Communion Sunday
December 28th, 2014
Worship Service: 10:00 am
Leading Us In Worship
Dave Rodda & Worship Team
Today’s Message:
“Celebration-‐ Celebrating the Difference
The Bible Makes in Our Lives”
2 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 34
Darren Petker WELCOME! We are so glad you said ‘yes’ to God’s invitation to be with us today! We’d like to get to know you better! Please take time to ;ill out a yellow Communications Card found in the pews and drop it in the offering bag. Thank you!
WELCOME TO WORSHIP
Join in worship with Dave Rodda and the Worship Team
Guitar: Dave Rodda
Vocals: Karen Dewaal Audio: Bob Regier
Bass: Jeff Thiessen
Vocals: Meagan Emard Media: Jason Kent
Keys: Levi DeWaal
Drums: Colton Neudorf
This Week At RRCC:
TODAY
8:30 AM
Prayer Time - Prayer Room
WEDNESDAY
12:00 PM
5:30 PM
Office closed at 12:00 noon
Encore New Year’s Eve Potluck
THURSDAY
Office closed for New Year’s Day
FINANCIAL UPDATE
All gifts will be received until 12 noon on December 31st, 2014.
If you have any questions please contact Phil Giesbrecht
(Finance Chairman) or Dale Regier (Finance Liaison).
LAST WEEK AT ROSS ROAD COMMUNITY CHURCH
TOTAL DECEMBER
INCOME TARGET
ACTUAL RECEIVED IN
DECEMBER
REMAINING TOTAL TO
MEET TARGET
$113,100
$70,644.65
($42,455.35)
LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE
FIRST SERVICE
SECOND SERVICE
189
186
COMING EVENTS
January 4 - Kids Church restarts
- Gender Roles Studies resumes
- New Year Pray Encounter at 6:30 PM
January 8 - Cutting Edge High School Youth resumes
January 10 - TLC Leaders’ Community training session
January 12 - Lookout Middle School Youth resumes
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ENCORE (SENIORS) MINISTRY
NEW YEAR’S EVE POTLUCK, on December 31st at 5:30 PM.
All seniors (55+) are invited out for an evening of food, fellowship and an
inspirational movie.
Please bring one dish to share of either a casserole, salad, dessert, etc.
NEW YEAR PRAYER ENCOUNTER
New Year Prayer Encounter—6:30-7:30 PM Sunday, January 4th, 2015
One of our seven core values is Dependence On God—Because we
can do nothing without God, we joyfully celebrate Him in our
worship and prayerfully depend on Him for everything. As we enter
2015 as a church, we need as many as possible to join together to put
that value in action in a Worship-Based Prayer Encounter. Plan to come
and experience God together.
TEAM LEADERS’ COMMUNITY
Team Leaders’ Community—8:00-10:00 AM Saturday, January 10th, 2015
TLC empowers collaborative ministry at RRCC in an enjoyable atmosphere of prayer
and mutual support. Light breakfast served. All RRCC ministry teams are asked to be
well represented. Training session: “Ministering in Power through Prayer."
EQUIP TO SERVE
Equip To Serve- Discipleship Training Course, begins January 22nd, 2015! This
course is designed for those who seek training, accountability, and nurturing in their
faith. Discover the joy of an established relationship with Christ and the
freedom to share Him openly with others. Learn to stand on God's
promises, fulfill Matthew 28:18-20, disciple others, enjoy solid studies,
perfect your leadership skills and much more. To register, call or text Jason
Shellborn.
FAMILY NEWS
I would like to take a moment to thank my church family for the lovely
poinsettia this Christmas season. It was very thoughtful and much
appreciated.
~Frieda Loewen
Found- One drop style silver earring, with red and green crystals was found
in the kitchen. If this is yours, it can be claimed at the office.
Visit http://rossroadcc.sermon.net to listen to past RRCC sermons! Click
the Subscribe button on the website to import into iTunes Podcasts. You
can also import them into a podcast app on your smartphone, and listen to
the sermons right in your internet browser.
Find RRCC on Facebook and Twitter! Follow us at www.facebook.com/
rossroadcc or www.twitter.com/RossRoadChurch for posts about sermons,
updates about church events, cancellation notices, and more.
