Come, Celebrate with us!

Sunday, Dec 23, 10 a.m. - We present the cantata, A Season of Praise.
Sunday, Dec 23, 6 p.m. - Carols and Candles, an evening to sing all your favourite carols, some of which are led by children. Refreshments follow.
Tuesday, Dec 24, 10 a.m. - Christmas Day service - organ, piano, trumpet, violin- all celebrating the birth of Christ. 

Act 3

In Act 3 of THE Christmas Pageant, we meet a young girl named Mary. She finds herself to be pregnant.  If teen pregnancy has a stigma today, it was much worse in first century Israel.  Jesus' birth was shrouded in shame.  Jesus came to earth to take away our shame.  He brings salvation:  healing and new life.  Join us this Sunday, Dec 16 at 10:00 a.m.

Final lap

Yesterday Maurice and Maisey Muller reaffirmed their faith and became member of Ancaster Christian Reformed Church.  They call this step their "final lap" in a faith journey where God has led them to churches around the world, and now in Ancaster.  It was a beautiful testimony.

Profession of Faith and a Baptism

 It was a Sunday of celebrations! We heard the public profession of faith of Emma Kerssies and Jacinda Dam, and then we witnessed the sacrament of baptism - Zander Flynn Kerssies.  God is good!

THE Christmas Pageant

This Sunday, Dec 2, is the first Sunday of Advent. Over the next few weeks, we will be witnessing THE Christmas Pageant.  Each Sunday, the message will turn the spotlight onto the various characters who have a role to play in celebrating the birth of Jesus.  We begin with an elderly couple, praying, hoping, for a baby.  Elizabeth and Zechariah discover that God truly does "remember." During the service, we will celebrate the sacrament of baptism - Zander Flynn Kerssies; and we'll hear the public profession of faith of two young women - Jacinda Dam and Emma Kerssies. 10 a.m. 

Stars on the Red Carpet

When we start to look more like Jesus, we will "shine... like stars..."  (Philippians 2: 15).  Paul will boast about his friends, when that happens, as though he's having them wall the red carpet.  God too, is pleased, when we "work out our salvation" according to his good purposes.  We share the communion meal during this service; November 18, 2018, 10:00  a.m.

Running on empty?

Do you sometimes feel like you are running on empty?  Paul must have felt that way.  In his letters from prison we catch glimpses of his discouragement.  But then he looks to Jesus, the one who emptied himself completely, for us, and who is now exalted to the highest place.  In this part of his letter to the Philippians (and to us!) Paul speaks of Harmony and Humility, and finishes with a Hymn. At the conclusion of the message we will rise for 2 minutes of silence as we remember those who served in war to ensure our freedom.  Join us-- Sunday, November 11, 10 a.m.

Teen Challenge - here - Nov 4

This Sunday, we welcome Teen Challenge to share with us their stories of addiction and victories over addiction.  Join us for what will be an amazing demonstration of how God never leaves us.  10 a.m.

You've got mail

You've got mail.  It's a letter from someone in prison.  Read it carefully, because it has been written with much prayer and care - for you.  This is our second message on Paul's letter to the Philippians, Letters from Prison. During the service we will be singing Martin Luther's loved hymn, A Mighty Fortress, as we remember the anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.  Sunday, October 28, 10 a.m.

Letters from Prison

This morning we open a letter.  It's a letter from someone in prison.  And that makes this letter very special. Join us as we begin a new sermon series on Paul's letter, from prison, to his friends in Philippi. Sunday, October 21, 2018, 10 a.m.

Braeden Keith Matthew Zorn

Last Sunday we celebrated the baptism of Braeden Keith Matthew Zorn, son of Ryan and Lauryn, and baby brother to Leah.  Such a joy, to acknowledge this little one as God's guest of honour! Congratulations, Ryan and Lauryn!

