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THE EFC UPDATE - 2013.05.14
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.
CALL TO PRAYER FOR FAMILY, CONGREGATION OF TIM BOSMA
In a phone call to John Veenstra, pastor of the Ancaster (Ont.) Christian Reformed Church, EFC President Bruce J. Clemenger offered his assurance of prayer on behalf of the EFC community toward the family and congregation of Tim Bosma, a man who had been missing since May 6. Just this morning Bosma has been confirmed dead by police. Please join us in prayer – coast to coast – for God’s abiding mercy and grace toward his wife and child, parents and family. To send a word of encouragement to Tim's family, go to www.ancastercrc.org.
EFC BOARD APPOINTS NEW CHAIR
Bill Fietje, president of the Associated Gospel Churches, became chair of the EFC’s board of directors on May 10. Last week the board held its final meeting under past chair David Wells, general superintendent of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. Wells has now completed his term of service, along with board members Jessica Di Sabatino and Angela Droskovic. The board includes members from across the country who ensure the mission, vision and strategic ends are pursued effectively. They work closely with EFC President Bruce J. Clemenger. Please join us in thanking the three who are leaving and in praying for the new chair and all the other board members.
REGISTRATION DISCOUNT ENDS TOMORROW
EFC President Bruce J. Clemenger will be speaking at a conference called Bridging the Secular Divide: Religion and Canadian Public Discourse at McGill University May 27-28. Other speakers include Dr. Andrew Bennett (Canada’s Ambassador of Religious Freedom); MPs Mark Adler, John McKay and Joe Comartin; and journalists Lorna Dueck and Douglas Todd. Early registration discounts are available until May 15.
CARE FOR KIDS IN CARE?
Listen and learn why altruism matters and why long waits in government care (and aging out of government care) are outstanding justice and policy issues for thousands of children and youth across Canada. This month, join with the EFC and the National House of Prayer as we come alongside the efforts of the Ontario Provincial Children and Youth Advocate’s office to make May 14 an awareness day and to work with all provinces to highlight the need to care for kids in care. Visit ASKit! The Well-Being of Children and Youth National Prayer Guide at AdoptionSunday.com where you can click on prayer suggestions from November and May. The site also offers specific insights and links about aging out and intercultural connections.
WEA INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL MEETS
This week EFC President Bruce J. Clemenger is participating in the International Council meetings of the World Evangelical Alliance. The International Council is the governing body elected by the General Assembly of the WEA. Clemenger has served on the council for 10 years.
NO NEED TO RE-OPEN THE ABORTION DEBATE – IT WAS NEVER CLOSED
EFC Legal Counsel Faye Sonier challenges those who state the desire not to “re-open” the abortion debate in Canada in her ActivateCFPL blog post, The Abortion Debate Never Ended.
RELIGION IN CANADA’S CENSUS
EFC Vice-President Don Hutchinson was a feature interviewee in the widely reported Canadian Press story “Religion Marks a Divergent Path Throughout U.S., Canadian History” which reflects on the results of the 2011 National Householder Survey in regard to religion in Canada.
THE CASE OF THE BABY ON THE BALCONY
EFC VP Don Hutchinson is quoted in the Catholic Register as stating that the recent Supreme Court of Canada decision in R. v. Levkovic affirms the constitutional responsibility of Parliament to legislatively address the legal status of the child in the womb.
PRAYER ALERT FOR SYRIA
The EFC’s Religious Liberty Commission issued a prayer alert coinciding with the request of Syrian Christians for a worldwide day of prayer on May 11. Although the date has passed, you are encouraged to pray for Syria. For more information see the prayer alert.
MORE EVENTS
Visit theEFC.ca/calendar to learn about events such as those mentioned above. You can also add your event for free. This week you’ll see a fundraiser in Toronto for the Canadian Council of Churches and three ministry-couples evenings in Newfoundland and Labrador (Grand Falls-Windsor, Mount Pearl, Pasadena), plus other events in Huntsville, Kitchener, Ottawa and Vancouver. The week after includes a youth convention in Edmonton, a writers conference in Vancouver and more. Check it out! New events are added every few days.
PENTECOST
Most churches will celebrate Pentecost this coming Sunday. Author Fred Fulford encourages us to share our own “Pentecost stories” with our children and grandchildren – as well as stories of salvation, provision, judgment and direction. Such family stories are one of the best ways to teach our children and grandchildren theology, according to his article at the EFC website Christianity.ca, Canada’s Christian library online.
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