June 11, 2020COMMUNICATION #12

Greetings to our Maranatha Family from Gordon & Joy. We trust this finds you in good health and prospering!

These unusual days provide time on our hands to contemplate what is really important. What could be more important than our FAITH? But what is “faith?” Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

So, what are you sure of? What do you hope for? What are you certain of that you cannot see? In these days of early summer, we are sure that the winds blow, but we cannot see the wind. We breathe fresh air that fills our lungs and gives us life. But we cannot see the air. In fact, we take it for granted each and every day. We have faith in these everyday things.

Hebrews 11 goes on to say that “by faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command. It then lists the names and life stories of many great people of faith who pleased the Lord. It’s a great read! Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

One of our Maranatha friends, Mary Bielak, in her 80’s, has been intentionally memorizing scripture. She endeavors to memorize entire chapters and was a guest at our Sunday morning class a number of months ago. She stood bravely before us and recited scripture by memory. It was amazing and really touched the hearts of all present.

So when our activities are restricted due to the pandemic or health, let us earnestly seek him. Let Him be our strength and support and best friend. Let’s continue to be people of faith, sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see!

PANDEMIC QUIZ TIME:Thank you to those who have emailed Joy with comments about the Pandemic Quiz! I will incorporate the quiz questions you have recommended. Remember the questions include: 3 on Canadian memorabilia; 3 Old Testament; 3 New Testament; 1 pandemic.

1. What is the name of the people group who live in small, scattered communities across the Artic?

2 Today, there are approximately 18 million Anglophones in Canada. What is their first language?

3. Today, there are approximately 7 million Francophones in Canada. What is their first language?

4. Who spared Saul’s life twice?

5. How was David punished for his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah?

6. Name the person who was punished for ridiculing the dance David offered as praise to the Lord?

7. Can you name one of the people who Jesus walked with on the road to Emmaus?

8. Who did Mary Magdalene mistake for the risen Jesus?

9. How many “Mary’s” stood near the cross when Jesus was crucified?

10. Which two Canadian provinces have the largest number of COVID-19 deaths?

(1-Inuit; 2-English; 3-French; 4-David; 5-their first child died; 6-his wife, Michal; 7-Cleopas; 8-the gardener; 9-3;

10-Ontario & Quebec)

FAMILY FAVORITE RECIPES:This is a fabulous recipe from Charlotte Hubbard, author of many Amish Mennonite books. It is an oldie but a goodie: crisp and crunchy with fresh veggies but topped with just enough bacon, mayo, and cheese. You have to make it the day before, so it’s ready for any occasion when you are!Overnight Sensation Salad1 head of iceberg lettuce, broken or cut into pieces1 red onion, diced (or portion to taste)1 head of cauliflower, cut fine¼ head of red cabbage, cut fine1 small bag of frozen peas1 or 3 carrots, sliced thinly1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled1 c. Mayonnaise¼ c. white sugar3 cups Parmesan cheese, gratedLayer all veggies and bacon in order above in a large glass bowl for best presentation.Mix and spread mayo and sugar over top. Add Parmesan cheese. Cover tightly. If you wish to use shredded Cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan, it adds a different flavor.PS – I have used crisp romaine lettuce. Also thinly sliced yellow and red peppers (instead of red cabbage). Joy Dirks – Enjoy!

JULY 29 - PANDEMIC DRIVE-THROUGHIf you are able to travel around the city in your vehicle, we would like to invite you to drop by our Centre Street Church parking lot on Wednesday, July 29 between 10:30 – 12 noon. Our leadership team will be there to greet you, and hand out some special items. Some of these may include Our Daily Bread, a face mask, an encouraging note, and who knows what else?? You can also drop off any written prayer requests and your tithes and offerings if you wish.

This will be a directed drive-through and you must stay in your vehicle. We will all observe social distancing. Our brief conversation will be through the vehicle window. The leadership team members will wear a mask and gloves.

Information as to exact location in the parking lot will be forthcoming, but you should be able to locate the team as there will be balloons flying and a little tent and a few enthusiastic folks milling about. We miss you all and would love to see you again soon!

NEED HELP? YOU ARE NOT ALONE?We are here for you! Compassionate Ministries at CSC is prepared to help seniors during this challenging time. Please contact the main church phone number at 403-293-3900 and ask for Compassionate Ministries or email compassion@cschurch.ca. You can email your prayer requests to our emails noted below, or you can contact Jodi Woelke at the church office by phone. Our Maranatha Leadership team will be praying for you!

Until we meet again, blessings in Christ!Gordon & Joy Dirks, Coordinators, Maranatha Adults Gordon: gedirks@shaw.ca; Joy: ejoydirks@shaw.caJodi Woelke, Admin. Assistant: jodi.woelke@cschurch.ca | 403-520-2683Centre Street Church main number: 403-293-3900