Guatemala

On Sunday morning, when Ancaster CRC gathers for worship, I will be en route to Guatemala with World Renew to meet the people with whom we work in that country.  Our team will be posting to a blog while we are there:  http://volunteerblog.worldrenew.net/delegates2015

Our assistant pastor, Pastor Ed Visser leads the worship service this Sunday, Jan 11, and the morning service of Jan 18.  I will be preaching at our evening service on Jan 18 at 6:00 p.m.

Seth Reid Bootsma

Yesterday we celebrated the sacrament of baptism.  Seth Reid Bootsma was marked with the sign of God's covenant.  He belongs to God's family - not because he is so well behaved (he IS a good baby!) or because he can stand up say that he loves Jesus (he can't yet walk or talk). But he belongs.  We thank Jesus for that. Congratulations to Brad & Rebecca and the rest of the family!

Take me to Church

The Hozier song, Take me to Church, offers a harsh indictment against the church as judgmental and rigid.  If that is the image we present then we have done a huge disservice to Christ's bride. The church must be that place where we meet God and then share this blessing with others, For the Life of the World.  During this service we celebrate the baptism of Seth Bootsma, baby boy of Brad & Rebecca. January 4, 10:00 a.m.

My predictions for 2015

Tonight we gather for our New Year's Eve worship service (7:00 p.m.).  We'll be looking back at the year that was, and then turning toward 2015.  I'll even off a few predictions for the year ahead.  The bible is full of predictions, many of which have already happened, but also many still to come.  We step forward with confidence, knowing that God goes with us into 2015.

Mary Pondered

"And Mary Pondered all these Things" is the theme of our candlelight service.  Join us this Sunday evening, Dec 21, at 6:00 p.m. as we hear the good news from Mary's perspective.

Christmas wish lists

We think of "favours" as those fun things at parties.  Or when good things come our way, we consider ourselves to be favoured by God. Our Christmas wish lists might include things that will make our lives easier; we are looking for God's favour. Mary was told by an angel that she had found favour in God's eyes. But that favour did not mean she would live a life of carefree ease. God's favour was not about fame and fortune, but about grace and acceptance.  On this 4th Sunday of Advent, we receive God's favour as we share the communion meal. Sunday, Dec 21, 10 a.m.

Pastor Ed's turn

This Sunday my wonderful assistant (and humble too, I might add!) will be in the pulpit at Ancaster Christian Reformed Church.  Pastor Ed Visser will be continuing our theme of "getting ready for Christmas," this time looking ahead to Christ's second coming.  Sunday, Dec 14, 10 a.m.