In John 15:12-13, Jesus says, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” This passage has been used to honour those men and women in the armed forces who sacrificed their lives in service to their country. However, we need to consider the deeper meaning. When Jesus gave His life for humanity, He opened the door to forgiveness and redemption. His willingness to suffer and die for us in the most excruciating and humiliating way so our burdens of sin can be lifted showed the world what the true price of reconciliation and everlasting peace costs. In other words, while soldiers who sacrifice their lives may change the outcome for nations, Jesus' sacrifice is the only true peace that can transform the world.

As war rages in the Middle East and acts of Islamophobia and antisemitism are carried out across the world, even here in Canada, let us take this November 11th Sabbath as a time of remembrance, reflection, and challenge. Let us not forget our veterans and active-duty soldiers, those fallen soldiers, and those who continue to fall as they sacrifice their lives for the freedoms we have in this country. Let us also use this Sabbath to remember that true peace and reconciliation cannot be found in documents written by diplomats but only through the blood of Jesus Christ. Finally, let us challenge ourselves: as ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), how can you, or your church, bring reconciliation and peace to your communities?

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media

Celebrations began in the evening on Friday, November 4. The church's parking lot was filled to capacity, and members eagerly awaited the program. Pastor Dario Ferreira, the lead pastor of London Seventh-day Adventist Church, warmly welcomed attendees, expressing that the celebration is, in part, “Reminding us of what God has done in and through the lives of the members of this church.”  He then introduced Pastor Alex Golovenko, who shared some fascinating facts about the church's history. He mentioned that Elder Joseph Bates, a prominent Adventist figure, came to London in 1852 to engage in evangelistic work.

“While London may not have been the first Adventist church in Ontario,” he said, “it played a pivotal role as the person that organized the church, F.D. Starr, became Ontario's first Conference president.”

Pastor Alex Golovenko then switched from history to the Word and delivered a powerful message on the Good Samaritan. He emphasized that a member’s mission is to be the "innkeeper"—actively reaching out to others and caring for them until the return of Jesus.

The day's program commenced with a land acknowledgment followed by praise segments performed by the London Church Choir and others. Former pastors also paid tribute—Roy West shared in person, followed by a video message from Juan Atencio and greetings from Pastors George Ivkov and Jeff Potts.

Ontario Conference, recognizing the church's milestone and continued community outreach, provided a special financial gift. This was presented by “daughter of the soil” Patricia Ferreira Lopez, Director of Children's and Women's Ministries (no relation to Pastor Dario Ferreira) and former member of the London Church.

Children were also fully engaged as Patricia Ferreira Lopez shared a children's story, fully engaging the children. She also drew in Conference President Jakov Bibulović into her presentation, making the segment interesting and fun for all.

Pastor Bibulović, during the sharing of the Word, focused on Matthew 9:35, speaking about the "Heart of a Labourer"—being missionary-minded, devoted to meeting people's holistic needs, being motivated by compassion, and maintaining a prayerful spirit. At his appeal, it seemed that most of the auditorium filled around the base of the pulpit as Pastor Bibulović prayed for them.

After the service, a diverse and delicious lunch was served, reflecting the multicultural nature of the congregation. In the evening, a short video was shown highlighting London Church’s rich history and tracing the diversity of the congregations whose roots extend from the Caribbean, Philippines and Africa. The evening musical program further showcased this diversity, with members organized by cultural groups representing ten of the thirteen world divisions of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The concert concluded with all in attendance joyfully singing the hymn "We Have This Hope."

After a full day of celebrations, the joy and unity persisted into the evening as people headed for fun, games and food in the gymnasium. Pastor Dario Ferreira summed up the event with gratitude, saying, “God has done amazing things throughout the history of this church, and I am blessed to be the pastor of such wonderful people and [and a congregation with such] diversity."

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media

The service began with a sense of anticipation as everyone entered the boardroom. Each had a small stone placed before it, representing something that may be holding them back. This gesture set the tone for a service filled with symbolism and reflection.

The proceedings commenced with a devotional by Associate Ministerial Secretary Raul Gonzalez. He delivered a message emphasizing the importance of glorifying God in all aspects of life, even unto death, as we are called to be witnesses of His grace and love.

One of the service's highlights was the screening of a video segment depicting the Last Supper from John 13, where Jesus humbly washed His disciples' feet. President Jakov Bibulović led a reflection on this powerful message. With a focus on a "Servant Attitude," he highlighted the need for us to let go and step in to serve whenever called, just as Jesus did.

Pastor Frankie Lazarus, Ministerial Secretary, further emphasized the significance of the stones placed before each participant. He encouraged everyone to write what they felt was holding them back on their stones, symbolizing the removal of a "heart of stone" and the receiving a "heart of flesh," as mentioned in Isaiah 36.

Following the foot washing, everyone returned to the main foyer, which was transformed into a communion meal table adorned with figs, communion bread, dried fruit, and more, symbolizing the richness of God's provision.

Before partaking in the emblems, there was a responsive reading, reinforcing the sacredness of the moment. Following taking the communion, testimonies were shared, some deeply personal, ranging from the gratitude for God’s love and blessing to the gratefulness of being part of the Ontario Conference team.

This special communion service was a time of reflection, spiritual renewal, and a celebration of God's grace and love. It also served to further unify the Conference team toward their mission of helping all churches reach Ontario with the distinctive, Christ-centered, Seventh-day Adventist message of hope and wholeness.

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media

Judy Hutchinson-Boyce
Communication Assistant
Ajax Adventist Community Church  

Kenneth Appiah Kubi
Assistant Pastor
Toronto Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church 

The day began with Pastor Anthony Kern delivering a devotional focused on unwrapping the gift that Jesus has given them. This was followed by each class making a special presentation, followed by a special brunch for the pastors and school staff.

Pastor Reynold Hazelwood, the superintendent of schools, and David Forsey, the assistant superintendent of schools, looked on as students shared heartfelt speeches, musical performances, and creative displays to honour their pastors' commitment and guidance to them.

As the event came to a close, it was a reminder of the importance of teachers and pastors working together to help develop the spiritual lives of young people.

David Forsey
Assistant Superintendent of Schools