February 2021
Quick Calendar WEEKLY Sun
10am Sunday Worship Online
pg 21
Spring Kids discipleship after the Children's Blessing
11:30 Virtual Coffee Time - Online
Mon 10am-12pm Pastoral Team Meeting Wed 10am Refresh, Women's Group Thur 8:30pm Evening Prayers - Online
pg 21 pg 21 pg 10 pg 21
UPCOMING Feb 5-7
YOUTH: Blizzard 2021
pg 15
Feb 16
Pancake Tuesday
pg 11
Feb 17
Ash Wednesday Prayer and Communion
pg 12
Feb 17
Lent Communal Devotional
pg 12
Feb 21
Ministry Resource Meeting 2021
pg 9
Feb 26
YOUTH: Not-Jeopardy Movie Night
pg 16
Feb 28
Special Congregational Meeting
pg 9
See more on the last pages or on our Events page at www.springgardenchurch.ca/events.
Delve submissions are due Feb. 22nd. Delve submissions are due on the MONDAY before the LAST Sunday of each month. To submit for the next issue of Delve, e-mail: delve@springgardenchurch.ca
Features Moored 3 Why Take a Sabbatical 7
Community Corner Ministry Resource Meeting 9 Special Congregational Meeting 9 | Refresh 2021 10 LENT ACTIVITIES Pancake Tuesday 11 Ash Wednesday Prayer & Communion 12 Lent Communal Devotional 12
Discipleship Ministries
Spring Kids: Online Worship Gathering 13 Spring Kids 14 | Spring Youth 15 | Youth Events 16
Resource Centre
Resource Recommendations 17
More Info How to Give 19 Leadership Directory 19-20 Weekly Calendar 21 Upcoming Calendar 22
Our Values
(back page) Design, Cover & Editor: Dale Forder Contributors: Greg Kay Sam Lee Jeremy Ranasinghe Karen Cassel Copy Editors: Greg Kay Karen Cassel
Moored by Greg Kay
When everything around us is in a swirl of constant change and we are exhausted by the unanchored reality of daily adaptation, something firm and unwavering offers us respite in the storm; something to offer stabilization and strength for our weary souls, minds, hearts and bodies. As a follower of Jesus and as a Pastor, naturally Jesus is the one to whom I long to be moored (‘moored’ is often used to describe securing a boat with ropes, cables or anchors. *As a side note, “moore” also happens to be the root of my wife’s maiden name, though I’m pretty sure in their ancestral naming it means ‘an expanse of boggy or peaty land’…but I digress). However, I wish I could say that Jesus is always the one I moored myself to, but that would be a lie. While I long for it to be the case, the reality is, I think like most of us, in times of turmoil I find myself grasping at the closest thing to me—the most immediate place of comfort or escape. Some of these are seem good places for comfort (like my wife and my kids), and many of them are not so good (chocolate, alcohol, shopping, watching shows, scrolling incessantly through the news, etc.). When we go to these things our body gives us an immediate dose of dopamine—a chemical in the body that gives us an experience of reward and motivates us to do whatever caused it again and again. Though it seems at first to be good (because it gave us a burst of pleasure), as you can imagine, it plays a significant part 3
in developing addictions as we keep chasing that rewarding “high” we first received. These things we go to, many of them in and of themselves are not inherently bad, nor is the pleasure, comfort or escape necessarily bad. However, there is a fine line between healthy enjoyment and crossing into unhealthy attachment or addiction; relationships with them that take the place of God in our lives. The biblical language for these is to call them “idols”—people, things, experiences, ideologies that become objects of devotion as we turn towards them to offer us salvation from the harsh realities of our lives. While they may seem to offer us what we are longing for in the moment, as they are not God, they only serve to untie the ropes that keep us moored, setting us even more adrift than before. And so, once again, we realize how desperately we need something that is truly anchoring—well, not something, but someone—namely Jesus. This of course begs the question, how then do I anchor myself to Jesus? While there are many ways to answer that question, one practice that I find very anchoring at this time is found in the rhythm of the Christian (Liturgical) calendar at this time of the year: Lent. Lent is the period of time leading up to Easter weekend. It is a time of journeying with Jesus as he approaches his betrayal and crucifixion. It is officially 40 days long, however