The Cup of Life
Gifting God,
Tie a ribbon of remembrance
around my heart,
so that I can often recall
those sacred places
where you have made
yourself known in the
hidden recesses of my life.
Stir up my memory-cup,
let me look deeply within it,
seeing all the people and events
that have led me to you.
Refresh the photographs
of my mind
where the vivid traces
of your love
are etched
in our relationship,
and marked
upon my memory.
As I gaze into my
personal history,
unlock the storage spaces
of my soul,
reveal the truth of your
bountiful love,
fill my heart
with awe and gratitude.
God of Beauty,
the blessing of your
loveliness
astounds my being,
the power of your
presence
enriches my every moment.
Blessed are you.
Blessed are you.
–by Joyce Rupp from The Cup of Life
Charity Spotlight & Around Town: May 18 – 31
Charity Spotlight
New Westminster Family Place
www.nwfamily.bc.ca
93 6th St. #101
604-520-3666
- offers parent education programs, support groups, workshops, volunteer programs and free drop-ins for parents and children.
- the drop-ins feature playtime, crafts and snack time
Drop-in Programs
Mondays to Saturdays
93 Sixth Street (Main location)
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Hospitality Project
Thursdays
F.W. Howay Elementary School
Fridays
West End
Donations of diapers, apple juice and toilet paper are appreciated throughout the year.
Around Town
Friday, May 18
41st Annual Lowe’s Hyack Festival: Fireworks at the Quay
Opening Ceremonies will feature a major fireworks display to kick start a week of multicultural and inter-generational activities for children, youth, adults and seniors.
Saturday, May 19
“Diversecity” Multicultural Festival
@ the Quay Boardwalk & Food Hall at the River Market at noon to 6pm
There will be live entertainment, dance lessons, tasty treats, and interactive activities for the kids. There will also be arts & crafts, a film festival, an art exhibition, giveaways, contests and other surprises.
Sunday, May 20 & Monday, May 21
28th Annual Hyack Antique Fair
@ Queen’s Park Arenex from 10am to 5pm
Monday, May 21
Arts Council Artisans Spring Market
@ Centennial Lodge from 11am to 5pm daily
Ancient and Honourable Anvil Battery Salute
@ Queen’s Park Stadium at 11:30am
Vintage Soccer Game
@ Queen’s Park Stadium from 2pm to 4pm
Wednesday, May 23
May Day Celebrations
@ Queen’s Park Stadium at 11:15am
Friday, May 25
Friday Social at River Market: Get Your Swing On!
Doors open at 6pm and dance lessons begin at 7pm
Tickets are $15 and are available online or at the door but in limited quantities. Price includes a selection of appetizers from Reup BBQ and Fathom.
Saturday, May 26
Bicycle Show & Shine
@ the River Market
12pm to 2pm – Show & Shine Check in & Family Activities
2pm – Bicycle Show Begins
3pm – Family Bike Parade to Westminster Pier
Sunday, May 27
Heritage Home Tours
@ various locations from 10am to 5pm
Refer to this article for more info.
Thursday, May 31
Royal City Farmer’s Market 5th Annual Fundraiser
@ Wild Rice Restaurant (810 Quayside Driver, River Market) at 6pm
Tickets are $24 and can be purchased online or email (info@rcgm.ca)
Click here for more info.
Sheep Among Wolves
Being a Christian in our day and age is not an easy task. (Check out this example). There’s a high degree of hostility to be had when we stand up for Jesus.
In Mt. 10, we pick up the story where Jesus shifts into another gear in his ministry as he intensifies his training of the 12 disciples. He gives them clear instructions on what to do, what not to do, how to minister and then he summarizes it all by saying this: Mt. 10:16 – “Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves.”
In other words, this is not an easy task I’m calling you to. There is a cost to discipleship. There is a cost to following me. “When you’re on mission, there will be hostility.”
When we become followers of Christ, we don’t think like the world, act like the world, or behave like the world. We have a completely different world view because Jesus is at the center of our lives. Being a Christ follower puts us at odds with the world’s system and values.
And in the face of persecution, there is a huge temptation to give into the culture and not stand out or stand up for what you really believe. There’s a temptation to shrink like a violet and wilt under the pressure. It’s human nature to want to be accepted and well thought of. Who wants to be laughed at, marginalized, slow-tracked or dead-ended in a career? Who want to be “un-cool” in the eyes of the world. No one does.
