On Feb. 21, 2009, Council members met to discern direction for missional ministry in and through SCC. We began the day by sharing our journeys of faith, and then built on the preparatory work done by Assoc. Pastor Kathleen, Leona and Martin, to answer the question:

We adopted a metaphor to describe the purpose of missional ministry. These ministries are “doorways” to accomplish our broadest purpose and calling – to engage in God’s mission to the world. This call to share the good news is not unique or optional but is a core purpose for the Church, most broadly, and for those who call SCC home. Sharing our faith was considered a transcendent category, which requires intentionality, regardless of the form it takes, including lifestyle evangelism, personal evangelism, discipleship programs, and pulpit ministry.

We identified the following areas of strength, giftedness and ministry opportunities in specific areas:

- the gift of teaching and desire for learning;

- gifts in arts and culture;

- a commitment to the stewardship of God’s creation;

- a commitment to social justice, as a responsibility of the church;

- our Anabaptist heritage;

- the geographical and situational circumstances and opportunities of SCC in the Royal Oak neighbourhood.

In summary, we agreed that as a community we take the gifts of the spirit, specifically those for teaching and learning, caretaking, and artistic ability, and apply our passions for the arts and culture, creation, and evangelism, in hopes of meeting the responsibility of faith in the areas of social justice, evangelism and care of the environment.

The Council then identified areas of focus and action. We recognized the “doorways” or outreach opportunities that exist, and identified possible points of action in which to be more intentional. These included the following:

• - Inviting and facilitating children from More-Than-A-Roof housing complex to Discipleship classes, Children’s ministries, and youth events;
• - Explore a variety of partnerships for ministry including 'Athletes in Action’ programs;
  - Beginning discussions to offer tutoring for people in the neighbourhood;
  - Continuing to explore a SCC Daycare center;
  - Affirm and extend the 'Foodbank' garden project;
  - Cooking classes and possible community kitchen;
  - A Faith in Society series.