those 40 days do not include Sundays. This is because in most Christian traditions Sundays are always the day of Resurrection; a day for celebration not for fasting. The reason Lent is 40 days long is to emulate Jesus’ time of fasting in the wilderness—like Jesus fasting for 40 days in preparation for ministry that would lead him to the cross, so we fast with him as a way of aligning ourselves with his ministry and his sacrifice. It also serves as a holistic reminder that Jesus is our Lord, not these other idols to which we find ourselves turning. And so, we give up something as an act of devotion which reveals our desire for Jesus to be Lord of our lives; or we take up something as an act 4
of devotion which reveals our desire for Jesus to be Lord of our lives. For me personally, the rhythms and self-giving devotion of Lent not only help anchor me in God, but they also make very apparent to me that it is not actually my work of devotion that anchors me to God; it is God’s work in Jesus through the presence of the Holy Spirit in me that keeps me moored. The Bible offers many different ideas for what a time of fasting can look like. In the Lectionary (a collection of weekly scripture readings read by many different Christian traditions), the scripture passages for the first day of Lent (Ash Wednesday) give us a wide spread understanding of fasting. A time for repentance—turning away—from personal and communal sin and returning to God, remembering that he is gracious and merciful; a time of loosing bonds of injustice and oppression through caring for the hungry, homeless, and afflicted; a time of offering God a broken and contrite heart; a time of experiencing our momentary struggles through the lens of Jesus’ work of reconciliation; a time of humble devotion done in secret, not for the sake of being seen as righteous by others. I encourage you to prayerfully read over these passages and consider if in this Lent season there is something God might be calling you to as a mooring offering of devotion. The passages are below, and if you click on them it will take you to a lectionary website of all the passages together Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 51:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21. As a church community, we will have a few opportunities to engage in the Lenten journey together. Please check out page 11 for details. Of course, part of our communal journey through Lent will be our our Sunday morning worship gatherings. We will be reflecting on Jesus’ journey to the cross through the lens of Hebrews 12:2b-3; “for the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” 5
The journey to the cross has much for us to mediate on— the solemn and sobering reality of the impact our personal and collective brokenness has on one another and the world; the depth of love for us that Jesus enacts through his great suffering; and the paradoxical culminating joy of Jesus’ journey through death and shame to resurrection life. And so much more. Regardless of how you mark this season, as you go through the rhythms of Lent, may you be moored in God’s unfailing love through Jesus our Lord.
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Why take a Sabbatical? by Sam Lee
Does it seem crazy to think that it’s already been over six years since I started at SGC? My time at Spring Garden has been a great season of life for me as I grew in my role and saw my family grow by being part of such a wonderful community. This April, I will be going on a sabbatical for four months. During this time, I will be finishing up my thesis (through Acadia Divinity College) on the value of Henri Nouwen in youth ministry and hope to spend some time resting and being recharged for continued ministry. I am very thankful to Spring Garden and for giving me this opportunity to take a sabbatical. It speaks to the care and support that Spring Garden has for its pastors and for that I am grateful. I’ve included below the rationale for a sabbatical that SGC follows.
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The intent of a sabbatical is to provide an opportunity to pastoral staff for personal renewal spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Though a sabbatical leave is not a vacation, it allows a pastor to step away from the personal demands of ministry to regain hope and vision.
