What a thought provoking sermon spoken this past Sunday by Ralph. I always appreciate a message which springs from someone's life experience. In this instance, though Ralph himself admits - is not a "puzzle person" himself, he's part of a family which is made up of many avid "puzzlers". Looking through eyes of faith, Ralph (and I know Krista sees with the same eyes) began to draw some concrete parallels between a puzzle being made up of many peices and us as being parts of the body of Christ.
He painted the picture of how each piece is equally important to the entire picture, how the outside pieces create the "framework" to help guide the rest of the pieces together, but also to ensure the center pieces have a border to hold them from straying, how there are "cornerstone" pieces, which could be visuals of the pillars of our church and how if just one piece of the puzzle, upon completion, is missing - why we don't rest until we find that piece, this vital piece to complete the picture. Oh, and not to forget mentioning the very shape of each piece causes us to have to "interlock" - we need to not just know one another but we need to enter into each other's lives - to overlap!
I'm sure each of us who looks through eyes of our faith can draw parallels to the world around us. This is what the Lord wants, I believe, for us to have a "living" faith which is reflected in everything around us. As you work with your hands this week, enjoy hearing or seeing something which impacts you - won't you tease out the "spiritual" significance in it? I'd love to share your thoughts here!
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PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Dale and Florence as they minister "down south" within the RVing community. (We miss you!)
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
Church Events:
Prayer at Kayes
Thursday's @ 10 a.m.
Kaye is one of our Pillars - a true prayer warrior! Join Kaye and church family in prayer times at her home.
Open Worship
Friday's @ 7 p.m.
Come join us for a time of open worship! Bring a friend and find warmth and hope as OCC welcomes you to bring prayer requests forward.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:
With the holiday season fast approaching there are many events at all of the churches in our area. It is wonderful for us to support the other ministries in our town and surrounding region. Here are the events I've been notified about:
Festive Tea
Friday, December 10th
1 - 3 p.m.
LittleBrownChurch
9063 87th St, Osoyoos
Festive Tea
Saturday, December 4th
1 - 3 p.m.
St Ann's Catholic Church
7610 87th St, Osoyoos
This is a free tea & also a fundraiser for Canadian Food for Children
Craft Fair
Saturday, December 4th
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Concordia Lutheran Church and School
2800 South Main St, Penticton
Admission - $1
Short term babysitting available
Raffles
Concession
Our very own Leila Freeman will be holding a table at this fair - featuring some of her home preserves (I've tasted and delighted!) and her beautiful fragrant hand-made soaps. Leila would love to see some familiar faces here :)
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You may be noticing some BIG physical changes to our building - some exciting things in the works! Stay tuned for some exciting things to be happening
What an exciting time at Osoyoos Christian Centre - funny how everything outdoors is edging toward a time of hibernation while inside things are heating up.
Our church family, and extended church family of Park Drive Church from Oliver connected with us to do a little sprucing (or on second thought I might say "cedar-ing") up around our building. A small bobcat arrived on Saturday, along with some helping hands and even though the temperatures had plummeted severely and there was a bitter wind blowing everyone pitched in to begin the arduous task of taking out some of the cedar trees outside as there have been some which were sickly (and eye-sores) Here are some of the photos of the action on the outside. Does'nt Pastor Bart (Park Drive) look like he's actually ENJOYING this machine?
And while the outside was being looked after, there was some 'elbow grease' being lavished on the inside! There really is something special when we labour together, we come together as a family. We accomplished much - but even with all that was done Sunday night - in the dark DARK cold night (we are talking - 10 c) if you were to drive by Osoyoos Christian Centre you would have been witness to a group of zealous, passionate, energetic men STILL working with the bobcat and the cedar trees! No kidding, now thats impressive.
Thank you to all who helped. We will schedule another Work Bee in the future - stay tuned!
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Thank you to the Away Team (Praise and Worship) from Park Drive who annointed us with music ministry. Its always amazing how the music they choose works to enhance the message delivered, even when they are unaware at the time they choose their songs. Pastor Joseph delivered another segment of "Chaos to Destiny"
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Shirley shared a word from the congregation how she has been aware of the thought that we are to LOVE DEEPLY - as in the following scripture:
I Peter 1:22
Now that you have purified yourselves
by obeying the truth
so that you have sincere love for each other
love one another deeply
from the heart.
