New Year's Eve

Join us on Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. as we say farewell to 2009 and look ahead to 2k10.

Christmas!

It's Christmas! Does it measure up to your expectations? Or perhaps it feels as if something is still missing. When the Word became flesh, that is, when Jesus came to earth as a real flesh 'n' blood baby, the world did not recognize him to be the Son of God. Will you recognize Jesus when you meet him on Christmas Day?
Join us in worship Christmas morning at 10 a.m.

Candlelight Service

Last night's candlelight service was a beautiful portrayal of the story of humankind - from our fall into sin, to our deliverance by a loving God, to a life of loving gratitude. Thanks to all who participated and prepared, and special thanks to Malinda for pulling everything together. Enjoy the slideshow (click on the pictures for full-screen).

You are invited...

to a Candlelight service/Christmas pageant at Lucknow Community Christian Reformed Church, on Place Street, this Sunday, Dec 20 at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments follow the program. Hope to see you there!

Those annoying mini lights...

I decorated my mantle with a string of mini lights this Christmas. Looked nice when I first plugged it in, but since then, the entire string only lights up periodically. It seems that one loose bulb extinguishes every subsequent light. A little shake, and it lights up again, but it has become rather annoying when I turn around just to have them go out again. Jesus said that we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). When we are glowing, people will notice and praise our Father in heaven. But if our light goes out, we short out the other lights around us as well. This Sunday we'll look at what it means to be the light of the world.

A less-than-perfect Christmas

You never know, but I suspect that our Christmas table will NOT look like this. My family gatherings tend to get a little loud and a little chaotic. Makes one wonder why we do this. The pharisees put a similar question to Jesus' disciples: "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" Why indeed! Why would Jesus come to earth as a helpless baby? Why would he live a life of suffering and misunderstanding? Why would he let himself accept the death penalty of the most despised criminal? Jesus replied to the pharisees that it is the sick who need a doctor. Jesus chose to extend his healing touch to less-than-perfect people. He joins us with a task in mind, but he joins us because he loves us, warts and all. Sometime this Christmas season, take a few moments to wonder about the "why" question. It will put the who, what, when and where back into perspective. This Sunday: Matthew 9:9-13.

Well kept!

On our way back from our vacation in Florida the odometer of the van we were driving rolled over to 500,000km. Impressive! That feat could only be achieved because the van was well kept. Christians too, can keep the faith in the long haul because we have been well-kept. Jude addresses his letter to "those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ" (vs 1). Kept in this way, we are now empowered to "keep ourselves in God's love" (vs 21). We can accomplish great things when we remain in God's love. Join us this Sunday, 10 a.m.

Samson's baptism

Yesterday we celebrated the sacrament of baptism. Samson David Thomas VanHardeveld was baptized in the presence of his parents, Eric & Mandy, and his church family and lots of relatives and friends. Baby Sam seemed to enjoy all the attention - and he should, because there's nothing better than being a child of God!

Fitting God In or Fitting Into God

We all have busy lives and try to fit God into our schedules and around our priorities. Maybe we should be looking at our lives in a new way, one where we fit our lives into God's plan. This Sunday Ken deBoer will challenge us in the same way that Haggai challenged God's people to consider what He has done for us and order our lives in thanks to him.

Do it anyway

Isaiah 53 describes an innocent man who dies to establish peace. Isaiah didn't know it at the time, but he was speaking of Jesus. God's strategy for making peace seems harsh and desperate, but he decided to do it anyway. He did it because there was only one way. This Sunday we'll look at Isaiah 53 and at the conclusion of the message, Stephanie will sing "Do it Anyway."

Alissa's baptism

Alissa Diana Dreise came to church for her baptism on Sunday, Nov 1. Sure, her parents Arlin & Joanne came too, and they answered a few questions. Josiah her brother watched on. But it was Alissa's day, and it was all about God's promises to her - that he will be her God and she will be his child. We had a great day celebrating the sacrament as we welcomed Alissa into the family of God.

A dinner party

You've been invited to a dinner party. In the absence of place cards, where will you decide to sit? At the kids' table at the end? in front of that drafty window? Or do you go for one of the better spots? Jesus was at a dinner party and he saw people saving the best seats for themselves. "Careful," says Jesus, because when it comes to the Kingdom of God, the exalted will be humbled, and the humble exalted. Better start at the bottom and let God lift you up. We look at the story in Luke 14. The perfect picture of humility is that of a little baby -- and this Sunday we will witness the baptism of Alissa Diana Dreise. God is good!