Together with the Holy Spirit, a pastor pursues a plan to rekindle the fire in their heart for God’s work. A sabbatical is also an opportunity for those to whom the pastor ministers. Not only do they have a chance to use their spiritual gifts to minister in the place of their pastor but they also will benefit from the renewed zeal and spiritual growth of their pastor. God does not want his workers worn out! Jesus took time out from his ministry to pray alone or withdrew from the crowds with His disciples to teach them. Likewise, a sabbatical is a time to withdraw from the routine of ministry in order to maintain that vital link with God. I find the second paragraph of the rationale to be refreshing. As a community of God, we are all called to serve one another. By taking a step back, it gives space for you to step up and serve the church. It isn’t up to the pastor to be the church but rather, we are all called to be part of being the church. So I am glad that this sabbatical can give space for others to use their gifts and to give space for someone or something new to arise. I am more than happy to chat with any one of you about my sabbatical and what I will be doing on it. If you have any questions about my thesis or what I will be doing, please feel free to contact me. Please pray for Greg and the rest of the staff as they will also be picking up some of my responsibilities but I ask that you prayerfully consider how you can support them in my absence. With much gratitude, Sam Lee
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Life in and around Spring Garden
Community Corner 9 9
MINISTRY RESOURCE MEETING
Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 11:30am Join us on Zoom as we discuss our 2021 ministry year and vote on our budget. While only members can vote, everyone is welcome to participate in discussion: whether you are a member or not, whether you've been here many years or just a few weeks. Our Ministry Envisioning and Proposed Budget document will be available soon, keep your eye on the event here. Please Email office@springgardenchurch.ca for your access to this zoom meeting.
SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 11:30am
It is with great excitement that the pastoral Search Committee is recommending a candidate for the position of Pastor of Missional Discipleship! Please join us on Zoom following worship on Feb 28 to consider this recommendation. While only members can vote, all who are part of Spring Garden are welcome to join. An email from me will go out by the first week of February with the Zoom link, but if you do not receive one, please request a Zoom link at office@ springgardenchurch.ca.
REFRESH 2021 It’s a new year and Refresh is eager to re-start the Zoom meetings each Wednesday from 10:00-11:30, after a six week break. Our theme is LOOKING FORWARD – Discovering God on the journey. Over the next five weeks we will be looking at what Isaiah says – words of hope and encouragement. Then as Lent begins we will follow Jesus on the journey He took, leading Him to the cross and then His resurrection. We want to invite any womn to join us. If you are feeling isolated or lonely, want to spend time with other women each week as we look at a few verses from the Bible, share our week and our journeys and then pray for each other, Refresh welcomes you. The format is Zoom – either by video or by phone, and we welcome you to come and go as you need to – to take part or just listen – your participation will be significant for everyone and we hope will make a difference in your week. If you or a friend would like to be part of Refresh or to join us occasionally, please contact Beverly, who will share the Zoom link which is the same every week. Feel free to contact any one of our leaders for support or any questions you may have: Jen Chrystman - 647-688-9046 - jenchrystman313@hotmail.com Beverly Holtzman - 416-809-8046 - holtzb@rogers.com Faith Holwyn - 416-805-7529 - faith.holwyn@gmail.com
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Life in and around Spring Garden
Community Corner
Lent LENT ACTIVITIES
Pancake (aka IHOP) Tuesday February 16, 5:30pm
Join us for Spring Garden’s very own International House of Pancakes! To mark the beginning of Lent (and to have fun while doing it!), join us online to learn to cook one of a variety of international pancake types. We will have different options for you to choose from, along with required ingredients and cooking equipment. To sign up and to read more, go to our Events Page. 11 11
Ash Wednesday Prayer and Communion February 17 at 10am and 8:30pm
Join us for a reflective time of worship as we enter the season of Lent through scripture, prayer and communion. We are holding it two times (10am, 8:30pm) to make it more accessible for any who wish to participate. Join us on Zoom by emailing office@ springgardenchurch.ca for you access detail and let me know which time you want to join in your email.
