August 12, 2010
Greetings,
Summer frequently is a time to say good bye. People move and others transition out of one church into another. Sunday we said good bye to the Beckman’s who left early Monday morning for their new home in Alberta. We are also saying good bye in a less formal way to Paul and Theresa who had a new home delivered to them in Tamworth.
This Sunday six people have chosen to be baptized as adults. It has been my privilege to hear their stories of how God has brought them to this place in their life. The baptismal service will take place at the beach at the end of Sunny Acres Rd. off of Front Road at 3:00 pm. You are welcome to attend.
It is encouraging to see the number of people who have signed up for Children’s ministry during the summer. Thank you for sharing in the privilege of ministering to our children. Tonight a meeting is scheduled for children’s ministries in preparation for our fall program.
The last couple of weeks we have followed the lectionary. The focus has been faith: Faith to continue (Colossians 2: 6-19), faith that enables heavenly mindedness (Colossian 3: 1-11), and last week a clarification of faith (Hebrews 11: 1-11). Faith will continue to be our focus for the next two weeks as we study through Hebrews 11 and 12.
Reflection:
Yesterday my i-touch fell out of my pocket. My effort to prevent the crash failed. I knocked my electronic machine higher in the air before it came down on the edge of the cement step. The fractured screen is now held together with clear packing tape.
I feel bad but my mishap does not compare with what is happening in Pakistan where whole villages have been wiped out by flooding, or the fires in Russia or floods in China. World Vision reports that the number of casualties in Pakistan exceeds the combined casualties of the tsunami of 2004 and the earthquake in Haiti. Let us not grow weary in well doing? When you receive notice from organizations like World Vision do not close your heart. Let’s pray and give.
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
July 29, 2010
Greetings,
A one week vacation has lead to two weeks away from Between Sundays. I could offer excuses but I won’t. I thought it would be better to just write.
I want to thank those who organized the barbeque and the men who carefully watched a little pig slowly cook to perfection. The men who participated in the cooking and cutting up were Bob Darroch, Jack Plaizier Morris Giroux and Carl Hare. Also thanks go to the set up crew and the cleanup crew. The salads and desserts that you all brought were delicious. I enjoyed as much as my conscience and stomach would allow.
Our delay in Syracuse which I spoke about in the last note had a nice perk. They flew us first class all the way to L.A. It almost spoils one for the economy class. It was a pleasant experience to fly at the front of the plane. The food and the service were better than I have experienced on a plane for a long time. The air flight attendant called us by name and even left us with the impression that he delighted not only in serving us but anticipating our every need.
I can’t help but relate this to the experience of someone visiting our church on Sunday morning. Do we treat those who come as if they are first class? If I were to classify the difference from first class and economy it is the customer centered service. Names are not important in the economy sections. At the front of the plane the air flight attendant knew my name and called me by name.
The economy section is about getting you from point “a” to “b” and provide for mandatory service. First class seeks to provide service and care over and above what is required.
Do you have some suggestions as to how we can help visitors – all visitors by the way – feel as if they are important to us?
Cyndi and I attended Church while in L.A. I dragged the family to a church called Redeemer Presbyterian. The pastor wrote a book called “Deep Church”. I found myself ushered into worship and challenged and encouraged by the message. The person who spoke was Japanese. He and his family were heading back to Japan to plant a church in Tokyo as soon as he was able to raise enough support.
The feedback from the rest of the family was positive as well. The church was not large and a number of people engaged us in conversation, doing their best to find common ground – especially with Nate and Dorothy who represented potential members.
Reflection:
A verse I read this morning comes from Romans 12: 9 and 10: Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honouring one another.
Love – especially God’s love which comes to us through His Spirit leads to first class treatment of others. Part of what it means to worship 24/7 which is an expression of “Between Sundays Living” is to live a life of love for God and for others. The verbs are in the imperative. So Paul is saying as people in Christ here is how God wants you to live. Let's do it.
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
July 7, 2010
Greetings,
It is five am on Wednesday morning. Cyndi and I are sitting in the Syracuse Airport waiting for a flight to Detroit and then on to L.A. Yesterday’s evening flight was cancelled and there were no more available flights. The cancellation related to maintenance so Delta paid for a night at the Holiday Inn Express.
Our trip began with the closure of 401. If you think 401 does not handle a lot of traffic, try routing two thirds of the traffic through Kingston. We thought we would be smart and use the causeway. So did a thousand other cars...
What happens when your flight gets cancelled and you are caught in a traffic jam? Faith does not go out the window. I refuse to dwell on the inconvenience. Instead I remember that God holds Cyndi and I in his hands. Life is not about us but our faith in Him. However there was a little stress – I had made a last minute trip that left us leaving the house later than we expected. Did my delay land us in the mess on 401? Would it have made a difference if we had left a half hour sooner? Cyndi was gracious. I am thankful she practiced “Between Sundays” living.
On Sunday morning Jack will be speaking. His message title is “Getting through the tough stuff of misunderstanding”. I have discovered we are either in the midst of a misunderstanding or we are about to experience one. Practical help for these tough times is always in order.
I am thankful for everyone who has signed up for Junior Church or is about to sign up. If you are in the about to sign up stage I encourage you to do so now. If you have questions talk with Sabrina.
Reflection
On Sunday, after the message on Naaman, Cyndi pointed out that the message could have reflected on the three servants in the story. It was the servant girl who pointed Naaman to the prophet in Israel. After the trip to Israel, it was Naaman servants who helped to cool him down after Elisha had not treated him the way he expected. Lastly, there was Naaman himself. The man who came as a powerful general thinking he could buy his healing came back to Elisha after his healing and said, “Please accept this gift from your servant.” What a transformation!
Thankfulness and gratitude now characterized his life. Instead of a demanding leader, he became a grateful servant to the most Holy God. Thankfulness leads to a desire to serve rather than to demand and expect others to treat us with special consideration. What role is thankfulness playing in our ‘Between Sunday’ Living?
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
June 29, 2010
Greetings,
Cyndi’s parents, who have been with us since June 2, now are on their way back to Houston. We have enjoyed our time with them. Next month they will be with Cyndi’s oldest sister in Chama, New Mexico.
Tonight the Exalt Choir under the direction of Bethany Bible College will be at Kingston West Free Methodist Church on Woodbine Road at 7:00 pm. Chris, the pastor of Kingston West, heard them last night in Roblin. He was impressed by the quality of their music. If you are able to attend tonight, I encourage you to do so.
June has been a good month attendance wise. We have had 15 to 20 % above our yearly average. Some were visitors and some was simply more of you showing up at the same time. It makes a difference in the atmosphere of the service while we worship together. Many voices make for good singing.
Quite a few have signed up to help with Junior Church. There are still more spaces for leaders. As well we need people to come down to be helpers. Look at the list at the back and consider putting your name in some of the spaces (or phone or email the office to find open dates).
The Central Canada District of the Wesleyan Church is holding its Annual Conference on Friday and Saturday. Our church will send two delegates: Sue Loverock and Bev Woodcock, and two ordained elders: Jack and myself. The conference is held at Silver Lake and will be followed by Family Camp.
A Baptismal Service is planned for August 15th. If you are interested in adult baptism, let me know.
Reflection:
I read a fascinating verse in Proverbs 18: 1. The NET Bible puts it this way: “One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires; he rejects all sound judgment.”
The Message translation is stark: “Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good.”
