July & August 2019
Quick Calendar WEEKLY Sun
9am-10am Bible Study Starting Sept 22 10am-11:30am Sunday Worship 11:30 Refreshments
pg 29 pg 29
Tues 10:00am Pastoral Team Meeting Wed 10am-12:00am Refresh Summer Women's Group
pg 29
Thur 12pm-1pm Lunch Together
pg 29 pg 29
July 1
Youth Year End Party - (fireworks @9pm)
pg 30
July 4-7
SGC Annual Camping Trip to the Pinery
pg 19
July 20
Community Yard Sale
pg 19
July 22
SGC Day Camp Week 1
pg 20
July 22 July 28 July 29
Community Journey through Colossians
pg 20
Lets go see the Jays!
pg 20
SGC Day Camp Week 2
pg 20
Sept 1,6,8
Discipleship Orientation Days
pg 22
Sept 15
Annual Fall Ministry Launch BBQ
online
7pm-8:30pm ESL Café Starting Sept. 4 1pm - 2pm Bible Discussion
pg 29 pg 29
TAKE NOTE: The Pastoral Team will be taking vacation breaks at different times throughout July-September. See more on page 29-30 or on our Events page at www.springgardenchurch.ca/events.
Delve submissions are due Aug. 24 (two month edition). Delve submissions are due on the MONDAY before the LAST Sunday of each month. To submit for the next issue of Delve, please e-mail: delve@springgardenchurch.ca
Features
3 - 18
Creating God Space 3 An Invitation to Memorization 5 Seeing God in Your Everyday Life 7 To Manila with Love from Spring Gardeners 11 Seniors in the Church 13 Climate Change in East Africa 16 Random Acts of Hospitality 17
Community Corner
19 - 20
ReFresh Summer 19 SGC Annual Camping Trip 19 Community Yard Sale 19 Community Journey through Colossians 20 SGC Day Camp 20
Discipleship Ministries Spring Kids 21
21 - 23
Spring Youth 23
Resource Centre
25 - 26
Resource Recommendations 25
More Info
27 - 30, 24
Leadership Directory 27 Cover, Design, & Editor: Dale Forder Weekly Calendar 29 Upcoming Calendar 30 Contributors: Fun Page 24 Greg Kay
Our Values
(back page)
Sam Lee Jen Chrystman Victoria Shipmaker Alice Ng Bouwma Lily Cheng Sam Lee Karen Cassel
Copy Editors: Greg Kay Karen Cassel
Digging a little deeper into Spring Garden
Features
Creating God Space by Greg Kay
T
his spring and early summer during Sunday morning worship we have been reflecting on the what, why, where, when, who, and how’s of Sharing God’s Story in our post-Christian context. From his book God Space, Doug Pollock has two reflective resources that we thought might be helpful tools as we continue to contemplate the reason for the hope that we have in Jesus and how we might share this hope with those around us.
The first resource, “Defining God Space”, is helpful for reflecting on the kind of space not only where we meet God, but also the kind of space that fosters natural and non-coercive conversations about spirituality. The second is a series of questions that help us gain self-awareness on how we are at creating safe “God Space” with those around us.
Defining God Space God Space is where…
…God is felt and encountered in tangible ways that address the longings and cries of the heart. …we come to the end of our own finite resources and experience the infinite resources of God. …the natural gives way to the supernatural. …seeds of faith are planted, watered, and nurtured …gentleness and respect are present, judgment is absent, and divine dialogue flows naturally because trust has been established. …the invisible principles of God’s kingdom are made visible in ways people can see, touch, and feel. …friends of sinners—in other words, our friends—dwell.
3
…the topic of God can be explored freely without agendas, biases, and personal convictions getting in the way.
…cynics, skeptics, scoffers, and spiritually curious people alike can raise their questions, share their doubts, voice their concerns, and even vent their anger toward God and the church. …the “unworthy” [those who feel unworthy, or those we wrongly judge as unworthy] feel safe enough to bring their real selves into the light, and to journey, one step at a time, toward the magnetic pull they sense deep in their souls. …spiritual curiosity is aroused, and the message of Christianity becomes plausible.
