Benevolence

The Innisfil Food Bank

As the Christmas Season is upon us, we have seen increased giving from the commu-nity. This month The Innisfil Food Bank received donations from the following schools: Goodfellow, Holy Cross, and St. Francis of Assisi….as well as from St. James United Church, Alcona Sobeys, Alcona Ani-mal Hospital, and Stroud Seniors. We are so thankful for the generosity of local business-es and residents of the Innisfil community who support the Food Bank, allowing us to serve those in need more effectively.

The Clothing Depot

Our last free shopping night before the New Year was held on Thursday, November 24th. We had the privilege of distributing well over…..bags of clothing and other necessi-ties during the evening, only made possible because of the outpouring of donations that come in on a regular basis.

Huronia Symphony Orchestra Again this year we have the privilege of hosting the Huronia Symphony Orchestra. Last year was the first time the Symphony performed in Innisfil and our facili-ty was chosen as the venue. Over 450 attend-

ed...and this year they are anticipating an even greater audience. This year’s event, “Christmas Express” takes place on Satur-day, December 17, at 7 pm and will be featur-ing choirs from Alcona Glen Elementary School and Lake Simcoe Public School. Admission is: $25 adults, $10 students (14+), $5 children (under 13) To purchase tickets, please go to their website: huroniasympho-ny.ca, or telephone: 705-721-4752.

Events/Activities/News Innisfil Community Church

Newsletter November, 2016

LEST WE FORGET!

On Sunday, November 6th, the first part of the service was a Remembrance Ceremony dedi-cated to those who have served, or are current-ly serving, for our freedom. Following the cer-emony, Pastor Courtney shared a message on “Heroes of War”. We WILL remember them! In keeping with this month’s sermon theme of “Heroes of Faith”, on November 13th Pastor Mark shared about the heroes who have been persecuted for their faith. Pastor Courtney’s message on November 20th focused on per-sonal heroes in our lives who have been role models and mentors. The Heroes of Faith spoken of in the Bible are the people who inspire us to live our lives with purpose and meaning; for example, Abraham�who “walked by faith” (Hebrews 11:8). Then there was Noah who obeyed God and, by faith, built an ark to save his family, (Hebrews 11:7)...and, Enoch, who walked faithfully with God. (Hebrews 11:5). By remembering those heroes of faith...even through challenges and trials, we are encour-aged with the fact that God will always show Himself faithful. Ultimately, HE is our hero!

Preparing for Christmas at ICC

Christmas Hampers

As we have done for many years, with the help of the community, Innisfil Community Church prepares approximately 50 Christmas Hampers to distribute to needy families in our area. We are in the early stages of assembling those Hampers and getting them ready for distribu-tion the second week of December.

Christmas Eve Community Dinner

Every year ICC hosts a Christmas Eve Dinner for those who are alone during Christmas or in need of a festive meal. If you know of anyone who would like to be our guest, please call the church office at 705-436-1611 as soon as pos-sible so that their name(s) can be added to the list.

As this will be the last Newsletter until the New Year, we invite you attend our Christmas Eve Candlelight Carol Sing. It is a time when we are joined by many from the community…...so please invite your friends and come out as we celebrate Jesus’ birth together. To all who receive this Newsletter, we offer

this prayer:

“Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts.” Amen.

Be Blessed This Christmas Season!

Events/Activities/News

Women’s Ministries The ladies are anticipating their upcoming Christmas Dinner scheduled for December 6th. This promises to be a fun get-together, complete with a catered meal, ornament exchange, and Christmas carols.

Mighty Men’s Ministries A number of our men from ICC attended the Promise Keepers conference held at Church on the Queensway Friday-Saturday, Novem-ber 18-19. As this letter is being written, this month’s Mighty Men’s Breakfast is scheduled for November 26, with Dwayne Clugston speak-ing on “Are You Ready For Change?”

FUEL Youth One of the highlights of our Youth Group this month was the “BIG Picture Retreat” held at the Muskoka Bible Centre on the weekend of Novem-

ber 18-20. Pastor Andy (and Pastor Mark) took leadership of approximately 30 youth from ICC, joining with other youth groups from the Huronia Section. Rev. Craig Luff from Calvary Church in Simcoe, Ontario, was the guest speaker. The report that came back indicated an amazing weekend where those kids met with God, formed friendships, and had fun together. We are so thankful for our Pastors, volunteer leaders, and church fami-ly, who support and invest in the lives of our Youth.

Innisfil Christmas Parade Every year, ICC has the opportunity to partici-pate in the Innisfil Christmas Parade. As this letter is being written, Pastor Mark is hard at work getting our float ready for Sunday, November 27th. Always a fun time!

Operation Christmas Child (BGs) Again this year, ICC’s Boys & Girls Club (BGs) participated in the Operation Christmas Child project, bringing in over 80 filled

shoe boxes to bless kids overseas. Pastor Sarah says: “thank you for your generous giv-ing, hard work, and big hearts!”

Take Time To Pray! Innisfil Community Church observed the week of November 21-27 as a time of prayer and fast-ing, also calling for an all-night prayer meeting November 25-26. This is a vital time for every-one; not only as a church family, but in all our personal lives…..for our own spiritual health, for the health of our church, for the health of our town, for the salvation of our loved ones and those in our surrounding community. Jesus declared that some things only can be moved by prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). HE can “move the mountains” when we take time to pray! “The three most important things you can do”, says Bill Graham, “are to pray, pray, pray!” He is also quoted as saying: “you don’t have to be formal in your prayers. You may not be able to pray like your pastor prays, but just talk to your heavenly Father like I’m talking to you today–or like you would talk to your earthly father or your dearest friend. That’s who Jesus is, and He’s concerned about us.”

Events/Activities/News Events/Activities/News Events/Activities/News

THANK YOU! Innisfil Community Church would like to thank the individu-als below for volun-tarily serving in the following areas:

Rocco Aurelio (& Team)

Rocco has overseen the installation of the new restroom off the main foyer...which is now fully functional. He has worked many vol-unteer hours to make this happen. Thanks also to others who have worked alongside Rocco to get this project finished. It is appre-ciated by “everyone!”

Bruce Moore

Every year we are grateful for Bruce Moore of Lady Bug Lawn Care. Bruce maintains the grass surrounding the church...as a volunteer.

We greatly appreciate this service!

Bob White

Also as a volunteer, Bob has graciously main-tained the flowers, shrubs...and weeds...at the church throughout the year; he is often spot-ted on a Saturday working around the gar-dens. Thank you, Bob!

Jesus said: “The Father will honor anyone who serves Me!” John 12:26b.

At ICC, God has favored us with so many won-derful volunteers. Thank You!

Sharing The Christmas Spirit As the Christmas Season is upon us, we all need to look for ways we can bless someone: “pay it forward, lend a helping hand, invite someone for a meal, buy an extra gift to hand out, share your Christmas baking…..and the list can go on!” Bearing in mind: ”It is more blessed to give than receive” Acts 20:35.