In the New Living Translation we read: “Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.”
The verse is saying in a negative way that community is important. The unfriendly person or the person who isolates him/her self or functions as a loner often chooses to stand outside community. Isolation may give us more personal freedom or independence or less accountability but, according to Proverbs, it is hurts community and does not lead to individual health. According to the NET Bible, the Mishnah (a Jewish commentary) uses this verse to emphasis the importance of community. Each of us, according to the Mishnah’s interpretation of this verse, have social responsibilities and we need each other.
One of the purposes of Church is to provide community. When God’s people are connecting with one another, supporting one another and working with one another we come closer to God’s intention. It is a delight for me to watch you in conversation with one another and to hear the stories of how you are supporting one another. Let’s keep connecting and loving one another.
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
June 22, 2010
Greetings,
Jack is in Pembroke this morning doing the funeral of Noreen Bernier’s brother, Roy Place. Roy was a parishioner of Jack’s when Jack was pastor in Forester Falls. Let’s remember Noreen, Alfonso and Roy’s family in this time of grief.
Cyndi and I will be in Ottawa. Cyndi will be there on Wednesday and I will be staying over until Thursday evening. We will be part of a team interviewing people seeking ordination in the Wesleyan church.
I have an important notice relating to the Exalt Choir from Bethany Bible College. There are still 14 students in need of a place to stay on the 29th of June. Kingston West will be hosting the choir and have asked us for help. If you are able to host a student please call the church office or you can call Bonnie at Kingston West. The office number for Kingston West is 384-8878.
You are invited to attend the Tuesday evening performance at Kingston West at 7:00 pm on June 29. The location is 1575 Woodbine Road.
In the annual report I mentioned the desire to form a strategic team. The team is starting to come together. The first meeting is scheduled for June 30. I am thankful for those who have expressed a willingness to be part of the team and those who are still giving consideration.
The starting mandate for the strategic team is stated this way: “We want to formulate a simple and clear process or pathway for accomplishing our mission of developing whole people in a broken world.” The book “Simple Church” provides a model based on four words: “Clarity, Movement, Alignment, and Focus.”
Reflection
Today I was reading in Acts 14. Paul and Barnabas are returning to Antioch after their first missionary journey. They are visiting newly established churches. These new churches have few resources, lots of persecution and hardship, and no established leaders. Paul and Barnabas want to make sure these baby Christians survive. The encouragement to persevere may sound strange to our ears. Paul and Barnabas tell them, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”
Often when hardship comes our way we think there is something wrong. Either we are failing or God is letting us down. We may say, “Life is not fair. Life should not be this tough."
Paul’s word’s to the first Christians is intended to change expectations. It will help us if we listen. If we expect life to be tough or to experience hardship as a follower of Christ then we will have greater strength to face difficult times. Instead of expecting God to remove hardships we can trust him to see us through the tough times knowing that “we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” Or in the words of Jesus: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33)
On Sunday we will be looking at Elijah who was experiencing tough times. He was not impressed by the turn of events in his life. What he expected and what was happening were two different things. He was fearful and depressed. God’s words to him in 1Kings 19: 15 are challenging and move Elijah towards recovery. Starting in chapter 18, read the story of how he got to the place where we find him in verse 15.
May the Lord Bless (Should I say with lots of hardship? 
),
Peter
June 15, 2010
Greetings,
I heard lots of positive comments on Sunday after Cyndi’s dad’s meditation on Psalm 1. If you wish a CD of the message, let me know and we can make you a copy.
Last week Marv and Peggy experienced two deaths in their family. Marv’s brother Francis died and then Peggy’s brother Jack. The Memorial Service for Jack is at St Andrew s-by-the-Lake on Thursday at 3:00 pm. Please remember Marv and Peggy in your prayers.
Our children's ministry is important part of our Sunday morning service. We are looking for volunteers to help on specific Sunday's during the summer. On the back window Sabrina has done a great job of organizing the material and explaining different ways you can get involved. Have a look and see where you can minister.
On Sunday, June 20, Joe Ocran is coming to share with us about Ghana. This Sunday is also Father’s Day— plus it is our 35th Anniversary at our present location. On June 22 in 1975, our present structure [minus the extension which was completed in 2007] was dedicated in an afternoon service.
Our church has a long history with Joe. We purchased a movie projector and generator which was used to show the Jesus Film and establish some of the first Standard-Wesleyan churches in Ghana. On my third Sunday in Ghana last Nov., I visited Asitey one of the Churches started by the Jesus Film. (I had pictures but I was unable to paste them into Google mail)
Sunday, we will be distributing a hand out for fathers that speaks of fatherhood based on the character of God and will make a presentation in honour of the men of our congregation. Also you will have an opportunity to share in an anniversary cake.
Reflection:
Psalm 1 speaks of choices. Verse 1 says that the person who chooses not to walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers is blessed. One of the questions we will be thinking about at our Men’s Bible Study is: What are some modern ways we either do or are tempted to have our thinking influenced by those who may have little or no use for God and His values?
Verse 2 offers an alternative choice. The choice is to delight in the law of the Lord. A good question to ask is: What would have to change for you to spend more time meditating on God’s Word? If you are asking “Why would I want to do that?”, take a look at what the Psalmist says can result for the person who makes it a priority to keep in step with God by renewing his/her mind. “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
If you are in a situation in life where you feel disappointed in God take the first three verses of Psalm 1 and pray them to God. God you have said... then express your disappointment or frustrations. Now listen for God’s response. It may open the door for a more honest relationship with God and allow you to move forward in your relationship with Him.
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
June 10, 2010
Greetings,
This afternoon I will be playing golf with three other guys from the church, Bob Darroch, Tony Corcoran and Jack Plaizier. We are playing in the annual Youth for Christ Tournament. This tournament is an important fund raiser for Youth for Christ (Youth Unlimited). All of us, except Bob, who this year seems to be in the same state as the rest, seldom play golf. We depend on him to carry the rest of us. If score is important, this year is not looking good – plus it is raining.
On Tuesday we had our Annual Congregational Meeting. Although annual meetings are not my favourite part of ministry, they are about accountability and provide an opportunity for reflection and questions. Here are some thoughts I shared and questions I asked:
Our mission statement prompts us to ask questions. Are we a worshipping community that realizes God’s call on our lives? Is love our primary motivation for what we do and how we live? How well are we doing in bringing people into a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ? Are people being taught the truths of Scripture and equipped for ministry? Do we see evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of people including myself who do ministry?
The practical questions are next. What are we doing to become a worshiping community? How do we move to love as our primary motivation for ministry? What are we doing to bring people into a right relationship with God? How well are we helping people to grow in the knowledge and application of scriptural truths? How do we make sure (if that is possible) that people who minister are Holy Spirit empowered?
I have said that by the end of June I want to put together a team to address these and related questions. If you are interested in being on the team let me know. My goal is to set in place a clear process that facilitates our objective of “Developing Whole People in a Broken World.”
Mission and vision statements are important. But as many have stated, mission and vision must result in a pathway that is able to utilize our resources for the accomplishment of objectives. I find all this easier to talk about than do. We are doing much but it is important that we refine what we are doing and focus our activities.
Dr. Bert Hall, Cyndi’s Dad, is speaking this week from Psalm 1. He was and continues to be an influential person in my own Christian development. We have spent quite a bit of time reading and discussing some controversial theologians within the emergent church movement.
