Sanctuary: Church Muskoka Style | Update and Prayer

After operating in partnership as a church and a retreat centre, 3 Crosses and Sanctuary: Church Muskoka Style have decided to continue their partnership but to move forward as two separate ministries and charities. To support the future of both these gospel initiatives, Gateway Church and the Central Canadian District are exploring how an intentional partnership agreement could support revitalization and provide clarity of vision and mission. Such a partnership would help foster greater health and wholeness in Jesus’ name, creating space for more people in Huntsville to know Him. 

Ian Trigg, our District Superintendent, is a big believer in partnerships. He says:

“We’re always better together! I love the possibilities of what could happen in people’s lives through the emerging partnership to help revitalize both Sanctuary and 3Crosses. I love the vision, the humility, the passion, and the hope that lives in all of our hearts.”
Ian is especially hopeful for the future as the leaders and people involved are engaging so deeply in this process:

“ …egos and agendas and presuppositions are melting away as everyone in the room only wants what God wants.”

On January 30th and 31st, Sanctuary hosted a Revitalization Retreat in Huntsville. Representatives from Sanctuary, 3Crosses, Gateway and the CCD gathered—in person and online—to seek God’s direction for this local church and to explore the unique ways that Jesus is inviting them to partner with Him and others in this season. 

While on their prayer walk, retreat attendees got to spend time with the mayor of Huntsville.

Over the course of the two days, the group spent time in contemplative prayer listening for God’s heart for His Church and for Huntsville, including a prayer walk through town. Here’s how Ingrid Dykstra—a member of Sanctuary—reflected on this experience:

“Walking and praying together for our community was a real highlight for me. God met us there on that walk. He put the right people in our path and opened our eyes to see the community of Huntsville through His eyes…”

Ingrid is also excited about the future of this partnership and how it will blaze a new trail for the community.  She has caught a vision for how the church might develop deeper roots⏤in ways that they haven’t seen before⏤with sister churches and the community of Huntsville. 

“I am so thrilled that the Christian and Missionary Alliance …see[s] the value of investing into a relationship-focused, interactive style of church. In a world that is becoming increasingly disconnected, it’s important that Christians find new ways to share our journeys with each other in the context of God’s story.”

We look forward to celebrating all that God is going to do through this partnership⏤ and it’s not limited to the churches and ministries mentioned above. All the people and churches of the CCD are invited to partner in prayer! 

Pray for… 

 … clarity in vision. That God would continue to reveal what it means to be a people of “sanctuary” while operating a “public yet sacred living room” for others to find rest and refuge in Him.

… guidance in the discernment process. What are the leadership needs for the future? 

… wisdom and guidance for the current leadership team, as they lead through this season of transition. 

… protection and faith. There is resistance where God’s kingdom advances and obstacles will present themselves along the way.

In addition to these requests above, take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit, “How can I pray for the community of Huntsville, Sanctuary: Church Muskoka Style and 3Crosses?”