April 12, 2021

Hello Dear Friends,

Warmest Christian greetings!
PRAYERS FOR YOU – Often when I pray with people, I ask the Lord to dispatch His angels to care for them. This is certainly Biblical as noted in Hebrews 1:14 – “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” So, June’s and my prayer for you these days is that you will be aware of the protection of the Lord as you are surrounded by God’s ministering spirits – angels! What a powerful encouragement! Of course, we do not worship angels but we surely recognize their place in God’s plan. Jesus said “See that you do not despise one of these little ones (children). For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10). Further, here is more teaching concerning angels: “…when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says, ‘Let all God’s angels worship Him’. In speaking of angels he says, ‘He makes His angels spirits, and His servants flames of fire’. (Hebrews 1:6, 7; Psalm 104:4). Angels are created beings and they serve the Lord with perfection!
Be encouraged to pray “The Lord’s Prayer” several time a day and “…pray with the Spirit…” (I Corinthians 14:15). Oh, the power of prayer! It takes us to a level in the supernatural realm that is beyond the here and now. Praying fervently is effective!
PASTOR TODD, ROSEMARIE, ELIJAH & NSAYHA!!! – The Faught family is greatly anticipating the transition to Evangel. Pastor Todd will begin ministry on Monday, April 19, 2021 with April 25, 2021 being the first Sunday. We welcome this awesome family and are praying for an amazing, fruitful ministry in the days ahead! June and I are praying with you for that!

Pastor Todd dropped off a few things last week for his office. He and I will meet periodically over the next few days to ensure a smooth transition.

SUNDAY SERVICE/ONLINE CHURCH – Each Sunday, @ 10:00 a.m. is always very special as we come together for worship and praise! In addition to our in-person services, you may tune in to YouTube at the same time for online church. If you cannot join us in person, please plan to tune in each week online, should you have the electronic capability to do so. Here is the link: www.evangelnapanee.com If you happen to miss the 10:00 a.m. live-stream, you can visit our website later and catch the church service when it is convenient for you.

EXTRA CONSIDERATIONS – An “extra” email on Thursday, April 8 outlines more insight as we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of COVID- 19! It is included here for your information. Please excuse any repetition mentioned previously.

A few days ago, Premier Ford announced a third Province wide State of Emergency and Stay Home Order across all 34 Public Health Unit Regions.

Of particular concern to all of us are attendance provisions for Places of Worship. Here is the Ontario Provincial Release that provides a complete overview:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/enhancing-public-health-and-workplace-safety-measures-provincewide-shutdown

In this release it states that with respect to churches, attendance provisions include:
For weddings, funerals and other religious services, rites, or ceremonies:
physical distancing must be maintained.
guests must wear masks or face coverings.

Capacity limits:
indoors: 15% capacity of the room
outside: the number of people that can maintain two meters physical distance from each other.

Drive-in services, rites or ceremonies permitted, subject to certain conditions.

This does not include social gatherings associated with these services such as receptions, which are not permitted indoors and are limited to five people outdoors.

Moving forward, 15% attendance capacity per room is the Province wide standard for gatherings for the next four weeks. It is our understanding that at any time the Province or a local health unit may impose stricter limitations on a regional basis.

Considering our total seating capability, it is possible for us to accommodate 120, as rooms in close proximity are utilized. Up to this point, we have been within the specified protocols with lots of room to spare. So, how do we handle this? Following are some guidelines we will follow for the next 3 weeks:

We began with the 15% capacity on April 4, 2021 and will continue to do so for the duration of the lockdown in compliance with the provincial guidelines. There are some things to which I bring your attention as a reminder:

Evangel is doing an excellent job of managing the protocols and our hosts are very diligent in creating and maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for all. Last week we were in conversation with our Mayor, Marg Isbester, the local health unit and the O.P.P. It was an opportunity to ensure them of the careful and safe procedures we observe when gathering as a church family. Each sincerely appreciated our reaching out to them. They all are very supportive of our efforts and attention to detail and safety.
Evangel can accommodate at least 120 in consideration of the 15% factor. This includes the adjacent rooms – Youth room and foyer – our hosts will continue to manage this to ensure we are within the parameters. If needed, the gym may be used for overflow since it has audio capabilities already. If needed, we can possibly do a video feed there as well. This will most likely not be necessary since folk can participate in viewing the church service from their home…we’re working hard to cover all the bases!!! If the gym is used it increases our numbers by 22 while keeping within the maximum permitted under the current restrictions.
Please note: If you feel unwell or are not comfortable to being in public gatherings, please do not feel any pressure or obligation to attend church in person. We fully understand this! Of course, you may continue to tune in to YouTube. We do look forward, though, to the day when you will join us again in person!
Another important note: please ensure that you are properly distanced (6 feet) when entering and exiting the building. Also, when outside it is important to give attention to the distancing factor.

