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EFC Update Newsletter July 28, 2020

28 July 2020

The EFC responds to Blackbaud data breach

The EFC received notice on July 16 that Blackbaud, one of the world’s largest fundraising and financial management software companies, was the victim of a cyberattack in May, which included backup data from the EFC. No donor credit card or banking information was involved. Blackbaud paid a ransom in exchange for assurances that data and any existing copies thereof were then destroyed by the attackers and not further disclosed. The EFC will be monitoring how Blackbaud learns and recovers from this incident.

Cybersecurity attacks are increasingly common. But they make everyone who has data stored online – and that is all of us in today’s world – feel very vulnerable. We understand this completely. Our highest priority is protecting our donors as we work together on our mission in Canada. Online giving to the EFC remains secure. You can find out more details, including the EFC’s full statement, here.

Why would anyone go to church? An interview with Kevin Makins

Kevin Makins is founding pastor of Eucharist Church in Hamilton, Ont., and author of the recently released book Why Would Anyone go to Church? A Young Community's Quest to Reclaim Church for Good. Listen to our new podcast with Kevin.

Weekly Pandemic Prayer Meeting

One of the EFC's affiliates, Strategic Renewal Canada, is offering a weekly worship-based Zoom prayer meeting. It is happening each Wednesday at noon Atlantic. Register and receive the Zoom invitation.

God Our Comforter, We Cry Out!

“For some, the [pandemic] restrictions remain annoying or little more than a massive financial investment opportunity. For most, it’s an unsolicited journey into grief.” EFC President Bruce Clemenger explores how God can bring comfort and help us bring comfort in turn to those impacted by the pandemic and government restrictions.

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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.

Coming Events at TheEFC.ca/Calendar

→ Wesley Hill on When Christians Disagree (Regent College), online, July 29
→ Equipping your church to foster racial reconciliation (Jesus Collective), online, July 29
→ World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, July 30
→ It Is Time Prayer Gathering, July 30-Aug. 2, Deadwood, Alta.
→ Hymnody Seminars (Anglican Diocese of Quebec), online, every Wed. July 22 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 

Ministries Pivot in the Pandemic (Faith Today article)
While We Pray for Miracles (new 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