2010 Theme: ‘i 4 Mission’

February 26-28, 2010

Seminar Sessions

Session A – LIVE FAITHFULLY (10.30 a.m. to noon)

Session A-1: What happens on Monday: Living out our call – Terry Smith
Many people struggle to live out their calling in the world. On the one hand their discipleship compels them to a ‘busyness’ that is monopolized by church activities. On the other hand, they want to be faithful to the call of God’s people in the world. What happens when they step out of church and into the world?

Session A-2: Living as Churches in the Borderlands – Gary Nelson
Let’ s take this discussion of missional church beyond theory and make it practical. What does it mean to be a people called the church who actually and truly engage their communities around them incarnationally and meaningfully. How do we learn to celebrate the things that we doing and yet move deeper into that call of God.

Session A-3: The Other Six Days: Making A Difference in the Marketplace – Mel and Susan Finlay
Mission opportunities are as close as your co-workers desk, or the food court where you have your lunch. But, like so many areas of life, certain protocols need to be observed. This workshop will explore how to be an engaging Christian and servant to those around you, while being true to our Lord and an exemplary employee. Particular emphasis will be given to the multi-cultural realities of the workplace.

Session A-4: We’re Engaged: Every Believer is a Missionary – Cheryle R.C. Hanna
The course setting and direction of believers is not optional but has been mandated by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as found in two passages of scripture: the Great Commandment in Matthew 22:37-40 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. In this workshop we will look at the instructions of Christ for all believers and chart a course of action, only then can we say that we are carrying out the mission of the one we love the most!

Session A-5: Hunger For Change – Gordon King
The world crossed a new threshold in July 2009. Over one billion people suffer from chronic hunger. This workshop will give attention to issues of consumption and production. Consideration will be given to the competition between automobiles and people for grain as a result of increased demand for biofuels. We will look at the prospects of increased crop production from farmers in developing countries with small landholdings.

Session B – LIVE JUSTLY (1 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.)

Session B-6: Life on the Refugee Highway – Cathie Phillips
Every year, millions of people are forced to flee their homes and countries in a desperate attempt to escape violence, persecution and injustice. The long – and often dangerous – journey to a place of safety is called the refugee highway. Learn more about this issue with Cathie Phillips, CBM Global Field Staff working with refugees in the Middle East.

Session B-7: Aid to Africa: Is it really making a difference? – Rupen Das
Africa is the largest recipient of overseas development assistance through both governments and private funding, but has international aid actually improved the lives of average Africans? Does aid really make a difference? The answer is much more complex than a simple yes or no. Is our responsibility to live justly mean merely providing aid or are we also called to seek justice and dignity for all individuals made in the image of God?

Session B-8: The Power of the Ordinary: Living the mustard seed Lifestyle of God – Gary Nelson and Jennifer Lau
Why have we lived for 2000 years as if the Sermon on the Mount and the values of the Beatitudes do not apply to us? How do we understand the call to live justly as a call to the “little things” of life and why does it make a difference? Practical guidelines for thoughtful decision making around discipleship to Christ’s call to “living justly.”

Session B-9: First Nations-Can you hear their voices? – Faith Holwyn
Explore ministry to First Nations people in Canada. This workshop will provide a brief historical overview of the impact of the church on reserves and native people; listen to the voices of native people and those currently in ministry; explore storytelling and circles as ways to communicate the gospel in culturally sensitive ways; and give participants the opportunity to share their own experiences, frustrations and goals in reaching out to urban and on-reserve native people.

Session B-10: Restoring Broken Justice – Jan Rothenburger
As Community Outreach Pastor at Yonge Street Mission's, Church @ the Mission Jan spends her time in the community to those involved in what she coins as "street trade", in downtown Toronto. Jan will share on her ministry, of reintegrating women back into the community and some of the things she's done to carry out justice in her community, as well as share some of her writings, and short videos. She will talk about some of the things Jesus did to bring justice to the poor and broken.

Session B-11: Uneasy encounters – The Street at My Doorstep – Joe Abbey-Colborne
What is demanded of us when we encounter the poor and homeless? What are we afraid of? What does it cost us to enter into dignified, mutual and respectful relationships and partnerships with people who seem so broken? This will be an interactive and participatory workshop. “If Jesus doesn't make you uncomfortable then you aren't taking him seriously."

Session C – LIVE SIMPLY (2.45 p.m. to 4.15 p.m.)

Session C-12: Caring for Creation-Simply – Paul Abell
For Paul and his family, Living Simply is an integral part of how they care for Creation. For this workshop, Caring for Creation – Simply, workshop participants will explore with Paul Living Simply as a means to caring for Creation and, most importantly, as a means to worshipping and experiencing Christ.

Session C-13: Global Issues That Hit Home – Brian Lim
How do we live out our deep concern for the world, for global justice, for ecological stewardship in our everyday lives? How might it be possible to bear witness to the values of the Kingdom of God through what we consume, through our patterns of living, and through our work? In this workshop, we will explore choices together in our individual and corporate lives that can make a positive impact in the world.

Session C-14: Called To Transform – Susan and Mel Finlay
Me – an instrument of transformation in the nation??!! Come and hear how one couple responded to God’s transforming call to become instruments for the Holy Spirit in Canada’s political arenas. Learn how you can be an instrument of transformation in the nation in ways that are engaging, practical, and grounded in Scripture.

Session C-15: Raising other Focussed Children – Miriam and Ken Little
Ken and Miriam will lead a dialogue on some practical ways we can help engage our children in caring for others both here and abroad. They will explore together how to assist children to become more other focused.