Join us for a lecture and Q&A with Calvin Seerveld on The Exciting Ordinary Task of Redemptive Artwork, followed by dinner and performances, featuring Sung Chung and Laurelle Froese in the songs of Jake Heggie, Charles Ives, and music from The Greatest Song, translated by Calvin Seerveld, music by Ina Lohr

Sunday, May 27th
2:30pm
41 Britain St ground floor sanctuary

Cost: $25/adults $15/students
(or $30/adults $20/students at the door)
Tickets: http://gca.eventbrite.com/

Calvin Seerveld (b. 1930 in New York) received a BA from Calvin College in 1952, an MA in English literature and classics from the University of Michigan in 1953. He then went on to study under D. H. Th. Vollenhoven at the Free University (VU) in Amsterdam, where his doctoral dissertation dealt with Croce’s aesthetics. It was supervised by Vollenhoven and Carlo Antoni. He then taught philosophy and German at Trinity Christian College, and went on to teach philosophical aesthetics at the Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto. He is the author of several influential books, including Rainbows for the Fallen World.

On June 10, 2012, our Sunday service location will temporarily be at Jarvis Collegiate Institute at 495 Jarvis St.  Click here to access the Jarvis map and parking instructions.  The Sunday Service starts at 10:30am.

Rosedale Heights School of the Arts (RHSA) is our regular Sunday Service location.   Click here to access the RHSA map and parking instructions.

However, before you jump into your time of prayer this week, take a moment to reflect on the following, as you ask God to prepare your heart to intercede for our city and church.

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will about in every good work…This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”  (2 Cor. 9: 6-8, 12)

Prayer for our City:

• Pray for our natural tendency towards greed, materialism and wealth to be replaced with a spirit of generosity and a desire to give to others before ourselves.

• Pray for wisdom and a spirit of generosity for the leaders of our city and the leaders of corporations, that they may use the surplus of their wealth for the sake of helping those in need in our city.

• Pray that we would become a city that loves our neighbours – anyone who is in need.  Pray that the we would learn to take time in our lives to look out for those in need and give of our time, resources and talents to them.

Prayer for our Church:

• Pray that we would be proactive in our choices this week to live lives of radical generosity. Pray that we would intentionally take time to make adjustments and sacrifices in our resources for the sake of those in need and that this would set the foundation of a long-term lifestyle of generous living.

• Pray for a spirit of generosity to continually exist among all those at Grace Toronto and that those in the city would recognize this and be drawn to Christ through it.  Pray that this generosity would flow from cheerful, joyful hearts because of what God has done for us and not out of guilt, duty or obligation.

• Pray for the fundraising for the west-end church site/plant.  Pray that we would be a church that contributes generously to it, that we may see the funds raised before we even need them.

• Pray for the choices in our diaconate fund to know how to best distribute the resources for those in need.

Prayer for our World:

Praise Update from the Dominican Republic team:

• Great unity on the team!

• Sunshine throughout the week! – We had been praying for this so that they could get the work done, since the previous week was raining so hard it was flooding all the work sites.

• The team was able to almost fully complete one house and present it to a single mom with two teenage boys.  Due to the rainy season being up on the DR, their current house is dangerously close to slipping into a river, as it is flooding and eroding their property. This new house will provide safe and secure housing for them.

• Pray for those who were on the team that heard the Gospel or spent time with the Christians on the team.  Pray for their hearts to be opened and hungry to know the Lord and begin a relationship with Him.

• Please continue to pray for those who run this ministry within the DR – for their energy, stamina and encouragement.  Pray for a constant supply of resources, materials,  manpower and finances to be able to run this ministry to provide homes, schools and hospitals for some of the poorest communities of the country.

See what’s happening at Grace during the summer months – things like summer small groups, sports events, and whatnot.  Click here for more details.

Ephesians 5:5-9

⁵ Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, ⁶not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, ⁷rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, ⁸ knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. ⁹Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

Prayer for our City

• Pray for the work relationships in our city – especially between employers and employees.  Pray that employers would treat their employees with dignity and respect.  Pray that they would care about creating a healthy environment for their employees.

• Pray that employees would treat their employers with respect and faithfulness.  Pray that they would be diligent to uphold their work with value and wholeheartedness.

