New Podcast: Practising the Practices of our Faith
Last year writer Patricia Paddey explored a dozen ancient spiritual practices such as singing and hospitality. One at a time, she gently ushered them into her daily life and faith practice, using a book called Practicing Our Faith. Listen to her summary of the experience on our podcast, or if you prefer you can read her original text version. She also blogs about topics like this on her own site: patriciapaddey.com.
Pulling Back the Curtain on EFC Work in Ottawa
The EFC may sometimes seem to be quiet about our public policy work, but there are good reasons. The new issue of the Canada Watch newsletter features a Q and A with Julia Beazley, director of public policy for the EFC. In it she “pulls back the curtain on the EFC’s work in Ottawa.” Read more at TheEFC.ca/CanadaWatch.
EFC’s Rick Hiemstra Discusses Young Adults Leaving the Church
Rick Hiemstra, EFC’s director of research and media relations, discusses why young adults are leaving the church and how to combat this on the young adult podcast show, indoubt.
Writing Workshops by EFC Editors
Faith Today’s editors are both offering writing workshops in the coming weeks. Bill Fledderus is teaching on Finding Your Way Into Personal Writing and Karen Stiller is teaching on Spiritual Memoir. Check them out here.
Faith Today: Wilderness Blog + Listen to the Groans
“As it was with Hagar in her wilderness, God comes to find us asking us the same questions: Where have you come from? Where are you going?” Elaine Pountney reflects on our experience of wilderness in a new blog post.
Another new item at FaithToday.ca is Carolyn Arends’ latest column. In light of the collective cry for justice heard around the world in recent months, Arends reminds us that the longing for justice is an echo of God’s own heart. “However much we may long for justice, God longs for it more.”
Support the production of more Canadian Christian journalism like this by making a charitable donation or advertising with Faith Today.
Send Us Photos of Your Church Reopening
It’s official — churches across Canada are reopening. We’d love to see how your church is doing this! Send us a photo of your regathering so we can share it on social media.
→ Hymnody Seminars (Anglican Diocese of Quebec), online, every Wed. Aug. 5 to Aug. 26
→ Global Leadership Summit 2020, online, Aug. 6-7
→ Theology Rooted in the Radical Reformation (Jesus Collective), online course, Aug. 12 and 19
→ Plan to Protect through Training, free webinar, Aug. 18
→ Ending poverty together workshop (Feed the Hungry), online, Aug. 18
→ Plan to Protect 101, free webinar, Aug. 18
→ Youth ministry summit (Alpha Canada), online, Aug. 19
→ International Day for Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, Aug. 22
Publicize your event for free on our calendar and we will also share it in this email newsletter.
Changes to Medical Assistance in Dying Law
The federal government has been granted a five-month extension by the Quebec Superior Court before changes to the euthanasia and assisted suicide law take effect. See the EFC’s recent blog on the impact of Bill C-7 on vulnerable Canadians and how you can help, or visit TheEFC.ca/C-7.
A Bill Against Forced Labour
Bill S-211 is a private member’s bill in the Senate that would require large corporations to report on what they are doing to make sure their supply chains are free of slavery, forced labour or child labour. The EFC supports this effort to reduce forced and child labour and to raise awareness about human trafficking. See the EFC’s letter sent in support of this bill plus a sample letter you can use to communicate with your MP at TheEFC.ca/S-211.
Pandemic a Great Time for Learning?
Online course registrations are now open for many seminaries and Christian postsecondary institutions. Several are listed at TheEFC.ca/Calendar. Be sure to check the website of your preferred institution for more opportunities. Or visit www.checonline.ca to search a database of Canadian Christian online courses.
EFC Speakers in Your Online Gathering?
The EFC has local ambassadors in many Canadian provinces and expert staff on a variety of topics. One of them would be delighted to make a presentation at an online gathering of your community. Learn more at TheEFC.ca/Speakers. Request a new topic or mention one listed there, including social issues from euthanasia to refugees to prostitution, and ministry issues from adoption to youth ministry. Request a speaker now!
In Case You Missed It
→ God our comforter, we cry out (Faith Today article)
→ Why would anyone go to church? An interview with Kevin Makins (podcast)
→ Ministering to Seniors with Home Bible Study (Faith Today blog)
→ Sample letter of support for Bill C-219
→ EFC letter of support for Bill C-233
→ The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear a case about whether ecclesiastical decisions about membership are outside of the scope of judicial review. See TheEFC.ca/Aga.
→ Home print subscriptions to our award-winning magazines Faith Today and Love Is Moving are now free in Canada at FaithToday.ca/SubscribeFree.
→ Get your message out at FaithToday.ca/Classifieds. Contact ads@faithtoday.ca