Please note that this blog is no longer being maintained.
Our blog can now be found on our church website: www.kingroad.ca/blog
Thank you.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Together We Sing!
December is just around the corner. And we have plans at King Road to kick off the Advent season with some great music. The Pacific Mennonite Children's Choir will be joining us in both morning services on December 2. And, in the evening, at 6:30 pm, we will have our second annual Together We Sing - Advent Edition. Music and dessert - what could be better?
Okay, that first paragraph simply sounds like information, right? Yes, getting the information out there is important. It's why we announce this event in the paper, on our website, on our facebook page, on our blog. It's why we print posters and invitation leaflets. But, my challenge to all of us is to go further. Invite someone. Invite more than one someone. Offer them a ride. Encourage them to come. Look for them in the foyer. Sit with them. Help them find their way around our facilities.
Why? Because this is one event where we intentionally want not only to bless people, but to tell them what the Christmas message is all about. So, will you join me in praying and inviting? It would be great to have a packed house praising God together, for his honour and glory!
See you Sunday!
Okay, that first paragraph simply sounds like information, right? Yes, getting the information out there is important. It's why we announce this event in the paper, on our website, on our facebook page, on our blog. It's why we print posters and invitation leaflets. But, my challenge to all of us is to go further. Invite someone. Invite more than one someone. Offer them a ride. Encourage them to come. Look for them in the foyer. Sit with them. Help them find their way around our facilities.
Why? Because this is one event where we intentionally want not only to bless people, but to tell them what the Christmas message is all about. So, will you join me in praying and inviting? It would be great to have a packed house praising God together, for his honour and glory!
See you Sunday!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
This is my story...and I'm sticking to it!
Stories. What is it about stories (in whatever medium) that grab our attention? I have a hunch we all love stories, whether we read them, watch them, or experience them. Two our our congregation's young adults shared the following quote (visit their blog here) which caught my attention: "Once the stories stop coming, I know something is wrong. God is always providing stories big or small." (Steve Klassen)
If this quote is true, then we've all got a story to share because God is at work. Here are three short stories that I've experienced lately:
1. God isn't finished with us yet - I had a chance to serve at Tabor Home in their chapel service with 3 families from our congregation on Sunday. What a great opportunity to see children bless senior shut-ins.
2. God answers prayer - I'll simply say that my family experience this in a remarkable way this week.
3. We need each other - the best stories are shared stories. Why? Because none of us wants to be alone. This week I experienced this through our care group and some other close friends. Let's remember that we need each other.
So, how about you? What are your God-stories? Are you sharing them? Who is standing with you? Reflect on these questions and share your stories of how God is active around you!
If this quote is true, then we've all got a story to share because God is at work. Here are three short stories that I've experienced lately:
1. God isn't finished with us yet - I had a chance to serve at Tabor Home in their chapel service with 3 families from our congregation on Sunday. What a great opportunity to see children bless senior shut-ins.
2. God answers prayer - I'll simply say that my family experience this in a remarkable way this week.
3. We need each other - the best stories are shared stories. Why? Because none of us wants to be alone. This week I experienced this through our care group and some other close friends. Let's remember that we need each other.
So, how about you? What are your God-stories? Are you sharing them? Who is standing with you? Reflect on these questions and share your stories of how God is active around you!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Merry Christmas!?!
Since the stores are decorating for Christmas, and some people I know already have their tree up, it's not too early to post about Christmas, is it? After all, it's less than 50 days until Christmas! If you don't believe me, or need to know specifics, click here.
I have a question or two that I would like to have you help answer. Don't worry, it's not specifically about decorating, cookie baking, card writing, gift wrapping, carol singing, eggnog drinking, or shopping spending. Why am I asking? I'm working on an adult teaching series related to Christmas, and I don't simply want to approach it in the traditional way.
1. What are some Christmas traditions you could do WITHOUT?
2. What helps you feel ready to celebrate Christmas?
3. How might we celebrate Christmas in a way that impacts others around us in a positive way?
I'd love to hear from you on these questions. Leave a comment. Send me an email or facebook message. Please help me think about how we might make Christmas meaningful in our culture.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Losing Your Limp
This past Sunday, Pastor Don's asked us as a congregation: "How long will you limp?" The context was Elijah asking the Israelites this question in terms of whom the would follow. Read 1 Kings 18:16-39. Listen to the sermon here.
