Well, another year is coming to a close. How was 2009 for you? Our year was full of adventures - my parents' house flooding in March, CHIC youth conference in July, Dad's emergency heart surgery also in July, sister's wedding in August, moving to Canada at the end of August, starting a new job in September, a new nephew born in November.
Have you taken a moment to reflect on your year? Where have you seen God at work in your life? I once did a spiritual exercise that involved writing my story. I sketched a time-line of the past 12 months and in doing so, I was able to see events and opportunities and moments where God was directing our path. I think maybe I'll write my 2009 story as well. It's been a big year. I imagine I should have learned a lot from it all. I wonder if I did.
Happy New Year!
Pastor Stacia
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Christmas Eve Service
Gateway Covenant Church will be hosting a service of readings and carols on Christmas Eve at 7:30 pm. Bring your family and friends as we come together to hear and celebrate the Good News that Christ is born.
Hope to see you there!
Pastor Stacia
Hope to see you there!
Pastor Stacia
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Learning a lot...
Our first few months in Canada have taught us a lot. We've learned about football with three downs and how quickly a lead can evaporate in the Grey Cup. We've learned about 5 pin bowling with tiny little bowling balls. We've learned what Purolator is. We've learned that Canada does indeed get rather cold. I've learned what a battery warmer is (Seth probably already knew).
I wonder what we need to learn during the final days of our Advent season - a season of preparation and waiting. I think that I could use a little lesson on waiting. Yesterday a package arrived from my parents - a Christmas present. It didn't even occur to me to put it under the tree and wait to open it. I didn't even wait from Seth to get home from his adventures with the car (this is how I learned about battery warmers). I just tore the box right open. Waiting didn't even cross my mind.
And since so many things are so convenient to us, waiting for much of anything doesn't happen too much anymore. But this season reminds us of the mystery of waiting, of this place in time in which we live in between. The kingdom has come, but not yet in its fullness. Christ has conquered evil, but has not yet returned to make his reign complete. Its a time of tension. And it is hard to dwell in that tension, to remember that we are waiting, that this is not all that there is.
So, we usually just like to rip the package right open. But then we miss all the joy and excitement and energy that builds as we patiently wait. Perhaps that is why we have this season of Advent - to help us remember the joy. Let's all pray that we can learn to wait.
Pastor Stacia
I wonder what we need to learn during the final days of our Advent season - a season of preparation and waiting. I think that I could use a little lesson on waiting. Yesterday a package arrived from my parents - a Christmas present. It didn't even occur to me to put it under the tree and wait to open it. I didn't even wait from Seth to get home from his adventures with the car (this is how I learned about battery warmers). I just tore the box right open. Waiting didn't even cross my mind.
And since so many things are so convenient to us, waiting for much of anything doesn't happen too much anymore. But this season reminds us of the mystery of waiting, of this place in time in which we live in between. The kingdom has come, but not yet in its fullness. Christ has conquered evil, but has not yet returned to make his reign complete. Its a time of tension. And it is hard to dwell in that tension, to remember that we are waiting, that this is not all that there is.
So, we usually just like to rip the package right open. But then we miss all the joy and excitement and energy that builds as we patiently wait. Perhaps that is why we have this season of Advent - to help us remember the joy. Let's all pray that we can learn to wait.
Pastor Stacia
Saturday, October 31, 2009
I guess I am now a blogger
Hello Everyone,
Sorry for not updating the church's blog site in a while, but frankly I did not know how to blog. It would be stereotyping to assume that because my generation was raised with computers, that we all know how to use them well. I am most defiantly proof that argues against assumption.
Anyways, after asking one of our youth, I am now up to date on the latest blogging technology. Okay, maybe not, but I do know how to post now, so I should at least be able to keep it up to date.
As October comes to a close, it is reminding us that winter is soon around the corner, as it snows pretty heavily outside. I hope everyone enjoyed the short fall we had, or did not have up here. I guess Stacia and I will get to experience what it really means to be Canadian very soon. I guess we will have to start plugging the car in soon.
