Hello everyone.

I’m very excited as we all launch into new waters as individuals and as a church. While the church has been at port for a few months, those months have not been wasted time.  The church has been strengthened and made ship-shape for the next leg of our voyage.  We have weighed anchor and are on our way. While many of us, including myself, would like to hoist all of our sails immediately; you do not travel through the port at top speed. Also, several things need to still be done as we leave port.

A key task as we leave port is to get back to prayer – consistent prayer, deeper prayer, corporate prayer.  If we are going to have favourable winds for our journey, we need to be seeking the one who provides the wind.  We must acknowledge the truth of Jesus’ statement: “For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)  We must also be hearing from the Captain as we communicate with Him through prayer.

As first-mate on this ship, I want to encourage you all to be involved in what our Captain has gifted, equipped and called you to be and do.  And we are all called to pray.  We have a wonderful journey ahead, but it cannot be accomplished as God would have it if the whole crew does not participate. In the last session of The Truth Project, Del Tackett makes the statement: “God is involvement.” God is constantly engaged and involved in our lives. How is He calling us to be engaged and involved as a reflection of the nature of God within you?

There are many opportunities for you to be involved in prayer.  Wednesday nights starting at 6:30 PM the church has a Healing Rooms in operation.  If you are interested in receiving prayer or participating in praying for others’ healing, please speak with Brian and Barb Parenteau.  Thursday nights at 7:00 PM there is a prayer time at the church building to pray for our church, community and world.  The primary focus of this time is not ourselves but others.  Phil Nadeau is the elder overseeing prayer ministry, so please see him if you have questions.  We are also looking at starting training in intercessory prayer in the near future.  Sunday morning pre-service prayer starts at 9:15 AM in the newly relocated Rosenau Room.  We welcome all who can to join in seeking God for amazing things to happen during the Sunday morning worship service.

There are many more opportunities.  Those are just some opportunities to pray with others.  Pray with your family.  Pray in your small groups.  Pray with your guests.  Pray on the streets with people in need.  Pray without ceasing.  Pray with your understanding and in the Spirit. If you read through the New Testament you will see prayer in action or mentioned in almost every book/letter.

Let’s turn to the Lord in prayer and see what amazing things He has in store for us. Remember what Pastor Ken spoke on May 3rd – U R the church.

Bless you all,

Pastor Merril