March 15, 2021

Hello Dear Friends,                                                                     

Warmest Christian greetings!  

PRAYERS FOR YOU – Here is a daily, personal pray. Perhaps you would like to memorize it or place it somewhere where you see it at the beginning of each day! June and I continue to pray that you will be strengthened in every aspect of your life.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 – It is good to be back at the church building again! There is lots of room and you will be comfortable. We certainly respect your decision to attend or not – we look forward to seeing you when you are ready to return. Each Sunday @ 10:00 a.m. we gather for praise, worship and the word of God. 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.

ENTERING THE CHUCH BUILDING FOR SUNDAY SERVICES – You may use either the main entrance (west) or the back (east) entrance to enter the building. This will allow the distancing factor to be observed and, hopefully, keep everyone “out of the weather.” Remember, though, you will still need to register before you enter the sanctuary for the service. Sometimes there is a bit of a backlog since many of the congregation arrive at the same time. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. June and I miss greeting you at the door after the service. We do not want to impede the “flow of traffic” re distancing – hopefully, this will change soon!

SECURITY – Please know that security concerns are addressed periodically. Outside entrance doors are monitored and will be locked soon after the service begins. In addition, protocols will be in place during church services to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all. Should you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me.

UPDATE RE CHURCH MINISTRIES:

KIDS’ MINISTRY & PLAYGROUP – PlayGroup is back! Ministry with our children continues. Each week there is a good number of children, along with their parents/guardians, who attend. The dates are alternate so please take careful note: Friday, March 26; Tuesday, March 30; Friday, April 9; Tuesday, April 13 @ 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 – It is good to know that Youth services are back!! The next one is scheduled to be at the church this week – Thursday, March 18 @ 6:30 p.m. Hope all the youth can be there!

MONDAY NIGHT PRAYER MEETINGS – Please join us each Monday @ 6:30 p.m.  for a time of prayer. We certainly look forward to seeing you!

SMALL GROUPS – We are thankful for our Small Groups Leaders. Because of COVID- 19 restrictions our Small Groups were not able to meet during the fall and winter seasons. Usually, about this time of year, the Small Groups were pretty well completed their study for the season. However, Connie Thompson’s Small Group plans to meet over the next few weeks. Most of the individuals have been contacted. The time set for weekly meetings is each Thursday @ 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. This Small Group will meet in the sanctuary. Other Small Groups are considering waiting until the Fall season before starting up again. This is quite understandable and the decision to meet is left with each individual leader.

CHURCH BOARD – Our Church Board met on Wednesday, March 10. Always lots of details to attend as administration items continue. We are so appreciative of the faithfulness and commitment of the Board to Evangel! Thank you for praying for them as they pray for you.

PRAYER NEEDS – We try to keep this list as current as possible. It is so encouraging when we hear good news of answered prayer! Here are prayer needs for this week: David, Christine, Lily, Valetta, Rose, Susan, Carl, Ken L., Gary A., a little 4-year old boy (Leo) suffering from a brain tumor (thank the Lord for a good report recently), a family crisis, Tim, Laura, Olivia, our Youth and leaders, our seniors who are shut-in, Pat, Bonnie, Angela, 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, 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!

PASTORAL SEARCH – We are happy to inform you that the Pastoral Search Committee and the Church Board have invited a pastor to be with us on Sunday, March 28, 2021 to “preach the call.” It is expected that there will be a “Meet-‘N’-Greet” evening on Saturday, March 27, 2021 @ 6:00. Please note the change from last week’s announcement – instead of 6:30 p.m., the time together will be @ 6:00 p.m. This will be an opportunity for you to get to know the Pastor and his family a little more. Pastor Jason Luscombe from Eastern Ontario & Nunavut District, PAOC and I will facilitate the evening. We will have an enjoyable time together in a relaxed atmosphere. Perhaps there is a question you would like to ask our candidate. Since there will be no open mic, it would be good if you could drop your question in one of the offering boxes in  the foyer. We would need to receive this by Sunday, March 21, 2021 to give time for processing.Your Church Board extends an invitation to all who call Evangel their church home, including all voting members and non-voting members (adherents). Please note that a prepared ballot will be made available to the voting-membership and a colour-coded ballot will be made available to adherents. The ballots will be tabulated separately and only the ones cast by the voting membership will count for the final tally (Constitutional requirements). Arranging this will give Evangel’s entire congregation the opportunity to express their preference. This will be explained again publicly as we go forward. Please continue to fervently pray as we approach this exciting day.We are continuing to work on the logistics of the weekend as we consider the most efficient and practical way to conduct the vote. We aim for maximum inclusion and, at the same time, work within the parameters of Evangel’s Constitution plus COVID- 19 considerations. With that in mind, it is anticipated that both the Saturday evening and the Sunday morning service will be broadcast on an FM radio transmitter. This, of course, will be short range and reach only to Evangel’s parking lot. This will be convenient for those who are not able to attend the church service in the building but can listen in their vehicle. The Sunday morning service will be live-streamed. Besides those attending the service in the building, those who listen in their vehicle will be given opportunity to cast their ballot as well. Our excellent hosts will care for that in an efficient manner. Other direction(s) that may be necessary will be explained as we get closer to the March 28th weekend.

