The theme of "Into the Future" was evident at the AGC National Conference held at Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ontario, June 5-8, 2008. We welcomed a new Canada East Superintendent, a new President, and bid a fond farewell to our outgoing President.
The Conference began with the Canada East Regional Conference, at which appreciation was expressed to Bill & Lois Fietje for their ministry over the past 5 years as Canada East Superintendent. Delegates also had the opportunity to affirm the appointment of George Boyd as the new Superintendent, beginning July 1, 2008.
We enjoyed wonderful weather and a great time of fellowship at the opening night BBQ in the Redeemer courtyard. Everyone agreed that the campus was a beautiful setting for our Conference. At our first Conference session, Ian Campbell challenged those gathered to be the "As we go" church instead of the "If they come" church, speaking from Matthew 28. Over the next few days, Ian would expand on that theme as he challenged us to be the "Converting Church", the "Teaching Church", and the "Incarnational Church" as we seek to make disciples. We hope to have Ian's messages available for download soon.
Our Conference business moved along swiftly on Friday & Saturday mornings. For full detailed reports, please click here. If you wish to review the minutes of the meeting, click here.
Friday evening was a time of outstanding ministry by violinist Trevor Dick, and an opportunity for corporate worship as we sang, prayed and read scripture together. 
Our Saturday evening banquet was a time of reflection and celebration. We would love to post the "this is your life" pictures of Bud Penner, but he may not speak to us again if we did! Ask anyone who was there, it was quite a presentation! We had a roving cameraman throughout the Conference asking folks to say a few words of appreciation to Bud. Unfortunately we had some technical difficulties and couldn't show the completed video at the banquet. Bud has since received a copy and appreciates your affirming words.
We also had opportunity that evening to formally welcome George Boyd as our new Canada East Superintendent. Our outgoing Canada East Chair Wayne Foster asked that the two former Superintendents, George Bradford and Bill Fietje join George Boyd as they "passed the baton" on to him.
Saturday evening also marked the installation of Bill Fietje as the new AGC President. It was a very meaningful time as Board members past and present joined new Moderator Randy Jost for a commissioning prayer.
On Sunday morning, our delegates along with a number of Hamilton area churches joined together for a worship service as Bill Fietje spoke from Philippians.
Thank you to the many volunteers who helped to make our Conference a success, to those who were able to attend, and to those of you who couldn't attend but were praying for us.