Pastor's Message - Pastor Bob Bahr
This Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent. The word Advent is anglicized from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming." For Christians, it is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. Last Sunday we reflected on Mary’s response to the angel's announcement that she had been chosen to give birth to the Messiah. Her willingness to submit herself to God’s overarching plan was simply astonishing. And as I reflect on her response I would like to share with you a poem written by my beloved wife which challenges me to ask myself the question: “How willing am I to embrace God’s plan for my life."
OVERSHADOWED
“Almighty, Eternal Father God Overshadow me by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Granting me insight and wisdom to act justly, To focus my faith upon Your willingness and delight In bringing into being, things thought humanly impossible. Overshadow me with faith to look into the future And see how I might carry in my body, the life of Christ: Caring for the hurting and lonely around me; Responding to what I see and hear, giving freely.”
Overshadow me with
Your unconditional love
So I too may be able to say with Mary,
“May it be to me as you have said.”
In conclusion, I would like to remind you that I’m in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays and available to meet with you on Tuesday afternoons and on Thursdays by appointment.
May the Christ of Christmas fill you with peace in the turbulent and uncertain times.
This Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent: And this week we will light the candle of peace and reflect on Luke 2:1-7. I would invite you to ask yourselves how Mary must have felt giving birth to her firstborn son in a strange town so far removed from her family and friends. Not exactly a peaceful situation. In what ways did God go before her and surround her with comfort and peace?
Dundarave Festival of Lights: We are participating in the Festival of Lights again this year. The Missions Committee is decorating the WVBC tree at 11am on December 3, 2022, everyone is welcome to come out and help. Hope to see you there.
If anyone is interested in leading the Tree Decorating team next year please contact Tracey at the office or via email tracey@westvanbaptist.com for more information.
Update on George Palejko This morning our beloved friend George passed peacefully into the presence of Jesus. Let me encourage you to pray for Gillian and her family during this time of transition.
Wedding and Funeral Co ordination The Church Council is pleased that Toni Pankratz has agreed to continue as our Wedding and Funeral Coordinator. As a Council, we enthusiastically affirm this decision.
Notice of WVBC budget meeting to be held on December 4, 2022: A general meeting will be held after the morning worship service on Sunday, December 4, 2022, in the Sanctuary to consider and vote on the proposed 2023 church budget. The budget and agenda are attached to this e-newsletter, if you need a copy please contact the office.
The following motion will be considered “Motion to approve the 2023 budget. Moved by Don Hill and seconded by Tom Walker that the proposed 2023 budget as presented at this meeting be approved. If you will be attending the business meeting on December 4 via the website Livestream, you may vote on the “Chat” function.
Harvest Project Gift Card Drive WVBC is partnering with Harvest Project by collecting donations of gift cards to be given to those in need during the Christmas season. Donations of gift cards to grocery stores (e.g. Walmart, Superstore, Save-on-Food) and/or prepaid visa gift cards would be gratefully received. You can drop off your donation in the collection box in the foyer on Sunday mornings or bring them to the Office during the week. We will be collecting the gift cards until Monday 19 December and then delivering them to Harvest Project. Thank you for supporting this drive.
Volunteers need for the technical team In keeping with the call to serve and assist WVBC on Sunday mornings, we are looking for those who have an interest in video work through our Livestream and/or using PowerPoint. Some computer experience would be helpful. Good training and a step-by-step manual will be provided. Additionally, Christmas is coming soon, and we will need some extra help with Blue Christmas and Christmas Eve Services. Please Contact Don Hill or Judy Thompson for more information.