We are looking for people to volunteer for one or two weeks of children’s ministry (or more if you wish). There are instructions and sign up possibilities at the back of the church. Children’s ministries are important. Your help will enable to us minister well to those God has brought our way.
Reflection:
Here are some further thoughts on the story of the widow in 1Kings 17:1-16. The widow was in a desperate situation. Despite this, hope was offered if she would take a step [actually a huge leap!] of faith--using the last of her resources to feed Elijah. Elijah made his request to bolster her faith and move her out of fear. Many times in our own life schedules, time and financial crunches leave us feeling overwhelmed. Our natural tendency is to become more focused on self. Faith calls us to prioritize God first. Jesus put it this way: Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these other things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6: 33). So let’s be people who take steps of faith this week reflecting God’s priorities in the way we make decisions.
May God bless,
Peter
June 2, 2010
Greetings,
I returned yesterday from a District Prayer Retreat. Prayer for district initiatives in regard to emerging districts, church planting, and the leadership involved was the purpose. The first session began with a more inward look using the word “spirit”. Where are we as individuals in our lives, our ministry, our family? It was a good question for me and for all of us – including you.
Are you feeling joyous, excited about life, about work, or are you fatigued, discouraged, angry, or critical in your spirit? If the former, how do you nurture a positive spirit? If the latter, what steps do you need to take to experience God’s grace and empowerment?
Our board had a mini-retreat here at the church last Fri-Sat. We worked hard to clarify our thinking in an effort to understand how what we are doing relates to our mission and vision. We discovered there was more work to be done. An ongoing discussion will include the other side of the coin: What do we need to be doing? What is God calling us to do? The questions were good but the answers will take longer to discern.
Lynn shared Sunday evening about her time in Haiti. It was shocking to hear that up until the earthquake their health system did not have quadriplegic or paraplegic survivors. The necessary supporting structures did not exist for such injuries. At this point there are 60 who survived severe spinal injuries. Foreign health care workers were and are needed to supply equipment (including wheelchairs), M.R.I.s, plus training and knowledge to insure survival and a quality of life.
Also Lynn encountered a woman who had been in a cast for three months – because there was no follow up system or anyone to remove the cast. Lynn had a maintenance person bring his tools and liberate the woman from her cast so physical therapy could begin.
Our Annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled for June 8 at 7:00 pm. You are invited.
Reflections:
The Board spent time looking at Ephesians 4: 1-13. Verses one through four emphasize the importance of unity. Paul writes: “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Unity and the Spirit go together, but people and unity, in spite of the Spirit’s urgings, does not always happen. Paul calls us to work with the Spirit so that unity will happen among diverse personalities. We are called to contribute to unity through humility, gentleness, patience and a willingness to put up with the other person--even if sometimes they are hard to take.
Is there anyone you are finding hard to take? Look at these four verses and ask yourself how an application of these verses would affect your attitude and behavior toward that person(s). Then do it, through the Spirit of God at work within you. Now, hit the apply button.
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
May 27, 2010
Greetings,
Yesterday Cyndi and I celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary. It was an enjoyable afternoon and evening for us. What some of you may not realize is that almost 31 of our 37 years have been spent with you at the Kingston Standard Church. Thank you for your patience and love. We feel very blessed as a couple and as a family.
Thinking about the Kingston Standard Church and our Annual Congregational Meeting (scheduled for June 8th), I found myself filled with gratitude -- not for the Annual Meeting, although those are good as well -- but for the many people who volunteer and are involved in the life of the congregation. So many people come to mind -- competent, loving, gifted, dedicated people who are involved in every part of what we are doing. I would like to list all the names that came to mind -- but I won't. However, thank you for the role you are playing as we seek to "develop whole people in a broken world."
Tuesday night I met with Sabrina, Debbie and Joanna in regard to our summer children's ministry. We had two goals in mind: provide relief for those who have ministered all year; minister effectively to the children God sends our way. The first part of our goal has been accomplished by finding a curriculum that is user friendly for those responsible to lead and yet also substantial. The second part involves you. We are asking for volunteers who will sign up for one or two weeks (or more if you desire) to help during the summer. We were able to identify a number of people -- some who have already indicated a willingness to help during the summer. If you would like to get involved let me or Debbie Beckman know. Sabrina will be doing a calendar and a list of different ways you can help.
Just a reminder that Lynn Rigby will be sharing her experience in Haiti at Evening Worship this Sunday at 6:30pm. It will be more exciting than the Daytona 500! 
Reflection:
The Wednesday Morning Men's Bible study was challenging. We looked at the scriptures referred to on Sunday morning. I found the words Jesus spoke about his relationship with his Father and how it relates to an amazing promise he made to his disciples particularly challenging.
In John 14: 10b we read: "The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work."
The promise is found in John 14: 12-13. "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
This is followed by the promise of the Spirit as Jesus says: "But you know him (the Spirit) for he lives with you and will be in you..."
As we worked to put this together we realized that our tendency is to focus on the promise of doing even greater things than Jesus... WOW! Wouldn't that be great?
But the focus needs to be on our relationship with the Father and the alignment of our will with HIS will. Just as Jesus did only what the Father wanted so, even as he responds to our request, it is for the purpose of bringing glory to the Father. If our will is not aligned with the Father's will then our requests do not qualify as being asked in the name of Jesus. To ask in the name of Jesus is to ask for what the Father wants-- which is what Jesus wants. Part of knowing what the Father wants is to have his Spirit living within us and to allow his word (the scriptures) to become part of how we think and respond to life.
As we reflected we became aware that often our will is not in alignment with the Father's will. Many times even when we use religious or spiritual words, what we want is to satisfy our own desires. Sometimes our spiritual or religious words are a cover up of our true intentions. Again we come to the Lord's prayer: "Father who art in heaven. Hallowed be THY name. THY kingdom COME on earth as it is in heaven..."
One thing I know: I am not there yet -- but I have an increased desire and determination to want what the Father wants -- not what Peter wants.
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
May 20, 2010
Greetings,
Last night six teens, four adults, and three vehicles did zone 31 for the annual food blitz. Tony’s half ton, the back of my van, and Sue's trunk were filled with bags of food. The people to whom we went were glad to help – some already had their bags packed ready for pick-up. The evening finished at Holy Cross High School where we unpacked our vehicles, and helped ourselves to a freshly cooked hamburger and cold drink.
I just received the following notice:
Hotel Dieu Food Blitz hauls in more than 110,600 pounds of non-perishable goods
Our energetic hardworking team may have brought in 600+ of the 110, 600 pounds.
Speaking of teens, last week four teens from our church participated in a joint church World Vision 30 hour famine. At this point $1,100.00 has come in.
The teens went without food and James attempted to recreate some of the hardships of those who have little to eat or drink. At various times teens were sent out to build shelters for themselves from materials that were made available. Some put together pretty good shelters. Others still need a little more experience.
Lots of water was provided but to get a drink you had to work for it. The work involved carrying a jug several hundred feet. Carrying the water was a reminder that a majority of people do not have easy access to available water.
Everyone survived. A few days later they were even smiling and willing to go on the food drive adventure with James.
Our annual meeting is scheduled for June 8th. Prior to the annual meeting a leadership retreat is planned for May 28th and 29th. It will be both the beginning and the continuation of a process to discern God’s direction.
