APRIL 2018
640 Grosvenor St. London Ont N5Y 3T4 519-858-4123 churchalcc1@gmail.com #abundantlife_london Twitter: @LifeALCC www.alccnet.com
discovery| simplicity | empowerment
Turning Points….So grateful for those times in our lives that God intervenes. When I look back over thirty plus years of Pastoring, I could probably write a book. A turning point is a time in our lives where God shows up and we find ourselves in a new direction. Could be the new job that God provides. The day you get married, everything changes. The birth of your new baby puts new perspective. Then sometimes we battle negative things that could arise as well. But this is where God fits in. God places hope in our hearts for tomorrow and the next day. No matter what comes our way, we need to be in line with what God is up to and allow him the opportunity to direct our path. That is why passages like Jeremiah 29:11 are so important… For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. These words were given by Jeremiah during one of the most difficult times in their history. But look at the hope and opportunity God is proclaiming through Jeremiah. Plans…prosper…not to harm you, a hope and a future… this was a great turning point for the people of God. What can I learn from this… when I am at a place where I don’t know what to do, God. When all seems, lost and wonder how things will turn out, God. All may seem doom and gloom but remember, the turning point is just around the corner and God is there waiting for you. Such was the case for the people of God… Jesus died… but the story didn’t end there. Such is the case for us. The story doesn’t end for us at the empty tomb but what a great turning point that altered history forever… He is not here, yes indeed he has risen! PB and Kathy I remember fasting for the first time. I was miserable. I broke the fast with “little” snacks. I didn’t know why I was doing it other than I was told to fast. Why can’t fasts be fast? As I matured, I learned that fasting wasn’t a way for me to go on a quick diet which was masked with a spiritual face. Fasting isn’t about giving something up for a short time. (Luke 18:1-12) Fasting is about spiritual nourishment over physical intake. Fasting is about earnestly seeking God. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that God may be calling you to practice. (Matthew 8:15; Psalm 63). There’s all sorts of fast: fasting diets (Daniel 1:12), normal fast, absolute fast (Esther 4:16), sexual fast (1 Cor. 7:3-6) and there are others. Fasting and prayer go hand in hand. People fasted and prayed: for wisdom and direction, (Ezra 8:21-23, Acts 13:1-3, Acts 14:21-23), for breakthroughs (Isaiah 58:6, Daniel 10:2-14, Zech. 8:16-19), for immediate needs (2 Chr. 20:1-4, Joel 1:14-20) and so much more. When I was trying to fast, I wasn’t actually fasting. I was just not eating. I wasn’t seeking after God. I wasn’t in the right mindset and humble attitude towards God (Matt. 6:17-18; Matt. 5:6; 2 Cor. 4:16; Is. 58:6-7). Fasting isn’t about what you are getting but who you are getting closer to, who you are pressing into and who you are calling out to overtop of those hunger pains that you just cannot ignore. To be honest, I hope I don’t get called to fast. It’s not convenient or comfortable. But if God is calling me to fast and pray, He has something in store. (Psalm 42:2) Hungry?, Tony Mejia
We are glad you are here, and we trust that feel at HOME. It is our hope and prayer that you will join in as we share our lives, struggles and celebrations of faith together. We believe life is about discovering our faith and purpose, and using this discovery to live out His plan for us with passion. We call ALCC our HOME. We are intentional about relationships with God and each other to bring this message of HOPE to our community.
Good Morning Café When we wake up in the morning, we all have our rituals, traditions and “must do’s” before we head out the door. That’s why we offer our to you at 10 am.
Good Morning Café
You will be greeted by a warm and friendly smile from one of our weekly hostesses and you can choose a beverage of coffee (hazelnut or regular), tea (regular or seasonal favourite), juice and not to mention a homemade snack from our dedicated Café Team. So come a little early to enjoy this time of relaxing and the opportunity to get to know your fellow Lifers!
Café 10-10:30 am
people matter to God
Sundays 10:30- noon
WHO IS JESUS?
