October 2021
Quick Calendar WEEKLY Sun
10am Sunday Worship Online & In-Person (http:// pg 21 sgcworship.eventbrite.ca/) Spring Kids & Youth Discipleship after the Children's Blessing
Tue 10am-12pm Pastoral Team Meeting Wed 10am Refresh, Women's Group Thur 8:30pm Evening Prayers - Online
pg 21 pg 21 pg 21
UPCOMING Oct. 7
YOUTH: Guys Life Group
pg 12
Oct. 8
YOUTH: Sr High Girls Life Group
pg 12
Oct. 13
Parents Info Night
pg 11
Oct. 15
YOUTH: Craft Night
pg 15
Oct. 20
YOUTH: Jr High Girls Life Group
pg 12
Oct. 23
Fall Neighbourhood Hike
pg 7
Oct. 29
YOUTH: Sports and Games Night
pg 13
Oct. 31
Halloween at SGC
pg 7
See more on the last pages or on our Events page at www.springgardenchurch.ca/events.
Delve submissions are due Oct. 25th. 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 Special Tithes Update 3 Are the Rasos Arriving Soon? 5
Community Corner Balik Bayan Collection 7 Fall Neighbourhood Hike 7 Halloween at Spring Garden Church 7 Life Group Information 8
Discipleship Ministries
SGC Kids: (In-Person) Worship Gathering 9 Spring Youth 12 | Youth Events 13
The Resource Centre
New Non Fiction 15 | New Fiction 17 New DVDs 17 Kingdom and Empire (Gene Tempelmeyer) 18
More Info How to Give 19 Leadership Directory 19 Weekly Calendar 21 Upcoming Calendar 22
Design, Cover & Editor: Dale Forder Contributors: Special Tithing Committee Jen Chrystman Gene Tempelmeyer Jeremy Ranasinghe Karen Cassel Copy Editors: Greg Kay Karen Cassel
Special Tithes Update by the Special Tithes Committee
In 2019 Spring Garden Church received a sizable bequest gift. In response to this generous act of worship, the church committed to tithe 10% ($42,000) of the total amount. In May of 2021, a committee was formed. Members included Abby Davidson, Alice Ng Bouwma, Brad Sider, Esther Penner and Kaitlyn Ranasinghe. We met several times between June and Septmeber to discuss and prayerfully discern how these funds should be distributed. The Special Tithes Committee would like to extend a special thank you to all those who submitted ideas and applications, as well as those who connected us with different organizations. It was a blessing to learn about the various ministries of these organizations and to connect with their staff. The committee recently submitted a proposal to the Deacons and it was approved. You can read about the organizations/recipients of the funds below. In addition to aligning with Spring Garden’s values, one of the main reasons we chose the organizations listed below was because they offer opportunity for further relational engagement. We are looking forward to sharing more about these ministries with you in the coming months.
Restorative Justice Housing Ontario
This is a young non-profit agency that offers housing, community and a fresh start for people within the criminal justice system who were recently released from prison. Volunteer opportunities for SGC members include social activities (BBQs) and practical assistance to participants. Received $10,000 Funding will help subsidize rent to accommodate two individuals in Toronto for a year and contribute to the salary of a staff person.
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5n2 Soup Kitchen Project
The goal of this organization is to make food accessible to marginalized communities in the Scarborough area. They run a food pantry and garden, offer fresh meals and deliver groceries to those in need. Once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, new volunteers from our church community will be welcomed and encouraged. Received $10,000 Funding will go towards paying for food, equipment, chef’s salary and administration costs.
BL Dawn for the Poor Foundation (through OMF)
This is a new ministry in Marikina City, in the Philippines. The goal is to open new house churches for poor communities where none currently exist. Church leaders will be trained, residents discipled, social projects delivered and children’s programming initiated. SGC members could participate through clothing donations, short-term mission trips, child / youth sponsorships, etc. Received $10,000 This funding will go toward for a local pastor’s salary, four postsecondary scholars’ tuition and children’s programming costs.
