Christian Herald

How to personally know God

Realize that you are a sinner. No matter how good a life we try to live, we still fall miserably short of being a good person. That is because we are all sinners. We all fall short of God’s desire for us to be holy. The Bible says, “No one is good—not even one” (Romans 3:10 NLT). This is because we can not become who we are supposed to be without Jesus Christ. Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you.

The Bible tells us, “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while were still sinners” (Romans 5:8 NLT). This is the Good News, that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place when we least deserved it.

Repent of your sin.

The Bible tells us to “repent and be converted” (Acts 3:19 NKJV). The word repent means to change our direction in life. Instead of running from God, we can run toward Him.

Receive Christ into your life. Becoming a Christian is not merely believing some creed or going to church on Sunday. It is having Christ

Himself take residence in your life and heart. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door (of your life) and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in . . . .” (Revelation 3:20 NKJV).

If you would like to have a relationship with Christ, simply pray this prayer and mean it in your heart.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess you as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. Amen.

If you just prayed that prayer and meant it, Jesus Christ has now taken residence in your heart! Your decision to follow Christ means God has forgiven you and that you will spend eternity in heaven. The Bible tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NKJV).

To put your faith in action, be sure to spend time with God by reading your Bible, praying, getting involved in a Bible-preaching church, and telling others about Christ.

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Volume 31, No. 7 • November 2024

Founded in 1994, Christian Herald serves the Christian community across the Southern Ontario region, and is published ten times a year.

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Fazal Karim, Jr.

Contributing Writers

Lauren Bearry, Nancy Kingdon, Will MacLaughlin

Volunteer

Distributors (Print Edition)

John Campbell, Edgar Daniels, Sandra Diaz, Michelle Foster, Elaine Frith, Rochan Goonoo, John Howes, Rick Pacholko, Terence Roberts, Henry Stevens.

Contact the Publisher to inquire about becoming a volunteer distributor.

Advertising

Advertising is available to those wishing to reach the Christian community located in Southern Ontario. While we do try our best to screen our advertisers, no endorsements by Christian Herald are implied, except where clearly stated.

To advertise, email us at info@christianherald.ca or call 905-874-1731.

Contributions

Christian Herald welcomes submissions and feedback from the Christian Community or other interested parties, in the form of Letters to the Editor, Press Releases, Opinion columns, Calendar of Events listings etc.

Viewpoints expressed in articles are not necessarily those of the publishers.

The Management of Christian Herald reserves the right to refuse or edit submissions and advertisements on the basis of legal, space or taste considerations.

Circulation

Christian Herald’s general circulation (print edition) presently stands at 24,000 copies per issue. [November 2024]

Distribution

Personal copies are available free of charge in over 500 Christian churches, retail stores, colleges and businesses across Southern Ontario.

To request delivery to your church or business location, send your name, address and estimated number of copies needed by email (see below.)

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May not be reprinted without permission.

Sports Betting has become a public health problem, says Cardus

Report says Ontario sports gamblers lose an average of $283 per month per sports-betting account.

Ontario’s legalization of single-event sports betting has turned into a public health problem that demands government action, according to a report from Cardus, a non-partisan think tank. The Hidden Harms of Single-Event Sports Betting in Ontario indicates that the average net monthly spending per sports betting account in Ontario is growing quickly and has already hit $283 – more than 3% of the average monthly household income. Yet, according to experts, gambling more than 1% of income is associated with a higher risk of harm to finances, relationships, and psychological and physical health.

“Single-event sports betting has become so big in Ontario, it can turn anyone’s smartphone into a two-hour slot machine while watching a hockey or football game,” says Brian Dijkema, President – Canada at Cardus. “The provincial government needs to regain control of this form of gambling before the situation gets worse.”

The Hidden Harms of Single-Event Sports Betting in Ontario also cites one study that found sports viewers in Ontario are exposed to 2.8 gambling references every minute during live sports broadcasts. Additionally, compared to traditional sports bettors, bettors during sports events tend to be younger men and more likely to consume alcohol while betting.

Cardus believes that Ontario needs to take urgent action to strengthen protections for sports bettors, including:

• Banning ads for sports betting;

• Banning in-game bets;

• Making responsible-gambling messages more effective;

• Providing a central platform for players to limit their gambling;

• Requiring gambling corporations to financially contribute to problemgambling prevention and treatment at a rate proportionate to their spending on marketing.

Meanwhile, a parallel Cardus report

indicates that there is no credible, public estimate for how big Canada’s sports betting black market was before the legalization of single-event betting in 2021 and, likewise, governments have little idea what effect legalization has had on illegal betting.

Advocates for legalization had claimed under-the-table betting was worth $10 billion. However, in How Big Is Canada’s Black Market for Sports Betting? Cardus found that the $10-billion figure was based on a 25-year-old guesstimate from the U.S. that was simply extrapolated to Canada.

Cardus’s analysis of provincial data suggests Ontario has seen little benefit from

the legalization of single-game betting. Publicly-owned iGO only netted $74-million in revenue from $7-billion in wagers in 2022-23 while private companies made off with $294-million.

“Single-event sports betting has been great for private companies, but not for the public purse and may not have actually helped reduce under-the-table sports betting anyway,” says Dijkema. “Rather, there are signs Ontario has created new problems with sports betting that it needs to fix now.”

For the full ‘Hidden Harms’ report visit Cardus.ca.

On International Day of the Girl, pink flags draw attention to imbalanced birth rate in Canada

In October, 50,000 pink flags were planted in Burlington, to draw attention to the issue of sex-selective abortion, which is the practice of using abortion to end a child’s life because of their sex.

