Stewardship of (Our) Land /Affordable Housing
Stirling has the good fortune to be caretakers of five houses around the church. We have used these resources as one of our Missions, Peace and Justice Ministry initiatives for affordable housing. Following a report to Church Council on Waterloo Region’s affordable housing crisis, we are feeling called to do more with these resources and are looking to complete a thorough discernment of our calling.
To reflect the broader set of decisions Stirling is making about our calling regarding the land on which it sits, we are now referring to the process as “stewardship of (our) land”. While Affordable Housing remains a key part, the new term better incorporates our desire to ensure Creation Care and Honouring the original inhabitants of the land are also reflected in our priorities. We bracket (Our) land since we play a stewardship role for the original inhabitants, our forebears and future generations.
Vision & Values to Guide Discernment on Stewardship of (Our) Land Adopted March 4, 2025
Abbreviated Version
Vision
We will use the land Stirling currently stewards to create inclusive, affordable, and environmentally sustainable housing that encourages community.
Values
In this work, we will embody a Bold Collaborative Spirit as we seek to Honour the Land and Its History. We will exercise Environmental Responsibility and be both ambitious and practical in our Financial Stewardship. A Christ-like Love will guide our choices.
To read the complete Mission, Vision and Values document click here.
Current Discernment Activities
Please contribute your ideas and hear from others on Stirling’s path toward consensus on use of the land we steward.
Expressing Support and Concerns. As a community of faith, we rely on each other to share joys and concerns. We have joy in the 89% of votes supporting (or neutral) about the Vision & Values. Some votes did not support the Vision & Values adopted. We would like to hear those concerns so we can respond as a community. Please, contact a pastor, Laura Enns or Steve Manske if you have a concern.
Can you assist? Do you have a few hours you could contribute? We have challenging topics to consider: financing, incorporating the environment, consultation with folks affected (e.g., indigenous, neighbours, potential tenant groups), planning, design, etc. Do you have expertise or passion in one or more of these areas? We can arrange time-limited involvement that fits your capacity. Please respond to Steve Manske.