Making Connections February 2025

CBWC Foundation is Hiring!

Could you be the next President? Learn more at cbwc.ca/careers.

Baptists Across Our Nation Together

An Introduction – by Cailey Morgan 

Have you ever wondered why we, as CBWC, refer to Canada twice in our name? There’s actually a great reason why the Baptist Union of Western Canada became the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada.  

 The answer is that we’re better together.  

BUWC was willing to submit to the occasional jab about our new name “being developed at The Department of Redundancy Department,” because it meant making a statement about unity among Canadian Baptists nationwide. According to Rev. Dr. Callum Jones, we secured the “Canadian Baptists of…” name in 2007, becoming the first denomination to formally make the change. In 2008 the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec became the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec. Soon after, the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches became the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada.

If you were to travel across the country and visit the CBOQ, CBAC or L’Union d’Églises Baptistes Francophones du Canada, some things would seem very familiar: leadership development, mercy initiatives such as refugee sponsorship, and the gathering of members at assemblies, retreats and ministerials. You’d hear church planting conversations, see youth being encouraged in their faith, and witness thoughtful, prayerful people wrestling with the big questions of our culture.  

But beyond recognizing a similar Baptist vision, history, and identity, CBWC and our sister organizations are intentional about developing partnerships that bring us from working in parallel to, in fact, working together. 

Together, we number over 900 Baptist churches. Small and large, urban and rural, these churches are better served by their denominations resource teams because of the partnerships extending from coast to coast. Here are a few of the ways we work together:   

AiM is the main initiative done nationally as Canadian Baptists (and we think it’s pretty exciting that it’s a justice issue both at home and globally). While Active in Mission initially started as a CBM-specific initiative during the pandemic, it has transformed into a joint initiative by all 5 Canadian Baptist partners. Together over the last 2 years, we have focused on food security. Hunger is not only a global crisis but is a fast-growing concern in Canada as well, with rising cost of living limiting access to adequate, nutritious food. It has been evident that Canadian Baptists care about this issue. We are excited to continue partnering together to encourage people to get active and raise awareness and funds for food programming in Canada and around the world.

CBM (Canadian Baptist Ministries) engages with CBWC in a variety of other ways which you may already be aware of:

  1. Dennis Shierman is the CBM Rep for Western Canada, and he engages with churches to help them partner with CBM’s work.
  2. Many from the Church Engagement at CBM team attend CBWC and the Banff Pastors Conference.
  3. Josh Smith, CBM’s Coordinator for Youth Engagement, attends SERVE each summer (and many of their staff have enjoyed attending these in the past as well).
  4. Many CBWC churches have STEP partnerships with CBM, and many travel with their SENT program to meet international partners and serve alongside them. Following are the inspiring CBWC partnerships planned with SENT for 2025:
    – KURIOS to Guatemala (In fact, they are there even as this issue is being published.)
    – Lethbridge to Cuba
    – Gateway Victoria to Philippines
    – Ponoka to Bolivia
    – White Rock to Kenya (enthusiastically accompanied by Carlee Turner from FBC Kelowna)
    – Westview Calgary to Rwanda

A Few Words From our Baptist National Convenor 

Harry and his wife of 50 years, Gail, make Kentville, Nova Scotia their home. Together they have two children, Rebecca (Jonathan) and Adrian (Nicole) and four grandchildren Elijah, Grace, Ethan, and Winston.

I’m Harry Gardner, your National Convenor. The invitation to serve as Canadian Baptist National Convenor among a people I have loved for decades is a great privilege! 

To belong to Christ is to belong to His Body, the Church. And, Canadian Baptists have realized for many years that when our churches and organizations across this country partner together, the capacity for making disciples of Jesus grows! 

In the fall of 2023, the executive leadership of the CBWC, CBOQ, French Baptist Union, CBAC, CBM and leaders from two of the Women’s organizations (ABW and CBQOQ), gathered at Crieff Conference Center in Ontario to identify priorities and strategies for our national ministry partnership. A renewed Crieff Commitment emerged that focused on five key spheres for missional collaboration. At various times in our history, Canadian Baptists have articulated our expressed desire ‘to learn from one another, support each other’s ministries, collaborate on meaningful initiatives, and have a unified voice on significant issues–always respecting our diverse backgrounds and perspectives.’  

Five key areas were identified: 

  1. Centralized Functions to continue such as Pension and Benefits, and appointment of representatives to serve on the Interfaith Committee for Military Chaplaincy, as well as the Interfaith Committee on Prison Chaplaincy. 
  2. Leadership Development including the priority to cultivate young leaders and to provide encouragement and support to the Canadian Baptist Youth Partners Network. 
  3. Resource Creation and Provision:. A spectrum of church life resources will be identified. An example of this is a disaster preparedness resource. 
  4. Public Presence:. In collaboration with one another, a Canadian Baptist perspective on public policy will be developed from time to time and shared with our churches.   
  5. Strategic Mission:. Partnering together to facilitate the growth and development of congregations with diverse backgrounds and languages is prioritized.  A focus on urban church planting and renewal in major urban centres recognizes the realities of rapid globalization. Supporting the efforts of the French Baptist Union in reaching French Canada through missional initiatives has been highlighted.  Opportunities will be sought to facilitate the recruitment and placement of international pastoral leaders for ministry in Canada. 

It was determined that a National Convenor should be appointed to work closely with the executive leadership of CBWC, CBOQ, CBM, the French Union and the CBAC to facilitate these priorities and to develop future initiatives.

As the Convenor, I have the privilege of gathering affinity groups across the country. One group brought together by Zoom focused on pastoral leaders who are serving multi-cultural and multi-ethnic congregations. More than 20 leaders from Newfoundland-Labrador to Vancouver engaged in dialogue. I also met with regional representatives of the Canadian Baptist Youth Team, as well as Regional Staff who work directly to support pastors and churches.

In the past, I have served as a pastoral leader, the Executive Minister of the CBAC, the President of Acadia Divinity College, and a past Vice President of the Baptist World Alliance.  Bringing people together for collaboration on joint mission initiatives, as well as supporting churches and pastoral leaders, has been a major focus in ministry for many years.  I am grateful the privilege of serving in this way.

The CBWC has partnered with Right Now Media to provide a 100% free membership to RNM for the personal use of all CBWC Pastors and/or Paid Ministry Staff. 

Right Now Media has an online library of over 400 Christian publishers, tens of thousands of Bible studies, conferences, training sessions, kid’s cartoons, and much more.

This is a gift for CBWC ministers to use personally and with your family. Please note that your user account cannot be shared or given away to your church, however, through the partnership with RNM, yearly membership for church use is available at a discount and can be a cost-effective way for your ministries, small groups, and families to access these resources.   

 Note: If your church is already subscribing to RightNow Media, you may be eligible for a lower monthly subscription fee. To enquire, contact Graham Smith at graham@rightnowmedia.org

If you are a current CBWC Pastor and/or paid ministry staff, click the link below to sign up for your free membership to Right Now Media  https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/join/cbwc

CBYouth Team 

The CBYouth Team is made up of the NextGen Leaders from our Canadian Baptist Associations across the country:  Peter Anderson (CBWC), Matt Wilkenson and Alvin Lao (CBOQ), Dan Pyke (CBAC), Rici Be (French Union), and Louise Hannem and Josh Smith (CBM).  This team works together to facilitate national NextGen gatherings, initiatives, and partnerships that would not be possible alone.

The Church and A.I. Webinar Series 

In 2025, Canadian Baptist partners across the country are coming together to host a series of webinars to help the church think about the emerging realm of artificial intelligence and its implications for the church.  The first of these FREE webinars is on February 13th. For more information and to register, visit https://futuringhub.ca/discovery-series/ 

An Inspiring Story from a Sister Church in Atlantic Canada: ‘We Are the Church’

Just as we in the west witnessed wildfires ravage the town of Jasper, AB in 2024, Bridgetown Baptist in Nova Scotia celebrated their 223rd anniversary without their church building. Here is an introduction to their story, submitted by Gordon Dickinson from the CBAC. 

‘For Bridgetown Baptist Church, its 223rd year of ministry has been one for the books–to say the least. When the congregation’s historic building was lost in a fire on April 26, the church rallied with the phrase “WE ARE THE CHURCH.” This phrase was a way to remind themselves that the building wasn’t everything, and that God’s ministry among them had not stopped. Since then, they have striven to move forward in new and wonderful ways. 

The church was quickly offered long-term space at the Bridgetown Legion, which is conveniently located in town and large enough to accommodate the congregation. It is fully accessible, features a side room for the children’s programs, and a kitchen for church events. Yet, as their anniversary Sunday approached, they learned that the Legion would not be available on that day. So, the church once again got creative.’ 

To read more of the story, visit https://atlanticbaptist.ca/news/church-news/church-in-focus/bridgetown-be-the-church/ 

Introducing Brian Louw–BCY Regional Minister

With gratitude to God for guidance in the search committee discernment process, the CBWC Leadership is pleased to announce the hiring of the new BCY Regional Minister: REV. BRIAN LOUW 

Brian will begin his new role on February 15, 2025

Brian was born and raised in South Africa. After completing his schooling, he entered the corporate world as a consultant. It was during his time working in this environment that he married his wife, Cindy, and together they volunteered in their church as Sunday school teachers and youth leaders before Brian was called into ministry as youth pastor in the same church. Brian and Cindy’s two children, Kristen and Dylan, were born during this time of ministry.

In 2016, Brian was called to White Rock Baptist Church in beautiful British Columbia—a move of almost 17,000 kilometers—but one they made firmly believing and trusting that God was guiding their steps. In his time at WRBC, Brian has seen the church become a vibrant and diverse multicultural congregation that worships God first and foremost and serves the community in a variety of traditional and innovative ways. (Ask him about drive-thru communion during Covid!)

Brian completed his Bachelor of Ministry degree through the Cape Town Baptist Seminary, and most recently completed his Master of Divinity through Carey Theological College.

Brian has always had a heart for the local church and truly believes the local church is still God’s plan for proclaiming the gospel and serving the community. Brian’s focus is on church health and vitality. He believes that local churches are stronger when they partner together within an interdependent association of churches. Brian sees his role as BCY Regional Minister as one of coming alongside local churches and asking, “How can we serve you?” To that end, Brian intends on visiting and connecting with our BCY churches as often as he possibly can and hopes to see our churches fulfill God’s purposes for them.

Welcome to the team, Brian!

The Universe in 57 Words–Part One

By Carolyn Arends

(Over the next 8 months, we will be journeying through these reflections on the Lord’s Prayer, used with permission, by Carolyn Arends) 

INTRODUCTION 

I can recall rattling through the Lord’s Prayer—and singing “God Save the Queen”—as a Canadian kid in public school. (Those memories seem surreal in today’s post-Christian Canada.) Even though I was already developing a prayer life of my own, the Lord’s Prayer seemed archaic and starchy. I was oblivious to the power and beauty within the words I mumbled. 

Now I know better. 

When Jesus’ friends asked Him how they should pray, He gave them—and us—the brilliantly succinct guide we call the “Lord’s Prayer.” In a feat of cosmic engineering, Jesus managed to gather the entire waterfront of human need and the vast ocean of God’s plans for His universe in just 57 Greek words. We can pray those 57 words (or their English equivalents) for a lifetime and never exhaust them. 

AN INTENTIONAL JOURNEY 

However well acquainted you are with the Lord’s Prayer; I invite you to use this booklet to go on a seven-part journey into the heart of the Trinity. Each section consists of a reading, a reflective prayer exercise, and a suggested song. You may wish to take a section a day and live inside the prayer for a week. Or you may prefer to savour your exploration and take seven weeks . . . or seven months. 

Whatever timing you choose, let’s take a moment to look at the prayer as a whole before we begin. 

THREE GIFTS 

Far from a hollow ritual, the prayer is freighted with remarkable gifts. 