“God Space” Self-Awareness Questionnaire 1 2 Never
3
4
5 6 Sometimes
7
8
9
10 Always
1. Can you overlook “un-Christlike” attitudes and lifestyles in your efforts to connect with others? ___ 2. Are you able to suspend your judgment for long periods of time around those who don’t follow Jesus? ___ 3. Do you consistently seek to understand those you know who don’t follow Jesus before seeking to be understood by them? ___ 4. Are you patient enough to wait for those in your life who don’t follow Jesus to ask for your opinion? ___ 5. Be honest: Do you like people who do not follow Jesus? ___ 6. Do people who do not follow Jesus like you? For example: Are you invited to their homes? ___ 7. Does your body language communicate an open-hearted acceptance of those in your life who don’t follow Jesus? ___ 8. Are you able to communicate acceptance to those who don’t follow Jesus with neither condemning nor endorsing their lifestyles? ___ 9. In your relationships with those who don’t follow Jesus, do you typically offer kindness rather than “rightness”? ___ 10. Is your heart consistently broken and filled with compassion for those who don’t follow Jesus in your life? ___ From God Space: Where Spiritual Conversations Happen Naturally, Doug Pollock, ©2009
4
An Invitation to Memorization by Greg Kay
T
his summer, beginning July 21st, we will be going through the letter of Colossians together on Sunday mornings and we wanted to invite you to join us to memorize a portion of the letter with us. Please know that this is an invitation, not an obligation; only join in if you would like to! Memorizing Scripture can be useful for helping us to internalize and integrate the words on the page deeper into our minds and into our hearts. I myself have found at many times, when I’ve needed a word of encouragement or resolve, God has brought to mind a scripture passage I’ve memorized (even sometimes passages I forgot that I had memorized!), and it has been a wonderful way I feel the Spirit has spoken to me. We also feel it would be a blessing to do this as a community, perhaps with a partner, a friend, your family, life group, or the person who shares the pew with you! Partnering with another/ others can offer both encouragement and accountability. Perhaps simply touching base on a Sunday morning before or after worship to see how it’s going with one another. If you are interested in doing this with someone but do not know someone, please let us know (email gregkay@springgardenchurch.ca or approach a pastor on a Sunday morning) and we’ll do our best to connect you with someone. The passage we (Sam Lee and I, Greg Kay) are recommending is Colossians 1:15-20, which is a beautiful passage on the centrality and supremacy of Christ, the one who reconciles all things in heaven and on earth. However, this is just a recommendation so if there is another passage in the letter to the Colossians you would like to memorize, or perhaps this passage is too long and you would rather memorize a portion of it, feel free to do that instead! As there are numerous English translations of Scripture, we are leaving it to you to decide which you would like to memorize. I’ve included the passage below in the NIV as it is a translation that I know a lot of Spring Gardeners use.
5
Colossians 1:15-20
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Get even deeper with us by using the app! See page 20.
