Sept. 2019
Quick Calendar WEEKLY Sun
9am-10am Bible Study Starting Sept 22 10am-11:30am Sunday Worship 11:30 Refreshments
pg 23 pg 37
Tues 1pm-3pm Pastoral Team Meeting Wed 10am-12:00am Refresh, Women's Group
pg 37
Thur 12pm-1pm Lunch Together
pg 37 pg 37
Sept 1,6,8
Discipleship Orientation Days
pg 21
Sept 8
Annual Fall Kickoff BBQ
pg 21
Sept 14
Jr High BBQ
pg 31
Sept 15
Children’s Ministry Begins
Sept 22 Sept 29
(Youth) Dave & Busters
pg 31
Jeremy's Ordination (6:30pm)
pg 22
7pm-8:30pm ESL Café Starting Sept. 4 1pm - 2pm Bible Discussion
pg 23 pg 23
See more on page 36-37 or on our Events page at www.springgardenchurch.ca/events.
Delve submissions are due Sept. 23rd. 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
Being Barefoot and Simple Embodiments of Prayer 3 The Next Stage of Our Journey 7 When churches come together, God’s glory shines through 9 Vocation and the Image of God 12 A Small (but Great) Miracle 15 Where two or more are gathered... 17
Community Corner
19 - 28
Join a Life Group, Get Connected 19 Discipleship Orientation | Fall Kickoff BBQ 21 Jeremy's Ordination | Neighbourhood Potlucks 22 ReFresh | ESL Café | Sunday Morning Bible Study Group 23 Our Garden 24 | Fall Fundraisers 25 Celtic Knot Artwork Final 28
Discipleship Ministries
29 - 31
Spring Kids 29 | Spring Youth 30
Resource Centre
33 - 34
Resource Recommendations 33
More Info
35 - 38, 32
Cover Graphics Leadership Directory 35 Lily Sider Weekly Calendar 37 Design, & Editor: Upcoming Calendar 38 Dale Forder Draw and Colour Page 33
Our Values
(back page)
Contributors: Greg Kay Sam Chase Lily Cheng Anne Barron Scott Moore Karen Cassel Copy Editors: Greg Kay Karen Cassel
Digging a little deeper into Spring Garden
Features 3
Being Barefoot and Simple Embodiments of Prayer by Greg Kay
I
recently shared on a Sunday morning that one of the questions I get asked more than anything is why I don’t wear shoes on Sunday mornings. (For those of you who were there, don’t worry, I won’t spend a lot of time on it again!).
I shared with the community that the reason I take my shoes off on Sunday mornings is that when I take my shoes off and when I have an awareness of my shoelessness, like God said to Moses (Exodus 3:5) and Joshua (Joshua 5:15), and like the tradition of many Eastern Orthodox churches, it is an intentional reminder to myself that that I stand on holy ground—it is a physical reminder to me that God is here with us in our gathered worship, so that I don’t lose sight of his presence in our midst. Secondly, as in most cultures around the world, it is customary to take off your shoes when you enter someone’s home, as a sign of respect, but also as a symbol of entering community, relationship, welcome. So for me, taking my shoes off is a reminder to myself that when we gather, we are coming together as family and friends in a home, a place of welcome
and worship and life together. And so standing before you barefoot is a physical reminder to myself of Holy community. One of the reasons I shared this on a Sunday was because on two different occasions a couple of visitors noticed my shoelessness and took it as a sign of disrespect, as if I was somehow mocking God and making fools of the congregation. Amongst other thoughts and responses that I had, I want to share two takeaways for me from these criticisms. One was a reminder that whenever I see someone doing something that I don’t understand (the way these people saw me), perhaps something that I think is offensive, disrespectful, or whatever, instead of assuming the worst of the person and their intentions, a more Christ-like response would be to be compassionate, curious, and humble—perhaps there is a good reason behind their action that I just don’t see; perhaps it’s something I’m ignorant of, not the other way around. And then engage in dialogue with open-mindedness and a teachable heart. A second takeaway I wanted to share was simply an encouragement for us all to engage in simple physical embodiments of prayer as a part of our spirituality as we walk with God. The letter to the Colossians in the New Testament speaks of Jesus as the “image of the invisible God,” and throughout the letter the author, Paul, speaks of Jesus Christ in his physical body (fully God, fully human) being resurrected and working to reconcile all things in heaven and on earth. This physical embodiment of God in Jesus, often referred to as the incarnation (which means to take on flesh or be made physical) is all through the New Testament. Also throughout the bible is the call that our response as Jesus’ disciples is likewise to be incarnational—to live out our spirituality through our physicality. Like taking off your shoes as a personal (and in some cases communal) act of grounding yourself in the reality of the presence of a holy God and/or an awareness of dwelling in the midst of loving and welcoming community, there are many “simple embodiments of prayer” that can help us put flesh on our spirituality. Even if you don’t connect with God through these specifically, perhaps some of the ideas below may at least be an encouragement to you in discovering ways that you can connect with God in your physicality. One of the simplest ways to think about what a simple embodiment of prayer might be is, well, simply to picture what physical act expresses the desire of your prayer. For example, when I am setting aside intentional prayer time—talking and listening to God in quietness—if I want to express to God my own weakness or inability and my desperate need for Him, I get down on my knees (a pillow or ottoman/footstool
