There Is Change Afoot.

I was perusing the scripture for the last few days wondering what I was supposed to write about today and was feeling rather alone. At around one o’clock on Wednesday afternoon, I went into my office to join in a prayer meeting with my peers only to realize I did not read the fine print where it said there was no prayer meeting. So, I said to myself, Todd, and I knew it was me because I recognized the voice, take some time and dig into the Word. John 16:16-33 hit me right square between the ears and I took some time to delve into His message for me on this day. As I read through the passage, I realized that there was a sermon series here to start the year off right. There is change afoot and it is time to stop navel gazing and start a great revolution.

³² But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. ³³ I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:32-33

While some may point out that Christ was talking to the disciples, I dare say this is a message for all times and for all followers of Christ. I will dig into the previous verses over the next few weeks but this one really stood out like a neon sign. There is no peace in the world so long as we focus on the negativity that we are fed daily by the media in order to keep us in fear. Yes, the virus is real and yes, we need to take precautions but the media sows the seeds of fear to sell advertising but I ask this; where is the good news? The world is being pulled in many directions by so many voices and the populace is scattering. What is there in this world that can bring peace? Peace can be found in the Truth. On earth, we will have trials and sorrows but the hope and peace can be found in our living Saviour who overcame the world and promises glory for those who claim Him as Saviour.

There will be many who raise a glass at midnight and toast a new year, there are also those who will make resolutions to better themselves. Can I ask this? Will you pray for your family, your friends, your nation and your leaders? Pray for peace and wisdom to reign over all and this coming year should prove to be whole lot different than last year.

We invite you to join us this Sunday either in person (we are limited to numbers inside the building) or online. Should you wish to join us online, click on either link below to join us live:

Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

See you all Sunday.

Blessings

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

 

Peter's Picks

 

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Who Will You Worship?’ 

Day 1: Psalm 86:9, 10 – “You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves. You crushed the great sea monster. You scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.” 

Day 2: Psalm 100:3-5 – “Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” 

Day 3: Hebrews 12:28 – “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.” 

Day 4: Revelations 4:11 – “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” 

Day 5: Daniel 2:20 – “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power.” 

Day 6: Colossians 3:16 – “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” 

Day 7: 1 Peter 2:5 – “And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation 

Peter's Picks

 

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘The Greatest of All Gifts’ 

Day 1: Isaiah 7:14 – “All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” 

Day 2: Galatians 4:4, 5 – “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.” 

Day 3: John 1:14 – “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” 

Day 4: Matthew 1:21 – “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 

Day 5: Isaiah 9:6, 7 – “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” 

Day 6: Titus 3:3-7 – “Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But – When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” 

Day 7: 2 Corinthians 9:15 – “Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation 

 

Why Must I Believe?

There are numerous choices in life. Should I drink whole milk of skim milk? Is two percent a compromise? Whole grain or multi-grain bread? Brita filter or bottled water? Is there a right or wrong answer? Are there compromises? I understand that there are choices, numerous choices, in life and while so many of them are not life or death choices, it is a choice, your choice. Why, then, do so many people feel it is necessary to think their preferences are the only options and will go so far as to start an argument or even bully others into believing what they say is gospel. So many people don’t want to hear your opinion coming out of your mouth, they want to hear their own beliefs coming out of your mouth. I, for one, like options and I also enjoy exploring and researching these alternatives so I can make, what I would consider, a proper decision.  Is my choice right for everyone? No, it is not. Is it my right to force people to my way of thinking? No, it is not. Is it appropriate for me to present options so that others can make their own mind up? I would say that is the most considerate option.

For me, I believe not because I was forced to but because I have studied His Word and share with others what I believe to be truth. It is not up to me to force others to believe what I do, rather I present an option, the choice is up to those who hear. Consider this from Romans 10:

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.  As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”  Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.  For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

Life is simple; we are born, we live, and we pass away. Life can be filled with joy and peace and I choose to believe the source of this love and peace is from God. Does it matter which Christian church I go to? Nope, He is the same today, tomorrow and forever regardless of denomination. Jesus came to save all mankind. He was born, lived and then died on the cross for each of us and He arose to show us that eternity awaits for those who believe. I am simply the messenger of His perfect promise. The choice is up to you.

