Week At A Glance Oct 31 – Nov 6, 2016

Office Hours

Church Office Closed      - Mon, Oct 31

Church Office Open        - 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Tues Nov 1

Church Office Open        - 9:00 AM – 2:00 Wed - Fri, Nov 2-4

Church Office Closed      - Sat, Nov 5

Church Service                - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sun, Nov 6

Special Events

Quad Fellowship                              - 7:30 AM Mon, Oct 24

Lady’s Bible Study                          - 1:00 PM Wed, Oct 26

Lady’s Crafting with a Purpose       - 2:00 PM Wed, Oct 26 

Alpha Small Group                          - 7:00 PM Wed, Oct 26

Men’s Leadership Study                  - 8:00 AM Thurs, Oct 27

Men’s Coffee Fellowship                 - 9:00 AM Thurs, Oct 27

Care Home Services                        - Not Scheduled For 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. 

Never Leave Anyone Behind

I was asked why I tend to stay at the back of the pack whenever we go out for events and such. Some have even said that true leaders will be at the very front guiding the group and leading the way. This is very true but there is a reason behind my method. I have always been a strong proponent of training up the leaders and empowering them to take on the role. If you take the time before a big hike or an excursion into the wild to assess the strengths of the team, give the leader the support needed to guide the group and look for ways to encourage throughout the adventure the leader will never be alone in the journey. When the time comes, however, for the trek to begin, you will find me at the back watching to make sure there are no stragglers, taking care of the needs of the group as they manifest during our travels. There is a leadership quality in being the last one out and its not that we are afraid to be the first one in but rather we are concerned for the team and want everyone to get out safe and sound at the end.

In the Army Med Corps I was always taught that the medics never left anyone behind. It does mean that, at times, you have to sacrifice your own needs for those of others but it does bring great satisfaction seeing the entire group formed up as they gather after the journey. There is a strength in helping and being in leadership from the back of the pack, serving the needs of those as we all journey towards the same goal.

Servanthood is such a wonderful gift and can be a great community builder. Jesus knelt at the feet of the disciples to wash their soles and gave us the perfect example of servant leadership.

“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. John 13:13-16 NIV

“I have set the example for you”. In a time set aside for teaching and enabling, Jesus showed the leaders, the disciples, the true meaning of leadership. Go and equip, train and empower and once you have done that watch over those you have coached and help them along the way. Too often we get to the point where we rely solely on the Pastor to lead the church when it should be the faithful taking up the reigns and steering the horse while the clergy provides the support, training and the resources for the community of believers to reach out while reaching up. Sunday we are going to explore this passage and others that will encourage all of us to take up the yolk and be at the feet for Christ.

Shalom

Pastor Todd

It’s A Matter Of Love

 While my wife and I enjoyed a program on television last week, one of the characters, an elderly man, was having a dialogue exchange with a young lady and his line was this; “The worst thing about getting old, is that we become invisible”. I immediately felt empathy for the character as this is a painful truth. Actually, many of us at some time can, and will, feel the same way.  Regardless of social standing, job position, boss or employee, pastor or parishioner, leader or follower, we all suffer the same anonymity. You know the fear that we do not matter, we are not of any value or we are not important to someone. I’ve felt it and so have many of my friends.

This being said, I want to let you in one the worst kept secrets in the world. God is real and loves you and loves me. He reminded me this past weekend that me and everyone else needs to understand that. We, all of us individually, matter to Him. We are His children and are valuable to Him. You and I are worth as much to Jesus as any world leader, celebrity or charismatic evangelist. We are His own and none of us are loved any less than another. He has loved us from before time as we know it began. Here’s my proof. If you are married, or committed to someone, that partner is in love with you and you with them, not by chance but by His design. The fact that you are alive shows that two people loved you enough to have you and keep you. We all have friends in our past and present, proof again that Jesus is with us each step of the way. When we have a job or a church body to go to, be reminded that He has given you provision all very common yet unique to each of us.

I fell in love with my wife at first sight and have fallen in love with Jesus, whom I haven’t yet seen. God has given us life because He loves us, because we matter. He keeps calling to each of us. Invite Him into your household, love Him back and just imagine the love we will know when we meet Him face to face.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Week At A Glance Oct 24 – 30, 2016

Office Hours

Church Office Closed      - Mon, Oct 24

Church Office Open        - 9:00 AM – 1:00 Tues - Fri, Oct 25-28

Church Office Closed      - Sat, Oct 29

Church Service                - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sun, Oct 30

Special Events

Quad Fellowship                          - 7:30 AM Mon, Oct 24

Lady’s Bible Study                      - 1:00 PM Wed, Oct 26

Lady’s Crafting with a Purpose   - 2:00 PM Wed, Oct 26 

Alpha Small Group                     - 7:00 PM Wed, Oct 26

Men’s Leadership Study             - 8:00 AM Thurs, Oct 27

Men’s Coffee Fellowship           - 9:00 AM Thurs, Oct 27

Care Home Services                   - Not Scheduled For This Week

Fellowship Feast                         - After Service, Oct 30

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. 

