Dec 29

This Sunday we welcome to our pulpit Rev Peter Tuininga from Smithville Christian Reformed Church.  The text is Genesis 27:1-40 - "The Blessing." Pastor Peter will also be leading in the sacrament of baptism for his grandson Adam Clarence Steward Taekema, baby boy of Krista and Jason.

Bigger, Bolder, Brighter!

Some might find the Griswold approach to Christmas lights to be in poor taste.  But Jesus tells us to "proclaim [his teachings] from the rooftops"! (Matt 10: 16-33).  Some will find that offensive, preferring that we keep our beliefs to ourselves. But that is not an option.  We continue our  advent sermon series, "Christmas Lights," and celebrate in a big, bold and bright way, that Jesus is the true light of the world.  Sunday, Dec 22, 10 a.m.

A great concert!

If we weren't in the Christmas mood before last night, we are now!  It was a wonderful concert with the Meadowlands Salvation Army Corps band, John Vanderlaan (organ) and Marsha Heeg (piano).  Proceeds went to the Kettle campaign.  Thank you to everyone who came out to the event last night, and to those who made it happen!

Darkest before the dawn

Psalm 88 may be the most honest psalm in the Bible.  It acknowledges that there are no easy answers in life.  And yet, the psalmist pours out his heart to God. It's a sad psalm, but it's also a reminder that it's always darkest before the dawn.  Christmas IS coming.  During this service we will share the communion meal. Sunday, Nov 17, 10 a.m.

Sunday Mornings

We conclude our "Sunday Morning" sermon series with the last chapter of Malachi, and the final liturgical piece of every Sunday morning worship service - the blessing.  It's the end, but not really. 
Sunday, November 10, 10 a.m.

Milo Tom Bouwman

Congrats to Calvin and Renee Bouwman with the baptism of baby Milo on Sunday November 3.  It was a wonderful celebration of God's goodness!

Sunday mornings - You're richer than you think

It's a well-known passage in Malachi 3.  God says, "Test me.  Give generously and then watch as I open the 'flood gates' of heaven!"  Do you believe that?  Do you think God wants to ruin your life or make it better?  Give your life to Jesus, and you will discover that you are richer than you think.  During this service we will celebrate the baptism of Milo Tom Bouwman, baby boy of Calvin and Renée.  Sunday, November 3, 10 a.m.

Sunday Morning Liturgy

We continue our sermon series, "Sunday Mornings."  What we do on Sunday morning is called the Liturgy.  And it is work!  It's the work of the people. This Sunday we look at the uses of God's law and see how the law is so much more than "the law." We turn to Malachi 2: 10-17. We will also acknowledge that next week is Reformation Day.  Join us for worship, Sunday, October 27, 10 a.m.

Adelaide Ryann Beishuizen

This morning we celebrated the baptism of Adelaide Beishuizen, baby daughter of Roy and Laura and sister to Owen and Henry.  Congratulations to all!  God is so good!

Sunday mornings

Sunday mornings are all about remembering - we remember Jesus' Sunday morning resurrection every week. And when we get to the sermon, we remember that we worship and Awesome God, we remember to preach from the Bible, we remember that our Character goes beyond Sunday morning, and we remember to feed on God's word, as regularly as we eat Dinner (ABCD!). We continue reading from Malachi 2.  During this service we also celebrate the sacrament of baptism:  Adelaide Ryann Beishuizen, baby daughter of Roy and Laura.  Oct 20, 10 a.m.

It's Thanksgiving weekend!

Join us for worship on Sunday morning when Prof Al Wolters brings the message from Luke 19:  "Out of the Blue He Called my Name!" Then on Monday, we gather again.  I'll be bringing a thanksgiving message from II Corinthians 9:  "You will be enriched in every way so that..."  Both services are at 10 a.m.  On Sunday, I will lead in the celebration of the Lord's Supper.

The King is coming...

The king and queen are coming to Downton! That announcement sums up the entire premise of the movie, Downton Abbey.  We have received s similar announcement.  The King is coming!  In preparation for that event, we have work to do. Micah the prophet issues a harsh warning for us:  That 'good enough' isn't good enough. Join us on Sunday morning, Oct 6, for our sermon series, "Sunday Morning."

Sunday mornings

This week we begin a new sermon series called, Sunday Mornings.  We will be reading through the book of Malachi where we see God reminding his people about the joy that is ours when we worship God.  Our series will take us through the various parts of our Sunday morning liturgy.  Sunday, Sept 29, 10:00 a.m. Oh, and don't forget that Alpha starts tonight!

Of tents and buildings

This Sunday we welcome Rev Gerald Hogeterp to our pulpit.  He is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his ordination.  The message is from 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1.  Congratulations, Gerald!  Sunday, Sept 22, 10 a.m.