Arise Ministry
This organization aims to improve the lives of individuals involved in the sex trade and, if possible, help workers and trafficked people find a way out of the industry. The staff provides outreach, case management and spiritual care for participants. Interaction with SGC could include doing presentations at our church for education and awareness and welcoming volunteers. Received $8,000 4
This money will fund a recovery program for participants seeking healing from childhood trauma. It would pay for program development, facilitation, admin, materials, and incentives.
Toronto City Mission
This well-established organization has multiple sites throughout Toronto, including Willowtree. They offer preventative programs for children, youth and families living in poverty. In addition to educational and leadership programs, they encourage strong relationships with Christ and with others. There are many opportunities for SGC to partner with them, particularly through prayer, mission teams and volunteer tutors, program leaders and workshop facilitators. Received $4,000 This funding will go towards after school programs, tutoring, leadership skill building, youth groups, family ministries and day camps. We are very excited about how the Kingdom of God can move through these particular ministries and change lives with the help of His Spirit. Please join us in praying for these ministries.
Are the Rasos Arriving Soon? by Jen Chrystman
The last time that Tarik saw his brother Soleman, they hugged. Neither of them said, “See you again”. Perhaps it was too much to hope for. Perhaps it was best left unsaid after fleeing the violence in Syria and years of trauma, scraping together life in Lebanon. Tarik and Hanaa, with Rahaf and Tarik’s brother Ahmed arrived in Canada in 2016 after months in Turkey. With the support of SGC for their first year, they are now flourishing in Scarborough. Baby Ayman arrived soon after their arrival and baby Mira was born this past summer. 5
Now, Spring Garden Church, in association with the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec, has begun the process of sponsoring Tarik’s brother Soleman, his wife Nesren and their three children, David (14), Abd (12) and Rama (11). Paperwork for this sponsorship has arrived in Lebanon already and the process is underway! We’re excited to be reuniting family. The timing of the Raso family’s arrival in Canada is expected to be 6-36 months away, but much needs to be done in the meantime. Since the Raso family was introduced in Delve (May 2021) A Refugee Action Group (RAG), composed of SGC members and friends of Tarik and Hanaa has been formed. More paperwork was completed for their acceptance application. Spring Garden Church (SGC) has set up a special donation account to receive funds for their future needs (roughly $60,000). Donations can be made to Spring Garden Church Refugee Fund. Some furniture has even been donated already and is in storage. Please pray with us for the approval to be expedited, donations to provide for their housing and integration into Canadian life for God to give them perseverance in the face of daily trials while they wait. Ways you can give: • Give via e-transfer to offering@ springgardenchurch.ca. Use the comment line to specify that the donation should be directed to the Syrian Refugee Fund. • Indicate on your Spring Garden Church envelope that the donation is for the Syrian Refugee Fund. • Donate at tithe.ly This is not the preferable method as there are extra fees attached to this. If you would like to learn more, be involved, or ask questions, please contact Jeff or Phyllis McGee, who are chairing the Refugee Action Committee (RAG) at jeff.mcgee@sympatico.ca.
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Life in and around Spring Garden
Community Corner
Balik Bayan Collection
During the month of October we will be collecting new or used clothing and shoes to send to Manila. You can donate summer clothing, in small sizes for children and youth and adult clothing in small sizes. Remember, temperatures in the Philippines rarely drop below 25C and people there are generally smaller. You can drop off your donations in the designated boxes in the lobby near the welcome centre. If you have any questions please contact jenchrystman313@hotmail.com.
Fall Neighbourhood Hike
October 23, 2021 from 10am - 12pm Come to Spring Garden with a good pair of shoes and join us for an autumn hike. We will walk from Spring Garden and back as a group but still practicing social distancing. Any questions, please contact samlee@ springgardenchruch.ca
Halloween @ SGC
October 31 6:30pm-9pm
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For this Halloween, we encourage you to be a presence in your neighbourhood/community. We will be giving out candy at the church. If you want to volunteer, email office@springgardenchurch.ca. Keep your eye on our weekly email to find out more!
