Entering the new year

What a wonderful piece of advice for 2018:  Don't be afraid.  But it's more than just advice - it's God's promise and assurance that we begin the new year with the full confidence that while we might not know what the future holds, we know who holds the future.  We will gather for worship twice this Sunday, Dec 31.  At 10 a.m. Pastor Adam leads the service and at 6:00 p.m. I will lead our New Year's Eve service.

Away in a Manger

Join us on Christmas morning, 10 a.m.!

What Child is This?

This Sunday or Sunday School Children help us answer the question, "What Child is This?"  They will be presenting their Christmas program.  After their presentation, we will celebrate advent with the communion meal.  Sunday, Dec 24, 10 a.m.

Candles and Carols

Our candlelight service on Sunday night, will be a beautiful evening of music and storytelling.  Plan to make this event part of your Christmas celebrations.  Dec 17, 6 pm, at Ancaster Christian Reformed Church on Garner Road.  Apple cider and baked treats follow.

Mary, did you know....

Did Mary fully understand what was happening when she gave birth to the Christ child? Did the disciples understand who this man was?  Do we understand Christmas?  We can only understand fully when Jesus opens our minds.  That's what he did for his disciples (Luke 24:45).  May God open our hearts and minds this Christmas season.  Join us for our Advent Series - Songs of the Season.  Dec 17, 8:30 a.m. at WilsonHub or 10 a.m. at the church.

A thrill of hope

Our sermon series this Advent is Songs of the Season. We begin with the beautiful classic, O Holy Night.  Along with our text from Micah 7:1-7, we celebrate the message of hope which comes to weary land.  Join us this Advent season, starting this Sunday, December 3 - 8:30 a.m. at WilsonHub and 10:00 a.m. at the church on Garner Road.

Baptism - in Cambridge

I'm back from vacation, but not back in Ancaster quite yet.  This Sunday I preach in Maranatha Christian Reformed Church in Cambridge, AND baptize our newest grandbaby, Jadyn Charlene Klein-Geltink.  Nov 26, 10 a.m.

And yet....

On March 16, 2014, every parent’s nightmare phone call came to our home when a police officer informed us that our 25-year old daughter, Jenica, had been in a horrific car accident and flown to the hospital. She had sustained several life-threatening injuries including severe head trauma.  What followed was a mix of agonizing fear, raw lament, and confounding hope...
That's an excerpt from a publication called Breaking Barriers. Jenica Groot-Nibbelink will be preaching in our church on Sunday, Nov 12, 10:00 a.m.  Her message is from Lamentations 3.  Verse 24 says, "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope.  I will be reading her message at our 8:30 a.m. First Light service at WilsonHub.  Please join us for either service.

Hello Anson Daniel Gerry Visser!

On October 29, 2017 we celebrated the baptism of Anson Visser.  It was a wonderful day in which to thank God for his gift of grace, extended to this baby.  Congrats to Jordan and Jessica and to the grandparents - Gerry & Wilma in this pic!

More water

Our H2O series continues - this time the water is coming into the boat.  What happens when the storms of life threaten to pull you under?  Turn to the Saviour.  Sometimes he will calm the storm; sometimes he will calm his child. Matthew 8:18-27. Join us at 8:30 a.m. at WilsonHub or at 10:00 a.m. at the church on Garner Road. Sunday, Nov 5.

A taste test

One small taste, and you'll know if the water is fresh or salty.  We can put our lives - actions, words, attitudes -- through the same test.  James says it will be very clear as to whether your spring is producing fresh water or salty water (James 3:12). 

And going with the H2O theme, we are going to celebrate a baptism - Jordan and Jessica Visser present their baby, Anson, to receive the sacrament.  Oct 29 at 10 a.m. and at 8:30 a.m. at WilsonHub.

Yes, Jesus is IT!

We keep looking, keep searching, for the answer to our troubles, the answer to our questions, someone or something to save us.  We are looking for a Saviour.  And Jesus says, "I who speak to you am he."  It doesn't get any clearer than that!  Come to Jesus - he's the one who can quench your thirst.  John 4:1-42. Sunday, Oct 22 at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.  (Stay for a slice of pie after the 10 a.m. service!)