Faithful Lament

This Sunday, guest preacher Amanda Bakale leads our worship, looking at Psalms 42 and 43: Faithful Lament.

The problem of evil

The presence of evil, whether that be in the form of natural disasters or moral depravity, is one of the thorniest dilemmas to face Christian apologists. How do we reconcile an all-powerful, all-loving God, with the ongoing reality of evil in our world? The prophet Habakkuk struggled with that back in 600 BC, and we wrestle with it today. Hear what God said to Habakkuk and what he says to us, this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. This is also communion Sunday - come celebrate with us.

Thanksgiving Day Worship Service

"Give thanks in all circumstances." That's a tall order. We can do it when we turn our faces away from the shadows and toward the sun. Turn your face toward the Son and you will see that thankfulness is attainable when you stand in the power of Christ alone. Join us for an hour, before your turkey dinner, on Monday at 10:00 a.m.

To die for

They're cute, but... would you die for them? Jesus said, "I AM the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." That's some shepherd! Meet him this Sunday at Lucknow Community Church. 10:00 a.m.

Spa treatment at Coffee Break

Stephanie Drost was our guest at a recent Coffee Break morning; she treated us royally!

And behind door #3...

Remember "Let's Make a Deal?" I had a little fun watching youtube clips of the show - the microwave oven some lucky contestant won was state of the art back in the 60s. Choose a door - and maybe you'd win a ticket to the good life. Except, 40 years later, those prizes don't seem so impressive after all. Jesus said, "I AM the gate/door for the sheep... I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:9,10). Jesus is the door you want - "whoever enters through me," says Jesus, "will be saved." Hear more, Sunday, Oct 4, 10:00 a.m. at Lucknow Community Christian Reformed Church.

The closing of the Kincardine Christian Reformed Church

Last night Classis Huron, the ecclesiastical assembly of the Christian Reformed Churches in this part of Ontario, gathered in special session. We were called together to consider the Kincardine CRC's request to disband. I voted against the motion. Not becasue I don't empathize with the Kincardine council - they have worked hard and faithfully for their church. And the last thing I wanted to see happen was for classis to simply send them back home with instructions to try harder. I voted "no" to the closing because I fear that we, the neighbouring churches, have failed this congregation. There is among us an ever increasing move toward congregationalism - each church gets caught up in her own ministries and causes; we fail to accept any responsibility for the church down the road. The church order article cited to bring us to this place states that if a congregation's membership falls below 45 members, or finances are a problem, if there is no leadership, or if there is no prospect for growth, "a classis should consider if these are sufficient indicators for it to begin discussing with such a congregation whether it is still appropriate for it to retain organized status" [emphasis added]. Classis should initiate the discussion. That's not what happened. And now it's too late. Oh, I know that God can still breathe life into dead bones, and he probably will. But to say that the closing of this church was God's will is far too simplistic. God weeps with these Christians who will attend their final service as a congregation on Nov 1. We have a long way to go before we attain the complete unity for which Jesus prayed (John 17:23).

Better than fireworks

While enjoying the light show of one of their biggest festivals, Jesus announced, "I AM the light of the world." Follow that light and you can look forward to a wonderful life. This Sunday we look at the second of Jesus' 'I AM' statements. Sunday, Sept 27, 10:00 a.m.

Church at the fair

Join us this Sunday, Sept 20, 10:00 a.m., as we worship with the other Lucknow churches, for our Fall Fair Community Service. Rev. Candy Harvey gives the message from Mark 9; the service will be held in the Lucknow arena.
[cartoon caption: says Mr Cow to Mrs Cow at the breakfast table, "what's this? soy milk??"]

Wonderbread?

Jesus says, "I am the Bread of Life." The metaphor worked in the days when bread was a staple of one's diet, but does it still fit in our "wonderbread" era? Join us this Sunday, Sept 13, as we look at the first of Jesus' 'I AM' statements from the gospel of John.

Worship at the park

About 150 gathered for a worship service at Pt Farms Provincial Park on the weekend. The message was (appropriately for an outdoor service!) from Matthew 6, part of Jesus' sermon on the mount. We heard God's promises that if we ask, we shall receive. God blessed us with a beautiful day in which to worship our beautiful Saviour!

Church at Point Farms...