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WANTED- STAMPS
Kids Ministry is looking for postage stamps for a time capsule project for our
Sunday School kids. If you have any cancelled stamps from your Christmas
mail, please drop them off at the church office, between now and
December 31st.
PHOTOS NEEDED
To date we have received very few photos for the new
online church directory. Please remember to send in your
photo to the church office as soon as possible. Email a
good quality digital photo to [email protected] or bring
in a print and we will scan it for you.
EMERGENCY WEATHER RESPONSE (EWR)
"I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me..."
IMPORTANT EWR NEWS:
Please be sure to check the schedule posted outside the
ladies washroom or online via the church website for your
volunteer days.
* Countdown to January
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help with our
Extreme Weather Response. This community outreach could
not happen without your help. While we’re still 20% short of
needed volunteers, we won’t have further formal volunteer
signup in the foyer. However, you can still volunteer. Please
contact one of the following if you can help in one of these areas:
Food: Brenda Stephens 604-856-5447
Clean up: Jim Woodey 604-856-5447
Overnight Men: Bob Regier 604-534-7588
* Donations needed please:
-sweat pants
-sweat shirts
-DVDs, magazines, table games
Please place any donations in the box marked EWR in the foyer
Thank you,
EWR committee
HOPE FOR WOMEN PREGNANCY SERVICES
The pain of abortion is intensified by a sense
of alienation from God and Church. In 2015 be fully reconciled to God, your church, your
family and your unborn child. Register now for
our 14 week Post Abortion Sessions on Mondays starting February 2015. Call Hope
for Women Pregnancy Services at 604-853-0303 and ask for Elizabeth, or text the
word "hope" to 212121. For more information email [email protected] go
to www.HopeForWomen.ca. All services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.
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BAPTISM & MEMBERSHIP CLASSES
Baptism/Membership Class: 7:00-8:30PM, Tuesday, January 13th, 2015
Baptism & Membership Applicants Meet with Elders & Pastors:
7:00-8:30PM Tuesday, January 20th, 2015
Baptism in water is the one thing that Jesus asked us to do to declare that we are His
followers (Matthew 28:19-20). When we trust Jesus as Saviour and surrender to Him
as Lord, He baptizes us in the Holy Spirit, who breathes spiritual life into us making us
members of Jesus’ spiritual body (1 Corinthians 12:13). Similarly, when we are visibly
baptized in water, we become members of our local church, His visible body.
To prepare for baptism and membership, we regularly offer a class, followed by an
opportunity to be affirmed by church leaders. Those who have previously been
baptized as believers elsewhere do not need to be baptized at RRCC in order to
be received as members but are still asked to attend our membership class and
meet with our elders and pastors. We invite all who would like to explore the
possibility of baptism and/or membership to check off the
appropriate boxes on a Communication Card (and place it
in the offering) and/or speak to a pastor. Please help yourself
to a Baptism/Membership Class Participation Pack in the
box below Pastor Art’s mailbox. And please read through the
booklet in that pack Discovering Ross Road Community
Church Membership prior to coming to the class, if possible. If
you desire baptism or membership and these dates do not
work for you, please speak with Pastor Art.
PERSPECTIVES CANADA
Perspectives On The World Christian Movement is a dynamic 15 week discipleship
course taught by a variety of veteran missionaries, influential strategists and professors,
each an expert in their respective area. You’ll get the opportunity to
discover what God is doing around the world and consider your
part in His purposes. Give Him a chance to grip your heart with the
things so close to His. Perspectives will help you understand
God’s plan for our world - and possibly for your life. This course is
being held right here at RRCC on Wednesdays from February 11th
to May 20th, 2015, from 6:45 PM - 9:45 PM. To register or for more
information, call Pat Burman at 604-854-5789 or email
[email protected], Lyn Friesen at 604-853-6508 or email
brrmanitsfreezin@ hotmail.com, or visit
www.perspectivescanada.org for more information and online registration.
MISSIONS FEST 2015
Missions Fest 2015: “Across The Street: Around The World” - January 30thFebruary 1st, 2015 at Vancouver Convention Centre East (999 Canada Place)
This year’s conference features speakers Micah Bournes, Ede Clarke,
Soong-Chan Rah, and Lawrence Tong. With 100+ seminars, 250 exhibits,
and our 6th annual film festival. For more
information about this year’s Missions Fest go to
www.missionfestvancouver.ca.
