Ancaster Event Encourages People to GO

GO was the theme of the recent Day of Encouragement in Ancaster, Ontario.

The annual event, held at Hamilton District Christian High School on Oct. 17, brought about 450 people from throughout southern Ontario and beyond for a day of worship, workshops, and fellowship.

In the opening worship session, surrounded by worn footwear, bicycles, even a wagon – all means of ‘going’ – Rob Hoogendoorn of Forest City Community Church in London, Ontario, spoke on the theme based on Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commissioned his disciples to go, and promised his presence as they went.

“It was missional,” said Rob Datema of Toronto’s The Lighthouse. “There’s a lot of relevance between my work with refugees and the cultural dynamics Rob [Hoogendoorn] was talking about.”

Representatives of various organizations and ministries set up displays around the cafeteria, through the halls, and in the auditorium, drawing people to drop by between workshops or during lunch and learn more about work happening in areas such as education, global missions, mental health, and justice.

Participants engaged in lively discussions, asking questions, picking up information and resources, and getting to know others involved in ministry.

“It was a good day,” said Helena Bootsma of Community CRC in Frankford, Ontario. “Well organized, meaningful. I attended two wonderful workshops. It’s a good opportunity to network with people.”

Bootsma works with Community Partners for Success in Frankford, and set up a display showing some of the ways they are bringing change and hope to lives in that community. She highlighted the role of a grant from Diaconal Ministries Canada, through Operation Manna, in helping to expand the work.

In workshop sessions, participants could learn about art as worship, the Salaam 2.0 ministry to Muslims, supporting those with mental health issues, creation care, helping refugees, and many other topics relevant for anyone involved in the ministry, programs, and outreach of their church. Many workshops included a time for discussion.

“It’s a really good opportunity to leverage a network with other churches, to share ideas and practices,” said Leanne Chuba of Willowdale CRC in Toronto. “It’s opportunities for learning that aren’t available on a regular basis, and you have to grasp those opportunities.”