Moving on with Contentment
And so we conclude another year. As we look back on 2018, what sort of memories do we have? For some, painful experiences may loom large and for others, much delight.
Micah understood the reality that the world often disappoints us. He was heartbroken by how Israel had turned away from God. “What misery is mine! ...... The faithful have been swept from the land; not one upright person remains” (Micah 7:1–2). But then he refocused on his true hope: “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me” (v. 7).
What does it take to maintain hope in harsh times? Micah shows us: Watching. Waiting. Praying. Remembering. God hears our cries even when our circumstances are overwhelming. In these moments, clinging to and acting in response to our hope in God is our strategy, the only strategy that will help us weather life’s storms.” - from Our Daily Bread – December 22, 2018
The word ‘hope’ is found in many places in scripture. It is most often defined as ‘favorable and confident expectation’ (Vines Expository Dictionary).
Three adjectives are used in the New Testament to describe hope:
- ‘GOOD’ hope – 2 Thessalonians 2:16
- ‘BLESSED’ hope – Titus 2:13
- ‘LIVING’ hope – 1 Peter 1:3
THIS WEEK
MONDAY, December 31
Church office open 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
TUESDAY, January 1
New Years Day - Office Closed
WEDNESDAY, January 2
THURSDAY, January 3
FRIDAY, January 4
SATURDAY , January 5
SUNDAY, January 6
9:15 & 11:15 am Worship Services
Discovery Island Sunday School resumes for Nursery to Grade 6.
JOURNEY UPDATES
Safety and Risk Management training is required for ALL volunteers working with children and youth once per year. Please join us for this hour to an hour and a half training on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 9:00 am or Sunday, Jan. 13 at 1:00 pm. Please RSVP to Debbie by Jan. 9 so we can adequately prepare for you. Continental breakfast will be served on Saturday and hot dogs will be served on Sunday.
YOUNG ADULTS STUDY will re-ignite on WEDNESDAY January 9 at 7:30 pm. Same location - Different day. For more information call or text Bonny 780-916-3648 or Corissa 780-996-8687.
Youth Parents Meeting: Sunday, January 13 at 1:00 pm in the Fireside Room. This is your time to hear what Pastor Josh has on his heart for your teens this season.
Grandparents Night Out January 20 at 6:00 pm in the Oasis Room. We invite you to our 2nd Annual Grandparents Night Out. Come and enjoy live music, fun, coffee, tea and tasty desserts. Hear a grandmother’s testimony of rescue. Please register at the Welcome Centre or the Church Office. Cost is $7.50 per person
MONDAY NIGHT MEN Bible study starts Monday, January 7 at 7:00 pm Our topic is “Goliath Must Fall - Winning the Battle Against Your Giants” by Louie Giglio.
The church office will be open Dec. 31 (9:00 am to 3:00 pm), closed January 1 and re-opens January 2. For giving online anytime you can use the gift option on our website .
WINTER JOURNEY (full programming) is now available in a chair pocket or at the Welcome Centre. Please take a copy home today.
The office will be open Dec. 31, closed Jan 1 and re-opens January 2.
For giving online anytime you can use the gift option on our website.
Future Development Update
Future Development Team is going underground!
The Future Development Team is aiming to raise $750,000 – and we need your help!This groundwork will include:
• Storm System install ($100,000)
• Water line ($100,000)
• Sewer line and tie in ($125,000)
• Parking lot ground work and dirt removal ($250,000)
• Foundation ground work ($50,000)
• Power upgrade tie-in ($75,000)
• Telecommunications and internet upgrade ($50,000)
This work is part of the original Phase 1 work and the $750,000 is part of the original $6 million budget.
We are looking to raise $750,000 to fully fund this preliminary stage of the project – site service upgrades.
PRAYER
Please pray for:
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Our International Workers: K.I., Jon & Andrea Bauer, Camp Nakamun Staff.
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Our Pastoral Team Staff Member: Pastor Art Quist. Art is married to Betty and they have 3 grown children.
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Our Administrative Team Staff Member: Joanne Fehr. Joanne is married to Bruce and they have 2 adult children.
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Our Elders Team Member: Jim Bouchie. Jim is married to Rae and they have two adult children.
Family Matters
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We rejoice with Blain Murray and Samantha Murray as they have chosen to be baptized today.