Youth Ministry: June News

We’re just about reaching the halfway point of 2020 and this has been nothing short of a challenging year around the world… a global pandemic, Australian bushfires, floods in Indonesia, a volcano eruption in the Philippines, murder hornets, continued protests in Hong Kong… just to name a few. And now, in recent days, we witnessed the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis which has sparked rightful outrage against the injustices and evils of racism.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we stand against racism. All humans are created in the image of God and are of equal worth and dignity. It does not matter what their skin tone is, or what their economic status is, or what their age is, or what their gender is, or what their history is, or what their whatever is. Jesus cared for all people in the same way, regardless of who they were. All humans are created in the image of God and are of equal worth and dignity. 

While the general teaching is undoubtedly that all people are beloved by God. The current times has brought for urgent attention to the disproportionate injustices faced by our black brothers and sisters. As Christians, we stand in solidarity with them and seek justice. But beyond simply denouncing the evils of racism that they face, there’s certainly more that we can (and must) do as well. Let me offer a few suggestions:

1. Educate yourself on where Scripture stands on race and on the history of the issues of racism 
2. Engage in challenging discussion with others about anti-black racism (and racism in general)
3. Listen with humility to the hurts of those who have suffered racial injustice
4. Ask the Spirit to search your heart for areas of such sinful prejudices and confess of them
5. Call out acts of racism as the evil they are whenever you encounter them

As Chinese people, we are part of the visible minority in Canada and I know that there are many of us who have suffered acts of racism. All the more then, we ought to stand with those suffering. However, we also need to recognize that we’re not without our own faults and flaws in contributing to the problems of racism. Our very language in Chinese often brings out derogatory racial slurs when we address others. How, in Chinese, do you address those who are black (or anyone who isn’t Chinese)? This is a sin and it does not reflect the Kingdom of God. There is no such thing as “casual” or “harmless” racism, just as there is no “casual” or “harmless” sin. So brothers and sisters, may I exhort you to take bold strides in playing a part to acting justly and living in a way that’s worthy of the Gospel. 
 

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
 – Micah 6:8 –

So as we continue to press on in these times, here’s what we have planned.

GRADE 12 TRANSITIONS: SMALL GROUPS!

Every year, we transition our Grade 12 students over to join our post-secondary small groups ministry ahead of their actual graduations. One of the main reasons we do this is to bridge our graduating students to those who are already ahead of them in the post-secondary world. This offers a chance for our graduates to familiarize themselves with the next stage of life and also to receive some informal mentorship which will help prepare them for the change ahead. 

So, I’d like to invite all Grade 12 students to join us in this small group on Saturdays starting at 8:00 pm. Go to livestreams.ccac.church for the Zoom link to join. Also join our Facebook group for details!


SUMMER JOBS

Despite the times, we’ve actually still be given several grants from the government to hire summer workers this year. While the job and how we’ll run the program will certainly be different from previous years, we’ll still be looking to hire. Information will be hopefully coming out next week so check our website and social media for notices and details. 


OTHER MINISTRIES

Even as the world may be brought to a stand still. The Church presses on in resiliency by the grace of God. Join us in these online ministries. Again, go to livestreams.ccac.church for all the links.

Blessings,

Pastor Darren