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EFC Update Newsletter March 31, 2020

31 March 2020

Prayer and Witness During Pandemic: An Update from the EFC's President

Thank you to all who participated this past Sunday in the Global Day of Fasting and Prayer called by the EFC in partnership with the World Evangelical Alliance. In the days to come we will continue to join together in heightened ways as prayer initiatives continue.

According to Philippians 4:6-7, we are told not to be anxious but “in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This is followed by a promise: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

May we each know His peace in these trying and uncertain times. May this be our witness, our light which shines brightly in the current storm.

Read the full statement by EFC President Bruce Clemenger.

Religious Leaders Publish Joint Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

More than 80 religious leaders across Canada, including more than 30 EFC affiliate leaders, have published a joint response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ecumenical and interfaith message “Hope, Gratitude and Solidarity” has also been signed by EFC President Bruce Clemenger and EFC Vice-President Aileen Van Ginkel in her role as co-chair of the Canadian Interfaith Conversation. 

The message was initiated by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Canadian Rabbinic Caucus with assistance and support from the EFC, Canadian Council of Churches and the Canadian Interfaith Conversation. Download in English or en français. 

Letter to Government on Wage Subsidies

The EFC sent a joint letter to the federal government March 27 asking if announced wage subsidies of up to 75% will also be available to registered charities. The letter was also signed by the Canadian Council of Christian Charities and the Canadian Council of Churches. On March 30 the government did indeed announce that charities will be included in the increased subsidies. Details on regulations and application process are expected to be released tomorrow.

EFC President Joins Charitable Leaders in Conference Call with Government

EFC President Bruce Clemenger along with other leaders of the Canadian charitable sector participated in a conference call last Thursday hosted by Centre for Israeli and Jewish Affairs with the Hon. Ahmed Hussein, Minister of Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, to discuss the vital work of the sector.

A number of proposals were raised, including an increase in the announced 10% wage subsidy and matching grants whereby the government would match donations raised by charities.

Provincial Regulations for Churches

The EFC is consulting with the Canadian Council of Christian Charities to clarify and update provincial limits to gathering sizes and distancing regulations that apply to churches. See the CCCC website for details on different provinces.

Great Ideas from Our Webinar on Being Church and Neighbour During COVID-19 

You can now watch yesterday’s EFC webinar in which viewers shared what their churches are doing and other ideas on how we can continue to be “church and neighbour” during the pandemic. 

Would your church be interested in participating in the EFC audio podcast? Every couple of weeks, while the COVID-19 situation unfolds, we want to interview church leaders about their creative responses and ministries. Please email podcast host Karen Stiller. 

New Podcast: What Is Spiritual Direction? 

What is spiritual direction? In our new podcast, spiritual Director Cathy McMulkin explains the heart of this ancient practice. 

Following Conscience Is Not Foolproof 

Have you ever been told to just follow your conscience? “Many assume our conscience is inherently trustworthy and would never lead us astray,” writes EFC Vice-President and Resident Theologian David Guretzki. “However, it’s entirely possible for our consciences, even as Christians, to be misguided, twisted or unreliable.” Read his advice on how we can fine-tune our consciences to God’s Word. 

Support the production of more uniquely Canadian Christian journalism like this by donating or subscribing to the EFC magazine Faith Today. 

Our Collection of COVID-19 Resources for Churches 

The EFC is curating a collection of resources for churches at TheEFC.ca/COVID-19. Your contributions of articles, event notifications and other resources can be submitted there. 

Coming Events at TheEFC.ca/Calendar

Online course registrations are now open for many seminaries and Christian postsecondary institutions. Several are listed on our calendar:

→ Trinity Western University online summer courses (courses starting April, May, June, July)
→ Master’s College & Seminary (courses starting May 4 and June 22)
→ Providence College & Seminary (courses starting Sept. 17)
→ Horizon College (courses starting April, May, June either free to audit or discounted prices for credit)
Be sure to check the website of your local institution for more learning opportunities.
→ COVID Hackathon (FaithTech), online, March 28-April 4
→ Wednesdays of Prayer and Fasting, Vancouver, March 25, April 1, etc.
→ Fridays Webinars: Preparing your church for coronavirus (Wheaton/NAE), online, noon Central time, April 3, etc.
→ Good Friday, April 10
→ Good Seed Sunday (A Rocha), nationwide, April 26
Publicize your event for free on our calendar and we will also share it in this email newsletter. 

In Case You Missed It

Peace in the pandemic: Tips on mental and spiritual health (audio podcast from March 24)
Joint letter thanking government for support during COVID-19 (from March 24)
Blazing new trails in Atlantic Canada: How the ancient spiritual practice of pilgrimage meets modern needs (Faith Today cover story Mar/Apr)
Update on Bill C-8: Conversion Therapy (2-min video from March 12)
Update on Bill C-7: Medical Assistance in Dying (2-min video from March 12)