Dear Folks,
We met in Banff in late April (April 28-30) for our bi-annual Assembly. In a newsletter two weeks ago, I described the variety of activities, and especially noted many of those to whom we wanted to give thanks for all of our work in Assembly. The Assembly’s theme this year was “The Whole Health of God”, and was keynoted by our speaker, Dr. Marva Dawn. We have covered some of the spiritual, emotional, and even relational aspects of what we mean by that theme in the Assembly material as well as in recent newsletters. Assemblies are vital and important places where we also conduct business. Listed below, in point form, are major themes that were engaged along with the particular person primarily responsible for those themes:
- By-Law Revisions: Brian Stelck led us through an important series of by-law revisions which are essential to our working together. The By-Law Committee members are: Jim Galbraith (Chair), Brian Stelck, and Axel Schoeber
- Budget: David Holten, our Treasurer, in conjunction with Carol Mager, our Budget Coordinator, and the Budget Committee members (Carol Mager, Jeremy Bell, and Michael Cantlon) worked very hard at presenting a budget, which the CBWC Board approved last March. Carol, David, and Greg Anderson, our VP of Finance, all contributed to making the budget a clear and concise presentation.
- Ministry Video Clips: A series of a ministry video clips, particularly about church planting were organized by Bob Webber, filmed by Brandon Webber, and posted in many instances by Tom Lavigne. They were an excellent introduction to many of the new churches starting in our midst.
- Shelby Gregg, as Secretary to the CBWC Board, created a list of all the CBWC Board motions that have been made since our last Assembly in 2009. It was a very helpful overview.
- Workshop Topics and Presenters: Below we have included the list of the excellent workshops that were given during Assembly. The list is included, not in an attempt to remind you of what you missed, but to put you in touch with topics and resource people in areas that might be of interest.
- I am going to wait until next week for David Holten’s last week to comment properly on his time amongst us.
God be with you.
Warmly,
In Christ,
Jeremy
HEALTHY SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Presenter: Barbara Mutch Vice President Academic, Bentall Professor of Pastoral Studies at Carey Theological College
Host: Al Grochowski
Negative media and a conservative evangelical backlash have created confusion, fear and suspicion around the topic of Spiritual Formation. Discover what Spiritual Formation is and what it is not and why it is important for YOUR life.
HEALTHY BAPTIST IDENTITY THROUGH HISTORY
Presenter: Rev. Callum Jones, Senior Pastor of FBC Penticton. Doing PhD. Studies in CBWC’s Baptist Identity and Ecumenical Relationships (1907-1986)
Host: Glenn Rabuka
This workshop will be an overview of Baptist history, with special attention to the
CBWC’s heritage and identity.
SAME GENDER ATTRACTION
Presenters: Clarke Scheibe, L’Abri Fellowship, Bowen Island, BC Lou Leventhal, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Saskatoon Monica Hof, Grandview Calvary Baptist Church, Vancouver, BC
Host: Carol Mager
At first glance, the title of this seminar/discussion may appear to be about the roles between men and women. It isn’t. This time together goes far beyond that and is concerned primarily with how some of our churches are trying to engage the issue of same gender attraction in the community. This is a time of biblical reflection and sharing journeys in a panel discussion, chaired by Jeremy Bell.
HEALTHY STEWARDSHIP: DEVELOPING GOOD HABITS
Presenters: David Holten, CBWC Director of Administration and Finance Bob Webber, CBWC Director of Ministries
Host: Jan Paasuke:
“Rules, Rules – if you Obey, then CRA will keep Away”. Is your church compliant with new Canada Revenue Rules or do you stand to lose your charitable status? Find out what you need to know to develop healthy stewardship patterns.
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH FIRST NATIONS
Presenters: Devin Seghers, Senior Pastor, FBC Prince Albert and incoming Heartland Regional Minister
Jodi Spargur: Pastor at God’s House of Many Faces, Vancouver, BC
Sean Cruikshank: Director, Quest Camp at Christopher lake, SK
Host: Michael Cantlon
Small beginnings – stories of developing relationships with First Nations Peoples in Prince Albert, Vancouver, Duncan and Quest camp.
CARING FOR CREATION: THE GOSPEL STORY MOVES US TO A RESTORED RELATIONSHIP TO CREATION
Presenter: Markku Kostamo
Host: Mary Stuber Doerksen
A Rocha is an international conservation organization working to show God’s love for all creation. Underlying all we do is our biblical faith in the living God, who made and sustains the world and entrusts it to the care of human society. It is why we are so passionate about what we do.
Markku and Leah Kostamo function as Team Leaders for A Rocha’s work in Canada. Markku serves as the Executive Director for A Rocha Canada and Leah is the lead writer and editor. They have two daughters Maya (10) and Bryn (8).