And yet there is something higher & better than being cool, being rich and being popular. Something that super cedes our desire for earthly acceptance and honor, something which is worth dying for — it’s knowing Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. – Phil 3:10; knowing Jesus Christ and having eternal life – Phil 3:8-9; knowing Jesus Christ and His peace, and his security, and his joy – Phil. 3:8-9.
When you order your life around the will of God; when you are living for his glory; when you are living for His pleasure, then you are on mission, and if you’re on mission, then you can expect push-back.
As unpleasant as this reality is, Jesus response isn’t to back off and make his followers more palatable to the world – be nicer, be softer, be more compromising. In fact he tells them to endure, persevere, and stand strong. 10:22, and then he speaks to the core issue at hand: FEAR. It’s fear that keeps us mute and silent. It’s fear that is the paralyzer of our witness, and Jesus speaks to the two biggest fears that blunt our testimony for Him.
#1 – Fear of man. 10:24-27
Prov. 29:25 says – The fear of man lays a snare. When we are afraid of man and his opinions we cave to their seeming superiority – their intellects, their status, their money, their power, their snide comments, their put downs, their data, and their theories. But Jesus said, don’t fear their seeming moral superiority or judgment., because 26…nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 10:26. In other words, their words may be strong, their back story won’t be pretty when it’s revealed. Don’t fear them. Preach on….27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.”
#2 – Fear of physical intimidation & retribution. – 10:28
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 10:28
Most of us will never have to face physical intimidation or retribution for our faith, but historically, and in many parts of the world this is very much a reality today. From North Korea to China to Iran to Sudan to Pakistan, the specter of physical abuse, torture, faces those who call on the name of Christ.
And here’s what Jesus says to strengthen those who will face physical violence, even death….don’t fear those who can kill the body, rather fear him who can destroy body and soul in hell. 10:28
How powerful these words are. Of course, any physical violence is abhorrent, but it’s temporary. Would you rather be tortured and die, but live forever with Jesus, or be the torturer and be cast into hell? There is no comparison. Another way to look at it is this. Jesus is asking us to imagine the worst case scenario: we die for our faith. If we die for our faith, do we lose? No we don’t. The blood of martyrs can never lose.
Friends, don’t need to let fear get the best of you. The gospel will creates conflict and tension and fractures. Mt. 10:34-39. Jesus is saying, to be on mission you have to have a strong stomach. Conflict is part of the violence the gospel creates to bring ultimate peace. Who want to be at odds with our parents and children and friends? No one. But if it prevents us from following Jesus fully & coming into eternal life, then we’ve got to choose Jesus. Don’t hold back from preaching the FULL gospel. Don’t compromise or relent. This IS your assignment. But be aware of hostile territory.
Is this a raw deal? Not at all. It’s part of what we do because we love the world as Jesus does. Jesus died on the cross because of His love for the world. We will never be able to match that, but we the least we can do be a bright witness for Him.
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
In otherwords, God has not given a spirit of fear, so we won’t stand up or speak out for JESUS, but he has given a spirit of power, to be bold and courageous, and self-control, so we know when to be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.
We may be sent out as “sheep among wolves,” but we need not fear, because the boldness of the Lion is in us.
Full audio of message here.
The Shalom of God – Part 3 / 3
See “The Shalom of God” – Part 1 /3 for background & introduction.
In this final segment on the Shalom of God, we see the final four conditions that Jesus addressed in Mt. 8-9
7. He sees your bleeding. 9:19-22
Yes, you’ve been hurt, betrayed, wounded, turned on, left behind. You know the pain of broken promises, broken relationships. You are bleeding bad. In fact you’ve been hemorrhaging for “12 years (9:20).” You’ve spent tons of money on therapy, trying to get well – Mk 5:26 – and you’re not getting better, in fact you’re getting worse. You’ve tried it all – sex, drugs, rebound relationships, swearing off relationships, shopping, traveling, adultery, alcohol, anything to heal the heart….all to no avail. But Jesus sees and is there for you. He wants you to touch just the hem of his garment, and you’ll be healed of your bleeding instantly – Mk 5:29. His power will go out from Himself right into you and stop you’re bleeding. He cares.
8. He sees your death. 9:18, 23-26 / Mk 5:22 – Jairus’ daughter
Death of a vision. Death of your hope. Death of your dream. He sees that thing you’ve poured your heart and soul into – your “baby” – 9:18 – and now it’s gone. But what did he say to Martha when her brother Lazarus was 3 days in the tomb and “stinketh?” “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me shall live, even if he dies.” What does Jesus do, he says the dream is not dead. Your vision is not dead. Your baby is not dead. It’s just asleep. 9:24. It’s in hibernation. It’s in waiting. He resurrects that which is dead. 9:25.
