As I write this posting, several images are flashing across the screen of my mind.  I see her sitting on our deck in the early morning, coffee and a piece of toast on the table, her Bible in hand.  This is her quiet time.  She doesn't always see me, but I see her and know this is in part, her source of strength for the day.

I see her holding our grandson, comforting him.  I have seen this movie before as I watched her comfort and nurture and care for our children as they were growing up.  Though they are no longer 'kids', I often see her offering words of encouragement or support to them; you never stop being a mom. There is a tenderness about her, she has the heart of a loving mother and grandmother.

I see her in the kitchen, preparing homemade soup.  It's not about meal preparation, it's about lovingly caring for me.  I see the same kindness as she gets into the driver's seat to 'accompany' me on an appointment.  We both know this is her way of communicating, 'you're not driving'.  No words are spoken but I know this is non-negotiable and so I tell myself, 'just get in on the passenger's side and enjoy the drive'.

It was 44 years ago this month that one of our youth group leaders literally put her hand in mind when we were roller skating, bringing us together.  Three years later, we joined hands again as we shared our wedding vows. To have walked hand in hand with her for these past 40+ years as my wife is one of the greatest blessings in my life. Words cannot express all that Janice means to me, her commitment to me, her loyalty, her faithfulness, her sense of understanding me, knowing me and loving me.  She has stood beside me through all the ups and downs of our journey.  She has been a constant source of encouragement, strength and joy.  I thank God for her.

In 1985, Janice made what I think was one of the most difficult choices in her life.  She literally uprooted herself from family and friends and our home in Chatham.  We moved to Toronto, so that I could finish Bible College and pursue God's calling in my life, in our lives.  Every weekday morning, she got up early and headed for downtown Toronto and a night to the subway and bus home.  She did that for 3 1/2 years without ever complaining so that I could put all my efforts into my studies and work in the local church.  I remember the time she worked all day and sewed at night, making knitting bags for her co-workers, so we would have some extra money around Christmas.

One of the proudest days of my life was my graduation from Central Baptist Bible College, because it meant so much to Janice.  I can honestly say it meant more to her than it did to me.  In part, because she may have been saying to herself, 'maybe now he'll get a job!'  She sacrificed and share in my joy in a way I will never forget.  Friends, she made a similar sacrifice 16 years ago when we followed God's leading to come the Valley.  Her selfless, sacrificial love is the mark of a godly woman.  Her name means 'gracious' and truly she is a lady of grace and beauty.

I had not been married to Janice very long when I realized the she is a gift from God.  Just to walk with her, to have her beside me, to love her, and to look at that smile that sent me head over heals in love as a 19 year-old kid is a one of God's greatest gifts to me.  I love the life we have built together.  She is a testimony to Gods' wisdom when He said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18)  She is my helper and friend, a godly wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  She is a gift to me, and to the church, for she is the ideal pastor's wife.  She serves alongside me with a quiet and gentle spirit, with love and compassion.  Her love and kindness has allowed me to do all that God has called me to do, and her strength and joy has made up the difference in a home that sometimes feels the effects of being in ministry.

Her journey has not always been easy.  She has endured hardships, challenges, suffering and loss.  The last three years have been particularly wearing on her; when your family hurts, you share their pain. Yet in quiet trust and confident faith she reflects the sustaining grace of her Lord.

As we walk into this week, as I face a second surgery in 4 months and weeks of recovery to follow, I don't think I could do this without Janice by my side.  I am grateful for your support and understanding, for your thoughts and prayers but would ask you to please continue to be a source of blessing and encouragement to Janice and join me in giving thanks to God for her.

I will bless Thee O Lord
I will bless Thee O Lord
With a heart of thanksgiving
I will bless Thee O Lord
​
                                      Words by Esther Watanabe
                                                                                    Copyright 1970 - 1970 New Song Music - CCLI #264120

As we approach Thanksgiving, this song has been in my mind and on my lips.  With the Psalmist, I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving (Psalm 69:30).  On this Thanksgiving 2022, the words of the hymn-writer also come to mind:
     When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
     When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
     Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
     And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
                                                                                         Johnson Oatman, 1987

As I think about the blessings in my life, and name them one by one, here are just a few of the things for which I am grateful.

I am grateful for God's on-going mercy and kindness, for the Father's faithful love; that I worship and serve the God who watches over me.

I am grateful for the Lord Jesus, for His saving grace and for the Holy Spirit who guides my life. 