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Repentance: A MUST’

Day 1: Romans 5:18 – “Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.”

Day 2: 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."

Day 3: Titus 2:11, 12 – “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.”

Day 4: Romans 10:9 – “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Day 5: 1 Thessalonians 5:9 – “For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.”

Day 6: James 1:21 – “So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls."

Day 7: Acts 4:12 – “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Being Effective For God’s Kingdom

In conversation with a friend this week, we spoke of the approaching season of Christmas, specifically, the topic of concerts and parades. We chatted of how busy our schedules can or will become. She made a very good point in reminding me that being effective in God’s kingdom is more important than being busy for His kingdom. The reality is that many church bodies, including ours, have, in the past, entered into the busyness of preparation for celebrating the birth of Jesus. Unfortunately, the preparation activities for concerts, parades, dinners and other social “Christmas events” consume our thoughts and energies. This can unintentionally place Jesus in the background. Don’t get me wrong, all of these things are important so we acknowledge the miracle of His birth. My point is, we must guard against busying ourselves so much with intentions and tasks that we lose sight of the reason we labor for His Kingdom. What we all must remember is that God wishes for us to be less busy in the human and more effective in the spirit.

Let’s keep our focus on Him not our events as such. When we help our fellow man, we are like Jesus. When all we do is in His name, we have His favor. When we study His Word and gather for service, we learn about Him. Through prayer, we must discern His voice from ours when making decisions for our ministries. The way we carry ourselves at work, in public or in private speaks volumes to His heart. Let’s not fret like Martha, yet be with the Master, Jesus, like Mary.

We cannot solve every problem, address every prejudice or fix every broken heart, yet, we can do what we can. As we are called to minister to the elderly, to the youth, to the ill and ailing, to the lonely and rejected then we must do it. We won’t win every war but we won’t lose every battle either. Every effort on the part of small groups like ours is noticed by the Father. He alone has placed us where He knows we will make a difference. He alone knows the plans He has for us, that He listens to us and where we will find Him, Jeremiah 29:11-13. He alone already knows how effective we are and will be if we keep our eyes on Him.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Wake Up Church!

I started the day wondering what I would write on or even preach about this Sunday and, praise God, He put this in my lap.

“Some people would rather debate doctrine or beliefs or tradition or interpretation than actually do what Jesus said. Its not rocket science. Just go do it. Practice loving a difficult person or try forgiving someone. Give away some money. Tell someone thank you. Encourage a friend. Bless an enemy. Say, “I am sorry.” Worship God. You already know more than you need to know.” John Ortberg

They say you can preach a tough sermon once in a church. The question I have is this; if the church body was to have a pastor come in from outside their church and he or she challenged the congregation to leave behind the arguments of old and grasp firmly to the Truth, to let go the misconceptions that one denomination is better than the other or that a certain version of the Bible is the one and only version to use, would there be push back? Southern gospel is the only true form of worship and that new contemporary stuff is the devil’s doing, the minister is not reverent enough or is way too starchy for me, the minister does not tend to my needs but would rather hang out with people outside our church. Quit looking for things to complain about and embrace the challenge that God has set before you!

The time is now to wake up from the slumber church. The world has infiltrated the Holy gathering and has dug its talons into the very heart of the faith. Love God with every single ounce of your being and I don’t mean in word only, anyone can call themselves a Christian but God knows the truth of our hearts. Next, love your neighbour as yourself. Don’t stop with your church neighbour either, embrace your neighbour regardless of their faith walk, reach out to your enemy or those have done you wrong and love on them. The fight should not be about the denomination, version or cut of the pastor’s collar but rather about how much damage the devil has done and what we can do to drive him back. Put self aside and do what the Lord Jesus Christ has told you to do and be thankful that He lives!

Shalom

Pastor Todd

Week At A Glance – Oct 17-23, 2016

Church Office Closed      - Mon, Oct 17

Church Office Open        - 9:00 PM – 2:00 PM Tues-Thurs, Oct 18-20

Church Office Closed      - Fri, Oct 21

Church Office Closed      - Fri - Sat, Oct 21-22

Church Service                 - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sun, Oct 9

Special Events

Monday Outdoor Adventure      - Call for time and details

Morning Prayer                          - 9:00 AM Tues, Oct 18

Alpha                                          - 7:00 PM Wed, Oct 19

Lady’s Craft for a Purpose         - 1:00 PM Wed, Oct 19

Men’s Bible Study                     - 8:00 AM Thurs, Oct 20

Men’s Coffee Fellowship          - 9:00 AM Thurs, Oct 20

Care Home Services                  - No Services This Weekend 

Pastor Todd will be away Friday and Saturday for Soul Care Retreat. 

