December Delve 2022

Support our Refugee Fund this Advent

Advent is a time for reflecting on peace, hope, joy, and love. We celebrate the birth of Christ and look forward to his second coming – a time when all will be made right and come under Christ’s reign. Advent reminds us that we live in the tension of the now and the not yet. Christ has defeated evil and yet, we only see glimpses of that perfect Kingdom here on earth. We are awaiting the fulfillment of his rule and reign when justice will flow like rivers and all will be well. In the meantime, we are invited to participate in God’s Kingdom building in our world. One way we can do this is by helping those who are displaced from their homes. The number of people who have been displaced from their homes in the last decade is staggering. Tens of millions of people are forced to flee from their homes every year because of war, famine, and other injustices. It’s overwhelming to think about. Yet God calls us to respond. This Advent, we are asking for your help in bringing one family of five to Canada. Solemen and Nesren Risou and their 3 children have been living in Lebanon ever since they were forced to flee Syria in 2013. They are living in very difficult conditions and their children have very little access to education. We are waiting for the government to approve their application and paperwork so they can come to Canada. You can help by praying that their applications will be expedited so they can arrive soon. You can also help by giving to our Syrian Refugee Fund. We need to raise $50,000 more so we can support this family for 12 months once they arrive in Canada.

Ways to give:

1. E-transfer to offering@springgardenchurch.ca – indicate it’s for the Syrian Refugee fund

2. Cheque made out to Spring Garden Church Indicate in the memo line for Syrian Refugee Fund

3. Online at www.springgardenchurch.ca/give (There is an option to give to the Syrian Refugee fund)

4. Purchase original SGC Christmas Cards as all proceeds will go to support the Risou family. Visit www.tiny.cc/SGCcards and fill out the form by Dec. 7 to place an order.

Join us this Advent as we participate in bringing the hope of Christ to a weary world. Help us welcome the Risou family to their new home.

If you would like to know more about supporting the Risou family, please speak to the members of our Refugee Action Group – Phyllis and Jeff McGee, Carrie Wright, Jen Chrystman, Deb Tempelmeyer or Alice Bouwma. (Non SGC members of the group include Tarik Risou, Carol Cunningham and Lois Williams)

I give my children small plates of their favourite Christmas goodiestraditional family recipes that bring back memories. I look for some kind of creative Dollar Store Storage container - and use that instead of wrapping anything. My kids will point out something stored in their storage area or closet and say that was from Christmas three years ago, for example. It makes me feel good that I have given them food that gives warm memories that I have made and the container has been useful.

-Faith Holwyn

-Erin

Chapman

Sowing Seeds in the Dust Advent 2022

While life can feel like fruitless labouring to plant seeds in the dust, the prophet Isaiah envisions a time when God will burst forth life in barren desert; where sowing seeds in the dust can move from being a hopeless endeavour to a prayerful act of discipleship.

Verses: Isaiah 2:1-5, 7:10-16, 9:2-7, 11:1-10, 35:1-10, 52:7-10 & 63:7-9

Do you want to share something God is doing in your life or that you see God working around you? Something that could be a positive influence for the readers? A poem, story, art, photos...? We want to hear from you!

Email delve@springgardenchurch.ca if interested.

Community Corner

Life in and around Spring Garden

ESL Bible Study Sundays

We have started an ESL Bible Study for those who are new to the English language and interested in learning more about Jesus. We are offering this on Sundays at 11:40am. There is no cost to attend and all are welcome. Please speak to or email Abby (abbydavidson@springgardenchurch.ca) if you would like to sign up.

Potluck Sunday

December 4, after our Worship

Gathering

We will be gathering downstairs after coffee time at noon in our multipurpose room on Sunday, December 4th, for a potluck lunch. Bring along some food to share.

