The Power of Prayer Walking
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The Power of Prayer Walking

When John Bouwers moved to Milton, Ont., to plant a church, he began by prayer walking through neighbourhoods. Ten years later, he’s witnessing God answer one of his first prayers. The first day Bouwers decided to prayer-walk the city, he drove to the southeastern corner of town, parked on a street, and started walking. “My…

Knit together
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Knit together

It was a simple beginning in a secondhand book store, several summers ago. Among a jumble of other craft books was a beautifully illustrated book of shawl patterns, perfect to take when next visiting a close friend of mine, Joyce, who is a talented knitter. The title was A Prayer Shawl Companion, written by Janet…

Grief & Springs of Hope
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Grief & Springs of Hope

A Christian Courier lead article on Lifewater Canada, “Blindness to Vision”, told the story of Jim Gehrels’ life and work to provide safe, clean water for towns in Liberia, Kenya, Nigeria and Haiti by drilling community wells. Community is the key word. Beginning in the mid-1990s, Jim organized teams of a few volunteers from Canada…

New ways to find Christ this Christmas
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New ways to find Christ this Christmas

Many people attend Christmas church services who would never otherwise set foot in a church building – and the season is upon us. How will churches host Christmas and Advent gatherings during COVID-19? How can we share the gospel during a time when so many people are ready for hope and peace? These are questions…

Not Allowed to Sing in Church? Maybe That’s a Good Thing
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Not Allowed to Sing in Church? Maybe That’s a Good Thing

There are no rollicking versions of “Way Maker” or thoughtful renditions of “O Come to the Altar” blasting over the sound systems of most churches these days. Health officials have banned corporate singing in many areas for how it can spread COVID-19, as it did at a single choir practice of 61 people in Washington, which resulted…

Let’s Connect This Fall
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Let’s Connect This Fall

Congregations have always struggled when it comes to tweaking their worship service. Worship committees may make recommendation to councils, but then council needs to seek clarification and it’s not unheard of to have a few months go by before change can occur!  COVID-19 certainly threw that process for a loop. Congregations suddenly had to deal…

Helping Children in Your Ministry Express Gratitude
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Helping Children in Your Ministry Express Gratitude

Because children are growing up in a consumer-driven world, it’s easy to fall into the habit of being me-centered. How can we intentionally nurture gratitude in their hearts so that they turn their eyes toward others too? How can we engage the faith practice of gratitude within our ministry with children?  Here are just a…

The Doctrine We Never Discuss
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The Doctrine We Never Discuss

Do you remember discussions about free will and predestination? About total depravity or limited atonement? Should women hold church office? Should the church bless faithful, covenanted same-sex marriages?  I’ve been involved in discussions on all these topics, and although they’re important, as I get older, I think that there is a doctrine that should take…