Lent Communal Devotional February 17 to April 10, 2021
We invite you to join us in a communal daily devotional with NT Wright “Lent for Everyone�. We will be doing this through the YouVersion Bible app where you can read the devotional and participate in sharing with one another. Click here to register. 12
Partnering with Families
Discipleship Ministries 13 13
Spring Kids: Online Worship Gathering February 7th - On the first Sunday of each month we’re encouraging children to join their families to participate in our morning livestream and worship together. We also have an activity page for kids available on our website should anyone like. February 14th, 21st, 28th - Our kids' worship gathering will meet on zoom these Sundays following the children’s blessing. Here is the overall flow: **Children’s Blessing Ends** • Kids Log in to Zoom (Contact Jeremy if you don’t have this information) • Big Group Teaching (Led by one of our big group leaders) • Split into small groups (Our Zoom Moderator will sort people into their groups) • Small-Group Time (Small Group Leaders talk with kids about what was said during Big Group time) • Finished - Kids and leaders sign off and enjoy the rest of their Sunday In order to ensure online safety, we previously emailed the information needed to join our online meetings. If you received the email, please do not share it with others. If you know of any families who would like this information to join us on Sundays, please direct them to contact Jeremy (jeremy@springgardenchurch.ca).
Spring Kids (Online) Here is an overview of what we will be talking about on Sundays for Spring Kids. Lesson
Ponder Point
Bible Passage
Feb 14
God Is in Control (Esther)
Est. 1—10
Feb 21
God Redeems Neh. 1—4; 6—9 (Nehemiah) Remember & Feast: Harvest Celebrate Weekend
Feb 28
Remember Verse Proverbs 19:21
Proverbs 19:21 Proverbs 19:21
Family Care Packs: Each month we will be putting together some fun things for your family. If you’d like to receive February’s care pack, you can register with through this link: http://tiny.cc/SGCKidsCarePacks February’s Care’s Pack, will focus on observing lent. Inside, you will find a Path activity to help keep track of where we are in Lent, some candy, a few reflections, as well as a mason jar with fun questions to talk about for each day (40 days in total!). We encourage you to display and use the question jar throughout Lent (February 17th- April 3rd) when you are together, like at dinner, or before a family games night! If you'd like us to prepare a pack for your family, please register below! Ash Wednesday (February 17th, 2021) is the first day of Lent, and the care packs will be available for pick up from our building (112 Spring Garden Ave, North York, Ontario, M2M3G3) by February 10th 2021. To arrange a time to pick these up, please contact Jeremy (Jeremy@springgardenchurch.ca) 14
Spring Youth Sunday Morning Worship Gatherings:
February, 14th, 21st, 28th, - We will have worship gatherings for youth in grades 6-12 following the Children’s Blessing during our Sunday Morning Gathering/Livestream. Youth will be able to connect online and we will have our own time of worship and teaching similar to what we did before the pandemic. Youth who want to join us for worship on Sunday's can do so through this link http://tiny.cc/SGCYouth **Please be aware that our gatherings will not begin until after the children’s blessing during the Sunday Morning Livestream**
Life Groups:
Life Groups this month will happen on February 10th for Jr High Girls (Gr 6-8) and February 12th, for the Sr High Girls (Gr 9-12). The Guy’s Life Group (gr 6-12) will also be meeting on February 12th, online.
Youth Events
February 5th-7th: Blizzard 2021 - Similar to Avalanche, this year’s Sr High Retreat will be online. Youth in grades 9-12 can sign up using the following link http://tiny.cc/SGCBlizzard For any questions or more information, contact Jeremy. Cost: Free 15
February 26th: "Not-Jeopardy Movie Night" - We will be meeting online to play a game similar to Jeopardy, but Not-Jeopardy! Youth wanting to participate can join following this link http://tiny.cc/ SGCYouth Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm Cost: Free Staying Updated: To stay up to date on what is happening for your youth, please visit our google calendar which has all of our planned events. http://tiny.cc/YouthCal If there is anything you’d like more clarification on, please email me (jeremy@springgardenchurch.ca)
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Recommendations
The Resource Centre
In his recent message, Sam Lee told us about the Bible Project, a site that directs us in reading through the Bible in one year. Other members of our congregation have also passed on links to sites that may be of interest to you. If you have suggestions of links to share, please email them to me at Karen.cassel@bell.net. Here are some links and additional information that you may want to check out. BibleProject is a nonprofit ed-tech organization and animation studio that produces 100% free Bible videos, podcasts, blogs, classes, and educational Bible resources to help make the biblical story accessible to everyone, everywhere. From page one to the final word, we believe the Bible is a unified story that leads to Jesus. This diverse collection of ancient books overflows with wisdom for our modern world. As we let the biblical story speak for itself, we believe the message of Jesus will transform individuals and entire communities. https:// bibleproject.com/
Henri Nouwen Society The Henri Nouwen Society is committed to introducing to a new generation of spiritually hungry readers and seekers through creative programs, partnerships and initiatives.