6
Seeing God in Your Everyday Life
T
he Daily Examen has stood the test of time as a great spiritual discipline for the people of God. I have found the examen to be a good way for me to connect with God. It is a great way to take time from our busy schedule to reflect on our day and the ways in which God has been in our day. It is an intentional way to slow down and acknowlege that God is intimately involved in our daily lives if we take the time to look for Him. I found this great article that explains how this examen can be practiced at home with your young and older children. One suggestion that writer mentions that I think can work for all ages is to take the time over dinner to talk about the highs and lows of your day. It’s not all of the examen but is a helpful way to get your children used to reflecting on your day and where they saw God’s presence in it. This is a great opportunity for you to share your own day and your experience of God. The best form of discipling your children is by sharing your own spiritual journey with your children. I am praying that this summer can be a time in which you can reflect on your experiences and to be aware of God’s presence in your life! - Sam Lee
A Tool for Spiritual Growth Helping your kids develop the habit of making a daily examen gives them a powerful tool for spiritual growth. Why? Because it not only teaches kids that God is near, present in every moment of their lives, but helps them recognize the many manifestations of that presence. Moreover, it teaches kids to examine their own response to God’s presence, for better or worse, in their thoughts, feelings, and actions. And finally, it teaches them to make this examination in a spirit of gratitude. With the aid of the Holy Spirit, this prayerful examination draws us ever closer to God. No wonder St. Ignatius so highly recommended it—not just for his Jesuits, but for everyone! 7
Older Children and Teens Consider lighting a candle or playing quiet music to set a prayerful atmosphere. Briefly describe each step, allowing several minutes for each one. 1. Enter God’s presence. Take a few moments to quiet down, to recall that God has accompanied you every step of the way during the day, and to open yourself to God’s presence. 2. Review the events of the day in a spirit of gratitude. Move through your day, hour by hour, taking special note of its many small gifts: the warmth of a child’s hand, a cup of coffee, a flock of birds, the kindness of a stranger. Recall that God is revealed in each of these details. Think, too, about the gifts you were able to give others: an encouraging word, a smile, work well done. 3. Pray for a “Spirit of truth.” Prepare for the next step by asking for the “Spirit of truth” to “guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). Prepare yourself to be honest as you examine your actions during the day, knowing that the truth will free you to grow closer to God. Recall, too, God’s unconditional love for you. 4. How were you open to God’s presence in the events of the day? Next, examine how you responded (or didn’t) to God’s presence in the key events of the day. When were you loving? When did you miss an opportunity to love? When were you sinful? How much were you in charge of your actions, and what did you do out of simple habit? Pay attention to your emotions around these events. St. Ignatius taught that the Holy Spirit often speaks to us through our emotions, even the “negative” ones. What truth might God be leading you to through your emotions? 5. Bring it to Jesus. Finally, respond in prayer to the insights revealed in the previous steps. You may want to imagine this as a friendly face-to-face meeting with Jesus, one in which you offer words of sorrow, gratitude, or joy. You may want to ask for forgiveness, consolation, encouragement, the grace to overcome bad habits, and direction for how to grow closer to God. Continue to listen to Jesus as you resume your daily activities.
8
Younger Children Introduce very young children to the idea of reviewing the day and bringing it to God by doing Highs and Lows (see below). For children ages 5–9, try talking through the steps conversationally using this shortened method: 6. Entering God’s presence. Set a prayerful tone. “Let’s pray about our day.” “God, you have been with us all day long, since the time we woke up until now; help us to remember our day, so we can bring it to you.” 7. What happened today? Review the events of the day, moving through the parts of the day and offering prompts as necessary. “What happened in the morning when we woke up? . . . What happened at school? . . . When we got home? . . . When were we angry? . . . Sad? . . . Happy? . . . What was beautiful? . . . What was amazing?” Optionally, write down responses on a dry erase board or in a prayer journal. 8. How was God present, and how did we respond? “How was God present to us today?” You will probably need to name this for your children at first, or supplement their responses with your own suggestions. It might be obvious that God is present in moments of beauty and joy, but you can help your children see how God is also present during times of challenge and sadness. Ask, “How did we respond to God’s presence? When were we loving? When weren’t we loving?” 9. Pray the day. Invite your children to think about what Jesus is saying to them through the events of the day. Ask guiding questions such as, “What do you think Jesus says about our day?” Invite them to pray in response: “What do we want to tell Jesus about what happened today?” Encourage simple words of praise, thankfulness, repentance, forgiveness, and petitions for the grace to draw closer to God in the coming day.
9
Highs and Lows A simple way to prepare young children for a lengthier, more involved examen is to begin with a daily “highs and lows” check-in. The whole family can participate! At the end of the day (perhaps over dinner), have each person share their “highs” and “lows” for the day: What was the best thing that happened today? What was the worst? As each person shares his or her highs and lows, have another person offer a prayer for whatever that person mentioned. Explain that we can give the events of our days back to God in prayer. We can give the “highs” back to God in the form of our joy and thanks, and we can give the lows back to God by “offering them up”—that is, uniting our suffering (no matter how small) with the suffering of Christ on the cross, so that God might take our suffering and turn it into something good, just as he did in the Resurrection. Say a simple prayer such as the Our Father or a spontaneous prayer of your own, or sing a song, as a way of offering your highs and lows to God.
