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Thursday, November 16, 2023
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Ontario Conference Hosts Key Gathering of Canadian Adventist Leaders
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On Wednesday, November 16, the Ontario Conference office building hosted executive secretaries from all of the conferences in Canada. This was part of the larger year-end meetings organized by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada (SDACC) from November 13 to 20.
The year-end meetings serve as a platform for officers to assemble and share information about best practices in ministry, receive reports, and discuss and approve new policies.
During these meetings, the focus is not solely on paperwork and policies. It is also a time when conference administrators and education superintendents engage in a collective, prayerful effort to align strategies and action plans. This alignment aims to strengthen the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada, empowering it to fulfill God's mission better.
Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media
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Embracing Intergenerational Ministry: Nurturing the Spiritual Journey of Seniors
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A recent report by Barna titled "Ageing Well: Older Adult Christians" highlighted that most older adults wish to keep growing spiritually. However, a surprising 62% of them are not part of a church community. It is important not just to focus on the younger generations, who are the dominant population in society, but also to remember our seniors. The Bible teaches us to respect and honour the elderly: "You shall stand up before the gray head and honour the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord." (Leviticus 19:32 ESV)
Fortunately, the Seniors ministry at the Ontario Conference has over 100 active seniors' clubs offering various activities like retreats for spiritual growth, walking clubs for physical well-being, and prayer groups that engage both churched and unchurched seniors, helping them grow closer to Jesus.
However, another challenge remains. The Barna report revealed a sad truth—only 19% of seniors feel valued by younger generations. Remember the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child"? Think about the impact on our congregations and society when the most life experienced among us are "missing" from the village because they are not appreciated. What more can be done?
A church culture of intentional intergenerational ministry can bridge the gap. Barna suggests that older and younger generations can benefit from sharing their life experiences. For instance, their studies found Gen X'ers find value in seniors' knowledge about marriage (48%) and relationships (58%), while seniors appreciate youths' understanding of technology (73%) and physical health (46%). Intentionally creating church activities like mixed-age small groups, prayer partnerships, and community service teams encourages discussions and nurturing relationships. Imagine Adventist congregations filled with mentors and mentees like Paul and Timothy. What impact would that have on your church's ministry?
As we continue to embrace and support our seniors, let us also seek to build intergenerational church cultures so every member feels essential and appreciated.
Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media
If your church would like to start a seniors ministry, please reach out to Pastor Mansfield Edwards, Vice President of Seniors, Indigenous, Community Outreach and Evangelism, via his secretary, Sarah, at sgouda@adventistontario.org, or call 905-571-1022, ext. 214.
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Fire at Frenda: All are Safe
Praising God’s Hand of Mercy
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On Sunday, November 5, Camp Frenda, the Ontario Conference camp located in the Muskoka’s, experienced a kitchen fire. After the conclusion of a camp retreat, while attendees were departing the campground, an electrical fire started in the attic space above the cafeteria. It was discovered by Camp Ranger Gerald Brown, who jumped into action, gathering all the extinguishers he could to battle the fire. The Fire Department was called and arrived quickly to extinguish it.
On November 7, restoration work was started to clean up and repair the damage as investigators looked into the cause of the fire. Jason Perkins, Director of Camp Ministries, stated, “We must praise God that Gerald discovered the fire and that it was taken care of swiftly. Any longer, and we may have lost the entire building. Thank you to Gerald and the Fire Department for extinguishing the fire, and thank you to the Frenda team as the cleanup process began last night and is ongoing.”
Frenda administration has shared they will be closed during the repairs, and they will be reaching out to all groups and churches that have booked stays during November and December to keep them up to date on restoration work.
Please keep the team at Camp Frenda in prayer for their continued safety as they work towards getting services back to normal.
Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director Communications and Media
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Online Training Empowers
Prison Ministry Enthusiasts
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On November 11, 2023, Pastor Carlton Roulston led an online training session for 55 individuals to uplift and inspire participants in the area of prison ministry.
In the sessions, current prison ministry leaders and newcomers were presented with opportunities for how they could minister to inmates, from ministering to them directly to reaching out to their families and children. Pastor Carlton also emphasized the need to reach those seeking reintegration into the community, as they need acceptance and support to lead productive lives once again.
The training also featured a special guest, Chaplain Loys de Fleuriot, PhD, an Addictions & Mental Health expert. Chaplain de Fleuriot shared the remarkable work of volunteers within the correctional facilities. He emphasized that inmates are increasingly receptive to seeking help from these volunteers, leading to meaningful interactions that provide hope and a pathway to restoration for those seeking a fresh start beyond prison walls.
