CURRENTCOMMUNICATION TOOL OF MCMURRAY GOSPEL ASSEMBLYMGACHURCH.COM

NOVEMBER 2014 + ISSUE NO. 3

REMEMBERING SACRIFICE CELEBRATING LIFE

The first is what we used to know as Armistice Day. It was a day to honor the sacri-fice of millions of soldiers who died in WWI. Armistice was re-named Remem-brance Day which included honor for the millions who gave their lives in WWII and the Korean War. November revives memories of Armistice, the cessation of war and the celebration of freedoms fought for and paid with the lives of millions. War, untold sacrifice, and the benefits enjoyed by those of us who live is incredibly

joy, sadness, disgust, and terror all in the same moment.

The second image of this month is the senseless assassination of the American President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963. I was in my first year of Bible College at the time. Classes were suspended for the day, - as the school was called to prayer for the Kennedy family and for America. The nations of the USA, Canada, and much of the world were in shock. To this day, many contemporaries continue to grieve the tragic loss of this beloved Presi-dent.

In the face of bigotry, bullying, violence, and evil, the Lord Christ remains the greatest soldier of all. It was his sacrifice that has brought hope to the entire world of all who believe. He has given worth to your life and to those of your household.

Lastly, I am reminded of a very brave woman by the name of Queen Esther. A terrible conspiracy of death was planned by the evil man Haman against her people, the Jews. This conspiracy could only be exposed by the Queen’s intervention. Her famous words; “If I perish, I perish”, - represents her dedication for the salvation of her people. Her amazing story and the relevance it has for our day will provide the back-drop for our services this month.

SACRIFICE & CELEBRATIONFour outstanding images are pictured in my mind for the month of November.

SENIOR PASTOR

SENIOR PASTOR

Abandon the idea of perfect parenting Be involved with like-minded parents

Give your child a strong sense of identity

Create opportunities for your child to serve others

Focus on the heart of your child…not just the behavior

Determine to worry less and pray more

Talk with (not at) your child everyday

WHAT’S SPIRITUAL ABOUT PARENTING?

Used with permission from KidzMatter.com - By Michelle Anthony. Michelle, along with her husband (Michael) and two children (Chantel and Brendon) reside in Irvine, CA. In addition to enjoying her family, she is Pastor of Family Ministries at Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa and the Family Ministry Architect for David C.

Cook Publishing. They will soon be releasing her book Spiritual Parenting: Igniting Faith in Your Family.

> When you fail ask for forgiveness it models how your children should respond when they fail> Stop trying to impress everyone…including yourself!> Set realistic goals and communicate them to your family members> Kill the “Super-Parent” lie…and ask for help!> Living an honest and authentic life before your child will nurture compelling relationship with you in the future

> Get involved in a local church (most have parent groups and programs)> Meet neighbors with your same values to create play groups or outings> Take time for yourself to have “adult conversations”- guilt free!

> Speak positive words to your child while identifying them (for example: “He is a good listener” rather than “He is shy” or “She is creative and expressive” rather than “She’s not really into sports”)> Tell your child stories of your family’s history and heritage> Share your faith journey with your child

school

> Allow your child to be exposed to the needs in your community> Help your child to determine his/her gifts and how he/she might putthose into action for the sake of someone else> Give opportunities for your child to set aside money or belongings forthose in need> Make a meal for a new mom or an elderly and deliver it togetherStart today, putting these things into practice! At the end of the day, you may still feel exhausted as you drop into bed, but you will know that you have invested in what really matters most…approaching your child with a spiritual mindset that honors God!

