Sunday, February 5, 2012
Tim Bootsma of EduDeo Ministries recently sent word that 1,200 people read the Belize Team blog at least once, with 1,800 hits in total. Who would have thought!? It raises the question of how social media can enhance our connectedness as a congregation and witness to the world. I wonder what the Apostle Paul would say if he were here. It was him who said, “that by all possible means I might save some; I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so I might share in its blessings.” (1 Corinthians 9:22-23) In the coming months a ‘Communications Ad-Hoc Committee’ will consider this as they join two other committees, Discipleship/Mentoring and Facility, in furthering the ideas from the Vision 2030 process. Let’s pray for wisdom and opportunity!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, the time of year when couples put rusty gift-giving back into gear. But couples need gifts and flowers and dates and laughter all year round! Gary Chapman did us a huge favour when he wrote The Five Love Languages. We often give our friends or spouse what we want (ie. our love language) instead of what they value. So whether it’s physical affection, time together, loving service, gifts, or verbal affirmation, let’s love as Christ loved, humbling ourselves to give as the other needs.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
“Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” Nothing could be further from the truth. They do hurt, and that is why bullying is taken seriously in schools. God’s love for each person means we don’t call names, and it also compels us to speak truth in love. Eating healthy and avoiding addictions adds length and quality to life, which we want for each other. Likewise, “marriage should be honoured by all,” shows God’s heart for our sexual health (Hebrews 13:4). Ontario’s proposed anti-bullying legislation (Bill 13) attempts to reduce name-calling (check-plus), but encourages sexual immorality (check-minus). In a spirit of Christian love, let’s be salt and light in our culture and let our MPP’s know of God’s heart for people’s health.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
In a recent book entitled, You Lost Me, David Kinaman details the dynamics behind why some young people leave church, but not the Christian faith. The stories are interesting, varied and, all too often, heartbreaking. It may be a “cold comfort” but only one in ten actually leaves the faith. For most others, the church doesn’t seem to have the capacity (or willingness) to speak to the pressing issues of our contemporary world from a forthright Christian perspective. The church often seems more concerned with institutional maintenance than with living the life Jesus called his followers to. Beginning, next Sunday morning and in the following few weeks we will be exploring some passages from the Gospel of Mark relating to Jesus’ call of his disciples (that means us too!), his healing and teaching ministry and see how they call us to a vibrant Christian witness to the world...and to the church.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
This morning begins the church season of Epiphany. Traditionally, it was believed that January 6 (twelve days after Christmas) was when the Magi from the East (Matt. 2) arrived to worship and present their gifts to the infant Jesus. In actuality the intervening time was much longer. However, the reason for Epiphany is to celebrate the revelation of the Messiah, not only to the Jews, but to the nations. As those who have received who have seen the light of the Messiah, we are called to be a light to the nations...beginning in our own community.
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Upcoming Events
First Christian Reformed Church of Barrie
2012 Vacation Bible School Registration Form
July 2 to July 6: from 9am-12:30
July 8: at 9am for VBS Sunday
Children starting JK in September up to Grade 6 are welcome!