We invite you to our Christmas Eve service online starting at 5:30 pm on the 24^th (see links below). Sunday, 27 Dec., we will be on at our regular time of 10:30 am both in-person and online (following AHS protocols). Should you wish to join us online, click on either link below to join us live:

Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

See you all Sunday.

Blessings

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

 

The Greatest GIft

I worked at the Mustard Seed for years and, while I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, Christmas was both stressful and joyful. Picture this; hundreds of men and women with only the clothes on their back and whatever they could fit into a backpack showing up every day for the necessities of life. Things many of us take for granted, food, warm clothing or even just a clean bathroom, they see as a blessing. Three square a day, a safe place to sleep, a trip to get clothing for some fresh gear and a chance for a shower all helped those with so little feel just a bit better. At Christmas, we had the “Fill-a-Sock” campaign where we asked for simple things like socks, underwear, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, and such. We stuffed a big wool sock with everything we could jam into it including the other sock. Every person that showed up got a stuffed sock and a big turkey dinner. While the sock campaign only lasted for Christmas, the caring was 24/7/365. Giving of self for the needs of others is the foundation of this and many other shelters.

No one should be alone at Christmas and I don’t mean just alone in person. Many can feel very alone in a completely full home and many do not see it. The moment Mary said yes to the Lord, saying yes to serving Him, she said yes to becoming a single, teenaged mother with nothing. As a woman, she was invisible and, as an unwed mother, she was shunned. What the world saw was sin, what God saw was the mother of the Son of God.

God took one good look at me, and look what happened — I’m the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten, the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others. His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before him. Luke 1:48-50

God gave Mary the perfect gift and, while she had to deal with the jeers and sneers, her precious gift from the Father was exactly what she needed, exactly who we all needed. The Father gave all mankind the gift of Glory. This is one gift that cannot be purchased or bartered for, the gift is free from His heart and we need only claim His love, embrace the Son and give over our sins to Him. God took one look at each of us and we are the most fortunate people on earth. He whose name is Holy is merciful beyond our knowledge and in Him we are in awe.

This fourth Sunday of Advent, we plan to be open, good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise. If you are attending in person, we would like to advise you to please bring a mask as it is required as per the provincial guidelines. Sign up for "Sunday Service"! Click here now: https://signup.com/go/kbhxaSk

Should you wish to join us online, click on either link below to join us live:

Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

See you all Sunday.

Blessings

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Our biggest Reset’ 

Day 1: Isaiah 55:6, 7 – “Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.” 

Day 2: Matthew 11:28-30 – “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” 

Day 3: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 

Day 4: Jeremiah 29:11 – “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” 

Day 5: Psalm 51:10-12 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.” 

Day 6: 1 Peter 5:10 – “In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” 

Day 7: 2 Corinthians 13:11 – “Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation 

Interview with my buddy Russ

 Check out his website for more.

https://www.stuffwithruss.com/podcast/episode/4b9cfa4b/todd-mcdonald_listening-and-posture_episode-004?fbclid=IwAR2oC7PCTjPcARrPMQerMNo9RHAuR4wIn4DBJnp8cylmngUHdoXdURwicGc

Slight change of plans

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our 10:30 service for 13 Dec will be online only. You can find us at:

Facebook Live -https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

New Protocols mean a new way to do things

Things beyond our control:

New call came down the pipes and we have had to shift things around a bit. One of the changes was a reduction of attendance from 33% of capacity according to Fire Code to 15% of capacity accoding to Fire Code. To ensure we do not exceed capacity, we have a sign up page that can be found at the following link.

Spots are filing fast due to the new protocols announced today 8 Dec 20. To make sure you get a spot, please check out the following link.

Sign up for "Sunday Service"! Click here now: https://signup.com/go/kbhxaSk

Sorry for the inconvenience but we are doing our part to help all Albertans get through this season safely.

Blessings all and Merry Christmas.

