Learning From The Master (our spring series is here!)

OK, so it's snowing a little as I'm writing this and I'm working very hard to see the silver lining in a -5 windchill during the first week of April. Anyone have any suggestions???

However, in spite of the strange "spring" we're having, I'm excited about the new series we're starting on Sunday called "School of Prayer". I've been thinking a lot lately about the vital role that prayer plays in our lives and how much God wants to teach us and change us through communicating with Him. So, what is the best way to pray?

For the next few weeks we're going to be like the disciple who wanted to know the answer to that question, too, so he went right to source: 

“One day, Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray...’”

— Luke 11:1

This is where we're going to start because this is where Jesus' teaching about prayer started. I invite you to come along with us as we learn from the Master.

See you on Sunday,
Pastor Tracy

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Did you participate in our Good Friday "Better Than" video?
 

Did you see it on Easter Sunday? It was absolutely incredible - powerful, honest and heart-felt with the potential to minister to so many others! 

We would love to be able to share it online but we won't do it without your permission. If you or your children made a sign and had your picture taken by Walt and Rob, please click the button below and let us know if you're OK with us sharing it online. If you'd like to see it first, simply mention that in your email and we'll send you a private link.

Thank you! He is risen indeed!
#JesusIsAll #BetterThan #AllTheThings

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This Sunday...

School of Prayer: Teach Us The Posture

The first thing we learn from Jesus about prayer in Matthew 6 is how to posture our hearts. It isn't about following a formula or a 5-step program. From creation until now it's always been about the heart. 

You can follow along with the message on YouVersion Events. Here's the link.

Jesus is All (a pre-Easter message from Pastor Tracy)

Good Friday - March 30 @ 10:00am
Family Communion Service
YouTube Playlist
YouVersion Event

Easter Sunday - April 1 @ 10:00am
Come ready to worship... Jesus is ALL!
YouTube Playlist
YouVersion Event

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This Sunday...

Jesus Is All 

I have a great little reader board in my office. Sometimes it finds it's way to our Welcome Centre but for this past month it's been parked in my office with this message: Jesus Is All. Leading up to Easter and as we've been walking through Hebrews, my heart has been anchored again in this fact; everything that we need is found in Jesus. I am excited to celebrate that with you on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It's going to be a beautiful weekend. 

See you soon,
Pastor Tracy

You can follow along with the message on YouVersion Events. Here's the link.

Easter @ Freedom (I can't wait!)

Very simply today I want to invite you into a celebration of the best season of the year. You're invited to make the most out of every moment; dig a little deeper, pause a little longer, listen a little more closely, sing a little louder and experience even more gratitude for the life-transforming work of Christ in our lives. He truly is better than ALL.

Palm Sunday - March 25

Celebration with Kmotion and palm branches!

Good Friday - March 30 @ 10:00am

Family Communion Service

Easter Sunday - April 1

Come ready to worship.. Jesus is ALL!

Can't wait to see you all on Sunday,
Pastor Tracy

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This Sunday...

Better Than Sacrifices

I don’t know if you have ever struggled with making the connection between the old covenant and the new covenant. All that stuff about the spilling of blood for the atonement of sin - why was that necessary? And, if it was important, then why is it not important now? Is the Old Testament obsolete and totally irrelevant? Sometimes the significance of where we are is only revealed in the knowledge of where we have come from. Let’s celebrate greater things together.

See you on Palm Sunday,
Bjorn

You can follow along with the message on YouVersion Events. Here's the link.

Parters in Mission: The Fellers (say hi!)

Say Hello To... The Fellers

Bethany, Teresa, Zoe, Timothy, Jeremy

I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to or reacquaint you with one of our missions families this week. The Fellers are a truly remarkable family with a missions calling in Ethiopia that resonates strongly with our own life transformation vision. 

Jeremy and Teresa have three children - 5-year-olds Bethany and Timothy and almost 4-year-old, Zoe. They live in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, and use it as a launching point to minister all over eastern and northern Africa. 

Recently, Jeremy was appointed the Africa Regional Director for PAOC Missions and so he's using Addis as a home base to give leadership the continent now! He's also uniquely qualified for ministry in Ethiopia because his love of coffee runs very, very deep (if his Facebook photos - 20+ - of cups of "buna" are any indication!).

