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Thursday, August 17, 2023
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God Changes Hearts Through Filipino Camp Meeting
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The 14th Biennial All Filipino-Canadian Camp Meeting recently concluded on August 11 and 12, leaving a trail of inspiration in its wake. Hosted by the Filipino Adventist Ministries Coordinating Council (FAMCC), which is comprise 12 Filipino churches in the Conference. This gathering marked a milestone as members gathered online and in person at the First Filipino Canadian Adventist Church in North York and the Bramalea Filipino Canadian Adventist church. The theme for the weekend was "A Heart for the Harvest.”
The event witnessed the participation of the president of the Ontario Conference, Jakov Bibulović, along with Executive Secretary Emile Maxi. Pastor Bibulović acknowledged the Filipino community's substantial influence, as he remarked that the Filipino community made up 2.6% of the Canadian population and over 400,000 in Ontario alone. “Your influence and impact in your ministry are profound.”
Even the president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada, Paul Lewellyn, contributed his support through a letter of greetings to the congregations, which attendees read and received with immense appreciation.
On Friday, August 11, Pastor Sheldon Imperio, from Niagara Falls and St. Catharines Adventist Churches, led a spirited vespers program. Addressing the FAMCC youth and young adults, his message, "A Heart for the Harvest," resounded powerfully. He spoke about how we Adventists need heartfelt concern for lost souls. He preached, "If we have no heart for the harvest, then we ourselves need to be harvested!"
Sabbath brought another compelling message, this time from Pastor Ferdinand Regalado of Durham Fil-Can and Scarborough Filipino Adventist churches. He challenged the church family, reminding them that the decision to serve God and fulfill His mission is a great privilege, one that all Adventists must embrace.
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The afternoon unfolded with music by FAMCC youth and young adults, uniting all twelve Filipino churches that blessed all that heard. Testimonies from a recent mission trip to the Philippines further enriched the gathering. Finally, introductions of new FAMCC youth and young adult officers revealed the council's commitment to succession planning and growth of the council growth.
Edith Habaradas, director of Health and Prayer ministries at the Conference, reflected, “The recent All Filipino-Canadian Camp Meeting was a blessing to me. May we, through the power of the Holy Spirit, continue to move forward and answer Jesus' call: 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?' with 'Here am I, LORD, send me!'"
Secretary Pastor Emile Maxi concluded as the event ended, “Like Nehemiah, the Filipino Adventist community gathered as “one army.” Everything centred around growing the kingdom, reaching lost souls for Christ. It was so refreshing to see everyone working together for this purpose. With such great attitude and determination, the Filipino community will accomplish great things for the Lord.”
If you want to see the 14th Biennial All Filipino-Canadian Camp meeting, you can watch it on YouTube at the following links:
Friday Vespers
Sabbath School & Divine Service
Youth Mini Concert
Sammy Adriatic
FAMCC President
Kristen Whyte-Bailey
Communications Departmental Secretary
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From Babylon to Baptism:
A VBS to Remember
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The Carleton Place Adventist Church, located 30 minutes Southeast of Ottawa concluded July with an exciting Vacation Bible School (VBS) that transported kids back in time to ancient Babylon. From July 23rd to July 29th, young hearts were captivated by the theme "Daniel’s Courage in Captivity," centred around the incredible story of Daniel and his friends.
Throughout the week, the VBS buzzed with excitement and joy. Energetic songs, thought-provoking crafts, and engaging games filled each day with laughter and learning. Mouth-watering snacks fueled their energy as they delved into the challenges Daniel faced and how his faith in God helped him to overcome them.
Amid the fun, the children learned a profound lesson: God is always with them. No matter the circumstances—be it challenges, fears, loneliness, or gratitude—God's presence and love are an unchanging anchor.
The high point of the VBS experience was the Sabbath morning of July 29th. Guided by the VBS team, the children led a touching church service. Through creative presentations, they shared the invaluable insights they gained during the week, warming the hearts of the congregation.
The Sabbath afternoon witnessed yet another high moment as the community gathered at the Carleton Place Aquatic Center for a baptism ceremony. Amid loved ones and fellow members of the Carleton Place Sparrows Pathfinders and Adventurers club, Julia Chamberlain publicly expressed her love for Jesus and her unwavering commitment to His service.
The Carleton Place Adventist Church's Vacation Bible School was a success. By transporting children to another time and weaving in lessons from Daniel's life, this VBS offered more than just a fun summer activity. It reminded them that God loves us and He is our faithful companion guiding us through life's twists and turns.
Lory Chamberlain
Pathfinders and Adventurers Leader
Carleton Place Seventh-day Adventist Church
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Building Together: Toronto Central's Community Celebration
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Photos: Pastor Ellis during appeal (top), Ms. Campbell and Ms. Baker (left), MPP Robin Martin (right) |
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The Toronto Central Seventh Day Adventist Church hosted a heartwarming Community Guest Day on August 12, bringing together community members and dignitaries to celebrate the church's impactful service to the community. The event was intentionally designed to inspire and uplift all who attended, both in person and online.
Community Service Leader Judith Brown took the stage and reflected on the church's involvement in the community and their current project: The Toronto Central PossiBUILDity Community Centre, a 6000 square foot construction project that when complete will serve low-income, marginalized, racialized and new immigrant populations.