Several research studies over the past few years have shown an imbalanced birth rate in Canada, with boys outnumbering

Church data scientists and researchers to gather in T.O.

The Canadian Institute for Empirical Church Research, based out of Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto will host a event on December 12. The Canadian Church Research Gathering will be a day of insightful discussions and networking with fellow church researchers on trends in the Canadian church. The event is geared to seasoned researchers, denominational leaders, or anyone interested in exploring the latest trends and findings in Canadian church research.

www.wycliffecollege.ca

Alberta makes historic move to support independent schools

In September, Alberta announced an $8.6 billion plan to build new schools across the province, quadrupling the existing capital fund to construct new schools. And, in an historic first, Alberta will allocate some of this funding to independent schools.

Currently, independent schools in Alberta and other Canadian provinces can receive government funding to help cover their operating costs. Operating costs include things like teaching salaries, textbooks, and technology supplies. This funding is generally a percentage of the operating funds given to public schools. In Alberta, independent schools can receive up to 70% of the operating funding that public schools receive. (The funding is 50% in British Columbia and Manitoba, 60% in Quebec, and 80% in Saskatchewan.) Independent schools in Ontario receive no public assistance. [ARPA Canada]

So do the Federal Liberals offer referrals to the Conservatives?

Drowning in the polls within a year of an election, Justin Trudeau’s Liberals are targeting Christian Crisis Pregnancy Centres (CPCs), threatening the tax-exempt status of the charities offering counselling, food, diapers, and other material support to women in crisis pregnancies.

CPCs have long been a target of pro-abortion groups, because when vulnerable pregnant women find community support, many tend not to go through with an abortion, and the abortion industry loses the revenue. The Federal Liberals, who claim to support ‘choice’, want CPCs to provide abortion referrals to keep charitable status, a ridiculous policy that is being widely mocked online as unconstitutional.

www.weneedalaw.ca

girls in a ratio that cannot be explained naturally. “Polls show that the vast majority of Canadians are opposed to the idea of sex-selective abortion. We hope drawing attention to this issue will encourage politicians and voters to make this a priority issue,” said Anna Nienhuis, spokesperson for We Need a Law.

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Strengthening Church Leadership

New church leadership microcredentials will equip church leaders in a rapidly changing ministry landscape.

Redeemer University is responding to the growing need for church leader training by launching three online church leadership microcredentials in the 20242025 academic year, beginning with Planning, Meetings, and Financial Acuity, now open for registration.

As the scope of responsibility for leaders in the local church expands, there is an increasing need for specialized knowledge and training. Redeemer’s new microcredentials will offer supplemental instruction on relevant topics for church board and council members, ministry leaders and pastors as they serve the greater Christian community, equipping them to lead and serve well.

“These microcredentials are a unique addition to Redeemer’s academic offerings that come alongside the local church in tangible ways,” says vice president, academic Dr. Peter Neumann. “Distinct from seminary and corporate professional development, these affordable learning opportunities will equip church leaders with management and organizational skills specific to a church context.”

Distinct from seminary and corporate professional development, these affordable learning opportunities will equip church leaders with management and organizational skills specific to a church context.

Microcredentials are short, non-academic, competency-based learning opportunities that teach in-demand knowledge and skills. Each church leadership microcredential takes about 6-8 hours in total to complete and contains multiple lessons. Each lesson contains an engaging video presentation, readings, external media resources (e.g., supplementary podcasts and videos) and a short assessment. Once learners have finished the microcredential, they will earn an online badge to display to their network.

The newly released Planning, Meetings and Financial Acuity microcredential will equip church leaders to approach matters of administration and finance with confidence, teaching on topics such as budgeting and fundraising, strategic vision, decision making and meeting management.

Canadians to bless children in need with Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts

Shoeboxes to be collected from November 18-24.

Canada’s 2024 Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection season is underway. Individuals, families, churches, businesses, sports teams, and community groups are now packing shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, plus personal notes and photos, to be delivered to children in need around the world.

Last year, Canadians filled more than 425,000 shoeboxes with gifts that shared God’s love and hope with struggling children in West Africa, Central America, Ukraine and Philippines. In a world weighed down with inflation, turmoil and the effects of war,

New U.S. research suggests worldview may be key to mental health crisis

Barna Study reveals Biblical Worldview as a crucial factor in combating anxiety, depression, and fear.

Agroundbreaking study by Dr. George Barna, Director of Research of the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, presents a chilling possibility — that hundreds of thousands of Americans are spending tens of millions of dollars and countless hours investing in drugs and mental-health solutions that are treating the wrong problem.

In his latest research, Barna presents compelling evidence that many mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and fear, could stem from worldview deficiencies rather than psychological or chemical imbalances. While some mental health issues are undoubtedly biological, Barna says, the study highlights a startling connection between mental health and the possession of a biblical worldview, with a strong inverse correlation between a lack of biblical beliefs and frequent mental health struggles.

among Millennials (16%) had such an incident.

Similarly, although 5% of adults had serious suicidal thoughts at least once in the past year, such thoughts occurred in much higher proportions within Gen Z (13%) and Millennials (9%).

If those incidence statistics are projected to the total U.S. adult population, an estimated 60 million individuals have at least one diagnosable mental disorder. Slightly more than 50 million adults have some type of anxiety disorder. And nearly 50 million adults struggle with alcohol or drug addiction.

“You do what you believe. Worldview determines lifestyle, and that includes mental health,” Barna says.

children need joy more than ever.