I am grateful for the beauty of the created world around me, which points me to our Creator.

I am grateful for my wife Janice, my partner for 40 years. I am particularly grateful for the care she has provided for me over this past year, I have been blessed to share life with a loving, caring wife, mother and grandmother.

A truly good wife is the most precious treasure a man can find!
                                                                                                                                           Proverbs 31:10 - CEV

I am grateful for my children, Lisa, Scott and Tiffany, Andrea and Jason, and our grandsons, Riley, Noah and Luke.  I am proud of the persons my kids have become and blessed to continue to share the journey with them.  I am humbled by God's care for our grandsons, Riley and Noah and Luke through the incredible journey they have been on over the past year.  (Celebrating Noah and Luke's Journey)

I am grateful for the church, for friends with whom I share this journey of faith, for the love and support of a church family; truly I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God.

My friends at Valley, on this Thanksgiving week, for what are you grateful...and what then do you say?

Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.
                                                                                                                                               1 Chronicles 16:35

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought,
and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
                                                                                                                      G.K. Chesterton

Perhaps like me, you have been troubled, deeply troubled, by recent events.  I simply cannot fathom how an 18 year-old could shoot his grandmother and then enter a school and take the lives of so many children, along with two teachers.  I cannot image the anguish those families are experiencing; the images are heart-wrenching, and yet far too common today.  I cannot comprehend the thought of going to the grocery store and never returning home.  How do we seek to make sense of yet another racially motivated mass shooting? How do you explain the senseless school yard swarming and beating of a 14 year-old boy?   How do we process the horrific sights and sounds we see daily from the Ukraine? 

We see the expressions of anger, we hear the cries, 'this has to stop', yet the hatred and violence continues; even as those in power speak words of condemnation, but continue to stoke the fires of division and strife.  While all of this troubles me, I fear for the well-being of my children, for the world in which my grandchildren will grow up.  How do we as a people of faith process all this?  How do we respond to the chaos all around us?  

As I thought about this, three thoughts come to mind.  First, we have to remind ourselves of the truth about our humanity; that we are sinful beings.  We're not just a little off-track, such that a re-alignment will fix things. We deeply flawed, unable in and off ourselves to repair our brokenness.  The Bible says, The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. (Jeremiah 17:9)  No call to action, to reconciliation and harmony, no legislation, law or policy revision, no program to improve mental health or provide sensitivity training, no amount of funding, no threat of punishment or increase in weaponry can change the human heart.  If we do not experience the grace of God, who alone can transform the heart of a man or woman, there is no hope of lasting peace.  

Secondly, we must return to the values we find in the word of God.  So  much of what is happening in our nation, in our world, stems from the fact that we have chosen to abandon, to ignore the truth we find in the Bible. We have failed to pass on these values to our children and ceased to be a voice for godly values in our communities; opting for a safe, comfortable 'religion'.  This doesn't necessary mean we have to demonstrate on the street corner, but we can make a difference by being kind and compassionate, speaking respectfully, demonstrating common courtesy, expressing appreciation rather than complaint and giving rather than demanding.   

Paul writes to the believers in Ephesus:  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:29, 31-32)   May the words of Proverbs 21:23, from Eugene Pederson's 'The Message' speak to each of us...Watch your words and hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief. 

A simple 'thank you', can lift the spirits of so many that are feeling worn out and beat up and unappreciated.  A 'how can I help', might just be a lifeline to someone who feels helpless.  An 'I am here for you', may be that which gives hope to the hopeless.

Finally, we can and we must pray, for God has promised, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)  

My friends at Valley, I want to encourage you to speak kindly, to act with compassion, to stand firm in the truth, to pray fervently and to hold on in trust, to the One who is our refuge and strength.  And maybe, just maybe, we can change our little corner of the world, as we seek to be agents of blessing; as we respond to the chaos that is our world today.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up.
                                                                                                                                                     Galatians 6:9

We all experience weariness in our lives--not simply a measure of physical fatigue, by which we are strengthened by rest, but also a weariness of the soul that can lead to discouragement; that can cause us to lose heart, to give up, to throw up our hands and cry out, 'what's the use'? 

We understand the exhortation to do good, to engage in those things that align with God's Word and God's ways; works that are rooted in love and faith and established in the strength of our Lord.  But doing good can become wearisome.  There is much to be done and often we encounter misunderstanding, opposition and ingratitude, even when seeking to do that which is virtuous, that which blesses others.

