Bethel Crc Lacombe

Today we are beginning a journey through the book of Judges. We will be reflecting on Judges 1:1-3, 2:1-4, 3:5-11, Othniel – The First Judge.  We will look at Israel’s relationship with God as they settle into the land, how they began to do things their way instead of fully trusting in God, how God honours their choices but with consequences, but also how God never gives up on them as well as looking at the first judge, Othniel. 

Today we will continue our short series on the blessings of mentoring. We will be reflecting on Acts 9:19-31: Barnabas & Paul, Recognizing Potential. Paul, still called Saul, was bringing a lot of people to Jesus in Antioch. The Apostles in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to check out Saul. Many of them were still scared of Saul because he had been such a strong enemy against the church earlier on. Barnabas went and met Saul, saw his potential to do amazing things for the Lord. He took Saul to Jerusalem to convince the apostles to trust in Saul and help him in the ministry Jesus had called him to. Barnabas used his reputation, the trust others had in him, to help Saul and to even join him on a couple of his missionary journeys. Followers of Jesus are always on the lookout for those with gifts for the kingdom of heaven and then they invest in them. Using their reputation, gifts, and life to help them become who Jesus has created them to be.

Today we have the pleasure of having Ron deVries, Youth Ministry Catalyzer for Faith Formation Ministries deliver a message from Acts 4:5-13, Do You Remember When…? We will focus on the need to move from a place of worldly hope to one focused on the resurrected Jesus Christ. Jesus often finds ways to remind us that he has not left us, that he is present in our everyday and that our HOPE and identities are rooted in His story.

Today we will be starting a short series on The Blessings of Mentoring. We will begin by reflecting on 2 Kings 2:1-15, Elijah and Elisha: Walking Together. Elijah knows that the Lord will be taking him home to heaven and begins a journey to the Jordan River where this is going to take place. Elisha, who was chosen by Elijah with God’s guidance to be a prophet, is walking with Elijah. Elijah keeps telling Elisha that he doesn’t need to come, but Elisha insists on walking this journey together. In a strong mentoring relationship, there is a commitment to walk together through the good and the difficult. After Elijah is taken up to heaven, Elisha carries on the work he has been entrusted with and mentored in. 

This is Labour Day weekend, and today we will be reflecting on Genesis 1:26-31 & James 2:14-19, The Goodness of Work. We are created to work, to take care of this amazing creation of God’s. We are created in the image of God. We are given the gift of imagination, insight into who God is and his presence in the world. We were given this gift to recognize the potential God has placed in creation. We are to develop it in ways that honour God’s work. This call to take care of creation extends in James in caring for each other. If we see a need or injustice and do nothing; our faith is dead. A community shaped on God’s shalom and imagining the kingdom of God is one where we look for the potential in others and create ways for that potential to be developed and realized. Thus, creating fruit filled communities and people. 

Today we are wrapping up our summer series on Women in the Old Testament, looking at some of the most important and impactful women in Jewish Biblical history. We will be reflecting on Esther 7, Esther: The Clever Queen. Esther finds herself queen in the greatest empire of the time, queen to the king of Israel’s enemy. The king is not a wise king and is easily manipulated by those around him, which ends up placing the Jewish people in the empire in danger due to a vengeful advisor to the king. Esther is called to use her position and relationship with the king to save her people, cleverly manipulating the king against his advisor. 

Today we are we will be continuing our summer series on Women in the Old Testament, looking at some of the most important and impactful women in Jewish Biblical history. We will be reflecting on Ruth 3, Ruth - Humility & Kindness. Ruth’s humility and kindness stands out to Boaz. Ruth’s story happens during the time of the Judges, a time when everyone did what was right in their own eyes. Boaz stays true to God and is drawn to Ruth who has chosen Israel’s God over her own gods from Moab. 

Today we are returning to our summer series on Women in the Old Testament, looking at some of the most important and impactful women in Jewish Biblical history. This week we are reflecting on 1 Samuel 25, Abigail - Wisdom. Abigail is the only woman in the Bible to be described as being both beautiful and intelligent. Abigail uses her intelligence and wisdom to save her household from David’s anger, and to save David from engaging in an impulsive and rash act of vengeance that would have threatened his kingship later on. Abigail helps to ensure that David lives into his godly character.

