Newsletter for December 4th, 2022
From Pastor Chris Platteel
On this Second Sunday in Advent, we focus on Joseph. Not much is known about Joseph. We encounter him only a few times and we assume that he died after Jesus turned 12, and before he began his ministry. He was a poor “craftsman” (he is often labelled as a carpenter, but the term in the Bible means “builder” or “craftsman”). With wood being scarce in the land he likely worked more with stone and bricks. His son, Jesus, would have followed his dad in this trade.
One solid clue to his character is found in our scripture lesson for today – Matthew 1:19 “being just” or “being righteous” {dikaios} - one who conforms to and observes the law and customs. This same term is used of Elizabeth and Zechariah (Lk.1:5-7) and Simeon (Lk.2:25).
We find Joseph confronted by an angel of the Lord four times and he obeys promptly each time.
Joseph appears to have followed the command expressed in our text in Micah 6:8:
Do justice: {Mishpat} – decide justly, what is proper, fitting, law-abiding
Love mercy: {Chesed} – love goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Walk humbly: {Tsana} – walk/live modestly, in humility
His Word
Psalms 40:8
"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart".
The psalms discuss the importance of loving the laws of God in several places. This Psalms is one of them as is Psalms 119:165. "Great peace have they which love the law: and nothing shall offend them". If you follow and cherish God's laws, you can live with no fear and with great peace, because you are certain that you are doing nothing wrong in the sight of God. This shall be all of our aims, but it is of course much easier said than done.
Source King James Bible app.
Christmas Service
We are pleased to announce that Friday December 23rd at 7:00pm will be SHCC's Christmas Service and Celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ's Birth. One of the holiest days for Christians worldwide! Please join us at the St. Francis Centre and bring your friends, neighbours and relatives, all are welcome!
Birthdays
Week of November 28th -December 4th, 2022
Unfortunately, we are unaware of any birthdays this week.
If you would like to have your name represented 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.
Fundraising
There is a Coin Bottle as you enter the St. Francis Centre that bears the sign, "Your Spare Coins Can Be the Change for Safe Haven". If you have any spare change (coins or paper) that is burning a hole in your pocket or purse, we would be glad relieve your burden! At the time of printing this newsletter we have no financial update.
We may have received some of your keepsakes that were deposited in the bottles. If you are missing a Dutch 10 cent piece, an oval religious medallion or even a U.S. penny you may contact myself (Sid) and I will arrange for their return.
Christmas Bazaar November 26th
A complete success!
Last Saturday was beyond our expectations! Visitors started arriving at 9:30am with a steady stream until closing. The proceeds amounted to $3,500.00 which will be put to good use for the needs of Safe Haven Community Church expenses. There were so many volunteers to thank, and they are as follows (in no particular order):
Maria Javor, Jennifer & Roy Smyth, Donna and David Welham, Gerrie & Walter Vanderknokke, Doreen and Trevor Hayes, Sandra Phillips, the Shatz and Vanderknokke families, Irveen Powley, Edna and Bert Hayes, Hazel Sanders, Sylvia Diggins.
If I have missed anyone, please let me know and accept my apologies.
Items that did not sell will be packaged and donated to The Salvation Army, a firsthand Christian organization which serves those most in need.
Wednesday Night Services
Beginning in the New Year we are returning back to our Wednesday evening services. It will be time for everyone to come together to pray and worship. This will be a time to pray together or on one's own, worship and meet the Lord and His Holy Spirit. Please join us on Wednesday evenings.
Neighbourhood Activities
Many of our neighbouring churches and art studios are providing Christmas videos and plays. The following are just a few:
Many have travelled to Lancaster PA to see live productions -
Sight and Sound Theatres are providing one such production at
www.iheardthebellsmovie.com
THIS SATURDAY!!
Amberlea Presbyterian Church 1820 Whites Road will have a live Nativity on Saturday December 3, 2022. Go back in time and experience the 1st Christmas (spread the word).
