Made in Canada: Stories of homegrown faithfulness, creativity and hope
Thursdays, May 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2025
1:30 pm ET - online
Since the beginning, New Leaf has advocated for and valued unapologetic Canadian Christian conversations with people from diverse backgrounds, traditions, and locations to help us discern the on-the-ground issues and opportunities facing Canadian church leaders. It seems no better time to celebrate "made in Canada" creativity and faithfulness in Christian ministry.
Across the country, pastors, neighbourhood catalysts, and local practitioners are responding to unique challenges and opportunities with fresh ideas and hopeful action. From coast to coast, these "made in Canada" stories are inspiring, practical, and deeply rooted in place.
Join us each week as we highlight pastors, practitioners and leaders who are reimagining ministry, leadership, and resources in beautiful, courageous, and uniquely Canadian ways. Be encouraged, challenged and inspired. Hear the good news—close to home.
May 1 “Out of Bounds by Design: A Question-driven Coddiwomple”
7 years ago, Jay embarked on a journey, moving out from his lifelong career in pastoral leadership, seeking what he knew not. Today, this stepping into the unknown has turned into a full-blown coddiwomple – a journey with an unclear destination, but crystal clear intentions and driving questions. In this upcoming Learning Centre, join Jay as he shares his specific perspective on the deconstruction/reconstruction journey, the questions that drive him, and some of the surprising twists these questions have generated.
Jay Mowchenko is the founder of Shalom Leadership, sharing his 35 years of non-profit and academic leadership experience by coaching, training and teaching leaders and organizations to bring sustainable flourishing to every aspect of their life and work. He lives in Saskatoon on Treaty 6 Territory with his spouse, Marilou.
May 8 - Jesus cares deeply for kids and, as the Church - the body of Christ! - we can, too! Together, we'll consider how we can joyfully welcome and disciple kids in today’s church, we'll look at some incredible Canadian-made resources, and we'll celebrate the deep impact kids' ministry can (and has!) had in the world around us! Join in for an excellent conversation as well as some helpful resources for your kids' ministry!
Natalie Frisk has worked in ministry for over 15 years. She has a master’s in theological study (biblical studies) and is pursuing a doctorate in practical theology with an emphasis on the spiritual experience of children (slowly!). While she was the curriculum pastor for a multisite church, Natalie published Raising Disciples: How to Make Faith Matter for Our Kids (Herald Press, 2019). She is now director of curriculum for RaiseUpFaith and the Interim children's ministry director for a rural Canadian church.
May 15 - Research shows that the support of a caring adult contributes to the positive growth and development of youth (at-risk and not). Knowing that they are seen, heard, valued and supported as an individual can change the trajectory of their lives. This is GOOD NEWS. And somewhere out there, must be research around how meaningful and loving engagement with at-risk youth positively changes the trajectory of the adult's life. Catherine spends much of her pastoral work week intersecting with the children, youth and families in the Chandler Mowat community, a community marked by low-income, food insecurity, at-risk youth, addiction and single-parent families AND children and youth who long to flourish, make a difference and be counted.
Catherine will he sharing stories about how being present as a faith community with an egg, a snack pack, a listening ear and partnerships leads to a picture in Isaiah 35 where strength is given to weary hands and courage to knees for the stumbling. Together we'll explore creative ways of building up the lives of those on the margins through love, relationship and community opportunities.
Catherine Gitzel has been the lead pastor at The Gathering Church in Kitchener, ON for the last 2.5 years, after serving as Associate Pastor for 15 years. The Gathering Church worships at the Chandler Mowat Community Centre and seeks to form meaningful relationships filled with love, resources and community-building opportunities with those living on the margins. Catherine deeply values time building into young lives, letting them know that they are seen, heard and valued. She sees her role as pastor as building up the community of God so that they will go and be the community of God. Catherine loves to learn, engage in meaningful conversations, laugh till it hurts and give and receive hugs. Times by (in!) Lake Huron at "her" beloved Sauble Beach refreshes her soul.
Learning Centre sessions are recorded and made available afterwards for those who sign up but cannot attend in person
Presenters
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We would like for you to join us, so if you can’t afford the registration at this time, please reach out to us and we will make sure you are able to participate: admin@newleafnetwork.ca
