Devotional

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Who is Church? (welcome to our new series)

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There are so many times in our lives when we need a mediator. Couples go to therapy so there is someone to mediate their communication and conflict. Parents (especially as the summer is almost over) have to mediate fights between their (bored, need-to-go-back-to-school) kids. Lawyers act as mediators between the accused and the law. Sometimes we need a go-between.

When we were in the process of adopting our kids, we had to rely on the mediation of others. We hired an adoption agency that not only facilitated the process, but went to court on our behalf as our power-of-attorney to speak for us. When there were mysterious delays, our MP would call his contact in Canadian immigration and find the source of the problem well before our agency knew there was an issue. We needed someone to advocate for us, to go right to the source, and we were powerless to do this for ourselves.

That’s where we’re starting in this new series that I’m calling “Who is Church?”

We’re starting with the foundation of understanding just how ordinary, broken, sinful people like you and me can possibly know the God of the universe and talk with Him and have Him hear us and respond to us. As miraculous as it is, the Bible actually explains how this is possible.

And looking ahead, this series is going to outline who the church is – the members, the deacons and the pastors. I hope you’ll find it helpful and deepen your understanding of how we are an expression of the body of Christ in this local church.

To start off we're going to talk about the priests this Sunday. Yep, the priests. (But we don’t have priests! I know, stick with me.) And, we're going to be gathering around the communion table together. I'm really looking forward to digging into this with you!

See you on Sunday,
Pastor Tracy

(PS - Spoiler alert... you are the priests. This is going to be good...)

THIS SUNDAY

WHO IS CHURCH?
The Priests
Tracy Dunham

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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PERHAPS GOD (guest author | Dave Hancock)

A few years ago, I fell in love with the heart of one of the lesser characters in the Old Testament. The son of the king, a warrior prince, and the best friend of the future king – his name, Jonathan.

I was doing my daily devotions with Through the Word Ministries the other day and teacher Sandy Adams reminded me and helped me rekindle my passion for this character.

Jonathan says in 1 Samuel 14:6, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” I encourage you to read the whole story in 1 Samuel 14: 1-14.

On that day, God did not perhaps help them, He DID. With one sword, one bow, one armour-bearer and ONE mighty God, Jonathan killed twenty enemies and sent the rest a-running.

I am always thinking about what I could do next for God, and I am reminded of Jonathan’s words: PERHAPS GOD. Is there a struggle you are facing, is there a path not yet taken, is there a choice not yet chosen? Well then… PERHAPS GOD? Jonathan grabbed onto His God and stepped forward into battle, into odds stacked against him, and into an unknown outcome, but also into the path of PERHAPS GOD.

Jonathan could have failed and it would have meant his death. I wonder what could be your worst outcome? Or better yet, what could be the worst outcome if you didn’t?

Perhaps today God is waiting for you to take that step; the step that celebrates the PERHAPS.

Dave Hancock

THIS SUNDAY

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM: Unlocking the Parables
The Parable of the Two Sons
Dave Hancock

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LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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Time + Fun = Memories (guest author | Margaret Pfeiffer)

As I sit and write this week's devotional, I am at Braeside Camp spending time with my family. Braeside has become my new favourite place to spend the summer. Between services, tuck, swimming and catching up with new and old friends, Braeside has become my summer haven, especially during these last few years of Covid.

I love that I can come here and just relax and spend time with people I care about. I have learned that I don’t always have to do something super exciting or extravagant to make memories or to have fun - sometimes all you need are pool noodles, duct tape, electrical tape, and some imagination. Suddenly a bunch of light sabres have been created and a whole group of kids is running around having fun making memories. This is what the summer is to me - making memories. It doesn’t matter what the weather is like (of course, I prefer it warm and sunny!) but it’s about the relationships that we build and grow. I am an extrovert, so the last few summers have been tough. Not connecting and spending as much time with people was very difficult for me. So, this year I have decided to make up for it and so far, I have achieved my goal. Spending time with people is life-giving for me; it helps to recharge me. If you are an introvert, you likely feel the exact opposite as me and you would probably be exhausted just thinking about my crazy extroverted life. But it doesn’t matter if you are introverted or extroverted - time spent with family and friends is always special and meaningful.