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helps if your knees are sore). By getting low I am physically expressing my need for God, that without Him I can do nothing, or expressing my need for his forgiveness and healing. Sitting as still as possible can be an embodiment of a desire to quiet my heart and hear, or a physical expression of receiving God’s peace or rest. Sitting with hands on my lap with palms facing up is an expression of receiving from God, while sitting with palms facing down is an embodiment of turning things over to God. The act of opening a closed fist as an expression of letting go and releasing to God whatever you are holding on to. One thing I find very helpful about these embodiments of prayer is that sometimes (well, let’s be honest, many times) we might not feel in our hearts what we know or long for in our heads. When that’s the case these physical expressions of worship are ways to express to God our desire even when we may not have the accompanying emotion. For example, Sunday mornings when we gather and begin singing songs, sometimes my heart or my head is not in it, and I feel disconnected from God or from the community around me. Holding my hands open palm up, or raising my hand palm forwards, are physical expressions of invitation and praise that help centre me. Sometimes the physical act helps move me from disconnection to connection, but sometimes it doesn’t. And when it doesn’t, I at least am still able to offer God my physical act of worship out of a desire in my mind and heart. And I think that God is pleased with the worship and devotion we offer to Him in our willfulness even in the absence of emotion. Sometimes when I’m down or exhausted or facing what I know will be a hard day, even simply getting out of bed can be a challenge. On those days, praying “this is the day the Lord has made,” I place my feet on the floor as a way of saying, “God, I trust You for today”. Simply putting my feet on the ground and standing up is an act of faith that this is a day the Lord has made, as well as a physical prayer asking for God’s strength. And on other days, placing my feet on the ground beside my bed is the same prayer! Though more of an offering to God than a prayer for strength (though I’m always in the need of that!). Exercise is a wonderful way to incorporate physicality in our spirituality. I’ve been asked on multiple occasions about yoga and the potential dangers of its ambiguous spirituality, and my response to that is the same encouragement I would give to anyone wondering about how to meet with God in their exercise. I do think there is a danger to intentionally welcoming a presence or consciousness that isn’t God (through yoga or anything else), so instead of using the physicality of yoga to invite something other than God, use it as a physical tool to
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be open to and aware of the Holy Spirit, inviting God into yourself. Do exercises and stretches as a specifically Christian act of meditation, inviting Jesus through the Holy Spirit to speak his peace and bring Godhonouring self-awareness, strength and perseverance as you steward the body God gave you. There are an unlimited number of simple embodiments of prayer you can incorporate into your daily life. Lifting your face to the sun or to the rain as an expression of thanksgiving for life; lending a helping hand to someone in need as an act of worship to the God who is with the “least of these”; sitting with the texture and taste of communion bread and juice in your mouth as an awareness of the gift of Jesus’ death and resurrection and His presence in our physicality; touching the bark of a tree or standing barefoot in the grass as a reminder of your connectedness to God’s creation. These physical embodiments of inward prayer helps remind us, draws us, and root us deeper in our spirituality and our present awareness of God. May God bless you as you love with heart, soul, mind, and body.
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The Next Stage of Our Journey An Update from SGC’s Interim Management Committee
O
ver the last year SGC has been on a journey that began when our former Lead Pastor, Gene Tempelmeyer, told us that he planned to retire in 2019. We are still on that journey but are moving into a new stage. In late 2018, after much discussion, prayer, and discernment, the SGC leadership (Deacons and Elders) decided that SGC would move into an interim period of discernment after Gene’s time ended, in which we would experiment with a Co-Lead Pastor configuration, with Greg Kay and Sam Lee as the Co-Leads. We established the Interim Management Committee to guide us on this journey (Lesley Daniels, Shannon Loewen, Cheryl Chapman, Greg Kay, Sam Chaise, and Sam Lee). Because Co-Leadership is a new staff structure, and the roles are new for Sam and Greg, it seemed wise to establish this on a temporary basis, but with a sense of hopeful anticipation that God may be leading us in this direction on a permanent basis. So far in 2019 we have sought input from the congregation via a “Baseline Survey” and “Feedback Café”. We hired Lily Cheng on a temporary basis as Interim Community and Missions Pastor. The IMC has met regularly to monitor this season and ensure that we are moving forward. Now, in Fall 2019, we are moving towards the last stages of the interim period. A number of important things will happen in the next few months:
September
• We will repeat the survey that we ran earlier this year, as a way of measuring any changes in SGC’s health and effectiveness. You will hear more about this in the next few weeks. 7
• IMC will meet individually with Sam and Greg as part of the process of discerning next steps.
