Friday, December 30, 2011

Old year, new year


We gather for worship on both Dec 31 (7:30 p.m.) and Jan 1 (10:00 a.m.). We will be looking at the story that immediately follows Jesus' birth in the gospel of Matthew - the visit of the Magi and then Herod's attempt to kill Jesus. Herod's attempt fails because history and God's salvation plan unfold according to God's timeline. Looking back at 2011 we see that God was in control. And that gives us hope and confidence for 2012.

Grandbaby #6


And now there are six! Bentley Margaret was born on Dec 17. That's her, on the right with Daddy Kevin and big brother Nolan. The three littlest KG cousins, Katelyn, Kayla & Bentley, were all born in 2011, and all girls. God continues to bless our family.

Friday, December 23, 2011

A Christmas Love Letter

We have walked around the nativity scene during these weeks of Advent. Today we stand with the others and gaze into a manger, where a child lies. This baby, wrapped in cloths and placed in a manger, is God’s message of love. Look, listen. May you know the certainty of the things that have been conveyed to you (Luke 1:4).

Monday, December 19, 2011

Sunday School Christmas Pageant

Yesterday our Sunday School children presented the Christmas story to our congregation. Beautiful! (See the slide show.)

Friday, December 16, 2011

Joseph was a good man—the bible says he was a “righteous man.” When he learned that Mary was pregnant, and that the child was not his, he was obligated to do the right thing. The righteousness of God also calls for the “right thing,” and in our case, the right thing would be to punish us for our sins. But God introduces a new righteousness, and it comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Did God do the right thing? Justice says 'no'; love says 'yes.' For God so loved the world... Sunday, Dec 18, 10 a.m.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

GEMS at the Goat Farm

A Note From our GEMS Girls’ Club Counselors: For the last 2 years, a very enthusiastic bunch of GEMS, parents and siblings have piled into vehicles to visit the largest milking goat farm in Ontario - the VanderVlies farm, owned by Anja and Henry in Teeswater. There are over 700 milking goats, and pens full of mamas-to-be. Tours are done throughout the year, but we chose the month of October for this tour, as this is the time for kidding. Sure enough, each one of us got to hold and love on a tiny new-born. To see the rest of the pictures, visit the GEMS page on our church’s website: http://lccrc.netne.net/gems.html

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

How Many Kings

Marc Martel's youtube video of his Freddie Mercury rendition has gone viral. But we first heard/saw Downhere at Fair Havens Bible campground when they were still students at Briercrest College. We even bought their first album and had the CD cover signed by the boys. This Sunday Trevor Askes sings Downhere's How Many Kings during our worship service.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Making sense of it all

What do you think about when you can't fall asleep? Sometimes we just can't turn the brain off. Mary had a lot on her mind that first Christmas night - things to ponder, things to treasure in her mind. She was trying to make sense of a mystery that defies explanation: that she would give birth to a son, and was to give him the name Jesus. He would be called the Son of God (Luke 1: 31,35). This Sunday we too will ponder the mystery of the incarnation - at the nativity scene but also at the cross in our communion meal.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Carolfest 2011


Lucknow Carolfest at the Lucknow Presbyterian Church, featuring six local church choirs, including ours (pictured here).

Saturday, December 3, 2011

The Nativity Scene

In November a number of us went to Walkerton to see the display called "Thousands of Nativities." There were over 3000 nativity scenes on display, all of them unique, and yet all of them representing the same people gathered in that barn in Bethlehem on that first Christmas Day. This season of Advent we will be visiting the nativity scene, spending some time with the shepherds, and with Mary and Joseph, and the baby Jesus. After Christmas we'll visit with the wisemen (though they wouldn't have shown up until 2 years later!). Tomorrow morning, Dec 4, we meet the shepherds who heard the announcement of Jesus' birth. When they went to see the baby, they saw beyond the manger, recognizing the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. We too, are invited to come and see, and to stand amazed.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Guest preachers for 2 weeks

Gerald and I will be on vacation for the next two weeks. While I am away guest preachers will be filling our pulpit. On November 20 Gareth Harker, from Cambridge, will be leading the service and on November 27 we welcome Stan Puklicz from Stratford. May our worship be pleasing to God wherever we are.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Pulpit supply...