May 30th Jack will be speaking in the morning. In the evening at 6: 30 pm Lynn Rigby will be sharing from her experience as a physiotherapist in Haiti.
Reflection:
Gary McIntosh says “Planning is an expression of our faith in God. He also says: Planning allows us to be good stewards of the opportunities God brings to our church. As I read this I prayed, “Father help us to see the opportunities – to see what you are doing so we can invest our time and energies wisely.”
May 23 is Pentecost Sunday. It represents the fulfilment of Jesus’ promise to the disciples that he would not leave them alone and they would received the promise of the Father.
We will be looking at Acts 2: 1-21. The lectionary reading also includes the story of the tower and the city of Babel. Read this story and compare it to Acts 2. Do you see a link between the two stories? What is it? Let me know!
May the Lord Bless,
Peter Rigby
May 13, 2010
Greetings,
Today is Ascension Day, the day the resurrected Jesus physically left his disciples to go to be with his father. The question can be asked: What does Jesus ascension have to do with my everyday life or “Between Sundays” living.
Does Jesus ascension say anything to the stressed out employee/employer or parent or spouse or the one who has heard devastating news from the doctor? What about the person who is not stressed, just going from day to day with no particular purpose in mind?
This morning I looked at the ascension passages with three other pastors and one lay leader. The first passage we looked at was Luke 24: 44-53. A couple of the men commented on verses 50-53:
"Then Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. Now during the blessing he departed and was taken up into heaven. So they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple courts blessing God.”
How was it that Jesus ascension, which meant for the disciples his physical departure, produced joy and resulted in continuous worship? Joy and continuous worship is not the usual response to the departure of someone you love and with whom you have spent three plus intensive years. How come they were not sad? Was Jesus one of those guests who had stayed too long? That’s hard to imagine!
The other ascension reading came from Ephesians 1: 15-23. In this passage the Apostle Paul connects the dots for me. I invite you to read the passage and take some time reflect on it. Take your present situation and ask God to “open the eyes of your heart…”
“1:17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you spiritual wisdom and revelation in your growing knowledge of him, 1:18 – since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened – so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 1:19 and what is the incomparable greatness of his power toward us who believe, as displayed in the exercise of his immense strength. 1:20 This power he exercised in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms 1:21 far above every rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 1:22 And God put all things under Christ’s feet, and he gave him to the church as head over all things. 1:23 Now the church is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”
On Sunday I will be looking at these scriptures plus Acts 1: 1-11. I invite you to come prepared to worship and rejoice in the difference the resurrected and exalted Lord desires to make in our everyday living.
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
May 5, 2010
Greetings,
Lynn arrived safely back from Haiti. We rejoice in her return.
This Sunday is Mother's Day. We have something special for the women in our congregation, plus the money we have spent in the past for individual flowers or truffles we will use to support a project in the "majority world" called: "5 for 5". We also will have a special video on mothers if we can master the technology.
As well on Mother's Day, young Levi, the grandson of Marv and Peggy and son of Nick and Nancy, will be baptized.
I invite you to be part of the celebration.
You may be wondering if our Power Point computer can be revived after the coffee spill that took place early in the service last week. Dave reports the computer has been decaffeinated and although it has not yet been willing to power up, there is still hope. A small inexpensive part has been ordered. In the meantime my computer will be put into service.
You can still be part of Christianity and World Religions small group study. About eighteen people showed up on Monday night. Jack tells me the session went well.
Reflections
I began reading the book of Ruth today. Naomi, stripped of her husband and two boys in Moab, prepares to return to her hometown of Bethlehem. Naomi's losses leave her bitter. When her relatives rejoice at her return, Naomi, which means pleasant, says: Call me "Mara," which means bitter. Naomi tells those who greet her that God has treated her very harshly leaving her empty handed.
Earlier in the story, Naomi had attempted to push Ruth her daughter-in-law away. Bitterness and her view of herself were her reasons. She said, "I am not of any value to you -- I am too old to produce children and even if I could you would not want to wait until they are of age."
Ruth refused to accept Naomi's assessment. In contrast, Ruth said, "You are of value to me -- not because of what you can do but because of my relationship with you. You are so valuable to me and I love you so much I am willing to spend the rest of my life with you."
Here are some questions you can ask: Do I distance myself from others because I see myself as having little or no value to them? Is my view of myself and others based on performance rather than relationship?
Here is the flip side of the question: Do I distance myself from others because I value people by what they can do for me rather than on the importance of a relationship? Are people seen as an end in themselves rather than a means to an end.? Related to this question is: Do I see people through God's eyes who 'so loved the world that he sent his only son?'
Sunday you were given an exercise from the God Sightings booklet. Take a person whose performance has not measured up to your standards and pray for them using the approach: "God, you so loved__________ that you sent your only Son. Please help me to see this person as you do, to the point that I imitate your love toward________ . Amen." How is it going? I am interested in hearing some reports.
Remember Jesus' words to his disciples: "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another, (John 13:34)" It is the difficult people in our lives we find it most challenging to love the way Jesus loves and loved us... and the task he is calling us to BETWEEN SUNDAYS!
May the Lord Bless,
Peter Rigby
April 29 2010
Greetings,
From Haiti, Lynn thanks us for our prayers and writes: "I am in a very rural area in the middle literally of nowhere. But there is a Catholic and a Baptist church. So I did get to go to church. All in French/Creole! Pray for me as I struggle to communicate without a translator and that I will show God's love to them in my every word and deed."
This past Sunday we had an unusual number of visitors. There were fifteen plus guests. What was encouraging (from my perspective) was that most of the visitors were there because they had some connection with someone from the church. When we represent Christ well during the week and invite people to come to church, they will come. Thank you for living an attractive life for Christ.
It was interesting to listen to the comments after the service from our guests. Many were enthusiastic in their appreciation for the various elements of the service.
Why does it matter? What's our goal? We want to "Develop Whole People in a Broken World" At this point our two main entry points are Alpha and Sunday worship--and each of us living out what it means to be a devoted follower of Christ during the week.
Over the last three weeks I have had the opportunity of leading the Marriage Course. It has been a good review. The second week is on communication. One part of the evening focused on listening. Five bad habits that get in the way of listening were discussed. I listened. I took it in. I thought, "This is a helpful review. I really needed this!" A couple of days later I came away from a conversation and, upon reflection, realized I had exhibited most-- if not all-- of the five habits.
These five ways of responding do not enhance communication and the sense of being listened to. I review them as a needed reminder for myself and maybe as helpful for you.
1. Reassuring (It is going to be alright... Don't worry...)
2. Giving Advice (Called problem solving. Have you ever noticed that some people prefer to be listened to than have you solve their problem?)
3. Intellectualizing.
4. Going off on a tangent (Often this means telling our story or taking their story off in some direction that interests us).
5. Interrupting (It is estimated that interruption takes place about every 17 seconds.)
When people were asked how it felt to be listened to, they said they felt valued, appreciated, loved. If you want to do some Between Sunday living, try listening. In the passage we are looking at this Sunday, Jesus said: "I give you a new commandment -- to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." (John 13: 31-35) Listening, really listening. to another person is one place where we can start -- and that begins with me.
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
April 22, 2010
Greetings,
Dates represent important times in our life. Today is Jack's birthday. I will let him or Gerrie tell you his age. Yesterday was Nate's birthday. He turned 28. It is hard to believe. On Saturday the 24th is Heather's birthday (our daughter-in-law) who will be with us this weekend. The 24th is also the day my dad died in 1988.