As this is our women's blog this scripture resounded within me and I thought to share it with you who could not be with us to hear it. I liked how Shirley said we need to look at one another with eyes of love - eyes that are able to find the good in each other. In this same strain I came across this scripture, which if we love deeply, this is an action of that love:
Galatians 6:2 (RSV)
Bear one another's burdens.
This sort of love removes the judgement from our vision - often the judgement of familiarity, when we seem the same faces all of the time. We must gaurd ourselves from this. Which leads to this quote I found as well.
Do not think that love,
in order to be genuine,
has to be extraordinary.
What we need is to love without getting tired.
~ Mother Teresa
And as our church moves forward, Pastor Joseph reminded us, what would it matter if our church became a "big success" if we don't grow together as a family? This week, when you find yourself with a few free moments, why not reach out to your church family via phone, email etc?
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EVENTS:
Thursday Prayer at Kaye's
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Friday night Open Worship
Time: 7:30 p.m. @ OCC
Bring a friend!
And speaking of events, its always wonderful to support the other churches in our community! I was sent this announcement for a fund-raising event for the Baptist Church. Lets come out and support this worthwhile ministry"
Garage Sale
Osoyoos Baptist Church (downstairs)
6210 Hwy 97
November 26th (friday) and 27th (saturday)
Time: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
All proceeds to support the Community Christmas Dinner and Alfredo and Amalia Sommer's Ministry in Argentina.
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We need your BAKING!
Our church would like to be able to meet the needs of anyone who should come hungry to our door. What we need are tinned soups, tuna, salmon, dried soups and HOME MADE baking. When I say home made baking, it would be nice to have a few lasagnes in our freezer and things like cookies so that if we need to warm something up quickly its there. So, if you feel you would like to contribute it would be much appreciated!
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Lastly - I wanted to give something away here on our blog - a small way to say thank you to those of you who visit and support our blog. So, as one of my gifts is working with graphics, I've created this Christmas Ornament which you are free to use for whatever purpose you would like. I'm hoping it might suit some of your needs for PowerPoint Presentations etc. You are free to use it in any way you like but if you include it in a digital scrapbooking kit for resale or anything like that, I ask that you would give credit to me - Barb Derksen.
This ornament is a PNG file, meaning it has a transparent background. Just right click on the picture and choose "save as" It is aproximately 6 inches in size (I still don't think in metric) and is 300 dpi (dots per inch) - meaning its very high quality and can be easily resized.
What a privilege to take part in our rememberance of our dear sister Isabelle, today at Osoyoos Christian Centre. I can honestly say this was the most beautiful and "real" memorial service I've ever been part of.
Thank you to Nathan and Leila Freeman who had a very special bond with Isabelle. Leila knew Isabelle from the time she was 11 years old (Leila, not Isabelle) lots of history there! Later on, during a "challenge" with the youth group in our church, Leila chose Isabelle's name to be paired with - each teen pairing with a senior, to develop a relationship. Later on, Leila and Nathan married and together they both continued to invest in Isabelle's life. Thursdays were "Family Day" for Nathan, Leila and Isabelle no matter what. Today, Leila and Nathan contributed their insight and used their gifts to help us all honour the memory of Isabelle. Nathan played several songs with themes that Isabelle would have loved to have heard and Leila delivered an eloquent eulogy - she captured the true essence of Isabelle.
Thank you to Pastor Ralph Hargrave for Officiating and to Krista Hargrave, Betty Henniger, Dale and Florence Archibald for all their hard work to put together the luncheon afterward. Thank you to The Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 173 for representing Isabelle as well.
Thank you to Pastor Don Schneider and wife Shirley for being here, it was wonderful to see you at OCC again.
First, a few facts about Isabelle. Isabelle celebrated her 80th birthday this past January. She was with our church for MANY years - 40 plus years!
Isabelle must have observed so much over her faithful years to our congregation - our family. Everyone who attended today knew Isabelle as part of the church, she clung on through all the ups and downs and changes over time, some of those times must have been discouraging but she never wavered. This quality about her has been a true ministry to each of us women in our body.
