Reflecting on the retreat in Ancaster, ON this past June, I must admit I catch myself wondering how it is that I became part of this group of incredibly talented, committed Christians from across this vast country.
I suppose I could chalk it up to being one of the earlier ones who believed that there was a better way than what was being presented. If I wanted change I realized I needed to get involved and get my hands dirty. It has now been three years since we began to discuss the possibility of something new and different. And while it looks different than what we initially hoped for, we are encouraged by what we have seen and continue to experience in forging this new fellowship.
Much has been written about the seven values identified at the All Canada Church Summit last November in Kitchener, ON. Our task at the June retreat was to refine and distill those values over three intensive days beginning early in the day and going until late in the evenings. Space here does not allow for an exhaustive report. My big takeaway from working with this group of delegates and observers from the 21 churches represented was how the more we delved into our core values the more we were struck by the overlap of the various values.
I participated in a group looking into Stewardship as a core value. As we listened to the results of the day’s work done by others, we began to hear themes that resembled issues of Stewardship that we had discussed. We truly sensed the nearness of the Holy Spirit guiding our thoughts. Our core values are not individual silos operating independent of one another but integral parts of the whole!
We are excited about the Way-Making Conference to be held in St. Albert, AB on September 16-19. Our country-wide fellowship is taking shape. We can feel that our efforts are pleasing in God’s sight as He continues to bless our efforts to build His church here in Canada.
Gordon Vlieg
Treasurer, Toward Canada
Gardens Community Church, St. Albert AB
