I have a question...

Okay...the truth is I have several rhetorical questions but they really can be distilled down into one.  

Can anyone tell me what exactly about the behaviour of North American Christians during the Christmas season actually reflects the Christ of Christmas, the story of Christmas or even the essence of our Christian values?  

Is it our overeating?  Is it how we spend our money?  Is it our schedule of activity?  Is it our brief time of organized worship during a Sunday service?  Is it the process of shopping, wrapping, unwrapping, and then storing stuff we don’t need?  Is it who we invite into our inner circle to celebrate with us? Is it how we live among and are available to our neighbours practically and spiritually? 
  

I’m thinking that if we were honest with ourselves we would have to admit that there is not that much about our behaviour as Christians during Christmas that distinguishes us from everyone else.  Notice I am using inclusive language here.  I'm definitely included in this conversation.

Yet still we wonder why the world isn't attracted to Jesus.  Why we aren't experiencing exponential growth like the early church.  Perhaps it's because the world simply doesn't see Jesus in his "followers."  Isn't this the perfect time of year to work toward changing that?

What do you think?  How do you propose we follow Jesus this Christmas?

Pastor Gary

Bethlehem...A Personal Christmas.

With just 10 days to go before Christmas, the excitement and pressure is growing! But if you're like me, over the years the excitement has changed. It has changed steadily from a focus on the gifts that are exchanged to the people that bring meaning and joy to life. In other words, Christmas is getting more personal.

I wonder if this is why the town of Bethlehem was chosen by God to be the birthplace of Jesus. Jerusalem, Rome or Athens would have been more notable places because of their role in world affairs. Why wouldn't the World-Changer come from a town with more notariety?  Maybe Bethlehem is among the first indications of how personal Christmas is supposed to be!  Maybe the reason for Bethlehem was to ensure that the Christ of God would be someone to whom even a commom person could relate--you know, those of us not born into royalty, riches, celebrity, power or influence!

Or, given that Bethlehem means "house of bread," I wonder if Bethlehem was God's choice in order to indicate that his Christ would satisfy our most basic hunger. After all, the One born in Bethlehem's "house of bread" later called himself "the bread of life" (John 6:35). A remarkably intentional connection, don't you think?

Or, I wonder if maybe Bethlehem might have been chosen to testify that we individually must choose the One born there. You can't eat for another person. Even if we eat from the same loaf of bread we each eat for ourselves (1 Cor. 10:17).

By the way, I still like getting and giving gifts :-) but I think there's more...a whole lot more...that is worthy of our excitement and attention. Like the "bread of life" that came from the "house of bread."

Merry Christmas!

Twitter | Christmas | The Gospel

Do you use Twitter?  I’m sure you’ve heard of it somewhere.  Twitter.com is a social media website which allows its users to write microblogs consisting of no more than 140 characters.  When properly used, Twitter allows users to creatively and concisely share their thoughts, post web links, share photos, etc.  I use it mainly to follow the thoughts of authors, Christian thinkers, and get news and TTC updates.  This blog, however, is not about Twitter.  It’s about something I found on Twitter.

Today I read a ‘tweet’ which jumped right off the screen and hit me like a ton of bricks!  The user (@leadershipfreak)  posted a quote by Henry David Thoreau which read, “It takes two to speak the truth: to speak and another to hear.”  I immediately flipped open my bible to Romans 10 where Paul is writing about The Message of Salvation to All.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.  Romans 10:17

Faith comes from hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ.  

How will people hear it if we don’t share it?

Christmas time is absolutely overflowing with opportunities to discuss your faith in Jesus at work, school, in line at Tim Horton’s...Anywhere!  The radio is playing songs that are singing about the manger in which our Saviour was born, performances of Handel’s Messiah are selling out in venues across the city, ‘Jesus is the Reason for the Season’ stickers and decorations can be seen stuck on the bumpers of cars and in store windows, beautiful life-sized manger scenes are setup in front of churches...do you get the idea?  Simply talking about what you see and hear during the Christmas season will provide you with a foundation to share your faith.

Christmas is a time to celebrate the arrival of our Saviour and King.  God the Father directly and intentionally brought his Son into the world with the mission of dying in the place of sinners and rising again for the eternal salvation of all who believe it.  

 

How can you not tell somebody about it?

I’m praying for ya,

Dave

Saying wedding vows...but to whom?