10
To Manila with Love from Spring Garden Families (and Grandparents) by Jen Chrystman
“
What are we going to do with all of these?” There was a look of both surprise and shock on the face of Lisa’s friend. Several ladies from Lisa’s house church had just opened the two large suitcases of children’s clothing and were staring at 30 kg of beautiful shorts, tops and dresses. Never having distributed donations to fire victims before, they all looked to Lisa for advice. “It’s simple.”, she said with a smile. “We sort them into various sizes and put them into lots and lots of plastic bags. Then we take them to the basketball courts and give one bag to each family. The moms will keep what they need and trade with others for better sizes for their kids.” After sorting and bagging the clothes, they headed off from Dawn Harvest Church in Welfareville. Along the narrow alleyway and down the mud slope. Over the broken pavement and under the wet laundry hanging on makeshift clotheslines. Into the basketball court and along the first path between UN-style tents. “Hello”, they called to the moms sharing tents with other families. In no time at all, they left that basketball court and headed to a second, leaving dozens of happy families in their wake. By the end of the hot morning, the good news of Jesus’ love was proclaimed
11
and smiles abounded. What none of them knew, though, was that another 25 kg of great kids’ and youth clothing was still nestled behind Jen’s couch in Toronto, waiting to be boxed and sent in October. Who would have guessed that moms in Toronto had been so generous! My guess is that by September, there will be even more gently used clothes to send off to the needy families in time for Christmas. Thanks so much, you Spring Garden Families (and Grandparents!). You’ve made a difference in so many lives and spoken the good news of Jesus’ love in exactly the right language.
12
Seniors in the Church by Victoria Shipmaker
“
On Thursdays a group of us get together for Lunch Together and many stay for Bible Discussion. Over time this group came to be known as the seniors' group. One day earlier in the year one of the participants said "I wish the church knew us when we were younger and more active." I get it. People see the walker, or the cane, the white hair, the slower pace and they see OLD. I notice that being OLD does not give any privileges that it used to - OLD stand in line like everyone else for coffee and snacks balancing their goods while navigating the crowd. OLD stops walking as children whiz by. The fear of falling and the sad aftermath is too much too risk. OLD means that no one really wants to know what you think because they think they know. OLD means doddering old fools who love the hymns and hate the drums.
The group on Thursday are not OLD. The group is comprised with many different realities: retired teachers, nurses, a pastor, passionate volunteers, an actor, legal administrator, grandmothers, singles, childless marrieds, adults dealing with teenagers, widows. Broken hips may be part of the story but that is such a new addition to lives of experience. Bible discussions are passionate, questioning with a strong dose of faith. We laugh - a ton. We sometimes get irritated with one another. Some of us work, most of us don't. Some wish we could. Some have a number of years before they can draw a pension. One of us takes our lunch break away from our work down the street to join 13
in the conversation and prayer. It is true that we don't have any men in our group. We miss John who used to be a part of us - always quick with wit and humour he was not OLD. Please consider our group when newcomers come to the church who are looking to connect. We will be meeting as usual through the summer and welcome drop ins and those who can't commit to coming every Thursday. We are a good place to find some wisdom our own and from the Bible, practice some English, get parenting advice and also advice on how to avoid getting OLD ;) Victoria Shipmaker on Behalf of the group. Victoriashipmaker@gmail.com text or call 647 444 9320
14
Climate Change in East Africa by Alice Ng Bouwma
I serve at World Renew, a Christian international development and disaster response organization that is compelled by God’s deep passion for justice and mercy, and that joins communities around the world to renew hope, reconcile lives, and restore creation. It was this conviction that moved me to join the East Africa Climate Witness Project trip to understand firsthand the impacts of climate change. In May, our group of seven traveled together for two weeks across Kenya and Uganda to visit the rural communities that World Renew and our local partners, Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) and Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) in Uganda, serve. We met subsistence farmers who grow food for survival and who are dependent on rainfall to irrigate their lands. Over and over again we heard stories of how extreme weather patterns of increased intensity and frequency of droughts and floods are having devastating effects on the 80% of Kenyans and Ugandans living in rural areas as subsistence farmers. Like many others, Samuel from Solai, Naruku, Kenya told us that: “In the past, we had two rain/planting seasons – with the long rains from March to July and the short rains from October to December. My wife and I would always start preparing the land and plant in April and have a good harvest in June. But over the past five years, the rains have not been good and we can’t farm like we did in the past. We’re adapting by practicing conservation agriculture; using these practices last year we experienced a four-fold increase in our yields. But this year the rains are less; it hasn’t rained much since December. Last year at this time my maize was up to my knees. I’m worried since we will not be able to harvest this June.” World Renew and ACK are partnering with Samuel and other 15
