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.