October
• IMC will review all of the pertinent information to make a recommendation to the Deacons. • SGC’s Leadership (Deacons, Elders, Pastors) will meet as a group to listen to God and to seek God’s affirmation and blessing on our next season. • By late October we hope to make a recommendation to the SGC congregation and call for a Congregational meeting. • The Interim Community and Missions Pastor position will end as planned on October 31st, so that we can re-shape a permanent staff role (or roles) for our next season based on what we have learned during the interim period. (We anticipate recruiting for this in early 2020.)
November / December
• Deacons will establish 2020 SGC budget based on new staff model and roles, for approval by the congregation in early 2020. • Congregational Meeting to discuss and vote on recommendation from Deacons.
Early 2020
• Begin recruiting process to fill out the gaps in the Staff Team configuration. Quite obviously, the next few months will be extremely important in our life together as the people of God! We would ask that you be in prayer, for unity, wisdom, vision, openness, and joy, as we journey together as a community. It’s important for us to be honest, loving, clear, and engaged with one another during this time, trusting that God speaks to us in the midst of conversation, listening, and silence. If you have any thoughts, now is the time to speak with any member of the Interim Management Committee. We are looking forward to God’s voice guiding us through these next months and into our new season of life together. Sam Chase On Behalf of the Interim Management Committee 8
When churches come together, God’s glory shines through. by Lily Cheng
"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
T
his past summer, I had the opportunity to witness the power of church unity as several churches in our community came together to minister to the children living in Willowtree - a community housing complex in our neighbourhood. This year both Toronto City Mission and Youth Unlimited ended the camps that had previously been running in this vulnerable community for different reasons. As a result, the children were left without any summer programming. As I considered the care and resources my own family had devoted to planning my kids’ summer holidays, I felt it was important to try and fill this gap. It was the beginning of June and we only had one month to make this happen.
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Because of the relationships that have been built through the We Love Willowdale movement following the Yonge Street Tragedy, many of the churches in Willowdale worked together as a coalition to address this need in our community. I was also able to tap into some resources from North York Moms and community members I had met during my election campaign. As a result of our efforts, $22K was raised that allowed the hiring of two staff dedicated to the children in Willowtree and we were able to provide camp for over 30 kids for up to 6 weeks. Although there were some challenging moments, it was a joy for me to be able to work with my brothers and sisters across our community to make this happen. A highlight for me was seeing a group of Willowtree kids take to the stage at Willowdale Baptist Church singing and dancing to worships songs alongside other children from the community, including my daughter who also attended the camp. Without this camp initiative, many of these kids would have been left unsupervised the entire summer without the learning opportunities and mentorship provided by camp. Our hope for this camp was for the children to know that they are loved and valued by God and by the community, for them to learn some new things and experience a level of integration with children from the greater community. I would like to give special thanks to Willowdale Pentecostal who stretched to bring the kids into their camp for 4 of the 6 weeks. Other churches that made this summer possible: Spring Garden Church, Peoples Church, Willowdale Baptist Church North York Chinese Baptist Church, Faith Church & Broken Bread Church. I had the privilege of going on one of the field trips with the kids. Many of them did not bring a lunch, although they had been instructed to do so. Jeff Barker, who has worked in the community for many years, said this is not uncommon and many of these kids go to school hungry. It is hard to believe this is happening in our church neighbourhood surrounded by multi-million dollar homes and many Christian churches. As we consider the future of this community, one where currently there is no after school program or homework club planned for the first time in many years, I pray the churches 10
in Willowdale would rise up to the challenge to care for these children. At the same time, I believe there is much we can learn from the families who live in this community. While sitting in the park at Willowtree one day I met a young man who is autistic. His eyes were gentle and he had a unique way of greeting each person with a special handshake. I watched as many who walked by stopped to greet him. I later found out that after he lost his mom, a family in Willowtree has adopted him and cares for him. They have truly lived out the verse, “love your neighbour as yourself.� May we also seek to do the same. I would also like to thank Greg and Spring Garden leadership for allowing me to champion this. It took up more of my time than expected and I was given a measure of grace and flexibility to do this.