In our day, this sense of weariness may well be the great enemy of our spiritual lives.

To combat this weariness we need to run to the One who gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29); the One who promises...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31).  

During those times when we can easily become distracted, weighed down, burdened by the cares of life and just weary, we need to hear the Lord Jesus say to us, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).  There is a divine strength we can find only in the One who leads us to green pastures and beside still waters, who restores our souls (Psalm 23:2-3).

There is also a renewed strength we find in the love and support of brothers and sisters in the Lord as we live out our faith in community.  Paul would say of Philemon...Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people (Philemon 1:7).

As I write these words, I am finding strength and encouragement in the Philemon's of my life.  One friend and ministry colleague wrote to me this week....Thank you for sharing your journey, my friend. I can read in your message a sense of weariness. Ken, I will be continuing to pray here. 

Another brother and fellow minister gave me these words of encouragement...Continuing in prayer.  Thank you for the update.  This is well-doing…don’t be weary of sharing, we are not weary of praying. 

A close friend, who has walked with me for many years offered these words that have blessed me and lifted my spirits...please be aware we see it as a privilege to pray for you and bring your concerns to the Lord.

I read these words and the burden seems lighter.  I reflect on the love and support of family and friends and a caring church family and I am richly blessed.  

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17) 

I share this posting, to simply say 'thank you for your friendship'! 

Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
                                                                                                                                                      Proverbs 17:6

​I am seeing this truth from the writer of the Proverbs lived out in the life of my mom and in my own life.  Each time I talk to her, I hear the joy as she talks about her children and great-grandson and I feel that sense of pride as I reflect on the one I call 'mom'.

My mom is an amazing lady.  She has not had an easy life.  Her mother died when she was just a little girl. Her father was still a part of her life, but she was raised by her Aunt Grace, who was a kind and gentle soul.  She was married at 17 and had two children before her 20th birthday. Life with my dad was difficult at times; he was a good man in many ways but he was an alcoholic, a much different man when he had too much to drink.  It's fair to say my mom bore the brunt of his anger and outbursts.  By the time I was ten, my dad had left us; my mother was doing the 'single mom thing' long before the term became popular. 

When advised by a social worker to quit work and rely on the welfare system my mom refused.  She worked all day and took care of three children, providing for all that we needed.  We never had a lot and sometimes went without things that were not absolutely necessary, but she always made sure we had food on the table and clothes on our back.  Often she would scrape together change so that there was milk in the fridge. She was creative in being able to stretch our groceries.  I was reminiscing with her in a recent call about meals that consisted of macaroni and a can of stewed tomatoes or ground beef mixed with a can of vegetable soup. I remember the four of us sharing a can of soup; the cans must have been bigger back then!  

When my dad left, I had to stop playing little league baseball, but I still played with the kids in the neighborhood and the local park. I don't know how she did it, but when I wanted to play hockey, she found a way to provide the equipment needed.  My equipment was used, I never had new skates but I got to enjoy the game as I grew through my teenage years.  I remember a time when we took an overnight trip to Niagara Falls with one of my mom's friend and her two kids; it's funny how that stands out in my mind.  Another time we shared a cottage with the same family at Mitchell's Bay; that was mom doing something special within the limitations of her budget and creating lasting memories.  

When I think of my mom the word 'sacrifice' comes to mind; she was the one who went without so that we had what we needed.  She was and is a woman of great strength.  Outside of the Lord Jesus, I don't know of any other person who models sacrificial love as my mom did.  To this day, she doesn't have a lot, but is still very giving.  One time she gave a cheque (my mom still uses cheques, she even types them!) to help with travel expenses when Janice went back to help out after she had surgery.  I told Janice just to leave the cheque -- that was a mistake! I've had to learn the grace to receive and just say 'thank you'.

With the pandemic dragging on and travel still risky, it's been over a year since I last saw my mom.  We celebrated her 80th birthday virtually and connected the same way at Christmas.  (We're grateful that Scott is close enough that he and Tiffany and Riley can visit my mom.)  I wish I could hug my mom and say 'Happy Mother's Day' but maybe a phone call to simply say 'thanks mom' will remind her how much she means to me and how blessed I am to call her 'mom'!

​I was just sitting here reflecting on how covid has changed me. What am I going to learn from Covid and keep, as we move forward, and what will I embrace from pre Covid days? There is one scripture that seems to have stayed in the forefront of my mind throughout the pandemic, so I’m going to write from that perspective.
 
Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fuelled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.  (Romans 12:11-13 - The Message)


Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fuelled and aflame. ​ The world had come to a stop, and I had more than enough time to stop and smell the roses. I needed outside contact, I needed motivation and purpose to keep going. How was I going to do this?

Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. It was time to set priorities and discover how to bloom where I was planted. It was a challenge.

Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.  This is what I did as I’m sure you did as well. We drew on our inner strength, found ways to be helpful, and learned some awesome creative ways to do those things that were important to us.

I looked up the cliche, "Stop and smell the roses." There were seventy-seven ways listed to say the same thing. I chose seven I could relate to; achieve fulfillment, amuse oneself, appreciate the beauty of life, appreciate the good things in life, be at ease, be at leisure, be in the moment.

My goal became achieving fulfillment while smelling the roses. I’m keeping this goal after the pandemic. Pre pandemic I think I was caught in a vicious whirlwind of achieving fulfillment no matter the cost. It’s more of an attitude change than anything else. My work ethic will be the same but I’ve come to realize that if God gives me a job to do, He will also give me the time and resources to do it. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  (Colossians 3:15-17)

Seems to me that sounds like “trust Me and take time to smell the roses”. I came to a much better understanding of what the church is during the pandemic. I saw so many in Valley choosing their area of interest and making a commitment to make that part of the bigger church continue to function. What we can do is find that small group that we fit into and know that there are other small groups within the church contributing their special attributes to make Valley unique and whole. We don’t have to do everything. In fact there are others, who because of their particular interest, are far more capable than I of doing certain things. We all need to find our passion and bring it to God for his use. Team up with others with similar interests and see what God will do. You don’t need to labour where your heart isn’t. The church has many hearts and everything will get done without you burning out.

The picture will vary for each of you individually. For me, here is what I have learned and where I am headed. I believe we all need personal, close relationships within the church where we can contribute our individual talents. We also need a way to incorporate our Christian values into our daily living so we are constantly evangelizing to our spheres of influence. In my case that would be my family, my church family, my friends and neighbours, and my internet connections. This last one seems strange but I feel it is very important. It is new and it holds great potential for evangelizing and supporting people from a distance. This will be my post pandemic priority.

The Tender Loving Care group (TLC) has been a learning process throughout the pandemic. We tried a variety of formats and it was frustrating at times. However, despite the fact that we did lose some members, we gained new ones. We learned that daily contact and bible studying daily together was a good combination. In fact so good we will keep this format post pandemic. There is a need for a better understanding of the computer and we will teach each other once we can meet in person. We will be ready to reach out to all parts of the world, no matter where we are planted. Isolation is not a part of our future.

Essentially, TLC morphed into what I believe is a small group; a group of people with common interests who meet together to support, encourage and pray for each other. In addition, the group is part of the church and we look forward to being able to join the larger body of Christ each Sunday. Your idea of what the church should be may be way different than mine. Whatever it is, there are others like you. Find them, join with them for support and encouragement and bring your passion into reality. There is room for all personalities and the church is richer for our differences.

As a church family at Valley, we join with many across our nation, in the United States and around the world to pray for God’s mercy and grace into the lives of so many who are broken and deeply wounded; who are experiencing grief and sorrow.  We lament the brutal and senseless death of Mr. George Floyd and many others who have died unjustly. We know that such injustice and division grieve the heart of God and stand in contrast to His love and His Word.
 
We pray for comfort for those mourning.  We pray for forgiveness, healing and reconciliation--those things that reflect the truth we find in the Holy Scriptures; that reflect God’s heart to all mankind.  We affirm the truth of Colossians 1:20 that reminds us that God, through the Lord Jesus was pleased to reconcile to himself all things…by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 
 
We, as the people of God reject inequality as being contrary to God’s will and ways.  We recognize this as a problem not only beyond the borders of our nation but within our borders as well.  As we listen to the voices of minority groups in our land, we cannot dismiss the truth that racial prejudice affects many Canadians.  We affirm God’s desire to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.  (Ephesians 1:10)
 
We confess and declare the truth of the Bible that all human beings are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and as such, everyone has value and dignity.  Further, we confess and declare that there is no place for the kind of hostility and division that is so prevalent today.  While we condemn any abuse of power, we also recognize that there are those in authority over us (Romans 13:1-7).  They deserve our respect and cooperation.  We give thanks for police officers, firefighters and first responders who serve with honor and routinely put their lives on the line to protect and serve our communities.
 