There was a time of open sharing from the gathering and here were some of the words and thoughts shared - the more personal touches that we each enjoyed about Isabelle - the things that made her ... HER!
Isabelle often had "words" from the Lord. She always shared whenever she did - and many people concur that these words were "right on"
Isabelle loved to share scripture, and really dwelt in the Psalms. Again, when she shared it more than likely "fit" with the message spoken by our Pastor(s)
Isabelle was a dear friend to the widows!
She shared 40 years of sweet friendship with Kaye Harkness - thats a tremendous amount of time.
Isabelle was a prayer "warrior" She was not afraid to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, whether she was in church or on the street.
She was an encouragement to others and to other ministries in our community.
Isabelle was completely unique - forthright, she "spoke the truth"
She was faithful.
She had a great sense of humour.
She was independant.
She was "gruff" on the outside at times, but if you worked to get to know her you discovered a beautiful, warm, and very very generous person waiting to share friendship with you.
She was "proud" in that she did not want to be a burden on anyone.
She loved to join in church activities and you could count on her to be there.
She loved to open her home for church activities.
She was a good cook.
Isabelle was this, and so much more. We will miss Isabelle so very much but we celebrate that we can be confident that Isabelle is with her Lord and savior today. Thank you to Isabelle's family for sharing her with us over the years.
*****
Ralph and Krista Hargrave
We welcome Pastor Ralph Hargrave and Krista to our ministry. Ralph and Krista are also long-time members of OCC over the years with a small gap the past few years when they were away due to ministering to the needs of family members. We are so glad to have you back, and back on board! Ralph and Krista will be taking responsibility for home visitations and are also will be leading worship services at Mariposa Gardens, bringing ministry to the seniors.
*****
Farewell for a season to Dale and Florence Archibald who are vital, well respected and much loved in our OCC family. Dale has preached over the year - faithfully shared God's Good Word with us and we have benefitted from His obedience and annointing. Dale and Florence took ownership of the Mariposa Gardens ministry to date before passing the torch to Ralph and Krista. Besides these essential contributions, both Dale and Florence have provided so much more service to our church. They are always "helping hands" with all events. They are the first faces you will see when an event happens - I'm talking they are there when things need to be set up, and I've worked side by side with Dale, his shirt sleeves rolled right up, doing dishes! Florence is like a hummingbird in the background, swiftly and efficiently taking care of all things in the way of setting up and dishing out the food and taking the laundry home as well. And I've not even mentioned her Operation Shoeboxes ministry she is faithful to each year.
Dale and Florence will now follow the Canadian Geese south where they will pour their blessings into the ministry they've built up "across the line" in the warmer climes. They've grown quite an impressive little "RV ministry" and seen much fruit from this. We will truly miss you both. Thank you for everything you do, so selflessly. We will pray for your safe journey. We love you! Please send home reports 'from the road' for us to share here!
*****
REMINDERS!
Farewell Luncheon for Dale and Florence
Sunday, November 14th
Following morning services
Where: OCC
No need to bring anything but a hearty appetite! Come say goodbye to Dale and Florence for this season.
Work Bee Saturday, November 2o 10:30 a.m. Where: OCC
Don't wear your new clothes. Do bring a good attitude and elbow grease.
Prayer at Kaye's EVERY Thursday morning 10:00 a.m.
Date: Saturday, November 13th Time: 2:00 p.m. Where: Osoyoos Christian Centre, 42 Finch Crescent, Osoyoos Phone: 250-495-2550 Info: There will be an informal luncheon following the service - welcome to bring a dish along!
Shoebox Deadline All shoeboxes should be submitted this Sunday for Operation Shoebox. Please be sure to include the form and monies for each.
Date: Sunday, November 14th.
Church Work-Bee This will be a time of prepping our Church and yard for the winter months. Bring Elbow-Grease!
Date: Saturday, November 20th @ 10:30 a.m. Where: Osoyoos Christian Centre
one of the picture layers from a phtograph by mancity@sxc
Have you ever watched a ray of light break through dark clouds in the sky? Ever wondered what this phenomenon is called? I did, so I looked it up - there's an actual name for these rays. They are called Crepascular Rays. They stream through gaps in the clouds or between objects. Dark cloud areas seperate the bars of light between. The name Crepascular refers to the TIME these occur, a time called Crepascular hours - the time between around dawn and dusk, when the light/dark contrast is the highest. I am always drawn to these rays, pausing whenever I see them.
