HPC Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2012

This Issues Theme:

My choices and decisions are influenced by my attitudes and values. How do I determine my priorities at the moment? How do I allow God to show me what He wants from me?

How Do I Start?

Being in the World

Pray always - Ask God to show the way and pray in every situation and about everything.
frustrated or upset, pray. When you dont know, pray. When you need calming, pray.

Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. When you are thankful or excited, pray. When you are

Invite the Holy Spirit into every activity - Inviting Gods Spirit into all parts of my life.
Integrating everything I do with my spiritual life, making the routines of life spiritual practices devoted to God and submitting it to Gods will and inspiration.

Simplify my life Jesus and his disciples lived simply. What do I really need? Holding each other accountable Finding spiritual partners to remind me and help me.
Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the person You want me to be. Amen
CONTACT US: (604) 467 1715 haney.pc@telus.net www.haneypreschurch.org Minister: Gerard Booy revhaney.pc@telus.net; Youth Minister: Paddy Eastwood paddyathaneypres@hotmail.ca

What are we here for?

What are we here for? The question has been haunting me for a long time. It comes with a few other questions in tow. What kind of ministry is God calling us to have at this time in this place? What kind of church does God want us to be? I believe very firmly that there is a reason for our existence; that God has placed us here in this community at this time because God wants to accomplish something through us. The question is what it is that God wants to accomplish through our ministry and presence in the community. I always find it fascinating to watch how things come together when you are seeking Gods will. Take this years lectionary readings from Mark for instance, especially the fall readings from Mark 8-10 where Jesus is training The Twelve for discipleship, where we are continually reminded of what it means to follow Jesus, to get behind Jesus, to be servants of many like the Son of Man. before his ascension, saying, You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Advent and Christmas are just around the corner. Could there be a clearer revelation of Gods mission in the world? Together, Advent and Christmas remind us of the coming of God into the world. for God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16) . Advent and Christmas are not isolated points on a calendar. They are events anchored in the larger story of the Bible, the grand narrative that started at creation and will continue to the end of time. Advent and Christmas dont make much sense unless we see them rooted in the larger story of Gods mission in the world.

The Bible tells the story of Gods mission, Gods mission to bless the earth and all the nations of the earth, and to reclaim the entire world for The evening Bible studies on Amos added to this theme and serves as a wake-up call to all himself. Gods people have a significant role to play in Gods mission. The whole Bible is about of us to be aware of the social and ethical mission Gods mission in dimensions of the gospel. which we participate. It is not so much that God has a Our reading on Thursday for mission for his church in the world, as instance prompted us to Christopher J.H. Wright is that God has a church for his mission in one of many theologians seek good, not evil that the world. Mission was not made for you might live hate evil, who are holding our feet the church; the church was made for love good and establish to the fire. He writes, But mission the mission of God. justice in the gates (Amos can we really say that 5:14-15). the whole Bible is about mission? Not if we think of missions as primarily I am not the only one wrestling with this what we do i.e. merely human activity. We question about the purpose of the church and need to shift our perspective to see that, like the calling of the church. On a Presbytery level salvation, mission belongs to our God. Mission is there is an increasing awareness that we are not ours; mission is Gods. It is not so much that called to be a missional church in the sense God has a mission for his church in the world, as that we participate in the mission of God to the that God has a church for his mission in the world. world. Mission was not made for the church; the We are not here to figure out our own purpose, church was made for mission the mission of or to do whatever pleases us, or to fulfill the God. (from: The Mission of God: unlocking the consumer needs of people. We are called to Bibles grand narrative) participate in Gods mission. Jesus spoke clearly These two sentences blew me away when I to his disciples after his resurrection, saying read them. It is not so much that God has a Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, mission for his church in the world, as that God I am sending you (John 20:21) and a little later
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has a church for his mission in the world. Mission was not made for the church; the church was made for mission the mission of God. This makes us a missional church. But what does that mean? It means at a very basic level that each of us is a missionary; it means that the church is not there for us and our comforts, the church is there for Gods mission in the world; it means that our first priority is not to work for the churchs survival or growth, but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; it means that we have to look around us to serve the community in which God has placed us; it means that we have to take seriously the call to be equipped for our Christian service in our neighbourhoods and workplaces; it means that our goal is not to get more members on the roll but to reach out to more people with the gospel for the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). I know this is not a popular message. I know this is not a message we are comfortable with. This is not what we want to hear. But it is Biblical. Christopher Wright goes on to show how a missional understanding turns inside out and upside down some of the common ways in

which we are accustomed to think about the Christian life It constantly forces us to open our eyes to the big picture, rather than shelter in the cosy narcissism of our own small worlds. We ask, Where does God fit into the story of my life? when the real question is where does my little life fit into this great story of Gods mission. We want to be driven by a purpose that has been tailored just right for our own individual lives, when we should be seeing the purpose of all life, including our own, wrapped up in the great mission of God for the whole of creation. We talk about applying the Bible to our lives. What would it mean to apply our lives to the Bible instead, assuming the Bible to be the reality the real story to which we are called to conform ourselves? We wrestle with making the gospel relevant to the world. But in this story, God is about the business of transforming the world to fit the shape of the gospel. We argue about what can legitimately be included in the mission that God expects from the church, when we should ask what kind of church God wants for the whole range of his mission. I may wonder what kind of mission God has for me, when I should be asking what kind of me God wants for his mission. -- Gerard