Jeremy's heart beats to see the transforming gospel of Jesus Christ expand into the the parts of Africa that haven't been reached with the gospel and to raise the next generation of missionaries. Jeremy is a respected teacher and leader in the Ethiopian context. He has worked in training and releasing church planters, discipling young leaders, Bible college ministry, and on the leadership team of Addis Christian Life Assembly. 

As we move through 2018 we'll be bringing you updates on what the Fellers are up to in Ethiopia and how our investment in their ministry is transforming lives in Ethiopia and on the continent of Africa. 

Thank you for partnering with us as we support our missions families!

See you on Sunday, 
Pastor Tracy

Want to know more about our 2018 Missions Giving Plan? Click here.

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This Sunday...

Better Than Priests

You may have heard Jesus referred to as our Great High Priest. That sounds very important and powerful but what does it really mean? Our faith doesn't include a system of priests that practice spirituality on our behalf so what is the significance of Jesus being the best of all the priests? On Sunday we're going to be in Hebrews 4 and 5, discovering the incredible gift it is to have a Priest who is, in every way, better than those that came before Him.

See you then,
Erin

You can follow along with the message on YouVersion Events. Here's the link.

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Click here to join in with our Hebrews reading plan!

Better Things (let's read Hebrews together!)

On Sunday we started our "Better Than" series. Essentially, we are dropping into Hebrews to hear how the author sets up Christ's superiority to, well, everything. I do lament one thing... that we don't have time to do the whole book in this series. There is so much in Hebrews that helps us "be taken forward to maturity" (6:1) that we could spends many weeks camped right here. 

So, let's do something together between now and Easter Sunday (April 1). Let's read Hebrews. It has 13 jam-packed chapters with lots of opportunities to slow down, pray, dig deeper and discover more about who Jesus is.

YouVersion has a 13-day plan that I invite you to join on your device or on the website. (There are 24 days until Easter Sunday so you don't have to rush through it.) Go ahead and click the link to add the plan to your app or account. You can also search the app or site for "Deeper into Scripture: Hebrews" to find it.

Let's read and meditate on Hebrews together this month. I'm looking forward to digging into "better things" with you this Easter season.

See you on Sunday, 
Pastor Tracy

Click here for the Hebrews reading plan!

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This Sunday...

Better Than Moses

Jesus is just better! Isn't He? You can tack anything on the end of that sentence and it would be true. This week we will be taking a look at Jesus being better than Moses. To us that seems like a no-brainer. The early Christians needed to be persuaded that their greatest hero could be eclipsed, but we know better - or can we fall into the same trap, ourselves? Let's explore on Sunday.

See you then,
Bjorn

You can follow along with the message on YouVersion Events. Here's the link.

Community Connection and Easter Series (how about that Loblaw's card?)

Community Connection

This month’s Community Connection challenge comes from an idea brought to us from one of our Freedom Family members. It was such a good idea I thought, let’s make it our Community Connection for March! 

Have you heard that Loblaw’s has committed to giving out $25 gift cards to Canadians that were overcharged for the cost of some packaged breads in their grocery stores? If you aren’t aware, I assure you it’s true! I’ll even provide details on who qualifies and how to register at the end of this email.

Here is the challenge: For those of us that qualify to receive these $25 gift cards, let’s use them to bless three organizations that are doing great work in our community. Sometimes reaching our community happens by coming alongside those who are already doing great work!

If you have already received and spent your gift card or you aren’t eligible, have no fear you can still participate! You can either donate an amount you feel the Lord laying on your heart or pick up a gift card next time you are at a grocery store. 

There are many amazing organizations but we've picked three to focus on with this opportunity:

Monica Place
http://monicaplace.ca

Located in Kitchener and Cambridge, Monica Place empowers young women who are pregnant, parenting or choosing adoption to make informed and healthy choices for themselves and their children. They are a community that provides supportive housing, counselling and on-site education creating opportunities for growth, learning and skill development.

How can they use the gift cards? 
To buy fresh fruits, vegetables and milk for the mother’s and children using their services

Ray of Hope
https://www.rayofhope.net

Ray of Hope’s mission is to demonstrate the love of Christ to those who are disadvantaged, marginalized, or troubled. They provide life-changing social services to young people, adults and families, helping them redirect their life journey and realize their God-give potential. 

How can they use the gift cards? 
To buy food for their hot meal and food hamper programs.

Pregnancy Care Centre
http://pregnancycentre.ca/

The Pregnancy Centre offer’s support for anyone experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Their services are designed to help those in need and are free of charge.

