O CANADA Mission from Sea to Sea Thursday, May 1 – Friday, May 2, 2014 THINKING SHREWDLY VI Twenty-two years; that’s how long VMC has been working towards helping new churches get started and existing churches advance their mission. We have much to celebrate! Plenary Sessions Every two years our VMC network gathers to look forward towards new horizons. Ever changing times require fresh steps of faith and a willingness to take risks and to try untried paths. Revolution for the Sake of our Nation The VMC network of churches possesses a big mission; beginning with all who call this wonderful country home and then emanating across the oceans. Guided by Ray Aldred and Mark Buchanan, we will examine the various ways that our network can be faithful to the Gospel as our churches extend the presence of the kingdom into all regions. We are anticipating a special emphasis on understanding our responsibility to the 1,400,000 First Nations peoples of our country. Unity for the Sake of our Nation Community for the Sake of our Nation God Keep our Land a First Nations Perspective LOCATION Lakeside Church 7654 Conservation Road, Guelph, ON PRESENTERS Mark Buchanan and his wife Cheryl live in Calgary, Alberta, where Mark is associate professor of Pastoral Theology at Ambrose Seminary. They have three children. Educated at UBC and Regent College, Mark is a pastor, teacher, speaker, and the author of seven books as well as the forthcoming novel, David. He has also written numerous articles for Christianity Today, Faith Today, Leadership Journal, Discipleship Journal, and Conversations, Seven and several other magazines. He enjoys scuba diving, fishing, and motorcycles. Ray Aldred is ordained with the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Canada. A status Cree, Ray was born in Northern Alberta. He and his wife Elaine now live in Calgary where he is Assistant Professor of Theology at Ambrose Seminary. Ray is chair of the North American Institute of Indigenous Theological Studies and leader of the Aboriginal Ministries Council for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. As Director for the First Nations Alliance Churches of Canada, Ray encouraged pastors ministering to First Nations people. The Aldreds have four children. Lakeside Church Fergus Co ns v er at i on Ro ad 124 6 38 Guelph 7 6 124 Milton 38 6 7 Cambridge 24 401 Directions 600 m northeast on Conservation Road from the intersection of Conservation Road and Victoria Road. STREAMS There are a total of 12 streams. Each stream will be conducted twice. Sessions will be highly interactive with a very practical focus. When you register please indicate your top three stream choices. 1. A Focus on Existing Churches 2. A focus on new churches 3. a focus on specialized ministries a) Leadership Teams: Building creative and productive a) New Church Extensions: services, satellites, plants a) Ministry to high-needs communities b) Disciple making: from the person on the street to being complete in Christ b) New Churches for New Canadians b) First Nations people: a more positive way forward c) Better Together: Thriving partnerships between VMC and Churches c) New and Evolving forms of Church: rethinking church and its mission c) Mental Health: what should we know/do? d) Positive Conflict Resolution: Persistently finding the creative side of conflict REGISTRATION Register online Earl y Bir Registr d ation by ap ril 11 , 2014 at www.vision-ministries.org Early bird registration e) Pastoral Care Groups Register as a group from the same church and the 7th person is free. April 11, 2014 Individuals $250, Couple $300 Accommodation Registration received Travel Subsidy after April 11, 2012 $300 individual / $350 couple Registrants 25 years and under $100 Price includes all meals and snacks d) Youth: Winning or losing? Check the VMC website for the latest options. $250 toward travel is available for the first 50 registrants from outside of Ontario or Quebec Register Henrietta Koenig 519-725-1212 ext 324 toll free 877-509-5060 [email protected] Conference Director Jeremy Horne 519-590-5316 [email protected] SPONSORS Giesbrecht, Griffin, Funk & Irvine Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Public Working with churches for over 25 years www.mac-ca.com www.ggfilaw.com www.churchdevelopment.ca