Nouvelles de la Conférence de l'Ontario : Eglise Adventiste du 7e jour Francophone de Toronto (EAFT) Scarborough Ontario, Canada

By: Eglise Adventiste du 7e jour F de Toronto (EAFT)Published: February 24, 2021Updated: February 24, 2021

______________

“Resilience is not what happens, but the way we react.”
Gabor Mihalec, Hungarian pastor, counsellor, author and Family Ministries director.

Surridge, John. “Resilience in a Time of Crisis.” Adventist Review, Nov. 26, 2020.
______________

In 2020, we experienced many challenges in our personal lives and our churches. God saw us through them all, and in 2021, we aim to be a conference of healthy, thriving individuals in healthy, thriving churches. Accordingly, this OCN shares a few of Ontario Conference's measures toward helping our churches grow and multiply, as well as tips for resilience on a personal level.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our LORD and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

It is our hope and prayer that you and your family are safe and well. Despite the tumultuous times we are living in, we can be sure of God’s continued protection and care over us.

As you were aware, the stay-at-home order has been lifted for 27 Ontario regions, and the province is moving back into the framework of the colour-coded restrictions. However, in Toronto, Peel, and York regions, the stay-at-home order remains in effect until at least February 22, 2021.

Please click here for the official conference statement and the COVID-19 updated guidelines for our congregations.

May the LORD continue to bless you and keep you.

Yours in Christ,

Ontario Conference Administration

Regional Meetings for Church Leaders Part of Conference’s Strategic Plan

Meetings for Eastern Ontario and Western Ontario this Sunday, the 21st

Ontario Conference administrators and directors are pleased to invite all pastors and elected church officers to our upcoming regional meetings for church leaders. These meetings will focus on strategically transforming our conference from one of mostly declining and plateauing churches to only growing and multiplying churches.

These meetings will comprise a special feature by our administrators, including:

Where are we now? State of the region church growth and financial analysis reports
Initial actions and strategies to address declining and plateauing churches
A question-and-answer period with all administrators

Following the Q & A, a sharing time will allow pastors and officers to offer feedback on declining and plateauing churches in their region.

This Sunday, February 21, we will host our first set of regional meetings for Eastern Ontario (starting 9 a.m.) and Western Ontario (starting 10:45 a.m.). Zoom info will be provided by your local church pastor or field representative.

Here are upcoming regional meeting dates:
February 28, 2021[i]
A) Southern, B) Metro West
March 14, 2021
A) Metro West Central, B) Metro South Central
March 21, 2021
A) Metro North Central, B) Metro East
April 11, 2021
A) East Central, B) Northern Ontario
April 25, 2021
A) Near North

[i] Time: A = Beginning at 9 a.m.     B = Beginning at 10:45 a.m.

Please note that for French churches, we’ll have a separate meeting. Info to come later.

Ontario Conference Directors Receive Training Designed to Help Churches Grow

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, and Thursday, Feb. 12, Freddie Russell, esteemed Adventist pastor and administrator, now CEO of the True North Leadership Group, conducted coaching training for directors. Over two days, directors learned the how and why of coaching, the role of emotional intelligence in coaching, and were able to practice coaching techniques. Over the two days, directors learned that coaching is not about providing solutions to challenges; rather, it is about asking someone the right questions to help them uncover their own solutions.

The shift toward a coaching culture should be a game-changer in Ontario. In 2020, it became clear that directors needed to take on a coaching role with regions generally and to specific pastors and their churches specifically. This training signals that our conference is making a serious investment into giving pastors the assistance needed for all our churches to experience growth and multiplication. We are prepared to provide as much help and support as needed to help our churches. Armed with a new toolkit, directors are looking forward to kickstarting the coaching process with pastors in their regions.

Speaking on coaching as integral to making disciples, Edwards said, “I’m excited and anticipating that local churches will catch a vision of and develop a jealousy of the apostolic church, desiring to function in agreement with the Holy Spirit. When we are [working together] in agreement with the Holy Spirit, nothing can stop the growth of the church.”

Resilience in a Time of Crisis

Tips and Tools from the Trans-European Division Year-End Meetings

Adapted from article by John Surridge

At the Trans-European Division (TED) year-end meetings, Gabor Mihalec—Hungarian pastor, counsellor, author, and Family Ministries director—gave a timely presentation titled “Resilience in Time of Crisis.” Mihalec noted that resilience is not a natural trait, but it can be learned and developed as a resource for coping with life’s challenges. In his recap of this message, John Surridge wrote, “[Resilience]comes from the Latin root meaning to bounce back — but bouncing back is not enough. We don’t just want to recover the position we were in before; we want to move forward and improve.” Resilience leads to better physical, mental and emotional health; teamwork skills; and the ability to adapt to unforeseen events. During the COVID crisis, and as we strive to transform our conference into one of growing and multiplying churches, it is particularly critical that we understand resilience principles.
Mihalec’s seven steps to resilience are:[i]

