The MAGNIFY: Welcome to Church
Issue no. 1
August 2026
The MAGNIFY
MY SOUL PROCLAIMS. MY SPIRIT REJOICES
Welcome to Church
Author: Pastor James Sholl
Welcome to Wellspring. A place where people can find rest and a safe space for everyone. May you be a small young family, an Indigenous person, a new immigrant to Canada, or identify as a 2SLGBTQ+ person, or a person requiring accessibility, we believe that you can love Jesus, love the Bible, and love church, all while loving all the people in your life. We are all free and truly loved not despite of what the Bible says… but because of it. It is our hope that you will hear and feel Jesus here.
This year, we are introducing our first newsletter. Here, we will publish supplementals to scripture, our prayers for the community, advertise our ministries, and feature reflections from YOU. If you feel the Spirit of God moving within you, and wish to share with the community, we would love to hear from you. This is a space where our congregation can share their experiences, and in doing so, become a blessing to others. If you would like to contribute, please send it to GodListens@wellspringtoronto.ca.
Lifted in Prayer
Lord, we remember our beloved brethren in Gaza and the Middle East, who desperately needs your light. May that light ignite our hearts and allow us to act and show compassion to those within our reach. Amen.
THE WELL SPEAKS
A Radical Welcome
Author: Deacon Simone Nieuwolt
Galatians 3:28:“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” -ESV
Paul is describing the demographics of the early church. Major differences had to be overcome; divisions and cultural expressions were starkly contrasted. Yet all were called to find unity in Christ.
This remains our challenge today. At Wellspring, our members come from many countries and cultures, including Iran, Africa, and China. Our members also have a range of abilities. Some come from places of privilege. Others, from financial struggle. Some of us identify as queer, some cisgendered. Some are neurotypical, others neurodivergent. We also have theological differences and backgrounds, while many came deeply wounded by the Evangelical church, yet still longing to connect with Jesus.
It is not easy to be one in Christ. But our Creator, through the work of the Spirit, can enlarge our hearts so that we can love one another better. Unity is not a matter of willpower; it comes by allowing God to dwell within us.
The fruit of being one in Christ is growth. We all tend to see scripture with a different lens, and hearing another believer’s perspective enriches our faith and understanding. Loving those who are different from us stretches us, broadens our outlook, and reflects the reconciling work of Christ in us.
COMMUNITY SPRING
To Bee Me
Author: Congregant Ronald Dator
I recently rewatched the movie, “Inside Out”. It’s a movie filled with literally emotions. What struck me the most in this movie is how Sadness struggled with Joy. Joy is definitely not the character that I would use to portray myself. Though you may see it, but my zeal comes from a place of anger. I have always seen myself like Anger. Maybe Anger with a dash of Sadness.
There are many things that I get angry about. But mostly, it’s just anger rooting from the fact that I am not Joy. There are many Joys in my life. I see them here in Wellspring as well. And I am glad to be friends with Joys. Yet, these Joys make me look at myself and wonder, “Why do I not have the same radiance?” These thoughts further feed my anger.
A good friend once told me, “Nothing good will happen to a bee that pretends to be a butterfly. A bee has to be a bee for it to find it’s purpose and meaning.” I realized that this is what I should be doing. I just need to be the best version of myself and not anyone else.
Saint Paul wrote, “There are different gifts, but the same Spirit… There are different works, but all to the same God.” (1 Cor 12: 4-5) Perhaps, once I embrace this fact and live it, I too may find my own radiance and glow that will allow me to spread happiness to others. I simply need to bee me.
Scripture Corner
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor demons, nor powers, nor things present, past nor future, nor height, nor depth, nothing in all creation will separate us from the love of God.”
Join the Children’s Ministry
The Children’s Ministry offers children ages 2 to 11 the opportunity to hear and reflect on God’s Word in a way that’s meaningful and age-appropriate during Sunday worship. Volunteers help share the readings, guide a simple reflection and prayer, and engage the children through activities, crafts, songs, and or games. Contact info@wellspringtoronto.ca to join.
Curated by Simone Nieuwolt
Designed by Ronald Dator
Edited by R. J. Edwards
With Special Thanks to:
James Sholl
Community Partners
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