Hi Creeksiders!

This week’s message is part 7 of our Freedom from Religion series. We have discovered that when Jesus talks about life He gets really passionate about relationships of integrity that treat people with dignity and respect rather than creating comfortable categories of who is in and who is out. This is a challenging way to live because we know we can’t take on the whole worlds challenges.

This brings up a huge question – How does this work? We have a finite amount of time so how do we live this out and not crash and burn? Bring a friend and enjoy another gathering with lots of take home value.

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No One Stands Alone –> Community. We like the sound of it around Creekside. It’s at the heart of who God wants us to be: A biblical community of God-honoring Christians who bring people ever closer to Christ. We’re all welcomed, included and invited to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

We’ve found that the best kind of life-change happens in a safe place where we can experience loving, God-honoring relationships. That’s why people around Creekside encourage you to get in one of our small groups or start one. What happens at our gatherings on Sabbath is important, but it isn’t enough. We need to be connected deeply with others who value spiritual growth, vulnerability and accountability. It’s fun and God shows up.

Jesus never wanted us to do life alone. Our family and special relationships are important, but He wants us to also enjoy building into others. It’s here that we can serve and be served, love and be loved, know and be known and celebrate and be celebrated in amazing ways.

Our small group champions are Tara (North Shore), (604) 942-2686, and Jonathan (Langley), 778-552-1282. They are glad to give you info or pointers.

How’s your own community gauge reading? Jesus nailed it when He prayed for not just his disciples then, but for each of us now. John 17: 20, 21 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

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Creekside’s musicians are going to be part of ONE WAY! It’s a worship concert featuring Joey Aguilar and the Oakridge Adventist Church Praise Band. It happens on November 25 at 7:00 pm at Oakridge SDA Church, 5350 Baillie St. Vancouver. Tickets for the concert are available through the OAC church office, phone 266-6727, email osda@telus.net, or at the door. [adults $15, students age 13 and up $12, children 12 and under free] This is a great opportunity to invite your community friends or family to a contemporary praise concert.

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Kick-off this holiday season with Creekside Christmas Movie Night, December 2nd, 7pm at Langley Christian School Gym. Popcorn, punch and projection provided. (like the plethora of "p’s" !?!?!) Bring a plate of seasonal treats to share, as well as floor pillows or blankets to help you feel cozy. Yes, your friends are more than welcome.

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Christmas Hampers. Be sure to get in on providing items for this years Christmas hampers. Take one or more snowflakes off the Christmas tree at each campus and bring that item to the next weekend gathering. This is a great way to make a difference in someone’s life.

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Kindness Opportunity: Page a Prayer. Angie is a wonderfully spirited lady and has been a friend and former coworker of Inez Gaull for 16 years. She has dedicated her life to serving and caring for others as a nurse. And now, we need to show her our care and support. Angie was recently diagnosed with cancer, and underwent her first chemo treatment in the beginning of November. Much of her family is not in Canada, but she has very supportive friends. Let’s join them in reminding her how special she is.

Here’s how you can help: Angie has been given a pager. The local number is (604) 205-4842. (That’s 205-HUG2.) Every time Angie crosses your mind, or you are impressed to pray for her, call her pager and follow the prompts. You don’t even need to leave a message.

The pager will simply ring, or vibrate, letting Angie know that at that moment in time, someone cares… someone is thinking about her… someone is praying for her. Imagine how comforting that would be for her as she goes through this battle. Such a simple way to show we care about her. Thank you so much.

The Latest: Angie is doing well this week. Chemo starts next week again.

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Reminder: Langley campus is meeting at the Langley Christian Elementary School, 21789 50th Avenue. North Shore campus is meeting at the Boundary Community School, 750 East 26th Street. We’d love to see you at one of our campuses this weekend.

Jim and Colin