I know that we are already well into August and sadly the summer is slowly coming to an end, but don’t let that stop you from doing something with family or friends to add to your memory bank. You can even take it one step further and find fun ways to make memories that incorporate a fun devotional. I will share a couple that you can do as a family, but you can always Google some ideas. There are so many resources online that you can use and many of them are all free… and who doesn’t love free stuff!

So take some time, have some fun and make memories.

Margaret

FAMILY DEVOTIONALS:

https://ministry-to-children.com/family-devotions-summer/

ON THE GO DEVOTIONS:

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53480b81e4b0d8fffdef98c2/t/62fbace0bf58684f89119abc/1660660999604/on-the-go-devotions.pdf

THIS SUNDAY

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM: Unlocking the Parables
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
Tracy Dunham

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.

What if we followed the Greatest Commandment? (guest author | Eric Jackson)

I witnessed an interaction at work earlier this week that stuck with me. Not in a positive way. Two people, presumably unknown to each other. (It’s a very big factory). A lady carrying a box, a man holding a hot coffee. Add a hidden corner, and you get the result you expect. A collision. No box dropped. Very little coffee spilled. But the reaction? Both were shocked, neither happy. But one in particular looked like he presumed the other had woken up that day with the sole intent of ruining his entire day by intentionally planning a collision and spilling a mouthful of coffee. Total overreaction. Particularly in an environment where you may potentially work with that person someday.

Small incident on a global scale. But it got the wheels turning. There a general unease in society, and I don’t think it’s just in my head. I’ve seen many more examples like this personally. A quick read through the headlines will confirm that violent crime is up.

So what’s going on? Schools send a strong social justice message home with our kids from an early age. Corporations are quick to advertise how virtuous they are, and how you should be too. Most new blockbuster movies have an underlying message. Professional sports teams paint their fields with positive messaging. So how are so many aspects of our society in decline?

Is it possible that the message of social justice combined with moral relativism leaves us in a state of confusion? Is it possible that perhaps we need an anchor to attach our morality to? What would our culture look like if more of us recognized that as humans we are flawed and broken, and perhaps would do well to seek the One who not only created us, but gave us His word to follow, and a path to redemption when we fail?

What would our news sites post if we turned to follow the Greatest Commandment?

Eric Jackson

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
— Matthew 22:37-39

THIS SUNDAY

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM: Unlocking the Parables
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl
Tracy Dunham

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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Calling on God (guest writer | Talitha Schroth)

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
— Psalm 145:18

Have you ever had a time when you needed to call on the Lord? It might have been when you were going through a really tough time. Or maybe you just felt the need to praise the Father for everything He has done and will do. If you read through this entire Psalm, you'll find David (surprise! David wrote this Psalm too) doing this exact thing: calling to God in truth and praising Him for His greatness.

You may find it easier to pray to God in difficult times. I'm not saying that that is a bad thing! Please pray in your difficult times - I promise that He does hear you and, no matter what, He will come through for you. It might not be in that exact moment, it might not even be two years from now, but that does not mean He is not listening.

But don't only pray in difficult times. I know that I still sometimes struggle to pray when everything is going okay (no I did not mean to rhyme, it just happened that way). You get through those difficulties and all of a sudden everything smooths out and you don't feel the need to pray at all. It just sort of slips your mind and you forget. Your life is busy and it feels like God won't even mind if you skip that day. "Oh, I’ll make sure I'll get to it tomorrow." But then you don't and it becomes a pattern. It’s hard. I get that. But it’s also important to pray even when you don't feel the need to.

The second half of the verse is about calling in truth. What does that even mean? If you take a look at the verses that surround verse 18 you see the picture that David paints of a faithful God who fulfills the desires of those who fear Him and watch over the people who love Him, but who destroys the wicked. So, what is the truth? The answer is and always will be that God is God and He loves us enough that those who call on him in this truth, in His truth, will be near to Him just as He is near to us. How are you praying in truth today?

