March 8, 2021
March 8, 2021
Hello Dear Friends,
Warmest Christian greetings!
PRAYERS FOR YOU – Here is a personal pray: “Father God, give me clarity of my purpose so that I can possess a renewed sense of love for what You have called me to do. Ignite me with fresh passion to fulfill my destiny and Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen!” Let’s pray this prayer together. We have burdens for people (especially family) and let us be encouraged to pray until there is a breakthrough. This is not easy work, is it? Sometimes it seems there is no progress but do not quit! June and I 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 – Attendance at church is doing very well and we are remaining well inside the maximum numbers of 30% capacity (around 180 people)– still lots of room and very comfortable! Each Sunday @ 10:00 a.m. we gather for worship. Sadly, we have not seen many of you for almost a year and that is fully understandable. You are keenly missed, and we reach out to you with God’s love! We certainly look forward to seeing you when you are ready to return! We pray that a return to “normal” will be very soon! Of course, until then and even after restrictions are eased, we will continue to work hard, ensuring that proper hygienic protocols are observed. 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.
ENTERING THE CHUCH BUILDING FOR SUNDAY SERVICES – Since we began meeting in February, there has been a little bit of a “traffic jam” as the good folk enter the foyer. This is cause for concern since some may have to stand outside for a few minutes. To remedy this situation, the back (east) entrance will be opened to accommodate you. 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 since 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. The dates are alternate so please take careful note: 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 – It is good to know that Youth services are back!! The next one is scheduled to be at the church on 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. We certainly look forward to seeing you!
SMALL GROUPS – We are thankful for our Small Groups Leaders. Some of you have been considering starting up again. You are encouraged to do so when you feel the time is convenient. Protocols will allow up to 10 people meeting in a private home and, if you are comfortable doing so, you may start anytime. If you cannot host a Small Group in your home, please feel free to arrange space at the church. We will be very happy to accommodate this. Of course, we respect your comfort level as to your decision to attend or not.
CHURCH BOARD – Our Church Board met on Wednesday, March 3. Administration continues and we are so appreciative of their faithfulness and commitment 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, Harry (doing well), 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, Bill (doing well), 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 @ 6:30. With that in mind, we invite your assistance. Perhaps you have a question that you would like to ask. 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. They will be processed and become part of our evening together. We would need to receive this by Sunday, March 24, 2021. Thank you for giving this your attention.There are some logistics to work out as we consider the most efficient and practical way to conduct the vote for maximum inclusion of the membership while working within the parameters of Evangel’s Constitution plus COVID- 19 considerations. Please continue to fervently pray as we approach this exciting day. We are deeply grateful to the Pastoral Search Committee for their prayers, diligence, input, discussion, openness to the Holy Spirit, etc. during the search process. 13 meetings were held not counting the many hours of interviews and reference checks. Further, we sincerely appreciate the Eastern Ontario & Nunavut District, PAOC for journeying with us throughout this whole process.
BIBLE READING – The challenge for the month of March is the 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 – An in-person baby shower during COVID- 19 is not currently possible so a group of ladies still want to bless Justin and Laura on the birth of their first child, Cameron William Fox. In consideration of this, you can drop a gift off to the church until Wednesday, March 17th. The ladies will then 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 will be completed next week! There will now be lots of good storage space that will be utilized 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 will be held next Sunday, March 14, 2021 following the worship service. Financial statements, the 2021 budget, election of a Board member, and ministry reports will be presented and received. In preparation for the meeting a booklet has been prepared for you and is available in the church foyer. We encourage everyone who calls Evangel their home church to take a copy (1 copy per family please). As mentioned previously, there will not be open discussion in the AGM because of COVID- 19 protocols. I feel somewhat “handcuffed” not having this liberty and I’m sure you do, too. With that in mind, please contact me should you have any questions. I will do my very best to answer any inquiry you may have. When the financial statements are presented, the numbers will be explained as may be pertinent.As mentioned, in addition to the financial statements, department ministry reports will be included in your booklet. This will give you a good overview of 2020 and the very challenging reality of continuing ministry in such restricted circumstances. Yet, we rejoice at what has been accomplished as the Lord has helped us with creative responses to continue being effective in ministry. Again, please feel free to contact me directly before the AGM with any question you may have, and I will do my best to answer.
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 – June and I continued to be in touch with a few people again 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 very 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 those who may be sick, lonely, or discouraged. Hopefully, you can take a little time to pray with them for healing, comfort, and encouragement.
EVANGEL’S MISSIONARIES/GLOBAL WORKERS GWsPeter (Petr) Rattay joined us via ZOOM on Sunday, March 7,2021. 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. You will be excited to hear about their vision and outreach plans. In the meantime, would you add them to your prayer list? Thank you so much for doing that!The first Sunday of each month is a good time to earmark a special offering for Missions. June and I will be doing this, 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