Heaps of Thanks

"When Hezekiah and his officials came and saw the heaps, they praised the Lord and blessed his people Israel.  Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the heaps..." (II Chronicles 31:8,9).  What Hezekiah saw, was "heaps of thanks."  Let's do the same this Thanksgiving Day.  Join us for worship on Monday, October 8 at 10:00 a.m.

23 Surprises

This Sunday, October 7, (10:00 a.m.) we turn to the final verses of Psalm 23.  And, **surprise**!  we are no longer sheep.  That's surprise number 1.  Surprise number 2 is that now the Shepherd becomes the sheep.  These surprises are the most important things that could happen to us.  If you are looking for 21 more surprises, spend some time giving thanks to God this weekend and you will discover over and over again, how much God loves you. 

Dark valleys

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley..."  There are a lot of things we'd rather not do, people we would prefer to avoid.  But our Lord promises to lead the way. Greener pastures await. That's what we learn in vs 4 of Psalm 23.  This is our second lesson in "Sheepology."  When our Shepherd leads the way, we don't have to be afraid.
Sunday, September 30, 10 a.m.

Sheepology

"Sheep are essentially helpless, lacking in wilderness savvy because of a complete lack of self awareness.  That," says Doug Greenwold of the Ins of Biblical Context, "is a pretty good definition of the 'Human Condition.''  Do you see yourself as a sheep?  Do we see Jesus as our Shepherd?  This Sunday we being a 3-part sermon series on Psalm 23; it's a lesson in 'sheepology.'  Sunday, Sept 16, 10:30 a.m. Our service include the sacrament of the Lord's Supper and recognition of our leaders and volunteers as we begin a new program year.

Wes and Sharlene

Congratulations to Sharlene and Wes who were married in a beautiful ceremony on Sept 8.  May God bless you with a "stubborn love."

Our September Outdoor Service

Join us this Sunday, September 9, for our outdoor service and picnic. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy a morning of worship on the church lawn.  And then, PLEASE! stay for the bbq.  In case of rain (which is a distinct possibility 😕) we'll move everything indoors.  10 a.m.

This might hurt

If it doesn't hurt, is it really a sacrifice?  Probably not.  That's why the phrase "sacrifice of praise" seems a little strange to us.  But that's what is demanded of us in Hebrews 13:15 - that we bring a "sacrifice of praise."  It will take some work (appropriate for Labour Day!) and it just might hurt.  Sunday, September 2, 2018, 10 a.m.

40 years!

This weekend Gerald and I board the Felicity for a Rhine River cruise, celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary.  Pastor Adam will be leading worship at Ancaster Christian Reformed Church for the next two Sundays.

Sierra & Jesse

Congratulations to Sierra (Bassie) and Jesse Neven who were married on August 11, 2108.  May God bless you marriage as he blessed your beautiful wedding day!

What non-Christians really think about Christians, pt 6

"Harriett works in my department. She is one of those Christians who seems to have a mask on. I would respect her more if she didn’t put on such an act. I know better.”  That's a quote from a non-Christian who thinks that some Christians try to act like they have no problems.  Jesus tells us to "be careful" that we don't become hypocrites (Matt 6:1-18). But maybe there's more going in with "Harriett" than meets the eye.  Join us as we consider this 6th statement on what non-Christians really think about Christians. Sunday, August 5, 10 a.m.

H-E-L-P

Anne Lamott says that there are three essential prayers:  Help, Thanks, Wow.  When a non-believer says, "I wish I could learn to be a better husband/wife/dad/mom, etc., from a Christian," they are confessing that they can't do it on their own; they are praying, "Help."  In 2 Kings 5:1-27 we read about a man who admitted that he needed help.  And help is available, through the blood of Jesus.  Join us for the 5th message in our summer sermon series on "What Non-Christians really think about Christians."  July 29, 10 a.m.

Dare to be different

This Sunday, July 22, we return to our summer sermon series on "What Non-Christians Really Think of Christians."  Another one of their perceptions is that Christians don't seem to be different from non-Christians.  That perception is valid.  And one of the reasons that we don't look different, is that we are afraid of being different.  In I Peter 2:4-12 God reminds us that we are his "special possession."  With that assurance we can have the confidence to dare to be different - all to the glory of God.  We share the communion meal during this service, and we welcome members of the Neema Children's Choir from Uganda.  10: 00 a.m.

