No matter what!

This week I was honoured to officiate the wedding of a lovely couple. They had plans for a big splashy wedding last year, but alas, Covid.  So, like many other couples they were forced to cancel those plans and make new ones.  

Over the course of the year, we had been in touch about possible dates and possible new venues but ultimately they decided that what was most important was to be married before God, a few of their closest friends and family and huge contingent on Zoom.  We met in a beautiful backyard, respecting all Covid protocols. Tuesday was a very hot, sultry day, but it was wonderful to witness this couple not only pledge their love to one another but commit to loving one another, no matter what!

This December, Brian and I celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary.  I mentioned that at the ceremony and someone came up to me afterwards and said, “35 years? You must be taking that 1 Corinthians passage seriously!”  I smiled at the comment.  I don’t know that we’ve done it all right, particularly the love is patient part, but we have committed to loving one another, no matter what!  I would like to think we strive for 1 Corinthians 13:13 where it says:

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

This is the love we can experience in our relationship with others, and with God. It is also what we experience from God — a love that never gives up and “never fails”! (1Corinthians 13:8). No matter what!

A few months ago our daughter Emily got engaged to the love of her life, Matthew. They have decided that they will pledge themselves to one another before God, their family and friends.  Given the unpredictability of Covid it too will be a small and intimate affair but they look forward to the day that they too will vow to love one another, no matter what!  They will vow to weather the tough storms together and together rejoice in the sun. 

It is my prayer for Emily and Matthew, for Brian and me, for the newlyweds and all those in relationships, that we may remember that God loved us first, God never gives up and God’s love never fails. 

God taught us not only what love looks like but what it means to truly love someone.  May we express that same unfailing love to those who love us.

What’s your story?

We had an amazing opportunity this past week to hear some snippets of people’s very personal faith stories in our online worship service, “What’s your story?” Nine brave people invited us into their experience of pausing and reflecting to see how God has been at work in their life.

 We heard about some of the people that were instrumental in their faith journey.

We heard about the moment their faith became their own.

We heard how God moves in unique moments like stadium gatherings and ordinary moments with youth leaders, summer camps and childhood songs.

We heard about hearts so full of joy, they can’t help but talk about the goodness of God.

We heard about how God is faithful always, even in times of sorrow and heartache.

We heard how God sometimes speaks in whispers and from the mouths of children.

We heard about the desire to pass on a legacy of faith.

 God is the author of all our stories. 

What is your story? 

This week, this summer, take the time to pause and reflect on how God has been at work in your life. Write down your faith story and pray for the boldness to share it with someone. *

“Love the Lord our God with all our heart and soul and strength” and God at work will be evident in all that we do. Our story will reflect God’s goodness and leave a legacy of faith.

 Join us on Sunday, July 4 to hear Part II of, “What’s your story?” Our Exceptional Families Coordinator, Shelly Wedge, shares her personal faith story. I know you will be blessed and encouraged.

If you missed the service on June 27 go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlF7IYFAyYs 

And to hear the entirety of the stories told, check out the Faith Stories video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPQaWWsozOI

 *“At times, it can be difficult to put our personal story of faith into words. With that in mind, here are some tips on how to create your testimony and the best ways to share it with those around you!”

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/bring-your-bible/share-your-faith-story-tips-for-creating-your-testimony/

Nancy Varga
Amberlea Church Family Ministries Coordinator

Father

Last Sunday we celebrated Father’s Day.  I am not quite sure how anyone could possibly miss it with the plethora of Home Depot and Canadian Tire advertisements!

We were blessed in our house to gather (socially distanced, of course) for a small backyard bbq in honour of Brian.  Our two children, along with their significant others, paid homage to their truly great dad.

Father’s day is not always easy, especially for those who have lost fathers, or whose father were (or are) not present in their lives. However, whether you celebrate the day or not, do you know how Father’s Day originated?

Father’s day was the brainchild of Louise Smart Dodd and was held in Spokane, Washington, USA on June 19, 1910. Mrs. Dodd envisioned an event to take place during a regular Sunday Church service where fathers would receive small gifts as well as loving greetings from children. She brought up the matter to her pastor and he communicated the idea to the local pastor's association. The mayor of the city and the governor of the state endorsed her concept and issued proclamations in support. 

It is said that Mrs. Dodd dearly loved her father. When his wife died in childbirth, he was left with six children. Somehow he overcame the difficulties of rearing them while operating his farm. His devotion to his children sparked Louise's gratitude.

Father's Day was slow to catch on and it wasn’t until 1966 when President Johnson established the third Sunday in June as the date of the celebration. And even so, it was not made official until 1972 under President Nixon.

All that to say, we have the grateful daughter of a self-sacrificing father to thank for Father’s Day!

The ideals of fatherhood are strong in the Bible. God is portrayed as a loving Father. Jesus described God as his own intimate Father and claimed to show in himself what the Father was like. God gave his beloved son for the salvation of the world. For Christians, fatherhood has deep meaning and power. God is the perfect example of a father. A father that’s loving, compassionate, caring and forgiving. If you, like me, didn’t (or don’t) have a relationship with your earthly father, I can assure you that you can have one with your Heavenly father! 

God the Father loves you, and wants to have a relationship with you. God will be the most loving and caring father you could hope for.