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Thursday, September 28, 2023
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As pastoral installations continue, congregations across Ontario are welcoming their new ministers. As OCN continues to provide the latest updates, we also want to take a moment to celebrate all pastors who serve in Ontario. If you or your church have a photo of a special moment you have shared with your pastor, share it with the OCN, and we will feature it in a future publication.
Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media
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Pastor Kwame Brobbey is the new lead pastor for Heritage Ghanaian Church
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Pastor Kevin Donaldson and his wife, Desiree (far left) is now lead pastor for Meadovale Seventh-day Adventist Church.
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Damson Oppong (back row Centre) was installed last Sabbath as lead pastor of Toronto West Seventh-day Adventist Church.
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Lal Mawitea, newly hired, is the new assistant pastor for Ottawa East Seventh-day Adventist Church.
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You’ve Been CC’d!
Women's and Children’s Ministries Outreach to Students
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The Women's and Children’s Ministries departments have strategically planned the next year with an all-encompassing theme of ‘You are CC’d! Conference Cared!’ This is to highlight, grow, connect, collaborate, cultivate, comfort, create, and champion CARE.
One of the ‘Conference Care’ initiatives that is being planted by the Children’s Ministries department is encouraging each of our nine schools to implement ‘Care Closets’ as part of their school culture and facility.
Schools were each given a Lego box to symbolize ‘being the missing piece.’ These boxes were filled with basic care items and a grocery gift card. These items serve as incentives and a springboard of ideas for schools to begin creating their own Care Closet space where students can feel comfortable attaining items they may not have access to in their homes. These include items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, socks, hair ties, brushes, feminine products, dry oatmeal, apple sauce, and more!
We must ensure that every child in our schools is on the road to success by focusing on their varying individual needs, and this should begin with the physiological.
The response from our principals has been positive and affirming. They are excited to engage their school population, local churches, and communities to help build and implement these Care Closets.
Our next step is to encourage the individual churches to create their own care closets to promote and encourage members to use and readily access them.
We hope this initiative and many more to come will help our schools, churches, and local communities remember that they are indeed Conference-cared as we work forward to reflect ‘Christ-care’ in all that we do!
Patricia Ferreira Lopez
Director of Women’s and Children’s Ministries
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Ontario introduced Seniors Ministry some thirteen years ago with its first retreat at Camp Frenda. With 21 persons in attendance, the new ministry was officially launched.
Four years ago, the concept of ‘Walking Clubs’ was introduced to encourage our seniors to include a consistent exercise program in their activities in the context of peer support. Today, we have just over 100 Seniors Walking Clubs across our conference.
Annual retreats have grown in attendance from the initial 21 persons to a controlled maximum of just about 200 attending places like Sight and Sound to view the impressive dramatization of the lives and ministry of major Bible characters, a tour of the Ark in Kentucky constructed to biblical dimensions, the Pennsylvania congress and the Mosaic-culture Park in Quebec City.
We recently returned from viewing the dramatization of the life of Moses under the theme ‘With God, All Things Are Possible.’
Here are a few quotes from seniors on how they experienced the recent 3-day retreat:
“Thank you kindly for a wonderful and memorable experience on my very first senior trip with the Conference. I enjoyed it tremendously and look forward to the next one by God’s grace.” - Beatrice
On behalf of Bronte Church, I would like to thank you and pastor Edwards for taking the time to plan this amazing trip to Sight & Sounds. We truly enjoyed every minute of the trip. Everyone on the bus was so friendly and welcoming.” - Maria & James.
“I had an awesome time and appreciate all you do for us seniors. I look forward to what you are planning for the next time.” - Henny.
Sarah Gouda-Maka
Administrative Assistant, Seniors Ministries
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Exploring Indigenous and Christian Concepts of Reconciliation: A Call to Seventh-day Adventists
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Reconciliation is a universal concept that holds profound significance in diverse cultural and religious contexts. Indigenous peoples and Christians have developed their own unique understandings of reconciliation, each shaped by their respective histories, traditions, and worldviews. In this article, we will explore these concepts and challenge Seventh-day Adventists to consider Biblical reconciliation and how they can apply it to help others.
Indigenous Concept of Reconciliation:
Indigenous cultures around the world emphasize reconciliation as a holistic process that encompasses not only the mending of relationships between individuals but also the restoration of harmony with the land, ancestors, and the natural world. For many Indigenous communities, reconciliation is deeply rooted in their spiritual beliefs and practices.
In Indigenous perspectives, reconciliation often involves acknowledging the historical injustices inflicted upon their communities, including colonization, forced displacement, and cultural suppression. It also frequently centers on healing through ceremonies, storytelling, and the revitalization of traditional practices. These processes aim to restore balance and foster unity among individuals and with the environment.