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Vocation and the Image of God by Greg Kay
E
very fall we have a Sunday morning where we commission everyone in the community to their places of vocation. We do this because we believe that all of us are called by God to love and to serve, not just those of us in professional Christian ministry. For some of us our vocation and our paid job goes hand in hand, but for others of us our job is what pays the bills while our vocation is a place we volunteer, a hobby, or how we live in our homes and communities. Regardless, we believe that God has created us all in His image, and that He calls us to live out His character in the world. We want to affirm that in one another, and to commission and bless one another into our vocations. During our worship on September 29th we will have a time of commissioning for us all. Based on the book Faith Goes to Work by Robert Banks, our commissioning will be based on which aspect of the image of God your vocation reflects and enacts in the world. We invite you to prayerfully consider how God is calling you in your vocation. 12
Redemptive Work
God’s saving activity, reconciling “all things, whether in heaven or in earth” (Col 1:19-20) • • • •
whenever anyone speaks up for God “prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks” (1 Peter 3:15) employment that possess a redemptive dimension examples: evangelists, apologists, church founders, counsellors, social workers, engaging in negotiating an end to hostilities, mediating divorce cases and other disputes, resolving neighbourhood or racial conflicts, screen writers/producers committed to developing redemptive motifs
Creative Work
God’s work began long before the incarnation. God’s fashioning the physical and human world, the novel and surprising ways God shapes historical and future events. God continues to work in the world partly through human creative work. • examples: arts, musicians, painters, sculptors, writers, film makers, crafts, craft persons such as: potter, metalworker, weaver, knitter, stonemason, carpenter, builder, and architect, or gardening and landscape, interior design, urban planning • activity with touch of originality or creativity, including homemakers, office workers and factory hands who have found ways to grace work with creative touch.
Providential Work
Full range of what God brings, gives, and supplies to us. All that God does to maintain the universe and human life in an orderly and beneficial fashion. Conserving, sustaining, replenishing, daily provider. • examples: bureaucracies run society, public utility workers, entrepreneurs building businesses and creating jobs, Service occupations and trades which supply and support and fix and remedy problems, civil servant, housing inspector, trash collector, cab, bus driver, garage mechanic, builder, janitors, cleaning services. 13
Justice Work
Giving people their fair and equal redress or due. • examples: legislators, government regulators, judges and attorneys, supervisors, para-legal workers, social activists, minority advocates, consumer protectors, people who apply equitable rules, seek to avoid discrimination, adopt an affirmative action approach.
Compassionate Work
Showing compassion, as seen in divinely appointed “servant” described by the prophets (Isaiah 40-55) • examples: helping professions ranging from doctors, nurses, paramedics, psychologists, therapists, community workers, home visitors, personnel directors, welfare agents, or like work within the home.
Revelatory Work
God as the one who enlightens others about the truth. Revealing, enlightening, educating activity of God that seeks to bring truth and wisdom to others. • Examples: preachers, professors, teachers, writers, commentators, journalists, parents, humorists, cartoonists. © Robert Banks, Faith Goes to Work, Wlpf and Stock Publishers, Eugene Oregon, 1999
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A Small (but Great) Miracle by Lily Cheng
L
ittle did we know when we postponed our community yard sale to July, that it would land on the hottest day of the summer. Added to this was the risk of thunderstorms in the forecast. To cancel or not to cancel. To move indoors, or not move indoors. These were the questions I wrestled with on Saturday, July 20. With a look to the sky and much prayer, I decided we would stay outside. Thankfully the early morning was overcast which provided some relief from the heat - until there were some ominous clouds that started to appear. At 10am I received a call from my husband who was near Kenneth and Church, only a few streets north of our church. He said it had started to rain and I had better prepare. So, I dutifully handed out garbage bags for people to cover their goods. Miraculously, the rain never came our way. Instead, the clouds cleared and we were left in the sweltering heat, which was still challenging, but much better than a downpour. I am grateful for answered prayer that day. Another miracle for which I am grateful is a family volunteer team that appeared from a nearby condo. They had seen our posters and reached out to me about serving. They turned out to be amazing volunteers. They helped hang signs at major intersections in the morning, moved tables under the hot sun and stayed until the very end. I pray there would be more opportunities to engage them in our community in the coming months. I also want to give thanks to our summer interns who put on a wonderful carnival for the kids in the community along with Jeremy Ranasinghe who helped to feed our guests and vendors at the BBQ. Lastly, I’d like to thank Lyndsey Critch and Karen Galivanes who helped me get the word out by hanging posters up around the neighbourhood. In a world where much of our economy is based on the proliferation of “stuff,� providing our neighbours with a chance to sell and exchange their goods is a great way to meet them and
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provide an opportunity to care for our creation by reducing the need to buy things brand new. Several of our vendors expressed interest in participating again if we were to plan another one in the future. Prayerfully it will not be on one of the hottest days of the summer!
