The EFC Asks Justice Committee to Reconsider Criminal Justice Changes
The EFC is asking the Justice Committee to reconsider some of the changes to the criminal justice system proposed in Bill C-75. Among other things, this bill would allow some serious offences related to human trafficking, assaulting clergy and infanticide to be considered as relatively minor summary conviction offences. The EFC’s brief says these changes send the wrong message about these serious offences.
Minister Consulting with MPs, Stakeholders, on Changes to Canada Summer Jobs
Employment Minister Patty Hajdu is consulting with MPs and stakeholders on changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program for 2019. Take a few minutes to remind your MP of your concerns with the attestation and ask for changes. See our sample letter to MPs.
Audio Podcast: When Sexual Misconduct Hits the Church
David Martin is executive minister of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada and is an expert in dealing with issues of sexual misconduct within the Church. In this podcast, he explores with us the devastation wrought by this kind of transgression in the Church, the bare minimum protections required and how healing can best happen.
Your Stories of Palliative Care—Terence McQuiston
Each time, she spoke momentarily, then quickly drifted off again. The first time, her eyes opened wide and with a big wide-open smile as if pleasantly surprised, she looked me in the face and said, "Terry!" The last time it was to say, "I love you." Terence McQuiston's personal story about his aunt is the last in the 'Your Stories of Palliative Care' series. Thank you to everyone for your beautiful and touching stories. The stories support our Palliative Care Toolkit, a great small-group discussion resource which you can download.
Back to School and Mentoring Relationships
This week, some students are starting university away from home for the first time. According to the Renegotiating Faith report, ongoing mentorship from the student’s church back home is “one of the most significant factors correlated to young adults connecting with and continuing on in Christian communities after high school. A mentoring relationship helps young adults walk through their identity formation, and the presence of a mentoring relationship is a sign that a young adult is well integrated into their home church community.’The EFC, Power to Change - Students, InterVarsity Canada, Youth for Christ and Truth Matters Ministries partnered on this research to discover how we can help our teens stay connected to church and faith as they move on from high school. Download the full report for free.
How Can the Church Be a Loving Neighbour? A Tale of Two Witnesses
Jason Pino remembers. "I felt God saying to me, ‘Stop saying there is nothing you can do and start trusting in what God says is possible.’ I felt God calling me to open an emergency shelter for homeless youth. A place where hope could be restored, and where hope would inspire the change that God wanted to bring to their lives." This feature article on responses to poverty is now available on the EFC website. It is free online, but you can also help us produce more such articles and receive our print magazine by subscribing at FaithToday.ca/subscription.
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→ Rise Up Healing Conference, Vancouver, Sept. 7
→ Everlasting Expo and Convention, Calgary, Sept. 7-8
→ Conférence de l’Education Chretienne, Montréal, Sept. 8
→ Freedom Session Leadership Training, Calgary, Sept. 8; Surrey, Sept. 15; Toronto, Sept. 22
→ Jesus in the City Toronto Parade, Toronto, Sept. 8
→ Conflict Management and Transformation, North York, Sept. 8
→ Developing Inter-cultural Leaders, North York, Sept. 13
→ Canadian International Faith & Family Film Festival, Toronto, Sept. 14-16
→ COLAB Youth Leaders Summit, Vancouver, Sept. 15
→ MCC Festival for World Relief, Abbotsford, Sept. 14-15
→ Women on the Frontlines Mentoring Weekend, Halifax, Sept. 14-15
→ Beth Moore Simulcast, Oakville, Sept. 15
→ Conférence Ministère auprès des enfants / Youth Ministry Conference (Awana, CEF), Québec, Sept. 15; Gatineau, Sept. 22; Montréal, Sept. 29
→ Faith and Science Lecture Series, Vancouver, Sept. 18-19
→ Human Trafficking Day of Prayer, International, Sept. 23
→ Lydia’s Daughters: A conference for women pastors, Hamilton, Sept. 25
→ Christians and Politics: Mark Noll Compares America, Canada, Britain; Vancouver, Sept. 26-27
→ Christian Legal Fellowship National Conference, New Westminster, Sept. 27-30
In Case You Missed It
→ EFC Statement on TWU Making Its Covenant Optional for Students
→ Trinity Western’s Controversial Community Covenant--An Interview with TWU President Bob Kuhn (Audio Podcast)
→ Aug/Sept Canada Watch: The TWU Decision and the Big Picture of Our Witness in Canada
→ Eulogy Virtues: How the Celebration of a Life is Changing Mine
→ Permission to See Jesus (Faith Today blog)