• Pray for our city’s view of work to be re-defined, as not just a means to an end of greater wealth, higher status, etc.  But rather that it would be seen as a way to bless and give back to our city, to those in need, to serve rather than to just self-benefit.

Prayer for our Church

• Pray for a healthy, biblical view of work and its purpose in our lives and that we would be a congregation that engages work for the sake of blessing our city and those around us.

• Pray for those who are in work situations that are difficult (ethical dilemmas, forced to work long hours, back-stabbing, etc) – pray for wisdom and perseverance for those who are in these situations.  Pray for clarity in how to live out a biblical perspective of work and that they would be the light of Christ in the midst of difficult circumstances.

• Pray for those who are out of work and looking for jobs.  Pray that they would trust in the Lord, their Provider, in the midst of this challenging time.  Pray for job openings and opportunities to come their way that would lead to not only a secure position but also in a field that they would thrive and enjoy being employed.  Pray for those especially who have the responsibility of a spouse or children – that they would sense God’s presence with them and that He has not abandoned them and that they would see God’s faithfulness to them in the midst of this time of waiting upon Him for employment.

Psalm 90:17

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

Reflection:

Read Psalm 131 slowly, line by line.  Reflect on the active resting that is happening in this short Psalm. Notice the way the Psalmist has committed to actively quieting his heart through the Lord’s help, rather than allowing the noise of his heart and mind to control him.  Ask the Lord to quiet the ‘noise of life,’ as you prepare for this time of prayer and throughout the rest of this week.

Prayer for our City:

• Pray for those who are in debt and in financial crises in the city.
  • Pray that they would know how and where to find the assistance they need.
  • Pray that this would be a time when friends and family truly come alongside them and care for them, not abandoning them to their fate or condemning them.
  • Pray that they would find relief from this burden and that there would be a way to rebuild a stable financial life.

• Pray for the families of our city that are in crisis.
  • Pray for families who are about to separate or have already separated.  Pray that there would be those who could gently intervene (counselors, family members, etc) who would be able to come alongside and help bringing healing and restoration to all those involved.
  • Pray for parents who are divided over how to raise their children – that they would find unity in their decisions and the ability to support and build one another up in their parenting.
  • Pray for our city to value families, parenting, raising children, spending time together.  Pray that the pressure of work, success, wealth, etc would not stand in the way of building strong families.  Pray that the divorce rate would diminish and that children would be brought up in loving, safe, devoted families.

Prayer for our Church:

• Pray for those who are in financial need or crisis within our own church.
  • Pray that they would be able to reach out for help and that our church community would be the first to come to their need.
  • Pray that they would be connected to the resources they need to receive financial and counseling assistance as to the best next steps for their situation.
  • Pray that we would be wise stewards of our finances, that we may be able to bless others generously and use it to glorify the Lord.

Prayer for one another:

• Pray for Logan Grant’s mom – Elaine Grant.
  • Background: Elaine has been living in a continuing care unit of a hospital for several years now, due to ongoing medical issues.
  • However, she is currently in the ICU, recovering from pneumonia, which takes an extra toll on her health.
  • Please pray for wisdom for the doctors, as they decide the best treatment for her condition.
  • Pray too for her sister, Logan’s aunt, who has just received word that she has a severe form of cancer that is spreading in her body.  Pray not only for her physical health, but also for her heart to be open to the message of Christ.  Pray that Elaine, Logan and Amanda, and others will be able to minister and care for her during this time.

Prayer for the world:

• Pray for the team from Grace Toronto that left on Sunday for the Dominican Republic
  • Pray for sunshine and dry weather (it rained all week last week and the site where they are hoping to work on the buildings is a mudbath right now) so they can accomplish the task of helping build houses in an efficient, timely way.
  • Pray for the team – for unity, camaraderie and a commitment to serving others and one another with joy.  Pray that they would be encouraging and helpful to one another.  Pray that they would be able to see the fruit of their work and how it can bless those they are serving.
  • Pray for those on the team who do not have a relationship with the Lord.  Pray that those from Grace may be a blessing to them and that the Lord would open up opportunities to share their stories of Him with them.
  • Pray for their bus driver and 2 interpreters. Pray that they would be able to have spiritual conversations with them and that they would be an example of Christ to them.
  • Pray for the health of the team – that there would be no illness or accidents.  Pray that their travel would be safe and that the airlines will allow them to bring all their humanitarian supplies and heavy suitcases without penalty or surcharges.