> Recognize that there is often “something more” below the surface of the misbehavior…be open to finding that out> When handing out the discipline make sure that natural consequences are maximized…they have the greatest long-term impact> Eliminate shame and guilt to motivate your child toward a certain behavior…they ultimately destroy the soul

> Recognize that worry is an energy zapper> Set aside time each day for a few minutes of quiet reflection and prayer

> Write out prayers or verses and place them around your home for encouragement> Pray with and for your child

> Look at your child in the eyes when speaking> Listen with generosity to the things that are important to your child> Be aware of what is not being said…ask questions that will allow your child to share his/her heart> Take time each day to focus on your child, uninterrupted by media or technology…this communicates their value to you

Parenting is a commitment of epic proportions! As parents, we spend our days accomplishing a vast list of important…and not so important things. They are time consuming and taxing! Consider the sheer volume of resources available to help parents in their duties. There are books that deal with ADD, bedtime, discipline, defiance, curfew, complaining, bed-wetting, biting, finances, friends, fighting in the car (an entire book on automobile arguments!), manners, media, potty training…you name it! Someone once said that, “In raising children, the days are long, but the years are short”. As a young mom, I wondered, “Will I make it through this day alive and sane?” and yet now, just one year from being an empty-nester…I can’t help but wonder how it all happened so fast! Although the necessary duties fill our days, there is something spiritual about our parenting that often gets lost in the mundane. How can today’s parents capture a glimpse of eternity in the midst of the ordinary…to not merely spend their hours, but invest their days?

Here are seven helpful tips that will turn the routine duties of parenting into a life that has a spiritual God-centered perspective:

CHILDREN & FAMILY

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contents06 CELEBRATING LIFE

07 ladies’ christmas banquet

08 REMEMBRANCE DAY...LEST WE FORGET

10 REMEMBER JESUS

12 FEATURE

13 YOUTH MINISTRY

14 THEOPHANY

15 MGA PICKS / THEOLOGY ON TAP

16 FILIPINO COMMUNITY GOSPEL CONCERT

17 CALENDAR

18 STAFF

19 volunteer opportunities

PUBLISHERglen forsberg

managing directorgrace carabeo

whitney lu

content development editorrick kirschner

copy editorjoy mckoy

designergrace carabeo

whitney lu

productionprinting unlimited

October 12 was a big 70 surprise birthday celebration

for our dear Sis. Lois Forsberg at the main auditorium of

MGA right after the Holy Spirit Night service (her favorite

service of the month.) You are not only an inspiration to

your family but to so many people at the church. Thank you

for the many lives you’ve touched! May the Lord bless you

with many more years to come! We love you!

It’s Just a Number

70 seems a number large

But that is all it is

For think of the all things yo’ve done

And that is what is big

Your life has been a ride whith highs and lows we’re sure

But all that matters on this day is our love and heartfelt cheer

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

“Mom, it’s so appropriate that your special birthday falls

right on

Thanksgiving this year. I am so grateful to have you for a

Mother, both as

a child and now that I’m all grown up too! It’s amazing

when I consider the

many ways you impact my life. You have helped show me

how precious people

are, and that we can never, ever do enough for them. You

have helped show me

how much you love your family, and that you’ll always

stay invested in our lives, no matter how far the distance.

You have helped teach me that it’s always important

to speak well of others, and if we can’t find something

nice to say, then we just won’t say it! Most profoundly,

you have helped teach me about our amazing God, who

never, ever gives up on anyone, and keeps us all united in

heart. These are gems that you have helped embed inside

my heart. I consider them to be valuable - like pure gold...

The kind of gold that will never rust or lose its sparkle,

because it’s forged from God’s Truth. Mom, this is your

day ... a beautiful opportunity to honour you for being the

woman of integrity and compassion that you are.

Happy Birthday, Mom... I love you!” Karlene

Happy birthday mom.I look forward to celebrating with you down south here

in a few weeks, but as you celebrate with the church

family in Fort McMurray I want to take this

opportunity to rise up with Karlene and call you

blessed. You have dedicated your life and your energy

to working for what you believe in. One of those things

is your God, another is your family. A third is finding

a bargain. Through diligent effort you have achieved

many successes in all three areas! Thank you for

modeling industry, perseverance, and faithfulness, all

of which have had a profound impact on my life. And

thank you for bringing music into the home along with

laughter; The one about the elephant and the toenail

polish just never gets old. Thank you for keeping the

home full of love and tasty food. The next

generation is appreciating that as well; Hudson can

never get enough of his grandma’s fresh baked buns.