Seniors Christmas Party

On December 10th at 12pm we will be joining the seniors living at Willowdale Manor for a Christmas lunch and concert. This will be a chance to share Christ’s love with people who are often isolated and lonely. There will be food, music and maybe even some dancing. All ages are welcome. If you are able to volunteer and help us set up and attend the event, please let Abby Davidson know as soon as possible.

Blue Christmas Service

December 20th at 7pm

Christmas is a season of celebration but for many, it can be a difficult time. A Blue Christmas Gathering is a space for those feeling particularly burdened during this season, whether from losing a loved one, facing hardships, or grieving for another reason. This will be a casual gathering where we gather to acknowledge our grief and hear about the consolation found in God's love. There will be Christmas music but also space for lament and sharing. Refreshments will be served. Christmas

Opportunity to Serve our Spring Garden

Community:

A few volunteers (ie 2-4) are needed to cleanup after communion one Sunday per month. It only requires about half an hour and a rotation of two people/month would be created so the commitment would be approximately every 2nd to 3rd month. Instructions will be provided. It is also a great way to get to know and connect with another member of our community! Please contact Greg Kay at gregkay@springgardenchurch.ca. It has been hard to find volunteers since COVID hit, so if you can serve in any area of the church, that would help a lot. Please check out: https://www.springgardenchurch.ca/serve

SGC Prayer Retreat - Save the Date

As we begin a New Year, we encourage you to start the year with some rest and renewal. We invite you to set aside time to learn about prayer and spend time listening to God's voice. On Saturday, January 14th, we will gather at Spring Garden Church for a day-long prayer retreat. We will be joined by Rev. Andrea Chang, a pastor and spiritual director who will lead us through some prayer practices. There will be time for learning as a community as well as time to be on your own and pray. The retreat will run from 9am-3pm. The cost for the day is $25 and lunch/snacks/coffee are included. Please sign up by January 7th by visiting www.tiny.cc/SGCprayer.

Prayer Retreat

Financial Update:

As our financial year is drawing to an end, we want to give you an update. Our estimated expenses to the end of the year are $600,000. In order for us to meet the costs of ministry this year approximately $26,000 per Sunday for the remainder of 2022. For those considering making a donation to the church, you can donate securities such as stocks and mutual funds. We also accept e-transfer to offering@springgardenchurch.ca. Contact Marion Cameron at marion.cameron@sgbc.ca for more information. We are grateful for the community’s faithful generosity throughout the year, and ask that you prayerfully consider the church’s needs this Advent.

https://www.springgardenchurch.ca/give

Life Groups

Life Groups are a place where we do life together in a community centered around Jesus. They are designed for you to pursue spiritual growth, community and mission together. We offer Life Groups so everyone can have a place to belong. Life Groups are small gatherings of people who form a community. Group members share life together through friendship, learn from the Bible and other resources, pray for and give support to one another, and participate in God’s mission together. They are safe places where you can meet new people, discover your gifts for service, grow as a follower of Jesus, and have a lot of fun together. Groups gather in homes or online throughout the week. Each group is as unique as the people in it. No matter where you are in life, there is a Life Group for you. Please email Abby at abbydavison@springgardenchurch.ca to join or for more information.

Kevin & Suzanna

Sundays at 1pm Every other week In-Person at Spring Garden

Abby & Bruce Mondays Weekly from 6pm - 8pm In-Person in Scarborough Esther (for a few weeks) Tuesdays Weekly from 7:30pm - 9:30pm In-Person at Spring Garden

Jeff & Phyllis

Wednesday evenings Weekly ONLINE David Thursdays Weekly from 7:30pm - 9:30pm Online and In-Person at Spring Garden

SGC Kids:

Hi Everyone!

Here is what’s happening this month with our Kids Ministry!

On Sunday mornings, you’ll be able to register children for worship at the child and youth check-in area. We will have sticker name tags for our children to wear so we can get to know each other during our worship time in the basement.