farmers in his cluster group to explore how different techniques of conservation agriculture can improve food production and also increase marketability so surplus harvest can be sold at a profit. We will encourage Samuel to maintain permanent soil cover by leaving his crop residue and growing live cover crops like beans. This will help capture the little rain that does fall, improve soil fertility, and eventually lead to healthier harvest. Leaving Naruku, Kenya we traveled to North Teso, Uganda. There I learned that climate change is adding another layer of complexity to people who are already dealing with traumatized youth who were once child soldiers in the country’s cruelest rebel force, being affected by violent Karamojong cattle raiding, and losing their fishing livelihoods to depletion of fish in lakes. But I also witnessed and heard stories of joy, resilience, strength, and hope that can only come from God. We heard testimonies of self-empowered groups working together and advocating their local district government, and now have drilled wells to access clean water, and roads that provide safer access to markets and schools. There are also aspirations of so much more, including having a ferry that will connect them to the capital of Kampala. With World Renew’s and PAG’s facilitation groups now have community action plans and are registering with the government to access even more resources and build collateral. Lives are being transformed as community members are diversifying their livelihoods with small livestock rearing and fish ponds, planting pest and drought resistant seeds, and progress in gender transformation is happening! At the community of Akampala I had the privilege to close our meeting with the 200 people who welcomed us so warmly with dancing and singing; they were so grateful for the food aid provided in 2017 and the continued agriculture and health training they receive. I offered them a Bible verse that God used to encourage me when our youngest son was hospitalized last 16
year – Isaiah 41:10: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Now being home for almost a month from my visit, I’m challenged by how I can change my personal lifestyle choices to reduce my carbon footprint and promote stewardship in my communities, to teach my own children about how better to live sustainably with our God-given resources, and to continue seeking justice for those impacted the most by the changing climate. If you’re interested in World Renew’s ministries and want to learn more about the Climate Witness Project, I would be excited to connect with you during church refreshments or feel free to email me at abouwma@worldrenew.net. by Lily Cheng
T
his summer we have chosen a theme of “Random Acts of Hospitality” to help build our community and foster deeper connections with those in our midst. Hospitality does not mean a Martha Stewart level dinner party. It can be as simple as coffee or a playdate in the park.
Since becoming a Christian I have lived in 3 countries which meant I have had the challenging task of finding a home church a few times. It was amazing to me how invisible I could feel in a new church - even after visiting for several months. The churches where my husband and I have felt welcome and were able to find a pathway to plug in was always dependent on one person inviting us into their circle. What began as a simple invitation to lunch 17
after church or even a dinner invitation lead to further invitations into cell groups and social activities that helped us to feel seen and welcome. Even plugging into a cell group does not lead to feeling welcome if all relationships happen only within an official program. It is hard to move countries, to be in transition, to not have a spiritual home. We want to reach out to those among us and help them find a place to belong. I have also heard from some more established members of our church community that they do not know as many people from our church as others may think. Here is our chance - to reach out across our weekly coffee time and ask the Holy Spirit to show us who to connect to. Here are some conversation starters for those who may have challenges reaching out to strangers. You can always start out with “Hi! My name is ____” and then use one of these questions: • How long have you been attending Spring Garden? • Are you a coffee drinker? Or do you prefer tea or water? • I heard the weather is going to be rainy/sunny/cloudy. What do you usually do when it is ______? • Did you hear news item/sporting news? • What do you usually do after worship? • Any suggestion of restaurants nearby? • What do you do for a living? If approaching someone you don’t know is uncomfortable for you, feel free to ask one of our pastors to introduce you to someone. Our pastoral team is always available if you need help in making a connection! I believe there will be much blessing for our church, for those we invite and for ourselves when we reach out to others in hospitality.