9. He sees your blindness. 9:27-30
For all your want to see with clarity, you can’t. It’s just a fog. It’s just a thicket. There’s no way through. You feel completely in the dark. You want light, but there is none. There seems to be no solution. But there really is. Jesus is here to release His shalom on you. He will open your eyes. Can you cry out like the two blind men? 9:27. Then Jesus will take away your blindness. 9:30
10. Jesus sees your muteness. 9:32-34.
You have no voice in this life. You’re constantly intimidated, afraid, shy. You don’t know who you are. You’re always trying to be someone else, when God wants you to find your own voice. You’re not meant to be someone else. God created you to be you. In fact your inferiority complex, your sense of rejection can be so deep, it could have demonic roots. 9:32. Jesus comes to heal your self-esteem so you can love yourself the way He loves you. Jesus is going to cast out, drive out the self-affliction and allow you to enjoy life. He will take away your silence and give you something to shout about. 9:33.
In all, there are 10 conditions that profile for us what it’s like to live in a “anti-shalom” state. It’s not pretty. And I think this list is pretty comprehensive, if not definitive of the human condition.
Here’s what we see about Jesus. In EVERY one of these cases , Jesus feels what you feel. He never once DOESN’T feel what you feel. He is not callous, cold, indifferent, annoyed like we get. He LOVES YOU. He knows, he understands, he feels, he sympathesizes and He empathesizes. This is what 9:36 teaches us….not only does he see, but he feels compassion for us. He sees, he feels, then he acts.
Jesus healed EVERY DISEASE, EVERY SICKNESS (9:35, Mt. 4:23). He healed them ALL – Mt. 12:15, Lk 6:19. 100% success rate is unfathomable. What does this teach us about God? THERE IS NOTHING OUTSIDE HIS DOMAIN, outside his control, outside his sovereignty, outside his omnipotence. There is nothing outside of God’s Shalom. His Shalom is about His care for you, and these 10 miracles were selected by Matthew to illustrate Jesus’ love for you.
THIS IS YOUR GOD. NEVER LET ANYONE TAKE THIS AWAY FROM YOU. THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND (MT. 4:17). THE “NOW-NESS” of Jesus has never left.
The Shalom of God – Part 2 / 3
See “The Shalom of God” – Part 1 /3 for background & introduction.
As if contending with our own “leprosy,” “fever” and embattled “loved ones,” isn’t enough, the depth and breadth of our condition is far from exhausted. Our state of “anti-shalom” is deeper and more entrenched than we can image. Continuing in Mt. 8-9, here are the next three conditions Jesus touches with His power.
4. Jesus sees your storms. 8:23-27
You feel like you’re obeying God, doing what he told you do, and instead of things getting better, it gets worse! What gives God?! Didn’t you tell us to get in the boat with you, and follow you? But now my life is only worse, storm after storm is hitting us, and as far as I can tell you are TOTALLY asleep in the boat. 8:24
“Wake up Jesus!” We’re going to die. 8:25
But don’t you realize there is NO storm that can overwhelm you or overtake you if Jesus is with you. The reason for the storm is so you can see the power of God at work. Jesus, at the right moment will rebuke the winds and the waves, and there will perfect calm. Fret not, Jesus will not let you sink.
5. He sees your torment. 8:28-34
The bible says here that when Jesus got to the other side of the lake, he was confronted with a demoniac that was tormented beyond belief. Jesus sees your torment, and indeed it may demonic, but if it’s not demonic, it still feels that way to you. It just won’t go away. You can’t shake it. It keeps coming after you. But know this: all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. Mt. 28:19. There is nothing outside his dominion. NOTHING. He will deliver you completely, and cast your torment into pigs where it belongs. 8:32. Devils & torments are for pigs, not you. Luke’s version of this incident tells us the demoniac was given his mind back. The tormenting thoughts were gone. Jesus will free you from all torment.
6. He sees your paralysis. 9:1-8
He sees how bound and fearful you are…to the point of paralysis. Nothing works as it should. You are frozen. You can’t move. You are petrified. You are not meant to be paralyzed. You are meant to be free. The shalom of God comes to you and sets you free. Jesus says, your sins are forgiven. 9:5. He gets to the root of your problem. There is a sin issue to your paralysis, and he forgives you. And he tells you to rise up and be normal now. 9:6.
