In the Beginning....

What better words to consider on the first Sunday of 2014. We hear them at the beginning the book of the beginning of the Bible. "In the beginning God....." The gospel of John picks up the theme in its first verse. "In the beginning the Word....." John want us to know, right from the outset, who Jesus was by using words which would have caused his readers to sit up a listen. They know those words very well, and then, he changes them to draw his readers into a new story, a new chapter, a new understanding of who God is. At the beginning of this new chapter in our lives, this new year, it is good to be reminded of what was, what changed, and what will be.

Profession of Faith

On Sunday December 29th, after being delayed by snow and ice storms, Marlene Gibson-Auld professed her faith during our Sunday morning worship service. We are in awe of God's love and goodness.

He didn't Come to Save Angels

www.faithdomian.com

At Christmas time, angels are everywhere. They bring news to Mary,  instructions to Joseph, travelling directions to wise men, and most spectacular of all, a flash mob singing about good news in the hills around Bethlehem. In the hierarchy of life, the Hebrew people placed angels higher than themselves, just under God.

The writer of the book of Hebrews though, points clearly to the fact that Jesus did not come to save angels. He became a man, a real human man, born in a stable, who suffered along with his sisters and brothers. Jesus came to save us, the angels came to tell the story. This Sunday we will consider how this good news changes everything for us.

What's in a Name

http://www.scottkim.com/inversions/inversionsnames.html

Names are important. They say something about who we are, something about the state of mind of our parents at the time of our birth, their hopes and aspirations for us. Sometimes they say something about where we came from, our ancestory. They are usually given to us, with little input from us. They are part of us like the colour of our hair, our height, our shoe size. We learn to live with our names and the things they say about us.

Matthew writes to try to show us who Jesus is.  At the beginning of his story, we get what seems to be a contradiction. He tells us the angel instructed Joseph to name the baby Jesus which means God saves, but then goes on to argue that Isaiah's prophecy from centuries before has been fulfilled. That text says the baby will be called Immanuel, God with us. Matthew seems confused, or at least pulling texts out of context to prove his point. In fact, he is not confused at all. Jesus is both. He is a man calling for God to save, and he is God with us all at the same time. A holy mystery which we hope to unpack this Sunday.

A King is Coming

Its a coronation! Trumpets blast, people bustle to their seats. Those unable to get inside the building throng outside, hoping for a glimpse of the new king. Anticipation and excitement is in the air. Reporters stand poised with pens and cameras, ears glued to cell phones, as they await the words that will define the reign of this new king. Those words come in the form of a prayer "endow the king with justice and righteousness", just those two things. Imagine what a country would be like, led on just those two standards. Psalm 72 is a prayer of coronation. None of the kings who heard that prayer were able to live up to its high standard.

Jesus Christ has ushered in a new kingdom where righteousness and justice will prevail. This Sunday, the second Sunday of Advent, we will look at our world and the coming kingdom through the lens of Psalm 72.

The End of Time

We are fixated with the end. We want to know when it will come, how it will take place. We want some control of the situation, to be ready, really ready. Some folks have built careers predicting the end, pointing to the signs of the times, even nailing a particular date on the calendar. In Luke 21 Jesus tells his followers quite clearly what will happen before he returns, unfortunately for us, none of his markers will actually help us in confirming a date. In fact, he says we shouldn't listen to any of those predictors, just trust that he will protect us, give us the words we need to speak, that he will be with us. Its really all we need to know as we continue to work in the world.

Tree Climbing

Climbing trees was a sport of youth. I remember a cousin climbing a pine tree, getting impossibly high. I tried to follow, but common sense overcame the adventure, fear overwhelmed courage, and I was soon on the ground again. Zaccheaus climbed a tree, not for the adventure of climbing, but for an opportunity to see Jesus for himself, anonymously. He was something of a voyeur, wanting to see while not being seen, not really interacting with the situation. Jesus, to the surprise and chagrin of the crowd, stops under the tree, exposes Zacheaus, and invites himself to his house. Its all quite alarming for everyone. This Sunday we will consider Jesus actions and our response to them.