Our commitment at Valley is to be a people and place where all are treated with Christ-like love, and where we honor and serve one another as we are exhorted to do in the Bible (Romans 12:10; Galatians 5:13). To this end, we will listen and learn that we may be part of the solution and agents of blessing in a hurting world.  Where we have fallen short, we ask for forgiveness.  We accept our responsibility to embrace and proclaim the truth of the Gospel and its implications regarding racial diversity, for we are all one in Christ (Galatians 3:28).
 
We humble ourselves and seek God’s wisdom and guidance, for He has said, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.     (2 Chronicles 7:14)

We have all seen the images from this past weekend of thousands gathering in public places and ignoring physical distancing guidelines; images that make me uneasy.  We have seen and heard the messages of protest; some that seem selfish and reckless.  We understand the restrictive measures we are under have tested the resolve of some Canadians and many around the world.  We recognize the impact Covid - 19 has had on our economy, that there are many who are not working, who are struggling to pay their rent and to put food on the table, to care for their families.  I see all of this and wonder how do we respond as a people of faith, as the Church?

While I appreciate the concerns being expressed as we as a province and nation try to find the balance between protecting the health of our citizens and providing for our economic stability, I have to confess those images and statements that put individual choice above the well-being of others are to me disturbing.  I see the signs, 'my body, my choice'; I hear the comments, 'I have a right to work' or what I would consider a careless and reckless statement that 'I'm not afraid of the virus', and I want to shout, 'it's not just about you'!  We as citizens of this province and as Canadians, have a responsibility to one another.

Certainly this is a core value of the Church, a value rooted in the Word of God.  The Apostle Paul would write to the church in Philippi:  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)  I may be feeling well, but I have a responsibility to you, the people of Valley and to my wife and the residents she serves at Sunnybank Centre, and to our communities -- a responsibility to abide by the directives in place and to exercise wisdom in the choices I make.  James writes:  Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.  (James 3:13)

Like many of you, I long to gather to worship once again.  As we discuss this as a Leadership Team and people, this value of being responsible in our choices is a critical factor in the decisions we make.  Please pray for wisdom and guidance, that any decision to re-gather is balanced by care and concern and by good practices that protect one another. 

Ambassador Matthew Rycroft in an address to the Untied Nations Security Council makes this observation: How a society treats its most vulnerable – whether children, the infirm or the elderly – is always the measure of its humanity. Even more so during instability and conflict. When a society begins to disregard the vulnerable and their rights, instability and conflict will only grow.  Is it any wonder we are seeing greater levels of instability and conflict today?  

May it be said of Valley and churches across our nation that we were of shining example of love and care during one of the darkest times in the history of our nation; that we looked to God for His protection and provision and that we loved one another deeply.  My friends at Valley, as we continue to walk through this together, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Like many of you, we first began to hear about Covid-19, early in the New Year.  By the end of January we were hearing reports of presumptive cases in Canada and in our own province, but it wasn't until mid-March when a global pandemic was declared that we began to hear the term 'social distancing' and talk of 'staying at home'; about flights being cancelled and schools and businesses closing -- within a few days, things had radically changed.

It was during this time that Janice and I were preparing to travel to Ontario to visit with Scott and Tiffany and see our grandson.  Just hours before we were scheduled to leave I received notice that our flights had been changed, but the changes only took as far as Edmonton! I spend two hours just trying to get through to the ariline and another two hours on hold before we could get this matter resolved; to say it was a bit stressful would be an understatement! But, we are so grateful to have had a few days with them, to hold Riley and celebrate his birth.

But even during that week, there was concern about what was unfolding and about getting back home; in the end Janice cut her visit short and we were able to return together. I was also in discussion with our Leadership Team Chair, Don Hargrave about the possibility of having to cancel our Worship Gatherings, which we did, to comply with the directives from our government leaders and health officials. 

When we arrived home on the 21st of March, it was indeed a different world for all of us.  We scrambled to take our Worship Gathering online, to record a modified worship experience for our people.  I am grateful that this has been a means to connect and stay 'in the Word' over the past eight weeks -- thank you for all the positive comments received.  It's not a perfect solution and we are limited in what we can do, but we've been able to make it work for our purposes.  It has been for me, a steep learning curve to prepare and quickly get up to speed with some new software / technology; I am grateful for your patience and kindness!