How can they use the gift cards? 
To help mothers in need.

How do you get involved?

1. Check to see if you are eligible for the Loblaw Card Program by visiting: https://loblawcard.ca
2. Register for free gift card, purchase gift card on your decide on a cash amount to donate.
3. Bring your card to the box at the Welcome Centre on a Sunday morning.

Excited to partner with you to bless our community!

Erin Jamieson
Community Ministries Director

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This Sunday...

Better Than Angels

We're getting excited around here because in just a few short weeks we'll be celebrating Easter together. On Sunday we are going to launch our Easter series called "Better Than". Each message will move us deeper and deeper into the book of Hebrews where the author sets up a case for Jesus absolute supremacy over anything you might want to compare Him to. 

Let me invite you to prepare your heart for this series by spending some time in Hebrews 1:1-4 before Sunday. Meditate on all the amazing truths about Jesus that are found in this short passage and get ready to see all the way that He is better than anyone and anything else this world can offer. 

See you on Sunday,
Pastor Tracy

You can also follow along with the message on YouVersion. Here's the link.

Biblical Literature and Hermeneutics (boring title, great information)

You've heard Bjorn and I make special mention of CP1 over the past few Sundays. Why? Because we are taking the Bible study principles that we're using to prepare our messages and practicing them with more depth on Wednesday nights. The advantages are obvious, of course. We've been able to add to our skill set and do it together so that we can learn from each other while we're at it. It's been excellent. 

Maybe you have to work on Wednesday evenings or have another commitment in the calendar and you haven't been able to be with us. I don't want you to miss out on some of the great stuff that we've been covering together because, well, I care about you. 

So, here is the content that we've covered on the last three Wednesdays evenings. They are just outlines but they should still be able to give you some extra help and insight into how to be a student of the Word. Here's the content:

• Week 1: The 5 Ps of Bible Study (watch this video first)
• Week 2: Intro to Biblical Interpretation and Biblical Literature (boring title, super helpful information!)
• Week 3: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (AKA Hermeneutics)

This has helped us to journey from getting more out of our devotional reading of scripture to learning to dig deeper into the Word and use best practices when we're reading the Bible. Week 4 (this coming Wednesday) will be a culmination of the first three sessions.

If you've been with us for CP1 this month, I'm so glad! Go ahead and use these resources to go back and review what we've been learning together.

As always, if you have any questions just give me a shout!

Pastor Tracy

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This Sunday...

The Bible Says Whut? "The Lord Hardens Hearts"

There have been times when I have read the Bible and found myself questioning God's ethics. Ridiculous, right? I wish I could say that it has been a long time since that has happened. In truth, I have really wrestled with this week's scripture (Exodus 9:12). I know that I am not the only one to engage in such bouts with God. On Sunday, let's come together and learn how to wrestle with God's word appropriately - with honesty, reverence and humility.

- Bjorn

You can also follow along with the message on YouVersion. Here's the link.

Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Ends of the Earth (our 2018 missions giving plan)

On Sunday I shared our missions giving plan for 2018. If I copy and paste it here you'll just see a lot of text and you'll be tempted to scroll past it. (You know it's true. LOL!) So, I've posted it here. Please take a couple of minutes to read it and get caught up on what's going on if you missed it. No, for real, please do! 

We are excited to take this step of faith and see how God wants to use us to bless the world outside of our walls and see the life-transformation vision go beyond our walls. Here are some FAQs that you might have about how this will work:

How do I give to a specific missionary or organization?

You can simply specify that on your offering envelope or when you give online. Be sure to show the amount separately from your general giving. You can specify an amount and write: Fellers, Aragons, Manitoulin Mission (not "Pennings" because we send the money through Daystar Native Outreach) or Ray of Hope.

What if I just want to give to where it is most needed?

Great! Just designate an amount to missions on your offering envelope or when you give online. At the end of the year we will use these funds where they are needed most to fulfill our commitment.

What if we raise more than the amount we've committed to give this year?

Even better! If any missionary or organization receives more than the amount we've committed to them, they will receive the full amount of what has been designated to them. If we receive more in general (undesignated) missions giving than we've committed, the extra will be evenly distributed between our four missions partners.

Thanks for prayerfully considering how you can partner with us this year. I know you're going to love hearing from these great people (Aragons in April, Pennings in June, Fellers in November) and knowing that we are equipping others to take the life-changing message of Christ to the ends of the earth. 

