Mission accomplished

Most of us will close off 2010 with a big "The End." It's over, gone, done. Jesus spoke similar words from the cross: "it is finished." But that end was only the beginning. With his mission accomplished, a new world began, one in which we have been made right with God. We'll look back at the year 2010 at our worship service at 7 p.m. on Dec 31.

Fazeela's baptism

It was the day after Christmas, and we celebrated it with the baptism of Fazeela Morrison. Jesus came on Christmas for this very reason - to seek and save what was lost. Salvation has come to Fazeela's life. Praise God!

Boxing Day returns

Boxing Day (Sunday, Dec 26, 10:00 a.m.) will be a very special Sunday - we will be celebrating both sacraments: Fazeela Morrison will be baptized and we will share in the communion meal. Boxing Day is all about returns - a good time to hear God's invitation that we should "return to the Lord...that he may return to [us]" (2 Chronicles 30:6). Hope you can join us!

Backdoor glory

The red carpet is a symbol of glory, of honour, of recognition. On Christmas Day Jesus gave up the red carpet for the service entrance: backdoor glory. We celebrate this amazing glory on Christmas morning at 10:00 a.m. Join us!

Think about it

Too often we go through life without really thinking about it. One day follows another and we just keep on doing what we're doing. Other times, we make decisions and choices without thinking about the repercussions. And what about Christmas - have we really thought about the irony of a world wide celebration of the birth of one baby when 490,000 babies are born every day? One baby, born in some obscure little village. God had big plans for that little baby, and his big plans include us. Think about it. Join us this Sunday, Dec 19, at 10 a.m., and then again at 7 p.m. for a candlelight cantata.

Making contact

Sometimes we are afraid, sometimes we just don't take the time - to make contact, real contact. Our hectic lives and the long to-do list for Christmas often draw us further away from Jesus, instead of closer to him. Real joy happens when we are healed of our sins and our hurts. And healing takes place through contact with the Healer. Two people make that discovery in Mark 5: 21-43. You can make that contact too; join us this Sunday, Dec 12, 10 a.m.

God's Happiness Project

In The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin, it is argued that “all sorts of people are finding that singing, alone or in a group, can be life-changing." The psalm writers knew all about singing, whether it was from the depths of our troubles or from the heights of God's unfailing love. Psalm 130 communicates that message of hope on this, the second Sunday of Advent; it's God's Happiness Project. Join us, Dec 5, 10:00 a.m.

God's wish list

Today, Nov 28, is the first Sunday of Advent. Yes, Christmas is coming! Time to write up our Christmas wish list. God has a Christmas wish list too - and our names are on it. He wants us to be reconciled to him. Already in Genesis God got to work on getting us exactly what we need for Christmas - his gift to us was his Son. When Noah got off the ark, God promised to never again send a flood to destroy the world. Instead, he made another promise: he would save the world, and he would do it through his Son. It's Advent - time to celebrate the Giver and the Gift!

You’ve Got It, Be Ready to Share It

It's not always easy to be a Christian. At some point, the way that we live our lives is going to come up against the system. Peter tells the people of the early church that they need to be ready for the day when those around them ask why they do the things they do. What will you say when asked? Will you be ready to share the one thing that keeps you going everyday? Ken deBoer will bring the message this Sunday considering Peter's advice to the early church and to us.
Oh...he's going to talk about lab rats too.....

Saw it on my Facebook...

Knots Prayer

Dear God:
Please untie the knots
that are in my mind,
my heart and my life.

Remove the have nots,
the can nots and the do nots
that I have in my mind.

Erase the will nots,
may nots,
might nots that may find
a home in my heart.

Release me from the could nots,
would nots and
should nots that obstruct my life.

And most of all,
Dear God:
I ask that you remove from my mind,
my heart and my life all of the am nots
that I have allowed to hold me back,
especially the thought
that I am not good enough.

