Issuu

live A Baptist resource for women on a mission January – February 2019 · $3.50

CHOSEN STRATEGIC GIVING 2019

5 compelling overseas projects to support (p6)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HIGHLIGHTS

Celebrate and anticipate (p3)

BAPTIST WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 2019 Hotels and Registration (p21)

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cONNECTING

in this issue columns 3 » Executive Director Highlights 2018 Connect to Mission 6 » Strategic Giving 2019 8 » Cuenta Conmigo 9 » Elders, Culture, Scripture 11 » Walking the Blankets BIBLE STUDY 18 Bible Study: God Chooses the Unexpected Connect with Others 20 » We Remember 20 » Life Memberships 20 » A History Moment 21 » CBWOQ’s Women’s Conference 2019

features Connect with gOD 13 Giving Up Words One group’s experience with fasting from criticism 14 The Chosen One 16 A Priestly Calling Gathering in the goodness of God

Cover photo: Unsplash.com/AndraeRicketts

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My favourite scene from Mel Gibson’s movie The Passion of the Christ happens along the Via Dolorosa. Mary, His mother, is trying to reach her son through the jeering crowd. As Jesus stumbles and almost falls flat under the weight of the cross, Gibson juxtaposes a flashback . . . a scene of Jesus as a young boy running on pudgy legs and falling, caught by Mary and soothed. The scene cuts to the Via Dolorosa. As Mary reaches Jesus, helpless to do more than watch her son suffer, Jesus looks up at her and says, “Don’t you know? I’m making all things new.” “I’m making all things new.” That’s the message we just celebrated at Christmas and affirmed on Epiphany: Jesus Christ came to make all things new. I love that this is what Baptist Women offers year after year—an invitation for women to be made new in and through Jesus. The invitation will not look or sound the same every time. Needs—and therefore programs— change. We learn new ways of communicating with each other. What will never change is how our ministry to others will transform us. When we take part in an STM; participate in a conference workshop; learn about then give to a project like rescue work in the Dominican Republic, we are declaring that all things have been made new, are being made new and will be made new; that Jesus’ rising from the dead means that evil and oppression are not the final words on our days. In 2019, as we do ministry together, let us make our little part of the kingdom new for His glory and in His name. RJ 

VOLUME 92, NUMBER 1

live (formerly The Link & Visitor) began as The Canadian Missionary Link (1878) and Baptist Visitor (1890). Published bi-monthly by Canadian Baptist Women of Ontario and Quebec 5 International Blvd., Etobicoke, ON M9W 6H3 416-620-2954 Fax 416-622-2308 bwoq@baptist.ca www.baptistwomen.com Executive director Diane McBeth Editor and communications director Renée James 416-651-8967 rsejames@gmail.com Art director Donna Lee Pancorvo of GEPM Group Inc. (www.gepmgroup.com) Contributors Linda Ellsworth, Diane McBeth, Darlene Murray, Joan Peacock, Sandi Smoker, Morgan Wolf Circulation and subscriptions Subscriptions 416-620-2954 live@baptist.ca Subscriptions Individual: $20* (direct or through promoters) US & overseas: $39 All currency in $C unless otherwise noted. The publication of comments, opinions or advertising does not necessarily imply CBWOQ agreement or endorsement. All material is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in print or on websites without permission. Advertising inquiries and freelance submissions should be addressed to the editor. Member, Canadian Church Press. ISSN 2293-5096. Canada Post Customer Number 1008592. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada for our publishing activities. *includes HST

executive director’s report

Executive Director Highlights

p 2018 Baptist Women’s Conference All photos courtesy Jennifer deLuca

Thank you for your amazing support again this year . . . • For your willingness to try new things . . . • For how you have celebrated the younger women joining us . . . • For how you are reaching out to each other and to your community! I proudly tell others about the great heart for God that I see in you. Thanks also for your generous financial support. You have made a great difference in many lives! • You funded a coming of age program through Lisle Memorial. Wondergirlz gathered teens in the high priority Jane-Finch neighbourhood of Toronto for months of identity strengthening followed by a rite of passage ceremony. • You continued grants to refugee shelters (Matthew Houses) in four cities, totalling $20,000. Did you know CBWOQ was live • January - February 2019

executive director’s report

p Cafechurch workshop at Baptist Women’s Conference a founding supporter of Matthew House? • As in other years, you also helped Friendship House, a day centre for the needy in Brantford, and the OasisDufferin Community Centre that supports Latinas and other new Canadians who have been impacted by crisis, violence or poverty. Our grant to Oasis goes toward the salary of its director of women’s ministries, Erika Abele. She organizes workshops and does individual counselling. One participant testifies that she had felt so alone she had gone to a library on Bloor Street to search for help. Library staff directed her to Erika and Oasis. She joined a group, entered counselling, became a volunteer and eventually was encouraged to go back to school. She writes, “Even in my darkest moments in private counselling, she [Erika] 4