I think what thought forms in my mind is that the reason the rays make such a visual impact is that because the rest of the sky is dark and forboding, the small slivers of light which pour through and illuminate appear brilliant! Though they take up the least amount of the vista, they draw our full attention. They make me think of HOPE.
No matter how dark the world seems, no matter how alone you feel, Jesus is there - even when we cannot see him. When the clouds block out His light - but never forever. The goodness and light is merely biding its time. Sometimes, for me, a small ray of hope does more for me than an entire sky of sunshine.
Here's a small poem which I found in Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Chas E. Cowman, which is a good reminder for us:
God is above the clouds! - the darkest; most depressing;
The clouds of disappointment, burden, anguish, pain;
The clouds of long suspense; of tidings most distressing;
God is above the clouds! - and skies will smile again.
-by J. Danson Smith (from "Thou Remainest," London, England.)
I apologise for posts to our blog to be brief during these summer months – I hope to bring you more content in Autumn! A special thank you to Pastor Joseph Fernandes who shared an inspiring message this past weekend. Joseph comes to us from Cheers Church, located in Penticton. You may click the graphic above to visit the Cheers website. Please forgive me if the following recording may not be of the highest quality, or may even have a piece missing or repeated as I had to cobble it together from a recording made on my iphone when the battery in my audio recorder failed. Click on the player to hear this week’s message.
Pastor Joseph will be leading us this coming Sunday as well – service at 10:30 (though we encourage you to drop in for pre-service prayer at 9:30)
***** THANKS
Thank you to Pastor Don Schneider of Bethel Church in Penticton for speaking at the service of Richard Allen last week and also our sincere appreciation for the Osoyoos Baptist Church women for coming alongside and providing food and help with the following tea.
*****
EVENTS
Women’s Prayer Every Thursday at Kaye’s Place 7806 Gravenstein @ 10:30 a.m.
The Soaking Well A time of open worship – bring a friend! Each Friday at OCC, 42 Finch Crescent @ 7:00 p.m.
This has been a particularly poignant and difficult week for our congregation with a loss of two of our church family. The Johnson family grieves the loss of their Father, Dallas but celebrates knowing he is HOME with the Lord. Richard Allen as well, leaves behind his wife Zdena. Details of their services follow this week’s message.
I was not there to hear the word as it was delivered today by Betty – but I had my husband record it so I could post it here to share with you, and I have just listened to it now. I’ve been struggling lately and there seems to be so many things going on and constantly changing and I feel like I’m in water over my head some days – but I’ve found such love and support exactly through this time. I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me and I wish I could put my finger on it, that it was something “tangible” that I could just deal with, but then the enemy works just in this way – in the background, insidiously, just tainting everything we see and do so that we doubt, second guess and are robbed of “The Joy of the Lord” I’m so grateful for today’s message all the more for it speaks right into the situation. Perhaps it will do the same for you. Just click the “Play” button to enjoy!
The Johnson family are holding a memorial for Dallas on Tuesday, July 27th in their home at 18 Larkspur Place starting at 2 in the afternoon and running into the early evening. This will be an informal time of celebrating the life of Dallas. Please call Al Johnson at 250-495-5133 if you should need more information.
There will be a service for Richard Allen held at the Osoyoos Christian Centre on Friday, July 30th at 1:00. 250-495-2550
Its hard to believe June is coming to a close, soon the children will be out for summer vacation.
How I remember those happy childhood times, looking forward to vacation and a seemingly endless summer stretched out before me. Now as an adult the days seem to whiz by like calendar pages whipping off in a gale. This is because I am busy, of course, as so many of you are. But what about those who are suffering or not well? Time is elastic for them, a painful process of just getting through the days. Like our good sister Isabelle who is in hospital at the moment. May our hearts have sympathy, may our thoughts turn to them with our prayers and certainly if we find time out of our busy schedules to brighten up their days would make the clocks tick faster for them. God created us to fellowship, after all.
God bless all sick folk everywhere,
And all who suffer pain,
All invalids, all crippled folk,
And all who long have lain
In bed by day and night, and know
How wearily the hours go.