Depression, Stress & Anxiety

Join us this Tuesday, October 17 at 7pm when Mike Glugosh speaks on the topic of Depression, Stress and Anxiety.  At Ancaster Christian Reformed Church, 70 Garner Rd E. 

This Sunday, Oct 15, we welcome Pastor Chris Schoon to our pulpit.  He will lead both the 8:30 a.m. First Light Service at WilsonHub and the 10 a.m. service at the church.

So many questions

Do you ever have questions about who Jesus is? Is he who he claims to be?  What difference does that make to me? It's Thanksgiving weekend - with so much sadness and hate int he world, how are we supposed to be thankful? In John 7:37 Jesus addresses our questions, and then he invites anyone who is thirsty to come to him and drink. We will be sharing the communion meal this Sunday.  Oct 8, 8:30 a.m. at WilsonHub and 10:00a.m. at the church on Garner Rd.

H2O

This Sunday, Sept 24, we begin a new sermon series on the theme of "water."  Water is a big deal in the bible.  Those of us living in southwestern Ontario might not get that in the same way that people in the middle east do.  We all need water - live-giving water. So, "come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters..." (Isaiah 55:1).  Join us at 10 a.m. and then why not join us for the H2O video series that fits with this sermon series: H2O: A Journey of Faith.  That's at 7:00 p.m. at WilsonHub.

It's a party! Bring gifts!

We're celebrating this Sunday!  There will be cake and ice cream and balloons.  What are we celebrating?  Well, the same thing we celebrate every Sunday - that God loves us and has rescued us and now gives us so many wonderful things.  In return, we bring gifts. Don't know what to give him?  Listen for the hints, because unlike other religions, we have a God who actually speaks to us.  Psalm 25 says that our God "confides" in us.  During the service gifts will be exchanged - we'll complete a gifts survey and we'll share the Lord's Supper.  Sunday, Sept 17, 10 a.m.

Henry Graeson Beishuizen

Yesterday we celebrated the baptism of Henry Graeson, baby boy of Roy and Laura.  What a beautiful day! What a beautiful service!  What a beautiful sacrament!  Congrats, Roy & Laura!

John 3:16

It started in the 70s.  "Rainbow Man" popped up at various sporting events with his "John 3:16" sign.  His legacy goes on.  This Sunday we look at John 3:16 and it staying power.  We'll be worshiping outdoors, on the church lawn, so bring a lawn chair (and a blanket if it's chilly) and stay for lunch.  The service will also include the baptism of Henry Graeson Beishuizen.  Sept 10, 10 a.m.

Looking ahead to next week

Pastor Adam is preaching this Sunday, Sept 3.  Looking ahead to next Sunday, Sept 10, I will be leading our outdoor service.  Bring a lawn chair, stay for lunch.

Dare to Dream

Joseph had a dream (or 2), but he was laughed out of the room. Does God reveal his plans to us in our dreams?  Do you dare to ask that question?  God has big plans for us, if we would only dare to listen.  Genesis 37:2 is the 10th and final toledoth of Genesis. Aug 27, 10 a.m.

Charlotte Faith Boonstra

Yesterday we celebrated the baptism of Charlotte Faith Boonstra.  She is part of God's family! Congrats to this family- Josh & Hilary and Jocelyn, Liam and Emerson.

Deceptively simple

Remember these people?  They looked so perfect on TV, but their real life stories were a mess.  They would rival the family of Isaac and Rebekah-- lies, deceptions.  We go to great lengths to hurry along God's blessings, when all the while he is ready to be our God. It's really very simple - it's all grace.  We continue our series of the Genesis toledoths - this is the account of Isaac's family (Gen 25:19). During the service we will SEE God's grace as we celebrate both sacraments- the Lord's Supper and the baptism of Charlotte Faith Boonstra.  August 20, 10 a.m.