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p The Fragrance of Thankfulness workshop at Conference

always saw something good in me.” This year has seen a number of great events. Your gifts cover the staff time needed to run them and provide bursaries for participants who might not be able to come otherwise. Here are a few highlights: • We give thanks for the new Events function on our database. Rev. Andrea Cambridge spent uncountable hours on this database so we only needed to pay $1,000 for a consultant to implement the final steps. We hope to add a Contact Management function in 2019. • Feedback about the speakers and workshops at our April conference was great. Just last week I heard about a woman who was so moved by one workshop that she planned her church’s retreat around it. Did you notice all the younger women and even teen girls at

this conference? To build on that momentum we will offer a dedicated workshop track for ages 18 and under at our spring conference. Read more about the conference in your November/December 2018 issue and on pages 21-23 of this issue. • We’re excited about the great events you are leading. Highland Baptist in Kitchener held their first annual women’s conference. Quebec Baptist Women had so many women register for their fall retreat that women who lived nearby went home at night so the facility could handle everyone. The MiddlesexLambton-Huron Day Apart had “new” women there who had never heard of Baptist Women. At this Day Apart, organizers also introduced our first ever art based on our theme, designed by Rev. Tina Rae. • Some leaders are willing to

executive director’s report twin their event—you could share speakers, promotion materials and more. The staff also works hard to produce resources for you. • The Room to Pray initiative continues to facilitate interactive prayer rooms. This year focused on a special Back-ToSchool version. • Room to Pray also provided support for fasting through 2018. We started with a preconference fast in the spring; then encouraged a fast on criticism at Thanksgiving; and we ended with a fast on the Sundays during Advent. Recently I spoke to a staff person from a completely different ministry to women. She told me she often checks our website because we “have such great resources on prayer.” • This fall we started a prayer team pilot project. Kay Derby from Heron Park Baptist Church has pulled together a group of women who pray for Baptist Women staff, board and events, as well as for a few other women in leadership. We really feel that the increase in momentum we are experiencing is fuelled by prayer— God’s grace is huge and He wants to co-labour with us. Watch for an expanded prayer initiative to be launched at the

2019 spring conference. Last spring at our conference, we launched the Soul Sisters program. We’re so excited by your response. You have started groups with women ranging from university students to seniors. (Don’t worry if you haven’t started one yet, there will be another training workshop at 2019’s conference. I am also happy to come lead a workshop in your area.) Soul Sisters 2 will be released at the 2019 spring conference.

Soul Sisters 1 focused on learning how to listen to each other and introduced several spiritual formation practices. Soul Sisters 2 will focus on learning how to hear from God. We are excited about what is ahead in 2019. We are praying that each one of you will have a deeper experience of God and that you will feel more closely connected to each other. Respectfully submitted, Diane McBeth executive director 

Sisters talk about Soul Sisters

• From Pat Yuill, Fallingbrook Heights: “We are planning on running another Soul Sisters group with other women when this group finishes the eight sessions, and also an evening group since the one we have now is daytime.” • From Lesley Hobgood, Aylmer: “Although we are a close group, spiritually we have grown closer than before and feel more open in our answers.” • From Stephanie Skelding, Dutton. “We all agree that it was a wonderful experience and we have truly become soul sisters through the process.”

Unsplash.com/RobertZunikoff Unsplash.com/RobertZunikoff

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connect to mission

p Democratic Republic of the Congo: Protecting women from violence All photos courtesy Canadian Baptist Ministries

Strategic Giving 2019 Choose to make a difference raising funds for one of these international projects run by Canadian Baptist Ministries

Close the loop! Visit baptistwomen. com/causes/ to read reports from several Bolivia Integral Mission Initiatives projects for which you raised funds along with some poignant insights from CBM global field staff Kallie Hutton. 6

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This is our third year of inviting you to raise funds for strategic international projects that target our anchor causes of vulnerable women, children and youth at risk and relief/community development. As we prepared this list for 2019, our hearts were opened to CBM’s partner-run projects that range from refugee children’s camps in Lebanon, to the needs of women clergy in Cuba, to the victims of rape in a region where the prevalence of rape is the highest in the world.

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Project Lebanon – Refugee Children’s Camp Day camps and kids’ clubs that the Baptist church in Zehle run to support Syrian refugee children in the community.

CBM Strategic Giving Projects 2019 This will help . . . 20+ three-day camps; 10+ one-day kids clubs About 800 children in Zehle and its community will be helped through these camps and clubs.

Your fundraising supports ($USD) Food - $6,000; Transportation - $5,000; Project costs - $3,450

Cuba – Scholarships and Training for Pastors Help meet the great need identified by the Fraternity of Baptist Churches in Cuba (FEBAC) for pastors to receive theological training and church management.

Many of the planned activities for 2019 including six national training meetings; five workshops; one theological training session. Over 60 per cent of the beneficiaries of these scholarships will be women pastors.

Tuition/scholarships, books and materials - $3,000; Transportation – $2,500; Monitoring and evaluation - $1,000; Project costs - $500

Democratic Republic of the Congo – Aid for victims of sexual violence in the provinces of North and South Kivu • Identify and listen to victims and provide them with medical assistance • Run family mediations • Accompany children who are victims of violence or born out of rape • Provide training on positive masculinity, income-generation and management

Goals being set for this program include: Project costs will be provided in our • 80 per cent of beneficiaries to become March/April 2019 issue detraumatized • 90 children to be accompanied and to get schooling • 30 family mediations • 35 savings and lending groups set up and well managed • 60 people to get medical assistance Over 900 people will benefit from this project. The vast majority are women.

Democratic Republic of the Congo – Increasing Food Production

Two food security projects that CBM runs with the Baptist Community of Central Africa. Bugharama Village

This project began in 2017 and in 2019 the focus is to build on that experience: multiply improved seeds to reach 200 farmers; reinforce soil restoration; purchase seeds/cuttings; rehabilitate banana fields.

