Connection With a Purpose
Centre for Public Dialogue
“Connecting with congregations is one of the most important (and rewarding!) parts of my role in serving as a Justice Mobilizer for Canadian Ministries. For me, visiting a region or classis is an opportunity to share resources, build relationships, and to encourage and listen closely to local leaders and justice advocates” said staff Cindy Stover.
The Centre for Public Dialogue was able to build these relationships and connections across the country on a variety of issues over the past year. Before the pandemic staff was able to travel around Ontario and Alberta at the request of churches to offer several engaging workshops. These connections proved important on issues such as changes to Medical Assistance in Dying legislation. The Centre provided insight and action steps to churches on this important topic.
Supporting churches went deeper still when staff was asked to join discussions with the “northern caucus” of Classis B.C. North-West to help discern some steps in the reconciliation journey during the Wet’suwet’en crisis.
As the Centre adapted to the changing realities of the pandemic, digital tools provided new ways to connect with churches. A new video series, released for World Refugee Day, provided a timely update on the impacts of the pandemic on refugees. Webinars also became an important way the Centre was able to connect with church members.
To learn more about the Centre for Public Dialogue or to see financial information from several congregational service ministries, please read the PDF report.
The Centre for Public Dialogue was able to build these relationships and connections across the country on a variety of issues over the past year. Before the pandemic staff was able to travel around Ontario and Alberta at the request of churches to offer several engaging workshops. These connections proved important on issues such as changes to Medical Assistance in Dying legislation. The Centre provided insight and action steps to churches on this important topic.
Supporting churches went deeper still when staff was asked to join discussions with the “northern caucus” of Classis B.C. North-West to help discern some steps in the reconciliation journey during the Wet’suwet’en crisis.
As the Centre adapted to the changing realities of the pandemic, digital tools provided new ways to connect with churches. A new video series, released for World Refugee Day, provided a timely update on the impacts of the pandemic on refugees. Webinars also became an important way the Centre was able to connect with church members.
To learn more about the Centre for Public Dialogue or to see financial information from several congregational service ministries, please read the PDF report.
Disability Concerns
Valuing Complete Participation
Disability Concerns has consulted with many churches throughout the years to help them create communities in which everyone belongs and has opportunity to serve, including Chelwood CRC in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This congregation has welcomed people with disabilities for over 30 years after a leader at Chelwood received a phone call from a mom asking if her son could attend, because he was not welcome in other churches.
Opening the doors to this one family has had a massive impact on what it means for this church to be in community. As member Sherry Tenclay noted, “Currently, 25 percent of our congregation is persons with developmental disabilities. When we asked ourselves, ‘where is God working?’ we only had to look around the room.”
Recently, Phillip Longley was ordained as a deacon there. Philip began attending Chelwood years ago with a friend from his group home. Initially tentative, he gradually became an integral part of the church: attending council meetings as an active observer, taking the offering on a regular basis, signing up to serve in various ministries, and recently co-presenting at a Joni & Friends Irresistible Church Conference. Tenclay observed, “Phillip has seen himself as a deacon for a long time.”
Chelwood models God’s call to turn away from prejudice against people with disabilities, instead welcoming and fully engaging God’s people. When asked about their decision to encourage Phillip and others to be active participants in the life of the church, Tenclay responded, “We believe that each of us is created in God’s image. God values each of us and invites us, with arms open wide, to continually develop a more vibrant relationship with him. Therefore, we welcome persons with developmental disabilities, their families and their caregivers to join us as we explore what this means for all of us.
To learn more about Disability Concerns or to review financial information from several congregational service ministries, please read the PDF report.
Opening the doors to this one family has had a massive impact on what it means for this church to be in community. As member Sherry Tenclay noted, “Currently, 25 percent of our congregation is persons with developmental disabilities. When we asked ourselves, ‘where is God working?’ we only had to look around the room.”
