Dear Friends,
It has been clearly noted that we live in a time when social activity and lifestyle have redirected the spiritual thinking of many people. As a result, many church congregations and the church in general are going through a time of transformation. Statistics indicate that although the majority of people do not attend Sunday worship many claim to have a strong spiritual life.
Throughout the past decade there has been a noticeable decline in support and attendance for the mainline institutional churches, and although as Statistics Canada shows more than three million people claim affiliation with the United Church of Canada, only about fifteen percent of that number attend regularly.
Those in the church pew wonder what the church and it’s ministry will look like in another ten years. How will the church respond to God’s call to ministering to those millions who find faith, spiritual development and ministry a low priority at this point in their life’s journey?
In response to the challenge there are those who identify with new hope and energy. Something new is happening and there are opportunities, but how do we connect with this new reality.
The United Church of Canada sees this as a time of transformation. The Moderator, The Right Reverend David Giuliano states, “Emerging Spirit” and it’s public expression “WonderCafe” are our affirmation that we can be a place of welcome, a place where folk of all kinds can journey together in faith.”
The “Wonder Café” is an initiative to establish and nurture a relationship between the United Church and Canadians between 30 - 45 who are not currently involved with any faith community.
The Wondercafe (wondercafe.ca) is the public face of the “Emerging Spirit” that people outside the church can embrace. It invites people to explore their spirituality in an open-minded, relevant environment. In doing so it provides an authentic powerful witness of our church.
While inviting people to join us on a spiritual quest, “wondercafe.ca” is an initiative to provide all of us with the tools needed to bring it to life in our local congregations, so you are invited to come and visit.
We are all learning on the way as we seek to be faithful to the One who calls us to new life.
Pause at “wondercafe.ca” and enjoy the refreshments.
Blessings,
Rev. Wilf Pelley
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