This Sunday, Sept 6 we will have our worship service at Point Farms. The service begins at 10:30 a.m.; come early and have a coffee -- bring a mug. Bring a lawn chair and anticipate a morning of great worship -- the weather looks great! Point Farms Provincial Park is located on Lake Huron, north of Goderich. For more info, here's their website: http://www.ontarioparks.com/English/poin.html

Wise Guys

We all know people who are ready for every new adventure. They're the ones who are full of energy and can't wait to get started on the next new project. We need those people. But we also need the "wise guys" - people who understand the times. The men of Issachar are described in that way. They "understood the times and knew what Israel should do" (I Chron 12:32). Just a couple more weeks and our students head back to school and our church programs pick up again. May all of us be blessed to have "men and women of Issachar" in our lives. See you on Sunday!

Scum

Scum - it's the stuff washing up on shore and floating on our ponds. Scum - they're the lowlife of society. How ever you define it, it ain't pretty. I Corinthians 4:13 says, "Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth." So there. See you on Sunday. 10:00 a.m. Place Street.

More newlyweds! Liz & Brad

Last Saturday we celebrated the wedding of Liz Askes and Brad Wagar. We wish them a lifetime of happiness as they begin their married life together. God is good!

Just showing up isn't enough

We've been to lots of weddings this summer, and before every wedding my husband asks, "do I have to wear a jacket?" There are certain expectations about how one dresses for various occasions; Jesus knew that too. In his parable of the wedding banquet, a guest is "escorted to the door" because he didn't dress properly for the event - showing up wasn't enough. God invites us to join the kingdom of God; let's get dressed properly for the party. This Sunday, Aug 16, 10:00 a.m.

Relay for Life

Last Friday the Relay for Life was held in Wingham. It was a moving event - cancer has touched the lives of so many of the people we love. On Friday we thanked God for his healing as Diane, Nikki and Jennie,in their yellow T-shirts, got set to walk the survivors' lap. But that was just the beginning-- Meghan (top picture, on the right) and her student council team prepared to do the all-nighter. And then she played in the soccer tournament on Saturday!!!

No time like the present

The sign which greets visitors to Lucknow reads, "drive canny." It's a friendly sign for a friendly village. Other signs don't sound so welcoming, like the sign near Listowel that says, "Prepare to meet your maker." The prophet Isaiah says, "seek the Lord while he may be found." That too sounds somewhat onerous. But rather than a message of warning, it's a message of invitation. Seek the Lord today! Why wait? There's no time like the present to enjoy God's gifts and blessings. See you this Sunday, 10 am.

Stop, Look and Listen

Stop, look and listen -- that's good advice when crossing the street. It's also good advice for life. Paul instructs his protege to stop looking at others' behaviour and look at yourself. Then he advises Timothy to look at Paul's example. Finally, Paul says, "listen;" listen to God's word. In this way, we'll be able to address any issue that confronts us. Join us this Sunday, Aug 2, 10 a.m.

Congrats! to Jordan & Julia

Congratulations to Jordan Higgins and Julia Spaling! The beautiful couple was married on Saturday, July 25 in the Lucknow Community Church. We wish them a lifetime of happiness and God's many blessings for a wonderful marriage.

Immortality for ferns

An Algonquin Park newsletter I picked up earlier this week features an article about ferns and how their life cycle demonstrates "eternal life -- here and now." However, the article also says that the "idle imaginings" about eternal life for us humans is best left "to small children or science fiction writers." If you think that God's promises of eternal life and total forgiveness are too good to be true, then join us this Sunday's message to hear the real good news -- good AND true!

From mazes to A-mazed!

It's Vacation Bible School week at Lucknow Community CRC. Every story we've heard has something to do with water, reminding us that even in "Rough Waves, Jesus Saves!" This Sunday we'll read the story about Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. After escaping from Egypt, the people wandered around, as though lost in a maze. But when they saw God rescue them, they were nothing short of amazed! Join us this Sunday and you'll hear some of the great songs we sang this week in VBS. Hot dogs & ice cream after the service! 10:00 a.m.

Congratulations to Sandra & Paul!

Sandra Van Niekerk and Paul Garniss were married on Saturday, July 11. It was a wonderful celebration! We wish them God's richest blessings as they begin their married life together.