Christian Concept of Reconciliation:
Within Christianity, reconciliation is a central theme that revolves around the belief in redemption and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Christians view reconciliation primarily as the mending of the broken relationship between humanity and God, which was damaged by sin. This concept is grounded in the teachings of the Bible, particularly in passages like 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, which states that God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ.
Christian reconciliation also extends to relationships between individuals. It emphasizes forgiveness, love, and the pursuit of peace. Christians are encouraged to reconcile with one another as an expression of their faith and obedience to God's commandments.
A Challenge to Seventh-day Adventists:
As Seventh-day Adventists, we find ourselves at the intersection of these two perspectives. We possess a unique opportunity to draw from both Indigenous and Christian concepts of reconciliation to promote healing and unity in our communities.
We are called to consider Biblical reconciliation, which entails not only the restoration of our relationship with God but also the mending of broken relationships with others. Just as Indigenous communities have ceremonies and practices to facilitate reconciliation, we have the Bible as our guide to forgiveness, restoration, and peacemaking.
So, how can Seventh-day Adventists apply these principles to help others? We can start by actively engaging with Indigenous communities, acknowledging the historical injustices, and offering our support in their reconciliation processes. Additionally, we can model Christ's teachings of forgiveness, love, and unity in our interactions with one another and with the world.
In conclusion, reconciliation is a universal concept that transcends cultural and religious boundaries. As Seventh-day Adventists, we can be catalysts for healing and unity in a divided world. This Sabbath, as the world considers Truth and Reconciliation, let us reflect on these concepts and challenge ourselves with the following question: How can we, as followers of Christ, actively contribute to reconciliation and healing not only in Indigenous communities but all communities we interact with?
Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media
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Back to school is an important event in the life of a child. However, this can be a challenge for families that struggle financially. In this final Back to School segment, we feature two churches that have reached out to their communities to help students in need. |
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Youth-Lead the Way at School Kit Giveaway
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On September 9th, 2023, the youth department of the Heritage Ghanaian Seventh-Day Adventist Church organized a Back-to-School care package giveaway at Albion Mall in Toronto. Their mission was to support local students in need as they returned to school.
Approximately 25-28 dedicated youth from the church distributed essential school supplies, including notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers, and pencil cases. |
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The Ottawa French Adventist Church (Eglise Adventiste Francophone d'Ottawa (EAFO)) in collaboration with the Ottawa Lower Town Community Center helped to ease the burden of 60 families struggling financially by purchasing school supplies for their children. Volunteers of “Une main secourable EAFO” provided each child with reusable water bottles, a school backpack, a lunch bag, socks and snacks for the first three weeks of school.
After serving the families, one of the recipients, who does not believe in God, wrote the following letter: “Thank you…for the back-to-school backpacks and snacks. My kids love their school items. I truly appreciate all of your family's help. May God bless you”.
The church also focused on helping individuals receive social support from the city of Ottawa. A large number of newcomers to Canada, taking temporary shelter in the Econo Lodge Hotel, were provided with various types of material support. In May, the church made the hotel part of an ongoing mission field.
To see the other missionary outreach the church is engaged in, see their website.
Ralph Séraphin BSS, MSS, TSI |
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As we end this feature, I want to encourage all congregations to continue the work of sharing Jesus with the community and bringing hope and wholeness to this province. The best method to do this continues to be what Ellen G. White described in the book, Ministry of Healing, page 143, “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’
Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media |
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Bringing the Church to the Community
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On September 9, 2023, Durham Filipino-Canadian Seventh-day Adventist Church (DFCC) brought the church to the community. DFCC engaged hundreds of people who attended the Durham Filipino Festival at Memorial Park in Oshawa, Ontario. The church premises were closed that Sabbath day, as the ministry was focused on the community.
The festival was attended by several dignitaries including Angelica Escalona (Philippine Consul General in Toronto), Rechie Valdez (Member of Parliament and Minister of Small Business), Patrice Barnes (Member of Provincial Parliament), Lorne Coe (Member of Provincial Parliament), John Henry (Chair of Regional Municipality of Durham), Dan Carter (Mayor of Oshawa) and Bob Chapman (Deputy Mayor of Oshawa).
As a community partner, DFCC played a major role during the festival. The event kicked off with an opening prayer by DFCC Pastor Ferdinand Regalado. This was followed by a three-part prayer, one of which was rendered in Filipino by Ada Babida, DFCC treasurer.
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DFCC operated a prayer station, a first aid stall and a health booth. The booth provided free bottled water, hand sanitizers, and pens. It also offered free health literature on common health topics such as stress, weight loss, diabetes, and high blood pressure. DFCC deacons also provided security assistance all day throughout the entire park. In the afternoon, DFCC provided an hour-long religious concert, which included individuals and singing groups from DFCC and other Filipino Adventist churches in the Greater Toronto Area.