WALKING WITH THOSE WHO SUFFER
Presenter: Dr. Marva Dawn
Host: Mary Dyk Room location:
Based on her previous experiences as a disabled person with multiple handicaps, Marva Dawn will speak about the many ways that people can assist – and be comforting to –
those who suffer. This workshop will apply to all who want to be helpful to those who suffer physically, emotionally and spiritually.
DEVELOPING THE ARTS IN WORSHIP Presenter: Russ Rosen, Sandy Rosen, Brett Ziegler
Host: Donna Orr
1. VISUAL AND AURAL TEXTURES FOR WORSHIP
Presenter: Brett Ziegler
Music producer and tech geek explores the world of wonder that technology provides.
2. CREATIVE EXPRESSION AN ACT OF FAITH
Presenter: Russ Rosen
Finding the connection between faith, creativity and risky obedience when we gather to worship
3. SONG WRITING
Presenter: Russ Rosen
Regurgitation or revelation. Singing new songs for new seasons.
WOMEN IN FOCUS: BEREAVEMENT – OUR SILENT LOSSES
Presenter: Rochelle Sato
Host: Faye Reynolds Room location:
Often in women’s lives, there are stories that have never been shared – stories of loss that have never been properly grieved because of the silence or shame attached: miscarriages, adoption, incidences of abuse or attacks on personal self-worth. Rochelle will share a part of her story of silent bereavement that squelched her soul for many years and the healing grace that she found.
COMMUNICATION MATTERS: GOD SPEAKS INTO OUR RELATIONSHIPS
Presenter: Pam Borchert, Director of Children and Families at First Baptist Church Kelowna, Coordinator for CBWC Children and Families Ministries
Host: Mary Dyk
“How to talk to others so that they will listen to others so that they will talk”. Originally designed for ‘parents’ this workshop is helpful for anyone who desires to be a better communicator, focusing on the power of honor, listening, observation and waiting, therefore allowing God to speak into our relationships. Pam is passionate about communication, the potential and ‘wonder’ of children and speaks from personal experience as a mother of two awesome children, as a Speech and Language Pathologist and Preschool teacher.
LEGACY for Ministry
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Gerry Fisher, VP Stewardship and Development
Host: Carol Mager
The Canadian Baptists of Western Canada Foundation have made changes to the LEGACY for Ministry so that our investment dollars may serve the ministries of the denomination more effectively. Have a discussion with Gerry about how you may be involved in kingdom growth, leadership development and serving with justice and mercy.
THE BLANK PAGE: CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CBWC REVITALIZATION Presenter: Jan Paasuke President of the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada
Host: Jan Paasuke
If we could start with a blank page, how would you redesign the CBWC? What resources are most valuable to you, what new resources do you need and where would you like your church funds to be allocated? Bring your ideas to this conversation about rejuvenation and renewal.
SHORT-TERM MISSIONS: GETTING CONNECTED
Presenter: Nadia VanderKuip, CBWC Short Term Missions Coordinator
Host: Betty Smith
Jesus and the story of seeds. The lost art of Christian hospitality. Short Term Missions. What do these three have in common? Come to this workshop where we will explore the
everchanging face of Short Term Missions, learn about opportunities in the West and recieve resources to encourage you and your church to get involved.
CAMPING
Presenter: Bob Webber
Host: Glenn Rabuka
Camping programs provide key and opportunities for spiritual development and growth in leadership. They are wonderful places but all camps are facing challenges. How do we get there? Consider the ways for continuing the growth and health of our camps.
HOMELESSNESS: AFFORDABLE HOUSING – 3 PERSPECTIVES
Presenters: Larry and Lynn Pearce, CBWC Coordinators for Refugees and Uprooted Peoples
Jeff Dyer, Calgary Mustard Seed Loren Balisky, Kinbrace House, Grandview Calvary, Vancouver, BC
Host: Jim Galbraith
Loren Balisky – Housing for refugee claimants. Why do they come, what is the legitimacy of their claims and how do we support them beyond safe shelter? Jeff Dyer – Permanent housing for singles. The Mustard Seed’s new initiatives in supporting residents beyond shelter.
Larry Pearce – Kairos and Calgary Homeless Foundation – Acadia Place, a home for families.
COMMUNITY VENTURES: MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS
Presenter: Scott Cripps, Pastor of Awaken, Calgary
Host: Al Grochowski
Community Garden projects have proven to be a wonderful practical way to reach into communities to offer the love of Christ. Find out how this is working in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. The Bike Repair shop is a new Awaken initiative in Bowness Calgary. Could your church begin to serve its community through similar projects? Find out how you can start.
SEXUAL ADDICTIONS
Presenter: Dan Gowe
Host: Michael Cantlon
A look into the tragedy of sexual addictions and the cost to human happiness and well- being. Explore with Dan how people get trapped in the web of deceit and shame and how you can learn to walk alongside another on their journey to freedom.