Thanks to the items that Canadians lovingly put in their shoeboxes, and the $12-per-box they donate to cover shipping and other program costs, Samaritan’s Purse is able to deliver the boxes to children around the world living in the midst of poverty, disease, war, and natural disaster.

Each gift-filled shoebox packed, donated, and delivered to one of hundreds of drop-off locations throughout Canada by Nov. 18 will make a long journey into the arms of a child in need. Canadians can also pack boxes online at PackABox.ca.

Studies by federal government agencies assert that one out of every four adults (23%) have some type of mental illness. Among the youngest two generations (Millennials and Gen Z), one out of every three people (33%) is estimated to have one or more diagnosable mental disorders. Among the most common of those mental illnesses are anxiety disorders, common to one out of five adults (19%), and substance addiction, also present among nearly one-fifth of adults (18%).

Young adults are those most likely to have had physical manifestations of their disorders during the past 12 months. For instance, while 8% of all adults experienced a major depressive episode in the past year, at least twice as many in Gen Z (19%) and

Among young adults, the statistics are particularly concerning. More than half of Generation Z (56%) and Millennials (49%) report experiencing anxiety, depression, or fear regularly. These generations also have the lowest levels of biblical worldview adherence, with only 1% of Gen Z and 2% of Millennials holding a biblical worldview. In stark contrast, just 14% of Baby Boomers report similar struggles, with 8% holding a biblical worldview.

Barna explains, “It’s not uncommon to find a young adult who trusts feelings more than facts, sees no inherent value to life, believes in Karma, and rejects the existence of the biblical God. Add to this a lack of any sense of purpose or meaning, and the idea that truth is subjective. This common set of components results in a lifestyle that is inconsistent, chaotic, frustrating, and lacking hope. Anxiety, depression, and fear are virtually inescapable in such a life.”

The ‘life from non-life’ mythology

Exactly how life began remains one of the greatest of unsolved questions in biology.

As recorded in Genesis chapter 1, plant life was created on the third day of the creation week, and animal and human life on the fifth and sixth days. This account is rejected by most people as pure myth. However, the real myth is abiogenesis—that life can spontaneously come into existence from non-living matter.

In 1953 Stanley Miller, a graduate student at the University of Chicago, created a model, he believed represented earth’s primeval environment, by sealing in a glass container methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and water. He then simulated lightning with a spark discharger. A goo formed which included amino acids, which are the basic building blocks of proteins. Speculation ran wild and many people believed that the questions about the origin of life had been answered.

After Miller’s experiment, it was thought that life originated on the earth in pond scum about 3.5B years ago. However, evolutionists now believe that the earth’s early atmosphere may not have contained methane or ammonia as Miller assumed and would have been too reactive for organic molecules—destroying them as they formed. So, alternative theories have been proposed, that life originated: from organic molecules that formed on a superstructure of clay or pyrite, in suboceanic hydrothermal vents, in oceanic foam, or in half-a-dozen other ways. Each of these theories has subsequently become unfashionable. All proposed models for how life began on the earth have failed to be convincing. So, it is now popular to speculate that complex organic molecules hitched a ride on meteors or comets and that life originated elsewhere in our galaxy. But this does not answer the question of how life began. It only pushes the question off-planet—out of sight, out of mind!

Naturalistic speculation continues to believe that life arose through slow and progressive chemical evolution in which simple molecules such as methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), water (H2O), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and carbon dioxide (CO2) self-organized (through selective pressures) into complex molecular systems. Chemical evolution was followed by biological evolution, which formed the first cells.

The challenge facing abiogenesis re-

mains unsurmountable:

• Even when the basic building blocks—amino acids—of complex organic molecules are available there is nothing inherent in their structure which induces them to organize into complex organic molecules such as DNA.

• DNA cannot form proteins or other DNA, without the presence of catalytic proteins and enzymes. RNA is a catalytic protein required for the production of DNA, but DNA is required to produce RNA. The two form an irreducibly complex system. RNA is difficult to synthesize and every attempt to explain how it could spontaneously organize in an

“No one has been able to provide a reasonable explanation for the origin of the information contained in DNA.”

uncontrolled, hostile environment has failed. No single molecule exists which can make copies of itself. The only way that copies of molecules can form is in a synergistic system such as that supported by DNA and RNA.

• No one has been able to provide a reasonable explanation for the origin of the information contained in DNA.

The presence of complex, specified, information cannot be explained without the existence of an intelligent communicator.

At this point, the question of how life began remains one of the greatest of unsolved questions in biology. Abiogenesis is a myth. Until men are willing to entertain the possibility that the origin of life requires an intelligent agent—God—they stand no chance of explaining how life began. However, men would rather continue to believe a lie with the ‘hope’ that someday an answer will appear, than accept the fact that God created life.

Visit creation.com for more than 15,000 faith-building articles and hundreds of videos about Genesis, creation and evolution.

Money on Your Mind? Talk

November is Financial Literacy Month.

According to the 2024 Financial Stress index 44% of Canadians identify money as their leading source of stress! This highlights the urgent need to recognize the daily financial pressures faced by people in our communities and congregations.

It’s crucial that we “Talk about it!” in our churches - reassuring those burdened by financial worries that they’re not alone in their struggles. We can walk alongside them and point them to the One who says, ““Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28 (NLT)]

Knowing the topic of money can often be taboo, we want to show that there’s no need to be embarrassed or ashamed. Instead we can have judgement-free conversations that empower people towards financial health.

Three Tips to get boost your financial confidence:

by Will MacLaughlin

1 – Create a budget: Collect your bank and credit card statements. Review your income and spending to see where your money is currently going.

