MONDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2008

IN THIS ISSUE

• OUTDOOR SERVICE & PICNIC UPDATE
• POST SCRIPT TO PART #1 OF “welcome to the neighbourhood”

So, “ye of little faith”, yesterday’s outdoor worship service and picnic turned out just fine. The weather was good – even a little too hot in the sun (some of us have sunburn!) … and the expert chauffeur service from the parking lots to the picnic site? – what can I say? Gloria & Hugh Bates drove those golf carts like they knew what they were doing. Thanks Marianne for arranging those … and to all my volunteers who helped with the Good Samaritan skit – wow! You made the Bible come to life. (I saw Pastor Kevin today, and he seems to have healed ok.) … Dale, the relay games were exciting, the children were fun to watch, our Angola youth (Ada & Pedro) sure know what to do with the soccer ball eh? … the Bocce players were really into it and our sound technicians made things run smoothly. Kathleen on guitar chose some appropriate songs to sing …..SO THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR MAKING IT A GREAT DAY!!!! Check out some photos of the Good Sam skit at www.wwwfirstplace.blogspot.com click here watch for more pics to get posted during the week!!


3 CRIMES post script:

Here’s what I learned:

• Love, care, ‘neighbouring’ is so much more than observing; it is ‘doing’
• ‘avoidance’ is too often a ‘default’ reaction
• Jesus ended the story with this instruction: “go and do likewise”
• People really hurt – all around us – hurt in many different ways

Homework: recall how someone stepped into the picture of your troubled life & stooped to calm, care, and rescue (kind of like Jesus, right?) … look for an opportunity to ‘pay it back’ { actually, the new term these days, is ‘pay it forward’}


Have a great week!

Doug

Most people have some familiarity with the story Jesus tells - the phrase "Good Samaritan" is used in our culture, in newspaper headlines etc. The story in the Gospel of Luke has a few surprises. Stop and think about the first surprise (and no one spends much time on this): Jesus does not take an opportunity to lecture about the rising crime rates of the day. He does not 'write a letter to the editor' complaining how changing demographics are ruining the small town feeling of the local community - No, the first surprise is that two crimes quickly follow the mugging. What blinds us to the pain and trouble of those around us? Why is it so difficult to respond to those in need? What excuses can we really offer? Let's explore the familiar story for a few weeks and ask God to make us more like the Samaritan. Will you join me?


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RALLY SUNDAY - OUTDOOR WORSHIP & CONGREGATIONAL PICNIC
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7 @ 10:30 AM @ ST.LAWRENCE PARK (UPPER LEVEL)

So, will you be there? Bring your own lunch ... perhaps call up someone who lives on their own and invite them to join your family. Bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets, soccer ball, frisbees ... Games and fun for all.

What if it rains? If it is raining, too wet or too cold, we will meet in the Church Hall. I will check out the park by 9:00 am and make a decision shortly after. Watch for an email from me around 9:30 am. and I will confirm the location. People can call the church after 9:45 am on Sunday morning and speak with Marianne if unsure. (613-345-5014)

Services available at the site: washrooms, transportation from the parking lot to the worship/picnic site for those who have difficulty walking.

If you need a chair or a lunch, we can help: please call the church office by Thursday (today) (613-345-5014)

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Interested in taking THE ALPHA COURSE but have trouble with a weekday evening? Perhaps "Alpha Express" is better for you. We are thinking of offering this on Sunday mornings before worship on Sundays. Dale is willing to hold a special study & discussion with the older young people, and we are checking into child-care possibilities too. This would be a family event - and yes, we will serve you breakfast! Dale and I want to talk to you about all this. So come on Sunday September 14th and meet with us at coffee hour after worship. Also invited into the discussion would be any 'alpha graduates' who might be able to assist with the hospitality.

NOTE: The full Alpha Course may not be run again until 2009, so if you have not taken this 'First Church Core Course' yet, this just might be for you. We will make it happen if we get enough interest.

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LOAVES & FISHES SUNDAY - this week - Sept. 7 - thanks for bringing your food gifts to the service (either at the park or the church).