Dear Canadians,
The Summit (Nov. 5-9) was most certainly a peak experience, but it was by no means simply a culmination. It was, in fact, another foundation stone. 55 churches represented by the 150 people in attendance speaks pretty loudly that something new is both desired and possible. The Spirit was moving and is continuing to do so.
We are now building on all the stones that have been laid. The board of Toward Canada (TC, formerly known as Toward CRC Canada) is increasing in number and geographic extent. There are now members from eastern Canada, central Canada and more from western Canada. This makes for better regional representation and regional perspectives.
As noted in the previous newsletter, several congregations are discussing becoming catalyst churches; members of these churches will transition to be on the board of the network, taking the baton from the volunteer members that now make up the TC board.
The website continues to be cleaned up to reflect the new reality: that this organization is not moving “toward a CRC Canada,” but will strike out on its own, in response to the Spirit’s nudging of the ministry passions of forward-looking churches. (New FAQs can be found here.)
There are people, groups, and congregations across a spectrum of connecting with TC. The current board has been hearing from many of them/many of you and is thinking through how to best enable continued conversation and continued learning with a view to build a most effective, helpful, and desirable network of Canadian churches.
Plans are being made for meetings in the new year; meetings that will build on the excellent work that has been done so far; meetings that will help to articulate more clearly what churches need to hear to make their decisions about joining this movement. These meetings will be held in various parts of the country because this is a nation-wide movement.
So, TC continues to grow. Perhaps not with the fireworks displayed at the Summit, but with sparks from glowing embers, giving warmth and light for the future.
It’s a new day.
Many Blessings,
Peter Bulthuis
