Issue no. 4
November 2026
The MAGNIFY
MY SOUL PROCLAIMS. MY SPIRIT REJOICES
Welcome to Church
Author: Pastor James Sholl
So I requested that this month's theme be advent. For anyone who is not in their first year of church, you may be surprised that I would want to do this in November. If that’s the case, you clearly don’t know how excited I get about advent; one month simply isn’t enough!
Advent is a time of waiting. But not just waiting. Anticipation. Knowing that something beautiful is about to happen and, when it does, everything will change. Immanuel. God with us.
I know that many of us are tired. Exhausted even. But Advent is the reminder that something perfect is just on the horizon. So we give our tiredness to God. But we give our hopes also. Whatever you feel during this pre-advent, know that you are not alone. And that God is with you in every moment.
A weary world rejoices.
Lifted in Prayer
Lord, whether we enter advent with hope or fear, we pray that we feel your presence draw near to us. To hear your encouragement when we struggle. To feel your joy when we celebrate. To know you in the inbetween. Lord, draw us close.
THE WELL SPEAKS
The Journey to Sunday Worship
Author: Zanna Brown
As one of Wellspring’s worship leaders, my hope on a Sunday morning is that people will be led into a place of worship and a closeness with God through music. The process of making this happen starts long before my Sunday morning alarm goes off.
Once I’ve connected with Pastor James mid-week, here are some of the questions I ask myself as I begin selecting songs for the Sunday service:
What Scriptures are being used on Sunday? Is God saying anything specific to me or to the church as a whole?
Does this week’s speaker have any song suggestions or are there new songs that would fit well?
What messages and themes are central to Wellspring’s overall vision?
How can we honour musical artists who align with Wellspring’s values?
Each worship leader brings a unique approach to the process and has their own methods for selecting songs. You can be assured that when Tom leads, there will be a 90's banger in the lineup (his words, not mine). Darlene often brings in a timeless hymn, Laura can always be counted on to share poignant thoughts between the songs she chooses, and Choo Yee’s prowess on the piano allows her to incorporate classic worship tunes with ease. Despite our differences, we worship leaders are united in our hope that everyone will encounter God in worship freely.
Scripture Corner
“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
COMMUNITY SPRING
Creating Advent Traditions Together as a Family
Author: Deacon Simone Nieuwolt
Advent begins on November 29 this year and there are many ways to celebrate it and make it a family tradition. The Reaburn-Campbells’ have been making Advent a fun and spiritual time for their family.
Charlie, the eldest, knows that “Advent is a celebration of the long waiting for the fulfillment of prophecy, the big moment in history when Jesus comes to earth after so much longing.” It is also time of friend and family visits and daily activities leading all the way up to Christmas.
Wilder and CJ describe a family tradition of hanging a string of mittens in their house. Within each mitten, there is a little activity to celebrate the season of event. One day’s activity may mean a visit to a foodbank, another day’s a suggestion is to visit the website of an Indigenous business and support that business. Sometimes it is a family visit to a local café. Each suggestion was created by their parents.
Christmas tree decoration is also a fun family activity. The ornaments are laid on the table and memories of when they were acquired are shared. The whole family takes part in the tree decorating, with fun and laughter making the experience special.
How about your family? Maybe this year you and your family can start a meaningful Advent tradition of your own.
SPECIAL EVENT: ‘Heretics’ Club November 9
Faith, deconstruction, & the questions we’re not supposed to ask: Nov. 9, 7:00PM. Wellspring will host 3 major influencers for chai and conversation! buy tickets here:
Joash P. Thomas describes himself as a “Masala Chai Theologian” and “Priest to the Misfits.” He combines his “Indian Christian heritage, Western political experience, and academic expertise with a Jesus-centered passion for people who are marginalized.” Find out more at joashpthomas.com.
Rev. Gerlyn Henry is a priest in Scarborough with 380K followers on Instagram. In her recent Broadview interview, she describes her content as about “faith and politics,” and aims to show what the church could be at its best (https://broadview.org/the-influencer-priest). You can follow her on Instagram @gerlynhenry, and through her podcast “Two Priests and Palestine” with Jeff Nowers.
Brian Recker was a former Marine officer and evangelical pastor who deconstructed his faith to find a more inclusive spirituality. Read his writings on his Substack account, “Beloved,” or in his book, “Hell Bent.” His socials can be found on brianrecker.com.
Candlelight Service December 13
The Candlelight Service happening this December 13 is a yearly tradition at Wellspring. It features performances by our congregants, a silent auction, and delicious treats. It is also a major fundraiser and a great opportunity to invite friends and visitors to our church. Volunteers are always needed!
Curated by Simone Nieuwolt
Designed by Ronald Dator
Edited by R. J. Edwards
With Special Thanks to:
Zanna Brown and James Sholl
Inspired? Have a story to share? Need someone to listen to you? You matter to us and we want to hear from you. Write to GodListens@wellspringtoronto.ca. Pick up a paper copy of the newsletter (with additional graphic design elements) by visiting Wellspring Worship Centre in person!