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Faith’

Day 1: 1 John 5:5 – “And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Day 2: John 1:12 – “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God."

Day 3: John 7:38 – “Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”

Day 4: Romans 1:17 – “This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, ‘It is through faith that a righteous person has life.’”

Day 5: Romans 10:10 – “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.”

Day 6: 1 Peter 1:21 – “Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory."

Day 7: Hebrews 10:22 – “Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Mike's Inspirations

Thank You Lord, For Inspiration

Social media, of late, has been showered with photos, stories, memories and greetings of Thanksgiving. Aside from the drama of self-appointed celebrities, nail-biting baseball, elections, and one nasty storm, it was a good week. Autumn colors are on display in all their splendor, shades too numerous to count. I’ve witnessed breakthrough in friends’ and family’s lives, a return to church of some who have struggled with their health, and I’ve celebrated Thanksgiving with my blood and faith families. I have been lifted up (figuratively), learned  exciting things about Jesus’ lineage, and I have seen and acknowledged God in all of these.

This may sound Utopic, but I refuse to allow the crush of the world to dampen my faith in my God. I do not stick my head in the sand, ignoring the world rather, I look upward to Him, as in Psalm 121:1-2 NVC, I look up to the hills, but where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. We all need to tie a knot and hold onto this statement. When you see the majesty of the color around you, cast aside any doubt that there is God. Even in your own situations, stop, and look to the hills, look to the heavens, and simply say, Father I know you’re there, and I know You are also with me. I accept You into my life.

Can you imagine if we did this as fast as we, like and share, someone’s post on social media, how our world could change? God made you, made me, made all of us in His image. He accepts all who call on His name, in His name. He cares about your future, not your past. I know and believe this. Why? It’s because He inspires ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His kingdom. He inspires some to dedicate themselves to prison ministry through their music. He inspires some to be faithful leading weekly Bible study, so we may learn more about Him. He inspires young motivational speakers to spread the gospel to all countries, as in Mark 16:15. God even inspires people to write about His presence in their daily lives, to show how approachable He really is. Do you need some inspiration? Look up at the next sunset, then just whisper His name, He’s listening.

Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Entertain Me

The Entertainment Is In The Enabling

Okay so let's think about this for a moment. If the debates and the campaigning were to focus on strictly the facts and their own promises, would the world tune in? If the debates were changed and the candidates were only allowed to speak to their own promises would the world even care? The more outrageous the statements the more the media focuses on the events and the possible consequences and the world is sucked in. I hear it all the time, “I'm going to vote for the lesser of two evils!” Want to know how to win an election when you hear that complaint? Listen to what the people want and address their needs.

Jesus did not get caught up in the stupid games that the Pharisees wanted Him to participate in. They goaded Him and ridiculed Him but Jesus always took the high road. He heard the blind man when he asked for help, He gave the Samaritan woman hope when she had none and He loved on those the Pharisee declared unworthy. The Pharisees hollered foul again and again but Jesus won the hearts of the masses by listening and honestly caring for other's needs.

When the world is watching, those who crave the spotlight step up and all over those who are in their way but they are as fake as a new Canadian penny. True honest leadership can be found by those who give their all whether the world is watching or not. True Christian leaders focus on others over self at all times. Do you want to change the world? Be a rebel and be a true Christ-like leader!

Blessings
Pastor Todd

The Value of Two Little Words

Last Sunday in our pre-service prayer time, a prayer of thanks was shared. Sometimes, without intent, our prayers may sound routine, yet this one stood out. Along with the usual requests we would expect, like thanks for God’s forgiveness, protection, the message, the speaker, the worship, our health, and those who are ill, came a reminder. That reminder was to always thank God for the victories, the blessings, the healing's, and all that was good in our week, and our lives. It is easy to ask Father God for things we need, or want, yet many times we forget to thank Him for our daily bread. That is, all He gives us.

In our daily lives, we say thank you countless times each week. We thank a server at a restaurant, our spouse for a coffee or a meal, a friend for a compliment, even perhaps a stranger who opens a door for us. If this is so easy for the people in our lives, I wonder why many find it so difficult to thank our Lord, for the very sight in their eyes, and the air in their lungs. Maybe, it’s because we as a people can’t see Him. Oh we see the evidence of His presence, but that’s different, and perhaps it’s just not enough.