18 18
Life in and around Spring Garden
Community Corner
Summer ReFresh Wednesday, 10am - 12pm
A gathering of women from our church and the community will be continuing this summer. If the weather is nice, the group may go to the park next to the church, though we will first meet in the church at the West Lounge. It is a great opportunity for connection and
prayer.
SGC Annual Camping Trip July 5-7 or 4-7
We believe in a creative God. Therefore, we want to give an opportunity for people of all ages and stages to enjoy God’s creation. This is an opportunity of those within our community that enjoy nature or would want to learn to enjoy nature more. It is a great time of of relaxing, community building, and enjoying God’s creation.
YARD SALE Community Yard Sale July 20, 9:30am - 1:30pm
19
The purpose of this event is to invite our neighbours to get to know our church in a fun way. The youth will be
running a Kids Carnival. There will also be a BBQ and a Mom2Mom Sale. You can help in two ways:
1. Share the news with your friends and neighbours. They might want to book a table! There is a sign up form on our website. 2. Sign up to volunteer. This can also be done through the website or through the form on the yellow table beside the Welcome Centre. This is our chance to show our hospitality to the neighbourhood. Please invite your friends if they would like to book a table: https://www. tickettailor.com/events/springgardenchurch/26342
Community Journey through Colossians July 22
Starting on Sunday, July 21 we will be journeying through the book of Colossians. To deepen our learnings and share the experience together, we are piloting a shared devotional experience through the YouVersion app. Starting on July 22 we will start the 24 day devotional which we can aim to finish by the end of August together. Fill out the form online or by the Welcome Center and we will send you a link to join the group the day the study begins. Participants will be able to ask questions and share insights online. A paper version
of the study will also be made available.
SGC Day Camp July 22 - Aug. 2
This year our camp will focus on activities and skills which the kids have the option to choose from. We will be hosting activities involved in sports, culinary, art etc. Different options and tracks will be sent out closer to the dates, for the child(ren) and parents to choose together. Camp is full.
20
Partnering with Families and Singles
Discipleship Ministries 21
Sam and Jeremy would like to thank all of the Discipleship Ministry volunteers who helped make this ministry year amazing. We are confident in the impact you’ve made in the lives of our kids and we want you to know we value you and the time you spent with us. It’s been a great year and we hope you have the opportunity to enjoy the summer and time with loved ones.
Spring Kids
Summer Sundays As our ministry year comes to an end, our summer kids ministry will pick up on the first Sunday of July (July 7th, 2019). This does mean that we will be doing things just a little differently than we do during the year. During Summer Sundays, all the kids in Pre-K - Grade 5 (3 - 11 years old) will be gathering in the children’s theatre to begin their worship. After the time of teaching, the kids will be separated into 2 groups where they will have the opportunity to play some games and create a fun craft. This will be facilitated by our summer Staff.
Summer Staff We are excited to welcome some wonderful people onto our discipleship team this Summer. Our Summer staff will be working on all of our summer activities. Specifically our 2 weeks of day camp and our Summer Sunday ministry. If you see them around feel free to say hi!
Leah
Alec
JD
Lily
Turner
Eldrin
Volunteering Even though it feels so far away, our team is already planning our fall ministry launch. We are in need of people to help with our Sunday kids worship and would like you to think about being one of our leaders. If you would like more information on the different serving areas we have, please speak to Sam (samlee@springgardenchurch.ca) or Jeremy (Jeremy@springgardenchurch.ca)
Discipleship Orientation Days If you’ve already decided that you want to serve with us, thank you! We will be hosting a few days for orientation to help you understand what, and why we do what we do. This will also be a time where you can ask any questions pertaining to our children’s ministry and what entails in being a volunteer. The days for our orientation are: September 1st: 9:00am - 10:00am or 12:00pm - 1:00pm September 6th: 8:00pm-9:00pm September 8th: 9:00am-10:00am For any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact Sam or Jeremy.
