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Pastor's Message - Pastor Bob Bahr
Let me express how much I have appreciated being with you for the last three weeks.
It’s been great being able to touch base with so many friends and to hear how God has been working in your lives. It’s also been exciting for me to meet some of you for the first time. Thank you for introducing yourselves to me.
As I have been praying and seeing some of the burgeoning ministries which are arising in your midst I’m encouraged and optimistic about what God has in store for you.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Let me encourage each of you to pray for your Search Committee as they seek God’s direction in the selection of a new Lead Pastor and for a Pastor to lead and work alongside your exciting Mandarin-speaking congregation. This is an active and highly dedicated group of people - competent and committed to reaching out to others.
Daily Devotional
I would like to recommend a daily devotional that Marleen and I have been using for the past few months. It’s both biblical and reflective in nature and has proven to be an important addition to the rhythm of our life.
Frankly the best I have ever found. I would highly recommend you try it out and let me know what you think. Lectio 365 app Lectio 365 is inspired by an ancient form of praying the Bible called Lectio Divina (Latin for 'divine reading'). It is a way of approaching Scripture expectant that we will encounter God and hear something relevant for our lives today. Lectio Divina began in the third century, led by early church leader Origen. He believed that by reading the Bible thoughtfully and prayerfully you could discover what he called the 'higher wisdom' within God's Word.
Lectio Divina is about savouring Scripture through repetition, taking time to think and pray through what emerges. Lectio 365 has taken inspiration from Lectio Divina and developed it to help us pray the Bible every day.
This Sunday, July 10
I plan to conclude my series of sermons with you by examining the question: “I Believe In Jesus, What Does That Mean?” I also plan to have a Question and Answer time following the sermon. Please read John 20:24-31
I will be available in the church office on Tuesday afternoons and Thursdays for the next week if you would like someone with whom you can pray or talk.
My prayer for you this week is that God would draw close to you, in a high-touch way, and reassure you of His boundless love for you.
Church Council Retreat - July 16-17
The church Council is gathering together with Pastor Gerry Teichrob next weekend to discuss and review the Governance Manuel. Gerry also will be preaching on July 17.
Pastor Chris will be returning from vacation and will immediately join in this retreat. Please pray from him and wisdom for your leaders as they get together.
Prayer for the sick and shut-ins: We also need to continue to pray for Roger as he recovers from major surgery. May God’s peace and healing rest upon him. Also, pray for his mother as she recovers from Covid.
We also need to pray for those members of our church family who find it increasingly difficult to attend church in person. Perhaps you could find time this week to scroll through the church directory and contact someone who is in that situation. If each one of us took the time to contact one person it would be fantastic.
The Bible Project: Following a very successful youth Alpha, Mary Findlay will continue her ministry with teens and any adults or parents who would like to attend. The course she will be offering is called "The Bible Project" which provides a visual presentation of the books of the BIBLE. It will be held Wednesday evenings, in the Fireside Room at 7pm. You can contact Mary for additional information at mary.findlay@westvanbaptist.com. You are encouraged to check it out. You will be glad you did.