We call it "pulpit supply." What it means is that I will be preaching in a church that doesn't have a pastor right now. I will be in Blyth on Sunday, Nov 13, and leading in worship here in Lucknow will be Rev. Brian Bork, Campus Chaplain at the University of Waterloo and Waterloo Laurier. May God bless our worship, wherever that happens.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Organ donor registration blitz!


Yesterday we invited anyone over the age of 16 to register as an organ donor. Many new donors were signed up and some who had previously consented to be an organ donor registered their consent. The event was held in memory of 7 year old Alyssa, who passed away this past summer - she was too weak to recover from her heart transplant surgery. Thank-you to all who registered, and special thanks to Mandy for organizing the event. If you have not yet registered, you can still do so at www.beadonor.ca

Thursday, November 3, 2011

A note of encouragement


The prophecy of Haggai is all about encouragement. God had allowed the people to go home and rebuild the temple, but they grew tired and discouraged. Despite God's blessings, we too might despair of going on. God encourages us to "be strong." We do so with his promise of blessing. As a demonstration of how we can go on, even after dealing with sad and difficult circumstances, our congregation will be participating in an organ donation registration blitz. People will be given the opportunity to register as organ donors, in memory of a little girl, 7-year old Alyssa, who died earlier this year in the process of receiving a new heart. Join us this Sunday, Nov 6 at 10 a.m. or register online at beadonor.ca Respond to this post if you registered and we will count you in our tally.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Like a baby

I'm off to participate in the baptism of another grandchild. God is so good!!! While I am away to be with a baby, Ken deBoer will be here in Lucknow talking about babies. Jesus says that if we are going to receive the kingdom we need to do it like babies would. What does that look like? What is the kingdom that Jesus is talking about? How do these words affect the way that we relate to each other and to God? It's all about babies. Oct 30, 10:00 a.m.

Friday, October 21, 2011

James Bond insisted that his martini should be shaken, not stirred. To get us from where we were to where God wants us to be God puts us through a two-step process. First, he shakes us, causing us to see how deeply our sins have impacted us. And then he sends his Spirit to stir us to action. Shaken, then stirred. It happened to the Jews when Haggai brought them a message from the Lord. This Sunday morning Haggai brings the Lord’s message to us- we need to be shaken, then stirred. Sunday, Oct 23, 10 a.m.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Our 5TH grandchild!

Meet our 5th grandchild! Kayla Susan was born on Oct 6. That's me with our son Mark and his two little girls. Thanks to God!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Taking over the world

Here's the plan: we are going to take over the world. God is going to establish his kingdom on earth, and he does it by doing the exact opposite of what the world expects. A King who becomes a Servant; a Saviour dies so we can live. We too, are called to live counter-culturally. Instead of following the ways of the world, Paul instructs us to think about "whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable" (Phil 4:8). That is just the opposite of what we are inclined to do. But through Jesus, the plan will succeed. Join us this Sunday, Oct 16, 10 a.m.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Maria Dixie Askes

On Sunday, Oct 9, we baptized Maria Dixie Askes. Alicia, Trevor, brother Derk, and the entire Lucknow Church witnessed the sign that God welcomes this little baby into his covenant family!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Thanksgiving - it's all good!

Happy Thanksgiving! We celebrate Thanksgiving for lots of good reasons: another harvest season, safe travels, restored health, new babies. But ultimately, we can celebrate because, as Psalm 100 states it, "God is good." Join us at 10 a.m. this Thanksgiving Day to give thanks to our good God!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Jesus plus...

Salvation is found in Christ alone. We profess that, but often our lives seem to reflect that we aren't totally sure that Jesus is enough. So we supplement Jesus' work with our works or we put conditions upon others' salvation. Jesus is enough; he's EVERYTHING we need; no supplements required. Tomorrow morning, Oct 9, we are reminded of this great truth as we baptize one of God's covenant children.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Harvest for Hunger - not quite a record, but...

