(Bishop Linda has invited Adam A. Kline, Director of Intercultural Missions & Church Health Coach, to share about the GTA Regional Gathering this past weekend.)
This past weekend was our fifth Regional Gathering. It was hosted by Kingsview FMC, and was our largest event so far this year! Over 150 people were in attendance, including the wonderful Kingsview volunteers and hospitality team, with 29 Free Methodist congregations represented. We were led in anointed times of praise by a worship team made up of musicians from a few different congregations; which reflected the unifying atmosphere and experience.
For some in attendance it was their first-ever Regional Gathering, and they were delighted to discover the interconnected history several congregations shared. For others it was their first denominational event in quite some time, and they were encouraged by the number of old acquaintances, as well as all the new faces. All of this contributed to the feeling that this was a “family reunion” of sorts. In looking back, we were able to celebrate how God had brought us all together, and in looking forward the promise of further collaboration as we explored the theme of “Unleashing Holy Freedom.”
For myself, as the Regional Coach for Central Ontario, I was deeply moved by the diversity of voices and the welcome extended to so many NextGen leaders. God is on the move, my friends, and the Free Methodist Church in Canada is uniquely blessed as we catch up with what Jesus is already doing in and through us!
