Innisfil
Community
Church
NEWSLETTER
April , 2002
WINDSTORM DESTROYS WEST SIDE OF CHURCH SIGN:
It was more than just another windy day on Saturday, March 9th. Trees came down, the power was out in several places, and many places incurred damage as a result of high winds that swept through the area.
The illuminated roadside church sign was among the storm's victims. The custom painted six foot square plastic sign encased in its aluminum frame was destroyed.
We are currently looking at repairs between $500.00 to $1,000.00.
SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE RISES
It was a good sign to see! The February Sunday School attendance average for February was 137. This was the highest Sunday School average for the month of February since 1998, and the highest monthly average since October, 1999. Much of this can be credited to Pastors Craig and Lori-Lynn Head who are co-teaching in the new Adult Electives Class called "The Power Of A Praying Spouse".
PRIMETIMERS FEATURE
ANNETTE LANGEVELD
The Primetimers recently featured Annette Langeveld as their special guest speaker. Primetimers continues to run an exciting line up of activities every month, including shuffleboard and carpet bowling.
For more information call 436-1611.
A SCRATCH THAT WAS
MORE THAN AN ITCH?
While cleaning up the debris of the broken lawn sign at the church, a friendly voice drew our attention to the sound of scratching inside one of the down spouts from the carport. It certainly wasn't an itch. As the down spout was dismantled, and a few taps made against it, suddenly out from the bottom flew a young black bird. It was the picture literally of "a bird out of prison". It would sure be nice if it was that easy in real life for real people to be freed from the prisons of their life's experiences.
MASTER'S BIBLE COLLEGE AND SEMINARY
A letter of thanks was received from Master's Bible College (formerly Eastern Pentecostal Bible College) for the donation of $4,221.79 received from the Innisfil Church family in 2001. We believe in supporting and training of students for the work of the ministry.
NEW PHONE SYSTEM
THANKS TO KEVIN NOSEWORTHY
Over the years Kevin Noseworthy has assisted us in our communications needs. Several years ago he located and installed a "Tie" Phone system for us. He has always given freely of his time to install and maintain our phone system. Knowing and working with phone systems as a profession, Kevin indicated the fact that our system was outdated and that future repairs would be difficult on the old system. It had been repaired prior when struck by lightning and parts were difficult to find.
He volunteered his time to install a "new" used system for us. And he recommended the new system for us. Though it was a costly upgrade, it was done for a significantly lower price than normal retail. The new system includes voicemail.
Thank you, Kevin, for your kind assistance in this area.
PENTECOSTAL ASSEMBLIES OF CANADA
INTERNATIONAL OFFICE SENDS THANKS!
In February we received a letter of thanks from the international office of the P.A.O.C. for the gift of $1,000.00 towards the "New Beginnings" capital reduction project. They are pleased to report that for the first time in a decade the International Offices and World Missions Center is free of capital indebtedness.
There continues to be great and urgent opportunities for global missions. We don't just do missions. We are missions!
A BOLD DAY OF OPPORTUNITY!
We have often prayed that the Lord of the Harvest would send forth laborers.
Some months ago a proposal was voiced both in the congregation and in the boardroom to hire our college and university students during their summer break.
There was a very positive response to the prospect of doing this and a note was sent to all our students in college and university.
Within days of being notified we had four students indicate a strong interest in this. God is releasing into our hands a resource much bigger than we imagined. And if we proceed, we will need significant funds. These students need to make a wage to assist them to return to school in the fall. We may need to approach individuals and businesses to assist in this special endeavor. The opportunities are endless! Here's a wonderful place to invest!
PASTOR SAM SIBLEY TO BE OUR ANNIVERSARY SPEAKER!
That's true! Pastor Sam and Sue have agreed to come back to be our special guests on our Anniversary Sunday in September. Watch for more in the days to come!
TIM HORTON'S COFFEE IN THE VESTIBULE
After several weeks with the new coffee center set up in the church vestibule, there seems to be a great appreciation for it from the users.
Whether it is the early arrivals for service or those who linger following the choir practice and after services, all seem to be taking advantage of the time to meet and fellowship.
Thanks to Christine Biasi for her help in running it.
BEREAVEMENT FOLLOW-UP COORDINATOR RESIGNS
AFTER LENGTHY SERVICE!
After several years assisting in the bereavement follow-up ministry from home, Mary Jean Beecroft has requested a break from this ministry. Bereavement booklets are mailed to all those next of kin who are listed in the newspaper obituary columns.
We are currently looking for someone who will take on this ministry from home. Please call the office to inquire.
Thanks Mary Jean for your years of faithful service!
GATEWAY YOUTH DROP-IN CENTER
Steve Bradley recently made a proposal to the board of Innisfil Church for the establishing of a youth drop-in center in the Belle Ewart area. Steve has proven effective in working with kids in the area and has a heart for them. The board has given him the green light to press forward with the vision and an initial Board of Directors has been selected. Steve has desired to come under the "covering" of Innisfil Church for accountability purposes.
The board is excited about this proposal and wants to embrace it. We hope the "Red Tape" of bureaucracy won't slow this project down or hinder its development!
CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY
We have been informed that the company that did our church photographs has folded. After talking with a former sales rep for them, we were assured that as a reputable company, he believed that they would honor all our orders and ultimately provide the church directories as agreed. We have been unable to contact them to confirm this.
At this time we are only aware of one family who has paid for photos not yet received. If you have not received photos that you have paid for, please notify the church office. We will do our part to see that you are properly cared for.
We are still hoping that the directories will arrive shortly.
EASTER MUSICAL - DESSERT THEATER
"REDEEMING LOVE"
The singers and actors, under the direction of Betty Anne Taylor are now busy in preparation for the coming Easter Musical Theater Performance. The musical drama will be presented for teens and adults on Friday and Saturday evenings, March 29-30, in the dessert theater format. Tickets are $5.00 each, and by reservations only. (Call 436-1611 to reserve NOW!)
On Easter Sunday evening, March 31 the musical will be presented for the entire family, (kids included, and without dessert) at 7 p.m. Plan to attend with a friend!
We want to express our sympathy to Carl and Donna Landry in the sudden death of Donna's sister Joyce Fletcher. Joyce died of a deep brain aneurism. The funeral was held at the church on March 9, 2002.
KEEPING THE CHURCH CLEAN
Although it is the responsibility of each of us to maintain the cleanliness of the house of God, we are very blessed to have the assistance of some great janitorial people. Byron and Marion Sweetland regularly clean our church facility. With the added help of "Dad" Jonkman, former janitor for the Innisfil Police Services, Byron and Marion do a great job. They too are Christians and clean around the church "as unto the Lord". They are thorough and go far beyond the terms of "the contract". Thanks Byron, Marion and "Dad".
NEWSLETTER KEEPS MANY IN THE LOOP!
In a day when many feel disconnected from the life of the church, the church newsletter keeps many informed about the work and ministry of Innisfil Community Church. Regularly we get feedback from friends of Innisfil, both old and new, who enjoy and appreciate the "news". Recently while visiting in the coffee shop, Lorna Hansen mentioned how much she appreciated receiving the newsletter and our efforts in keeping her informed.
INNISFIL COMMUNITY CHURCH
1571 Innisfil Beach Road,
P.O. Box 7109 Innisfil, ON L9S 1A9
Phone: (705) 436-1611 Fax:(705) 436-1466
E-Mail: inncom@planeteer.com
Home Page: "www.innisfilchurch.com"