As many of you know it was shortly after arriving home from Ontario that we learned our son had been infected, he spiralled quickly and within hours was in hospital in Hamilton; that was a very difficult night. Scott spend four days in hospital and has been off work since the end of March.  He has now received a second negative report and is able to go back to work this week. Riley was also infected but thankfully had mild symptoms and has recovered -- they are all doing well now.  Thank you for sharing that journey with us and for all your prayers and words of support and encouragement.

In some ways we have 'settled' into a new and much different routine, as we all have had to do.  It has been a time of reflection and a time to re-affirm what it is we have as a people of faith.  We have been able to continue to experience the hand of God leading and blessing our lives.  We have what we need and have been able to stay safe and stay connected. 

For me, the overwhelming sense I have right now is that of gratitude.  I think of the words of the worship song we have used in our Online Gathering the past two Sundays...I come before You today and there is just one thing I want to say, thank You, Lord.  For all You've given to me, for all the blessings I cannot see, thank You, Lord.  To you, my friends at Valley, 'thank you' for sharing this journey together.  Give thanks to Lord, for He is good.  (1 Chronicles 16:34)

The words are explicit and powerful:  They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)   They are words that describe the early church and words that speak to the church today.  This one verse gives to us four pillars of our faith as we seek to be the church in our world today.

The word 'devoted' expresses the idea of holding firmly and not letting go, persevering or exercising diligence and doing so a body of believers, sharing life together.

They held firmly to the message, the authoritative teaching and doctrine that was passed on to them.  In the same way, the church today must hold the message, the authoritative teaching and doctrine we find in the Word of God.  It is truly a pillar of our faith.

The early church understood the necessity and value of fellowship.  Read the story of the early church and you will be struck by the powerful image of togetherness; they had to stick together, they needed each other and so do we.  At a time when matters of faith have become personal and private we need to come back to this value of a shared experience in the community of faith and hold to it firmly as a critical pillar of our faith.  

The breaking of the bread is another example of togetherness, the gathering of God's people to worship and celebrate the very core of our faith, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It is in and through the Lord Jesus that we find forgiveness of sin, a restored relationship with the Father and the hope of eternal life.  The coming together of God's people to worship and remember is absolutely critical to our spiritual well-being.  So hear me again, my friends at Valley...'whatever you do, don't miss the gathering'!

They also devoted themselves to prayer.  As we noted last Sunday, this is the same message declared by the Apostle Paul in Colossians 4:2:  Devote yourselves to prayer.  Prayer really is the pathway to God's presence and the pathway to God's power.  Prayer changes us and prayer changes what is possible.  And, as we saw last week we just never now when or how or in what way God is going to break through in answer to our prayers, so we must persistent in prayer.  It is one of the pillars of our faith.

Luke goes on in Acts 2 to reveal what happens we God's people devote themselves these things:  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.  (Acts 2:43-47)

​Has it really been 12 years?  It seems not that long ago that Scott and Andrea and I set out from Orangeville, Ontario, travelling 4000 km to begin a new chapter of our lives in the South Okanagan.  Janice would join us a few days later, staying behind until the last of our belongs were on the moving truck.  Lisa, our oldest was getting settled into her new place in Waterloo as she continued her studies at Wilfrid Laurier University.  For the first time we would not call the same place ‘home’.
 
Looking back, two thoughts immediately come to mind; how quickly the time has passed and how much things have changed.  Lisa is now in Grand Prairie, Alberta where she has been working for the past 8 years.  Scott, who returned to Ontario in the fall of 2008, is now one semester away from completing a third post-secondary degree; he will be pursing a career in health care.  He and Tiffany were married 5 years ago; they continue to make their home in Hamilton Ontario.  Andrea stayed in the South Okanagan and is now working as a nurse and Kelowna General Hospital.  She and Jason were married last June; they live an hour north of us in West Kelowna.  Janice has now been with Interior Health for almost 10 years and this September marks the beginning of my 13th year as the pastor here at Valley.
 
Our church has seen a lot of changes over these past 12 years; so many of our friends have moved out of the area or have gone to their home in heaven.  The names and faces readily come to mind and there is both a sense of joy in having shared part of the journey together and a realization that such change is inevitable within any church. Through the years, others have joined us and we have together experienced the incredible faithfulness of God.  We’ve had some ups and down along the way, but for the most part we have experienced a wonderful spirit as we have served together in the church.
 
