Message from Pastor Chris:

Safe Haven Family,

I have been reflecting on the theme of "Forgiveness" these past weeks, as part of the focus on Lent. There is so much turmoil and strife in our world - as there always has been. How can we find "Freedom in Forgiveness"?

The saying "Hurt people, hurt people" is such a penetrating insight, whether we focus on world conflict, violence in our cities, or the relationships we have with one another.

I will be exploring a number of passages in scripture this coming Sunday. Beginning with Mathew 18:21-35 and Psalm 139:23-24, I would like us to examine the conflict experienced among the disciples as they approached their final week with Jesus. Forgiveness plays such a central role in human relationships, and with the power released through the Holy Spirit we can find release and freedom from our hurts and our hurting.

When Jesus took the Cup at the Last Supper, he said, "this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins" (Mat.26:28). It is my prayer that as we worship the Lord this Sunday and celebrate Communion, we will receive the forgiveness that enables us to forgive others. "For freedom, Christ has set us free" (Gal.5:1)

Join us in-person if you are able - for worship and for the Members Meeting - else join us on-line for the worship and Communion.

(If participating on-line please have a cracker and juice nearby)

Grace and Peace be with you all.

Pastor Chris

Care Groups and Bible Studies:

Bible Studies

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 is on Sundays, with a study on the book of Philippians.

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

Pastor Chris' next Life Care Group is on Thursday March 30th, and will then change back to every second Thursday after that.

Member's Annual Meeting March 26th, 2023

Safe Haven is holding the Member's Annual Meeting on Sunday March 26th following the morning service. This is an extremely important meeting as there will be presentations and a question & answer period. We have proxy forms for any member who is unable to be in attendance. Pursuant to the Constitution we would like to present two new potential ELDERS for your consideration. The candidates are as follows:

Roy Douglas and Huntley Cowie

Topics and motions to be discussed are:

1. Reading and motion to accept minutes from Meeting October 2022.
2. Motion to accept new Elders as referenced above.
3. Motion to accept Huntley Cowie as a member of the Finance Committee.
4. Discussion regarding the building, and motion to proceed or not.
5. Discussion regarding the 2023 Operating Budget and acceptance.
6. Motion to appoint a Treasurer.
7. Motion to accept and appoint an additional Trustee.
8. Other business and discussion as required.

On-Line viewing of Member Meeting:

If for some reason members are unable to attend in person we have arranged for you to watch on-line through the application JITSI MEET. We encourage you to attend in person as your votes are of major significance.

Upon opening the JITSI application, click on the link:

https://meet.jit.si/SafeHavenMembersMeetingMarch26

Pancake Breakfast:

As announced last Sunday, Safe Haven is preparing to host a Pancake Breakfast on April 15th at 9:00am. There will be pancakes, sausage, coffee and tea, plus the fixins! The cost will be $10.00 per person. With grocery prices ever increasing, whatever profit is achieved will be directed to the Building Fund.

Mandarin Senior Fellowship:

An opportunity has become available for a senior fellowship get together on a Friday at noon in mid May. David and Irveen Powley have indicated that they would like to have this fellowship for Safe Haven seniors. They shared that they can arrange for significant ($) discounts. Stay tuned for further details.

Birthdays:

March 26th - Ermine Benjamin

If you would like to have your name included in our birthday announcements or if you 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:

We had an amazing time with Julia and Cami leading our worship themed night last Wednesday! Thanks to all for coming out, we had around 12 people in attendance, but we will always have room for more. ALL ARE WELCOME!

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.

A New Replacement to Faithlife - SUBSPLASH:

As we move further into transitioning to Subsplash, we are finding it's superior to Faithlife in many ways. It eliminates duplicating with better controls over many aspects of church functioning.

If you can volunteer your help and/or expertise to assist other volunteers to create the best ever site for Safe Haven, please let us know!

Please send in your thoughts or assistance to Doug Hill or any of the Elders. Together we can make our new application work for everyone!

