Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Midweek Scripture (Malachi 3:1 )

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight--indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.

I have been wondering how God leads us today. With wars in Ukraine, Gaza, Yemen, and elsewhere internationally and increasing poverty as well as unaffordable housing and living costs nationally, we hardly have time to think about how God leads us. Of course, we do our best to be the followers of Christ. In our prayer we do our best to help and love our neighbours while we patiently wait for our Lord’s return.

Reading Micah’s passage, here’s a thing we always ponder. God has been at work in the world since its beginning. We sincerely believe that God is present with us always. This is the way we understand the phrase “the steadfast love of God never ceases.” The question is: has God also been sending us messengers to prepare the way for the coming or return of our Lord at any time? What does it mean for us to read this passage? Do we simply say that this preparation is related solely to John the Baptist preparing the way, or are we to understand that even now God sends us a messenger to prepare the way?

Those who have been studying the Book of Revelation warn us of the calamities that will destroy the world as we know it before the return of our Lord. This would be the outward way the preparation is made. In this line of thinking, God is orchestrating the preparation without messengers or helpers. God’s will simply unfolds as was envisioned by God through various human means in history. This way of thinking makes us see what happens in the world fatalistically and observe evils happening in the world as the in world as consequences of human sin. In this case, there is nothing much we can do but hunker down and wait.

For those who follow Christ, however, we hang onto the faith in Christ that Christ is always with us, leading, protecting, guiding, shielding and calling us to himself without fail. Apart from how the world will be affected, we are more interested in what it means to live faithfully in Christ as the world is being prepared for the return of our Lord. At the same time we truly believe that Christ calls us and others to himself and continually nourishes and renews us in him so that we may live life worthy of his calling.

In a way, our faith life in the living Lord is the demonstration of God’s love for the world. Unbeknownst to us, then, as Jesus’ followers, we become part of God’s way of preparing the world for the coming or return of our Lord. It is simple and easy to read this passage from Micah and say to ourselves that God will send a messenger for our age, or to think that this passage was foretelling of the ministry of John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus. Today we look at another possibility as part of people who are called by God through Christ. Yes, without us making a lot out of who we are and what we are to do, it may be possible that as the living body of Christ we are called to be messengers who prepare the way of coming or returning of our Lord to reign on earth.

2024 January & February

Prayer Time

Every Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 pm, we are gathering to pray. We will lift up our prayers for all those who are struggling with many different concerns. We ask you to pray with us. Pray especially for those who are looking for jobs, those who are recovering from illnesses and those who are doing the Lord’s work.

Ash Wednesday Service

On Ash Wednesday, February 14 as we begin our forty days of Lent, we will begin the Lent with worship. Please come at 10 am for worship to journey with Christ.

Lent Devotions, every Wednesday on Wed. Feb. 21-Wed. Mar. 14

As part of being the body of Christ, we join with Christians around the world in devotion and prayer as we remember Jesus’ ministry and our faith in him. It is also an opportunity to refresh ourselves spiritually as we prepare for Easter.

Valentine Dinner on Saturday, February 10 at 5 pm

Our Valentine Soiree is being planned for Saturday, February 10 at 5 pm. The purpose of this dinner is to raise funds to carry out God’s work.The cost is $25. This is a fundraiser to do Christ’s ministry. Tickets are on sale.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tue. Feb. 13, 4 pm-6 pm

This all you can eat Pancake Supper is back on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The cost is $5. 

Volunteers Needed

Starting on Friday, February 2 at 1:30 pm, we will begin a volunteering day at the church.

Those who want to do some volunteering are asked to come on Friday, February 2 at 1:30 pm. We will organize and do various work. Since so many people have asked for volunteer work, we are doing our best to see how everyone can take part.

All volunteers will come to the church on Fridays starting at 1:30 pm.

Time for Praise Music

If you are interested in singing hymns, choruses and gospel music, please let us know. Also if there is enough interest shown, we will have time to learn and play guitar. Please sign up.

Bible Study

We are trying to see if there are people interested in doing the Bible Study in the evening. It will be done weekly and for an hour followed by fellowship. Let us know. This Bible study can be done in person or online.

Membership Workshop

Since many of you have expressed interest in becoming a member, we will hold workshops on necessary topics prior to becoming a member. Please do not forget to sign up. These workshops will take place on Saturdays.