Good evening members and adherents, friends and family of the newly amalgamated church,

The fall colours clothe the world around us. In the splendour of the harvest season, we are blessed to begin our week tomorrow by eating and drinking at the Lord’s table.  We are not only recipients of the bountiful provisioning of the earth, but we receive food for our soul through scripture, and salvation for our lives through the sacrifice of Christ.  God is good!

As we step into the season of Thanksgiving, we remember the journey of those who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon 2500 years ago.  We remember the rebuilding of the foundation of the temple of the Lord.  In bible studies on Wednesday nights, and in the service tomorrow, we remember the stories of the lives in Ezra.  And we hold gently the tension between the remembrance of what was, and the hope for what will be.  

For us here in 2020’s Canada, embracing the time between what has passed and what will come allows us to step into worship and fellowship and ministry in a spirit of gratitude, curiosity, and awe as one body in Christ.  We match our steps, young and old, from many nations, to answer the call from God on all our hearts to build the newly amalgamated church and share the gospel message to our neighbours.

The attached bulletin contains the announcements of the many activities of the week to come.  Of special note at the northern building will be the funeral of Isa Tieken on Wednesday, communion on Thursday, and the Labyrinth Cafe on Friday.  At the southern building on Thursday, there will be yoga, a community cafe, and sandwich making for at-risk youth.  And last but not least, bible study Wednesdays continue in person and online.

Please receive this email as an invitation to come and worship and break bread with your brothers and sisters in Christ tomorrow at 10 AM to celebrate the first communion as the amalgamated church.  And may your gratitude and praise be heard by God.

Blessings,

Rev. Chandra Mannix