2 – Examine your spending habits: Identify areas you might reduce costs. Are there cheaper alternatives for things you buy regularly? Could you cut back on certain expenses or eliminate them entirely?

3 – Plan for the future: Set something aside for emergencies or special occasions like birthdays. If you have extra funds, seek wise advice about how to use that money best.

Let’s start the conversation and “Talk About It!” this Financial Literacy Month!

The CAP Money Course offers an excellent way to get started engaging your church in this vital missional opportunity and demonstrate Jesus’ love in a practical and deeply meaningful way.

As one Pastor shared, “It opens futures into a place of freedom, and that is such a beautiful testimony of what the Money Course does, and what every church is

trying to accomplish”

To learn more about this impactful course, visit: https://www.capcanada.org/ moneycourse.

Will MacLaughlin is CEO of Christian Against Poverty, a ministry dedicated to equipping and inspiring the local church to help people out of poverty and invite them to follow Jesus. www.capcanada.org

Fostering Hope

Will Christians step up to solve the adoption crisis?

At a meeting of the Brampton Ministerial last month, representatives from Bridgeway Family Homes took to the podium to explain to the city’s assembled pastors how the critical shortage of foster parents has led to a full-fledged crisis in Ontario, and across the country.

A System in Crisis

Bridgeway’s speakers explained that the shortage of foster parents has left tens of thousands of children across the country without a safe and loving home. Across Canada, more than 60,000 children are in government care, with about half of that number awaiting adoption. There are approximately 8,600 children currently in the Ontario foster system.

With many foster parents nearing retirement, and fewer people willing to foster, the system is under severe stress. Prospective foster parents are hindered by the record

high cost of living, the housing shortage, and the need for specialized care and support for some children.

The pandemic put stresses on all types of families, and that included foster families. The Peel Children’s Aid Society reported that available foster homes have dropped by more than 33% since 2020.

There is also a shortage of licensed beds in foster homes and centres, exacerbated by the current housing shortage. In September, Ontario’s Ombudsman launched an investigation into the housing of children in Ontario hotels, motels, and even offices and trailers. The Ombudsman’s office noted that “Some children’s aid societies have indicated that they place children in these types of unlicensed settings – including spaces in their own offices – as a last resort, due to a lack of appropriate housing options, particularly for young people with special needs and/or challenging behaviours.”

in this way, as the Spirit leads. So how do we set about making a difference in this space? Here are a few ideas:

Adoption Sunday

November is Adoption Awareness Month, but a congregation can begin encouraging a culture of adoption at any time. Dedicate a Sunday, make members aware of the problem, and help those who feel called to this mission field through the lengthy process.

Locally, Bridgeway Family Homes (www.bridgeway.ca) operates throughout the GTA and much of Ontario, and is licensed to provide foster care services. The organization, founded by Christians, can provide congregations with a reliable source of information, training, and advice about supporting adoptive families.

The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada also has online helps for congregations looking to start an Adoption Sunday program. [www.evangelicalfellowship.ca/ adoptionsunday]

Start with a Movie Screening

Earlier this year, Angel Studios released Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, a film based on the true story of a Texas church that felt called to embrace kids in the foster system “that nobody else would take.” (Members of the church eventually adopted 77 children.) Churches wanting to screen this film in their buildings can do so for free. [www.possumtrotimpact.com]

Build Adoption Infrastructure

Earlier this year, CBC News also reported about children - many between 11 and 15 - in Ontario being housed for months in hotels and Airbnbs, due to the foster home shortage.

Christians and Adoption

The Bible exhorts Christians repeatedly about the responsibility to care for orphans and the vulnerable. And of course, as Christians ourselves have been adopted into the family of God, so many of us should naturally look to replicate the love of Christ

“Available foster homes have dropped by more than 33% since 2020.”

Add foster families and those in the foster system to your weekly prayer meetings. Appoint an Adoption Pastor, start a Support Group for Foster Families in your community. Congregations can offer practical and even financial assistance to foster families, which would absolutely seem to be implied in the James 1:27 mandate.

Not every child in the foster system is looking for a permanent home. Some have families going through hardships, like illness, poverty, imprisonment, and addiction recovery. Congregational programs will need to be tailored to the needs of the local community. However it is clear that we, as Christians, have a responsibility to Our Father, and our community at large, to be a major part of the solution to this crisis.

by Fazal Karim, Jr. Compiled with files from the Bridgeway Family Homes October presentation and other related resources.

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Dyslexia-friendly Bibles to hit shelves

Special typefaces and layouts make reading the Bible easier for those with Dyslexia.

By Lauren Bearry

Lifeway’s B&H Publishing Group partnered with 2K/DENMARK and Cambridge University to release the CSB Grace Bible for Kids, a first-of-its-kind Bible for readers with dyslexia, available mid-November.

According to the International Dyslexia Association, 15-20% of the population has a language-based learning disability. Of the students with specific learning disabilities receiving special education services, 70-80% have deficits in reading. The Grace Bible seeks to help enhance readability for kids who suffer from visual stress as they read.

“Kids who feel intimidated by reading can feel comfortable with this new typeface in a Bible that’s made specifically with them in mind,” said Lifeway President Ben Mandrell. “Dyslexia shouldn’t keep kids from reading the Bible. At its core, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids is meeting the need of helping young readers interact and connect with God in a personal way through His Word.”

The CSB Grace Bible for Kids is designed for kids ages 7-12, offering an inclusive reading approach with improved visual processing. The Bible integrates academically tested typeface and design principles developed by 2K/DENMARK and Cambridge University’s research department.