The Good Guys and the Bad Guys

Gustav Dore: The Pharisee and the Publican

Its seems to be part of human nature to categorize folks, to put them in boxes. We do it very quickly too. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector seems to be a rather straight forward case of good guy and bad guy. We know whose side we should be on, who Jesus is pointing to as the example we should follow. But do we? Is the bad guy, apparently the Pharisee, really that bad? And what about the tax collector, should we really emulate him? He was an enemy conspirator after all. The story is really about where we put our eyes. Are they on Jesus or are we busy looking at others.

This Sunday we will look more closely at this parable of good guys and bad guys.

Thankfulness

It's thanksgiving weekend and we will be spending time this week thinking about what it means to be thankful. On Sunday we will be considering the story or the ten lepers and look at the significance of the return of the Samaritan leper to give thanks. Jesus commends this person and tells him that his faith has made him well. But what about the other nine? They too were made well weren't they? Or did they receive a different measure of wellness.

We will meet on Thanksgiving Day as well, at 10am, to set time aside to just be thankful. Our lives however should be models of thanksgiving, our world should be seen through a lens of thankfulness. We will consider Paul's words in Philippians 4 as a guide for thankful living.

Seeing Generously

If we are going to be generous, live generously, we first need to learn to see suffering, injustice, poverty, need. The story of Lazarus and the rich man provides us with a springboard to consider how we are to live in a world filled with injustice and how we should respond, in the way we live to the needs around us. Join us this Sunday as we strive to see what our Father in heaven sees and to bring God's mercy to a suffering world.

Change

Change is an inevitable part of life. This is true in the life of the church as well. While we hold fast to the comfort we have in Jesus Christ, really the only stable part of our lives, the world keeps moving around us. In June our church experienced a big change as Pastor Rita moved on to her new call in Ancaster. Over the summer, our services have been led by a number of different people and, in many ways we, were blessed.

I led some of those services and last week the congregation extended a call to me to work as a bivocational interim. It is both gratifying and humbling to be called to this task. I'm looking forward to it and anticipate God's blessings as we continue to grow into what God intends us to be in this place.

Ken

From Lucknow to Ancaster

May 31, 2013 was moving day. I had accepted a call to become the pastor at Ancaster Christian Reformed Church, and moving day came upon us more quickly than we had expected. The move is bittersweet - a new church is an adventure, but at the same time, I miss my old church. On my first day in my new office, I messed up after only three phone calls, answering the phone with, "Lucknow Church, Pastor Rita speaking." It may be a long time before LCCRC is out of my system - probably never! Many things will be different now that I have moved, but many things remain the same: these are both Christ's churches, not mine; the Holy Spirit guides these churches - I am only the tool; God's people gather in both places to worship the same Lord. Oh yes, there are many constants despite so much change. Pastor Rita's Rostrum will remain silent for a little while, but I intend to fire it up again once the dust has settled a little. May God bless his church - the one in Lucknow, the one in Ancaster, and anywhere his people gather in worship.

Selfies

Reality check, everyone: most of your "selfies" don't look so great! When we take a close look at ourselves, two things can happen. We can either conclude that we look pretty good (narcissism) or our self-exploration can lead to a more honest assessment. We will discover that on our own, we aren't very attractive. Jesus can change that: "whatever you do,... do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus," (Col 3:17) and you will look great! Sunday, May 26, 2013.

Prepare to be amazed!

Nothing amazes us anymore. In our information saturated, just-google-it society, we can explain any phenomenon, rationalize any miracle. At Pentecost, something happened that caused those present to be “utterly amazed.” We too, will be utterly amazed when the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives and in our church. This Sunday, May 19, we gather in the shadow of grief as we mourn with the Ancaster Christian Reformed Church. May the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who came to us on Pentecost, truly comfort God's people.

