Pastor’s Message
When I was a young Christian in the 1970s, the topic of the “end times” was frequently “in the air.” Predictions were made that did not come true. Perhaps it is those failed predictions that caused many evangelicals to stop talking about Christ’s Return. Perhaps we have overreacted. It is so important and crucial to our eternal hope to know Jesus is coming back. He leads us through the challenges of our present lives and then will take us home to be with him forever: “that where I am, they may be also.” (John 14:3)
In the church calendar it is Ascension Day on Thursday, and we will rejoice in that marvelous event on Sunday. In the meantime, why not take time to reflect on the following assurance today? “This same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Special Announcements
Canadian Baptist National Day of Prayer, May 16. Canadian Baptists across Canada have been called to a National Day of Prayer on May 16. Specifically, they are inviting churches to pray for the physical, spiritual, and mental health of all those impacted by Covid-19:
- Those directly impacted by Covid-19… May God grant healing, comfort, and peace.
- Healthcare Professionals… May God grant strength, perseverance, and rest.
- Essential Workers… May God grant protection as they serve on the frontlines.
- The Poor and Marginalized… May God protect those who are especially vulnerable.
- Government Leaders and Policy Makers… May God grant wisdom and a desire to work for the good of all – both at home and abroad.
- Our Churches… May God use us to provide support and hope as we care for the most vulnerable in our neighbourhoods and around the world.
Thank you for praying together. We serve the Lord who is making all things new!
Journey Home – a message from Russ Fox: Journey Home with whom we have been working to support two refugee families is a Christian organization that is currently looking for candidates to fill two paid positions.
- a full time Settlement Advisor
- 16 hour per week Administrative Assistant.
The deadline for applications is May 17, 2021. If you know someone who may be interested in applying please contact Russ at 604.418.5112 or russlfox@gmail.com to receive more information.
Website: we’ll be launching a new church website on June 1 based on the Tithe.ly software package. The package is used by many churches in the Lower Mainland and amongst a number of advantages, it offers an opportunity for our ministries to maintain their own part of the site. We’ll be updating you with further information in due course but if you have any queries by all means call Chris on 778.987.8102.
Calling all grads: on June 13, we’ll be honouring grads in our service. We’d really like to pray for you at that time – so if you’re graduating, please let Toni know in the office, giving us your name and from which school you’re graduating.
Happening this Week
DivorceCare: each Saturday at 10.30 a.m. until July 17
Boundaries: each Monday at 7.00 p.m. until June 28
Small Groups: small group details can be found on our church website. Don’t hesitate to contact Chris at chris@westvanbaptist.com if you would like to join a small group
Exercise at Home: Join Donna Weston, certified personal trainer, for a free weekly 30-minute workout via Zoom on Wednesdays. For more information, call the office for her contact information.