Is Jesus sufficient to meet these challenge in your life? Yes, He is, and more than you can imagine. Call on Him today. Call on him right now.
(Full audio version of sermon here.)
The Shalom of God – Part 1 / 3
In Matthew 8 and 9, we see a series of ten outstanding miracles performed by Jesus. Jesus’ dominion and power over every realm was being demonstrated with great force & clarity. His works were a perfect match to His teaching. Matthew 9:35-36 summed it up this way: 35 Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.
In all this, as Jesus was spreading the gospel of the kingdom (Mt. 4:23), there was an over arching goal as he ministered to the people; it was to restore the “shalom” of God, the Hebrew word for peace. In the bible, the concept of God’s shalom was large and all encompassing. It meant, in the words of theologian Cornelius Plantinga, “universal flourishing, wholeness &delight, completeness, well-being… it’s a state of affairs that inspires joyful wonder as it’s Creator and Savior opens doors and welcomes the creatures in whom He delights. Shalom, in other words, is the way things ought to be.”
It’s what Adam and Eve had in the garden before the Fall. But when sin entered in, as Pastor Tim Keller puts it: “God’s shalom was lost: physically, spiritually, psychologically, culturally. Human beings are so integral to the fabric of things that when human beings turned from God the entire warp and woof of the world unraveled. “
With this in mind, we can gain another level of comfort when reading about Jesus’ miracles. Not only do they give us confidence to lean upon His power for physical healing, but it’s also helps us apply the miracles at a personal, inner heart level. The ten physical healings represent ten inner conditions Jesus wants to redeem.
Mt. 9:36 puts it this way: 36 Seeing the [a]people, He felt compassion for them, because they were [b]distressed and [c]dispirited like sheep [d]without a shepherd. Jesus sees our human condition, feels compassion, and acts upon it.
1. He sees your leprosy. 8:1-4
He sees the things on your inside that you feel make you ugly, unlovable, and reason to be rejected. He hears the cry of your heart, and your desire to be lovable & accepted & normal. He sees how you feel “dirty.” And He says, “Be Clean” – 8:3.
2. He sees your grief for a loved one. 8:5-14
Like the Centurion that went to make a request for his valued servant, He sees when you ache for someone you love, and you can’t do a thing about it. They are in a place of dire need, in trouble, wasting away, sick, making foolish decisions, and try as you may, there’s nothing you can do to make it better. They need divine intervention. Jesus sees, and says “Be it done to you as you have believed.”
3. He sees your fever. 8:14-17
He sees your swooning, insanity, and you going mad. He sees your fits, you wanting to throw and break things. He sees it all and he’s ready to make the fever and insanity go away. One touch, and it’s gone. 8:15.
Do you feel “feverish”, unlovable or heart broken over someone’s situation. God is here to help today. He is as near as your heart-felt prayer.
(Full audio version of sermon here.)
EXPOSURE – Fashion Show & Silent Youth Art Auction
The South Burnaby Neighbourhood House youth group “Leadership 2″ is holding an event on the night of May 5, 2012 in New Westminster. The event consists of a fashion show and silent art auction, all organized by youth to spread awareness about the serious issue of human trafficking. In addition, all proceeds will be donated to Deborah’s Gate.
Deborah’s gate is a specialized program which provides a safe and restorative environment that fosters a holistic approach to healing for female survivors of sexual human trafficking.(http://www.deborahsgate.ca/)
Date: Saturday, May 5th
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Location: Five Stones Church – 612 Columbia Street New Westminster
Tickets: $10 - limited space, so to make a reservation, please email youth@sbnh.ca or call 778-808-2304 and ask for Marleen!
Youth are show casing their art work from May 1st-4th, 4-6pm!
Kari Jobe “Find You On My Knees”
Troubles chasing me again,
Breaking down my best defense,
I’m looking, God, I’m looking for you
Weary just won’t let me rest and fear is filling up my head.
I’m longing, God I’m longing for you
But I will find you in the place I’m in, find you when I’m at my end,
Find you when there’s nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you’ll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I’ll find you on my knees.
So what if sorrow shakes my faith,
What if heartache still remains,
I’ll trust you, my God I’ll trust you.
Cos u are faithful and
I will find you in the place I’m in, find you when I’m at my end,
Find you when there’s nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you’ll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I’ll find you on my knees, my knees.