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Where two or more are gathered... by Lily Cheng
C
ell Group, House church, Small Group, Bible Study Group, I have been to many iterations of what we at Spring Garden call Life Groups. Life Group is a great way to describe what we hope these groups do - which is to share life together. Contrary to popular belief, life groups do not have to study the bible. While it can be a component of how a group spends time together, other groups spend time in prayer and sharing. Life is not easy. Busyness is also a facet of the current culture. There are so many things that need to be done. Yet...there is an invitation to sit at the feet of Jesus and I believe part of that sitting is in community. Where two or more or gathered, there He shall be. God knows we need each other, and it is when we are meeting with each other that we often encounter God’s wisdom, grace and love. Churches often talk about Acts 2:42-47 as a model for how we should gather. Selflessly, devotedly and daily. How do we fit this into our modern context? I don’t believe there is a formula that fits everyone. However, I do believe it begins with intention. Do we desire to gather with other believers and experience God’s
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presence in community? If so, God will guide our steps. Whatever form it takes, there are three qualities that can help us connect in a meaningful way when we gather. 1. Solitude. It may seem like an oxymoron, but solitude is the key to healthy community. When we have spent the time we need with God and the Word, we are much less likely to approach community from a place of unhealthy neediness. Instead, we come into community saturated in His love and able to give love to others in a healthy way. 2. Commitment. There is a great analogy used about putting different items like baseballs, golf balls and sand into a jar. The larger the item, the bigger the priority. If the big things don’t go in first, they cannot be stuffed in when the jar is filled with the little things. Similarly, as we establish our fall schedules may we consider what our baseballs are before filling in the sand. May we consider holding a sacred time for gathering as a priority. It takes time to walk into each other's lives and hearts. We can be tourists in each others lives with the occasional Sunday coffee time conversation or we can be part of each other’s stories by meeting regularly to share the highs and lows. 3. Vulnerability. It is so easy for us to talk about weather, news, and other people’s business. Sometimes we can even hide ourselves with deep theological discussions. But the real reward in community happens when we dare to reveal our weakest parts. In doing so, we give permission to those around us to be imperfect which opens the door for the entire group to encounter the grace of Jesus. I have weathered many storms in different life groups across churches, denominations and countries. As I look back on this journey, I am so grateful for all those who have prayed with me, wept with me and comforted me through difficult seasons. I have also been blessed to do the same for others. We need each other. We were made to need each other and in coming together, God reveals Himself in ways that cannot be experienced when we try to get through life alone. I pray you would first seek God’s heart for you and for your family. What does deeper community life look like to you in this season? Perhaps you would consider joining or starting a life group? The invitation is open and all are welcome at the table. 18
Life in and around Spring Garden
Community Corner
Join a Lif
Get Con
SUN 1:00pm
SUN 11:30am
SUN Evening
WED 7:30pm
THU 7:30pm
FRI 7:30pm
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KEVIN & SUZANNA LAI
Location: Spring Garden Church Frequency: Every other Sunday, 1-3pm Contact: kevin.lai@sgbc.ca
ELIZABETH REYNOLDS
Location: Rotating homes Frequency: Every other Sunday after worship Contact: ereedreynolds@yahoo.com
SCOTT & KATE MOORE
Location: Rotating homes Frequency: Once a month Sundays, evening Contact: kate.ann.moore@gmail.com
JEFF & PHYLLIS MCGEE
Location: Condo near church Frequency: Wednesdays, 7:30-9:30pm Contact: jeff.mcgee@sympatico.ca
DAVE & KATHY WEBB
Location: Rotating homes Frequency: Thursdays, 7:30-9:30pm Contact: davidwebb1701@gmail.com
ANNE & GARTH BARRON
Location: Spring Garden Church Frequency: Every other Fridays, 7:30-9:30pm Contact: anne.barron020@sympatico.ca
Interested in starting a life group?
fe Group!
nnected
p
m
W
e meet monthly with our whole families together to share a meal, catch up on life, and pray together. In between gatherings we enjoy supporting one another through ‘the daily’ of life. We rotate homes that we meet at and meet one Sunday afternoon/evening a month. If your interested in joining us please contacts us at: kate.ann.moore@gmail.com or scottgmoore@mac.com.