Recently, Phillip Longley was ordained as a deacon there. Philip began attending Chelwood years ago with a friend from his group home. Initially tentative, he gradually became an integral part of the church: attending council meetings as an active observer, taking the offering on a regular basis, signing up to serve in various ministries, and recently co-presenting at a Joni & Friends Irresistible Church Conference. Tenclay observed, “Phillip has seen himself as a deacon for a long time.”
Chelwood models God’s call to turn away from prejudice against people with disabilities, instead welcoming and fully engaging God’s people. When asked about their decision to encourage Phillip and others to be active participants in the life of the church, Tenclay responded, “We believe that each of us is created in God’s image. God values each of us and invites us, with arms open wide, to continually develop a more vibrant relationship with him. Therefore, we welcome persons with developmental disabilities, their families and their caregivers to join us as we explore what this means for all of us.
To learn more about Disability Concerns or to review financial information from several congregational service ministries, please read the PDF report.
Indigenous Ministry
Learning and Engaging with Reconciliation
Footsteps fall slowly as people move across blankets laid on the floor. Slowly the blankets are folded up and put away as a metaphor for Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples. Across the land we call Canada, CRC church members have been learning and engaging with reconciliation through the KAIROS Blanket Exercise and other types of training.
The Canadian Indigenous Ministry Committee hosted a Blanket Exercise with over 50 participants last year, helping people consider the land we call Canada more carefully. Churches and individuals were encouraged to think more deeply about reconciliation through blogs, prayers, speakers and workshops. Learning was also turned to action in many communities across the country.
On the land of Winnipeg, the Indigenous Family Centre continued to minister through COVID-19 and beyond. They are focusing their efforts on creating a community of healing for children and their families. Creating space for the Spirit to work, they met people on their doorsteps and outside their building to continue building relationships of trust and faith.
In response to the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Indigenous Christian Fellowship (Regina) staff and volunteers had to make substantial program changes. The daily practice of hospitality in the ministry was changed into take-out services at the entry door. In addition, ICF staff delivered 91 soup and bannock meals and 98 breakfast packages to elders and other shut-ins.
Edmonton Native Healing Centre was one of the few Edmonton organizations that kept its doors open throughout COVID-19 with safety protocols in place. We praise God that the staff remained healthy and safe. Over the past year the Centre received over 7,000 visits.
To learn more about the CRCNA's Indigenous Ministry or to review financial information from several congregational service ministries, please read the PDF report.
The Canadian Indigenous Ministry Committee hosted a Blanket Exercise with over 50 participants last year, helping people consider the land we call Canada more carefully. Churches and individuals were encouraged to think more deeply about reconciliation through blogs, prayers, speakers and workshops. Learning was also turned to action in many communities across the country.
On the land of Winnipeg, the Indigenous Family Centre continued to minister through COVID-19 and beyond. They are focusing their efforts on creating a community of healing for children and their families. Creating space for the Spirit to work, they met people on their doorsteps and outside their building to continue building relationships of trust and faith.
In response to the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Indigenous Christian Fellowship (Regina) staff and volunteers had to make substantial program changes. The daily practice of hospitality in the ministry was changed into take-out services at the entry door. In addition, ICF staff delivered 91 soup and bannock meals and 98 breakfast packages to elders and other shut-ins.
Edmonton Native Healing Centre was one of the few Edmonton organizations that kept its doors open throughout COVID-19 with safety protocols in place. We praise God that the staff remained healthy and safe. Over the past year the Centre received over 7,000 visits.
To learn more about the CRCNA's Indigenous Ministry or to review financial information from several congregational service ministries, please read the PDF report.
Office of Social Justice
The Story of Plastic
Almost 400 people registered for movie screenings across North America as part of the Climate Witness Project’s The Story of Plastic series. Participants were invited to watch a free screening of the film The Story of Plastic and then sign up for one of six discussion groups facilitated by regional organizers. Organizers are located across North America and, as a result, discussions were hosted in Mountain, Central and Eastern time zones!