Tools and equipment - $330; Seeds $2,150; Training - $750; Transportation - $180; Project coordinators - $2,880; Professional services - $200; Survey and monitoring - $500; Project costs - $510

Kiliba

Training 120 farmers about conservation agriculture and post-harvest techniques; fighting plant diseases; distribution of better seeds

Tools and equipment - $1,420; Seeds $3,250; Training and workshops - $920; Project coordinators - $2,820; Equipment - $400; Survey and monitoring - $860; Project costs - $540 

q Lebanon: Refugee Children’s Camps

q Cuba: Training Pastors

q DRC: Food Production

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Cuenta Conmigo How our strategic giving in 2017 and 2018 has helped to change a community

A high school flanks either side of the Vida Nueva Church in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. It was no surprise then, that church leadership had begun to wonder what they could do to help with youth at both schools. They learned after meeting with the principals of both high schools that the biggest needs in both schools all had names. These were the youth who were trapped in cycles of negative behaviours and hopelessness, not helped by their poor performances at school. Cuenta Conmigo (count on me) was born out of those meetings as the church set up a tutoring program for the youth. “High school youth are a group that most people shy away from,” says Kallie Hutton, global field staff with Canadian Baptist Ministries in Bolivia. “It was great to see this church leaning in.” Vida Nueva’s pastor—Pastor Freddie—and his leadership team, made sure the whole church was behind the project 8

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and understood why they were doing it. An entire Sunday morning service was given over to CBM’s Integral Mission Initiatives team who came and and taught the congregation about integral mission. Those efforts paid off as an impressive list of volunteers from Vida Nueva readied themselves to receive 40 students—each high school sent their 20 worst students. One group at the church cooked meals and served them. Other volunteers taught the youth. Others started reaching out to the youths’ parents. A counsellor at the church began to offer weekly services in money management and other life skills. What had begun as an idea was now reality. Two days a week, all day long, Vida Nueva helped these two schools by tutoring their “worst” students. Church volunteers with strengths in each subject would come in and teach. Those former under-performing youth were now passing their

classes. The schools in turn have initiated a beautiful relationship, inviting the church to participate in their events. Business owners are now asking how they can get involved. People who live in the community have begun dropping off bags of rice at the church. Most encouraging has been the change in Vida Nueva Church itself. The community has grown in its relationship with God and its discipleship practices. It’s grown too in its relationship with the community. In 2018, Baptist Women gave $37,000 to Integral Mission Initiatives projects in Bolivia. Kallie Hutton has shared prayer requests with us. You’ll find them at baptistwomen.com/ causes/international-projects. RJ with files from Kallie Hutton 

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Elders, Culture, Scripture How one church honours its Indigenous roots while proclaiming the Word

Six Nations of the Grand River IN ONTARIO is a culturally rich and diverse community with a strong identity, history and sense of place. Ohsweken Baptist Church is centrally located in the heart of Six Nations in the village of Ohsweken. Tuscarora Baptist Church is the official name of Ohsweken Baptist Church and for much of its 178-year history, Indigenous culture was woven into how church was “done.” Hymns were sung in the Mohawk language. Indigenous headdresses were worn at special events such as at a sod-turning ceremony. A brass band once performed in total Indigenous attire. The stained glass window includes an Indigenous person and upon entering the church you will find the Lord’s prayer written in an Indigenous language. Today, Ohsweken Baptist Church is replanting while at the same time preserving the Indigenous soil in which its roots were planted. A

Certificate of Attendance This is to document that participated in the following Cultural Preservation sponsored by Ohsweken Baptist Church Raised Beadwork Picture Frame Workshop (6 hrs) Presented by Theresa Mt.Pleasant

Awarded this 21st day July 2018

In 2018, Baptist Women gave a grant to the first phase of the cultural preservation program offered by Ohsweken Baptist Church. Grant funds were used to buy supplies, equipment, stipends for instructors and refreshments.

program of cultural preservation workshops with Scripture at its foundation is one piece in the church’s overall replanting. “The first phase of this cultural preservation program gives our Elders the opportunity to share their wisdom and knowledge with younger generations,” says Theresa Mt. Pleasant, the program’s coordinator. “Our Elders have years of knowledge and wisdom gained through various avenues. Some have been taught by their Elders and these skills have been passed from generation to generation. Some are acclaimed artists, others are business entrepreneurs and some have been self-taught. Each Elder is greatly respected for sharing with us their special gifts and talents.” As Theresa points out, honouring Elders as they share and teach younger generations at each workshop is a key part in helping preserve the community’s Indigenous culture. Each workshop also shares Scripture with all the participants. With these live • January - February 2019

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workshops, “Elders will be the focus and we will share God’s Word through Scripture and show God’s love through action.” Each workshop was open to the community, advertised widely and on the day each workshop was held, the church’s doors were open for people to come in and take part. Most workshops opened in prayer. Elders taught the craft and Scripture was read aloud. Each participant left with a certificate showing that they had taken part in a cultural preservation workshop. Organizers plan to roll out additional craft-focused workshops through 2019. Making moccasins, corn husk dolls, lacrosse sticks, adult Indigenous attire and deer hide pouches are a few of the activities planned.

#GIVINGTUESDAY 2018 Thank you for giving so generously

Thanks for giving to 2018’s #GIVINGTUESDAY project— International Justice Mission Canada and its rescue operations in the Dominican Republic.