Amen

The handwriting is on the wall

Sometimes when the handwriting is on the wall, we choose to ignore it. But if it's God's hand that's writing on your wall, you might want to sit up and take notice. Our God is compassionate, gracious, and slow to anger (Ex 34:6). In other words, he may have put the handwriting on the wall, but he does so in order to give us another chance, he invites us to come to him. Belshazzar, king of the Babylonian empire, saw the handwriting on the wall, but he didn't do anything about it (Daniel 5). Join us this Sunday, 10 a.m.

Congrats to Ryan & Destiny!

Beautiful couple! Beautiful wedding! Wishing God's amazing blessings for Ryan Spaling and Destiny Weening, married on Saturday, Nov 6, in Barrie.

Running on empty

Most of us (I think!)have run out of gas at some point in our driving history. Many of us will also find ourselves running on empty when difficult and tragic circumstances take over our lives. Last Sunday we were reminded of that again when a car accident took the life of a dearly loved father, brother and husband. The story of Ruth in the Bible also tells the story of emptiness. But God takes her life and fills it once again with hope and happiness. We live and die in the comfort of knowing that, body and soul, we belong to our faithful Saviour, Jesus Christ. Join us this Sunday, Nov 7, 10 a.m.

It's Reformation Day!

It's not just Hallowe'en - Oct 31 is also Reformation Day, marking the day when Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. Those 95 statements fanned the flames that led to the Protestant Reformation - and the church has never been the same since. Faith alone, Grace alone, Scripture alone, and, with apologies to the Reformers, we add: Christ alone! Join us for a worship service in the Clinton Christian Reformed Church, 243 Elizabeth Street, on Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m.

They thought they saw a ghost

When Jesus suddenly shows up in the middle of the room, after he came back from the dead, the disciples were "startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost" (Luke 24:37). Jesus sets their troubles aside and quiets their doubts. He does the same for us. Afraid of ghosts? Not when we have Jesus! Sunday, Oct 31 10 a.m. (another post to follow, for a Sunday evening Reformation Day service.)

Bicycles for Humanity

Saturday was drop off day for Bikes for Humanity. Over 60 bicycles were dropped off at the European Appliance Store in Lucknow. From here, the bikes will be sorted and then packed into a container to be shipped to Namibia, Africa. Thanks to all who donated!

Why are you sleeping?

The obvious answer to that question is, "because I am tired." Going a little deeper, our bodies need sleep for purposes of cognitive restoration, hormone growth, and other such physiological housekeeping matters. But Jesus isn't inquiring about any of that when he asks his disciples, "Why are you sleeping?" Jesus knows that as they sleep, he embarks on the cosmic battle between good and evil. Jesus goes where they cannot go to do what they cannot do: he accepts the death penalty for our sin, and he restores us to God. All while we are "sleeping." This Sunday, Oct 24, 10 a.m.

Congratulations to Josh & Alison!

Joshua Piel and Alison Knechtel were married on Saturday, October 16. We wish them God's richest blessings as they begin married life together.

Tied to a drill bit

They may have had only one shot - the Chilean miners saw that drill bit emerge into their chamber and they attached three things to that bit: a splash of red paint, a note saying "we are well in the refuge the 33," and a love letter from one of the miners to his wife. Desperate times call for quick action, and usually we know what that action looks like. Jesus told his listeners that they should interpret the times, and act accordingly. We too, need to recognize that we have only one shot; the judgment will come and we should be communicating with God right now, that we need him to save us. Join us this Sunday, Oct 17 at 10:00 a.m.

Brighter Futures

Debbie Main was our guest at this week's Coffee Break gathering. She described her work with young moms and the challenges they face in establishing a safe and healthy environment for their babies. If you know of a young mom who needs this kind of support, contact us at the church (519-528-3133) and we'll link you up.
Check out the conversations on Facebook: http://sw-ke.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29423997731&v=wall

Thanksgiving Food Drive

A food drive was held during our Thanksgiving Day service. Scott Burgsma and Jennie Bakker helped pack up the food items which will be delivered to the Food Bank in Wingham.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

We're a humble lot, usually. We get a little uncomfortable when our churches become a bit too grandiose. Many Christians might object to the opulence of the Crystal Cathedral, but in the Bible, we read that the temple King David planned to build for God was to be a "palatial structure," (I Chronicles 29:1). How could the people afford such an elaborate building project? They could do it because God had given them the means. And David praised God for it; he said: "Yours O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is yours" (v 11). We will offer to God that same prayer, tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day - join us for worship at 10:00 a.m.