__________
THE MESSAGE:
In case you were unable to attend this past Sunday, here is the Word for Sunday, June 27th delivered by Pastor Jussi.
Did you notice (and duh, I should have taken a photo!) Our church is looking all bright and fresh with the new painting that Pastor Jussi has done. What a welcome upgrade to our building. Did you have a difficult time getting into our parking lot this past Sunday? The grounds have been disrupted as the town is putting in new sidewalks and a retaining wall along the bank at the side of the highway. What welcome improvements! However, the road was closed off on Sunday with no clear instructions on how to get around it all. It will be wonderful when all the work is done.
The friday night “Soaking Well” ministry is enjoying a great beginning. This past Friday was the third “soak” and the people who “came to the well” received answers to their individual needs. Praise God!
Sunday school turned out to be a good time this weekend, even as I re…luct…ly dragged my feet downstairs to do it. For some reason I fear that I won’t be able to bless the children – I’m always afraid I won’t be able to give value to them in the way of Bible learning. But whenever I follow God’s nudge on my heart the children minister to ME and it works out. I was very grateful Florence asked to help – things just flowed.
We decided to simply let the Spirit show us what to do and it only took a few moments for us to discern the children were quite happy drawing and colouring. One boy, Steven, was an absolute EXPERT on all things airplane related so we went along with him. Florence even knew a lovely song called “Jesus is my Pilot” so we learned the song as we all drew pictures and flew paper airplanes. We talked about relying on faith along the same lines as a pilot relies on “auto pilot” These children were QUICK and drew the connecting thoughts right away. With no further ado, here is the song and some of the wonderful pictures and airplanes we got to see!
Thank you to Steven, Lauren, Hail and Autumn for your help with these wonderful pictures and the song.
Higher than the sun, the moon, the stars above – we’ll fly,
When my Pilot comes I’ll take my aeroplane ride!
Operation Shoebox Challenge
As you know our church participates in Operation Christmas Child – a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse and so we have put out a “shoebox a month” challenge. May’s challenge was a COLOR theme, June’s an ART theme – the box above a collaboration between myself and Melanie Olsen. We have come up with a new theme for July – it will be a “HANDY MAN” theme. So why not fill a box with some good tools and useful things to help a “Dad’s little helper” box, if you would like to do for a younger child – or a Carpenter box for an older child. (don’t forget to pray for the child who receives it as well!) Who knows, this might be something that will allow a child to develop the skills for a career in life! These shoebox gifts are sometimes the ONLY present a child in the third world might receive. What a great opportunity.
If you don’t have the way to shop for a box but would like to “sponsor” one, we figure it costs between $15 - $20 to nicely fill one. We will gladly “SHOP and PACK” for you if you would like! Just contact Florence if you are interested to do this.
To learn more about Operation Christmas Child and the good work of Samaritan’s Purse, just click on the photo of the shoebox above!
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EVENTS:
Kaye’s Power Prayer
Be prepared to spend a good hour of DEEP prayer. Kaye has hosted Prayer, Thursday mornings for over 30 years!
Kaye Harkness
10:30 a.m.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
7806 Gravenstein Drive
The Soaking Well
A time to soak up the presence of the King! An unstructured time of worship and praise where we wait on Jesus to meet in prayer and fellowship.
What a difficult week it was – therefore my delay to blog. As you know from last week’s blog that our dear Eileen was called HOME to be with our Lord. I accepted this, understood and rejoiced that after such a long and full life she was READY. She had lived life fully – she had a wonderful outlook and attitude and brightened the life of everyone she touched. It was TIME. It is good.
And then, I found out that another friend – her husband was taken, very suddenly. In the prime of his life – just 60 years old. He too was a bright and vibrant personality. Musical, artistically gifted and married for just 6 years to an amazing lady. What?
And again, on Sunday and listening to the news that a young man – a first nations member – only 30 years old was snatched away by a car accident, (not his fault) leaving a young family behind. What?
Just to note, the 60 year old man suffered a massive heart attack and from all assurances did not suffer at all, as was the 30 year old man. I know this is a comfort – but even with the deepest faith the question comes. Why? Are we to understand? Or are we to drink the cup and leave it be? I think not. I do accept that THE AUTHOR of their lives had written the endings like this but what does it mean to those who’s lives are rent, uprooted?
