RHENISH CHURCH OF CANADA LUTHERAN (RCCL)

(Member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada)

RHENISH began with the vision to carry on the great commission. The mission call was originated in the Rhine region of Germany, taken root in mainland China, exodus to Hong Kong, and carried by the immigrates to Toronto. In 1984, the people gathered to worship as the Rhenish Church of Canada. In 1990, a formal relationship was established with the Chinese Rhenish Church, Hong Kong Synod as our overseas sister congregation. In 2003, Rhenish joined the larger local Lutheran family and became a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

BECOMING A PART OF THE COMMUNITY since 1984. Between July 1984 and January 1992 people from different walks of life and faith came to met and worship every Sunday afternoon at the Salvation Army at Downtown Toronto. Due to an exponential growth at our location, we found the need to provide an area where we can accommodate to the needs to the people of our church. At the same time, we realized the Chinese community was growing significantly in the Scarborough area. In February 1992, we relocated to Dr. Norman Bethune C.I. and started our Sunday afternoon worship services in the morning.

This new meeting place took roots in the Scarborough region as it provided ample opportunities for outreach and provided services to the people in the community.  As the Chinese community development extended eastward, and purchase for property mandated saving, the congregation relocated to St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Elementary School – Scarborough in September 1993.

It started off with a small group of 20 people. Eventually, the membership steadily increased allowing for two language-services to accommodate about 300 people worshiping at this location. The Rhenish Church demand also increased allowing for six satellite ministries setup inside various high schools located in the Scarborough, North York and Markham regions.

Rhenish has grown into a worshipping community, emphasizing in theological education and partnership with the wider Christian community.

CALLING OUT OF SCARBOROUGH.

Due to God’s mercies and evangelizing, our church grew over the amount of space that could accommodate the people, church service and other programs provided through the church. This increased our edge to settle at a permanent facility and strengthening belonging and ownership of parishioners.

In the process, different building proposals were being studied including purchasing church offices, education facilities and warehouses. In 1995, the creation of a gospel partnership and share property with a Scarborough sister congregation took flight. However, without a clear vision, long hours of laboring and struggling, the partnership did not materialize.

At the dawn of this millennium, most of the Chinese population was moving out of Scarborough towards the North, especially the young families. A study was then conducted in the GTA and Markham to analyse the demographics, availability of property and corresponding ministry model as a part of a year long study. With the sense of mission towards young families among the Chinese and multi-cultural communities, Rhenish purchased two acres of land in the middle of farmlands situated in the Cornell community on December 31, 2004.

ENTERING CORNELL

To grow, share and learn together with this newly developed and growing community, the congregation relocated to Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic school in the following year. As the school faced shortage of caretakers, Rhenish relocated again to Brother Andrè Catholic school.

Throughout the years, God’s calling came through in many ways: among the congregation, synodical and national church, Hong Kong sister church, and during challenges. During moments of challenges, many prayed faithfully and persistently; provided support in finance support, manpower and responded to the call. Praise be to the Almighty and Compassionate Lord, challenges have nurtured us to grow in faith and trusting God’s provision.

“I planted the seed in your heart, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow” 1 Cor 3:6.

Rhenish emerged from Scarborough with a clear and strong sense of the mission that God has entrusted to her. The fruit of an apple tree is apple. May Rhenish bear fruits of the Spirit and the Holy Gospel. Even more, the offspring of an apple tree is another apple tree. Rhenish vision forward to her fruits and mission offspring. May the almighty God who has given us the will to do these things, graciously give us the strength and compassion to perform them.

MISSION (BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS FOR GOD’S KINGDOM)

As Rhenish journeys on as a community where we find belonging, love and building upon the scripture and confession; we focusing in worship, learning, witness, service, and she shall be;

A PLACE OF WHOLENESS 

A Place Relevant to life

A People of Character:

·      Integrity
·      Honesty
·      Compassion
·      Responsibility
·      Fairness
·      Respect
·      Courage
·      Initiation
·      Perseverance
·      and Hope

A Community to Count on:

·      Sharing joy and struggles
·      Growing and building together

A living witness of an abundant life in God’s love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ

October 2008 His Servant Pastor David Tin became the Senior Head Pastor for the Rhenish Church of Canada Lutheran.

 SERVING THE COMMUNITY

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2010 Launching Oversea Mission in Tanzania. Using the Good News of God to change lives away from Home.

Working with the Samaritan’s Purse Annually, to deliver Christmas Shoe Boxes with gifts of love, wellness, and hope to people across the world since 2011. We also become a collection/ drop-off center so that people in the community and the church will participate in this heartwarming event.

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