Family system's theory tells us that anniversaries of good or bad events (a death, a divorce, a personal trauma, or other significant events) can effect our mood either positively or negatively years after the incident. Sometimes we do not make the connection between mood swings and occurrences in our lives. So if you find yourself down or up for no apparent reason, see if there is a link between how you are feeling and past events. If you are feeling joyous, give thanks to the one who is the source of every good gift. If the mood is cloudy and black bring the event to Jesus in prayer. Walk through it with him. Listen for his voice and look for his healing. Often there are issues of trust, resentment, bitterness and the need to receive and extend forgiveness.
As well we have in our library two books that many have found helpful. The one is Neil Anderson's book "Bondage Breaker: Overcoming Negative Thoughts, Irrational Feelings, Habitual Sins." The other is "Healing for Damaged Emotions" by David Seamands. Another book which I am making available to our library is by David Eckman. The title is "Sex, Food, & God: Breaking Free from Temptations, Compulsions, and Addictions." While I am on this line of thought there is another book by Eckman, "Becoming Who God Intended: A New Picture for Your Past, A Healthy Way of Managing Your Emotions, A Fresh Perspective on Relationships" (Just think --it is all in one book!)
I heard Eckman on a video telecast. I was impressed enough to buy several of his books [although Cyndi would tell you I don't have to be too impressed to buy a book]. If you want to borrow one just let me know.
Getting back to dates -- that is where I started out -- we are looking at John 10: 22-30 this week. The passage begins by referring to a special date in the history of Israel, the feast of the Dedication. Today we know this holiday by a different name. Let me know on Sunday or email me if you have figured out the modern name for this feast that Jesus was celebrating in Jerusalem. Also, if you are into research, let me know what date and event the feast is celebrating.
On Sunday afternoon, Jack and I will be leaving to go to a Wesleyan Ministry Conference hosted by Tyndale University-College and Seminary. The Seminar is titled "The Gospel in the North American Mosaic." The main speaker is Timothy Tennent, President, Asbury Theological Seminary. The opening lecture is titled "Seven Mega-Trends Which are Shaping the Church of the 21 Century." We will be home on Monday -- for me just in time or a little late to lead the Marriage Course.
Remember Lynn Rigby in Hatti. By now she is probably set up in a hospital, involved in physical therapy to those who are recovering from injuries. Pray that in the midst of all the needs she will not be overwhelmed. Also pray for her protection.
The last session of Alpha went well this past Monday. Our introductory dinner is planned (thanks to Scott and Julie) for Monday, September 20th. I have already invited one person. Begin thinking about people in your sphere of influence that you can invite.
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
April 15
Greetings,
I am spending more time at home this week. Friday is my only day away. I will be in Belleville for a District Board of Administration Meeting all day. After preparing my "Assistant District Superintendent Report" for tomorrow's meeting I understand why I am feeling a little disconnected. I have been away a lot in March and April. Things promise to slow down soon.
Tonight a meeting is scheduled with our children's ministry leadership team. Prayer will be in order. The goal is to provide space for restoration during the summer for those who have been involved all year yet continue to provide a meaningful ministry for the children. To do so we need creative thinking, volunteers who will help during the summer, and resource material that engages the children yet is not overly demanding of the volunteers. If you have some ideas or wish to volunteer let me know.
Jack has been preparing for the "World Religions and Christianity" small group/course starting May 3. He has found the material informative and enlightening. He is looking forward to leading the course. There will be a sign up sheet on Sunday. We will be ordering participant guides for those who desire one. There is as well a basic text book that can be ordered.
I am leading the Marriage Course. Two couples are involved at this point. Next week we will be meeting on Wednesday at 6:30 pm. If you are interested contact me. After Wednesday 21 we will be meeting on Mondays. The first Monday meeting will be on the 26th of April and will be our third session of seven.
On Sunday we will be looking at the lectionary reading from John 21: 1- 20. The passage is interesting. I would encourage you to read it and then put yourself in my shoes and imagine that you have the joy of preparing a sermon. Ask yourself what the text is saying to you. Also what do you think God would like the congregation to hear from this passage of scripture. Let me know what you are hearing.
To those who have signed up Cyndi sends out the scriptures we will be looking at each week. If you have not signed up or wish to let her know you can send an email to office@kschurch.ca asking to receive the weekly readings
Our final Alpha for the spring is this Monday night it deals with the question "What About the Church." It is an important conclusion to the course. Many times people who have not been part of a church or have felt alienated from the church are able to see that maybe, just maybe, there might be a link between following Jesus and being part of his church. If people do not get involved in the ongoing ministry of a church the positive experiences of Alpha are sometimes lost.
Last weeks Alpha's prayer ministry time in response to the topic "Does God Still Heal Today" was encouraging as we prayed for one another and waited on God. People were touched through the presence of the Spirit. If you remembered to pray for last weeks meeting thank you.
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
April 10, 2010
Greetings,
It is still between Sundays--but just barely--as I write this. Monday was a day off for me except for my participation in Alpha on Monday night. Next week's Alpha session asks the question "Does God Still Heal?" In this session we want to do more than talk about healing we also want to pray for healing. Keep Scott and Julie in mind and remember to pray for this special evening.
On Tuesday and Wednesday I was in Belleville for two different meetings. The second meeting involved church planting. It was a learning and stimulating session as we listened and asked questions of District Superintendent Mark Gorveatte of West Michigan and President elect of Bethany Bible College.
One of the things Mark said is: If a congregation planned to plant a church in five years and asked the question "What do we need to be doing now?" you would end up having healthy conversations. Usually the things you say you need to be doing are the things you should be doing anyway. If you go to the Loop you can see Thurland Brown's summary of our time with Mark http://ccdwesleyan.com/markgorveattep321.php .
On Thursday I was in Ottawa and on Friday Shawville QC doing pastoral reviews. This involves analyzing the reports the Board members have filled out and meeting with the pastor, then the pastor and board and taking the Pastor and Spouse out for dinner or lunch depending on the schedule. Each time I am involved in these kind of exercises I am reminded of the good people and pastors who are part of the church of Jesus. In spite of the weakness that can be found in the body of Christ, there is also ample evidence that God is at work among his people.
Many of you know [but just in case you don't], the money I receive from the district for my work goes directly into the budget of the Kingston Standard Church which helps to offset Jack's salary. The district covers my expenses (mileage, meals, and accommodations when necessary).
Jack will be speaking this Sunday. As well we are planning to pray for Lynn Rigby who will be going with "Healing Hands Haiti". She was recruited by Canadian Physiotherapists because of her experience with spinal cord injuries.
Reflections:
I have ordered enough books from Amazon.ca and .com that they now make recommendations of books they think I might enjoy. (Merchandisers never sleep.) One of the books is "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. I liked what I could read of the book on the internet. One of the key thoughts of the first chapter is to catch a glimpse of the greatness of God. When we begin to see how majestic God is and then think that he loves us -- well, it is crazy love! When we understand the greatness of his love for us we find it easier to respond to His love for us. Here is a video he recommends to help us start to grasp the greatness of God http://www.crazylovebook.com/videos_awe.html
Peter
March 31, 2010
Greetings:
Sunday we celebrated Palm Sunday, Jesus’ planned ride into Jerusalem in fulfillment of the prophecy found in Zechariah 9: 9. His disciples believed the time had come. Jesus was going to establish his earthly kingdom. The events ‘between Sundays’ tell a different story. The wheels came off for his closest followers. All momentum toward an earthly rule was lost.