How do I comfort my friend in her loss? When I ponder the devastation which has been smote upon her life its unfathomable to me. Why her and not me? Why would God allow her to find the love of her life and then just as suddenly, after such a short time, snatch him away? And yet, I know – I just KNOW that because my friend is grounded in her faith that we can be assured – comforted. This does not mean that there won’t be days that will well up with a loneliness that seems unending and times of anger. God does not promise us a certain number of days here on earth, here with the ones we love, but He does promise us that as he is omnipotent HE will always be with us and if we believe on Him and our loved ones do too – we will be reunited.
And while I comfort my friend and try to walk with her down this arduous path I can only take heed this is a desire for the Lord to cause me to look within my own life, my own marriage and to ask myself “What if today was my husband’s last day on earth? (father, mother, daughter, sister, aunt or friend?) For we cannot know, and therefore we must make each moment count. We must work very very hard to shine the light of Jesus Christ into each of these relationships we are blessed with so that our loved ones will come into a personal relationship with HIM. For one day – perhaps even today, tomorrow, we won’t have a choice.
Just watching the news – people swept away in a flash flood in Arkansas. Happy camping families one moment – gone the next. Its happening all over the world, every day, minute, second. Every instance is a cue – GET GOOD WITH GOD. This is your PROMISE from Him:
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Matthew 24:35
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
Psalm 119:50
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Please keep the families and needs forefront in your prayers these coming weeks. Show the Love of the Lord by reaching out to them in their time of need.
____________________
THE MESSAGE
Pastor Jussi – June 13, 2010
Click on the audio player to play this past week’s message:
Osoyoos Chrisitan Centre is pleased to launch a new ministry. Each Friday our church will be open for you to come, bring a friend and join in a time of prayer. Click on the audio player below to hear a short clip about this new ministry.
Our Tuesday Women’s meetings may be suspended for a time – perhaps throughout the summer for now, but we want to tell you a little bit about WHAT we have been up to – things YOU can still contribute with if you feel led to do so.
As some of you know, our church always puts together boxes for Operation Shoebox which are sent out for needy children throughout the world at Christmas. Somehow we seem to leave the gathering of them and the putting them together until the last moments (except Florence who has already made her goal of 40!) So, we women have made a commitment to and challenge to try to complete a box apiece each month instead of waiting! The last month’s challenge was a COLOUR theme and we had some beautiful boxes come of it.
Do you know that these shoeboxes are the only gift some of these children have ever had IN THEIR LIVES? Won’t you consider taking this month’s challenge to build a box – we are working with the theme of “ARTIST” Suggestions for a box could be paints, paper, pencils, erasers, a painting smock, painting brushes a basic drawing book (with lots of GRAPHICS – the child might not understand the words, but the technique) modelling clay etc. Who knows, a young artist might grow up to be a “real” artist?
Can’t do a box yourself? We would love to help. If you would like to donate towards a box ($15 - $20 can fill a box nicely – or just give what you are able) then WE will do the shopping and packing FOR you and put your name on it!
And our Tuesday Women’s meetings have been a time to work on some projects for the Canadian Food for Children foundation. This project does not provide just food – it provides all sorts of USEFUL and practical items to be sent to people in need in third-world countries.
Cloth bag sewn by Rose
Florence with pads made of recycled cotton sheets
Our ladies have been working on rolling bandages made from sheets, menstrual pads made from linens, sewn bags, knitting etc. CFFC accepts MANY items we often would like to recycle but don’t know where to. We welcome you to inquire more about this project - you can also visit and volunteer at the warehouse in Penticton. To find out more please email us at occwomenonline@gmail.com
If we do not have another Tuesday Women’s meeting during the summer then we will resume first thing in the fall. In the meantime may you find ways to fellowship with our women and contribute to some of these important ministries!
____________________
ON A SWEET NOTE
Just a little song to tickle your ears. We had a young man share this beautiful song – Jesus, Sweet Jesus – during Sunday School last week. Here it is for YOU to enjoy! Just click on the audio player to hear.
Delving deeper into the WORD – drop in to journey through the bible.