Karen and I were talking lately about the role of wedding vows. We said our vows to each other 27 years ago...and I'd do it all again!   But, like you, we've seen some friends not fulfill the vows they were so sure they would when they said them.

In the face of regular marriage breakdown maybe we should be thinking more about the role of wedding vows than we used to...especially the until-death-do-us-part part! More specifically, to whom do we make our vows?  

When we make our vows we say them to a person! Seems obvious...but think twice about that.  We make our vows to a person: not to a concept (marriage) nor to a feeling (love) nor to a context (happiness). The vow is "until death do us part" not "until our love fails" or "until happiness leaves" or "until circumstances change." I wonder if many couples said their vows to the wrong thing...to love or happiness or marriage...when they should have been saying them to a person?

What do you think? Do you think some people simply say their vows without meaning it? Or perhaps they meant it but didn't really say their vows to a person?

So...You're Calling Me A Frog?

Have you heard the one about boiling frogs? 

It's an experiment that goes like this:

Part 1:  Bring a pot of water to a boil.  While the water is still boiling drop a live frog into the pot.  What does the frog do?  Most likely the frog will recognize that something is wrong, that he is in danger and he will use all of his energy to get out of the pot.

Part 2: Fill a pot with lukewarm water.  Drop a live frog into the pot.  Then, turn the heat on low and slowly bring it to a boil.  What happens to the frog?  Most likely the frog will swim around and become comfortable with the water temperature.  It will adjust to the rising heat and before he knows it, the water has come to a boil and Kermit is cooked.

So, why am I telling you this?  I'm telling you about this because the frog's experience is quite similar to our experience with sin.

Sometimes we commit a sin that has instant consequences.  Like the frog being dropped into boiling water, we realize we are in big trouble and that we have done something wrong.  We quickly recognize that what we have committed a sin, we learn our lesson, we repent and we walk away from it.

Other times, however, the things we do, the sins we commit, do not bring results in such a quick way.  We don't recognize the sins we are committing because the repercussions are much more gradual.  We become comfortable with those sins because we, like the frog, become adjusted.

The truth is that neither of these are good.  All sin is bad.  I am encouraged by Paul's writing to the Corinthians:

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
                                                                                      (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV)

God is faithful, and he will not let us be tempted beyond our ability, but we need to be actively aware of our actions, behaviours and surroundings to ensure that we do not succumb to temptation and get boiled!


Grace & Peace,

Dave

Dependency

We're taught from a very early age in the West to be independent; self-actualizing people. This of course translates into every sphere of our lives for better or worse.  And subtlety (or not so subtlety) communicates we are god - masters of our own fate.  It isn't a coincidence then that the Bible teaches us that God wants us to live dependent lives; dependent on Him and that such independence only brings hardship (Jeremiah 17:5-8).

I'm personally thinking through how I'm living dependent on the LORD more these days.  Allowing myself to be in a position of complete dependency on the LORD is definitely the best place to be.  It is there where God shows up.  It is there where miracles happen.  It is there where testimonies are formed.  It is there where faith becomes a reality.  It is there where God ultimately can receive "all the glory."

I'm also seeing that such dependency is intimately connected with witness.  Do you see that?   

LORD I want to be dependent on you today.  I don't want to rely on my own resources to 'get things done.'  I want you to act so that I receive your best and the world sees you; not me.

Can you relate?

Gary

Praying with our families. Praying for our families.

I don't know about you, but watching the darling and trusting little face of Justice during her baby dedication on Sunday brought great delight to my heart!

What a privilege it was for us, the church congregation, to be asked by Pastor Gary to enter into a partnership with Chris and Tara as they raise their precious little family.

The question is: How do we enter into that partnership?

I am sure there are a variety of answers to that question, but I'd like to suggest a way that each and everyone of us can participate in.

Praying.

And not just for Chris and Tara's family, but for all the family units at Calvary Church.

I recently found this sweet little prayer that can guide us to pray daily with/for our own family; and pray over other families at Calvary.


Lord,

WE THANK YOU FOR THE BLESSINGS IN OUR LIVES.

From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16

WE HUMBLY GIVE THIS DAY TO YOU. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

WE COMMIT OUR FAMILY TO YOUR KINGDOM.

As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15 

SURROUND OUR HOME AND EACH OF US WITH YOUR PROTECTION.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 

GIVE US PEACE EVEN WHEN WE HAVE MUCH TO DO AND MANY PLACES TO GO.