Tipi Night Light But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9). There were 36 participants who came out to this first workshop, held during the town’s local community awareness week. Opening up the workshop to the entire community, combined with smart advertising and marketing, resulted in participants coming from different denominations within the village and beyond. Extended family members of reserve residents also came. Pottery Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand (Isaiah 64: 8). Fifteen people of all ages participated, eight of them coming for the first time. Elders taught. The workshop opened in prayer, and as with the Tipi Night Light workshop, Scriptures were posted throughout the room and read aloud. Six people signed up for the next workshop (raised beadwork) before leaving! Raised Beadwork Picture Frame This workshop was smaller yet still reached out and supported community members. 

Baptist Women’s 2019-2021 theme:

Chosen | Holy |Called declaring the goodness of God But you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 (NLT) Conference details on page 21

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BigStock.com

Walking The Blankets Last fall, Baptist Women sponsored the Indigenous Conference Walking the Good Way Together. One of the workshops offered was the Blanket Exercise. Joan Peacock shares her experience walking the blankets.

by Joan Peacock Joan is Baptist Women’s newest board member

In October I attended the Indigenous Conference: Walking the Good Way Together and took part in the Blanket Exercise. The Blanket Exercise is an interactive teaching tool designed to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the denial of Indigenous peoples’ nationhood in Canada, the historic relationship between Europeans and Indigenous nations, and the impact of colonization. It reveals the historic ways Indigenous peoples lost access to their land, what impact this loss had on their communities, and how Indigenous people have resisted, and continue to resist, assimilation. Participants build understanding about their shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada by walking through pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization and resistance. Before the activity begins, facilitators spread blankets out on the floor. These blankets represent North America before the arrival of the Europeans. The participants represent the Indigenous peoples and they live • January - February 2019

move about freely on the blankets as they are using and occupying the lands. A narrator reads a text while another person, playing the role of a European, joins the group and talks with those walking about on the blankets. They gave me a white card, and I was one of the first who had to withdraw from the blanket because I represented one who died of the many sicknesses brought by the Europeans, such as smallpox, scarlet fever and tuberculosis; sicknesses that had never been previously known. It is estimated that at least 50 per cent of the Indigenous peoples died—perhaps even as many as 90 per cent. I was shocked to hear that sometimes, even deliberately, blankets infected with smallpox were given or traded to Indigenous peoples. As the exercise continued, the blanketed area slowly got smaller to represent the taking of land, so that today, where Indigenous peoples once had access to all the land in Canada, now only one percent of the land is “reserved for Indians.” Participants with yellow cards

were asked to step onto a small collection of blankets that represented the residential schools. Those with blue cards were asked to step off the blankets because they represented those who died of malnutrition. To represent the ’60s scoop, when Indigenous children were adopted by non-Indigenous families, participants were asked to crowd onto small scraps of blankets. The Blanket Exercise always ends with a talking or sharing circle. At the end of our time, we came together to reflect on what we had just experienced. I was shocked that this history was part of Canada’s national narrative. How could this have happened in Canada? I hadn’t known how much this has affected and still continues to affect Indigenous people. The circle offered me a safe space to share my thoughts, emotions and ask questions as I considered our role in the reconciliatory process between Indigenous and settler cultures. If you have the opportunity to experience the Blanket Exercise I highly encourage you to do so. 

BAPTIST WOMEN In-Canada Mission Trip July 21-26 | Dixon Ministry “I often don’t feel overly qualified for many things, but God confirmed that even I could be used!”

~ Heather Skeates (Dixon 2018 team member)

details: baptistwomen.com/events • $1000 (includes lodging + meals) APPLY SOON! 12 live • January - February 2019

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Giving Up Words One group’s experience with fasting from criticism

My name is Darlene Murray, president of the Hilda Lindsay Mission Circle (HLMC) at First Baptist Church in Tillsonburg, Ontario. I subscribe to live magazine and as I was reading the July – August 2018 issue, I found myself intrigued by the article called Room to Pray – A Fast from Criticism. I decided I was going to present this challenge to the HLMC women at the Monday, October 1 meeting. I photocopied The Plan and the Prayer Prompts on brightly coloured paper (I find people don’t file papers away so quickly when it’s coloured) and this is the challenge I presented: We would fast from criticism from now until Thanksgiving Day. We would not criticize anybody about anything during that time. I had included the Prayer Prompts because I knew we would all need God’s help for the next week. The Plan then suggests journaling, but I knew this was not everyone’s cup of tea. So, I brought a Tweety Bird mug from home and a quarter. Then I challenged the women to put some change in the mug for every criticism their tongues failed to curb, and any money that was collected during the week would be brought into our November meeting and donated as part of our Blessing Coins ministry.

What happened and what did we learn? It was hard! At our November meeting we all laughed about how we’d catch ourselves and how we reminded each other and even some spouses (they were automatically enlisted) by going “cha-ching!” After a few days I had already dropped $20 into the mug . . . and that was my limit! I couldn’t afford anymore. In total, our group raised $156.65 in Blessing Coins which we donated to Farmtown Canada and the amazing equine therapy they offer to survivors of sex trafficking in our region. When I started to fast from criticism it seemed funny at first but then it didn’t take long for me to slip up. I was rather shocked at how easily critical words slid off my tongue. How could I, a Christian, be so critical and judgmental? Let me leave this thought with you: God is full of grace and forgiveness. Tomorrow is the beginning of a new day with endless possibilities, so let’s step up and learn from this experience. With God’s help, we will learn to watch our words! 

