Why Choose Jesus?

June 11, 2021

Hey everyone,

Until now, we've been using this reassurance mostly in circles of Life Group Leaders: "why we gather matters more than how we gather". Today however, the same sentiment fits our anticipation of an in-person Baptism Service on Thursday June 17. I'll be the first to say how meaningful it's been to go small with baptisms a few times this year. Yet in the same breath, I'm a more than a little eager to have voices in the room again to sing and share stories of new life.

Two of our friends have already shared a piece of their heart with us a few weekends ago. Listen to Jewelyn and Juralyn's testimony. I didn't want to leave the chair the day we sat down to record. It came down to hearing from each other "why choose Jesus?" with responses born out of real life.

Joining these women on their baptism day, there will be more who've said "I'm in". Some of their names I know, and the story forming of God moving in every generation is one we look forward to witnessing. But I bet a few names I don't know yet, as there's still time for anyone to join in for 7 pm on June 17th. Contact us so we can get you ready.

Finally, we're all invited to attend this service as we feel ready to return in-person. Registration is required.
See many of you very soon,

Loree
Baptism Ministry Assistant

When we re-orient our lives around living and loving like Jesus, we are made new. Baptism is a celebration of this commitment and a time to share how God is transforming us.

To learn more about why baptism is one of the most meaningful next steps for everyone who choses this way of life, check out our baptism info card and then contact us to start a conversation by filling out the baptism form.

Join us online as the Board of Elders presents the proposed budget for the next ministry year. Everyone is invited but registration is required. Members will receive voting instructions and credentials after registration. The documents that will be discussed at the meeting on June 23 at 7:30 pm are now available for you to access online and review prior to the meeting. Access documents, find out more information, and register here.

If you have questions regarding the upcoming Congregational Meeting, we would love to be able to answer these for you. Attend a 2022 Ministry Plan Information Session where any questions you have can be answered. If you are attending in-person service on June 19 or 20, you can simply stay after service, no registration is required. If you would like to attend the 2022 Ministry Plan Information Session online, registration is required to ensure you receive a link to join the meeting. Register...

Millbourne Facility Tour and Information Session
If you would like to learn more about the Millbourne opportunity, which will be voted on at the Congregational Meeting on June 23, 2021, join us for an information session and tour of the Millbourne Facility on Monday, June 21 at 7 pm. Registration required...

While the option to return to in-person gathering is available, please do so only if you are ready, and feel safe and comfortable gathering again. Register for in-person service...

If you feel more comfortable attending service online, online services will continue on the various platforms (online through the spac.ca/watch, YouTube, Facebook, Apple TV and Fire TV). Of course, if you happen to miss a service, you can always watch it or previous services On-Demand through the website.

We take your health very seriously and will continue to comply with the protocols outlined by the provincial government authorities for guidance. We will still worship, pray and learn together in a way that glorifies and honours our Lord and our God - whether you decide to join online or in-person.

On April 18, 2021, Pastor Brody along with his entire family, tested positive for COVID-19. While his wife and children's symptoms were not as severe, Pastor Brody found himself in the COVID ward at the hospital. Lying in the hospital bed, he struggled with his unbelief. He found himself wrestling with fear and anxiety and felt claustrophobic and lonely. Although he knew there was an army of people praying for him, he couldn't shake the feeling that God had forsaken and abandoned him. Where was God? Of course, being a pastor, he had all the answers, and if he had been the one ministering to someone in the hospital, he would likely have referred to Isaiah's message, "don't be discouraged, for I am always with you.... I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

Pastor Brody understood very well that as long as he lived in Christ, God's peace will guide his heart, but truth be told, Pastor Brody wasn't feeling very peaceful. He was feeling discouraged, afraid, and alone. His faith never faltered, but Pastor Brody needed help with his unbelief.

Questions arose during those dark days that maybe God wasn't who He said He was, and did God even care about him... and further, if God didn't care about him, then what on earth was he doing dedicating his life to serving Him?!

In the middle of those doubts, Pastor Brody's mind went to the Gospel when the disciples of Jesus struggled with some big questions and had big doubts. Jesus was growing more famous as He performed miracles and healed the sick. People were captivated by what He could do for them versus who He was (God in the flesh). The 12 disciples were always with Jesus and were part of His inner circle, but there were many other "disciples" who committed to follow Him. After Jesus fed 5,000 people by multiplying fish and bread, He slipped away to be by Himself, but people continued to follow Him. Jesus knew the crowd was after Him because they were hungry and wanted to be fed again, not because they wanted to be part of His mission. When Jesus confronted them and demanded them to see and respond to Him as God Himself and believe in Him, not just in their minds but in their hearts and souls, they walked away; all except Jesus' 12 apostles. Jesus asked them if they were going to leave too. The disciples replied, "to whom would we go? Who else could lead us to an abundant life here and eternally? Who else can give us all our souls have longed for? Who else can give us purpose and identity?" Pastor Brody's questions led him to the disciples' response.

It's only Jesus. It has always been only Jesus.

The questions and the doubts that creep in allow us to look back and give our struggles context. As Pastor Brody reflected on his hospitalization, the question became, Jesus, where were you present? With this lens, Pastor Brody could clearly see Jesus' presence: in his wife who made the difficult decision to take him to the hospital, the nurse who greeted him with kindness at the hospital, the doctor who took care of him, the pastor who called him every night to pray for him, the people who dropped off food and took care of his family, and the people he didn't even know who prayed for him. Jesus was in the many people who cared for him.

Sometimes, we can be like those who walked away from Jesus, and we can slide our attention toward what Jesus does for us, rather than who He is to us. When you look back at struggles in your life, how will you respond to Jesus? Will it be to walk away from Him, or will you see Him walking along side you, or carrying you through those struggles and knowing exactly where He was in those times.

Fifteen months in a pandemic has been described as a cultural and economic winter, a 'mini ice-age', a once-in-a-lifetime change event that's likely to affect our lives and organizations for years. Before we head into a restorative summer, Pastor Greg will reflect on how our church has moved through these last few months and provide a hopeful glimpse at what's next.