A fresh start

The final Alpha video, which we'll be watching later this fall, asks the question, "How can I make the most of the rest of my life?"  God offers us a fresh start, and, to quote Jon Bloom, "God wants far more for us than we typically want for ourselves."  Romans 12: 2 encourages us to be transformed.  That's an exciting prospect, and it can happen, starting today.  Join us this Sunday, Sept 15 at 10 a.m. We're going to share the communion meal during the service and we are going to bless all our leaders and teachers as a new church season begins.

Top 5

It's our outdoor service!  Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and join us on the  lawn.  A bbq lunch follows.  There will be a bouncy castle and volleyball.  Should be great! The message looks at the Top 5 ways that God guides us.  See you on the lawn!  Sunday, Sept 8, 10 a.m.

Why did Jesus die? Good question!

There are lots of ways to answer that question.  It's one of the big questions that we will be looking at when we host Alpha later in September.  This Sunday, we consider the question in light of 2 Corinthians 5: 11-21.  There we discover that God's plan was to reconcile the world to himself, and then turn it over to us to be reconciled with one another.  Big questions -- big answers.  Sunday, 10 a.m.

Is there more to life than this?

50 years ago, over 450,000 people gathered for Woodstock, a music festival. For three days they thought they had found peace and love.  Fifty years later, the search continues.  People are looking for peace and love, they are looking for meaning and purpose.  This Sunday, we consider the question, "Is there more to life than this?" It's one of the questions addressed by Alpha, which we will be hosting on Sunday evenings, beginning Sept 29.  This Sunday, we turn to John 14: 1-4 for to answer this big question.  Sunday, Aug 25, 10 a.m.

"....anyone who is thirsty....

Thirsty.  It means empty, it means searching, it means troubled, it means misunderstood.  Many try to dull the pain through substance abuse, including the abuse of alcohol.  Jesus can save us from whatever it is that has control over us.  But he doesn't just save us; he also equips us for new and exciting things.  This Sunday, Aug 18, we turn once more to John 7 (verses 37-52) where we meet a misunderstood Messiah who knows what it means to hurt.  And then he does something about it.

Who are you? Who will you be?

Where are you from?  Who are you?  Those are questions that follow us around.  We struggle with our identity and our worth.  Those dealing with eating disorders wrestle with these questions all the time. People thought that Jesus came from the "wrong side of the tracks."  He set the record straight, about where he came from, and then he told them where he was going. He was going to the One who sent him.  Jesus understands our doubts and our questions and our struggles. And he can bring us to a better place. 
This is our third message in the series, "So Misunderstood."  Join us, Sunday, August 4, 10 a.m.

Choosing Joy

This Sunday, Dr. Syd Hielema brings the message, from Psalm 23 and Mark 34-38:  "Choosing the Joy of the Valley."  We hope you can join !

Oh, sooo misunderstood

Anxiety. It holds us back, it causes us to be mistrustful, it robs us of the freedom that God wants for us.  When Jesus taught in the temple courts, his listeners did not trust him (John 7:14-14).  They failed to understand that his credentials were impeccable. Jesus is ready to free us to have life and to have it abundantly.  During this service we will share the communion meal.  Join us!  Sunday, July 21, 10 a.m.

So misunderstood

Probably the most misunderstood people are those who are dealing with psychological issues - depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, ADD... Do you know people like this?  I'm sure you do.  Maybe you are one of these people. Jesus knew what it meant to be misunderstood.  For the next few weeks, we will be looking at John 7, where we see what it looks like to be misunderstood, and find comfort knowing that Jesus "gets it."
Sunday, July 14, 2019, 10:00 a.m.

Do Good

This Sunday we worship at Meadowlands Fellowship Church (211 Stonehenge Dr, Ancaster) as we welcome and then send out 50 young people who will be taking to the streets of Hamilton to "do good."  This is our SERVE team.  Paul's letter to Titus drives home that very point - that we are to "do good."  Sunday, July 7, 10 a.m.

A few pics from the volunteer appreciation bbq

Profession of Faith, June 23, 2019

And congrats to Philip, Ryan, Ally, Andrew John and Rachel!  They made public profession of their faith on Sunday, June 23.  Remember always - we might let go of God, but he'll never let go of us!

Profession of Faith, June 9 2019

Congrats to Micah, Carly, Nic, Jessica, Sophia, Seth, Shaun and Ethan, who made public profession of their faith on Sunday, June 9, 2019!

Happily Ever After

Our sermon series called "Love Story," concludes with a peek behind the veil - the wedding described in Revelation 21.  But the conclusion is really just the beginning.  Our marriage to the Lamb of God ushers in a new and better reality, one that will last forever.  We celebrate this new beginning with five young people who will publicly profess their faith in Jesus Christ during this service. Sunday, June 23, 2019, 10 a.m.  Join us as well, for a council-hosted bbq lunch after the service!

