From Pastor Chris Plattteel:

Dear Safe Haven family,

This past Wednesday, named Ash Wednesday, was the beginning of Lent - a 40 day preparation for the Good Friday and Easter events.

I so appreciate Doug presenting the prophecy of the Messiah in Isaiah 53 last Sunday. Lent is about recognizing what Jesus was willing to go through to save us and restore us as God's beloved children.

I invite you to reflect on John 10 and 13 this coming Sunday, as we consider how Jesus lay down his life and took it up again to complete our salvation. Through the Passover Supper Jesus gave us the example of serving others in the extreme. This scripture and our Communion celebration are a sensitive way of beginning our Lenten season.

You are invited to join us in-person or on-line, this coming Sunday.

Pastor Chris

PS: If joining us on-line please have a cracker and juice nearby to participate in Communion.

2022 Donation Tax Receipts

Any tax receipts that were not picked up as of last Sunday, have been mailed to your address on record.

New Care Group

A new Care Group: "Following Jesus" is being offered by Chris and Henny Platteel. Sessions will be held bi-weekly on Thursday evenings. This will be a hybrid small-group, meeting in-person and on-line to accommodate those finding driving at night difficult. You are invited to meet at the Platteel home in Scarborough (Sheppard & Neilson area) but if a more centrally located home is available that would be ideal. This group will include learning from the Bible but the main focus will be on Caring for one another as we seek to Follow Jesus. Sharing, Caring, Praying, Listening, Learning and fellowshipping with one another as the Holy Spirit leads us. The anticipated start date is March 2nd or 9th depending the number of attendees. There is a maximum on 12 persons including Pastor and Henny.

If you are interested, please contact Pastor at 647-985-2223 or cplatteel@gmail.com.

Care Groups and Bible Studies Beginning This Month:

Bible Studies

A reminder that our Ladies' & Men's Bible Studies are every Tuesday @ 9:30am.

The ladies have started a second study on the book of Esther!

The men's group is continuing their study, "Unshakable Hope".

Care Groups

Doug Hill's Care Group will continue on Sundays, with a study on the book of Philippians.

Roy Smyth's Care Group will continue on Mondays, with a study on the book of John.

Pastor Chris is beginning a new Care Group as outlined above.

Further information on joining these Care Groups is outlined below under its own title.

Can You Help Safe Haven? (NEW)

Throughout the year, our Church is planning on conducting more get-togethers and fundraisers. The Deacons usually oversee these activities but they cannot do it alone. When asked, there are some devotees that pitch in, but we could use more. If you feel so inclined, we would appreciate if some would come forward to assist in the functions when they are announced. We thank you in advance for volunteering!

Birthdays:

Birthdays for February 27th thru March 2nd, 2023

February 27th - Sandra Phillips

March 1st - Maria Javor

March 1st - Markus Javor

Happy Birthday to you!

If you would like to have your name included in our birthday announcements or if you do not want your name shown, please contact Sid at sid.snider@outlook.com. We do not need the year you were born.

Wednesday Night Prayer & Praise Meeting:

Unfortunately last Wednesday's Prayer & Praise Meeting was cancelled due to inclement weather. We were graced however, with 16 attendees the previous week and look forward to more as we grow in prayer.

Please join us on Wednesday Nights at 7pm at 82 Church St., for a time of prayer and some worship. We are so excited to see God moving on Wednesday nights so far! It is very encouraging and we would love to see you there.

Reflection

Isaiah 41:10

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

God has gone to the ends of the earth to make sure that you will always know that, no matter what, He has got you covered. He will keep you at rest, He will strengthen you, and He will see you through the tough times. In everything you do, every trial that you face, and in every challenge that comes your way, you should know that you have no reason to fret or worry. God is with you.

Let us Pray:

Dear God, We thank You that we can trust in You completely, never having to worry or fret when troubling times come our way. We thank you Lord, that we can rely on Your faithfulness.

In Jesus's precious name, we pray.

AMEN

King James app. night prayer February 22, 2023

Faithlife:

As reported last week our subscription with Faithlife will be coming to an end on June 30th, 2023. We will keep you informed of its replacement or other actions.

The Best Way:

The fact that there is a highway to hell and only a stairway to heaven, says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers.

Newsletter

I thank you for your words of encouragement regarding the new publication. I strive to provide a newsletter for you - the devotees of Safe Haven. It occurred to me recently that I have not invited you to participate in its content.

If you have something that you would like to share with your fellow readers, please do not hesitate to let me know. Contact Sid at sid.snider@outlook.com.