A searchable, downloadable PDF with pictures from the original article appears below. John Vissers is professor of systematic Theology at Ontario theological Seminary, Toronto and Interim Executive Director of the Renewal Fellowship.
Over two hundred and forty Presbyterians gathered at Kortright Church, in Guelph, Ontario for a Renewal Day on October 31, 1987. Representing nineteen presbyteries and fifty-four congregations, those gathered listened to addresses on “The Church as A Caring Community” by the Rev. Calvin Brown of First Church, Nelson, British Columbia, and Dr. Stan Skarsten of the Institute For Family Living in Toronto, Ontario.
Calvin Brown spoke on the biblical and theological foundations for building Christian community. He shared the joyful and painful experiences of his congregation in Nelson as they developed intentional Christian communities in church houses as signs and models of Christian renewal. Stan Skarsten spoke very practically — and with humour — on how a congregation may develop structures for a caring ministry, and how we as Christians may participate in caring for Christian community.
The presence of the Spirit of God was evident in the times of inspiring worship ably led by the Kortright Worship Team. Renewal Day participants also enjoyed the ministry of music of Mrs. Nancy Bettridge, and the ministry of the Proclamation Quartet. These times of worship, praise, celebration, and joy before God continue to be a highlight of our renewal days.
Kortright Presbyterian Church, only seven years old, is the youngest church ever to host the Renewal Fellowship Within the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Under the leadership of the Rev. Robert Bettridge as its pastor, this congregation is making a significant impact for the Lord in the Guelph community.
Over a delicious meal prepared by the folks at Kortright, participants from as far away as Vancouver, Windsor, Sydney, N.S., Kingston, Ottawa, and Parry Sound, joined to gather with those from Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge area for a time of fellowship.
Spirit-filled worship! Biblical teaching! Warm Christian fellowship! These continue to be the mark of our renewal days. May God use them as catalysts for renewal right across our Church.