Pastor Todd and Natalie

 

Follow Me

Years ago, I drove one of the big Prevost Coachline Busses on the east coast for Acadian Coachlines. If you know the east coast, primarily Cape Breton, the winters are treacherous on the roads when the nor-easters roll through. It could be sunny and plus ten in Halifax when we leave at 4:00 pm and, by the time we hit Port Hawkesbury, it’s just below zero and there is already six inches of snow packed on the roads. From Port Hawkesbury to Whycocomagh is about 45 minutes through some of the most beautiful countryside in Canada. The winding roads, the big hills and fabulous forest scenery is spectacular, and it makes for a very pleasant drive. When a nor-easter blows in, however, the roads can become almost impassable and, in many cases, it is experience and memory that keeps the buses on the road.

On one such run, we hit a storm about twenty minutes out of Port Hawk and had two options; turn back or run the storm and punch out on the other side around Whycocomagh. Had we turned around, we would have been running with the storm and been on the front edge all the way back. I had the experience and confidence to punch through the storm and about fifteen minutes out of Whycocomagh, we broke through and took a break at the stop in town. It was a long, over an hour and a half, and stressful journey with visibility around ten feet but we made it. As we pulled in, a dozen cars pulled in right behind us and one of the drivers came up and thanked me for taking the lead. He said he followed my taillights all the way and didn’t come out of my tracks. I had no idea anyone was right behind me and it was at that moment I realized I had more than just the lives of the passengers on the bus in my hands.

In John 8:12, “…Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”  Once you choose to follow, dig deep into His word, and let Him show you the BEST way. I can assure you that once you learn to follow Him without hesitation and in the fullness of His love, you will also find others watching and following your lead. As you reflect His love in your life, others will follow and seek that which you follow, Jesus. Take the time to stop and look around, point the ones seeking in the direction of the Master and help them to understand that He is the Light. His way is the only way, and He will never lead any of us astray.

This third Sunday of Advent, we continue to celebrate the King and bring our offering of praise and worship. If you are attending in person, we would like to advise you to please bring a mask as it will be required as per the new provincial guidelines.

Should you wish to join us online, click on either link below to join us live:

Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

See you all Sunday.

Blessings

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

 

Peter's Picks

 

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Your Only Limit is Your Thinking’ 

Day 1: Isaiah 40:28 – “Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.” 

Day 2: Psalm 147:5 – “How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!” 

Day 3: Matthew 19:26 – “Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.’” 

Day 4: Romans 8:12 – “Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.” 

Day 5: Philippians 4:13 – “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” 

Day 6: Isaiah 55:8, 9 – “’My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.’” 

Day 7: Jeremiah 32:17 – “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation 

 

New Protocols per the Alberta Government

Due to the current protocols in place, we need to ensure that we do not exceed our allowed number of in person attendees. We would greatly appreciate if you are that you planning to attend a service that you sign up by clicking on the link just under the home screen tab on this page (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

You may also notice we are having two services on Christmas Eve. They are identical but we have split them into two sittings as last year we were almost at capacity. We invite you to join us as we celebrate the birth of our Messiah

Blessings

Pastor Todd

 

Prepare, For The Time Is Coming

Over the years, I have learned that if you are going to do a project, three things are required; a plan, the required materials and the appropriate tools. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of paper napkins that contain the foundational plans of numerous projects I have dreamed of but only a few of them had the honour of becoming a viable project. Many times, I have seen something that looks great and sent away for the plans. These plans were well prepared and designed by experts at their craft. They got that way through study and practice and after I did it a few times, I became proficient enough to show others how to do it. 

We also need to have the right materials when we start. There is an increased frustration level when you have to keep going back to the store to get more supplies. I watched as a co-worker went back to the hardware store five times in a day to get this or that item and he also went back and forth a few more times to get tools he needed. He needed to sit down and take that extra time to make a proper list, walk the project, collect his thoughts and make the journey worthwhile and productive. 

John the Baptist had spent a lifetime focusing on his faith and the coming of the Lord. He studied, prepared, planned and taught others all he knew. He was the one Isaiah wrote about hundreds of years before.

as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” —  “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ”  And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:2‭-‬4 NIV

Today, we are the messengers. We must prepare to loudly proclaim not only the celebration of the Messiah but also plan, prepare and proclaim in anticipation of the return of the King of kings. 

