WATER BAPTISMAL SERVICE

Sunday, February 9 was an exciting day for all of us at Innisfil Community Church as we witnessed the water baptism of Sheri McLaughlin and Chris Landsburg. The baptisms took place in the Sunday morning service. We rejoice with those who have taken this step of public declaration of their faith.

TO THE MISSION FIELD!

Abby and Gillian (Clair) Gauthier

are on route to Africa for a month's missionary trip. They will be involved in building projects and church services during their stay. They have partnered with the Salvation Army Church in Orangeville for this trip. Pray for them as they are overseas.

MEN'S BREAKFAST

Each month the Men's Ministries hosts a fellowship breakfast. Thanks to Ryan Galashan for speaking on Saturday, Feb.15!

YOUNG COUPLES' NIGHT OUT

Saturday, February 15 was the first "Couples' Night Out" where several of the newer young couples shared fellowship in the Fireside Lounge. They had a great time playing games, eating, and a time of prayer together.

MOVING

Word is out that Elroy Shipley has sold his house and has bought another home in Sandy Cove Acres. Elroy continues to be a blessing in the church in a variety of ways. We wish him well in his new home!

SPECIAL NEWS from 2002!

Did you know...

We shingled our sanctuary roof for $9,615.35

We connected to Town water for

$ 8,541.66

We redecorated the sanctuary for

$ 5,850.00

We installed a new phone system for $ 6,817.00

We sent to MISSIONS $48,000.00!

We had other special missions projects of over $ 8,000.00!

We hired students for our summer outreach program for approximately $ 16,000.00.

And we REDUCED OUR MORTGAGE by $40,758.32!

ALL OF THIS WAS DONE IN 2002!

GOD HAS BEEN GOOD TO US!

REACHING OUT IN LOVE...

ONE AT A TIME!

That was our theme for February as we launched a special outreach emphasis with the use of tracts.

Each week during February everyone in church on Sunday was offered an envelope containing five tracts. The goal was to stretch ourselves - to identify ourselves publicly as Christians, and to distribute one tract a day for five days each week. For some this was a BIG stretch. Let me say a special thank you to each who TRIED SO HARD to participate. Some have discovered a new way to share the Gospel and may continue to do so for weeks to come. Others have allowed themselves to become vulnerable to neighbours and friends by speaking up for Christ and the Gospel. God will reward each accordingly. Thank you for participating.

ANNUAL MEETING TIME!

Annual Church Business Meeting was held on Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Three new board members were elected. They are:

A TIMELY CELEBRATION WITH CORY AND HEIDI!

Cory and Heidi Kostyra had been given newborn twins for adoption. Several weeks after they bonded and were nearing the time for the formal paperwork to be completed, the mother of the twins suddenly had a change of heart and the kids were taken away from them and placed once again into the hands of the Children's Aid. On Saturday, February 15, friends and family joined together to celebrate the first birthday of the Emma and Jordan who, after a long battle, have been returned to the Kostyras with full and complete adoption having taken place. We rejoice that these twins have be placed in a solid Christian home with two loving and tender parents who will raise these sweet ones in the ways of the Lord. There was "joy in the camp" on Saturday as we, their friends rejoiced with them.

WELCOME BACK TO OUR STUDENT INTERN!

That's right! Dennis and Tanya took two weeks to travel back to B.C. for some holidays. They tell us they had a great time but we are glad to have them back home again! (Lots of work to do here yet!)

PRAYER REQUESTS

AND UPDATES:

Please continue to pray for these needs:

Betty Anne Taylor - Betty Anne experienced considerable body pain the days following her roll-over accident. However, she has since almost fully recovered. We praise God for His healing touch, and for the opportunities that Betty Anne has had to witness to others through this incident.

AUDREY SWENOR, Blair's mother,was operated on for cancer and has since received a very favourable report. We praise God for this answer to prayer.

TRISH FULTON'S

FATHER-IN-LAW experienced several small strokes and passed away. Pastor Dwane Parsons shared in a memorial service for the family. Please pray for the family during these days of bereavement.

Marriages and Families - Continue to pray for the many folk connected to the church. We are all subject to the pressures and stresses of the day. Pray that God will give all of us strength to endure the challenges that each family faces.

Single Parents in the Church need our continued support, love, and prayers. Many face additional financial needs during these cold winter days.

BACKSLIDERS - let's do warfare against Satan who would seek to lay hold and keep in bondage backsliders - we want the spiritually backslidden to "come home!" Won't you reach out and bring someone "home" to Jesus?!

IN AND OUT OF HOSPITAL!

Karen Boylan continues to experience periodic physical difficulties. She is scheduled once again for surgery. Although she has had many good days, still she is faced with sudden and re-occurring pain and nausea.

Byron Sweetland, has returned to work! He faced a frightening ordeal of hospitalization for an ear infection that led to belle's palsy back in December. We thank you for your prayers which led to the restoration of his health.