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Thursday, February 1, 2024
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Men Connect Like Jesus:
INSPIRE Online Discipleship
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On Sunday, January 21, 2024, the INSPIRE Men’s Discipleship Group held its first virtual meeting via Zoom, with 56 men from different churches participating. The group’s mission is to help men connect deeper in their relationship with Jesus, inspire and support them through study, fellowship, and prayer, and equip and empower them to connect like Jesus in their daily lives.
The meeting was led by the Men’s Ministries Director Allan Chichester, who guided the men in discussing I Chronicles 11:10-47 and II Samuel 23:8-29 under the theme "Men of Valor - Called to Fight". The men learned about the exploits of David’s mighty warriors and how to apply the principles of faith, respect, teamwork, and service to their lives as men of God.
The highlight of the meeting was the time of prayer, during which the men prayed for each other’s needs, challenges, and opportunities. The men then shared their testimonies, praises, and requests with the group.
Among the attendees were 12 men who joined the Zoom meeting from the Guelph Seventh-day Adventist Church after having a men’s fellowship breakfast that morning. They were accompanied by Pastor Aundrea Thompson, who expressed appreciation for the initiative and its impact on the men.
The next virtual meeting of the INSPIRE Men’s Discipleship Group will be on Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Pastor Paul Coneff, Director of Straight 2 the Heart Discipleship Ministry, will present insights on how to overcome stress and anxiety with God’s peace.
The group welcomes all men who are interested in growing in their faith and connecting with other men who share the same vision. To join the group, please call the Ontario Conference Men's Ministries department at 905-571-1022, ext. 219.
Pastor Allan Chichester
Director of Men's Ministries
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Light and Laughter Luncheon
at the Conference
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On Tuesday, January 30, men at the Ontario Conference office enjoyed a special lunch hosted by the Men’s Ministries department. Pastor Alan Chichester, Director of Men’s Ministries; Alvin Ram, Director of Planned Giving and Trust Services; and Pastor Edward Martin, Director of AMP Ministries, worked together to host the event.
The event theme was “Let Your Light Shine Bright,” and the men were engaged in an illuminating activity: guessing who wrote a little-known fact about themselves pulled from a basket. Some facts were touching, others inspirational, and many brought about roars of laughter, such as the person who revealed their love of pouring ketchup on everything they eat.
After working up an appetite, the men enjoyed a great lunch where they engaged in deeper conversation. The event stressed the importance of men supporting each other in ministry and life. It ended with each participant receiving a devotional book and a 1000-lumen flashlight, re-emphasizing the theme of letting their light shine bright.
As they closed in prayer, the men at the Ontario Conference office were grateful for having time to fellowship together and looked forward to the next event.
Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media
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Toronto West Seventh-day Adventist Church Grand Reopening
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After a year of anticipation, on the evening of Saturday, January 27, the Toronto West Seventh-day Adventist Church welcomed its members and visitors back to their home church building to celebrate its official grand reopening. The unveiling of a new sanctuary, upgraded building facilities, and an overall bold new look marked the occasion.
Renovations included establishing a new daycare center, installing an elevator equipped with floor callouts for the visually impaired and those with low vision, accessible washrooms, three new pastoral offices, and a striking sanctuary redesign. The changes not only enhanced the church's aesthetics but demonstrated the congregation's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all members of the community.
During the morning service, Lead Pastor Damson Oppong took a moment to express special appreciation to Albert Thomas and Royson James on behalf of the church. They were acknowledged for their significant contributions in shepherding the construction process to completion. Virene Meikle, Treasurer of the Ontario Conference, also shared words of greetings and congratulations on behalf of the Conference for reaching such a significant milestone. She presented a financial gift to the church to support the renovation costs.
In the evening program, the celebration continued through music and dances of praise. The event honoured the previous lead pastors of Toronto West, including Fitzroy Maitland, David Rogers, Allan Chichester, and Frankie Lazarus. Pastor Lazarus expressed gratitude to Travis Afflick, former lead pastor at Kingsview Village Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Harold Johnson, its current pastor, for allowing Toronto West to worship with them during the renovation, a gesture that saved Toronto West significant funds which were reinvested into the church's transformation.
The ceremony also included plaques of appreciation presented to the architect and builders for their crucial contributions.
In attendance was Jakov Bibulović, President of the Ontario Conference, and Emile Maxi, Executive Secretary. The Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow, was also present and shared remarks of support for the church's achievement. The Executive Assistant to the Honorable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, read the Premier's letter of congratulations and encouragement.
President Bibulović was invited to offer a special prayer of re-dedication. Before he did, he reminded the congregation that "Toronto West is not just a church IN the city, but it is a church FOR the city." He encouraged members to continue to make the church a beacon of hope and joy for the entire community.
The grand ceremony concluded with a symbolic ribbon-cutting, marking the official reopening of Toronto West Seventh-day Adventist Church and its renewed mission to serve and uplift the community for God's glory.
Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media
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Last Sabbath, January 27, 2024, Pastor Gerry Pasikatan (seated on the right side with family) was installed by Pastor Raul Gonzalez at Lindsay Seventh-day Adventist Church.
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Tap the image above for info and downloads on Home and Marriage Week.
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Calling all writers and editors! Have you ever dreamed of being a reporter? Do you have the gift of copy editing? Reach out to us! Email your contact to ocn@adventistontario.org. |
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Watch an intro video about Salt Sisters here.
Register your Salt Sister Chapter here. |
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Have you ever read the Canadian Adventist Messenger magazine and wished for more? More stories, more photos, more discussions?
Well, that opportunity is coming very soon because the Messenger magazine is lifting off the pages and onto the screen!
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Apple Creek Seventh-day Adventist Women's Crisis Line launches February 3, 2024, at 5:30 pm. Join us at the Apple Creek Seventh-day Adventist Church.
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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
Follow us!
Facebook: abcchristianbooks
Instagram: @abc_oshawa
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What's Happening
Around the Conference
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Tap the image above to register for CYSA badminton.
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Tap the image above to connect with a volunteer from The Gospel.
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| Early Bird ticket rates are now available for the 2024 Spring Gala Masquerade Ball. Don't miss your chance to take part in this extraordinary evening. Secure your spot now by clicking on this Eventbrite link. This is going to be an enchanting evening of live classically-themed entertainment, a formal dinner and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many individuals in the community.
DATE: May 4, 2024
TIME: Dinner starts at 7:00 pm
VENUE: Ukrainian Heritage Centre, 38 Lviv Blvd, Oshawa Ontario L1H 3C3
For ticket information, connect with Sharon Ennis at Sharonennis@rogers.com |
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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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