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THE EFC UPDATE - 2010.02.02
Together for influence, impact and identity Sign up to receive the EFC Update via email every Tuesday to keep up with current news from The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. EFC INTERVENES OVER SAME-SEX MARRIAGE REQUIREMENT
The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal has granted intervenor status to The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) in the Saskatchewan marriage commissioner reference. In July, the Justice Minister of Saskatchewan asked the Court of Appeal for an opinion on potential legislation which would permit marriage commissioners to decline performing same-sex marriages if contrary to their religious beliefs. The EFC will be permitted to file written arguments and attended the Reference on May 13 and 14, 2010 at the Court of Appeal. The EFC will argue in favour of legislation that would protect and ensure the religious and conscience freedoms of marriage commissioners. WHERE THE RUBBER HITS THE ROAD FOR EVANGELICALS IN CANADA
Following a recent Christian Leaders Connection (CLC) event, one participant e-mailed: “By attending this event and being exposed to the teaching and information given there, I feel personally that the EFC is a very worthwhile and capable organization and will promote it among my acquaintances as such.” This participant, and the hundreds of others who have attended, were able to connect their faith and church with the current Canadian culture more effectively after attending a CLC. If you’re curious about the “teaching and information” this person received, register now to attend in Belleville, Feb.16 or another location in March or April. DO YOU THINK YOU NEED TO BE INVOLVED IN MISSION?
Watch this video by the Equipping Evangelists (E2) that helps us to learn that the whole church can be active in mission. To learn more or join a partnership contact E2 National Network Director Paul Simons and become a part of this national movement that is redefining what it means to be an evangelist. EFC BLOGS ON HAITI AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING LEGISLATION
Julia Beazley, research & project coordinator, poverty & homelessness in the EFC’s Centre for Faith and Public Life, commends the Government of Canada for its swift and generous response to the crisis in Haiti. Don Hutchinson, vice-president, general legal counsel, describes the existing human trafficking legislation in Canada and how it falls short. SPECIAL EFC PROMOTION WILL HELP YOU SHOW LOVE TO YOUR NEIGHBOUR
Looking for creative ways to impact your community? Request a free copy of the Celebration DVD when you purchase any other EFC resource before Feb. 28. Celebration is a call to love God with all our hearts and love our neighbours as ourselves. This DVD provides creative ideas for your congregation, small groups and leaders to discuss and apply together how you can impact your neighbourhood. EFC DIRECTOR ATTENDS CONFERENCE
Linda Milke, director of ministry advancement for the EFC, represented the organization for the Ministry to Others conference at Centre Street Church in Calgary from Jan. 30-31. Centre Street is one of the EFC’s more than 800 affiliated congregations. While in Calgary, she met with several EFC supporters. SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT YOUR CHURCH?
An EFC affiliate congregation recently featured in Faith Today commented, “As a church we've delved deeper into the community and have experienced numerous people calling out for help — with food, loss of loved ones, even folks who've been experiencing demonic oppression. All of this because of getting to know our community through acts of kindness.” If your church shares a vision to live incarnationally in your community and your neighbours are talking about it, contact us. Your story could be the next profile in Faith Today. IS HAITI BLESSED OR CURSED? OR IS THAT THE WRONG QUESTION TO ASK?
Bishop Gerald Seale, general secretary of the Evangelical Association of the Caribbean, writes a thoughtful essay on Haiti's current plight and past history, posted on the website of the World Evangelical Alliance, of which the EFC is an associate member. CAN THE CHURCH BE READY FOR THE OLYMPICS?
Is the Canadian Church prepared for the challenges and opportunities offered by Canada's role as Olympic host? Read this article, posted at Christianity.ca, an EFC web initiative for the Christian community in Canada.
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