Here are the age groups we have available for children’s worship on Sunday mornings:

Group Structure:

Nursery & Toddlers (0 - 2 Yrs) - Orange Room

Pre K - SK (3 Yrs - 5 Yrs) - Green Room

Gr 1 - 3 - Blue Room Drop Off - Yellow Room Pick Up Gr 4 & 5 - Blue Room

Family Registration Forms 2022: For us to provide our ministry to the children of our church, we require new registration forms to be filled out by their families every year as part of our policy. Please fill out our form through this link http://tiny.cc/ SGCFamilyRegistration

Here is what we will be talking about on Sundays!

City of Angels: A 4 Week Series on Christmas

- Why are there so many Christmas songs about angels? Because angels show up all throughout the Christmas story with great news! In this fourweek series, kids will explore the foundational stories of Jesus’ birth with a focus on the angels who were there to witness them! From the city where Jesus was born, to the cities we live in today, the angels’ message is just as important now as it was then! Jesus is God’s plan, calms our fears, makes everything new, and is God’s love for everyone.

Online Resources For Home

To help serve your family better, we have uploaded all our SGC Kids’ curricula online. The following link can be used to access our curriculum and use it at home, as well as find info pamphlets for following up with kids on what was discussed during their worship on Sunday mornings.

SGC Kids Curriculum Link: http://tiny.cc/OnlineCurriculum

Spring Youth Sunday Morning Worship Gatherings:

Dec 4th, 11th and 18th: We will have regular worship gatherings for youth in grades 6-12. Following the children and youth’s blessing, youth can move into our lounge to continue in worship. December 25th - Youth are encouraged to join our church’s Christmas Intergen.

Youth Life Groups:

Dec 3rd, 2022: Toronto Raptors Vs Orlando Magic - We are heading downtown to watch and support our home team the Raptors, as they face off against the Orlando Magic team. This is a Saturday night event, and we will meet at our building before taking the TTC downtown.

Dec 9th: Jr High Christmas Games Night - We will meet at our building to play some of our favourite games. To ensure enough food is prepared, please email Jeremy to let us know!

Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Cost: $10 per youth ($5 for additional youth of the same family) (Dinner included)

Dec 10th: Sr High Christmas Party - We will meet at our building to celebrate the Christmas season together. We will also have dinner together as we participate in a Christmas Potluck

Time: 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Cost: $0 (Youth should bring a meal they enjoy eating with 4-6 additional servings)

Dec 17th, 2022: LOTW @ Mel Lastman Square! As part of Spring Garden, our church hosts an annual Christmas concert in our building called Light Of The World (LOTW). This year we are excited to announce that our concert will be held at Mel Lastman Square and we encourage you to invite your friends and join us on December 17th, 2022. More information can be found on (X) Page of delve.

Jr High Youth Retreat 2023

We are partnering with Immanuel Baptist Church for an overnight retreat for youth in grades 6-8 happening January 6th-8th, 2023. If you would like to register for our retreat, please do so using the link below. If you have any questions please contact JeremyJeremy@springgardenchurch.ca

Registration Link - http://tiny.cc/SGCJrHigh

Date: Jan 6th-8th, 2023

Cost: TBD (subsidy available)

Staying Updated:

To stay up to date on what is happening for your youth, please visit our google calendar which has all our planned events. http://tiny.cc/YouthCal

The Resource Centre

Recommendations RESOURCES FOR ADVENT

Advent is a time of preparation for our hearts and minds for the anniversary of the Lord’s birth celebrated on Christmas. It is also a reminder of the promise of Jesus Christ to come again in His full and complete glory. Using Isaiah 40 as a framework for Advent you can take a journey to renew your understanding of the Advent words: Peace, Hope, Joy and Love.

CBM is providing advent resources that include readings, videos, and activities for children and they can be found at the following link baptist.ca/advent.

The following books for advent can be found on display in the Resource Centre Countdown

This book has a collection of daily scripture readings, meditations, prayers and seasonal activities for children in grades 4-8.

