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.