Communication. We need to understand each other’s feelings and not put other people down.
Conflict resolution. We need to learn to disagree without becoming enemies. Keeping calm in these circumstances is essential — even our pets can detect our emotions!
Affection and intimacy. People react in different ways to stress, and if this affects your ability to be intimate, you need to discuss it with your partner. We should look for deeper needs.
Financial management. Having a stockpile of savings gives you a buffer to help in difficult times. Stewardship is not just about tithe and getting people to give more; it includes teaching people how to manage their resources.
Personal hygiene and order. During the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, the people who didn’t bother to keep themselves and their homes tidy found they were less able to cope with other challenges. “If something happens that you can’t control, start regaining power over your life by controlling what you can.”
Emotional availability. Responding to a partner’s [or other loved one’s] emotional needs, showing that you care about their joys and fears, builds resilience.
Spirituality. A faith that is real and shared, not just a religious formality, can sustain us in a time of crisis. We need to ensure that our members [or we] are not just spectators in [church] services but participants.

[i] This section is quoted directly from “Resilience in a Time of Crisis” by John Surridge on the Adventist Review website. Click here for the full article.

NAD president G. Alexander Bryant shares his reflections on Black History Month and his desire for Adventists in North America to share their own personal story with people from other communities as they seek to better understand the diversity in the church.

Your Questions, Answered:
COVID-19 Vaccine Presentations with Adventist Immunologist

Last Saturday evening, February 12, we aired two informative sessions on the COVID-19 vaccine on the Adventist Ontario YouTube channel. Adventist immunologist, David Burt, gave the 411 on the vaccine in part one, then answered FAQs with President Mansfield Edwards in part two.

Dr. Burt began with a history of the use of vaccines for deadly viruses like measles, mumps and rubella, particularly DNA and MRNA vaccines such as those being used to fight COVID. He then shared that the process for developing these vaccines was expedited as they built upon pre-clinical work for SARS and MERS, which are caused by other coronavirus strains.

He also offered answers to the following questions and more:

*Are these vaccines safe?
*What are they comprised of?
*Do they have any negative side effects?
*Are they effective? Do they offer total immunity?
*Are there any natural products that can combat COVID-19?
*Are there any religious reasons why we should not take them?

Click on the images above to watch parts one and two; or click here for part 1 and here for part 2.

Also, visit the CDC, Health Canada and the FDA’s website to get accurate info on the vaccine.

Missed the launch of our children's digital evangelism initiative, 'Walking and Working with Jesus?' Click here for the replay.

WWWJ Training Inspiring Attendees to Make Disciples Online

Click here to read about our first training covering "Using Social Media for God" and "Pitfalls of Social Media."

Click here to visit the Walking and Working with Jesus website, with resources and training videos.

Watch for info on future training dates, including April 4, 3-5 pm and June 6, 3-5 pm.

Free registration here: tinyurl.com/14c8razi
More details here: tinyurl.com/1u9gktks

If you missed Panel 2 of the series, click here for the replay.

On Tuesday, January 26, 2021, we continued our 'Ministering During a Crisis' series. Our six ministers shared their tips for doing ministry in the virtual space. We were also joined by communications leaders, who gave their unique perspectives on what it means to be a digital disciple. Look out for takeaways and best practices in an upcoming OCN.

Click here to watch Panel 1 of the 'Ministering During a Crisis' series
and here to read more about day 1 of this initiative.

Ontario Conference values you as a member of our worldwide community.
If you have a prayer request, please let us know!

Click here to submit your request.
Click here for a COVID-19 prayer.

The Counselling Initiative is a counselling subsidy available for men and women in our churches and communities with financial challenges or individuals without health insurance benefits. Please get in touch with Ruth at rweidner@AdventistOntario.org for an updated listing of counsellors or for any questions about getting support.

Click on the image above for a video providing a step-by-step guide to using AdventistGiving.

The Ontario Conference Master Guide Ministry presents MGTV, a weekly online program to be participated in by Master Guides and Master Guide Trainees. MGTV airs every Monday, at 7:30 pm. Don't miss it!

Click on the image above to watch video.
Every Friday at 7:30 pm Eastern Time. Live-streamed on the Ontario Adventurers YouTube channel and Facebook page and website at www.ontarioadventurers.ca.
Thanks for watching!

THEIRstory: In this virtual space, it can be easy to feel disconnected and uninspired, join with other families and couples as they share THEIRstory about managing the current reality, the joyful moments, the challenges and everything in between. The first episode dropped on January 16 on Youtube: Connect Ministries TV and on Facebook: OCSDA Connect Ministries.

Click here to join the Zoom session above this Sabbath morning at 8 am.

Join us for the above Digital Discipleship & Evangelism 6-part series. Presentation dates are January 12 and 26; February 9 and 23; finishing March 9 and 23. All parts will be presented 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EST, and this program is free to everyone. Watch recordings live or after each presentation at YouTube - NAD Adult Ministries or on Facebook Live - @NADadultmin.

The Women’s Ministry of the Apple Creek Church, will be doing a ‘Diaper Drive’.