The Women of Christmas: experience the season afresh with

Elizabeth, Mary and Anna, by Liz Curtis Higgs

A sacred season is about to unfold for three women whose hearts belong to God.

Elizabeth is barren, yet her trust in God remains fertile. Mary is betrothed in marriage, yet she is willing to bear God’s Son. Anna is a widow full of years, yet she waits patiently, prayerfully for the Messiah to appear in the temple courts. Following in their footsteps, you too can prepare for the Savior to enter your heart, your mind, and your life in a vibrant, new way. Best-selling author Liz Curtis Higgs explores the biblical stories of Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna, unwrapping each verse with tender care and introducing you afresh to The Women of Christmas. Advent is a time of preparation for our hearts and minds for the anniversary of the Lord’s birth celebrated on Christmas. It is also a reminder of the promise of Jesus Christ to come again in His full and complete glory. Using Isaiah 40 as a framework for Advent we will take a journey to renew our understanding of the Advent words: Peace, Hope, Joy and Love.

What’s Happening Life in Spring Garden

Weekly

All Through Out the Week

LIFE GROUPS

Connect for Community

Together through bible study, prayer and sharing. Meet online and in-person. Please email abbydavidson@springardenchurch.ca for more information or to join one. See more on page 12.

Sundays SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP

Join us Sunday mornings as we go through different series' (read more). Join us at: www. springgardenchurch.ca/live or come in-person.

ESL BIBLE STUDY

Are you new to the English language and interested in learning more about Jesus? We are offering this weekly lesson on Sundays at 11:40am. There is no cost to attend and all are welcome. Please email Abby (abbydavidson@ springgardenchurch.ca) if you would like to sign up.

10am

11:40am

Tuesdays PASTORAL TEAM MEETING

We meet mostly on Tuesday. Please pray for us for wisdom and inspiration.

10am12pm

Thursdays

MOMS' MEET UP (at Spring Garden)

Mothers coming together for fellowship in a baby and kid friendly environment. Contact Abby at abbydavidson@springgardenchurch.ca

10am

Our Values

We believe in a humble God who came not to be served, but to serve. Therefore we engage in sacrificial and active service to those around us. We strive to be good stewards of God’s gifts and talents by serving one another in humility. We aspire to regard others as higher than ourselves, which liberates us to creatively take risks in serving others for God’s glory.

We believe in a God of grace who came to save the world, not to condemn it. Therefore, as we are continuously receiving the gift of God’s grace, we seek to grow in that grace and extend it to others. We strive to define ourselves by what we are for, not what we are against.

We believe in a God who knows us, and who desires to be known. Therefore we embrace a journey of faith that requires us to constantly strive for a personal, intimate and transformative knowledge of God. We strive to be led by God’s Spirit in supporting and encouraging one another in working out our faith.

We believe in a creative God. Therefore we are open to expressing our faith in new and creative ways that reflect the beauty and complexity of our creator. We are called to use our creative gifts in worship and service as we engage with our world. We take joy in the diversity of gifts that allow us to delight God and participate in His ongoing story.

We believe in a triune, relational God who calls us to come together as a diverse community of believers. Therefore, we want to walk together, supporting one another physically, emotionally and spiritually. We strive to be a welcoming, inclusive family that goes through the joys and the trials of life together, acknowledging that God uses this community to deepen and mature our faith.

We believe in a God who loves this broken world and wants to reconcile us to Himself. Therefore we are commissioned by Christ to go out into the world, meeting the holistic needs of the local and global community. God calls us to participate in a redemptive work that he has already initiated; in humility, we will partner with others to work alongside and chase after Him.

We believe in a God who is our centre. Therefore where we are on the journey is less important than that we are moving towards a deeper relationship with Christ. We believe and participate in God’s redemptive work in all people, which gives us the freedom to come as we are, and to accept others as they are. We each are on a unique journey to become who God has created us to be.