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. John 14:27

FILL OUR HEARTS WITH LOVE FOR YOU, EACH OTHER, AND THOSE AROUND US. Love one another, for love comes from God. 1 John 4:7 

HELP US TO FULFILL YOUR PLANS AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.

“For I know the plans I have for you...plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

OUR FAMILY IS YOURS, TODAY AND ALWAYS. AMEN.

-Holley Gerth

Let's join together--resolute in our diligence and courage--to pray with our families...and to be families that pray for our Calvary families!


Enjoyed visiting with you today!

(Kathy Butryn, guest blogger)

http://www.kathybutryn.com
http://www.theheartchangeplace.com
http://www.calvarywomenonline.blogspot.com

A new addition in the Bible!!

I have a growing fascination--attraction might be a better word--with the Bible. The more experience I accumulate the more “true-to-life” the scripture seems to be! I know, I know...it's really just me that has changed. Still, I find some long-time familiar passages seem as fresh as if they had just recently been added.

For instance, last week I read John 15:1-8. You probably know it. It's the time when Jesus was talking to his disciples using the metaphor of the vine and branches. "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." (John 15:4, NIV) I've always thought of that verse legalistically: “remaining in me” is obtained by obedience to him. However, according to the broader context, it seems more likely that obedience IS the fruit...the result of remaining in him. To put it in other terms, it's not obedience that brings spirituality it's spirituality that brings obedience!

I know it's both: obedience results in remaining in him and remaining in him results in obedience. But I wonder how much more joy and satisfaction I might have in my Christian journey if my obedience was viewed less as a task (or burden) to do and more of as a result of my closeness to Him. What do you think?

Darkness Reigns?

Hello to all you folks out there in the Blogosphere . I've decided to try something different this week.  Instead of reading, you'll be watching!  This is a first time for posting a video on our blog site so there may be a little lag.  Please be patient.   Be sure to post your comments below...We'd love to know what you're thinking!

- Dave

Every Good and Perfect Gift

It was my sixteenth birthday and my parents had an amazing surprise for me. It was a brand new CCM 10 speed Targa bicycle.

Wow, I was so excited that I couldn't stop thanking them.

As I think back over that, and many other wonderful blessings that I have received from my parents, I am reminded that my heavenly Father has blessed me beyond what I can ever understand or adequately describe.

James understood this and expressed it so well when he said:

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

and comes down from the Father of lights,

with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."
James 1:17

When it came to the bike, I couldn't stop telling anyone and everyone--who would listen--just how great my parents were for giving me such an awesome gift.

It makes me wonder what it is that holds me--what holds us--back from expressing the same love and overwhelming joy in and for our heavenly Father?

How has God blessed your life this week?

What is it that holds you back from sharing the joy of that overwhelming blessing?

Let us know by leaving a comment below,  and together let's become "little kids" again as we share the blessings of God--our heavenly Father--with everyone we can.

Alan

No Expertise Required

To the unemployed or underemployed these are sweet sounding words aren’t they? After another unsuccessful interview what a relief to finally come across a classified add that has this as its title! I’ve been thinking about this phrase lately because I had a conversation over the phone this week with someone who is part of our church that told me they thought we prefer to have “experts” leading ministry. As I heard them express their heart I was saddened because I imagined they felt the same kind of discouragement that a job-hunter can feel. I heard them saying “I feel that I need not apply for this job because I’m not good enough to be of any use to this church or perhaps even to God.”

Although nothing could be further from the truth, I realized that at times we can perpetuate this myth as a church by how we do things. But if we read the Gospel accounts of the life of Christ there is no doubt that in choosing the disciples Jesus seems to be showing us that “no expertise” is required to follow Him in mission. Just think of the kind of people He chose. One might even argue that Jesus in fact purposefully chose the non-expert to help people see God at work. Consider Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 1:26ff:

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

So be encouraged. No expertise is required.

What do you think about this idea? Doesn't it seem counter-intuitive to the world? Do you think we can really live this out? Won't it be too messy?

Gary

Deep Change!

I've done a lot of reading lately on leadership and change.  The kinds of change I been thinking about are things like change of heart, strategy and ministry.

As I age (notice I didn't say "old") the less I like change. Actually, that's not true. I still like change...the problem is loss: the loss I feel when something is no longer the same. I like my old ways so changing them means losing something I like!

