Spring Ahead

Well, we made it. March Break is past, and the first Sunday of Daylight Savings Time came and went. The snow is melting, and it won’t be long before the grass is green and waiting to be mowed.

But first, we’ll go through a season of transition. The weather will be fairly unpredictable: some days you’ll need your winter coat, and other days a jacket will be fine. You’ll look out the window and see the increasing strength of the sun’s rays, but the wind will still bite those who step outside unprepared for its’ teeth. Yes, it will be a few days yet, but summer is on the way. I tried to encourage some UNB students from Nigeria with that hope yesterday. I think my idea of ‘warm’ differs from theirs.

Yes, summer will come, but first the transition of spring.

For as long as I can remember, that’s the way it has worked. To go from one season to another means passing through change. Anniversaries fly past; the calendar turns; and birthdays keep showing up, ignoring our orders to cease and desist. Growth means transition. Growth means change. Spring ahead.

In the next couple of posts I’m going to share with you how we’re walking through the season of growth here at Evangel. Please pray for us and with us as we’re working to tell everyone we know the Good News. Spring ahead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link Love

Here’s some stuff that has me thinking…

• Ben Arment on resisting the urge to quit.
• Oswald Chambers on the purpose of mountains.
• Pastors.com asks a tough question about discipleship.
• Steven Furtick, You’re Not the First.
• Perry Noble advises us to Stop Showing God Our Buts.
• And, my favourite congregation.

Read. Think. Pray. Be encouraged.

God is up to something bigger than you realize. And He wants you to join Him.

Have a SUPERB weekend!

September at Evangel

Image by Яick Harris via Flickr

Coming this month to Evangel:

14th – Evangel 101, an introduction to Evangel for people considering membership. Required for ministry involvement in 2010.

15th – After a summer break, Bible Study starts up again. Theme: “Christ in Me, the Hope of Glory”

19th – Mission Sunday, with an emphasis on our upcoming trip to India.

19th – Sunday Night Live

25th – Tim Milner CD release concert

Can’t Get You Out of My Mind

My kids introduced me to this dumb song, and it’s just one of those songs that sticks in your brain. Whenever they want to drive me closer to the brink of insanity, they’ll start singing it, and that dumb song just rolls around in my head the rest of the day. (If you clicked the link above, maybe you’ll agree?)

We just got back from vacation, and it was a blast. I’m feeling refreshed and ready for the fall. I try to shut down over vacation, and spend time and attention exclusively on my family, but I could never fully get the congregation I serve out of my head. I prayed for Evangel. Thought about Evangel. Bounced some ideas and strategies off of my friends about what the next season holds for Evangel. It was nice to be away, but the miles on the highway did not produce miles in the heart. I love Evangel, and the city of Fredericton. I love the people, the kids, the seniors, the young adults, the families of all shapes and sizes. I love the deacons. I love their heart for the Kingdom.

Many times throughout these past two weeks, I’d find myself thinking about Evangel. I didn’t have to work at it–it just happened. Similar to that song (but far more valuable), Evangel is something I just can’t get out of my mind.

Without a doubt we are in for a season of growth and change. To get to where we’ve never been we need to do some things we’ve never done. I realize that the mere mention of “change” scares some people to death, but that’s okay. It will be alright. We’ll just feel a pinch…so take a deep breath and get ready for what’s next.

Here’s something to remember: no matter what you’re facing, and no matter what’s going on, God can’t get you out of His mind, either.

Here’s proof.

“…I will not forget you…” Isaiah 49:15 TNIV

Evangel News – August 8

It was a good morning with the Evangel family today!

Finished up our “elements” series with a message on the Holy Spirit. Excited about the “You Asked for It” series in September…don’t forget to send in your questions/topic suggestions! Just email it to info@evangelnb.ca.

Got some heavy hitters coming in to preach while we’re on vacation: Sheldon MacLeod (15th) and Richard Bragdon (22nd) are going to give you the Good Word, and you don’t want to miss either week! I appreciate their ministries and their willingness to help us get away.

Have you jumped on the Give Every Day train yet? Our fellowship has invited every congregation to take part in this initiative to give just one dollar each day for missions. The beauty of this is that, if every adult joined in for even just a year, we would raise an additional $30 million to spread the Good News of Jesus across the globe! It’s easy–Give Every Day.

While you’re picking up school supplies, purchase some extras and bring them to our morning service on August 29th. We’ll be delivering them to neighbourhood schools that need them. Also, pray about getting involved in our Park Street School outreach. You can change lives!

We’ll be thinking of and praying for you guys while we’re on vacation. See you soon!