A Road Map 

The Lord’s Prayer consists of an invocation and six brief petitions. To pray these petitions in the order Jesus gives them is to travel from the way we view the world to the way God sees it. In N. T. Wright’s insightful language, these petitions move us “from paranoia to prayer” and “from fuss to faith.” 

The prayer is so expansive, so aligned with God’s heart for his world, that it establishes the terrain for all other prayers. If we find ourselves praying something counter to the Lord’s Prayer, we’re heading off the map. That’s not to say we should stifle even our most wrong-headed prayers. Whatever is in our hearts must be prayed out or left to fester. But as we pray things out in the company of Jesus, we will find that our longings gradually migrate into the territory of the Lord’s Prayer. To quote a tongue twister from P. T. Forsythe, “Petitions that are less than pure are only purified by petitions.” The petitions in the Lord’s Prayer are landmarks by which we can orient our prayers and our lives. 

A Window 

Even better than a road map, the Lord’s Prayer is a window into the very heart of God. In a world of injustice, poverty, bitterness, and evil, Jesus teaches us to pray for justice, bread, forgiveness, and deliverance. To pray this prayer is to discover what the Father, Son, and Spirit really care about. 

An Invitation to Causality 

In teaching us the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus offers us a thrilling invitation to participate in God’s ongoing plan to redeem and restore all things. Embedded in this prayer is the conviction that praying it somehow changes the course of history. The Lord’s Prayer gives us “the dignity of causality.”  

Exactly how our prayers and God’s plans intermingle is incomprehensible, but Jesus assures us that our lives and prayers truly make a difference. New Testament scholar George Beasley-Murray writes,  

“It would seem that God has willed that the prayers of His people should be part of the process by which the kingdom comes. The interaction between the sovereignty of God and the prayers of the saints is part of the ultimate mystery of existence. Faith is called on to take both seriously.” 

POWERFUL COSMIC ACTION 

To pray the Lord’s Prayer is to participate in the transformation of the world. But we should acknowledge at the outset that there are times when that transformation is barely perceptible to the naked eye. It might help us to think of the Crab Nebula—an exploding star in the constellation Taurus. If you peer at this supernova through a telescope, it looks like a colorful smudge. Photographs taken from earth of the Crab Nebula fifteen years ago will look identical to images taken today. But here’s the thing. Every day the Crab Nebula expands by 70 million miles. Powerful, explosive, cosmic action is taking place all the time, but it’s imperceptible from our perspective. 

Jesus teaches us that something similar is going on when we pray. Sometimes, the answers to our prayers are swift and obvious. Other times, nothing much seems to be happening from our vantage point. Either way, powerful, explosive, cosmic action is taking place. The Trinity’s radiant, consuming, transforming love is blazing at the center of the universe. And Jesus is inviting us in. 

To access the songs offered for each segment, visit renovare.org/universesongs.

To download the full resource: https://renovare.org/books/the-universe-in-57-words

Excerpts used with permission from a book entitled

the universe
in 57 words
SEVEN DAYS INSIDE THE LORD’S PRAYER
By Carolyn Arends

This resource has been influenced by more authors, preachers, teachers, and fellow pray-ers than I can credit or even remember. But I am particularly indebted to the following works: Fifty-Seven Words That Change the World, by Darrell Johnson; The Lord and His Prayer, by N. T. Wright; The Divine Conspiracy, by Dallas Willard; Prayer, by Richard Foster; and Eugene Peterson’s “Jesus and Prayer” lectures for SPIR 604 at Regent College.

Carey Grads 2024

Congratulations to Carey Theological College’s Class of 2024!

Training CBWC Pastors for Ministry in a Changing World
by Rev. Dr. Colin Godwin, President, Carey Theological College 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). These words, read at Carey Theological College’s recent graduation ceremony, reflect the heart of our vision for ministry: to empower faithful Christian leaders for every generation, culture, and community. 

This year, our graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of 19 students. Among our graduates were four CBWC students–Ryan Emmons, Lee Boehm, Carlee Turner, and Brian Louw–who earned their Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation or Master of Divinity degrees while actively serving their local churches. Ryan has already begun applying his studies in areas like conflict resolution. Carlee and Brian have similarly shared how their courses deepened their faith and preaching, expanded their leadership capacities, and enriched their ministries. 

Carey’s innovative approach to theological education ensures that students can remain rooted in their ministry contexts while studying. With fully online programs, accessible resources such as a digital theological library and generous grants and scholarships, Carey empowers pastors to grow academically and spiritually without leaving their communities.  

As Carey looks to the future, we remain committed to partnering with the CBWC in raising up faithful shepherds and disciplers. This year’s graduates were commissioned with the words of John 15:16: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” As we continue this mission, we invite you to pray for our graduates as they step into ministry; serving as shepherds, teachers, and ambassadors of Christ in a rapidly changing world.                           

Learn more at https://www.carey-edu.ca/theological-college 

Notices of Voluntary Disaffiliation

Notice of Voluntary Disaffiliation: Rose City Baptist Church 

 The CBWC wishes to express its gratitude to Rose City Baptist in Camrose, AB in honour of our shared history and ministry together. Rose City Baptist Church (formerly First Baptist Church Camrose) was founded in 1915. The CBWC was notified of their voluntary disaffiliation effective November 30, 2024. 

 We pray God’s blessing upon this congregation as they move forward in embracing a new beginning and alignment elsewhere. 

 Notice of Voluntary Disaffiliation: Creekside Community Church 

 The CBWC wishes to express its gratitude to Creekside Community Church in Pincher Creek, AB in honour of our shared history and ministry together. Creekside Community Church (formerly First Baptist Church Pincher Creek) was founded in 1948. The CBWC was notified of Creekside’s voluntary disaffiliation effective January 17, 2025. 

 We pray God’s blessing upon this congregation as they move forward in embracing a new beginning and alignment elsewhere. 

Copyright ©  2025 Canadian Baptists of Western Canada, All rights reserved.

Making Connections is the monthly newsletter of the CBWC.

Making Connections January 2025

Looking Ahead Together to 2025

As we reflect on 2024, we, at the CBWC, are grateful for the ways we, as churches, ministries and partners, walk alongside one another—grateful for each person those groups represent. Looking ahead, we invite you to continue to connect both online and in person through these upcoming events: 

Kurios Gratitude Gala 

This online event is a celebration of all that God has done and is doing through KURIOS. Join us January 26 for:

  • LIVE from Guatemala with this year’s participants
  • Musical Performances
  • Prize Draws
  • Partnership Updates and Opportunities
  • Kurios House Art Installation Reveal
  • Alumni Testimonies
  • And much more….

Learning from One Another, Online!
The Theology for the Ordinary Book Club continues to meet several times a year via Zoom, and the invite is always open for new participants! The next meeting is Wednesday, January 8 at 6pm PST, discussing Lucy Peppiatt’s The Disciple: On Becoming Truly Human. RSVP to heartland@cbwc.ca.

Making Disciplemakers, a 5-session practical Zoom cohort designed as a place to bring your stories, roadblocks, listening ear, and hard questions about how to make disciples who make disciples, kicks off January 14, hosted by the Church Planting Resource Team.

On January 28 at 5:30pm PST, we are pleased to invite Jodi Spargur (Red Clover/CBM) and David Nacho (FBC Vancouver) for Doctrine of Discovery: Exploring Its Hidden Roots. This free webinar will provide an hour of teaching on the Doctrine of Discovery, its historical arc, and what it has to do with us as Baptists. We will also hear from Indigenous voices speaking on the impact the Doctrine of Discovery still has on them today. Register here. 

Using Ai Basics and Why it Matters to the Church. Watch for more details soon on a webinar coming February 13th about using AI in ministry. 

And speaking of online resources, we’ve got a growing series of free 5-minute videos to play in your Board or Elders meeting to help with various important aspects of leadership and administration of a CBWC church. Download or stream Board Essentials here. 

Ministry Retreats
Heartland ministers and spouses, you have until next Monday, January 6, to register for this year’s retreat taking place January 20-22 in Russell, MB, with guest speaker Layton Friesen. Get the details here. Ministers in the Mountain Standard Region, your retreat is taking place February 3-5 at Gull Lake Centre with Dr. Cory Seibel—and you’ve got until January 10 to sign up.  

Ministers and Spouses across CBWC can save the date for Banff 2025 Retreat: November 10-13 at the Banff Springs Hotel.  

CBWC Assembly: In Person in 2025
Our association of churches enjoys face-to-face time with others every second year at our Assembly in Calgary, AB. On May 22-24, 2025, we’ll connect through meaningful worship, engaging keynote speakers and workshops, meals and free time, while also participating in the annual business meetings. Shaped around the Lord’s Prayer, our 2025 Assembly will feature keynote speaker Dr. Carmen Joy Imes, Associate Professor of Old Testament at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology. 

Online Registration opens February 1, 2025. More information: cbwc.ca/assembly 

SERVE Whitehorse 2025 

Each summer, youth groups from all around CBWC descend on a community for a week. The goal is to demonstrate the love of Jesus through active service, in partnership with a local CBWC congregation. Past locations have included Yellowknife, Flin Flon, High River, Kamloops, and Prince Albert. SERVE is like the best parts of summer camp combined with the best parts of a short-term service trip. During the day the youth engage in service projects and in the evenings, they gather to share stories, worship, play wild games, and hear from a dynamic speaker.

This year, SERVE is taking place in Whitehorse, YT. Join us July 6-12 for this unforgettable event! Registration is now open: cbwc.ca/serve 

Visit our website for details on these events and more! We look forward to seeing you. 

A Time to Pause and Reflect with Tim Warkentin

By Hannah Hamm

A new year has begun, and with it perhaps mixed feelings. Traditionally, January is a good time to reflect on your patterns of living; how do you feel about your work/ministry/relationships? This is a time for “choosing what you did not choose,” to borrow a phrase from Skye Jethani. No matter where you find yourself, whether it is where you would have chosen to be or not, how can you choose to flourish there?

Are you willing to take a few moments and ask yourself: What gave me LIFE this past year? What did the opposite? What can I STOP doing in order to embrace true life this year?

At our Banff Pastors and Spouses retreat in November, Tim Warkentin gave a TIMtalk on something he calls a Sacred Pause. There is increased expectation in the world to achieve more with the time that we have, and even in the church we are always pushing ourselves to do ministry more efficiently and with greater results. Tim (and our other 2 main speakers) challenged us to pause and reflect, release what is holding us back, rest in the acceptance we ALREADY have from our Creator and then return to the work of the Kingdom with open hands.

The arrival of January 2025 affords us a window of time to do just this. The Advent and Christmas busyness is behind us. The lights, decorations and bling are put back in the church basement. Is there a brief moment here where “all is calm?”

About a month after Banff, Tim and I met to consider how to support you in this. Our desire is that you could welcome God into where you actually are. Let go of what’s distracting you. Rest comfortably in His Presence. Experience God’s full embrace.

Some of you likely know what works for you already—what brings you to this place we are describing. Let this be an encouragement to lean into those patterns that come to mind.

Others may appreciate this invitation into practices you didn’t have to research or prepare for someone else. Our prayer is that you will look at the following ideas with an open, prayerful heart and see what might jump off the page for you. Think of these as ways to tend your own garden, or at least to prepare the soil for the Spirit to bring life to you.

Please accept this invitation to consider your physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual health and perhaps embrace (or release) one thing for the year ahead.

Physical:

  • Assess your physical health. What’s working and what isn’t? Go see a doctor, book that physical exam, don’t ignore that symptom…
  • Ask yourself, what is one thing you may want to stop or start consuming?
  • Move your body regularly (if needed, choose a reward that might actually motivate you).
  • Think about something active your friends do that you could join. Or perhaps joining an activity will be a way to make a friend outside of your congregation.
  • Intellectual:
  • Spend a bit of time with someone outside of your demographic. Learn about what matters to them, stretch your mind.
  • Get a recommendation for a blog or a podcast from someone “younger.”

