Calvary Gospel Church in Beamsville is hosting a special ladies event on Saturday, September 25th with Marion Ford. Click here for details. |
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 The Quebec Council has produced a newsletter with lots of fantastic reports! Click here to download
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Cliquez ici pour obtenir la version en français Dear Team Canada, 2 Corinthians 5: 18- 19 “All this is from God who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ not counting men’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”
As I write this message Canada is at a moment of historic proportions. Today in Winnipeg the federal government through the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions is beginning to hear survivor stories of the First Nations and Inuit peoples that went through the ill fated residential school systems. The century and a half of government and church run school systems, however well intentioned by the founders, became for thousands of people a place of loneliness, separation, segregation and worst of all abuse. The process of “assimilations” became o... |
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The AGC has a vision to be “a movement of healthy reproducing churches”. As part of that vision, the National Conference highlighted several church planting projects that have been birthed in recent years. Please click on the links below to view or download the video clips that were shown at Conference (more are available by contacting the AGC office). One to One, Etobicoke, ON Church Planter: Quincy Bergman Iglesia Evangelica Hispana Eben-Ezer, Montreal, QC Church Planter: Raphael Mixco
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 June 3 – 6, 2010 at Metropolitan Bible Church in Ottawa, ON was an exciting time of connection, learning and fun as we explored the theme “ADVANCE – a movement of healthy reproducing churches”. Dr. Bill Lawrence spoke to our hearts as he encouraged us to reach for the splinters of the cross instead of a crown. The full sessions with Dr. Lawrence are posted below in mp3 format.
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 George Boyd, AGC Canada East Superintendent, was recently named Briercrest Bible College’s “Alumnus of the Year”.
Read the full story here |
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Last week President Bill Fietje had opportunity to appear on the program “Full Circle” to discuss Missionfest, an organization that he helped to start some 15 years ago. Along with Bill was Jude Hodgson, the current director of Missionfest. Please click below for parts 1 & 2 of the interview, and consider how you might want to participate in Missionfest this year. |
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The AGC Quebec annual meeting on March 13th was a great time of praise and challenge from Jay Pinney (Quebec coordinator of Church Planting Canada) to enlarge our vision as a church family. We appreciated the hospitality of our hosts Église Biblique Pierre Angulaire. Click here to view some pictures from the day. |
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The 2010 Canada West Conference was a time of great blessing! Pastor Rob Cochrane and the people of the Church of the Open Bible in Swift Current, along with President Phil Ruten and Millar College, were our gracious hosts for March 11-14. At this Conference we focused on Living Grace: Becoming A People of Grace and were ministered to by Rev. Lane Fusilier, the Senior Pastor of Philpott Memorial Church, one of our AGC churches in Hamilton ON, as he lead us in considering this biblical focus. Lane is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, and has been a pastor and teacher for over 30 years. The Conference report book c... |
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Our prayers and hopes are still focusing on Haiti and we want to give an update: Phase 1... We have so many reports of our AGC churches in Canada sending tens of thousands of dollars to the immediate relief and care of Haiti. Much of this has gone through World Relief and you can go to their website to get news of what is happening in Haiti. The world has responded to the immediate needs of Haiti's people and we thank God for this. Another good link for information is through the Integral Alliance. ![]()
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Acts 2:42-47 tells us of key characteristics of the earliest church. Alongside the marks of teaching, worship and the Lord's Table there was the outstanding demonstration of love for each other. "All believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods and they gave to anyone as he had need." By now the news of the after effects of the 7.0 earthquake in Haiti is beginning to move our hearts to compassion for the millions of people affected by this most recent in a long run of disasters.