Philippians 4:19-20

And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.  To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Reflection:

Read Job 38 and reflect on the ways God, the Almighty Creator, holds every detail of the universe in His hands.  Reflect on His majesty, power, authority, beauty, care and creativity.

Prayer for our City:

• Pray for the organizers of Earth Day and all the planning and resources that went into this event. Pray that it would truly highlight the need of our city to respect the Earth God has given us to care for.  (Gen 1:26)

• Pray for the gentrification that is occurring in areas like Regent Park and for the displacement of families and neighborhoods that is a direct result of this.  Pray that the city officials and urban planners would care for and respect them and would not cast them aside for the sake of building wealthier neighborhoods.  (Ez 34:2-4)

• Pray for the visibly broken areas of our city – Jane & Finch, Regent Park, St Jamestown, Parkdale, Moss Park – that these areas would be transformed from places of brokenness to areas of the city where Christ’s light shines most brightly.  Pray for the city to see the needs of these areas and tangibly address them.   (Lev 25:23-24)

Prayer for our Church:

• Praise God for revealing Himself in creation and pray that we would be a people who continually deflects praise to Him for His creation and for His power in giving new life – both physically and spiritually.  (Neh 9:6)

• Pray for opportunities to use events like Earth Day to initiate with our neighbors, co-workers and others in serving the city.

• Pray for the West Side info meeting this Sunday after the service to be a good opportunity for everyone to hear ways we can be praying, planning and preparing for a west-side church in the near future.

Prayer for one another:

Update on Jon & Karman:

• Praise God that the move went smoothly into their new home from the rehab centre
• Pray for them as the transition to their new home has been difficult.
• Pray for Karman as she is utterly exhausted from not getting enough sleep at night, as Jon has spasms throughout the night and needs care when this happens.
• Pray for her as well, as she feels increasingly unable to keep up with working full time, caring for Jon, keeping their house in order and all the other responsibilities she has upon her.
• Pray that we, as a church, would know how best to come alongside them and care for them during this difficult transition and adjustment to a whole new way of  life.  Pray for a spirit of generosity to be poured out upon them in whatever way needed, that we may care for them as a body of Christ.

Colossians 1:16-17

“For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him.  He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

Reflection:

Read Psalm 40 and reflect on the ways God has not ‘restrained His mercy from you’ and how ‘His steadfast love and faithfulness ever preserves you.’

Prayer for those in our city/church without work:

• Pray that the job market in Toronto would open up quickly and would be able to provide many new positions for those without work.

• Pray for the financial stability of our city, government and country – that the choices that are made would result in job openings; would prevent layoffs; and would enable many who are currently without jobs to find work in the near future.
• Pray for those you know by name who are looking for work, looking to change jobs or careers or who are overlooked/underpaid in their current jobs – pray that they would find connections and network opportunities even this week that would lead to a secure job for them in the near future.
• Pray that the community of Grace Toronto would know how to lovingly and generously care for those who are without work – both in and outside of the church.  Pray for wisdom for the diaconate to care and provide resources to those in need.
• Take time to thank the Lord if you have a job and pray that He would make you content in it for as long as you are in that position.

Prayer for Grace Toronto upcoming events & future:

• Pray for the future of Grace Toronto – specifically for the decision about the west-side site/plant.  Pray for the elders and leaders of the church who are involved in making these decisions.  Pray for wisdom, integrity and clarity as they lead and decide.
• Pray for the Games Night this Friday night – pray that many newcomers would attend and feel welcomed to the community of Grace.
• Pray for the “Foundations of the Faith” course that is being taught by Kyle Hackmann.  Pray that many would attend and be strengthened in their understanding of the Gospel and how it affects our lives.

Psalm 40:16-17

“But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!

Reflection:

Read Job 38:4-13, 31-38 and observe the imagery God uses to describe His creative power.  Use this as a catalyst to praise God for His ultimate artistry that created and sustains the earth.

Prayer for the artistic community of Toronto:

Education:

• Pray for protection for students in arts programs in the city who are trying to understand how their faith and art interact; pray for those students who don’t yet know Jesus, that their time in school would be one where they hear the Gospel and come to faith in Jesus; for OCAD and the arts and music faculties on the various city campuses (UofT, Humber, York, Ryerson, etc.)