Paddy shared about another church...

What can we do in a grassroots way to foster community from where we are? In one congregation they are asking questions (pre-prepared and spontaneous) about their lives, their faith journeys, challenges and doubts they have faced, their favourite Bible passages, etc. This kind of thing is not flashy entertainment, it is a safe place within which people can share with and learn from each other, and it creates a set of real stories kids can draw from as they move away and into their futures.
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From the Music Team...

Has anyone noticed? The church choir has had a new look this fall new in that members have not been wearing their blue gowns on Sundays. The gowns can be very warm, plus they lend a formality to the choir that isnt always desirable. The decision was made to dispense with them on a trial basis, and after two months I Praise the Lord! havent received any negative feedback to Praise God in his sanctuary; the change. If you have an opinion to share, please e-mail Praise him in his mighty heavens! me or speak to me on any Sunday. One other change has been the division of the choral year into two-month blocks. For those interested in participating in the choir, but on a short term basis, November 7th begins a new block focusing on Advent and Christmas music. The January-February block will focus on the theme of Commitment and Prayer. Join us any Wednesday, 7:30 9:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary to practise. The question of whether or not to applaud in church is always a dilemma. If its in response to an announcement, a celebration or accomplishment, its very appropriate. However it can be disruptive when done in response to a part of the worship service. Consider whether you would applaud the reading of scripture, the words of the sermon or the singing of a hymn before doing so for an anthem or the offertory music. These are not presented as entertainment or performances, but as contributions to the worship. If you are blessed by a particular piece of music we would be happy to receive your words of appreciation after the service. Carol Garvin, Choir Director garvins@telus.net

Praise him for his mighty deeds; Praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; Praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; Praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; Praise him with loud clashing cymbals! (Psalm 150:1-6 ESV)

Our cell churches are starting...

Our gatherings follow a simple liturgy because this is church, and we desire to

Grow Together in Faith and in Love.

You can expect an evening to look like this: Caring & sharing over a cup of coffee/tea Worship (singing, praying, Psalm reading) Bible study (on Christian living) Prayers for each other and the world Even though the gatherings are somewhat structured, they are very personal and informal, giving you lots of time to connect with one another.

How can you join a cell-church?

Anyone can participate. Joining is very easy, just call or e-mail the minister or the church administrator to indicate your interest and they will put you in touch with a cell-church leader.
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The Church in Prison

About 45 years ago, as we read the words which Jesus spoke to his followers in Matthew 25, we both responded to God's call to visit in prisons. He said that when we visit those in prison, we visit him. There are many men and women in prison who have no one to visit them. Family and friends have rejected them. At that time we became involved in founding a ministry that is called "M2W2" ie. "Man to Man! Woman to Women". Inmates in prison who would like a friend to visit them are matched with volunteers who are registered with the organization and cleared by Corrections Canada. There are now over 250 "Sponsors" visiting regularly in the various institutions in the lower mainland ofB.C. We go in primarily to be a friend and show God's love to them. Eventually they ask us why we are doing this, and we have a chance to share our faith. Many lives have been changed in prison and frequently the friendships continue after the inmate is freed. Not only are we an encouragement to the people we visit; they are a blessing to us as we witness God working in their lives. We visit two fellows in Ferndale (Mission) every two weeks and have seen amazing changes in them. They are both "lifers", but they are not the same men who were convicted years ago. To illustrate this, with Robert's permission ,we have included the most recent note he gave us on one of our visits. Submitted by Cal & Alice Chambers

SIX DAYS SHALT THOU LABOUR...

