"An Apostle - Suffering for Christ"
2 Corinthians 11:16-33
Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle
16 I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. 17 What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool. 18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. 19 For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! 20 For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. 21 To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that!
But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?
30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.32 At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.
Hiring Update
Please join us on Sunday, June 4 to meet Andrew Bugiera, candidate for SGAC’s Worship, Arts & Prayer Pastor position.
Andrew Bugiera and his wife Amy have been married for 11 years and have 3 children, Emily (6), Annie(3) and Wesley(1). Andrew graduated from Briercrest College in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music (Emphasis on Worship Leadership). He has been an electrician for 9 years and has co-owned Haywire Electric for the past 5 years in the Moose Jaw and Assiniboia, Saskatchewan areas. He has been serving as the music ministry director and on the board of elders at Assiniboia Alliance Church but has recently received God’s call to full time ministry. He has a deep rooted desire to use music and the arts to see God glorified and His Kingdom furthered.
- The congregation will have a couple of opportunities to get to meet Andrew, as he leads Worship at both services on Sunday June 4. He will also be taking part in SGAC’s House of Prayer at 6:00 pm on Sunday June 4. Please plan to join us.
- All Worship & Arts volunteers are invited to join together, with Andrew for a Pizza supper and Q&A on Friday, June 2 at 6:00 pm. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Karen Lapp in the office so we can make sure we have enough pizza.
- Please continue to be in prayer for the elders, the staff and the hiring team as they discern God’s direction for the future of the Worship and Arts ministry here at SGAC.
THIS WEEK
MONDAY, May 22
Office Closed for Victoria Day Holiday
TUESDAY, May 23
6:30 pm Live Free
WEDNESDAY, May 24
9:45 am Keenager’s Study
6:30 pm Volunteer Appreciation Dessert Night w/ Phil Callaway
6:30 pm Jr. High Small Groups
7:00 pm Young Adults Study at Vanderveen’s
THURSDAY, May 25
6:30 pm Sr. High Small Group at the Weibe's
7:00 pm Men's Floor Hockey
FRIDAY, May 26
7:30 pm YOUTH
SATURDAY , May 27
SUNDAY, May 21
9:15 am Worship Service
11:00 am Filipino Worship Service
11:15 am Worship Service
JOURNEY UPDATES
MAY 22 VICTORIA DAY HOLIDAY The church office will be closed.
JR HIGH SMALL GROUPS will not meet on May 24 and their last meeting will be May 31 to wind up. Sr high small groups last meeting will be June 1.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DESSERT NIGHT is May 24 at 7:00 pm. If you have been involved in one of our many programs as a volunteer, please RSVP to the office.
DEEPER LIFE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY 's 3rd course is May 25 – 27 and it is entitled, “Creation our Foundation.” We will study the flaws of the evolutionary theory and find out what scientists don’t want you to know from a university professor that use to be an atheist. Join us or take the course on-line. If interested, contact to Pastor Coreen.
GRADE ^ STUDENTS & FAMILY: Let’s come together to celebrate! Friday, June 2 at 6:00 pm. Cost is $5 per person. Please RSVP by May 26 to Janet.
JESUS STORYBOOK BIBLES FOR PRESCHOOLERS for sale at Check-In Kiosk $17.00 each
GRADE 12 GRADUATION is Saturday June 3. Punch at 4:30 and Dinner to follow at 5:00 pm. Cost is $20 per person. Grad is free. Please RSVP by May 26 to Janet. Anyone who has a globe or old fashioned suitcase to loan us for decorations for this event - Please call Janet. 780-962-4700 ext 228.
THE BLESSING TREE in the foyer is a way for our church to help the Ibsen’s as they retire and the Weighill family’s return for their year on home assignment. Please take a card this week or next and return with a gift card byJune 4 to place in a box located at the Welcome Desk. Thank you for supporting our International Workers.
WIN YOUR VBS REGISTRATION! Visit Spruce Grove Alliance Church Children’s Ministry on Facebook today and enter our colouring contest. Have your colouring page returned by May 28 to win a free registration. VBS dates are August 14-18. Registration opens online May 29.
PARKLAND YOUNG LIFE BBQ Fundraiser on Thursday, June 1 at 6:30pm at Henry & Anne Banman’s. Please RSVP to Tracey by May 25.
GRANDPARENTING MATTERS SEMINAR – June 16 and 17. Join us for an encouraging time of learning and sharing relating to this special role. Special Speakers are Larry Fowler from California and Rev. Keith Taylor from Beulah Alliance. Visit the Welcome Centre after the Sunday service or register online.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
General Fund
Giving Week of May 7 $31,714
45 Week Average $24,148
Weekly Budget $26,153
Budget to April 30 $1,150,732
Budget shortfall to April 30 $96,771
Revenue YTD $1,053,961
Expenses YTD $997,593
Global Advance -
Year To Date $137,288
Canadian Ministries -
Year To Date $34,200
Future Development Fund
Year To Date $343,707
PRAYER
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Our Christian Workers: Larry & Trixie Nanninga, Matthew & Charity Quick, Shaun & Iris Kelly.
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Our Pastoral Staff: Pastor Josh Palsky. Josh is our Youth Pastor and is married to Beth.
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Our Administrative Staff: Kim Friesen. Kim is married to Paul and they have three children ages 18, 16 & 12.
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Our Elders: John Olsen. John is married to Arlene and they have 4 children ages 14, 12, 6 and 5.