The layout and design adds space between letters, words, lines and paragraphs along with distinct letter forms to help with readability.

“If you are dyslexic, sometimes you see letters as bouncing balloons because they don’t stay on the baseline,” explains Klaus Krogh, founder of 2K/DENMARK. “In designing the Grace typeface, we made sure to fix the letters to the baseline by making them heavier towards the bottom.”

Krogh began developing the Grace typeface five years ago. Cambridge University heard about his work and asked if they

“Dyslexia shouldn’t keep kids from reading the Bible.”

Crossway to release Dyslexia-Friendly ESV

Ccould participate in developing and testing the typeface and design.

In addition to the added weight to the baseline of letters, the Grace typeface helps readers differentiate between pairs of similar letters like m and n or p and q. Readers will also notice special-colored page overlays that enhance visual processing and can reduce visual stress. A version of the Grace Bible for teens and adults will be available in February 2025.

“I am so looking forward to hearing the feedback. I hope and pray this will help someone connect with the content of the Bible,” Krogh said. “We know faith changes lives, and we’d like as many as possible to be given the chance to change their life by the message in the Bible.”

Like many of Lifeway’s Bibles, the CSB Grace Bible offers study tips and content tailored to kids that answer questions such as “how to read the Bible” or “how to have a quiet time.”

“These additional features are intended to increase biblical literacy skills among kids and establish a foundation of spiritual disciplines that will hopefully lead to both greater engagement with God’s Word and, by extension, greater intimacy with God,” said Andy McLean, publisher for Holman Bibles.

Mandrell agrees. “One of the most fulfilling aspects of our work at Lifeway is helping young readers engage Scripture and learn more about God through His Word,” he said. “We are so encouraged by the excitement and traction around the Grace Bible for Kids.”

rossway will release a Dyslexia-friendly hardcover edition of the ESV Holy Bible in 2025. Like the CSB Grace Bible for Kids (featured above) the ESV Holy Bible: Dyslexia-Friendly Edition was also developed in partnership with Klaus Krogh of 2K and Cambridge University’s research department.

The Crossway edition will feature the full ESV text in double-column format. The 1200-page edition will be available to purchase on January 9, 2025.

According to those behind the CSB Grace Bible for Kids, part of what makes it so special is the readable, faithful-to-the-original text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). They point to the CSB’s optimal blend of accuracy and readability that makes it a trustworthy, easy-to-understand resource for kids to study and memorize today—and to live and share for a lifetime. For more information about the Grace Bible, visit gracebibleforkids.com. For information about other resources for special needs ministry, visit Lifeway.com/ specialneeds.

Lauren Bearry was a communications intern for Lifeway Christian Resources.

CSB Grace Bible for Kids

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Christian HERALD

Greater Toronto’s most comprehensive guide to Christian events

ARTS | BUSINESS | CONCERTS & MUSIC | CONFERENCES/MEETINGS | MOVIES | PRAYER | SUPPORT GROUPS | WOMEN

ARTS

THIRST: Re-imagining Hezekiah’s Tunnel Water, Artistry and Mental Health Sat., Nov. 2 to Tue., Nov. 26, 2024

The Portage Arts Group is re-imagining Hezekiah’s tunnel as a metaphor for moving from the drought of mental illness to the healing and refreshment of art and creativity. The installation and exhibition is being toured to promote creative artistry as a therapeutic agent of healing in the Christian community. Location: The Queen Elizabeth Park Cultural Center Gallery, 2302 Bridge Rd., Oakville. Reception: Nov. 2 7:00pm. For more information email James Tughan at tughanj@gmail.com or visit www.portagesemaphore.ca.

BUSINESS

Canadian Christian Business Federation Monthly Morning Meetings

Local chapters of The Canadian Christian Business Federation host monthly morning breakfast meetings for Christian business and professional leaders, men and women, in select Southern Ontario cities. For more information, or to inquire about starting a CCBF chapter in your community, visit www.ccbf.org.

ELO Forum Toronto 2024

Wed., December 4, 2024; 9:00am-7:00pm ELO’s annual business conference that brings together Christian marketplace and entrepreneurial leaders to connect, learn, and be inspired. Speakers include Ronald Blue, Jackie Dinsmore and William Vanderbloemen. www.entrepreneurialleaders.com.

CONCERTS & MUSIC

Gospel Music Industry Hub

Mondays; 7:00pm

GMI Hub Online is a weekly meeting and webcast of panel meetings with successful gospel music industry leaders discussing the state of the gospel arts industry and sharing their experiences and knowledge. www.gmihub.ca.

The River Worship - Season Ten Tuesdays @ 7:00pm Midweek worship has arrived in the Durham Region! You’ll find us at the Canada Christian College auditorium, 300 Water Street, Whitby. The River exists so you can come before God

in the middle of the week, leave everything else at the door, and encounter Him in a personal and meaningful way. Expect to hear your favourite current worship songs and get ready to worship. Things might get a little loud! www.theriverworship.ca.

