Greetings Canadians,
Several years after Confederation (1867), the four newly-named provinces and the Federal government were settling into their roles a bit. PEI, on the other hand, was struggling…with building a railroad. The province had begun to build a railroad in 1871, but had run into financial difficulties, requiring some assistance. The Canadian Government Railways took over construction, which encouraged PEI to join Confederation in 1873. The railroad was completed in the mid-1880s.
The railway was an important part of the province’s economy for decades, moving people and freight across and off (and onto) the island, particularly during World War II. However, conditions changed: the rising popularity of automobiles (and buses) led to the termination of passenger traffic in 1968. All rail freight traffic ceased in 1989. Over the next three years, all the tracks were torn out; in 1994, CN sold its right-of-way to the PEI government.
So, conditions had changed. The rail became untethered from the trans-national company. Its former functions were determined by and taken over by strong market forces. Yet even though the situation had changed, and rail no longer did what it was built to do, the track bed was still valuable; it was not abandoned. Within a few short years, something new was envisioned, rising phoenix-like from the old rail. Something that fit the new conditions: the Confederation Trail, a biking/walking/wheeling trail suited for the new millennium. Originally envisioned by people across the island early in 1994, it is now in constant use, meeting current and future needs of islanders and tourists alike.
So it is with the Summit, Nov. 5-9, 2025.
This Summit will be a pivotal opportunity to explore, imagine and begin building a new kind of Reformed fellowship in Canada, to meet the current and future needs of the church. It has become clear that Canadian churches seeking greater local authority, freedom in ministry and culturally relevant collaboration must look beyond the current CRCNA structure. That Summit will be held in the Kitchener Community CRC, 1275 Bleams Rd, Ontario. More details will be sent out as they become available, but the program will at least consist of times of sharing stories and expectations, then moving into workshops (for learning) and work groups (for planning and giving shape). There will be keynote speakers, plenty of opportunity to grow together and work toward creating an entity that meets the ministry needs of local churches. Speakers and presenters, and facilitators are being chosen to help us both dream and do; to envision a group of churches driven by the Spirit to do good, in Canada, for Jesus. Together and individually. Registrations will open in mid-September. We are working at keeping costs as low as possible in order that those who wish to be part of this historic event will not necessarily be held back due to financial difficulties. Remember to continue to check the website for updates and more details (Toward CRC Canada |); and do share your thoughts and ideas with us towardcrccanada@gmail.com. This is the beginning of something for which many Canadians and Canadian churches have been looking forward to for decades. The time has come to gather and build. Blessings, Peter Bulthuis