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The Inspiration, Illumination and Interpretation of God’s Word:
“Celebration-‐ Celebrating the Difference the Bible Makes in Our Lives”
2 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 34
Darren Petker
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-‐edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
~Hebrews 4:12
Three Lessons we can learn from Josiah… (2 Kings 22)
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1.) We cannot ride on the coat tails of those who have gone before us. 2 Chronicles 34:1-‐8
2.) God’s word can arrest your attention, captivate your heart and radically alter your life. 2 Kings 22:8-‐11
3.) We can pass onto the generation that follows us, a legacy of knowing and being transformed by the living Word. Psalm 112:1-‐2, 145:4-‐7
God’s living Word has the ability to radically alter our lives and the generations that follow after us. For Personal ReNlection and Discussion with Friends and Family:
To Ponder – Does my reading and interaction with Scripture ;ind its way into my conversations with family and friends on a regular basis? What is one step that you could take that would increase the frequency of your scripture reading? Who is one person you could endeavour to engage in conversation about the scripture you are reading? In Preparation for Sunday, January 4, 2015:
In the New Year, we continue in The Apocalypse with a message from Pastor Art on “The Slumbering Church” of Revelation 3:1-‐6. Please read that passage a number of times and ask God what the Spirit is saying to our church—and to you.
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LOOKOUT MIDDLE SCHOOL
Happy New Year and may God bless you in 2015!
Don’t forget about our giant game of SMUGGLERS
on January 12! Be sure to invite your friends! You
can grab a Winter Calendar from the Info Booth that
will give you information on the next few months of
youth.
Also, be sure to pick up your ski/snowboard forms
at the Info Booth or website for our day at Manning
Park on January 17th. These forms will be due
back to Pastor Craig by January 8th.
CUTTING EDGE HIGH SCHOOL
Wishing you all a Happy New Year! Don’t forget
about our kick off on January 8 with a giant
game of SMUGGLERS!
Also, be sure to pick up your ski/snowboard
forms at the Info Booth or website for our day
at Manning Park on January 17th. These forms
will be due back to Pastor Craig by January 8th.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Ross Road Women Hit the Slopes
Thursday, January 22nd at Hemlock Valley
Ladies Ski FREE - Lift ticket is no charge for women!
Bring your own ski equipment or rent
Car pooling will be arranged
Contact Marilyn Isaak for more information
CONNECTIONS - Winter Session, is a morning out for women of all ages, and will run
for 4 Thursday mornings in February with childcare provided. Registration and more
information coming in January. Please contact Leanne Schroeder with any questions.
February, 2015: Discovering Bible Truth for Yourself via
the book of Ruth
Would you like the thrill of having God’s Word opened up to
your understanding in a new and exciting way as you read the
Bible on your own? If so, come join Margaret Woodey in a 6
week study of the book of Ruth. Margaret will give you practical
tools you can use for your own personal study, even as we
explore the dramatic book of Ruth together in the process!!
This ‘hands on’ study will be held at RRCC on Tuesday evenings
starting in February. Stay tuned for more details regarding registration, or contact
Margaret Woodey or Val Thiessen for more information. Mark your calendars now!
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NURSERY CARE
Nursery for children from birth - 2 years of age
Our volunteers are police checked and a paging system is provided
for your child’s security.
December 24th, 2014
4:30 Service: Monika Thiessen & Michelle Penner with Jennae Driediger
6:00 Service: Sandra & Sarah Hayashida
December 28th, 2014
One Service: Jeremy & Linnea Schellenberg
January 4th, 2015
1st Service:
Scott & Amanda Unger with Anna Healy
2nd Service:
Brian & Danica Neufeldt
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Kids Zone Teacher Break - December 28th
• Parent-Led Preschool: TODAY, under the leadership of
Amberley Neufeldt.
• Grade 1 and up in the main service. Help yourself to Kids
Sermon and Activity Sheets or Advent colouring sheets from the
foyer.
Upcoming Dates:
•
•
Sunday, January 4th - Kids Church restarts
Friday and Saturday, January 23rd and 24th - Kids.com (Leadership Planning Team)
Prayer Retreat
Free Family Resources and Helpful Articles:
Visit our blog at: www.rossroadkids.com for articles and free resources for families!