Ethan John Piel and Isla Cole Piel

On Sunday we celebrated the sacrament of baptism. Cousins Ethan and Isla received the sign that they are part of God's covenant family. Congratulations to parents Josh & Aly and Matt & Julie!

Never powerless

Circumstances can often render us powerless. At least that’s the way we feel. Jesus reminds us that the Holy Spirit is on our side; it's one of the benefits of Jesus’ ascension. And with the Holy Spirit comes power. Heaven is real! Jesus is real! And the power we receive from the Holy Spirit is very real! Sunday, May 12, 2013, 10 a.m.

Whatever

Whatever! Depending on how you say the word, it can be a brush off or it can point to amazing things. The decision is yours. And then, after you focus your thoughts on...whatever--, “put it into practice!” That’s the message for the GEMS this season, from Philippians 4:8,9, and it’s the message for each of us. Join us for a special service with participation from our GEMS girls' club. May 5, 10 a.m.

Spring Clean Up

The weather was great for a little spring clean up at 293 Place Street. After breakfast one crew got to work indoors while another tackled the yard work.

Women's Conference

A group of 16 of us joined over 700 women at the Coffee Break Women's Conference at the Meeting House in Oakville on April 20 . It was a great day, full of laughter and tears and surprises and challenges! Talk to one of the women if you want more detail : )

One of the least of these

This Sunday I am away, preaching on a scheduled appointment in Wingham. Our guest preacher, John Zwart, will be looking at Matthew 25:31-46- "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." April 28, 10 a.m.

No happy ending

The tragic events of last Monday bring the magnitude and difficulty of forgiveness home in a real way. Will those who suffered losses ever be able to forgive? Should they? Forgiveness will not bring a little boy back to his family. After talking about forgiving for the last two weeks, this Sunday we look at the “how to.” We have a model to follow – God himself. It will be costly, it will take time, and there might not be a happy ending, but it is worth it. Sunday, April 21, 10 a.m.

Chance of Thunder

In our second message on the topic of forgiveness, we confess that too often we fail to forgive not because we can’t, but because we won’t. We walk around with a thundercloud over our heads, convicted that some people are beyond forgiveness. That kind of thinking leaves us in the dark. We come out of the darkness, and find the courage to forgive, only when we “walk as Jesus did.” Sunday, April 14, 10 a.m.

Our newest grandson

Meet William Klein-Geltink! He was born on March 22, 7lb 1oz. God has blessed us in so many ways.

Eureka!

The investors on Dragons' Den didn't like it- too dangerous, but the "swimfin" is turning out to be a great invention. Lewis Smedes calls "forgiveness" God's invention for coming to terms with a world in which people are unfair to each other and hurt each other deeply (in Forgive & Forget). Too many of us are skeptical; we think it's too dangerous, not likely to bring us success. But God wants us to invest, and through his grace, we will profit in a big way. Sunday, April 7, 10 am.

He is Risen!

We see the cross this Easter Sunday, and discover that it is empty. And so is the tomb! Jesus is risen! We serve a risen Saviour! Join us, or another Christian church to celebrate the biggest news ever! March 31, 2013, 10 a.m.

Palm Sunday

This Sunday is Palm Sunday. Jesus entered Jerusalem with great fan fare. Five days later they were calling for his death. This morning we worship the King who was prepared to die. Is there any hope? Yes, for Easter is coming!

A bleeding heart

Once again we turn our eyes to the cross. What do we see when we look at the cross? If you look closely, you'll see a bleeding heart. God’s heart broke when he saw his dearly loved people being crushed under the weight of their punishment (2 Samuel 24:16). And that is why he sent Jesus. Sunday, March 17, 10 a.m.

Ezekiel William Askes

Yesterday we celebrated the baptism of Ezekiel William Askes. Congrats to Trevor and Alicia and to Derk & Maria. May God's hand guide Zeke throughout his life; may God's right hand hold him fast! (Psalm 139:10)

What do you see in this cross?