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connect connect with with GOD GOD

StoryBlocks.com

The Chosen One “You have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have.” ~J.R.R Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

by Morgan Wolf Morgan is a writer from Calgary. She blogs about her faith and writing at www.anothergratuitousmdash. blogspot.ca. Morgan has just published her book, Altruism in Gophers. 14 live • January - February 2019

Read the back of nearly any book in the Fantasy section of your local bookstore and you will very likely come across the Chosen One. Within a sentence or two you will be introduced to the one person who can stop the world-ending events that threaten. So ubiquitous is the premise of one seemingly unremarkable individual plucked from the obscurity of their circumstances to perform an impossible feat, that to name a story within the genre that doesn’t follow that narrative is a challenge. Sure, the setting and details vary but from Star Wars to Harry Potter; The Matrix

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to The Lord of the Rings and everything in between—the idea of the fate of the world hinging upon the Chosen One is as prevalent in our cultural stories as—well—the notion of a dusty ancient book that contains the prophecies about the Chosen One. While one might be tempted to regard this familiar plot as hackneyed and overplayed; its reoccurrence the sign of an unoriginal storyteller; (and indeed, in many cases, that is likely

true)—nonetheless, the fact that ‘the Chosen One’ appears time and time again in our cultural narratives seems to indicate that something else is at work—something deeper. Stories resonate and communicate to the heart of mankind more effectively than anything else. Jesus taught the people using parables to communicate truth through the powerful illustrative effect of a narrative. Stories demonstrate the stakes and the obstacles that surround a truth with greater impact than spreadsheets or Powerpoint presentations. We don’t need to take notes to remember them, for they are empathetic undertakings. We find ourselves weeping or cheering for the imaginary. Stories get in our heads and hearts and we do not forget them. The Chosen One resonates again and again because it is true. The plot is written with indelible ink on our hearts and played out against the backdrop of the world. To be plucked from the obscurity of the masses by a force greater than ourselves for a task of monumental importance rings in pitch -perfect truth with our humanity. To be loved. To be needed. To be important. To matter. To have been created for a purpose. The yearnings of the human heart are bound up in the story of the Chosen One. The messianic imagery of every Chosen One storyline speaks to the fact that mankind is

looking for the One who will come and save the world. The stakes are high and time is running out. It is no mystery that the premise so pervades our cultural stories. We know deep down that our situation is desperate. We know deep down that we need someone to save us. Despite the implicit question contained in the word chosen, the world does not know who will be doing this choosing of monumental importance. And—that makes a lot of people nervous. Instead of the obvious, writers fantasize about impersonal forces—using placeholder words such as destiny and the universe to cover their fear of the personal God who takes interest in our lives and the events that surround them. The God, who C.S Lewis reminds us in the character of Aslan, isn’t safe, but is good. We are chosen. Not by chance or an impersonal force; we were created from nothing and appointed to tasks upon which the fate of the world swings. We are called to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. We are called to be children of God reflecting His attributes for His glory. We are called by our names, from the darkness of a world spoiled by sin, into His perfect presence. We are the chosen ones, called to pattern our lives after the example of the Chosen One of God: the Messiah.  live • January - February 2019

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A Priestly Calling Gathering in the goodness of God

StoryBlocks.com

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Three years ago, I took a brush, dropped the bristle end in water, swirled it in a square of ultramarine pigment and smeared the colour onto the page. Deep darkness seeped away from the brush as if drawn by a will of its own. Sky and sea separated as my own breath coaxed the pigment from its gathering places. It felt like genesis and I delighted anew in the origin of the earth. If you called me an artist on that day, I would have laughed. Artists are usually a little odd, after all. And I certainly hadn’t made art, as far as I could tell. Painting is less sidelined and more central in my life these days, both as contemplative engagement and as a means of bearing witness. The more I paint, the less I paint for my amusement alone. For one thing, the experience feels closer to metanoia—transformation associated with conversion. I see and hear things differently. Stones, sunsets, faces evoke evidence of God’s astounding handiwork. No longer a private diversion, sketching and painting are now part and parcel of my priestly calling. As priests, we are “ingatherers of being” who delight in hunting the goodness of God and mediating

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It’s a means of bearing witness

it for others. (Capon, An Offering of Uncles, 91). Our simplest actions offer God and His people the goodness of oblation—offering up how we are to be in the world for His glory. We are chosen by God Himself, as Peter reminds (1 Peter 2:9). In our particularity, we are called His people, set aside for His purposes. How does the gift of imagination witness to the lavishness of our Creator? The Apostle Paul writes to the Ephesian church, “be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us, and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (5:12). What form does oblation take for those whom Christ has given Himself up? It’s a good question. Consider Bezalel, for example. You may remember Bezalel from Exodus 35 as the craftsman who was gifted by God in knowledge, skill and expertise to craft the holy things that were to adorn the tent of meeting. The tent served as a portable and holy place of worship, accompanying Moses and

the children of Israel through the Sinai. God filled Bezalel with the “divine spirit” and inspired him “to do the kind of work done by an artisan or by a designer or by an embroiderer” (Exodus 35:30-35). God chose Bezalel and his creative gifts to showcase God’s love for beauty and excellence, for joy and feasting, for wonder and human participation. Bezalel’s heart stirred in response (Exodus 36:2). Imagine the potential for poverty in the Israelite encampment if Bezalel had declined his chosenness. Imagine him neglecting the call of his God. Where would the ensuing poverty have led? Worship might have been the first to go. Bezalel’s artisanal offering mediated the wonder of God to His chosen people. Peter reminds readers to live life well so that even if others speak ill of you, they will end up praising God when Christ returns, because of your fidelity (1 Peter 2:12). Fidelity expresses itself in varying ways. New life seasons offer opportunities for faithfulness, for

creativity, for fresh ways of deepening intimacy with Christ from the prompting of the Holy Spirit within. Those promptings also build the Church and help us experience the gospel more deeply. Our priestly attention to the particulars of our chosenness bears witness to Christ Himself. May God establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17). 

