Philpott Inside :: Oct 2003
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Wed, 01 Oct 2003
Oct 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/family_news/events]
Graceland: Looking Back, Looking Ahead
By Robin Boughan
We’ll remember June 22, 2003 for the energy and rich spirit, the great participation and singing of old hymn favourites, the quality of our many Philpott musical talents, the convivial time spent in the Gym with so many invited guests…
Philpott’s Graceland concert doesn’t have anything to do with the king of Nashville, but is all about praising "The King" in a fun filled Gaither style evening of song.
Robin Boughan conducted a survey with the help of Heidi Wilton to get the views and comments from those, young and old, who attended Graceland. The committee as interested in getting feedback on many issues including:
the Graceland theme, its intended purpose, participation, and analysing the production to help plan for the future. Here are some of the positive comments:
"I think we struck a good tone of informality and excellence in quality of music."
"It was a great evening for all who attended."
"My wife and I brought two elderly ladies - strangers to the church but Christians. They thought the evening was terrific… they raved about it… the choice of Hymns was excellent too!"
Whatever the view of the respondents to the survey questions, we certainly appreciate them taking the time to complete it! We will be using the opinions expressed in the survey to help shape any future "Graceland" participation style concert.
Thanks also go to the many participants on the platform and behind the scenes for making Graceland an enjoyable evening.
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Oct 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/family_news/adult_ministries]
Guest Speakers This Year
Mark your calendar:
23 November 2003
Bill Fietje- DS, AGC; former OMF Canada Director
4 January 2004
Bob Morris- Interserve; Tyndale
8 February 2004
John Bowen- Wycliffe College, University of Toronto
28 March 2004
Dr. Haddon Robinson- Gordon-Conwell Seminary
23 May 2004
The Executive Director of Interserve Canada
TBA July 2004
Bud Penner- President, AGC
21 November 2004
Dr. Joe Wall- East/West Ministries, Founder, Colorado Christian University
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Oct 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/cute_stories]
Things We Keep
I grew up in the fifties with practical parents— a mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in
it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a name for it… A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones.
Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in one hand, dish towel in the other.
It was the time for fixing things — a curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress.
Things we keep. It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, reheating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful.
Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there’d always be more.
But then my mother died, and on that clear summer’s night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn’t any ‘more.’ Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away… never to return. So, while we have it, it’s best we love it, and care for it, and fix it when it’s broken, and heal it when it’s sick. This is true for marriage, and old cars, and children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, and aging parents, and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.
Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away, or a classmate we grew up with. There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special…..and so, we keep them close!
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Oct 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/the_pathway]
The Pathway
By Lane Fusilier
Welcome to the Pathway! We are walking an ancient path in pursuit of a dynamic spiritual life. Many of us are new to this, curious about who Jesus is, but not sure we can know yet. Quite a few are taking faith steps, committing our ways to Him, learning to find hope and help in Jesus. A number of us are wanting to know how we can experience the sort of authentic community that makes life satisfying. A few are out front, scouting ahead, encouraging us to move along in faith.
Regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey, we want you to understand that there are people like you here. The journey goes a little easier when we enjoy it together.
This year, we will continue to help our friends step onto the path and get to know who Jesus is. We will follow through on our commitment to show one another how to develop the spiritual disciplines that deepen us and prepare us to know God more fully.
We have also prepared to begin a new phase of our spiritual journey. Our intention this year is to enjoy our common journey. Friendships that matter are those that bring us encouragement, companionship, and joy. We have launched mid-size groups that meet in both hours Sunday mornings. The hope is that you will find the study of the Word nurturing there, that you will make new friends, deepen established friendships and realize that you are known and accepted for who you are now.
Even if you are shy, don’t miss this. Either come early or stay a little later.
Jesus said that outsiders will know that we are Christians by our love for one another.
Welcome to the Pathway!
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Oct 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/the_pathway]
The Never-Ending Journey
By Jason Silver
You’ve probably wondered why we’ve been talking about the Pathway so much. For example, our September series was called "the Pathway," we’ve begun to develop a new web site called "thePathway.ca," and we talk about newcomers getting connected along the "connection pathway." What is this all about?
"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight…"
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When Jesus taught, he often used Parables to describe complex truths. On the surface a parable is a simple little story. But it’s more than that. It’s also a type of metaphor. Jesus described the kingdom of heaven by using examples from the here and now. Losing a coin, planting a garden, managing a business- these are just some of the real-life examples Jesus used as illustrations.
There is something intriguing about opening a story with the words, "There was a man who had two sons…" You’re drawn into the story- maybe even putting yourself in the story.
This is our intent with the Pathway. It’s a kind of modern-day parable, yet it has a timeless impact; everyone understands that life is a journey.
But Is It Scriptural?