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to drop me a line. Let's do this together!

Pastor Tracy

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This Sunday...

The Bible Says Whut? "Because of the Angels"

1 Corinthians chapter 11 gives us a lot to chew on. Is Paul giving the church instructions for a hierarchy of spiritual authority? Should women wear head coverings? Should men always have short hair? And... "because of the angels"? At first glance this passage might make you say... wait, whut? But, of course, there are principles to heed and commands to follow that are for us right now in 2018. We're going to keep using all the tools at our disposal to help us understand how to let this tricky passage teach, rebuke, correct and train us in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16) See you on Sunday!
- Pastor Tracy

You can also follow along with the message on YouVersion. Here's the link.

More Than Surviving (the best kept secret in the church)

Preachers have the amazing privilege of labouring for hours over scripture in order to deliver God's word with accuracy, authority and zeal. Why is this a privilege? The dedication to studying scripture, fighting to understand its meaning, and the time spent in God's presence is always rewarded. Most preachers will attest to the fact that they always learn the most when they have to teach somebody. 

The responsibility they feel to their audience has an unexpected by-product. While preachers attempt to feed their congregation they, themselves, are supernaturally nourished.

Pastor Tracy has said before that the best kept secret in the church is that people don't read the Bible. Nobody talks about it but the fact remains. While hearing God's Word on Sunday mornings is a good thing, it is not enough. Our soul knows it and at times even our minds agree. 

Our hope over the next few weeks is that anyone who is in that place will tire of surviving off the Sunday morning experience. That everyone, not just pastors, will fight for the chance to be transformed. This is a call to join the well-nourished and recognize the privilege found in the labour.

Let's keep pursuing God's Word together.

See you on Sunday,
Bjorn

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This Sunday...

The Bible Says Whut? "Not Peace, But a Sword"

In Matthew 10:34, Jesus says, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." Wait... whut? Isn't He the Prince of Peace? Didn't He come to reconcile man with God? Didn't He say "blessed are the peacemakers"?

Bjorn is going to walk us through this challenging passage on Sunday morning and help us again to learn to read our Bibles with attentive minds and open hearts. See you then! - Pastor Tracy

You can also follow along with the message on YouVersion. Here's the link.

Family. Fun. Connect. Community. (and a sneak peak at our new series)

Community Connections is back in February with our 2nd Annual Williamsburg Winter Fun Family Day!

This Family Day we have the opportunity to connect with our community by partnering with the Williamsburg Community Centre to host a Family Day event. We did this for the first time last year and I am excited to see it continue.  

My Community Connection opportunity and challenge to you this month is to get involved in some way with the Winter Fun Family Day.

I know that Family Day is about spending time with family... i.e. eating pancakes, wearing pyjamas and playing board games. I also know that this opportunity has been handed to us for the second year in a row and I believe God has plans, BIG plans, for every life that is connected with this event.  

Why not make part of your Family Day about ministering for Christ together as a family? Maybe this year Family Day doesn't have to be only about pyjamas and pancakes (or insert your preferred activity here). Maybe it can be about that AND serving your community together as a FAMILY!

Here's how you can get involved:

Pray - Pray for this event to be a time of connection with the community and Freedom that goes beyond the event and sees lives transformed.

Volunteer - We need people to hand out snacks, run crafts, direct traffic, play road hockey, set up, tear down and more. Email me if you and your family would like to volunteer: erin@freedomkw.com

Bring Your Family and Participate - This event needs to be more than just opening our doors to the community. The real impact comes from our Freedom Family being present, interacting and making connections with those who come. Even if you can't volunteer, come and join in the fun. 

Invite Other Families - Invite your neighbours to come out and enjoy two hours of free games and activities.

Give me a shout if you have any questions. Thanks for investing in and connecting with our community!

Erin Jamieson
Community Ministries Director

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This Sunday...

You can also follow along with the message on YouVersion. Here's the link.

The Bible Says Whut? "Don't...Be Sure"

2 Timothy 3:16 says that all scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. If that's true, what about the things we read in the Bible that we can't figure out or seem to contradict something else? Can the Bible really be understood? 