BIBLE READING – How are you doing with your Bible reading? Moving right along, hopefully – by now you are at Proverbs 13. The challenge for the entire month of March is the whole Book of Proverbs. This is a wonderful collection of Scriptures that contain amazing advice and application for daily living.  I am sure you will discover some good “nuggets” of truth throughout the book. 31 days in March and 31 chapters in Proverbs! You have noticed that Proverbs don’t record history or read like a narrative but, rather, are “sayings”. They are based on the “fear of the Lord” and offer advice on every imaginable area of life. The style of wise living described here leads to fulfillment and contentment. 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 Proverbs and “listen” to what the Scripture is teaching. Combine these peaceful moments with meditation and prayer.

BABY SHOWER –  Some have already dropped of a gift for Cameron William Fox – Justin’s & Laura’s brand-new baby son. If you have not done so, please come by the church before Wednesday, March 17th. This will be a great blessing to this lovely family. The ladies will collect the gifts and deliver them to their house along with our love and best wishes. Please take note that they are registered online as well at www.myregistry.com  Just type in Laura and Justin Fox if you would like to purchase an item on their registry.  Thank you for your generosity!

ADMINISTRATION & OTHER MINISTRYOFFICE 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! –  The installation of the cabinetry is almost completed with a few finishing touches to add! Thank you, Desmond French, for a job well done! There will now be lots of good storage space to use for on-going ministry! Thank you for your generous contributions that are over and above your regular giving. This sure helps us towards the costs of all the upgrades. Of course, we are grateful to receive extra donations as we keep up on general maintenance/repairs as well as new equipment and furniture. So far $3,200.00 have been received!! This is great! You can still ”donate” a chair for $100.00. June and I were happy to participate in this. Thank you lots for considering!   

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) – The AGM was held on Sunday, March 14, 2021, following the worship service. Financial statements, the 2021 budget, election of a Board member, and ministry reports were presented and received. If you have not already picked up your copy – please give us a call and we will certainly send one to you. Congratulations to Carol Roberts who was elected to the Church Board for a 3-year term.

YOUR FAITHFUL GIVING 

It is very encouraging news indeed that the overall giving for 2020 was less than 1% under compared with the 2019 numbers and considering there were no in-person church services from March 22, 2020 to July 5, 2020! This is phenomenal! 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.Online giving is very convenient, and we encourage you to consider this option should you have the electronic capability.

EVANGEL TEMPLE CHURCH FAMILY  Let’s continue reaching out to our brothers and sisters. It is good to have a few minutes conversation, especially when there is not much opportunity to meet in person. Such contacts are always meaningful. Of course, we want to reach out beyond our congregation to friends, neighbours, co-workers, etc. to show genuine care for those in our world. This is so encouraging and is really a demonstration of God’s love. Hopefully, you can take a little time to pray with them for healing, comfort, encouragement, or some other special need. Thank you for being sensitive to others!

EVANGEL’S MISSIONARIES/GLOBAL WORKERS GWs

Last Sunday (March 7)  included an excellent interview with Peter (Petr) Rattay who joined us via ZOOM. He continues the arduous task of attending the numerous details of relocating his family and planting the church in Prague, CZ. Other couples (families) are joining him, and they have a definite plan and strategy in place. Thank you so adding Petr, these families, and the church plant to your prayer list.The first Sunday of each month is a good time to earmark a special offering for Missions. June and I did this last Sunday and we are inviting you to join us. 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 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! 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