Who We Are
As in any family, each of us shares privileges and responsibilities in a way that encourages individuality and a sense of belonging.
We come from many Christian heritages, or no faith background at all, united in the quest to be just followers of Christ. We're convinced the Bible is God's message for people today, so it's our guide. Simply put, we want to put aside the religious traditions that divide believers and unite upon the clear, simple teachings of Jesus in a way that's fresh and relevant to real life.
We come from many Christian heritages, or no faith background at all, united in the quest to be just followers of Christ. We're convinced the Bible is God's message for people today, so it's our guide. Simply put, we want to put aside the religious traditions that divide believers and unite upon the clear, simple teachings of Jesus in a way that's fresh and relevant to real life.
OUR NAME
We're trying to model ourselves on the character and example of Jesus. He says,“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9:23)
We believe Jesus is the Son of God, who was crucified for our sins then raised from the dead on the third day, making Him the the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We trust Him to help us live the loving, significant and fulfilling life God always intended for us, from the very beginning.
We believe Jesus is the Son of God, who was crucified for our sins then raised from the dead on the third day, making Him the the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We trust Him to help us live the loving, significant and fulfilling life God always intended for us, from the very beginning.
WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT
Though our church family — and our lives — are far from perfect, we're committed to letting Jesus help us find love, meaning and strength for the journey of life. Our goals:
1. Point people to God and honour Him in all we do and all that we are.
2. Lovingly serve one another and those around us, with no conditions attached;
3. Share the Good News about the life-changing message of Jesus with all who want it. We have no desire to force our faith on anyone who isn't interested.
1. Point people to God and honour Him in all we do and all that we are.
2. Lovingly serve one another and those around us, with no conditions attached;
3. Share the Good News about the life-changing message of Jesus with all who want it. We have no desire to force our faith on anyone who isn't interested.
WHY WE'RE IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE
Our church began when a
small group of Christians decided to establish a congregation in an area of the city that was struggling. When Thomas B. Costain School was closed and put up for sale, we thought it would be ideal for a non-traditional church. So we prayed, asking God to
show us whether Costain was where He wanted us and — if so — to make it clear. It was, and He did. When we couldn't raise enough to buy the property, we began to pray God would provide the $300,000 we needed. To be honest, some of us were very skeptical. But three weeks later, SC Johnson notified the City it was spending $600,000 to buy and completely renovate Costain, provided the municipality turned it into a Community Centre. Since the City needed partners, and knew of our long-standing interest in the property, we were invited to lease space. Incredible co-incidence? We don't think so.
small group of Christians decided to establish a congregation in an area of the city that was struggling. When Thomas B. Costain School was closed and put up for sale, we thought it would be ideal for a non-traditional church. So we prayed, asking God to
show us whether Costain was where He wanted us and — if so — to make it clear. It was, and He did. When we couldn't raise enough to buy the property, we began to pray God would provide the $300,000 we needed. To be honest, some of us were very skeptical. But three weeks later, SC Johnson notified the City it was spending $600,000 to buy and completely renovate Costain, provided the municipality turned it into a Community Centre. Since the City needed partners, and knew of our long-standing interest in the property, we were invited to lease space. Incredible co-incidence? We don't think so.
OUR MINISTER
Our pastor is Rick Gamble. He'll be the first to tell you he's always been flawed and continues to be imperfect, but the word minister means "servant", and that's how Rick sees his role.
After working as a CTV news reporter for many years, he went into full-time ministry in 1997. Along with his preaching, teaching, and counselling work, Rick taught Journalism at Wilfrid Laurier University for two decades and did several documentaries in Africa, notably on child soldiers, and the exploitation of peasant workers.
His hobbies are videography, snorkeling and running. Rick's wife, Susan, is a gifted worship leader and ministry partner.
Our pastor is Rick Gamble. He'll be the first to tell you he's always been flawed and continues to be imperfect, but the word minister means "servant", and that's how Rick sees his role.
After working as a CTV news reporter for many years, he went into full-time ministry in 1997. Along with his preaching, teaching, and counselling work, Rick taught Journalism at Wilfrid Laurier University for two decades and did several documentaries in Africa, notably on child soldiers, and the exploitation of peasant workers.
His hobbies are videography, snorkeling and running. Rick's wife, Susan, is a gifted worship leader and ministry partner.