08/24/2026
From August 20-23, Debbie and I ventured to the town of St. Thomas, Ontario, to attend the All-Canada Convention for the Disciples of Christ (Church of Christ). After a 3-hour plane delay, I finally returned home yesterday around suppertime so today’s Monday Message will be a written one.
Once every few years, our church families, spread out across Canada, make the effort to get together. While email and Zoom have allowed more ways to connect, as I am sure you will agree, nothing beats getting together face-to-face. You can FEEL that person next to you: their body language, their tone of voice, and their spirit — all things that the convenience of technology seems to blunt.
I must say, the first thing I noticed was the hospitality. Like Abraham welcoming the three visitors in Genesis 18, I felt a sense of belonging as people were eager to shake my hand and learn my name. And like the sense of urgency found in the book of Mark (immediately!), fast friends were made.
As the swag bags were handed out, and the seminars unfolded, it was clear that the organizers had really been intentional with their planning. …Bible study, Watercolour, New Church Ministry, Building Ecumenical Relationships, Nutrition and Brain Health, as well as Indigenous Spirituality and Relationships were on the docket. Something for everyone, as well as ways for us to deepen our connecting with each other.
There were worship services in the evening, where we got to experience preachers both young and wise. I must admit that my favourite worship service of the weekend was directed by our youth, who played instruments, sang, and helped us worship in different languages to include our English, French, and Filipino congregation. It was very lively and life-giving.
During our free time on Friday, Debbie and I explored a little of St. Thomas, seeing the Elevated Park, Jumbo the elephant, and the military museum. On Saturday, we got our East Coast fill of the beach by dipping our toes in the sand at Port Stanley.
A big thank you to the National Disciples of Christ as well as West Gore Disciple Church for their financial support to be able to attend the conference. Thank you to the organizers who worked tirelessly to plan and then flawlessly execute. And thank you to all the Disciples of Christ congregations across Canada for the warm welcome. You are the embodiment of enlarging the tent, stretching the tent curtains wide, and lengthening the cords. May we continue to strengthen our stakes. (Isaiah 54:2).
— Kenton Sefcik
