From Pastor Gary’s Desk

After the dedication of his baby brother in church, 5 year old Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally the boy replied, “That preacher said, he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys!”

Children are little sponges that soak up information every day all day long. As parents we need to be careful of what we say and do because “little” ears will pick up on everything whether right or wrong. Everything we as parents VALUE, our children will learn to VALUE.

If we like to go camping, our kids will like to go camping. If sports is where it is at, then that’s where the children think it is at. If we do not think church is important, then what do you think our children think? What about devotions, prayer, Bible reading? What do our children think about them? The Bible tells us to think and do as GOD does. Ephesians 5:1 tells us “Be followers of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” That word “follower” means IMITATOR of God. We do – what God does! Our children do - as we do. Therefore our children will do as God does!!!

Blessings,
Pastor Gary & Linda Clifford

From Pastor Dorothy’s Desk

A new thing happened in the 1970’s

The Holy Spirit came into recognition. We know this by the increased amount of books that were written about the Holy Spirit. The root s began in 1900, which was known as the beginnings of a new movement. It was during a New Years Eve service, December 31, 1900 that Charles Parham of Topeka Kansas laid hands on Agnes Ozman. She began speaking in tongues and the classical Pentecostal movement began.

After an incredible series of events, the famous Azuza Street revival began in 1906, under the ministry and leadership of William Seymour. New Pentecostal denominations were established of which our own denomination the Apostolic Church of Pentecost (ACOP) was organized.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit gained widespread acceptance through books such as; Nine 0’ Clock in the Morning” by Dennis Bennett (an Episcopalian priest), “Surprised by the Holy Spirit” by Jack Deere, and others. They had moved beyond creeds and theologies to a personal experience of the Holy Spirit in everyday life.

There was now a recognition that the Spiritual Gifts were available for every Christian.

Why do we need to know about spiritual gifts?

1. You are a Christian
2. You believe Jesus is your Lord and you want to love Him and follow Him in the best way possible.
3. You want your church to be a healthy growing group of people showing God’s love in your community

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:1 “I do not want you to be ignorant of spiritual gifts”

Consider taking the Spiritual Gifts class on Wednesday or Sunday. For more information phone 789-1234

Blessings,
Pastor Dorothy Harder

What if ...

As we begin 2004, let us take time to enjoy and appreciate all that God has blessed us with…take nothing for granted.

What if God couldn’t take the time to bless us today because we couldn’t take the time to thank Him yesterday?

What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn’t follow Him today?

What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain?

What if God didn’t walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?

What if God took away the Bible tomorrow because we would not read it today?

What if God took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?

What if God would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him?

What if God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?

What if God met our needs the way we give Him our lives?

May we give God our lives completely, knowing that we will receive MORE IN 2004.

Blessings,
Pastor Ernie

From Pastor Chris' Desk:

What a wonderful time of year we are in! We have a chance to remember, and meditate on, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. What opportunity this affords us to share His love to our community and to everyone that we come in contact with the season. I pray blessing on your family this season and that God will make His peace and love close to your heart and home not matter what circumstance you find yourself in.

I was reminded of the role of Mary as I read through the Christmas story this past week. Mary was “blessed among women” as God choose her to be the mother of Jesus. Mary, an ordinary woman, was chosen by God to play a very important role in Christ coming to earth. Mary responded to the will of God by giving praise back to Him, who is worthy of our praise. I urge you to read Mary’s response in the Magnificate, found in Luke 2.

How do we respond to God as He comes to us with a task? God has called each one of us to be His ambassadors on earth. We, like Mary, have a very important role in bringing Christ to earth. In everything we say and do we have to chance represent Christ on the earth. Do we find ourselves praising Him we He has called us to task? Let me encourage you to be part of God’s plan, His plan for all people to know the name of Jesus as savior. With a new year coming it is an excellent chance to commit and re-commit areas of our life to Christ.

Blessing in this New Year and may the Peace of Christ be with you.

