Canada, eh? Yep, Canada.
I was a guest in the home of Sieg & Margit Pudel for a few days before returning to holy ground that I first set foot on four years ago: Family Camp for the Church of God in Eastern Canada.
Sunday Aug. 12, I visited with the Hope Community Church of God in Brampton. This was a great way to experience Three Worlds. This congregation is very much an example of the Post-Modern, Post-Christian world.
In addition to being a diverse blend of folks from all around the world, they represent different ages and life experiences, too. This congregation assembles in a rented community center in a town center. Aside from the name, there is virtually nothing "Traditional World" about this congregation!
I shared with them about the Three-Worlds Team, and concept. And, of course, our journey towards Holland and the ministry that awaits us. For a run-down of those details, see here.
That afternoon, I visited Fairview Church of God in Toronto.
If you are thinking, "WOW--that building looks too good to be used by only one congregation," You are the Winner! In fact, this congregation rents space in this beautifully traditional property along with...SIX other congregations! See the "church sign" beneath!
The neat thing about this rental reality is that it allows a diverse swath of faith groups to worship in a "holy (set-apart)" place. What a picture of inclusion and unity! The Church of God meets for worship on Sunday afternoons @ 3 pm, with the leadership of Roger Bitner guiding them.
Here I am with Pastor Roger Bitner in their traditional worship space. For those of you familiar with Maple Grove, I felt right at home in this beautiful space! I had a great time getting to know Roger and his wife Deanna better, and they made me feel welcome in Toronto.
But perhaps the coolest feature of time with this congregation (the icing on the cake) is the congregation itself. While worshipping in a Traditional setting, this congregation epitomizes both the other worlds of Christianity: a Post-modern Post Christendom world and a Non-Western world.
This congregation illustrates the Post-modern Post-Christendom world in that they don't go the traditional route of having their own property (with all the joys and burdens that entails...), but rather they are more of a Church without walls, sort of. :-)
Additionally, though, I mentioned this congregation is Non-Western. The vast majority of this congregation are immigrants from Sri Lanka! If you do not stay abreast of global news, here are a few links to learn more about the plight of Sri Lankans.
Compassion International Blog Posts in Sri Lanka.
BBC Report from April 2011.
BBC Country Profile.
In addition to the Sri Lankan flavour to the blend of this excellent congregation, there were Americans, Canadians, Indians, South Koreans and Chinese mixed in.
This was truly a microcosm of God's Church!
What a beautiful mix of folks assembled not because of identical cultural, political or preferential reasons, but rather assembled under the one banner of God's Beloved Church.
If you can't tell, I really enjoyed worshipping with this congregation. I shared with them during the conclusion of their VBS program about the importance of Following Jesus as he leads you. No matter how scary or intimidating or sacrificial that may seem, God will provide for you and God will look out for you, for "he has plans to give us Hope and a Future."
One more thing that made time with this congregation such a treat....FOOD! I'm a sucker for potluck times of fellowship (Surprise!), and they didn't let me down.
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| My first "StopLight" Sandwich. Yum-yum. |
Thank you, Fairview Church of God, for allowing me to taste and see that the Lord is good.
Monday, I made my way to the Family Camp @ Maple Grove. A good time was had by one and all as Steve Rennick brought very challenging and encouraging Words from the Lord.
I was extended great hospitality by my brothers and sisters, especially the Pudels and Wiebes (and Aunt Linda). In addition to personal conversations, I was privileged to share a presentation on behalf of both the Church of God Peace Fellowship and Kihms3w!
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