Weekly Update December 14

"I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."John 14:27

Hello,

As we celebrate Advent this season, we pause to remember the amazing peace that Jesus left behind. In John 14:27, Jesus promised His disciples that He would leave them with a gift of peace that the world cannot give. This peace is way more than just avoiding conflict, but a deep sense of calmness and security from God's never-ending love. Let's hold onto this precious gift as we tackle life's hurdles and challenges. It's our ticket to a life filled with confidence and calm, no matter what comes our way.

Here's what's happening in our church this week:

Friday & Saturday:

• Elev8 Youth Christmas Church Lock-In at Centre 150 from 6:00 p.m. Friday night to 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning

Monday:

• The Belgic Confession of Faith at 6:30 p.m.

• Connect through Knitting & Crocheting Group at 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday:

• Celebrate Recovery at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday:

• Prayer and Worship at 9:00 a.m.

• Art in Church Connect Group at 10:00 a.m.

• Elev8 Youth at Centre 150 at 7:00 p.m.

• The Gathering Place Connect Group on Mackenzie Dr. at 7:00 p.m.

We are bringing joy to families in need this Christmas! 

Every year we do a Christmas blessing where we focus on supporting families in need. This year we will support families as well as single mothers who rely on the Island Pregnancy Centre. This is the final week to donate, and we'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who have already contributed and written cards of encouragement. Even the smallest donation can make a world of difference!

Join us for a special Christmas Eve service at 11 AM! Mark your calendars for December 24th and get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus with us. PLEASE NOTE: This year, we'll be starting at 11:00 am instead of our usual 10:00 am, so make sure to adjust your schedule accordingly. Join us with your loved ones for an hour of worshipping our Saviour. We can't wait to share this special time with you!  We will collect donations for the Salvation Army food bank during the Christmas Eve service. Whether it's a food item or monetary support, your contribution is greatly appreciated.Offices Closed: Our offices will be closed from December 25 - January 2nd. Church Family Update: Jack and Colby are set to journey to Reynosa, Mexico, on February 1, to connect with Josh Muse, the Founder of Kaleo International. Many of you will remember Josh from his visit with us in July. The goal for this trip is to continue to build relationships and explore future ministry opportunities with Kaleo. Your ongoing support is deeply appreciated as we work towards witnessing the Kingdom of God thriving globally. If you feel led to donate to support the costs of this trip and to bless the work of Kaleo, donations are welcome until January 21. Mark your donations for Kaleo International. Thank you for being a part of our shared mission and journey together.

Last Sunday, the "I Am" series continued with Jesus declaring Himself as the Good Shepherd. Josh's message emphasizes God's sacrificial love for His sheep, contrasting the Good Shepherd with a hireling and exposing false perceptions of God. Old Testament references enrich the narrative, inviting us to embrace the transformative truth that the Good Shepherd is present, protective, and passionately loving. Join us on YouTube for this past Sunday's Message I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD, as we explore how His role as the Good Shepherd relates to our lives today, fostering a sense of security and purpose in our faith journey.

Tracy's "Listening & Responding" Segment delivered a powerful message about life's ups and downs. From the tranquil Advent morning to the stormy present, we're reminded that Jesus is our anchor in the storm. The passages from Isaiah, Mark, and John echo this message, highlighting that no matter how choppy the waters get, Jesus is our unwavering source of peace. Let's draw from His peace daily, knowing that we can find rest and be ourselves with Him. Watch the recap HERE.

Join Us for Church. We would love to have you join us for Sunday service at 10 a.m. as Josh continues with our "I Am" series with "I am the True Vine".  Pre-service prayer begins at 9:15 a.m. If you can't attend in person, you can still connect with us through our YouTube channel. "I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!." (John 15:11) We can't wait to see you!

Stay in the loop with all things happening at our church by checking out our WEBSITE. We've got the latest updates on events, and you can stay connected with our community. Your generosity fuels the mission, so catch up on the GIVING updates. Remember, we're on this journey together, growing in faith and impacting lives.

Bless you, in this week of Advent, may you bring peace everywhere you go because of what Jesus is doing in you!!

 P.S.  With Jesus by our side, we can choose to be a calming presence in the world, even in the midst of chaos. When we seek His guidance and ask for what we need, we can experience the peace of God beyond our comprehension. This peace will protect our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Remember, peace has a name. Let's draw from his PEACE today and every day and then spread it to the world around us.