Today we have the pleasure of receiving the message from Pastor Frank de Boer. He will concentrate on Philippians 2:5-11 and Luke 18:9-14, Humbled & Exalted.

Today we have the pleasure of receiving the message from Pastor Frank de Boer. He will be reading from Matthew 5:17-20, Fulfilling the Law. A time of reflection of the how the law is fulfilled in Christ through faith that comes from the heart.

Today we will be returning to our summer series based on Women in the Old Testament by turning to Joshua 2:1-24, Rahab: On God’s Side. Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute who chose God over her own idols. Rahab, and the people of Canaan, had been watching Israel approach and God placed fear in their hearts as Israel set their sights on the land promised them by God. We’re often surprised by the people God chooses to work out his plans through, often choosing people we never would. Rahab becomes part of God’s people and even becomes one of the ancestors of Jesus! We will also be installing Henry Eisses as elder as part of our service.

This Sunday, Pastor Jake will be reflecting on Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Teaching Our Children to Love and Obey Our God. This is a beautiful passage which calls us to remember who God is and who he has called us to be as his children and people. This involves shaping our thoughts and beliefs, along with shaping the work of our hands through the laws and commands God has given us through Jesus.

Today we will be beginning our summer series Women in the Old Testament.  We will start by reflecting on Genesis 29:31-35. Leah: I will Praise the Lord. Leah is the first wife of Jacob, but Jacob loves Rachel, Leah’s younger sister. The Lord sees that Leah is unloved and helps her to have 4 sons. Leah hopes that these sons would turn Jacob’s heart to her, but in the end, she comes to praise the Lord rather than depend on a person’s love to fill her heart. 

Today we have the pleasure of having Pastor Henry Wildeboer leading us in worship. He will be reflecting on John 14:11-14, Even Greater Things…

Today we will be completing our series on worship by reflecting on Exodus 24, Sealing our Relationship with God. In this account from Moses on meeting with God and receiving the Ten Commandments, it happens in the context of worship. As part of this worship, Moses and the leaders of Israel meet with God on the mountain and they all see God and God does not kill them, but instead they eat and drink together in God’s presence. What a beautiful image of the meal that Jesus later gives us, the Lord’s supper. Worship, covenant, Law, and meal all connected together and point us to Jesus.

Today we will be reflecting on Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost from Acts 2:1-39, The Wind Blows and Fire Appears. We see God on the move as the Holy Spirit comes pouring into the world in a powerful public way. Pentecost is about Jesus equipping us with the Spirit to be his witnesses to the world of the good news found in Jesus. Pentecost is about hope, about dreaming of the kingdom of heaven, and preparing the world for Jesus’ return. Are you in? 

Today we will be reflecting on Jesus’ ascension to heaven, Act 1:1-11, Worship: What Goes Up, Must Come Down. This is a joyous, sad, and even confusing time for Jesus’ followers and yet necessary for them, and us to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. In returning to heaven, Jesus is also seated at the right hand of the Father and given all authority in heaven and on earth. Jesus is now our king. 

Today we have the privilege of having Pastor Frank de Boer from Leduc, AB. He will be delivering us a message from Exodus 20:1-3, Freed to Obey the True God. During the service we will be casting lots for the Office of Elder. May our worship together be blessed. 

Today we have the privilege of having Pastor Ron Klok from Edmonton. Pastor Ron will be focusing his message from Corinthians 6:12-20, Body Temples. May our worship together be blessed. 

Welcome to Bethel! Today we continue our 4-week series on worship by reflecting on Joshua 24:1-28, Worship: Hearing God’s Promises with Anticipation. The Israelites are now in the Promised Land and God has helped them to conquer it. Now it is time to settle down and become a nation that puts its nomadic ways behind them and develop the land and the people according to God’s will and Law. Joshua looks back over God’s faithfulness and promises to encourage the people to follow God alone.