by Sandi Smoker Sandi is the former president of Women in Focus (the women’s ministry arm of Canadian Baptists of Western Canada). She volunteers as a counsellor and course facilitator at South Island Centre for Counselling and Training in Victoria, BC. live • January - February 2019

BIBLE STUDY

God Chooses the Unexpected “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” I Peter 2:9 NKJV Have you ever puzzled over God’s choosing of YOU? When we look in Scripture at the grand scheme of God’s dealing with His creation, we tend to focus on the great leaders . . . those we just KNEW had the faith, strength and stamina to carry out the Father’s plans on earth.

by Linda Ellsworth Linda is the member care coordinator for Christian Camping International, Canada 18 live • January - February 2019

READ Joshua chapter 1 Of course Joshua was the obvious choice to succeed Moses when he died because (verse 1) he was . . . _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ God chose Joshua, and gave him great and precious promises: 1. (verse 3) __________________ _________________________ _________________________ 2. (verse 5a) _________________ _________________________ _________________________ 3. (verse 5b) _________________ _________________________ _________________________ 4. (verse 8a) _________________ _________________________ _________________________ 5. (verse 8b) _________________ _________________________ _________________________ “But” you say, “I am not a Joshua. I have neither his skills nor his opportunities. I am a woman just trying to live my life for Him one day at a time.” I am so glad you said that. I had a friend quietly say this to me following our adult leadership class on Sunday. As a class, we had spent time in prayer for each other. Many of the requests were monumental . . . in terms of

the work God was doing through people. At the end, my friend quietly took me aside and whispered, “Everyone has such BIG THINGS they are doing for God . . . I’m nobody special and I don’t have a BIG THING . . . I am just trying to live every day the way He would want me to. How can I ask prayer for that?” She can, and you can, because God chooses the everyday unexpected to accomplish His work. CASE # 1 – The Case of the Scarlet Thread The story of Joshua continues, but with an unexpected twist . . . READ Joshua chapters 2 and 6 God chose Rahab. Rahab, who just happened to be a _________________________. Not only that, but when the King of Jericho sent for the two spies to be brought to him, Rahab: a)________________about their whereabouts b)________ to insure their safety. READ chapter 2 verses 8-11 Discuss the issues that caused Rahab to “fear” God: _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________

_________________________ _________________________ READ verses 12-16 Both the spies and Rahab and her family were in precarious positions! Rahab bargained for her life. Describe that bargain: _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ READ verses 17-24 Interestingly, the two spies put forward their own bargain: _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ And for the REST of the story, REREAD chapter 6. In Hebrews chapter 11, where Paul chronicles the heroes of faith, he writes: “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace” (verses 30 and 31). “Only two women are specifically mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11: Sarah and Rahab. Did you know that Rahab was also one of the ancestors of Jesus mentioned in the first chapter of the New Testament (Matthew 1:5)? In fact, she was the great-grandmother of King David. Obviously, the story of Rahab deserves our serious consideration! . . . The scarlet rope—the colour of blood—worked for Rahab much as the blood of the Passover lamb

had worked during the exodus: Every home marked with blood was spared death that night (Exodus 12:13). God’s mercy and forgiveness of Rahab was signified by a rope of scarlet thread, which becomes a symbol of the blood of Christ.” amazingfacts.org If God could choose the unexpected . . . Rahab, a prostituted woman, to save His people, just think what He could do with “everyday you!” Spend some time reflecting on that fact. What would you like to say to God now? _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ Case #2 – The Case of Multiple Personalities READ Luke 8:2 Although there is no record of Mary Magdalene’s parentage, marital status, or age here, we learn, after the fact, that Jesus _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ But this is just the beginning of the story for Mary, a woman (obviously of means), who had been so tormented in life. As a result of Jesus’ miraculous touch in her life, Mary of Magdala went on to support Jesus in His everyday ministry. READ Matthew 27:56, 61; 28:1; Mark 15:40, 47; 16:1-19; Luke 24:10; John 19:25; 20:1-18 As you read and digest the amazing implications of these

passages, document the things you learn about the life of this incredible woman over the three+ years she spent with the Lord. _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ Just imagine! Rescued from the dark despair of mental and spiritual illness, she became a quiet, yet faithful follower of her Saviour. At the end of Jesus’ earthly life, two incidents of Mary’s dedication and bravery stand out: 1. ________________________ _________________________ _________________________ 2. ________________________ _________________________ _________________________ Because of her steadfast faith and support, Mary was given a special honour. READ AGAIN John 20 In your own words describe the events of this chapter, putting yourself in Mary’s position. _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ “What an honor it was to be the first person to whom Christ appeared following His resurrection. Mary, who had been delivered from much, loved supremely. She who would willingly have died for Jesus was chosen to proclaim that the Christ who had died for her was now alive live • January - February 2019

forever.” http://www.inspirationalchristians.org These two women, so separated by time and experience, are shining examples of God choosing the unexpected ones in life to fulfill His purposes. And like them, He has chosen you, dearly loved of the Father. YOU are the BIG THING He longs to use daily. A song from the Christmas Cantata, Christmas Is Calling sums it up beautifully: “He wasn’t looking for the powerful; He wasn’t reaching for the rich and proud. He was coming for the least of these; The lost, the down and out. This was Heaven pouring out its love for ev’ry one. Oh, the lowliest of Kings invites The lowliest of us to come.” The Lowliest of Kings; Alisa Turner, Michael Farren, Tony Wood; 2018

Ordinary? Never! Unexpectedly chosen? You bet . . . before the foundation of the earth! 