The series came to fruition when staff and regional organizers were looking for ways to connect with partners digitally during the pandemic. The film series offered an opportunity for interested people from across North America to enjoy a free screening of the film and a lively discussion group with suggestions for action.
In the words of one participant, “I love taking part in events like these! I really valued the session and hearing the input of others especially since we had a very diverse group… The group was filled with commitment and I personally get a renewal of energy by speaking with others who are motivated to make positive changes for the betterment of the world. Thank you for offering this opportunity to gather.”
By engaging in discussions about our use of plastics we encourage one another to reflect on how to care for creation and combat the climate crisis.
To learn more about the Office of Social Justice or to see financial information from several congregational service ministries, please read the PDF report.
The series came to fruition when staff and regional organizers were looking for ways to connect with partners digitally during the pandemic. The film series offered an opportunity for interested people from across North America to enjoy a free screening of the film and a lively discussion group with suggestions for action.
In the words of one participant, “I love taking part in events like these! I really valued the session and hearing the input of others especially since we had a very diverse group… The group was filled with commitment and I personally get a renewal of energy by speaking with others who are motivated to make positive changes for the betterment of the world. Thank you for offering this opportunity to gather.”
By engaging in discussions about our use of plastics we encourage one another to reflect on how to care for creation and combat the climate crisis.
To learn more about the Office of Social Justice or to see financial information from several congregational service ministries, please read the PDF report.
Safe Church Ministry
Equipping Safe Church Teams
This October, Safe Church advocates were planning to gather in Grand Rapids for a bi-annual Safe Church Conference, which this year was to focus on our Safe Church Coordinators. As we watched the world shut down due to the pandemic, the staff of Safe Church Ministry realized that they needed to re-imagine what this event could look like. In the meantime, Safe Church has increased the number of webinars in its series, Connect, Collaborate, and Coordinate to End Abuse, which has been a highlight in 2020.
Classis Safe Church Coordinators and team leaders live out the work of safe church ministry within their own church and classis. A major part of the work of Safe Church Ministry is offering training and resources to ensure that this network of volunteers has the necessary tools to do their work. Our 2020 webinar series helped equip safe church leaders, and offered educational opportunities for congregations and other ministry leaders in abuse prevention and response.
At time of this writing, the webinars that will complete our 2020 series are yet to be determined. We are thankful that out of a challenging situation, we have been able to develop a sense of community connecting with one another around these important issues, and at the same time create resources that will have longevity for our ministry. Some are slated to become part of our forthcoming Safe Church Team Building Toolkit.
To learn more about Safe Church Ministry or to review financial information from several congregational service ministries, please read the PDF report.
Classis Safe Church Coordinators and team leaders live out the work of safe church ministry within their own church and classis. A major part of the work of Safe Church Ministry is offering training and resources to ensure that this network of volunteers has the necessary tools to do their work. Our 2020 webinar series helped equip safe church leaders, and offered educational opportunities for congregations and other ministry leaders in abuse prevention and response.
- January: We introduced the webinar series, with a bit of Safe Church history and a discussion of our guiding goals.
- March: We discussed and shared examples of how to create a safe church team.
- April: Ruth Everhart, author of The #MeToo Reckoning, shared from her own and other’s experiences of abuse within the church and offered a call to action to take a stand against complacency.
- May: Chuck DeGroat, author of When Narcissism Comes to Church, spoke about the systemic issues of narcissism and how to identify and eradicate it.
- June: Yvonne Lammers and Patricia Van Reenan, Safe Church Coordinators from Classis Chatham, led us through how to respond and journey with people who have a criminal history.
- July: Tara Boer, Safe Church Coordinator in Classes Iakota and Heartland, taught us about the effects of childhood trauma and how to support individuals who have experienced it.
- Aug: Boz Tchividjian, founder of Grace (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) will speak to us about his many years of experience empowering Christian communities to recognize, prevent and respond to abuse.
- Sept: Jay Stringer, licensed mental health counselor and author of the award-winning book Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing.
