As we mark Remembrance Day today, join us in pausing to remember all those who served and sacrificed for Canada in the past. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13, NIV). Let us also remember to thank those who continue to serve today.
Rick Hiemstra is a former Wesleyan pastor who now directs the EFC's Centre for Research on Church and Faith. In the most recent episode of the Faith Today Podcast, he and host David Guretzki reflect on increasing concerns over upcoming pastor retirements and the shrinking numbers of future pastors.
Remembering John Newton
Did you know this year marks 300 years since the birth of John Newton, composer of the hymn “Amazing Grace”? Historian Grant Gordon writes in the Nov/Dec Faith Today about how “Newton’s remarkable life is wonderful proof that, in his words, ‘Grace has long and strong arms.’”
Subscribe for free to Faith Today, the EFC’s Canadian Christian magazine, for columns on history, theology, digital technology and more, as well as many other informative and encouraging articles.
Government confirms no plans to remove advancing religion as charitable purpose
The Finance Minister has confirmed that the government “is not considering amending the Income Tax Act to remove the advancement of religion as a qualifying charitable purpose, nor is it actively developing policy on this issue.” The EFC has also received direct, official confirmation from the Finance Department. See the EFC’s latest update on charitable status.
Faith sharing needs love as its foundation
Ontario ministry leader Tim Whitehead, author of the new book Love Personified, shares how he learned love needs to precede introducing others to Jesus. Read his new post at FaithToday.ca/Blog.
Coming Events at TheEFC.ca/Calendar
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Where Are You, God? Conference for Women (TGC), Oakville, Nov. 13-15
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Cross-cultural Training and Mosque Tour (CCCOWE/LMT), Vancouver, Nov. 13 (training), Burnaby, Nov. 14 (visit)
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Ottawa Ready to Respond Information Event (Love Ottawa), Ottawa, Nov. 13, 15
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Annual Charity & Not-for-Profit Law Webinar (Carters), online, Nov. 13
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Practical Pathways to Community Integration for Every Church (Church Vitalization), online, Nov. 13
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After Alpha, What’s Next? (Alpha Canada), online, Nov. 13
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Ottawa Ready to Respond Information Event (Love Ottawa), Ottawa, Nov. 13, 15
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Moving Forward in Faith (Resonate Global), Oakville, Nov. 14–15
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Jubilee Walks for Climate and Debt Justice (FTLOC), nationwide, Nov. 14-16
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Rise Canada Leadership Tour (Natalie Runion/Gather Women), Toronto, Nov. 14; Regina, Nov. 15; Calgary, Nov. 18; Vancouver, Nov. 19
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Pastors and Leaders Prayer Forum (BGEA Canada, Ignite Prayer Canada), online, Nov. 19
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Ministry Leaders Renewal Retreat (FOTFC), Nestleton, Ont., Nov. 17–24; Priddis, Alta., Nov. 17–24
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ELO Forum (ELO Network), Toronto, Nov. 19
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Pastors and Leaders Prayer Forum (BGEA, Ignite), online, Nov. 19
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Why Everyone Should Be Religious (Ross Douthat / Cardus), Ottawa, Nov. 20
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A Lausanne Canada Get-Together, Langley, B.C., Nov. 20
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VGA Connect Network (PRN Canada), Vancouver, Nov. 21
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Ontario Filipino Ministerial Fellowship 25th Anniversary, Toronto, Nov. 22
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Canadian Stories of Transforming Culture (TOWC), online, Nov. 25, Dec. 23
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The Spiritual Discipline of Deconstruction (Angela Bick / Flourishing Congregations Institute), online, Nov. 28