It took 11 minutes and 43 seconds to harvest 160 acres of soybeans, just shy of a new world record (it's held by Manitoba). Christine and Josh were among the many spectators as 120 combines worked in unison in this field south of Listowel. May God use this event in a mighty way to relieve the injustices of our world.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Katelyn Klein-Geltink's baptism

Yesterday I baptized our new granddaughter- Katelyn Marlene Klein-Geltink. Such a joy! Thanks to Pastor Sam and Meadowvale Community Christian Reformed Church for granting me the privilege of administering the sacrament. Thank you God!!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Surprise!

We love fireworks. We love being surprised by the bright colours, the loud noises. We go to watch fireworks knowing what to expect. When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost no one really knew what to expect. Everything that happened that day was a surprise! Does the Holy Spirit still surprise us today? Ken deBoer will share the message of Pentecost and help us see that the Holy Spirit is still doing surprising things everyday. Ken deBoer leads the service this Sunday, Oct 2, 10:00 a.m. I'll be baptizing our newest granddaughter at the Meadowvale CRC.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

H4H postponed

Harvest for Hunger (see previous post) has been postponed to Monday, Oct 3 -- too much rain in the forecast this week.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Harvest for Hunger




News Release
All We Need is Good Weather for a World Record Soybean Harvest — September 30
LISTOWEL/MONKTON AREA. Over 110 combines are committed to a Perth County farm for the world record soybean harvest attempt on September 30. A large crowd is expected to attend the site on Highway 23, 1 kilometre north of Monkton.
Randy Drenth, chair of the group of farmers that is leading this attempt, emphasizes that their primary goal is raising awareness of the hunger issue.
“This event is primarily a fundraiser for the hunger relief projects the Canadian Foodgrains Bank,“ says Randy Drenth. “Everything is ready. All we need is good weather for the attempt to harvest 160 acres of soybeans in less than 10 minutes. This is our way of getting lots of attention for the auction that will follow the harvest. We want to raise $200,000.
The soybeans will be auctioned to the public in one bushel lots and in 400 or 500 bushel lots to the grain trade.
The public is invited for lunch. Beef and pork on a bun will be available for a donation to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Lunch will be served at noon. The Mitchell Legion Band will provide music.
All the combines are scheduled to be lined up in their assigned places by 12:45, when short welcome speech and greetings will start in the viewing area. The combines will bite into the standing soybeans at 1:30 p.m.
The event has attracted wide support from the agricultural community and its suppliers. Everything has been donated so that the full value of the auction can be donated to hunger relief.
The public can also be part of the fundraising by donating $20 per bushel to Harvest for Hunger. Donations can be made on the website of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of Canadian Christian churches and church-based agencies working to end hunger in developing countries.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

The Complaints Department

Here, in the middle of his letter to the Philippian Christians, Paul gets down to business. He tells the people to stop their arguing and complaining. It's time to shut down the complaints department. But he doesn’t want them to stop do-ing (see Philippians 2:14). When we serve God without complaining we will be like stars shining in the universe. Sunday, Sept 25, 10 a.m.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Fall Fair Parade

The GEMS girls' Club decorated a float for the Fall Fair Parade - and they won first prize! Congrats!

Friday, September 16, 2011

Fall Fair Service

This Sunday, Sept 18 at 10 a.m., we worship with the other churches of Lucknow in the arena as part of the Fall Fair. The Fair theme is "Sunflowers and Scarecrows." I will bring the message, with the first half of that theme in mind -- sunflowers. Like sunflowers that follow the sun around, we too can lift our faces to receive God's blessing; God shines his face upon us (Numbers 6:22-27). See you at the fair!

Monday, September 12, 2011

Josephine Megan Drost...

Josephine Megan Drost was baptized on Sept 11, with lots of grandmas and grandpas and adoring cousins and great friends and family witnessing the sacrament. Above all, God was there, welcoming Josephine into his family. Congratulations Jeff & Stephanie!

Friday, September 9, 2011

Lots of baptisms!!!