W
e are a group of Singles, Married, and Widowed Adults, facilitated by Anne and Garth Barron, who meet every other Friday night, 7:30 – 9:30, in the Spring Garden West Lounge. Our evening includes prayer, bible study and fellowship. Beginning in September, we will be studying the book of Acts using a study guide by N. T. Wright. Our first gathering after the summer break will be Friday September 27. Anyone is welcome to join us. For further information email garthbarron@sympatico.ca.
Contact Lily at lilycheng@springgardenchurch.ca
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Discipleship Orientation If you’ve already decided that you want to serve with us, thank you! This is a reminder that 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 it entails to be 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 Please contact Jeremy to confirm which day/times you will be attending. For any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact Sam or Jeremy.
FALL
F F O K KIC
BBQ
September 8th After our Worship Gathering, we will continue to gather together over a BBQ outside or inside depending on the weather.
Come join the fun! 21
Jeremy's Ordination Sunday September 29th 6:30pm
You are invited to the Ordination of Jeremy Ranasinghe on Sunday September 29th here at Spring Garden Church in the main Worship Hall. Come and celebrate with Jeremy.
NEIGHBOURHOOD POTLUCKS COME TO THE TABLE SUNDAY Oct
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Join us in celebrating community as we connect with old and new friends. SIGN UP TO ATTEND OR HOST ONE. We know that life is busy which can make it hard for us to get to know each other. That's why we are organizing a Neighbourhood Potluck initiative. Sharing a meal together is a great way for us to get to know more of the people who we see on Sundays. Please sign up to either attend or host a potluck on Sunday, October 6 at 5pm. We will group people by neighbourhood where possible. Everyone is welcome! You can sign up online or at the Welcome Centre.
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ReFresh Wednesday, 10am - 11:30am
A gathering of women from our church and the community finding God together, reading and reflecting on scripture, sharing life stories and praying and supporting each other. Small children welcome, just let us know. We meet every Wednesday from 10am-11:30am. Contact: Beverly Holtzman | holtzb@rogers.com
ESL Café Wednesdays, 7pm-8:30pm
Starting September 4th, come to the East Lounge here at Spring Garden Church and practice your English over tea. Tell someone who could benefit from this free learning experience.
Sunday Morning Bible Study Group Sunday morning at 9am
Beginning Sept. 22nd, the Sunday Morning Bible Study will be digging into Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Our goal is to understand what scripture would have meant to its original readers, and then think about how it applies to us today. We also want to see each passage in its wider context. To do this, we’ll go through Ephesians verse by verse, while trying to keep the big picture in view. Participants are encouraged to feel very free to share different views, thoughts and opinions and to respect other perspectives. We want not just to know the scriptures, but to help each other to live by them. Contact: Garth Barron | garthbarron@sympatico.ca
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The Spring Garden Garden Team has spent the summer watering and weeding resulting in a bountiful harvest that has been shared with the Drop Inn program run by the Cummer United Church currently hosted out of Willowdale Baptist Church that feeds the homeless and vulnerable in our community. We have delivered mountains of kale, green beans, and cherry tomatoes. We anticipate a great beet and carrot harvest. Many thanks to our diligent team including: Alice & Martin Bouwma, Brenda Forder, Karen Galivanes, Sabas Arellano, Ramtin Salimi, Garry Lam and Cherryl Murdoch.
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Fall Fundraisers The fall is an important time for many of our partner ministry organizations and vocational missionaries to raise support for the important work that they do. There are many ways you can support them this fall through fundraising activities. If you feel connected to or are passionate about the work they are doing, we hope you will consider participating in one as a fun way to get active while also contributing to some meaningful ministries.
Walk4Freedom - Saturday, September 21, 10am
Fight 4 Freedom is an active voice and advocate of justice for women and men who have been trafficked - to further assist them in finding the necessary support that will aid them in their journey of safety, freedom, healing, and restoration. Kaitlyn Ranasinghe who is a member of our Spring Garden family, is a missionary with this organization. On September 21, 2019, they will be walking through 25 Canadian cities and 3 international cities where trafficking is known to occur and be praying together ​for an ending of human trafficking. To support, go to www.fight4freedom.ca/walk4freedom
Ride For Refuge - Saturday, October 5
The Ride for Refuge is a family-friendly cycling and walking fundraising event that helps you support charities who provide refuge and hope for some of the most vulnerable people on earth. Your participation in the RIDE is a way to stand up for those whose lives are deeply and often permanently affected by forces and events they can’t control, or who are exploited by the greedy and powerful who care nothing for human suffering. You can sign up to walk 5K, or bike up to 50K. Please consider supporting one of our two partner organizations: 25
Christie Refugee Welcome Centre
Christie Refugee Welcome Centre offers emergency housing and a warm welcome for refugee children and parents from all ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds. Started by World Vision and now a partner with the City of Toronto, we are motivated by our Christian faith to respond to God’s call to pursue justice and offer compassion. A typical year sees 300 adults and children arrive at our doorstep, escaping homes and homelands that have become dangerous. At Christie they receive accommodation, food, care, support and help as they pursue their refugee claim and begin. Sam Chaise is Team Captain (and is also Executive Director at Christie and a member of Spring Garden). We had a great turnout last year and hope to do it again! You and your friends and family can sign up to be on the SGC team to cycle or walk. Each rider or walker can register online and then begin to share their fundraising page with potential supporters, in person, by email, or on social media. Alternatively you can make a donation to a team member or the team.Join the Spring Garden Church & Friends Team headed by Sam Chaise Go to www.rideforrefuge.org and Search for the “Spring Garden Church & Friends” team to sign up! Or email Sam at sam_chaise@ yahoo.com if you want more info!