Emotional:

  • Write an appreciation note to someone.
  • Think of the three strongest feelings you’ve had in the past 24 hours.
  • Write a letter to your past self. What would you say to yourself when you were just starting ministry about how to care for your interior world?
  • Read the opening chapter of Scazerro’s Emotionally Healthy Pastor.
  • Consider viewing the Sanctuary Course.
  • Consider using your extended health therapy benefits.

Spiritual:

  • Ask Jesus how He sees you and wait for His answer.
  • Experiment with a new prayer practice.
  • Consider a daily Scripture podcast or reading plan. Maybe try a different translation than you’re used to?
  • Book a retreat at a local retreat centre (anywhere from a few hours to a few days away).
  • Write out your own Beloved Charter (as Carolyn Arends encouraged in Banff), exploring specific Scriptures and making them personal.
  • Ask God to show you where His script might be more flexible than yours (as Skye Jethani showed using the story of Moses and Jericho in the wilderness).

We heard an unexpected theme emerge in Banff through Carolyn, Skye and the TiMtalks, about living and ministering out of a place of grace and belovedness. What would it look like to explore this further? The point of this article is not to motivate us to add another item to our to-do lists. The point is to engage living well, where we are. What does this mean for you? Is it time to release something on the to-do list in order to make space for something that brings life? Or time to explore a fresh practice which will help you sense the movement of God in your life? Regardless, this is about engaging in something that is helpful, that opens up room to encounter God in a fresh way and that takes all of us deeper into God’s love. May you find a new sense of God’s unique, full life laid out before you this year.

Contact Tim at tim@timwarkentin.com 604-562-4906

 Partner Spotlight: Hopehill

A Hopehill Story

Marie moved to Vancouver in 2022 to be with her grown children and grandchildren. She’d spent her entire life in a small town in Nova Scotia. Her husband died in 2017 and the longer she was a widow, the lonelier she became.  

The move to Vancouver was exciting. Initially she moved in with her kids, but eventually their needs grew, and they required the family space. Someone recommended Hopehill. When she enquired of us this June, I had a hunch that we needed to help this lady. It wasn’t until November that a space opened up, but she was willing and ready to move in. Her personal income was $2100 per month, and we were able to find a price that worked for her and us.   

She’s more than a happy renter. She volunteers at our weekly teatime, and she talks to people about how happy she is to be with us. If someone is curious about Hopehill and wants to talk to a resident I send them to Marie. Why? Because we are more than just low-cost rent for low-income seniors. We are a community building trajectory. How can we help low-income seniors live well? Body, soul, and spirit. It’s what we do.  

We open our next 64 unit building in March 2025. We are looking for 4 young couples who want to live as “floor hosts” to interact with seniors, helping to build the Hopehill community, and in turn, be blessed for their service. If interested, please contact office@hopehill.ca. Move-in date would be March 2025.   

Here is our latest update on our building project for December 2024. View video update.

Rev. Jamey S. McDonald
Chief Executive Officer

Heartland Regional Newsletter

January 2025

CBWC Camp Spotlight

Our CBWC camps are a valuable extension of the local church. Not only do summer camps offer lifelong memories, but they serve as a place of interactive discipleship for our church members. Camp has always been a beautiful gateway to the church and to a life in Christ. Here is a little spotlight on what’s going on in our CBWC camps heading into 2025.

Katepwa Lake Camp, SK

Originally founded as Katepwa Baptist Kamp in 1949, KLC has become a place to belong. Some people call it home, others call it family, some call it their legacy. We celebrate with KLC that they have reached the milestone of 75 years of ministry!

Registration is now open for KLC Winter Camp, February 17-21, 2025.

Mill Creek Camp, AB

This Spring, Mill Creek is embarking on a large scale renovation of their electrical and water systems. Their fundraising campaign is called “Love the Lodge” and can be accessed at https://millcreekcamp.org. Also consider participating in their Travelling Book Sale!

Gull Lake Centre, AB

Gull Lake summer camps and leadership programs were full in 2024, and they also launched a second leadership training program high schoolers called Faith, Experience, and Discipleship, as well as a leadership program in Kenya. They’re rolling right into 2025 as well, with Winter Camps January 31-February 2 for Jr. and Sr. High students, and February 21-23 for grade 4-6 students.

Summer Camp registration for Gull Lake opens January 9. They increased prices by $100 for most camps, but they have a $50 early bird discount, and a $50 CBWC discount. So, if you attend a CBWC church you can attend camp for the same price as last year. Register here.

Keats Camps, BC

Keats Camps, which is entering its 99th year of ministry, recently welcomed Cheri Tubbs as Camp Director to oversee the summer and shoulder seasons. They also upgraded one of their staff accommodations and added a Wibit play structure to the waterfront.

Keats summer hiring is already in motion. Staff applications are open, and the first round of interviews will take place in the first few weeks of January. Camp registration and LEAD applications will open on Saturday, January 11. Register here.

The Quest at Christopher Lake, SK

The Quest was founded in 1945, giving it over 75 years of ministry and camping experience. Every year Quest has a variety of employment and volunteer opportunities in order to run facilities and summer programming. This is a great way to learn new skills, while having fun and making a difference in the lives of kids! Staff positions will be filled beginning in February. Summer camp registration opens January 2: questcl.ca/summer-camp

Camp Wapiti, AB

Camp Wapiti, south of Grand Prairie, is all about connecting with God in nature, operating since 1963. They strive to provide quality programs—encouraging growth, great community, and a lot of fun!

This past summer, Wapiti had over 300 campers attend camp. They have begun the process of gearing up for summer 2025. First on the list is to hire a director: fulltime, May-August with the possibility of staying parttime in the fall. Summer registration will open February 1: campwapiti.ca.

HeartSmart HR: New Year, New You!

By Louanne Haugan

I always find the beginning of a new calendar year an opportunity to get my literal and proverbial house in order—purging that which is unnecessary and getting back on track that which is life-giving and helpful. I am reminded of Paul’s words in Philippians where he wrote, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” 

I am not sure if issuing charitable giving receipts and maintaining good record retention practices are the first things that pop into your mind when you think of noble or lovely, but striving to be excellent in all we do should be. 

Issuing Charitable Giving Receipts 

Providing timely donation receipts is crucial for good donor stewardship, as it shows appreciation for the gifts received from your donors. Most donors expect an immediate receipt without requesting one and failing to provide one can negatively impact your relationship. If there is a situation in which you do not provide a receipt, you should make sure your donors are fully informed.  

Your church must issue charitable giving receipts to donors so they can claim tax credits or deductions on their annual income tax returns. To facilitate the process, the CRA recommends issuing receipts by February 28 of the year following the donation. You can issue receipts periodically throughout the year or provide a cumulative receipt for all cash donations at year end. Each non-cash donation requires a separate receipt. A general practice is to issue a receipt for one-time gifts within 30 days (including any securities and other gifts-in-kind) and to issue a receipt for recurring/pre-authorized gifts once a year.

Receipts for cash gifts must have the following:

  • a statement that it is an official receipt for income tax purposes
  • the name and address of the charity as on file with the Canada Revenue Agency
  • a unique serial number
  • the registration number issued by the CRA
  • the location where the receipt was issued (city, town, municipality)
  • the date or year the gift was received
  • the date the receipt was issued
  • the full name, including middle initial, and address of the donor
  • the amount of the gift
  • the amount and description of any advantage received by the donor
  • the eligible amount of the gift
  • the signature of an individual authorized by the charity to acknowledge gifts
  • the name and website address of the CRA

Record Retention 

January is a great time to go through your files/records to determine what can be destroyed and what must still be held by law. The following chart provided by the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities (CCCC) provides some common examples of records and suggested retention periods. They have made every attempt to give accurate information in this schedule. You may wish to check with your lawyer or other professional advisor for information specific to your situation. 

CRA Retention Periods for Financial Books, Governance, Operations, and HR Records

For more information on other subjects related to good governance and operations, please visit our Board Essentials page, or contact the following: Victor Ku (Finance), Jerry Wang (Operations), and Louanne Haugan (HR & Benefits).  

Happy New Year! 

Copyright ©  2025 Canadian Baptists of Western Canada, All rights reserved.

Making Connections is the monthly newsletter of the CBWC.

Heartland Regional Newsletter January 2025

Looking Out for the Other

By Mark Doerksen

If you’re like me, there are times when you will look back in history to help give perspective to the present. I have done so in my position within the CBWC, thanks in large part to a book written by Rev. C.C. McLaurin. It’s entitled, Pioneering in Western Canada: A Story of the Baptists. It was self-published in 1939. McLaurin describes how he was hired out of the Brandon Church. He had 24 years’ experience, 

was in the prime of his life, in vigorous health, and was selected and appointed at a salary $200 less than he was receiving as a pastor (p. 146).

Interesting, I thought, and gleaning no lesson from that I decided to read further. McLaurin then reports on page 179 that the first superintendents of the Manitoba and Saskatchewan region worked under quite arduous conditions. In fact, Rev. T. M. Marshall, in his first year covering the area, took on the task that “necessitated his travelling between 20,000 and 30,000 miles a year in days before motors were in use.”  He worked most with struggling churches, organized new ones, and succeeded in developing an interest in missions in the older and stronger churches. Apparently Regional Ministers have never had it so good as we have it now! 

Our CBWC history has plenty of interesting tales: stories of incredible dedication and a mission impulse that helped establish many churches across western Canada. And, strikingly, there are plenty of stories of how churches voluntarily associated with other churches to support each other, and to work together to support overseas missions. It seems as though people from Winnipeg, in the early 1900s, had no trouble at all getting on their horses or into their wagons and heading down to Emerson for a meeting of local churches. For a further example, Winnipeg First Baptist Church was known for its work with a local reservation here, working with folks who were part of the Indigenous community at Peguis and around the lakes. I find these stories both admirable and inspirational. 

These days, it sometimes seems that our churches are more interested in autonomy than association. It’s especially true in times of disagreement, and if Bill Brackney was right, we can put some of the blame on E. Y. Mullins, dating back to 1912 or so. Yet, I think we have so much to gain by leaning into our association of churches. This is happening already, and as an example, it happens when our ministers get together and pray for each other. I’ve also seen it happen when one church announces a need and another church from our association responds by donating a projector, for instance. We do this in our shared work in evangelism, relief, and development via Canadian Baptist Ministries. It’s quite evident at SERVE, when our youth groups come together, or when our camps do their summer ministries. I know for a fact that the ministry of Ormiston Baptist Church was extended because of how they partnered with Community Baptist Church Swift Current. 

I guess what I’m saying is that I appreciate when our churches support each other, and in doing so they often strengthen their ministry potential. Thank you for doing so. But I am also wondering aloud if there is a way for us to improve. If your congregation does not pray for a sister church during your congregational prayers, would you be able to start? Can we be better at sharing resources? Can we lend a church a copy of our bylaws so that they have a template from which to work as they refresh theirs? Can we find a way to compare best practices for ministry? Is there a way to make our needs known so that other churches are aware of needs that they might help with?  

May God bless you in your ministry. And if you have any suggestions for me on this matter, I’d love to hear from you. 

Peace, 

Mark Doerksen 

Ormiston Baptist Church

By Carol Luther

This is a synopsis of the life of Ormiston Baptist Church, which has been instrumental in the life of Bill and Carol Luther, a recently retired pastoral couple. 

The ministry in Ormiston, Saskatchewan, began in 1958 when a group of 16 people became Charter Members. The first pastor of the congregation was Roger Barnard, who came with his wife Marilyn from Missouri, USA, and served in Ormiston and sister congregations in Viceroy and Cardross.  

It was through the Barnard’s ministry that the Luther family all became believers and, following Bill’s graduation from Millar College of the Bible and Winnipeg Bible College, he had a tent-making ministry off and on throughout all the remaining years.  

Bill and I have been blessed by humble and dedicated pastoral care throughout the decades. Some of the names that come to mind are Irwin W. Reitan, Wilbert Erickson, Bill Hall, Alan Harstone, Richard Larsen and William H. Luther. In addition to other names, many young couples had opportunities to learn what is involved in ministry while pastoring in the summers. Some have gone on to have fruitful ministry elsewhere.  

