Pastor Rita's Rostrum

God is calling

2012-01-26T23:21:00.001-05:00

What does it take to get to build a nation for God? Our image of the father of a nation is different than God's. This Sunday, Ken deBoer will look at the call of Abraham. This call was filled with the promise of blessings to Abraham and his descendants. But, what did Abraham do to deserve that call? How did he live so that God noticed and rewarded him? What do any of us have to do to become one of God's children? These are important questions as we wrestle with our role in our own salvation. Come out this Sunday morning as we take another look at unconditional election.

Election results

2012-01-19T10:49:00.003-05:00

On election day the people choose the winner. The bible speaks of election too; Jesus says, "You did not choose me, but I chose you..." (John 15:16). We have to be careful what we do with this teaching. It can bring joy, but if used improperly, it could also lead to despair. Join us this Sunday, Jan 22, as we put election into its proper context, that of God's love for us.

Not just sick, but dead.

2012-01-13T09:31:00.003-05:00

We call it a sickness, or an addiction,a mistake, maybe poor judgement or bowing to peer pressure. What we don't want to call it is "sin." But if we think of sin as an illness or a sickness, then we will conclude that there are degrees of sin/sickness and also that if we take care of ourselves, we can make ourselves healthy. The bible says that we are not just sick, but that we "were dead in our transgressions" (Eph 2:1). It doesn't getting any worse than that. Only when we understand how bad things are will we begin to understand the good news of God's grace. Everyone and anyone is welcome to join us this Sunday, Jan 15 10:00 a.m.

3:16

2012-01-06T14:04:00.003-05:00

Most of us are familiar with John 3:16. But I Timothy 3:16 is pretty big too. That verse is a creed, a statement or summary of what we believe. Paul is writing to his protege Timothy to give him some advice on how to handle the church to which he'd been assigned. After some instructions about what it means to live good, or godly lives, Paul puts it into context. It's all about (are you ready??)Jesus. It's not about me or you, but who we are and how we live is all about Jesus. That's what church is all about. If you are not part of a church right now, go out and find one. Just be sure it's a Christian Church. See you Sunday, 10 a.m.

Old year, new year

2011-12-30T16:51:00.005-05:00

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

2011-12-30T13:42:00.003-05:00

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.

A Christmas Love Letter

2011-12-23T10:13:00.001-05:00

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).

Sunday School Christmas Pageant

2011-12-19T16:37:00.004-05:00

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

2011-12-16T15:21:00.001-05:00

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.

GEMS at the Goat Farm

2011-12-15T15:34:00.003-05:00

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

How Many Kings

2011-12-14T20:23:00.004-05:00

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.

Making sense of it all

2011-12-09T14:21:00.003-05:00

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.

Carolfest 2011

2011-12-08T08:55:00.004-05:00

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

The Nativity Scene

2011-12-03T13:33:00.002-05:00

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.

Guest preachers for 2 weeks

2011-11-18T09:17:00.002-05:00

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.

Pulpit supply...

2011-11-11T15:26:00.002-05:00

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.

Organ donor registration blitz!

2011-11-07T14:43:00.005-05:00

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

A note of encouragement

2011-11-03T15:32:00.000-04:00

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.

Like a baby

2011-10-26T16:04:00.000-04:00

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.

2011-10-21T09:19:00.001-04:00

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.

Our 5TH grandchild!

2011-10-17T14:15:00.003-04:00

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!

Taking over the world

2011-10-14T14:37:00.002-04:00

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.

Maria Dixie Askes

2011-10-11T11:09:00.003-04:00

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!

Thanksgiving - it's all good!

2011-10-09T19:33:00.002-04:00

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!

Jesus plus...

2011-10-08T21:15:00.002-04:00

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.

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

2011-10-05T16:23:00.004-04:00

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.

Katelyn Klein-Geltink's baptism

2011-10-03T13:42:00.003-04:00

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!!

Surprise!

2011-09-29T12:24:00.002-04:00

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.

H4H postponed

2011-09-28T21:58:00.002-04:00

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

Harvest for Hunger

2011-09-23T15:41:00.004-04:00

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.

The Complaints Department

2011-09-22T10:48:00.003-04:00

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.

Fall Fair Parade

2011-09-21T14:48:00.003-04:00

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

Fall Fair Service

2011-09-16T13:22:00.002-04:00

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!

Josephine Megan Drost...

2011-09-12T12:00:00.002-04:00

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!

Lots of baptisms!!!

2011-09-09T15:19:00.003-04:00

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

2011-09-09T09:48:00.004-04:00

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.

Church Camping

2011-09-05T15:37:00.002-04:00

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.

Does prayer work?

2011-08-31T13:12:00.003-04:00

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.

Done and done

2011-08-25T16:20:00.003-04:00

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.

