Pastor’s Update. November 23, 2006

Hi Creeksiders!

This week’s message is part 8 of our Freedom from Religion series.

One of the characteristics of religion is that it is about doing more and more. Another is that it’s about the future rather than the present. For Jesus it’s about rhythm and living here and now. This message will connect with your life.

No One Stands Alone –> Wholeness. God has brought some amazing people into our lives that have had a lasting impact on us. We could name people who have been used by God to help us grow and you could do the same. As we look at our list, we see some common characteristics.

They are real about their strengths and weaknesses and actually own them in God-honoring ways. They live out Romans 12:3. “Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.”

They also have a willingness to grow and change. They regularly celebrate their wins and ask questions like, “How can we do that better?” We value deeply that Creekside be a safe place where we can live a life of wholeness with others who are on the same journey. It’s amazing that we can experience this on a regular basis. Thank you for making it real!

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’s November 25 at 7:00 pm at Oakridge SDA Church, 5350 Baillie St. Vancouver. Tickets are available at the door. (Adults - $15, Students 13 and up - $12, Children 12 and under – free.)
This is great opportunity to invite your community friends to a contemporary praise concert.

Got the winter doldrums? Get charged with holiday cheer by joining us at the first annual Creekside Christmas Movie Night!
When? December 2nd, 7 p.m. at Langley Christian School gym.
What? Bring your family and friends, a plate of seasonal treats to share and a floor pillow or blanket to get cozy. We’ll provide popcorn, hot drinks and a movie that will ignite warmth and laughter. Will Farrell stars in the heart-warming fable, Elf, as he searches for his true family after being raised by elves in the North Pole.

Thanks for your response so far with the Christmas Hampers! Please take one or more snowflakes off the Christmas tree at each campus. Bring the item to the next weekend gathering. Each year God uses these hampers to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Kindness opportunity – Page a Prayer. We now have two ladies who are struggling with cancer. They both have been given pagers. Your kindness is fairly simple, yet profound to the ladies. When you think of Angie or Pam, simply call their pager and leave a message or your phone number. They already know that it means someone is praying and thinking of them.

Phone Angie at (604) 205-4842 (Angie is doing better than she expected. Her chemo is every Tuesday. She’s thankful and moved that others are caring for her.)

Phone Pam (Wahl) at (604) 205-4848 (She is waiting to hear what’s next in the way of treatment on Wednesday.)

Christmas Potluck is coming at Penner’s home, December 9 after church. The whole church is welcome and invited - yep, both campuses. Bring your friends.
26769 64th Avenue, Aldergrove
Directions: From Highway 1, take 264th North to 64th and turn right.
Menu
Vegetarian Roast/patties
Stuffing and cranberry sauce
Salads
Desserts
We will provide Mashed potatoes and Gravy

Please email Teresa with your menu item so we have an idea of what food will be coming and the numbers attending. tpenner@creeksideonline.org

Creekside will focus on Feeding the Hungry this December. Following along with our theme to help others as Jesus did, we’d like to give you some varied opportunities to help beyond our walls again. Each Sabbath has a different emphasis. There will be special containers for these special offerings that will provide money for meals.
December 9 for the Union Gospel Mission in Vancouver.
December 16 for the North Shore Food Bank.
December 23 for the Langley Food Bank.
December 30 for ADRA Canada and Canadian Foodgrains Bank. (Every dollar you give will be matched on a 4:1 basis. Isn’t that cool?)

Jim and Colin