Talitha Schroth

THIS SUNDAY

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM: Unlocking the Parables
The Parable of the Yeast
Erin Jamieson

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LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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Disc Golf Anyone? (guest writer | Erin Jamieson)

As I write, I am sitting by the pool at Braeside Camp with friends watching my kids swim. Sunday night I ate deep-fried pickles around a dirty camp picnic table with friends. Last week I learned about Nigerian wedding culture while having snacks in my living room.  I’ve had a lot (for me) of fellowship the past few weeks . . . and it’s been awesome.

Summer lends itself well to getting together with old friends, meeting new friends, building relationships, and creating community.

Community is something organic that comes from people spending time together, feeling cared for, and being able to open up. You can’t force authenticity and vulnerability; it has to be natural and comes from feeling safe with others. 

I am an introvert. I love people but I recharge by being alone. Sometimes I need to remind myself of the importance of spending time with fellow believers outside of the church walls. We weren’t created to be alone; God created us to be in community. 

Creating community takes effort, admittedly more effort for some than others. The effort comes by showing up and stepping out. Show up to Sunday services, join Connecting Point groups, and bring your kids and youth to age-appropriate programs.  Those are all important ways to be part of community. But they’re only a few options. 

Building community takes effort but it’s worth it. Community outside of the church lends itself to community inside the church. When you need prayer, encouragement or want to join a small group, you are more likely to ask or join when you already know people. 

You don’t have to wait for someone to invite you, try doing the inviting. Your house doesn’t have to be a fancy nor do you have to be able to cook gourmet meals to have someone over. 

This summer I encourage you to find ways to connect. The weather is gorgeous, the possibilities are limitless and the reward is worth it. My husband is looking for a disc golf buddy if anyone is interested . . .

Pastor Erin

“9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

THIS SUNDAY

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM: Unlocking the Parables
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Tracy Dunham

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LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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Wait Patiently (guest writer | Pernilla Snethlage)

Wait patiently

14 years old. On fire. Burning inside. Pick me, pick me – put me on the team, Jesus! Did a lot, but achieved nothing. Maybe some, of eternal value – hardly.

“I have a word for you.” This is it; this is the time when Jesus is going to tell me what to do, where to do it, how to do it, and when.

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…”

What!?

Okay. Okay. Waiting. That means continue doing what I’m currently doing until Jesus says to do something else. Sure, I can do that.

I couldn’t. I didn’t.

I tried. I tried very hard. I tried too much. Life became too much. In the world, of it, but trying not to be. Trying to be good, holy, to do the right thing. Trying to fit in, everywhere, with everyone. Forgot to wait.

24 years old. On fire. Burning inside. But also scarred, hurt, and lonely inside.

“I have a word for you.” This is it; Jesus has not given up on me, he’s going to tell me what to do, where to do it, how to do it, and when (which is now obviously, because life ends at 30, duh!).

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…”

What!? No way. Haven’t I come any further in 10 years!?

Continued to do what I did, which was running, not waiting. Trying, trying, and trying. And doing – oh so much doing. Mostly in my own strength, to the point where trying to give all to Jesus became a performance in itself. If I just try a little bit harder it will happen.

My world shattered. Broke into pieces. Death, this is how it will happen, I’m dying. “It will be fine”, they said, “just try not to try so hard.” Words, well-meaning words. Words, words, words. I wish they would be quiet.

Even in pieces, I tried. Tried to build a better world. Tried to be light, to be salt, to be different.

And Jesus waited. For me. He waited for me to be still. Still, so he could pick up the pieces and glue them back together. In a new way, in a beautiful way, in a strong way.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:7)

Be still. Be patient. Wait for the LORD to act. (Psalm 37:7a, NIRV)

- Pernilla Snethlage

THIS SUNDAY

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM: Unlocking the Parables
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager
Tracy Dunham

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.

What are your summer "things"? (a season of reset)

Summer is a great season for about a million reasons, not the least of which is the pace that it allows. When it's hot, you tend to walk slower, hurry less, find reasons to put down your regular work, rest and play. It's a good thing. One of the things I love about this change of pace is that it allows me to reset. I find myself taking time to evaluate the year so far and think about what things need to change, be reprioritized, or get started. It gives breath and pause - like the "selahs" in the Psalms. Aren't you glad for seasons?

