Seasons Greetings
We are grateful for God’s guidance over the year; we say, “Ebenezer!” Thus far, the Lord has brought us (1 Samuel 7:12). Back in 2023, our theme at Toronto West Church was “Building Together,” which was followed by our theme in 2024, “Growing Together.” Our theme for the coming new year, 2025 is “Serving Together,” and by His grace, we will work together to build on Pentecost 2025 and beyond through service.
In our last newsletter, I shared with you that on this Christian journey, we all need healthy, strong connections with other Christians and being part of a small group is an ideal opportunity to discover them. Our small groups are integral to a church's mission because connections are vital.
"Go alone if you want to go fast," as the saying goes. Go together if you want to go far." We can't do everything God has asked us to do by ourselves. We need to work together, we need each other to thrive.
Change is inevitable with progress. Never settle—God has something new for you. God constantly urges us to give up what we have for His next purpose.
Serving lowers our egos and complements us. We've all heard messages about the greatest being the servant of all, but it's hard when we're ignored. Service is sacrificing my ego for the greater good. Serving in a team reduces brilliance competition and elevates others.
We need each other to serve. Nobody has all the talent and the gifts. God intentionally did that so that you would need me, I would need you, and we would need each other. As the Bible says, “Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of [Christ’s] body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we?” (Romans 12:5, The Message).
A lot gets done when we work together – Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better off than one because together they can work more effectively” (GNT). Teamwork multiplies effectiveness. And this was seen in the passing Quarter with Burman University, Adventurers, Seniors, Family Life team, and Music/Young Adults giving us a few wonderful Sabbaths.
We will also promote and encourage family worship this coming year. For more information, click the Back to the Altar image below.
In this newsletter, you will see a high-level outline of the calendar of events, sub-themes, and a short discourse on serving together.
Blessings,
Damson
Lead Pastor, Toronto West SDA Church
Inspirational Nugget
~ God always has something new for you. He continually invites us to lay down what we have, to receive what He has planned for us next.
Take-away Text
~ We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Call to Action
~Let’s serve together and make a difference for eternity! https://www.backtothealtar.org
2025 Theme: Serving Together
Quarter 1: The Personal Call to Serve | Quarter 2: Understanding the Call |
Our life purpose is the reason we exist; God has created and shaped us for a purpose, yet many people fail to recognize the unique calling that God has placed on their lives. | Look out for more on this topic in the next issue. |
Quarter 3: Following the Call | Quarter 4: Serving Together |
Serving together enriches our church community. It fosters deeper relationships as we collaborate, sharing our experiences, problems, and successes.
We serve God when we serve others; when we use our talents, time, energy, and resources to help others, that’s called ministry.
But as mentioned earlier, God doesn’t want you to minister alone! Philippians 2:2 says, “Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose” (NLT). Let's explore why God requires this. And why can’t you serve God on your own?
As Adventist Christians unite, trusting and leaning into God while loving others, shining His light to show the world He is who He says He is. We are called to serve as God's children. Sister White states, “We are connected with the service and cause of God, and we must individually realize that we are parts of a greater whole.”
First and foremost, service is a holy calling, not just a duty. We are Christ's body, unified in purpose and strengthened by His Spirit to spread His love across the globe. When we serve alongside one another, we fulfill God's purpose for His church and enjoy the satisfaction of working together for His glory.
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:12–14, "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all those parts make up one body, so it is with Christ." God has given each of us unique skills that we can use to help Him complete His work.
Every role is essential, whether leading Sabbath School/Small group, singing in a group, AV, social, planning potlucks, Pathfinder or reaching out to the neighbourhood. When we bring our talents and time together in service, we reflect God’s design for unity and cooperation.
Serving together strengthens our church community. Sharing experiences, concerns, and accomplishments deepens connections. Service helps us grow spiritually and depend on God and others. Our lives demonstrate Jesus' wish in John 17:21, “that they all may be one.” To improve the Toronto West experience, I look forward to Ministry and department cooperation between small groups, etc.
Serving outside the church extends our reach. People across the world want hope, compassion, and kindness, which Christians must demonstrate. When we serve as a church family, we double our efforts and impact more people. Compassionate acts like health fairs, visiting the sick/shut-ins, and holding Bible studies show God's love.
However, serving together does not come without challenges. We may disagree on some issues or techniques, but these are possibilities for progress. We mirror Christ's nature and strengthen our Christian relationships by demonstrating humility, patience, and grace.
Going forward, remember that serving together is an honour and obligation. We respond to God's unconditional love and join in His redemptive work. Let us pray for His guidance, asking Him to use our talents to help others and glorify Him.
Could you take some time this week and in the coming weeks to think about how you can help others? Your input is essential, whether through a planned mission or a random act of kindness. We can build a strong church community united in goal and purpose and ready to share the eternal truth with everyone.
2025 Major Highlights and Small Groups
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