New Canada Watch: How Do Christians Live Out Our Witness in This New Context?
“The Church in Canada must be ready (first) to be led by the Spirit and then (second) to be prepared patiently, humbly, sacrificially and courageously to engage or withdraw as we discern the Spirit’s leading. A one-size fits all strategy doesn’t necessarily align with King Jesus’ sovereign ways.”
Read this reflection by EFC Vice-President and theologian David Guretzki in the latest issue of the EFC newsletter Canada Watch, available as a free download. You can also find more information on the EFC’s Palliative Care Toolkit and the new report on young adult transitions, Renegotiating Faith.
Alberta and Ontario Asking Parents for Curriculum Input
Alberta and Ontario are asking parents for input on new curriculum. Alberta has a draft K-4 curriculum in six subject areas and is holding telephone town halls today and tomorrow. Ontario is asking for input on several subject areas, including sexual education. The Ontario deadline for submissions is December 15, and the province will also hold an online survey and telephone town hall.
Repairing the Cracks: Translating Isaiah’s Call to True Worship into Reconciliation Efforts Today
“Our country has gaping holes left from years of damage in our relationships with Indigenous Canadians…. While relationship repair is hard work, those of us who follow Christ are called by God to do so,” writes Beth Stovell in the latest issue of Faith Today magazine. She is an associate professor of Old Testament at Ambrose University in Calgary and author of Minor Prophets I: Hosea–Micah.
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Improving the EFC Update
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Are You in Ottawa? Save Oct. 20 for a Movie Night
Because of Grácia is a movie by Christian Canadian filmmaker Tom Simes. With a Dove 12+ approval rating, the movie follows the intersecting paths of a group of high school seniors as they face life-altering decisions and navigate faith, friendship and love. Richard Smith of The Christian Film Review says, “This is an exceptional pro-life teen drama that isn’t afraid to tackle difficult daily issues that teenagers face today. It is inspiring, entertaining, humorous and a not to be missed film.” Purchase tickets for showing at Met Bible Church in Ottawa. Learn more about the EFC’s support for this movie tour and how your church can host a screening.
Publicize your event for free.
→ Renegotiating Faith: New Research on Young Adults Discussion, Briercrest, Oct. 16
→ Violence, Injustice, Trauma, and Christian Worship – Dr. John Witvliet, Winnipeg, Oct. 16-17
→ Donald Trump and the Complexity of Evangelicalism – Dr. Molly Worthen, Camrose, Oct. 18
→ Global Leadership Summit—Willow Creek, simulcast to various locations, Oct. 18-19
→ Discipulus 18, Toronto, Oct. 18-19
→ Indigenous Conference: Walking the Good Way Together, Peterborough, Oct. 19
→ Love Is Red Youth and Young Adult Conference, Mississauga, Oct. 19-20
→ MissionFest Toronto’s West Regional Conference, Milton, Oct. 19-20
→ ReImagine Conference, Hamilton, Oct. 19-20
→ Conférence Ministère auprès des enfants, Sherbrooke, Oct. 20
→ Because of Grácia Ottawa movie screening, Oct. 20
→ Laugh for Life Gala Edmonton, Oct. 20; Calgary, Oct. 21
→ Into the Neighbourhood Missional Training Workshop, London, Oct. 23-24; Toronto, Oct. 24-25; Edmonton, Oct. 25-26; Surrey, Oct. 26-27
→ EFC Presidents’ Day, Toronto, Oct. 25
→ Edvance Launch Gala: A Celebration of Christian Education, Hamilton, Oct. 25
→ Called: International Leadership Forum for Women, Guelph, Oct. 25-27
→ Ottawa Civic Prayer Breakfast, Oct. 26
→ G.O. Conference 2018, Scarborough, Brampton, Oct. 26
→ Levite Summit on Worship, Arts and Leadership, Red Deer, Oct. 26-27
→ Youth Ministry Conference, Pierrefonds, Oct. 27
In Case You Missed It
→ Webinar discussion on Renegotiating Faith, major new research on youth and faith, featuring practical advice for churches
→ Leading for the Next Generation: Three Imperatives for Veteran Leaders
→ EFC’s Julia Beazley Speaks to Justice Committee
→ The Shame of Sexual Harassment in the Church
→ EFC V-P David Guretzki at Parliamentary Forum on Religious Freedom