Well, maybe seven around harvest time. OK, but the seasons nearly over, last stragglers returning December 15th. Home to familiar, sunny, surroundings, ecstatic family welcomes and happy visits with all important extended family. Then, next day the abrupt, sobering realization that they still havent been able to assure all the basic necessities for their families. So its back to work, ill paid though it may be. Three from Veracruz State will be just in time for the coffee harvest. Another from Chiapas State hopes to work at inshore fishing. No one can afford to remain idle till the next call to Canada comes if it comes. Scores of these Ridge Meadows workers will be arriving at their villages happy of heart -- also heavy of suitcase: clothes and Christmas toys for the kids, a gift for the wife, maybe even a laptop for a teenager in high school. But before they leave they express their profound gratitude to all at HPC (and elsewhere) who have helped to make their sojourn here a little less arduous and their homecoming even happier. May I add my own gratitude to the many people of the congregation who have so generously provided clothing, shoes, suitcases, bicycles, transportation and, at least equally important, moral support and encouragement. So ends another chapter on December 15th. But its not the last; the next wave of Mexican migrant workers begins arriving here in early January with a whole new set of challenges to be addressed. But meanwhile FELIZ NAVIDAD!! Roger Page

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Sunday School Challenge Healthy Babies Happy Moms

Haney Presbyterian Sunday School and the Friday night youth groups are once again joining the Presbyterian World Service and Development Sunday School Challenge. Presbyterian children and youth across Canada are collecting money, this year to support maternal health care in the developing world. We will be giving our offerings as well as fundraising to reach out to vulnerable mothers and children. This project gives our children and youth the opportunity to communicate the love of Christ for all people in very concrete ways. Maternal mortality rates are high in the developing world, particularly in Malawi (where over 500 women per 100, 000 will die of complications in childbirth) and Afghanistan (over 1400 per 100,000). Our money will be used to increase the likelihood of safe deliveries and effective early childhood care.

Heres just a few ways that our gifts are shared:

$6 trains a male motivator to care for his family during pregnancy, labour and delivery $75 buys a bicycle ambulance $82 buys education and health awareness materials $330 trains a nurse in delivery and care of newborns $690 pays for medicine and supplies for one year for one health centre $4,476 builds a new health facility
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Website: http://presbyterian.ca/pwsd/2012-sunday-school-challenge/

Mark your calendars and invite your friends and family!

Join us for Bible Study, crafts, games and fun!

HPC YOUTH GROUPS Friday Nights 6 8 pm

Chicklets ages 6 8 Gods Girls ages 9 13 Boys Group ages 8 12 Senior Co-Ed Group - ages13 18

Family Fun Night 23 November 6 9 pm

Parents and grandparents join the children for an evening of fun and games.

Everybody is welcome!

Intergenerational ADVENT Event Sunday 2 December

Prepare for Advent as a family after lunch.
Any Questions? Contact Paddy: paddyathaneypres@hotmail.ca
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Bring fingerfood to share for a potluck lunch

A TTENDING TO THE S PIRIT

Contemplative Retreat 2013
Retreat Leader Gerard Booy

Let everyone who has an ear, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
(Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22)
Each one of the seven letters to the church in Revelations ends with a summons to listen to the Spirit. This is an interesting observation, but do you think it might be saying something about the importance of attending to the Spirit for everyone who follows Jesus? Gordon T Smith reminds us that the Spirit has come in place of the bodily presence of Jesus, and so the church follows Christ only insofar as it intentionally responds to the Spirit.

Purpose
The retreat is an extended Sabbath. We gather in the presence of the Lord Where we slow down and pay attention to what God the Spirit is doing among us, so that we can learn to discern the voice of Jesus among a myriad of competing voices. I hope that you also will be rejuvenated by the fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ.

Where
Loon Lake - UBC Research Forest Silver Valley Rd, Maple Ridge The Johnson Cabins are complete with comfortable lounge areas, cozy fireplaces, large multi-purpose rooms and peaceful sleeping rooms. Each bedroom has 2 beds, writing desk & wireless Internet.

When: February 8-10, 2013

From 6 pm on Friday until 1 pm Sunday

Fees: $200 per person

(includes accommodation and meals) Well have 2 meals a day in the dining room and provide breakfast and snacks for ourselves.

Comments from last year Could really relax. Food was excellent (I think I picked up a few pounds)
I liked this place very comfortable and attractive. Loved the peace of the forest and being able to look outside at the forest, lake and snow.
I found it a calming time away from the demands of daily life.

Registrations
Registrations and fees due by January 21, 2013, but please let Gerard know before then if you plan to attend.

Cheques payable to:

Haney Presbyterian Church (marked retreat) 11858-216th Street, Maple Ridge, V2X 5H8

As a result of the retreat I feel closer to God, closer to members of the church that I would otherwise not interact with on this level, stronger in my faith.

For information:

Contact Gerard 604-467-1715 (church); 778-868-1548 (cell) revhaney.pc@telus.net

I came home refreshed, almost full, and the further I get from the retreat, the more I appreciate the change in me.
The retreats are a welcome respite for me. I get so caught up in day-to-day life that I really need this to be still and listen for the Lord to speak.

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