No Bull

2011-08-16T15:25:00.002-04:00

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.

Good Wood

2011-08-11T11:48:00.003-04:00

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.

Great day for a picnic

2011-08-08T13:37:00.002-04:00

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!

Help is on the way

2011-08-05T08:25:00.003-04:00

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.

Good News

2011-07-29T12:45:00.004-04:00

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!

2011-07-29T12:39:00.003-04:00

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!!

Blog following

2011-07-27T16:16:00.004-04:00

"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.

Fact or fiction?

2011-07-20T14:29:00.002-04:00

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.

Jesus makes a difference

2011-07-15T15:53:00.002-04:00

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.

Main Street - Jesus is here

2011-07-07T09:47:00.002-04:00

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!"

Sacrificial Giving

2011-06-30T13:27:00.003-04:00

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.

Congratulations to the newly weds - Anthony & Aimee

2011-06-27T09:40:00.003-04:00

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.

Strawberry Summerfest

2011-06-23T12:34:00.001-04:00

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.

If I were a rich man....

2011-06-17T15:15:00.003-04:00

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).

Off to Synod

2011-06-08T13:53:00.005-04:00

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.

Spread it around

2011-06-02T11:50:00.003-04:00

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).

Around the next bend

2011-05-27T16:08:00.004-04:00

Francis Chan, in his book Crazy Love, says that "if life is a river, then pursuing Christ requires swimming upstream. When we stop swimming, or actively following Him, we automatically begin to be swept downstream" (95). Too many of us are floating downstream, oblivious to what might await us around the next bend. Jesus warns us against gaining the whole world, yet losing our lives (Luke 9:25). Think about it. Sunday, May 29, 2011.

God's math

2011-05-16T09:27:00.003-04:00

In the business world we recognize the principles of profit and loss. We are prepared to lose a number of homes to the floods if that means many more are saved. Our God isn't quite so pragmatic. He will do anything to save even one of those he loves, at a price that is unthinkable. God does math differently than we do. Join us this Sunday, May 22, for an economics lesson from Luke 15.

A Father's love

2011-05-13T13:00:00.003-04:00

Author Francis Chan, in his book, Crazy Love, has us picture a child on his father's lap (or, as this pic has it, a child on his grandma's lap!). And then he asks, "Does your prayer life look anything like this? Does your prayer life look anything like a child coming before his father in security, comfort, and intimacy?" God invites us into that kind of a relationship with him, our heavenly Father. Join us this Sunday, May 15, as we get closer to our Father. Matthew 7:7

The Voice

2011-05-06T09:04:00.004-04:00

There's another new reality show out there (yes, another!). From what I've seen from the ads, judges on The Voice listen to contestants sing, but the judges listen with their backs to the performers. Only after hearing them, do they turn around to see the face behind the voice. The Prophet Isaiah heard God's voice, and then God turned him around to show himself to Isaiah-- and Isaiah thought he was going to die (Isaiah 6:1-7). We hear God's voice, but too often we lose sight of him. When we see God, we'll be awed and amazed that this God loves and cares for us. Join us this Sunday, May 8, 10 a.m.

More than 730 women!

2011-05-04T15:01:00.003-04:00

Fifteen of us joined over 700 women at the Coffee Break sponsored Women's Conference in Burlington on Saturday. It was a great day - we laughed, we cried, we sang, we listened, we worshipped (and we ate!)

Feed the Fire

2011-04-28T15:24:00.002-04:00

"Feed the fire" has been the theme of our girls' club this season. In his letter to the Christians in Rome Paul puts it this way: "Never be lacking in zeal" (Romans 12:11). If we want the fire in our hearts to burn hot, we are going to have to feed it. This Sunday, with some help from the GEMS, we will explore just how to do that. Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m. If you are interested in being a part of our Girls' club, call me at the church for more info. You can also visit their website at http://www.gemsgc.org/

The bunny conspiracy

2011-04-23T14:40:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. It's the day we celebrate Jesus' resurrection. But somehow, the message of life after death gets lost among the easter eggs. The bunny conspiracy is just one of many cover-ups that attempt to distract us from the big news of Easter - that Jesus is alive! Enjoy your chocolate, but don't forget to celebrate Easter with other believers tomorrow. Our service is at 10 a.m. and we'd love to have you join us.

Journey to the cross

2011-04-21T14:00:00.004-04:00

We have followed Jesus on his
via dolorosa - his way of suffering, or grief. That journey leads us to the cross. How has the story impacted you as you listened and watched; what is your story? Because of God's love, our story is enfolded in Jesus' story. That is our comfort and our assurance. Join us on Good Friday at 10 a.m. to share in Jesus' story.

What happened when Jesus died?