Life Groups Info
Life Groups are a place where we do life together in a community centered around the gospel. They are designed for you to pursue spiritual growth, community and mission together. We offer Life Groups so everyone can have a place to belong. Life Groups are small gatherings of people who form a community. Group members share life together through friendship, learn from the Bible and other resources, pray for and give support to one another, and participate in God’s mission together. They are safe places where you can meet new people, discover your gifts for service, grow as a follower of Jesus, and have a lot of fun together. Groups gather in homes or online throughout the week. Each group is as unique as the people in it. No matter where you are in life, there is a Life Group for you.
Kevin & Suzanna Sunday afternoons, Every other week At 112 Spring Garden Ave. Scott & Kate Sunday evenings Every other week ONLINE Anne & Garth Monday evenings Weekly ONLINE Jen Tuesday evenings, Weekly Avenue/Eglinton Jeff & Phyllis Wednesday evenings Weekly ONLINE David Webb Thursday evenings Weekly ONLINE
On Sunday, October 3 we are starting a new series called "Kaleidoscope Community". We encourage you to sign up for a Life Group during this 8 week series as we reflect on unity, diversity and the beauty of God. We will be going through the book "The Beautiful Community" by Irwyn L. Ince Jr. We have groups meeting online and in-person throughout the week. For more information or to sign-up for a group visit https://forms.gle/ ddqmdxxwgoMMGEHW8. If you have any questions please get in touch with Abby at abby.davidson@ springgardenchurch.ca.
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Partnering with Families
Discipleship Ministries
SGC Kids: Family Registration Forms: In order for us to provide our ministry to the children of our church, we require new registration forms to be filled by their family every year as part of our policy to protect. Please fill out our form through this link : http://tiny.cc/SGCFamilyRegistration
Kids (In-Person) Worship Gathering To help keep everyone safe from the spreading of Covid-19 and other variants, we will be registering families in accordance with the guidelines and policies from which our church is operating. Parents and caregivers will need to reserve space for themselves and their child(ren) when registering for Sunday worship. To fully register children for our SGC Kid’s Ministry, please also select the correct “add-on” tickets for their worship group. To register for Sundays please use the following link: http://sgcworship.eventbrite.ca **Please note you will be prompted to enter your child’s names twice during the registration** Structure and Flow: We have modified our structure to help with our numbers, as well as to ensure safety regarding covid. This year, we have the following groups for our kids: Nursery -Pre-K (0-3 Years) -Orange Door Room JK/SK -Grade 2 (4-7 years) -Children’s Theatre
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Grade 3-5 (8-10 Year) -Hallway Next To Youth Lounge
Following the Children’s blessing, parents/caregivers can escort children in their care into the basement of the building from the Northwest entrance facing the parking lot. In the basement, we have marked out two paths to help regulate the flow of traffic and help ensure 6ft of distance while checking in kids into their areas. We encourage families with children in multiple areas to first signin older children and follow the path for additional drop-offs. The flow of movement allows all our parents/caregivers to exit through the same door after finishing the dropping off of children. After our announcements in the adult worship, we encourage you to follow the same procedure for picking up. **Please be aware that while we are operating under covid guidelines and restrictions, parents/caregivers are responsible for signing in and signing out children in their care** Additional Information: • All SGC Kid’s volunteers are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 • All our kids will be asked to remain masked while together inside • We have structured our seating for children to have 6ft of distance between them and others . • Our children’s ministry will not be providing snacks during their time together. • We are using a new curriculum this year and excited for what we’ll be talking about! Here is what we will be talking about on Sundays! Big and Small: Do you ever stop and think about how big God must be? God created this whole world, all of the planets, and stars in the sky . . . God is really big! Knowing God is big can make us feel small and sometimes not important. But the truth is, even the small things are a big deal to God. The story of Job can help everyone realize that even though we are small, God listens to our big feelings, God sees the big picture, God cares about every small problem, and we can also be a big help in small ways. 10
