THE EFC UPDATE - 2016.06.07
Uniting Evangelicals to bless Canada in the name of Jesus
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TWU LAW SCHOOL CASE APPEALS
The latest legal battle over a proposed law school at Trinity Western University (an EFC affiliate) is being heard in Ontario this week (June 6-8). The EFC is intervening again jointly with Christian Higher Education Canada to support religious freedom. Please pray for all involved in the hearings, including lawyer Albertos Polizogopoulos. The EFC intervened in a similar case in British Columbia on June 3. These appeal cases will likely result in a final appeal next year to the Supreme Court of Canada.
MOST IMPORTANT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM CASE SINCE THE CHARTER
The new June/July issue of Canada Watch, an EFC newsletter, includes an interview with one of the lawyers working with the EFC to ensure fair accreditation of the law school proposed at Trinity Western University. Albertos Polizogopoulos calls it “the most important religious freedom case since the Charter has been implemented.”
CRITICAL WEEK TO CONTACT SENATORS
The Senate is expected to vote on Bill C-14 this week. Many Senators have indicated an openness to amending the bill. The EFC encourages Canadians to call Senators from their province to ask for two things. First, for strong, specific conscience protection for health care providers and institutions. Second, to maintain Bill C-14’s restrictions (rather than allowing children and teens or people suffering from psychological illness alone to become eligible for assisted suicide). If the Senate amends the bill, it will return to the House of Commons. Get details, including tips for contacting government.
HAS YOUR PASTOR TAKEN THE MISSIONS ENGAGEMENT SURVEY?
The EFC is partnering with the Canadian Missions Research Forum on a first-of-its-kind, national study of how Canadian Evangelicals engage with “missions.” Would you ask your pastor to participate by completing either the English or French version of the survey?
EFC INFORMATION NIGHT IN MONCTON A SUCCESS
Last night's EFC information night at Hillside Church in Moncton, N.B., drew more than 100 people from affiliate and non-affiliate churches in the area. Presentations and discussions touched on euthanasia, the Trinity Western law school case and other topics. EFC representatives included President Bruce Clemenger; director of affiliate and donor relations, Don McNiven; and local EFC ambassador Sheldon MacLeod. Invite the EFC to offer a similar service for you at mcnivend@theEFC.ca or 416-902-9110.
COMING EVENTS AT THEEFC.CA/CALENDAR
→ World Vision Church Leader Forums, Ottawa/Montreal/ St John’s, N.L./Bedford, N.S., June 7/8/9/10
→ Way of the Heart Henri Nouwen Conf., Mississauga, June 9-11
→ Cahoots Festival: Faith, Social Justice and DIY, Ridgetown, Ont., June 9-12
→ Global Mennonite Peacebuilding Conf. and Festival, Waterloo, Ont., June 9-12
→ Advance Disciplemaking Conf. (Navigators), Collingwood, Ont., June 10-13
→ Together for Adoption, Surrey, June 10-11
→ Gather Women, Montreal, June 11
→ Pure Freedom: Singles, Engaged and Newlyweds, Burlington, Ont., June 11
→ Women of Influence, Jordan, Ont., June 11
→ EFC Ambassador Paul Hilsden, Barrie, Ont., June 12
→ Safety and Security for Short-Term Missions and Expats, Mississauga, June 14
→ Free EFC Webinar: Youth and Church, June 16 (see below)
→ World Refugee Sunday, June 19 or 26 (see description below)
→ Write Canada, Toronto, June 23-25
JOIN OUR JUNE 16 WEBINAR: YOUTH AND CHURCH
It’s been five years since Hemorrhaging Faith: Why and When Canadian Young Adults are Leaving, Staying and Returning to Church was released by the EFC and several partners. You are invited to dig back into the research with us during our next free webinar. Are youth still leaving? Are they coming back? What worked? What didn’t? What can your church do now to keep this generation of young people? Joining this free webinar are three experts from the original project: Rick Hiemstra (EFC), Sid Koop (Truth Matters) and Dave Overholt (Tyndale/Church on the Rock).
WORLD REFUGEE SUNDAY, JUNE 19 OR 26
Join others around the world to commemorate the strength, courage and resilience of those who have suffered under the global refugee crisis. Resources including videos, posters and graphics from Mennonite Central Committee Canada and RefugeeHighway.net are available to help you include this annual event in your worship service June 19 or 26.
MEET YOU IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
Don McNiven, the EFC’s director of affiliate and donor relations, is visiting New Brunswick and Nova Scotia this week (June 6-10). His itinerary also includes Alberta in July, Ontario in August, PEI and Nova Scotia in September and Ontario in October. He would be delighted to visit with supporters in those places to discuss the programs of the EFC and current research initiatives. Email him or call 416-902-9110.
REACHING SINGLES
Churches can do more to welcome mature single adults and care for them, according to a variety of experts quoted in the May/June issue of Faith Today, Canada's Christian magazine.
LATEST POST AT FAITHTODAY.CA/BLOG
→ Refugees need time to say goodbye and time to say hello, by Linda Moorcroft
“SPRING” FAITH TODAY ON SOMEONE YOU LOVE
Want to order a subscription for someone to Faith Today, Canada’s Christian magazine? It makes a great gift that lasts all year. Faith Today, the EFC’s bimonthly magazine, helps readers to be better informed, equipped and connected! As an added bonus, subscriptions now also include our free new youth magazine, Love Is Moving. Details: FaithToday.ca/subscriptions or toll-free at 1-866-302-3362.
WE ARE HIRING!
The EFC has an opening for a nine-month Administration and Accounting Position at our office in Richmond Hill, Ont. We are looking for a committed individual who can work a 35-hour week or a job-sharing arrangement by multiple individuals who divide the 35 hours between them. Application deadline July 1. Details at