To my loving niece Cherilynn Leveque:
I never realized the love you left behind.
How kind and sharing you’d had been.
We all miss you dearly.
We all wish we could have you back
So we can sit and talk to you so dearly.
You left us all a life’s lesson, we commend you so dearly.
Live, Love, Laugh and Hug and give someone a smile.
Friendships and families are important
And cherish them so dearly.
Remember the less fortunate, the impoverished and the low
Because they may have been like you…
A niece we lost long ago.
Who was dealt life’s difficult blows.
Through it all you choose to smile to be that example indeed.
Live, Love, Laugh and Hug and give someone a smile.
Oh how I miss you so
I know you’re in heaven
Because there’s a savior who knows our deepest soul.
I know that you’re with me, I can feel you in my heart!
You’re now in the bosom of Jesus, safely in his arms!
Until we meet again my niece! Oh how I love you so!
~ Susan Henry, Cheri’s aunt
Cheri has managed to wiggle her head through the window of the bus. She’s gazing forward, smiling. It’s the end of farm day; we’ve had barbecued hot dogs and potato chips for lunch, and spent the afternoon swimming. The day is pleasant, filled with sunshine. I am waiting outside the bus, making sure we haven’t missed anyone. People are smiling at me and making faces through the windows. We are laughing at each other. I take out my phone to take pictures. Cheri wants me to take hers.
Of all the things I remember about Cheri, this is most vivid: she loved having her picture taken. She had a gift for recognizing and savouring joy. She was grateful. When she asked for a picture, it was her way of saying that she was delighted and that she was thankful.
I can still hear her laugh and see the way it illuminated her. She had kind eyes. She loved bingo and taco salad. Pictures don’t quite capture all that.
There was pain in her life, too. She was humble and vulnerable about it, unafraid to ask for help and to share when she was struggling. Her body was fragile and there were times we could only lightly lay hands on her as we prayed for her. Once, I remember kneeling down beside her at drop-in when she was having a seizure. She was shaking on the floor, in a fetal position, and couldn’t say a word. A few of us were alongside her, speaking quietly and reassuring her that we were there and that help was on the way.
WCV, and particularly Drop-In, was a home and family for Cheri. During one Celebration Sunday, she was even proposed to in the middle of a contemplative prayer exercise! I have no doubt that she knew that she was wanted here. On another Sunday, she took the microphone and, in front of everyone, gave WCV a framed sign as a gift and then proceeded to share some very personal things about her life with our congregation. It was a holy moment. A few people gathered around to pray for her. Our community was better because of her, and it was a privilege and an honour to be entrusted with her over these years.
Just before Christmas, on our last Drop-In gathering of the year, we took a picture. Amazingly, it wasn’t Cheri’s idea though I’m sure she was in hearty agreement. We all huddled together on stage, trying to fit into the frame. Cheri is front and centre, wearing a bright red Coca-Cola t-shirt, smiling at the camera. Sunlight is radiating through the windows behind us. Before the picture was taken, Cheri went and got the sign that she gave us that particular Sunday – it had been hanging in our sanctuary ever since, on stage. She’s holding the sign with both of her hands. “Friends.” That’s what the sign says. This is our last picture together, with her. In January of this year, Cheri took her own life.
Today, Cheri is with Jesus in paradise. I can only imagine what enduring vision of joy she is beholding now, how illuminated she is, and how amazing it must feel to at last be free of pain. We thank God for her life. And we look forward to gazing upon the beauty of our Lord together one day; the day to which every picture of joy, gratitude, and friendship points.
A Surplus of Gratitude
We’ve said it verbally for the past few Sundays but we’ll write it here too, just in case you missed it – 2017 turned out to be another year of amazing provision which we’re humbled by and thankful for. We even ended the year with a small surplus. Thank you to those who joined with us in prayer and fasting, and thank you for your generosity in supporting WCV financially. God always seems to provide for us in unexpected ways through unexpected gifts as well as through regular giving from people like you. It has been noted before, but WCV is a generous church, both in what we accomplish and the people who are the church – we know that, which is why we never posture our communication to be about “digging deeper”. Rather, we acknowledge that God is the source of every good gift. He partners with his people in accomplishing his will. What each of us does with the money we have is a good indication of our discipleship. These are all reasons to say “thank you!” to you, and to God, our generous Father.
You can expect a full financial report for 2016 and a presentation of the budget for 2017 leading up to our Annual General Meeting on March 18. This meeting will be during our regular Outer Circle gathering, but anyone can come. All members (those involved in the Outer Circle, a House Group or a similar group – more info here) are especially encouraged to come to this meeting. You can also look for your 2016 tax receipts during the next few Sundays.