We are anticipating two important phases for our AGC response to this disaster. Phase 1 is Humanitarian aid and relief; Phase 2 Rebuilding First and foremost, please rally your people to prayer for Haiti. The evangelical church in Haiti is strong but needs our help. AGC Haiti is now approximately ten churches and growing. They need our prayers. Our Haitian AGC pastors and families in Que... |
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Lambert and Marie Baptist, that is! We were delighted when we found out that 100 Huntley Street had interviewed this wonderful couple who is so dear to the hearts of many in our Association, and most especially to our AGC Head Office staff! (Might have something to do with the treats Marie brings in most Mondays!) Lambert is on staff at Compass Point Bible Church, with Marie as his ministry partner. They are a tremendous blessing to the congregation there, and to all that come across their path. Click below for parts 1, 2 and 3 of this inspiring and heart warming interview with Moira Brown: |
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Recently President Bill Fietje and Canada East Superintendent George Boyd had the opportunity to visit the Wikwemikong Fellowship and DayStar Native Outreach in Manitoulin Island. During their visit with Shirley Hamilton and the team, they were able to present DayStar with a gift on behalf of our AGC churches in memory of Don Hamilton. It was a rich time of great blessing. We are compiling a video presentation of that visit and will have it posted soon. Until that time, please view the presentations below, produced by Crossroads Christian Communications and broadcast on 100 Huntley Street earlier this year. (posted with permission) DayStar Native Outreach Documentary, Part 1
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Cliquez ici pour obtenir la version en français Below is a story that I think speaks to the heart of Christmas. I hope that you can take the time to pull up a chair, have a mug of cider or eggnog and take some quiet time to reflect. |
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God is doing mighty things in our churches! Here is a report from Community Bible Church in Aurora… Community Bible Church Aurora has had a vision to start a new congregation on the East side of Aurora to serve the new homes that have been, and are being, built with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Currently there is no local church presence in this growing locality. We have called this location The Campus - Bayview; Bayview being the street on which the congregation meets and The Campus as a place where disciples of Jesus to learn at His feet and grow to maturity as as His followers.
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Over 600 women and children are trafficked into Canada each year for sexual exploitation and 1,800 people are trafficked from Canada to the USA. Inform and alert your congregation or youth group with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada's new three-minute video. Feel free to use the clip at any ministry gathering. |
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Cliquez ici pour obtenir la version en français We are all leaders in life. Do we lead well or do we do leadership badly? It is often said that everything rises and falls on leadership and I fully agree. Usually when we read statements like these we think of the point leaders; the CEO or the charismatic leaders that take charge and gets things do...
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As more reports come in of the potential for a flu pandemic, there are practical steps that churches can take to prepare and to help their church members prepare. Please revisit this page for more details. |
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Attention all Pastors! AGC "Pastors Days" have been planned for this fall/winter season. Check the events page for one in your area. |
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Please view the video clip below which features an introduction by President Bill Fietje of Pastor Shawn Ketcheson of Trinity Bible Church in Osgoode, Ontario. Trinity is involved in a unique ministry in partnership with a church in Kenya to help feed the local community... |
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Ever wondered why pastors want to minister in the AGC? Just click this link to view 2 video testimonials from AGC Pastors Rev. Adam Brown (Senior Pastor, The Rock Community Church, Woodstock, ON) and Shelly Calcagno (Director of Children's Ministries, Compass Point Bible Church, Burlington, ON) |
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The Canada West Conference took place at East Parkland Bible Church in Stony Plain, AB, May 29 - 31, 2009.  We were blessed to welcome Dr. John Neufeld of Willingdon Church in Burnaby BC as our Conference speaker. Click below to download the mp3 audio file for each of his messages:
Friday, May 29th Saturday, May 30th
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The Canada East "re:connect" Conference took place June 2-4, 2009. Click below for a video summary! |
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Please click below for a message from Bill... |
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The latest news of outbreaks of Swine Flu has once more reinforced to us all that we as the AGC family in Canada need to be prepared to respond with God’s grace and love in times of great need. To truly be ready to bless our communities we must first be ready to minister to our own church families as well. We began two years ago to urge all of our churches to prepare. Below you will see bits and pieces that we have collected over the last two years. These will act as a link to the resources that you will need to be prepared to protect and to serve the communities in which we live. Some key thoughts to consider: - The senior leadership must take this seriously,
- Do it right and do it right away.
- Establish an Emergency Task Team (ETT) that can react to all sudden emergences, not just health.
- The ETT could include: health care professionals, administrators, those well connected in the community such as police, fireman, social workers, educators etc. These ...
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Please click below for a message from President Bill Fietje; Cliquez SVP sur le lien suivant pour un message vidéo du Président Bill Fietje; |
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 Compass Point Bible Church in Burlington, ON is working to coordinate volunteers for this annual 4 day Christian Music Festival at Darien Lake, August 2-5, 2009.
For more information, click here |
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 We were saddened to hear the news of the homegoing of Don Hamilton on Saturday March 14th after a long and difficult battle with cancer. Though we grieve with the family, we do so not as those who have no hope, but with peace in the knowledge that Don is with our Lord whom he loved and served so well.