Personally, I've declared this "the summer of doing things." I will not get to Labour Day weekend and wish I had been to the beach, been out on the kayaks, been to the ball game, sat out late on the patio with friends or finally learned how to make jebena coffee. I don't want to be busy but I want to spend my time, not just watch it tick by while I watch another episode of Murdoch Mysteries. (Don't knock it. It's a great Canadian show!) Where did this mindset come from? The pace of summer! I'm using the momentum that this season has to reset some things that will make things different in the fall, winter and beyond.

Do you do this in the summer? Do you have more time to reflect and reset? Do you read more, journal more, walk more... pray more? I hope so. Seasons are a gift and God will use each one - literally and metaphorically.

Let me encourage you to use this change of pace to reflect back and think ahead. How do you want to spend your time in the fall? How could the rhythms of the summer help to reset some things for you? Or, as I like to think of it, how does the structure of my life support my life as "God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do?" (Ephesians 2:10)

By the way, I'm writing this from a little cottage at Braeside... I'm "doing things" and preparing my heart for what's next.

See you on Sunday,

Pastor Tracy

THIS SUNDAY

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM: Unlocking the Parables
The Parable of the Yeast
Erin Jamieson

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.

Billy Graham on Habakkuk (take another listen)

Last week someone sent me a clip of Billy Graham preaching. He was talking about Habakkuk and how God said that even if Habakkuk knew what God was doing, he wouldn't believe it. Of course, we know that God goes on to tell Habakkuk some of His plan and Habakkuk's response was, well, complaint... but then worship.

In case you missed it or in case you just wanted to see it again, I've attached it here. When we get up on our rampart, this is the kind of perspective we (like Habakkuk) get. NOTE: If you don't understand the "rampart" reference, go back to and watch our July 19 service.

I love this reminder. No matter what you see in the world around you, no matter what you are facing down in your life, God has not left His throne. He is at work even if we can't see it. He loves us even when we wonder why He is allowing it. He is sovereign even when don't understand the plan.

Take another listen and be blessed.

On the rampart with you,
Pastor Tracy

“Habakkuk said, “Lord please tell me what you’re doing.” And God said, “No, I’m not going to tell you, Habakkuk. Because if I told you what I was doing you wouldn’t believe it.”

If God today told us what He’s doing in the world, we wouldn’t believe it.

Don’t you think God’s given up, and God’s abdicated, and God’s left the throne. He hasn’t.

He’s still on the throne. And those of us that know Him put our trust in Him and Him alone.

I don’t put my trust in Washington. I don’t put my trust in the United Nations. I don’t put my trust in myself. I don’t put trust in my money.

I put my trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

When all the rest of it fails and crumbles and shatters, He’ll be there.”
— Billy Graham

THIS SUNDAY

CALL AND ANSWER
Rescued By God
Margaret Pfeiffer

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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Do you camp? You should! (well... this kind of camp :))

Camp. This word can mean a lot of things. I hope it brings up good memories from your childhood and not images of homesickness, cafeteria food and outhouses. :)

Here we are again in the season for camp and with so many of the pandemic restrictions being lifted, there will hopefully be lots of great things for you and your family to enjoy outside of your normal routine this summer.

One option that you may not know about is Braeside Camp. It is part of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (like us) and is located in Paris, about 30 minutes from the church. I went to kids camp and youth camp there for many years when I was growing up and recently my family has been spending as much time there as possible over the summer, renting a cottage for a few days or going out to attend a service. It's not fancy, but it's a really special place that not only is a great spiritual retreat but also a safe place for kids and fun place to connect with others.

I want to invite you and encourage you to take in some of the camp experience over the next few weeks. Family Camp runs from July 2-24 with services on Thursday-Sunday each week. There are also activities for all ages and childcare for the little ones (more details are on their app which you can find on the website). I know that several of our Freedom families will be spending time at camp and are looking forward to the casual pace of life that allows them to connect with whoever else is out at camp at the same time as them.

Also, we've decided that we will spend our Deep Roots time in July out at camp, attending the 6:00pm service and encouraging you to join us there. We hope you'll be able to come!