This Sunday, we continue to celebrate the King and bring our offering of praise and worship. If you are attending in person, we would like to advise you to please bring a mask as it will be required as per the new provincial guidelines.

Should you wish to join us online, click on either link below to join us live:

Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

See you all Sunday.

Blessings

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

Sundre Helping Those In Need

Contact us at 403:638-4055 or via email at mainavefellowship@gmail.com and we will forward you a copy of the registration form.

Running a test

 Good day all.

We are test running a program in advance of our Christmas Eve Services (we are having two)

Let us knw what you think if you would be so kind

Pastor Todd

We're using SignUp.com (the leading online SignUp and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming SignUps.

 

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:

 

1) Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp.com: https://signup.com/go/kbhxaSk

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.

3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.

 

Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘How’s Your Thinking?’ 

Day 1: Romans 12:2 – “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” 

Day 2: Proverbs 3:1-4 – “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. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.” 

Day 3: Proverbs 4:20-22 – “My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.” 

Day 4: Romans 8:5 – “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.” 

Day 5: Psalm 119:15, 16 – “I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.” 

Day 6: Psalm 19:7, 8 – “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.” 

Day 7: Philippians 4:8 – “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation 

 

Update From The Alberta Provincial Government

 

 Mandatory restriction – Enhanced status (purple) areas – Effective Nov. 24

• Places of worship with a maximum of 1/3 normal attendance and held at normal location, including rental spaces like a community hall
• Physical distancing between households must be maintained
• Mask use is mandatory
• Online services are encouraged
• In-person faith group meetings can continue but physical distancing and public health measures must be followed

Faith communities are often significant aspects of people’s lives, and include intimate and close contact between members. This measure will help limit exposure at these activities, reducing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable members who attend.

The Land of Job

As I was chatting with a few people this past week, there was a moment when the issues of 2020 seemed to parallel the plight of Job. Consider this, January of 2020 started out innocent enough with visions of a great year for many, thoughts of good fortunes and the joy of a new decade. Suddenly, people started getting sick, there was a panic as it was declared a pandemic and the world shut down. Businesses closed, families were sequestered and the media kept us up to date with the rising numbers and stories of doom and gloom. How do we keep our hopes and dreams alive. Cries of what did we do wrong, why are we being punished began to ring out. It took time but the wave subsided and things got back to some semblance of normalcy. There may still be a chance.

September came and the hint of lifting restrictions even further and it was almost like someone said “go ahead, give them another shot” and the second wave came thundering in. This was worse than before and the restrictions started to be reinstated. People were getting used to new freedoms and a new hope only to have that taken away once again. Where now does our hope lie; in a vaccine, in a lock down plan? It is said “it is always darkest before the dawn” and we wait for the light to shine into our situation.

God stated “have you considered my servant Job?” Evil prowled the earth seeking a way to destroy God’s relationship with His children and God said “test him (Job)”. Satan tested Job not once, but twice with the second test almost killing Job. His friends were no help sowing the seeds of dissention but Job held firm to his hope, his faith. Never did he turn his back on his faith and as we see in Job 42:10… “the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before!” I truly believe that when this is all over, we will come out the other end, we will be truly blessed and be stronger going into the new decade. Let us put our faith in a loving God, our hope in His promise for our future and know that when our time is done on this earth, there is a place of such joy prepared that we could never even imagine.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate His grace and love this first Sunday of Advent. If you are attending in person we would like to advise you to please bring a mask as it will be required as per the new provincial guidelines.

Should you wish to join us online, click on either link below to join us live:

Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

See you all Sunday.

Blessings

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

 

 

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘God of Mercy’ 

Day 1: Exodus 34:6, 7 – “The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, ‘Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected – even children in the third and fourth generations.’” 

Day 2: Deuteronomy 7:9 – “Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.” 

Day 3: Psalm 25:10 – “The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.” 

Day 4: Psalm 145:8, 9 – “The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.” 

Day 5: Lamentations 3:22, 23 – “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” 

Day 6: 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 7: Hebrews 4:14-16 – “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 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 

 

Where Is The Mission Field

This weekend we are having a very special treat. We are having two services, the first service is going to be a message from our missionary family and the second service is from our General Superintendents from Lenexa. To make the Sunday morning service even more international, we will also be hearing from Toma and Julia. If there is one thing I have learned from my studies it is this; Christian service looks so different depending where you worship but the Message is the foundation for all the faith gatherings.

