February 17, 2021
February 17, 2021
Hello Dear Friends,
Warmest Christian greetings! Especially on a cold day, eh?!
PRAYERS FOR YOU – Our focus for prayer again this week is from the Psalms. I think all of us can identify with many of the expressions of prayers to the Lord…in praise, worship, and petition plus much more. Here is a great prayer for these days: “Be merciful to me, my God…When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid…” (Psalm 56:1a, 3, 4a). No matter what the experiences of life – good times or not so good – God is always present! We pray that you will be comforted, encouraged, with your faith being strengthened. Always remember that He is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent!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!
SUNDAY SERVICE/ONLINE CHURCH – PRAISE THE LORD!!! On Sunday, February 14, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m. we worshipped together in person at Evangel! This was our first time gathering like this since Christmas Eve 2020! We are so happy the restrictions are lifted, at least, somewhat. Don’t forget that 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.
UPDATE RE CHURCH MINISTRIES:KIDS’ MINISTRY & PLAYGROUP – PlayGroup is back! Ministry with our children will resume immediately. The dates are alternate so please take careful note: Tuesday, Feb 16; Friday, Feb 26; Tuesday, March 2; Friday, March 12; Friday, March 26; Tuesday, March 30; Friday, April 9; Tuesday, April 13. The time for PlayGroup is 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Please visit our website www.evangelnapanee.com for current information regarding children’s ministries and for online presentations.180º YOUTH –Thank you for continuing to pray for our young men and women. It is anticipated that a Small Group for our Youth will be launched very soon.
MONDAY NIGHT PRAYER MEETINGS – Plan to join us at the church on Monday, February 22, 2021 @ 6:30 p.m. Always good to pray together!
SMALL GROUPS – It is anticipated that Small Group ministry will begin very soon. Hopefully, by next week we will have a specific date. The groups will meet at the church until the folks are comfortable meeting in homes again. Of course, we respect your comfort level as to your decision to attend or not.If you have any prayer needs, 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!
PRAYER NEEDS – Prayer Needs: Ken L. (now recovering at home), Gary A., a little 4-year-old boy suffering from a brain tumor, Tim, Laura, Olivia, our Youth and leaders, our seniors who are shut-in, Bill, Pat, Bonnie, Angela, John, Robbie (taking treatments), Andrea, unspoken need(s), Allan, Elizabeth, Paige, businesses and businesspeople, new Lead Pastor, unspoken needs, 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 prayer needs and they all include both the spiritual and physical! Remember, June and I continue to pray for this wonderful church family.
PASTORAL SEARCH – The Committee met on Monday, February 8, 2021. It is anticipated that interviews will be held in a few days. Of course, as always, we will certainly keep you posted as to developments. Your prayers are critical as we seek the will of God for Evangel and pastoral staff. We have experienced the direction of the Lord in the days past and we fully expect Him to continue guiding us as the process unfolds. It remains reasonable to expect that the new Lead Pastor should be in place by mid to late March 2021. We are grateful to the Eastern Ontario & Nunavut District, PAOC for journeying with us throughout this whole process.
BIBLE READING –Did you discover some good “nuggets” of truth in your reading this week? You are, at least, reading chapter 13! It is amazing how the Lord brings a specific verse of Scripture or truth at certain points in our everyday lives! The suggested assignment for the month of February is Matthew’s Gospel – 28 chapters and 28 days! Your daily Bible reading brings much comfort. 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 the Gospel 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/UPGRADES/NEW CHAIRS – The electrical and drywall is completed! The new flooring in the east overflow section is installed. Much of the painting is done and should be completed next week. New storage cabinetry will be installed by the end of this month. The new chairs arrived! You may like to “donate” at least one for $100.00. As mentioned before, the cost including shipping is $80.00 and the extra $20.00 will go towards other building projects, i.e., electrical, drywall, painting, etc. A special thank you to all who generously gave to this already…over $2,000.00 have been received. Don’t forget to identify this on your envelope – Chairs/Building.
UPCOMING BUSINESS MEETINGS – Please take note that the following duly called business meetings are scheduled to be held after the Sunday morning services:February 28, 2021 – A special membership meeting to (A) accept Evangel’s updated Local Church Constitution, and (B) to authorize the selling of the parsonage.
March 14, 2021 – The ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – Financial statements, the 2021 budget, election of officers and ministry reports will be presented and received. It is anticipated that this material will be available to you before the scheduled AGM. As per protocol last year regarding COVID- 19 concerns, it is prudent again this year to not have public discussion as the distancing factor, etc. is considered. Should you have any questions, though, please feel free to contact me directly before any of the meetings and I will do my best to answer.
NOMINATIONS FOR CHURCH BOARD – In consideration of the AGM, please note that only one position for the Church Board is necessary this year. Carol Roberts is concluding her 1st 3-year term and IS eligible to serve another term if nominated/elected. Of course, you may nominate any member of Evangel as your choice – remember to nominate only 1 person since there is only 1 position that will be vacant. Here is how you can do this in consideration of the present restrictions:Come by the church and fill out a nomination form that will be available for your convenience. You may place your nomination form in the box provided. OR…Fill out your nomination form and leave it in the box provided in the foyer when you come to church on Sunday morning. OR…Send me an email with your nomination and a form will be completed for you – only do this if you are comfortable doing so since all nominations are confidential.Please do NOT nominate the following since they are still serving: Joanne Russell, Stephen Shepherd, Scott Carpenter and Larry Wilson.The final day to submit your nomination is Sunday, February 21, 2021. Thank you for giving your valued attention to this item of business.Please note, as well, that these business meetings will not be long in duration.
YOUR FAITHFUL GIVING Your faithfulness is so very deeply appreciated in consistent giving. You may come by the church and use the offering boxes or debit machine. They are accessible during the time frames noted above. Online giving is very convenient, and we encourage you to consider this option should you have the electronic capability.
EVANGEL TEMPLE CHURCH FAMILY – June and I have been in touch with a few people this week…had opportunity for “phone visits”. Some are ill and others are going through personal challenges. May I encourage you to be sensitive to the Lord’s leading in reaching out to others in our church family and beyond? Perhaps you can call a person or two and share some words of encouragement with a prayer. Just a simple phone conversation/visit will go a long way in making someone’s day incredibly special! The Scriptures admonish us to do that. If you can’t reach the person, leave a message, or write a card and put it in the mail. This will mean a great deal to any individual or family! If you are already doing this, thank you so much! If not, now would be a good time to start! Despite the crisis we are experiencing, it is good to “hang together” as a congregation plus including who may be sick, lonely, discouraged and pray with them for healing, comfort, and encouragement.
PARSONAGE – A few days ago you received an information letter regarding the possible sale of the parsonage. This continues to be an on-going process and we plan, as noted above, to have a membership meeting on February 28, 2021 to approve this transaction. Please note that our Constitution requires a 2/3 vote in favour to pass this significant item of business. Contact me before the scheduled meeting should you have any further questions/comments. I would be happy to chat with you. Thank you for praying with us about this matter. We continue to work in conjunction with the Eastern Ontario & Nunavut District, PAOC regarding this possibility.
EVANGEL’S MISSIONARIES/GLOBAL WORKERS GWsYour 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 has not had to cut back on financial support of our Missionaries, and for that, we are profoundly grateful to the Lord and to you! This is faithfulness in action! Please continue to remember Travis & Jesse (RAN), Dan & Belinda Collado (ABA, Canada), 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!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!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