In what we have come to call “Holy Week,” Jesus experienced escalating conflict with the religious rulers, betrayal by one of his 12 disciples, denial by Peter, and abandonment by the rest of his followers. It was a tough “Between Sundays” week for Jesus and those who looked to him as the Messiah. The songs of praise on Palm Sunday lead to a trial and death sentence on Friday. Jesus the hero is now the criminal hanging on a cross suffering alone. We hear him say: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” On Saturday his lifeless body lay in a borrowed tomb.
What kind of sense are we to make of this story? Isaiah, 700 years before the event, supplies the meaning. He writes: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53: 5 &6)
I find it delightful that Good Friday, a religious holiday, is still celebrated in Canada. It gives us the opportunity to come together to remember Christ’s death. The service will begin at 11:00 am. I invite you to make use of this time our culture has allowed us to focus on Christ’s death and to be reminded through the celebration of communion that through his death we have life, now and forever. A number of people will be participating by offering tributes to Jesus from the perspective of some of the people who knew him well.
On Sunday morning (Easter Sunday) at 10:30am we will discover—and celebrate-- that God was present. Even though the power of darkness was at work “Between Sundays” God was not defeated. The darkness of Friday gives way to God’s victory of life over death. I encourage you to come and invite a friend or family member to come with you. “Christ is risen.”
News:
This past weekend we held the Alpha Retreat. It is exciting for me to be part of the weekend, to watch and participate as God reveals he is truly alive and active in our world through His Holy Spirit. I am thankful for the leadership provided for Alpha and the weekend by Scott and Julie Burrows. They were well trained by Bill and Val Esford.
I also encourage you to look at our revamped web site. It is www.kschurch.ca. Again my thanks go to Scott and Julie who not only redesigned but are also maintaining it.
I received the story of a God sighting this week. I am always happy to hear your stories or receive your comments.
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
March 25, 2010
Greetings,
Last night Sue Loverock, Bob Hatcher, Jack Plaizier and I went to Roblin Wesleyan Church to hear a presentation on a new initiative to plant churches. Church plants, is considered the best way to reach the un-churched people of our nation. The initiative can be described as a way to release district energy for the purpose of a more intentional approach to church planting. At this point, much energy is used to maintain and develop existing churches. By thinking in terms of emerging regions and people who will give direction to church planting, the Central Canada District is structuring an outward perspective into the organization.
What we know is that healthy churches will reproduce on a local level as well. One of the good stories in our district is Sunnyside Wesleyan in Ottawa under the leadership of Brent Russett. A number of years ago Sunnyside sent 70 to 80 people over to a struggling church in another part of Ottawa to bring revitalization. Now Sunnyside is launching a second site downtown in Ottawa University’s Alumni Auditorium. At this point, fifty people will be part of the new launch. The official opening takes place on Easter Sunday morning.
Let’s be praying for our district and for the people of Sunnyside as they make structural changes to focus outward.
All of this creates restlessness within me. A number of years ago we planned and executed the launch of second service. We hired additional staff and promoted the way conventional wisdom said to promote by using an agency that had helped many churches grow and/or plant a new church. The results were far below our expectations and those of the agency we hired. However the need remains. Eighty plus percent of the people of Kingston will not be in church on any given Sunday. A large majority of these people are not followers of Christ.
How are we to respond? One important truth we must keep before us is that you and I are the church. The church is powerful when you and I represent Christ when we are interacting with those who are not Christ followers. If people are more resistant to coming through church doors these days, than we must be the church when we go through the doors leaving the church building behind. Our goal is to be people who will “walk across the room” for Christ in order to make an eternal difference in the lives of people. Part of what that means according to the Apostle Paul is to exhibit the “fruit of the spirit” and to “walk in the Spirit.” Check out Galatians 5: 22-26. Ask: What does this mean for me in my “Between Sundays” walk with Christ?
As I finish writing this I hear Cyndi on the piano practicing for worship on Sunday. Sunday March 28th is Palm Sunday. There will be palm branches and rejoicing in the coming of the King. “Between Sundays” living is reinforced by Sunday worship. I invite you to join the celebration.
Also this week: Sunday Evening Worship at 6:30 pm. Jack is charge of the service. You are invited to attend.
In the afternoon, Cyndi and I and anyone who is interested will be at Fairmount Nursing Home for the Worship Service at 2:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend! It is a true blessing to be able to meet and minister to the residents.
I welcome your comments or your stories of God sightings.
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
March 19, 2010
Greetings,
We extend congratulations to James and Rebekah on the safe arrival of Jacob John at 3:30 pm on March 18th. After a few hours in the hospital, Rebekah was home with their second son and a brother for Nathaniel. Welcome Jacob!
Jack has arrived home after visiting his son and daughter in law in Yarmouth N.S. We welcome him back.
I returned home Wednesday from Sussex N.B. A new president was elected for Bethany Bible College by the Board of Trustees. Mark Gorveatte, the president elect, is the District Superintendent of the West Michigan District of the Wesleyan Church.
Dr. Kerry Kind, General Director of Education & Ministry for The Wesleyan Church said of the election: "Rev. Gorveatte's sense of God's calling, his unique blend of leadership skills and experience, and his commitment to the Church and to the mission of the College make him the perfect choice for the presidency of Bethany Bible College. We are grateful that God has brought Rev. Gorveatte and the College together at this time."
While I was in Sussex, Craig Peters (pastor at Cornerstone Wesleyan Church in North Gower)and I met with a number of Bethany students from Central Canada who are pursuing degrees which will help equip them for ministry and leadership within the church. The number interested in participating in overseas missions was remarkable. Craig and I appreciated the opportunity to hear their stories of how God was at work in their lives forming them for ministry.
I am thankful for Cyndi who gave leadership to our “Lenten Journey through Luke.” This week there will be a prepared study for Luke 15 that will be handed out on Sunday for those who wish to be part of the journey through Luke. I will be in Toronto all day Tuesday at Tyndale College and Seminary at a Wesley Studies Symposium. I have been asked to represent the District Superintendent at the evening leadership meal. Also I will meet with two students who are attending from the Central Canada district.
Our Good Friday Service is planned for 11:00 a.m. on April 2. The service will conclude with communion in honour of the one who in obedience sacrificed his live on our behalf. We are planning the service as a Memorial Service. A number of people will bring tributes from the perspective of people who knew Jesus. I look forward to this time together we reflect on the death of Christ.
Reflections:
Today I came to the story in Numbers of the end of Moses’ life. He was denied the opportunity of leading the people into the Promised Land. God showed him the place of destiny but did not allow him to enter. Moses lost the opportunity to lead the people into Israel because his impetuous words and angry spirit failed to honour God as holy. This part of the story is told in Number 20: 1-13; also see Psalm 106: 32-33. Instead of recognizing God as the source of the miracle, Moses struck the rock and in anger said “must I bring forth water for you…"
The Lord’s Prayer starts with the phrase "Our Father who art in heaven; hallowed be thy name...” Imbedded in the meaning of “hallowed be thy name” is the call to make it our goal to honour God as holy in all we do. My prayer is that I will not allow angry words or an impetuous actions bring dishonour to my Heavenly Father.
