New Faith Today Podcast: On the Ukraine Border with World Vision’s Michael Messenger
What is it like to be on the Romania/Ukraine border as refugees arrive? Michael Messenger, president of World Vision Canada, joined us in this podcast from the border where World Vision is helping to welcome and meet the needs of hundreds of thousands of refugees forced to flee their country. He shared with host Karen Stiller what he is seeing and experiencing—including the touching scene of clergy welcoming families as they cross the border—and points to how Canadians can help.
To learn about more EFC affiliates helping Ukraine and how to support their work, as well as to find new prayer prompts on how to pray for Ukraine, see our article.
New Toolkit on Charitable Status of Pro-Life Charities
Our new toolkit describes government plans to change the charitable status of pro-life charities and what you can do. Download the free resource at TheEFC.ca/CharitableProLifeToolkit.
EFC Representatives to Meet with National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
This week representatives of the EFC will meet with The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to explore opportunities for collaboration and advancing reconciliation. EFC president Bruce Clemenger, director of ministry partnerships and innovation Joel Gordon, The Seven Commitments Working Group chair Shari Russell and working group member Alison Lefebvre will represent the EFC.
Why the Prostitution Laws Are Essential, Part 3: Violence and Stigma are Inherent to Prostitution
The EFC’s new blog discusses the source of violence in prostitution and how to address it. Act now to support Canada’s current prostitution laws as the Justice Committee reviews them. Find out more at TheEFC.ca/prostitution-law-review
Bill C-230: Freedom of Conscience Act
Bill C-230, the Protection of Freedom of Conscience Act, is a private member's bill introduced by MP Kelly Block on Nov. 22, 2021. Bill C-230 would make it a criminal offence to coerce someone to participate in medical assistance in dying. Find a sample letter for contacting your MP about this bill at TheEFC.ca/C-230 as well as a link to the EFC's letter to the sponsoring MP supporting the bill.
Wanted: Pastors of Small Churches
It won’t take long, but we need you to complete our survey. The Canadian Evangelical Small Church Study is investigating the ministry and mission opportunities that small churches engage in, as well as the challenges that hinder vitality in congregational life and ministry. Pastors of congregations of 150 people or less are invited to complete the survey.
English: www.research.net/r/CESCS français : fr.research.net/r/EPEEC
Revised Civic Engagement Kit
We've just published an improved version of our EFC Civic Engagement Kit—and it's now also available in French! This free 8-page download offers advice and explanations about interacting with your elected government representatives. Feel free to reproduce and distribute copies in your group or church.
Four New Resources for Churches Revealed at Webinar
In addition to the Civic Engagement Kit mentioned above, the EFC recently launched three other new resources to help churches host conversations on racism, participate in Indigenous reconciliation, and welcome newcomers to Canada. Watch the March 3 event recording to find out more.
Who Are the New Gentiles?
“Separating people into acceptable and unacceptable, safe and unsafe, politically left and right, vaxxed and unvaxxed, Presbyterian and Baptist, Catholic and Protestant – and the list could go on indefinitely – appears to be a favourite Christian pastime.” Why do we as Christians continue to do this, and what is a better way to treat each other? Read more from EFC Vice-President and Resident Theologian David Guretzki.
Remember, print subscriptions to Faith Today are now free in Canada? Sign up at FaithToday.ca/SubscribeFree.
This Week’s EFC Prayer Prompts
This week’s prayer request is about citizenship. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2a, the Apostle Paul says, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority.”
Pray for all leaders, regardless of the stances they hold. Pray that leaders would make decisions that contribute to the peace of all those under their authority. Pray that political authorities who are brothers and sisters in Christ would be able to stand firm in their Christian beliefs and convictions. Pray that those leaders who are not believers in Christ would come under the hearing of the gospel or the positive influence of other Christians in political power. Pray that all political leaders would do their jobs well and would all come to a realization that they are God’s servants. Pray that political leaders would be able to balance their time between their position and their families. Pray that political leaders would make decisions that allow the gospel to be freely shared.
Check this space each week for one new request related to: Sanctity of Life, Care for the Vulnerable, Church and Mission, Family and Community, Religious Freedom.
We also list one EFC affiliate group to pray for. Pray for Greater Europe Mission, which equips and empowers Canadians to serve in discipleship-focused ministry alongside international partners throughout Europe. Its mission is to reach Europe by multiplying disciples and growing Christ’s Church. Its vision is God expanding His kingdom through all peoples of Europe to the world.
For pandemic-focused prayer, the EFC also continues to offer new Friday@4 suggestions each week at TheEFC.ca/Covid-19.
→ EFC Prayer Gathering for Pastors, Staff and Lay Leaders, online, Mar. 16
→ Science & Faith Symposium (Providence Theological Seminary and the Canadian Christian Scientific Affiliation), online, Mar. 19
→ Discrimination: A Deeper Dive (Plan to Protect), online, Mar. 21
→ Apologetics Canada Leadership Summit (for ages 20-27), Agassiz, B.C., Mar. 25-27
→ 1984: Prophetic or Pathetic? Exploring Orwell’s Warnings to the Future (Apologetics Canada), Mar. 27
→ Ending Poverty Together Online Workshop (FFTH), online, Mar. 31
→ Ministry Leadership Day with Kevin Vanhoozer (Heritage Theological Seminary), online, Mar. 31
→ Biblical Sexual Ethics: Repressive or Impressive? (One Way Ministries), online and in-person in Ottawa, Apr. 1-2
→ Marriage Enrichment All-Inclusive Retreat (Kerith Creek Retreat Centre), Priddis, Alberta Apr. 1- 3
→ Rencontre au sommet, French-language prayer gathering (online), Apr. 4
→ Watercooler Break for Communication Workers (CCCA), online, Apr. 8
→ Ontario Prayer Breakfast, online, Apr. 11
In Case You Missed It
→ Dix nouveaux articles traduit de « Faith Today » (ten new articles translated into French)
→ How to Help Those Affected by the Ukraine-Russia War
→ The EFC Applies to Intervene in Canada Summer Jobs Case
→ Add to Our List of Favourite Worship Songs (Faith Today blog)
→ Russia Invades Ukraine: A Guide for Christian Response (Reconciling blog)
→ Toward Accessible Faith and Flourishing, with Keith Dow (Faith Today podcast)
→ Blessed Are the Peacemakers (Column by Bruce Clemenger)
→ Welcome Church Resource Helps Canadian Church Welcome Newcomers