As I write this posting, I am just about to begin my summer break, which has always been a time to rest and renew and reflect. I anticipate the time off will allow me to slow down and comtemplate the year that has been with all of it's ups and downs. The familiar words of Psalm 23 speak to my heart...He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. (Psalm 23:2-3)
This has truly been an unprecedented time as we think about the impact of a global pandemic that still presents a world-wide threat.
I think about the impact Covid-19 has had on our family; I don't think I will ever forget the night Scott was taken to hospital, struggling to catch his breath or how scary it was to hear that Riley, at just 4-weeks old was Covid positive -- how grateful we are for the prayers of the saints which saw all of us through that time.
Thank you for your prayers for Andrea. Please continue to pray she will be able to carry the twins to tearm.
I think also of the way the pandemic has touched on our church family, the devestating manner in which this virus swept through McKinney Place and then Sunnybank Centre. I think of friends who have left us during this season, some due to complications from the coronavirus -- how comforting to know that in Christ we will be able to see again, those we could not say 'goodbye' to this side of heaven.
As I look back, I marvel at the grace of God that allowed us to be able to quickly shift from in-person gatherings to an online presence. Was it just a coincidence that Valley, through Karen's vision, had already began to record our services or Sandra's vision for a website had already been put in place?
For me this has been a time of learning, be able to adapt and use the technology availalbe to maintain a virtual connect with our people. We had to, in a matter only a couple of days, pivot to online simulated Worship Gatherings, then back to in-person gatherings, only to have to shift back again to being online for over six months and now back to gahering on-site once again. We have had to deal with restrictions and limitations and protocols -- how blessed I've been to lead and serve a people who have been gracious and kind and supportive. Thank you for following the directives of our governing officials, for exercising good judgment and loving concern for one another and our communties!
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23) See the Archived Message page for August 1, 2021 for a message on this text.
With all that has taken place over the past year and half and more recently with the wildfires and smoke that has threatend our region, it feels very much like we've been on a never-ending roller-coaster ride, but for me, through all that has happened my faith has more than sustained me. God's providential care and protection, His grace and faithful love has been the one constant in my life; although I would be amiss if I did not mention how blessed I have been to have a life-partner and soulmate in Janice, who has shared this journey with me for almost 40 years.
In all of this I am reminded of the words from the prophet Isaiah...in quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15) and, those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31).
The writer of Hebrews reminds us...We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (Hebrews 6:19)
My dear friends at Valley, may you rest secure in this hope!
This has truly been an unprecedented time as we think about the impact of a global pandemic that still presents a world-wide threat.
I think about the impact Covid-19 has had on our family; I don't think I will ever forget the night Scott was taken to hospital, struggling to catch his breath or how scary it was to hear that Riley, at just 4-weeks old was Covid positive -- how grateful we are for the prayers of the saints which saw all of us through that time.
Thank you for your prayers for Andrea. Please continue to pray she will be able to carry the twins to tearm.
I think also of the way the pandemic has touched on our church family, the devestating manner in which this virus swept through McKinney Place and then Sunnybank Centre. I think of friends who have left us during this season, some due to complications from the coronavirus -- how comforting to know that in Christ we will be able to see again, those we could not say 'goodbye' to this side of heaven.
As I look back, I marvel at the grace of God that allowed us to be able to quickly shift from in-person gatherings to an online presence. Was it just a coincidence that Valley, through Karen's vision, had already began to record our services or Sandra's vision for a website had already been put in place?
For me this has been a time of learning, be able to adapt and use the technology availalbe to maintain a virtual connect with our people. We had to, in a matter only a couple of days, pivot to online simulated Worship Gatherings, then back to in-person gatherings, only to have to shift back again to being online for over six months and now back to gahering on-site once again. We have had to deal with restrictions and limitations and protocols -- how blessed I've been to lead and serve a people who have been gracious and kind and supportive. Thank you for following the directives of our governing officials, for exercising good judgment and loving concern for one another and our communties!
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23) See the Archived Message page for August 1, 2021 for a message on this text.
With all that has taken place over the past year and half and more recently with the wildfires and smoke that has threatend our region, it feels very much like we've been on a never-ending roller-coaster ride, but for me, through all that has happened my faith has more than sustained me. God's providential care and protection, His grace and faithful love has been the one constant in my life; although I would be amiss if I did not mention how blessed I have been to have a life-partner and soulmate in Janice, who has shared this journey with me for almost 40 years.
In all of this I am reminded of the words from the prophet Isaiah...in quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15) and, those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31).
The writer of Hebrews reminds us...We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (Hebrews 6:19)
My dear friends at Valley, may you rest secure in this hope!
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