Lesson Date Oct 3 Oct 10
Oct 17
Oct 24
Oct 31
THE BIG IDEA We are small, but God is big God listens when we have big feelings God sees the big picture No problem is too small for God We can be a big help in small ways
Scripture Focus Memory Verse Job 1:1, 2:1Job 37:5 10; Psalm 8 Job 23:1-7; Job 37:5 Hebrews 4:1516 Job 38:1-7; 34-41; Isaiah 53:4-12 Job 42:1-6; 10-17; Mark 10:46-52 Job 2:11-13; Psalm 146
Job 37:5
Job 37:5
Job 37:5
October 13th, 2021 at 7-8pm: Parents Info Night Since we have rebooted our in-person children’s ministry, we are inviting the parents and caregivers from our church for an info night about our ministry, the values and direction that we are taking on Sundays with our kids. We will also be discussing the new curriculum for our church, as well have a conversation on how we can work together in discipling our SGC Kids. If you’d like to join us for that please sign up through the following link http://tiny.cc/ParentInfoNight
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Spring Youth Sunday Morning Worship Gatherings: October 10th, 17th, 31st - We will be having our regular worship gatherings for youth in grades 6-12. Following the children’s blessing, youth will move to the youth lounge to continue in worship. Due to limited space, youth will need to register their spot (preferably with their family) through http://sgcworship. eventbrite.ca and selecting the correct add-on. October 3rd & 24th 2021 - Youth are encouraged to join us in the main worship area. Youth who would like to take part in worship either through music, tech team, children’s ministry or another area should speak with Jeremy.
Life Groups: Our youth life groups will begin meeting this month, and we are excited to provide 3 areas for our youth to meet in person, Jr High Girls (Grades 6-8), Sr High Girls (Grades 9-12), and the Guys Life Group (Grades 6-12). Here are the days we’re meeting as well as who to contact: Jr High Girls: Brittni - brittni@sgbc.ca - Wednesday, October 20th, 2021 Sr High Girls: Kaitlyn - Kaitlyn.ranasinghe@sgbc.ca - Friday, October 8th, 2021 Guys Life Group: Jeremy - Jeremy@springgardenchurch.ca - Thursday, October 7th, 2021
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Youth Events October 15th: Craft Night - We will be meeting at our building to eat dinner and make some crafts together. We will have a variety of options available, however youth are encouraged to bring a craft project they are presently working on if desired and possible. Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm Cost: $5 October 29th: Sports and Games Night - We are planning a fun sports and games night in our building and around the property and will have dinner together as part of the night. Youth who have favourite sports or game they enjoy should contact Jeremy for more information. Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm Cost: $5 - Includes food November 19th & 20th: Youth Retreat Normally in the fall we would have our retreat at a venue outside of Toronto. This year we are planning a Toronto In-City Retreat where we will explore the area of Toronto together and still have intentional times of worship and teaching. Days: November 19th, 6pm-9pm, November 20th, 9:am-9pm Cost: $50 Registration Deadline November 3rd, 2021: http://tiny.cc/ SGCYouthRetreat Staying Updated: To stay up to date on what is happening for your youth, please visit our google calendar which has all our planned events. http://tiny.cc/YouthCal 13
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Recommendations
The Resource Centre 15
New Non Fiction I’m still here: black dignity in a world made for whiteness, by Austin Channing Brown Austin Channing Brown’s first encounter with a racialized America came at age seven, when she discovered her parents named her Austin to deceive future employers into thinking she was a white man. Growing up in majoritywhite schools and churches, Austin writes, “I had to learn what it means to love blackness,” a journey that led to a lifetime spent navigating America’s racial divide as a writer, speaker, and expert helping organizations practice genuine inclusion. I’m Still Here is an illuminating look at how white, middle-class, Evangelicalism has participated in an era of rising racial hostility, inviting the reader to confront apathy, recognize God’s ongoing work in the world, and discover how blackness—if we let it—can save us all.