Seeing and hearing

We are doing a sermon series this summer from the first book of the bible, Genesis.  Genesis is structured around 10 "toledoths," 10 "this-is-the-account-of"s.  This Sunday we turn to the 6th toledoth - the stories of Abraham.  We will be reading the story of Hagar. Here, in Genesis 16 and Genesis 21:8-20, we discover a God who hears and sees.  This is such an important concept, for "we all just want to be seen and heard."  Sunday, August 6, 2017, at 10 a.m.

Ezra James Taekema

Congratulations to Jason and Krista with the baptism of their son, Ezra James.  May God bless your son and your whole family!  The baptism took place on July 31 - grandpa Pastor Peter Tuininga did the baptism and lots of family was present to witness the sacrament.

Baptism Sunday

This Sunday, July 30, we celebrate the baptism of Ezra Taekema. His grandpa, Rev Peter Tuininga, will do the baptism and preach the message.

The least of these

Jesus said, "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).  He was serious about this; mistreat one of the least of these and Jesus won't want anything to do with you.  This Sunday's message will deal with depression and our responsibility for those who are hurting. We share the communion meal during this service. July 23, 10 a.m.

VBS Wrap up

This Sunday we will hear one of the Bible stories from last week's vacation bible school.  I Samuel 25 tells the story of Abigail.  God had a purpose for her - that she would do something that would save lives.  God had a purpose in sending Jesus to this earth - he saved many lives.  And now God has a purpose for each one of us.  Hope you can join us, this Sunday, July 16, 10 a.m.

This Sunday we worship at MEADOWLANDS Community Church

This Sunday, July 9, at 10 a.m. we worship together with the Meadowlands Community Church, at their church building, 211 Stonehenge Dr, Ancaster.  This is a combined service of our two churches where we will give special attention to the commissioning of about 60 young people from Canada and the US who will be working in our community during this coming week.  "SERVE," we call it.  I will be bringing the message, from Mark 3:20-35.  Jesus looked around the circle and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers."  "This is my circle."  This Sunday, ask yourself, "Who is in my circle?"

Arie William Mantel

On Sunday, July 2, we celebrated the sacrament of baptism.  Arie William Mantel, baby boy of William and Megan, with lots of grandparents and greats present, was baptized into God's family.  Congratulations and blessings, William and Megan!

Gerry & Shonna's wedding

 Congratulations to Gerry and Shonna Kikkert who were married on Saturday, July 1.  Congrats too, to Owen and Shawn.  May God bless you in amazing ways (knowing He already has!!!)

God remembers

"This is the account of Noah and his family..."  Genesis 6:9 is the next toledoth we look at, the next "this is the account of..."  We know the story of Noah and the flood, we know how it ends.  But Noah was in that story.  It rained for 40 days, and then he waited another 150 for the flood waters to recede.  He may have been about to give up hope.  And then we read this: "But God remembered Noah" (Gen 8:1).  This Sunday we are reminded in the sacrament of baptism that God remembers us.  May that knowledge be a comfort to all those who are dealing with difficult things this week.  Sunday, July 2, 2017, 10 a.m. at Ancaster Christian Reformed Church.

Public profession of faith, and then a baptism

Yesterday Noah deHaan and Gavin Street publicly professed their faith in Jesus and their desire to follow him. In doing this, Noah and Gavin accepted the promised that God had made to them in their baptism.






And then, Gavin and Natasha Street presented their baby, Madelyn Julie Street, for baptism. It's all grace!  It was a wonderful celebration.  Congrats to all of you!

Simple, but demanding

Jesus has one command for us.  Only one.  It's simple, but very demanding:  Love one another.  (John 13: 31-35) No qualifiers attached.

Lots happening at Ancaster Church this Sunday:  a couple of men are professing their faith; we celebrate both sacraments, Lord's Supper and the baptism of Madelyn Julie Street; and we'll hear how Jesus' command to love one another is playing out in our work with refugee sponsorship.  Join us, June 18, 10 a.m.

