 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Since Facebook no longer allows us to share most links, and since we know you love interesting things as much as we do, we thought we would try a new newsletter format once a month that collects a variety of news, book reviews, grassroots action, and personal snippets from our team.
That is, the 12-step action plan for building a relationship with your elected representative. This month, it’s especially easy to take action. Send a Christmas card to your MP, MLA/MPP, or another elected individual you’d like to connect with. Typically do a family photo card but don’t necessarily want to send a stranger a picture of your family? The Dollar Store has a great selection of blank Christmas cards you can write a little note in! Although a picture of you might help your representative recognize you at that next community event you attend together…
– COLIN POSTMA
– RYAN MANS
ANNA – BEING MORTAL: MEDICINE AND WHAT MATTERS IN THE END
Surgeon and author Atul Gawande looks at meaning and purpose in aging and how advances in medical care have changed death and dying. The ARPA interns read and discussed this book as part of their education on elder care and palliative care, and it’s a book I’d recommend every person who thinks they or a loved one might die one day take the time to read. It’s very readable and story-based, with plenty of facts and information thrown in. While in the end he concludes he would support limited euthanasia, his thoughts on hard conversations and genuine care for people are well worth reading and discussing.
ARPA TEAM – WHEN PEOPLE ARE BIG AND GOD IS SMALL
Every Wednesday, the ARPA team gathers for a staff meeting and team devotions. Our recent read by Ed Welch focused on the danger of falling into a fear of man that is greater than our fear of God. We were reminded to focus on God’s greatness and glory, so minimizing our own fear of failure and embarrassment, and our people pleasing tendencies. A biblical and convicting reminder, and a highly recommended read for anyone who tends to worry what other people think of them.
SMALL COURT VICTORY FOR TEACHER WHO SPOKE OUT AGAINST TRANSGENDER BOOKS (NATIONAL POST)
Ontario Superior Court Justice James Ramsay defended a teacher shut down for questioning transgender-promoting literature that was being introduced to the school library for elementary children. “What happened here should not happen in a democratic society,” he said, in a ruling which strongly upheld freedom of speech, saying that no topic, including medical transition for minors, was off the table for discussion. This is encouraging, as we continue to promote dialogue on this issue through our Let Kids Be campaign.
PRO-LIFE LAWS SAVING THOUSANDS OF LIVES IN THE US (NATIONAL REVIEW)
A study out of Germany following the defeat of Roe v. Wade found a marked increase in live births in states with strong pro-life laws. The researchers suggest that “state pro-life laws enacted after the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision in June 2022 resulted in 32,000 more children being born.”
CANADIAN PSYCHIATRISTS SAY NO TO MAID FOR MENTAL ILLNESS
(IMPACT ETHICS)
Many Canadian psychiatrists are arguing against claims that euthanasia can be confidently delivered to those with severe mental illness. Based on research, they say that “MAiD assessors will be wrong over half the time when predicting
irremediability, will wrongly believe they are filtering out suicidality, and will instead provide death to marginalized suicidal individuals who could have improved. That is the ultimate discrimination.”
GRASSROOTS ACTION
We have seen school clubs visiting seniors, chapters getting together to write letters, a pro-life flag display in Ontario and pro-life signs in Alberta…action is always happening across the country, in many unique and creative ways! See what’s up and get inspired by viewing the action at https://profiles.arpacanada.ca/feed/
- sign in or sign up for your own ARPA profile to see everyone’s submissions.
The Nintendo company was founded in 1889, starting out as a playing card company.
Ever wanted to toss your phone into oblivion? Finland is the place to be for the annual Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships. With different rules for freestyle and original over-the-shoulder throwing options, the winner walks away with a brand new mobile phone.
The official national animal of Scotland is the unicorn.
Tell us honestly what you think of this new format. Is monthly enough? More than enough? Are there areas you hoped would be included in a monthly ARPA update? Did anything make you smile? Reply to this email if you’d like to share your thoughts – we’d love to hear from you and incorporate your feedback into future newsletters!