EFC Affiliates Responding to the Russia-Ukraine War
The EFC is compiling a list of organizations and ministries affiliated with the EFC that are offering practical and spiritual help to Ukrainians during this difficult crisis. Learn more and support them here. If we have missed anyone, please use the contact us page on our website to let us know.
To help our reflection on what God might be calling us to think and do at this time, Phil Wagler of the Peace and Reconciliation Network also published a blog on that topic at FaithToday.ca.
Why the Current Prostitution Laws Are Essential, Part Two: The Impact of Decriminalization on Sex Trafficking
When laws prohibiting sex buying and pimping are removed, the sex industry expands, and so does trafficking.
Canada’s current prostitution laws target the demand for paid sex, an approach which is essential to fighting sexual exploitation. If the laws to curb demand are removed and sex buying is legitimized, the demand for paid sex will increase. Read more in our new blog.
Blessed are the Peacemakers
Covid restrictions, protests in Ottawa, and now a Russia-Ukraine war: our modern world is increasingly in dire need of peacemaking: “Both within and outside the Church, many challenges demonstrate the need for peacemakers and diplomacy, both promoted and practised by Jesus and Paul.” Read more in the latest column by EFC President Bruce Clemenger.
Did you know print subscription to Faith Today is now free in Canada? Sign up at FaithToday.ca/SubscribeFree.
Listen to Some Old and New Favourite Worship Songs
Faith Today’s latest cover story details the research behind the rise and fall of popular worship songs in recent decades. We complied a playlist of the top 118 songs for your listening pleasure. Some of them will take you for a walk down memory lane. You can find the Life Cycle of Worship Songs playlist on Spotify here.
We thought you might have some favourites that aren’t on that list, so we also created a collaborative worship playlist on Spotify. You’re invited to add selections to share your favourites with us and with others!
You don’t need to use Spotify to listen. Our new blog post includes both playlists. If you want to share a favourite song with us outside Spotify, you can also just drop us an email. We’d love to hear what worship music is helping you care for your soul lately.
The EFC Applies to Intervene in Canada Summer Jobs Case
The EFC has applied for intervenor status in a case before the Federal Court of Appeal about the 2018 Canada Summer Jobs attestation and its impact on the ability of religious organizations to receive employment grants for summer students. The case involves the Right to life Association of Toronto and their constitutional challenge to the attestation.
Seeking Pastors for Canadian Research Project on Small Churches
The EFC and 10 partner organizations are conducting a survey on small evangelical churches in Canada, and the team is seeking pastors of small churches to participate. 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. The research is asking important questions like: What do small churches need in order to thrive? Are there things that we can do together to support small churches? 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.
Faith Today Podcast: Toward Accessible Faith and Flourishing, with Keith Dow
What does it mean to truly care for one another? To really see and hear each other? How do you do that with people who are different from you?
Listen to Keith Dow, guest on our latest podcast and manager of organizational and spiritual life at Christian Horizons, an organization that works together with people who experience disabilities to accomplish their goals and nurture communities where everybody belongs.
→ International Women’s Day Virtual Celebration (Save the Mothers), online, Mar. 8
→ Protecting Kids in the Age of Online Pornography (Defend Dignity), online, Mar. 8
→ Elder Abuse Awareness Seminar (Plan to Protect), online, Mar. 9
→ Marriage Enrichment Retreat (Focus on the Family), Huntsville, Mar. 11-13
→ WEA Business Coalition webinar (WEA), Mar. 11
→ Anthropology for Ministry (Emmanuel College), online, Mar. 11
→ Watercooler Break for Communications Workers (CCCA), online, Mar. 11
→ Plan to Protect 101, online, Mar. 15
→ EFC Prayer Gathering for Pastors, Staff and Lay Leaders, online, Mar. 16
→ Science & Faith Symposium (Providence Theological Seminary and Canadian Scientific and Christian Affiliation), online, Mar. 19
→ Discrimination: A Deeper Dive (Plan to Protect), online, Mar. 21
In Case You Missed It
→ Inside the Writing and Reading Life of Randy Boyagoda (Faith Today podcast)
→ Un-fracturing the Church (Reconciling blog)
→ Horizon Launches Reconciliation Videos (Faith Today column)
→ The Early Church Overcame Societal Divisions—We Can Too (Faith Today blog)
→ Why Do I Need Black History Month? (Faith Today blog)
→ The Intersection of Human Trafficking and Prostitution (Faith Today blog)
→ Welcome Church Resource Helps Canadian Church Welcome Newcomers
→ Justice Committee Review of Prostitution Laws