Until Sunday,
Peter
March 12, 2010
Greetings,
I can’t remember a Sunday when more things went wrong with our technology. What worked well was Murphy’s Law –“What can go wrong will go wrong”.
The big problem – one that we have never experienced before – was our inability to use Power Point – which contained all of the words for our music. The good news: worship can take place without PowerPoint! Hard to believe, but it is true. Thankfully, God’s Spirit is not dependant on technology.
On Tuesday Cyndi figured out the problem. There is kiosk setting which somehow got turned on. What we know now is that this setting will not allow the slides to be projected which is why our welcome program worked, but the main program did not.
Kerry taught us a new parable: “Blessed are the flexible for they will not be bent out of shape.”
Kerry and Carole Allison did not need technology to grab our attention. Listening to the exploitation of vulnerable teenage girls was difficult. Seeing the pictures of the girls who had escaped and had been equipped through faith and education was encouraging. World Hope, through the First Steps Drop-In Centre and Hope House, is continuing the work of Jesus who came to liberate the captive and preach the gospel to the poor.
As a result of the World Hope presentation, the Men’s Wednesday morning Bible Study has decided to give $35.00 a month as one of the 12 monthly pledges needed to provide for a girl to stay at Hope House or as Carole put it “fill one of three empty beds at Hope House: empty not because there are not people needing help – empty because of a lack of finances.” If you are part of a group, think about challenging your group to consider providing $35.00 a month as a way of making a difference in the life of a vulnerable woman.
Remember on Sunday March 14th we move to Daylight Saving Time. It means your clocks “spring” forward one hour. Your body will feel like it is getting out of bed one hour earlier and you are at church one hour earlier. Your feelings are correct if you set your clock ahead.
Our sympathies are extended to two families: Myrna, Rick and Michelle at the death of Myrna’s brother, Eric and to David and Pearl. David’s mother died late last week.
Reflection:
“We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are,” (Max De Pree).
One of the requirements for the acceptance of a girl at Hope House is that she will pursue an education. We hear the stories of the end result and rejoice in the success of the girls who transition from the street or a state run orphanage to a university degree with employable skills. We forget the journey that takes place between acceptance and the time when the young women leave Hope house equipped to live life off the streets. The journey involves change – the girls cannot remain what they were. Change is hard, frustrating, discouraging. No doubt there are tears, temptations to run away and return to the familiar. Yet those who become what they need to be refuse to remain what they are.
Think about some of your frustrations or difficulties or discouragements or complaints. Are they related to the changes that need to take place for you to become what you need to become? If they are, look to God for the courage to change so that you can become what He created you to be!
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
March 3, 2010
Greetings,
We have changed our plans for this Sunday. Stephanie Gilmer the new Executive Director of World Hope Canada asked me if we would be willing to have Kerry and Carole Allison speak at our church. She said, "we would be glad we did."
How could I say "no" to such an opportunity.
Kerry and Carole Allison are part of the World Hope efforts to protect street children from human trafficking. It is estimated that since the independence of Ukraine 120,000 young women have been trafficked, mainly for the sex trade. World Hope has partnered with others to establish programs to help the street children who are most at risk. If you want to find out more you can go to www.worldhope.ca
After careers in education Kerry and Carole first went with their three children to Zambia Africa in 1984, In 1995 they went to Vladimir Russia to help build a Wesleyan Bible College and Church. Since 2004 they have been working with World Hope in Odessa Ukraine.
I am looking forward to hearing from the Allisons and seeing you this Sunday morning.
As well World Hope is organizing to send a team down to Haiti.
Here is the note I received from Stephanie. She and Sheldon will be with the Allisons if you have any questions concerning the possibility of going to Haiti.
"Please note, that we are now planning on leaving Canada on April 20th and returning on April 27th BUT I will confirm these dates, hopefully by either days end or tomorrow. Since there have been a fair number of nurses who expressed interest in going, our focus will most likely be on medical relief. It will be important for a pastor or even two to join the team to provide support for the team as the situation remains very difficult in Haiti."
Between Sunday living involves ministry. One of our five commitments as a congregation is to minister. Our statement on ministry reads:
Ministry - People of the Kingston Standard Church will minister in and to the community (Matthew 25:34-40; Matthew 10:42)
Our goal is to provide opportunities for ministry and encourage you to look for ways you can minister both within the church and in the community.
Last night we began our journey through Luke. If you were intending to come but didn't make it this week plan to come next week. I look forward to seeing you.
If you have any questions, "God sightings" or insights from your readings, or comments, feel free to send me an email.
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
February 26, 2010
More Thoughts and News on Lent:
We have talked about Lent as spiritual exercise to help us become strong followers of Christ. The forty days of Lent relates to Jesus' forty days of fasting, prayer, meditation, and temptation in the wilderness. Lent encourages us in a less rigorous fashion to join Jesus in the wilderness.
Also beginning this Tuesday night I will be leading a small group offering the opportunity to journey through Luke during Lent. It will be at 7:00pm downstairs in the new fellowship area or the teen room depending on the number. You are invited.
My friend Brent Russett, Pastor of Sunnyside Wesleyan Church provides a helpful perspective on Lent:
“As we move towards Easter we want the work of Christ on the cross to affect us deeper. We want the life of Christ in us to have access to every area of our life. We want to experience the life that is really life. Fasting, prayer, communion, ashes, remembering, choosing to give up something, or choosing to take on something makes space for God to make life happen. This is true of us as individuals. It is also true of us as a community. We are not that far into Lent. There is still time for you to set aside this season, so that Christ can move further into you.”
Pastor Jack will be speaking this week. The message will be based on the Transfiguration of Jesus.
Own the Podium and the Kingston Standard Church
Controversy surrounds the “Own the Podium” program instituted for the purpose of pushing Canada to the head of the line. Some suggest it is too results oriented. Others say setting goals is brave and important and we need to focus on results. The expectations of “Own the Podium” have not been fulfilled but I have benefited from listening to some of the conversations. For me listening to both sides provides a healthy balance between a results oriented approach versus funding for our athletes without the extreme pressure of producing medal results.
The discussion takes on added significance for me as pastor of the Kingston Standard Church. Under our governance structure based on John Carver’s Governance Model I was to write a report based on whether or not our congregation is accomplishing its ends or its purposes.
I appreciated the opportunity to think of what we are doing as a congregation not in terms of activities but desired results.
According to our ends statements here are the results we desire.
In pursuit of our mission, the Kingston Standard Church will bring about results in the following five areas:
1. Worship – People of the Kingston Standard Church will engage in continuous worship (in the spirit of Deuteronomy 6:4-8)
2. Fellowship - People of the Kingston Standard Church will connect with each other (Hebrews 10:24,25; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 4:2,3,16)
3. Evangelism - People we touch will hear the Word of God
4. Ministry - People of the Kingston Standard Church will minister in and to the community (Matthew 25:34-40; Matthew 10:42)
5. Discipleship - People of the Kingston Standard Church growing in love, faith and hope as disciples of Jesus, will make disciples of others. (Matthew 28:19-20)
How are we doing? You will have to look at my report (if you ask I will email it to you).
First the report asks questions about: How do we quantify? Next you will discover my effort to provide what John Carver might describe as “crude data” which he says is better than simply talking about what an organization is doing. Mixed in is the whole idea of a reasonable interpretation of expected results. That part is probably not so clear.
