Dear Canadians,
Happy and blessed spring! Time for renewal, rebirth, regeneration. Also time to remind folks of what’s happening in and with Toward Canada.
In a word: much!
The next major event in the calendar is the June 18-21 Board and Church Working Retreat in Ancaster, ON. The purpose of this retreat is to further define our structure, culture, and covenants. That is: what exactly is God calling us into? How shall we live together? In many ways, God already inspired us in November of last year when the folks that he called together helped to write that 16-page draft document (BTW: there is a small team currently working on that document to ensure its internal consistency and will present it at the retreat for further refinement). Another purpose is to build stronger relationships, and to think through answering questions that churches are bringing.
There will be a substantial number of churches represented at the retreat: at least 3 “Catalyst” churches (and the number is increasing by the week; two voting delegates from each church), and at least 12 “Observer” churches (that number is increasing by the week as well; one delegate per church, joining in the conversations and planning). The group will be assisted by a facilitator from outside the board. Travel reimbursement will be provided.
Complete event details here: Board and Church Retreat | Toward CRC Canada
And this just in: it’s been finalized: save the date for the next Summit – the Western Canada Fall Summit! Held in St. Albert, AB from September 16-19, 2026. More information is coming soon!
“Observer Individual” dialogs continue across the country on Zoom calls. The purpose of these conversations is to encourage the ministry of individuals in CRCs across Canada who find great comfort and support speaking with like-minded folks from Eastern Canada to BC. To join the email invite list, please reply to this email.
A new page on our website details what each of these are: Catalyst church, Observer church, and Observer Individual. Check that out here: Next Steps | Toward CRC Canada
So, all told, Toward Canada is working to help ensure that a landing place is established by and for those churches who find that they need to be in a different ecclesiastical arrangement in order to thrive. The work being done is collaborative, grassroots, and ministry-focused.
It’s a new day!
Blessings,
Peter Bulthuis