Calvary Baptist is sharing a production at www.calvary.on.ca/event/9594909-2022-12-09-jingle-in-the-city-a-1940s-christmas/
December 9th-11th
Children & Youth Update
Youth & Sunday School:
YOUTH
Hopefully everyone is doing well with their studies. We will be meeting again this Friday at 7:00pm at 82 Church Street. We will be finishing our study of Philippians this week, and we will also be discussing our Christmas plans. An exciting time is promised!
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Please come out to Sunday School for the next few weeks as we prepare for what we will perform on December 23rd. It will be great!!
Alex Mitton
Financial Update
Financial Update for November 27th:
General Offering: $7,985.50 / Building Fund Offering: $75
Weekly Budget need: $7,260 / YTD General Offering need: $341,200
YTD General Offering: $256,188
YTD Building Fund Donations: $37,204
Building Update
There are no changes to the budget for the new building. We are continuing to work hard with the Town of Ajax, together with our General Contractor to secure the necessary permits. There are still many hurdles to overcome, yet with God and your prayers we can fulfill these obligations.
Total estimate needed to finish: $538,720
Rough amount in our Building Fund: $235,000
Final amount needed to finish the building: $303,720
We are updating our budget to reflect this, so please pray for how you can support this while we still need to support the ongoing ministry expenses. We are considering borrowing options as a last resort, however, if you have assets to lend that will help us complete the project, please talk to someone on the Finance Committee.
Doug Hill
Care Groups: Physical & Virtual Options
Although some may not be ready for physical interaction with others, "Care Groups" are a wonderful way to have either physical or virtual options to interact with God's Word.
As a congregation, we desire a wholistic, intentional care for one another. In order to provide intimate, intentional regular care for one another, we have created several “Care Groups” for everyone to get involved in. The purpose of these groups will be to connect regularly and share together, pray together and study the Bible together. If you aren't yet part of a Care Group joining is easy. When people do, they wonder why they did not do so sooner. Let us not remain where we are, wander off the path, or head in the wrong direction. Let us be clear to follow the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life, for no one gets to the Father, but by Him (John 14:6). Our goal is to have everyone be a part of a Care Group. Be a blessing and be blessed!
CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE WHICH CARE GROUP YOU WANT TO JOIN
Volunteer Opportunities
Progressing through the implementation of our building program, there are a lot of pieces needed to come together for us to move forward in the next phases of our ministry together. Everyone has something that God has equipped them to serve with. Our ability to serve one another and welcome guests to our ministry, depends on people willing to use their gifts and talents in the service of others. Please click the picture above or link below, and help make Safe Haven a place that truly ministers to the needs of our people and reaches out with Christ's love for others!
Our Daily Bread
The NEW December 2022-February 2023 Our Daily Bread small print devotionals are now available for pick up.
Large print devotionals are on hand for October-December 2022.
Stop by Safe Haven anytime during the day (Monday to Friday) to get a copy, or pick one up when you come for worship on Sunday.
Tabletalk Online & Print Devotional
Tabletalk is a monthly discipleship magazine written by today’s leading theologians and pastors to help Christians grow in the knowledge of God. Daily devotionals make up over half of the content and typically exposit a book of the Bible or a specific topic over the course of the year. A third of the content is themed, dealing with a particular issue, and the rest consists of featured columns addressing a variety of issues ranging from theology to Christian living. The print version is digest-size, formatted to fit neatly into most Bibles and notebooks. Tabletalk, along with fresh online-exclusive content, is also available at TabletalkMagazine.com.
Safe Haven App & Digital Community
Join for free by clicking here. You can also download the Faithlife App and have access to everything through the app. If you have any problems, contact us so we can help you get started.
Volunteers at your Service:
Elders:
Roy Smyth
Walter Vanderknokke (Treasurer)
Carlos Mejia
Building Committee:
Doug Hill
Roy Smyth
Edna Hayes
Maria Javor
Finance Committee:
Trevor Hayes
Walter Vanderknokke
Sandra Phillips
Social Committee:
Edna & Bert Hayes
Maria & Jozef Javor
Doreen & Trevor Hayes
Jennifer & Roy Smyth
Janet & Doug Hill
Missions:
Leona Slomka
Newsletter:
Sid Snider (sid.snider@outlook.com)