Ear piercing - this Sunday at Lucknow CRC

In the Bible (Ex 21:5,6) we can read about slaves who loved their masters so much that they chose not to go free. To show his allegiance, the slave would be taken to a door or doorpost and have his ear piereced with an awl, marking him as a slave for life. Are we ready to make that kind of a commitment to our Master? In his letter to Philemon, Paul appeals to his friend on the basis of love to welcome back Onesimus, not just as a slave but as a brother. The gospel of Jesus Christ transcends all our relationships. May that kind of love be the evidence of our commitment to our Master (ear piercing is optional). Join us this Sunday, July 12 at 10:00 a.m.

Dreamin'

Joseph was a dreamer, and it got him into lots of trouble. But after the dust settled, we discover that through it all, God was working at fulfilling his promises. It's all a matter of perspective, and some day, we're going to enjoy the complete fulfillment of God's promise to bless us and make our names great. Until that time, we can find assurance and hope in the pages of the Bible and in the evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives today. Join us this Sunday, 10:00 a.m., for "Only in Your Dreams."

Strawberry Summerfest

Summerfest moved indoors again this year, but that didn't dampen our worship. Thanks to the praise team for leading the service. Everyone enjoyed the after-service strawberries and Gerald managed to slip off with a few leftovers (Byrne & Al were accomplices.)

Strawberry Summerfest in Lucknow!

This weekend we celebrate summer with Lucknow's annual Strawberry Summerfest. On Sunday morning at 10:30 we worship with the other local churches on the lawn of the Presbyterian Church on Havelock Street. Bring a lawn chair, stay for strawberries after the service. For a complete list of weekend activities, visit strawberrysummerfest.com

Congrats to Adrian & Marilyn!

On Saturday we celebrated the wedding of Adrian Beckmann and Marilyn Rickert. It was a joyful day in which we thanked God for bringing these two lovely people together. May God bless your marriage Marilyn and Adrian!

I'm watching you Dad

This Sunday is Father's Day!!! Fathers are often the first heroes in our lives. We look to them for protection but also as a model for our own lives. Being a role model is a daunting task. This week Elder Ken deBoer will challenge us to use Christ as our model so that those who are watching us come to recognize Him.

ok! Let's sing!

....................................Last night friends & neighbours gathered for an evening of hymns. We thank God for his gift of music!

Getting to know God

Someone once asked Johnny Cash, "Why all the songs about the down and out, the poor and prisoners?" Johnny replied, "Well, when you are in a position of influence, we have an obligation to help." The prophet Jeremiah would have agreed with Cash's emphasis; in fact, Jeremiah said that defending the "cause of the poor and needy" is the means by which we come to know God (Jer 22:16). Join us this Sunday at 10 a.m. to hear more. Elder Bob Damsma leads the service as I'm off to Cambridge for the baptism of granddaughter Aliyah.

YAC's bbq

The Young Adults and Couples (get it? YAC's?) got together for a bbq and fire on Sunday night. Quite the crowd! Thanks to Ken & Jocelyn for hosting.

Baptism & Profession of Faith Celebrations

On May 31 our church celebrated the baptism of Shirly Spurgeon and the public profession of faith of Mandy VanHardeveld, Jamie & Jessica Reaman, and Courtney VanderLei. It was a great service - we thank God for working in the hearts and lives of his children.

Lies, lies, and more lies

Big lies, small lies. The bible is full of stories about lies. And our lives are full of the deceptions we use to try to grab hold of God’s blessings. But God’s blessings are gifts to us, not prizes to be won or items to be purchased. This Sunday we look at the 8th toledoth of Genesis: the account of Isaac. It’s full of stories of deception, but it’s also a story of God’s undeserved grace. In preparing this message I drew on the lecture by Michael J. Williams, professor of OT at Calvin Theological Seminary, "Lies, lies I Tell You! The Deceptions of Genesis." I heard the lecture when he first delivered it on June 7, 2007 and listened to it again this week. You might want to check it out yourself - engaging, humourous, thoughtful - click on the title of this entry to follow the link.

Compelling Choices

There are some things you just have to do-- you have no choice in the matter, right? Well, not really. You always have a choice; you could choose not to go to school or work on Monday morning. It's just that the repercussions might make for some pretty compelling grounds to get out of bed and onto the bus. Paul says that he was "compelled to preach" (I Cor 9:16); he just had to do it. All Christ-followers are compelled to speak, behave, act, in a certain way. It is the Holy Spirit who compells us to try to be more like Jesus (Happy Pentecost!) This Sunday we witness the public profession of faith of 5 people -- they have been compelled to do this. Come celebrate with us and with them.