Who We Are
We are a historic congregation with deep roots in our community. While not alone as part of the body of Christ, we find ourselves a bit alone in that we are the only church in our denomination in Canada. As part of the Evangelical Friends Church - Eastern Region, we have inherited a historical Faith and Practice document that informs some of the standard practice across our denomination.
DOWNLOAD THE EFC-ER FAITH AND PRACTICE DOCUMENT HERE
A result of our denominational affiliation being mostly south of the border is that our congregation is comprised of people from many different backgrounds. As a church family we try to orient ourselves to Jesus (His life and teaching), seeking to be Clearly Christ-Centred, even while carrying a wide variety of different experiences and faith stories among us. This reality allows for us to passionately pursue unity, encouraging each other towards discipleship of Jesus, even while acknowledging and celebrating the differences among us.
Unity not uniformity.
DOWNLOAD THE EFC-ER FAITH AND PRACTICE DOCUMENT HERE
A result of our denominational affiliation being mostly south of the border is that our congregation is comprised of people from many different backgrounds. As a church family we try to orient ourselves to Jesus (His life and teaching), seeking to be Clearly Christ-Centred, even while carrying a wide variety of different experiences and faith stories among us. This reality allows for us to passionately pursue unity, encouraging each other towards discipleship of Jesus, even while acknowledging and celebrating the differences among us.
Unity not uniformity.
Our Mission
We exist to nurture an ever-deepening love of God, and an ever-broadening love of others. (Matthew 22:37-39)
Our Vision
We are friends who become family who live by faith, are known for love, and are a voice of hope. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Our Values
These values will serve as the grid through which we will make real decisions in the development and operation of the ministry life of PFC:
1) Clearly Christ-Centred
We seek to orient our journey to Jesus as he is revealed in the Scriptures. We allow his teaching, his life, and his death and resurrection to serve as the orientation point that comes to define us. This results in barrier free belonging.
2) Relentlessly Relational
As image bearers of a relational God (Trinity), humanity is relational to the core. Acknowledging this, we will organize and operate in pursuit of fostering healthy relationships over and above the establishment of efficient programs.
3) Intentionally Intergenerational
The body of Christ includes all ages. As an outpost of God’s kingdom here on earth, we will intentionally hold space for those who are not yet with us, representing a spectrum of ages. In addition, wherever possible we will seek to participate together as opposed to siloed ministries based on age demographics. We truly are better when making room for others not like us.
4) Boldly Biblical
We believe the Bible is given by the inspiration of God and stands as the authority on matters of faith. While serving as the bedrock on which we build our community, we acknowledge that as a collection of books that come to us from different times and places, we must take care to interpret and properly understand the biblical text for today.
5) Neighbourly:
- Vertically ("I have called you friends" John 15:15)
Incredibly, Jesus (who was God in human form), called his disciples “friends.” In doing so, he invited them into God’s own work in the world. While we acknowledge that Jesus is Lord, offering due reverence, we embrace and acknowledge the incredible honour that comes with being called a friend of God.
- Horizontally ("Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you" Jeremiah 29:7)
Just as God saw humanity as worthy and beloved enough for Jesus to take on human flesh, so we see our neighbourhoods as worthy and beloved enough for our presence, participation, and our love. We do not stand separate from, but seek to lovingly participate in our community as a great neighbour. In doing so, we are the salt and light of God’s kingdom here and now.
1) Clearly Christ-Centred
We seek to orient our journey to Jesus as he is revealed in the Scriptures. We allow his teaching, his life, and his death and resurrection to serve as the orientation point that comes to define us. This results in barrier free belonging.
2) Relentlessly Relational
As image bearers of a relational God (Trinity), humanity is relational to the core. Acknowledging this, we will organize and operate in pursuit of fostering healthy relationships over and above the establishment of efficient programs.
3) Intentionally Intergenerational
The body of Christ includes all ages. As an outpost of God’s kingdom here on earth, we will intentionally hold space for those who are not yet with us, representing a spectrum of ages. In addition, wherever possible we will seek to participate together as opposed to siloed ministries based on age demographics. We truly are better when making room for others not like us.
4) Boldly Biblical
We believe the Bible is given by the inspiration of God and stands as the authority on matters of faith. While serving as the bedrock on which we build our community, we acknowledge that as a collection of books that come to us from different times and places, we must take care to interpret and properly understand the biblical text for today.
5) Neighbourly:
- Vertically ("I have called you friends" John 15:15)
Incredibly, Jesus (who was God in human form), called his disciples “friends.” In doing so, he invited them into God’s own work in the world. While we acknowledge that Jesus is Lord, offering due reverence, we embrace and acknowledge the incredible honour that comes with being called a friend of God.
- Horizontally ("Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you" Jeremiah 29:7)
Just as God saw humanity as worthy and beloved enough for Jesus to take on human flesh, so we see our neighbourhoods as worthy and beloved enough for our presence, participation, and our love. We do not stand separate from, but seek to lovingly participate in our community as a great neighbour. In doing so, we are the salt and light of God’s kingdom here and now.