Arts/Cultural Institutions:

• Pray for deeper Gospel traction in the Toronto arts community. That God would raise up Christian artists to be salt and light, deeply invested in these significant cultural institutions (Theatre: Soulpepper, CanStage, Tarragon, Mirvish, Buddies in Bad Times), (Music – Jazz: the Rex, Indie; Classical: Canadian Opera Company, Toronto Symphony Orchestra) (Visual Arts: galleries and museums – ROM, AGO, smaller/independent galleries) (Film: festivals – TIFF, Festival of Short Films, Documentary Festival) (Dance: Swing Dance community, Ballet, Salsa community)

Christian Arts Orgs:

• Pray for Freedomize and other Christian arts orgs (Rezound, Solar Crash, Walmer Centre (Walmer Road Baptist), Imago, Windrider, etc) that they would maintain a firm footing in the Gospel, and that they would have a significant impact on the cultural and art life of the city.

- Pray for strengthened partnerships between Grace Toronto Church and arts organizations or other churches

- Pray that more Christian artists would have a significant impact on the wider arts scene in this city and country – that their work would deeply affect and shape the culture for God’s glory; pray for God to raise up more Christian artists and influencers in the arts scene.

Prayer for the Grace Center for the Arts:

• Praise God for the opportunity to participate in Sunday worship by creating work during the season of Lent.
• Pray for the growth of this ministry, development and surfacing of new leaders; pray for unity as a group and for strong teamwork on the various projects they take on.

• Pray that the team would come up with creative ways of meeting with, working with and engaging artists throughout the city.

• Pray for the Arts conference on May 27th: for the health of the speaker (Cal Seerveld); for the volunteers and coordinators involved in the conference; that this would be a time of better understanding how God’s Word implicates the way artists approach their work.

Prayer for the World

Syria:

• Pray for the civil and governmental unrest that exists in this country, especially surrounding the talks of cease-fire that are supposed to be enacted this week.
• Pray for Kofi Annan, the international envoy on Syria, who is leading this peace proposal. Pray for him to have wisdom and integrity in how he acts.  Pray for those working with him – for unity and humility as they interact and negotiate with one another.
• Pray for the unrest and violence that is occurring in the midst of these peace talks. Pray especially for the families of the ~36 victims that were killed over the past 2 days in violent upheavals.
• Pray that peace would truly be brought to this ravaged land that has dealt with political battles that have played out in violence among civilians for over a year now.  Pray that the God of peace would establish peace between the government and the opposition parties and that He would ultimately bring lasting, spiritual peace to this land.

Psalm 90:17

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.”

And Jesus Christ our Lord was shown to be the Son of God when God powerfully raised him from the dead by means of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.   ~Romans 1:4-5 (NLT)

Prayer for our City

• Pray that this weekend would be an opportunity for the city to be exposed to the story of Christ’s death and resurrection and how it relates to our lives today.
• Pray that churches in the city would uphold the truth of the Gospel and would be clear and accurate in their explanation of what Christ’s work on the cross has accomplished.
• Pray that hearts would be convicted by what Christ has done for them and that there would be true life-change and surrender to Him this weekend.

Prayer for our Church

• Pray that the Good Friday service in partnership with 3 other churches would be an opportunity to commemorate Christ’s death in unity with other believers in the city.
• Pray for Dan MacDonald, as he preaches on Friday and on Sunday – that the Holy Spirit would speak clearly through him; that he would speak truth; and that all attention and honor would be drawn to Jesus, and not himself.
• Pray for all the finishing details this week – that they would be worked out and that the service would run smoothly and be free from distractions.
• Pray that this weekend would be an opportunity for us to be refreshed and renewed in our celebration for what Christ has done for us and that it would inspire us to share this with others.

Consider reflecting on the following verses throughout this week to help prepare your heart for the celebration of our Saviour’s life, death and resurrection this weekend.

• Monday – Matthew 21:1-9
• Tuesday – Philippians 2:5-11
• Wednesday – 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
• Thursday – Hebrews 9:11-14
• Friday – Matthew 26:36 – 37:66
• Saturday – Isaiah 53
• Sunday – Mark 16:1-8, 1 John 5:4-12