Dear Canadians,
Summer doldrums? You know, “summertime, when the livin’ is easy.” When it’s all just kinda quiet?
There’s likely a little bit of truth in all of that. The rhythms are often more subdued; there’s time away for reading, slower walks, longer bike rides, maybe shorter hours at work (maybe no hours in the classroom, although school preparations are already beginning for teachers, without the frenzy). All around: a different pace.
Not for Toward Canada (TC) though. The retreat/advance of last month was another milestone (yes, I know, it should be “kilometrestone,” but that word doesn’t really exist yet) in the growth of TC. The report that came out of that weekend time together said it very well:
Over the next six months, Toward Canada will take several significant steps toward becoming a fully functioning association. This includes establishing its permanent name and public identity, publishing its Mission, Vision, and Values, developing leadership and governance structures, formalizing partnerships with trusted ministry organizations, and creating plans for ongoing gatherings, leadership development, and practical resourcing. As these pieces come together, Toward Canada will be increasingly positioned to welcome churches, ministries, individuals and leaders who are looking for a Christ-centred community of support, encouragement, collaboration, and faithful witness across Canada.
All of that work has started. This summer. No time for doldrums. One team is working on defining the parametres of the association, and another team is working at defining the term “belonging”, and its implications for the association. Yet another team is planning the September summit in St. Albert, AB. This one will feature as keynote speakers Father Joash Thomas (here’s more about him), Mr. Shiao Chong (here’s more about him), and others. The summit, called WAY-MAKING, will run from the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 16 through the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 19. This conference will feature interactive learning opportunities, relationship-building, and a good look at our preferred future.
One of the outputs of the June retreat, was the acceptance of the Mission, Vision and Values of the association as a work in progress. Here they are:
Mission Statement:
We are a fellowship of Reformational believers captivated by Christ’s transforming mission in Canada and by His clear call to know, serve, love, and reach our neighbours.
Vision Statement:
To see communities across Canada transformed by the Church that embodies Christ’s love, truth, justice, and hope.
Value #1: Rooted in Scripture and the Reformational Tradition
We are gratefully attentive to the gift of God’s unfolding self-disclosure in creation, the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, supremely in his son Jesus Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Acknowledging our heritage, we seek to be led by the Holy Spirit towards renewal and faithful witness in Canada and our world.
Value #2: Compassionate, Courageous and Creative Mission
Because all creation belongs to God and he is reconciling all things in Christ Jesus, we follow the Spirit’s leading as we live within Canada’s cultural mosaic of communities with humility, imagination, compassion, and courage to embody and witness to the hope of Jesus.
Value #3: Honouring Local Churches in Covenant Community
We value the leadership and calling of local Canadian churches while committing ourselves to mutual encouragement, loving accountability, and shared mission together.
Value #4: Communities of Belonging and Hospitality
Because we are reconciled through the gospel, we seek to embody hospitality, justice, compassion, and authentic community for all people across Canada.
Value #5: Listening and Discerning Together
Believing that discernment is best practiced in intentional community, we commit to seeking God’s leading through prayer, humility, shared wisdom, and honest conversation.
Value #6: Faithful Stewardship
We are committed to practicing stewardship in all facets of our organizational life, recognizing the human calling to receive with gratitude and tend with care the abundant gifts of God in creation for the flourishing of future generations of both human and non-human communities in Canada.
Value #7: Lifelong Formation
Recognizing the continuing, empowering, innovative presence and work of the Holy Spirit, together we pursue ongoing wholistic spiritual formation.
So: doldrums? Easy livin’? Well, not for TC. Lots happening. Doldrums do shift, after all; “Summertime…”
The Lord is doing a great work here. We believe that this association of congregations is and will be a supportive home for Christ-followers looking for a place to belong.
It’s a new day,
Blessings,
Peter Bulthuis
