If someone who is new to a church is to fit in and connect, he or she will need an opportunity to plug into a small group within a relatively short time of attending the Sunday morning service. If that does not take place, newcomers will never feel that they are a part of the church. The difficulty is for them to “break into” existing groups. Some groups are full. Others are simply “closed to newcomers”.  They do not want others to attend with the rare exception of personally inviting a handpicked individual. And it is intimidating to come to a home filled with strangers who already know each other very well.

Another difficulty is that some groups never take a break. They are in danger of burning out leaders, taking advantage of host homes, and make it hard for those who attend to switch groups in order to extend their circle of friends. These are just some of the reasons why we are hoping to move into a “semester based” small group program with set times when everyone signs up for the groups, making them much more accessible to newcomers, giving leaders a break and allowing people to switch small groups if they so wish.

The next sign-up Sundays will be coming up in May for the summer semester and we hope that if you’re part of an existing small group you will “buy into” this system, if nothing else than to make your group available to newcomers who will otherwise not be able to experience what we call “Christian fellowship”.  This is perhaps the most important ministry of the church – even more important than the Sunday morning service. Prayerfully consider your part in it!

In the past I’ve often given up drinking coffee for those days but, after the three days of withdrawal headache, it really wasn’t enough to make a spiritual difference. Yesterday I heard about a different kind of fast for Lent that my wife and I are planning to take together: a “fast” from criticism combined with a “feast” on joy and trying to see the positive in others and the world around us. Perhaps no one will notice, except maybe our children, but I believe it will make a profound difference in our hearts as we look toward the Easter season.

Perhaps you can join us, or think of some other meaningful “fast” during Lent.

May God guide you into his will.

Pastor Spencer.

This is a FREE event, but please register by phoning (250) 652-2723 or e-mailing Meghan Schmitz at meghan [at] yourfcc [dot] ca. All we need to know is the # and age of children coming with you as well as any food allergies. Please RSVP by April 1^st!

Egg baskets will be available.

Preschool-friendly event!

Variety of fun stations will be set up, including our “Great Egg Drop!”

More information and a registration website coming your way soon.

Please come out and join Pastor George in the new Chapel on Sunday, February 19 at 2:30 pm. The residents need help turning pages in hymnals and getting around.

Come out and join us on Thursday, February 23rd from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm for a hearty lunch and a yummy dessert! Pastor George will be leading us through a good-ole fashioned hymn sing. Cost is $5. See Bety-Lou at the info desk to reserve your spot. Hope to see you there!

The Children’s Ministry Director will be responsible for the administration of all of the church’s children programs for children aged 3 through to Grade 5, including organizing the volunteers necessary to help to manage and teach these programs.