Happy birthday mom. Love Your Son, Dan

“ “

CHRISTMASBANQUET

Saturday, November 22 at 5PMMGA - 10110 Main St

ENJOY AN EVENING FULL OF CELEBRATION! PRIZES! SURPRISES!

Cost: $40/personFormal 3 course menu catered by Sawridge Inn

Ladies

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the month, Canadiand are asked to pause in memory of the thousands of men and women who sacrificed their lives in military service. About 650,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders (the province then still a colony of Britain) had served during the war, beginning in 1914, with over 66,000 losing their lives.

WHY THE POPPY?The association between the poppy and war dates back to the Napoleonic wars, when a writer saw a field of poppies growing over the graves of fallen soldiers. During the Battle of Ypres in 1915, Canadian Lt.-Col. John McCrae was inspired to write the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ on sighting the poppies growing beside a grave of a close friend who had died in battle. The poem was a great inspiration in adopting the poppy as the Flower of Remembrance in Canada, France, the U.S, Britain and Commonwealth countries. The first poppies were distributed in Canada in 1921.

In Flanders of FieldIn Flanders fields the poppies blow, between the crosses, row on row,That mark our place; and in the sky, the larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.We are the Dead. Shorth days ago, we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie, in Flanders fields.Take up our quarrel with the foe, to y ou from failing hands we throwThe torch; be yours to hold it high, if ye break faith with us who die

REMEMBRANCE DAY...LEST WE FORGETA day set aside to honor sacrifice - November 11

Almost 2,000 years ago, a Jewish carpenter was condemned as a danger-ous religious and political rebel. He was executed in one of the most painful and shameful punishments then available: flogging and crucifixion. This form of death was a scandal to both Jews and Gentiles. Nevertheless, Jesus’ followers made a point of remembering his death—not just the fact that he died, but also that he died in such a shameful way. The cross gives us visible evidence that our sins have been dealt with once and for all, that our struggles are not in vain, and that a crown of glory awaits us through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

We not only remember the fact that Jesus gave His life in the ultimate battle, over sin, but we also celebrate the fact of life.

Jesus was born thus showing life as we were all born. Jesus died a horrible death, thus giving His life for the sake of every one of us. Just as many soldiers gave their life for the freedom of many, Jesus gave His life so we have a way to be free of sin that entangles us. Jesus not only gave His life for all of us, but then rose again on the 3rd day, thus being “Born Again” and because of this, we do not just remember the death of Jesus but we celebrate the life we have in HIM. We can all have this “New Life” in HIM, God gave us the ability and the freedom to choose who we will serve.

My prayer is that as we remember the many soldiers who gave their lives so we may live in freedom, may we also remember the one who made the ultimate sacrifice and not only died but rose again so that we may have a way to the cross. In the many wars, there are many crosses, but in the ultimate war, there is but one cross. May we never forget and may we celebrate life.

If you do not know this Jesus, it is an easy step to get to know Him. He will not force Himself on you, you must decide and if you want to ask Jesus into your life, just do it from the heart and repeat the prayer below:

Lord Jesus, I ask You to forgive my sins and come into my heart. By faith, I accept Your work and death on the cross as payment for my sins. Thank You for providing the way for me to know You and to have a relation-ship with you. Thank You also for loving me unconditionally. Please give me the strength, wisdom, and determination to walk in the center of Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

IF YOU HAVE JUST PRAYED THIS PRAYER, CONGRATULATIONS!You have received Christ as your Savior and have made the best decision you will ever make—one that will change your life forever! Congratulations! You are now a Child of the King and part of an awesome family!

THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS...LEST WE FORGET

A day set aside to honor the greatest sacrifice - Everyday!

robert parmenterfacilitating pastor

REMEMBER

One of the new worship songs we wil be teaching the church this month is “Let It Be Jesus.”