This very basic question is good food for thought. Are we fully following Jesus, or are we limping along and settling for other gods? I simply want to encourage you to spend time reflecting on what might be distracting you from God. Pray about it. Confess it. Speak to someone.
I trust that we can move from limping to walking. As it says in 1 John 1:7..."But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." Walking is that sustainable pace that best describes our ongoing journey with Jesus.
See you on the road as we walk, not limp!
This very basic question is good food for thought. Are we fully following Jesus, or are we limping along and settling for other gods? I simply want to encourage you to spend time reflecting on what might be distracting you from God. Pray about it. Confess it. Speak to someone.
I trust that we can move from limping to walking. As it says in 1 John 1:7..."But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." Walking is that sustainable pace that best describes our ongoing journey with Jesus.
See you on the road as we walk, not limp!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Anticipating THANKSGIVING
Quick...what's the next stat holiday to be celebrated? Well, here in Canada, it's Thanksgiving. I'm sure images of turkey, pumpkins, creative displays, fall colours, and more are running through your mind, perhaps even an image of a pumpkin spice latte! I was reminded of autumn (and Thanksgiving) this past weekend on a trip up north (see picture).
I've often wondered something about Thanksgiving. As much as we set apart a day a year to celebrate and be thankful (and, in the case of King Road Church, also focus on missions), why is it that a spirit of thankfulness isn't discussed every day? Maybe we are thankful every day, but if I were to ask you to list 20 things quickly for which you are thankful, could you do it? What if we audibly stated at least one thing every day for which we are grateful?
Paul writes: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
So, as we observe the signs of autumn falling all around us, will you join me in giving thanks. I want to challenge you to list one thing you are thankful for EVERY DAY for the entire month of October. Actually list them...write them down somewhere, post it online. Don't just think about it in your head. You can post them here in the comments, on our facebook page, or on our twitter account (@kingroadchurch, use hashtag #krmbthanks), or download here. Will you join me? Let's give thanks!
I've often wondered something about Thanksgiving. As much as we set apart a day a year to celebrate and be thankful (and, in the case of King Road Church, also focus on missions), why is it that a spirit of thankfulness isn't discussed every day? Maybe we are thankful every day, but if I were to ask you to list 20 things quickly for which you are thankful, could you do it? What if we audibly stated at least one thing every day for which we are grateful?
Paul writes: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
So, as we observe the signs of autumn falling all around us, will you join me in giving thanks. I want to challenge you to list one thing you are thankful for EVERY DAY for the entire month of October. Actually list them...write them down somewhere, post it online. Don't just think about it in your head. You can post them here in the comments, on our facebook page, or on our twitter account (@kingroadchurch, use hashtag #krmbthanks), or download here. Will you join me? Let's give thanks!
Monday, September 17, 2012
Intentional "ONE ANOTHER" Living
Yesterday we tried something different during the sermon in the English service. We sang together in the middle of the sermon. We heard a testimony. And we read several scriptures together. I would love to hear some responses as to what this did for your experience of the sermon. Does some level of interaction help or hinder you from listening?
This afternoon I find myself drawn again to reflecting on the "one another" passages in the Bible. They really are a key to our intentional living with each other in the kingdom of God. Click on the link to access yesterday's sermon handout, as well as a page of more texts where "one another" is used in the New Testament. Print them out. Find the verses. Study them.
List of some "One Another" passages in the New Testament.
Will you join me in reading, reflecting, praying these verses? How might we love each other more? Please discuss this with others in your conversations. Blessings as you intentionally live.
"A new command I give you: LOVE ONE ANOTHER. As I have loved you, so you must LOVE ONE ANOTHER. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you LOVE ONE ANOTHER." (John 13:34-35)
This afternoon I find myself drawn again to reflecting on the "one another" passages in the Bible. They really are a key to our intentional living with each other in the kingdom of God. Click on the link to access yesterday's sermon handout, as well as a page of more texts where "one another" is used in the New Testament. Print them out. Find the verses. Study them.
List of some "One Another" passages in the New Testament.
Will you join me in reading, reflecting, praying these verses? How might we love each other more? Please discuss this with others in your conversations. Blessings as you intentionally live.
"A new command I give you: LOVE ONE ANOTHER. As I have loved you, so you must LOVE ONE ANOTHER. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you LOVE ONE ANOTHER." (John 13:34-35)
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