It’s rare for me to get a letter in the mail these days, which makes receiving an encouraging email, text, card, or phone call, all the more special and meaningful. In the Apostle Paul’s day, there were no such modern conveniences. For Paul, imprisoned at the time, to get a message of encouragement to Timothy who was struggling in his church leadership, writing a letter was the only way. I recognise God’s hand in that, to ensure the spread of the Gospel. 

Paul’s letters were preserved, and copies of that letter have been made over the centuries so we get to read it and be encouraged by it today; around 2000 years later. Even though it was written so long ago, it still has much to say to encourage us in our modern day. For example, in 2 Timothy Chapter 1; Timothy is encouraged to fan into flame the gifts of God in him (6),and be willing to endure sufferings for the gospel (8), hold to the apostles' teaching, with faith and love in Jesus Christ (13), and guard the good deposit that was entrusted to him with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us (14).

He is also reminded that the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power and love and self-discipline (7). And we see this truth played out in Paul's own life as he boldly spreads the gospel, which is the reason he is unashamedly in prison. He says “That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard that which I have entrusted to him until that day.” (12) This verse brings to mind this great old song we will sing together on Sunday. (Click HERE to listen)

These amazing truths were written to encourage Timothy, and were preserved to encourage us and strengthen us in our Christian walk today. These truths are timeless and stand the test of time because God does not change and the same Holy Spirit who lived in Paul and Timothy lives in us. So be encouraged this week and strengthened in your faith. 

I do hope you will join us this Sunday as we look closer at 2 Timothy 1:1-14, and Luke 17:5-10 (the lectionary readings). I hope we will all be encouraged in our Christian walk, and be inspired to encourage those around us who may be struggling at this time. Perhaps you might send a little note with a word of encouragement and one of these solid biblical truths to strengthen that person, like Paul did for Timothy. It’s amazing what difference a little note of encouragement can make in someone's life. Personally, my dad and I do that for each other often with a phone call, sending a small gift, sharing an old photo, recalling good mems, and providing a timely word. I am grateful for him and his encouragement.

I’m also grateful to those who shared thanksgiving stories last Sunday in our Thanksgiving/Stewardship service and to those who provided a wonderful lunch and to all who helped set up/clean up. Thankyou! 

Blessings on your week,

God be with you,

Rev. Tanya

What do you give to your church? What does it cost you?
 
As we return our giving pledges this week and calculate the cost, you may respond saying “A LOT!”
 
Your financial sacrifice is truly appreciated! Thank you for praying and discerning God’s guidance for your level of commitment and giving. You are amazing and appreciated for who you are, all you do, and all you give!
 
We will give more thanksgiving next week on Sunday 25th and ask God’s blessing over our pledges and give thanks for His provision and faithfulness to each of us, our families, and our Church Family. There is much to give thanks for so please come prepared to share thanksgiving stories, food, and more of our lives with one another.
 
In the meantime, this coming Sunday (Sept 18) let us consider what else God has given us to be responsible for (In addition to money). I am of the true belief that everything I/we have comes from God, and I/we have a responsibility to be faithful with it – and to govern it well!
 
This week as we look at faithful “Governance” – which is our 6th and final pillar in the Mission Action Plan, (MAP). I have appreciated reflecting on the good and faithful governance of Queen Elizabeth. I agree with the words which Bishop Paul sent to Clergy this week “How good it has been to be encouraged by the Queen’s personal Christian faith. There is an account of her saying to a chaplain that she was so hoping the Lord will return in her lifetime. The chaplain asked why, and her reported reply was, ‘I would so love to lay my crown at His feet.’ I suspect the burden of office was a factor in her thinking, but even more that the true and great King is Jesus Christ. More and more we need to remember that he is our King, and we need to humbly submit to him, even now, and not feed the temptation to be king of our own realm, to draw attention to ourselves, to always insist on our own way, to feed a sense of self-importance. Thank you, Ma’am, for your example. Come Lord Jesus, come soon.”
 
These are timely words to reflect on. As are the readings for this Sunday: Matthew 24:42-51 and Matthew 25:13-30.
 
May these passages remind us that Jesus Christ is indeed coming at an hour we don’t know, and so we ought to live as if it might be today! With this mindset, let’s ask ourselves: “Am I being faithful in living out what God’s called me to do at this time with my skills, energy and talents (in addition to money)? When I meet my maker will he say “Well done good and faithful servant?”
 
Maybe keep this question in mind as we ask for more volunteers to serve on the committee of “Friends of St. James the Less Historic Church”?
 
If you have any interest in or knowledge of our beautiful Heritage building and would like to contribute to help maintain the property, write grant applications, fundraise, and find new ways to connect the local community to our Heritage Church then please consider joining our team.

If this responsibility isn’t for you, there are many other ways and opportunities to serve. Whatever we choose to put our hands to, and however we use our time, gifts and money, may each one of us someday hear our Lord say; “Well done good and faithful servant”.
 
I’ll be saying this to you on Sunday.
 
I hope to see you then.

Rev. Tanya

Relationships matter! Take a moment to think about your relationships with others. Most of us are blessed by having family, friends, and acquaintances, and many of us have literally hundreds of other connections in the virtual world of social media.

This week we will focus on our relationships with others in the body of Christ, which are especially important. As Christians, our relationships go beyond mere friendship and association. We have become brothers and sisters in the family of God through the blood of Christ, and we are capable of developing a degree of spiritual closeness that far surpasses the limitations of natural human friendships. We can enjoy true biblical Christian fellowship. 

The word “fellowship” comes from the Greek word koinonia and can be defined as “holding something in common”. It describes the unity of the Spirit that comes from Christians’ shared beliefs, convictions, and behaviours. When our shared values are in place, genuine biblical fellowship can occur. This fellowship in turn produces mutual cooperation in God’s worship, God’s work, and God’s will being done in the world (as we see in Acts 2:42-47).

This Sunday, Libby will bring us a message on our #5 Pillar: Fellowship.
You might like to pre-read these biblical passages and reflect on them in preparation: Acts 2:42-47, 1 John 1:1-7, John 17:20-25.

Blessings on your week,


Rev. Tanya

What is Christian Service?
Answer: Any service that reflects Jesus’ love! From giving a cup of water (Mark 9:41) to dying for someone (John 15:13), there are as many types of Christian service as there are needs in the world. As Christ’s representatives, we are called to serve God and others by the power of the Holy Spirit who abides in us as believers. Jesus said “He who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

So, as Spirit-filled Christians, let’s consider ways we can serve…

The Bible gives some specific examples of Christian service. E.g. show hospitality to strangers (Hebrews 13:2), remember those in prison (Matthew 25:36), provide for the needy (Matthew 25:35), and mentor others (Titus 2:2-8). Other examples speak to our day-to-day living: care for children (Matthew 18:5), tend families (Titus 2:5), treat employees fairly (Colossians 4:1), deal honestly with customers (Leviticus 19:36), and be diligent with employers’ resources (Matthew 25:14-30). As long as these acts are done “in Jesus’ name” (motivated by the love of Jesus), they are considered to be Christian service.

The world is in desperate need of Christians willing to show the love of Christ through their actions. Jesus said the second greatest commandment is to love others—not sentimentally, but tangibly. So, this Sunday I will be encouraging us with scriptures, such as 1 Peter 4:7-11

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

And Mark 10:42-45“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

May these scriptures spur us on to love and good deeds, in Jesus' name.

God be with you,

Rev. Tanya