The AGC owes a large debt of gratitude to Don for his many years of ministry, starting with his formative years at Calvary Church in Toronto, then through over 50 years serving in 6 AGC churches including: - Westmount Park Church, Etobicoke, ON
- Redeemer Bible Church, Niagara Falls, ON
- Peoples Church of Montreal, QC
- Parkway Bibl...
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Click below to view a video message from President Bill Fietje. Bill is joined by Michael Pawelke, Senior Pastor of Compass Point Bible Church, Burlington, ON |
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Click below for a video message from President Bill Fietje: |
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View the latest video message from President Bill Fietje here: |
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Pray for those without a Shepherd Consider how Jesus Himself is at work in peoples’ lives, pursuing them and caring for them, like a shepherd would care of His own sheep. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters….” Psalm 23 vss. 1-2 Chuck Colson in his CD messages “Being the Body” which compliments his book “The Body” gi... |
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The countdown to fiscal year end has begun for many of you! Here in the AGC office we would like to offer our support as you work away at year end and beginning of year duties such as T3010 preparation, T4’s, Partnership Payment calculation, etc. If we can be of assistance, please call the office. Partnership Payments for 2009 It's time to fill out the annual Partnership Payment Calculation sheet. It is important to note that this 4% calculation is an agreed upon part of your church’s membership in the AGC. Having the Partnership Payment slip returned by the middle of February helps us immensely as we prepare our budget for AGC fiscal 2009 (May 2009 – April 2010) to be presented to our National Board at their February meeting. Remember that you can use your last complete fiscal year to make the calculations. Please click
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Maybe it’s my age or just this time of year, but I find myself thinking about the need to find “rest in the Lord” from the busyness of life. E.M. Bounds once said that when we work, we work and when we pray, God works. Hudson Taylor, just a few demanding years into his mission in the inlands of China felt overwhelmed with the burdens of the Chinese millions all around him. Through a letter from his brother in-law in England came the words that would f...
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 Lately I have been contemplating the whole issue of alienation and reconciliation. I know that this is from God's heart to His churc...
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Last week saw several AGC meetings;   First up was the newly elected AGC National Board, led by Moderator Randy Jost. The time at Fair Havens Bible Conference was very productive, with great discussions and times of fellowship. We went there to see the beautiful fall colours and ended up with snow!
In addition to the Board, our 3 national commissions also had ti... |
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Several Western churches are engaged in exciting building projects! Here are some highlights... In Provost, Alberta, Provost Associated Gospel Church is moving ahead with their new building...  
Ch... |
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We all need to make decisions every day. As leaders our choices often determine the direction and health of the churches and organizations that God has called us to lead. How do we make wise decisions? Recently I have been studying the story of Abram and Lot found in Genesis 13. When faced with a dilemma (crisis) of not enough land resources to share they decided to part company. Abram wisely allowed Lot to choose first. True to Lot’s value system he chose th... |
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 Hi Team,
The whole world was focused on China as the much anticipated and issue ridden Beijing Olympics unfolded. In the midst of ... |
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 Summer time is usually a time to find reprieve from the constant demands of church ministry. It is our desire that God grants each of you the times of refreshment and rejuvenation that you need.
Yet for some the summer intensifies our ministry schedule. In particular, continue to remember Don & Shirley Hamilton who are running over 20 DayStar summer camps at various First Nations locations surrounding Wikwemikong. Many AGC churches are providing teams to participate in these camps. Also remember Don’s continuing health struggle as he receives aggressive chemotherapy during this time. Fair Havens has reached the half way poi... |
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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 ... |
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The AGC Ministry Opportunities page is full of openings for Senior Pastors, Associates, part-time, full- time and intern positions. Fair Havens Ministries is also looking for maintenance staff. Please forward this information to people in your church who may be seeking such employment. |
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 AGC Canada East Council is pleased to announce that Rev. Dr. George Boyd was strongly affirmed for the position of Canada East Superintendent by a vote at the Canada East Conference on June 5, 2008.