2011-04-15T12:48:00.003-04:00

What happens when we die? We can address that question on all kinds of levels - physical, clinical, emotional, spiritual. Jesus' death too, can be examined in each of these ways. But when he died, there was a cosmic impact that changed EVERYTHING. Join us this Sunday, Apr 24, 10 a.m., to explore the mystery of the impact of Jesus' death.

On vacation...

2011-04-09T14:12:00.002-04:00

I'm on vacation, so I really don't know what is planned for tomorrow's service. That's probably a good thing,right? We have a guest pastor lined up - Rev John Verhoog from Exeter. God's blessings as you worship him in Lucknow and I do the same in Florida - where it is plus 30 degrees and sunny with a lovely breeze and a great pool and..... all the rest.
Pastor Rita

Nails

2011-03-31T08:56:00.001-04:00

Can you imagine what it would be like to be nailed to a cross? Today, that experience is totally foreign, but not in Jesus' day. He knew that he was to face those nails and begged God to find another way. This week we continue our journey through the stations of the cross as Jesus obediently endures the horror of the nails.
Ken deBoer brings the message this Sunday, April 3, 10:00 a.m. Join us.

Stripped

2011-03-24T09:23:00.002-04:00

This Sunday, March 27, will be the third Sunday of Lent. We continue our journey that follows Jesus’ road of suffering on the last day of his earthly life. Another hour has passed since last Sunday, and Jesus is stripped of his garments before he is nailed to the cross. Stripped of all that would shield him from God’s wrath, Jesus takes upon himself the curse that was meant for us. And now we must consider what we must be stripped of in order to stand before our God. 10:00 a.m.

Kelman baptisms

2011-03-21T09:03:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, March 20, we witnessed Christine Kelman's public profession of faith. And then we celebrated the baptisms of her and Todd's two sons, Joshua and Brayden. Joshua wasn't as excited about the whole thing as we were! It was a great Sunday and we praise God for it.

Dead Man Walking

2011-03-18T10:47:00.002-04:00

Last week we began a journey that follows Jesus’ road of suffering. An hour has passed since last Sunday, and Jesus has picked up his cross for his death walk to the place of execution-dead man walking. In the movie, Dead Man Walking, Sister Helen tells Poncelet to look into her face and he will see the face of love. If we pause to look into Jesus’ face as he makes this walk, we too, will see the face of love. Join us this Sunday at 10 a.m. or watch the video recording by following the link in the sidebar.

Stations of the cross

2011-03-11T09:54:00.002-05:00

This Sunday is the first Sunday of Lent. We begin a journey that follows Jesus’ road of suffering. On that journey we will visit 6 stations of the cross. We begin at Friday morning, at about 7 a.m., and Jesus is standing trial. At this trial the people choose between Barabbas and Jesus; we too, must choose-- between power and love, a choice that isn't always easy or obvious. Mar 13, 10 a.m.

In God we Trust

2011-02-28T14:36:00.003-05:00

One of the most universal struggles for a Christian is trusting in God, not ourselves and our own plans. How do we move from "leaning on our own understanding" to "trusting in the Lord?" And then how do we do it all over again when we subtly shift back to trusting in ourselves? Rev. Duane Kelderman, VP Admin at Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, MI, delivers the message from Proverbs 3:5,6. Sunday, March 6, 10:00 a.m.

One big happy family

2011-02-25T08:54:00.003-05:00

To look at us, you'd think we are one big happy family. And for the most part, we are. But, like most (all?) families, our kids had their squabbles. Family fights are pretty normal, but if the feud goes on and on, expect God to step in and settle things. That's what happened between two brothers - Jacob & Esau - and the nations which came from them - Israel & Edom. God finally put an end to the fighting and we are now assured that "the kingdom will be the Lord's" (Obadiah 21). Sunday, Feb 27, 10:00 a.m.

Loving the church you've found

2011-02-18T08:56:00.002-05:00

JFK once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." That principle can also be applied to the church: Ask not what your church can do for you - ask what you can do for your church. That's how to stay in love with your church. Paul suggested that we have to "clothe ourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:27). When Jesus considered the question, "what can I do for my church?" he decided to give up his life for her. How's that for loving the church. Join us this Sunday, Feb 20 - or join a church somewhere, and be sure to love that church!

Women's brunch, Curling for the guys

2011-02-17T16:05:00.002-05:00

This week, as so often happens, we enjoyed some "family" time, as we got together as members of God's family outside of our Sunday morning worship time. The guys went curling and the women gathered for a Valentine's brunch. We welcomed Rachel VanRooyen to the brunch; she displayed her hand-made jewellery and demonstrated a few of her techniques. Consider becoming part of God's family and join us at any time - like this Friday, Feb 18, when we get together at Lucknow Bowl - 7:00 p.m.

