Text Box: Ethnic Ministries Coordinating Committee AGM Text Box: This year’s Ethnic Ministries Coordinating Committee was held on January 23-26, 2003 at the Church House in Etobicoke. The theme for the event was entitled “Nurturing Seeds of Hope” (Matthew 13:23). With the news that the Executive Minister of Ethnic Ministries, Rev. Richard Chung-Sik Choe was on study leave and was also undergoing some medical tests, Kim Uyede-Kai, Programme and Resource Development Staff was asked to act on Richard’s behalf. With the assistance of Chairperson, Hazel Bigby and Vice-Chairperson, Pastor George Takashima, the AGM got underway on Thursday, Jan. 23 with a Worship service conducted by Pastor Takashima. Much of the morning was spent welcoming, community building, table group check in and approval of the agenda. The afternoon was spent in plenary receiving reports from the Chair, Staffing update, Ethnic Ministries programme reports; Mission and Service Fund presentation - (It should be noted that CJUC was the second highest giver among EM churches as of Jan 23, 2003) - and greetings from delegates from Presbyterian Church in Taiwan visiting the Presbyterian Church in Canada. The theme speaker was Rev. Won Heo. He spoke on “The Need to Hope”. The theological reflection was presented by Rev. Emmanuel Ofori of the Ghana Calvary Methodist Church. New Chairperson Elected Friday morning worship was led by Rev. Ricky Tai, Mississauga Chinese U.C. In plenary, Pastor George Takashima was elected as Chairperson of Ethnic Ministries at the rise of the 38th General Council in Wolfville, NS. Also, Rev. Karl Lam was named as Vice-Chairperson. The rest of the morning was spent Text Box: in Sessional Committees. After lunch, in plenary, Omega Bula, General Council Minister, offered a presentation on the General Council Racial Justice ministry. Rev. Won Heo presented his second theme speech entitled “Finding Hope”. Rev. Steve Willey from CJUC, with Vic Kitagawa gave a presentation on Intentional Interim Ministry. Carol Hancock, General Council Minister heading Regional Relations and Ethnic Ministries spoke to the gathering. Muriel Duncan, editor of the Observer made a presentation. Again, Rev. Ofori gave the Theological reflection. The evening concluded with a banquet with speaker Rev. Dr. Jim Sinclair. “Faith Talk” Saturday morning worship was led by Wanda West. Back in plenary, the morning was spent with the Theology and Faith Committee led by Jennifer Balls and Gail Allan on the “Faith Talk” study. The afternoon was spent in plenary reporting back from Sessional Committees; reviewing the finance picture and tidying up unfinished business. Rev. Heo completed his theme topics with “Nurturing Hope” - (See following pages) Rev. Ofori gave his theological reflection and closing worship. ********* (One of the highlights for me at this AGM occurred during one of our table talks. Ms. Bu Yeung Kim from Alexandria, Ont., related the efforts of the young people of her church visiting a Native reserve for two weeks during the summer to share their experiences. She reported that the time spent together by both parties was priceless. The relationships did not end with the summer venture but has been extended into sleep-overs and visits at Christmas).... V.K.