Oh Canada

Funny how we get all caught up in the triviality of changing something so that it won’t offend. Don’t get me wrong, there are times when this should be addressed but the national anthem – puleeeeze. I am watching the destruction of a nation (not ours) through the divisiveness of personal preference and wonder when did we become so thin skinned. There is talk about changing the some of the words within our National Anthem because it is not gender neutral (all thy sons command) or the fact that we are making people feel uncomfortable with the reference to God in the third last line (God keep our land glorious and free). Are we also going to address the first line because it if is taken out of context, it could also make a certain sector of our population uncomfortable and what of those who are unable to stand on guard?

This all may sound rather corny but it is a consideration should someone decide to complain. If they tweak the ear of the right person in a position of authority who wants to take up a cause, we could possibly see a very different National Anthem. Can I put something forward here? We are celebrating 150 years as a recognized nation, recognized by the world. We have a defied boundary that is recognized by the world community and there are thousands who are willing to stand on guard to preserve our way of life. We are celebrating Canada’s existence as a nation even though it has been around for thousands and thousands of years under different names. We celebrate together as a nation of Canadians, brothers and sisters united by one thing – we are Canadian.

So my question – why bring up the question of the words of our National Anthem at a time when we are supposed to be celebrating our common bond? We Are Canadian! We share in the fact we live in a wonderful country with freedoms so rarely afforded anywhere else in the world. Are we not are united by good manners, back bacon and toques? Let’s focus on united rather than divisiveness on July 1 and celebrate 150 years as a nation. God keep our land glorious and free! God may your peace reign throughout the land You created for us all!

Sunday service streams on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158 and starts at 10:30 am MST. We invite you to interact with us as we live stream and join us as we celebrate.

Shalom
Pastor Todd

Week At A Glance – June 26 – July 2, 2017

HAPPY CANADA DAY ALL!!!

Church Office Closed      - Monday

Church Office Open        - 9:00 PM – 5:00 PM Tuesday - Wednesday

Please note: Church office will be closed Thursday-Saturday for family activities

Church Service                 - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday

Special Events

Monday Outdoor Adventure     - Will resume the Monday after the long weekend

Coffee Time at

Little Country Cappuccino         - 9:00 AM Tuesday

Ladies Bible Study                     -  Will Resume in September

Lady’s Craft for a Purpose         - Will Resume in September

Men’s Bible Study                     - Will Resume in September

Men’s Coffee Fellowship          - Will Resume in September

Mountain View SH Services     - 1:30 – 2:30 PM Sunday

Note: Quadding Fellowship on Monday requires participants to contact Pastor Todd to sign up, have an insured and registered quad, have a helmet and bring a lunch. This is not a ministry of Main Avenue Fellowship but rather a gathering of people who want to go out into the great outdoors and enjoy each other’s company and God’s gift of nature. MAF does not assume any liability for injuries or accidents.

BTW, if you don’t like getting dirty, Monday’s might not be your thing :D

Sunday Services can be heard on the website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca) after the service or seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158) at 11:00 AM Mountain Standard

Peter`s Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Does GOD Hear Me?’

Day 1: 1 John 5:14 – “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.”

Day 2: 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”

Day 3: Jeremiah 29:12 – “In those days when you pray, I will listen.”

Day 4: Proverbs 15:8 – “The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright.”

Day 5: Psalms 17:6 – “I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.”

Day 6: James 5:16 – “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

Day 7: 1 Timothy 2:1, 2 – “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

When 50 / 50 Is All That Is Expected

I watched a video by the Booth Brothers where they talked about relationships and how many are under the impression for a relationship to last, it needs to be a fifty-fifty split. If this were to be examined, that understanding would suggest that the input from one of the partners needs only to meet in the middle. The arguments and misunderstandings then, I would suggest, happen in the defining where that line comes into play.

