Thanks to Anna (Ben) Crumback at Sointula Community Church for producing the Church of the Week!
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The tune was really familiar, but the lyrics were lost!
Driving in my car this week, I heard the familiar sounds of the carol, “Joy to the World.” As the melody played, I thought of the lyrics, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come, Let earth receive her King…”
Very soon, however, I realized that the familiar carol was simply used as a “jingle” for an advertisement for our Vancouver Giants hockey game, and their Teddy Bear Toss. You may be familiar with this community event, where fans are encouraged to bring a teddy bear that will be tossed onto the ice, to be gathered up and given to charity.
Though it is a great community event, the message of the carol is about the advent of Christ, our Saviour and Lord. While the tune is familiar, the message is largely unknown!
What a great opportunity to ask, “Do you recognize that tune?” From hockey to jewelry, the carols are played and misused, not deliberately, but because their message is unknown. We have the opportunity to let people know the “Good News” they speak of.
As we are in the midst of Advent and looking to Christmas, I am praying for you, for your church, and in keeping with the carol, for God to draw, “hearts to prepare him room.”
So, what is your scorecard?
So, how do you rate as a pastor? As a “preacher?” As a leader? As a worship director?
Like it or not, we all have a tendency to ask how we “rate.” Our culture, including church culture, will often “compare” pastors, leaders and others with the “stars” of our various settings.
Sermons from popular preachers from all over the world are readily available online. How do we measure up? Renowned leaders in church and society tell their stories of “success,” and we might wonder, “are we up to the task?”
However we might have a tendency to “rate” ourselves (or others), rarely is character a quality that is spoken of.
I, like many of you, was impressed at the tributes to the late former U.S. president George H.W. Bush. From family to fellow politicians, he was respected and remembered as a man of integrity and noble character.
He was president for only one term. On his bid for re-election, he was defeated by the younger and more-charismatic Bill Clinton. Clinton, though more popular was of lesser character, and the tributes that will be made of him one day at his passing will likely contrast to those given to George Bush.
As Bush vacated the White House to make way for his successor, he left a note for Bill Clinton. Here is a copy
This letter reflects the grace, character and humility of George Bush. Quite a legacy!
Speaking of ministry, life and character, here is an encouraging reminder of what really matters in ministry.
Why Brokenness is Better than Giftedness in Ministry
Trinity Western University Announces Their New President
Trinity Western University announces that Dr. Mark Husbands has been selected as the next president of Trinity Western University. He is currently president of Northwestern College. He will begin next summer.
Please pray for TWU, for current president Bob Kuhn, and for Dr. Mark Husbands and wife Becky as they complete their service at Northwestern and prepare for the task ahead.
Here is a link to the announcement:
TWU Announces Their Fifth President
Please pray for:
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Upcoming Events:
LPD Annual Conference: March 1,2 at Vancouver Chinese EFC.