An Invitation to Travel… to the Himalayas!
Here’s a very special invitation for everyone at WCV. September 27 – 30 the Himalayan Region Vineyard is hosting a big conference during which they will be commissioned to be their own Association of Vineyard Churches. This is an exciting and normal part of the growth process for groups of Vineyard churches. This release as their own association won’t change their relationship with us – we will still be family – but it is significant and cause for celebration. Vineyardites from around the world will gather in Siliguri, India (see map below) in what we expect will be the largest gathering of Himalayan Region Vineyard people ever. 
It will be a big deal. Of course, it would be wonderful to have as many WCVers there as possible – and we want to help make that happen.
There will be limited travel subsidies available to help get WCVers there. If you’ve always wanted to go to the Himalayas, perhaps this is an opportunity that would work of you! If you are interested in going and if you would need a subsidy please contact the office. Amounts of subsidies will be determined later but please note they will only cover a portion of the travel.
Depending on interest from the group, we may add on a trip to Kathmandu after the conference in Siliguri.
- Himalayan Vineyard’s AVC (Association of Vineyard Churches) Release Gathering
- September 27 – 30, 2017
- Siliguri, India
Contact the Office.
Vineyard Prayer Summit (Edmonton)
Coming up very soon is the Prayer Summit and Worship Symposium in Edmonton, hosted by the Harvest Vineyard!
The Vineyard Prayer Summit is a two day event dedicated to prayer and worship, and to seeking the face of God. In addition to the Summit, there will be three pre-Summit Symposiums: David Ruis, National Director of Vineyard Canada, will be speaking; Andy Park, worship leader, will be leading the Worship Symposium; and Dr. Rik Berry, professional artist, will be leading a hands-on track about the “Confluence of the Arts.”
March 1-2: Pre-Summit Symposiums.
March 3-4: Prayer Summit.
For more details and to register for one or both of these events, visit the summit website.
Please let us know if you’re planning on attending – we can coordinate!
A New Year Celebration – stomping on snake heads and other reasons to party
I came across this painting by Sister Grace Remington a few years ago while doing research for a sermon. I can’t recall what the sermon was on but this painting has stayed with me, lingering in my inbox. It moved me then and it still moves me now. I find myself in it – perhaps you will too.
Painting by Sister Grace Remington, OCSO Sisters of the Mississippi Abbey in Dubuque, Iowa
This painting speaks with a simple eloquence of the hope that Christmas points to. But more than that it speaks to me of my condition as a descendant of Eve – as one who has been infected by the serpent’s venom – as one who has been tripped up too many times by the cunning temptations hung before me like plump juicy fruit (pears by the look of it in this rendition – I love pears…). It reminds me that the rebellion of my ancient biblical ancestors lives in me too.
This painting also speaks to me of another reality I’m learning to live into. It calls me to recall my position and identity within God’s family. The snake has bitten my foot (“bruised” as the Hebrew puts it). It hurts and the venom is deadly. However, the head of that very same snake has been struck (again, bruised) by the baby in that womb. The prophecy spoken to the serpent in Genesis 3 has been fulfilled in the coming of Jesus (he will bruise your head, you will bruise his heel). In other words, the snake will go down fighting, but he will go down (technically he already has, but that’s for another post). This picture is pregnant with this promise. It beckons me to live up to this hope and to allow my life to be infused and transformed by it.
This is worth celebrating. Not the shallow kind of celebration that denies the difficult parts of my reality, but the authentic and genuine praise that erupts from the throats of worshippers who have tasted of freedom and are longing for more! The kind of deep celebration that happens when the one stuck in pain and loneliness feels hope communicated to them through the loving embrace of community. It’s the joyful tears of forgiveness, and the melodies that well up from within when the sweet tastes of hope and freedom replace the bitter flavours of sin. We have reason for hope and we have reason to celebrate!
Jesus has come. Jesus is with us. Jesus has the last word (and the word after that too).
Let’s party.
This Sunday, January 1, 2017. 10am.
P.S. We will start on time (as usual) – don’t miss out by being late.
Do you want to Grow this Year?
Admittedly, this is a bit of a redundant question. Of course the right answer to the question is, “yes, I want to grow this year!” Yet conditions for growth require more than a willingness on our part – even if that willingness is full of passion. Perhaps this is why growth is often difficult to see, even though most of us readily admit we want it.
God is creative. Ever since he spoke the world into being and ever since he bent down and formed the first humans out of the dirt and breathed into them, he has been creating. Astronomers understand that the universe is continuously expanding outward – as if the life-giving power of God’s words “Let there be…” haven’t stopped forming. Creation is ongoing, generating new expanses of space, but also newness in us, should we choose to allow it. For followers of Jesus, this creative energy is moulding us into being more like him – restoring our image of God-ness. This is a deep and beautiful task and it is the setting, the backdrop, and the reason we engage in the Outer Circle process each year.
Imagine, getting together regularly with 2 or 3 other people and sharing three areas of growth God has invited you into for the year. Imagine being honest about your strengths and allowing God to fill you with 
his laughter and delight. Picture yourself being prayed for as you posture yourself in deliberate and intentional ways to be formed into Jesus’ likeness. What growth might be visible in a year from now if you stuck with it? What might you see formed in those 2 or 3 friends? What if you tracked your friend’s journeys in specific ways? What might the Holy Spirit do in you and in them if given the chance?
Do you really want to grow this year? You might want to consider forming a Triad and being part of the Outer Circle process for 2017. Our first gathering is on Saturday, January 14, 5:30pm – 8pm.
By then you should have identified your 3 areas of strength (Grace received) and 3 areas of growth for the coming year (Grace needed) and have made a plan. If this doesn’t make sense to you, read more here.
Contact the office to sign up. The Outer Circle is one way to be a member in the Vineyard. For more on membership go here.
For more detailed explanation of the Outer Circle process go here.
Coming Home – Christmas Greetings
We’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in the WCV community a merry Christmas. It’s amazing that we’re here again – another revolution around the sun and on the eve of another new year.
Throughout this Advent season we’ve been exploring the gospel of John and the idea of homecoming. We hope you’ve enjoyed using the “Heart has a Home” booklets. Please let us know if they’re helpful.
We’ve been praying for a deeper understanding of the events we celebrate at Christmas, primarily the incarnation – God becoming fully human in the form of one of us. It’s quite astonishing that God would make his home among us as one of us. It’s even more astonishing that he would take up residence in a young woman’s uterus for 9 months and would subject himself to the beautiful mess of the birthing process, in an animal stable no less! That he would live as a son of a carpenter in a backwater region of the Roman empire and that he would learn to talk, walk, laugh, cry – all the experiences that make us human, are all signs of the depth to which he came to live with us as one of us. This is God making his home among us and it’s simply astounding.
However, our reflections haven’t centred only on events that happened 2,000 years ago, as amazing as they were. We’ve also looked for his coming in our daily lives in the present. In all our comings and goings we’ve been listening for his whispers, trying to perceive his fingerprints, and opening ourselves to his presence with us. The hope of Christmas is, in part, that the incarnation continues today and that he makes his home amongst those who welcome him.
And finally, we’ve been looking with anticipation to the final homecoming when Jesus, who is the Lord of all creation, comes to take his rightful place once again. John paints a grand picture of heaven and earth coming together again at last as he records the angel’s ecstatic shout, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them…” (Rev 21:3). This is our ultimate hope – that our home will be with God. Jesus made a way, we experience it now in part, and we long for it’s fulfilment in the age to come. This is not a disembodied hope in a vague afterlife. It’s is real life grounded in a renewed earth 
with fully alive renewed bodies and pure hearts. Jesus models the way for us. Paul calls him the “first of a great harvest” (1 Cor 15:20-23). What happened to Jesus, will happen to those who are at home with him. This is our great hope, which is stirred as we look to Jesus’ birth, made real as we experience the Father’s loving presence through the Spirit today, and is fanned into flame like a warm crackling fire in the hearth as we look to the final day of Jesus’ final return home.
Wherever you are, and whatever your situation is this Christmas, we pray these realities will give you strength and a tangible hope for today. Merry Christmas!
Christmas Scheduling:
Christmas Eve service:
- Dec 24, 6pm – 7pm.
- We will worship together and will end with a candlelight celebration.
Christmas Day Sunday Gathering:
- Dec 25, 10am – 11:15am
Celebration Sunday:
- Jan 1, 10am – 11:45am
- We’re going to enter 2017 worshipping together! We’ve also got a few interesting prayer exercises we’ll do together. Come prepared and expectant.
Office Hours:
- Normal office hours are Mon – Thur 9am – 4pm.
- For the week between Christmas and New Years the office will be open Wed, Dec 28, 9am – 3pm.
Year-end Giving:
If you are planning on making a year-end financial contribution to WCV we need to receive all funds by Dec 31, 2016. Post-dated cheques, or other contributions, received in 2017 will only be applied to 2016 if:
- The cheque is dated for 2016 and is mailed and Canada Post has processed and stamped the envelop in 2016, or
- You have contacted Lillian by Dec 31, 2016, and stated your intention to contribute towards 2016. You can call her at (204) 582-2900 x15 (leave a message), or email.
In both cases cheques must be dated for 2016. If we receive a gift in 2017 (even if the cheque is post-dated) and neither the above conditions are met, we will not be able to apply the gift towards 2016.
Thank you!
A Message from Vineyard Canada – David Ruis
Here’s a shout-out from David Ruis, Vineyard Canada’s National Director (along with Anita). Here David looks forward to 2017 and gives a few key points points about what to look forward to in 2017.
David Ruis gives end of ’16 address to the #VTribe; looking forward to ’17 from David Ruis on Vimeo.
God’s Expression of Love for Us ~ Kids Service Sunday
Every year before Christmas, we designate a special Sunday for our kids to lead us throughout the morning. For the past 6 weeks and during advent, our kids have been putting together this special Sunday for us. Here are some things you can expect for this coming Sunday, December 18th, 2016:
There are many ways we can worship God. One of those ways is to worship God through “play”. There will be three four-square stations available during our musical worship that folks of all ages are invited to come so they can play & worship. The 4-square on the stage will be reserved for the youngest children.
During these past 6 Sundays, the kids and youth have had a chance to reflect on how God has made them and what their interests are. They’ve selected a class based on their interest.
Some of the kids chose sports. In that class they learned that God made all the places we play in and the stuff we play with, and described it as good. God is creative, intelligent and relationship-oriented. We are made in His image, and our play reflects our creativity, intelligence and need for community. In this way, play can be an expression of gratitude to our God for His good gifts to us.
We normally worship by having musicians, dancers, and artists “play” or create in front of us and they invite us to join them. This coming Sunday we are including sportive play as well. All are invited to watch or participate in this play as an act of worship to God.
So, how do we play as an act of worship? Just like singing, each of us does it in our own way. But here are some keys:
- Remember that play includes cooperating and competing at the same time. Each player has different talent and skill levels but all are valuable and loved creations of God. Treat your fellow players accordingly.
- Thank God for all the components of play that He created, e.g. the air in the ball and your lungs, the playing surface made from trees, your body that can move skillfully, the joyful emotions that you are experiencing, and the people you are playing with/against and those enjoying watching you.
Other activities the kids chose were Flags, Dance, Drama, Cooking, Creative Arts, and Musical Worship. Some of these activities you will be able to see and experience this coming Sunday, but let’s recognize and appreciate all our kids this Sunday as they have poured their hearts out into their passions and interests.
A Third + Bird Thank You
Written by Debra Kelly:
On behalf of the Nepali Women’s Co-op I would like to thank all the volunteers of WCV who participated in the Third + Bird Christmas Market this past weekend. These volunteers included:
- Bakers, many bakers who went above and beyond what they committed to bake and baked more. Thank you for your creations… they were fully enjoyed.
- Volunteers at the sale. You sold cookies, scarfs, raffle tickets…. you were a friendly face but you worked hard to make a sale and I am proud of all your assertiveness to raise money.
- For those who helped with setup and take down. Hard work but so appreciated.
- Jessie Penner and Mercy Au who committed their entire weekend to being at the sale.
- Krista Heide for making great signs and helping with creative vision.
- The WCV staff who faithfully support what we do.
- Chandra Kremski and Charla Smeal (Third + Bird) who have the vision and have worked incredibly hard to make the sale what it is today. They have graciously invited Nepali Women’s Co-op to partner with them even when the market outgrew this church building. Their open heart, passion and generosity is truly appreciated. We look forward to partnering with you in many more sales.
Over $8, 300 was raised at the sale just through the three tables. The next tailoring school is planned for February 2017 in Gorhka.
The Nepali Women’s Co-op will be set up after next Sunday’s service (December 4/16) in the comfy couch room. If you didn’t make it to the Christmas market and want to peruse/shop, items will be for sale. Including scarves, mitts, and slippers. Come by and check it out!
Outer Circle 2017 – Posturing for Growth
Our goal is growth. We want to grow into a rich fertile field that produces a lot of Kingdom fruit. Ok, ok – so that’s a little vague and is a little heavy with “Christian-ese”! Let me spell it out like this:
Jesus, in his 3 years on earth, was involved in a number of groups, each with unique strengths and purposes.
He had a group of 12 close disciples who lived with him, observed what he did, and ultimately participated in the establishment of the church. From among those 12 he had 3 who were especially close and were privy to a number of personal and intimate moments with Jesus. He could share things with them, he couldn’t with the group. It’s also clear that he had many more than just 12 people who followed him. There were a number of women (which was quite counter cultural for the time), and others who were impacted and attracted by who he was and what he did. Finally (for our purposes here at least), Jesus had a mission field – a target group he was aiming to impact.
We can think of WCV in a similar way. We have some structures set up to help encourage everyone to be involved in at least one of these levels.
The Triads in the Outer Circle process are designed to be an incubator for growth for 2 to 4 people – kind of like Peter, James and John with Jesus. They provide a venue to be involved in specific and real areas of other member’s lives. Triads are reminded to keep track of each other, pray for each other, and support each other in the particular areas God is celebrating in each person for the year, as well as the ways he’s inviting growth for the coming year for each member of the Triad.
House Groups are also quite intimate, but meet different needs than the Triads in the Outer Circle process. They are more like Jesus’ 12 disciples – great opportunities to develop community, to share needs and joys, to learn and worship together, and to provide safe places to practice many of the skills and gifts we want to see developed in our church (praying for each other, worshipping authentically, practically supporting each other, and leadership development, to name just a few).
Both the Triads in the Outer Circle Process and House Groups provide opportunities for people in WCV go beyond just meeting together on a Sunday morning (which are essential but can only accomplish so much). They are invitations to friendship where we can regularly and honestly connect with each other. For both the goal is to provide a place for spiritual growth in the context of community. Of course there are other ways this can happen outside of WCV’s structure – and we encourage that too!
Jesus also had crowds of followers (until he ended up on the cross, but that’s another story and is also where this metaphor breaks down a bit… ). These crowds provided many opportunities for the Kingdom to advance and for Jesus to pursue his mission. Our Sunday gatherings and our weekly Drop-ins are great spots for this kind of activity. They have advantages of feeling part of something bigger, preaching the gospel and instruction, public celebration, worship, etc.
And finally, we have our mission field. Our goal is to create a opportunities for growth at every sphere of interaction. We want to cultivate a rich environment for each person who calls WCV home to grow in their relationship with God and with each other – and we want to grow to see more people come to know Jesus in real and life-changing ways.
Because of their emphasis on personal growth and discipleship, we’ve identified the first two areas, Triads in the Outer Circle, and House Groups as a requirement for membership in WCV (Outer Circle or a Similar Group – like a House Group).
For those who are looking to be part of a Triad in the Outer Circle process for 2017, now is the time to be preparing for it. Go here, or grab a booklet from the info table for more.
Updating the Church Directory
Hey Folks, we’re updating our church directory again for a 2017 edition!
Our Church Directory is important because it keeps us connected with each other, for prayer, house groups, or any other extra church activity.
If you would like to be included in this coming year’s Church Directory, please email the office with any additions or changes.
Deadline: December 31st, 2016.
Invitation to Pray – Invitation to Grow
2016 Budget: $441,580
Offerings to date: $369, 842
What we still need for December: $71, 738
These, simply, are the numbers regarding our current 2016 financial reality. While they are, in one way, our current situation, there is another reality at work behind these numbers. That is the simple truth that God provides and always has provided for us. This should induce hope and faith, and dispel panic and worry. It should not, however, cause us to become complacent. The staff and Board of Directors diligently and prayerfully set budgets and keep track of expenses and income throughout the year, and each year around this time we are reminded of our dependence on God. This annual reminder of our reliance on him in this way has changed us for the better – it’s formed us. Yes, we all need to be diligent and faithful in our giving (thank you for that), but ultimately, it comes from him.
With that in mind we’d like to invite you to join us in holding our collective financial situation up to the Lord, knowing that as we do so, he hears us, provides for us and changes us. The Staff, Pastoral and Lay Elders and the Board of Directors have been fasting and praying on Tuesdays. You are invited to join us!
This call to prayer and fasting is not a manipulative attempt to get WCVers to “dig deeper”. Far from it! It is a call to lay our cares before the “Lord of the harvest” – to offer our concerns and cares up to him – and as we do so, we are changed. We become more reliant on him. We become more trusting in his provision. Gratitude is stirred in us for the ways he does provide for us collectively. The exciting opportunity is that we are changed in the process!
Will you join us?