Pastor's Message - Bob Bahr
This morning I want to express my gratitude for the many positive responses I received from last Sunday’s service. As a church, we are committed to celebrating the rich diversity of our church community.
We are indeed a cross-cultural, inter-generation congregation. This Sunday we will celebrate together the Asian New Year with a special service of worship. Our Mandarin community will participate in the service and provide food and treats in the foyer following the service. This will be a special service where we acknowledge our unity in the context of our diversity. I will be preaching from Ephesians 4:1-4 on the subject of maintaining the unity of the church in the midst of diversity.
Please read through this passage of scripture and reflect on the four qualities of humility, gentleness, patience, and love which are essential to our life together as God’s New Society. Take a moment to ask yourself which of these qualities characterize your life and “where do I need a fresh outpouring of God’s grace in my life?”. Also, take time to pray that we will all be touched with a fresh anointing of God’s transforming power. After all, we collectively are God’s new temple so whenever we gather together He is present among us. What an awesome truth.
This would be a great time to invite a friend to join you in worship. In closing, I would like to leave you with a benediction from Carol Penner.
Go into your week with your ears pitched to the sound of God’s voice calling your name.
Go into your week with your eyes peeled for the face of Jesus in unexpected places.
Go into your week with your soul poised to receive the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Peace.
Events
Mark your calendars for these great events coming up.
Small Groups: We are looking for people willing to host a Small Group. Some groups that began in September are now at capacity and we have members on a waiting list. Small groups allow wonderful opportunities for spiritual growth and deepening relationships in a way that is not possible in larger settings. It is not necessary for hosts to be bible experts. There are many church resources available for support. Please call the office for Debra Ames's contact information.
Mission Central Serve conference (formerly known as MissionFest) is taking place on January, 27-29, 2023 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. West Vancouver Baptist is a sponsoring church and we encourage you to go and check it out. This year’s theme is Unity. For more information and to purchase tickets - SEE MORE.
Exciting Volunteer Opportunity for Youth: We are looking for youth volunteers to be trained as leaders in our Vacation Bible Camp (VBC) this summer. Contact Mary Findlay at accounting@westvanbaptist.com or Michael Ames at raavancouver@gmail.com for more information.
Prayer Team: Carolyn Withers has volunteered to lead a prayer team for Sunday mornings after the service. She is looking for team members. Please call the office for her contact information. 604.922.0911