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In order to see others experience the unconditional love of God that Henri Nouwen discovered
in his life, we aim to provide valuable spiritual tools and guidance, while promoting Henri’s life and legacy to existing and new audiences. Anchored in spirituality, we seek to motivate leaders and individuals with a call to action in their “I have an increasing sense that the most important crisis of our time is spiritual and that we need places where people can grow stronger in spirit and be able to integrate the emotional struggles in their spiritual journeys.” Henri Nouwen https://henrinouwen.org/
N.T. Wright Online: Renewing minds through Biblical teaching At these links you can access sermons, book exerpts, courses, blogs, free e-books and more The courses contain video lecture material, written material to augment the videos, textbook recommendations, assessment tools (i.e., quizzes), and discussion sections so you can dialogue on-line with fellow students from around the world. This will help us to “be transformed by the renewing of the mind.” https://ntwrightpage.com/ https://www.ntwrightonline.org/
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Directories and What's Happening
More Info
Leadership Directory PASTORAL TEAM
416.223.4593 Ext. 224
Greg Kay Co-Lead Pastor
gregkay@ springgardenchurch.ca Ext. 227
Sam Lee Co-Lead Pastor
samlee@ springgardenchurch.ca Ext. 223
Jeremy Ranasinghe Children and Youth Pastor
jeremy@ springgardenchurch.ca Ext. 221
Dale Forder Office & Communications Administrator
daleforder@ springgardenchurch.ca
Spring Garden Church
112 Spring Garden Avenue, Toronto ON M2N 3G3 www.springgardenchurch.ca office@springgardenchurch.ca Prayer Line
Tel 416.223.4593 Fax 416.223.6126 416.223.4038
Giving is one of the ways in which we can
respond to a generous God. We give because it is a part of our discipleship and an act of worship. Please give as you feel led. For more information please go to our website at: https://www.springgardenchurch.ca/giving.
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DEACONS Krysten Cameron Chair
416.399.0493 krystencameron@hotmail.com
Ben Reynolds
Children and Youth Discipleship
Martin Dewar
Missions and Membership
Monica Kim
Vice Chair& Adult Discipleship
Joanne Laing
Secretary & Property
Shannon Loewen
Community Life/Refreshments
Jeff McGee Finance
bereynolds@gmail.com 416.229.2695 martin.dewar@sgbc.ca 604.710.3224 monicakim2000@gmail.com 416.617.6582 joannelaing@gmail.com 647.202.0701 shannon.loewen1@gmail.com 416.493.2102 jeff.mcgee@sympatico.ca
Cheryl Chapman Worship
cheryl.chapman@live.ca
ELDERS Anne Barron Gonzalo Librado
416.724.9329 anne.barron020@sympatico.ca 416.435.9691 gonzlibrado@gmail.com
Margaret Sutton margaretsutton242@gmail.com Koon Wah Leung Clem Lee
416.225.7092 koonwleung@gmail.com 416.508.7355 crazymonkeyfamily@gmail.com
Myrna Frost
416.225.4986 ​mfrost2254986@rogers.com 20
What’s Happening Weekly
Life in Spring Garden
LIFE GROUPS - Connect for Community
ALL WEEK LONG
Together through bible study, prayer and sharing. Meet online and possible in-person, please email SamLee@ springardenchurch.ca for more information or to join one.
