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Thursday, October 19, 2023
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The Ontario Conference invites all churches to dedicate November 4-11, 2023, to the Week of Prayer. This is a solemn time when we, as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, engage in united prayers for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit so that we may receive power and divine help to continue in the work and mission God has called us to do.
To download supporting reading material, please visit prayer.adventistontario.org. |
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Pastoral Installations Continue!
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Pastor Travis Afflick is the new lead pastor at Downsview Seventh-day Adventist Church.
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Pastor Joel Kim is new to the Ontario Conference and has been installed at Lincoln Pioneer and Heritage Green Nursing Home as chaplain. Welcome, Pastor!
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Anthony Kern is the new lead pastor at Hamilton Mountain Seventh-day Adventist Church.
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Pastor Emmanuel Perera was recently installed as pastor of the Brantford Seventh-day Adventist Church.
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Ottawa East and Kanata Company welcomed Jim Nziwa as their new lead pastor.
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Stewardship and Religious Liberty Department Meetings Underway
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On Sunday, October 1, 2023, Pastor Anthony Reid, Director of Stewardship and Public Affairs/Religious Liberty (PARL) for the Ontario Conference, held Zoom meetings with Stewardship and PARL leaders in local churches.
Meetings began with a devotion highlighting that, as created beings of God, we are first stewards of His and as stewards of God, we are expected to give our best in managing all of God’s resources in the way we practice our Christian lifestyle. This was emphasized by the director of Prayer and Health Ministries, Edith Habaradas, who focused on building stewardship on the foundation of a relationship with God.
Read More...
Pastor Anthony Reid
Director Stewardship and PARL ministries
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Pastor Appreciation Month:
Honoring the Call
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In October, we celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month, an opportunity to recognize the service and calling of our pastors and their families.
This month, take time at home and during church services to pray for your pastor and their family, acknowledging their dedication and the challenges they face.
Don't let this month pass without recognizing their hard work. A simple "thank you" can go a long way in showing your appreciation. Send a card, offer a small gift, or organize an appreciation event.
Also, remember pastoral families who also make sacrifices and face unique challenges. Be sure to appreciate them and acknowledge their support.
Your continued support makes a world of difference in the lives and ministry of pastors and their families.
Raul Gonzalez
Associate Ministerial Director
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Windsor Adventist Men in Ministry - Reboot Weekend 2023
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On Friday, October 13, the Windsor Adventist Men In Ministry (WAMM) had their annual Men's Weekend Reboot kicked off. The evening program began with Dr. Allen Chichester, Director of Family and Men’s Ministries at the Ontario Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, setting the tone with a message emphasizing the significance of family worship in the lives of men and highlighting their roles as spiritual leaders within their households.
Sabbath morning was an inspirational journey into the book of Genesis to explore the life of Seth, who worked to restore true worship within his family. Dr. Chichester's message was a poignant reminder that men’s devotion and commitment can lead to a spiritual revival within our homes.
Sabbath afternoon, attendees were challenged to rekindle their personal devotional lives. They were reminded that In moments of solitude with God and aligning their purpose with His will, that their will be renewed and His wisdom found to help guide them through life's challenges.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the Encourager Recognition Award ceremony, which was awarded to Wendell Phipps for his ministry in supporting others.
The weekend concluded with a consecration led by Pastor Alex Golovenko, who reinforced the commitment of men to be spiritual leaders in their families, church, and wider community. According to one participant, “It left me with a renewed sense of purpose and spiritual energy to face the world.”
In a world filled with distractions, the Windsor Men's Weekend Reboot rekindled the spirit of the men at the Church. It reminded all the men of the importance of leading out family worship and personal devotion and the profound impact they can have as spiritual leaders.
Blessings!
WAMM Leader Darrin John
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Adventurers Lead the Way!
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On Friday, August 27, 2023, a team of Adventurer coordinators embarked on a mission to Hailebury, Ontario, under the leadership of Velma Morgan, Ontario Conference Adventurer Executive Coordinator. She was joined by Area Coordinators Mitsie Howe, Madge Jackson, Sheena Bentham, Patrice Mansingh Williams, and Jessa Bentham, an Adventurer. On Sabbath, they attended Haileybury Adventist Church, where they had the privilege of leading the Sabbath School program. They covered items such as the Sabbath School lesson review and special music using sign language. After the worship service and fellowship lunch, the team went out to the community to distribute tracts together with Pastor Ivan Uriegas and some active Adventurers from the Haileybury Church.
While giving out tracts door to door, they were able to meet community members; they shared the love of Christ with each person while basking in the breathtaking lake view scenery. The theme, “Adventurers Leading the Way,” was exemplified on Sunday when the team partnered with the Haileybury Church in doing the local clothing donation drive. It was a warm and humbling experience which reminded everyone of Matthew 25:35-36: "For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me" The look of joy and appreciation on each person’s face through the interacts of the team with the community truly made all the difference. It was the first mission trip for the Adventurers leaders, and definitely, it won’t be the last. The team departed on Sunday from Haileybury with the inspiration to find new ways to reach others through service and by showing them the love of Jesus.