On August 28 we celebrated the baptisms and profession of faith of 11 people. Vicky, Bailey, Brody, Brady, Katie, Carter, Tyson and Riley were baptized and Wendy, Tammy and Kait professed their faith in Jesus. It was a wonderful demonstration of how God works in our lives and in our church. I'll get the rest of the pics up in a slideshow soon.

911 Unity

The horrors of 9-11 drew people together in an amazing demonstration of unity. Ten years later we recall where we were on September 11 and we again see people coming together to mourn and to remember. Will we still be gathering 50 years from now? 100? There is only one thing that will unite us forever: the love of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:5 says that our "attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." That's a vital truth for every day, but especially for September 11, as we unite to remember. Join us in worship, this Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Church Camping

Labour Day weekend is church camping weekend for Lucknow Community Christian Reformed Church. We had a great time together, and while we woke up to rain on Sunday morning, the sun was coming out by the time we gathered for worship. We praise and thank God for the blessings of fun and laughter in the company of his family.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Does prayer work?

If you think of prayer as a means by which to achieve all your needs and wants, then you will probably answer "no" to the question, "Does prayer work?" But if you understand prayer to be a conversation between you and God, then suddenly the question doesn't even make sense. We don't talk in terms of working-not-working when we think about the conversations we have with our friends or our family members, so why would we ask such a question about our conversations with God? This Sunday we'll give some thought to this as we worship at PT FARMS provincial park. There will be no service at our usual location on Place Street in Lucknow. The service in the park is at 11 a.m. near the barn (ask for directions at the gate). Bring your lawn chairs.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Done and done

We paint the walls, install new carpet and pick out the perfect window treatments. But it's not until those final touches are added that the project finally comes together. The same thing happened when the Israelites built the tablernacle. The final detail completed the project: God's presence filled the tabernacle. We too, will see the glory of God when his presence fills our lives. Ten people will testify to this miracle as we celebrate baptisms and professions of faith. Join us for what will be a great celebration, this week: August 28, 10 a.m.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

No Bull

Wouldn't it be great if we could bend and shape God into the kind of God that suits us best? That's what the Israelites did when they made that golden calf - or probably, it was a golden bull (Exodus 32). The project didn't turn out so well. No bull could ever represent our holy God. And yet, we too, try to find substitutes for God. That is a sin, worthy of death. Moses pleaded the case for the Israelites, or God would have killed them. Jesus pleaded our case, and we too have been rescued from certain death. We look at this amazing story on Sunday, August 21, 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Good Wood

It doesn’t seem to be too hot, this month of August. But even in milder weather, we need the basics of food and water. After three days in the wilderness, the Israelites ran out of water. When they did find water, it was undrinkable (Exodus 15). God changed the bitter water into sweet water. He does the same thing in our lives, changing our bitterness through his tenderness. He does it with a piece of wood, a piece of Good Wood... Sunday, August 14, 10:00 a.m.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Great day for a picnic

Swimming, games, chatting, and lots of food. The Lucknow Community CRC's church picnic was a great day spent with our church family. Thank you, God, for the beautiful weather!

Friday, August 5, 2011

Help is on the way

We don't always want to admit that we need help; there's something humbling about asking for assistance and admitting that we can't make it on our own. God knows that, and he "will surely come to your aid" (Exodus 13:19). We see lots of evidence of that when the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. God comes to our aid in our wilderness too.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Good News

In an episode of ER (see the clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RA-JzVxGTg ) a dying man seeks absolution from his guilt. "What does God want from me?" he asks? The chaplain fails to give him the good news: that we are sinners and that we need Jesus. We need to hear the bad news before we can hear the good news. "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news" (Isaiah 52:7). Jesus is the good news. Join us this Sunday, July 31, to hear the good news.

Our 4th grandbaby!

Say "hello" to Katelyn Marlene Klein-Geltink! She was born on July 27 and weighs 7lb 4 oz. Thanks to God for this new gift!!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Blog following

"Loving addicts, whether they are Amy Winehouse or Betty Ford," is a recent post on a blog that I have started following. It's called "ThinkChristian," and the home page says this:
At ThinkChristian, we talk about Christ, culture, and the ways that faith plays out in everyday life.
The blog address is http://www.thinkchristian.net/ Check it out - and then add it to the list of blogs you are following.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Fact or fiction?