The Celtic way of evangelism: how Christianity can reach the west…again, by George G. Hunger III Celtic Christianity–the form of Christian faith that flourished among the people of Ireland during the Middle Ages– has gained a great deal of attention lately. George G. Hunter III points out that while the attention paid to the Celtic Christians is well deserved, much of it fails to recognize the true genius of this ancient form of Christianity. What many contemporary Christians do not realize is that Celtic Christianity was one of the most successfully evangelistic branches of the church in history. The Celtic church converted Ireland from paganism to Christianity in a remarkably short period, and then proceeded to send missionaries throughout Europe. North America is today in the same situation as the environment in which the early Celtic preachers found their mission fields: unfamiliar with the Christian
message, yet spiritually seeking and open to a vibrant new faith. If we are to spread the gospel in this culture of secular seekers, we would do well to learn from the Celts. Their ability to work with the beliefs of those they evangelized, to adapt worship and church life to the indigenous patterns they encountered, remains unparalleled in Christian history. If we are to succeed in reaching the West . . . again, then we must begin by learning from these powerful witnesses to the saving love of Jesus Christ
The Making of Biblical womanhood: how the subjugation of women became gospel truth, by Beth Allison Barr This book moves the conversation about biblical womanhood beyond Greek grammar and into the realm of church history--ancient, medieval, and modern--to show that this belief is not divinely ordained but a product of human civilization that continues to creep into the church. Barr's historical insights provide context for contemporary teachings about women's roles in the church and help move the conversation forward. Interweaving her story as a Baptist pastor's wife, Barr sheds light on the #ChurchToo movement and abuse scandals in Southern Baptist circles and the broader evangelical world, helping readers understand why biblical womanhood is more about human power structures than the message of Christ.
Peace Train by Cat Stevens Hop aboard the Peace Train in this picture book adaptation of Cat Stevens’s legendary anthem of unity and harmony.
Different like me, by Xochitl Dixon Different Like Me by Xochitl Dixon and illustrated by Bonnie Lui will help children ages 3 to 7 discover that being different is okay and that what they have in common is more important than what they don't. With fanciful, full-color illustrations, readers follow a diverse group of children as they work together to help a giant fish balloon toward a surprising and delightful conclusion.
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New Fiction Miriam’s song, by Jill Eileen Smith Prophetess, songstress, sister to one of Israel's greatest heroes---Miriam's story is often overshadowed by Moses' own. In her vivid retelling of the life of one of the Bible's most fascinating women, Smith reimagines how Miriam navigated the challenges of building a family, serving as a leader, and holding onto hope as she learned to trust God. Trial and error, by Robert Whitlaw Attorney Buddy Smith knows the agony of being separated from a child. After all, his wife ran away with their daughter. That's why court clerk Gracie believes he's a good choice to track down missing 17-year-old Reagan. As he investigates her disappearance, he uncovers strange clues. Could they lead him to the daughter he thought he'd lost forever?