This series is designed to answer some of those questions and give us the tools we need to be able to be confident in the authority of the Bible. I want to show you how to tackle passages that are difficult and I want you to fall in love with the mystery, wonder and practicality of the Word all over again. I'm looking forward to getting started on Sunday! - Pastor Tracy

A Blessing to Belong (considering church membership)

As we start a new year and once again have had nominations for the Board of Deacons in preparation for our Annual Business Meeting (on March 25 @ 6:00, by the way), I wanted to take a moment to remind you why participating in church life as a member is a great thing to do.

In short, becoming a member gives us a chance to be accountable to one another in the body of Christ. We get to declare that we belong to a body of believers and we are committed to helping each other and serving together for the Kingdom. We know from 1 Corinthians 12 that we are meant to be members of the church body together. This takes submission to our head, Christ, and a heart to serve each other. Through membership we also declare our investment in the local church as well as the universal Church. 

If this is a new idea for you to consider, here are a couple of articles about church membership that you might find helpful:

Membership Matters: 3 Reasons for Church Membership

6 Reasons Why Membership Matters

And if you want to consider becoming a member of Freedom in Christ Church, I would love to have that conversation with you. Here is a link to the Membership Application Package so that you can look it over.

I'm looking forward to Sunday when Bjorn takes us through the final verses of Isaiah 43 and we again look at the promise of the presence of God.

Blessings!
Pastor Tracy

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This Sunday...

Sacred Word: Forgotten

So many great promises have been lined up for us in Isaiah 43, not to mention the reminders of what God's people had seen and experienced in the past. You would think that anyone who saw God move so powerfully would be completely sold out! You might imagine them saying, "I will never forget," "I will never turn aside," or "You are the One True God." When I read scripture I often wonder how God's people could be so blind. It's like they saw God's power, rejoiced, and then moved on with what they were doing before. Unimaginable. Until I examine my own life and the human condition. How does God put up with it? On Sunday I want to talk about God's response to our unfaithfulness. See you then. 

- Bjorn

You can also follow along with the message on YouVersion. Here's the link.

Take the Light (and spread it around)

I was looking at the Weather Network as I was writing this just to see what we are looking forward to over the next couple of days. What I see out of my office window confirms the forecast: 1 hour of sunshine today, 1 hour tomorrow. Oh, but wait...we get 3 hours on Friday. Happy dark and dreary January!

Spiritually speaking, our world has almost gotten used to permanently living under these conditions. If there is a glimmer of light, then it is fleeting and short-lived. We then, who carry the Light of the World, get to take that light into dark corners to give light and hope to those living in darkness.

A while ago I attended a Christian concert at a secular establishment. Naturally, at least 90% in attendance were bringing the Light of the World with them. The potential influence on bar staff, security staff, coat check attendants, and merchandise workers was astounding. That much light in an otherwise dark place should have changed the very atmosphere we were in. However, as I watched, it seemed like we simply joined what was already there rather than making it new.

I know all that sounds really philosophical, but let me put it this way: Our Father makes everything new and brings refreshment to everything He touches. As His kids, this becomes our mandate, "I want to be just like my Dad."

The new year brings about a bit of change for our youth program. We have been talking to the Williamsburg Community Association in hopes that our youth group can find ways to join them in what they are doing. The idea is to take the light that we have and spread it around. So, instead of simply learning to become like Jesus in a church setting, we will also get to practice being like Him to those who don't know Him.

Pray for us, as we take on this new challenge. I anticipate new growth in our students and leaders. I am also believing that this step will help our community cross the bridge that Pastor Tracy has been talking about. Most importantly, I am believing that the lost will find the Light that shines in the darkness.

My prayer is that you will join us in embracing the NEW THING that God is doing in and around you.

Bjorn

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This Sunday...

Sacred Word: Rivers in the Wasteland 

As we continue to go through Isaiah 43, we'll be talking about our creative God. Even though the Israelites had pride and found identity in what God had done for them in their history, He wasn't willing to simply hit repeat. His love for us continues to move us on in new and beautiful ways, even if we are in a desert. I'm looking forward to digging into verses 14-21 with you on Sunday! 

- Pastor Tracy

You can also follow along with the message on YouVersion. Here's the link.

The Evidence (it's you)

As I was studying for my message this Sunday, one of the commentaries made a pointed statement that has stuck with me for the past few weeks. The scene that Isaiah 43 sets up has a courtroom feeling and questions are being asked to give evidence of the faithfulness of God. And God's response to the questions is the point that has stuck with me. While many things point to who God is, when it comes to our testimony giving evidence for God isn't something we have to do, it's something that we are. Our very lives, being transformed, are evidence for Jesus. That's amazing and sobering. 

