First Sabbath in 2024

 January 6th  was the first Sabbath of 2024. 

Shannon and Cherri had the children's room all refreshed and ready for the children to arrive. 

They had 5 lovely young ones for a very nice Sabbath School. 

Thank you very much for this duo who have kept something on going for our church.

So nice to have them involved with singing together. 

Go into the classroom and look around.  It is interesting and fun.  Which hand could you add to this heart?

The theme for this week was the World and as Shannon talked the children made Lego creations of what they like on this world.  Rainbows and sunsets and trees and more. 

Someone enjoyed the colouring page to go with the theme.

Greeting is such an important part of our church.  Making one entering the church feel like they belong and are very welcome. 

Thank you all you greeters who come early each Sabbath and help each person be spoken to.

I think we all miss our greeter team Tom and Iris,  faithful at their duties and smiling as they shook hands and handed out bulletins.

With Tom and Iris is Warren's mother, Verna J. 

Thanks for sharing this beautiful photo Joy. 

And in the church sanctuary a nice SS lesson discussion was being lead by Lori. 

 You may not be able to see them all in this photo but there was a very nice group.

After mission spotlight Liza invited Jonathan to help with Praise Time and when Alison came in she also joined them up front.

Singing sure does make a person feel good and nice to have the group all doing the same thing  together.  It was so so nice to have Nancy back to play the organ. 

The more people involved the nicer it is.

Beverly had a very wonderful sermon talk that brought peace and encouragement to us listening. 

In this day we need to remember our Wonderful Saviour and what He is willing to do for us if we hold His hand. 

Beverly shared the poem Footsteps and reminded us of a new start with the new year. 

She suggested we resolve to trust God in 2024. 

The one story Beverly shared about her son being called from work and told that he did not need to come to work that night was a very good example of the verse that says, "Before the call I will answer."

As her son took her to the airport to fly back to Kelowna the weather came up and it was made clear that he was needed at home to help take care of any people that might need a tall building to stay in until the tsunami warning and problem were over.  

Mother's prayers are very important and are truly needed.  

Thank you for your words, Beverly. 

Kneeling for prayer is a beautiful part of the service. 

Scripture by Loretta

Special music with this talented young man. 

Vicki at her post at the organ. 

And the man at the guitar too. 

Doug tells such interesting things about animals for his children's stories and this week he told about the  swans here on a nearby pond and then about pelicans.  The facts he shared were truly amazing. 

Thank you, Doug. 

Playing piano and organ for the special music here I think . Or maybe for the children's offering. 

In the afternoon there was nice visiting with Walter W at his little room at the care home. 

How nice it is for you to visit people who can not come out for church any more. 

Brings them happiness even for a short while. 

A little update from Bonnie:

We are so thrilled to welcome out first grandson, Josiah Spady.  His a healthy, little baby and so very sweet. 

Of course he is the "cutest baby ever".  We are blessed to spend this first few weeks getting to know him.  His hobbies are eating, sleeping and pooping with a few smiles interspersed. 

Thank you for your congratulations and well wishes. 

An update from Karen N...

She is now out of the hospital and back at her home. 

Here is what she had to say a few days ago. 

I’m doing much better very difficult last three days but I can get up and walk now. Still on oxygen will be home most likely by Wednesday.

One more thought. I would like to thank all those kindhearted people who sent their prayers to the Lord for me. It has help me, and he has granted me an extension it seems.   Thank you so much for your love and kindness, Karen.

Beverly's dog Dory is enjoying the snow... are you!?!?!?

And cosy after the outdoor time. 

Kitty is cosy too.

Thanks Beverly for sharing your fun at your place. 

So nice to see.