New DVDs Like arrows Conflict, rebellion, and resentment force Charlie and Alice to rethink their parenting of their family. They begin to realize that raising children in church and providing for them financially is not enough. As they start to model a relationship with Christ for their kids, making him the center of their lives, things begin to turn around. Trailer: https://youtu.be/S5DLx-WN1M4 Beautifully broken
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A refugee’s escape, a prisoner’s promise, and a daughter’s painful secret converge in this inspiring true story of hope. As three fathers fight to save their families, their lives become intertwined in an unlikely journey across the globe, where they learn
the healing power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/embed/ y0uRuA6BRQo?rel=0&autoplay=1
Kingdom and Empire: Seeking God’s Kingdom from within the World’s Wealthiest Nations by Gene Tempelmeyer Three or four years ago Dave and Kathy Webb’s Life Group asked if I would lead a Bible Study on whatever I wanted to teach. At the time, I happened to be reading through Genesis and was struck by the connection between Nimrod in Genesis 10, a mighty warrior who began an empire, and the Tower of Babel constructed a chapter later in the region Nimrod ruled. I was struck by how the stories of a variety of empires is woven into the Bible. Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Rome: so many significant turning points in Scripture are related to the presence of empires. So that’s what we studied for a month and half, discovering that a surprising amount of the Bible is written by inspired humans living under the thumb of one empire or another. They had to figure out how to be faithful to God when nations and empires demand our greatest loyalty. Meanwhile, here in North America people were talking about building walls and curtailing the flow of refugees so we wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the needs of the world’s poor. I realized, in the context of the Bible’s story, we are the Romans; we are the Babylonians! How does that change how we understand the Bible? How do we apply the lessons taught by people on the other side of the wall? How would a Roman live for the Kingdom of God in Rome? One of my first post-retirement projects was to write a small book trying to answer those questions. It took way longer than expected, but “Kingdom and Empire” is the result. I hope you enjoy it. But I hope even more it challenges you to become more involved and committed to the mission of God’s Kingdom in the world. -Gene Get your copy from Gene for $20. There will also be a copy in the library soon. BOOK SIGNING HERE ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 3rd 18 after our Worship Gathering.
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. 226
Abby Davidson Pastor of Missional Discipleship
abbydavidson@ 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
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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.
DEACONS Krysten Cameron Chair
416.399.0493 krystencameron@hotmail.com
Ben Reynolds
Children and Youth Discipleship
bereynolds@gmail.com
Darlene Boyd
647.223.2483 darlene.boyd@gmail.com
Martin Dewar
416.229.2695 martin.dewar@sgbc.ca
Membership
Community Life & Missions
Debbie Tempelmeyer
Adult Discipleship & Pastoral Care
Scott Moore
Vice Chair & Secretary
Jeff McGee Finance
905-301-2323 tempelmeyerdeb@gmail.com 647-227-5465 scottgmoore@mac.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 Life in Spring Garden
Weekly
LIFE GROUPS - Connect for Community
ALL WEEK LONG
Together through bible study, prayer and sharing. Meet online and possible in-person. Please email abbydavidson@ springardenchurch.ca for more information or to join one.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
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10am
Sunda
Join us Sunday mornings as we go through a series called 'Kaleidoscope Community: God's design of unity in diversity' starting on the 3rd. Join us in-person by signing up at: http://sgcworship.eventbrite.ca/. Streamed at: www. springgardenchurch.ca
ay Tuesd
PASTORAL TEAM MEETING
y esda
n Wed
y
a d s r Thu
10am - 12pm
We are meeting on Tuesday. Please pray for us for wisdom and inspiration.
REFRESH 10am - 11:30am Friendship, care & spiritual growth for women. Contact Jen Chrystman or Faith Holwyn for more info.
EVENING PRAYER
You are invited to a virtual time of liturgical prayer. Please see here.
8:30pm
SGC COMMUNITY - Facebook
A group to encourage each other, share resources, connect, etc. Find us through groups in Facebook.
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. 21
What’s Happening Upcoming Oct.
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Nov 19&20
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Life in Spring Garden
YOUTH: Guys Life Group See more on page 12.
YOUTH: Sr High Girls Life Group See more on page 12.
Parents Info Night
From 7-8pm. See more on page 11.
YOUTH: Craft Night See more on page 15.
YOUTH: Jr High Life Group See more on page 12.
Fall Neighbourhood Hike
From 10am to 12pm at SGC. See more on page 7.
YOUTH: Sports and Games Night See more on page 13.
Halloween at SGC
From 6:30pm-9pm. See more on page 7.
YOUTH: Retreat See more on page 13.
SEE OUR EVENTS PAGE FOR MORE INFO ON ANY OF THESE EVENTS. springgardenchurch.ca/events 22
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.