In our household, for example, it is understood that Natalie does the cooking and I clean up after the fact. This is not to say that I refuse to cook but rather that I enjoy her cooking and would rather clean up after the meal than subject our pallets to my attempts at meal preparation. There are times we fend for ourselves or I cook because she is very busy (at this time it should be noted I make a wicked Mac and Cheese with weenies). If we draw lines of delineation in a relationship, this could lead to stress as the one person expects and the other does not deliver.

You can substitute anything into the mix here, cleaning up the house, mowing the lawn, paying the bills or even planning a night out. When the line is drawn, there is always the chance someone will feel slighted because the other person is not holding up their side of the bargain. Could we possibly look at relationships in a different light? How would it look if each person put 100% effort into their relationships? This would mean that we adjust our thinking from self to the needs of those around us especially those closest to us. Are you worried about your needs? They would be taken care of by those around you and thus you can fully concentrate on the relationships you have.

Love the Lord with absolutely every ounce of your being (that means 100%) and love your neighbour as yourself. In other words, love those around you with every ounce of your being as well (again that means 100%) for this is the word of the Lord. Would this change the way we live in pure relationship? Just something to chew on for the week.

Sunday service streams on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158 and starts at 10:30 am MST. We invite you to interact with us as we live stream and join us as we celebrate.

Shalom
Pastor Todd

On A First Name Basis

During my high school years, I found it very odd that many of my class mates would call some of our teachers by their first names. Whether by invitation, or self-indulgence I always felt it lowered the respect level between student and teacher. Years later, and on many occasions, I would see one teacher in particular, and address him as Mr. So and so, to which he would reply, please call me by my first name. Finally I promised him that when I turned sixty, I would, and a couple of weeks ago, after turning sixty one, I bumped into him, and had to choke out addressing him by his first name.  It only took me forty plus years to get to that point. Even after this many years, I still hold him in high regard as a show of respect. This is because of the established relationship while growing up.

Our relationship with Jesus is entirely different. Yes, Jesus is also our teacher, yet on a much different level. He teaches about eternity, where school teachers teach about the earthly tools we need. Jesus is our advocate to God the Father, welcoming is to call on His name for all our needs. We should all be on a first name basis with Jesus. When we hurt, we call His name. When we have victory, we should shout His name. When we finally find peace, we whisper His name. He loves us so much, and wants so much for us that He wants nothing to come between us, not even the word mister. He knows our names, and speaks them daily to the Father. Knowing this, it should be natural that we do the same.

I encourage any of you, who have yet to accept Jesus into your heart, and life, that it is never too late. The lyrics in a James Taylor song sing volumes, “You just call out My name, and you know, wherever I am, I’ll come running”. These are an open invitation to all of us, and I have seen first-hand that it works. I may always struggle to call my teacher by his first name, but rest assured, I am perfectly at ease calling on the name of my Savior, Jesus, as we are forever on a first name basis.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘How is Your Heart?’

Day 1: 1 Peter 3:3, 4 – “Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”

Day 2: Jeremiah 17:9, 10 – “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”

Day 3: Proverbs 3:5, 6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Day 4: 1 Samuel 16:7 – “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Day 5: Proverbs 10:8 – “The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.”

Day 6: Proverbs 3:1, 2 – “My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.”

Day 7: Psalm 119:2 – “Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Week at a Glance

Week At A Glance June 19-25, 2017

Office Hours

Church Office Closed      - Monday, Tuesday

Church Office Open        - 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Wednesday - Friday

Church Office Closed      - Saturday

Church Service                 - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday

Special Events

Quad Fellowship                              - Call Pastor Todd for details

Coffee @

Little Country Cappucino                - 9:00 AM Wednesday

Lady’s Bible Study                          - Resuming in September

Lady’s Crafting with a Purpose       - Resuming in September

Men’s Leadership Study                  - Resuming in September

Men’s Coffee Fellowship                - Resuming in September

Sundre Pro Rodeo Parade               - 10:00 Saturday

Church Service                                - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday

Fellowship Feast BBQ                     - After Service Sunday

Care Home Services - MVSH         - Not On Scheduled this week

Note: Quadding Fellowship on Monday requires participants to contact Pastor Todd to sign up, have an insured and registered quad, have a helmet and bring a lunch. This is not a ministry of Main Avenue Fellowship but rather a gathering of people who want to go out into the great outdoors and enjoy each other’s company and God’s gift of nature. MAF does not assume any liability for injuries or accidents.

