Author: Andy Wood

6 Month Financial Update

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A few years ago we began sharing our financial situation in the bulletin on a weekly basis as opposed to once a year at our Financial Info Nights. This was a direct response to an increased desire from WCVers to be “in the know” and to “own the financial situation of the church.” This letter is written in that same open Screen Shot 2016-07-21 at 3.00.30 PMspirit. We hope this information will help us carry our financial situation together as a whole church, each person taking ownership without manipulation.
As always, we hold this situation in prayer and ultimately look to God for provision and wisdom. We feel writing this update is part of that. Ultimately, this situation is not in the BOD’s, Pastoral or Lay Elder’s nor even the congregation’s hands. It is firmly in God’s hands – we’re simply trying to be obedient to our part.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7

Here’s the 6-month situation as of June 30:

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The current deficit of $36,702 compares to $14,595 in 2015. This deficit includes the $13,280 buffer surplus that we used to cushion the shortfall and needs to be replenished. This deficit is alarming given that it is only mid-year and so high.

There are two reasons the significant deficit this year:

  • Our regular offerings are down and in line with the income shortfall (other sources of income, like rentals, are not down). Our donations for June were at a 3-year low and the trend from the past few months is down.
  • Our expenses to operate are increasing with no option but to pay.

As your Staff and Board we consider this situation to be unprecedented enough to make some recommendations that may help immediately. We ask you to prayerfully consider responding.

Here are a few ways to respond:

  • Review your current giving level and year-to-date totals. If you have a shortfall please consider topping-up immediately.
  • If you haven’t already done so, consider signing up for pre-authorized withdrawals. This helps tremendously with cash-flow.
  • Consider increasing your giving level.
  • Pray for God’s provision of our financial needs. We rely on His supernatural provision at all times but sometimes forget to thank Him in times of plenty and continue asking for His help in times of scarcity.

We continue to believe that WCVers have the potential to meet all our annual budget needs. Whatever your interpretations are about tithing (10% to the local church – be generous in every situation – or something in between), the call to us as followers of Jesus is to be generous and the call to us as a local community of believers is to hold our local needs up in prayer and practice. Again, we trust in the Lord, not in finances (or horses or chariots!). He will see us through this, but not without forming us a little more into Christ’s likeness first. As leaders, we will continue to manage well and communicate info as relevant. Thanks for walking with us through this – thanks for your support – and thanks for your prayerful consideration of this letter!

Prayerfully & Thankfully,

Your Staff and Board of Directors

 

 

Fragrance of Justice Audio

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20 years ago, we hosted a watershed event.  It was a conference called the Fragrance of Justice.  John Wimber, in what was to become one of his last conferences he did before he passed, as well as Jackie Pullinger and David Ruis were the primary speakers.  There are some real gems in the teaching.  They’re great for summer listening, road trips, etc!

>>Get the audio here.

Healing in the Waves – a story from the Women’s retreat

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This is a submission from Janet Blatz:

I love the water. I love sitting on the beach watching the waves form with such great gusto and roll in to meet the sand and then disappear like a whisper. Watching the waves come and then go over and over makes my soul very happy and at peace. However leading up to the Ladies retreat my soul felt like it wasn’t watching the waves from the shoreline but instead it was being crashed by the endless waves in the middle of the ocean; waves of stress, waves of worries and waves of grief and Screen Shot 2016-07-18 at 2.49.36 PMI felt like I was drowning. Just like waves in an ocean, these waves of thoughts and emotions at times had more power than other times but the impact of them still can tire a person over time.

It was for this reason I was looking forward to the retreat – I thought maybe a change of setting and schedule could bring relief and rest to a tired soul. The soothing of the soul didn’t come from resting in nature like I thought.  It came in when I found myself painting during a session; it came when I was prayed for during the Saturday prayer time; it came while swimming in the lake late one night.

Has my soul been totally healed?  No.  I was reminded over the weekend that my circumstances may not ever change, however, if I change my focus from trying survive the waves (or even question why I am facing those waves) to the Creator of the waves, healing will happen. Letting go of old ways of dealing with stress, of worrying, of grieving is hard but trying to continue to embrace for the impact of those waves again and again is harder.  When I choose to seek the Creator, instead of embracing for the next wave, a little part of my soul finds itself on the shoreline, sitting and watching the waves that once caused so much pain and anguish, slowly roll in and disappears without disturbing the peace.

~ Janet

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Metanoia National Gathering Audio

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Back in June we hosted Vineyardites from across the country (and a few others as well!).  It was a wonderful time of experiencing God’s presence, being re-tooled for the season ahead and being challenged to “think again” about a number of topics.

Michael Raburn brought some amazing teaching on being people who tell the truth.  If you listen to his talk from Thursday night, you’ll be sure to want to listen to the follow-up from Saturday morning.  David and Anita Ruis shared about what it means to be a people who “dwell in the borderlands”.  Be sure to add these sessions to your summer “listening playlist”.

