To God’s Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
It is good to be a part of the family of God. Even in times like this, especially in times like this, to know people love God with you, and are there to support you in difficulties is so important!
I am so glad I am a part of the family of God! As a family one of our joy filled responsibilities is to grieve with those who grieve, and rejoice with those who rejoice.
Much has happened in the last year, and often these things can be lost in the midst of the busyness of life, and the restrictions we are living in.
Here are some family reminders that I hope drive you to prayer and care…
Please pray for Gaye and family as they grieve the loss of Dave, and plan for the memorial service in the near future. May they grieve as those with hope. He will be missed!
Please pray for the family of Mary Klassen as she was promoted to glory. The family is doing something small now, but perhaps something larger later. She will be missed!
Please pray for the family of Barbara Von Hausen, as they plan a memorial service and grieve this loss. She will be missed!
When we are permitted to gather again, there will be great joy, and heartbreak. We will have lost some spiritually, some physically, and some emotionally and the pain of loss will be real and heart wrenching!
We have also had some births that we are rejoicing with.
Born to Nate and Corrine Dickson: Henry Joseph Mayfeld, born on April 18th 8lbs 1oz
Born to Dan and Jess Fenske: Rose Elizabeth Fenske: April 17th 9lbs 3oz
WELCOME TO THE WORLD! HUGE CONGRATS!
Engagement:
Geoffrey Rudolph and Brittany Sherrell got engaged on April 18th. Getting married on June 12th.
If I have missed anyone, please let me know, as we want to stay updated and praying with and for people as they walk this journey of life with their spiritual family’s love and support. Please send notes, cards, love and prayers and continue to be a church family, even when, especially when it is difficult!
INVITE 1, ENCOURAGE 3 and remember to live on mission for Jesus every day and look for the works He has prepared in advance for you to do (Ephesians 2:10). Perhaps today will be the day you can share the richness of the Gospel, or be the love that God wants to give to someone hurting or healing! You are God’s plan to build His church, so live in His presence, for His glory as you focus on supporting one another and sharing His Gospel with those who don't know Him. You represent Him with your life and lips, let us do this well in His power for His glory!
The number of people who have lost loved ones to COVID is growing, please pray for those who have lost friends and family members during this time! It seems every week we are walking in the valley of the shadow of death, and I am thankful for the hope we have in Jesus! Please pray that as we struggle through this time we would do so graciously and on God’s side, and showing His love to those who are grieving. It is always hard to lose someone you love, and I think given the current circumstances it is even more difficult, so please pray for those struggling with loss!
May 8 is known as the night of power, and it is a day when many Muslims pray for special revelation and think they will hear from god. We pray that this time would be a time of God’s revelation through His Word and the love of His people and that many would come to know Jesus as exclusive LORD and Savior. Check your prayer book for more information and pray for these precious people that they would have their eyes open to the ONE TRUE GOD.
Please pray that we would be permitted to gather in the church building again! We are seeking to courageously follow God’s Word in difficult times, and believe we are doing the right thing together, BUT it would sure be wonderful to be able to gather again in freedom and joy as a family. Pray that God would move in people (remember He is Sovereign) to accomplish this, and that COVID would end soon. We pray in faith, and trust God, but I SURE LONG FOR THIS with you!
STAY INFORMED AND PRAYING
We have congregational meeting on May 25. Please note this on your calendar and join us in seeking God's will together as a family. Your prayers and pursuit of unity with us are what makes the congregational system of church governance work. We long for the mind of Christ, and a unified passion to do His will together.
Other Helpful Information
please check out our online bulletin that is updated every week:
Keep Informed
cloverdalebaptistchurch.ca/
Other:
Please help our search committee as they look for the man of God that will help us exalt His name in song and deepen our love for Him as we celebrate His greatness together. We long for God's man for the ministry, and would like this to be sooner than later (our timing), so please pray, and help us to pursue this patiently and in God's POWER! If you know of anyone...please share with them this amazing opportunity and have them apply!
Kids ministry is seeking to serve you, and help in discipling our children and families even though we are not gathering physically. Please take advantage of this, and continue to make church a priority that your children can see and taste!
Make sure you are taking advantage of opportunities to gather like Connection Cafe, memory verses, Growth Groups, and don't stop meeting where we can. I love the idea of going to a park with 10 others, listening to God's Word preached and sung, and glorifying Him publicly. Try not to bother too many people, but to show them the beauty of Jesus love in a gracious, truth filled way...and do what you can while you can!
Thanks all for staying informed, and for being a family who has a positive impact for God's glory and the good of His church in the world He has sovereignly placed us.
Please join me in making an extra effort to pursue unity, encourage a family member, and share what God is teaching you with someone else.
STAY STRONG, FAITHFUL, COURAGEOUS and FOCUSED!
Privileged to serve you at such a time as this,
Pastor Rob
1 Corinthians 15:58
HIS GRACE IS GREATER