On the other hand, what I like less is the slow death lack of change brings. Let's face it, growth demands and assumes change! So here's what I'm thinking; what I really want is deep change (the name of a really good business book by the way). What I want is change in me that is rooted in a deep moral core that never needs to change--a core that is informed and guided by truth that transcends my own human wisdom. I wonder if this is part of what Proverbs 21:1 means when it says, "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will."?

What do you think?  Post a comment.

Breakfast of Champions

 Do you eat breakfast everyday?  I don't.  I mean, I have a coffee every morning, that's a given, and sometimes I'll grab a muffin or something, but rarely will I sit down and eat a balanced breakfast.  Why?  Because I usually leave my house in a rush with just enough time to get where I'm going.  When I miss breakfast, I usually snack several times throughout the morning if I can, but sometimes I don't have anything until lunch.  On those days I find myself lagging and struggling to think straight.  Every once in a while I will take the time to eat a full breakfast and I always have a more productive day.  Breakfast fuels me and keeps me energized and focused even on the most busy days.

So...Why am I telling you this?  The truth is this doesn't only happen with physical food.  Lack of spiritual food has the same results.

On the days I go to the scriptures before doing anything else, I am fueled, focused and ready to face whatever the day may throw at me.  In this sense, spending time each morning in the scriptures is much like eating a balanced breakfast.  

Jesus says in Matthew 4:4 that, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Mornings with full buffet breakfasts are still not enough to help us get by. We need to fill ourselves with God's word every single day.

I need to work harder at making time with God my number one priority each day...Do you?

Always Hungry,

Dave

Adrenal Fatigue and Jesus?

Moving house.  I never really anticipated how challenging it would be for us.  But a week later I’m feeling it.  I’m suffering from adrenal fatigue.  The human body has two tiny adrenal glands that sit essentially above our kidneys and control hormone production. One of their primary functions is to release stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline), but only when we perceive danger or stress.

Here’s the problem, if you’re anything like me you live such a busy lifestyle that your adrenals are often working overtime.  This of course has a negative effect on our physical health; but I’m also noticing spiritual health.

 

Medical professionals suggest that there are some simple ways we can help care for our adrenal glands so that they support the normal functioning of our bodies.  Jesus also offers us some advice that I’ve been thinking about more over the last several days especially.  You’ve heard it before – Jesus says “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28, 29b.

I hope to make this a priority this fall, how about you?

Gary

Prayer...Maybe!

Prayer is one of my biggest struggles!  It's not that I don't like to pray or don't have a set time to pray. It's just that I'm inconsistent and often not fully "present" when I pray. Whenever I set out to pray there are always things--good things--that distract my attention. I'm sure God understands the dynamics of my life but it must discourage him. Especially since there is no greater way to experience intimacy with God than prayer! Hmmm...maybe that's what prayer is mostly about...growing in friendship with God!

What I'm learning is that prayer is mostly about "presence"...me being fully present when I pray and God making his presence with me more intimate and effectual.  Maybe the better way to say it that prayer is bigger than conversation. Actually, conversation may be but a small part of it! It's more about communion.  Hmmm...maybe that communion can actually be wordless!

So maybe I should try new ways to pray that might help me be more present when I pray as well as experience God's presence?   Hmmm...maybe I'll try some this week!

On the journey with you...

Only God Can Judge Me

Have you heard this term before?  Recently this saying has become very popular in many non-Christian subcultures.  I have seen it spray painted on walls, printed on t-shirts, and most recently tattooed across the chest of one of the youth I work with.  Even though I have not yet had the chance to talk with this teen about the reasoning behind this decision, I can't help but think through some questions as to why this saying has become so popular.

Is it a way of justifying actions?  Is it a way of doing what I want, the way I want, when I want?  Is it just a saying?  Does it even have any meaning to the people who are saying it?  Is it just a fad that will fade with time unlike this young man's tattoo?

To be honest with you, I don't know the reasoning behind the sudden popularity of this saying.  I do know that Jesus is truth and that His teaching in Matthew 7 is something we should not take lightly.  When I saw this tattoo my first reaction was to judge, and I don't know, maybe you're judging right now too.

I think that before we do anything else we need to pray.  Pray for forgiveness so that we will not be hypocrites and for this generation that tends to believe that their own thoughts and actions are more important than their Creator's.

Grace & Peace,

Dave

A High Flying Adventure

It’s been a while since I have felt my nerves at work. My hands were a little sweaty. I recognized that I was breathing a little more shallow than I would normally. What was causing this uneasiness? You might find this a little silly but it was all due to my taking a little ride in a little plane.