Whitby Christian Coffeehouse

Saturdays; 7:30-9:30pm

The Coffee House is an outreach ministry of Durham Full Gospel Church focused on spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was established over thirty-eight years ago and is still going strong. Halfway through the evening there is a 15-minute break for refreshments and fellowship. Each night there is a different Christian group ministering through songs and testimonies of what the Lord has done in their lives. Held at 419 Brock St North, Whitby. For the current schedule of performing artists, visit www.durhamfullgospelchurch.org

Requiem by Gabriel Fauré

Sunday, November 10, 2024, 7:30pm

On Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., the choir of the Church of St John the Evangelist, Locke Street, Hamilton, (The Rock on Locke) under the direction of Paul Grimwood, will sing the Requiem by Gabriel Fauré. This Requiem, one of the most beautiful of all 19th century choral works, was written in the 1880’s for the choir at the Madeleine Church in Paris, France. With Fauré’s gifts of sensuous harmony, beautiful melody and great attention to orchestral colour, this Requiem is for many a supreme religious and musical experience. Soloists for the Requiem will be Beverly BrontéTinkew, soprano, and James Baldwin, baritone, with Paul Grimwood, organ. The singing of the Fauré Requiem has been an annual tradition around Remembrance Day for several years.

Fauré’s Requiem takes place at St John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 320 Charlton Avenue West, at Locke Street, Hamilton. The event will include the reading of the many names of those from the Parish who lost their lives during both world wars. Admission is free, although there will be a free-will offering received. For more information, please telephone the church office at 905-522-0602, or write to Paul Grimwood at paul.grimwood@ sympatico.ca.

Good News Tour w/ Maverick City Music, Tasha Cobbs Leonard Wednesday, November 13, 2024; 7:00pm At Scotiabank Arena, Toronto. www.good-news-tour.com.

The River Worship

Builder Christmas Dinner Friday, November 29, 2024; 7:00pm A night of vision, concert and fundraising for The River Worship. Join us for an exciting evening filled with a five-star meal, your favourite Christmas classic songs, and worship.You’ll be the first to hear about the exciting new vision the Lord has brought for The River in 2025. New music written by The River Worship will be performed for the first time. By purchasing a ticket or table, you are donating towards the upcoming vision and season. A donation tax receipt will be given for the portion of payment in excess of the meal cost. Held at the Canada Event Centre. Individual tickets $100., Table of 10 $1000. Available via EventBrite. www.theriverworship.ca.

Christmas in the Chapel concert

Saturday, November 30, 2024

Matinee: 2:00-4:00pm, Evening: 7:00-9:00pm Christmas in the Chapel is Tyndale’s annual benefit concert to support Tyndale students directly through providing much-needed scholarships and bursaries. Featuring the Tyndale Community Choir, the TCC Band, Tyndale Singers directed by Dr. Melissa Davis, with multi award-winning Canadian singersongwriter, pianist and CBC Music national radio host Laila Biali as our guest artist.Together, with your help, we can ease our students’ financial burden. You can help students go on to engage culture wherever they find themselves and bring hope to a world that desperately needs it. Tickets: Matinee $50., Evening $60. www.tyndale.ca/christmas.

A Gospel Jazz Christmas featuring Toronto Mass Choir and Mike Janzen Trio Thursday, December 12, 2024; 7:30pm Immerse yourself in the unique musical celebration of “A Gospel Jazz Christmas” featuring the acclaimed Toronto Mass Choir and the electrifying Mike Janzen Trio. Join us at Toronto’s prestigious Koerner Hall for an unforgettable evening of soulful gospel, artful song and grooving jazz.

The Toronto Mass Choir, known for its powerful performances and inspirational messages, will blend their harmonious voices with the genre bending, innovative music stylings of the Mike Janzen Trio. Together, they will create a festive atmosphere that captures the spirit of Christmas, bringing together elements of gospel, pop and jazz in a way that is uplifting, inspiring and accessible. www.mikejanzentrio.com.

Messiah

Dec 17-24, 2024

Rejoice greatly! Jean-Sébastien Vallée leads your TSO and the vibrant voices of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir along with four outstanding soloists in a resplendent rendition of Handel’s beloved oratorio. Gather friends and family for Toronto’s grand musical holiday tradition—a majestic performance that will leave you singing “Hallelujah!” At Roy Thompson Hall, Toronto. www.tso.ca.

CONFERENCES/MEETINGS

2024 Brampton Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Tuesday, November 12, 2024; 6:45-8:45am

The 2024 Brampton Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will include a great breakfast with good friends, a guest speaker, enjoyable music, and, of course, prayer. It is going to be a great morning! We will be at the Pearson Convention Centre, 2638 Steeles Avenue, Brampton. Tickets for the event are $25. Hosted by the Brampton & District Ministerial Association.

2024 Carters Charity & NFP Law Webinar Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024; 9:00 am–1:00 pm

The webinar is designed to assist charities and not-for-profits in understanding developing trends in the law, in order to reduce exposure to legal liability. The webinar continues its tradition of serving the broader faith community, including religious organizations, as it has every year since 1994. Special guest speakers this year are The Honourable Ratna Omidvar, C.M., O.Ont., Senator for Ontario and Former Deputy Chair of the Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector, as well as Bruce MacDonald, President, Imagine Canada

This webinar is eligible for 3.75 substantive hours towards the annual Law Society of Ontario (LSO) CPD and CPA Professional Development requirements. Cost: Registration fee is $39.55 per person ($35. plus HST.) For more information, contact us at 1-877-942-0001 x230 or seminars@carters.ca.