BTW, if you don’t like getting dirty, Monday’s might not be your thing :D

Sunday Services can be heard on the website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca) after the service or seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158) at 11:00 AM Mountain Standard

Happy Father’s Day God

Father’s Day, one day each year where we are supposed to stop or at least slow down to honor our dad’s, or a dad figure in our lives. Oh yes, the traditional gifts of ties, mugs and other little gestures to show our appreciation for dad’s place in our homes will all be given. These are all fine, and as a dad I’ve always loved these things from my children.

When we think of God, our heavenly Father, how are we supposed to honor Him? We can start by realizing that God is real, every bit as real as our earthly father’s. He is alive, loving, patient, forgiving, and like our earthly father’s, He wants everything that is good for all of us. We have never met Him face to face, although we see His presence if we look closely. Unlike our earth fathers, we don’t really know what His voice sounds like, although He does speak to us every day. We honor a daddy God, whom we’ve never met, by believing in His Son, Jesus. We allow Him into our hearts each day through trails, and triumphs. We read His book with friends, so the words, and the Word, become a part of our daily existence. We laugh, cry and pray with Him always, and are never alone, even in a crowd when we speak His name. We honor Him, by loving our earth fathers, and by being loving fathers ourselves.

God still owns the world. Psalm 24:1 NIV tells us this. The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it. He prompts ordinary people like you and me, to keep telling the world that there is hope in Him. When we show the world the face of Jesus, by how we treat each other in love, then eventually, even those who say they don’t believe, will come to know Him. Those who are estranged from Him, will come back to Him, and those who think they are not worthy of His love and grace, will accept Him.

Let this Father’s Day be the day that we all slow down, and allow that breath you catch, to be the one that says, Father God, Happy Father’s Day with love from me, a child of the King.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Sorry Is Not Enough.

A friend of mine posted an article he read on the Global BC website that said (http://glbn.ca/oOjswA) “Religion increasingly seen as doing more harm than good in Canada: Ipsos poll”. I would suggest that many Christians would take exception to this and possibly be outraged but let us take a close look at a few of the facts:

·       These results come from an Ipsos poll and represent the opinions of Canadian that participated in the poll

·       Religion, in this poll, covers many faith groups, Christianity being one of them

·       Christianity is not without it’s own questionable deeds that have contributed to this opinion by those who were polled

Can I make a suggestion? This article should not be taken as a slight to be outraged by but rather an opportunity to learn and grow going forward. Consider Romans 14 where the discussion revolves around the purity of the food eaten as it relates to a person’s salvation. We should not be divisive when it comes to what food to eat, what version of the Bible to read or what the proper attire is required to attend church. Wars between religions have been fought over what is perceived to be the “right way” but God wants us to think outside our finite minds and grasp His infinite wisdom on this.

God’s kingdom isn’t a matter of what you put in your stomach, for goodness’ sake. It’s what God does with your life as he sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy. Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ. Do that and you’ll kill two birds with one stone: pleasing the God above you and proving your worth to the people around you.

So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault. You’re certainly not going to permit an argument over what is served or not served at supper to wreck God’s work among you, are you? Romans 14:17-21 Msg

Yes, this passage talks about food and serving food but, in my opinion, it also extends to our lives and all we do every day. Don’t argue the point but rather present the alternative. Others may think that Christians are here to proselytize the nation and make them all zombie banks for the church coffers. Many think that the church is the only path to Heaven and that if you don’t tow the line you go to hell. Let us band together and show the nation and the world that those who follow Christ have only two things in mind; Love God with every ounce of our being and pour into the lives of others as He has poured into our lives. Let us show them the difference between religion and Christian faith.

This Sunday we celebrate our fathers. Sunday service streams on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158 and starts at 10:30 am MST. We invite you to interact with us as we live stream and join us as we celebrate.