At time of this writing, the webinars that will complete our 2020 series are yet to be determined. We are thankful that out of a challenging situation, we have been able to develop a sense of community connecting with one another around these important issues, and at the same time create resources that will have longevity for our ministry. Some are slated to become part of our forthcoming Safe Church Team Building Toolkit.
To learn more about Safe Church Ministry or to review financial information from several congregational service ministries, please read the PDF report.
World Renew
Among Luckery Feeds her Children
Before COVID-19 changed the world in March 2020, Among Luckery, age 37, was successfully improving her life. The hardworking mom of 12 children (9 sons and 3 daughters) is separated from her husband and lives with her parents in Agererer, Uganda. Among was growing her small business and supporting her family by participating in her Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) with a World Renew church partner in her community. However, her opportunities narrowed precipitously during the coronavirus lockdown.
When the Ugandan government banned regional travel to stop the spread of the virus, Among could no longer purchase goods from traveling salesmen. Without income from selling fish and vegetables at the local markets, she struggled to repay her current loan from her VSLA. She and the women in her group stopped saving in a joint account because they could no longer spare even a few cents each week. Their few funds ran out and with the travel ban in place for some time, there was little food even available to purchase locally. No government officials came to offer help.
“Feeding my household is my greatest problem,” Luckery said. “I can no longer provide food for my children like I used to when I was operating my business. Now we all get up early and look for fieldwork on other people’s farms. In the afternoons, we work a small plot of land my parents gave me, growing cowpeas, okra, and peanuts. Usually we can only afford one meal a day.” Among said her goal is to earn 5,000 Uganda Shillings a day. That is about $1.50 in the U.S. and Canada.
World Renew and our church partner in Agereger are providing Among’s VSLA group with cowpea, sorghum, and mung bean seeds, pesticides, spraying equipment, and training to ensure a good harvest. The women work together to earn income and by sharing the day jobs they get, they manage to feed their families.
“Soon we hope to receive soap, hand sanitizer, and face masks through World Renew and our VSLA,” Among said. By working with partners who can reach families, even when World Renew staff cannot due to the pandemic, we continue to share the gospel of Christ in word and deed. Through this work, the depth of God's love can be seen during the most difficult times of suffering.
Communities that were already on the edge of survival before the pandemic, like Among Luckery and her VSLA group in Agererer, are experiencing increasing poverty and food insecurity during the COVID-19 outbreak. We are challenged by our church partners in Uganda; their great commitment to reach out to neighbors both near and far even when they are also in the midst of suffering, loss and limited resources is an inspiration. It is predicted that another 130 million people will be plunged into extreme poverty in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. For such a time as this, World Renew’s mission is to live out Micah 6:8, living justly, loving mercy, and serving Christ.
To learn more about or to review financial information from World Renew, please read the PDF report.
When the Ugandan government banned regional travel to stop the spread of the virus, Among could no longer purchase goods from traveling salesmen. Without income from selling fish and vegetables at the local markets, she struggled to repay her current loan from her VSLA. She and the women in her group stopped saving in a joint account because they could no longer spare even a few cents each week. Their few funds ran out and with the travel ban in place for some time, there was little food even available to purchase locally. No government officials came to offer help.
“Feeding my household is my greatest problem,” Luckery said. “I can no longer provide food for my children like I used to when I was operating my business. Now we all get up early and look for fieldwork on other people’s farms. In the afternoons, we work a small plot of land my parents gave me, growing cowpeas, okra, and peanuts. Usually we can only afford one meal a day.” Among said her goal is to earn 5,000 Uganda Shillings a day. That is about $1.50 in the U.S. and Canada.
World Renew and our church partner in Agereger are providing Among’s VSLA group with cowpea, sorghum, and mung bean seeds, pesticides, spraying equipment, and training to ensure a good harvest. The women work together to earn income and by sharing the day jobs they get, they manage to feed their families.
“Soon we hope to receive soap, hand sanitizer, and face masks through World Renew and our VSLA,” Among said. By working with partners who can reach families, even when World Renew staff cannot due to the pandemic, we continue to share the gospel of Christ in word and deed. Through this work, the depth of God's love can be seen during the most difficult times of suffering.
