As I'm writing this blog, I can see large snowflakes coming down quietly yet incessantly, reminding me that winter is just around the corner! Anyone up for a trip to the tropics? Well in a matter of days, I will be off to the lands of 30 + C. and 90% humidity. The main objective of my trip is not to flee winter, although I do love hot weather, but to follow through on our commitment to keep going back to the same places (fishing holes), and serving people that are dear friends and who have become lifers - those that God connects you with, and who you have the privilege of walking with through valleys and mountain top experiences on the journey this side of heaven. So I will visit Trang, our spiritual daughter and friend to many of you in our community and Andrew and Michelle Ong -Vineyard pastors in Singapore to celebrate the 10 anniversary of their church.
If you've been around me long enough you'll have heard me use the phrase "a few faithful, forgiving friends". In a succint the verse John 15:13 "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." sums up what church is to be like. This kind of friendship is such a rare treasurer, but when you find it, one feels so rich. What Esther and I have found is that there are two ways to find these kinds of friends: Through the passage of time and weathering conflict or crisis together. This last weekend we tasted of it as we had the privilege of being with Paul and Shari - who we've known for a gazillion years and who have walked with us through many ups and downs - as well as Linda Hill our dear friend, as the family had a spreading of Steve's ashes on Moose Mountain. Being there was such an honour. So the long and skinny of it, is that we want to encourage all of you to find your band of faithful and forgiving friends and don't settle for 'church light'. This kind of friendship costs something but is worth more than gold.
This Sunday we will meet at the Schultz abode at 10:30am. Since most were out of town last week, we canceled house church. Thus we will have a bring your gift Sunday - INCLUDING THE CHILDREN! Bring a song you've written or is on your heart to sing, a poem, some food, a story, a Scripture, a painting, or whatever else to share with the group and let's see what the Holy Spirit says to us through each other.
I would also appreciate being prayed for as I leave on Tuesday for Asia. Still praying in some more bucks for the trip so would appreciate prayer on that and if you'd like to contribute let me know on Sunday.
Esther and I are so blessed to watch the friendships that are growing in our community and how people are laying down their lives for one another in small yet significant ways like baby sitting, prayer and counsel, sharing and giving to one another in practical ways such as help in moving or finances. Keep it up and let's invite others into the circle!
Love,
Tim and Esther
Friday, October 15, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Blessed to be a Blessing
Happy Thanksgiving to You All,
Welcome back Paul and Shari from your family getaway down to Disneyland. Sounds like it was just the tonic that you guys needed. Though we didn't have 30+C weather here at home, it sure has been a much desired Indian summer.
This Sunday all those of you who are in town are welcome to our place at 10:30am. Please come prepared to share a gift--a song, poem, Bible verse that is meanful to you, something you have created, a food item to share, a God story, etc. We call it "Bring Your Gift Sunday". Of course, your presence is also a gift. Also, we want to spend some time sharing how God has blessed us over this last year, and offering up our thanksgiving to God, maybe around a campfire in the back yard. After we share how God has blessed us, we want to pray for others in our lives that still haven't met Him yet, so our theme could also be "Blessed to be a Blessing." If anyone wants to stay afterwards, we thought we could keep the fire going and roast hot dogs or sausages. If you plan to stay for that, please bring your own meat and buns and roasting sticks, as well as a salad or some veggies. We want to keep it simple because many of you may already be involved in hosting or contributing to Thankgiving dinners.
I leave a week next Tuesday for Asia, so appreciate your prayers for that as I prepare to go and still prayin in some bucks for the trip. Next Sunday I would love to be 'commissioned' or given the 'left foot of fellowship' out by our community.
Have a great weekend with family and friends,
Tim and Esther
Welcome back Paul and Shari from your family getaway down to Disneyland. Sounds like it was just the tonic that you guys needed. Though we didn't have 30+C weather here at home, it sure has been a much desired Indian summer.
This Sunday all those of you who are in town are welcome to our place at 10:30am. Please come prepared to share a gift--a song, poem, Bible verse that is meanful to you, something you have created, a food item to share, a God story, etc. We call it "Bring Your Gift Sunday". Of course, your presence is also a gift. Also, we want to spend some time sharing how God has blessed us over this last year, and offering up our thanksgiving to God, maybe around a campfire in the back yard. After we share how God has blessed us, we want to pray for others in our lives that still haven't met Him yet, so our theme could also be "Blessed to be a Blessing." If anyone wants to stay afterwards, we thought we could keep the fire going and roast hot dogs or sausages. If you plan to stay for that, please bring your own meat and buns and roasting sticks, as well as a salad or some veggies. We want to keep it simple because many of you may already be involved in hosting or contributing to Thankgiving dinners.
I leave a week next Tuesday for Asia, so appreciate your prayers for that as I prepare to go and still prayin in some bucks for the trip. Next Sunday I would love to be 'commissioned' or given the 'left foot of fellowship' out by our community.
Have a great weekend with family and friends,
Tim and Esther
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