Jesus. I have to admit that I have forgotten to keep the main thing ‘the main thing.’ Colossians 1:17 reminds me, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Jesus is supreme. Jesus is central. Jesus is all. Like Peter, I get my eyes off Je-sus all too quickly, distracted by the large waves surrounding me...threatening me, and I began to sink. I see the world news of Muslim extremists forging ahead, killing my brothers and sisters in Christ. A wave crashes down on me. I heard the news of a Christian family standing up for God’s value of marriage, only to be fined by the State for not supporting a homosexual marriage, and I get soaked. I read that a school in Nebraska is attempting to make a ‘gender-inclusive” environment by not referring to the children as “boys” and “girls” and I am nearly drowning!

But then just like He did with Peter, Jesus extends a hand and says, “You of little faith. Why did you not believe?”

Why? Because I took my eyes off the truth of Christ crucified and resurrrected. I forgot that I wasn’t supposed to be focused on the peripherals of this sinful world, but to hold fast to this one central truth, waving it as a banner over my life and min-istry; Jesus said, “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth , will draw all people to myself.” How does judgment occur? How does the prince of the world get driven out? By Christ followers lifting up Jesus in every aspect of our lives. We live Jesus, we exude Jesus. He is our passion. He is our source. We surrender to Him wholly so that He is all that anyone sees in us. We breathe Him in so that we can breathe Him out to all those around us.

Let it be Jesus, the first Name that I call.

Let it be Jesus, my song inside the storm

I’ll never need another...

Should I ever be abandoned

Should I ever be acclaimed

Should I ever be surrounded

By the fire and the flame

There’s a Name I will remember

There’s a Name I will proclaim

Let it be, Let it be Jesus

gordon ponakworship & christian arts

I can still remember standing on the tarmac of Kandahar Airfield during one of the many ramp ceremonies held during my rotation to honour a recently fallen solider. The hot desert sun was beating down on the hundreds of Canadian,

respects as our brother was slowly carried through the sea of uniforms and onto the waiting Hercules plane. I can remember thinking of the soldier then - who he had been, what his story was, and who would be waiting on a similar runway back in Canada to receive the body of their loved one. I often recall this memory more than many others as Remembrance Day approaches. It’s the time of year again where it’s not uncommon to see red poppies and hear words like “sacrifice” and “remembrance” thrown around. But what do these words mean? And to what extent are they relevant in today’s culture, let alone the church? As a Christian and a retired infantry soldier I have often had to walk the line between showing love for my enemies and at the same time preparing to fight against them. I believe this unique perspective has allowed me insight into what these words mean today. On my first combat tour in 2009 with Task Force 3-09 our battle group lost 14 soldiers, with many more wounded mentally and physically. Though this is but a small number of the 158 brothers and sisters in arms that lost their lives in the line of duty over the course of the war it was also a more intimate number. Some were my friends, some were our commanders, and others still were sons, husbands, brothers and fathers to those they left behind.

One was a friend of mine I had gone through training with named Garrett Chidley. He was only 21 years old when he was killed after an Improvised Explosive Device detonated beneath his armoured vehicle on December 30th, 2009 - just five days after Christmas. I remember seeing him only weeks before when by chance we crossed paths between missions. And so each year I say a prayer for his family and all of the families of the fallen soldiers from this war and all that came before. Thinking back to that moment on the tarmac I remember what came next to my mind. I thought about the mission in Afghanistan - an often misun-derstood one in the minds of Canadians - and about what we were sacrificing to accomplish. The war in Afghanistan was not just to disrupt terrorist operations to make the world safer for those that cannot fight, but it was also to make the lives of the Afghan people better. To train them, equip them, educate them, and build schools, roads, wells and infrastructure for them. It was also ultimately to show them a glimpse of what freedom and even love looks like. Each soldier who laid down their life paid the ultimate sacrifice for this goal. And so I ask on this day that you pray for those actively serving, those retired and still fighting their own battles, and for the families that lost their loved ones in this or any other war, even for just one day a year.