For the past 12 years I have stood before you, faithfully teaching / proclaiming the truth of God’s Word; His Word given to us to show us how to live; His Word which we believe is our rule of life and faith, in which we find a faithful record of all that He has revealed to be true and right and good. We have looked at what the Bible says about being the church, about worship and prayer and Christian service, about what it means to live by faith and to know His amazing grace in our lives.
 
You have often heard me talk about living as a child of God, reminding us of the truth of 1 John 3:1:  See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!  I am, you are, the beloved of the Father!  Henri Nouwen writes, ‘Being the Beloved constitutes the core truth of our existence.’ 
 
I continue to remind myself each day that there is a God, that He loves me and we are in a covenant relationship; that He desires to break into and lead my life in ways that are consistent with His best plans for my life.  I know that He is still at work, still writing my story and your story. And because of that, I can find, we can find rest and strength and joy in our journey with Him.
 
Over the years, I have sought to cheer you on in your walk of faith, to spur you on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24) and to build you up in the faith; to bring to you the Word of God and call you to respond to God and His Word and to be a voice calling out to you, this is the way; walk in it (Isaiah 30:21).  Because friends, I believe to the core of my being that a life of faith in Jesus Christ is the best possible way for us to journey through our days on earth and it is the only way we’ll ever get to heaven.
 
I want to continue to encourage you stay faithful, to continue to participate fully in the life of the church, to serve and give and care for one another; to continue to live out the truth of my life verse, 1 Corinthians 15:58:   Stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
 
I have been recently reading and reflecting again on the words of Henri Nouwen, who writes: I still believe deeply that our few years on this earth are part of a much larger event that stretches out far beyond the boundaries of our birth and death.  I think of it as a mission into time, a mission that is very exhilarating and even exciting, mostly because the One who sent me on the mission is waiting for me to come home and tell the story of what I have learned.
 
One day, I want to hear “well done, good and faithful servant” from the One who has called me on this journey, so for me I need to quietly resolve to continue to walk with Him, to stay faithful to His calling in my life, seeking to be a blessing to those in my sphere of influence. 
 
As we begin a new ministry year together, I want to invite you to join we as we continue to do life together at Valley.

"It's sad."  That's the only way I can describe it.  The signs were there years ago that Ev's memory was failing; for over a decade now we have watched as Janice's mom has declined in her ability to remember, to function independently and take care of herself.  For the most part she has seemed content, sometimes remembering who we are, sometimes her face will light up, a smile will break through the dark cloud that often surrounds her; but sometimes she does not even recognize Janice.  (It's different for me, she calls every male she sees 'Ken Clarke'!)  Sometimes the music of her faith will comfort her; sometimes she is more distant, more agitated and this once gentle, gracious lady can get a bit 'cranky'. 

How else can you describe such as journey other than 'sad'?

As we drove away on a recent visit, the conversation led to a question I have asked before in the quietness of my own heart, 'why'?  Why does God allow one of His children to walk this path, why doesn't He just call her home?  My theology and my heart try to convince me that God is still at work in Ev's life and that through her He may yet be accomplishing HIs purposes in the life of another, but I have to admit, convincing myself of these truths, even though part of me knows it to be true, is not easy; at times is all seems so senseless.

As I've wrestled this through in recent days, my good and gracious God has provided a measure of peace in quietly whispering, 'Ken, if you could just see this through My eyes'.  Of course, He is right; as we see through God's eyes things always look different!  

In the eyes of God, Ev is still the gentle and gracious lady she has always been; her outward appearance and demeanour may have changed for us but God still sees her in all of her beauty and grace, just the way He created her, and she is still a child of His grace, redeemed and loved by the Lord Jesus.  In God's eyes, she is still... fearfully and wonderfully made.; She is still with us because...all the days ordained for (her) were written in (His) book before one of them came to be.  (Psalm 139:14,16)

In Genesis 16, as Hagar is seeking to flee from Sarah, she encounters and angel of God and receives a message from God.  It becomes for Hagar a defining moment in which she confesses, 'You are the God who sees me' (13).  As I watch Ev's descent, as I watch other friends walk a similar path, I need to be reminded He is the God sees and cares.

There is a story recorded for us in the seventh chapter of the Gospel of Luke, in which...one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.  (36-38)  Simon and his guests are troubled because Jesus has allowed a 'sinful woman' to touch him.  Jesus in using this as a teachable moment turns to Simon and says, Do you see this woman? (44)  Simon, do you really see her?  Do you see her as I see her? 