We are situated in an isolated area of south-central Saskatchewan. Over the years the region has been challenged by two significant developments: first, the closure of the Ormiston Salt Mining & Smelting Company, which employed many in the area; and second, the growth of farm sizes, which has resulted in fewer people in the community. Many churches in the surrounding communities closed, so people of other faiths would worship with us. Meanwhile, our God has supplied individuals who were particularly gifted to meet the needs of ministry, in leadership, teaching, caring for the property, bookkeeping and social convening. All have willingly and competently served.  

A full program of ministry happened when we had a larger congregation, but even in recent years we still had Sunday School, Worship Services, a regular Youth Group (which involved mostly non-church kids) and our yearly week of Vacation Bible School. These were well-received and supported by the community; some grandparents would make sure that week was part of the kids’ summer fun! A few of the years we had nearly 30 kidlets! During COVID, everything shut down for a while and it was hard to start it all up again. Also, we are all older now.  

Upon Bill’s retirement in December 2022, Community Baptist Church Swift Current has partnered with Ormiston and we have been able to stream their services for the past while. 

Family names who were a part of the Church over the years include Frentz (The Hunter Brothers singing group is of this heritage!), Passmore, Godard, Zabolotney, Message, Luther, Dowkes, McCracken, Hovanes, Watamanuk, McNutt, Ray, Jones and Duncan.  

The Church property has recently been transferred to the newly formed Ormiston & District Historical Society Inc. established by Bill Lamberton. Bill, along with members of his family, grew up in our church and has been an encouragement and support to the congregation over the years. A committee is being formed and opportunities for use of the facilities in the future is being discussed, as the Lord leads.  

Ormiston Baptist Church Inc. will officially be closing after our final church worship service on Sunday, December 29, 2024.  

As our Lord God has been faithful to us, we trust Him to lead as we contemplate the future. May we all continue to serve Him wherever He may lead. May we never forget this community and the people here who have been touched by the hand of God through the presence of the Church! 

Heartland Regional Minister Mark Doerksen recalls driving to Ormiston for the first time noticing the vast landscape and wondering how the infrastructure worked in these small, isolated communities. In the midst of the landscape and the challenges they faced, it was clear to Mark that Ormiston Baptist Church and the ministry of the Luthers was still a very important part of the community. If anyone needed care, the Luthers would be the people that were called. Even though the church is officially closing, its ministry and witness shall continue. 

Thank you to Ormiston Baptist Church for continuing to be the Church during changing and challenging times. 

CBWC Churches Working Together: Ordination

By Mark Doerksen

One of the ways that the churches of the CBWC work together is through the ordination process for pastors. The main logistical information for the ordination process can be found in the CBWC Ministerial Protocol Manual—the manual that applies to both our churches and pastors. Ordination is part of our credentialling process, and it is a recognition of an individual who has been called to gospel ministry, has completed appropriate training and has been examined for the presence of abilities, gifts, and character becoming of the pastoral office. The theological foundation for ordination is found in both the Old and New Testaments, where the laying on of hands signified the investment of a person with leadership responsibility and authority, according to Baptist theologian Stan Grenz. 

If your pastor has not been ordained, you can start on the process by contacting your CBWC Regional Office. The process involves various steps including church interviews, a church vote, regional interviews, educational requirements and a completed course in Baptist Identity, to name a few. As a pastor moves forward through the process, they are also required to attend the Ordination Preparation Workshop put on by our association of churches. At the workshop, candidates receive further training and are required to put together an ordination paper which includes various items such as theological beliefs, biography and testimony, and philosophy of ministry. Workshop participants present their papers to their fellow ordination candidates as well as two executive staff members in a “mock” council, with feedback given as they prepare to present their papers to the actual ordination council. Normally, around Assembly, a council is made up of Executive Staff and representatives from each region, and ordination candidates are given an hour to field questions. The council does further discernment in their time together and normally recommends the candidate back to their home church for ordination, though sometimes other, more difficult, conclusions are reached. In this way, the local church partners with the association of churches to discern the giftedness of their pastor. 

One of the important aspects of ordination is that the calling of a pastor is affirmed by a local congregation; it is not something that a pastor can proceed with on their own. As one author writes, “God calls, but the church must also call.”  The calling of the pastor must be affirmed by the congregation and then the congregation partners with the association of churches to give further affirmation. It is no small thing for a congregation to affirm their leader in this way and, no small thing that our churches work together to help with the discerning process. Five candidates will be working towards their ordination in 2025, and if you as a pastor or a leader in your congregation would like more information on this, please contact your Regional Office. 

This regional newsletter is published quarterly within the CBWC’s monthly newsletter, Making Connections. Have a story idea? Email our senior writer, Hannah Hamm: hhamm@cbwc.ca

Mountain Standard Regional Newsletter December 2024

Change is Necessary

By Tim Kerber, Mountain Standard Regional Minister 

As the fall of 2024 arrived, I was finally feeling like life, for me, was settling down after a long season of transition. As a regional minister of only 20 months, there was lots to learn, people and churches to get to know, and the continuous work of walking alongside congregations in many phases of change. I was beginning to feel like I was getting the hang of this 

But, in a period of about six weeks, that settled sense was replaced with a new set of transitions to navigate. Both of our young adult children moved out of the house to pursue new opportunities, and my wife successfully applied for a new job. All of these things are “truly good,” but none the less different.  

When I was a younger man, I was inclined to go looking for things that were new and exciting. As I get older, I am amused at how “normal” and “steady” have a growing appeal to me. Sometimes, when I work with older adults, I find myself frustrated at what seems to be an unwillingness to change. There is no place for entitlement in the Kingdom of God. I have literally said this from the pulpit. May I always understand this inclination in us and never become blind to it myself!   

The truth is that life is always changing.  

I can say that, at first, I was surprised by the depth of the emotion and feelings that welled up in me; especially around my kids leaving. Letting go of your kids was something I thought I understood, but it was a whole new experience to watch my little girl fly halfway around the world. To witness my boy embrace adult life like I’d never seen before brought both pride and anxiety.  

The good news is that in all of these changes, God has been faithful, and He has begun a new work in me. When change comes, when life feels uncertain, there come amazing opportunities for growth and maturity.  

I recognized an invitation to grow in my own faith and to contemplate again what it means to love the Lord with every part of my being. I was challenged to consider where my trust is rooted. The words of Jesus, from John 5, came to mind. Jesus comes across a lame man, and, seeing into his heart, Jesus asks him, “Do you want to be healed?” (John 5:6) Many of us have preached this passage before and challenged our congregants with the idea of really wanting change and healing.  

A few months ago, I shared a cartoon on my Facebook page which you will see below. We like the idea of change far more than the reality of it.  

Thankfully, God was preparing me for this season. I have been challenged by a pastor friend to engage in some spiritual disciplines which I had been neglecting. There is a renewed sense of humility I am presently working with! I have been led to podcasts that have invited me to refresh my focus and be more intentional about relationships. While, at moments, I can feel discouraged by my frailty, I do believe the fruits of the Spirit are being fed and ripened in my soul. Prayer is a growing lifeline, and scripture my nourishment.  

As followers of Jesus we know that the best leaders lead by example. Tod Bolsinger writes in his book Canoeing the Mountains, “Leadership is taking people where they need to go, and yet resist going.” (pg.124) 

Am I willing to go where I ask others to go?  

“God, I ask not for what I want, but for what You know I need.”  This is my prayer for my own life, and for the life of our pastors as they guide their congregations forward.  While it isn’t always easy, it is good, and the grace of Christ carries us as we move towards being complete in Him.  

Some Pics From the MSR Region

Calgary Ministerial Group

Calvary Community Church, Yellowknife

Southgate Baptist 60th Anniversary

FBC Cranbrook

GoodTree Christian Fellowship

GoodTree Christian Fellowship

Finding Peace in the Peace (the Pine, Actually) 

by Doug Janzen, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Fort St John

I have been serving as a pastor at Calvary Baptist Church since the summer of 2012—first as the associate pastor for 9 and a half years, and then, upon the retirement of Michael Hayes at the end of 2021, affirmed by the congregation to the role of sole pastor. That is what we have done for almost three years now since the critical pandemic situation came to an end in early 2022. 

Calvary Baptist Church in Fort St. John, BC has had a long tradition of gathering in the summertime for a church camp weekend. For many years that meant a trip to Camp Sagitawa, about a 90-minute drive to the southwest. It has been an important part of creating and cultivating the strong identity we share as a church family. But, since the pandemic crisis, this gathering shifted location to the closer setting of the Peace Island Park Campground, located on the south side of the large steel bridge that crosses the Peace River near Taylor, BC. In our post-pandemic effort to gather as many of our people together as possible, it made a lot of sense for us to meet there instead. This camp was only a short 15-minute drive from Fort St. John. Those who were unable to join us for the whole weekend could still come out for the day and then go home to sleep in their own beds at night. This greatly improved our participation level. It also allowed us to hold our Sunday morning service at the campsite, knowing that the majority of our congregation would be able to join us there.  

Like most other churches, our community struggled through the time of social distancing, however, we have been seeing slow but steady growth in worship attendance and ministry involvement. In 2024, we have finally returned to an average worship attendance in the triple digits and over the last year our church has baptized 12 people—two on Pentecost Sunday in May, six at an outdoor pool in Hudson’s Hope in late July, and then, most recently, we celebrated baptisms in late August as part of our annual Church Family Campout. 

In preparation for this most recent event, we had t-shirts made up with the message: “Found My Peace in the Peace.” Of course, I only realized afterwards that the precise location of our camp meant that the baptisms were actually happening in the Pine River just before it joins the Peace River. However, we didn’t let that spoil the fun! 

It really was a special occasion for our church community in a number of ways. The most obvious reason being that it is always a blessing to celebrate together as people publicly identify themselves with our Lord Jesus Christ. But it was also exciting for us to join together with a sister church of the CBWC, the Peace Community Church of Taylor, BC for this event. Located to the southwest of Fort St. John, the Peace Community congregation is a daughter church of Calvary Baptist, launched in the early 1990’s. Additionally, in the late 1980’s, Calvary had helped launch the Charlie Lake Community Church, located just a ten-minute drive northwest of Fort St. John along the Alaska Highway. There is a long history of shared ministry in our region between these three CBWC affiliated churches. So, when I mentioned our plan to hold baptisms as part of our Church Campout weekend to Jonathan Amendt, the Peace Community pastor, he was keen to join us. 

On the warm Saturday afternoon of August 24, our two congregations gathered by the bank of the Pine River to baptize 6 people. Two were from the Taylor church—Joshua Carrell and Micah Amendt (Jonathan’s own young son)—and four were from our church—Emily Blanchette, Melody Blanchette, Melissa Ljuden, and Joryn Brulé. The water was pretty cold, but our hearts were greatly warmed and encouraged by the presence of more than 50 people gathered to witness the baptisms. We sang “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” as each person left the waters, wet but rejoicing. The baptisms were followed by a testimony time during the evening campfire. 

The next day we worshipped the Lord, together with Peace Community Church, as more than 100 people gathered in the morning sunshine to sing, pray, listen to the Word proclaimed, and share Communion together. It was a great way to conclude our camp weekend, and it has already sparked some conversations about doing this again next summer—perhaps even sharing the whole weekend together. Jonathan Amendt, Randy Loewen (the new pastor at Charlie Lake) and I have also begun talking about other ways we can work together as sister churches in this region. In the days ahead, we hope to see many more people finding their peace with the Lord in the Peace.     

This regional newsletter is published quarterly within the CBWC’s monthly newsletter, Making Connections. Have a story idea? Email our senior writer, Jenna Hanger: jhanger@cbwc.ca

Making Connections December 2024

Banff 2024—A Invitation to Rest

By H. Hamm

A trip to a historic castle in the Rocky Mountains. A collection of over 200 Kingdom servants, all seeking the goal of restoration together. If those old walls (and chandeliers) could speak, they would say the attendees are well on their way to the REST that was sought (and also that which wasn’t).