y
Sunda
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
10am
Join us Sunday mornings as we go through the Lent weeks. After the children's blessing, the children can login our Spring Kids Online. Streamed at: www.springgardenchurch.ca
VIRTUAL COFFEE TIME
11:30am
Join us for our virtual coffee time after our online Worship Gathering. Get some coffee and snacks and log on to our Zoom meeting where you can talk with other Spring Gardeners. We will be breaking into smaller groups. Prayer room is available. Email office@springgardenchurch.ca for the log in info.
y Monda
PASTORAL TEAM MEETING
10am - 12pm
We meet in-person every Monday. Please pray for us for wisdom and inspiration.
ay d s e n
REFRESH 10am - 11:30am
y a d s r
EVENING PRAYER
Wed
Thu
Friendship, care & spiritual growth for women. Please see page 9. You are invited to a virtual time of liturgical prayer. Please see here.
SGC COMMUNITY - Facebook
8:30pm
A group to encourage each other, share resources, connect, etc. Find us through groups in Facebook.
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What’s Happening Upcoming Feb
5-7 Feb
16 Feb
17 Feb
17 Feb
21 Feb
26 Feb
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Life in Spring Garden
YOUTH: Blizzard See more on page 15.
PANCAKE TUESDAY See more on page 11.
ASH WEDNESDAY PRAYER AND COMMUNION See more on page 12.
LENT COMMUNAL DEVOTIONAL See more on page 12.
MINISTRY RESOURCE MEETING 2021 11:30am on Zoom. See more on page 9.
YOUTH: Not-Jeopardy Movie Night See more on page 16.
SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING 11:30am on Zoom. See more on page 9.
SEE OUR EVENTS PAGE FOR MORE INFO ON ANY OF THESE EVENTS. springgardenchurch.ca/events If you would like to receive a weekly e-mail update on what’s happening in Spring Garden, please visit the SGC website (www.springgardenchurch.ca) and add your email address on our home page to subscribe to our weekly e-mail. Also keep your eye on our Events page at: www.springgardenchurch.ca/events.
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Our Values We believe in a humble God who came not to be served, but to serve. Therefore we engage in sacrificial and active service to those around us. We strive to be good stewards of God’s gifts and talents by serving one another in humility. We aspire to regard others as higher than ourselves, which liberates us to creatively take risks in serving others for God’s glory. We believe in a God of grace who came to save the world, not to condemn it. Therefore, as we are continuously receiving the gift of God’s grace, we seek to grow in that grace and extend it to others. We strive to define ourselves by what we are for, not what we are against.
We believe in a God who knows us, and who desires to be known. Therefore we embrace a journey of faith that requires us to constantly strive for a personal, intimate and transformative knowledge of God. We strive to be led by God’s Spirit in supporting and encouraging one another in working out our faith.
We believe in a creative God. Therefore we are open to expressing our faith in new and creative ways that reflect the beauty and complexity of our creator. We are called to use our creative gifts in worship and service as we engage with our world. We take joy in the diversity of gifts that allow us to delight God and participate in His ongoing story. We believe in a triune, relational God who calls us to come together as a diverse community of believers. Therefore, we want to walk together, supporting one another physically, emotionally and spiritually. We strive to be a welcoming, inclusive family that goes through the joys and the trials of life together, acknowledging that God uses this community to deepen and mature our faith.
We believe in a God who loves this broken world and wants to reconcile us to Himself. Therefore we are commissioned by Christ to go out into the world, meeting the holistic needs of the local and global community. God calls us to participate in a redemptive work that he has already initiated; in humility, we will partner with others to work alongside and chase after Him.
We believe in a God who is our centre. Therefore where we are on the journey is less important than that we are moving towards a deeper relationship with Christ. We believe and participate in God’s redemptive work in all people, which gives us the freedom to come as we are, and to accept others as they are.
We each are on a unique journey to become who God has created us to be.