2024 Markham Prayer Breakfast Friday, November 22, 2024; 7:00-9:00am

The Markham Prayer Breakfast is a gathering of more than 600 people. We gather to support and encourage each other in faith. We gather to pray for our leaders and the people of Markham. We gather to honour God in our community. There will be special music by Jonathan Michael, a message from Dr. Peter Chu, General/Trauma Surgeon and Adjunct Professor at Tyndale

To list your event for free in the Community Calendar, format your listing exactly as those on this page and email it to us at info@christianherald.ca. Submissions which are incorrectly formatted may not be published. All submissions are subject to space and taste considerations. Christian Herald reserves the right to decide what is appropriate, and may edit submissions. Placement in the Community Calendar is NOT guaranteed. All persons and organizations submitting events to the Community Calendar must agree with the Statement of Faith as found on our website at www.christianherald.ca. Events sponsored by churches which distribute Christian Herald will be given priority. Your calendar listing must reach Christian Herald by the 20th of the month preceding the issue in which you would like it to be printed. (For example, the listing must arrive by the 20th of October to be included in the November issue.)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Seminary, and prayers offered. The program promises to be inspiring and faith building. Join us for a wonderful hot buffet breakfast! Dress is casual to business attire. Location: Angus Glen Golf Club! Tickets $45., only 450 seats available. www.markhamprayerbreakfast.ca.

Christian Heritage Month

Flag Raising Ceremony & Celebration Sunday, December 1, 2024

Flag Raising 3:00-4:00pm Celebration 4:15pm

Flag Raising Ceremony will take place at Brampton City Hall (2 Wellington Street West, Brampton) Afterward, join us for a special celebration featuring worship, celebration, inspiring speakers, leaders, officials, flag raising, and proclamation, at the nearby Rose Theatre (1 Theatre Lane, Brampton.) Fellowship and refreshments will follow after 6:00pm. This event is free, but please reserve your spot today to ensure your attendance. For more information or to register, visit www.christianheritagemonth.org. Contact us at christianheritagemonth@gmail.com or call 647-800-7350.

The 2024 Oakville Prayer Breakfast Wednesday, December 4, 2024; 6:330am

The OPB is thrilled to welcome 2024’s special guest, President of Health Partners International, Lois Brown. Please join us for breakfast, prayer, inspirational worship and fellowship as we enter the advent season! Tickets: $40., Table of 10: $400. For more information visit: www.oakvilleprayerbreakfast.com.

Canadian Church Research Gathering December 12-13, 2024

Sponsored by the Canadian Institute for Empirical Church Research. Join us for a day of insightful discussions and networking with fellow church researchers on trends in the Canadian church. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals passionate about church research, data-informed decision making and opportunities for mission. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher, denominational leader or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone interested in exploring the latest trends and findings in Canadian church research. At Wycliffe College, 5 Hoskin Street, Toronto. www.ciecr.wycliffecollege.ca.

MOVIES

Best Christmas Pageant Ever

In theatres starting November 8

The Herdman kids are absolutely the worst.

They lie, they steal, they bully…and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the bestseller by Barbara Robinson, the film follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. www.bestchristmaspageantever.movie.

Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. In theatres starting December 6

As the world teeters on the brink of annihilation, Dietrich Bonhoeffer is swept into the epicenter of a deadly plot to assassinate Hitler. With his faith and fate at stake, Bonhoeffer must choose between upholding his moral convictions or risking it all to save millions of Jews from genocide. Will his shift from preaching peace to plotting murder alter the course of history or cost him everything?

www.angel.com/movies/bonhoeffer.

PRAYER

24 Hour Worshippers Toronto Monthly

The mission of 24HW is to exalt God through worship and prayer as one body, while standing in the gap for the city, the country and the church. Worship and prayer teams from congregations in Toronto take 2-hour slots and pray through a weekend each month, starting on Friday at 7:00pm and running for 24 hours. www.24hourworshippers.com.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alpha

Alpha is an 11-week course that creates a space, online or in person, where people are excited to bring their friends for a conversation about life, faith and Jesus. The same Alpha content is run all over the world, by Christians of all traditions, and provides a common expression of faith. Over 1 million people in Canada have experienced Alpha, and millions more have taken Alpha in over 100 countries and over 100 languages around the globe. Find a local Alpha course at www.alphacanada.org.

DivorceCare

DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of

people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. Find a local group at www.divorcecare.org.

DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K) Are your children angry, hurt, and confused about your separation or divorce? A DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K) support group is a safe, fun place where your children can learn skills that will help them heal. DC4K groups blend, games, music, stories, videos and discussion to help kids process the divorce and move forward. Groups meet weekly and are designed for children ages 5-12. Find a group at www. dc4k.org.

DivorceCare - Surviving the Holidays Various GTA locations and dates

After separation or divorce, your holidays won’t look the same as they used to. Traditions change. Some family members won’t be there. Social gatherings can feel stressful. DivorceCare Surviving the Holidays can help! It’s a 2-hour seminar that includes a video, sharing time, and a “Survival Guide” filled with tips and encouragement for managing the holidays after separation and divorce. www.divorcecare.org/holidays.

Financial Management God’s Way

– Zoom Small Groups

Commencing in November 2024 Tom Copland’s experienced small group leaders will be leading Tom’s in-depth biblical financial study titled “Financial Management God’s Way”. This is the study where we see the most significant permanent change in the way people manage money. Tom is the author of the Financial Moments which are aired in 197 radio and TV stations across Canada and some northern United States. Everyone is welcome. For details and registration, go to www.coplandfinancialministries.org or email us at info@ biblefinance.org.

GriefShare

GriefShare is a weekly support group for those facing the loss of a loved one through death. You will be most welcomed into a warm caring environment in which you can receive hope and encouragement by relating to others who are facing similar emotions. Find a local GriefShare group at www.griefshare.org.

GriefShare - Surviving the Holidays

Various GTA locations and dates

Facing this season while grieving can sometimes feel like taking one step forward and two steps back. Holiday traditions have changed. Social events are draining. Sights, songs & smells trigger emotions. Like a trusted guide,

a 2-hour GriefShare Surviving the Holidays event will prepare you to navigate the season’s changes. www.holidays.griefshare.org.

