To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
It is with a heavy heart that I begin this week, knowing in full trust the hope of eternity, but grieving with those who grieve. It seems like God is welcoming home his precious children a lot lately, and maybe that is a sign of my age, or the age of my friends, or maybe it is a season we are going through as a church. However we view this, I am grieving, as one with hope! Death is our enemy, and this enemy is swallowed up in victory with Jesus!
This afternoon we are having a memorial service for Ronald Peacock. Please be in prayer for Jean and the family, and that the message of hope and the Gospel will be clear. Please pray for all who come to celebrate and grieve today!
On Monday morning, Helene Austin went to be with Jesus. She has had a powerful ministry here in our church family, and Bob has served as an elder, and chair of the elders board for many years. I praise God that He took her home quickly, and yet already my heart aches for another visit, with Scripture and prayer and smiles.
The memorial service for Helene will be this SATURDAY (October 10) at 2:00. We invite you to come and share in the grief and praise and be a part of continued focus on eternity and the greatness of our hope in heaven. Please pray for Bob and family, and all of us who knew and loved Helene.
One of the things I love about memorial services is that they remind us of two great things: 1. How to live now, while we are here on earth with a focus on things that matter; 2. To be prepared for eternity with a belief in Jesus as our LORD and Saviour!
As we grieve as a church over many who have gone home over the past few months, let us rejoice! Eternity is real, and those who know Him, are with Him forever with no more pain! PRAISE THE LORD!
Reminder, we have an AGM on October 29, at 7:00. Join us in prayer and preparation for seeking to do God's will together!
Reminder, we have a BAPTISM on Sunday, October 18, if you would like to obey Jesus in baptism as a believer by immersion please speak to one of our pastors.
Reminder, as we get parking finished, if you are able to walk in a healthy way, park on the South side of the church, and we will hold the North side (closest to church) for older people and those with mobility issues.
May our God continue to hold us to Him.
Psalm 61:1-4 states, "Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge and a strong tower against the enemy. LET ME DWELL IN YOUR TENT FOREVER! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings."
Sunday Is Coming:
Title: Thankful & Growing
Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
What are you thankful for?
Why do you think that it is so important for Christians to be thankful to God?
How can you be more thankful in your life?
How do thanksgiving and quenching the Spirit go together?
What does it mean to quench the Spirit?
Are you living your life in the fullness of the Spirit?
This week, share with at least five people five things that you are thankful for. Try to begin every conversation with thanksgiving and it will make us on the whole more and more God honouring!
Your Pastor, grieving as one with hope,
Pastor Rob