Flynn William Harris

Last Sunday, July 15, 2018, we celebrated the baptism of Flynn William Harris.  He is a member of God's covenant family.  Congrats to Thom and Charlene, and also to Hunter, Jillian and Violet!

VBS wrap up!

This Sunday, July 15, we are all about Vacation Bible School.  We just completed VBS and our service will include some of the great songs we did. The message is from our Wednesday story about Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10).  During the service we will also be baptizing a baby:  Flynn William Harris, son of Thom and Charlene.  Hope you can join us!  10 a.m.

Tenley Rose

We celebrated the sacrament of baptism last Sunday, June 24.  Tenley Rose God's child and a member of his family.  Congrats to Jake and Michelle!

Tell me, please

After last week's "bad news" (that Christians are known for being against more things than they are for), we have some good news: not all Christians are leaving that impression.  And some non-Christians really do want to be friends with a Christian and learn more about what it is that we believe.  We read about such an encounter in Acts 8: 26-40 where Philip meets someone who wants to know about Jesus.  During this service we will also be celebrating the baptism of Tenley Rose Huisman.  June 24, 10 a.m.

And a couple of weddings: Paul & Cindy and Clarence & Denise!

James' baptism

Last Sunday we celebrated the baptism of baby James. Congratulations to parents Kyle & Renee!!

What Non-Christians really think....

This Sunday we begin a new sermon series where we will look at what non-Christians really think about Christians.  For our first message we turn to Romans 12: 1-21.  This passage stands in sharp contrast to the first comment non-Christians make about Christians, namely, that we are against more things than we are for, that we are always mad at the world and at one another.  Hmmm. Our service will include a couple of wonderful celebrations - the baptism of baby James Billiald and the sharing of the Lord's Supper. June 17, 10 a.m. 

Of gnats and camels

It can get a bit confusing. First Jesus demands that we must live sacrificially if we want to follow him.  And then he rejects the sacrificial living of the church leaders in Matthew 23.  Join us on Sunday, June 3, 10:00 a.m., as we continue our sermon series, Fan or Follower? 

What's in it for me?

Following Jesus seems to demand a lot of us.  In Luke 9:57-62 it sounds as though Jesus is trying to talk people out of following him.  If that's the case, who would even want to follow Jesus?  What's in it for me?  Maybe that's the wrong question to be asking.  Join us, Sunday morning, May 27, 10 a.m.

Filled with _______

How would you finish this sentence if you were to describe yourself:  I am filled with ______.  A lot of different words might come to mind.  How about "Filled with the Holy Spirit?"  This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday and we will explore together what that might look like.  Our Pentecost celebrations include the sharing of Holy Communion.  May 20, 2018, 10 a.m.

Watch the Children

A young man asked Jesus, "What good thing must I do to get eternal life?"  (Matt 19:16).  If he had been watching the children who had just moments ago been climbing onto Jesus' lap, he wouldn't have had to ask that question.  Want to know what you need to do to get eternal life?  Watch the children.  We gather this Sunday, May 13, at 10 a.m. to worship our ascended Lord.  He is alive!

GEMS Sunday!

This Sunday is our annual GEMS Sunday.  Our girls' club will be participating in all kinds of ways in the service.  Our message focuses on the theme of their season, from I John 2:6:  Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.  Hope you can join us! 10 a.m., April 15.

Who do you SAY that I am?

Jesus asked his disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" (Luke 9:20). When we read this passage, we like to put the emphasis on the word, "you." But Jesus also wanted to hear them say it, say that they knew he was the Messiah, say that they loved him, and say that they would follow him. Have you said it?

Our new sermon series, Not a Fan, will be complemented by the video series which will be shown on Sunday evenings.  Join us for both, starting this Sunday, April 8, at 10 am (worship) and & 7 pm (video).