Al Johnson
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 16, 2010
18 Larkspur
Phone: 250-495-5133
Kaye’s Power Prayer
Be prepared to spend a good hour of DEEP prayer. Kaye’s ministry of prayer has been ongoing for over 30 years!
Kaye Harkness
10:30 a.m.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
7806 Gravenstein Drive
The Soaking Well
A time to soak up the presence of the King! An unstructured time of worship and praise where we wait on Jesus to meet in a quiet time of gentle music and fellowship.
Sadly, we have lost a dear friend from our church family – Eileen Bowden. Eileen went home to our Lord Jesus on Tuesday, June 1st. Eileen was a bright light to each one of us – until the very end and in her 90’s she had a terrific outlook on life and was an inspiration to many. We will miss her very much.
Will you join us at a graveside service at Lakeview Cemetery, Osoyoos on Friday, June 11th at 1:30 p.m. and followed by a tea at Mariposa Gardens, 8816 97th Street, Osoyoos. It would be well to park in the Buy Low parking lot which is directly across the street as there is limited parking for Mariposa Gardens. Dale Archibald will share a few words both at the graveside ceremony and as well at Mariposa Gardens.
The following are some photos of Eileen taken by Dale and Florence and myself which we were able to find and share with you:
Eileen and Florence
Eileen and Shirley
Bench Dedicated by Eileen
2007
Birthday 2008
Dale Archibald who deliver’s the message following (he and his wife Florence were good friends with Eileen) will also speak a bit on the special person Eileen was. Just click on the player to enjoy today’s word. It is about one hour long – so get comfortable!
This Tuesday Florence will show us how to roll bandages for the Canadian Food for Children. She will bring along the material necessary. She and Krista recently visited the warehouse in Penticton and spent an afternoon assembling “Shoe Shine Kits”. Florence will tell us about their experience. Come enjoy some warm fellowship, treats and coffee or tea!
Bible Study
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
7:30 p.m.
Al Johnson – 18 Larkspur Place
250-495-5133
Desiring to go deeper into God’s word? Why not join Al and family as they cover various books of the bible!
OCC Online Women’s Chat
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
7:00 p.m.
online – using MSN Messenger
This online meeting is an informal “get together” of women from both our church body and guests. You must have MSN Messenger and an account. If you do you can email me at occwomenonline@gmail.com and let me know what your username is with a request for us to add you to our list. We look forward to getting to know you. This online meeting is a wonderful way for some of our women who are unable to make it to our church services because of work or other reasons, to still be in contact with our women!
OCC Women’s Prayer Meeting
Thursday, June 10, 2010
10:30 a.m.
Kaye’s Place – 7806 Gravenstien Drive
Kaye has been a “Prayer Warrior” for over 30 years and has held a meeting every week in her home for all these years. Come join in this powerful time of prayer where every imaginable need is looked after – from personal petitions to our country, government and the world. Life changing!
NEW !!!
“The Soaking Well”
Friday, June 11, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Needing a time of gentle worship? This evening will be a time you can feel free to drop into your church (friends welcome!) for as little or as long as you are led to come – to enjoy some soothing music and time of free-worship. Thirsty? – Come to “The Soaking Well”!
Just a small post with some photos from our Mother’s Day at Osoyoos Christian Centre and also from last Sunday’s inter-church service held at the Sonora Centre. Thank you to Leena who supplied me with pictures. I am expecting a picture to be sent of the choir and will post it when it arrives as well.
Mother’s Day at Osoyoos Christian Centre 2010
Betty speaking at the Inter-Church Service
Shirley – looking lovely!
Dale and Florence
And of course I find there is ALWAYS great food at Church functions.
We hope you have a good week – my posts will be at minimum over the coming two weeks my In-Laws are visiting and so we are spending time with them. If YOU have something you might like posted here please send an email to occwomenonline@gmail.com
Greetings All - welcome to our Osoyoos Christian Centre's Women's online meeting place (whew, that's a mouthful - try saying it fast, haha!) There has been a lot happening at OCC over this last weekend and first we will warm you up with some music and sound clips from our Worship service from May 2. For those of you who could not be with us, THIS is the reason I take time each week to post. It takes a lot of time to organize and some thinking too (the hard part LOL!) but I continue to receive confirmation that this blog DOES make a difference.
