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.