Harmony Vision Statement “Compassionate, inclusive Spirit-filled followers of the Way” Our Living Faith Story

Community of Faith Profile Demographics

Harmony United Church is located in the east end of Saint John, . It is nestled between the two neighbourhoods of Glen Falls and Forest Hills. Harmony is within minutes to local area shopping malls, schools, restaurants, and hospitals and on the Saint John City Transit bus route.

Saint John is home to the University of New Brunswick – Saint John campus which has an affiliation with the Dalhousie University Medical School and the New Brunswick Community College – Saint John campus. Local schools host both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs.

Since 2016, Saint John has had an influx of newcomers with many living near to the church building. The most recent census reports that Saint John’s Ward 4, where the church is located, has a 14.4% poverty rate and 20% child poverty. Glen Falls Elementary, one of the neighbourhood schools, is part of the When Children Succeed, We Break the Cycle demonstration project that receives support from the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative (BCAPI) Saint John, Living Saint John, the province of New Brunswick and Anglophone School District - South. There is a local food bank located within a kilometer of the church building that Harmony United supports.

1 Community of Faith Profile November 2020

Harmony Vision Statement “Compassionate, inclusive Spirit-filled followers of the Way” Our Living Faith Story

For a great visual, please check out this out:

There are lots of opportunities in the region for outdoor and cultural pursuits. The greater Saint John area is home to two beautiful rivers, the St John and Kennebecasis Rivers. The city also lies on the with the highest tides in the world. The use of the river is not season dependent. One can see boaters and swimmers in the summer with numerous marinas located along both. Skating, snowshoeing, and ice fishing in the winter. Downhill skiing is a short 45-minute drive away in Sussex. There is rarely a traffic jam if one wanted to access the outer city limits like Grand Bay-Westfield, Hampton or Quispamsis, it will only take approximately twenty minutes.

2 Community of Faith Profile November 2020

Harmony Vision Statement “Compassionate, inclusive Spirit-filled followers of the Way” Our Living Faith Story

Rockwood Park - Over 55 trails and footpaths will guide you through the Park’s unspoiled charm, with its unusual topography and geography. A Stonehammer Geopark site, Rockwood’s billion years of history can be seen in unique rock formations, caves and waterfalls.

Irving Nature Park - The Irving Nature Park is a 600 acre (243 hectare) site created by J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) to help protect an environmentally significant area. Just minutes from downtown Saint John, this special part of the Fundy coastline is a place where everyone can come and experience the various ecosystems of the Southern New Brunswick coastline.

Stonehammer Geopark – The first North American member of the Global Geoparks Network 2010. We tell ‘a billion years of stories about planet Earth, connecting stories of geology with the community.

3 Community of Faith Profile November 2020

Harmony Vision Statement “Compassionate, inclusive Spirit-filled followers of the Way” Our Living Faith Story

Imperial Theatre - The structure was built and financed by the Keith-Albee Chain of vaudeville houses and was erected upon the site of the Lyceum Theatre that was destroyed during the Great Fire of Saint John in 1877. In August 1982, a local group decided that the building should again be home to the performing arts in Saint John. Over the next 11 years, the theatre was reconstructed to its original 1913 grandeur. The official reopening of Imperial Theatre was held on May 24, 1994.

TD (formerly Harbour Station) Station - Since opening in October 1993, TD Station has played host to some of the best entertainers and athletes in the world. They have hosted 2 World Championship competitions, a National competition and 2 International competitions. Currently, TD Station is the home of the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Irving Oil Field House – Opened its doors in the fall of 2019 and plays host to many field-sporting groups such as soccer, football, frisbee and other typical field sports. Sports such as fencing, judo, cricket, and track and field will now have a grand indoor facility to call home. The 127 000 square foot facility, is operated by the YMCA of Saint John and includes two artificial turf surfaces, a walking and running track, childcare and after school programs as well as Newcomer Connections services It is within walking distance of Harmony United.

4 Community of Faith Profile November 2020

Harmony Vision Statement “Compassionate, inclusive Spirit-filled followers of the Way” Our Living Faith Story

New River Provincial Park - New River Beach Provincial Park is situated along the Bay of Fundy in Charlotte County with a total land area of approximately 900 acres. New River Beach is a critical component of the “Stonehammer GeoPark”.

Fundy National Park - Experience the world’s highest tides – not to mention pristine forests, deluxe campgrounds and a taste of Atlantic culture – at . With unique camping options – including yurts – and even regular music performances, Fundy is a Maritime treasure.

Harmony United Church Congregation Demographics

AGE Number # of Households Geographically located 0-20 38 55 Neighbourhood 20-30 5 20 East side 30-40 20 9 North 40-50 19 4 West 50-60 18 15 Quispamsis 60-70 24 18 Rothesay 70-80 29 8 Beyond 80-90 27 90-100 3 100+ 1

5 Community of Faith Profile November 2020