During this COVID-19 pandemic we realize that a lot of people are facing hardship. We have a burden on our hearts to service the young and mature women in our community. We want them to know that we are a caring church and care a lot about our community.

The Women’s Ministry department Is but one department in our church that reaches out to the community. Please join us on February 28, 2021, at 12:30 pm, at 700 Apple Creek Blvd., Markham.

Greetings!

We hope you will enjoy reading this issue of Seniors’ Perspectives magazine, Autumn/Winter 2020. Click here to read and enjoy. There’s something in it for everyone:

Devotional
Mental and physical health articles
Winter tips
Jokes
God’s promises in different languages
Encouraging testimonies & news
Poem

Please feel free to share!

Pastor Mansfield Edwards
Ontario Conference President & Director of Seniors' Ministries

JOB OPENING

The Ontario Conference is seeking 10-12 individuals with Food Services experience to work at Camp Frenda on a casual, part-time basis (Thursday – Sunday). Room and board will be provided.

Maintaining high-quality standards for Food Services, successful candidates should possess the following qualifications:

Relevant experience in cooking for groups of 20+
Current Food Handlers Certificate
Excellent organization and time management skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
The ability to work in a team or independently and be willing to work long hours

Interested candidates may send their cover letter and resume to Lila Oliveira, loliveira@adventistontario.org. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2021. Only those individuals who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more details regarding this job opportunity please contact Pastor James Rooney at 905-571-4211 or by email at office@campfrenda.com.

Multiple Job Opportunities
For those seeking to serve the people of Northwestern Ontario, multiple job opportunities await! Check out the Sioux-Hudson Employment Services website, https://www.siouxlookoutjobs.com/. There are over 150 opportunities in twelve (12) job categories, including health care, social services, business administration, education and sales and service. Missionaries to the North can serve God on the job, at church and in the community.

To learn more about the Sioux Lookout region and the vision of the Sioux Lookout Seventh-day Adventist family, please give Pastor Garth Geddes a call at 807-738-1280 or drop him a line at ggeddes@adventistontario.org. Together, we can make a difference in the North.

Part of being a good neighbour is providing services to our surrounding community. Hamilton Mountain Church's Community Services department meets people’s immediate needs through the regular distribution of food and gift cards to the local community. Our church members support the department with donations, ensuring that there is always enough to meet the needs of the community. Every year, beautiful Christmas food baskets are delivered to families in need. The department also periodically provides clothing and furniture to the community.

One CAN make a difference! Please help us support the community. Financial donations, non-perishable food items and gently used clothing are always needed.

The department is open to the public every Wednesday evening from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. If you need assistance or would like to volunteer in the department, please contact us. Thank you!

To learn more about Community Services in your area, contact the Ontario Conference Community Services Department at 905-571-1022.

Excellence & Beyond Toastmasters Hosts Open House with Guest Speaker
Event is free to Everyone!

Excellence & Beyond Toastmasters invites the community to its virtual Open House to meet members and watch special guest speaker and Toastmaster Emile Morais talk about the importance of communication skills in a very innovative and creative way!

Other speakers will be heard from at this exciting and interesting event!

Excellence & Beyond Toastmasters Open House
Date: Monday, February 22, 2021
Virtual Location: [link to virtual room provided by request]
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm [virtual room opens at 6:50 pm]

Click here for thee full news release.

For more information, email VP Public Relations, Julia Clarke, at excellenceandbeyondtoastmaster@gmail.com

Toastmasters Excellence & Beyond meets bi-weekly on Mondays at 7:00 pm virtually. For more information about this event and the club, please visit our website https://6529829.toastmastersclubs.org/ or email us at excellenceandbeyondtoastmaster@gmail.com

Click here for our 2021 sunset and offering calendar.

The 2020 digital Ontario Highlights is now available (click on the image to access a PDF). This issue reveals how God has helped Ontario Conference navigate through a global pandemic. Within its pages, you'll find stories of how our conference office, churches, schools and members have continued "REACH[ing] Ontario with the Christ-centred message of hope and healing." We hope that these accounts of how God is working in and through our conference will inspire new possibilities for ministry in 2021.

Office of Education - Current Job Opportunities

The following positions are currently available in the Ontario Conference Office of Education:

Temporary K-6 French Teacher, Crawford Adventist Academy, posted January 28, 2021
Substitute Teacher, Office of Education, posted August 2020
Teacher's Assistant, Adventist Christian Elementary School, posted January 6, 2021
Grade 5-6 Teacher, Grandview Adventist Academy, posted January 6, 2021

Visit this link any time for more information on job postings with the Ontario Conference Education.

Last year changed the way our church views evangelism. In the past, digital evangelism seemed like an option. But when the pandemic hit, it became necessary for us to switch to online means.

If you have been impressed by the Holy Spirit to do more online, these courses by the Center for Online Evangelism are a great way to start. If you know of another church member, relative, or friend who has a gift for online ministry, be sure to let them know of this great opportunity. The investment you make in these courses will be helping others become online missionaries!

Find out more here: https://learn.centerforonlineevangelism.org/