If we could just see through God's eyes, our whole perspective changes.

As long as I have know Ev, she has been a woman of quiet, confident faith and while it is hard at times to watch as her mind and life slip away, I need to be reminded...the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.  (Psalm 33:18)  He has not failed Ev and He will not fail her in the days ahead; she has been, is and always will be His beautiful and gracious child.  Though I sometimes struggle to make sense of it all, I can yet hold to the promise of God:  The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.  (Psalm 34:7)

And so...We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.  In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.  May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.  (Psalm 33:20-22)

 have just dropped Michael at the airport; the ride home as given me time to reflect and as I do, several images comes to mind that have given perspective to these last few days; that have warmed my heart and brought a smile to me.

It seems like so much has happened since I first spoke with Mr. Hingson earlier this year and when I met him at the Kelowna airport this past Wednesday it felt like I was greeting an old friend but in reality I was meeting for the first time a man with a remarkable story.  I was struck again by the fact that we all have a story--that we who walk by faith are all stories still being written as God works in our lives and as we cross paths with others along the way.  From that first meeting in the arrival area to seeing him off through security on the return flight, I have learned much about his life, his story and much about the world of those with vision impairment. 

I think many of us have gained a greater understanding and new appreciation for those who are blind; that there are different ways to 'see' / to perceive the world in which we live--that we all face challenges and limitations and we are all inter-dependant.  I've had to confront the stereo-types and prejudices that I may have secretly held, even if well-intended.  I'm learning when to come alongside with a helping hand and when to allow others to make it on their own--in Michael's case, simply providing the information he needs to make his way forward.  And, I think we are all continuing to learn to graciously allow others to support and encourage us along the way.  Sometimes it takes a discerning spirit to know what is needed in the moment.

My greatest joy in all of this has been to see the church at work, sometimes in very visible, 'up-front' ways and sometimes quietly 'behind the scenes'.  I am grateful to all of our escorts who gave of their time and made the necessary arrangements to make sure our guest was where he needed to be when he needed to be there. But more than that, I see and hear their joy in doing this to meet the needs of another and to serve our Lord.  I'm reflecting on the updates I heard throughout the last few days, the stories and pictures shared and this is truly one of my greatest joys--just seeing you doing what we love to do at Valley...be servants.

I celebrate the leadership that Lia gave to making our 'Meet and Greet' such a wonderful time and Trudy's leadership in preparing breakfast for the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast--the hours of hard work these two ladies have given are  another testimony to the heart of Valley, but that they did so with a spirit of joy speaks even louder about who we are.  And then, there was a team of people that came along side of them to prepare and serve and clean up with the same 'how can I help' spirit.  I watched all of this and quietly rejoiced in the truth that this is who we are at Valley. 

I see images of Bob and Lia and John and Katie loading up their vehicles after the 'Meet and Greet', the last ones at the event, the job still not quite finished.  I see Don taking Alamo out for a much needed break.  I stood beside Janice with great pride and joy and watched her help with the welcome and introduction and then sat back and watched with the same joy as Sandra stood on stage to thank Michael.  I stood at the side watched as Trevor gave leadership at the Prayer Breakfast; grateful that we serve as team and filled with gratitude that others were using their gifts and talents to serve.  I rejoiced when I heard from Janet and Sharon as to just how well things went as Michael spoke at the Sen Pok Chin Elementary School and interacted with staff and clients at Painted Chair.  These are but a few of the many images that scroll across the screen of my mind.  What makes each one so special is the faces I see; faces of friends at Valley and the thought just keeps repeating within my heart, ' we were able to share in this together'.

Know this as well friends, we have been used of God to bless Michael and his wife Karen; I have a sense that one of the reasons God prompted us to pursue this opportunity was so that He could bless and encourage Michael and provide for their needs; once again your generosity has blessed others!

I hear the stories and see again the faces of so many who bought tickets, some to give away, who extended the invitation and entered into conversations with friends and neighbours.  I urge you to stay in the conversation now that the 'event' is over.  I had several opportunities to interact with people who asked what prompted us to do this as a church and why would we do this--I think we reflected well the role the church can play in our communities in inspiring, encouraging and building up the people in our communities and in doing so, we have gently opened the way for them to explore more about the church, its message and the hope that is our in Christ Jesus.

To that end, I encourage you, I encourage us as a church, to continue to...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  (Matthew 5:16)