I invite you to consider your day today and what evidence your life gives for the transforming power of Christ. It's a great question to ask today, tomorrow and always. How does His faithfulness and grace show up in your ordinary moments? 

I'd also encourage you to read Isaiah 43 this week and meditate on it as we continue with our series. Focus on the promise of His presence in our lives. It's amazing!

See you on Sunday,
Pastor Tracy

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This Sunday...

Sacred Word: Signed, Sealed, Delivered

As we continue to walk step by step through Isaiah 43, we find even more incredible promises. We are His. We are safe with Him. We ourselves are the evidence of God's faithfulness. I'm looking forward to walking through these assurances with you on Sunday morning. - P. Tracy

You can also follow along with the message on YouVersion. Here's the link.

A Response (Canada Summer Jobs Grants)

On Sunday, I took a moment to let you know about a situation that we are currently facing because of the policy changes to the Canada Summer Jobs Program. As a church, we have historically received 4 or 5 grants each summer which significantly offset the cost of running our Malcolm's Day Camps. By keeping our costs low we are able to serve more families in our community and give them a fun, safe and caring environment for their children. Because we are not able to attest to or affirm the positions that the government is asking us to, we will be ineligible for these grants this summer.

Additionally, and more importantly than amount of grant money could be, we believe that these changes to the grant program violate our guaranteed freedoms of religion, thought, beliefs, opinion and associates offered by Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

You'll know that at Freedom we intentionally keep politics away from the pulpit. It is not my intention to tell you what to believe or agree with. At the same time, I know that many of you are concerned about this new policy and want to help in some way. I also want you to know that the staff and I are engaging with our MP and others in order to share how these changes will effect us now and going forward. 

If you would like to learn more and find out how to get involved, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada has put together information and resources for churches. I urge you to follow this link and make sure you are in-the-know. Our denomination, the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, is in full support of the EFC's resources and actions and are actively engaged in dialogue on this issue.

Together, let's take wise and gracious action as needed and unite in prayer for the religious freedoms we have known in our country. 

In Christ,
Pastor Tracy

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This Sunday...

Sacred Word: Not If, But When

In the month of January our series is called "Sacred Word: The Promise of the Presence". We will be walking through a beautiful passage of scripture - Isaiah 43 - and spending time with the incredible promises we find. This week, Bjorn will be looking at the first five verses and talking about what happens when (not if) we go through trouble or hardship. 

You can also follow along with the message on YouVersion. Here's the link.

All Things New (Happy New Year!)

This time of the year carries the expectation of reflection and I really love that. The days go by so fast that it's always a struggle to take time out to assess our goals and the big picture of our lives. It's built into this season and I always look forward to it.

As I reflect back over 2017, here are some of the things on my heart... a whole bunch of things that we can be thankful for as a church:

• P. Del and Arlene led us so well and modelled Christ in every part of their lives. It was our privilege to be the church who celebrated their ministry and were able to thank them on behalf of 37+ years of people they have impacted.
• Our staff, who were all brought onto the team after years of showing excellence in lay ministry. They each took on a new challenge and grace and passion. 
• Miss Margaret remained a consistent, godly presence in our kids' lives and gave great leadership to her ministries even as many things changed around her.
• Our board continues to be a picture of prayerful and gracious leadership. We are so blessed.
• A congregation of people who genuinely like each other and care about each others needs. 

These are the people that I got to link arms with every day in 2017. You are a gift to me and to the rest of your church family. We know we won't ever be perfect in this life but I am confident of our ability to advance the Kingdom of God in Kitchener as the Lord enables us. It is my honour and joy to be your Lead Pastor. 

Grateful for this year and anticipating a beautiful 2018,
Pastor Tracy

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This Sunday...

All Things New

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." Lamentations 3:22-23

As has become our tradition, our speaking team will take some time to reflect on 2017 and then look into what we're anticipating for 2018. It's always lots of fun and hopefully sparks some reflection for you as well. But, of course, that's not all we have going on... because it's 5th Sunday!

New Year's Eve AM - 5th Sunday Service @ 10:00 w/ Baptisms (yeah!)
New Year's Eve PM - Appetizer Potluck & Board Games - 4:00-6:00pm

You can also follow along with the message on YouVersion. Here's the link.