Searching for the perfect church

2011-02-10T11:46:00.003-05:00

Are you looking for the perfect church? Consider this little ditty:
If you could find the perfect church
Without one fault or smear
For goodness sake, don’t join that church
You’d spoil the atmosphere!
When it comes to church membership, there are two aspects to consider: finding a church you can love, and loving the church you’ve found. That’s the title of a little book by Kevin & Sherry Harney. This Sunday we look at the first part of that equation and next Sunday the second part. We will celebrate Holy Communion, recognizing that what matters above all is that we “preach Christ crucified” (I Corinthians 1:10-25).

Making room

2011-02-04T11:15:00.002-05:00

After every snow fall, the snow plows are out there making room for the next one. If we don't make room, we'll be in big trouble. Already at Jesus’ birth, there was no room for him. Too often we have little or no room for God in our lives. And yet, Jesus tells us that in his “Father’s house are many rooms.” Our hospitable God makes room for us even when we don’t make room for him. That should cause us to pause, and then to open our hearts and lives to God and our neighbour.

Like the crocus

2011-01-26T15:41:00.002-05:00

We hear God’s promises, and to some extent, we know we already enjoy so much from him. At the same time, we can anticipate so much more. Jesus has already brought in his Kingdom, but someday, gladness and joy are going to overtake us; everlasting joy will crown our heads. Today we still know sadness and pain, but there will be a happy ending. "Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom" (Isaiah 35:1). And that ending will be just the beginning! You are invited to join us this Sunday, Jan 30 at 10 am. If you can't join us in person, you can listen to the service next week at https://sites.google.com/site/lucknowccrc2/service

Movie night: Fireproof

2011-01-21T13:33:00.003-05:00

You are invited to movie night at Lucknow Community Christian Reformed Church, 293 Place Street, this Sunday, Jan 23 at 7 p.m. for the movie Fireproof. "At work, inside burning buildings, Capt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. At home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules. His job is to rescue others. Now Caleb Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever... rescuing his wife's heart."

Be careful

2011-01-20T11:27:00.003-05:00

There are days and seasons when we need God desperately, when we look to him to just get us through another day. But there are also seasons in our lives when we are satisfied and content. Be careful, at those times, that you do not forget the Lord your God. That's the message of Deuteronomy 8:11, this Sunday, Jan 23 at 10:00 a.m. You are welcome to join us.

The Fox and the Grapes - the sequel

2011-01-14T10:58:00.003-05:00

In Aesop's fable, the fox, unable to reach the grapes, surmises that the grapes are probably sour anyway. In the sequel to this fable, the fox looks over his shoulder as he leaves and sees those grapes again. His desire for that which he cannot have begins to grow until it becomes an obsession. Too often, the sequel to the fable is our story. We resent the fact that God has said "no" to us. We begin to percieve God as a withholder instead of a generous giver. It's the story of the fall in Genesis 3, and it's our story. Join us this Sunday, and be reminded that our God is the "overflowing source of all good."

Baptism of Tayson Passchier

2011-01-10T09:33:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we celebrated the baptism of Tayson Cornelis Passchier. Congratulations to Corey & Laura, and Molly too. God is good!

Two words that begin with "F"

2011-01-07T09:12:00.004-05:00

When God created the world he first formed it, and then he filled it. He formed the light, then filled it with sun, moon, starts, planets. He formed the sky and the water, then filled them with birds and fish. We worship a generous God. He has formed us, and now he fills us. If you are feeling empty, turn to God- he never does anything halfway. This Sunday we see evidence of his generosity as we baptize Tayson Cornelis Passchier. Join us.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T15:23:00.004-05:00

We end one year, begin another. Time to become a little philosophical, a bit reflective and analytical. Was it a good year? What does the new year hold? The researcher (teacher) in Ecclesiastes offers a hypothesis: Life is meaningless. Then he sets out to prove or disprove his theory. Join us on Sunday, Jan 2 (10 a.m.) to discover the conclusions he draws from the data he collects.

Mission accomplished

2010-12-30T11:26:00.003-05:00

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

2010-12-28T18:26:00.002-05:00

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

2010-12-23T15:04:00.003-05:00

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

2010-12-23T15:00:00.002-05:00

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

2010-12-17T13:58:00.004-05:00

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

2010-12-09T13:46:00.002-05:00

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

2010-12-03T08:46:00.002-05:00

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

2010-11-28T13:20:00.003-05:00

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

2010-11-18T19:51:00.003-05:00

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...

2010-11-12T19:20:00.001-05:00

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

2010-11-11T13:54:00.002-05:00

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!

2010-11-07T21:36:00.001-05:00

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

2010-11-02T16:15:00.003-04:00

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!

2010-10-29T15:38:00.004-04:00

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

2010-10-27T09:01:00.002-04:00

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

2010-10-23T14:45:00.003-04:00

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?

2010-10-21T08:44:00.003-04:00

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.