Spring Youth Our regular youth programming will be on break during the summer, but that doesn't mean our group will be. Our youth will have different opportunities to be involved and engaged throughout the summer. Here are some options we have available: • • • •
Summer Sunday Volunteering LIT program: July 15-18 (More info to come) Summer Camp Week 1 (July 22-26) Summer Camp Week 2 (July 29-Aug 2)
We will pick up our regular ministry schedule in the fall. If you would like more information about this Summer please contact Jeremy (jeremy@springgardenchurch.ca)
23
24
Recommendations
The Resource Centre 25
Spring Garden’s online library catalog can be accessed at springgardenchurch.ca/library. If you know of books or DVDs that you’d like to recommend to the Resource Centre, please contact Karen Cassel (karen.cassel@bell.net)
The allure of gentleness: defending the faith in the manner of Jesus by Dallas Willard
When Christians share their faith, they often appeal to reason, logic, and the truth of doctrine. But these tactics often are not effective. A better approach to spread Christ’s word, Dallas Willard suggests, is to use the example of our own lives. To demonstrate Jesus’s message, we must be transformed people living out a life reflective of Jesus himself, a life of love, humility, and gentleness. This beautiful model of life—this allure of gentleness— Willard argues, is the foundation for making the most compelling argument for Christianity, one that will convince others that there is something special about Christianity and the Jesus we follow.
Close enough to hear God breathe: the great story of divine intimacy by Greg Paul
In Close Enough to Hear God Breathe, acclaimed author Greg Paul shows readers through beautiful prose, powerful stories, and inventive teaching, a rich message that recounts the story of a God who has been inviting all of humanity and each individual into a tender embrace since time began. God longs for a relationship with each of His children. Our stories matter to Him. Your story matters to Him. Reading the Bible ought to be like putting one's head on God's chest and listening to His heartbeat. Close Enough to Hear God Breathe will help readers do just that. And when they do, they'll hear God whisper, "You are my child. I love you. And I am pleased with you."
Noticing God in mystical encounters in the ordinary, in the still small voice, in community, in creation, and more by Richard Peace
Where is God? How do we encounter God? How do we know it is God we encounter and not some figment of our imagination? Is it possible to know God in some sort of relational way? Richard Peace believes it is. But it requires a certain level of awareness, a certain discipline of the heart. Peace calls it the "spiritual discipline of noticing God." In this book he unpacks what it means to make a conscious practice noticing God in daily life. He explores the various ways people experience and recognize God's presence, including mystical encounters, ordinary daily life, within our hearts, through other people, through Scripture, nature and the church. Throughout, he returns to the question of discernment, helping you understand how you can know that it is indeed God you are meeting in each of these places, not just some fanciful figment of the imagination. God is deeply present in our world, and you can actually encounter him.
Giving church another chance: finding new meaning in spiritual practices by Todd Hunter
Everybody wants to be spiritual. But nobody wants to be religious. Everybody is looking for a rich spiritual life. But nobody is looking to church. As a pastor, Todd Hunter found himself disillusioned, burned out and needing to drop out of traditional forms of church. He experimented with house churches and other options but was still dissatisfied. Eventually he found himself sneaking off to worship services on Sunday mornings with surprising results. What did the historic spiritual practices of church do for him? How did they lead to a life of centred peace, chart a path to simplicity and cause him to reach out to others while focusing on the glory of God? Walk with Hunter on this journey to find spiritual riches in a surprising place. You might just give church another chance. .