When I started in ministry almost 21 years ago, I was pulled in so many directions. “You need to be in youth ministry because I feel you have a calling there” or “I feel you are called to this ministry or that ministry”. I even had one person tell me that they didn’t think I should go for a counselling ministry because that was not my calling. My great-uncle suggested I should become a missionary and was going to help me get into the mission field. I got really excited but before this thought was realized, he passed away and I never gave it another thought. God did place a call on my life to be missional but it was nothing like I expected. I thought of missionaries as those people that go out into the wilds and bring the Message to the locals that have yet to hear,

 in those far off exotic places like India and Papua New Guinea. Then I read this in Wikipedia.

A Christian mission is an organized effort to spread Christianity to new converts. Missions involve sending individuals and groups, called missionaries, across boundaries, most commonly geographical boundaries, to carry on evangelism or other activities, such as educational or hospital work.

The mission field is, in my opinion, wherever we are. We all have the opportunity to pour into the lives of those all around us and reflect the love of God in everything we do. I think of Christ’s response when he was asked “Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?”

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,^[c] you were doing it to me! Matt 25:37-40 NLT

We invite you to join us as we celebrate His grace and love this Sunday. We invite you to join us online Sunday at 10:30 AM MST. Click on either link below to join us live:

Facebook Live -

https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

See you all Sunday.

Blessings

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

 

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘God of More Than Enough’ 

Day 1: 2 Corinthians 9:8 – “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 

Day 2: John 10:10 – “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” 

Day 3: James 1:17 – “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” 

Day 4: Luke 6:38 – “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full – pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” 

Day 5: Psalm 23:5 – “You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.” 

Day 6: Psalm 36:8 – “You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights.” 

Day 7: Ephesians 3:20, 21 – “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation 

 

Special Announcement Regarding Nov 22 Service

On Sunday Nov 22, we will be openning the doors again at 1:00 pm MST to a special broadcast from the Office of the General Superintendant. 

The Board of General Superintendents would like to invite the global Nazarene family to join in a virtual worship service featuring music from around the world and a BGS message on Sunday 22 November 2020. 

The one-hour service will be available in five languages — English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Korean. Nazarenes from all corners of the globe will be able to watch the service at a time that works best for them as it will play at the top of each hour for 24 hours beginning at 10 p.m. UTC on Saturday 21 November. 

Viewers will also be able to connect with each other through a live chat.

What Am I Most Thankful For?

A few years back, I was challenged by a mentor to meditate on all the things I was truly thankful for. For a moment, I thought “how hard could this be?” In fact, I do believe I stated this out loud and my mentor emphasized the term “everything”. There are two ways to proceed from this point; take on the task with deep focus and the fullness of thought it deserves or treat it like that mid-term paper that should be attended to but really doesn’t get any attention until two days before it is due. I chose to dig deep and make as comprehensive a list as possible. This sounds like a simple thing, but it became quite a task which took much longer than I thought it would. If you are thinking that I am exaggerating, I challenge you to take on the exercise on your own.

I started with the standard items. I am thankful for my family, my friends, my health, my job and my faith. I would generalize the list like this and present it to my mentor, but I am certain he would ask for more detail (which he did). Set out the categories, then seek out the sub-categories and then detail the sub-categories out and so on and so on. So, with that in mind, I started to dig deeper. When I sat down and meditated on it, I discovered my family is a whole lot bigger than I thought. I am thankful for my wife which led me to her side of the family and the sets and sub-sets of family members there. Then there was my family, and my sibling and his family and his in-laws and then there was my son and his wife and her family and now my grandson. You see where this is going? I am thankful for friends, for my faith, for my job, for experiences. It just kept growing and after I had compiled the list, there was still more I could have added.