What is Easter? Where is God when I am scared? When I pray, does God answer? Where is heaven?
THE STORY PlayRoom & Paradise Kids For the next few weeks leading up to Easter, we will be discovering who Jesus is and what it means to believe that He is the Son of God. From His birth to his coming again, our PlayRoom and Paradise Kids will follow along with the topics of their mom and dads. This makes great conversation around the dinner table and bedtime. ENJOY THE JOURNEY
discovery| simplicity | empowerment
PlayRoom & Paradise Kids We are experiencing GROWING PAINS! Would you consider being a participant in our KIDS MINISTRY once a month? There are opportunities for teaching, craft, snack, and in the nursery we need extra hands for the wee ones. Qualifications: ALCC Member/Police Check and a heart for kids
MARCH BREAK MOVIE DAY The kids were treated to the movie Peter Rabbit by the KIDMIN. Caregivers/leaders and kids all had a great time!
people matter to God
MISSIONS FUNDRAISER Spaghetti Dinner Thank you for participating in our MISSIONS Experience Fundraiser. The food was delicious and the night was fun. We raised over $1300, to date! THANK YOU LORD!
discovery| simplicity | empowerment
people matter to God
9:45am—10am Downstairs
discovery| simplicity | empowerment
Doors open 5:30 pm Come early & join in the PRE-YOUTH activities
Student ministry 11– 18 years
finding connecting belonging
IGNITE equips teens with personal faith to take on our changing world. We are taking a journey from Sept-May to read the Bible from cover to cover with THE STORY. We will explore God through history and the world around us. IGNITE is a space where we can be ourselves without fear of judgment. Group activities, music and talks geared to inspire us to live a God filled life. people matter to God
Since 2005
12 Step Recovery Program Based on Matthew 5:2-12 (The Beatitudes) S T E P E I G HT : Brotherly and Sisterly Love We made a list of all persons we have harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Loneliness & isolation go along with the guilt & shame we feel about who we are or what we have done. We may feel lonely even when we are around other people. Guilt, fear of being hurt and self-hatred can make us unable to believe in the love others have for us. We can feel all alone in the struggle even when there are people beside us who want to help. Being willing to accept their love is part of the preparation for making amends. Loneliness can break us and defeat us in the recovery process. When we prepare to make amends, we also need to prepare our heart to accept whatever love, support, or friendship is offered in return. These supportive relationships, along with God’s supporting hand, will strength our life considerably. With our friends and God joining with us to form a triple-braided cord, we will not be easily broken or turned from the path to recovery. In the young Corinthian church, a man was cut off from church fellowship when his sins were made public. After he turned around and tried to make amends, some people refused to welcome him back into the church. The apostle Paul told the believers: “The man who caused all the trouble was punished enough when most of you were united in your judgment against him, otherwise, he may become so discouraged that he won’t be able to recover. Now show him that you still love him.” (2 Corinthians 2: 5-8) There will be some people who will respond with forgiveness, comfort, acceptance, and love. This will help us overcome the grief, the bitterness, and the discouragement we may feel. Their forgiveness will help us move on with recovery. Come and join us to begin the process of experiencing freedom from the hurts, habits and hang-ups from your past.
Thursday’s 7 pm Closed Women’s Group Mondays 7-9 pm POTLUCK April 26 @ 6-7pm discovery| simplicity | empowerment
One Day Seminar on GRIEF AND LOSS Saturday April 21 @ 9-noon Nancy VanderSchaaf Ph.D, CCC Our guest speaker is from London and specialize in anxiety, depression, loss and couples therapy.
Grief has no set pattern. Everyone experiences grief differently. Some people may grieve for weeks and months, while others may describe their grief lasting for years. Through the process of grief, however, you begin to create new experiences and habits that work around your loss. Please join us! See Wendy Oster for details people matter to God
This easy-to-use and fun mobile app will help keep you on track with a video and a reading plan THEBIBLEPROJECT
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@abundantlife_london
Abundant Life Community Church – London