"Why" questions

“Why” questions are always the toughest to answer – any parent knows that. Jesus also asked a lot of “why” questions. This Sunday we begin a series of messages where we consider a number of those questions. We will be turning to the gospel of Luke where we encounter four such challenges. In Luke 6:46 we hear Jesus asking, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" Good question! Join us this Sunday, 2010-10-10 at 10.

You're rich!

“You’re richer than you think,” the banks like to tell us. The bible has a similar message: Put your hope in God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. When we acknowledge that all we have is a gift from God, we will be freed to enjoy those gifts. That’s the message Timothy delivered to the rich people in his audience—it’s also the message for us rich Christians today. Sunday, Oct 3, 10:00 a.m.

Something stinks

The Christian Reformed Church has designated Sept 26 as Abuse Awareness Sunday. From the CRC website: "This is one time during the church year when we draw attention to the reality that abuse, in various forms and in various ways, is a part of our faith community. Most abuse occurs in the home. We might see the impact afterwards, but not the behavior as it occurs. Yet, those who hurt family members and those hurting family members are worshipping with us and attending other church functions. We need to be aware that some in our congregation are hiding enormous secrets." Verbal abuse is one form of abusive behaviour. Ephesians 4:29 says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths..." The word unwholesome, in the original Greek carries the sense of something decaying, or rotting, like rotten fish. Rotten fish stinks. Our lives shouldn't stink, rather, we should be imitators of God, living a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering (5:1,2). Through Jesus' sacrifice we can find healing and forgiveness and the strength to overcome what is sinful and evil in our homes and churches.

Fall Fair Service this Sunday

This Sunday, Sept 19, we worship with the other Lucknow Churches at the Fall Fair. We'll gather in the arena at 10:00 a.m.

Just do it!

It’s probably one of the most popular ad campaigns of all time: Just Do It! This Sunday we hear that same advice from James: “Do not merely listen to the word... do what it says.” We'll be commissioning our teachers and leaders for the coming season, blessing them with that charge. As we share the Lord’s Supper, may each of us pledge to live according to what the word of God says. Join us - 10:00 a.m.

Church Service at Point Farms

This Sunday, our worship service will be held at Point Farms Provincial Park (in case of rain, we're back at the church building in Lucknow). I Cor 2:9 says that no eye has seen, no ear has heard... what God has prepared for those who love him. But verse 10 says more: it says we now have super powers, x-ray vision, because God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. So there, Superman! Join us this Sunday at the park - 10:30 a.m. Bring a lawn chair and a mug.

The most interesting man in the world

--------------------------------------------------------------------The cartoon strip depicts the "least" intersting man in the world. Competition for the "most" interesting man in the world sees the DosEquis guy pitted against the Old Spice man. Lots of people think of Jesus as an interesting man. But that's not enough. He is also God. That's not only interesting, it's a matter of life or death. This Sunday we consider this as we look at Mark 4:33-41.

Backyard Coffee Break

Our Coffee Break group has met around kitchen tables and in backyards this summer. At our gatherings we study the Bible, spend time in prayer, and yes - enjoy a cup of coffee. This Wednesday, 10 a.m. we meet at Alicia's place in Dungannon. All women are welcome. We resume our meetings at the church on Sept 8 at 9:30 a.m. Plan to be part of this great group.

Even kids know...

Television commercials are a lot of fun. In a mere 20 seconds, or less, they seek to convince, persuade, influence and convert us. They often use catchy phrases to do this. This Sunday we'll watch one of these commercials, only to discover that the saying was in the Bible long before it was on TV (see Matthew 11:25). You are welcome to join us - Aug 22, 10 a.m.

x3watch

Yesterday I mentioned a software program that is available on line for anyone who recognizes the importance of accountability and integrity in our use of the internet (that should be all of us!). It's a great tool for individuals and families. Here's the website: http://x3watch.com/ There's a little 2 minute video that explains the program and the benefits. Check it out, ok?

