Rhenish Church of Canada 2.62

RHENISH CHURCH OF CANADA (LUTHERAN)

(member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada)


It all began with the vision to carry on the great commission. The mission call was originated in the Rhine region of Germany, taken root in mainland China, exodus to Hong Kong, and carried by the immigrates to Toronto. In 1984, the people gathered to worship as the Rhenish Church of Canada. In 1990, formal relationship was established with the Chinese Rhenish Church, Hong Kong Synod as overseas sister congregation. In 2003, Rhenish joined the local larger Lutheran family and became a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.



BECOMING A COMMUNITY

Some unknown to each other, some aliens from Christ, between the periods of July 1984 and January 1992, parishioners met at the Salvation Army at Downtown Toronto, worshiping on Sunday afternoon.


Soon, it was found that the facility was not able to accommodate the expanding needs. At the same time, Chinese community was growing significantly in the Scarborough area.

In February 1992, we relocated to Dr Norman Bethune C.I. and have our Sunday worship in the morning. This new meeting place was well situated in Scarborough and provided ample of outreach opportunities.

As the Chinese community development extended eastward, and purchase for property mandated saving, in September 1993, the congregation relocated to St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Elementary School, in Scarborough.


Started off with a small group of 20 people, membership grew steadily to about 300 worshiping in 2 languages. 6 satellite ministries were set up inside the high school located in Scarborough, North York and Markham. Rhenish has grown into a worshiping community, emphasizing in theological education and partnership with the wider Christian community.



CALLING OUT OF SCARBOROUGH

It began with the need of more space for programs, a permanent facility, and strengthening belonging and ownership of parishioners. Different building proposals were being studied, such as purchasing church office, education facilities and warehouse. In 1995, the creation of a gospel partnership and share property with a Scarborough sister congregation has taken flight. However, without a clear vision, after long labor and struggle, the partnership did not materialized.At the dawn of this millennium, Chinese population was moving out of Scarborough towards north, especially the young families. A study was conducted on GTA and Markham. Research on demographics, availability of property and corresponding ministry model were part of the year long study. With the sense of mission towards young families among the Chinese and multi-cultural communities, Rhenish purchased two acres of land in the middle of farmlands situated in the Cornell community on Dec 31, 2004.



ENTERING CORNELL .

To grow, share and learn together with this newly developed growing community, the congregation relocated to Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic school in the following year. As the school facing shortage of caretakers, Rhenish relocated again to Brother Andre Catholic school.

Throughout the years, God’s calling came thru in many ways, among the congregation, synodical and national church, Hong Kong sister church, and challenges. Many have pray faithfully and persistently. Many have provided support in finance and manpower. Many responded to the call. Praise be to the Almighty and Compassionate Lord.

Challenges have nurtured us to grow in faith, trusting God’s providing. “I planted the seed in your heart, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow” 1 Cor 3:6.

Rhenish emerged from Scarborough with a clear and strong sense of the mission that God has entrusted to her.

The fruit of an apple tree is apple. May Rhenish bear fruits of the Spirit and the Holy Gospel.

Even more, the offspring of an apple tree is another apple tree. Rhenish vision forward to her fruits and mission offspring. May the almighty God who has given us the will to do these things, graciously give us the strength and compassion to perform them.



MISSION – BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS ...

As Rhenish journeys on as a community ... where we find belonging ... love ... building upon the scripture and confession ... focusing in worship, learning, witness, service, she shall be ...



A PLACE OF WHOLENESS – RCCL

A place Relevant to life A people of Character ... integrity, honesty, compassion, responsibility, fairness, respect, courage, initiation, perseverance, and hope A Community to count on ... sharing joy and struggle ... growing and building together A Living witness of an abundance life in God's love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ





October, 2008 His Servant

Pastor David Tin