I have seen the Lord!

"I have seen the Lord!"  Those are the words spoken by Mary Magdalene on the very first Easter morning (John 20:18).  Join us on Easter Sunday, at 10:00 a.m. for a wonderful celebration where we too can say, "I have seen the Lord!"  Our celebration includes the sharing of the Lord's supper.  All welcome!

Good Friday

Pastor Adam leads our Good Friday worship service.
Friday, March 30, 2018, 10:00 a.m.
The communion meal will be shared.

The Big Day

Palm Sunday was a special day - Jesus comes into town riding a wave of popularity.  A lot happens during the next week (Holy Week). But a more special day, the BIG Day is coming.  We continue our Lenten Series from the 19th Chapter of John, looking at verses 28-37 - a "Special Sabbath."

It's who you know

Pilate thought his future was secure because he was a "friend of Caesar's." He had it all wrong.  Place your future in the hands of the King who is a "friend of sinners."  It will mean letting go of a lot, but it's worth it.  We are at verses 12-16 of our John 19 Lenten Sermon Series.  We also share the communion meal this week.  Hope you can join us! Sunday, March 11, 10:00 a.m.

If he only knew...

Pilate had no idea whom he was dealing.  He thought that he was holding all the power.  If he only knew!  We too, might not realize where real power lies.  It's found in God.  Through Jesus, we can draw from that power, lean into it, use it, be blessed by it and bless others through it.  If we only knew what God wants to do for us and through us....  John 19:7-11 is part 3 of our Lenten Sermon series moving through this one chapter of the Bible.  Sunday, March 4, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Behold, the Man

Ecce Homo, Behold the Man.  A well-intentioned, elderly woman "restored" the fresco, with unfortunate results (google it to see her handiwork). Pilate spoke those words, intending to ridicule both Jesus and the Jewish people.  But God had other plans.  He took something ugly and made it into something beautiful.  Join us this Sunday, Feb 25, 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. for the message, "Not Pretty," from John 19:4-6.

A New Religion

A recent article in the New York Times, referred to the birth of a new religion.  Writes Kevin Roose, "It's deity is the Instant Pot."  People are searching for a meaningful religion - we should never doubt that.  When Jesus, the King of the Jews, stood trial before Pilate (John 19:1-3), a new religion was born.  And this is the one that counts.  Join us, Feb 18, 8:30 a.m. or 10 a.m.  The communion meal will be shared at both services.

Still in the world

In our final message of our Guts and Glory sermon series, we find Jesus praying (John 17).  He's praying for us.  He's praying for us, while we are still in the world.  Are you ok with having Jesus pray for you?
Sunday, Feb 11, 2018 at 8:30 and 10:00 a.m.  Mac & Mohawk students lead us in worship.

Glory

Our Guts and Glory series from the gospel of John continues.  We are now in the "glory" part. Pastor Adam leads us in worship this Sunday, Feb 4.

Your finest hour

The first 11 chapters of the Gospel of John display Jesus’ intentional and often offensive ministry.  And now, in Chapter 12, we find these words:  “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”  Welcome to the glory part of our Guts and Glory sermon series!  Sunday, Jan 28, 8:30 and 10:00 a.m.

Signs, signs, everywhere there's signs

Rather than talk about "miracles," the Gospel of John talks about "signs."  Signs, no matter how impressive, mean nothing if they don't lead us somewhere.  Too often we see seek the sign, rather than the destination to which it leads.  When Jesus fed the 5000+ with the boy's lunch (John 6), he was erecting a sign.  That sign points us to Jesus. Join us, this Sunday, Jan 21, 8:30 and 10:00 a.m..  We share the communion meal at both services.

10 years

Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of my ordination as a Minister of the Word.  Thank you for the flowers!  Thank you to all those who braved a stormy January evening to be part of that celebration in 2008.  Thank you to the two churches I have served - Lucknow and Ancaster.  And thank you to God, for giving me this amazing task.