Dear Friends,
We are pleased to open registration for this year’s Seminary Open Course and DLP Retreat, taking place both on-site in Toronto and online May 4th - May 9th, 2025. Our theme is:
The Hidden Garden: An Easter Exploration of the Kingdom of God in our Midst
“Amidst the struggles and uncertainties of our time, the joy and life of Easter remain quietly present, like a garden hidden within the world’s wilderness. Just as Mary Magdalene stood at the empty tomb, unaware at first that the gardener before her was the risen Christ, we too often overlook the presence of the Kingdom of God in our midst. Yet, it is here—woven into the fabric of daily life, waiting to be seen, tended, and cultivated.
This course invites us to awaken to the reality of this hidden Easter garden, exploring how the Kingdom of God takes root even in places of loss, change, and renewal. Through study, conversation, and contemplative practice, we will develop ways of perceiving and participating in the living presence of Christ’s resurrection in the world. Together, we will learn to recognize the signs of new life where we least expect them and deepen our understanding of what it means to walk as citizens of this unseen yet ever-present Kingdom.”
We hope you can join us in this exploration and opportunity to build up heavenly forces on earth together! Like all seminary Open Courses, there will be a full daily schedule starting with The Consecration of the Human Being, followed by morning presentations, artistic activities, and opportunities to connect with participants. A detailed schedule of offerings will be posted here in the coming weeks.
We will begin with our communion sacrament on Sunday, May 4th at 11am. 901 Rutherford Rd, Vaughan, Ontario, L6A 152
Recordings will be provided for the morning presentations. We also hope to have small breakout discussion groups for our online participants. Please make a mental note of which email you have used to register. All Zoom links and recordings will be sent to that address.
Registration for the Open Course will close Thursday, May 1st.
The seminary lives and thrives through donations. We do not charge “fees” for our work, but we do humbly and gratefully accept gift monies. The suggested donation range for this year’s Open Course is $400-600 for those attending in person and $150-300 for online participants. If you are a full enrollment DLP student, the Year End Retreat is already included in your DLP course donations. For those who support the seminary through Patreon at the Benefactor tier level, there is no expectation of an additional contribution towards the Open Course. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Housing
The seminary is located in Vaughan, Ontario between Bathurst Street and Rutherford/Carrville Road. Nearby towns are Maple, Richmond Hill and Thornhill. Unfortunately, local housing is already full with current seminary students. We hope the resources below will be helpful in making lodging arrangements.
Airbnb -
https://www.airbnb.ca/
Travelodge - 10711 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, Tel: 905-508-7815
Best Western Hotel and The Sheraton Parkway -
Call the Reservations Department directly at 1-800-668-0101. There are two properties under one roof - The Sheraton Parkway and Best Western Parkway Hotels, 600 Highway 7 East, Richmond Hill. Both have access to the same services, facilities, and large fitness centre. Parking is included with the cost of room. They are conveniently located just off Highway 404 and Express Highway 407 (30 minutes from the airport).
All 3 hotels are located within 15 minutes driving distance to the Seminary and the Church of the Christian Community.
