Last week of June

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.

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THE MESSAGE:

In case you were unable to attend this past Sunday, here is the Word for Sunday, June 27th delivered by Pastor Jussi.

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

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ACTIVITY:

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.

 

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

 

When my Pilot comes I’ll take my aeroplane ride,

Won’t that just be grand with Jesus by my side,

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.

7:00 p.m.

Friday, June 18, 2010

42 Finch Crescent

Phone: 250-495-2550

30 60 90

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.

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THE MESSAGE

Pastor Jussi – June 13, 2010

Click on the audio player to play this past week’s message:

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

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MINISTRIES

NEW!!!

The Soaking Well

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.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

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!

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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.

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

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EVENTS:

Bible Study

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.

7:00 p.m.

Friday, June 18, 2010

42 Finch Crescent

Phone: 250-495-2550

Farewell Eileen

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!

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

 

EVENTS:

 

OCC Women’s Meeting

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

1:30 p.m.

18 Larkspur Place

Rose - 250-495-5133

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”!