Sheena Bentham,
OCAC Adventurer Coordinator
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Transformative Palawan Mission Trip: Encounter of Hope
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A team of pathfinders and youth from the Durham Filipino-Canadian Seventh-day Adventist Church, Buayan Adventist Church, and AMiCUS (Adventist Ministry to College and University Students) embarked on a week-long journey from August 19-26, 2023, to share God's care and love with the people of Palawan in the Philippines. Their ministry included a Medical Mission, Vacation Bible School, and an Evangelistic series.
The mission began with a Sabbath service at Buayan Church. After service, there was a mini-concert in the afternoon to help launch the evening evangelistic series. Titled "Encounter Hope," the series was led by the Pathfinders and youth. Approximately 150 attendees each night to hear the youth preach. The program included mini-health seminars, nightly quizzes, and inspiring speakers who shared their faith journeys. The translation of these messages into the local language ensured that the message of hope reached every heart. By the end of the series, 39 individuals made the life-altering decision to accept Jesus as their personal Savior.
While evenings were focused on the series, the days were dedicated to medical missionary work. Stations were established, which allowed the community to have doctor and pediatric check-ups, a prayer station, a dispensing pharmacy, and the distribution of toothbrushes, toothpaste, natural supplements, and eyeglasses.
Mornings throughout the week were devoted to the Vacation Bible School. The theme was the "Armor of God." Children were eager to learn about God, and their enthusiasm for receiving His word was heartwarming. Students were in groups and rotated among four stations, including lessons from Pastor Edwin Martin, crafting sessions led by team members, games organized by Prince Pascual, and a snack station.
A highlight of the mission was the graduation of over 150 children who had completed the week-long Vacation Bible School. Wearing the armour they had crafted throughout the week, the children performed the songs they had learned during the graduation ceremony. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, the mission team provided the children with backpacks, slippers, hats, umbrellas, and shirts to prepare them for the upcoming school year.
The mission trip to the Philippines had a profound impact on all the youth that attended and modelled Christ's method of ministry mentioned in the book Ministry of Healing. They mingled with people and forged new friendships. They ministered to their needs, taught and preached the Gospel, won their confidence, and many chose to follow Jesus. It was a successful method of reaching the people of Palawan.
Erika Leigh Beroncal
Youth Leader, Durham Fil-Can Adventist Church
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Andrews Bible Commentary” Goes to Every Adventist School in North America
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Students in every Adventist school in North America will have access this fall to the new “Andrews Bible Commentary” through an initiative financially sponsored by three organizations, according to John Wesley Taylor, president of Andrews University.
Taylor, who took office at Andrews on July 1, said that the Foundation for Adventist Education, the North America Division Office of Education and Andrews University partnered to organize funding to send a set of the commentary to every Adventist school in the North American Division (NAD). The Foundation for Adventist Education is a private foundation operated by the family of Ed and Ann Zinke, of Silver Spring, Maryland, and supports many projects focused on advancing deep biblical understanding of Adventist theology and the philosophy of education.
The “Andrews Bible Commentary,” released in a concise, two-volume form in 2022, is intended for the general readership of the church, Taylor said. “We like to say that it is the accessible commentary by the scholars of the church for the people of the church. I’m honored to carry on the work of my two predecessors, Niels-Erik Andreasen and Andrea Luxton, in advocating for the church-wide distribution of this milestone work that they initiated and brought to completion. And this program to get it to the schools will help establish it as the Adventist standard for the next generation.”
The Commentary was edited by Angel Manuel Rodriguez, former director of the General Conference Biblical Research Institute, who supervised the work of a large team of associate editors and writers from around the world. “This project represents the very best in Adventist scholarship for church members,” Taylor said, “and Andrews is proud that Dr. Rodriguez and his team produced such an outstanding work that is at the solid center of Adventist Biblical studies.”
Arne Nielsen, NAD vice president for education said, “We at NAD are delighted to support this initiative because we know what the Commentary is and how it will help our elementary and secondary students have a solid, Adventist understanding of Scripture. Of course, we look forward to the time when they will have access to it, not only in their school library, but also in their homes as their parents understand the richness of this resource and acquire it themselves.”
Nielsen arranged for the announcement about the school distribution to the 6,000 attendees at the Division-wide Teacher’s Convention held in Phoenix, August 7-10. He said that NAD Education is covering the shipping cost for the Commentary to be sent out from Andrews to approximately 750 elementary and secondary schools in the United States, Canada, Bermuda and Guam-Micronesia, starting in September.
Andrews University Office of University Communication
If you are not a student and want your own Andrews Bible Commentary, contact the ABC store and reserve your copy.
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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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ACF Ontario Emphasis Day 2023
You're invited to this year's ACF Ontario Eastern Fall Retreat. Join students from universities and colleges between Oshawa and Ottawa for a student weekend retreat of friendship, worship and fellowship! This is one weekend that you don't want to miss. You'll start the school year on the right note by making new friends, building your networks, and developing your spiritual walk with God. So don't delay and register today while there are spots! |
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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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Join One Month In Paradise weight loss program by Paradise Health Clinic at the Newmarket Adventist Centre of Influence. Thirty days of expert health coaching with an interdisciplinary obesity medicine team that includes naturopathic doctor, certified exercise physiologist and pharmacist. Includes comprehensive lifestyle, fitness and body composition assessments, juice detox, medication management, group sessions, education and post-program support. Next program starts October 15. Learn more and register at: Weight Loss Program in Newmarket — Paradise Health
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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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