With lovely accommodations, nutritious and enticing meals, many available options for physical relaxation and views to deeply absorb, guests couldn’t help but receive some measure of restoration.

The gifts received went beyond what the eye could see and the body could feel.

Many hearts, hands, and minds went into filling up the proverbial “reservoir” so that guests could, in turn, return home with gifts to offer from the overflow.

Carolyn Arends and Spencer Capier gave the gift of music, both in performance and in shared worship. Their talent is undeniable and speaks of their many years making music together. Carolyn also gave the keynote address on Tuesday morning, encouraging guests to live as “Reservoir Christians” rather than “Channel Christians.” This was based on a quote from Bernard of Clairvaux which encourages us to let the ministries we receive fill us up before we begin channeling out to others. Many are quick to do the latter. May we sit with the idea of our belovedness until we believe it and then move from that place into ministry. Too often we serve FOR acceptance rather than FROM acceptance.

Each morning there was an opportunity to receive encouragement from within our own CBWC pastoral team. Tyler Graftaas (Calgary), Scott Simpson (Calgary), and Rebecca Thornber (Vancouver) shared beautifully and with insight from the 3 “lost & found” parables on the unexpected nature of God.

Another guest presenter was Skye Jethani, a pastor/theologian/comedian/podcaster/ family man from Chicago. Many listeners of his podcast, the Holy Post, were already accustomed to his wit and passion as a teacher. Over three sessions, he challenged everyone to make space for God to do the work, even if that means God going outside God’s own script. The invitation was to let go of the outcomes, to carefully consider why we do what we do in our lives and in our churches, and to simply answer the call to be the presence of Christ wherever we find ourselves—whether we specifically chose that situation or not.

Daily worship with Craig Bosnick and his team was like a taste of heaven. There’s nothing like singing with multitudes of church leaders; encompassing race, gender, age and perspective all together in one voice of praise to God.

Many took in other opportunities for enrichment including the Kairos Blanket exercise with Jodi Spargur and TiMTalk presentations from Bryana Russell and Tim Warkentin.

A collection of ordinary and extraordinary moments graced our visit and will remain in memory. The castle-sized fireplace brought ambiance to the hall, along with a bit of extra smoke that caused a stir one evening! A special dessert which must not be named, but rhymes with Leaver Snail, delighted our taste buds on a dark, cold evening. We bid a fond farewell to one of our regional ministers, Larry Schram, with a prayer and a Tilley hat fit for adventure. A collection of youth leaders took down Peter Anderson at glow-in-the-dark bowling, even as he gifted them with pizza.

Perhaps most significantly, the Holy Spirit met everyone present in agreeably sacred places like Stillpoint, and also around meals, in the pool, and on the hiking trail. May the ministry received be multiplied, both within the recipients at Banff and to those met along the way in the aftermath. Hope to see you there next year! Mark your calendars Nov 10-13, 2025.

A Tribute to Larry Schram

upon his retirement from the position of Regional Minister in the BC/Yukon region

Larry, God has gifted you in unique ways (including football in college, who knew!?) 

You are a wise discerner. You are someone who, after you listen to someone, can discern quite quickly what the real underlying issue is. You’re also amazingly good at giving the three action steps that are needed to address the issue.  

Larry, we rejoice, and thank God, for what you have been to us. We rejoice, and look forward to, what that next adventure might hold.  

Our Father God, we gather together, thankful and grateful for Larry and Erna. For the ways You have molded and shaped Larry, and for his ministry to us. Thank you for his heart and love for the church, churches and church leaders; encouraging all to remain faithful.  

Give them wisdom and understanding. Help them to end this role in a sense of joy, and to enter into the next phase with wonder and anticipation. Grant them good health and safety in travel, and allow Larry peace in a less-busy season. Allow him to be still—a challenge for many—and to know that You are God.  

Bless, keep, and encourage them we pray. 

(Adapted from Rob Ogilvie’s address to Larry and Erna at the close of the BPC) 

CBWC Staff Christmas Traditions

My First Advent

By Grace Wulff

It was 1982, a year of change.

I was a young mom with two incredibly active toddlers. We were anticipating moving from our small townhouse to a bigger house in a neighbourhood where we would raise our kids.

My husband was not often around, a busy paramedic working long hours—and in the midst of this season, I received the call that my beloved Grandma had died. We were close. It was my first close encounter with death, and I was shaken. To add another level of complexity, my husband’s brother came to live with us. He was a missionary in South America coming home to prepare for his wedding and we wanted to make it special.

So, when I was overcome with nausea, I put it down to grief, and nerves, and exhaustion. But alas, to my surprise, I was pregnant with our third child.

While some women glow with pregnancy, I suffered with severe morning sickness that lasted months. Gone were my plans to prepare wonderful meals for my brother-in-law. It rather became a summer and fall of survival-mode.

Dad often said, “This too shall pass” … and so it did. I found myself in our new house, creating a home, while resting a great deal of the time. I wanted to be excited about the pregnancy, I truly did.

And then something happened to shift my thoughts; to change my focus. I don’t remember who gave me the book, but it was a simple activity book to prepare for Advent. Back then, Advent was foreign to me—something practiced by other churches, not mine.

But here was an invitation to enter into a sacred time of waiting; a time of change. As I began to think about it, I started to relate to Mary.

Heavy with child.

A world of unknowns.

Praying for her baby.

Advent became real to me. We, too, could embrace this time of waiting with anticipation and hope; each day focused on preparation for our new baby. This was wonderful to teach my children, and we began an advent adventure that has now repeated itself over forty years.

It was simple, really. Each day as we waited for Jesus’ birthday, we could choose an activity to help us prepare. The kids helped me make cards and cookies, gifts we gave away. One day we made homemade “snowballs” out of cotton and sent them to their uncle who was serving in the army overseas. Of course we had a “snowball” fight first, before we packaged them up with our love.

One day we turned on our outdoor Christmas lights, making it a celebration of light. I can’t remember every activity, but I remember the joy we shared that made the waiting so much easier. And it was joy that we could share with others.

On Christmas day, we served birthday cake for Jesus and sang. It was very meaningful, and we knew that soon we, too, would welcome a new baby into our home.

My third child arrived weeks later, in early February. This daughter, now a busy mom of four, celebrates Advent each year with her children, and I delight in finding resources for my grandchildren to think about in this season of anticipation and preparation.

Advent has become so commercialized, associated with cheap chocolate calendars or other treats, but I keep coming back to the simple truth of this invitation.

To wait with hope.

To focus on the coming of Jesus.

To quiet my heart in the midst of busyness and receive the gifts in the waiting.

Mountain Standard Regional Newsletter

December 2024

Doctine of Discovery: Exploring Its Hidden Roots

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Cor. 5:18)  

As the CBWC continues our work with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation, we will be offering a second FREE webinar via Zoom on January 28, 2025, at 5:30pm (PST). This online seminar picks up where we left off in 2021, as we prepared for the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  

At that webinar, churches asked whether we had responded to all of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. One of those calls is the repudiation of the concepts of “terra nullius” (empty lands), and the Doctrine of Discovery (DoD).  

We are pleased to invite Jodi Spargur (Red Clover/CBM), and David Nacho (FBC Vancouver) for an hour of teaching on the Doctrine of Discovery (DoD), its historical arc, and what the DoD has to do with us as Baptists. We will also hear from Indigenous voices speaking on the impact of the Doctrine of Discovery on them today.  

To register for this webinar, click HERE. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered emails 24 hours in advance of this event. 

 Partner Spotlight: Carey

Letter from our Dean of Student Residents
By Rafael Franco, Dean of Student Residents, Carey Theological College

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has prayed for and supported Carey’s student residence program over the years. In my role as the Dean of Student Residents, I have the privilege to spend time with these young UBC undergraduates. I get to watch them pursue their dreams, build community, and form bonds that will last a lifetime. 

I think this is the fruit of the faithfulness of God’s people.  

 From the steadfast prayers of parents who have entrusted us with their children, to the generosity of partners who trust our mission,

God has blessed us through the Body of Christ; people who care immensely about the ministry we serve in.  

 Let me share what two of our students, Grace and Kristina, have said about their experience of living at Carey:  

  “I’ve developed a consistent prayer life this year… and it’s because of how I’ve grown in my relationship with God at Carey. I also feel like I’ve become more confident and sociable this year as I’ve been getting to know more people at Carey.”  

— Kristina, Carey Student Resident 

 “The most valuable thing about living at Carey has been making friends with loving people who are not afraid to call me out when I am wrong. The Carey community has truly helped me understand Proverbs 27:17, ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.’”  

— Grace, Carey Student Resident 

 Their testimonies reflect Carey’s heart: a place where students are not only learning but also being shaped as leaders to serve out God’s calling for their lives.  

Carey staff touring the 2-bed unit of Timothy Hall

Looking to the future, I am excited about the growth resulting from our new building. We have a new student residence building slated for completion in late Spring 2025. The building will welcome an additional 104 beds to our current capacity of 44, bringing even more opportunities for students to grow and flourish in our community. 

The vision we have for this new student residence, Timothy Hall, is inspired by a passage beloved by our president, Rev. Dr. Colin Godwin:

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

 — 2 Timothy 2:2

We want Timothy Hall to be a place where students are ministered to and built up, ultimately leaving as Christian men and women, capable and mature in their faith, able to teach and disciple those around them. 

Drawing closer to Timothy Hall’s opening, I cannot wait to meet the students God will bring to our doors. Many of us who are passionate about student ministry at Carey are busy envisioning programming that will shape and point our community to Christ. We do not take lightly the grace that God has given us to be a beacon of light on UBC campus. Carey is filled with hopeful expectations of great things from God.

Timothy Hall will be completed late Spring 2025

Currently, applications to our student residence for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic year are open. If in your churches there are UBC students, current or prospective, in need of on-campus housing, please share the exciting news with them. Invite them to take a look at our webpage or fill out an application form. Carey is grateful for the partnership with CBWC, and over 15% of the students in our program are part of the CBWC denomination.  

 Thank you for listening to our story. I hope you are encouraged, as I am, in the work God is doing in our community. If you want to support our ministry in Timothy Hall, please take a look at this page to see what our needs and prayer items are as we take this next step forward. What we are achieving is only possible because of many faithful prayers and supporters in our mission.  

 In Christ, 

 Rafael Franco  

Copyright ©  2024 Canadian Baptists of Western Canada, All rights reserved.

Making Connections is the monthly newsletter of the CBWC.

BCY Regional Newsletter November 2024

A New Chapter

I love to read.

Novels fill the quiet moments of my day with epic fantasies, compelling mysteries, frontier stories, and humour competing for time and space.Thoughtful and inspiring Christian writers encourage me to prayerfully pause and reflect, at times interfering with other demands. Finally, the Bible, theology, and history ground me in the reality of two basic assumptions: there is a God who made this world and us, and what we do with our lives matters. These many and varied books impact my days and nights, and definitely shape my words and choices. 

My love of books, which as a bibliophile is honestly more of a compulsion, has truly shaped my life in deeply transformative ways. Maybe that’s why, as I contemplate moving into what our culture calls ‘retirement’, I am most comfortable thinking about it as a new chapter. Retirement is typically linked to the ideas of ceasing, withdrawing, and isolating yourself—as in, you are retiring from work, or as a jury retires to reach a verdict, or you retire and withdraw to a senior’s community. None of these applications feel particularly compelling to me. But if I think about retirement as a new chapter in my story, that feels much more attractive. Who knows what inspiration, mysteries, opportunities, challenges, and adventures await?

Maybe that is also why, as I think about this new chapter, I am strongly drawn to two simple choices. I want to reread the books that most powerfully shaped my soul and were used by God to direct my days. I want to sit down and review again the things that our Lord taught me, without other time pressures and expectations forcing me to hurry up. In other words, I want to ground myself again in the simple truths that have guided me this far on the journey.