So go ahead and look at your calendar for July. Is there a time that you could take the short trip to camp and invest a few hours into connecting with God and others? I hope to see you at the tuck shop for some post-service ice cream and fries!

Looking forward to a great summer,

Pastor Tracy

THIS SUNDAY

CALL AND ANSWER
Waiting For God
Pastor Tracy Dunham

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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Activating Peace (quieting yourself)

“My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.”
— Psalm 131

Often when I think of the peace that we have in Christ, I think about the gift of peace that He gives regardless, and perhaps in spite, of the circumstances we're facing. While that gift of peace is truly incredible and is more than we can understand (Phil. 4:7), a scripture from our through-the-bible-in-a-year reading plan reminded me that I can participate in receiving this peace. When I came to Psalm 131 last week, I saw that it was underlined and circled in my bible and so I've been reflecting on it for the past few days.

The contentedness of the Psalmist, David, comes from the active choice to calm and quiet himself. Himself. He chose to not be proud and not to try to control what was God's to control but instead to not be concerned with those things. The implication is that he didn't rush from day to day and ask God for peace in the midst of the busyness; he purposefully found a way to quiet his heart.

I'm not sure what "quieting" might look like in your life, but I'm sure you know it when you're doing it. It's when you come away from the noise, when your mind isn't buzzing, when your phone is on DND, when you're walking or journalling or cooking or kayaking or sitting on the deck. It's when you are calm and can pray without hurry, able to listen more than you talk. David says there is contentment there. I agree.

I hear the scripture gently calling me to more a more active pursuit of peace, a more intentional carving of time and space to participate in the peace that is freely given by Jesus. There is contentment there.

How can you calm and quiet yourself, fully trusting God with every concern? Listen with me to the call of scripture and actively engage in His peace.

In Christ,
Pastor Tracy

Just for fun, here’s a colouring sheet (for adultS and kids alike!) that you can download… maybe this a way to quiet yourself? Give it a try!

THIS SUNDAY

CALL AND ANSWER
Questioning God
Pastor Tracy Dunham

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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Habakkuk (huh-BAK-uhk) Complains to God (is that allowed?)

Have you ever wondered why God didn't do something that obviously needed to be done?

Have you ever questioned whether or not He was actually listening?

Have you ever thought about complaining to Him but didn't know if you could or should?

You are not alone; not by a long shot. In fact, here's another question: Have you ever read the book of Habakkuk? It's not as famous as Psalm 23, 1 Corinthians 13 or John 3:16 to be sure. It's tucked into the Minor Prophets between Nahum and Zephaniah (does that help?) and has a lot of insight into communicating with God.

Like us, Habakkuk was looking at the world around him and had questions. His theology said one thing (God sees, hears and answers) but his experience wasn't lining up with it. Ever felt that way? Yeah, me too.

Over the next three weeks we're going to work through this dialogue between Habakkuk and God and find some help for these questions as we face them in our own lives. I encourage you to read it for yourself and get a big picture overview before we dive in together. Here's how we'll break it down:

  • June 12 - Complaining to God - Habakkuk 1:1-11

  • June 19 - Questioning God - Habakkuk 1:12-2:20

  • June 26 - Waiting for God - Habakkuk 3:1-19

I can't wait to dig into this with you!

See you on Sunday,

Pastor Tracy

THIS SUNDAY

CALL AND ANSWER
Complaining to God
Pastor Tracy Dunham

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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Hungry? (some homework for Sunday!)

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Have you ever just wanted more? Have you ever sensed that there was more for your relationship with God? Have you ever felt spiritually hungry?

I was recently told that someone wanted to get baptized in water again because they weren't sure if they really meant it the first time, or, they felt that they needed another experience because they would mean it so much more now. I understand the feeling. You've grown in your faith and are wondering what's next. You're hungry for more and wonder if that's even a thing.

On Sunday, Pastor is going to teach about one (very significant) way that God can and will satisfy this hunger. It's Pentecost Sunday and we're going to talk about the experience that the 120 followers of Jesus had in the Upper Room (Acts 2) and how it is still available for us today. I believe in the empowerment that comes from being baptized in the Holy Spirit. I have lived it and continue to be amazed at His gifts to His Church.