Pastor Chris

From Pastor Dorothy’s Desk:

Of all the festivals and holidays of the Christian Church year in North America, Christmas is the most popular and also the most observed. This popularity is largely due to the commercialism which promotes Christmas. Unfortunately the commercialism has stripped the real meaning of Christmas from this special holiday.

We usually think about Christmas as a single day. But it is actually a season of the year where it extends four weeks before Christmas and two weeks after Christmas. The weeks before is a season called Advent, which is actually the four Sundays before Christmas Day. The word “Advent” means “coming” and so is a season of expectation and hope. For Christians it is a time of waiting for the Second Coming of the Messiah that is celebrated at Christmas. It is a time to remember the significance of the birth of Christ.

Most of us know the Christmas season as beginning December 24th and ending around January 5th. This is often known as the 12 Days of Christmas. January 6 is usually celebrated as Epiphany in various traditions in different churches. Different calendars in some cultures and traditions celebrate Christmas on January 6. The old Julian calendar corresponds to December 24 on our modern calendar.

As we enjoy this traditional season of 2003 we once again return to the true meaning of Christmas. It is reflected in an infant child born over 2,000 years ago. A baby that can not survive on its own, but because he is Immanuel, God with us, he will forever change the world and all humanity. A child who was the Son of God!

It is on that reality that we can look forward with great anticipation to 2004. May it be a year of surprises and blessing as our soul longs for more of God. (Psalm 42:1)

May God richly bless you in the new year!
Pastor Dorothy

From Pastor Phil’s Desk:

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas

Years ago, there lived a man named Sean who hailed from Scotland, who now lived in Miami. He was a poor man, but could easily live on the streets in the warm climate. One thing that was very hard for Sean was Christmas time, but looking back still gave him hope. He would think back to when he was young and would go for walks in his hometown of Ullapool, Scotland. Winters in Ullapool were usually warm in comparison to Regina winters, but almost every Christmas it would snow, and Sean would go outside like every other kid and tilt his head back and open his mouth to catch the snow flakes that would fall. Sean loved those moments because he would also take his border collie, Blacky with him. Blacky was one of those dogs that was considered to be a part of the family, he would eat at the family table (underneath of course!), he slept at the foot of Sean’s bed and followed Sean where ever he went.

When Sean was 10 the family moved to the United States and they took their dog, Blacky. Sean loved Miami as it was close to the water just like Ullapool. One day as Sean was walking Blacky he tossed a stick into the water for Blacky to fetch, but Blacky didn’t fetch the stick, he swam right past it and kept on swimming out farther and farther. Sean never saw Blacky again, but believes to this day that Blacky was swimming back to Ullapool in Scotland.

Sean missed his dog so much that he wrote a song to remember him by, and that song is ‘I’m Dreaming of A White Christmas.’ Sean hoped that Blacky would have a good Christmas in Scotland, as we see by one of the lines in the song ‘May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white.’

Life might be tough and it may throw us some curves, just like this story. I made the whole thing up. You might ask why would I make up a story like that, well I’ll tell you. In life we sometimes need to look back at the things and times that made us feel alive like Sean did. I love to look back on Christmas when I was a kid and my dad would read the Christmas story from Luke and then we would open our presents, but most of all I remember the time that I gave my life to Jesus, like it was yesterday - I was on my bunk bed and my brother Peter was telling me of Jesus and His love for me.

In the days to come, take some time to reflect on a time from your past, and who knows - perhaps it will inspire you to write a song.

Blessings,
Pastor Phil

From Pastor Gary’s Desk:

“What a great time of year, Christmas! How many times have we heard… ‘Christmas is for kids.’ Don’t be fooled, Christmas is for everyone!! The real meaning of Christmas that is! Christmas literally means ‘To Celebrate Christ.’

Now when it comes to kids they really know how to celebrate. They can celebrate with just a cardboard box! But sometimes adults hold back. Let me encourage you, ‘Celebrate Christ’ with all your heart. Christians should be the most celebrating people on earth! Don’t hold anything back!