Communities that were already on the edge of survival before the pandemic, like Among Luckery and her VSLA group in Agererer, are experiencing increasing poverty and food insecurity during the COVID-19 outbreak. We are challenged by our church partners in Uganda; their great commitment to reach out to neighbors both near and far even when they are also in the midst of suffering, loss and limited resources is an inspiration. It is predicted that another 130 million people will be plunged into extreme poverty in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. For such a time as this, World Renew’s mission is to live out Micah 6:8, living justly, loving mercy, and serving Christ.
To learn more about or to review financial information from World Renew, please read the PDF report.
Office of Race Relations
Supporting Multiracial Church Leaders
Race Relations offers scholarships each year to students attending Calvin Theological Seminary or any of the colleges affiliated with the CRC. By granting scholarships, we develop multiracial leaders who train for, and engage in a worldwide ministry of racial reconciliation in church and society.
Of the seven students who received Race Relations scholarships this year, five of them are at Calvin Theological Seminary: Charles Kyalo Muting'a, from Kenya; “Joshua”, from China; Hoon Jae Lee, from South Korea; On You Song, from South Korea; and Sunghak Yang, from South Korea. In addition, Yah Hyun “Daniel” Kim, from China, studies at Calvin University, and Nathan Roldan, from the United States, attends Trinity Christian College.
Rev. Charles Muting’a has believed in Jesus since he was 10 years old. When God called him to service, he joined Scott Christian University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in theology and a master’s degree in education. His wife, Eunice, and their four boys are in Kenya while Charles completes his master of arts in Pastoral Care and Leadership degree at Calvin Theological Seminary.
He attends African Community Fellowship CRC in Grand Rapids, Mich. He has served as a pastor and has trained pastors for 20 years. About his desire for justice, he writes, “I have always emphasized justice for all. . . . Christ came to break the walls of racism, tribalism, nepotism, gender, class, religion, and any form of negativity to the human race. Through Jesus Christ we are a new creation, and we are called to reconcile all people to God and to one another. The agape love of God drives me to serve God and his people with all humility. I thank God for seeing me, by his grace, as a vessel to be used by him.”
You can read about the other scholarship recipients on the Race Relations website. Scholarships are supported through the generous support of congregations to the All Nations Heritage Offering in October.
To learn more about Office of Race Relations or to review financial information from several congregational service ministries, please read the PDF report.
Of the seven students who received Race Relations scholarships this year, five of them are at Calvin Theological Seminary: Charles Kyalo Muting'a, from Kenya; “Joshua”, from China; Hoon Jae Lee, from South Korea; On You Song, from South Korea; and Sunghak Yang, from South Korea. In addition, Yah Hyun “Daniel” Kim, from China, studies at Calvin University, and Nathan Roldan, from the United States, attends Trinity Christian College.
Rev. Charles Muting’a has believed in Jesus since he was 10 years old. When God called him to service, he joined Scott Christian University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in theology and a master’s degree in education. His wife, Eunice, and their four boys are in Kenya while Charles completes his master of arts in Pastoral Care and Leadership degree at Calvin Theological Seminary.
He attends African Community Fellowship CRC in Grand Rapids, Mich. He has served as a pastor and has trained pastors for 20 years. About his desire for justice, he writes, “I have always emphasized justice for all. . . . Christ came to break the walls of racism, tribalism, nepotism, gender, class, religion, and any form of negativity to the human race. Through Jesus Christ we are a new creation, and we are called to reconcile all people to God and to one another. The agape love of God drives me to serve God and his people with all humility. I thank God for seeing me, by his grace, as a vessel to be used by him.”
You can read about the other scholarship recipients on the Race Relations website. Scholarships are supported through the generous support of congregations to the All Nations Heritage Offering in October.
To learn more about Office of Race Relations or to review financial information from several congregational service ministries, please read the PDF report.