My mentor then asked “what of these things is the most important, what is replaceable and what is irreplaceable?” I have wrecked my fair share of things in my life; cars, toys, tools and, yes, relationships to name a few. But the things I truly hold as dear to my heart, those things I truly am grateful for all have one thing in common; they are God given. Something we should never forget is God gives abundantly in love so let’s look at what I hold most dear. I love my family and even though I have caused issues in the past, we are still family and I am with them, they are with me as are my friends. My faith in a loving, forgiving God, my love for my family and my deep connection with friends, these are the things I am most thankful for, everything else is temporary. Luke 15:28-32

“The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’

“His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”

The older brother was angry about the temporary, the replaceable, where the father was thankful for what was irreplaceable, love, relationship and hope. This weekend, we finish the miniseries on Grace. We invite you to join us online Sunday at 10:30 AM MST. Click on either link below to join us live:

Facebook Live -

https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

See you all Sunday.

Blessings

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

 

Peter's Picks

 

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Reasons to Love God’ 

Day 1: Deuteronomy 7:9 – “Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.” 

Day 2: Zephaniah 3:17 – “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” 

Day 3: 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 4: Psalm 86:15 – “But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” 

Day 5: Romans 8:31, 32 – “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” 

Day 6: 1 John 4:9, 10 – “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” 

Day 7: Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation 

 

How Far Do We Go?

There was a man who had a difficult upbringing and over time had built quite a reputation for himself. There were addictions, illegal behaviours, self-centred pursuits that were all a part of defining him to the community around him. The more he was defined by his actions, the more he believed them and it became a self-fulfilling prophecy. He literally became even worse than others could have imagined. One day, he found himself at a crossroad. He had fallen on very hard times, his fortunes had dried up, the so called “friends” he had disappeared and he found himself in a very deep hole physically, mentally and spiritually.

At the deepest of times, God sends a messenger to come alongside and help. In the days of old, the Roman Empire ran roughshod over the land and God sent His Son. He lifts us from the depths of the darkness and the Light shines through us, washing us clean. For this gentleman, the messenger was a man named Glen. When John got to the point of no return, Glen came by and planted the Seed, the message of love and forgiveness. His message was this; look deep within and forgive yourself then ask Jesus to lift the burden of sin from your life and then seek His guidance moving forward in a new life. Glen was with John every step of the way and was available to help when he slipped up. Over time, John began to more fully understand and fully trust in God and others who were also walking in Christ’s footsteps. Unfortunately there were still those who remembered John’s past and continue to throw that in his face but Glen shared this with him hold onto

Matt 18:21-22

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”

“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven

True love is expressed in one’s ability to forgive like Christ does. To forgive is love, to choose to forget is agape. When we hold the past over the head of someone who wants to make a change and move forward, are we really displaying agape (google it)? We will be looking at the prodigal son this week in the service.

This weekend, we continue with the miniseries on Grace. We invite you to join us online Sunday at 10:30 AM MST. Click on either link below to join us live:

Facebook Live -

https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

See you all Sunday.

Blessings

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

 

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Living Richly’ 

Day 1: 1 Thessalonians 4:11 – “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.” 

Day 2: Colossians 3:1, 2 – “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” 

Day 3: Romans 12:2 – “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” 

Day 4: Psalm 16:11 – “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” 

Day 5: Jeremiah 9:23, 24 – “This is what the Lord says: ‘Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!’” 

Day 6: 1 Timothy 6:17, 18 – “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.” 

Day 7: Micah 6:8 – “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation 

 

 

Join our online silent auction!

We are all experiencing a new normal. In some ways it has brought us together, in other ways it has driven us to pivot and change how we accomplish tasks, communicate, and support each other.  ​This year we sadly had to cancel our in person Fall Banquet and reach out to our community in a different way. Therefore, we are running an online silent auction with over 60 exciting items to bid on and win! (You can also choose to give a cash donation to support the CAPCC at the link below.) Watch HERE for more updates!

The online auction is now open!! DON'T MISS IT! Our Silent Auction runs November 1-6, 2020 ONLINE. Bids will be accepted up to 7:00 PM on November 6, 2020. Browse all of the amazing items donated by generous members of our community and start bidding!  TAKE ME TO THE AUCTION!

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His Grace Goes Before

Let me ask this question. If you were playing with your best friend’s favourite golf club and accidentally wrapped it around a tree, when would you start apologizing for your error? Would it be as soon as you were able to breath again after you realized what you had done? Would you be practicing your please forgive me speech all the way back to his or her house? There are those who would hide the mistake, seek out a suitable replacement and hope to pass off the club as the original.