Scripture is especially full of reference to ‘the path.’ For example, "You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn." from 2nd Samuel 22. Job has many references to life being a path. For example, "Will you keep to the old path that evil men have trod?" and "There are those who rebel against the light, who do not know its ways or stay in its paths." Psalms has many references as well, "You have made known to me the path of life;" and "My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped." and "Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors." "They spread a net for my feet- I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path- but they have fallen into it themselves." "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." There are many more.
Proverbs continues as well, with a parallel between paths of wisdom, and paths of foolishness. "Then you will understand what is right and just and fair-every good path." "Thus you will walk in the ways of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous." This one is particularly familiar: "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Also, "I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths," and "I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,"
As you probably know, I could go on and on. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Micah- all contain verses which describe the pathway.
The New Testament also contains references to the path. Jesus asks us to "follow him." Luke uses it as a metaphor in describing the "path to peace." Paul encourages us not to place a stumbling block on anyone’s path. People have understood that life is a path for thousands of years.
What Does This Mean For Us?
This is an important point for us, because the ancient ways have become very attractive to young potential followers. Post-modern thinkers are attempting to return to the roots of faith, deconstructing what is "now" in order to better understand what life can mean to us.
God Started This
Our orange discipleship pamphlet came out two years ago, with a nice path on the cover. Inside were pictures of footsteps, and descriptions of the four phases of discipleship, from ‘Come and See’ through to ‘Remain in Me.’ We ask people to consider the road they are on, and if they are ready to take their first steps of faith. Bryan Wylie first recognized the potential use of this symbol, and suggested we think of the four phases of discipleship as tourist, traveller, trekker, and tour-guide. It’s reassuring to consider that God was leading us in this direction two years ago.
How Does This Affect Me?
We are designing this symbol and also thePathway.ca web site as a symbol of what is important to us as a church. We want to be a church that does God’s work of making disciples like Jesus. It is the most important work we can do.
If you don’t know where you are on the Pathway, take the Pathway quiz. You can get a copy from the church office, or fill it out online. Then you will be able to get involved in next-step activities which will mature you and make you more and more like Jesus.
If you have friends, neighbours, co-workers, or family members curious about becoming a Christian then direct them to our thePathway.ca web site. In the words of the web site:
"Jesus asked us to follow him, but often it can be difficult to know how. Where does the path go? Who else is on it? This site brings practical lessons of spiritual growth within your reach.
"Do You Want To Walk This Path?
"The Pathway has been marked by trekkers before you, but the Journey is not easy. You must climb dark mountains and cross dangerous rivers. Some parts of this road you must travel at night. Danger spots have been clearly indicated but many have fallen to their deaths.
"Do not take this trip lightly. It has the potential of great reward, but it is not for the weak of heart.
"You may gain new skills and inner strength you once thought impossible; but only if you abandon all confidence in your own ability and place complete trust in your guide.
"Decide for yourself: are you a tourist, looking for a diversion? Or are you able to guide others yourself? Are you a seasoned trekker, able to blend in with your surroundings, or a novice traveller, oft mistaken for a tourist yourself?
"Once you have found yourself, you may begin moving down the pathway. Along the way you may find hikers unable to move on, or challenging trials which slow you down as well. Our advice: stay close to your guide as you travel- this ‘trainer’ will help you find your way."
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Oct 01, 2003, 14:38
[top/family_news/events]
Welcome Back Weekend
By Wayne Wright
It is always great to be away in the summer on trips and holidays; to relax and participate in activities that you don’t usually take time for. But, like most things in life, reality strikes and we must eventually return to our regular schedules and responsibilities.
This transition is made easier at Philpott because of our Welcome Back Weekend. This yearly event happens on the first Saturday and Sunday after Labor Day in September.
"We sure ate a lot of hamburgers and hotdogs and salads and desserts!"
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The weekend provided an opportunity to re-acquaint ourselves with friends from the church that we had missed over the summer break. Fifty-two of us (thirteen foursomes) got up early (and I mean early) Saturday morning to play in Philpott’s Annual Golf Tournament out at Brant Hill Golf Course. It was a beautiful day, and a gorgeous place to spend a few hours enjoying one another’s company. The golf wasn’t that bad either!
Sunday morning we continued the celebration with a combined Worship service. This was followed by a BBQ on the back parking lot (or as some of our southerners say, the ‘Car Park’
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I don’t know how many were there, but I do know we sure ate a lot of hamburgers and hotdogs and salads and desserts! I sure wish I knew who ate all those brownies though.
We had great entertainment by some talented young people; jugglers, musicians, and more; the kids loved being transformed by our resident face painter!
An open house was held at the new building - 78 Vine Street. The University students have laid claim to the upstairs and the junior and senior high youth have taken over the basement. It looks like a great place to relax and enjoy these growing ministries. Many could not believe the transformation that has taken place in this new facility.
As we head into another new year of ministry we pray that God will transform us into the Community of Grace we long to be.
"Every detail works to your advantage and to God’s glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise!"
2 Corinthians 4:15, The Message
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