The following is a little insight into how we are proceeding to accommodate the protocols as it relates to our worship teams. The old schedule expired on March 28 and a new one is almost completed. We have 4 worship teams that will be ministering at least once per month. We are delighted to include some new voices! Also, there are those who work weekends and we have tried to accommodate these schedules. I guess there is no such thing as a perfect schedule, but we will work with it and adjust as may be necessary. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Please note that practice for the Sunday service is set for 8:45 a.m. As time goes by, it may be necessary to consider an alternative timeframe so as not to be rushed on Sunday mornings…we’ll see. The goal is to be done the practice before the congregation arrives.
Following practice, we are asking the worship team to take a quick break and come back to the platform for a time of prayer (at least at 9:45 a.m.). We will not meet in the Youth room beforehand since there may be occasion when the 15% capacity could be exceeded in that area. So, to be sure, there will be a time of prayer on the platform and the congregation is invited to pray along until our 10:00 a.m. start. This will be observed for the next 4 Sundays, at least.
Would you please continue to pray that our times together in worship and praise will be “led by the Holy Spirit”? We will invite the congregation to be prayerful along with the worship team and then begin the service right at 10:00 a.m.
Your participation and understanding are sincerely appreciated! Thank you!

Lots of things to consider, eh? All of us are doing our best as we adjust and adapt along the way. You are so appreciated for your cooperation!

Many blessings and, again, the Scripture from Numbers 6:24 is an amazing word for every day!

 


Thank you so much for your patience and understanding. We are working hard to ensure safety, comfort, and a pleasant environment for all.

UPDATE RE CHURCH MINISTRIES:

KIDS’ MINISTRY & PLAYGROUP – PlayGroup ministry for our children is currently on hold. You may visit our website www.evangelnapanee.com for up-to-date information regarding children’s ministries and online presentations.

180º YOUTH – The next Youth gathering is scheduled for Thursday, April 29, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m. Hope all the youth can be there! For now, every 3rd Thursday will be the evening and the location is at Evangel.

MONDAY NIGHT PRAYER MEETING – Our prayer meetings continue each Monday at 6:30 p.m. What a great opportunity to meet for a time of prayer – seeking the face of God and making our requests known to Him. Please plan to join us.

SMALL GROUPS – Judy McCracken’s Small Group will meet on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 @ 6:30 p.m. right here at Evangel. For those of you in this group, you will really enjoy this next round of Bible studies. In addition, Dele Atteh’s Small Group will meet at the church. Here is the information:

Title for Bible study: Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World by Max Lucado
We are inviting young married couples.
Date : Sunday, April 18, 2021 at the church @ 6:00 p.m.

PRAYER NEEDS – Do you have a personal prayer request today? Please be assured that we are praying that the need(s) in your life will be met by the supernatural power of God. It is so encouraging when we hear good news of answered prayer! Here are prayer needs for this week: Ron, Laura/Justin and extended family (bereavement on the loss of Laura’s Mom), Doug, Lorraine, Betty, Judy, Gail (surgery this week), Lily, Valetta, Susan, Carl, Ken L., Gary A., Tim, Laura, Olivia, our Youth and leaders, our seniors who are shut-in, Pat, Bonnie, John, Robbie (taking treatments), Andrea, unspoken needs, Allan, Elizabeth, Paige, businesses and business people, new Lead Pastor, live-streamed church service, Kids’ Sunday School/Ministry, Global Workers. Please let us know if there are others we need to include. You may reach us at office@evangelnapanee.com or 613-354-4281. There are lots of needs and they include both the spiritual and physical! Remember, June and I continue to pray for this wonderful church family.

If you have any prayer needs, or a praise report, please email me at Cal.Anthony@paoc.org or telephone me at 613-354-4281 or 613-243-1163. If there is no answer, please leave a message and we will respond to you. We will certainly be happy to pray for you…and to rejoice with you as the Lord ministers His healing touch on your life!

BIBLE READING –The suggested Bible reading assignment for the month of April is the Book of Psalms. Please plan to read 5 Psalms per day…this will allow you to complete the entire 150 chapters in the 30 days of April. Enjoy the word of God! Remember to…“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…” (Colossians 3:16). Psalm 119 is quite long…you may want to pace yourself by reading a few extra Psalms each day to account for that…176 verses!!!

As you read these Scriptures, please be encouraged to “linger” in various places in Psalms and “listen” to what the Scripture is teaching. Combine these peaceful moments with meditation and prayer.

