Dear Friends,
Before I introduce the service of the first Sunday in Lent, I want to share a couple of my thoughts on the season of Lent.
Firstly, during the 40-day Lenten journey, I want us, as Christ-followers, to have more spiritual developments in our faith journey. In the last few months, we have learned the nine divine fruits of the spirit. Can we challenge ourselves to bear those holy attributes in the exciting coming walk with the Lord? Many things can be done in our inner beings. What about proclaiming the Word of Resurrection instead of the words of death? In other words, I want us as Resurrected-disciples to use the words of hope, encouragement, compassion, love, and so on over the terms of despair, discouragement, condemnation, anger, and so on to ourselves and the people around us. I am aware that it would be very challenging for us to do it with our own determination. Remember: the godly traits can be produced only with the help of the Lord. When we ask our Mighty God for His guidance and strength over the decision we have made in our speeches, the Holy Spirit will provide His strength for us to keep not just our words but also our thoughts and deeds in control in Christ. Would bearing the fruit of the spirit, particularly the tempered words within us for the Lord, be excellent on the Day of Easter Celebration?
Secondly, during Lent, I want us to have a more intimate relationship with God. This deeper fellowship with the Lord can be done in various methods. I can recommend using our Daily Bread guide either on paper or online. Suppose you are looking for some other Lent resources. In that case, as Donna put the valuable info on the Announcement Slide, you can visit www.cnob.org and check them out. Besides the daily devotion, you may want to join the upcoming Zoom Bible Study called “Everything Is Possible with God by Rick Warren” starting this coming Wednesday. Don’t worry if you are unavailable since this topic will also be presented in the new sermon series launching next Sunday. Our unholy minds need to be replaced continuously with God’s supernatural thoughts to say godly words to ourselves and our loved ones.
Thirdly, during the forty-day spiritual race, I want us as the Body of Christ or a church to continue becoming the church God wants us to build together as a team and keep moving forward into His bright directions. Remember once again: God is the founder of our spiritual house, and the Word of God is the founding stone upon our sacred gatherings. Let us ask God continuously for His guidance and direction when to resume hybrid services (online and in-person) safely and surely and what to do in the Post/With Covid-19 era. Despite ongoing challenges in our faith journey and our God-given mission as a church, God is the One providing blessings faithfully for His people and His church. Keep believing in God and continue being renewed by the Holy Spirit is the best way we can do for Christ at this juncture.
With these thoughts in mind, I want to invite you to the First Communion Service in 2022. With a grateful and repentant heart, we will all take the sacred elements at the Lord’s Table, remember what Jesus has done for us and accept God’s forgiveness and His eternal life anew. Please bring your communion elements. In our service, Laura Sutton from St. Aloysius Catholic Church will read God’s Word under the venue of the Reader Exchange in Fenelon Falls. On our church’s behalf, Margaret Mark has prepared scripture recording on video for the people of the Salvation Army Fenelon Falls. Laura and Margaret, thank you both for your heart toward this united Christian ministry! We will also have time to pray for Ukraine.
As usual, the service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2022, and the Zoom link will open at 9:45 a.m. The announcement slides will be played before the service. A copy of the service info, including the sermon titled “God’s Grace & A Second Chance,” is attached.
Finally, Lent Bible Study through Zoom: “Everything is Possible with God” with Rick Warren will be held via Zoom on Wed. March 9 from 10:00 to 11:00 am. More detailed information about this study is also attached.
Upcoming Sunday Services:
March 13 to April 17: God’s Dream for Your Life Sermon Series
“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened” (Jonah 3:10).
Blessings,
Caleb