Pastor's Message - Chris Kibble
Corrie Ten Boom wrote ‘Often I have heard people say, "How good God is! We prayed that it would not rain for our church picnic and look at the lovely weather!'" Yes, God is good when He sends good weather. But God was also good when He allowed my sister, Betsie, to starve to death before my eyes in a German concentration camp.
I remember one occasion when I was very discouraged there. Everything around us was dark, and there was darkness in my heart. I remember telling Betsie that I thought God had forgotten us. "No, Corrie," said Betsie, "He has not forgotten us. Remember His Word: 'For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him.'"
Corrie concludes, "There is an ocean of God's love available--there is plenty for everyone. May God grant you never to doubt that victorious love--whatever the circumstances."
March 6 in-person service: the Council feels that relaxation of our in-person gatherings is now in order. Therefore, we’re welcoming the unvaccinated back into the sanctuary. Consequently, on Sunday, March 6, we would ask that the unvaccinated sit in the blue chairs on the left-hand side of the sanctuary as you face the front, and the vaccinated sit in the pews. We would also ask that the unvaccinated arrive and leave via Neil Bell’s office on the left side of the sanctuary. If you feel uncomfortable, the vaccinated may wish to sit further back in the sanctuary, as the worship team will have both vaccinated and unvaccinated.
Masks are still required for all in our in-person services. They may be temporarily removed when physical distancing if you are partaking in communion, and if you are ‘officiating’ – emcee, giving announcements, leading prayer, calls to worship, benediction, spotlights on ministry presentations, preaching, scripture reading - and if you are the lead singer of a song or hymn.
We aren’t yet having refreshments after the service, but the vaccinated may fellowship in the foyer. You can still watch the Livestream. And the Mandarin group can log on to ZOOM to hear the translated message. You can join using this link.
Membership: your Council would like to warmly recommend candidates for church membership. These can be found in the weekly email. If you do not receive the weekly email please contact Toni in the church office.
2021 Year-End Charitable Receipts: were emailed on February 21. If you have not received it please contact Judy Thompson on Mondays in the office from 10 to 2pm. Or by email to jthompson@westvanbaptist.com. If we don't have your email address on file the receipts were mailed.
Day Off: Please note that Friday is Pastor Chris' day off, though he is always available in emergency situations.
Events
Mark your calendars for these great events coming up.
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