Missionary Jim Elliot once wrote: ‘I walked out to the hill just now. It is exalting, delicious. To stand embraced by the shadows of a friendly tree with the wind tugging at your coattail and the heavens hailing your heart, to gaze and glory and to give oneself again to God, what more could a man ask?
Oh, the fullness, pleasure, sheer excitement of knowing God on earth. I care not if I never raise my voice again for Him, if only I may love Him, please Him. Mayhap, in mercy, He shall give me a host of children that I may lead through the vast star fields to explore His delicacies whose fingers' ends set them to burning. But if not, if only I may see Him, smell His garments, and smile into my Lover's eyes, ah, then, not stars, nor children, shall matter--only Himself’.
March 6 in-person service: whilst the current arrangements continue for the February 27 service, the Council feels a 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.
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. Mandarin Service link
Identity Statement Discussion: Session 1, March 2 with Gerry Teichrob facilitating, this will be held on Wednesday in the sanctuary and on Zoom (use the Mandarin Service link on the website home page) as follows:
We will assume that attenders have read the Identity Statement
Membership: your Council would like to warmly recommend eighteen candidates for church membership. A detailed list is available in the weekly email or call the office for the information. Contact the Church Clerk, Hilary Blair if you have any objections.
Nominations for Council: Joanna Roork (second term), Debra Ames (completing a term that ends 2023), Less Nasserden, and Ken Radant. The term of our treasurer, Don Hill also ends this year, however, he will serve another year, pursuant to the approval of the AGM.
Continuing Council members are Hilary Blair, Kathie Curtis, Mathilda Engelbrecht, and Nancy Lee. Peter Fruhling finishes his term and is retiring from Council.