Summer

My Favourite Things: Worship Edition VOLUME II

This Sunday, Rob is bringing a message about one of his favourite things from scripture - the story of Abraham. With that in mind, I thought it would be very appropriate to have Rob curate his personal Top 10 list of influential Christian music through his life. He is, after all, our Creative Ministries Director so what could be more appropriate?

This is a great list... other than maybe Stryper. LOL! I'll admit they were influential but that's as far as I'll go with that. Enjoy this list - be inspired - revisit some great music that has shaped our faith. What are you listening to that builds you up and points you to Christ? We'd love to hear about it!

Rob's Top 10 Most Influential Albums:

  1. Michale W. Smith - "Big Picture"

  2. Carman - "Radically Saved"

  3. Stryper - "In God We Trust"

  4. Steven Curtis Chapman - "The Great Adventure"

  5. DC Talk - "Jesus Freak"

  6. Delirious - "Glo"

  7. David Crowder Band - "Illuminate"

  8. Lincoln Brewster - "Amazed"

  9. Robbie Seay Band - "Give Yourself Away"

  10. NEEDTOBREATHE - "The Outsiders"

You're welcome for the new playlists. :)

See you Sunday,
Pastor Tracy

This Sunday

These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things
"Father Abraham Had Many Sons”

Join us on Sunday at 10am as our Rob continues our summer series.

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.

My Favourite Things: Worship Edition (you're welcome)

As you likely know, music is a pretty important part of my life. Growing up my family was always listening to and singing along to something. And as much as I loved the stuff on the radio (New Kids on the Block, MC Hammer, C&C Music Factory), I always connected so deeply with music that talked about Jesus. It wasn't as cool as the stuff on the radio ('Everybody dance now!") but even as a small kid I could tell that songs about God were something entirely different and they got into my soul.

These days there is so much great Jesus-focused music out there so no matter whether you're a little bit country or a little bit rock and roll you can find something you'll like. But, since this summer is all about sharing some of our favourite things, here are some of the albums that have had a huge impact on my spiritual life through the years.

By the way, this list was painful to curate. I feel guilty about all that I've left out. If you're reading this on our blog or FB page, leave a comment with your favourites and maybe more of the worthy songs will have a chance to get an honourable mention.

  1. Fred Hammond - "Pages of Life - Chapter II (Live)"

  2. DC Talk - "Free At Last"

  3. Gaither Vocal Band - "A Few Good Men"

  4. Lakewood Live - "We Speak to Nations"

  5. Hillsong Music - "Shout to the Lord"

  6. Elevation Worship - "Here as in Heaven"

  7. Bryan & Katie Torwalt - "Champion"

  8. Charity Gayle - "Lord You Are My Song"

  9. Ron Kenoly - "Lift Him Up (Live)"

  10. Chris McClarney - "Everything and Nothing Less"

I encourage you to find music that encourages your soul and speaks the Word. I can't tell you how many times God has spoken to my heart as I've listened to music that honours Him. Try out something new this summer!

Pastor Tracy

PS - Rob and I were a part of making an album 12 years ago. We had a hand in writing a bunch of these tracks. Check it out if you're interested.

This Sunday

These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things
"We Do Not Know What To Do”

Join us on Sunday at 10am as our Pastor Tracy continues our summer series.

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.

Praying Scripture (another way to read your bible, pray every day, grow, grow, grow)

Here's a devotional idea that you can incorporate into your personal discipleship this summer: praying scripture. This is especially practical if you want to increase your knowledge of the Word and your prayer life at the same time (who doesn't?).

There are so many beautiful prayers in scripture that can help to guide our own prayers. Sometimes we can't find the words to pray what's on our hearts, sometimes we're nervous about what we think we are allowed to say to God, sometimes we just don't know where to begin. Scripture can be a great guide for us

Here are a few great examples to get you started...

And, as you read the bible as part of your personal devotions, watch for prayers. I think you'll find it encouraging and like me, often find prayers that you can send to others to encourage them in the season they are in.

Be blessed as you pray the Word!
Pastor Tracy

This Sunday

These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things
"Do Not Be Afraid, Little Flock”

Join us on Sunday at 10am as our Pastor Tracy continues our summer series.

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.

Set Your Intention (Canadian summer is here!)

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I keep hearing the phrase "set your intention." It's not usually used in a spiritual way or with discipleship in mind. I most often hear it with self-help in mind. But even so, our minds are incredibly powerful and what we think day to day and moment to moment changes the decisions we make and ultimately the path of our lives. (Hence my message on June 2 about allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our minds.) So while most people who "set their intentions" are looking to improve some part of their lives with the powerful tool of changing their thoughts and attitudes, I'd like to offer it as a suggestion to launch into your summer.

If you're like me, you have all kinds of goals for these next few months when the weather is warm. Beaches, markets, water parks, hikes...so many things to do! And if you're like me more often than not you end up at August 27th and wonder where all the weeks went and all you felt you did was eat a lot of hot dogs.

And what about your spiritual life? Without the routine of the school year, does time spent with God get lost on your daily agenda? Yeah, been there, done that.

So I'd like to invite you to join me in "setting your intention" this summer. Sure, put those fun summer activities with family and friends on the calendar so you actually make them happen... but don't start there. What kind of spiritual value could you gain in your life while the weather is warm and vacation days come your way?

Personally, I have set my intention to working through the stack of amazing books that are sitting on my desk this summer because I know I'll be inspired, encouraged and challenged by them. I intend to not miss one day on my YouVersion Bible app reading plan no matter how unstructured the summer days can be. And also, I'd like to write a new song over the next few months (which requires a lot of quiet piano and Jesus time for me).

How about you? I'd love to hear what you have decided to set you intention on this summer that will fill you up instead of leaving you feeling like you lost nine weeks. Reply on our blog or in the comments of the Facebook post with this devotional.

Looking forward to a beautiful summer!
Pastor Tracy

This Sunday

These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things
"True Religion”

Join us on Sunday at 10am as our Pastor Erin kicks off our summer series.

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.