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EFC Update Newsletter May 18, 2021

18 May 2021

Assisted Dying: Submission to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario

The EFC is participating in the CPSO consultation on its Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) policy. The EFC’s submission shares our perspective and concerns about conscience protection and care of those who are vulnerable and recommends specific changes to the policy.

Join the EFC’s Book Discussion Tonight on Reaching Emerging Adults

Even if you haven’t read the book, please join us tonight at 7 p.m. Eastern time. We're hosting an online book discussion on the theme of reaching and keeping unchurched emerging adults. And you're invited! We'll host a panel with author Beth Seversen to discuss her book Not Done Yet: Reaching and Keeping Unchurched Emerging Adults (www.ivpress.com/not-done-yet). Register now to join us for 1.5 hours to hear from the author, discuss the book in small groups and then engage in a live Q and A with her. Co-hosted by the EFC and Youth Worker Community.

The EFC’s Rick Hiemstra to Speak on Parenting Emerging Adults

On Thursday, May 20, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Alberta time (MDT) or 9:00 - 10:30 p.m. EDT, Rock Pointe Church invites you to join New Territory: Parenting Emerging Adults, a special Zoom event for Christian parents of young adults. The panel includes the EFC’s Rick Hiemstra, Iona Snair of Lifeteams and Sid Koop of Truth Matters Ministries.

June 16 Covid Prayer Event

EFC President Bruce Clemenger and Prayer Ambassador Roger Helland are facilitating an EFC affiliate-wide Zoom Prayer Gathering specifically for Covid-19 on June 16 from 11:00 a.m. – noon (ET). With designated worship and large group prayer leaders and small group breakout rooms, we will pray with and for those affected by Covid: for those infected and those who’ve suffered loss, for front-line medical personnel, for the psychological, social and economic impact, and for pastors and churches people. The Zoom link will be sent out soon to all EFC affiliates.

Interview with Faith Today Senior Editor

Faith Today senior editor Bill Fledderus was a guest on 700 Club Canada on May 10. In his interview, he spoke about how Christians need each other and how Faith Today magazine can be a trustworthy host for Christian conversations, even on issues where we differ.

New Podcast: How to Love Our Actual Neighbours

When Lynda MacGibbon moved from Moncton to a high-rise in Toronto, she asked herself what would happen if she actually tried to love her neighbour, in person, in deed, and in a hi-rise. Listen to our new podcast with Lynda. 

Dispatch from WEA Ambassador: Meet my Friend, Henry Nouwen

“Henri Nouwen was a Catholic priest, but a large portion of his audience was Evangelicals.” World Evangelical Alliance ambassador Brian Stiller introduces readers to his friend Henri Nouwen in this article and podcast.

Covid-19 Prayer Prompts for Friday@4

The EFC now offers weekly prayer suggestions at TheEFC.ca/Covid-19. While you can of course pray about these topics anytime, the EFC is promoting a special communal time of each Friday at 4:00 p.m. Please consider setting a reminder and then praying at the same hour in your time zone along with other Christians.

The Pastoral Imperative

The Church and clergy used to play three key functions in society: prophetic, priestly and pastoral, says EFC President Bruce Clemenger. In a secular society, the first two functions are often dismissed, but “the pastoral function is however still seen and valued – essential even in a secularized society. Pastoral forms of service…are ones we can all cultivate as we come alongside others.” Read more in the latest Faith Today.

Get more unique Canadian Christian journalism like this by signing up at FaithToday.ca/SubscribeFree, financially supported by advertising revenue and reader donations (FaithToday.ca/Donate). Thank you for helping enable this important ministry. 

Coming Events at TheEFC.ca/Calendar

→ Book Discussion on Reaching Emerging Adults (EFC/YWC), online May 18
→ Biblical Obedience for Business Leadership (CCBF), online May 19
→ Married to the Minister: Joys and Struggles (Karen Stiller/JFJ), online May 20
→ EFC Pentecost Prayer: All Affiliates and Staff, online May 20
→ Step into Impact: Exploring the Leader’s Operational Model (Food for the Hungry), May 20 
→ Discovering God at Work in Your Neighbourhood (Forge), online May 20, June 3, 17
→ Religion and Refugee Resettlement in Canada (Cardus), online May 20
→ Parenting Emerging Adults (RockPointe Church/EFC), online May 20
→ Historymaker Youth Conference (PAOC BC), online May 21
→ The Justice Conference – Global (Tearfund), online May 22
→ Conversations with Craig and Medine Keener (Women Together), online May 26
→ National Prayer Breakfast / Christian Youth Summit (Ottawa Parliamentary Prayer), online May 27
→ National Christian Youth Summit, online May 27
→ Christian Higher Education Conference (CHEC), online May 31-June 3
→ Une soirée au sommet (La Rencontre au Sommet), en ligne 1 juin
→ Treaty and Covenant: Creating Space for Hope (NAITTS), online June 3-5
→ Spiritual Parenting: Raising Disciples at Home (Tyndale SFC), online June 5, 12, 19, 26
→ Discovery Course (Pioneer Bible Translators), online June 6-June 8
→ Ageing and Spirituality Conference (Conrad Grebel University College), online June 10
→ EFC online presentation at Abbotsford Church, online June 15
→ Why are women still among the most vulnerable among us? (P2P), online June 17

Publicize your event for free on our calendar and we will also share it in this email newsletter.

In Case You Missed It
 

Bill C-268 Protection of Freedom of Conscience Act to Be Debated Soon
Dispatch from WEA Ambassador: A new global leader for Evangelicals (Dispatch from WEA Ambassador Brian Stiller)
Mark Noll and that weird word Evangelical (podcast)
→ Sample letter on conversion therapy bill (pdf docx)
Ode to Reading (Faith Today article)
Invitation to create (Faith Today call for homemade art, deadline June 30)
Nouvelles ressources en français / New French-language resources (on EFC website)