What a great day. We prayed for sunshine, and boy was it beautiful (if a little hot)!

In case you were not able to make it out, we sang songs themed around five words of worship—words that are left untranslated in scripture:

1. Hallelujah — “Praise the Lord”
2. Hosanna —”Save, please!”
3. Abba —”Father”
4. Maranatha —”Our Lord, come”
5. Amen —”So be it”

Special thanks to everyone who invited friends and family out. The service was very well attended. I’m looking forward to August 1st, now!

You’ve seen the reports on television. There’s nothing I can write that would more vividly illustrate the devestation. I’ve been to Haiti twice on mission trips—I can’t fathom how that country could possibly be in worse shape than it already was.

I’ll be blunt: we need to give. Money. I’ve donated through the PAOC’s ERDO division. I’ve met our contacts on the ground and know the money will be well spent. Also, the Canadian government will match all contributions made before Febuary 12th. Your contribution through ERDO will meet the government’s criteria for this program.

We are encouraging our own congregation to give in this Sunday’s offering. However, you can also give directly through the ERDO website.

Rejoice with those who rejoice,
weep with those who weep.
—Romans 12:15, NRSV

Update: Sunday’s offering raised approximately $2,200 for Haiti. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously.

This past Sunday Gord Coolidge (along with his kids) from Village of Hope in Zimbabwe came to update us on their work. It was exciting to hear everything that God has been doing through them in Zimbabwe. You can hear the full report below:

Download audio file (011010GC.mp3)

And, in case you were curious, the offering following the service brought in $1,835.00 $1975.10 to further their work over there. Thanks to everyone who contributed.

There are a few ways to move forward from here:

1. Support them regularly in prayer. Write their names on your prayer list and remember them daily. We need to back up with prayer those who take leaps in faith.
2. Support them with monthly giving. Just mark “Coolidges” on an envelope and 100% of the funds will wired to their bank account.
3. Consider sponsoring a child in Zimbabwe through the PAOC’s Childcare Plus program. $29.00 per month can make a big difference.

In case you haven’t heard, we’ve canceled our church service this morning (Dec 13, 2009) due to the piles of snow we’ve received. I discussed this decision with the board and we thought it was the safest thing to do. This evening’s service is canceled as well.

I’ll see you next Sunday with the message: “Oh Ho Ho Holy Night”!

In Christ,

Pastor Steve.

December Newsletter

Note: you’ll need to install the free Adobe Reader to see the newsletter.

Pastor has come to appreciate ‘sign of the times’

Thanks for the great write-up, Karen. And church—keep those slogans coming!