Dec. 10

We will be gathering a little sooner this Sunday-10.30, to share in some treats before our family Christmas celebration starts at 10.45.

There will be no church service on Dec. 26.

This photo is from a live nativity and the baby is real. A reminder that all the nativity scenes that we see at this time of year depict an actual event-the birth of Jesus, who came to earth as a tiny baby to be our sacrifice. His death on the cross made it possible for us to have eternal life.

As we celebrate His birth, let us remember that the manger scene led to the cross.

Dec. 10

The Burk's Falls Christmas parade was held last Saturday and we entered a float. We didn't win a prize this year but we did our best to show the real meaning of the season.
We would like to thank those who made the float possible; those who travelled a long way to participate, who came despite ill health and the neighbour who lent his truck and time to pull the float.

The board has decided that as Boxing Day is on a Sunday and most of the members will be away to not hold a service on the 26th.

DEVOTIONAL

There are mornings after watching the news that I feel as though everything is out of control. Despite all man's best efforts and billions of dollars, there are still famines, disease, poverty and war. Of course, as a Christian, I know that the Bible says that our world will always be plagued with these things until the Lord sets up His new kingdom. However, that knowledge doesn't bring comfort. I gain my security from knowing that God is in control. He never changes.

He alone is my rock and salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Ps 62: 2

Nov. 26

This Sunday we are pleased to have Aaron with us once again to bring us God's message.
The next couple of weeks are going to be busy ones for our church. This Sunday evening is the community service at Holy Cross church.
Monday is the Ladies Circle of Friendship Christmas meeting and next Saturday is Burk's Falls Christmas parade.


Devotional
Many of you are probably in the midst of shopping, wrapping gifts and doing cards. It is very easy to get caught up in the hustle and expense of the season. We get tired and discouraged. Let us remember to take a few moments each day to remember why we are celebrating. Let us remember, also, those who do not have our reason for joy.

Thou hast given me the shield of Thy salvation and Thy right hand upholds me; and Thy gentleness makes me great.
Ps. 18:35

Blessings,

Nov. 19

We have had a bit of snow here overnight but only enough to add a tuoch of white to the ground. the temperature is slightly below freezing; not cold yet although it is a reminder that winter will arrive eventually.
With the cooler weather, our thoughts turn to Christmas. Burk's Falls parade is on Dec. 4th and Chetwynd Community Church is preparing its entry.

We had a very challenging message on Sunday about Judas. We were still discussing it as we gathered after the service for a poptluck dinner.

Devotional

The Lord sustains all who fall and raises up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145: 14
Our culture teaches that we should not have to suffer. No child should get a failing grade or be on a losing team. No-one should be ill or not have every material desire. One commercial on television states that 'you deserve it'.
Yet, if we look back on our own lives and those throughout history, it is the difficult times that gave us the strength and faith to grow and help others.
Having problems, whether in health, finances or family, isn't something to be desired but it is a reality of our life on earth. Our joy and peace as Christians comes in knowing we are not alone nor are we left to deal with it by ourselves. Our Lord is always there. He is our helper and sustainer.

I pray that the Lord God, our Father, who loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us would be very close to you this week.

Nov. 12

I trust that you took a few moments yesterday to remember the soldiers-male and female-who are gave their lives for us. Their sacrifice is but a small shadow of our Lord who gave His life who did likewise.
This Sunday, Chetwynd will be celebrating communion and, following the service, sharing in a pot luck.
We are preparing for Burk's Falls Christmas parade. Will will be entering a float that depicts the real meaning of Christmas.
We also continue to pray for a new pastor and, as we wait, are thankful for those who share God's word with us each Sunday.


Devotional

Scripture tells us that we are to 'give thanks always for all things'. Thess. 5: 20. Does this mean that we are to be thankful for the dreadful things that happen in this world or to praise God for the suffering of someone with a terminal illness. No, of course not. But we can praise Him for His grace, for the peace and strength that He gives to help us go through these things. We can also praise Him for the fact that we are not alone, He is not a God of stone but the living God who understands and has suffered as we do. We can also be thankful (if we know Him) that this world is only temporary and our eternity will be spent with Him in Heaven where there will be no suffering, no tears, no death.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

The Lord is MY Shepherd.

Recently, I was reading an on-line devotional and realized that while I was interested in the little story, I merely scanned the scripture that accompanied it. My mental excuse was that I knew the words by heart and, therefore, didn't need to focus on them. I also realized that this wasn't a valid excuse so I reread the scripture a few times, concentrating on each phrase and was amazed at how much more I learnt about God and His plan for me.
So often we set ourselves a 'spiritual' goal-read the Bible in a year, read a chapter a day etc and the goal becomes more important than the reason. Perhaps, if our focus was to really study a verse or a sentence each day, we would see more spiritual growth.
Here is the first sentence from Psalm 23. I am sure you know it as well as your own name but take a moment to think about each word.
The-this is a definate article meaning that it denotes something specific, something that is the only one.
Lord-creator of the universe, master, ruler
is-present tense meaning now
my-something with which you have a relationship, that belongs to you. You don't say 'my CN Tower
Shepherd-someone who watches over, guides, cares for
Therefore, the one and only creator of the universe at this very moment (and all the rest of the moments in my life including those past) cares about me, is aware of any danger that might touch me, is aware of every need. My name is tatooed on His arm. My picture is in His wallet.
Reread the sentence a few times emphasizing a different word with each repetition.
The LORD is my Shepherd
The Lord IS etc.
Think about the word you are emphasizing and its meaning.

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Chetwynd Community Church News
Please bring a donation for the food bank this Sunday
We are preparing for the Burk's Falls Christmas parade. We need red bows and flowers for the float as well as parade participants.

Harvest Time

This is the time of year that gardners and farmers alike reap the rewards of their hard work. Whether it is the produce for a family's meals or the crops that will finance another year, a good harvest is welcomed.
In our province of Ontario, the weather has produced a bumper crop of fruit, vegtables and wheat. Our personal garden has added fresh picked flavour to many meals and the berries will be enjoyed throughout the year.
Other provinces, however, have not been as fortunate and dire predictions of rising food prices have been reported.
There are many verses in the Bible about sowing and reaping. One of my favourites is in the last chapter of Habakkuk.
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no good, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. (Chapter 3: 17,18)
Whether our crops are good or bad, God is still God. He will provide.
As we continue to pray for a pastor for our church, this is our encouragement: God will provide.