TrueCity is a movement of churches in the Hamilton area committed to living out the good news of peace, justice and reconciliation in Christ for the transformation and good of the city.
Background: Hamilton
In the summer of 2004 two Hamilton churches and International Teams initiated a movement that creates opportunities for churches to learn from each other and to work together for the shalom of the city. The TrueCity Movement is now working with six core churches who share information, collaborate on projects, discover resources and learn together.
The first International Teams sponsored TrueCity Conference held in 2005 was attended by members of more than 20 Hamilton churches. Ninety churches attended the conference in 2007. Some of the projects on which TrueCity churches have collaborated have to do with dealing with problems of addiction, mental illness, community involvement, church planting, the environment, the arts and refugees.
International Teams' Involvement:
In 2004, International Teams missionaries to Canada from the Philippines were instrumental in establishing Micah House, a transitional refugee home. Micah House continues to be a recipient of funds from the RIDE for Refugees. TrueCity engages Hamilton through a number of International Teams sponsored initiatives such as the Annual Backpack Initiative in partnership with Kidsfest in which backpacks stocked with school supplies are given out to needy children in Hamilton every fall. In 2007, 2100 backpacks were distributed. Also, with funding from the Voortman Foundation, the TrueCity Movement will initiate the Missional Development Project which will develop resources that help congregations to become more missional. The Refugee Welcome Project is another initiative that aims to assist congregations in discerning the contours of their call to welcome refugees/new immigrants. Finally, TrueCity helps churches to understand and connect with each other through the Partnership Development Project.