I know that a lot of us don't come from a pentecostal background and this might be something new that you'd like to study more. Here are some resources to get you started and as always, don't hesitate to reach out to us with more questions or insights. We'd love to hear your story and share in your journey.

Be filled!
Pastor Tracy

SCRIPTURE: The Book of Acts
BLOG: Why do Pentecostals care so much about SPIRIT BAPTISM? (Andrew Gabriel)
COURSE: Life in the Spirit (Del Wells)
EBOOK: Spirit Baptism in the Old and New Testament (Andrew Gabriel)
BOOK: The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke (Roger Stronstad)
BOOKLET: A Scriptural Outline of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit (George Gilles)
POSITION PAPER: Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Assemblies of God)

THIS SUNDAY

EMPOWERED
The Holy Spirit in Acts

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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Pavilion Update! (where we are and what's left to do)

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If you've been around our property in the last few weeks you'll know that it's anything but same old, same old around here. Many, many new houses are being built to the east, the trees have come down, ready for a newly landscaped property line, and the Pavilion is more than dreams and plans... it's actually a structure you can see and picture being used. It's incredible to see these years of ideas and conversations taking shape in real life.

The Pavilion Project is the next step in our vision of developing a Life Transformation Campus, where every acre is used as a spiritual oasis for our neighbours and for us. It was necessary to upgrade the old grey shed and we took the opportunity to be able to consider what else that space might be used for. We envision a connecting point for our church family and community, a place to offer radical hospitality and build authentic relationships with others, and a space that invests in the next generation by making room for meaningful activities and programs. I know you can see it too!

Read even more about the "why" behind this project HERE.

Our original Pavilion Project budget was $330,000 and the great news is that we've exceeded that amount in our fundraising over the past couple of years. Way to go, Freedom! That is truly remarkable.

The reality of the delay in construction, the last two years of the pandemic and the much higher price of materials has meant a dramatic increase in the budget which is now estimated at $550,000. Our fundraising shortfall is about $200,000 and we're asking God to help us to see this through to completion.

The team has done an excellent job managing costs and only doing what is necessary for the pavilion to be complete, meeting the requirements of the City and Region, and fully functioning for the coming season. We have also invested about $10,000 of this budget into setting up the Pavilion and Freedom Community Centre for future servicing (sewer & water) in order to avoid digging up the property again when the time comes to bring in city services.

I'm inviting our Freedom family to prayerfully consider this project and ask the Lord how He would have you financially invest in it. This is a sacrificial gift that is an offering, over and above our support of the general fund (as we want the ministries of our church to continue to thrive). Rob and I are taking this to prayer and committing to walking in obedience to whatever He asks of us because we believe in this work and that this is our next step as a church family. Will you join us?

As you pray, I invite you to reach out with any questions you have. We are excited about our first summer with the Pavilion and are grateful for your investment.

Believing in faith for what is next!
Pastor Tracy

THIS SUNDAY

EMPOWERED
The Holy Spirit in Prayerful Community
Pastor Tracy Dunham

5th Sunday - Potluck after the service!

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

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Calling the Writers & Teachers! (a ministry opportunity for you this summer)

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This Sunday we're going to be talking about how the Holy Spirit empowers people for ministry. There is a very cool example of this in Exodus 35 and, of course (**spoiler alert**), the connection is going to be made between that and how we are empowered by the Spirit for the ministry that we've been called to as well.

In that same vein, I want to invite you to participate in a ministry opportunity that might tap into a gifting of yours. I'm calling on all the writers and/or teachers out there to put together a short email devotional that we can share this summer. We have eight Thursdays in July and August and I'd like to offer those spaces to eight guest writers from our church family.

Do you have a devotional thought that you'd like to share? Do you have a Christ-centred piece of writing that you think will encourage others? Do you have a short study on a passage of scripture that we might find helpful? Please submit it to me (Pastor Tracy) by the end of June and I'll be choosing eight to share throughout the summer months.

