Pastor's Message - Chris Kibble
The 20th-century Norwegian pastor [Ole] Hallesby likens prayer to mining as he knew it in Norway. Demolition to create mine shafts took two basic kinds of actions. There are long periods of time, he writes, "when the deep holes are being bored with great effort into the hard rock." To bore the holes deeply enough into the most strategic spots for removing the main body of rock was work that took patience, steadiness, and a great deal of skill. Once the holes were finished, however, the "shot" was inserted and connected to a fuse. "To light the fuse and fire the shot is not only easy but also very interesting … One sees 'results.' … Shots resound, and pieces fly in every direction." He concludes that while the more painstaking work takes both skill and patient strength of character, "anyone can light a fuse."
Pastor Tim Keller comments ‘This helpful illustration warns us against doing only "fuse-lighting" prayers, the kind that we soon drop if we do not get immediate results. If we believe both in the power of prayer and in the wisdom of God, we will have a patient prayer life of "hole-boring." Mature believers know that handling the tedium is part of what makes for effective prayers. We must avoid extremes—of either not asking God for things or thinking we can bend God's will to ours. We must combine tenacious importunity, a "striving with God," with deep acceptance of God's wise will, whatever it is’.
Events
Mark your calendars for these great events coming up.
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Prayer time: Please join us after the service as we will be having a special prayer time in the Sanctuary which will focus on our two pastoral searches.
Shut-ins: we have a number of attendees who are homebound and/or who would welcome a regular visit. Can you help? If you can visit a couple of people on a regular basis, we’d be very grateful. Please call Pastor Chris on 778 987 8102 if you can help.
Livestream: this coming Sunday, July 31 we will be using new software for our Livestream on the website and our Youtube Channel. This will give a much better view of the PowerPoint slides, and easier to produce. Due in part to this new software and some technical difficulties recently with the sound on Zoom we will not be using Zoom on Sunday mornings. One of the options on the Youtube channel is the ability to choose your preferred language in the closed caption (CC) or subtitles. On our website's HOME page there is a button to access the Youtube channel.
- Directions: To get subtitles in any language (once the streaming goes live) click on CC, then click on the GEAR icon and click subtitles, click on auto-generated, then click on the language you prefer.
- We will start the live stream at 9:40am to test this option to make sure it is working correctly.
We would like your feedback on the viewing options. Please contact Judy Thompson for further information or if you are interested in learning the Livestream process to assist us on Sunday mornings.
Serving opportunities: we’re always pleased if you’re able to help at WVBC. Some current needs are:
- Greeting and ushering
- Technical work in support of the Sunday Service
- Pew materials maintenance
If you can help, please contact Toni Pankratz in the church office at 604.922.0911.
Weekly Newsletter: we put out a weekly newsletter to help people keep up with the activities and concerns of the church. If you are new to our fellowship - Welcome. We are so pleased that you have chosen to join us. If you would like to receive our weekly newsletter you can pick up the WELCOME VISITORS CARD in the pew in front of you and fill it out and check the “Receive Weekly Newsletter.” Please drop the card in the offering box in the foyer of the church. Thanks.