Lust: I can't get no satisfaction

The song hit the charts back in 1965, but the vice of lust is still around. Lust is all about self-gratification. When lust becomes a vice, it causes great damage to love and life. Jesus knew that, and that is why he warned so strongly against it (Matthew 5:28). We can conquer the vice of lust through Christ's righteousness. Sunday, Aug 15, 10 a.m.

Gluttony - good becomes god

"You are what you eat," goes the saying. How we eat also reflects who we are. If we have been transformed through Jesus, our lives will reflect that, even in the ways we eat. This Sunday we talk about gluttony, the 6th of the capital vices. Paul warned about a similar vice of those who are enemies of the cross: "their god is their stomach" (Phil 3:19). Join us, 10 a.m.

Love trumps anger

We look at the 5th of the capital vices this Sunday: anger. Somehow, we've made anger into an honourable and commendable thing. After all, didn't Jesus get angry when he threw the money changers out of the temple? At the same time, there are plenty of Scripture verses which warn against anger and condemn it right out. Join us this Sunday as we consider this dilemma.

Algonquin and Psalm 104

We're back from the Lucknow CRC's second annual canoe trip to Algonquin Park (only 6 of us this year). While no one likes rain on their vacation, the unsettled weather provided for some spectacular sunsets. In the morning the mist rose from the lake in silent, holy, splendour. "O Lord my God, you are very great... He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains." Psalm 104 says that God covers the earth "with the deep as with a garment." We saw that garment last week: "May the glory of the Lord endure forever."

The Simple Truth

Three lab technicians are bending over a malfunctioning piece of equipment. They're pushing buttons, reading the manual, dialing the help-line. But they fail to check the obvious: the machine isn't plugged in! Sometimes the answers are much simpler than we think. The Woman at the Well learned that lesson one day when she met Jesus. She was waiting for the Messiah and Jesus says to her: I who speak to you am he. Simple. Awesome. This is one of the stories we looked at during VBS week. Join us for wrap-up Sunday. Hotdogs and icecream after the service! Sunday, July 18, 10 a.m.

It's VBS week!

We've taken off, on our Galactic Blast! Every day this week our mission is to make new discoveries about God. Yesterday we saw that he is wonderful; today: incredible. On Thursday evening we'll share some of these discoveries with parents, relatives, and friends. Join us - 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Congratulations to JJ & Justin!

On Saturday, July 10, 2010, we celebrated the wedding of JJ Jurjens and Justin Damsma. We wish them God's richest blessings for a long and happy marriage!

Avarice -When Greed becomes Good

Gordon Gekko's speech has risen to iconic status: "Greed is Good," in the movie Wall Street
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7upG01-XWbY . And a lot of people believe it. Greed, or Avarice, is the 4th capital vice, or deadly sin. When we put our hope and trust in money and stuff, we are telling God that we don't need Jesus. God told Abram to "lift up your eyes and look..." (Gen 13). Only when we lift our eyes from our cheque books and balance sheets and look to God will we discover freedom and peace.

Sloth - not just slow & lazy

If you have some extra time on your hands this Canada Day weekend, watch one of the youtube videos of a sloth crossing the road (eg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tfsL9Kq8R8). Sloth is the third of the capital vices and it is not always characterized by slow and lazy behaviour. In fact, busyness and workaholism are sloth's classic symptoms! "The slothful person," writes Rebecca Konyndyk deYoung in her book Glittering Vices, "tries to find happiness while evading the daily demands of self-giving love." Sloth - it's deadly. Sunday, July 4, 10 a.m.

Strawberry Summerfest 2010

As part of Lucknow's Strawberry Summerfest celebrations, our churches worshiped together yesterday. The rain held off for the service and as we sang the last words of our closing song, the rains began. Instruments and sound equipment were packed up in record time. And then we moved indoors for our strawberries.

