Growing Together continues to be our theme for 2024, and we already see signs of growth and togetherness.
That said, in its recent history, T. West has been through some significant changes, and change can sometimes cause some dissonance, but the Church of God soldiers on. Pastoral replacements, a temporary joint worship location at Kingsview SDA, our transition back to 1621 Albion, the 60th Anniversary service, and the Official reopening. It’s been quite a ride!
We are grateful for all who were tasked to serve during these times. All did their part diligently, and I recognize for some, much more was asked of you, and you delivered. May God richly bless you all whether you continue to serve or whether you are passing the leadership baton on to others to build on what you started.
I take this opportunity to thank Pastor Michelle Clarke for her five years of service at T. West. We are grateful for her years of impactful ministry and pray for God’s blessings as she experiences a new context, growing where God wants her to be. I am grateful for all those who went to Downsview SDA to support her introduction.
In the same breath, I want to welcome Pastor Carl and Vanessa Cunningham to the T. West Church. I pray and hope that your tenure here will be a joyous experience, impacting lives that God will place in your path,
This season is also a busy one at T. West. The Easter Plays have been part of our ministry for several years.
The difference for this year is that both the writer and director are young adults who have been inspired to serve creatively. These are exciting times, and with the mentorship these young folks are receiving, I am hopeful for what God will be doing through the other young (and not-so-young) people here at T. West. Let’s be available to one other, building each other up to the glory of God.
The nominating committee is rounding up her work, and I encourage each one to be ready to serve wherever God calls. Please remember that departments and ministries are not the only ways we can serve. There are several avenues to contribute, and we will be creating other areas during our small group formation enabling us to connect.
Peter admonished, saying, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-12 (NIV)
Therefore, let us use our God given gifts to grow together.
Blessings,
Damson Oppong
Lead Pastor, Toronto West SDA Church
New Addition to the Family!
Welcome Pastor Carl Cunningham and his wife, Vanessa Cunningham! We are thrilled to have you join us in fellowship and look forward to building a strong community together.
The Christian life is like a tapestry, and fellowship is the thread that connects believers on a common religious journey.
God is actively drawing us to Himself and working to bring us into a saving relationship. Sometimes, God pulls people to His Church, the custodians of His grace, where they can unite with God's people.
We all long for connection and belonging and the Church has an opportunity to show how Christian fellowship can make a difference. We do this by showing how everyone is accepted, valued, and loved as God's beloved children.
The Christian life is like a tapestry, and fellowship is the thread that connects believers on a common religious journey. Fellowship unites Christians in a shared spiritual journey, much like the thread that binds a tapestry. From the Church's inception (Acts 2) to present, the call to grow together in fellowship has remained as crucial and relevant as ever.
The Greek word koinonia means "association, communion, fellowship, and close relationship." In this case, koinonia means sharing one's life and resources with the community of Christians. True koinonia helps people make Christ-centered friendships that allow them to share each other's happiness, sadness, carry each other's burdens. We are to generally help each other spiritually, emotionally, and financially through the ups and downs of life.
In a world filled with conflict, strife, and isolation, the imperative of Christian fellowship shines as a beacon of hope, solidarity, and mutual edification.
In Hebrews 10:24-25, Paul says, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
A Christian community is best understood as a fellowship of believers brought together in Christ as a bond of brotherhood and sisterhood.
Sister White affirms, “The church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning it has been God's plan that through His church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His sufficiency.” E.G. White, AA p. 9
Our Christian faith unites us from different backgrounds; Christians must work for "…the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3)
As Christians, we are called to share our highs and lows, successes, and failures, and know that we are part of a faith group that will be there through thick and thin. To grow as Christians, we need to live in communities where people love each other, help each other, and grow spiritually.
And so, T. West, I entreat each one to get onboard as we seek ways to draw closer to each other. We need each other – let’s strive to be each other’s keeper.
In seeking to grow together as a family, we will:
Be living out God's Word which will significantly affect how we interact as God's people.
Sharpen one another spiritually as we learn to apply God’s Word to our lives.
Commit to take steps to grow our relationship with Jesus intentionally.
Be encouraging each other to serve in ministry and mission as we share our faith regularly.
Spend quality time together to strengthen family bonds.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:3-6 NIV
2024 Theme Growing Together
Q1. Growing Together in Fellowship Encourage a community where people can discover intergenerational friends, participate in Bible studies to deepen their faith and have a place to teach their children about God's love. | Q2. Growing Together in the Family “Steps to Christ” continues to be our book of focus. Please take the time to engage. |
Q3. | Q4. |
Dates and Event Reminders
March | May |
|
|
April | June |
|
|
コメント