This Sunday we launch! We meet inside this Sunday and launch Life Groups. We are excited to be having our life group leaders on the stage to share about the life group they will be leading. We will pray over the leaders. After the service, life group leaders will be in the cafe. Go chat with them and sign up to be part of a group! Let's get connected.  Our goal is for all of us to get connected to a life group. Life groups are community. Community is vital in the journey of knowing Jesus. 

We are looking forward to launching kid's ministry on September 15th. We are looking forward to seeing all the kids and to having a good year together. 

Compasses always point North.

There are four points on a compass and the magnetic force in the earth’s gravitational pull will cause the needle to always point north. This constant is reassuring.  This law of nature assures us that no matter where we are and no matter where we are going, we can trust we will be able to navigate safely in any direction. That is if our compass is working, and we know how to use it.

Those that are skilled with the compass can navigate even the toughest storms. They can course correct and will stay on course when all things around them are disorienting.

The comparisons to a compass are also used when we talk about scripture. Ultimately, we have a true North Star in Jesus who lights the way for us in dark and profoundly confusing seasons. When we navigate these seasons with the relevance of God’s Word, we are encouraged and empowered to see Jesus in the middle of each storm that life brings.

The compass points North in the same way that that scripture points to Jesus.

This week we will be talking about being directed by God’s word and how to recognize Jesus as the cornerstone of the Biblical narrative.

As we go into this week, let us be reminded of Paul’s word to the young Timothy when he says,

“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Our flight was delayed on Monday night and were all tired coming home. We are so thankful for such a fun time at Marten Falls, filled with meaningful connections with the community members.  Our last evening was special. One youth came to play floor hockey (on roller skates) with Caleb and Steven. He is getting ready to go to high school in Thunder Bay. Mary and I (Jesse) got to spend some time with a couple girls and have some deep conversations with them. One girl shared her fears about ever going to a church, due to history with the residential schools. She shared how she hates how drugs and alcohol were brought into her community. I was moved by how vulnerable she was and could tell she was very impacted by addiction and the past trauma of her people.

It was so good to be with the people of Marten Falls. We love being there. Thank you all for joining us in this mission through prayer. We are grateful for all of you and excited to share more details about our trip in person!

Jesse Green on behalf of the team

Blessings! 

Pastor Gene, Caleb and Jeremy