I also want to slow down enough in this new chapter of life to learn what it means to walk with God. Candidly, most of my life has been lived at the pace of a sprint, with massive lists of must do’s, should do’s, and ought to’s overflowing my days. Yet, according to some writers, our souls function best at three miles an hour, which happens to be a walking pace. In the upcoming chapter before me, I hear our Lord inviting me to slow down enough to walk with Him and listen to His voice.

I don’t know what this new chapter will bring but I do know that the truths that guided me to this point and the ONE who has been with me the entire way, will lead me through whatever adventures await. Now that sounds much more exciting to me than retirement, so, let this new chapter begin!

Larry Schram

Hellos & Goodbyes in the BC/Yukon Region

A Warm Welcome to the following Pastors in the BCY Region:

Thiago Machado, Director of Family Life and Young Adults at West Point Grey Baptist Church

Thiago is married to Vivian, and they enjoy hiking together. He enjoys running marathons (being fine to stay at the back with the slower group!) He grew up in a family that loves to read and loves to serve the local church. He holds a PhD in Veterinary Sciences and is currently finishing his Master of Divinity at Regent College.

Phil Adkins, Lead Pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church Victoria

My name is Phil Adkins. I am pleased to join the CBWC family having served in pastoral ministry in other denominations at churches in Banff, Saskatoon, Strathmore, and most recently on Bowen Island. My training is in liturgics. I am called to help the church prepare and offer historically-informed, biblically-faithful, theologically-grounded, and culturally-relevant worship. I believe robust and diligent corporate worship is a primary avenue of spiritual formation and gospel proclamation.

My wife (Samatha) is an elementary school teacher and author. We have two children, Julia (20) and Levi (17). We are grateful for kindred spirits at Emmanuel Baptist Victoria and look forward to serving Christ and our community together.

Drew Melton, Lead Pastor (Preaching & Vision), at First Baptist Church Vancouver

Drew Melton is the newly-elected Lead Pastor for Preaching and Vision at First Baptist Church, Vancouver. Drew is originally from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA, but as an adult he has spent significant time living in the Chicago area, in Cambridge, England, and in south Florida. He and his family moved to Vancouver in 2023. He is married to Dr. Brittany Melton (Associate Professor of Old Testament at Regent College, Vancouver) and they have two children. Drew has been in church ministry for over ten years, either full-time or co-vocationally, with pastoral experience in England, the US, and now in Canada. He holds post-graduate theological degrees from Wheaton College and University of Cambridge, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Duke University with a dissertation focused on St. Augustine’s preaching in conversation with 21st century preaching. He occasionally teaches as a sessional instructor at Regent College, Vancouver.

Interim Pastors – Thank you for your willingness to serve:

Don Crawford, Interim Pastor at Kitsilano Christian Community Church, Vancouver

Awlwyn Balnave, Interim Pastor of Congregational Care at White Rock Baptist Church

Farewells – Wishing you God’s richest Blessings for the next chapter in your life:

Jennifer Friesen, Former Associate Pastor, at White Rock Baptist Church

John Yu, Former Associate Pastor, West Vancouver Baptist Church

Jasper Song, Former Lead Pastor, U-Campus Baptist Church, Vancouver

Doug Green, Senior Pastor, retiring from Burnaby North Baptist Church

This regional newsletter is published quarterly within the CBWC’s monthly newsletter, Making Connections. Have a story idea? Email our senior writer, Hannah Hamm: hhamm@cbwc.ca

Making Connections November 2024

Standing Shoulder to Shoulder

By Military Chaplain Troy Dennis

Serving communion while deployed in Latvia 2019

Remembrance Day forms one of my earliest memories. While in Beavers, I was chosen to bear a flag and followed the careful instructions to “dip the colours” at the appropriate time. I wasn’t old enough to understand what giving the supreme sacrifice meant, but the solemn nature of the ceremony was impressed on my mind. Since then, I have almost always attended a Remembrance Day event. I am compelled by a sense of duty, that being a good citizen means honouring those who serve our country. I have always held this in equal priority with praying for our leaders; that “we may lead a peaceful and quiet life…” (1Tim 2:1-4). After all, the cost for a peaceful and quiet life is often paid in blood.

Since joining the Canadian Armed Forces (CF) in 2014, Remembrance Day has taken on a whole new depth of meaning, mainly because it has become much more personal.

My role as a CF chaplain puts me shoulder-to-shoulder with our amazing military members. While I conduct religious ceremonies and give prayers or reflections at important events, I am primarily an advisor at all levels on compassionate and ethical matters, as well as moral and personal issues. I am fully embedded. I go where my unit goes, and I “eat the same dirt.” Together we train, live in austere conditions, eat, attend meetings, exercise, bunk down, do tasks, etc. In 2019, I deployed to Latvia for six months. I get to know a lot of our members and walk with them through life’s ups and downs.

As a result, I know people who have been injured or died while serving. I have visited in the hospital, done funerals and unit memorials, comforted loved ones, and listened to their stories. On Remembrance Day, the names carved in stone remind me that these soldiers, sailors, and air crew were spouses, children, parents, and friendsjust like the comrades I serve beside today. Remembrance Day is very personal, not only for me but for every CF member.

We live in a day and age when many customs and traditions are being set aside. Many are uncomfortable with parts of our history. Anything that smacks of institution can seem suspect.  Some crave the open road of new experiences, not rearview reflection. And so, many people are simply “moving on” to establish lives disconnected from the past.

It would be a shame to forget the people who gave their lives serving our country. I’m all for building new traditions when the old don’t make sense, but Remembrance Day has to be a keeper. The price for a peaceful and quiet life is just too high.

This Remembrance Day, I invite you to attend in person or tune in to a ceremony. And most of all, offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the people willing to pay the price for a world where we might live peaceful and quiet lives.

(Major Troy Dennis is a chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces, serving at CFB Edmonton. For 20 years he was a pastor with the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada before becoming a chaplain in 2014.)

Baptists on the Move: Active in Mission Update

Thank you to all the churches and individuals who participated in Active in Mission this past summer.

From White Rock to Winnipeg, CBWC folks laced up their shoes and opened their wallets, joining Baptists across the country to address issues of food security in Canada and around the globe. Riverdale Baptist in Whitehorse and Argyle Road in Regina both blew past their fundraising goals, garnering over $1300 each in donations. The national donation count has not yet been finalized, but close to $38,000 has been confirmed so far with more on the way.

CBWC’s Staff Team worked together to travel 3877 kilometers. Executive Minister Rob Ogilvie and his wife Bonnie participated during their holidays in Europe, cycling 300km in 5 days. Heartland Regional Minister Mark Doerksen walked in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Washington State, and BC, while Communications and Church Planting Assistant Cailey Morgan preferred moving on the water—paddleboarding in lakes, bodyboarding in the ocean, and even going for a river paddle on a rainbow pool floatie.

CBWC Foundation VP Chris Reid stuck closer to home—getting her miles in on the spin bike and treadmill—as well as chasing her new puppy, Murphy. “We spent a lot of time walking, hiking and playing with baby Murph!” Chris says. “We honestly never stopped moving!”

Louanne Haugan, Peter Anderson, Victor Ku, Tim Kerber, and Esther Kitchener rounded out the team with running shoes, bikes, golf clubs, and kayaks.

Watch for details in the coming months on how the funding will be distributed to ministries addressing food insecurity.

 Partner Spotlight: CBM

A Story of Hope

Lily comes from a small village in Nagaland, India. Because her parents struggled financially, they sent her and her siblings to different homes, where they worked as domestic helpers. Lily’s vulnerability led to her being abused, which cause emotional and mental trauma. “I felt my life was without hope and meaning,” she says.

CBM’s partner, Miqlat Ministries, came alongside Lily and invited her to take part in tailoring training. “I am very happy that I am undergoing training, and I want to stay at Miqlat,” she says. “I am exploring my potential. Besides the tailoring training, I am learning to cook, socialize with others, to read the Bible, and manage my temper.” Her participation in the program has helped her develop holistically, and since coming to Miqlat, she’s received love, support, encouragement, and friendship.

This is just one of the many stories featured in this year’s Hopeful Gifts for Change catalogue.

As the Christmas season approaches, we will all inevitably feel the pressure to find the “perfect gift” and be inundated with endless options of what that perfect gift could be. As decision fatigue sets in, we may even be tempted to think of gift catalogues in the same way we do any shopping tool, asking ourselves “What can I buy for the person I love?”

But what if we shift our mindset from “What can I buy?” to “What can I give?”

Through Hopeful Gifts for Change, you can help girls like Lily build brighter, more hopeful futures through rehabilitation and spiritual care. Children in Rwanda with disabilities and their caregivers can receive much-needed support and education to improve their quality of life. As the church continues to grow in the Middle East, passionate church leaders can be equipped through mentorship and training to share the gospel in their unique contexts and communities.

Just like the faithful who have given over the past 150 years to support Canadian Baptist Ministries, you, too, can have generational impact by giving on behalf of someone you love.

“Thank you for the prayers and for the opportunity to learn skills that empower and strengthen me.” – Lily

For more information, please visit: hopefulgifts.ca 

BCY Regional Newsletter

November 2024

Giving Tuesday Tackles Food Insecurity in 2024

December 3, 2024 marks the third year in which CBWC has actively participated in the National Day of Giving, known as Giving Tuesday. The first year, we raised funds for our Ukranian church in Manitoba to help with the influx of refugees. Last year, our focus was on collecting donations to go towards disaster relief.  This year, we are excited to support three churches—one from each region—with their Christmas food programs!

Dauphin First Baptist Church provide meals twice a month through their hot meal program. As part of their program, they make a large Christmas meal with all the fixings and feed around 300 people.

The North Okanagan Community Chaplaincy, in partnership with Vernon First Baptist Church, has a regular street ministry. On December 15, they will host a Christmas dinner and hand out “Blessing bags” with food, personal hygiene items, toques, mitts, socks and hand warmers.

With the devastating effects of the fire in Jasper, AB, we have decided to support the work that Jasper Park Baptist Church will be doing in helping those struggling with food shortage come December. 

Speaking of Jasper, we’ve raised over $3000 in fire recovery funding, but they could still use more help.

To support either of these important initiatives, visit cbwc.ca/donate and follow the Designation Fund dropdown menu to GivingTuesday Take Steps to End Hunger or Jasper Fire Recovery. Together we can make a difference!

Introducing our new Editor & Writer, Hannah Hamm

I’m honoured, and thankful, to have started in August 2024 with the CBWC as the Senior Editor/Writer, following the lovely Jenna Hanger. The Communications team has been very welcoming.

I’ve been a BC girl for most of my life, having grown up in Kamloops where my dad, Rev. Ray Parker, was the prison chaplain. My stint in Alberta began when I studied Education and Theology at Prairie Bible College, receiving my BRE in 1995.

And yes, for those of you who’ve guessed by my last name, it was there that I met a certain Albertan, Randy Hamm. We were married in 1996 and, after a couple of years of full time camp ministry at SABC, we moved to Vancouver to study at Regent College.

During our time in Vancouver, we had 3 kids who are now 14 (Lucia), 19 (Miranda), and 20 (Brendan). I started a music business out of our home and taught 100 kids a week—in parent-participation/group classes—for 15 years. Randy was pastoring and doing ‘freelance marriage ministry,’ and we were both very involved in church, as well as being intentional about taking time for spiritual retreat. Rivendell Retreat on Bowen Island became an integral place in our journey, as well as Barnabas Landing on Keats Island.

It was in 2011 that we found ourselves settling into lay leadership in a lovely Vancouver CBWC church for the first time (after a work transition) and we have been blessed to be part of this denomination ever since.

In 2017, we felt the timing was right to move to the interior of BC, to simplify the life of our family. Randy began seeking out a small CBWC church for us to serve in, and God clearly led us to First Baptist in Vernon, BC. We’ve been serving here for seven years now. I am especially thankful for friends and co-ministers at FBC, Dan & Sharon Watt who pastored there just before us, Grace Wulff, Laurie MacKay and Chuck Harper. As well as ministering in the area of worship and music at FBC Vernon, I work as a teacher at a local school. Most recently, in Kindergarten! (Pray for me).