Back in July, I was blessed by a friend with the gift of a flight around the city of Toronto in a small plane that he has access to. My friend is both a pilot and a certified flight instructor. Very capable and fully qualified for what we were about to do. As I sat in this little plane or what I would prefer to call the “tin can”, I realized that I was about to put my fate into the hands of this good friend and the equipment he had us sitting in. By the way, so you get the picture, the two of us are jammed in, shoulder to shoulder sitting on what looked like 1950 camper seats. With this said, my number one thought as we taxied out to the run way was p to pray that the Lord would bring me to my family, safe and sound.


To keep this tale short and to the point I must tell you that the take off, flight and landing went off without a hitch. My friend’s flight skills were impeccable and I quickly began to relax and lose all the nervous tension that I had began this adventure with. In other words I found myself trusting him completely and he didn’t let me down.


This little trip caused me to do some thinking about my relationship to God. Way too often I am the one doing the “flying” in my life and putting God in the passenger seat. When I or anyone takes the control we should be very nervous. It’s when we allow God to take the controls of our lives that we can start to truly relax and enjoy this flight we call life.

Psalm 91:1-2

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

Blessings in Christ,

Alan

Alone!

Ok...so I just read my blog on "summer slowdown" from July 7 (have you?) and now my summer vacation time has arrived!!

Summer vacation!  Just the words have a nice ring. Through the courtesy of the "post-dated post" option, I'll be away on vacation when this blog is actually posted. Cool!

As I retreat from normal activities for a time, I take comfort in the fact that even Jesus had some mini-vacations along the way: "After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray." (Mark 6:46)  King James says "there he was alone."  Jesus did this several times...I looked them up!

Mountainside...prayer...alone! Sounds like a good strategic plan for at least some of my summertime vacation.  How about you?

Gotta go now?  Remember, I'm on vacation...

Dear God...

"Dear God, I'm trying hard to reach you.

Dear God, I see your face in all I do.

Sometimes, it's so hard to believe it.

But God, I know you have your reasons." 

These words, which make up the introduction and chorus to the song 'Dear God 2.0' by The Roots feat. Monsters of Folk, hit me like a ton of bricks when I heard them for the first time last week.  I have felt this way before.  I have felt frustrated and agitated and have been inquisitive like this before.  I have prayed prayers like this.

The Roots have been one of the most influential and innovative secular hip hop groups to hit the music scene in the last 25 years.  It amazes and encourages me that a group of musicians who are at the top of the music charts are including deep thoughts like this in their message.  So often do artists rely on catchy yet meaningless words to catch the ears of listeners.  Here, however, The Roots are reflecting on thoughts and asking questions that have struck a chord with the feelings I am certain many Christians have had.  I know I have.

"Be agitated and do not sin;

Ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.

Offer right sacrifices and put your trust in the Lord."

- Psalms 4:4-5 (ESV)

Let us be encouraged by these words when we are frustrated and searching.  Rest in our Creator's promise, because even when we feel this way He will show up in places we least expect him to...like in the chorus of a hip hop track!

Grace & Peace,

Dave

A Minister of Grace

We celebrated the Lord’s Supper as a church family this past Sunday.  Not sure why but as I was receiving the elements from one of our servers the phrase “minister of grace” came to mind.  With my hands I received symbols meant to remind of God’s grace in Christ.  Something given to me freely.  Something that makes me smile, feel loved, secure and at peace. Yet also something that I did not or could not earn – I’ve tried. 

As I began to think about this idea more I asked myself “Do I live my life as a minister of grace?”  Do I serve symbols of grace to others just like the server did for me this past Sunday?  Do I dispense happiness?  Do I give love freely or with requirements?  Do I provide a sense of safety for others?  Do I speak words of peace?   

Just as the elements are symbols of God’s grace in Christ, my life can be.  I can be.  We can be.   Ministers of grace.  Something about that seems so right.   What do you think?

Gary 

If you want to hear an inspiring version of the song - Amazing Grace check this link out- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXV6HJxUebg

Summer slowdown...

     Ok, so maybe I'm slow (no comments please)! The other day I tried to start my motorcycle to go for a "mental health" break (how's that for justifying?) but the engine wouldn't start. Totally dead! 

