Richer Fellowship Church Richer, Manitoba Ben Funk, Pastor richerfellowshipchurch.com/ Despite the challenges and diffi-


culties in church gatherings, we remain optimistic as we embrace God’s gospel and share it in alternative avenues. In Manitoba, in-person church services stopped in early November of 2020, and did not resume until February 14, 2021. Te attendance is restricted to 10% of occupancy limits.


In 2020 we had no Christmas


banquets or family gatherings; no caroling services or giſt boxes to collect items to put in hampers for the needy. Despite these obstructions, people continued to use their giſtings to serve the Lord and encourage one another. Prayer warriors continued to pray and to phone those who were lonely. We have giſted bakers in our group who delivered giſts of cookies to a variety of homes. People with giſts of cleaning, organizing, and painting worked be- hind the scenes at our church building. People giſted in cabinet making and plumbing renovated the ladies wash- room in the lower auditorium. Some worked to improve the audio for those who tuned in to the FM broadcasts and were in close proximity. Still others worked on improving the lighting for the video portion on our YouTube channel. Besides the Sunday morn- ing messages, Pastor Ben continued with the mid-week classes journeying through the Minor Prophets, which are also available on YouTube.


On January 29, a widow and


widower decided to hold a quiet wedding at our church with Pastor Ben officiating. Te ladies group decided to surprise the couple with a wonderfully decorated reception area, with trees, lights, fancy dishes, and accessories. As more restrictions are liſted, we look forward to seeing one another again in a larger group. Due to our present situ- ation, we have not planned anything in


particular for the Atonement Memo- rial season. We normally give a flower or a bedding plant to each mother on Mother’s Day. We are hoping for things to relax some more so that we are able to serve the community of Richer in more meaningful ways.


Meanwhile, let us continue to


encourage one another and to give generously to the Lord, thanking Him for His indescribable giſt of eternal life. Te apostle Paul said, “We have different giſts according to the grace given us ... if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is encouraging, then give encouragement; if it is giving, give generously ...” (Rom. 12:6-9 paraphrased from niv.) Let us not become weary in doing good.


Lorna Annell, Church Correspondent


Lustre EMB Church Lustre, Montana Lee Button, Interim Pastor Our great thanksgiving is that


Pastor Lee and Connie Button came January 16 to be our Interim Pastor! He is associated with IPM (Interim Pastoral Ministries) and has preached on the attributes of God. Tey were welcomed with a grocery shower. Our January 31 church service had to be cancelled due to a COVID-19 outbreak.


Te Lustre EMB Church is host-


ing a Voice of the Martyrs event, “Im- prisoned For Christ,” in March. We ask for prayer for our local high school students and the Schmeckfest fundrais- er that is planned for the end of March following COVID-19 guidelines. We ask for prayer for students who do not know the Lord.


Te Women’s Ministry events


were postponed but are meeting on March 1. Easter will be celebrated! On May 3, the WMS has planned a Moth- er’s Day evening program using Prov- erbs 31, bringing our Mother’s Bibles


for display, a Bible Memory feature, a Bible Study, and testimonies.


Vivian Wall, Church Correspondent


Pictured: Lee Button, interim pastor of Lustre EMB, with his wife, Connie


Cornerstone Bible Church Mountain Lake, Minnesota Jim Bartsch, Interim Pastor www.cornerstoneml.com/ At our Annual Meeting on Febru-


ary 15, Pastor Jim presented the results of the interviews with the church people, which he began conducting in November when he arrived. He recom- mended the church pursue evangelism, fellowship, communication, extending grace, and prayer. A Transition Team is being formed in preparation for selecting a Search Committee. Aſter this, searching for a permanent pastor will begin in earnest.


Pastor Jim is currently working


his way through the Book of Jonah. Te theme of Jonah is “Mercy Amid Judgment.” Following this, Pastor Jim will make his way through 1 John with a theme of fellowship.


Cornerstone has begun re-em-


phasizing prayer. We have two prayer opportunities, both on Tuesdays. Te ladies are encouraged to pray for specific prayer requests at the morning hour. An evening hour gathering is led by Ryan Lepp and meets at the church to pray for people and activities of the church.


Te evening of February 12, a fire


demolished the home of a family relat- ed to the Lepp and Wilson families.


FELLOWSHIP FOCUS, APRIL/MAY 2021 18


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