The Dale
The Dale Ministries is a community in Parkdale (Toronto) that seeks to be welcoming to all, while empowering at their core people who often are not: those experiencing poverty of spirit or space. Their drop-in programs, advocacy, and outreach are facilitated by a staff of four and run by community members of all backgrounds and ability. All of their programming happens in partnership with local organizations and outside on the street. To register or donate in support of The Dale, please go to: https://rideforrefuge.org/charity/canadarideforrefugeorgthedale 26
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Sunday, October 20
You can sign up for a 5K, Half Marathon or Full Marathon. There is also a 5K with Stroller option. Please consider supporting one of our two partner organizations:
Youth Unlimited
For 73 years, Youth Unlimited’s passion has been to invest in youth wholeness. As a Christian youth-serving agency, their vision is seeing “transformed youth transforming our city.” They target community youth ages 10-25 of all faiths, cultural backgrounds and economic level through Community Resourcing, Specialized Initiatives, Training & Equipping and Marketplace Initiatives. Ultimately, they give youth the opportunity and support to positively influence their own community and beyond. Scott Moore, Clement Lee, Monica Kay and Kathy Webb are vocational missionaries from this organization who are part of the Spring Garden family. Please contact Kathy Webb for discount code and registration details: webbkathy@gmail.com. To make a donation go to http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/stwm-charities/ youth-unlimited/
Matthew House Toronto
Matthew House’s mission is to restore refugees dignity by providing shelter and support in a welcoming, home-like setting. Matthew House provides emotional and physical support to help residents heal from their journey and establish new lives in Canada. To register or make a donation, please go to http://www. torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/stwm-charities/matthewhouse-toronto/
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Christ is All and in All, Celtic Knot
By Dale Forder The final art piece that was being created during our summer series of talks over Colossians, Christ is All and in All. This detailed Celtic Knot shows our connection to God, as is all of Creation from the birds in the sky to the fish in the water. Also the background ties in the water, land, mountains and heavens. To see the fine textures, 11 fruit, 4 trinity knots and so on, you may view it at the church after it has been framed. Look out for the larger version being created by Dale in the near future. 28
Partnering with Families and Singles
Discipleship Ministries
Spring Kids ROOMS IN OUR BASEMENT DROP OFF
Nursery (0 - 18 months) Toddler/Pre-K (19months-3years) JK / SK Grade 1 Grade 2 & 3 Grade 4 & 5 Grade 6-12
Purple Orange Yellow Blue Blue Green Blue Red Youth Lounge
Here is an overview of what we will be talking about on Sundays for Spring Kids.
Jr Curriculum: Community In this series, children will learn that when God’s love fills them up, it comes out in joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and selfcontrol. Children will learn about real characters from the Bible who show God’s love in this way, and they will get to consider what love looks like in their lives too! “The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, and peace…” Galatians 5:22
Elementary Curriculum: • God Eternal • God is Lord • Remember and Celebrate 29
PICK UP
Spring Youth Hello Parents and Guardians, As the summer comes to an end, we know how “excited” your kids must be as they return to school. Just as the new school year begins, so does our ministry year. If you would like to receive monthly emails about what we are doing please email me at jeremy@springgardenchurch.ca and I will add you to our parents email list. Otherwise you can check out our monthly events through Delve. Here is what's happening this September!