Your Safe Haven Volunteers:

Elders

Roy Smyth

Walter Vanderknokke

Carlos Mejia

Sid Snider

Deacons

Trevor Hayes

Icy Scott

Lisa Hettich

Building Committee

Doug Hill

Edna Hayes

Roy Smyth

Maria Javor

Trevor Hayes

Finance Committee

Trevor Hayes

Walter Vanderknokke

Music Team

Roy Smyth

Jennifer Smyth

John Bije

James Camporedono

Wayne Cordiner

Missions

Leona Slomka

Janet Hill

Social Committee

Trevor & Doreen Hayes

Maria & Jozef Javor

Edna & Bert Hayes

Roy & Jennifer Smyth

Volunteer Contact Information:

Roy & Jennifer Smyth (roysmyth@rogers.com)

Walter Vanderknokke (waltervdk44@gmail.com)

Carlos Mejia (carlosmejia@rogers.com)

Sid Snider (sid.snider@outlook.com)

Icy Scott (iscott@rogers,com)

Lisa Hettich (lisahettich@yahoo.ca)

Trevor & Doreen Hayes (dandthayes@gmail.com)

Doug & Janet Hill (doughill@rogers.com)

Edna & Bert Hayes (ednahayes311@cloud.com)

Maria Javor (javorjozef@hotmail.com)

Leona Slomka (lslomka@hotmail.com)

John Bije (johnbije@yahoo.com

God bless you all!

***Ladies Bible Study***

Just a reminder there will be NO Bible Study next Tuesday March 21st. However, Janet is encouraging you to listen to Pastor Hales' sermon on Esther. Simply click on the following link:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCBdfOse8HE

Care Groups and Bible Studies:

Bible Studies

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 is on Sundays, with a study on the book of Philippians.

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

Pastor Chris began his care group on March 16th, and will continue every second Thursday after then.

Member's Annual Meeting March 26th, 2023

Safe Haven is holding the Member's Annual Meeting on Sunday March 26th following the morning service. This is an extremely important meeting as there will be presentations and a question & answer period. We have proxy forms for any member who is unable to be in attendance. Pursuant to the Constitution we would like to present two new potential ELDERS for your consideration. The candidates are as follows:

Roy Douglas and Huntley Cowie

Birthdays:

March 22nd - Marjorie Haynes

March 24th - Dawn Loney

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:

We had a fantastic time on Wednesday, diving into some prayer. We have new people each and every week, and our numbers are growing (don't be concerned there is always room for more). This Wednesday we are having some worship as well as prayer. It is a great time to fellowship with our Lord. ALL ARE WELCOME!

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.

A New Replacement to Faithlife - SUBSPLASH:

We have come to an arrangement to transition from Faithlife to Subsplash in the coming weeks. This application is far superior to Faithlife, with many more features and potentially less usage fees. With this change we will have an updated Website and Church app. We would like to get your ideas and suggestions on what you would like to have, that will improve our ministry application.

In addition, if you can volunteer your help and/or expertise to assist other volunteers to create the best ever site for Safe Haven, please let us know.

Please send in your thoughts or assistance to Doug Hill or any of the Elders. Together we can make our new application work for everyone!

Your Safe Haven Volunteers:

Elders

Roy Smyth

Walter Vanderknokke

Carlos Mejia

Sid Snider

Deacons

Trevor Hayes

Icy Scott

Lisa Hettich

Building Committee

Doug Hill

Edna Hayes

Roy Smyth

Maria Javor

Trevor Hayes

Finance Committee

Trevor Hayes

Walter Vanderknokke

Missions

Leona Slomka

Janet Hill

Social Committee

Trevor & Doreen Hayes

Maria & Jozef Javor

Edna & Bert Hayes

Roy & Jennifer Smyth

Volunteer Contact Information:

Roy & Jennifer Smyth (roysmyth@rogers.com)

Walter Vanderknokke (waltervdk44@gmail.com)

Carlos Mejia (carlosmejia@rogers.com)

Sid Snider (sid.snider@outlook.com)

Icy Scott (iscott@rogers,com)

Lisa Hettich (lisahettich@yahoo.ca)

Trevor & Doreen Hayes (dandthayes@gmail.com)

Doug & Janet Hill (doughill@rogers.com)

Edna & Bert Hayes (ednahayes311@cloud.com)

Maria Javor (javorjozef@hotmail.com)

Leona Slomka (lslomka@hotmail.com)

God bless you all!

