News for the week of March 16-22, 2023

Pastor's Message - Bob Bahr

Last Sunday, we had a great joint service with our Mandarin community. I want to thank all of you who gave your time to serve. Thank you!

Last Sunday, we also decided to participate with our Canadian Baptist family to raise money to help relieve some of the global sufferings around the world.

Statistics show that a staggering 10% of the global population is going hungry. The pandemic, economic hardship, climate change, ongoing conflicts, and natural disasters are just some of the factors contributing to widescale food insecurity. Closer to home, 1 in 7 Canadians is food insecure. Food banks and other food-related programs served over 5 million Canadians per month last year. Our Canadian Baptist family has set a goal of $100,000 to help ensure people have access to food in 13 different countries, including right here at home.

Your support will feed people in Thailand, India, the Philippines, DR Congo, South Sudan, Togo, El Salvador, Rwanda, Kenya, Lebanon, Pakistan, Ukraine, AND Canada. On Easter Sunday we will take a special offering that will go specifically to this initiative. You will receive a special envelope on Palm Sunday for this purpose.

One of the characteristics of our church over the years has been generosity. And as your transition Pastor I’m thrilled that we have this opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ to some of the most vulnerable.

This Sunday I will be looking at the fifth sign recorded in the Gospel of John. It’s found in John 9: 1-34. Please read through this passage during the week. Personally, I found it to be a DIFFICULT passage to exegete. There is so much going on in this passage of scripture. I’ve entitled my sermon “A Real Eye Opener.”

What is Jesus saying to you as you read this story? I look forward to connecting with you Sunday. 

I would also encourage you to pray for those members of our church family struggling with critical health issues.