Presently I’m sitting outside on our backyard patio enjoying the flowers and warmth of a summer day. Summer is certainly a gift from God. It affords us the opportunity to take a break from normal responsibilities and reconnect with family and friends and nature.
It’s a time for us to relax and recharge and enjoy the beauty of God’s wonderful creation. This morning Marleen and I took a leisurely walk with Holly alongside the bank of the Fraser River. For me, it was a deeply renewing time. It causes me to reflect on the grandeur of our God.
“LORD my God, how fantastic you are!
You are clothed in glory and grandeur!
You put gushing springs into dry riverbeds.
They flow between the mountains, providing water for every wild animal.
Overhead, the birds in the sky make their home,
chirping loudly in the trees.
From your lofty house, you water the mountains.
The earth is filled full by the fruit of what you’ve done.
You make grass grow for cattle.
You make plants for human farming in order to get food from the ground,
and wine, which cheers people’s hearts,
along with oil, which makes the face shine,
and bread, which sustains the human heart.
The LORD’s trees are well watered, where the birds make their nests.
The high mountains belong to the mountain goats;
the ridges are the refuge of badgers.
I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I’m still alive.
Let my praise be pleasing to him;
I’m rejoicing in the LORD!”
Psalms 104:1, 10-18, 33-34 CEB
This Sunday I will be reflecting on the surprising outreach of the Gospel to the Samaritans in Acts chapter 8. The chapter opens with weeping over the death of Stephen and ends with tears of great joy. I invite you to pick up copies of Tom Walker’s excellent Canada Day message at the welcome table this Sunday. You will also find copies of my Sunday morning sermon there as well.
I would also like to remind you of our gathering at Ambleside Beach this Saturday from 9:30 am – 11:30 am (don’t forget to bring your own lawn chairs). My prayers are with you as we come together to represent Jesus in our community.
Under Construction: Renovation of WVBC Children's Space. We are thrilled to announce that the renovation of our two children's classrooms began today. Renovations are expected to take 4 weeks. We will do our best to keep the disruption to a minimum and ask for your patience during this time. Sunday School classes will continue in the lower level of the Adult Lounge during this time.
Mark your calendars for these great events coming up.