Communications

Posted: December 5th, 2023

OCN – Ontario Conference News – Dec 28, 2023

Ontario Conference News (OCN)

Thursday, December 28, 2023

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How will you serve in 2024?

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it's a good time to reflect on the journey that brought us here. God's faithfulness has guided us through the past year's challenges, sustaining us amid economic shifts, social changes, and global conflicts. As Adventists, we understand that we are living through the last days of earth's history, and Jesus's return is closer than ever.

Amid these trying times, we must pray more fervently, seeking the Holy Spirit to strengthen our faith. Let 2024 be the year where prayer becomes our cornerstone, remembering what the Bible says in Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Moreover, 2024 must be the year for personal and congregational evangelism. The signs of the times should be our call to action to spread the life-saving Gospel to those struggling in this dying world. Let us be empowered by Jesus' call to us in Matthew 28 to go to all the world. Ask the Spirit to help us find new, relevant ways to reach our communities and the world with the unique Adventist message of hope and salvation in Jesus.

As we prepare to welcome the new year, let us thank God for his blessing in 2023 and ask for His strength and wisdom to prepare us for the work ahead in 2024. Ellen White writes, "To us also the commission is given. We are bidden to go forth as Christ's messengers, to teach, instruct, and persuade men and women, to urge upon their attention the word of life. And to us also the assurance of Christ's abiding presence is given. Whatever the difficulties with which we may have to contend, whatever the trials we may have to endure, the gracious promise is always ours, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Evangelism page 15).

You have been called. How will you reach someone for Jesus in 2024?

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media

Meeting Michael

This is Michael [left], who loves to worship God by playing his guitar. One day, he walked into Nepean Seventh-day Adventist Church. He asked Pastor Bob Winsor [right] if he could worship with them. He's been playing and worshipping with the church ever since. Pastor Winsor stated, "He may not have physical sight but sees so much more by faith."

Are you looking out for "Michaels"?

What can we do to welcome others to our homes and churches this season?

Kristen Whyte-Bailey
Departmental Secretary of Communications

Toronto Central Leads Out In Global Bible Studies

Toronto Central Church presented its second annual "Bible Truths Revealed Online" bible studies led by the Head Elder of the Toronto Central Church, Ranroy Noel.

Using ten lessons from "The Faith of Jesus Bible Study Guide "booklet, over 45 individuals participated on Zoom. The studies had two purposes. First, introduce God's message to someone new and create disciples. Second, these disciples would go out and teach the lessons to family and friends.

Each participant was given certificates for attending and completing the lessons." The online evangelistic thrust was a continuation of an earlier 10-week journey of online Bible studies, where over 100 people from places such as Alberta, the United States, Jamaica and Nigeria participated. Five of those who attended were baptized at the "Ignite-The Hope Experience" Evangelistic Series led by The Toronto Central and Berea Churches earlier this year.

Toronto Central seeks to continue Bible studies in the digital space. With much prayer and the working of the Holy Spirit, many more will give their lives to Christ.

Ranroy Noel
Elder

From Farm to Tables,
From Rain to Smiles

On a wet and cold morning, Sunday, December 17, at the Bentworth Avenue community centre, the Ontario Conference Adventist Community Services (ACS) and GTA Federation arranged food distribution for those in need. Our friend from Holland Landing Seventh-day Adventist Church, Chris Zabzinski of Food Farm, supplied us with oranges, carrots, onions, and apples. Volunteers from 22 churches distributed the food to 222 families so they would have fresh vegetables on their tables for Christmas.

On the same Sunday, at Kendalwood Seventh-day Adventist Church foodbank, the spirit of Christmas was alive. Marcia White and her team went all out for the season, and no one was left empty-handed. Food, toys, clothes, toiletries, gifts, and more were distributed to those in need. Even through the rain, smiles of appreciation brightened the day.

Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and contributors for joining and making both events possible.

Andrew King
Director of Compassion Ministries

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Special Updates

Hope Is Coming!

ABC Christian Bookstore

Your store for Christian supplies,
gifts, food and literature.

95 Clarence Biesenthal Dr,
Oshawa ON L1K 2H5
abcchristianbookstore.com
Phone: 905-579-2311
or 1-800-263-3791

Store Hours: Mon-Wed 10 - 6,
Thurs 10 - 7, Fri 10 - 2,
Sat Closed, Sun 11 - 5

New Year's Store Hours:
Thurs, Dec 28 10 - 7
Fri, Dec 29 10 - 7
Sun, Dec 31 11 - 3
Closed for Inventory: Jan 1-5, 2024

What's Happening Around the Conference

Send your church event flyers to ocn@adventistontario.org

On May 4, 2024, New Life Seventh-day Adventist Church is hosting a Spring Gala Event supporting the New Life Neighbourhood Centre. It will take place at the Ukrainian Heritage Centre in Oshawa.

We envision a night where guests will be treated to a glamorous masquerade ball with live musical performances, a formal dinner and a silent auction.

Please take a look at the above flyer and mark your calendar for this special occasion. We would like you to join us for this enchanting evening celebrating the spirit of giving and community.

By marking your calendar for this special occasion, you are ensuring yourself a night of unforgettable memories and contributing to the vital programs and initiatives transforming lives within our community.

We can't wait to share this magical evening with you! Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for those in need.

Job Postings, and More!

The Seventh-day Adventist Church of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL Mission) is seeking a Broadcasting Engineer for Lighthouse VOAR-FM. This position is full-time in Mount Pearl, NL and its repeaters. Expected date of hire is April 1, 2024. A combination of experience and education in RF Broadcasting would be an asset. Proficiency in UPS Systems, computer systems and software, encoding of audio streams and Axia Broadcast Systems is required. Master Electronics Technician preferred. The position requires flexibility in schedule, as being on call is a requirement. Applicants should be Seventh-day Adventist in regular standing. Submit resume by email to voar@voar.org or by mail to 1041 Topsail Road, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 5E9. For more information, contact Sherry Griffin at voar@voar.org or (709)325-7627. The deadline for resumes is December 31, 2023.