Shalom

Pastor Todd                                                               

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘When You Give God your Heart’

Day 1: Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”

Day 2: Romans 8:1 – “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus."

Day 3: 2 Corinthians 1:21, 22 – “It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.”

Day 4: Ephesians 2:4, 5 – “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)”

Day 5: Ephesians 3:12 – “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.”

Day 6: Colossians 1:13 – “For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son…”

Day 7: Hebrews 4:16 – “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Week At A Glance June 12-18, 2017

Office Hours

Church Office Closed      - Monday

Church Office Open        - 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Tuesday - Friday

Church Office Closed      - Saturday

Church Service                - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday

Special Events

Quad Fellowship                          - Call Pastor Todd for details

Coffee @

Little Country Cappucino            - 9:00 AM Tuesday

Lady’s Bible Study                      - Resuming in September

Lady’s Crafting with a Purpose   - Resuming in September

Men’s Leadership Study              - Resuming in September

Men’s Coffee Fellowship            - Resuming in September

Church Service                            - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday

Care Home Services - MVSH     - Not On Scheduled this week

Note: Quadding Fellowship on Monday requires participants to contact Pastor Todd to sign up, have an insured and registered quad, have a helmet and bring a lunch. This is not a ministry of Main Avenue Fellowship but rather a gathering of people who want to go out into the great outdoors and enjoy each other’s company and God’s gift of nature. MAF does not assume any liability for injuries or accidents.

BTW, if you don’t like getting dirty, Monday’s might not be your thing :D

Sunday Services can be heard on the website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca) after the service or seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158) at 11:00 AM Mountain Standard

I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

This past week, I was listening to a song on YouTube and the song shifted to a sound that I had not heard before. The song was from U2 but there was an additional section that sounded like a church choir. I switched windows to see the video and it was an old rendition of the song being filmed in a church with a choir doing backup. Time to do some research.

I came to find out that Bono wanted this song to be a gospel song, a song of worship to God. The church setting and the choir made me hear it in a different way and I began to look at the lyrics. Take a moment to listen to the lyrics and take the message to heart. There was a part, however, that threw me and I looked for the meaning 

across the internet and in reflection. I still haven’t found what I’m looking for. What did they mean by this?

For years, I searched for happiness and fulfillment in all things and even when I got to the pinnacle, when I rose to the top of the hill, there, in the distance, was another even more grand hill that needed to be conquered, another thing that would fulfill my needs even more. Do you know the problem with religion? Religion has a bad habit of raising the hilltop more and more so we are always seeking to reach the pinnacle only to find that someone has redefined the summit. Many times, the one who redefines the objective is us. We define what we are looking for in such loftiness that we will never be able to see it fulfilled but God, through Christ the Saviour, made it really easy – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

His message is simple and perfect in its simplicity. He loves each of us right where we are, just as we are. Stop looking for a better way to seek His love, He is with you and me always. This Sunday we bask in His love and celebrate His presence. Sunday service streams on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158 and starts at 10:30 am MST. We invite you to interact with us as we live stream and join us as we celebrate.

Shalom

Pastor Todd                                 

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘When You Don’t Understand’

Day 1: Romans 5:3, 4 – “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”

Day 2: John 13:7 – “Jesus replied, ‘You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.’"

Day 3: Isaiah 55:8 – “’My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.’”

Day 4: James 1:2-4 – “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

Day 5: Psalm 66:12 – “Then you put a leader over us. We went through fire and flood, but you brought us to a place of great abundance.”

Day 6: Isaiah 46:10 – “Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.”

Day 7: Psalm 91:14, 15 – “The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Follow Me, Not The World

I recall a conversation with my mother many years ago, as I was about to enter junior high school. We spoke about the many influences of being a teenager that would come upon me. She warned me not to take up smoking, experiment with drugs, or begin to hang around the wrong people just to fit in. She encouraged me to be a non-conformist, to listen to my conscience, and that my instincts would never let me down. Well, I listened, and that advice and encouragement has carried me a long way. I chose not to follow “the crowd”, and her words of wisdom are still carried within me today. Has it cost me friends, or opportunities along the way? Perhaps, but I can stand with pride on my family name knowing I’ve never dishonored my parents.