So, here is my encouragement. Starting today, look around you with open eyes. See God’s majesty in the fall colors, in the bountiful harvest at our local markets. Feel the autumn sun on your face in the afternoon, and draw a long slow breath of clean air. Wrap your arms around your loved ones, family and friends alike. Tell your employer that you are thankful for your job, even on the tough days. Thank your doctor for their care for your health. Start saying grace before every meal, giving thanks for the food on your plate, and for the hands that prepared it. Find even the smallest of gestures to let those around you know that you are thankful for them. In all of these things and a thousand more, offer two little words to God that say, Father I acknowledge that I need you for everything today. Just say Thank You, and you will surely realize the value of two little words.

Happy Thanksgiving, and to all whom read this, Thank You.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Week At A Glance Oct 10 -Oct 16, 2016

Office Hours

Church Office Closed      - Mon-Thurs, Oct 10 - 13

Church Office Open        - 9:00 AM – 4:00 Fri, Oct 14

Church Office Closed      - Sat, Oct 15

Church Service                - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sun, Oct 16

Seniors Services               - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Sun, Oct 16

Special Events

Quad Fellowship                          - 7:30 AM Mon, Oct 10

Lady’s Bible Study                      - 1:00 PM Wed, Oct 12

Lady’s Crafting with a Purpose   - 2:00 PM Wed, Oct 12  

Alpha Small Group                      - 7:00 PM Wed, Oct 12

Men’s Leadership Study              - 8:00 AM Thurs, Oct 13

Men’s Coffee Fellowship            - 9:00 AM Thurs, Sept 13

Care Home Services                    - 1:00 PM Sun, Oct 16 Extended Care

     - 2:00 PM Sun, Oct 16 New Senior’s Home

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.

Pastor Todd will be away from the office from Monday to Thursday but all activities scheduled above will still be happening. If you need to contact Pastor Todd, either call or text by phone or email as he will be monitoring them throughout the day while on the road.

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Reasons to be Thankful’

Day 1: Colossians 2:6, 7 – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.  Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Day 2: Hebrews 12:28, 29 – “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire."

Day 3: Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”

Day 4: 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 5: Psalm 118:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

Day 6: Romans 8:1 – “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus."

Day 7: Philippians 4:19 – “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Ps 100 NIV

Search deep, real deep, and consider what you are truly thankful for. Be real honest with yourself because if you don’t, you are only fooling yourself -- Jesus knows your heart. Now, quickly say the first thing that comes to your mind that which you are truly thankful for. To be completely honest, my first thought that came to mind was my family. Now some may say that this is a wonderful thought but, truth be told, the first thought should have been my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Let’s look at this from a purely logical standpoint. Without God, my family does not exist because He is the Father of all mankind, Creator of the universe and all things. Without the Lord, my needs and possessions do not exist because He is the Perfect Provider. Without my Saviour, all that I am and all that I know would not exist and my future would be without hope for in my Lord lies my hope for eternity.

So Shout to the Lord, our Creator, our Protector and our Eternal Hope. I am so thankful that He is in my life and that through His Son, Jesus Christ, we shall not know death but rather we will know eternity with our Heavenly Father, for now and forever.

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.

Shalom

Pastor Todd

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Father God’s ways’

Day 1: Isaiah 55:9 – “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 2: Proverbs 19:21 – “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail."

Day 3: Isaiah 28:29 – “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is a wonderful teacher, and he gives the farmer great wisdom.”

Day 4: Psalm 143:8 – “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.”

Day 5: Proverbs 16:9 – “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”

Day 6: Isaiah 14:24 – “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sworn this oath: ‘It will all happen as I have planned. It will be as I have decided.’"

Day 7: Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Week At A Glance – Oct 3-9, 2016

Church Office Closed      - Mon, Oct 3

Church Office Open        - 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Tues-Fri, Oct 4-7

Church Office Closed      - Sat, Oct 8

Church Service                - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sun, Oct 9

Special Events

Morning Prayer                            - 9:00 AM Tues, Oct 4

Alpha                                            - 7:00 PM Wed, Oct 5

Lady’s Bible Study                       - 1:00 PM Wed, Oct 5

Crafting for a Purpose                  - 2:00 PM Wed, Oct 5

Men’s Bible Study                        - 8:00 AM Thurs, Oct 6

Men’s Coffee Fellowship             - 9:00 AM Thurs, Oct 6

Board Meeting                              - 1:00 PM Fri, Oct 7

Movie Night                                 - No Movie This Week

Care Home Services                    - No Services This Weekend