To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
Happy Thanksgiving
I know that this is American thanksgiving, but there is so much I am thankful for, and any excuse, including a Cowboys football game seems like a good reason to be thankful. What are you thankful for? Take the time this Thursday to express to those around you why you are thankful, and what you are thankful for, and if your brain moves a little slow, stop and stay at the CROSS! If I could choose my nationality, my third choice (1. Jewish...not Israeli...at least this rated this highly; 2. Canadian) would be American. I love our neighbours to the south and thankful we live in peace with them. Thank an American for things you appreciate about them (we have two on staff) so take the time to send a quick note to Thomas or Robyn if you don't have any other friends that carry this nationality.
I am thankful for William Cowper. Today, he turns 288. I am not sure that time is counted in eternity the same way in heaven as on earth, but I am sure that in Cowper and his life and struggles many can find hope. All of us struggle with cognitive dissonance, or not seeing reality through God's eyes (what is actually true and real), but some struggle with much deeper issues in this. William Cowper was one of these who struggled immensely with depression and finding joy in his journey. He fought hard against his own confusion with the help of his church and pastor (John Newton), and yet the struggle was not something he ever fully beat until he went into the presence of His God. I am thankful for William for three reasons: 1. He reminds us that being fully devoted to God does not free you from depression, and the intensity of his struggle and its record helps those who struggle to know they are not alone, and the REAL TRUTH that even when they feel far from God, they are not; 2. He reminds us that we can be used by God in powerful ways even when we struggle through the many hymns and poems he has left the church; 3. God's people need one another, and when we know someone is struggling through depression, we love with tenderness and cling with them to Jesus and the hope that is found in Him.
Happy Birthday William, and may we find in him an encouragement to stay strong through any emotional struggles we might be having, and if we are not, to be a blessing to those who are. For further reading on this amazing man, https://www.desiringgod.org/
Encourage you to continue to pray through your giving pattern at Cloverdale Baptist. We will find ways to make you aware of our needs, but currently we are making decisions based on resources, not based on vision. I know that we have many in our church (myself included) who can invest more effectively as stewards in God's work in and through CBC, so encourage you to ask God if you should be a part of this solution to our corporate need.
Baptism: We have had many respond to our call out for people who have decided to obey God in baptism through immersion as believers on December 8. There is still time if God is nudging you to obey, to contact one of your pastors and join us as participants in this incredible relational symbol. If you are not sure, invite friends and elders into the conversation. We will seek to only pressure you deeper in your walk with God and obedience to Him.
Sunday School: Reminder that we are seeking to teach God's Word and how to apply it in every area of our lives for all ages. Join us Sunday mornings at 9:00 for studies on marriage, James, and different Biblical content for ALL AGES. Our last Sunday School before Christmas will be December 8, and we will start again on January 12. So there is Sunday School on December 8, and on January 12, and free time for coffee in between. JOIN US!
Christmas Series: We begin our Christmas Series this Sunday. This is not only an opportunity for you to rejoice with us at the greatness of God's love, it is also an opportunity to invite your friends to church. Please take the time to invite someone who needs Jesus, or is not attending church to this series. Christmas and Easter are great times from a cultural perspective to introduce people to the freedom and forgiveness that comes from believing in Jesus. INVITE SOMEONE!
Sunday Is Coming:
Sermon Title: Ordinary People At Christmas: Jesus...Ordinary Looking, Eternal Impact
Text: Isaiah 7:14
- Why is knowing who Jesus is helpful for our worship at Christmas?
- How does prophecy help you know Him better?
- How does prophecy help your witness?
- Who can you invite to one of our services this Christmas?
Praying that we will lift Jesus closer to those who know Him (INTIMACY) and our hearts would long to reach out with those we know to show them how great He is (IMPACT). Excited with you about praising His name and portraying His greatness to those around us!
Christmas Is Coming! HUGE THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORK DONE IN DECORATING!
Honoured to serve Immanuel with you, and to serve you for Him,
Pastor Rob