I look forward to new and continued relationships in this denomination which I love. I’m pleased to be able to serve in this new way.

Dwelling in the House of the Lord

This is the final installment of the Psalm 23 reflections we’ve been offering as a way to reset our focus on the Kingdom of God and His invitation to each of us to enter His shalom. These articles are adapted with permission from CBWC Pastor Deborah Judas’ book Cultivating Shalom. We invite you to purchase the book for use in your personal devotional practices or as a group study. This reflection is brought to you by CBWC’s Banff Pastors and Spouses GIVE and GO campaign, a clergy care initiative to help as many pastors as possible join us at the conference. If you’d like to participate, visit cbwc.ca/clergycare.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing… and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever (Psalm 23:1,6)

These two bold statements frame Psalm 23. They are like bookends with all of life lived in between. We have examined life with God through the metaphor of a Shepherd caring for His sheep, traversing all sorts of terrain, and encountering different circumstances in an effort to give His sheep the best possible life. He does all of this because of His goodness and love for us.

Now we come to the end of Psalm 23 and read the psalmist’s final statement of hope, the culmination of a life lived closely with his Shepherd.

I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever

David makes both his opening and closing statements with confidence. The Psalm 23 picture is not only for the future but also for today and for all the days of our lives. We, too, can live with the same confidence as the psalmist when we begin with the belief that we lack nothing because God is with us. This is our baseline from which everything else flows and overflows!

What a beautiful and good life we have been given. It is not always an easy life, but it is one that is encompassed within God’s goodness, love, and mercy. When all is said and done, we have a choice before us. We can keep Jesus at an arm’s length, understanding that He is necessary for our salvation but not actually desiring Him as someone we walk closely with. Or we can begin to see our life through “God with us” eyes and discover the beauty of traveling the road with Jesus, enjoying the green pastures and still waters, and committing to the right paths. We do battle, trusting that the Lord is at our side as we grind through the dark valleys and face our enemies with confidence. And we feast at the table as we celebrate all of life.

Now, we face the biggest leap—from theory to action. We must choose to move from knowing to doing, living out this life while trusting that God is with us in all things. You might be wondering how one gets started. The best place to begin is with who you are and where you are right now. It’s appropriate to start with your true self because this is who God created and whom He wants to bless.

From there, we embark on the journey to transformation. We don’t merely drift into transformation. Life with Jesus is an intentional life, uniquely given to each of us for a particular purpose. Again, through awareness, disciplines, and practices, we create the conditions where the Holy Spirit can transform us.

It is also a journey of discovery as we give the Holy Spirit our attention. There is so much to learn and experience and enjoy! We know that not everything is certain. However, we have a good life not because of what does or does not happen but because God is good, and our souls are intimately connected to Him. This is how we step wholeheartedly into our lives. This is how we embrace all aspects of life and live it to the full! This is how we are sure to discover that God’s goodness and love does indeed follow us all the days of our lives.

This is an ordinary life filled with extraordinary power.

May the fullness of shalom be upon you today and every day until Lord’s return, when His glory will fill the whole earth. May you flourish in all you are and everything you do.

May you feel the welcoming delight of God over you. May joyful wonder flow out of your spirit inspiring the world around you.

May you be faithful to your calling and experience the joy of serving and loving others.

May you live confidently in the goodness and love of God, and may you be restored to wholeness as you walk with your Shepherd. Amen.

Join us in prayer for rest, restoration and shalom for all our clergy, and especially those joining us at BPC November 11-14. Watch for highlights from the conference in next month’s Making Connections!

HeartSmart HR: Year End Updates & Reminders

It is hard to believe that we are closing in on the end of 2024—the year has flown by! Last November, I wrote an article about how a good compensation package rooted in Christ-like attitudes demonstrates how well churches care for their staff, and in turn, how this impacts the church’s effectiveness and reputation. As churches are now gathering to approve 2025 budgets and wrap up the end of the fiscal year, here are a few updates and reminders for consideration:

• Last year, the CBWC joined forces with CBM and the CBOQ to create customized accounting software that could be utilized by all partners, allowing us all to operate more cost effectively. We are joining forces again in 2025 by bringing the administration of our Canadian Baptist Group Insurance Plan in-house. AGA Benefits Solutions (formerly J&D Benefits) and in particular, Linda Bissonnette, has done a wonderful job enrolling, invoicing, and caring for our churches and members since we moved to the national plan in 2017. We are thankful for their many years of service to us. By collectively hiring our own benefits administrator, we are able to bring our plan administration costs down while adding “exclusive” member service. Details of these changes will be shared in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!

• This fall, our Regional Administrators emailed the updated 2025 Salary Guide along with the COLA Letter to churches. The CBWC provides churches with an annual recommendation for cost-of-living adjustments to salaries in keeping with Canada’s rate of inflation. The salary grid assists our churches in determining fair compensation for their pastor(s).

• Preparations should be made to issue new Clergy Residence Deduction (CRD) forms, the T1223, for ordained or credentialed pastors and staff. For those requiring deduction at source, the T1213 must be issued. The T1213 should be completed by mid-November each year, as it may take the CRA up to 4-6 weeks to approve applications.

• As soon as the fiscal year ends, T4 slips must be issued to staff. Please remember to include taxable benefit amounts for staff enrolled in our Canadian Baptist Benefits Plan who have group life insurance. AGA Benefits Solutions will be issuing a taxable benefit report to each church along with the December billing, with each member’s benefit amount to be included in Box 40 of their T4.

• If your church uses a third-party payroll company, you will need to reconcile any special payments or adjustments that were made to staff payroll with the payroll system. Also, please check to ensure that the year-end (YTD) payroll and statutory deductions for CPP, EI and federal taxes reconcile with your payroll journals. You want to make certain that accurate T4 information is correctly filed with CRA to avoid a PIER notice (Pension and Insurable Earning Review) being issued. As always, please be sure that T4 and T4A slips are filed on time, preferably by the end of January.

If you have questions or need clarification related to Human Resources or closing out your church’s year-end, please contact the CBWC office for assistance. We remain incredibly grateful to those of you who minister to and serve the church by carrying out these critical duties.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

Copyright ©  2024 Canadian Baptists of Western Canada, All rights reserved.

Making Connections is the monthly newsletter of the CBWC.

Heartland Regional Newsletter September 2024

Allowing Jesus to be Lord—In all Areas

By Mark Doerksen

As you read this, summer may well be nearing its end, but I thought I would write about an experience I had on one of my weeks of vacation this summer.

We had a family wedding to attend in Vancouver, but for a few days prior to that, we decided to take the train from Vancouver to Seattle and spend a few days there. We visited the Pike Market, and even found ourselves at the Starbucks Reserve restaurant, where some Starbucks coffee is roasted. Mary and I would make our way there in the early morning, waiting for the kids to wake up and join us.

I had decided before the trip to read a book by Wendell Berry called The Hidden Wound. It’s a book about his experience as a farmer from Kentucky, whose family had owned slaves some time earlier. I appreciated his witness, as he relayed the experiences of his childhood, and hearing the stories of previous generations of his family. Berry noted that he had inherited the constraints of racism, and he was trying to figure out how to recover and respond to the reality that he found himself in.

One of the examples Berry gives in his book has to do with local churches during the time of segregation. In an incisive way, Berry writes about (critiques) the church, and messages from the pulpit in that era, how the main message was about how to get to heaven without obeying the moral imperatives of the Scriptures. Practically, masters and slaves would attend church together at times, and the only way that could happen was if the gospel was “hollowed out”—that is, certain parts of the Bible were ignored altogether so that both races could attend church together.

So, since my vacation, thank you Wendell Berry, I’ve been thinking about this from my perspective.Where have I hollowed out, or silenced the Scriptures, for my own life? Where do our churches hollow out the Scriptures because of the sticky situations in their context? Do I really want to know what the Scriptures say about money? Do I really want to know what the Scriptures say about greed? Do I really want to know what the Scriptures have to say about sanctification?

To make matters worse, this topic is echoed in what I have been reading in Michael Gorman’s work on the book of Romans. The message has gone from mono to stereo for me.  Gorman is famous for the word “cruciformity,” the idea that a life of faith must seek to follow the example of Jesus. He also uses the phrase believing allegiance, which means that belief must be accompanied by following Jesus as Lord. Upon retrospection, are there areas in my life where I am deliberately not allowing Jesus to be Lord?

I am not totally dismayed or discouraged. For example, I think that our churches are concerned with both a confession of faith and a deepening discipleship amongst members. There are challenges in the way to see this happen, individually, culturally, corporately, and so on, which makes me all the more grateful when I see people in our churches with faith that seeks to see Jesus as Lord. I see this regularly as I visit churches, individually and corporately—and it’s a privilege to see. Be encouraged, and keep at it!

The Peace of Christ,

Mark

Not Knowing the Answers

By Luke Rafuse, Associate Pastor of Next Gen and Outreach at Westhill Park Baptist Church

My journey into ministry began with the ministry I received from faithful men and women. I grew up in a Christian home with loving parents and a solid church family. During adolescence, I was both curious and serious about my faith but inwardly, what I was really seeking was assurance that my faith was legitimate. When I thought of my relationship with the Lord, I often found myself struggling to know for sure that I was saved or that Jesus had his hand on my life. Though I wasn’t aware at the time, I see now a lot of the questions I had really were God’s way of working out my faith as he placed people in my life who were capable of both answering and assuring me of the deeper questions in my heart.

Looking back now, I understand the Lord saw my shaky faith and guided me to a weekly Bible study outside of youth that was designated as “just for boys.” The weekly meetings consisted of Bible study but also life skills, where we learned how to cook, do laundry, maintain cars and stay in shape. The catch, however, was that this male-only weekly meeting was led by a woman in our community named Cheryl with a heart to see young men grow up to love Jesus with everything they have. She desired to see us become responsible, hard-working, honest and strong in our faith so she planned weekly meetings and tasks that would accomplish those goals. Naturally, those teenage years were a lot of fun though not without growing pains and challenges but what I cherish most about those days is that Cheryl also made time for me to process things I was struggling with and was always willing to listen and pray. It didn’t matter the subject or the issue at hand, she was willing to prioritize me and help me discover that God would meet me where I was and help me move forward under His guidance.

God used those teenage years in that small group to shape a vision in me for ministry as Cheryl poured into hours and hours of her time mentoring and shaping me and several other young men into the people God was calling us to be. That output of love made me want to do the same to others, so after High School, I attended Briercrest College and Seminary to study ministry.

But as I entered into a new season of independence, the Lord once again provided a new mentor (the former pastor of my home church!) into my life. During my four years of school, Shawn would call me to walk with God as he did. We met for lunch to go through Scripture, confess sin and pray for each other as we dealt with the challenges of life. Being formed, encouraged and loved by someone who was already far along in their walk with Christ helped me understand that finding the assurance isn’t really about knowing all the answers but knowing the One who has the answers and it further shaped the desire to go and do likewise for other young people. I knew once I finished at Briercrest, I had to follow Jesus into the places and to the people who were looking just as I was and to help them find and know the truth.

Ultimately, my being in ministry is rooted in that desire, to know Him who gave himself up for me and help others discover Him as I did. May God use us to have such an impact in our day.

This regional newsletter is published quarterly within the CBWC’s monthly newsletter, Making Connections. Have a story idea? Email our senior writer, Jenna Hanger: jhanger@cbwc.ca

Making Connections September 2024

What’s Happening in September

  • Theology for the Ordinary Book Club is THIS WEDNESDAY, September 4 at 6 pm PST using zoom. We will be discussing Forgive by Tim Keller. Contact Cindy to register: heartland@cbwc.ca 
  • National Day for Truth & Reconciliation is September 30. Resources available for your September 29 church service: agoodway.ca 
  • Banff Conference: November 11-14. Make sure to sign up before Earlybird Deadline September 10! cbwc.ca/bpc 
  • Board Development Essentials Video Series has launched! We hope you’ll use these free, 5-minute primers in your Board or Elders meetings this year. cbwc.ca/boardessentials 

VBS Rules!