>>Listen here.

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Celebrating Baptisms!

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What a wonderful time on July 3!  We celebrated together as six people followed Jesus into baptism.  Congratulations to Shirl, Carolina, Serena, Kayla, Clayton and Lindsay!  May you see Jesus more clearly, experience the Father’s love more deeply, and know the Holy Spirit’s presence with you more freely as you walk the journey!

Baptisms – Apostle’s Creed

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We’re going to be celebrating baptisms July 3 in the Greenspace (weather permitScreen Shot 2016-06-29 at 5.49.46 PMting).  In case you want to know beforehand what we’re going to be doing, below are the call and responses of those getting baptized.  Also, together we will publicly declare our trust in Jesus by saying the Apostle’s Creed – an old statement that has been affirmed by the vast majority of the church throughout the centuries.  Let’s use this time to re-affirm our own trust in God as we witness and participate in this sacrament which speaks to the reality of dying to our sin, being raised to new life, and joining the community represented in the church.

PS. Afterwards, we’re going to have a BBQ, and set up the Bouncy Castle and have a few other fun activities as well!  If it’s nice the children may want to bring a swimming suit for the slip-n-slide.

 

Elder:        Do you reject Satan?

Person:   I do.

Elder:        And all his works?

Person:   I do.

Elder:        And all his empty promises?

Person:   I do.

Elder:        Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?

Person:   I do.

Elder:        Do you turn to Jesus as Saviour?

Person:   I turn to Jesus.

Elder:        Do you submit to Jesus as Lord?

Person:   I submit to Jesus.

Elder:        Do you come to Jesus, the way, the truth and the life?

Person:   I come to Jesus Christ.

 

 

The Apostle’s Creed

Screen Shot 2016-06-29 at 5.52.21 PMI believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.  He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.  He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.  He descended to the dead.  On the third day he rose again.  He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.  He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy universal Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Amen!

 

Elder: Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayer?

Person: I will, with God’s help.

Elder:      Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

Person: I will, with God’s help.

Elder: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

Person: I will, with God’s help.

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Women’s Retreat 2016 (+ new note from Amanda)

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By all accounts, it was a great time!

Here’s a note from Amanda Leighton:

Hi Women Retreaters,

Screen Shot 2016-06-29 at 5.32.24 PMI just wanted to take a few minutes to acknowledge some things I noticed this weekend…..

First of all.  Those gift bags were such a blessing.  That someone handpicked the teacups and wrote out individual notes was such a gift to us.  I personally saw the significance in the things in my bag, including the colouring page!  So thank you for giving the time and thought to each woman, and that, upon arrival, we would already being receiving the richness of our community’s love.  

I am also just over the top grateful for the use of the physical space and I think it’s safe to say that we all were blessed by John, Violet, Lillian, Darryl and Robin.  I know we wrote them notes so they can just read those for further gratefulness and loving!  

I also have really reflected on those of you who took special care of Lindsey.  Thank you to those of you who were willing to just sit and be present to her.  The love of this community is really something.  

Another thing that I loved was that there were youth among us.  That just brought such a wonderful dynamic that, until now, we’ve been missing at these retreats.  So thank you for coming and thank you to the parents who encouraged and brought their kids.  It will be hard to forget seeing the circle of dancers that included both the youngest and the eldest doing that hip arm dance combo.  Such a beautiful (and hilarious) picture.  

The laughter this weekend was equally unforgettable.  and the tears.

It is just really wonderful to be a part of this amazing community of women. So rich.    

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.  

Love, Amanda

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Missing: Melody Schellenberg & Ang Falk

Do you have a story you’d like to share about something from the retreat?  Let us know or use the comment section below!

(Click on the pics to enlarge them)

 

New Elders

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We’re excited to report that our New Elder process has resulted in four new elders joining the team!  Rod & Elisa Jersak and Jason & Theresa Eheler are now Lay Elders and will bring valuable insight and unique perspective to the team as it attempts to follow Jesus and tend to the mission and vision of WCV.  The elder team is comprised of both Lay Elders (Paul & Sherry Ansloos and Cliff & Krista Heide) and the Pastoral Elders (John & Violet Rademaker, Nathan & Kendra Rieger, Jodi & Mike Labun and Andy & Beckie Wood).  The Elder team (both Lay and Pastoral elders) are the only leadership positions which require a membership vote.  This happened at the last Outer Circle gathering where the Ehelers and the Jersaks were enthusiastically endorsed.  If you want to know more about being a voting member at WCV, go here.

It may be important to note that this is not a promotion or a position of prestige as the world may view it.  We’ve simply recognized that the Lord has put these four people in our midst, and has called them into serving the body in this way for this season.  We also want to note that being a couple is not a requirement for being either a Lay Elder or a Pastoral Elder at WCV.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this process whether it was through submitting names back in the Fall, talking with us about who you perceived to be elders, praying along the way or voting on Saturday.

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The Jersaks in Nepal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Ehelers at the Lake

It Whistles Through – a poem

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Here’s a poem by Blair Barkley.  He read it at Celebration Sunday a few weeks ago.

It Whistles Through:

It whistles through the willows of a borough,

and floats on the water of a pond,

and roars down the falls of a river,

inverted in a glassy refection of a sea,

foaming on the shores of a beach,

and crackling in the clouds of a storm,

the likes of which we haven’t seen before.

 

It soars on the strings of a past,

and flutters through memories too far to grasp,

catching a tide of a sorrow retreating,

and flutters the feathers of a bird fleeting,

falling from a kingdom of a king,

to mere mortals made of a clay,

crafted by the Father, in a race made of colourful hues.

 

It speaks through the voice of a mute,

and brings justice from the heart of a widow,

and wells up strength in the quiet and meek,

bubbling up the blood in the veins of a martyr,

crashing on the rocks of a stoney shore,

illuminating the ocean with a crystal lining,

stretching over a never-ending horizon,

resides a sacred space,

idling in the hearts of everyone

Healed by You – a poem

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by Jessica Williams

I was healed by the invitation to speak.

I was healed by letting it all come pouring out.

I was healed by breaking open

and falling apart.

Finally.

I was healed by the place you made here

that was large enough for me.

And I was healed by a *thousand tellings.

Each one soothing some small spot of sorrow

that still mattered to me.

I was healed when you held my story.

When you said it was all allowed.

When you made room for my aching, my anguish, my anger.

I was healed when you helped me.

I was healed by the mothers, the sisters, the friends.

I was healed by the fathers, the brothers, the men.

I was healed by the children dancing, by the art, by the drum.

I was healed at the table.

I was healed by the body.

I was healed by you.

Vineyard Metanoia: Dwelling in the Borderlands

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June 16 – 18, we’re hosting a National Metanoia event.  Make sure you sign up soon, since space is limited.  All are welcome (including children and youth)!

Here’s an invite from Brian Doerksen, who will be joining us:

Join Michael Raburn, David & Anita Ruis and many other Vineyardites from across our family as we set our hearts to “Think Again”.

Besides prayer & worship we’ll explore together:

  • Lectio Divina – rhythm of lectio divina (Colossians 4) centering around the Eucharist
  • Academic engagement – with Michael Raburn, a theologian and Vineyard pastor from North Carolina
  • Interview sessions – fun and engaging interview sessions with our National Catalysts with Michael responding in “TED talk” style presentations we describe as “here’s what I heard you say, and here’s what I think
  • Connection – great opportunities to connect share pray/listen with one another

Schedule:

JUN 16 Thursday: 6:30 PM (doors open at 5:30)
JUN 17 Friday: 9:30 AM / 2 PM / 6:30 PM
JUN 18 Saturday: 9:30 AM

JUN 18 Saturday: 6:30 PM
Saturday nite worship (open to public – no registration required)

Register:

Make sure you register soon, because space is limited.  Children and youth are welcome!

Register here: Vineyard Metanoia.

Vineyard Metanoia

 

 

 

Fredrick Buechner on Sin

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Here are a few thoughts from Frederick Buechner on sin. Whether you agree or not, isn’t really the point. Sin goes much deeper than behaviour – it goes right to our core. Thankfully, so does Jesus’ redemptive power. Come Holy Spirit!

The power of sin is centrifugal. When at work in a human life, it tends to push everything out toward the periphery. Bits and pieces go flying off until only the core is left. Eventually bits and pieces of the core itself go flying off until in the end nothing at all is left. “The wages of sin is death” is Saint Paul’s way of saying the same thing.

Other people and (if you happen to believe in God) God or (if you happen not to) the world, society, nature—whatever you call the greater whole of which you’re part—sin is whatever you do, or fail to do, that pushes them away, that widens the gap between you and them and also the gaps within your self.

For example, the sin of the Pharisee is not just (a) his holier-than-thou attitude, which pushes other people away, but (b) his secret suspicion that his own holiness is deficient too, which pushes part of himself away, and (c) his possibly not so subconscious feeling that anybody who expects him to be all that holy must be a cosmic SOB, which pushes Guess Who away.

Sex is sinful to the degree that, instead of drawing you closer to other human beings in their humanness, it unites bodies but leaves the lives inside them hungrier and more alone than before.

Religion and unreligion are both sinful to the degree that they widen the gap between you and the people who don’t share your views.

The word charity illustrates the insidiousness of sin. From meaning “a free and loving gift” it has come to mean “a demeaning handout.”

Original sin means we all originate out of a sinful world, which taints us from the word go. We all tend to make ourselves the center of the universe, pushing away centrifugally from that center everything that seems to impede its freewheeling. More even than hunger, poverty, or disease, it is what Jesus said he came to save the world from.

~Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC (New York: Harper Collins, 1973), p. 88.