Volunteer Opportunity: “Do you love babies and toddlers?”
Why not come join us and bless the young, growing families of Ross Road. Uncertain
if the Nursery is for you? Come test it out and see how it goes. To learn more, contact
Pastor Merri Ellen or Nursery Coordinator, Michelle Penner for more info. Send an
email to: [email protected]. Thank you in advance!
LIBRARY
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Stormie Omartian teams with talented illustrator Shari Warren to share
an important message in What Happens When I Talk to God? Stormie
encourages children to develop the life changing practices of talking to
God every day and explains prayer in easy to understand ways. With
examples taken directly from the lives of young boys and girls, she helps
kids get to know God, thank Him for His love and care, and ask for His
help in tough times. Stormie also touches upon forgiveness, the power of
praying with others, and having a relationship with Jesus as she
assures children that their prayers do make a difference.
PRAY FOR OUR MISSIONARIES
Don’t forget to check the Missionary bulletin board for the latest update letters
from our missionaries. Learn about how God is moving in people’s hearts all
over the world!
Paul & Edna Cairns – in Chilliwack with Transport for Christ
Otto & Marjorie Ekk – in North America on MINA (Ministry In North America furlough)
Cynthia Friesen – in Abbotsford on MINA (Ministry In North America - furlough)
Rob & Judy Griffioen – in Abbotsford with Good News International Ministries
S & B (Isaiah, Karis, Zander & Jacob) – in Central Asia with MB Mission
Dwayne & Helen Rainwater (Lisa & Michael) – in West Africa with Pioneer Bible
Translators
Beth Scholes – in Abbotsford with FamilyLife
Jason & Stephanie Shellborn (Madison, Hudson & London) – in Abbotsford with
Discipleship International
Al & Karen Stobbe (Karissa & Natasha) – in Abbotsford with MB Mission
Rachael Wiebe – in Winnipeg with MB Mission
MISSIONARY OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Friesen – in Abbotsford on MINA (Ministry In North America - furlough)
Cynthia is celebrating Christmas with family before preparing to return to Thailand in
the New Year.
Upon her return, Cynthia will be locating to a different area in Thailand as part of a new
team. Cynthia has been asked to pray about two ministries specifically, the first would
be working with women in a prison setting, and the second one working with Thai
nationals helping at-risk children and women. Please pray for wisdom and discernment
from the Lord as to which ministry He is calling her to.
Pray for unity and team building with her new team members, as well as strength and
good health as she begins again in the mission field.
Pray also for the church and ministry in Phuket, for protection for the members there
as they continue on without Cynthia. Pray for Cynthia to end well in Phuket, as she
returns to say good-bye to those she has worked with over the past eight years.
Cynthia is very grateful for all your support, love and prayers during her time her on
MINA and feels very blessed to be part of the RRCC family.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please pray for Melvin & Gudrun Warkentin serving with MB
Mission in Paraguay.
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PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS
Walt Letkeman
Renee Barrett
Curtis Albright
Debbie Bracewell
Gloria Hiebert
Please pray for those who are dealing with ongoing struggles in their lives - whether it be
illness, spiritual battles, the loss of a loved one, or financial difficulties. Pray that God
provides them with comfort, patience, endurance and strength in their daily lives.
OUR PASTORS:
Lead: ! !
Adults: !!
Youth: !!
Worship:!!
Kids:!
!
Art Birch - [email protected]
Darren Petker - [email protected]
Craig Thiessen - [email protected]
Dave Rodda - [email protected]
Merri Ellen Giesbrecht - [email protected]
OUR ELDERS:
Michael Blouin:
Property Liaison, Discernment Team
Bryan Born:
Elder At Large
Ron Isaak:
Moderator, Reconciliation Team, Human Resources Team
Barry Jackson:
Assistant Moderator, Policy & Procedure Update
Vic Martens:
Secretary, Encore Liaison
Dale Regier:
Finance Liaison
Dave Rosborough: Policy & Procedure Update, Community Connections Liaison
PRAYER CHAIN:
Doreen Froese
Clara Senek
and Frieda Neufeld