Urban legends have a way of slipping into public acceptance. The same thing happens with our faith - we seek to create a religion that has more to do with securing the praise of people than the praise of God. Look to Jesus and you will see the one who came into the world as light. Only Jesus can dispel our darkness (John 12:45). Shine, Jesus, Shine! Join us this Sunday, July 24, 10 a.m.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Jesus makes a difference

This week we welcomed 60 children to our vacation bible school, where we talked about how Jesus makes a difference every day of our lives. One of the stories we heard was Jesus' parable of the "shocking servant" - a man who was forgiven much, but was unable to forgive little. We'll look at that story this Sunday, and we'll sing some of our VBS songs. After church, stay for hotdogs and icecream! See you at 10 a.m.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Main Street - Jesus is here

Jesus came to earth in human form; he walked Main Street - Main Street Jerusalem, Main Street Cana, Main Street Bethany... And wherever he went, he turned things upside down and inside out. That’s what happens when you are in the presence of Majesty. Join us this Sunday, July 10, in the presence of our majestic Lord, and then send your kids to our Vacation Bible School as we visit Main Street, "where Jesus makes a difference every day!"

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Sacrificial Giving

This Sunday we will sing the song, "We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise," and we'll look at that term from Hebrews 13:15. Gift giving means very little if there is no sacrifice involved. The wilting flowers the guy picks up for $5 on the way home will have very little effect on his wife. Sacrificial giving involves giving up something we love for someone we love. May our worship of God this Sunday be a sacrifice of praise.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Congratulations to the newly weds - Anthony & Aimee

Anthony Numan and Aimee Sergovich were married in our church on Saturday. We wish them God's richest blessings for a wonderful and life-long marriage.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Strawberry Summerfest

This Sunday, June 26, we worship on the lawn of the Presbyterian Church. The service is part of Lucknow's annual Strawbery Summerfest event. Our church will be participating in the service, along with our United, Presbyterian, and Anglican neighbours. The service is at 10:30; bring a lawn chair. Lunch and a strawberry social are availabe after the service-- your cash donation will support Lucknow's vacation bible school programs.

Friday, June 17, 2011

If I were a rich man....

I just came back from our church's Synod - a full week of meetings, from 8:15 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day, and often over lunch and dinner. And it was great! Many would beg to differ. Tevye, in Fiddler on the Roof says that if he were a rich man, he would spend 7 hours every day discussing the learned books with the holy men. Would that activity make it to the top of your list if you "had a million dollars"? Too often our worship is shrouded in ulterior motives. But when God rescues us, he does so with one purpose: to bring us to himself. He wants us close by, he welcomes us into his presence. Join us this Sunday, June 19, as we explore this beatiful truth (Exodus 19:4).

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Off to Synod

For the next week I will be attending the Christian Reformed Church's meetings of Synod in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is my first time attending as a delegate. A colleague, calling to wish me well, said that he has attended six times and enjoyed every time. He commented that attending Synod is like feeling the heart beat of our church. He also warned me that it will be hard work and that some committees have been known to meet until one in the morning, and that, after a full day of meeting in session. If you would like to follow what is happening at Synod, check out the website:
http://crcna.org/pages/synod_front.cfm They even have a live webcast during those hours when Synod is meeting in full session. I will be away on Pentecost Sunday (June 12); Gareth Harker from Cambridge will be our guest preacher.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Spread it around

Francis Chan, in his book Crazy Love, writes that a friend once told him that "Christians are like manure: spread them out and they help everything grow better, but keep thim in one big pile and they stink horribly" (168). Christians have many gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit, many gifts, given for the common good. When we can say "Jesus is Lord," we know that the Holy Spirit is at work in us. With the Spirit's empowerment, everyone of us can be used by God, starting today. I Corithians 12: 1-11, Sunday, June 5. Join us live or catch the service on the web (see side bar for address).