We sometimes get stuck in a rut and we are content to just let the kids do the celebrating, but celebrating Christ wasn’t means just for young kids, it was meant for all of Christ’s kids. Let us all, young and old, celebrate our KING OF KINGS!!! (Try it…you’ll like it!)

Pastor Gary & Linda Clifford

From Pastor Dorothy’s Desk:

“That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You: that they may also be one in Us, that the world may believe that you sent Me.”(John 17:21)

This was one of Jesus’ final prayers for the Church before He was betrayed and crucified. He was appealing to the church to work as a team, but more important was our individual relationship with God.

Pastor Rick has appealed to us to work as an RAC team (Regina Apostolic Church Team). God has created us to need each other! We have each been given gifts and passions to serve God and work together in unity. God gave us the Great Commission to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Pastor Rick can’t do it alone. He needs each one of us to serve in our gifts, and come along side of him in support, and a vision of what God is going to do in this church and in this city.

What is your spiritual gift? What is your passion? Your passion is the area where you will feel most motivated to use your gift. For example, maybe your gift is teaching, but you love children so you will love teaching children.

Consider taking the gifts and passions class in January. Become a part of the RAC team and fulfill Jesus’ plea that we would be one as we reach out to Regina in 2004. I feel a great anticipation and excitement that God is preparing His people for His plan. He has a plan for each of us, and for how we fit into the team. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them!” (Eph. 2:10) Don’t let any discouragement distract you. God chose you and appointed you, so don’t settle for anything less! “I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.” (John 15:6)

Blessings,
Pastor Harder

From Pastor Rick's Desk:

Dear folks,

"And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he 4. armed his 3. trained 2. servants, 1. born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan." (Genesis 14:14 AV)

I believe that the Lord has ordained Regina Apostolic Church to be an "Antioch" church that trains up and sends in and out ministry. When we read about Abraham's army, it teaches us how to build a Team.

1. There were those who were born in his own house. Evangelism is not an option it is a necessity!
2. This verse stresses servants. A willingness to do what ever is asked of us by God is a necessary part.
3. Training is mandatory. Without training, the people closest are in more danger of injury than the enemy is.
4. The last step is arming. A soldier unarmed is harmless. A soldier untrained but armed is dangerous!

As Elders we see a great need of Bible Education for those with a burning call on their lives to serve the Lord. Our first graduates will be in June/04 when those who have finished three semesters of Counseling Classes with Brian Heaney will receive diplomas. We are projecting to have a functioning Bible College started in Sept./04 to meet the needs of those who feel called to stay in the local church and be trained. Each person has a gift and calling on their life. The Elders of the church are called to "oversee" not "overlook" the lives of those committed to the body. This is part of placing you as "Living Stones'" into the proper place of ministry suited for you.

Blessings,
Pastor Rick

From Pastor Ernie Desk

Who’s Going to Win?

Sunday night we will watch the Montreal Alouettes and the Edmonton Eskimos battle it out to see who will win the Grey Cup. There is an even more important race than who is going to win the Football game. It is about winning the race of life in a Godly way.

I will share 5 D’s that might help us in this race.

1. Dissatisfaction: A Godly dissatisfaction of where we are now can be a wonderful motivator of change. Let’s not settle for less than what God has for us.

2. Devotion: The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:13a “…this one thing I do…” It is important to have a focus. Concentration is the secret of power. Paul did not say these 10 things I do. Hebrews 12:2 “…let us lay aside every weight and sin which so easily ensnares us (hinders our progress), and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

3. Direction: Paul further said in verse 13 that he was “…forgetting those things that are behind and reaching forth to those things that are ahead.” He had direction for his life. Remember that Paul was writing this book from prison, not the comforts of home. He chose to forget the things of the past. When we choose to let go of the past, then we are not ruled or controlled by our past mistakes or hurts that we might have received. Properly responding to mistakes and hurts can cause character development, spiritual growth and causes us to win in the race of life.

4. Determination: In verse 14 Paul said, “I press toward the goal…” (Mark) To press toward the goal is an intense endeavor to doggedly pursue after an object. In the spiritual race it is not the short run sprinter who wins the race but it is the one that paces himself for the long haul, and doggedly pursues the goal.