     Now, I've got enough mechanical skills to figure this out: dead battery, bad wiring, no gas. The usual suspects. Only this time, everything is good: battery, wiring, gas.  What gives?

     Men don't ask for help too quickly and I'm true to my kind. So I step back and contemplate the situation in solitude for a minute or two (of course, while trying to hide my problem from onlookers). Then it comes to me...along with the requisite smack on the forehead that seems to come naturally with these "aha" moments.  The kill switch is turned on! The engine can't start when the kill switch is on...that's why it's there, so the engine won't start.  And it's the first place to look when the engine is dead.

   

     Looking around to cover my embarrassment in case anyone was watching, I started the engine and took off faster than I might normally.  You understand!

      Now, not everything in life generates a Bible lesson, but this one did. It got me thinking about Psalm 119:105 and my need to slow down, step back and contemplate life's situations. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." My current ways ("my feet") need some illumination as does the way I should go ("my path"). Both my way and my direction require a little reflection in order to go in good directions. And God's word does both.

     Maybe a little summer slowdown might help me remember how to start a motorcycle...and reflect on my feet and my way a bit more.   For what it's worth...

La Belle Province!

For the last 5 days I have had the opportunity to enjoy the City of Montreal, Quebec, which is where I am writing from. A national youth ministry conference has more than accomplished its task of providing times for reflection, refreshment and worship and has lead to a rich and rewarding cultural experience.

I was very excited in the days leading up to my time in Montreal and I could barely wait for the different sights and sounds I would soon be seeing and hearing. However, when my wife and I entered the city I suddenly developed a sense of nervousness. The nervousness had nothing to do with the somewhat confusing highway system (although, Sandra would attest that this was the pinnacle of her uneasy feeling), but rather a worry that I wouldn’t be able to communicate with the people of our French province.

The French I learned in elementary school has long since been forgotten because I have been out of practice for several years, which has greatly affected my ability to truly submerge myself into this French-Canadian culture.

Is there something in your life which has been forgotten as a result of a lack of up keeping? Has it limited you from being able to communicate of fully understand something?
I encourage you to revisit a forgotten ability in attempt to appreciate the value it once had.

Bonne Chance!
 
Dave

"A Bad Day of Golf is..."

Yesterday, I was privileged to enjoy a day of fellowship and relaxation on the golf course. It was truly a great day to get away from the daily routine of life. Our Nisbet Lodge was able to raise a few more dollars which will help towards its redevelopment plan. Have you ever heard someone say that "a bad day of golf is better than a good day at work?”  Yesterday's outing would make it hard to disagree with that saying.

As I was on the course, it struck me how much I had been looking forward to spending time with the guys and enjoying the golf, and yet I had to ask myself the question, do get as excited and hold as much anticipation about "getting away" with the Lord. How about you and the things you enjoy doing?

I can tell you that the benefits of spending a little or extended periods of time on "get-a-ways with God" have proven to far outweigh any other "get-a-ways" that I have taken.

I just wanted to encourage you to begin or keep on intentionally planning these special times set apart from the routines of life, especially, during this upcoming summer season. They will be soul nurturing opportunities that will definitely strengthen your relationship with the heavenly Father.

I leave you with one of my favourite O.T. verses.

Joshua 1:8

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.


Alan 

Pastor of Family Life
Calvary Church, Toronto | AGC
416.466.3040 x 15

It's that time again...Calvary Church Picnic!

Want some more information? 

Give us a call at the office at 416-466-3040. 

Hope to see your there!

Let the blogging begin!

Everybody’s doing it!

Well, not literally everyone…but blogging has become an important way to develop online relationships around important life events, people, ideas and thoughts. So it’s time for our church leadership...and YOU... to get into the game. 

Our goal for the blog is to create a kind of viral community where we can all participate in ongoing “discussion” on what God is doing in our lives.

To that end, the men and women from the church leadership team (with some guest bloggers from time-to-time) will post a blog: a theological reflection, a life-journey or maybe a meaningful scripture.  Something related to our common goal of becoming devoted followers of God in the midst of real-life ups and downs.

Then you will pick-up-the-ball and add your insights, comments, encouragement, etc.

And if you don’t?  Well, then it’s probably going to be a bit boring.  Not to mention a royal waste of everyone’s time!  Let’s see what we can do to not let that happen.

Bookmark this address and watch for it by Wednesday of each week.  So, let the games begin…

Have you visited our website yet?

Drop by and visit us at www.calvarychurch.ca