Strawberry Summerfest

Yes, I know those are grapes, and not strawberries. I couldn't find any Biblical references to strawberries, but there are plenty about grapes and vines; so we'll be looking at John 15. This Sunday, June 27, we worship together with the other Lucknow churches on the lawn of Lucknow Presbyterian Church (in case of rain, we move indoors). The service starts at 10:30; following the service please stay for the strawberry social. Bring a lawn chair.

Vainglory: Image is everything

The magazine headline reads, "Sandra Bullock; the new mom makes a joyous return to the spotlight." It has been only a few weeks since the revelations of her husband's affairs and their subsequent divorce. But you wouldn't know it from the photos because, in the movie world, image is everything. Image can easily become everything in our world too. When we spend our time and energy seeking recognition and the approval of others, we are caught in that deadly sin: vainglory. When we boast, let's boast in the Lord (II Corinthians 10:17). Join us this Sunday, 10 a.m. as we continue our series on the seven deadly sins.

Soccer Season

The Lucknow Leopards played at home on Saturday night. In a valiant effort - we had only one player on the bench - they lost to Clinton 1-0. This Saturday they will be away - Blyth; and on June 26 they have another away game, against Wingham.

The Seven Deadly Sins

This Sunday, June 13, we begin a sermon series on the Seven Deadly Sins, or Vices. "The vices," says Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung ("Glittering Vices), "are most often treated as a matter of lighthearted humor." Sloth is to be commended - aren't we all too busy and rushed? Gluttony might be a new appreciation for good food and good company. A little anger might be in order instead of the passive acceptance we too often see around us. But we must take sin seriously; we have to name it, and then turn it over to Jesus. We begin with that green monster, envy.

Of callings and contracts

When I received the call to serve as pastor of the Lucknow Community Christian Reformed Church, the call was extended as a three year contract. This was done for various reasons, not the least of which was the uncertainty of the future of this church. After three years the contract could be terminated by either the church or the pastor. Yesterday we voted for office bearers, and on the bottom of the ballot was another question on whether or not my call to ministry in Lucknow should be extended indefinitely, making it a "regular call" (my elders didn't like that term, but I'll use it here anyway!). A number of people expressed surprise that we were dealing with this already - could I already be in my third year in Lucknow? The results were tallied and announced after the service: by an overwhelming majority the congregation voted to extend my contract indefinitely. God has blessed my work here - I am humbled and honoured to continue to serve him as pastor of the Lucknow CRC.

Our Avatar

An avatar is the descent of a deity to earth in an incarnate form. Yes, really! That's what an avatar is. That makes Jesus our Avatar. God himself descended to earth and took on our humanity - he became one of us in order to save us. The movie Avatar borrows on this premise. Join us this Sunday, 10:00 a.m.

Hunger Awareness Day is June 1

In recognition of National Hunger Awareness Day on June 1, the Lucknow
Community Christian Reformed Church held a "reverse offering". The
offering basket was passed around and people took a slip of paper from
the basket. On that slip was a food item which people then purchased
and brought to the church on Sunday May 30. Here, Peter Brink, Jeff
Drost and Alice Burgsma load the food items onto a truck to be brought
to the Food Bank in Wingham.

Bright and clean

At the wedding of the Lamb, we, as Christ's bride, are given fine linen to wear, "bright and clean" (Rev 19:8). Fine linen, we are told, stands for the righteous acts of the saints. Do we have the right to wear this fine linen? We do, when we accept Jesus' marriage proposal. Join us this Sunday, May 30 at 10 a.m., as we celebrate this wedding by sharing in the communion meal.

Pentecost Sunday, May 23

This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Our service will be led by Pastor Stephen Tamming from Goderich; I will be preaching in Goderich.

Congrats! to Jeanette and Mark

On Saturday, May 8, we celebrated the wedding of Jeanette de Boer and Mark Vreugdenhil. It was a beautiful spring day- even the snow was beautiful! Mark, Jeanette - may God bless you with a long and happy life together.

A door has opened.

"A great door for effective work has opened to me..." Those words are from I Corinthians 16:9. This Sunday Rev. Dwayne Thielke will preach on that passage and share with us what it has meant for him and his family for their ministry in the Philippines. May 9, 10 a.m.