On Tuesday, December 5, Women’s Ministries Director Patricia Ferreira Lopez hosted an afternoon tea with the women employees of the Ontario Conference office. It was a celebration of the “ministry of friendship.” Ruth Weidner, secretary for Family and Women's Ministries, happily supported.

As the ladies poured cups of herbal warmth on the chilly December day, Patricia talked about the epidemic of loneliness facing society and shared the concept of ‘Frientimacy’ (friendship and intimacy). The idea was developed by Dr. Shasta Nelson, a clinical psychologist and author who has written about the benefits of growing strong friendships in the workplace. 'Frientimacy’ comprises three components: positivity, consistency and vulnerability.

As the group discussed, drank tea and nibbled on refreshments, the ladies looked at how Jesus was the ultimate ‘Frientimacy’ expert in how He lived His life and consistently created connection and belongingness with those around Him.

Each woman was given a “positivity challenge” and encouraged to consider how to grow and strengthen friendships in their lives and ministries in 2024. The final prayer thanked God for the time the women were able to spend together and that everyone who attended had an experience that filled them physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media

On November 25th, Agape Seventh-day Adventist Church in Pickering celebrated its 33rd anniversary festivities by commemorating the final payment on its mortgage. In addition to the members, friends and guests of the church, Pickering Mayor Kevin Ash, Pastor Jakov Bibulović (president of the Ontario Conference), and Pastor Mansfield Edwards (VP of Evangelism and Outreach) were also on hand for the celebration.

The special service was led by Pastor Donville Cooper, who invited Mayor Ash to say a few words. The mayor commended Agape for the work they were doing in the community and presented a certificate reflecting the municipality’s recognition of their anniversary and their invaluable contributions to the city.

Next, the president was invited to share a few words. Pastor Bibulović drew inspiration from Psalm 84, reciting, “How Lovely is your Tabernacle.” He reminded members, “Today, Agape can recite Psalm 84 in its fullness because this church, having completed its financial obligations, is truly the Lord’s!”

The Word was delivered powerfully by Pastor Edwards with a sermon titled, “The Lord’s House.” This was followed by an equally powerful musical rendition, echoing the biblical imagery of Jesus coming for His bride, as mentioned in Revelation 19:7. When Pastor Mansfield returned to the podium to make an appeal for people to give their lives to Jesus, two individuals moved by the Spirit through the message and music stepped forward closing the service on a note of high praise.

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media

On November 30, the Christian Black Churches and Allies (CBCA) organized their annual prayer breakfast hosted by Reverend and Police Chaplain Wendell Gibbs. Unity, collaboration and prayer marked the event, and the Ontario Conference and several of its pastors were present and played a significant role.

Following a land acknowledgment, Nadine Spencer, representing the Toronto Police Service Board, greeted the many police officers and faith leaders attending the event. She spoke powerfully, quoting Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish”. She highlighted that the vision of creating a collaboration between police and faith leaders to address the challenges facing neighbourhoods would, through God’s grace, prevent people from perishing from confrontation with police and help create hope and understanding in the community.

The entire program was bathed in prayer. Ministers from different denominations prayed for world peace, safe communities, youth, police officers and national leaders.

During the event, greetings and recognition were extended to various pastors and church denominations, including the Ontario Conference and our own Pastor Mansfield Edwards, Vice President of Evangelism and Outreach and York Regional Police Chaplain, and Pastor Andrew King, Director of Compassion Ministries.

The keynote speaker, Toronto’s Chief of Police Myron Demkiw, started by stressing the importance of the partnership between police and faith leaders. He highlighted how the Toronto police force has chaplains representing diverse beliefs, including Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, and Christianity.

Chief Demkiw highlighted the “Etobicoke Strategy,” an initiative that involves clergy walking and praying with police officers as they patrol the city. He stated emphatically, “Prayer makes a difference in the lives of our officers and in our community!” He went on to say that next year the Etobicoke strategy will become a city-wide strategy with the aim of strengthening the relationship between faith leaders, law enforcement and communities across Toronto.

The event concluded with a powerful prayer from Reverend Wendell Gibbs, who quoted Jeremiah 29:11. He asked God to provide protection over those who seek Him, show those in strife His peace and remind us all of His plan of salvation.

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media