Both Stacia and I have enjoyed our first few months here in Prince Albert. It does not seem like 2 months could have come and gone so quickly, but they have.
Stacia and I will be trick or canning (we ask for can foods instead of candy, then we donate it to a food bank) with the youth here at Gateway. I will not lie to you, I really could not find anything to make a good costume. So, I had to go out and buy one. I feel like such an impostor. Growing up creating your costume was half the fun, but I guess as you get older your wardrobe does not have the same variety it use to. Then, it is hard to find a costume which is approprate for wearing around the kids and representing the church to the community. So when all else fails, you go as a monk. I wish I was truely a dedicated Trick or treater, but I am not, otherwise I would have shaved my head like a monk to complete the costume. I would venture to guess Canandian monks never shaved their heads. They probably had to grow their hair out to stay warm. Who knows. Anyways, if you see us coming to your house have your can goods ready to go. Hope you all have a good Halloween, and a great All Saints Day as well.
Pastor Seth
Sorry for not updating the church's blog site in a while, but frankly I did not know how to blog. It would be stereotyping to assume that because my generation was raised with computers, that we all know how to use them well. I am most defiantly proof that argues against assumption.
Anyways, after asking one of our youth, I am now up to date on the latest blogging technology. Okay, maybe not, but I do know how to post now, so I should at least be able to keep it up to date.
As October comes to a close, it is reminding us that winter is soon around the corner, as it snows pretty heavily outside. I hope everyone enjoyed the short fall we had, or did not have up here. I guess Stacia and I will get to experience what it really means to be Canadian very soon. I guess we will have to start plugging the car in soon.
Both Stacia and I have enjoyed our first few months here in Prince Albert. It does not seem like 2 months could have come and gone so quickly, but they have.
Stacia and I will be trick or canning (we ask for can foods instead of candy, then we donate it to a food bank) with the youth here at Gateway. I will not lie to you, I really could not find anything to make a good costume. So, I had to go out and buy one. I feel like such an impostor. Growing up creating your costume was half the fun, but I guess as you get older your wardrobe does not have the same variety it use to. Then, it is hard to find a costume which is approprate for wearing around the kids and representing the church to the community. So when all else fails, you go as a monk. I wish I was truely a dedicated Trick or treater, but I am not, otherwise I would have shaved my head like a monk to complete the costume. I would venture to guess Canandian monks never shaved their heads. They probably had to grow their hair out to stay warm. Who knows. Anyways, if you see us coming to your house have your can goods ready to go. Hope you all have a good Halloween, and a great All Saints Day as well.
Pastor Seth
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Ahh, Summer. The extended version
We have much to celebrate up here in the 'North'!
First, summer is truly upon us and we shall dance for joy - basically because in a few very short months we'll be shoveling snow - and for that reason we love all the hot days we can get.
Also though, we are really happy to have our new Pastors, Seth and Stacia Michael starting with us, today actually!!
Welcome to both of you.
May God bless you richly.
May His face shine upon you.
May your ministry here be one of deep spiritual growth for all those who attend here. We hope that we, your first church will fully support you during this exciting time.
And may you learn to love the Riders.
Oh and by the way, if you are around this Sunday (Labour Day weekend) you are invited to drop by and share a potluck lunch with us following the morning service.
First, summer is truly upon us and we shall dance for joy - basically because in a few very short months we'll be shoveling snow - and for that reason we love all the hot days we can get.
Also though, we are really happy to have our new Pastors, Seth and Stacia Michael starting with us, today actually!!
Welcome to both of you.
May God bless you richly.
May His face shine upon you.
May your ministry here be one of deep spiritual growth for all those who attend here. We hope that we, your first church will fully support you during this exciting time.
And may you learn to love the Riders.
Oh and by the way, if you are around this Sunday (Labour Day weekend) you are invited to drop by and share a potluck lunch with us following the morning service.
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