About US
WHO ARE WE? |
Where are we? |
We are a not-for-profit community unified by a common goal to be disciples of Jesus and reflect the body of Christ on a micro-scale. We work to create a space where people can encounter earnest discipleship in partnership with and surrender to the Holy Trinity. We aim to partner with the Father's unique strategies of reaching out to the world with His love, while following Jesus' example and allowing Him to build His church however, whenever, and wherever He wants. We strive to honour the previous normal while acknowledging that Jesus is not limited to our familiar structures.
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We are currently located in the city of Barrie, with connections in Simcoe Country and dreams of expanding into the surrounding area.
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WHO STARTED THIS? |
What Are we doing? |
Well, the short answer is our Heavenly Father. But He has graciously included us in His plans! It has long been our dream to facilitate a community of healing and creativity that includes the protection of the natural world we love so much. We are excited to finally share our growing community under the new name of Bayith.
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We are currently have communal meals, discipleship courses, daily devotionals, house projects and worship together while publishing a regular newsletter. Our goal is to connect young adults who are passionate about prayer and worship to a multigenerational community passionate about growing deeper with the Lord. This provides opportunities to network with local churches embracing the larger body of Christ. We've realized that a community where life is shared provides a ideal environment to grow more deeply with God and allow the Lord to meet us and heal our hearts.. To stay updated on our current events and activities, find us on Facebook or Instagram at @bayithcenters. To learn more about our vision for the coming months and years, check out our Future Vision page.
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Christine Olding, Director
Bio: Christine’s vision for Bayith began at the young age of 13 at an interdenominational family church camp. Raised in a family that valued the presence of God over denominational alignment, she became inspired by the beauty of unification within the Body of Christ. This passion led her to become an executive leader with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship at The University of Toronto and to co-launch several homeschooling co-ops based on a shared foundation of the Bible and Jesus, the Father and Holy Spirit. Christine also worked with Evergreen, a youth branch of Young Street Mission in Toronto, where she taught and volunteered with the children of youth in crisis. The proud mother of four amazing young adults ranging from 21 to 26, three daughters and a son, Christine currently enjoys being the home base for her children to return for visits from different cities and provinces. In 2018, the Lord showed her blueprints for Bayith, an ecumenical community whose spine is discipleship and an earnest desire to walk closely in reverence and friendship with God.
Favourite TV Show: Anything from the 70s or 80s, particularly with spaceships or explosions. Hidden Party Trick: She can wiggle her ears. Historical Figure She'd Love to Meet: Besides Jesus, Queen Elizabeth I |
Merrill Davies, Emeritus Founder
Bio: Born in Toronto, Merrill grew up going to church. It wasn’t until her 30s however that she realized she wanted more out of being a Christian than just “living a good life” and attending church. It was then that she began to search more seriously for the heart of the Father. Throughout her life, she has felt her role in the Body of Christ is as a safe place to find a heart connection, and has a self-proclaimed “hug ministry”. Merrill also has her BA from The University of Toronto in Art and was a High School Art Teacher for over ten years. She believes that art can be a way to break the barriers to experiencing God’s love, and is passionate about teaching others to experience the Father’s love through artistic expression moving forward in Bayith, bringing them out of what is “right” or “wrong” in art technique and into a place of connection with Holy Spirit.
Hidden Party Trick: She can touch her tongue to her nose. Favourite Movie: Gone With the Wind Dream Destination: Jungles of Africa |