"To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father-to him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen."
Revelation 1:5-6
As we move towards our 65th year of ministry in our community and complete my fifth year as your Pastor, I rejoice and remain thankful for the privilege of ministry that Our God has afforded us. Together God has called us to be a priesthood of believers.
This past year saw a number of positive developments in our mission and ministry. Our men's ministry has started afresh, our youth group have steadily moved forward, new faces have appeared in our midst, and a substantial portion of our congregation is involved in our weekly activities beyond Sunday morning.
Our music and Worship Team has grown as well while greatly enhancing our worship services, especially on special occasions.
This past year has also had its share of challenges. The economic turmoil did not leave our congregation untouched. Some in our midst have experienced job loss and transition, while others have struggles with varied health issues. For the first time in my ministry here, our expenses as a congregation exceeded our income. Fortunately, wise stewardship in previous years and limiting expenditures has enabled us to overcome what we trust was an exceptional year.
The recent development of increased visitation by caring members of our congregation to those shut in and ill has been a source of personal encouragement.
While we face ongoing challenges, I look forward with the same confidence that Paul expressed to the Philippians when he wrote:
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:3-6
Thank you for your prayerful support and encouragement during this past year. I am especially thankful for your continuing support for my ministry, which by extension is your ministry, with the Canadian Forces as 2009 was taxing in terms of notifications and ministry to families experiencing loss.
Yours Because His;
Philip C. Ralph (Rev.)
Pastor
