Celebrating! (audio included)

This weekend we celebrate Labour Day.  Sorta.  Yes, we might enjoy the day off, and we might be happy that school is starting (maybe), but to say this is a celebration, sounds a little over the top.  There's isn't much that really excites us.  In this final message of our Esther series, we discover that the book ends with a celebration.  It's a reminder to us that yes, God redeems us, and yes, he justifies us, but he doesn't stop there. He then glorifies us!  Good, better, best! Sunday, August 31, 2014, 10 a.m.  Hear the message here:  https://soundcloud.com/pastor-rita/esther-922-good-better-best

North of 60

About 40 people enjoyed the beautiful weather, excellent company, and great food at our North of 60 picnic.  This year's venue was the Kinsmen Park in Caledonia.  We expect to return next year!

Grant me my life, and the audio

It's the most basic of human (and animal!) instincts:  the will to live. The deepest desire we have is to be granted life (Esther 7:3).  That was Esther's request to King Xerxes when he encouraged her to ask for whatever it was that she wanted.  God knows that life is precious.  And so he gives us life, eternal life, in Jesus.  Join us this Sunday, August 24, for the next message in our Esther series.  We will also be sharing the communion meal.
https://soundcloud.com/pastor-rita/esther-7-pt-3-my-one-request

Teen Challenge guests

This Sunday, August 17, we welcome the men from Teen Challenge to lead us in worship.  They will share their stories of healing and restoration through the ministry of this amazing organization.  We praise God with them!

Congratulations to Ivo & Jeanine!

Congratulations to Ivo Tamm and Jeanine Velez, who were married last weekend, August 9.  Ivo's mom from Ecuador was there for the celebration. Our entire church family wishes you, Ivo & Jeanine, along with JP and Elizabeth, God's amazing blessings upon this marriage.

Turned the tables, and the sermon audio

In our second message from the book of Esther, we see a remarkable turn of events.  The one most honoured is humiliated; the most lowly is exalted.  God's sense of humor emanates from this story in the 5th and 6th chapters of the book, as the tables are turned in the space of 24 hours. When we despair, we can remain confident that God may change things up at any moment. Come, and see what God will do for the one the king delights to honour! (6:11c). Sunday, August 10, 2014, 10 a.m.
To hear Sunday's message, click on this link
 https://soundcloud.com/pastor-rita/esther-part-2-the-tables-are-turned

The Go Do Team's trip to Highland Park, New Jersey

Risk & Romance (& link to the message)

In the original "Bachelor," Esther receives the final rose.  Having won the favour of the king, she can now live in the lap of luxury, happily ever after.  Instead, Esther risks all in order to save her people from certain demise.  Following Jesus involves risk, but this is what God expects of us.  There is no greater tragedy, says John Piper, than the wasted life (Don't Waster Your Life).  This Sunday we begin a series from the book of Esther. Join us!  Sunday, August 3, 10 a.m.
Hear Sunday's message here:
https://soundcloud.com/pastor-rita/esther-ch-4-romance-risk