From Pastor Chris Platteel:

This Sunday's Message:

In the message this coming Sunday March 12th, entitled, "Wind and Fire", we'll explore What and Who the Spirit is, how the Spirit is revealed in the Old and New Testaments, as well as the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God's people. How can I receive more of the spirit? How can we deepen our walk with the Holy Spirit? Join us this Sunday, in person or online to worship God: "Come Holy Spirit we need You."

Pastor Chris and Henny's Care Group:

The new Care Group, "Following Jesus", offered by Chris and Henny Platteel will be starting Thursday March 16th at 7:00pm. We'll meet every other Thursday.

We will be using the Jitsi Meet video program on your laptop computer, cell phone or Notepad. We'll help you get this set up. This group will include learning from the Bible, but the main focus will be on Caring for one another as the Holy Spirit leads us.

If you are interested or have questions, please contact us at 647-985-2223 or email cplatteel@gmail.com.

Care Groups and Bible Studies Beginning This Month:

Bible Studies

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 of, "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.

Member's Annual Meeting March 26th, 2023

Safe Haven Elders are arranging the in-person Member's Annual Meeting for March 26th. This is an extremely important meeting as there will be presentations and a question & answer period. Pursuant to the Constitution we would like to present two new potential ELDERS for your consideration. The candidates are as follows:

Roy Douglas and Huntley Cowie

Birthdays: March 12th thru March 18th

March 17th - Sid Snider

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:

We were happy to have another night of amazing prayer and meeting with God! We would love to have anyone and everyone come out. We had 2 new people come out last Wednesday, and our numbers are growing. Let us know how we can pray for you or anyone you know.

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.

God answers our prayer for a Finance Clerk:

God is so gracious and responsive to our needs. Louis Davis has stepped up to be our backup Finance Clerk. Thank you Louis for fulfilling our need!

The Best Way:

Daylight Savings changes time,

Jesus changes LIFE!

Don't forget to put your clocks ahead by

1 hour this Saturday evening!

God bless you all!

From Pastor Chris Platteel:

A new Care Group "Following Jesus" is being offered by Chris and Henny Platteel. Sessions will be held bi-weekly on Thursday evenings, starting March 16th. This will be a hybrid small-group, meeting in-person or on-line using the Jitsi Meet program. A laptop computer, cell-phone or Notepad can be used with the Jitsi Meet program - if you need assistance in setting this up, we will help you with that. You are invited to meet on-line or at the Platteel home in Scarborough (Sheppard & Neilson), 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 the Holy Spirit leads us.

If you are interested or have questions, please contact us at 647-985-2223 or email cplatteel@gmail.com.

Care Groups and Bible Studies Beginning This Month:

Bible Studies

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.

Member's Annual Meeting March 26th, 2023

Safe Haven Elders are arranging the in-person Member's Annual Meeting for March 26th. This is an extremely important meeting as there will be presentations and a question & answer period. Pursuant to the Constitution we would like to present two new potential ELDERS for your consideration. The candidates are as follows:

Roy Douglas and Huntley Cowie

Birthdays:

There are no recorded birthdays for this week.

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:

We had a great time last Wednesday! Even though it was on-line, we had a good time and prayed for many things. We are so thankful to the Lord for blessing us. Please come out any Wednesday for some time of prayer and praise.

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.

Safe Haven needs a back-up Finance Clerk:

Our church requires a back-up to assist Swarna Bala in our financial recording of weekly offerings. This is a paid position for 3-4 hours per week, and the candidate will only need the basics of operating a computer application. Training will be provided as required. If you are interested please contact Walter Vanderknokke @ (905) 767-2915.

Reflection

Use your voice for KINDNESS,

Your ears for COMPASSION,

Your hands for CHARITY,

Your mind for TRUTH,

And your heart for LOVE.

The Best Way:

Daylight Savings changes time,

Jesus changes LIFE!

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.