Expectation ('tis the season)

As I put the finishing touches on my messages for Sunday morning and evening (Christmas Eve!), a theme keeps emerging... expectation. We've talked about Advent as a season for hope and expectation, anticipating the arrival of Christ and celebrating His birth. But now that we're so close to Christmas Day, what are you expecting? 

Some of us are excited about traditions or that special dish that Great Aunt Bertha makes. Some of us are excited for it to be over and have a couple of days to unwind after a busy season. But let me remind you, just one more time before Christmas, to set your hope in Christ. Expect to see Him in a new way this season. Expect for His love to capture your heart again. Expect to stand amazed in awe and wonder at the miracle of the Incarnation. 

I invite you to join in with the best tradition that our family has. On Christmas morning, before the presents are opened, we read Luke 2:1-20 and pause to thank God for the year behind us, seek Him for the year ahead and centre our hearts on the reason for the day. My family has done this since, well, always. So, I promise that even small children will not explode from the anticipation. Really. 

As you centre your celebration on Christ, I am praying that you will be completely full of joy!

See you on Sunday,
Pastor Tracy

PS - Would you like to be baptized on December 31st? It's not too late... Click here.

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This Sunday...

Come to Worship

Church is going to be alive with excitement on Sunday! For our final message of this series, I'm going to wrap it up with a part of the Christmas story that we don't hear very often. King Herod, the Priests and the Magi all have a very different response to the coming of the King of the Jews and there are some lessons and reminders in Matthew 2 for us as well.

And coming up, here are the exciting things happening in church life:

• Christmas Eve AM - Service @ 10:00
• Christmas Eve PM - Special Services @ 4:00 and 6:00
• New Year's Eve AM - 5th Sunday Service @ 10:00 w/ Baptisms
• New Year's Eve PM - Appetizer Potluck & Board Games - 4:00-6:00pm

You can also follow along with the message on YouVersion. Here's the link.

Divine Light of the World (when all other lights go out)

"Jesus is the divine Light of the world, because he brings a new life to replace our spiritual deadness, because he shows us the truth that heals our spiritual blindness , and because he is the beauty that breaks our addictions to money, sex and power. As Wonderful Counselor he walks with us even into and through the shadow of death (Matthew 4:16), where no other companion can go. He is a Light for us when all other lights go out." - Hidden Christmas, Timothy Keller

There are two things coming up in church life that are very specific to knowing, understanding and celebrating that Jesus is the Light of the world. The first is lighting candles on Christmas Eve. This simple act is one that so many people look forward to as part of their traditions and celebrations. When we pause for a moment during our services, light candles and take stock of the power that they have to illuminate the room, it's memorable to say the least. What does it mean to know the One who shines through the darkness all around us and in our own hearts? It's life transforming! 

The second is water baptism. "He brings new life to replace our spiritual deadness." As I'm writing this there are already four people who have asked to be baptized in water during the service on New Year's Eve. Baptism declares to the world that you have seen the great Light (Isaiah 9:2) and that you have chosen to walk in Him and with Him, leaving behind the old life of darkness. I am so excited to celebrate as a church with those who are getting baptized... indoors... in a slightly unconventional way. (You'll see!)

Everywhere you go this season you will see people using light to celebrate. We light trees and houses and street lights and parks. We use light to make things beautiful and meaningful. So as we come to these significant times as a church in the next few weeks, let's let our hearts be drawn to the reason for it all, the divine Light of the world.

See you on Sunday,
Pastor Tracy

PS - Would you like to be baptized on December 31st? It's not too late... Click here.

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This Sunday...

Come to Worship: Bow Your Knees

Matthew paints a picture for us of dignitaries bowing before a child. Bowing is not exactly a normal thing to do in our culture, so it may be hard for us to understand. Imagine bowing to that 2-year-old kid that you know. Feels wrong, doesn't it? What is it about us that is fundamentally unyielding? Is this low posture a reasonable response to what we find in the manger? Join us on Sunday. Come and Worship.

- Bjorn

You can also follow along with the message on YouVersion. Here's the link.