WORSHIP TEAMS – As mentioned in the previous email, the worship teams’ schedule is pretty well completed and will be distributed early next week. Many thanks to Joanne for assisting in putting it together and for managing the schedule going forward. Worship/praise/and the word are so intricately connected…in essence, I suppose, like a trilogy…all flowing as one. Would you please pray for our worship teams each week? We sincerely appreciate the willingness of so many to serve in the music/singing ministry! Thank you! Of course, that includes the whole congregation as we lift our voices together in praise to Him who sits on the heavenly throne…and on the throne of our hearts! Worship is an indescribable experience! God has given us the capacity to have such a deep and intimate experience with Him – imagine Deity touching humanity!!! The Psalmist says (139:5, 6): “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” In a few days you will be reading this Psalm as you follow your monthly schedule…I encourage you to skip ahead today to Psalm 139…it will be good to read it now and also when you come to it in a few days!

ADMINISTRATION & OTHER MINISTRY

OFFICE HOURS – The church office hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. We are delighted to serve you!

RENOVATIONS/THANK YOU! – We continue to give opportunity to those who so desire to give an extra financial donation, assisting with the costs of renovations and the purchase of, at least, one chair. You can still ”donate” a chair for $100.00. Thank you so much for considering!

ALL MINISTRY LEADERS – Please take note that all church ministries now have access to storage space…lots of it!!! The east wall storage cabinets in the east overflow are designated for Kids’ Ministry and the larger storage space on the west side of the foyer is designated for toys, etc., specifically for PlayGroup. The remaining cabinetry may be used for Missions, BLOOM, 50+ Ministry, 180º YOUTH, Women’s Ministry, quilting & knitting, and/or other ministry items. Your storage space can be identified on the inside of the cabinet doors so others will know to which ministry the inventory belongs. Also, please check with Chelsea so she can give you direction if needed.

YOUR FAITHFUL GIVING

Your faithfulness is so very deeply appreciated in consistent giving. If you attend church on Sundays, you may use the offering boxes at both entrances to the sanctuary. Also, you may come by the church during office hours if that is more convenient.
The debit machine is available during office hours, too. Reminder: If you use this, please ensure that you place a copy of the transaction in an envelope with the pertinent information added.
Online giving is very convenient, and we encourage you to consider this option should you have the electronic capability.

EVANGEL TEMPLE CHURCH FAMILY

Thank you for your care of each other. In addition to your outreach, each week there are many care cards that are mailed to encourage those who are lonely, sick, discouraged, etc. This is so meaningful and a great source of encouragement…the impact of a simple card or phone call is priceless! This is certainly a demonstration of God’s love. Thank you for being sensitive to others! It is good to care for each other, isn’t it?

CHURCH BOARD MEETING – There was a Church Board meeting on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. The financial statements for March were received. We are grateful to the Lord to see Evangel in a healthy financial position. Your faithfulness is so commendable! Thank you for praying for your Church Board as they pray for you!

 


EVANGEL’S MISSIONARIES/GLOBAL WORKERS GWs

The first Sunday of each month is a good time to earmark a special offering for Missions! Many of you already do something special each month for Missions but, I think, deliberately choosing a specific Sunday will enhance and encourage our giving to promote the Kingdom of God locally and globally. Our annual goal for 2021 is $41,000 – let’s exceed that BIG TIME!!!

Your prayers for our GWs are critical. Thank you for taking the time to include them in your daily prayer times and for your faithful giving. Evangel continues financial support for our Missionaries and, for that, we are truly grateful to the Lord and to you! This is faithfulness in action! Please continue to remember Travis & Jesse (RAN), Dan & Belinda Collado (Aboriginal Bible Academy), Ejay Tupe, Jarren & Cindie Hildebrandt (Thailand), Kingston Pregnancy Care Centre (Elizabeth Sacrey), Julia Mills, Scott & Melissa Williams (Spain), Janette Tirado (Peru), Laura Benson (Uganda), Cal & June Anthony (Eurasia), Raul & Lily Carrasco (Spain) and Morning Star Mission. Everyone needs prayer and everyone deeply appreciates it!

Lily Carrasco is now recuperating at home. She is progressing very well and beginning to walk with out assistance! Your prayers are so appreciated!

We continue to pray for Bonita as she deals with the home-going of her husband. Word was received this week that she was air-lifted from her country of service and is currently in the ICU in Sault Ste. Marie. The good news is that she is stabilized and doing a little better. Thank you for your prayers!

During 2021 let us continue to be sensitive to the many needs locally, nationally, and globally. Perhaps all of us can increase our financial giving to Missions and outreach in the days ahead! Thank you for doing your best!

We continue to pray the same prayers for you this week as described above and in these Scriptures: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7) and “The God of peace be with you all.” (Romans 15:33).

Stay close to God and keep the faith!

Cal & June
Interim Pastors