Our Beliefs
GOD THE FATHER
Eternal, Perfect in holiness, love, wisdom, power and grace
GOD THE SON
Jesus Christ, fully God and fully human, is the exact representation of God. He physically died on the cross and was physically resurrected so that we may have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
Given by the Father and the Son to all who believe in Jesus Christ. He is a divine Person, not an impersonal force. He leads unbelievers to faith in Jesus Christ. He teaches, guides and empowers believers to know and do the will of God.
THE BIBLE
All Scripture, both the Old and New Testaments, is given by inspiration of God; it is trustworthy and reliable in all that it affirms and is the only authoritative rule of faith and practice.
CREATION
The whole universe was created by God and is sustained by His power.
HUMANITY
God created man and woman in His own image, holy and capable of knowing and obeying God’s will, in order to glorify God and enjoy fellowship with Him. Sin has separated all human beings from God. The only way to restore this severed relationship is through faith in Jesus Christ.
SALVATION
Salvation is a free gift of God to all who believe in Jesus Christ. This belief is expressed by confessing our sins and committing ourselves to discover and follow the will of God.
Eternal, Perfect in holiness, love, wisdom, power and grace
GOD THE SON
Jesus Christ, fully God and fully human, is the exact representation of God. He physically died on the cross and was physically resurrected so that we may have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
Given by the Father and the Son to all who believe in Jesus Christ. He is a divine Person, not an impersonal force. He leads unbelievers to faith in Jesus Christ. He teaches, guides and empowers believers to know and do the will of God.
THE BIBLE
All Scripture, both the Old and New Testaments, is given by inspiration of God; it is trustworthy and reliable in all that it affirms and is the only authoritative rule of faith and practice.
CREATION
The whole universe was created by God and is sustained by His power.
HUMANITY
God created man and woman in His own image, holy and capable of knowing and obeying God’s will, in order to glorify God and enjoy fellowship with Him. Sin has separated all human beings from God. The only way to restore this severed relationship is through faith in Jesus Christ.
SALVATION
Salvation is a free gift of God to all who believe in Jesus Christ. This belief is expressed by confessing our sins and committing ourselves to discover and follow the will of God.
Distinctives of a Quaker Heritage
Simplicity
An early Quaker, John Woolman, put it like this: ‘live simply, that others may simply live’. Early Quakers felt they should live simply, tending to real needs and avoiding luxuries. They were aware of the poverty around them, and that resources needed to be shared. For Quakers in the affluent West today, simplicity of lifestyle is hard. But the testimony is there to challenge us.
Peace and Nonviolence
From the earliest days, Quakers have been committed to conscientious objection. For many, war is never appropriate, and joining the military was unacceptable. Echoing this sentiment, Shane Claiborne is quoted as saying, "When Jesus says to love your enemies, I am pretty sure that means 'Don't kill them!'" While there are many things that complicate this in our day and age, the testimony remains to challenge us.
Integrity and Truth
Quakers have always been clear that honesty in all their dealings was fundamental. Early Quaker artisans and shopkeepers soon acquired a reputation for honesty and fair prices. Their integrity was a key factor in their great success in business and banking in the 18thand 19th centuries.
Community
This is fundamentally about responding to the needs of others. The last few years have reminded us that there is still a lot of work to do for those who continue to suffer from injustice and oppression. Jesus calls His church to be on the front lines of caring for the marginalized, lifting up the widow, the orphan, and the stranger.
Equality
Quakers soon saw that since there was that of God in everyone, all must be treated equally - men and women, master and slave, employer and employee.
Stewardship
As image bearers of God, humanity is tasked with caring for the world we inhabit with the same character and love that God has. This encourages the church of Jesus to passionately steward our planet and its resources.
An early Quaker, John Woolman, put it like this: ‘live simply, that others may simply live’. Early Quakers felt they should live simply, tending to real needs and avoiding luxuries. They were aware of the poverty around them, and that resources needed to be shared. For Quakers in the affluent West today, simplicity of lifestyle is hard. But the testimony is there to challenge us.
Peace and Nonviolence
From the earliest days, Quakers have been committed to conscientious objection. For many, war is never appropriate, and joining the military was unacceptable. Echoing this sentiment, Shane Claiborne is quoted as saying, "When Jesus says to love your enemies, I am pretty sure that means 'Don't kill them!'" While there are many things that complicate this in our day and age, the testimony remains to challenge us.
Integrity and Truth
Quakers have always been clear that honesty in all their dealings was fundamental. Early Quaker artisans and shopkeepers soon acquired a reputation for honesty and fair prices. Their integrity was a key factor in their great success in business and banking in the 18thand 19th centuries.
Community
This is fundamentally about responding to the needs of others. The last few years have reminded us that there is still a lot of work to do for those who continue to suffer from injustice and oppression. Jesus calls His church to be on the front lines of caring for the marginalized, lifting up the widow, the orphan, and the stranger.
Equality
Quakers soon saw that since there was that of God in everyone, all must be treated equally - men and women, master and slave, employer and employee.
Stewardship
As image bearers of God, humanity is tasked with caring for the world we inhabit with the same character and love that God has. This encourages the church of Jesus to passionately steward our planet and its resources.
Got Questions? |
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