The Magnificat (a moment of pause in the rush)

There is a beautiful passage of scripture that is embedded in the Christmas story that is traditionally referred to as the Magnificat. Magnificat anima mea Dominum is Latin for the first phrase Mary's song that we find in Luke 1:46-55 - "My soul magnifies the Lord." I always find it so beautiful because even though Mary was young and had been asked to do something very difficult, she was overwhelmed by the goodness of God and trusted Him so completely. The Magnificat always reminds me that even if the world around us doesn't see how God is moving, those who are open and listening will not only recognize Him, they will be amazed at how He unfolds His plan.

As we continue to journey toward December 25th with the anticipation and expectation of Christmas in our hearts, I want to invite you to take some time to meditate on Mary's song of worship. Consider all of the longing and waiting of the Jewish people as they looked for their promised Messiah and ask yourself how much your heart longs to see the Lord, today and when He returns. Listen for how He fulfills His promises and be reminded that He is the same yesterday, today and forever. 

Looking forward to coming to worship with you on Sunday,
Pastor Tracy

LUKE 1:46-55 (from The Message paraphrase)

Mary said,
"I'm bursting with God-news; I'm dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened -
I'm the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before him.
He bared his arm and showed his strength, scattered the bluffing braggarts.
He knocked tyrants off their high horses, pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet; the callous rich were left out in the cold.
He embraced his chosen child, Israel; he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
It's exactly what he promised, beginning with Abraham and right up to now."

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This Sunday...

Come to Worship: Pour Out Your Heart

Erin is continuing our series by reminding us that worship is expression of our hearts. God is our safe place in every season and every circumstances. We're going to take some time to remember His faithfulness in the past and that He can be trusted with our future.

You can also follow along with the message on YouVersion. Here's the link.

A Practical Way to Say "Merry Christmas" (this one is about underwear and socks!)

In December, we want to get really practical. I mean really practical. We want to share the hope, joy, love and peace of Christmas with our community in a way that meets an honest need in our city. Erin had a conversation with Ray of Hope several weeks ago to find out how our church could bless those that they help each day. I'm excited about responding to this need! I can't wait for the Ray of Hope Christmas tree in our lobby to be overflowing! I'll let Erin tell you about it. I'm going to add a few things to my shopping list. :)

- Pastor Tracy

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Sometimes sharing our faith and reaching our communities comes in the form of meeting the needs of others. 

The always-practical book of James reminds us that we are to be not only people of words but people of action. James 2:14-17 says, 

"What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, 'Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well' - but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless."

This month we are going to be people of action by collecting new men's socks and underwear for Ray of Hope. It is such a simple thing but it carries a huge impact.

When I contacted Ray of Hope to see if there was a need we could meet the answer was immediate - men's underwear. But there was hesitation in the woman's voice and she said, "I know some people might not be comfortable collecting men's underwear." My immediate response was that Freedom Church is full of practical people that are happy to meet the needs of others in practical ways!

Our Christmas tree in the lobby has been decorated with socks and underwear. We invite you to bring in a donation of these items any time during the month of December and put underneath the tree! Let's follow the instructions in the book of James and put our faith into action by meeting practical needs!

Erin Jamieson
Community Ministries Director

PS - Ray of Hope has requested socks and underwear for MEN ONLY. 

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FLYER ALERT
Here are some places you can find men's socks and underwear on sale this week:

Giant Tiger ($10/3-Pack of Boxer Briefs)
Walmart (always a great prices on these items)

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This Sunday...

Come to Worship: Bring Your Gifts

This week we're going back to Matthew's gospel account of the Incarnation to find other ways that worship is central to the Christmas story. Of course, when we think of the nativity and gifts our minds immediately think of the Wisemen with their gold, frankincense and myrrh. How about us? Even as you cross items off of your Christmas list, we're going back 2000 years to talk about how worship instructs our giving. I'm looking forward to Sunday!

- Pastor Tracy

You can also follow along with the message on YouVersion. Here's the link.

An Invitation for Invitation (our celebration of Advent begins!)

- Erin Jamieson, Community Ministries Director

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This Sunday...

Come to Worship: Lift Your Hands

Sunday marks the beginning of our celebration of Advent, a season of expectation and anticipation. We're going to take the time to look back at the first Christmas and talk about how the miracle of the Incarnation brought a common response: worship. From ordinary people to the heavenly host, worship is what happens when the mystery and beauty of Christmas are revealed. 

We're going to look at our own worship response to the coming of Jesus as we celebrate Advent together. I'm looking forward to every Sunday of this series! 

Pastor Tracy

You can also follow along with the message on YouVersion. Here's the link.