We REMEMBER Each generation has the opportunity to fuel mission for the next. Did you know that if you include CBWOQ in your Will, your estate will subtract an equal amount in tax? In Memory of Dorothy Brayley, Springford Carol Marvin, Belleville Evelyn Nivils, Barrie Ruth Steeves, Peterborough IN HONOUR OF Margaret Branscombe (100th birthday) Helen Hales, Belleville (100th birthday) Ruth Steeves, Peterborough (90th birthday)

A History Moment “’It may be there is someone here who is chafing under life’s discipline and thinking how much better he could serve God if he were in some other circumstances. If God wanted you there, He could so easily put you there, and the fact that HE leaves you where you are tells you that THERE is where HE wants you to glorify Him.’ I felt that God was speaking directly to me . . . It did not mean that India was out of my life,-no, no!” an extract from THIRD LEAF from Leaves of Remembrance by Ellen Priest, one of our first women missionaries from Ontario to serve in India

Bernice’s Picks . . . Amazing Truths: How Science and the Bible Agree by Dr. Michael Guillen On sale for $10 He Speaks in the Silence: Finding Intimacy with God by Learning to Listen by Diane Comer On sale for $10

2018 Dominion Life Membership Win Andrews (gifted by) First Baptist Church. Guelph

20 live • January - February 2019

All titles available from ReadOn Bookstore 5 International Blvd. Etobicoke, ON M9W 6H3 Tel: 416-620-2934 Fax: 416-234-8840 E-mail: books@readon.ca www.readon.ca

CHOSEN | HOLY | CALLED: declaring the goodness of God CBWOQ’s Women’s Conference | Friday May 3 – Saturday May 4

Mississauga Chinese Baptist Church, 5220 Creekbank Road, Mississauga, L4W 1X1 Friday 6 p.m. registration opens | 7 p.m. plenary starts Saturday 8:45 a.m. coffee/tea | Saturday 5 p.m. conference ends

Workshop Summary

If you plan to use the nursery

Workshop

Facilitator

1. Soul Sisters 2

Diane McBeth

2. Just Women: More than Meets the Eye

Rev. Cheryle Hanna

3. Practicing Faith: Praising God, Becoming His People

Meghan Matthews

4. Cultivating Community ($5 materials fee)

Rev. Tina Rae

5. Beyond Singing: Planning and Communicating as a Worship Leader

Rachelle Luk

6. The Call and the Lady Pastor

Rev. Leanne Friesen

7. Embodied Prayer and Presence

Laura Matthews

8. Also Chosen, Holy and Called (panel discussion)

Rev. Erinn Oxford, Joan Peacock and Renée James

9. Called to Pray: Dive deeper into Baptist Women’s prayer Monique Tatsu room 10. Dixon Ministry: Serve with your hands and expand your heart

Dixon Ministry staff and 2018’s STM team

11a. CBM: Look what God is doing in CBM’s Chinese ministries (morning only)

Conrad and Fiona Kwok

11b. CBM: Moving forward—new partnerships, new initia- Brenda Halk and Rev. Anne tives (afternoon only) Drost 12. Young Girls | Old Souls Program - Demo Experience (afternoon only)

Jess Hartwick

Young Women Track (ages 12-18). All 3 workshops included in registration. A. Friday p.m.: Late Night | Soul Food (appetizers and convo at nearby restaurant

Jess Hartwick

B. Saturday a.m.: Soul Food: Come to the Table

Jess Hartwick

C. Young Girls | Old Souls Program - Demo Experience (afternoon only)

Jess Hartwick

Here’s your pre-conference checklist to make this a great conference for you and your little ones.  Register children for nursery by Friday, April 19.  Pack a lunch + snacks for children or purchase lunch tickets.  Note any allergies or specific needs for your child/children on the online registration form and bring a copy of those allergies/ needs with you. The nursery opens on Saturday and remains open for the entire day, including over lunch. Find full descriptions of workshops, plenary speaker and worship leader bios in your November/ December 2018 issue or on our website at baptistwomen.com/ events.

live • January - February 2019

22 live • January - February 2019

Friday, May 3 20 rooms

Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport West/Mississauga 1870 Matheson Blvd. Phone: 416-675-0411 Toll free: 1-888-675-0411 From venue: 15 min walk 2 min drive

Sandman Signature Mississauga Hotel 5400 Dixie Rd. Phone: 905-238-0159 From venue: 15 min walk 2 min drive

Friday, May 3 44 rooms

Comfort Inn Airport West 1500 Matheson Blvd. @ Dixie. Phone: 905-624-6900 From venue: 15 min walk 2 min drive

Saturday, May 4 5 rooms

Friday, May 3 10 rooms

Saturday, May 4 20 rooms

Date/# of rooms reserved

Hotel

• 2 queen beds and sofabed in each room

• 2 queen beds

• 2 queen beds • 2 double beds

Room Type(s) Available

$129 (+ tax) Up to 4 adults/ room (ask hotel if more can be included) Another incredible deal—book early to ensure this rate.

