Church Bulletin – June 21, 2020

FATHERHOOD: Responsibility and Privilege

Of the bishop, that is, elder or pastor, it is written that he must be “One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?).” 1 Timothy 3:4-5. And if a father knows not how to rule his own spirit (Proverbs 25:28), how shall he care for his offspring?

God has entrusted to fathers a most solemn charge, and yet a most precious privilege. It is not too much to say that in their hands are deposited the hope and blessing, or else the curse and plague, of the next generation. Their families are the nurseries of both Church and State, and according to the cultivating of them now will be their fruitfulness hereafter. Oh, how prayerfully and carefully should you who are parents discharge your trust!

Most assuredly, God will require an account of the children from your hands; for they are His and only lent to your care and keeping. The task assigned you is no easy one, especially in these superlatively evil days. Nevertheless, if trustfully and earnestly sought, the grace of God will be found sufficient in this responsibility as in others. The Scriptures supply us with rules to go by, with promises to lay hold of, and, we may add, with fearful warnings lest we treat the matter lightly.

The most important duty, respecting both the temporal and spiritual good of your children, is fervent supplication to God for them. Without this, all the rest will be ineffectual. Means are unavailing unless the Lord blesses them. The “throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16) is to be earnestly implored that your efforts to bring up your children for God may be crowned with success. True, there must be a humble submission to His sovereign will, a bowing before the truth of election. On the other hand, it is the privilege of faith to lay hold of the divine promises and to remember that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16). Of holy Job, it is recorded concerning his sons and daughters that he “rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all” (Job 1:5). A prayerful atmosphere should pervade the home and be breathed by all who share it. – A.W. Pink

Excerpt from “Study in the Scriptures”

Information on Church Opening - June 18, 2020

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As you know churches in Ontario have been allowed to reopen for services, up to 30% of building capacity. Along with this, there are several safeguards that must be put in place including restrictions on singing and communion, physical distancing, sanitizing, and the use of PPE.

While considering these matters carefully and prayerfully, the Session and Board feel it would be wise to hold off on opening for public services at this time. We are concerned for the safety and well-being of each one of you and especially the most vulnerable. We are monitoring the situation closely and will keep you informed. Please pray that we will know the Lord’s guidance on this important issue.

Thank you all for your patience and prayers through these trying times. The Lord is at work and we praise Him for His grace and sovereign protection.

In Christ,

Pastor Saunders

The Lord's Day Services

Sunday, June 21, 2020

9:00 a.m. Bible Class – Dr. McClelland – via SermonAudio, click here

10:00 a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Saunders – via SermonAudio, click here

4:30 p.m. Preservice Prayer Meeting – via Zoom

5:30 p.m. Evening Service – Dr. Saunders – via SermonAudio, click here

Weekly Announcements

Wednesday, June 24th

7:30 p.m. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting – via Zoom

Thursday, June 25th

6:00 p.m. Session Meeting – via Zoom

7:30 p.m. Session & Board Meeting – via Zoom

Advanced Announcements

Sunday, June 28th

9:00 a.m. Bible Class – Dr. McClelland – via SermonAudio

10:00 a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Saunders – via SermonAudio

4:30 p.m. Preservice Prayer Meeting – via Zoom

5:30 p.m. Evening Service – Dr. Saunders – via SermonAudio

Tuesday, June 30th

7:00 p.m. Women’s Bible Study – Mrs. Jill Saunders – via Zoom

Wednesday, July 1st

7:30 p.m. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting – via Zoom

The Children's Catechism

Q6. In what state was man created?
A. In the image of God, holy and happy.

The Shorter Catechism

Q7. What are the decrees of God?

A. The decrees of God are His eternal purpose, according to the counsel of His will, whereby for His own glory, he hath fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass¹.

1. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (Ephesians 1:11-12).