5. Discipline: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 “do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize. Run in such a way as to obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things…Therefore I run thus; not with uncertainty. Thus I fight; not as one that beats the air, but I discipline my body and bring it into subjection..” Spiritual disciplines are our choice.

God created us to be winners! Let us fulfill that mandate!

From Pastor Phil’s Desk:

... After the Youth Retreat

By the time you are reading this I will officially be tired and out of gas. Doing weekends like this may be one of the hardest, and yet most rewarding things a youth pastor can do. The planning and setting up are the hardest parts for a guy who hasn’t been blessed with an administrative gift. But with the help of a great youth group and amazing youth worker, somehow it all seems to come together.

Why would we go through all this work to create a mess that takes a month to clean up? Because we love to see how the youth draw near to God and worship Him with everything that they have. I love seeing how the youth worship and how I see their lives changed by our God. In the beginning God’s plan was for a relationship between Himself and man, but man messed up the relationship. God restored the relationship by sending His Son to die on the Cross. All we are doing is a little retreat so that kids can accept Christ and make decisions to live for Him, and even though it is little, for some reason our big God always shows up.

I hope that in your life as a Christian you can take a little effort to make it possible for someone to see Jesus in you. All you need to do is make the effort. God will take it from there.

From Pastor Chris’ Desk:

(If you know where it is please tell me)

As the K.K.O.T.B (New Kid on the Block), Jayda & I would like to thank you, our Church Family, for the wonderful support in our first two months of ministry at the Regina Apostolic Church. We thank you for the encouragement and support that we have received.

What a wonderful God we serve! I am continually amazed at the bountiful blessing that God bestows on His children. He is an everlasting father, a provider, a comfort, and a friend, to name a few characteristics. As each one of us live out our Christian life, we encounter many challenges, struggles, blessings and victories. An essential ingredient to our life is knowing that God has already won the victory. He has given us everything that we need to live a victorious life in Him. But the key ingredient, like yeast in a bread recipe, is learning to walk out that victory. How do we walk in victory? God has given us the tools: The Word, His Spirit, the body of Christ, to name a few. Daily we can find the victory we need through His word. As we fill our lives with His Word we enable His Word to have authority in our lives. But do we give the proper authority to the Word when we read it? Here is an important question to ask yourself as you read The Word, “How will I change my life if I live under the authority of this Scripture?” As we read the Spirit of God can bring life to The Word. Prayer as you read The Word, ask the spirit of God to bring revelation. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life as you read The Word. The body of Christ is also essential in living a victorious life. We have a wonderful community of caring, gifted people. We need to take advantage of the assets with our community of Christ at the Regina Apostolic Church. God has so richly blessed us as a church body. Let us be a blessing to one another.

Shalom
Pastor Chris

P.S. Feel free to stop by my office and visit me anytime, just look for the exit sign…

From Pastor Gary’s Desk:

First of all I would like to thank the family at Regina Apostolic Church for welcoming us into their family (and now OUR family) and the many positive comments we have received regarding the Children’s Ministry. Children are our passion. They are the “life” of any progressive church. We can’t just shuffle them off as if they are not important. They have a vital function in our church, for they are the legacy of our church. Who would have guessed that a young boy sent out to tend a bunch of sheep, which was a BIG responsibility, would learn spiritual principles that would one day not only make him able to defeat GIANTS in his life, but become one of the most powerful kings ever.

Children are one of the most exciting ministries to work with. Here is our top 10 list for work with children.
10) You are bigger than they are
9) They laugh at your jokes.
8) They bring us drawings that they have colored
7) They bring us gifts (by the way we are running low of tomatoes!)
6) They tell us everything mommy & daddy say!
5) They are very accepting
4) They love to please
3) They can memorize REALLY well
2) They have great FAITH in God
1) They give great HUGS

We are nicely getting going with the fall programs which include Wednesday CLUBS for boys and girls (4-11), Sunday morning with a full morning service for NURSERY (0-1), 2-3, 4-5, and 6-11 year olds. Sunday evening has been growing with more children (3-11) every week.