FEATURE“Greater Love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

JOHN 15:13

MEMEBER OF MGAJONATHAN GILLIES

A MANIFESTATION OF GOD THAT IS TANGIBLE TO THE HUMAN SENSES

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THE BIBLE - 100 WAYS IT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFEThis is a beautifully illustrated devotional guide to biblical wisdom! I have given this book as a gift to several family and friends to inspire them to read and absorb the beauty of divine guidance through the scriptures again! If you only have five minutes to pick a jewel from the treasure box; this is where you can find your jewel for the day! Great Gift for All Occasions!+ Gwen Gri�n

GOD IS ABLE - PRISCILLA SHIRER God is committed to whatever he has said. " My covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips". Psalm

89:34 . This book brings alive similar scriptures through events and seemingly trivial testimonies in life, it reminds us that God is with us and he is able to help us overcome an obstacle, no matter its size. Her writing is genuine and written for every heart.

You will finish God is able feeling empowered,encouraged and enlightened.+ Nitie Arhuidese

november calendar

01 50+ SHARED SUPPER & FELLOWSHIP

02 NEWCOMERS WELCOME LUNCH

02 ‘DAKILANG KATAPATAN’ - GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS A FILIPINO GOSPEL CONCERT

10-14 CLARENCE COUNSELLING AT MGA

13-16 EQUIP WEEKEND WITH DON ROSCOE

16 HOLY SPIRIT NIGHT & WATER BAPTISM SERVICE

22 LADIES’ CHRISTMAS BANQUET

28 FUN FRIDAYS (GRADES 1-6)

27 THE OPH.A.NY

29 CHINESE OUTREACH MEETING

29 YOUTH FAITH & CULTURE PRESENTATION WITH BRETT ULLMAN

november RECURRING EVENTS

MONDAYS7:00PM JAMNITE

TUESDAYS9:30AM LADIES ‘ BIBLE STUDY7:00PM LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY

WEDNESDAYS7:00PM THE BASE (JUNIOR HIGH)7:00PM PRAYER MEETING7:00PM YOUTH BIBLE STUDY

THURSDAYS7:30PM THE VERGE (YOUNG ADULTS)

FRIDAYS7:00PM THE NEW EXPERIENCE (YOUTH)7:00PM LIFE GROUP - SPANISH BIBLE STUDY

SATURDAYS11:00AM SAVIOR STREET TALK7:00PM W&CA TEAM PRACTICE

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES9AM 11AM 1PM

KIDZONE FOR AGES 6 MONTHS TO 12 YEARS OLD OPEN DURING ALL SERVICES AT THE LOWER AUDITORIUM

pastoral staffSENIOR PASTOR

GLEN FORSBERG

ASSOCIATE OF MINISTRIES

RICK KIRSCHNER

FACILITATING PASTOR

ROBERT PARMENTER

WORSHIP & CHRISTIAN ARTS PASTOR

GORDON PONAK

pastor.glen@shawcable.com

rick.kirschner@shaw.ca

pastor.robert@shaw.cable.com

CHILDREN & FAMILY PASTOR

ODETTE MANSHIP

ASST CHILDREN & FAMILY PASTOR

NATASHA CARPENTER

STUDENT MINISTRIES DIRECTOR

ERIC BENNER

odette.manship@shaw.ca

natasha.carpenter@shaw.ca

eric.benner@shaw.ca

pastor.gordon@shawcable.com

elders

REY CARABEO

UCHE EZEALA

BEVERLY FAWCETT

VINCELLA THOMPSON

BRIAN WALROND

support staffPERSONAL ASSISTANT

JOY MCKOY

OFFICE MANAGER/ADMIN ASSISTANT

GRACE CARABEO

ADMIN ASSISTANT

GIRLIE JONES

ADMIN ASSISTANT

WHITNEY LU

mga.o� ce3@shawcable.com

mga.church@shawcable.com

mga.o� ce2@shaw.ca

BOOKKEEPER

JUANITA HEATH

CONNECTING COORDINATOR

KAREN BOLDT

CUSTODIAN

EVA ESTEBAN

VIDEO PRODUCER

ISAAC BARTER

mga.accounting@shawcbale.com

mga.o� ce4@shawcable.com

evame_22@yahoo.com

mga.o� ce@shaw.ca isaac.barter@shaw.ca