This session was just the beginning. Ministries of Compassion and Prison Ministry Director Andrew King is planning for Prison Ministry 2024. He said, "I want to call all individuals who want to make a tangible difference in the lives of those often marginalized within correctional settings to come out. Prison ministry is part of the work of Jesus's ministry. You can bring hope to the hopeless, give them a sense of empowerment and the invaluable gift of a renewed sense of purpose and belonging."
Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media
If you want to know more about prison ministry, contact Pastor Andrew King's office at 905-571-1022, ext. 111.
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Remembering 35 Years
of God’s Goodness
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In September, the North London Seventh-Day Adventist Church celebrated its 35th anniversary. The weekend was dedicated to reflection on the congregation’s journey of successes, breakthroughs, healing, births, growth, and testimonies of faith. The celebration was attended by Pastor Emile Maxi, Executive Secretary of the Ontario Conference, along with many past members, family, well-wishers, and friends.
During the worship service, the music of praise and prayer was focused on thanking God for all He has done. In a special testimony, Elder Colin Humphrey shared how much the North London Church meant to him. He described it as “a place that welcomes you with open arms, a true home.” The service also included an unveiling of a plaque honouring charter members.
The North London Seventh-day Adventist Church started back in 1988 with only seven people and quickly grew its membership to 40—thanks to the vision and determination of its members. Today, there are 152 members.
Since April 2023, Pastor Richard Jackson has been serving the congregation. He stated, “ I am blessed to be serving in this church, and I pray the Lord will continue to bless the members and our ministry to the community in a special way.”
Communication Team
North London Seventh-day Adventist Church
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The Cambodian Adventist Company, which started worshiping informally in the late 1990s, was established as a group in 1992 and achieved company status in 2016. They are 30 members strong and currently worship at Willowdale Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media
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A special message from the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada Communications Department.
Dear Church Leader,
Thank you for supporting the upcoming launch of Hope Channel Canada. Last week, many of you shared your excitement about this new phase of media ministry in Canada.
Together, we can make it a powerful tool for outreach. Hope Channel Canada will be the home of all media ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada.
On Sabbath morning, please play the video found on the link below. There’s also a graphic about the launch of Hope Channel Canada.
To watch on YouTube, click here.
To download the video file and graphic, click here.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at communication@adventist.ca.
Additionally, a longer version of the weekly videos on our YouTube channel can be accessed here.
God bless you and keep you strong in your ministry.
Evaldo Vicente
Communication Director
Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada
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Pastor Installations Continue!
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Pastor Romario Bonnick (with his wife, Marlesa, far right) was installed at the Ruth Seventh-day Adventist Church.
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Calling All Media Creators!
The Ontario Conference Communication and Media team is creating a Social Media team to help preach the Gospel of Jesus! If you are active on social media and/or love to create posts, we want to hear from you! Please send your name and number to ocn@adventistontario.org, and we will follow up with you soon!
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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
Store Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.,
Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.,
Saturday Closed, Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
NEW! Follow us on Instagram @abc_oshawa.
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What's Happening Around the Conference
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| This supporting even for women is recommended by the Ontario Conference Women's Ministries Department. |
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Dear Master Guides and Master Guide Trainees,
Warm greetings to all!
This is to invite you to attend the Ontario Conference Master Guide Leaders’ Triennial General Meeting on Sunday, November 19, 2023, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Scarborough Seventh-day Adventist Church (4350 Lawrence Ave. East, Scarborough, ON). All Master Guides and Master Guide Trainees who are serving in the Ontario Conference Adventurer, Master Guide, and Pathfinder (AMP) club ministries are encouraged to attend.
Please click the link below to register:
https://forms.gle/HEZpHT9vGADxh4Vu5
Dress code: Complete Type A uniform.
Best Regards,
Pastor Edwin T. Martin
Director, AMP Club Ministries
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| If you or anyone you know is neurodivergent (including Autism, ADHD, or other learning disabilities). If you would like to find ways to connect with church, the New Life Neurodiversity team would like to invite you to come visit us at one of our monthly meet-ups. You and a friend can come and meet us in our small, quiet conference room, where we will have snacks and simple activities, and you can talk with people who know neurodiversity. You can also bring something you want to show or talk about. If you would like to come or would like more information, please RSVP to nd@newlifeadventistchurch.com so we can answer any questions and be ready to help. Our goal is to empower and engage neurodivergent individuals to be integrated within the Christ-centred community of New Life. |
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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.
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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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