We were joined by the wonderful "Away Team" from our sister church Park Drive Pentecostal from Oliver. Each time you provide the music there is a special anointing over us - we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I know that each song you sang touched me - and of course Pastor Bart has his own unique way of delivering an important Word each time. He's got just the right blend of knowledge, wisdom and ... humour, perfect to engage everyone.
I was especially moved by this last song - I enjoyed the worshipful way the Away Team sang it.
And I also wanted to be sure to include this clip of Stacy sharing a word from Revelations (Stacy is dressed in red in the photo at the top)
As you can see, the Away Team is quite a large group of people and it takes a good deal of effort and organization as well as dedication to pull their sessions together - this besides the fact of having to travel down to practice and set up at our church. From the singing to the sound mixing to the composing Power Point and running the slide show, these people love what they do - its evident when you are in their presence.
Thank you to each and every one of you for being here for us.
Dan and Olga McCormick
This Sunday was also our Church Family Luncheon and it was a success as always. We were blessed with extra hands in the setting up as we enjoyed the company of Pastor Dan and Olga McCormick who stopped in on their way through. After reading the blog and knowing we were setting up Saturday night for the Sunday Luncheon they came and helped us whip everything into order. Thank you! Who knows, one day we might come be "willing hands" for you too.
Pastor Jussi and Leena
Our luncheon was a great opportunity to OFFICIALLY welcome Pastor Jussi and Leena to our church family - what better way than with a nummy DQ ice cream cake decorated by Rose Johnson.
Here are a few random photos from our get - together:
Angela - always smiling and looking pretty!
"Away Team" members and families
Thanks to Rose for the beautiful bouquets centerpieces. Won't YOU join us for our next luncheon too?
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NEWS:
Thank you to all of you who have requested to be "subscribed" to this blog - we now have just under 60 official "subscribers" who have an email delivered to your inbox whenever a new post is up! Please email us at occwomenonline@gmail.com if you know of anyone who would like to be added.
As most of you know from our last blog post, Nathan and Leila Freeman are in China for the next two months where Nathan is working out his teaching practicum. Here is their latest news:
Hey world, We've arrived safely in China. We just got connected to the internet today as it was a holiday when we arrived. We've settled into a lovely little flat. I'll see about if we can send pics. We've already taken the train (LRT) all the way into city centre and around to other stops. We've discovered some wonderful food. What bits and pieces of Chinese I have have been coming back and being used. I asked where milk was the other day in a supermarket (Neo nai zi na li) and the person understood me and pointed me in the right direction. I was thrilled. As it turns out, Nathan has all four of his teaching blocks on the same day (They are on a linear system where they have ten classes, five on "Day One" and five on "Day Two" all year) and so he will have a day between classes. We're super stoked about that. Will try to keep updating, but must be going now. Blessings to all, Leila (and Nathan who is over there talking to his sponsor teacher....)
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EVENTS:
Women's Bible Meeting
Tuesday, May 4 - 1:30 p.m.
Rose Johnson's - 18 Larkspur
250-495-5133
Online Women's Meeting
Online - got msn messenger?
We meet every Wednesday night at 7:00
for information on how YOU can join us please email us at occwomenonline@gmail.com
Bible Study
Wednesday, May 5 7:00 p.m.
Al Johnson - 18 Larkspur
250-495-5133
Power Prayer
Thursday, May 6 10:30 a.m.
Kaye's Place
7806 Gravenstein Drive
Inter Church Service
(not sure if this is the correct title for it, but basically it is the churches in this area coming together for a joint service)
Sunday, May 16
Sonora Community Center
8505 68th Avenue
10:30 a.m. (I'm pretty sure)
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NEW & INTERESTING LINKS
A note that May 6th is a Day of Prayer - this according to one of my very favourite sites - http://www.crosscards.com/ Why not check them out and send out some of their greetings. This site has something for all occasions and even some "just because" cards too. They feature beautiful wallpaper every month too.
Another site you might enjoy is http://www.allworship.com/ - a place where you can listen to Christian Music online for free! Uplifting and encouraging music to help you through your day.
Ralph and Krista Hargrave
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