Dear Canadians,
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)
Love. Always the focus of people of the Way. Walking together for flourishing; encouraging gifts; dismantling barriers; doing with not for (nor to, for that matter). That God may receive the glory.
The retreat is now history (his-story). The attendees have gone home. Great strides were made in defining what we’ll look like. (So it WAS an advance, certainly not a “retreat”).
The day began yesterday with worship that highlighted belonging: we belong to God through Christ’s amazing sacrifice (Communion); in our diversity, we belong together (music in harmony); we live and belong in reciprocal relationships (Pastor Everett’s sermon reminded us that “give and take” are often the same). God’s love is infinite; so ours must be boundless.
After being in God’s presence in a very wonderful way, in each other’s presence in a beautiful way, we dined together one last time, and “went on our way rejoicing”.
…though the Board’s worship was not yet complete. The Board received the report that the two guys worked on overnight (not sure how they did that…. I’m going to chalk it up to inspiration and brilliance), which gave a roadmap for the next six months. That report defined more carefully who we are and who we’re becoming. From the report:
“A clearer picture is beginning to emerge. Toward Canada is becoming an association of churches, individuals and ministries united around a shared centre, connected through meaningful relationships, and committed to helping one another flourish in God’s mission.”
The Board accepted the report as a faithful account of what was done during our time together, and an inspiring pathway for next steps. A couple of working teams were established to move us ahead along this pathway (such as: what are the implications of the pivotal “belonging” in this association, finalize and launch our permanent name, recommend the organizational structure, identify the rights and privileges of the Association and those of the local church).
By the end of the day yesterday, the report was sent to all the attendees to share with those who want to learn more about this growing association.
The theme Scripture verses that drove the retreat, the lives of the attendees, and their communities, is 1 John 4:7-12. That love was in evidence throughout our time together: following the spirit, we want to live lives of loving gratitude for God for his greatest gift and help each other find ways to do that.
To him be the glory.
It’s new day.
Blessings,
Peter Bulthuis