The Love Story continues

The divine love story, in which Jesus is the bridegroom and we are the bride, is consummated in the sharing of the Lord's Supper (Luk3 22:7-20). When we look at the communion meal through ancient Jewish eyes we see a beautiful ceremony where Jesus invites us into a loving relationship with him.  All we have to do is say "yes." After the message we will share the Lord's Supper together.  Please join us, Sunday, June 16, 10:00 a.m.  And "happy fathers' day!"

What are you waiting for?

As his very first miracle (sign), Jesus decides to change water into wine (John 2: 1-11).  Couldn't he have chosen a more practical or beneficial miracle? Why this one?  His mother, Mary, may have had something to do with this.  She knew who Jesus was, and she also knew the prophecies of scripture.  Jesus steps up, and establishes himself as the true bridegroom at this wedding in Cana.  And now, God nudges us to step up and proclaim him as our Lord.  During the service 8 young people will do that, as they profess their faith.  We also celebrate the graduation of our grade 4 KidzKonnect class.  Sunday, June 9, 10 a.m.

Blessings on your long weekend!

I'm away this weekend and Pastor John Veenstra will be stepping into the pulpit at Ancaster Christian Reformed Church, this Sunday, May 19.  Have a blessed Sunday and enjoy the long weekend!

Cadets Boys' Club

This Sunday, May 5, we celebrate our Cadets Boy's Club.  Their theme verse is 2 Corinthians 9:8 where we discover that we have been blessed in order to be a blessing.  Abram heard that same message when we was chosen by God - chosen to...
We too, have been chosen.  We have been chosen for a reason; for a purpose. 
During this service we will also be installing our new office bearers.
We hope you can join us this Sunday at Ancaster Christian Reformed Church, at 10:00 a.m. 

GEMS Sunday

This Sunday's service will highlight our GEMS Girls' Club. They will be participating in various ways in the worship service and our message will be on their theme verse, II Corinthians 9:8 where we discover that we are "blessed to be a blessing."  Join us!  April 28, 10 a.m.

Good Friday - Those Tears

Good Friday worship service:  Friday, April 19, 10:00 a.m. We will share the Lord's Supper during the service.

If only...

If only... Jesus looked out over the city of Jerusalem, and wept.  "If only..." If only they had known what (who?) would bring them peace.  And such is the condition of our world.  We are all looking for peace.  But there's only one place to find it - at the cross of Jesus.  On Palm Sunday, celebrate the King who comes in the name of the Lord, the one who brings peace.  April 14, 10:00 a.m.

Jesus wept

"Jesus wept" (John 11:35). Or, more accurately, he wailed, he bawled.  Those tears were so much more than tears of sadness and empathy.  Jesus cried over the tragedy of the human condition and over the enormity of what awaited him.  Join us on this 5th Sunday of Lent as we continue our sermon series, "Those Tears."  Sunday, April 7, 10:00 a.m.

Back to God Ministries International

This Sunday, March 31, we welcome Rev. Kurt Selles, director of Back to God Ministries International.  He will be leading us in worship.  I will be in Florida 😎

Two wonders!

Tears don't always flow from a broken heart.  Sometimes they flow from a healed heart.  A woman's tears fell on Jesus' feet, and they were tears of joy and gratitude; she was overwhelmed by two wonders - the wonder of what she used to be and the wonder of God's glorious love that had changed everything.  (Luke 7:36-50). We too, need to examine our hearts before we can comprehend what God has done for us in Jesus.  Sunday, March 24, 2019, 10:00 a.m.

Disappointed with God

“Don’t cry,” says Jesus to the woman (Luke 7:13). Really?? Her only son had just died. What happens when Jesus doesn’t meet our expectations, when life is just too hard?  Join us as we look into these hard questions.  We share the communion meal during this service.  The bread we serve is always gluten free and the juice is non-alcoholic.  Sunday, March 17, 10:00 a.m.

Ivy Grace Boonstra

On Sunday, March 10, 2019, we celebrated the baptism of Ivy Grace Boonstra, baby daughter of Josh and Hilary.  Congratulations!  May God always walk along side of this precious little one.

Spring ahead!

Inconsolable

Too often we say the wrong things when trying to comfort someone. True comfort is to walk along side of a person.  God knows that.  His Son, Jesus, was born into a sorrow-filled world - "Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted" (Matthew 2:18). Jesus came to earth to walk along side of us, in good times and in bad.
Speaking of good times, we celebrate the baptism of baby Ivy Grace Bootsma this Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.

Those Tears

This Sunday we begin a sermon series that will bring us through Lent.  It's called, "Those Tears."  We begin with Isaiah 53 where the one who will save is called the Man of Sorrows.  During this service we will be "passing the hammer" from the service project in Texas (Mike Steenbeek reporting) to the one in West Virginia (our youth mission team leaves this coming week). Join us this Sunday,  March 3, 10 a.m.