I'm really looking forward to hearing from you, fully anticipating that God is speaking to His church and this will spark some great submissions from you - yes, you!

Can't wait to get reading,
Pastor Tracy

THIS SUNDAY

EMPOWERED
The Holy Spirit in Old Testament Ministry
Pastor Tracy Dunham

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.

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For the Common Good (the Spirit working out loud)

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On Sunday we heard the Holy Spirit working in an "out loud" way through a message of tongues and interpretation. I mentioned that we find teaching about this in scripture, specifically 1 Corinthians 12 & 14. I know that this might be a new experience for some or it's been a long time since you heard a word for the church in that way.

Pastor Del's course Life in the Spirit, which was referenced by Pastor Erin in her message, has a lesson on the gifts of the Spirit that you will find helpful. You'll notice that it's the 8th lesson in the course and so, of course, I highly recommend going through the whole thing! But still, it's a great start or refresher if you're wondering why hearing a message from God in a church service isn't weird or out of order, even if you've never experienced it yourself.

Click here or on the image and enjoy a deeper dive into the scriptures. If you have any questions, you can reach out to any of us on staff. We would look forward to it!

In Christ,
Pastor Tracy

PS - 10 points if you can figure out where the title of this devo comes from!

THIS SUNDAY

EMPOWERED
The Holy Spirit in Old Testament Miracles
Pastor Tracy Dunham

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.

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A Step of Obedience (water baptism on 5th Sunday)

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In the fall of 2020, Pastor did an excellent job helping us understand what it means that we are new creations in Christ and how water baptism symbolizes this amazing truth. If you didn't get a chance to listen or watch, be sure to check it out here, including the Q&A afterward.

I hope that you've heard by now that there will be an opportunity to be baptized in water on 5th Sunday, May 29th, during our service. If you or someone you know is considering baptism, allow me to reiterate what it's all about. Here is the first page of what you'll find on our website:

So if you've made a decision to follow Jesus and you've never been baptized in water, this is the perfect opportunity. Just click the image above and read about your next step. And, of course, don't hesitate to give me a shout if you have any questions!

In Christ,
Pastor Tracy

THIS SUNDAY

EMPOWERED
The Holy Spirit in Old Testament Leadership
Pastor Erin Jamieson

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.

We Speak Jesus (a personal reflection)

On Sunday our worship team introduced the song "I Speak Jesus" and it was incredible to listen to the church declare their faith in Him. Why is it so powerful to speak the name of Jesus "over" every situation, need, place and relationship? Not because "Jesus" is a magic word but because He truly does have both the power to intervene and the depth of love to care about all of our lives. Only He can be trusted with each of these things and only He can meet every need. When that gets deep into our hearts and gets expressed in our worship, it's powerful.

This song has been particularly special to me over these past few months. Many of you know some of the deep waters our family has been walking through and unfortunately, the pain that we've felt is universally known by us all at some time or another in our lives. That's the deal while we live in a broken, fallen world. But this song is one that was dropped into my playlist at just the right moment in time and has helped to anchor me in some important truths.

When I "speak Jesus" over my family and against the enemy who is looking to steal, kill and destroy, I invite the Spirit of Jesus to do what He promised to do - be with me, always. We talked about it on Sunday: we are never alone. He invites us to bring our weakness let Him show His strength. We bring our brokenness and let Him be our Healer. We bring our need and let Him be our Provider. We bring our battle and let Him win the victory.

I've had a few people encourage me by telling me that I am strong. I very much appreciate the sentiment and receive it with gratitude. But I've had to reply that the opposite is entirely true. I am not strong and perhaps I've never been more weak. And more miraculously, I have never experienced the presence of Jesus more profoundly than over these past months as I've given Him my weakness. I've said more than once, "This stuff we talk about on Sundays? It literally works. Like, for real - Jesus is all.”

I told you on Sunday and I'll tell you again because it bears repeating: You are not alone. Jesus promised to be with you always and He is. The Holy Spirit lives in you and will sustain, strengthen, correct, love, teach, encourage, remind (how long can I make this list?).... you if you learn to trust Him. It literally works. Like, for real.

