phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle, renew” takes on new meaning here—not as a slogan, but as a set of choices that can shape how we live, spend, and relate to one another.Undercurrents is hosted by Ken Ogasawara, with production support from Christen Kong. Theme music by Brian MacMillan. Cover art by Jesse Bergen. Executive produced by Sandra Reimer.This episode is sponsored by Kindred Credit Union.If you have questions or thoughts about the episode, you can reach us at [email protected].

Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube or wherever you listen to podcasts!How should non-Indigenous Christians engage in Truth and Reconciliation? What does it really mean to “love your neighbor” on Turtle Island?What does it actually look like to move from charity to relationship?In this second and final episode of our two-part series, we continue a powerful conversation with three non-Indigenous Christian panelists reflecting on their journeys toward meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities.Together, they wrestle with some hard but necessary questions:Why must the Church move beyond evangelism and charity mindsets?What does it mean to become a good neighbour—or even a relative?And where do we begin, practically, when we don't know where to start?MCC Ontario is committed to TRC Call to Action 60 which calls on churches and church organizations to respect Indigenous spiritualities in their own right. Download the transcription here.Download the discussion guide here.Continue your learning:May 12, 2026 - Pow Wows 101, an introductory event from MCC's Indigenous Neighbours teamHearts Exchanged - foundational learning series over 8 months with monthly online discussions. This starts in the Fall every year but you can sign up first)“Becoming Kin” by Patty Krawec https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506478258/Becoming-Kin“Native: Identity, Belonging, and Rediscovering God” by Kaitlin Curticehttps://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/native-identity-belonging-and-rediscovering-god/9781587434310.html?searchType=products&searchTerm=native%20rediscovering%20god“21 Things you may not know about the Indian Act” by Bob Joseph https://21things.ca/Undercurrents Ep 9: Merle’s story: the journey of a former residential school worker https://mcc.org/our-stories/undercurrents-merles-storyCredits:Undercurrents is sponsored in part by Kindred Credit UnionProduction assistance from Christen KongTheme music by Brian MacMillanArtwork by Jesse BergenExecutive produced by Sandra Reimer

How should non-Indigenous Christians engage in Truth and Reconciliation? What does it really mean to “love your neighbour” on Turtle Island?In this special live panel episode of Undercurrents, recorded at Westside Church in Burlington in partnership with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), we explore what it means for non-Indigenous Christians to become neighbours worth knowing.Featuring reflections from Karen Ward, Dr. Samuel Sarpiya and Doug McLachlin, three people with different starting points and paths on this life-long journey, this conversation moves beyond good intentions to honest reflection.MCC Ontario is committed to TRC Call to Action 60 which calls on churches and church organizations to respect Indigenous spiritualities in their own right. Download the transcription here.Download the discussion guide here.Listen and subscribe at ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Youtube ⁠or wherever you listen to podcasts!Continue your learning:Pow Wows 101, an introductory event from MCC's Indigenous Neighbours team“Becoming Kin” by Patty Krawec https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506478258/Becoming-Kin“Native: Identity, Belonging, and Rediscovering God” by Kaitlin Curticehttps://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/native-identity-belonging-and-rediscovering-god/9781587434310.html?searchType=products&searchTerm=native%20rediscovering%20god“21 Things you may not know about the Indian Act” by Bob Joseph https://21things.ca/Undercurrents Ep 9: Merle’s story: the journey of a former residential school worker https://mcc.org/our-stories/undercurrents-merles-storyCredits:Undercurrents is sponsored in part by Kindred Credit UnionProduction assistance from Christen KongTheme music by Brian MacMillanArtwork by Jesse BergenExecutive produced by Sandra Reimer

What makes a good neighbourhood?Low crime rates? Strong property values? Walkability and good schools?In Episode 33 of Undercurrents, host Ken Ogasawara travels to the Queenston neighbourhood in St. Catharines, Ontario—a community many outsiders label “the worst neighbourhood in the city.” But is that the whole story?Ken spends the day with Tim Shields, MCC Community Mobilizer and longtime Queenston resident, exploring how relationships, dignity, and grassroots peacebuilding are reshaping what it means to be a good neighbour.This episode explores:Community development in marginalized neighbourhoodsFaith-based peacebuilding and the work of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)Homelessness, addiction, and safe consumption sitesFood insecurity and the reality of living in a food desertAffordable grocery store initiatives and local partnershipsWhat it really means to “walk alongside” your neighboursYou’ll hear from Queenston residents, local church leaders, and MCC staff about how presence, partnership, and shared meals can transform both people and systems.Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube or wherever you listen to podcasts!Download transcription here.Download discussion guide here.Credits:Undercurrents is sponsored in part by ⁠Kindred Credit Union⁠.Production assistance from Christen KongTheme music by Brian MacMillanArtwork by Jesse BergenExecutive produced by Sandra Reimer