Highlighting the strong connections between the church and the community, local MPP Robin Martin expressed her admiration for Toronto Central's contributions. She recounted her presence at the groundbreaking ceremony for the upcoming community center, showing her personal support for the church's endeavour.
Representatives from the Toronto Police also took the stage, emphasizing the valuable partnership between the police and the church. This partnership serves as another example of the positive impact that community collaboration can have.
Heartfelt moments came from community representatives of the nearby Roselawn and Lotherton neighbourhoods. Judith Campbell, a representative for Lotherton, spoke on behalf of her community, expressing deep gratitude for the church's positive influence. "Thank you for all the good that you are doing in our community," she said.
One of the highlights of the service was the baptismal ceremony of Ms. Lee. Both dignitaries and members were inspired and supported with applause as they watched her come up out of the waters and begin a new life with Jesus.
As the service continued the youth-led praise session elevated hearts to worship God and set a beautiful tone for the congregation to enter into prayer and reflection.
Pastor Shawn Ellis, the Director of Communication and Media at Ontario Conference, delivered a powerful message titled "One Voice One Community." He drew from 2 Chronicles chapter 20, emphasizing how Jesus works with power to change lives, communities and nations when believers come together in God’s church to pray.
The message touched many hearts as the congregation came forward to receive prayer and one expressed a desire for baptism. Toronto Central’s Community Guest Day left attendees feeling blessed and excited about the future of the church's community ministry.
Learn more or donate to the Toronto Central PossiBUILDity Community Centre on their website. Also, a special behind-the-scenes look at this remarkable project will be featured in an upcoming Ontario Highlights magazine.
Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media
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Community Expo Ignites Connection and Compassion
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Under the sunlit skies of July 23rd, 2023, Ruth Seventh-day Adventist Church's parking lot transformed into a hub of excitement for its first-ever Community Expo. With Pastors Myrie and Parker leading the way, the event kicked off with prayers and an energetic Praise and Worship session, setting the stage for a memorable day.
The expo buzzed with a diverse crowd, including community and church members, who eagerly engaged with booths representing the church's diverse ministries. A warm reception awaited every visitor, complete with tote bags and keepsakes carrying the church's name—a token of the connections formed.
Beyond showcasing services and resource sharing, the heart of the expo was about building bridges with the community. The groundwork began with a neighbourhood walk on July 15th, where Pastors Myrie and Parker along with church members reached out to neighbours, kindling curiosity among newcomers to the Adventist message.
The event featured a tapestry of experiences. A Prayer tent offered solace, the Senior’s Ministry showcased beautiful embroideries, and the Men’s Ministry provided bicycle repairs. The Hospitality team delighted visitors with a spread of delicious food, fueling conversations and camaraderie.
From Youth and Pathfinder to Adventurers and more, the church's vibrant ministries were on display. The Health Department offered enlightening sessions on Diabetes Management, Naturopathy, Mental Health, and Plasma Donation. Information on real estate, mortgages and will planning was available. A professional fitness instructor even led a heart-pumping cardio workout, engaging participants in energetic fun, along with an invigorating cardio workout led by a professional fitness instructor.
The expo's impact reached far beyond its bounds. Attendees left with a deeper appreciation for the church's role in the community. Since the event, new faces have attended the church, moved by the experience to join worship services and seek Bible studies.
The success of Ruth Seventh-day Adventist Church's Community Expo was that it was based on the method of Jesus. As stated so eloquently in the book Ministry of Healing by Ellen G. White: Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with people as one who desired their good. He showed sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He invited them, “Follow Me.”
Vernal Ijalana
Communications
Ruth Seventh-day Adventist Church
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Attention Communication Leaders!
The Ontario Conference Communication and Media team wants to collaborate with you to represent your local church and ensure you receive the latest updates from the Conference. If you are nominated as the communication leader for your church, please send your name and number to ocn@adventistontario.org.
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ABC Christian Bookstore
Your store for Christian supplies, gifts, food and literature.
95 Clarence Biesenthal Dr, Oshawa ON L1K2H5
abcchristianbookstore.com Phone: 905-579-2311
Store Hours: Monday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.,
Wednesday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.,
Friday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saturday Closed, Sunday Closed
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What's Happening Around the Conference
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Scarborough church members and friends are encouraged to pack their picnic baskets and come out for fun and fellowship. TIP: Wear the colours related to your birth month as the flyer shows.
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This event is supported by the Durham Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Company.
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Supported by Brockville Seventh-day Adventist Church
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Kingsway College, a Seventh-day Adventist boarding high school in Oshawa, Ontario, is seeking applicants for a full-time Plant Services Assistant. This position is responsible for assisting in the maintenance of the school. Applicants should have a minimum of a high school diploma and preferably should have at least three to five years experience in related Plant Services areas and must be an Operating Engineer Fourth Class-Standardized or working toward this certification. Please visit the Kingsway College website: https://www.kingsway.college/careers
for the full job description. Please include three references, including name and contact information.
Contact: Lee Richards, President.
Kingsway College, 1200 Leland Road
Oshawa, ON L1K 2H4
Email: leerichards@kingsway.college
Fax: (905) 433-1156 |
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Ontario Conference
of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
The Mission
To Reach Ontario and the world
with the distinctive, Christ-centered,
Seventh-day Adventist message
of hope and wholeness
The Vision
Connecting like Jesus
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