During the Lent season we turn our eyes to the cross. But what do we see when we look at the cross? There is much more there than immediately meets the eye. This morning we see Christ is there. His suffering looks like weakness, but he is head of the body, the church.

Optical illusions

What do you see when you look at this image? Some see an old witch; others see a lovely young woman. During the Lent season we turn our eyes to the cross. But what do we see when we look at the cross? There is much more there than immediately meets the eye. This Sunday we see the staff within the cross and we are reminded that even in our darkest moments, God is with us. Psalm 23. March 3, 10 am.

The baptism of Evan Drost

Yesterday we baptized Evan Jeffrey Drost. His sisters, Addison, Gabrielle and Josephine, along with Mom and Dad and a church full of family and friends, witnessed the sacrament. Congrats to Jeff & Stephanie! May God bless your beautiful family in many ways!

24/7 Christians

Jesus' sermon on the mount has taken us through the entire week. In his final command, he tells us that it's not enough to love our neighbours - we must love our enemies too. In other words, we must love everyone, all the time. Sounds almost impossible. But through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, we can be 24/7 Christians. Join us Feb 24 - we also celebrate the sacrament of baptism, the best picture of how we become 24/7 Christians only through the blood of Jesus.

Place Street Boys

It was a great Sunday! Our worship service on Feb 17 was led by Anne Pritchard and the Place Street Boys. Thank you for your hard work; it was great!!

Serenaded

Church goers are used to singing our praises to God. But did you know that God also sings over us? God is the lover who serenades us (Zephaniah 3:17)! This Sunday, Feb 17, our own Place Street Boys lead our worship. Hope you can join us!

TGIF

We have come to Jesus' Friday command - almost made it through the week. Most of us look forward to Fridays, but this command doesn't sound like much fun. To “turn the other cheek” sounds a lot like passive humility; it sounds as though Jesus expects us to take it on the chin instead of fighting back. This Sunday we take a closer look at Jesus’ command and discover that there is another way to deal with the abuse to which Christians may be subjected. It’s a better way, a way that affirms our integrity and our worth as God’s image bearers. It's a message of hope that will leave you saying, "thank God it's Friday!" Sunday, Feb 10, 10 am.

An Attitude of Gratitude

This Sunday Rev John Veenstra from Ancaster Christian Reformed Church leads us in worship. His message: "Celebrating an Attitude of Gratitude." I am preaching in his pulpit in Ancaster.

Can you spot the difference?

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commands us to never use an oath. Never. If we truly lived up to Jesus’ commands, people would immediately spot the differences between us and people who don't follow Jesus. But do we dare live that way? Too often our words and actions don’t line up with Jesus' commands. In our repentance we should not expect Jesus to defend us. But he does. We look at Matthew 5:33-37 on Sunday, Jan 27, 10 a.m.

Fifty shades of grace

Thinking about the big - D this morning. No one likes it, but is divorce ok in some instances? That seems to be the message that Jesus is bringing in his command regarding divorce. Sounds like a grey area. But instead of seeing his commands as a concession, we should see Jesus’ words as yet another demonstration of his grace. Sunday, Jan 20, 10 am.

No choice but to amputate

Jesus says, “if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off.” He can’t be serious, can he? Amputation? God knows the human heart, and he knows that some of his greatest gifts to humanity can be distorted to become the most damaging. That’s what is behind Jesus’ command regarding our sexuality. This morning we look at Jesus’ Tuesday Command. Jan 13, 10 am.

Mondays

A lot of people don’t like Mondays. Monday is the day when the command to love our neighbours moves from the abstract to the real thing. Jesus commands us to let go of the everyday anger that we carry about with us. That’s hard to do, and it’s hard work. This Sunday we consider the second command of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount – his Monday Command. Jan 6, 10 a.m.

The year in review

Nothing captures the year in review like pictures. Click on the slide show on the right (on the picture) for a visit to the year just past.