News for the week of August 24-30, 2023

With Pastor Bob and Marleen on vacation this week, Tracey asked me to write up a few thoughts for our newsletter. So “warm greetings” from Ken on behalf of the team.

The Bahrs are back in the Lower Mainland, having had their time in the interior cut short by the fires, but we’re glad they are still taking this time to relax. Their early return serves as another reminder for us all to be praying for those affected by the fires, and for God’s intervention to ease the heat and bring relief.

It’s hard to believe that we’re coming into the final week of August. I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer, with plans to enjoy the rest to the full even as autumn comes up on the horizon. The importance of regular rest was driven home to me again this week when I ran across an interesting article, describing recent research that indicates that people who fail to take vacations are at significantly greater risk of premature death than those who get away consistently every year. (There’s a great reason not to feel guilty about that time away!) It was a secular article, but it made me think of the Bible’s insistence that God’s people should practice a healthy rhythm of Sabbath rest. Once again, the wisdom of His word is confirmed, and I’m encouraged that He cares about the practical details of our lives.

Of course, the end of summer will also mark the ramp-up of fall ministry programs, together with kick-off events like our upcoming Welcome Back BBQ. Please be praying for our church’s ministries as we gear up for a new season, and thinking about areas where God may be prompting you to use your own gifts as part of our church’s service to one another and to our community. Thanks to everyone for your faithful prayer and investment. You are the hands and feet of Jesus, and the things you do on His behalf are never wasted.

With Pastor Bob still on vacation, I’m preaching this coming Sunday, continuing our series in Acts. Our new ministry year will bring many new opportunities and challenges, and no doubt a whole boatload of unexpected things for us to navigate. With that in view, it’s probably good that this week’s passage challenges us to think about how to manage the changes that life brings, ensuring that we’re following the Spirit’s leading attentively. We’ll be looking at Acts 11:1-18 if you’d like to get a head-start.

Richest blessings, and have a wonderful week!