Join Tomorrow’s Mentoring Webinar
Research shows that young people do better when caring adults invest in their lives. That is true for most of us. What exactly is mentoring? Why does it matter so much? How can we do it better? How can Christian ministries and churches make mentoring part of their culture? Join our next webinar with expert guests Doug Ward of Arrow Ministries, Marg Gibb of Women Together and Pierre Bergeron of SIS Leadership. With host Karen Stiller.
Sign up now and get an automatic email reminder. Schedule: Jan. 16, 2019 at noon Eastern / 9 a.m. Pacific / 10 a.m. Mountain / 11 a.m. Central / 1 p.m. Atlantic / 1:30 Newfoundland. Our webinars usually last 45 minutes.
Pray for EFC Intervention in CMDS v. CPSO Appeal
A hearing is set for Jan. 21-22, 2019 in the appeal of the legal challenge to the Ontario requirement that doctors provide effective referrals for procedures they object to on grounds of conscience, such as euthanasia and assisted suicide. The EFC was granted leave to intervene in this appeal. Learn more and check for the latest updates at www.TheEFC.ca/CMDS.
EFC Analysis of 2019 Canada Summer Jobs Program Application
The EFC’s analysis of the 2019 Canada Summer Jobs program application is now available. It examines three elements in the 2019 application: new wording for the Employer's Attestation that replaces the unacceptable values test from 2018; new criteria for Ineligible Projects and Job Activities which disqualify organizations that engage primarily or solely in pro-life advocacy work; and a Required Description of Hiring Practices to ensure an inclusive workplace free of discrimination.
Latest Government Letter on Summer Jobs
In a Jan. 11 letter to Employment Minister Patricia Hadju, the EFC welcomed the changes to the attestation in the 2019 Canada Summer Jobs application, and asked for clarification of terms such as "intolerance, discrimination and prejudice" found in the Application Guide. Many Christian organizations were excluded in last year's application process for this program, often used to support summer community service initiatives.
Religion and Society Series Event: Ticket Giveaway
Do you want a better understanding of the relationships between artificial intelligence, cognitive sciences and religious belief? Faith Today editor Karen Stiller will be the moderator for a public discussion on these issues Jan. 25 in Toronto. The EFC magazine, Faith Today, wants to treat two readers to the debate. Email socialmedia@theEFC.ca with a reason you'd like to attend and your name will be entered into a draw to win two free tickets!
You can also buy tickets to attend the event in person, or there is also an option for groups to sign up for free to host a live feed of the event and then a local discussion. What Does It Mean to be Human: Ghosts and Machines will be held at the University of Toronto Convocation Hall. This event, sponsored by Faith Today and several other groups, is part of the Wycliffe College Religion and Society Series of critical conversations on matters of faith, society and public interest.
New Audio Podcast: How Churches Can Walk with Those Suffering and Hurting
Churches are well-positioned to be spiritual first responders to community tragedies. In our new audio podcast, Merle Doherty, manager of the Rapid Response Team of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada, shares how we can do that well, even as individual Christians and friends.
Crisis Response: How Your Church Can Help When Disaster or Tragedy Strikes in Canada
When disaster or tragedy strikes in Canada, local churches are uniquely positioned to be a comfort in terrible times. In this article by Faith Today editor Karen Stiller, read stories from church leaders who helped out in the midst of crisis, along with recommendations for how individual Christians and churches can help prepare for disaster response.
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Cardus Survey on Christian Education and Faith Development
Our friends at Cardus are reaching out to church pastors in hopes of enlisting their help in a new study of church leader perceptions and children’s faith development. Cardus Education is working with The Barna Group via an online survey. The survey is about 20 minutes in length. Kindly consider helping Cardus by clicking on the link and completing the survey before January 31, 2019.
Cardus writes: “Christian schools in Canada face a number of challenges, yet despite these challenges, a significant number of parents in Canada desire and choose a religiously oriented education for their children. Church pastors can play a valuable role in helping parents with these important decisions and often have significant relationships with schools. But a changing context may also serve to influence the norms within church communities and how church leaders see themselves in relation to these matters.”
If you are not a church leader, please consider forwarding this request to your pastor, but do not share more broadly. Questions? Contact senior researcher Marisa Casagrande at mcasagrande@cardus.ca.
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→ Journey Discipleship Course, Tuesday evenings, starting Jan. 15 in Vancouver and Feb. 5 in West Kelowna
→ EFC Speaker at Metropolitan Bible Church, Ottawa, Jan. 18-19
→ Missions Fest 2019, Vancouver, Jan. 18-19
→ Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, worldwide, Jan. 18-25
→ EFC Speaker at Carbon Valley Community Church, Carbon, Alta., Jan. 20
→ EFC Speaker at Springside Baptist Church, Springside, Sask., Jan. 20
→ Canadian Youth Workers Conference, Saskatoon, Jan. 25-26
→ Break Forth One, Edmonton, Jan. 25-27
→ Rencontre au Sommet 2019, Granby, Jan. 28-30
→ Global Christian School Leadership Summit, San Antonio, Jan. 30-31
→ EFC Speaker at Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, Jan. 31
→ Canadian Youth Workers Conference, Abbotsford, Feb. 1-2
→ Missionfest Manitoba, Winnipeg, Feb. 1-3
→ Youth Leadership Conference 2019, Vancouver, Feb. 1-2
In Case You Missed It
→ FT Interview: Bob Laarman of World Renew
→ EFC Podcast: How Churches Can Protect the Vulnerable and Themselves
→ Young writers @Urbana18 (Faith Today blog)
→ Singing at Urbana 18 (Faith Today blog)