Parents of Human Trafficking Victims: Online Support Group

First and Third Thursdays, 7:00-9:00 pm (Family members suffer greatly when a loved one becomes entangled in the sex trade. If you are a parent or family member of a young person exploited in this way, we offer a safe space for you to be understood. Zoom in or meet with us in person to process your feelings without fear of judgment. We also work with families, individually, to bring an end to the exploitation. Parents Hope is part of the Christian ministry of Lifeworthy - SIM Canada. For more info, please email Lynda at parents.hope@lifeworthy.ca or visit: www.lifeworthy.ca.

Pure Desire

Pure Desire Ministries International is a biblically-based and clinically-informed ministry committed to true revival in the church through the healing of the present day epidemic of sexual brokenness. Pure Desire groups offer a roadmap to recovery from sexual addiction, betrayal, and relationship issues by providing a safe, confidential place to process your life story: learning how family of origin, traumatic experiences, and wounding messages impact relationships.

www.puredesire.org/join-a-group.

Sharing The Burden

There is Hope! Come and take life-healing steps. Addiction, anxiety, depression, co-dependency. Don’t be alone with it any longer. Group support, all welcome. email: scott@sharingtheburden.ca or visit www.sharingtheburdenradio.org.

WOMEN

Moms in the Making

Christian Infertility Support Group

First and Third Tuesdays; 7:00pm Moms in the Making exists to support and encourage women on their journey to becoming a mom by sharing the hope and truth of God’s Word. One way we accomplish this mission is by hosting in-person groups, which meet twice a month as we together focus on scripture and our hope in Jesus. Moms in the Making groups are for married women who, in partnership with their husband, are looking to expand their family. Whether you are taking a natural approach or pursuing treatments, adoption, foster care or a different route, you are welcome. The Newmarket, Ontario group which meets at 7pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month. www.momsinthemaking.com/canada.

Committing to Justice in Business Leadership

An Interview with Pete Kuehni, Founding Partner, DeliberateU

Even as a young man in his 20’s, Pete Kuehni felt the call of God to ‘live a better life’. He did not know at that time to call this desire ‘justice’, but as a natural leader, he was strongly motivated to come alongside others to model and mentor what “better” looks like.

Since everyone, everywhere will one day face the dark night of the soul, it is not if, but when, this occurs that matters. In other words, what wall have you leaned your life’s ladder against? This answer can make or break you. Is it success in business? Is it approval of family or colleagues? Is it kingdom building principles and the desire to please God in all your life’s choices?

Pete currently coaches leaders to choose Biblical justice as a life journey ladder. What is this? On the surface, it means running a business with integrity, being kind to others, and paying taxes. But on a deeper level, he says, justice “starts with me”. “I’m accountable to experience justice in my own soul, with my will, my desires and my decisions aligned with God’s plan and with kingdom building priorities. I must seek the Presence of the Lord before I can discern what is just for myself, or just for others around me.” In other words, it’s a heart change reality.

What are pitfalls to choosing a life of biblical justice? Demanding to be in control is one. Individualism, as taught by our culture, stops many. Independence, and living apart from God’s counsel, can nurture pride, and foster seeking revenge for perceived injustices.

Pete shares a story about a toxic relationship he experienced from a business

by Nancy Kingdon

partner in a big project that almost erupted into bankruptcy. Fortunately, Pete’s praying friends surrounded him and by God’s grace and wisdom, he avoided this threat. Years later, while leading a soul retreat, Pete was convicted about a hidden but deep root of bitterness towards his former partner. God dealt with him, and he learned to forgive, not only with head knowledge, but with a healed heart willing to ask God for His capacity to extend grace and mercy.

One remarkable benefit of choosing to pursue Biblical justice is how this impacts God’s outpouring of the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, peace, joy, patience, kindness--both in us and in others, thus blessing multitudes! Another great blessing from receiving the Presence of God and God’s

gift of wisdom and discernment to adjudicate between individuals, is the reward of becoming God’s peacemaker. Life gets better and everyone benefits, when justice prevails and God’s love, mercy and forgiveness are poured out.

Here’s an interesting question. How hard does a cherry tree have to work to produce its fruit? Not at all! It is designed to be fruitful! So it is with us, when we are living in relationship with our God! If we are loving God, loving others and loving ourselves as God’s chosen and beloved child, that is how we are meant to live our lives. God’s original plan for mankind, as outlined in the garden of Eden is to stay in close relationship with our loving Heavenly Father.

You are God’s beloved child and His cherished inheritance. Once you under-

Biblical Principles Explored....

• Justice produces fruitfulness Galatians 5: 22-23a [NIV] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

• God requires justice from us. Micah 6:8b [NIV] And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

• We reap what we sow. Galatians 6: 9 [NIV] Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

stand how much God loves you, answering God’s call to make biblical justice your life-long pursuit becomes magnetic. When you add to this the fact that God’s favour on you will enable you to grow in the gifts of the fruit of the Spirit, there is yet another reason to obey God’s call and seek to value biblical justice by learning to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God. Since fruitfulness is the ultimate goal of Biblical justice in business, today could be your day to commit to justice in business, and in your personal/family life.

Nancy Kingdon is the story writer for the Canadian Christian Business Federation. This column is part of a series of interviews with Business leaders on living out Biblical Leadership Principles. www.ccbf.org

ADVERTISING WORKS!

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Artwork size is 2.375” wide x 2.4” high. Artwork must be deemed appropriate for placement in a House of Worship. Email info@christianherald.ca or call 905-874-1731.

Pete Kuehni

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