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. Luke 15:17-20

The prodigal son blew all his inheritance (broke the club) sought out ways to disappear by hiring himself out and then decided to face the music and return even if at a lowered status. He walked back practicing his repentance speech but two things truly speak to me in this passage. The young lad went home to the father remorseful, fully understanding the errors of his ways and hoping for grace. He was at the fork in the road where one path lead to a dark future and the other lead to hope. The second thought in all this, the father ran out to meet him while he was still a long way off which meant the father was always watching out for his son. So consider this; you are on the way back to your friend’s home with the broken club in hand and your friend meets you at the door with a brand new club for you to replace the one you broke and another for himself. As you come forward to apologize and ask how much you owe for the club, he says to you “I forgive you” and hands you the new club. Is this what God wants us to understand? Prevenient Grace – a forgiveness that goes before us. That is what Christ gives us all but there is a price to pay. We must accept the fact we messed up and, in our hearts, reach out to our Savior and ask forgiveness. He is already there, in fact He came to meet you, just wanted you to turn to Him.

This weekend, we start a new miniseries on Grace. We invite you to join us online Sunday at 10:30 AM MST. Click on either link below to join us live:

Facebook Live -

https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

 

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

See you all Sunday.

Blessings

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

 

Peter's Picks

 The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Heart Check-up’ 

Day 1: Psalm 139:23, 24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” 

Day 2: Proverbs 27:19 – “As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.” 

Day 3: Proverbs 4:23 – “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” 

Day 4: Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” 

Day 5: Proverbs 21:2 – “People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.” 

Day 6: Psalm 19:14 – “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” 

Day 7: Jeremiah 17:10 – “But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Rhythms of Life

Do you ever consider the rhythms of life? There are many different rhythms but I want to look at three particular ones; the rhythm of nature, of the world and of the heart. All three are very different but also very connected. The rhythm of the world runs very different from that of nature in that the world sets the timings and life seems to find ways to keep up. Do you find, however, that once you seem to get caught up and move into a groove, the parameters change and suddenly you are playing catch-up again? Here is the key, unless you are the one driving the car, you are a passenger and reliant on others to get you where you are supposed to go. The question is this; do they have your best interests in mind?

Now nature is on a rhythm as well and there is very little we can do to change that. Have you ever tried to hold back the tide? Can you stop winter from coming? Yes there are variances in the seasons but summer will come to an end and fall will lead to winter. Global warming, global cooling, hurricanes and droughts, the cycles have been playing out for thousands of years and nothing really changes the progression of nature. God designed the world to go through the cycles, the rhythms, and we watch as life continues on regardless to how we feel about it.

Now, the rhythms of the heart are on a whole different plain. God created mankind in His image. We are a people reflective of our God and in that there is a comfort. Consider this, God is love and we are made in this image. God is now and forever, the beginning and the end. Before we were born, He knew us and by His Son we are to be with Him forever. There is no timeline, He does not throw in new parameters that change the playing field. In Ecclesiastes 3 God spelled it all out in a very clear way;

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

⁹ What do workers gain from their toil?  I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race.  He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet^[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.  That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 

We do need to recognize the rhythms of the world and be wary of the ones that are not of God as they are a detraction from the pureness of what He has designed for us all. There is a time for all things, give high priority to the call of God in your life for He is all that matters.

This weekend, we welcome Chaplain Tim Kirby once gain as he shares His message. We invite you to join us online Sunday at 10:30 AM MST. Click on either link below to join us live:

Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

See you all Sunday.

 

Blessings

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

 

Peter's Picks

 The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Service With a Smile’ 

Day 1: Luke 6:38 – “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full – pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” 

Day 2: Matthew 25:40 – “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” 

Day 3: Galatians 5:13 – “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” 

Day 4: Philippians 2:4 – “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” 

Day 5: Luke 3:10, 11 – “The crowds asked, 'What should we do?’ John replied, ‘If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.’” 

Day 6: Hebrews 13:16 – “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” 

Day 7: Romans 12:1 – “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation