John‘s sermons twice and three times a month respectively. It’s important they have this opportunity as invalu- able life-lessons are being taught.
On the first Sunday of each month we celebrate birthdays and anniver- saries. Those who have a birthday or anniversary during the month are in- vited to come to the front of the church where they will take turns stating their celebration date, how old they are or how many years they have been mar- ried. Then Pastor John gives the Lord thanks for their lives and prays that He will guide and protect them during the coming year. If a child happens to have their birthday on a Sunday during the month, we bring them forward and sing “Happy Birthday.” They burst with pride as they enjoy this special atten- tion and celebration from the whole church family.
Julie Ann Simpson, Correspondent Randville Bible Church
Iron Mountain, Michigan Jim Janofski, Pastor
facebook.com/randvillebiblechurch
We rejoice in God’s hand of blessing on Randville Bible Church (RBC), and the growth in love and maturi- ty of our church family. Even in the midst of the many changes brought by COVID19, including a precau- tionary shutdown for some months in 2020, we have seen our Lord leading and blessing for his glory and for the edification of his people.
Here is a glimpse of a few of the recent highlights at Randville Bible Church:
Initially, services were cancelled from mid March to late May, 2020. However, each week a pastoral letter of encour- agement was sent to each RBC attender urging a close daily walk, fellowship with the Lord and a personal time in his word. In addition, people were encouraged to reach out to one another by phone, text, and email. The response was excellent. A deeper sense of care, love, and concern was the result in the
church family, as well as a deepening of personal relationships with Christ.
Initially, when services resumed, the service format was revised to a 45 minute service with singing only at the end of the service. We gathered together outside in the churchyard to the joy of not only the congregation, but also with honks of thanks from the cars passing on the highway!
As time went on and precautions waned, the service lengthened and a short group Bible study discussion time was added, as was a time of congregational prayer. In essence, the Sunday morning worship service then also included a short Sunday school lesson from I John as well as times of prayer from the congregation.
There were many other recent joys as well: A new pulpit was handcrafted for the church as a memorial gift in honor of a former attender.
The beautifully crafted oak pulpit holds a plaque to challenge those who preach: “Preach the Word, be ready in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doc- trine” (2 Timothy 4:2).
Afternoons of music were held on two occasions, featuring a variety of musi- cal instruments, with good attendance and an evangelistic outreach to visitors.
The last Sunday in October was the annual celebration of the church’s anniversary, a time of rejoicing in God’s goodness since the initial beginnings of the work in the early 1930s. What a joy to hear the stirring testimonies, the singing of God’s praises, and 20 people of all ages involved in a handbell choir! We are rejoicing in more than 85 years of ministry and God’s goodness.
The first Sunday in November em- phasizes an annual “International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church,” as we remember and pray for fellow Christians around the world who suffer for Christ.
The second Sunday in November will be “Veterans’ Appreciation Sunday,” in honor of our veterans’ sacrifices in a recognition of Veterans’ Day.
The third Sunday will focus on a Thanksgiving theme with reminders of America’s Godly heritage, and a time of prayer for the nation in reflecting the admonitions of I Timothy 2.
December will emphasize the joys of the Biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus and musical reminders of the incarnate Savior.
Pastor Jim Janofski Salem Church
Waldheim, Saskatchewan James VanderVeen, Pastor
salemchurch.ca
This fall has been very full with programs beginning again. Junior and senior youth groups, Christian Service Brigade for the boys, GEMS for the girls, and Sunday school for all ages.
Small groups have also had their start- up, with eight small groups represent- ing the diverse demographics of our church. Each small group is different, but they each have at least two Bible studies per month focusing on going more in depth through questions con- cerning the sermon from Sunday.
On October 30 and 31 we had the privilege to have Caleb Willems and his family come to Salem Church to candidate for the Associate Pastor of Discipleship position. The membership vote the following week was over- whelmingly in favor of inviting Caleb for this position. At the time of this writing, we are eagerly and prayerfully awaiting their response.
Planning and preparation has also begun for our Christmas outreach event, “Journey to Bethlehem”, which is an interactive walk through the busy streets of Bethlehem before being greeted by the silence and awe of baby Jesus, and the wonder of it all.
Shawna Mwakikuti, Correspondent
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