The Olive Press

We visited an olive press.  An olive press is made up of a mill stone and a YAM. YAM is translated as "sea." Cause a little one to sin and it would be better for you to have a mill stone around your neck and be cast into the YAM- not to drown, but to be crushed.
Isaiah : he was "crushed" for our iniquities.
Gethsemane  means olive press.

We are invited to connect the dots. As we do so, the richness of the Word of God touches us deeply.

Jarash

We will be in Israel for the remainder of our trip. We spent some time in Jarash where we saw the ceremonial gates. The apostle Philip lost his life for refusing to pass through such gates.

Green Pastures

Those green pastures didn't look so green to us folk from Ontario. This pic shows both those pastures and the paths of righteousness.  Those paths crisscross the mountains. Wed, May 31.

Pyramids

May 24.  My blog postings are all out of order. It was at dinner tonight that a colleague helped me figure out a way to make things work.
We spent a day at the pyramids when we first arrived in Egypt.  Jacob would have seen those same pyramids when he came to Egypt with his family.

Thursday, May 25

Mortuary temple,  Valley of the Kings,  sailboat ride and a swim in the Nile.  Another amazing day! Thanking God for it all! !

Charter flight into Abu Simbel

May 26
One lonely plane at the airport - ours. The Abu Simbel airport used to see 40 flights per day. Economic wows in Egypt impact many. It's a major contrast to the message of power and strength displayed in the temple of Ramses II. "Not by might,  nor by power but by my Spirit. ..." says OUR God.

Mt Nebo

We spent some quiet time on Mt Nebo late this afternoon.  We stood where Moses may have stood when God showed him the land - the land he would never enter. 

Cairo

There are now 25 of us in our group, plus our leaders. They met us at the airport - kind of a rapture sort of thing?  Breakfast and then off to the pyramids  (I think - each day is supposed to be a surprise with new discoveries and gifts from God! )

And we're off!

Before our very eyes!

After Jesus had risen from the dead, he walked this earth for another 40 days.  And then, one day, he ascended into heaven. His disciples saw it - "he was taken up before their very eyes"!  We can now see evidence of God's presence, and of Jesus' advocacy on our behalf, right before our very eyes.  Join us as we celebrate Ascension Day, this Sunday, May 21, 8:30 a.m. at WilsonHUB and then at 10:00 a.m. at the church.

May and June

Everyone of us has a mom - today is her day.  Some of us said "good-bye" to our moms a long time ago.  May God bless you with good memories.  Pastor Adam leads us in worship this Sunday, May 14.  I will be preaching on May 21 and then, on May 22, Gerald and I leave for our trip to Egypt, Jordan and Israel.  I'll be back in the pulpit on June 18.

World Renew

I'm off to World Renew board meetings next week.  Pastor Adam leads worship this Sunday at Ancaster Christian Reformed Church.  Check out the work of World Renew at
http://worldrenew.net/

Things that overflow

I know what I usually think of when I think of things that overflow.... but let's go somewhere else.  How about a chocolate fountain?  That's a sweeter thought.  Here's another one, found in I Thessalonians 3:12: "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow..."  This verse is the theme of our GEMS girls' club.  This Sunday is GEMS Sunday and they'll be taking a number of roles in our 10 am service. Join us, April 23, 8:30 at Wilson Hub and 10:00 a.m. at the church on Garner Road.

Worship with us during Holy Week

We are in Holy Week.  It began on Sunday when we celebrated Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. On Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. we gather to remember Christ's crucifixion; Pastor Adam will lead that service. On Easter morning we celebrate Jesus' resurrection. Holy Communion will be served on both Good Friday and Easter morning.  (Note: there will be no 8:30 a.m. First Light service on Easter morning.)

Palm Sundaty

What song to pick for Palm Sunday?  Well, it should have the word "hosanna" in it.  "Hosanna" -- "salvation has come!"  And so, we'll sing three songs that use that word.  Join us in worship as we head into Holy Week.  April 9, 8:30 a.m. at WilsonHub, 10:00 at the church at 70 Garner Rd E.

Songs of the Season

Our Lenten sermon series, Songs of the Season, continues this Sunday.  Pastor Adam leads worship this week, April 2, at both 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.