So many of our churches ran awesome VBS programs this summer, and a few of them shared photos with us! Check out some of the fun that was had these past couple of months. We love to see it!

 Partner Spotlight: Hopehill

Intergenerationality at Hopehill

Some of you know Hopehill. We are a ministry of the CBWC providing low-cost affordable housing to low-income seniors in the Vancouver area, “in Jesus’ name.”. Close to 400 folks call HH home. The average age of our residents is 79 years old. That’s a lot of wisdom. And to that wisdom we like to add some energy (of youth), and our seniors love it when it happens.

1. This summer, for July and August, we were glad to take on 2 students as interns. Georgia is a 2nd year University of Victoria student. Luciano is a first year Simon Fraser University student. Both return to full- time studies this fall.

2. In July, we were thrilled to have a youth group from the Summerland Baptist Church spend a day with us They were on a mission trip to the Lower Mainland.   On the day with us, they met seniors, participated in group activities, and served our residents by “sitting and listening..  We were impressed by this group of young people They were amazing.   

3. In the fall of 2024, we look forward to having the KURIOS cohort spend a week with us in their learning cycle They learn about gerontology (seniors) in the mornings, and in the afternoons get to put into practice what the morning hours taught them.  Our residents LOVE them being with us Win-Win. 

Heartland Regional Newsletter

September 2024

Jasper Update

Submitted by Rev. Roy Nickel

Dear friends,

On our return to Jasper late afternoon Friday, there was a flurry of activity coordinating with ATCO to restore gas service to both church buildings, Kurios House, and to our home (through this we learned our antique furnace in the manse needs to be replaced!)—assessing them for visible damage. Then, with hunger haunting us, I couldn’t keep from driving around town to see the aftermath. Words fail. Maybe a few don’t—Slave Lake, Ft. McMurray. You’ve seen the devastation on TV. It’s worse. Friends’ homes, historic character houses, iconic church buildings (Anglican, United). The fickle nature of the fire, sometimes taking all in its path, sometimes a single home standing, sometimes just a single home burnt! But 70% of Jasper seems to be in the same condition we left it. Surreal!

God has us here “for such a time as this” (cf. Queen Esther). Social media helps us keep in touch with our church family. A couple of single young adults won’t be back. We’ve posted personal & church updates, offering help to our friends and neighbours who have lost everything, expressing love and care for our neighbours. On Sunday, we had a “non-service”—opening our church doors for people to come for a cup of coffee or a bottle of water, hugs, prayers, conversation. While only a few came, it caught the attention of many, and we received messages of gratitude. Our prayer is that through this event the community will see Jesus in us. Some already have. We will resume services sometime in September. Steve and Ingrid are moving ahead with plans to start Kurios—we are thankful for their leadership, their contributions to our church, and their friendship!

Insurance says the ceiling insulation in the brick church and in Kurios House needs replacing. Ash and even soot were found in all four buildings. We will be out of our home for a couple more weeks as it undergoes a professional deep clean. What we thought was unconscionable delays (selling the old church) has turned out to be a blessing. We are serving as a dormitory for a couple of weeks for Team Rubicon, who is on site to help people sift through the ashes. Later, we will use the sanctuary for a donation site and help the United Church resume their thrift store. We are offering the use of our new church to the United and Anglican churches to meet. The Sunday school rooms, washrooms, kitchen, and lounge will be temporary residences for a couple of families. God knew!

THANK YOU for all your phone calls, e-mails, and messages of love, encouragement, and offers of support!! Please pray that we will have patience, courage, strength, and wisdom. There is great trauma that affects us all, especially those who have lost everything. We ALL grieve over our wounded town, but there’s a sense of resolve to band together and rebuild. Jasper WILL be back!

With a grateful heart, on behalf of Jasper Park Baptist Fellowship and our town,

Rev. Roy Nickel

Shalom in Enemy Territory

This reflection is brought to you by CBWC’s Banff Pastors and Spouses GIVE and GO campaign, a clergy care initiative to help as many pastors as possible to join us at Banff Pastors and Spouses Conference this November. Early bird deadline for BPC registration is September 10, so make sure the clergy in your life are signed up to join us! cbwc.ca/bpc

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows (Psalm 23:5).

Imagine being invited by a really close friend to a dinner party.

You’ve been looking forward to it all week because you know your friend is a fabulous host and wonderful chef. It promises to be an amazing evening. When you arrive at the gathering, your friend welcomes you and ushers you into the dining room, only to discover all the other guests are people who have caused you hurt, betrayal, and disappointment in life—and they are sitting at the table! Your host sees the look on your face and, in a weak attempt at reassurance, tells you not to worry and promptly invites you to sit down and eat.

Why would your friend do this to you?

Or perhaps more perplexing, why would the Good Shepherd invite David’s enemies to the celebration in Psalm 23?

We all know our world is broken, and we realize that we ourselves are broken. In some ways, it feels like we are living in enemy territory every day. Our values feel attacked. The pressure and competition of the world is on us. We put on airs of confidence and don our false masks in order to convince people we are worthy of their employment, recruitment, and even friendship. Our enemies often include people we cannot forgive. However, more often than not, our enemies are also more vague and illusive things like thought distortions, temptations, and strongholds—those worries that plague us night and day in the aftermath of life-changing events. All of this can leave us haggard and worn out.

And yet… there are still those moments when the kingdom of God breaks through, and we catch shalom sightings. For me, the simplicity of sitting at a farmers’ market on a beautiful day in the midst of great uncertainty evoked a sense of peace and joyful wonder. In fact, I have decided to rename this farmers’ market moment and call it a kingdom moment, because in this time of unsureness, it gave me a glimpse of a beautiful world that felt whole and right, where everything was as it should be. It was within this ordinary life occasion where goodness crowded out the anxiety, and I received a gift of shalom from God to me.

God is in this broken world. He has gone before us already and scouted everything out. Nothing catches Him off guard, not even a pandemic. Not even a war. He knows where the predators are even when we can’t see them. Psalm 23 reminds us more than ever, to stay close to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and not wander off on our own. It urges us to pay attention to the quiet ways in which God shows up and reassures us that He is indeed with us. Shalom guides the soul back to God and points us to the hope of Christ in a broken world.

He Anoints My Head with Oil
In the midst of grazing in the alpine meadows, enjoying the best grass and the freshest water, sheep are still surrounded by predators and often tormented by unwanted pests. However, the shepherd is always watching for parasites of this sort, and at the first sign of infestation, he immediately applies a remedy which is a linseed oil concoction. This oil is applied to the sheep’s head, and there is an immediate transformation. The sheep’s fear and agitation give way to lying down in peaceful contentment.

Oil has a very symbolic meaning in the Bible. It represents the presence and power of the Spirit of God. Jesus was often referred to as the Anointed One, using oil as a metaphor for the Holy Spirit being present and acting in Christ.

So it is within this backdrop—remembering that David had been shepherd himself, that Psalm 23:5 is written—giving a picture of an extravagantly set table filled with an endless buffet of gourmet food, yet surrounded by the presence of enemies. The Good Shepherd knows David’s fears and immediately puts him at rest by anointing his head with oil, symbolically declaring the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

But here’s the startling revelation. If you notice, the enemies are sandwiched in between the feast (joy!) and the anointing of oil (power!). The enemies don’t stand a chance.

We can feast with joy and rest in the truth that the Lord is our Shepherd, and we lack nothing. We sit in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Congratulations Trinity Baptist Preschool!

By Jenna Hanger

Yesterday marked an exciting milestone for Trinity Baptist Church in Sherwood Park, AB, as they cut the ribbon and celebrated the grand opening of their new preschool building.  

The preschool has been a meaningful ministry for the church and community for the past nearly three decades. After running for a few years out of the church basement, it was moved into what was planned to be a temporary building in the parking lot in 1999. Now, 24 years later, the new building is open and ready for the 30 three- to four-year-old registered preschoolers this fall.  

“The preschool means a lot to members of our church, and it means a lot to people in the community. My own son was a student at the preschool years ago,” says Ashley Winkel, the Children and Family Ministries’ Pastor and Director of the preschool.  

“Even now I meet young adults with ties to the preschool from twelve to fifteen years ago. It’s really neat to see a ministry with this kind of longevity and to see it set up so well now. It feels like there are no limitations to this ministry and to how it will impact our little world around us.”  

An exciting feature of this building, which CBWC was honoured to be a part of via the C2 grant, is inclusion accessibility. The long, outdoor ramp and some bathroom features will allow every child access to the building and programs.   

“Our building now doesn’t have hinderances or barriers. Every child can come and be a part of our playground. It actually brings a tear to my eye,” Ashley said. “I am excited to have kids who are a part of our program just be able to get in and out of the building when before, it was such a struggle.”  

The theme for the preschool comes from Zechariah 4:10: “Do not despise these small beginnings”—a reminder that this phase in the lives of the little ones starting school and their families is such a special, significant time. Ashley shared that they love and take seriously the opportunity to be a part of such a formative part of life for these families. 

When asked what practical tips she had for parents with first time preschoolers, Ashley shared one of the most helpful things to do is to have intentional conversations at home.  

“If you have the ability to go to your preschool ahead of time, that is great. Put pictures of teachers up on the fridge. Talk about it at bedtime, and include it in your prayers together,” Ashley said.  

“I think as parents, when we talk about these things, we might be feeling more anxiety about it than the kids are feeling. So, to be calm and joyful about this big milestone really helps them feel like, ‘Oh this is an okay thing. It’s big and important but it’s okay too’.”   

Banff: A Personal Perspective & What to Bring When You Join Me

By Hannah Hamm

Maybe this sounds familiar— “When through the woods, and forest glades I wander… When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur…then sings my soul to Thee!” This could be an excerpt from my journal the last time I was at the CBWC pastors & spouses retreat in Banff, AB.

My husband and I, with the full support of our church council—which we do not take for granted—have made it a priority to be at this gathering for several years now. All aspects of this retreat are a feast for your physical and spiritual senses. The VENUE is unparalleled, and you will have ample time to explore both the castle, the grounds, and the town of Banff. The catered MEALS will more than satisfy your hunger, delighting your eyes and imagination just as much as your stomach. Another gift during mealtimes is long, unhurried CONVERSATION time with just a few table mates—maybe a new connection or maybe someone you haven’t seen since the last retreat. The SESSIONS are packed full of meaningful worship (well-led and planned by someone other than you), prayerful blessings, and directly relevant teaching. I have consistently found myself moved by one or all of these elements each day at the retreat. A favourite place for me—and others with a smaller social battery like myself—is the spiritual formation area, Stillpoint. Take TIME TO BE ALONE with your Maker, and the Maker of all the splendour framed by the huge windows. Maybe do some art, or pray in a new way, or just sit and listen for the voice of Love.

If you’re still not convinced this is worth asking your church council for, maybe consider the natural, spring-fed outdoor pool just outside an epic, historic indoor aquatic centre. I can’t even count the hours or the deep conversations I’ve had while floating there, surrounded by mountain grandeur during the day and brilliant stars by night.

So, now that you’re asking your church council to consider sending you, here’s what you should plan to bring.

– Comfortable clothes and your bathing suit
– Exercise clothing if you’d like to use the hotel facilities (these are generously offered on loan by the hotel, if requested; ask Randy Hamm how to access this perk)
– Walking shoes or boots for unforgettable outdoor exploration
– Weather depending, you may need winter gear for outdoor warmth
– Notebook or journal
– Your own access to the Scriptures

All linens and many toiletries are provided by the hotel

Come find me if you are attending with an extroverted pastor spouse and need coping strategies! Hope to see you there and may your soul sing. ~Hannah Hamm.

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Making Connections is the monthly newsletter of the CBWC.