If you would like to be involved in one of our vast children’s ministries, I would like to chat with you and help you fulfill a desire in your life.

From Pastor Dorothy’s Desk:

Chinese Christians have a widespread motto: Little prayer, little power; no prayer, no power. (Prayer with Power by C. Peter Wagner)

It is prayer that has changed nations. It will be prayer that brings revival to this country, and to our city. “Look at the nations and watch and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe even if you were told.” Habbakuk 1:5 There are many opportunities to pray. Check the Prayer Bulletin Board and the Bulletin Insert for prayer groups. Remember our prayer hot line if you have a prayer request…781-PRAY, and the Prayer Chain at 584-3082. Our next Corporate Prayer time is November 17 at 7pm in the Sanctuary.

This is a wonderful time for women, as God is speaking to women all over the world, to fulfill what He has planned for them. Biblical women are our example, as they used their gifts and talents to serve the Lord.

Women of all ages you are invited to come to the Women of Destiny evening on October 30. Check the Women’s Bulletin Board to see photos of our speakers, Joyce Beke and Tangie Shields. Read in this insert for more information on this special evening.

Find your place in a Small Group where you can learn Biblical principles. It is where relationships are developed. It is where you can grow with others, and laugh and enjoy life with them. Check the Small Groups Bulletin Board to pick up a list of Small Groups.

We have a new group starting this Wednesday at 1pm for women. Glendine Gogel is the leader and she will use the book and workbook, “Created to Be God’s Friend” by Henry Blackaby. Meet at 2636 Wallace St.

I invite you to give me a call if you have a question, or want information, or just want to talk about a concern. Monday to Thursday, 9am-5pm at 789-1234 or on Sunday between any of the services.

God bless each of you as together we anticipate transformation in this city, in our country, and the nations. (Habbakuk 1:5)

From Pastor Ernie’s Desk:

BUILDING CHRIST-LIKE LEADERS

This is the theme of our South Sask. District Conference which is going to be held in our church only a few days from now, Monday evening, October 20th and all day Tuesday, October 21st.

Our speakers are Dave and Fran Huebert. (Dave Huebert was here last April for one Sunday). They were pastors of Glad Tidings Fellowship for a number of years. For the past 6 years they have traveled full time in Canada and Overseas, ministering with an Apostolic and Prophetic Mantle.

Registration is a must. The cost of registration for the conference is only $30.00. That includes lunch (lasagne and Caesar salad) and a turkey supper.

Let us, as a church family, be part of this spiritually enriching time.

From Pastor Rick’s Desk:

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were loosed.” Acts 16:25-26 AV

In devotions this week, one of our Staff read this verse and made this comment: “Paul and Silas are beaten and imprisoned – stuck in the innermost part of the jail. About midnight they were Praising and Worshipping our God when the Lord tapped His foot a little too hard to the Praise and Worship and all the jail cell doors popped open.”

May this weekend be a time of unrestrained Praise to our God and Worship to His unchanging attributes! May the chains of restraint fall off our Hands and Feet. May our hearts and voices rise to glorify His Name in the congregation!

May this be a weekend of people being set free from years of physical ailments, emotional distresses and spiritual confusion. Oh God, Tap Your Foot!”

Pastor's Desks of the Past

Spiritual Gifts Pastor Dorothy
What if?? Pastor Ernie
Respond to Christmas Pastor Chris' Desk:
Christmas Season Pastor Dorothy’s Desk:
White Christmas Pastor Phil
Let's Celebrate!! Pastor Gary
Be part of the Team Pastor Dorothy
An Antioch Church Pastor Rick
Winning the Race Pastor Ernie
Youth Retreats ... Why Bother? Pastor Phil
Walk in Victory Pastor Chris
Children are our Passion Pastor Gary
Little Prayer, Little Power Pastor Dorothy
Building Christ-like Leaders Pastor Ernie
Break Free from the Chains Pastor Rick