2 0 1 9– 2 W E LCO M E TO A N E W MINISTRY YEAR
My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand. – john 10:27-28 – (the message)
“it’s me.” When we know someone well enough—a best friend, a spouse, a sibling— those two words are sufficient to let us know who is calling. The voice is enough. As Christ-followers, we need to know Jesus’ voice in our inmost beings so that we can recognize it amidst distraction, fear or fury. Where are you on your journey right now? Are you being led through the valley of the shadow of death? Are you experiencing the rod and staff of guidance and discipline? Are you enjoying a moment of repose in good pastures? Whether you are someone who suffers from inertia or you cram your days with busy endeavours, like sheep we all go astray. Yet, our ministry and our lives are best lived in obedient response to the voice of the Good Shepherd. I want to encourage all of you, from pastors to congregation members alike, to spend some time in quiet and stillness, discerning the voice of the Shepherd… and then doing what God says. It’s advice I plan to take myself. I am grateful to you for being a part of our Canadian Baptist family. I am thankful that we are part of the same flock. While Jesus has sheep in other pens, there’s no pen I’d rather be a part of than here with you, recognizing the Good Shepherd’s voice and revealing God’s kingdom together. Let’s follow our Shepherd’s voice together into this new ministry year. Strength and peace,
Tim McCoy executive minister, cboq
A new ministry year is exciting! In our family of churches, we are blessed with ministry initiatives that display the creative hand of God, the love of Jesus and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We are pleased to be able to share some of them with you. Visit baptist.ca/blog to learn more and to find out how to start something similar in your church!
Connecting with Community COLLEEN CARKNER | INNISWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH
When a member of Inniswood Baptist Church retired into a nearby low-income neighbourhood, she felt God pressing her to “adopt” her neighbourhood children. With the church’s support, she continued the church’s regular weekly youth nights—modified for summer schedules—throughout the break. Since then, they have expanded to include more age groups. As they grew, they noticed that some children were arriving hungry; many also lacked strong relationships with adults. The men’s ministry stepped up, serving a free dinner to the children and youth for over six months. Kids could eat and enjoy time with healthy father figures before being spiritually fed and learning about the Gospel. Inniswood Baptist Church is currently praying over what’s next, and seeking God’s guidance as they reach out to the families and children in their immediate neighbourhood.
Integrating Generations AMANDA M c CULLOUGH | HIGHLAND BAPTIST CHURCH, KITCHENER
Building a culture that welcomes children is important at Highland Baptist Church. Part of doing that has been developing intergenerational worship services, which integrate children into the fabric of the service, including worship, Scripture reading, prayer and more. (Sometimes they even forgo the sermon in favour of a shorter talk or dramatic elements!) Kids have a chance to be present with their parents during worship, and to develop a sense of belonging in not just the kids’ program, but the whole church. “They require humility, as sometimes the things we try don’t turn out as we had hoped! Yet, it’s always worth it. There is something so beautiful and special about worshipping together,” says Amanda, Associate Pastor. For more about intergenerational worship, go to cboqkids.ca!
Building Relationships NANCY JONGELING | CHURCH ON THE ROCK, HAMILTON
“If we removed our church from the community, would they even miss us?” asks Nancy Jongeling, Children’s Director. In short, the answer is yes. Church on the Rock runs a midweek kids’ club where they serve supper, do crafts, and play games and music for kids from the community, including kids from nearby subsidized housing. They welcome many marginalized kids whose parents are of other faiths or no faith. To ensure that kids feel comfortable, they focus on this core message: “God made you. God loves you. God has a plan for your life.” Starting with these basic ideas, they share the truth of Jesus, simply. Kids have the chance ask questions and share their thoughts and lives with people who love Jesus. The mid-week program is about planting seeds of love and encouragement and letting kids know that church is a safe, welcoming place to be.
Bringing the World Together TERRY ATKINSON | HEART LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH, BRAMPTON
I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. – john 17:22 Every day we welcome the world to Canada; the mission field and Christ-followers are arriving on our doorstep. Heart Lake Baptist Church in Brampton looks a lot like the hopedfor kingdom, welcoming people from many different tribes and tongues. Two years ago, they inaugurated international Sunday in their church where they recognize their community’s beautiful diversity. They included international clothing and languages and heard from organizations that work globally. They topped it off with a potluck featuring dishes from around the world. Breaking bread, or injera or naan brings people together around a common table, building connections and mutual care. “I believe we are working hard to include all cultures and nationalities and I believe this is making our church stronger,” says Terry, Pastor.
This year, as part of our “Clear” theme, CBOQ is focusing on the I AM statements of Christ. Each month, we’re diving deep into one statement, sharing stories from our Canadian Baptist family and weekly Scripture readings for reflection. Join us in the journey! Make sure you’re subscribed to The Canadian Baptist at baptist.ca/enews.
This month, we’re starting with: Revelation 22:13, "I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
Upcoming Events Mark your calendars for these events that serve to equip, enrich, and encourage you and your church.
September 21
October 26-27
SMALL CHURCH ENVISIONING DAY
CAMP KWASIND FALL WORK WEEKEND
Ottawa, ON baptist.ca/accelerators
kwasind.com
October 3
November 1-2
MULTIPLY YOUR CHURCH
WORSHIP FOR THE WORLD
Heart Lake Baptist Church Brampton, ON baptist.ca/multiply
Logos Baptist Church, Mississauga, ON baptist.ca/wftw November 2
October 15 BLIZZARD/AVALANCHE REGISTRATION OPENS
TORONTO CHILDREN’S MINISTRY CONFERENCE
cboqyouth.ca
Tyndale University College, Toronto, ON wycliffecollege.ca/tcmc
October 19
November 30
SMALL CHURCH ENVISIONING DAY
Kitchener, ON baptist.ca/accelerators
MISSIONAL LIVE
Inniswood Baptist Church baptist.ca/missional-live
Read the stories and find out more about what is happening in your Canadian Baptist family. Sign up for our eNews at baptist.ca/enews!
5 International Blvd. Etobicoke, ON M9W 6H3 (416) 622-8600
cboq@baptist.ca baptist.ca @CBOQ