Many individuals dropped by the prayer station. Some requested for a prayer on the spot, while many others submitted their request into a prayer box. DFCC’s prayer ministry has committed to pray for the requests over the coming weeks and months.
September 9 was certainly a blessed Sabbath day. The event provided an awesome opportunity for DFCC members to serve and be a blessing to the community. As one member remarked, “Truly one of the best Sabbaths celebrating the true meaning of church: making Christ visible to the community.” In turn, the members were enriched by their experience, and several are already looking forward to more community partnerships.
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The leaders and organizers of the Durham Filipino Festival expressed their appreciation for the many contributions of DFCC. Li Eron, principal organizer, made the following remark about the concert in a Facebook post, “The church production was superb!” She was so impressed she has already requested DFCC’s participation for next year.
We praise and thank God for giving our church the wonderful opportunity to engage in a fruitful and impactful community outreach. We also thank our ministry leaders (Gina Bongato, Judith Guarin, Edith Habaradas, Juliet Lubiran, Efren Moncada, Romy Orijuela, and Dean Small) for their assistance in the planning, organizing, and executing our community engagement plan. We also express gratitude to our church members for their all-out support and the many willing volunteers who made our participation possible.
Ulysses Guarin
Lead Elder, Durham Filipino-Canadian
Seventh-day Adventist Church
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Celebrating World Pathfinder Day
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The morning of September 16, 2023, dawned with a beautiful sunrise. The Hamilton Hylanders of the Southwest District planned for an exciting day at the Really Living Center located at 2060 Upper James in Hamilton, Ontario, for World Pathfinder Day.
World Pathfinder Day is a global event celebrated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, where young people aged 10 to 16 gather to showcase their talents, leadership skills, and commitment to community service. The Southwest District, consisting of 11 active clubs, used the opportunity to emphasize the values of leadership, teamwork, and faith.
Pathfinders: The Torchbearers of Tomorrow
Pathfinder clubs serve as a guiding light for adolescents, helping them navigate the complexities of life while instilling values that will shape their characters. These clubs are not just about camping trips and knot-tying but about fostering holistic development.
Moments of Celebration
World Pathfinder Day in the Southwest District kicked off with a vibrant processional led by Novan Gray of the Ontario Conference Drill Team. The processional included Brantford, Guelph Omega, Kitchener-Waterloo HOPE, Niagara Falls Phoenix and Hamilton Hylanders Pathfinder Clubs. They all marched to the beat of the combined Hamilton Hylanders and KW Hope Drum Corps.
Pathfinders proudly displayed their club flags and were dressed smartly in “Type A” uniforms. The enthusiasm was palpable, with families and community members filling the auditorium of Really Living Center to support and cheer them on.
Highlights of the day included an inspirational sermon by Junior Counselor Kenrick Manning entitled ‘Go With Jesus’. Praise and Worship was brought by KW Hope Pathfinders, the Garden of Prayer by Guelph Omega Deputy Director Mark Johnson. The explanation of the Pathfinder emblems by KW Hope Director Sheryl Street. Hamilton Hylanders Deputy Director Willeslie Turner inspired all in attendance with enthusiasm as he welcomed all in attendance. The Southwest District team, including District Coordinator Sonia Nembhard and Area Coordinators Filbert Hippolyte, Sandra George and Maurice Rose, were present and participated in the day's services. A potluck lunch was provided and served by staff members from across the district. The afternoon had Senior Pathfinders sharing the honours they had learned, including a Kahoot game. To complete the day, drilling and drum demonstrations were held outside in the parking lot.
A Message of Hope and Unity
World Pathfinder Day in the Southwest District celebrated the achievements of its young members and sent a message of hope and unity to the community at large. In a world often divided by differences, the Pathfinder Ministry emphasizes inclusivity and the importance of serving others. It serves as a reminder that we can come together for a common purpose no matter our background, age, or beliefs. It's also a celebration of youth empowerment, community service, and the enduring values that guide these young hearts
In the spirit of World Pathfinder Day, the Southwest District reaffirms its commitment to nurturing these young leaders who will undoubtedly shape a better world for all of us.
Maurice Rose
Area Coordinator South West District
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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 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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Supported by Brockville Seventh-day Adventist Church
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We are inviting all former members and friends of Shiloh SDA Church. Please join us on September 30, 2023, as we celebrate our church’s 30th Anniversary. Let’s praise God’s goodness for the past 30 years and how He has kept and led us.
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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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Kingsway College is searching for a Choir Accompanist with a heart for combined youth and music ministry. Applicants must be able to confidently play in a variety of genres, have good sight-reading skills, and be available for daily rehearsals and weekend performances. The ability to relate well with teenagers is a valuable asset. Samples of repertoire will be sent to those expressing interest in this position. Please contact Sharon Janes Foreman, Kingsway College Choir Director, at sharonforeman@kingsway.college for more information or to request an interview.
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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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