Highest Esteem
Acts 5:12-16
Continuing Power in the Church
12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. 13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. 14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. 16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
SERMON NOTES
John Piper wrote: “This was the generation that had more immediate and more compelling evidence of the truth of the resurrection than any generation since. Hundreds of eyewitnesses to the risen Lord were in Jerusalem. This was the generation of witnesses whose word was least in need of supernatural authentication of all the generations following. This was the generation whose preaching (apart from signs and wonders) of the mighty, soul-saving Word of God was more anointed than the preaching of any generation following—the preaching of Peter and Stephen and Paul. Why did this generation, with its immediate access to resurrection witnesses, and its extraordinary preaching, feel such a passion to see God stretch forth his hand to heal and do signs and wonders among them?”
....which could prompt us to ask the questions.....
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Did signs and wonders cease with the conclusion of Acts chapter 28?
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It seems that these signs and wonders prompted great results in evangelistic efforts. “[Multitudes] were added to the Lord.” (Acts 5:14) We don’t currently see these kinds of responses to Gospel preaching (at last in our area). Are we missing some vital elements in our ministries?
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Is the topic of signs and wonders ‘scary’ today?
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The Apostles in the book of Acts experienced great persecution for their boldness in preaching the Gospel. Do we refrain from preaching like this for fear of persecution?
THIS WEEK
MONDAY, December 4
9:30 am Outreach Men’s Prayer
1:30 pm Women’s Prayertime
7:00 pm Christmas Unplugged Dessert Night
TUESDAY, December 5
9:00 am Daybreak
7:00 pm Youth Studies
7:00 pm Deep Dish
WEDNESDAY, December 6
9:45 am Keenager’s Study
4:00 pm AWANA
5:30 pm TREK
6:30 pm AWANA
6:40 pm Road to Emmaus
6:40 pm Men’s Study
6:40 pm Truth Project Study
6:40 pm Worship & Prayer
THURSDAY, December 7
7:00 pm Men’s Floor Hockey
FRIDAY, December 8
7:00 pm Youth - Jr. High Event - Gorgon
SATURDAY , December 9
9:30 am Children's Musical Rehearsal
SUNDAY, December 10
9:15 & 11:15 am Children's Musical Presentation "Rockin Royal Christmas"
6:00 pm Hymn Sing
JOURNEY UPDATE
YOUNG ADULTS meet at Tyler and Corisa’s (27 Vega Ave) at 7:00 pm Dec. 4 for a Christmas party. Bring a white elephant gift and baking to share.
WOMEN join us December 5 at 7:00 pm for DEEP DISH. A time of connection, community, and conversation. We will meet in the Fireside Room and dessert and coffee will be served. All women are welcome to attend this casual evening.
CHILDREN'S REHEARSAL Last day for rehearsals for elementary is this Saturday, Dec. 9 with the Program on Dec. 10 during both services -- you don’t want to miss it!
The 2 year olds to kindergarten will have 2 special rehearsals on this coming Tuesday, Dec. 5 and Wednesday Dec. 6 at 10:00 am. We will meet in the sanctuary for a quick practice.
ROCKIN’ ROYAL CHRISTMAS Children’s concert is Next Sunday, Dec. 10 at 9:15 and 11:15am. Please note: Age 2 - Kindergarten be in your room by 9:00 and 11:00 am. Elementary kids must be on time at 9:15 and 11:15 am.
HYMN SING Dec. 10 at 6:00 pm Join us for our Carol Sing. This is open to all ages. Bring finger food to share after the event.
DEEPER LIFE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY is offering the course “Survey of the Old Testament I with Charles Gaulden” on Dec. 14 – 16. Please contact Pastor Coreen if you are interested in registering.
BLESSING TREE
Bless the Pastors by choosing a “gift tag” from the Blessing Tree in the foyer, purchase your choice and return the gift card to the box in the Welcome Centre. The tree will be up from November 26 to December 10. All gift cards should be in by December 17 so they can be distributed before Christmas. Thank You for blessing the Pastors this season.
MUSIC MINISTRY NEEDS YOU! Do you sing or play an instrument? We are looking to enhance the music ministry and would love to hear from you. Please contact Pastor Andrew or Karen Lapp in the office for more information or to be involved.
DECEMBER 24 Worship Services 9:15 and 11:15am. There is nursery care for the morning services only. Kids age 3 to Grade 6 join your family in the service. Later that day, we will host 3 CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES at 3:30, 5:00 and 6:30 pm. All services are family friendly.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
Weekly Update - November 26, 2017
General Fund giving Nov. 26 $ 28,525
22 week average $ 21,958
-- Budget requirement $ 24,327
Future Dev. Fund giving Nov. 26 $ 4,137
--Balance as of Nov. 26, 2017 $555,029
Monthly Update July1 to Oct. 31, 2017
General Fund:
-- Budget Shortfall $ 63,267
-- Year to date Shortfall $ 9,652
Global Advance giving $ 34,046
Canadian Ministries giving $ 9,290
PRAYER
Please pray for:
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Our International Workers: A & J, Tim & Brenda Tjosvold, Jon & Angie Coutts.
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Our Pastoral Team Staff Member: Pastor Coreen Frey. Pastor Coreen is married to Dave and they have 3 married children.
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Our AdministrativeTeam Staff Member: Janet Sawatzky. Janet is married to Richard and they have 3 adult children.
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Our Elders Team Member: Mike Boldt. Mike is married to Natalie and they have three children ages 10, 9 and 6.
Family Matters
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Kinettes will be using our building Dec. 10-15 to create over 500 Christmas Hampers for the community. Most of our regular programming will begin their Christmas break that week.
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Chili challenge winner is Karen Houcher. Thank you to all who participated. We raised $1500.00 for the Antigua Missions Team.