April 6, 2021

Hello Dear Friends,

Warmest Christian greetings and HAPPY EASTER TO YOU!!

HE IS RISEN – HE IS RISEN INDEED!!! What a powerful statement and reality – Jesus is alive, and He is victor over death, hell, and the grave! The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith. Enjoy the celebration with your family!
PRAYERS FOR YOU – In the prayer meeting a few nights ago we spent a few minutes reading and chatting about the prayer of Jesus for His disciples and, indeed, for all believers. You can find that powerful prayer in John’s gospel, chapter 17. It is a prayer for unity plus a prayer that all His people will “be with Me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” Here’s the prayer June and I pray for you: (1) we will continue to enjoy unity with the Lord and each other and, (2) the hope of seeing Jesus and being with Him will fill our beings with greater anticipation than ever. The angels declared in Acts 1:11 that “…This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”
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!
A NEW LEAD PASTOR!!! – Following many long months we are deeply grateful to the Lord and to you as the position of Lead Pastor was settled last week. Pastor Todd Faught is invited to serve in this significant ministry at Evangel Temple! Thank you so much for your prayers and participation in the journey! Earlier this week I sent you a correction in the tally, only to find that the correction was not correct!!! The number that was being used to tabulate the percentage was 76 votes cast when it should have been 75. So, the final (and correct!!!) tally was 72/75 which gives 96%!! Pastor Todd will begin ministry on Monday. April 19, 2021 with Sunday, April 25, 2021 being the first Sunday. We welcome this awesome family – Pastor Todd, Rosemarie, Elijah, and Nsayha. Please continue to pray for them as they make the transition. There are great days ahead for them and Evangel!

SUNDAY SERVICE/ONLINE CHURCH – Sunday, April 3, 2021 was a very special day of worship and praise – EASTER!! In addition to our in-person services, each Sunday @ 10:00 a.m. is the day and the hour when online church begins on YouTube. 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.

Just a reminder…the Good Friday communion service was live-streamed, and you may tune in if you missed it. We encourage everyone who may not be able to physically attend church these days to partake of communion in your home as we worship together. We are thankful that we can come your way electronically, especially during these significant times.

EXTRA CONSIDERATIONS – On Thursday, April 1, 2021 the Ontario government issued further restrictions for various businesses and places of worship. This is in effect for the remainder of the month of April 2021. Currently, the numbers that may be accommodated at Evangel stand at 15% capacity. This poses a bit of a hassle since it is possible for us to exceed that number. Last Sunday, March 28th, we had 148 people present. This was a special day, but it may be indicative of where the numbers can go. On Good Friday there were 102 attending, which is within the 15% capacity. 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 4 weeks:

We will continue to meet in person even though our % is reduced.
Once capacity is reached in the main sanctuary, we will use the Youth room and the foyer.
The platform will be utilized, and we encourage the worship team to remain in their place until the conclusion of the service. This will allow distancing throughout the main sections and overflow areas.
Should we exceed the number for the main floor area, the gym may be used since audio capability is already there. We hope that it will be possible to have a video feed in the gym as well…still working on this possibility.
Our hosts will manage the numbers to ensure we are within protocols.

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding. We are working hard to ensure safety, comfort, and a pleasant environment for all. Please note that we fully respect anyone’s personal decision to not attend church services until you are comfortable doing so.

A SLIGHT CHANGE – ENTERING THE CHUCH BUILDING FOR SUNDAY SERVICES – Since it will be a little easier to keep track of each one entering the church building, please note that the main entrance (west) only will be opened. The weather is getting somewhat warmer, and you will not have to wait outside for a long period as registration takes place. Again, thank you for your patience and cooperation. Even though June and I are not at the door when you leave, we certainly pray that your week will be a good one.

UPDATE RE CHURCH MINISTRIES:

KIDS’ MINISTRY & PLAYGROUP – PlayGroup for the children is cancelled until further notice. Please visit our website www.evangelnapanee.com for current information regarding children’s ministries and online presentations.

180º YOUTH – The next Youth gathering is scheduled for Thursday, April 8, 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 – Monday night prayer meetings continue @ 6:30 p.m. It is always good 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 be meeting over the next few weeks. Every 2nd Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m. beginning on April 6, 2021 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: Laura, Justin and extended family (bereavement on the loss of Laura’s Mom), Doug, Lorraine, Betty, Judy, Gail, 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 – April 1st was the beginning of a new Bible reading for the month of April. The suggested 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).

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.

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 – a Church Board meeting is planned for Wednesday, April 7 @ 6:30 p.m. 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…that is Sunday, April 4! 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! Some very sad news – one of our GW’s in a restricted nation lost her husband this past week. Bonita is in critical condition in ICU in that country and we are deeply concerned as to her health issues. Please pray for a miracle!

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