George will begin his ministry with the AGC on July 1, 2008. Welcome George! We look forward to your ministry. |
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Leadership development at all levels of the AGC Church family is vital if we are to reach our vision of “Being a Movement of Healthy Reproducing Churches”. Over these past four years we have placed a renewed emphasis on our AGC younger leaders. To this end we are pleased to announce a partnership with Canadian Youth Network along with details of how we can partner together with you in building effective leadership principles as well as spiritual formation in our young emerging leadership. The AGC Canada East Regional Council together with our National Office is very pleased to commend to you this partnership that the AGC has with Dale and John of the Canadian Youth Network. Over the past year we, the AGC and CYN, have worked together to establish an intentional mentoring program geared to the strategic and effective development of younger leaders. To download details on the program, please download the document... |
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Please read the update from President Bud Penner below. The AGC Prayer Guide for June 2008 /Guide de Prières juin 2008 is available for download  This may be my last update to you as leader in the AGC in that my good friend and co-labourer Bill Fietje will be inducted as our new President at our June 5-8, 2008 Conference. It has been a pleasure serving with you!
You are in a place of great inf... |
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Read the April 2008 Update from President Bud Penner and download the AGC Prayer Guide for May 2008 . |
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We are pleased to announce a new addition to the AGC website - a "Pastoral Resources" section. Wondering about the latest books? Trying to find good web resources? Found a great resource that you'd like to share with other pastors? All of this and more will be posted in this section. Werner Peters of Westmount Park Church in Etobicoke, Ontario has graciously offered to manage this section and will be making regular posts. You can find the first entry here. We are working to add this to the menu at the top of the website homepage, but until then, you can access the blog by clicking on "Pastoral Resources" above. |
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The AGC Prayer Guide for April 2008 / GUIDE DE PRIÈRES avril 2008 has been posted. Please read the update below from President Bud Penner: The Lord spoke to me this past week through a variety of sources all on the same topic. At a time when there are endless excellent things that call me to them, God seemed to say to me these words of Jesus in the context of speaking to religious professional doers such as myself. “You have neglected the more important matters of the law, - justice, mercy and faithfulness.” Matthew 23:23. I had listened to a message on “Priorities”, read two articles on the “Kingdom of God” and “Transformation”. All were saying don’t lose sight of God, the poor, and the ordinary people of this world. I thank God that He keep... |
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I trust you are “weathering well”. Everything seems to be more “extreme” this winter. But as good Canadians, winter brings out what we are really made of. When you receive this update the Regional Councils and the Quebec Committee, and likely the AGC National Board, will all have met. It is the beginning of many “final” meetings for me in the AGC. It has been a good journey! Canada West Jim Houston continues his exhausting pace of covering the four western provinces whether it is to encourage Pastors, help resolve differences in a church, or to encourage Pastors and Churches to move forward in their communities. Churches without pastors are fewer. Several are at various stages of finding and calling pastors. Two churches in Alberta, Wetaskiwin and Provost, are building new facilities. Canada East Under the chairmanship of Pastor Wayne Foster, a search committee has settled on a new Superintendent to be presented to the Region in June a... |
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The January update from President Bud Penner is below. The Prayer Guide for February 2008 / Guide de Prières février 2008 is available for download. I was encouraged from Psalm 5:3, “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” I’m amazed at how much a person can get accomplished in the first 3 hours after getting up. Studies show that most people are more productive in the first 3 hours of their job than the remaining 5 in an 8 hour a day job. This verse reinforces my desire to “lay my requests before the Lord and wait in expectation” each morning. God is fully functional 24/7, but He knows we might not be and therefore invites us to start our prayer life early in the day. Motivational Opportuni...
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Download the December 2007 President's Update to read a message from Bud Penner. The AGC Prayer Guide for January 2008 is also available, as well as the bulletin for the AGC Week of Prayer 2008 |
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The Christmas season in the church opens many doors to the community, especially to those who have some Christian background, or who want to establish some memories that are positive around the holidays. In conversing with some Sikh families, they asked if they could celebrate Christmas with us this year. They perceived that Christmas is a festival of joy that they want their children to experience and participate in. Insidedge December 2007 Each church has been sent a quantity of this newsletter to distribute to their congregation, but you can also download it by clicking on the title above. This winter feature shares the excitement of ministry in Quebec, Denise DeGraaf’s walk to raise funds for impoverished children in Africa, etc. Christmas Gifts for Pastors Each pastor will be receiving one of the following two books; “Acts 29” is written by Chris Kovac and is ...
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Click here to download the latest edition of the AGC Insidedge newsletter |