Beyond the Rainbow Conference

Beyond the Rainbow | June 7-9 2024
Hosted by South Calgary Chinese Evangelical Free Church
340 39th Ave SE Calgary
Contact:  [email protected] | 403 243 2770

You’re invited to our Beyond the Rainbow weekend conference June 7-9. This 3-day event is for anyone wanting to engage in conversations and discover ways to care for our LGBTQ+ friends and community.

Learn about gender issues concerning families and youth with keynote speaker, Dr. Melvin Wong, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist. Other guest speakers are Christian apologist Mr JoJo Ruba and and Ms. Gloria Keung, a former-lesbian whose passion is in helping families have conversations around LGBTQ.

The Development of Sexual Identity
June 7 | 7:00pm-9:30pm | Sanctuary & Online | Dr. Melvin Wong | Register
Confidence and a sense of security in one's innate gender—gender confidence—are significantly influenced by parental upbringing during infancy. Dr. Wong will delve into the developmental model of gender identity in this lecture.
Language: Cantonese with English translation

The Conversion Therapy Ban vs. Freedom of Association 
June 8 | 10:00am-12:00pm | Sanctuary | Jojo Ruba | Register
Since January 2022, Canada has enacted legislation to restrict conversion therapy. What kind of threat does this pose to religious organizations or institutions that do not align with LGBTQ+ values, which they previously enjoyed under freedom of association?
Language: English

The Implications of Sexual Fluidity
June 8 | 2:30pm-5:00pm | Sanctuary | Dr. Melvin Wong
Advocates of the LGBTQ+ movement suggest that human gender identity and sexual orientation are fluid. Is there any empirical basis for this assertion? If so, how should society perceive individuals who fluctuate between identifying as male and female?
Language: Cantonese with English translation

Pastoring LGBTQ+
June 8 | 7:00pm-9:30pm | N2o1 | Gloria Keung
Ms. Gloria Keung lived as a lesbian for many years, but underwent a transformative journey guided by her faith, leading her to dedicate herself full-time ministering to the LGBTQ+ community.
Language: Cantonese

Mission for the Gender Confused Generation
June 9 | 9:30am-10:45am | Sanctuary | Dr. Melvin Wong
Some churches perceive the LGBTQ community as adversaries to the Christian faith while others fully embrace them. Have we considered another viewpoint of seeing the LGBTQ+ community as an unreached group awaiting redemption and transformation? 
Language: Cantonese

---

Speaker Line Up

Parking Update Spring 2024

Expectant moms and families with infants, did you know that on Sundays we have 8 designated family parking stalls in the north parking lot behind church for your parking convenience? We have also increased the handicap parking to 8 stalls and loading zone parking to 4 stalls to maximize accessibility to our church for those who are most vulnerable, disabled and parents with young children. Questions? Contact [email protected]

We also have a wonderful new neighbour Amborella Florist on Manchester Road. Due to the growing number of people attending our church and the number of new surrounding business, we kindly remind everyone to respect our neighbours and park in our designated church lots, the c-train station, or use street parking at all times. Please refer to our parking guide if you need clarification. Questions? Contact [email protected] Thank you!

Domestic Violence Awareness Initiative

We are launching a new initiative to help those experiencing domestic violence.  Our first step is to bring more awareness to this topic and to make it feel safe for those who need help seeking resources.
For more info, prayer, and or support, please call 403-243-2770 or email [email protected].

Other Resources:
Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-234-SAFE (7233) (24 hrs)

Calgary Distress Centre Crisis Support
Call or text: 403-266-HELP (403-266-4357)
website/chat portal: https://distresscentre.com/24-hour-crisis-support/

Warm Hands Full Hearts Clothing Drive February 2024

This year, Calgary has experienced an unprecedented winter cold snap which has made it extremely challenging for vulnerable people to stay safe and warm. That's why, during the rest of January and February, SCCEFC is launching the Warm Hands Full Hearts campaign to collect new and gently used winter clothing to support vulnerable people in our community.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Donate your gently used or new winter gear such as coats, sweaters, scarves, gloves, mittens, touques, socks, and winter boots in collection boxes in our lobby.

• All clothing donations will be provided to the Mustard Seed Society for distribution to vulnerable people in need.

• Alternatively, if you have no gear to share, we also encourage folks to donate directly to the Mustard Seed (or a social service organization of your choice directly serving vulnerable people this winter).
  
  Let's fill up our hearts with God's love and share it by giving the gift of warmth this winter.