Innisfil Community Church
NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY, 2001
As you read this, we want you to know that YOU are a significant part of what has been accomplished this past year. YOUR PRAYERS and financial gifts have allowed us the privilege to serve the community of Innisfil and beyond.
Here's just a glimpse of what has been accomplished in the last year:
-107 local families received free used clothing from our used clothing operation
- over 25,000 bags of used clothing were shipped overseas to the needy
- 28 families received emergency food supplies during the year of which, 14 families were among those that received Christmas hampers and gifts
- 472 children were able to attend our summer Vacation Bible School.
- we have provided monthly support for a pastor in Russia
- a seniors' trip was organized to the Poconos in Pennsylvania
- Christmas gifts were sent to some of our pastors in the Ukraine
- a weekly Sunday morning church service for just kids was started called "Super Church"
-52,000 newspapers were produced and distributed in Innisfil containing "The Good News" and more!
- 266 books of comfort and encouragement were sent out to families who were confronted with a death in the immediate family
- weekly services were held in area nursing and retirement homes to provide for those who were generally confined to their residence
- transportation was provided free for children wishing to attend Sunday School by bus, and for seniors a van was provided for those who were uncomfortable driving to church at night
- over $ 28,000 was given to home missions projects plus another $ 6,000.00 was given to other special missions at home and around the world
- over 90 children are active in our own mid-week Boys and Girls program similar to Scouts
CONGRATULATIONS
We extend our congratulations to Frank and Kim Arnott who are the proud parents of a new baby boy, Bradley William, born on January, 2.
CHILD DEDICATION SERVICE HELD
On Sunday, January 7, David and Melissa Muir presented their new born, Avery Rose, to the Lord in a service of child dedication. It was a very moving moment when David sang a solo written and recorded by himself, giving thanks to God for this cherished treasure.
ANOTHER ALPHA COURSE
TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY!
Under the leadership of Anthony and Annette Langeveld another Alpha Course will begin in February. The first course at Innisfil Community Church was a great success.
Training for all the workers, leaders and helpers will take place on Saturday, Feb. 3 from 9 a.m to 1 p.m.
The Introduction and Dessert evening for anyone considering taking the course will be held on Thursday, February 15. The course begins complete with an evening meal on Thursday, Feb. 22 and continues for 10 weeks. Call now to book your spot: 436-1611.
MEN'S MINISTRIES
A Men's Breakfast was held on Saturday, January 20. The guest speaker was Pastor Rodney Chaulk. A good time of fellowship was enjoyed by all.
BOARD APPROVES
LONG RANGE PLANNING MANUAL!
After much discussion, three open ended "Dream Team" meetings late in 1999, and submissions from the church family, we have a new plan in place to guide us into the future.
PRIMETIMERS
Gil and Delores, our leaders of the PrimeTimers, have gone south for a while.
However all the activities have been cared for in their absence. The shuffleboard every Monday at 1 p.m. continues and the seniors are seeming to enjoy this entertaining activity.
Thanks to Gerry and Margaret French for their help in this program. Recently our furnace broke down and several did leave early because of the lack of heat. But.... that problem has been fixed now.
COMMUNITY
CHRISTMAS DINNER
REPORT
Several volunteered to assist us in hosting a free Community Christmas Dinner On Christmas Eve at the church. There were 53 who availed themselves of this special free dinner. We were pleased to have Mayor Brian Jackson and his wife with us for the occasion. Donations came from a multitude of sources and the evening proved very successful. We will repeat it again in 2001! This effort was coordinated by Pastor Craig Head. Special thanks to all our wonderful volunteers!
SPECIAL GUEST COMES TO INNISFIL
Rev Lorrie Gibbons was the featured guest at Innisfil Church on Sunday, January 21. Some amazing stories of church planting and missions in Canada were shared. A special offering was received for a church in downtown Toronto that was facing an urgent need. Over $3,700.00 was given to this project! Since then, others have carried a burden to help further. Together, we are making a difference!
THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH!
Why not build a Daily Survival Kit ?
Items Needed:
* Toothpick * Rubber Band * Band Aid
* Pencil * Eraser * Chewing Gum
* Mint * Candy Kiss * Tea
WHY???
1) TOOTHPICK - to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others. -Matt. 7:1
2) RUBBER BAND - to remind you to be flexible, things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out. - Romans 8:28
3) BAND AID - to remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else's. -Col. 3:12-14
4) PENCIL - to remind you to list your blessings everyday. -Eph.1:3
5) ERASER - To remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it's OK. - Gen.50:15-21
6) CHEWING GUM - to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything.-Phil 4:13
7) MINT - to remind you that you are worth a mint! - John 3:16-17
8) CANDY KISS - to remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday. -
1 John 4:7
9) TEA BAG - to remind you to relax daily and go over that list of blessings. -- 1 Thes. 5:18
A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, share a word of praise and they always open their hearts to us.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Gary Preston continues to need our prayer support as he battles with the horrible disease of cancer. Please uphold him at this time. He has now returned home with all the apparatus needed to provide for his care at home. His mother, Eleanor, would also appreciate our prayers as she has all the added demands of his health care at home.
David Muir has requested prayer for a young child, approximately 8 years old who has been given only a short time to live due to cancer. Please pray for this boy, Joseph, and his family at this time.
Glenda Quinn has requested prayer for her 17 year old nephew, Ken, who has wandered both from his faith and from his home to find himself being beat up in Halifax. Please pray for his safe return to his faith and to his home in Barrie.
Jeff Bedford has had recent surgery that has been very successful. We thank God!
RED CROSS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are needed for a variety of things in the Red Cross. Whether it is "Friendly Visiting" or transporting people to their doctor and medical appointments or serving in some other area of need, you could be of help. Call the Red Cross directly at 721-3313 and ask for Mary MacFarland. Tell her Pastor Courtney sent you!
NEW ADDRESSES ????
I F YOUR ADDRESS IS INCORRECT ON THIS MAILING and has not been updated yet...PLEASE help us by phoning the office and leaving your NEW MAILING ADDRESS AND POSTAL CODE, along with your name and phone number. Please call us right now at 436-1611 or E-Mail us at "inncom@planeteer.com" , before you put this down!
INNISFIL COMMUNITYCHURCH
1571 Innisfil Beach Road, P.O. Box 7109
Innisfil, ON L9S 1A9
Phone: (705) 436-161 Fax:(705) 436-1466
E-Mail: inncom@planeteer.com
Home Page: http://members.planeteer.com/~inncom