I say all this to say: We are a long way from owning the podium but what we are doing is becoming more intentional as we attempt to produce results based on our ends statements. These results are not for the sake of owning the podium but aligning ourselves with the Kingdom of God and thus making a difference for Him in our world. All of this demands Between Sunday Living.
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
February 17, 2010
Last Sunday was a day of celebrations: The Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, Canada’s first gold and our Church Mortgage Burning with guest speaker Don Hodgins the District Superintendent of the Central Canada District.
The Board Members were able to burn a photocopy of the mortgage (we did not burn the original as one person was afraid we had done) without setting off the smoke alarms or burning down the building.
Pastor Don spoke from Psalm 116 on the topic of Thankfulness. If you want to hear Don’s message or want to hear what Bob Hunter or Tony Corcoran had to say we have it captured on CD. Just let us know and we will get you a copy.
On Tuesday Cyndi and I were in Brockville for a District Board of Ministerial Development retreat. The DBMD committee is “charged with overseeing the development and progress of each candidate up to the point of ordination or commissioning. It is responsible to test the validity of the candidates’ calls, identify their strengths and weakness, counsel them, encourage them, direct their academic preparation in cooperation with Education and the Ministry, guide them...”
The responsibility is enormous. Therefore evaluation for the members of the DBMD committee was important. How are we fulfilling our mandate? How can we improve? What changes do we need to make? These were some of the questions we looked at. There are eight people on the committee including the District Superintendent.
Cyndi and I got home just in time for the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper which some describe as the last hurrah before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. There were about 40 plus who came to enjoy pancakes, sausages, maple syrup, and other toppings.
Lent and some of the traditional spiritual exercises are explained in a pamphlet which is available for your use. As well we have a reading guide designed to take you through the Gospel of Luke during the 40 days of lent. You are invited to pick them up and consider implementing the spiritual exercises, and if you are not following a reading plan use the guide to read through the book of Luke during lent.
Our theme for Lent this year comes from a phrase in Romans 12: 2.
“... fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out, (The Message).” The spiritual exercises of Lent are for the purpose of drawing our attention back to God so that he can continue the process of change from the inside out.
On Sundays we will be developing the theme by focusing on the Gospel readings in Luke for the first three weeks. On the fourth Sunday we will go to the Gospel of John and the anointing of Jesus. The fifth Sunday brings us to Palm Sunday followed by Easter Sunday.
As you watch the athletes performing in the Olympics remember they are there in part because of their commitment to physical exercise and training. Lent is a time to give consideration to spiritual exercise.
The Apostle Paul writes: “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should."
(1 Corinthians 9: 24-27)
This week as you admire the discipline and commitment of the Olympic athletes remember they work hard for what is temporal. Paul urges us to apply a similar mindset to spiritual fitness for a prize that we can all win (through Jesus) and lasts forever.
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
February 9, 2010
Greetings,
Last night was our first Alpha session for the Winter Season. We had ten visitors who came to explore the possibility of doing the Alpha course. After viewing the introductory talk by Nicky Gumbel, “Is There More To Life Than This?” most are planning to come back for the first session of the ten week course. If you have not taken Alpha or know someone who might be interested in exploring more about the Christian faith you are invited to come and bring a friend. Send me an email or email the church office.
This Sunday, February 14, is mortgage burning Sunday with our special guest Pastor Don Hodgins our District Superintendent. A lunch will follow after the service. Come and be part of the celebration.
This morning I read from Matthew 26: 36-46. It is the night before Jesus’ crucifixion. He is stressed and he has asked three of his closest intimates to be with him while he gives expression to his deepest feelings of agony. Matt. 26: 38 reads: Then he said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, even to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me.” After his request he goes to talk with his Father. Three times he comes back to his closest friends. Three times he finds them asleep. Disappointed he says to Peter “So, couldn’t you stay awake with me for one hour? (NET)”
What a question.
On the night when Jesus is feeling most in need of support, his friends are not able to enter into his space enough to stay awake. There was a major disconnect between them and the agony Jesus was going through.
Part of “Between Sundays” living is to stay awake to what God wants to accomplish through us in the lives of others. Yes life is busy, often we feel fatigued and stressed yet God is saying to his people: Can you stay awake with me? Will you enter into my space and be part of my team as I seek to turn the world upside down through self giving love.
Like the disciples when it comes to seeing our world from God’s perspective our eyes may be heavy with sleep. Jesus’ challenge is to stay awake and join him in the task of releasing his love.
His words came to me as a challenge. I share them with you for your “Between Sundays” living.
I invite you to share your thoughts and your God sightings with me.
May the Lord Bless,
Peter
February 5, 2010
I started writing this on Monday morning then the week flew by. First there was our annual "Minister and Mates" retreat at the Ambassador which started on Monday afternoon and ended Wednesday morning with Communion.
A predominate theme emerged this week which relates to "Between Sundays" living. It is the theme of prayer. The first challenge came from Fr. Leo Byrne Sunday evening. He spoke at the new Salvation Army Citadel at the Christian Unity service. He recalled being in a similar service 40 years before. He was there out of sense of duty, and had an attitude problem. Duty and arrogance evaporated as he listened to a message by a Methodist minister on the importance of prayer (staying connected with our Father). At the time Father Leo's prayer life was at an all time low. He resolved to nurture his relationship with his Father. Forty years later Father Leo pointed to that day as a pivotal in his ministry. He challenged us from Timothy to rekindle the flame in our own lives.
The Minister and Mate's retreat had a similar theme. The challenge was not simply do for Jesus but let your doing flow out of being with Jesus.
No matter who we are or what our responsibilities may be the opportunity of between Sunday living is to live in relationship with the one who loves us and created us. I want to encourage you to use the "God Sightings: Learning to Experience God Everyday: Companion guide. The guide provides reflective questions to help you examine and be alert to the activity of God through the scriptures and in your life.
May the Lord Bless
Peter
Week of January 18-24th, 2010
Between Sundays is where life happens. So what about Sundays: How do they relate to life? Is there something that happens at church that improves the quality of our life or gives us strength to face the realities of life?
Lest you think all I do is think theological thoughts let me tell you how Monday began. Lisa the group coordinator for "Early Years" that runs at our church on Monday and Tuesday morning called about 8:30 am. "We are hearing a funny sound. It is not a sound we have heard before...."
It was a sound I had heard before. It was water in our sub floor plenums. The blowing furnace fan was gurgling the water. Between Tony and Jack and a little help from me we got the sump pump running, the ditch which was flooded with water somewhat drained with a rented pump. Then Jack shopvaced the water out of the plenums. The gurgling sound ceased.
How does Monday flood connect with Sunday. Was there a God sighting or an opportunity God brought into our lives from an almost flooded basement. I was thankful for Lisa's call, Tony's availability and problem solving skills, and Jack's idea of using a shopvac to suck the water out of the plenums. For me thankfulness replaced the irritation of interruption in part because of the focus on God and his love which takes place on Sundays and this week at least carried over to Monday.
Our goal at KSC is to help you connect Sundays with the rest of the week. This weekly blurb is part of the effort. Our encouragement to have your eyes (and mine) attuned for God sightings, with weekly reflections and the reading of scriptures relates to the desire to see Sundays connected with the rest of the week.
Let me hear some of your stories of in between Sunday living.
Peter