Be encouraged, friends. His strength is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). He is always with You and He is strong enough to meet every need. Go ahead and speak His name first every day in every circumstance. His name is power; His name is healing; His name is life.

Pastor Tracy

THIS SUNDAY

EMPOWERED
The Availability of the Holy Spirit
Guest Speaker: Dr. Chris Padiath

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.

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A Moment for Gratitude (thanks to all who helps us celebrate Easter!)

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After a weekend like the one we just had, I get reflective. So many of you made a point to say something encouraging to me about our Good Friday or Easter Sunday services. My heart was so full from knowing that what was intentionally curated for the weekend made a connection to your lives in some way. Thank you, Jesus.

But more than that, I know what it took to make those moments special and believe me when I tell you that for weeks leading up to Easter, the body of Christ was in action, each member using their gifts for the common good.

Thank you to everyone who stayed late on a Sunday night in February to brainstorm ideas, features and songs.

Thank you to Matt who helped to craft each moment of the services from a musical and production perspective, learned songs, tracked down media and led so well on the weekend. #allthethings

Thank you to the worship team who prepared weeks in advance and set aside extra time to rehearse together - Adam, Juno, Matt, Shay, Talitha, Sara and Leanna. And thank you to the tech team of Walt, Brad, Malachi, Vaughn, Jide and Nate for spending time in rehearsals and making sure that the message of the weekend was easily seen and heard.

Thank you to Erin and Margaret who were able to take all of the ideas, interpret them and make them work - devotionals, scripture readings, kids features, communion, and "graves into gardens." So grateful for this staff.

Thank you to everyone who created and hosted our Spring Photo Booth, to bless both our community and our church family with memories from this weekend: Erin, Sandra, Pernilla, Nicole, Dave, Monica, Kari, Joke and Alicia.

Thank you to everyone who lent your voice, talent and heart to the services in so many other ways: Pastor Del, Jide, Chris & Ruthie (who also created the Good Friday service with me - grateful!).

We had excellent Hosts all weekend - both in person and OFF Campus, not to mention those who worked entirely behind the scenes counting the offering and taking care of the youngest members of our Freedom family on Sunday.

And to each and every one of you who invited someone to hear the message of gospel this weekend (whether they attended or not), who brought someone with you to a service or who prayed with us that Jesus would be known, I am deeply grateful to you and for you.

This, church, is the body of Christ. I am so glad to be a part of it and I'm glad to be serving this community alongside of each of you.

He is risen indeed!
Pastor Tracy

THIS SUNDAY

THE PASSION
The Ascension: 40 Days Later

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.

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Getting Ready for Easter (resources for the kids... and you!)

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It doesn't matter what age you are, we all need to understand the Easter story. Some of us grew up hearing it but for some of us, it's a new story and maybe a bit of a mystery. We do our best to tell the story when we gather on Good Friday and Easter Sunday but it's worth hearing it again and again, making sure that everyone has a chance to understand how important the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is.

In today's devo I've linked some videos to help give you an overview of everything we are remembering and celebrating this weekend. They are great for kids and I encourage you to show them to the kids in your life and ask them if they have any questions.

But let's be honest, they're great for adults, too! These might act as a primer for our services or maybe there is someone in your life who is asking questions about what Easter means. Go ahead and share the links - they are all free on YouTube and easy to access.

Here again is the schedule for Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Freedom:

Good Friday, April 15 @ 10am
Family Communion Service (in person and livestream)

Saturday, April 16 @ 9:30-11:30am
Spring Photo Booth (We've invited our neighbours! You can come too!)

Easter Sunday, April 17 @ 10am
Family Service (in person and livestream) with Childcare for ages 0-3
Spring Photo Booth will also be available before and after the service.

We also encourage you to invite someone to join you in person or online. Let your friends, family and neighbours know about our services and invite them to sign up for the photo booth. You can get an invitation card from the church or point them to freedomkw.com/easter2022.

He is risen indeed!
Pastor Tracy

THIS SUNDAY

THE PASSION
The Sacrifice
GOOD FRIDAY

The Christ
EASTER SUNDAY

Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!

10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+YouTube Live)

Follow along with the message on YouVersion.