Your Safe Haven Volunteers:

Elders Deacons

Roy Smyth Trevor Hayes

Walter Vanderknokke Edna Hayes

Carlos Mejia Lisa Hettich

Sid Snider Maria Javor

Building Committee / Social Committee

Doug Hill Edna & Bert Hayes

Roy Smyth Maria & Jozef Javor

Edna Hayes Trevor & Doreen Hayes

Maria Javor Roy & Jennifer Smyth

Finance Committee Missions Committee

Trevor Hayes Leona Slomka

Walter Vanderknokke Janet Hill

Sid Snider

Contact Information for our Volunteers:

Roy & Jennifer Smyth (roysmyth@rogers.com)

Walter Vanderknokke (waltervdk44@gmail.com)

Carlos Mejia (carlosmejia@rogers.com)

Sid Snider (sid.snider@outlook.com)

Lisa Hettich (lisahettich@yahoo.ca)

Trevor & Doreen Hayes (dandthayes@gmail.com)

Doug & Janet Hill (doughill@rogers.com)

Edna & Bert Hayes (ednahayes311@cloud.com)

Maria Javor (javorjozef@hotmail.com)

Huntley Cowie (hcowie3@gmail.com)

Leona Slomka (lslomka@hotmail.com)

God bless you all!

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.

God bless you all!

The Golden Rule (a different version)

by Najwa Zebian

Don't break a bird's wings and then tell it to fly.

Don't break a heart and then tell it to love.

Don't break a soul and then tell it to be happy.

Don't see the worst in a person and expect them to see the best in you.

Don't judge people and expect them to stand by your side.

Don't play with fire and expect to stay safe.

Life is about giving and taking.

You cannot expect to give bad and receive good.

You cannot expect to give hate and receive love.

So if you are willing to see a positive change in your life, you must be willing to be that change yourself.

Donation Tax Receipts

Your donation tax receipts for 2022 are available for pick up after this Sunday's service, or at our office @ 82 Church St.

Also, offering envelopes are available at all Sunday services and also at 82 Church St.

Additional Care Group

We are pleased to announce that Pastor Chris Platteel and Henny have decided to start their own Care Group. Dates and themes have yet to be determined, but rest assured it will be a great opportunity to come closer to our Lord. Stay tuned for further details.

Care Groups and Bible Studies Beginning This Month:

Bible Studies

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

Ladies have just completed studying the book of Esther.

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

Care Groups

Doug Hill's Care Group will commence on Sunday, February 19th with a study on the book of Philippians.

Roy Smyth's Care Group started on Monday, February 13th with a study on the book of John.

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

Can You Help Safe Haven?

Safe Haven is looking for someone who would be able to help us in recording weekly offerings (envelope and electronic). It would be advantageous if they have some banking experience, computer knowledge and be willing & able to learn a new app. Please contact Walter Vanderknokke or one of the Elders if you are interested.

Birthdays:

Birthdays for February 20th thru February 26th, 2023

February 20th - Zachary Vanderknokke

February 23th - Norfely Lee

February 26th - Icy Scott

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 Services:

The Wednesday Evening Prayer & Praise Meeting is continuing each week! Please join us every Wednesday at 7pm @ 82 Church St.

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Reflection

Psalms 118:24

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

In this song, the psalmist celebrates God's love, provision, protection and mercy. No mater what enemies come against us, no matter what sins mar our daily victory, God is sovereign. He has made this day, and each and every day. And we rejoice knowing that He is present and faithful, no matter what the day brings.

Let us pray:

Lord, we begin this new day celebrating Your love. You have been good to us, and we rejoice that You have given us this new day. When we stumble, help us to turn back to You. When we are pressed by stress and conflict, be our place of refuge. May nothing rob us of the joy of knowing that this day is Yours. In Jesus' precious and Holy name.

King James app. morning prayer February 15, 2023

Faithlife:

Our subscription with Faithlife will be coming to an end on June 30th, 2023. We are currently investigating an app called Subsplash and the possibility of another app used by other churches. The Committee is mindful of costs, usability and integrated financial functions. We will be changing to a new application.

The Best Way

LIFE WITHOUT GOD IS LIKE AN UNSHARPENED PENCIL...

NO POINT

God bless you all!