Sunday Morning Worship Gatherings: September 15th & 22nd- We will be having 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. September 29: Sunday Upstairs- Youth are either in the large worship gathering, or serving in other areas in the discipleship ministry. (Please email Jeremy about potential areas to serve)
Youth Life Groups:
Life Groups will begin on September 20th. For more information email Jeremy (jeremy@springgardenchurch.ca)
Youth Events: September 8th: Kick Off Sunday- To kick off our fall ministry year, will be hosting our annual fall launch BBQ. Please join us after worship for some food and fun as we prepare for another great year! September 14th: Jr High BBQ!- We are inviting all the new youth in Grade 6 and their parents to a BBQ at Sam Lee’s house. We are also extending the invitation to all youths in grades 6-8 to join in the festivities. This is a casual event, so feel free to come and go as you need. Time: 5:00pm-9:00pm Cost: Free September 22nd: Dave and Busters- We will be going to Dave and Busters arcade for unlimited gameplay. The event will begin after worship on the Sunday. Space is limited so please reserve your youth’s spot by emailing Jeremy (Jeremy@ Springgardenchurch.ca) Time: 12:00pm-5:00pm Cost: $20 (Include food, rides, and unlimited games) October 18-20: Fall Youth Retreat 2019- Our annual fall youth retreat will be coming up quickly, and so we want this to be on your calendar as soon as possible. *More details to come* 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://tinyurl.com/SGCYouth
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Draw and Colour What did you do this summer?
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Recommendations
The Resource Centre
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)
Can we help? Kids volunteering to help their communities
by George Ancona
It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can lend a hand to help make your community a better place. Schools, food banks, recreational areas, farms, and many other places present opportunities for children to give back to their neighbourhood or city. And giving back not only helps people in need, it makes you feel good too! This encouraging book presents examples of children volunteering to help others and enjoying the process.
Survival guide for the soul: how to flourish spiritually in a world that pressures us to achieve
by Ken Shigematsu
Does ambition to accomplish something outside ourselves lead to neglect of our inner lives? Drawing on Scripture, church history, psychology, and neuroscience, Shigematsu shows how the gospel redeems our desires and reorders our lives; offers fresh perspectives on why spiritual practices help our souls flourish; and provides a liberating definition of greatness.
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The year of small things: radical faith for the rest of us by Erin Wasinger
The Year of Small Things explores the yearlong experiment of two young families to implement twelve small practices of radical faith--things like simplicity, sustainability, and hospitality to the poor--not waiting until they were out of debt or the kids were out of diapers or God sent them elsewhere, but right now. The authors invite you to think about embarking on your own year of small but radical changes, right where you are.
Start with the heart: how to motivate your kids to be compassionate, responsible, and brave (even when you’re not around) by Kathy Koch
You can be proud of your parenting and see amazing results when you learn to act with intentionality toward your children. Instead of just working on behavior modification, change your children's hearts and teach them to do what is good, godly, and right even when we're not around. When the heart is changed, the behavior will change. Learning to use this kind of motivation takes effort, consistency, and strategy, but it works and it's never too late. If you're willing to commit to a little hard work up front, you'll enjoy your kids, your life, and yourself much more when you learn to start with the heart.
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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 35
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
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What’s Happening Weekly SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
Sundays 10am - 11:30am Up until the end of November, we will be working through a series called 'Liturgy of Life: Abiding in the Vine'. Children and Youth go downstairs.
Life in Spring Garden
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Sundays 9am - 10am
Starting September 22nd. Held in the meeting room. Everyone is welcome, bring your Bible if you have one.
Communion will Please see page 23. be held on the 1st Sunday of the month.
REFRESH
Wednesdays 10am - 11:30am Friendship, care & spiritual growth for women; child care provided. Please see more on our Events page. Contact Beverly Holtzman @ holtzb@rogers.com
ESL CAFE
Wednesdays 7pm - 8:30pm Starting Sept 4th We meet at Spring Garden Church in the East Lounge. A place to practice your English and meet new friends.
PASTORAL TEAM MEETING Tuesdays 1pm - 3pm
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 37 welcome brochure or call us at 416-223-4593.
What’s Happening Life in Spring Garden
Upcoming SEPT
SEPT
SEPT
1
6
8
SEPT
8 SEPT
14 SEPT
22 SEPT
29 OCT
6 OCT
18 OCT
18
Discipleship Orientation Days See more on page 21.
Annual Fall Kick Off BBQ
To kick off our fall ministry year, we will gather together for a BBQ. It will take place following the Worship Gathering.
Jr High BBQ
We are inviting all the new youth in Grade 6 and their parents to a BBQ at Sam Lee’s house. See page 31.
(YOUTH) Dave & Busters
Unlimited game play after worship at Dave & Busters See page 31.
Jeremy Ranasinghe's Ordination
6:30pm - Lets support Jeremy and celebrate his ordination! Page 22
Neighbourhood Potlucks See page 22.
Fall Youth Retreat 2019 From 18th-20th, see page 31.
SGC is 70 years old! More to come.
OCT
NOV
6
10
Morale Mail
More to come in the next issue of Delve.
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: 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 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.