This Week...January 27, 2023

This Sunday, Pastor Bob will be sharing about the fifth beatitude, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy”  (Matthew 5:7). I’d like to share with you one of my favorite worship songs, written by The Porter’s Gate. The Porter's Gate Worship Project started as a group of songwriters, musicians, scholars, pastors and music industry professionals from a variety of backgrounds who gathered for meaningful conversation about worship and vocation. Over a few years they’ve had various gatherings to discuss and write songs on topics relevant to our walk with God: living out faith at work, celebrating life as neighbors with diverse cultures and races; living justly; lamenting as people of faith, and responding to climate change.

These songs remind me that even as times change and new challenges arrive, God is still alive, active, and speaking in our times. Many of the songs have lyrics taken straight from scripture; all of them are deep and thoughtful.

Listen to Blessed are the Merciful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2el5YwegO0M

Listen to the story of how the Neighbor Songs album was written: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW2dqH1OnYU 

How has God reminded you of his continuing presence during times of social, political, or environmental change?

Peace,

Heather, Worship Coordinator

___________________

Have questions and wondering who to contact?

• Anything relating to worship services: Heather at worship@wpgbc.org
• Anything else related to the office, building use, church directory, weekly emails, who to talk to about a question, etc: Anne at office@wpgbc.org

West Point Grey Baptist Church is calling a Special Business Meeting for THIS SUNDAY, January 29, 2023, following the Sunday morning service.

There will be four motions requiring congregational approval:

1. Motion to extend a call to Mrs. Luz Figueroa as Family Ministries Pastor beginning March 1, 2023. This will be a part time position for a one-year period, after which it will be reviewed for possible extension and full-time position.

2. Motion to amend bylaw Article III, Section 1 (A) as follows: The Annual Business Meeting (AGM) of the Church shall be held before June 30 of each year.

3. Motion to amend bylaw Article III, Section 1 (B) to delete “the acceptance of budgets”, so that the new amended clause reads: The purpose of the meeting shall be the election of Deacons and officers, the presentation of reports, and the transaction of business.

4. Motion to accept the 2023 budget.

(See the draft budget on the Bulletin Board in the Narthex, or contact the Church Office - office@wpgbc.org)

There is also a plan to update the congregation on the current situation of the Senior Pastor Search and to present a Job Description. See the Job Description HERE.

Join us for another Fantastic Film Night - Feb 4, 2023 (Saturday)!

Our film nights feature award winning films and discussion facilitated by celebrated film critics Paul Stevens and Pastor Bob. :)  It won't be boring!

Location: The Hawes'

Limited seating for 14 but if there are more than 14, this will be moved to the Watson Room at the Church

7:00pm - Tea/coffee and Goodies

7:30pm - Film (to be announced)

SIGN UP HERE

Sundays After Church Service

If you have a need for prayer, members of our prayer team will be available at the front of the church after service.

Tuesday Mornings

10:30am at the Church in the Watson Room

Friday Night Prayer - Feb 10 at 7:30pm - AT THE CHURCH (Library)

The second Friday each month, everyone is invited to prayer. This is a time for prayers of worship, thanksgiving, and needs both here and around the world. We will be meeting in person beginning January 13 at the Church in the Library (beside the elevator)

Organized by Elaine Cheung. 

Prayer Requests

To submit prayer requests to the volunteer prayer team, please visit the prayer page on our website: https://pointgreychurch.ca/prayer

Please pray for those who have health concerns or are unable to join us: Jeanne Elliot; Jim Hirtle; Judy Koren; Joan and Henry Kroeker (Purdy Pavilion); Sheila & Doug Johnston; Eric MacKenzie; Dick Williams; Gordon Saunders; Margaret MacPhee

An update from last Sunday's Lunar New Year Potluck to Connect...

Close to 90 people showed up for our gala Chinese New Year’s celebration and Potluck to Connect. We had wonderful food, including dumplings made by volunteers from church and young adults from Eve’s group from Navigators. Entertainment and singing was provided by Peter Feng and his helpers, and by Renee Zhang on her ancient Chinese instrument, the guzheng. Joey led us in thinking about what we have appreciated about our church in the past, and what we envision and hope for in the future. Many people shared their experiences and ideas. The room was made festive by decorations by Niki Chen, Jenny and Peter, and others. So many helped volunteer to make this happen. Thanks to the dumpling crew, decorating crew, kitchen crew, set-up crew, cleanup crew, and to all those that brought yummy food to share. Looking forward to the next Potluck-to-Connect!

People serve in our church for different reasons: to connect with and support each other, learn and grow, and to show God's love in practical ways. There are lots of ways to join in! Right now we are particularly looking for the following:

Welcome Team

Do you enjoy greeting people you know, and helping new people feel at home? The Welcome Team is looking for 1-2 additional members. If you're interested, talk to Helga Schmidtke or email office@wpgbc.org and your email will be forwarded to Helga.

Looking for more information or to get in touch?

Fill out a Connect Card at:  https://pointgreychurch.ca/connecting-card

Leave us a voicemail at: 604.228.9747