26
Directories and What's Happening
More Info
Leadership Directory PASTORAL TEAM
416.223.4593
Greg Kay Co-Lead Pastor
Ext. 224 gregkay@ springgardenchurch.ca
Sam Lee Co-Lead Pastor
Ext. 227 samlee@ springgardenchurch.ca
Jeremy Ranasinghe Children and Youth Pastor
Ext. 223 jeremy@ springgardenchurch.ca
Lily Cheng Community and Missions Pastor
Ext. 226 lilycheng@ springgardenchurch.ca
Dale Forder Office & Communications Administrator
Ext. 221 daleforder@ springgardenchurch.ca
Spring Garden Church
112 Spring Garden Avenue, Toronto ON M2N 3G3 www.springgardenchurch.ca office@springgardenchurch.ca Telephone Fax Prayer Line 27
416.223.4593 416.223.6126 416.223.4038
Sam Chaise Michel Belzile
416.564.5400 mrbelzile@gmail.com
Martin Dewar
416.229.2695 martin.dewar@sgbc.ca
DEACONS
Krysten Cameron Joanne Laing
416.399.0493 krystencameron@hotmail.com 416.617.6582 joannelaing@gmail.com
Shannon Loewen
647.202.0701 shannon.loewen1@gmail.com
Peggy Moore
416.225.2406 peggylouisemoore@gmail.com
Jeff McGee
416.493.2102 jeff.mcgee@sympatico.ca
Monica Kim
604.710.3224 monicakim2000@gmail.com
Garth Barron Darlene Boyd
ELDERS
437.925.2813 sam_chaise@yahoo.com
Anne Barron
416.724.9329 garthbarron@sympatico.ca 416.385.2483 darlene.boyd@gmail.com 416.724.9329 anne.barron020@sympatico.ca
Koon Wah Leung Brad Sider Clem Lee
416.225.7092 koonwleung@gmail.com 647.200.6853 ​bradsider@yahoo.ca 416.508.7355 crazymonkeyfamily@gmail.com
28
What’s Happening Weekly SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
Sundays 10am - 11:30am For the Month of June, we will be going through a series on "Sharing God's Story". Children and Youth go downstairs. Communion will be held on the 1st Sunday of the month.
REFRESH
Life in Spring Garden
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Sundays 9am - 10am **There will be no classes until September 22nd.
Held in the meeting room. Everyone is welcome, bring your Bible if you have one.
ESL CAFE
Wednesdays 10am - 11:30am
Wednesdays 7pm - 8:30pm
Friendship, care & spiritual growth for women; child care provided. Please see more on our Events page. Contact Beverly Holtzman @ holtzb@rogers.com
**There is no ESL Cafe until Sept 4th.
*ReFresh Summer
We meet at Spring Garden Church in the East Lounge. A place to practice your English and meet new friends.
PASTORAL TEAM MEETING Tuesdays 10:00am - 1:30pm
We meet in the meeting room every Tuesday. Please pray for us for wisdom and inspiration.
LUNCH TOGETHER Thursday 12pm - 1pm
Eat and Share some laughs and conversation with others and words of prayer. West Lounge
Text or call Victoria @ 647 444 9320
BIBLE DISCUSSION Thursday 1pm - 2pm
Bible Study that is open to the church and our neighbours. victoriashipmaker@ gmail.com Text or call Victoria @
647 444 9320
You may find more info at springgardenchurch.ca, in the 29 welcome brochure or call us at 416-223-4593.
What’s Happening Life in Spring Garden
Upcoming JULY
1 JULY
Youth Year End Party 6pm - 9:00pm @ SGC
Fireworks from 9-9:30pm for all @ park by SGC
SGC Annual Camping Trip to the Pinery
4-7
Please pray for lots of sun and fry conditions. 2 or 3 Night Option. See page 19.
JULY
Community Yard Sale
20 JULY
22 JULY
22 JULY
28 JULY
29
There will also be a BBQ and a Mom2Mom Sale and a kids Carnival. See page 19.
SGC Day Camp Week 1 See page 20.
Community Journey through Colossians See page 20.
Lets go see the Jays!
You have had to buy tickets already, this is your reminder.
SGC Day Camp Week 2 See page 20.
SEPT
SEPT
SEPT
1
6
8
SEPT
15
Discipleship Orientation Days See more on page 22.
Annual Fall Ministry Launch BBQ
To kick off our fall ministry year, we will gather together for a BBQ. See more info online, closer to September on our Event's page.
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 you eye on our Events page at: 30 http://www.springgardenchurch.ca/events.
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 center. 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.