$121 (+ tax) Up to 4 adults/ room Price is fixed whether 1 or 4 adults stay, so make use of this great deal and split the cost. Approx. $30/ night/person if 4 people share.

queen or double $109 (+ tax) 2 adults/room $10 extra/ person Up to 4 adults/ room

Price $$/Room

• Parking • Shuttle to and from airport (when booked ahead) • Indoor swimming pool with slide • Right beside a 24/7 Denny’s restaurant

• Parking • 25% off voucher for breakfast per person at hotel restaurant • WiFi • Gorgeous indoor swimming and whirlpool

• Parking • Breakfast • Shuttle to and from conference venue • Shuttle to and from airport (when booked ahead) • Accessible (elevator)

Perks

Use this code/link/ name when making reservation

Canadian Baptist Women of Ontario and Quebec CODE: 3489786

Canadian Baptist Women of Ontario and Quebec

CBWOQ CODE: 212026

Book By/Release Date

Tuesday, April 2 Block of rooms reserved are released on Wednesday, April 3. Don’t delay. Book now for a great deal!

Tuesday, April 2 Block of rooms reserved are released on Wednesday, April 3. Get this awesome deal today. Great value in a beautiful space. Don’t wait.

Tuesday, April 2 Block of rooms reserved are released on Wednesday, April 3. Enjoy this great deal with some fun perks. Excellent value. Book early!

CBWOQ Conference 2019 Hotel Packages | Chosen, Holy, Called . . . declaring the goodness of God | May 3-4, 2019

CHOSEN | HOLY | CALLED declaring the goodness of God Registration 2019 Name________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address _______________________________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________ Province_______________ Postal Code________________ Phone (____)_________________________________________ Church and City _________________________________________________________________________________________ Age: q Teen q 20s q 30s q 40s q 50s q 60s q 70s This is my first CBWOQ event q Yes q No q I will use the nursery. Number of children _____ ages __________. Nursery will only be open during workshops and plenary sessions and closed at all other times including breaks and lunch. q I wish to volunteer at this event. Please phone me with more information. Phone (___)__________________________. q Photo release: I agree to allow photos of me which may be taken at the event, to be used in all CBWOQ publications, and social media for the sole purpose of sharing about this conference with the Baptist community at large. The program includes the brief transaction of annual business for Canadian Baptist Women of Ontario and Quebec. Voting privileges are open to women who are affiliated with a CBOQ church; subscribe to the CBWOQ purpose: “ to enable women to reach others for Christ;” register at least 10 days before the conference starts (Bylaw 4:26a and 37) and sign and date below. Please sign and date below only if you fulfill these requirements. Signature ______________________________ Date ____________________________

Workshops

For all ages: There are 12 workshops offered during the conference. Each workshop is offered twice: once in the morning and once in the afternoon EXCEPT IF NOTED OTHERWISE. Please select your #1 choice for each time slot. Workshops are assigned on a first come, first served basis and are capped by room capacity. My workshop choices: Morning: _____

Afternoon: _____

For young women (age 12-18): There are three workshops designed with you in mind! q I am 12-18 years old. I plan to go to the Young Women sessions: q A) Friday PM q B) Saturday AM q C) Saturday PM

Payment Mail-in registration deadline is Friday, April 22, 2019 q Lunch ticket $15 (per catered hot lunch) | 1 per registrant $___________________ q Food allergies? Please note here: ____________________________________________________ q Contribution to bursary/event fund* $ ___________________ Receipt requested q Yes q No (Receipts issued upon request for donations of $20 or more) q Registration fee ($60 workshops, coffee breaks, event) $ 60 q Cultivating Creativity (workshop #4) materials fee $ 5 q I enclose a cheque payable to CBWOQ for $ ___________________ If you would like to pay with credit card, please do not use this form, but visit www.baptistwomen.com to register and pay online. Bursary application forms can be found online at baptistwomen.com. Your application must be received by March 11, 2019. *This fund was established to encourage women to attend CBWOQ events and conventions. Guidelines and application forms are available from CBWOQ’s website: www.baptistwomen.com or the office at 416-620-2954. Cancellation Policy: 1. Cancellations before April 22: Refund of registration minus $15. 2. Cancellations after April 22: No refund. Exception: In the case of accident or illness of the registrant, or a death in the family: refund minus $15. 3. Registration forms without payment: These are not considered registered. No lunch will be ordered and workshop choices will not be held. These persons are still very welcome to register and pay on the day of the conference, but will need to go offsite for lunch and workshops will be subject to availability. (There are many restaurants within five minutes drive of the venue.)

live • January - February 2019

NEW YEAR Eternal and everlasting God, creator of life and Lord of time, You have always been there: going before us to prepare the way, standing behind us, urging us on toward new hopes and a new creation, being with us in the company of your people and the life of your Spirit. You have always been there, Lord, calling us again to follow you. Your presence is the promise of new life: In Christ we can make a new beginning, in your Spirit we can be a new creation. Lord, we are willing to go with you. excerpts from the poem “New Year” Be Our Freedom Lord | responsive prayers and readings for contemporary worship Editor: Terry C. Falla

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