I thought about this single conversation this week as I reflected on some recent life changes. As another birthday came and went, I made decisions that are the best for my health, finances, and my family. All of these are in good shape, and it’s my intent to preserve them. I listened to that quiet still voice that I recognize as God, as He said, listen, follow, learn about, and most of all, trust Me. Well, I was obedient, and all is well with my soul.

I rolled this around in my head as I had some alone thinking time, while on my lawn tractor. I began to think of Jesus, and how He was also a non-conformist. He listened to His Father, not the masses. He shared God’s word, and was never intimidated by the Pharisee’s. He spoke truth, even when it cost Him his friends. He worked hard, was a loyal friend, and when He knew it was His time to rest, He did. He gave of himself to the point of His own death, and as a final act of love, asked Father God to forgive mankind.

Most of the world will never do any of these things, and these days, we don’t. Yet, all is not as lost as we are lead to believe. My encouragement is this. Follow your own path, live your own dream, while listening to our Father God when He says, my child, follow Me, not the world, as I have a plan for your life. If you are facing a change right now, please know that you are not alone, because God has you in the palms of His hands.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Week at a Glance

Office Hours

Church Office Closed      - Monday

Church Office Open        - 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Tuesday - Wednesday

Church Office Closed      - Thursday - Saturday

Church Service                 - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday

Special Events

Quad Fellowship                            - Call Pastor Todd for details

Coffee @

Little Country Cappucino              - 9:00 AM Tuesday

District Assembly Calgary            -Thursday to Saturday

Lady’s Bible Study                        - Resuming in September

Lady’s Crafting with a Purpose     - Resuming in September

Men’s Leadership Study                - Resuming in September

Men’s Coffee Fellowship               - Resuming in September

Church Service                               - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday

Care Home Services - MVSH        - Not On Scheduled this week

Note: Quadding Fellowship on Monday requires participants to contact Pastor Todd to sign up, have an insured and registered quad, have a helmet and bring a lunch. This is not a ministry of Main Avenue Fellowship but rather a gathering of people who want to go out into the great outdoors and enjoy each other’s company and God’s gift of nature. MAF does not assume any liability for injuries or accidents.

BTW, if you don’t like getting dirty, Monday’s might not be your thing :D

Sunday Services can be heard on the website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca) after the service or seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158) at 11:00 AM Mountain Standard

And He Touched Me

As I sit here rolling this past week over in my mind, I am reminded of how blessed I am. I have seen how God’s hand was upon so many lives that are connected to mine, and I realize that only He can touch us like that. Only He could have brought so many people together the way He did these past weeks. He allows family to reconnect at a time when sibling contact is most needed. Only He can put people in each other’s’ path. He will heal a crying heart when good-byes for now, must be exchanged, and make those same hearts jump for joy in a reunion situation.

You see, as we go about with our daily lives, God is busy setting in motion all the circumstance to help us survive. Most of us will never realize that He touches us each day, yet He does. Jesus may be gone from our midst in the physical human form, yet as He promised, He sent Holy Spirit to dwell inside all of us, as told in John 16:7. The manner that we interact with each other in the good, is how He shows us that He is alive and well in our lives.

God’s hand is on us in everything we do. Whether we make life changing decisions in our personal or professional life, He touches us. If we are unsure of our resolve in certain things, He touches us. Through every health challenge, and healing, it is His hands that are on us. Regardless of how hard anyone tries to ignore Him, or push him aside in our weak moments, His hand remains on our shoulders, with a spirit of understanding and support. His still, soft voice will always have the power to drown out Satan, if we just drop our guard, and let Him in.

Now, I ask you, have you allowed God to touch you and your situation lately? If not, then take a que from me. He touched me this week, this month, this year, and all through this life He has given me. How great is a gift like Him, so free for the asking.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca