November 9, 2009

November 9, 2009

Yesterday we enjoyed another meaningful time of worship together. It is always a an emotional time when we gather each Remembrance Sunday and remember those who have  paid the supreme sacrifice in defense of the freedom of our great nation of Canada. Let me repeat the Ode of Remembrance that was recited yesterday:

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
LEST WE FORGET.

On Wednesday, 11 November, let us pause again at 11a.m. and remember those who have paid the supreme sacrifice for us and our nation.

Transformed People

Our Remembrance Day theme was: The Call to Embrace the Cost

We looked together at Item 1 of our Core Beliefs and Values Statement:

We believe in One eternal God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit
… therefore we will put God first

Luke 9:51-62

In each of the conversations Jesus gave warnings about the costs involved in following Him. In fact, it appears that Jesus tried to dissuade them from following him. He at least made them think very seriously about whether they were prepared to pay the price that is necessary to walk the path that Jesus walked. The point Matthew was making in recording these 3 short interactions with Jesus, was that following Jesus has to be a priority,  that following Jesus involves making tough choices, and that sometimes mean choosing Jesus over other worthy activities and responsibilities.

Read Luke 14: 25-33

Again Jesus uses exaggeration to highlight the fact that nothing should come before following Him.

There are no half measures involved in following Jesus, “any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33) He didn’t say, give up a few things, or some things, but give up everything.

Read Matthew 13:44-46  Both these brief parables leave us in no doubt that God’s kingdom is discovered by those who are prepared to give everything for it.

“To be crucified with Christ means 3 things. First, the person who is crucified is facing only one direction; she is not looking back. Second, the person who is crucified has said goodbye to the world; he is not going back. Third, the person who is crucified has no further plans of his own. He is totally in God’s hands.” (David Watson)

For Reflection and Prayer

Can you think of ways in which it “costs” you to be a follower of Jesus today?

What do you think it means to “carry your own cross”?

Is it possible to give up everything to follow Jesus?

Start small! Is God asking you to give up something to follow Him?

Think and pray about these things. Discuss them in your small group. Encourage each other to share the good news of Jesus Christ!

Ross

November 3, 2009

Our special weekend with Jeff Lucas, December 4-6, is now just a little more than four weeks away! I am excited about Jeff’s visit and especially about the topic he will address with us. The theme is “How to Be a Prodigal Friendly Church!” Are we a church that actively seeks the lost? Are we a church that goes looking for those of our friends and family who have wandered away? How can we become focused on this important mission that was central to Jesus’ ministry? Pray for Jeff and for this weekend of ministry. Plan to be there, and invite others to come with you.

Transformed People

Last Sunday our theme was The Call to Stewardship. We looked together at Item 6 of our Core Beliefs and Values Statement:

We believe the church is a community of believers who serve others, lead people to Christ and make disciples.
… therefore we will actively participate in and contribute to church life

Read Matthew 25:14-28

God expects us to use what we have. None of us is empty-handed. We all have something in our hands that we can give to God. Whatever we have belongs to God anyway. Some of us may feel as though we have less. Less money, less possessions, less talents. God is not concerned about whether we have less or more, but He is concerned about whether we are willing to give what we have, to share what we have with others in order to advance His Kingdom.

Think about your willingness to show God’s love by sharing what you have with others!

Are you moving towards God in joy or moving away from Him in sadness?

Through this story, Jesus was teaching that each of us has a responsibility to use what has been given to us, to develop our talents through using them. To do this is to be a wise and responsible steward.

Are you faithfully using what God has given you?

Read Matthew 19:16-23

The issue was not so much about how much money he had as about his attachment to it. It seemed that his money and possessions possessed him, and he was locked into an attitude of protecting what he had. His attachment to His possessions prevented him from following Jesus. This story is not just about money and possessions but it does remind us that an over-preoccupation with money and the things money can buy can be a huge barrier between us and God.

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
       the world, and all who live in it;

If this is true, how will you live today?

Remember to “Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can, at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can” (John Wesley)

Think and pray about these things. Discuss them in your small group. Encourage each other to share the gifts and talents God has given you!

Ross

October 27, 2009

God is always with us! He has promised to come alongside us in the person of His Holy Spirit. Sometimes that presence is hard to feel. Other times, however, God seems to be close, and that is what we felt on Sunday. Through the gathering of His people, through the message from God’s Word, through the sincere worship that was offered, God drew near! We should pray that God would visit us personally and corporately in this way again and again. May our lives be transformed by His continual presence!

Transformed People

Last Sunday our theme was The Call to Reach Others for Christ.
We looked together at Item 3 of our Core Beliefs and Values Statement:

We believe the Son, Jesus, is the only way, truth and life, reconciling people to God. (John 14:6, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Matthew 11:27, John 3:16)
… therefore we will introduce people to Jesus

Mike referred us to Ezekiel 37:1-14.
¹⁴ I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.

The need for Christ is more than for the sake of hope. Christ brings a transformation of the mind, a renewed Spirit, a new outlook on life and a glimpse at God’s will for our lives. Paul says in Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

If we truly are in the spirit and living a life that is wholly dedicated to God, how is it possible that we resist the need to tell others of this faith that saved us? In our complacent lives, some of us have become numb to God’s call on our lives. Can we say that “the joy that fills my heart is like a river overflowing its banks”? If we can, we can’t help but tell others of this joy!

Now, it’s not to be understood that we must go overseas to bring Christ to others. There are opportunities here in our own community. And the emphasis is not to rush out and start preaching, but to bring Christ to others every day through service and love.

You can view the notes from Sunday’s sermon as well as the two videos that were featured by clicking on the Notes and Quotes tab above. Included are links to the two videos,  Asleep in the Light and That’s My King. After the sermon notes you will find the full text of Ways to Share Christ with Others.

Think and pray about these things. Discuss them in your small group. Encourage each other to share the good news of Jesus Christ!

See you Sunday!

Ross Hailes

October 23, 2009

I am sending out this week’s “Edition 2” of Cascade Online just to highlight a couple of things! 

Visit of Jeff Lucas – Weekend of December 4-6, 2009

We are now just 6 weeks away from Jeff’s visit. The theme for the weekend is “How to be a prodigal friendly church”. Jeff has written a book with this title and here is a summary:

This book focuses on the issues behind why people leave the church, how we can retain them, how we reach those who’ve already gone and the principles of making those who return feel like they belong. Most of us have prodigals in our lives, whether a child, brother, sister, husband, wife, or friend. The ache for these dear ones is like no other. They may hurt us and disappoint us, but somehow we cannot stop loving them. And yet we cannot live their lives for them. The Prodigal-Friendly Church looks at why people leave the church, how we can retain them, how we can reach those who have already gone, and how we can help those who return feel like they belong. Jeff Lucas offers no easy recipes for success, but plenty of truthtelling, hope, and encouragement.

Jeff will speak at three sessions, one on the Friday night and two on Saturday morning, as well as preaching at our Sunday morning service.  Please begin to pray about this event and  tell your friends and family. This weekend represents a wonderful opportunity to hear from one who has such  an effective worldwide speaking and writing ministry.

Elvis is Back !

Tonight Mr Steve Elliot will perform “the sacred songs of Elvis Presley” at Bakerview Church, commencing 7.30pm (Doors will open at 6.30pm). Tickets are available at the House of James or visit the website www.elviselite.com. Price is $20 per ticket and part of the proceeds will go to the work of The Salvation Army in Abbotsford.

H1N1 Flu virus

No doubt you are each taking precautionary measures to lessen your chance of contracting this flu virus. May I remind you that it is important to wash your hands on entering and leaving our building. Sanitizers are placed at the entrances to our buildings

See you Sunday!

Ross Hailes

October 20, 2009

Thank you for praying for our youth who were away at Youth Together 2009. Reports are that a challenging time was experienced, and that our young people are ready to move forward with God under the leadership of Mike and Amy. Will you pray daily for Mike and Amy as they begin to make an impact on the lives of our youth and young adults?

Transformed People

Last Sunday our theme was The Call to the Word of God.

We looked together at Item 5 of our Core Beliefs and Values Statement:

We believe the Bible is God’s inspired word of Truth revealing Himself, His plan and His purpose for all people

… therefore we will study and teach the Bible, living by its truth.

Every part of scripture is God breathed and useful one way or another – showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word of God we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
2 Timothy 3:16,17 The Message

Paul Baloche, songwriter and singer, states that he was brought up to love the Lord, but reading the Bible wasn’t part of his life. Why? Didn’t anyone ever guide him to this book?

Are you reading the Bible regularly? Have you joined a small group to discuss your reading and to help you to obey what you read? Invite a friend or two to join you each week, or join one of our existing small groups at Cascade. Phone Mike Cumiskey at 604-556-7000 for more information.

Commissioner Jim Knaggs, leader of The Salvation Army in southern Australia, states “My day begins with a reading of the Word of God, the Bible. In this word I find life in many forms. My soul is invigorated. My hopes are realigned. My understanding and relationship with God is nourished. Let me recommend a regular reading of the Bible for you.”

Maybe, like Paul Baloche in his younger years, reading the Bible hasn’t been part of your everyday living. How can you change this? The best advice is to open your Bible. Pray about what you will read. Ask God to show you what the verses mean for you personally. Begin with the gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Read from the Psalms.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Let the word dwell in you richly.
Colossians 3:16

Think about these things. Discuss them in your small group!

See you Sunday!

Ross Hailes

October 16, 2009

October 16, 2009

I thought that our worship together last Sunday was really special. It was one of those occasion that the presence of God very evident. The participation of the children in the offering of fruit helped to launch our worship with the focus on Thanksgiving.

Transformed People

Last Sunday our theme was The Call to Life in the Spirit

We looked together at Item 4 of our Core Beliefs and Values Statement:

We believe the Holy Spirit is God’s transforming presence empowering believers to live like Jesus.  (Galatians 5:16-25, Romans 8:1-17, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, Ephesians 3:14-19, John 14:15-17, 1 Corinthians 2:12-16)

…therefore we will submit to the Spirit’s leading

One essential feature of a person whose life is being transformed is that he or she is indwelt with the presence of the Holy Spirit. A disciple of Jesus is living partly in the realm of the natural and partly in the realm of the supernatural

Jesus told his disciples that after he was gone that they would do greater miracles than he had done. Was he thinking about us as well in the year 2009? Are we able to do greater miracles today? If so, in what ways do we see ‘greater’ miracles today than what Jesus performed?

We need to experience spiritual birth, followed by spiritual growth. We need to open our lives to receiving spiritual gifts and the power that only the Spirit can bring.

English journalist Malcom Muggeridge  once said,
“I come back to the Christian notion that man’s efforts to make himself permanently happy are domed to failure. He must indeed, as Christ said, be born again…as far as I am concerned it is Christ or nothing.”

“We need urgently to recapture the vision of living daringly for the Lord, throwing ourselves totally upon the power of his Spirit, without whom we are nothing. This is the greatest and most pressing need of the church today. Everything else we do is liked trying to sail a boat when the tide is out, and the wind is still.”
~ David Watson (Discipleship, p. 115)

Youth Together

13 of our youth and young adults are attending this event at Camp Sunrise this weekend accompanied by leaders Mike and Amy Cumiskey. Please pray continually from this moment on until Sunday afternoon that God will visit our young people with His presence and speak to them in a powerful way.

See you Sunday!

Ross Hailes

October 9, 2009

As we approach Thanksgiving weekend, Agnes joins me in praying that this will be a special time for you and your families.The apostle Paul encourages us “give thanks in all circumstance.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Sometimes it is hard to give thanks when life and circumstances seem stacked against us. However, there is a healing power that comes from giving thanks to God in the dark days as well as the days that are full of sunshine! Try it today!

Transformed People

Last Sunday our theme was The Call to Prayer.

Agnes drew our attention to Item 7 of our core beliefs and values statement:  

We believe that prayer is an intimate conversation with God through which we align ourselves with His will, enjoy His blessing and release His power. (Ephesians 3:14-19, 1 John 5:14,15, Matthew 6: 5-13, John 14:12-14, Mark 11:24-25, Philippians 4:6-7)

…therefore we will make prayer a natural part of everyday living

Someone has said that prayer keeps us trusting God for everything, opens the way for the Holy Spirit to transform us into the image of Jesus and enables God to touch the lives of others whom we meet.

Agnes also referred us to three hints that Phillip Yancey offers in regard to prayer. He says. “Keep your prayers honest, keep them simple and keep them going.”  How has your prayer life been going this week? Don’t be afraid to share your successes and failures with your friends. Ask your small group to have a discussion about prayer. Using the Phillip Yancey guidelines, try talking to God for a few minutes each day.

Small Groups

The pastoral staff is really excited that we seem to now have about 120 people connected into some kind of small group at Cascade Church. Many of you have taken up the challenge to join a group for the first time. This means that there is a real widespread desire amongst Cascade members to get to know each other better and to be accountable for your walk with God.  It’s not too late to connect with a small group. Speak to Mike Cumiskey or phone the church office to find out what groups might be best for you.

Good News!

City Council voted this week to postpone a decision to withdraw our exemption from Council Taxes related to our Centre of Hope property on Gladys Avenue. This represents about $50,000 we would have had to find (over the next 3 years) if the exemption was withdrawn. The issue will come up again next year so we will keep your posted in terms of prayer support.

I encourage you to join in a Thanksgiving Celebration at Cascade on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and again at 6:00 p.m.!

See you Sunday!

Ross Hailes

October 2, 2009

Signs are beginning to appear that summer is over! Leaves are falling, cooler winds are starting to blow and rain has been coming down. HOWEVER the temperature was WARM to HOT in worship last Sunday! The Holy Spirit was present and He spoke to us in gentle but challenging ways. It was exciting that nearly 50 people signed up to join one of our small groups starting this fall! If you missed last week, there will be further opportunity to register your name on Sunday. Don’t miss out…be a part of it!

Transformed People

Last Sunday our theme was The Call to Community. We considered that we are called to be A Community of Covenanted Love. The disciple of Jesus commits him or herself to the local community of Christians, the body of Christ. David Watson says, “The basis of covenant love is commitment. It has nothing to do with natural feelings and desires. We commit ourselves to our brothers and sisters because we see Christ in them. We give ourselves to them in loving service, laying down our lives for them, thinking first of their needs and interests rather than ours.” (Discipleship, p.59)

Jesus did not suggest or propose that we love each other, but rather He commanded that this is how we should behave. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

We also talked about being A Community of Radical Defiance. People are looking to escape from the self-centred, consumer driven society that is sucking them in. Our community needs to be a radical alternative where values of sharing and caring are clearly evident. Thirdly, we need to be a Community that Stays Close to the Cross. Whenever we meet together at Cascade, we meet at the cross of Jesus Christ. Paul said, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14)

Let me refer you to Item 6 of our new Core Beliefs and Values:

We believe the church is a community of believers who serve others, lead people to Christ and make disciples. (Romans 12:4-8, Ephesians 4:11-16, Matthew 28:18-20, Colossians 3:12-17, Acts 2:38-47)

…therefore we will actively participate in and contribute to church life

Consider the ways in which you have contributed to strengthening our community life at Cascade in this past week. Who have you served? (Think of their names)

If you haven’t yet got your fridge magnet displaying our new vision, make sure you get one on Sunday! Put it on your fridge, read it daily and let it sink deep into your mind and heart.

Also, make sure you pick up our new What We Believe pamphlet which contains our Mission Statement, our Vision Statement, our Core Beliefs and Values and our Articles of Faith. Read it regularly, carry it with you to work, school and shopping, and become familiar with these statements because they are now central to everything we will do, think and say at Cascade.

Small Groups Info Fair

We will be repeating our small groups info fair on Sunday. Make sure you visit the various tables and choose a group that is right for you.

See you Sunday!

Ross Hailes

September 24, 2009

Agnes and I had the privilege this week of an overnight stay at the beautiful Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Centre at Sumas, just over the border. We were with about 100 pastors from Washington and BC to be refreshed and to hear from a guest speaker Ray Pritchard. Check out his website: keepbelieving.com! We also represented The Salvation Army at a golf tournament  and dinner at Langley which raised $14,000 toward Hospice Societies in the Fraser Valley. 

Transformed People

We have begun our preaching series on our new vision. Transformed people are disciples of Jesus and we are each  on the journey of following Jesus. Last Sunday we considered this quote from frost and Hirsch: CS Lewis rightly understood that the purpose of the church was to draw people to Christ and make them like Christ. He said that the church exists for no other purpose. “If the church is not doing this, then all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the bible, are a waste of time. (The Forgotten Ways, p. 102)

 If this is the purpose of the church, then it is also my purpose and yours to be working to point people to following Jesus and trying to be like Jesus in everything we do, say and think!  We have also been thinking about obedience in recent weeks and I refer to you Statement 2 of our new Core Beliefs and Values:

 We believe that the Father is the creator and ruler over all.
(Colossians 1:15-17, Isaiah 45:12, Hebrews 11:3, Revelation 4:11)

…therefore we will obey God in all things

How have you been doing this week in the matter of being an obedient disciple?

If you haven’t got your fridge magnet yet displaying our new vision, make sure you get one Sunday! Put it on your fridge, read it daily and let it sink deep into your mind and heart.

Also make sure you pick up our new ‘What We Believe’ pamphlet which contains our Mission Statement, our Vision Statement, our core beliefs and values and our Articles of Faith.  Read it regularly, carry it with you to work, school and shopping, and become familiar with these statements because they are now central to everything we will do, think and say at Cascade.

Small Groups Info Fair

After church on Sunday you will have the opportunity to ask questions about a small group that might be right for you.

Prayer for Human Trafficking

On Sunday we will have a prayer focus on the evils of the Human Trafficking industry. Some of you were present at a meeting recently at our church which highlighted the fact that this kind of activity is happening right here in our city!  We should pray and work together to be rid of this evil that is damaging the lives of our young people, particularly young women.

See you Sunday!

Ross Hailes

September 18, 2009

Our new church year got off to a great start last Sunday with the launch of our new vision for Cascade Community Church. Transformed People, Loving God and Others is the new journey we have begun together. Our Sunday worship and preaching will outline this vision as well as our new values. Make sure you get a copy of our new brochure, What We Believe, as well as a vision magnet for your fridge! 

Block Party 2009

The Block Party last Sunday was again a great success with hundreds of people stepping out into the beautiful sunshine to eat, listen to music, play basketball and ping pong and other activities. There were plenty of fun things for the children to do. This event is primarily designed to let the people of this local community know that the churches of Delair Road are here to serve them and that we care enough to stage a free party! Thanks to Corrie who heads up the planning for this annual event.

Welcome Mike and Amy Cumiskey

Last Sunday was also special in that we installed and dedicated Mike Cumiskey in his new role as Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults. Standing alongside Mike was his wife, Amy, who also joins our church and will work alongside Mike in this ministry. Twenty young adults met on Monday evening for their first gathering for 2009, and almost thirty high school youth kicked off their year on Thursday evening with a barbecue and other activities. Please pray for Mike and Amy as they move into this exciting ministry to which they have been called. I should add that Amy also has her full time job as a teacher in this city.

Small Groups

An important aspect of our new vision is the special attention being given to the development of small groups within our church. We feel it is important for the members of our church to be connected through small groups for the purposes of fellowship and spiritual growth. You will be hearing a lot more about this focus commencing on Sunday.

Summer Camping

Children’s Pastor Corri, along with Melissa have spent much of summer involved in summer camps at Camp Sunrise. I know that at least one child has already been linked to our church programs through this work, and that others are being followed up. I am also aware that others from our church gave voluntary time at Camp Sunrise this year. Thank you for your commitment to helping the spiritual development of our children.

Come back soon!

If you haven’t yet returned to us for Sunday service following summer, I do hope this will be the week we will see you! “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25.

Come and encourage someone this Sunday!

Ross Hailes