When my hope is gone, when the fear is strong
When the pain is real, when it’s hard to heal
When my faith is shaken and my heart is broken and my joy is stolen, God I know that
You lift me up, you’ll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
Find you in the place I’m in, find you when I’m at my end,
Find you when there’s nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you’ll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I’ll find you on my knees.
Backwards, Upside Down and Inside Out
Back when my husband and I were still dating, one of our favorite weekend activities was taking long drives and walks away from the city. Being a city girl, I did not have a deep appreciation for all that the country has to offer. Therefore, Jeremy made it his mission to help me discover Quebec’s countryside. Some weekends, we would drive through back roads and he would point out the farms and beautiful landscapes in the distance. Other times, we would go walking on deserted trails and he would help me notice different trees, shrubs, berries and animal footprints on the ground. On occasion, we would visit quaint little towns and walk through old cemeteries looking at tombstones and discuss the origins of last names. Oh yes – it was romantic:). With time, I definitely grew to love the countryside. Even now when we are unsure of what to do on a weekend, Jeremy’s first suggestion is always: “Let’s go for a drive!”
One time, he took me to “La Côte Magnétique” (otherwise known as Magnetic Hill in English) at a town called Chartierville. When you arrive at the site, this is the sign that appears in front of you:
So we followed the directions and did what it told us to do. I’ll admit I wasn’t sure what to expect. What happened is that the car started to roll backwards. But when we looked at the rear view mirror, it seemed like we were being pulled up the hill. Optical illusion or magnetic phenomenon? Who knows. All I know is that it was a cool (and romantic) experience.
I think God’s kingdom is definitely like the experience at “La Côte Magnétique”. Things are never quite the way they seem. At church, we just finished studying the Sermon on the Mount in the book of Matthew. Everything about this passage is backwards, upside down, and inside out. For example, let’s take the passage on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). In our world today, we view those who are smart, rich, successful, beautiful, capable, and athletic as the people to be envied. Instead, Jesus points out that the people who are blessed are those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, those who are meek, those who are merciful, and those who are persecuted. Things are not the way they seem.
The Kingdom of God is counterintuitive and countercultural, and in being this way it requires that we constantly submit our thoughts, our wills, and our emotions to being assessed, critiqued, and corrected by this new paradigm. It forces us to go through new experiences that challenge the way we see, the way we judge, and the way we love.
Sometimes I am discouraged when I read the Beatitudes because I see my heart valuing those things that Jesus does not. However, I’m encouraged by the fact that all I need to do is to make my daily prayer the one that Jesus taught his first group of disciples centuries ago: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Even if it means going through experiences that I don’t understand and seem impossible to explain… the main thing is trusting the Person who brought me to this place, allowing Him to change me, – and embracing the moment.
Around Town: 7th Annual French Marketplace 2012
7th Annual Marché français/French Marketplace 2012
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Canadian Parents for French – New Westminster Chapter is preparing for the 7th Annual Marché français/French Marketplace.
Come and experience a bit of French culture at the Marché français. Meet vendors of hard-to-find French resources, French-themed items and décor.
Enjoy French music, delicious crêpes tourtière pies, maple treats and more! There will be children’s activities and crafts provided by Francophone Scouts of Maillardville and Fort Langley National Historic Site, raffle and café. All vendors accept cash and cheques. Only some accept charge cards. Admission is free. Everyone is welcome!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
1:45 pm – 7:30 pm
École Herbert Spencer School Gym
605 Second Street, New Westminster
Some of the vendors at the Marché français 2012:
Vancouver Kidsbooks – French collection
French Usborne Books
L’École des Loisirs – Abonnements MAX – Quality book subscriptions from France
Word Nerd Language and Education Ltd.
Kits studio handmade – French themed home décor, paper and gift giving items
Crêperie la Bohème – Sweet and savory crêpes
Tourtière pies – Delicious French-Canadian mini take-home pork pies
Maples’ Sugar Shack – Traditional le sirop d’érable (maple taffy served on a bed of
snow), maple sugar cones and maple syrup products.
CPF – New Westminster – Resources for parents and students.
New Westminster Public Library – French collection
Plus many more…
About Canadian Parents for French
Canadian Parents for French (CPF) is a national network dedicated to the promotion and creation of French second-language learning opportunities for young Canadians. www.cpf.bc.ca
For more information call Heidi Clarkson at 604-525-2631
fivestoneschurch
jwongs
keziahcho
richkao
edithtaz
sfavreau
